Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

This is the archive for Gardner-Webb's Newscenter, which is your source for updates and events happening on campus, as well as interesting stories about GWU students, faculty/staff and alumni. You'll also find stories about academic accomplishments and community service projects.

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Gardner-Webb Students Team Up with Local Government Agencies for Rewarding Experience

Office of University Communications

If the best learning happens on the job, then students in Dr. Michael Kuchinsky’s “Introduction to Political Science” class at Gardner-Webb University are getting a first-rate education about the purpose and function of city and county government. As a class assignment, Kuchinsky arranged mini-internships for his 15 students with local government and civic officials. The students partnered with Cleveland County agencies like the Department of Social Services, the Health Department, Human Resources, Utilities, and Tax Administration. Kuchinsky felt that students’ often have a thin understanding of the work and purpose of the public sector and its leaders.
GOP Presidential Candidate Newt Gingrich to Visit Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Gardner-Webb University baseball game against North Carolina A&T on Wednesday, April 25 at 2:45 p.m. at John Henry Moss Stadium. The event is one of several Cleveland County stops for Gingrich on Wednesday, including lunch with the Kings Mountain GOP at the Cherokee Street Tavern in Kings Mountain, and a visit to Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy in Mooresboro. University officials say the event does not represent the University’s endorsement of Gingrich’s candidacy.
Student Social Media Campaign Brings NEEDTOBREATHE to Gardner-Webb University

Office of University Communications, Chelsea Gregory, and Travis Sherrill

After a seven-month process, a group of Gardner-Webb students will see their hard work pay off on April 28 when Atlantic Records recording artists NEEDTOBREATHE perform in the Paul Porter Arena at 8 p.m. In the fall of 2011, a group of more than 40 students, led by senior Jessica Greer, started a campaign to persuade NEEDTOBREATHE to perform at Gardner-Webb University. The “Operation NEEDTOBREATHE” group, as they were called around campus, used a variety of social media outlets like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to send messages directly to the band.
Gardner-Webb Faculty Jazz Septet “Sure to Knock Your Socks Off”

Office of University Communications and Travis Sherrill

The Gardner-Webb University School of Performing and Visual Arts is pleased to present “FUSION,” a faculty jazz septet concert on Friday, April 27 at 8 p.m. in the Dover Theater. The concert is free and open to the public. According to Dr. Jeff Richmond, assistant professor of music and director of the jazz band, “FUSION mixes high-energy, modern jazz improvisation with bass lines, chord progressions, drumming, and instrumentation of rock, R&B, funk, and Brazilian music.”
GWU Alumnus Carl Cartee Wins Dove Award for Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year

Office of University Communications

When two of his songs were nominated for the same 2012 Dove Award songwriting category, GWU Alumnus Carl Cartee joked that with twice the odds of winning would come twice the disappointment if he lost. As it turns out, he had no reason to worry. Cartee’s song “Hope of the Broken World” took home “Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year” at the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards last night at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, Ga.
Ten Gardner-Webb Students, and One Puppy, Present Research at Alpha Chi Conference in Baltimore

Office of University Communications

Ten students, one faculty advisor, and a certain canine companion represented Gardner-Webb University at the recent super-regional convention of Alpha Chi, the national college honor society. Each student presented original research, and two were named either a winner or an alternate for prestigious national scholarships. The puppy, a leader dog in training named Tucker, enjoyed the singular distinction of being the conference’s only canine participant.
Musician Ben Rector to Open for NEEDTOBREATHE on April 28

Office of University Communications, Justine Guthrie, and Molly Rhyne

Ben Rector will open the much-anticipated NEEDTOBREATHE concert on April 28 at 8 p.m. in Gardner-Webb University’s Paul Porter Arena. Rector, a pop musician from Nashville, Tenn., won the grand prize in the pop category of the 2006 John Lennon Songwriting Contest for his song “Conversation.” He is the youngest person ever to win the award. In 2011, “Something Like This,” his fourth and most critically acclaimed album, landed at #41 on the Billboard 200, his highest-charting project.
Bulldog Backpack Program Provides Food for Local Elementary School Students

