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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 University’s Annual Fundraiser Breaks Records

Office of University Communications

Officials at Gardner-Webb University are thanking supporters for their part in the record-breaking success of #DoubleDawgDay, the University’s annual day of giving to support student scholarships and financial aid. Launched on May 3, “#DoubleDawgDay” raised $90,310—exceeding last year’s total. A generous 221 donors gave—including current students, who shattered last year’s student total with a 1,300-percent increase.
Gardner-Webb University’s Pastors’ School Planned May 28 – 30

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s 2018 Pastors’ School, an annual three-day educational retreat for pastors and students of ministry and theology, is scheduled for May 28 – 30 at GWU. The 2018 School will feature guest speakers Dr. Guy Sayles and Dr. William Wilson, who will be sharing on the topic “Leadership in Perilous Times.” Sayles served as a pastor for over 30 years, most recently at the First Baptist Church of Asheville, N.C.
GWU Alumna is First Female Officer to Serve as Tactical Crew Director at Fort Greely, Alaska

Office of University Communications

GWU Alumna Major Terri Lopez Homestead (’07) has never been one to shy away from adventure. In fact, for most of her life, she has engaged in what can only be described as unusual, exciting, and even hazardous activities. Her philosophy is “to take advantage of every opportunity that is given”—especially when the road ahead seems difficult.
Gardner-Webb University Awards Degrees During Commencement Exercises May 12

Office of University Communications

Gardner–Webb University hosted Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 12 in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. More than 550 graduates were honored during two separate ceremonies. Several university milestones were achieved during the exercises.
Gardner-Webb University Announces New School of Education Dean

Office of University Communications

Officials at Gardner-Webb University are thrilled to announce that Dr. Prince Bull has been appointed as the new dean of the GWU School of Education beginning July 1. Bull replaces Dr. Doug Eury, who retired from the post last summer. Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Bruce Boyles has served as interim dean since last August.
Couple Who Met at Gardner-Webb University Share a Passion to Serve Others

Office of University Communications

Military wives often wonder what they will do while their husband is deployed. The answer for Hannah Currin Keller, a 2012 alumna of Gardner-Webb University, was to follow God’s direction. Hannah is volunteering in West Africa for nine months, while her husband, Jake, a 2013 GWU alumnus, spends the next year serving in Iraq with the 878th National Guard Engineering Company based out of Kings Mountain, N.C.
Gardner-Webb Alumna Helps Husband Achieve Dream of Owning a Restaurant

Office of University Communications

When Cindy Trevisan earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Gardner-Webb University in 2005, she wanted to further her career in the financial field. While she excelled in her job, her husband, Giovanni, was co-owner of a popular restaurant. About a year ago, they decided to combine their talents and go into business for themselves.
GWU Alumna Finds Success as American Sign Language Interpreter and Christian Fiction Author

Office of University Communications

Miriam Downing Thor, a 2012 alumna of Gardner-Webb University, has a career she loves and is also pursuing her dream to become a published author. An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter for Moore County Schools in Carthage, N.C., Thor recently signed with Anaiah Press to publish her first Christian novella, “Her First Noel.” Thor was in second grade when she discovered she had a talent for writing stories.
Gardner-Webb Alumnus Wins National Award for History Teachers

Office of University Communications

An alumnus of Gardner-Webb University recently received a national honor given to one outstanding high school American history teacher from each state. Sam Vining, a 2016 GWU graduate from Tryon, N.C., has been awarded the James Madison Fellowship. He will attend a summer institute at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and also receives a $24,000 scholarship toward a master’s degree.
Gardner-Webb Announces Formation of Presidential Search Committee

Office of University Communications

Officials at Gardner-Webb University have announced the formation of the committee that will guide the search for the institution’s 13th President. Dr. A. Frank Bonner, who has served Gardner-Webb for more than 30 years—including the last 13 years as the University’s president—will retire from his post early next year. According to David Royster III, GWU Board of Trustees member and chairman of the Presidential Search Committee, the group will work in conjunction with the Charlotte-based executive search firm Coleman Lew + Associates, Inc. to help secure qualified leaders as candidates for the position.
Crossroads Festival Returns to Boiling Springs

Office of University Communications and Chelsea Snydor

The sixth annual Crossroads Festival will take place Saturday, May 5, from noon to 4 p.m. on South Main Street in Boiling Springs. According to Jackie Sibley, vice president of Travel and Tourism for the Cleveland County Chamber, the festival is a celebration of Boiling Springs. “[It’s] a time for our community to come together and fellowship,” she said. “It is a wonderful time to walk our downtown and visit the businesses that keep our community vibrant.”
Gardner-Webb University School of Education Students Travel to Washington, D.C.

Office of University Communications and Alice Byrd

Students and faculty from the Gardner-Webb University School of Education recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to tour the city and advocate for educational professionals. Among the group was Taylor Hildebrand, a first-time visitor to the nation’s capital. “It may have just seemed like a small trip to Washington D.C., but I had the tremendous opportunity to experience a journey through our nation’s history with my peers,” shared the sophomore from Connelly Springs, N.C.
Career Center Connects Business Students with Professionals

Office of University Communications

Students in Assistant Professor Sheldon Gathers’ Principles of Management class at Gardner-Webb University recently discovered just how short—or how long—60 seconds can seem. During an activity held April 20, each student had about a minute to present an elevator speech to local business professionals. An elevator speech is a concise message about a person’s experience, expertise and goals.
Gardner-Webb Alumna Leads Habitat Revitalization Efforts in Charlotte, N.C.

