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 to Offer Biomedical Sciences Concentration for Biology Majors

Office of University Communications

Students who are planning a career in a medical-related or research field have a new undergraduate option available at Gardner-Webb University. Beginning in fall 2018, the Department of Natural Sciences will offer a biomedical sciences concentration within the biology major. “These courses encompass the prerequisites for pharmacy school, medical school and dental school, while still providing a balanced education,” noted Dr. Meredith Rowe, assistant professor of biology.
Gardner-Webb University Students Join Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University inducted more than 20 new members into the Gamma Beta Upsilon Chapter of the Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society on Nov. 12. In a ceremony in GWU’s Tucker Student Center, 22 students and two honorary inductees joined the society as representatives of the University’s Degree Completion Program (DCP). Joining Alpha Sigma Lambda as honorary members were Dr. Sophia Steibel, vice chair of DCP Council and professor of Christian education and Jay Zimmer, chair of DCP Council and instructor of biology.
Gardner-Webb Welcomes Community to Annual Festival of Lights

Office of University Communications and Katie Furr

Gardner-Webb University’s Festival of Lights, a beloved Christmas tradition since 1984, will be returning to campus on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. Activities begin in Dover Theatre, located next to the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC) on the main campus. “This is more than just the concert,” shared Dr. Paul Etter, chair of the Music Department and professor of music in the School of Performing and Visual Arts.
Grammy Award-Winning Violinist Mark O’Connor to Perform at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications and Katie Furr

Award-winning violinist Mark O’Connor will be the featured soloist in a concert on Monday, Dec. 4, with the GWU Orchestra and the Crest High School Orchestra of Shelby, N.C. O’Connor’s wife, Maggie, and other guests are also on the program, which will be held at 8 p.m. in Dover Theatre. “Mark O’Connor is a world-famous violinist who plays bluegrass, jazz, blues, and Americana,” shared Dr. Patricia Sparti, professor of music and director of Orchestral Activities.
GWU Dimensions Program will feature Pastor from Shelby, N.C.

Office of University Communications and Katie Furr

Skip Allen, teaching pastor at Hope Community Church in Shelby, N.C. will be speaking at Gardner-Webb’s Dimensions program on Tuesday, Nov. 28. This event will be held at 9:25 a.m. in Stewart Hall of Tucker Student Center on GWU’s main campus and is free and open to the public. Allen was born and raised in Shelby and received his degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
Non-Profit Leader Applies Principles From GWU Classes to Expand Services to Children

Office of University Communications

When William S. “Jack” Weller retired in 2009, he was free to spend more time working at his volunteer job. Since 2001, Weller has served as president of the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland County, N.C. He believes in the mission of the club, which is to enable young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.
GWU Students Connect with Puerto Rican Couple Affected by Hurricane

Office of University Communications

Students in a Gardner-Webb University social sciences course on “The Community” are taking their studies beyond the classroom. Taught by GWU Associate Professor Dr. Dianne Sykes, the class is raising money for a Puerto Rican couple who were affected by Hurricane Maria in September. “They are the grandparents of Marcesa Harper, a 2011 GWU alumna,” Sykes noted. “César and Maria Acosta need a generator and a solar panel or two. They have health concerns and live on a fixed income. We hope that what we can gather will be a blessing to this couple.”
Mission Experience Gives GWU Nursing Student a Look into Her Future

Office of University Communications

As a 15-year-old, Hope Still sensed God was calling her into medical missions. Her first step toward answering the call was choosing to major in nursing at Gardner-Webb University. A recent opportunity to spend three weeks at a mission hospital in South Asia helped to provide even more clarity for the junior from Harrisburg, N.C.
Gardner-Webb’s Thanksgiving Service will be Held at Nov. 21 Dimensions

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Thanksgiving Service will be held Tuesday, Nov. 21, during the Dimensions program. Sarah Currie, vice president of Student Development and dean of students, will be speaking. This free event is open to the public and will be held at 9:25 a.m. in Stewart Hall of Tucker Student Center on the main campus.
GWU Department of Theatre Arts Presents Second Play of the Season