Office of University Communications and Travis Sherrill

When Gardner-Webb’s Susan Manahan (biology professor) and Lou Ann Scates (registrar) read an article a year ago about the pandemic of child hunger, they knew they had to do something to help. “We were sitting in Lou Ann’s office,” Manahan remembers, “and we planned the entire idea right there.” That idea has grown into the Bulldog Backpack program, an initiative to provide needed food to hungry Springmore Elementary students and their families.
From Mozart to Oz – Two Upcoming Concerts Showcase the Range of GWU Students’ Musical Talents

Office of University Communications and Travis Sherrill

The Gardner-Webb University School of Performing and Visual Arts is pleased to present two upcoming concerts that will put the full range of Gardner-Webb students’ talents on display. Both are free and open to the public. First, the GWU Choral Union, along with the Charlotte Civic Orchestra, will perform Mozart’s “Requiem” on Sunday, April 22 at 3 p.m in the Dover Theatre.
Gardner-Webb SIFE Team Wins Regional Competition, Advances to Nationals

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University SIFE team (Students in Free Enterprise) are regional champions after their recent performance at the Charlotte regional competition. The victory qualifies Gardner-Webb to compete in the National SIFE Competition in Kansas City, Mo., in May. The GWU students who competed were: Jennifer Hindman, president; Josh Angel, vice president; Cameron Puckett; Brittany Blackwelder; Chris Musco; Anthony Singleton; and Rob Thawley.
Dr. Darlene Gravett Works to Memorialize a Dear Friend

Office of University Communications

When longtime Gardner-Webb professor and administrator Dr. Darlene Gravett retired in June 2007, she did not imagine returning to work, let alone under such difficult circumstances. Yet, as the University mourns the sudden and unexpected loss of Dr. Gayle Price, Gravett now finds herself working to fill the place and honor the memory of her dear friend. “Gayle and I were friends and colleagues at another college before coming to Gardner-Webb, and then we enjoyed our time together here for all those years,” Gravett said.
Brace Yourself for a Gardner-Webb Gospel Explosion!

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University is proud to present the annual Gospel Explosion concert on April 20 at 7 p.m. in Dover Theater. The concert is free to GWU students, and community members can purchase tickets at the door for $3. The Gospel Explosion will feature two hours of high-energy praise and worship lifted to God through song and dance.
Distinguished Artist Concert Might Blow You Away

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University School of Performing and Visual Arts proudly presents a distinguished artist concert featuring Dr. Daniel Johnson, a master on the tuba, and Tim Hudson, a professor of trumpet at GWU. Both Johnson and Hudson are Yamaha and Summit performing and recording artists. The event takes place Sunday, April 15 at 8:00 p.m. in Blanton Auditorium, located in Hamrick Hall.
Gardner-Webb Presents the Triangle Youth Brass Band in Concert

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb School of Performing and Visual Arts is proud to present the Triangle Youth Brass Band live in concert on Saturday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Dover Theatre. The event is free and open to all. Based in Raleigh, N.C., the Triangle Youth Brass Band was formed in 1997 as an expansion of the Triangle Brass Band’s educational program.
Dr. Walter Brueggemann to Lead Gardner-Webb’s 2012 Pastors’ School

Office of University Communications

Registration is now open for Gardner-Webb’s 2012 Pastors’ School, a three-day educational retreat for pastors and students of ministry and theology, May 28-30 at GWU. Dr. Walter Brueggemann, distinguished Old Testament scholar and author of more than 50 books and Bible commentaries, will serve as guest keynote speaker, along with Dr. Jim McConnell, professor of New Testament interpretation at GWU. Brueggemann and McConnell will address the theme, “Out of Babylon: The People of God and Empire from both the Old and New Testament Perspectives.”
GWU Alumnus Stars in “Don’t Cry for Me, Margaret Mitchell”

Office of University Communications and Jeanie Groh

Gardner-Webb University alumnus, Nathan Rouse, is starring in the Starving Artists production of “Don’t Cry for Me, Margaret Mitchell,” running through April 11 at the Duke Energy Theater in Uptown Charlotte. “Don’t Cry for Me, Margaret Mitchell” is fast-paced, non-stop look at three men locked in an office, living off bananas and salted peanuts while trying to rewrite the screenplay to “Gone With the Wind,” a novel that took Margaret Mitchell ten years to write. Rouse is playing the role of David O Selznick.
Human Trafficking Awareness Week to Culminate in NEEDTOBREATHE Concert on April 28