Office of University Communications

Helping people realize the dream of home ownership is just one part of the mission of Habitat for Humanity. Another main goal of the organization is to build stronger communities. Leading these efforts for Habitat in Charlotte, N.C., is Sherika Eskridge, a 2008 alumna of Gardner-Webb University.
Gardner-Webb Musical Groups Present Benefit Concert

Office of University Communications and Chelsea Snydor

Musical groups from Gardner-Webb University will perform in a benefit concert Tuesday, May 1, at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Shelby, N.C. Contributions of canned goods, toiletries and non-perishable food items are requested for admission to the event. Donations will benefit the Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association (GCCBA) in cooperation with First Baptist Church.
GWU Orchestra Premieres Original Composition by Senior Christian Jessup

Office of University Communications

The spring concert of the Gardner-Webb University Orchestra features three soloists and the premiere of a composition written by a GWU senior, Christian Jessup. Presented by the School of Performing and Visual Arts, the program also includes members of the Chamber Orchestra from Crest High School in Shelby, N.C. Dr. Patricia Sparti, GWU professor of Music, directs the performance.
Gardner-Webb’s Biggest One-Day Fundraising Event Set for May 3

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will host the annual “#DoubleDawgDay”—a one-day scholarship push—on Thursday, May 3. On that day, donations to the University will benefit the GWU Annual Fund, which supports student financial aid and scholarships. According to Sara McCall, director of GWU Annual Giving, this is the third year the University is offering #DoubleDawgDay.
Gardner-Webb to Offer New Degree Completion Program Major in Fall 2018

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University has finalized plans for a new online degree program through the School of Education. Beginning in fall 2018, the University will offer a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership (BAOL) through the Degree Completion Program (DCP). University officials are excited about the addition and believe the changes will help Gardner-Webb provide quality leadership education that will address the needs of a wide range of modern professionals.
Gardner-Webb University to Hold Spring Commencement Exercises on May 12

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will award more than 550 degrees during the 2018 spring commencement exercises to be held Saturday, May 12. Ceremonies are planned for 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the Paul Porter Arena of the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center, located on the campus of Gardner-Webb University. Of the two ceremonies planned, the ceremony at 10 a.m. will focus on the accomplishments of over 350 students in the traditional undergraduate program and the Degree Completion Program.
GWU Alumna Travels the State Promoting N.C. Ports in Wilmington and Morehead City

Office of University Communications and Alice Byrd

Bethany Welch of Wilmington, N.C., used to tell other people’s stories as a news producer for Spectrum News in Raleigh, N.C. Now, in pursuit of a different challenge, she focuses her energy on sharing many facets of just one story. A 2013 alumna of Gardner-Webb University, Welch is the communications manager for North Carolina State Ports Authority (N.C. Ports).
Gardner-Webb Students Earn Honors at Annual Music Competition

Office of University Communications and Chelsea Snydor

Six Gardner-Webb University students recently participated in the state competition for the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). Four of these students placed or qualified to compete in the Mid-Atlantic Regional competition in Virginia. The students have each trained with Dr. Jondra Harmon, instructor of voice and coordinator of vocal studies.
GWU Master of Science in Nursing Helped Alumna Achieve Career Goals

Office of University Communications

Theresa Trivette, a 2010 alumna of Gardner-Webb University, is chief nursing officer of Florida Hospital Tampa. Her responsibilities at the 536-bed hospital focus on providing quality nursing and meeting patients’ needs. “For nursing, this means creating an environment where nurses have educational opportunities that help build on the professional development of our nursing corps,” she explained. “For our patients, my role ensures we are bringing the best practices to the hospital that would ensure high quality care. For patient outcomes, my role is to ensure our clinical teams deliver on the promise that we give the right care every time to every patient.”
Gardner-Webb Alumnus Serves Others Through YMCA Career

Office of University Communications

A 1985 alumnus of Gardner-Webb University has devoted his career to serving others through the YMCA. Since 1990, Stan Law has worked in various roles with the Y accepting jobs with increasing responsibilities. Now, he is president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina in Winston-Salem.
Gardner-Webb Honors Couple for Contributions, Commitment to the University

Office of University Communications

A Morganton, N.C., couple has been recognized for their exemplary giving and service to Gardner-Webb University. Dr. C. Lorance “Rance” and Betty Ledford Henderson received the N.C. Baptist Heritage Award on April 10 in a ceremony sponsored by the North Carolina Baptist State Convention and the N.C. Baptist Foundation. “Betty and Rance Henderson of Morganton are two of Gardner-Webb University’s greatest friends and supporters, as well as two of my own dearest friends,” shared GWU President Dr. Frank Bonner. “The Hendersons fully embody the ideals of service and giving, as well as the purpose of Gardner-Webb University ‘to advance the kingdom of God through Christian higher education.’”
GWU Alumna Reflects on Lessons of Friendship, Loss, and Perseverance as Depicted in New Movie

Office of University Communications

A motion picture based on the inspiring true story of the West High School (Iowa City, Iowa) girls’ volleyball team is hitting close to home for one Gardner-Webb University alumna. In 2010, Anna Pashkova (’16) and her West High School volleyball teammates captured the 4A State Championship. A record-setting libero for the GWU Runnin’ Bulldogs, Pashkova remembers the glory of that 2010 high school season.