Office of University Communications, Elizabeth Parker, and Travis Sherrill

It is estimated that two million children are forced, sold, or abducted into sexual slavery every year. As part of Human Trafficking Awareness week at Gardner-Webb University, recording artists NEEDTOBREATHE will be in concert April 28 at 8 p.m. in Paul Porter Arena with musician Ben Rector scheduled to open the show. Half of the concert ticket proceeds will benefit Project Rescue, an international ministry that rescues women and children from human trafficking and sexual slavery.
Gardner-Webb Joins a Local Teen’s Fight Against Cancer

Office of University Communications and Jeanie Groh

Gardner-Webb University, local schools, churches, and the community in the Boiling Springs and Shelby area are coming together to help support and cheer on a local middle school student with cancer. In June 2010, Crest Middle School student Seth Strickland was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that primarily targets children and teenagers. Seth began treatments, underwent surgeries, and persevered through physical therapy.
Gardner-Webb Professor to Share Insights on Islam

Office of University Communications

Many American Christians want to better understand Muslims, but the challenge of filtering the truth from the swirling stereotypes is almost insurmountable. Gardner-Webb religious studies professor Dr. Don Berry, an expert on Islam, will cut through those false assumptions during a Dimensions program on April 10 at 9:25 a.m. in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. The community is invited to attend.
Pop Up Politics: Do early or late primaries mean the most?

Office of University Communications

In this fourth episode of “Pop Up Politics,” Dr. Ben Gaskins, a professor of political science at Gardner-Webb University, discusses whether early or late primary elections or caucuses have the most influence in determining the party’s nomination. Stay tuned for more episodes of Gardner-Webb’s “Pop Up Politics” throughout the election 2012 season.

Youtube: Pop Up Politics 04: State Importance
The Chain Reaction Comes to Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

High school students from across Cleveland County gathered in the Paul Porter Arena at Gardner-Webb University this week to learn about starting a chain reaction of kindness and compassion. The Arena was silent as Adam Northam from Rachel’s Challenge told Rachel Scott’s story and invited students to be part of the movement she began. Rachel Joy Scott was the first person killed in the Columbine High School shooting on April 20, 1999.
Gardner-Webb Counseling Center to Screen Eating Disorder Documentary “Someday Melissa”

Office of University Communications

In an effort to raise awareness about the dangers and prevalence of eating disorders, the Gardner-Webb counseling services department is screening the documentary “Someday Melissa” on Monday, April 2 at 7 p.m. in Blanton Auditorium, located inside Hamrick Hall. “Someday Melissa” is the story of Melissa Rose Avrin, the 19-year-old who died of a heart attack in 2009 after a five-year battle with bulimia. Melissa is remembered as extremely bright and creative, and her poem “Someday…” became the inspiration for this documentary, which her mother Judy Avrin created.
Gardner-Webb Named to Fifth Straight President’s Community Service Honor Roll

Office of University Communications

For the fifth consecutive year, Gardner-Webb University has been selected for the 2012 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and the U.S. Department of Education. The Honor Roll recognizes those institutions that reflect the values of exemplary community service and achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities. Gardner-Webb has become an Honor Roll mainstay because of students’ commitment to a wide variety of service initiatives.
GWU Presents “A Stephen Sondheim Cabaret” Musical Extravaganza

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb School of Performing and Visual Arts is proud to present “A Stephen Sondheim Cabaret: A Dessert and Coffee Musical Theatre Extravaganza,” with performances March 29 – March 31 at 7 p.m. and a special matinee performance on March 31 at 2 p.m. in Gardner-Webb’s Millennium Playhouse. Tickets are $10 for faculty, staff and community guests, and free for Gardner-Webb undergraduate students. Due to limited seating, guests should make reservations.
Make Way Partners President to Speak at Gardner-Webb University

Office of University Communications and Travis Sherrill

Kimberly Smith, the president and co-founder of Make Way Partners, will speak at the Dimensions program at Gardner-Webb University on Tuesday, March 27 at 9:25 a.m. in the Lutz-Yelton Convocations Center (LYCC). The community is encouraged to attend. Make Way Partners is devoted to fighting human trafficking in the darkest corners of the world.