Office of University Communications

The second play of the season for the Gardner-Webb University Department of Theatre Arts is the dark domestic comedy by Yasmina Reza, “God of Carnage.” Performances will be Nov. 16-19 in the Millennium Playhouse, located behind the Communications Studies Hall, 141 S. Main St., Boiling Springs. The Tony Award-winning play is a story about two couples whose boys had a playground altercation.
Gardner-Webb Hosts Annual Christmas Art Sale

Office of University Communications and Mallory Moore

Gardner-Webb University’s annual Christmas Art Sale will take place on Nov. 16-17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Tucker Student Center. The sale features original pieces by Gardner-Webb students, alumni, faculty, and community members. A variety of items will be available for purchase including pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, fiber arts, and wood crafts, all of which make perfect gifts for the holiday season.
Gardner-Webb Students Compete in WorldQuest

Office of University Communications

A team of students from Gardner-Webb University recently tested their knowledge of world facts by competing in WorldQuest in Charlotte, N.C. The group of political science, global studies, history and biology majors were accompanied by Dr. Casey Delehanty, assistant professor of Global Studies. Sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, the event included approximately 600 students and community members from all around the greater Charlotte area.
GWU Grad Student Develops Plan to Help her Husband Expand His Business

Office of University Communications

Joy Greene ’18 entered the Godbold School of Business at Gardner-Webb University because she wanted a career change. She hadn’t expected one of her classes to also benefit her husband’s business. The assignment in Dr. Felice Policastro’s Entrepreneurial Management class was to develop a business plan.
Big Service in the Big Apple

Office of University Communications

A group of 16 students from Gardner-Webb University traveled to New York City on their fall break for a trip that combined sightseeing and service. Led by staff members from the GWU Division of Student Development, the team visited landmarks and volunteered in the Big Apple. “The students were able to see different ways in which they can serve,” reflected Brian Arnold, director of Student Activities, Campus Recreation and New Student Orientation. “We were able to take time to put the needs of others before ourselves.”
GWU Alumnus Serves Fresh and Local Dishes as an Executive Chef

Office of University Communications

As executive chef at Grace Ridge Retirement Community in Morganton, N.C., Gardner-Webb University alumni Jon Kirby prepares fresh, local food and exciting recipes for the residents. Kirby was hired at Grace Ridge four years ago as a sous chef and was promoted to executive chef last fall. This rewarding job gives him the chance to provide healthy meals while getting to know the residents’ tastes.
GWU Students Offer Physical and Emotional Support to Hurricane Irma Victims

Office of University Communications and Mallory Moore

During fall break, a team of seven Gardner-Webb University students traveled to Clay County in the Greater Jacksonville, Fla., area to help residents whose homes were damaged during Hurricane Irma. Dr. Tracy Jessup, vice president of the Office Christian Life and Services, served as the team’s leader. Partnering with Island View Baptist Church in Orange Park, they worked to remove mud, debris, and damaged furniture from flooded homes.
Growing North Carolina Company Employs Five Gardner-Webb Alumni

Office of University Communications

A business with five locations in the Piedmont region of North Carolina has several connections to Gardner-Webb University. Organized in 2010 by GWU Trustee Frank Stewart and his wife, Michele, UltraForce Staffing Services employs 20 people and five are Gardner-Webb graduates. These alumni value their GWU education and seek to serve individuals and employers in the community.
GWU Hunt School of Nursing Celebrates Contributions of Nurse Practitioners This Month

Office of University Communications

In recognition of the 52nd anniversary of the inaugural Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is honoring these health care providers during National Nurse Practitioners Week, Nov. 12-18. The first nurse practitioner program was established at the University of Colorado (Boulder, Colo.), and now there are nearly 235,000 NPs licensed to practice in the U.S., with an additional 23,000 graduating each year. In 2013, Gardner-Webb University established the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program track as part of the Hunt School of Nursing’s Master of Science in Nursing.
GWU School of Divinity Helped Alumnus Discover His Ministry as an Educator

Office of University Communications

Twice in eight years, Kris Pratt has been awarded the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Excellence in Teaching Award. A 1999 graduate of the Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity, Pratt is professor of religion and chair of the Humanities Division at Spartanburg (S.C.) Methodist College. He believes the education he received at GWU is the foundation for his ministry as an educator.
Founder of Inheritance of Hope to Speak at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications and Katie Furr

Deric Milligan, a man who has dealt with serious hardship, will be speaking at Gardner-Webb University’s Dimensions program on Tuesday, Nov. 14. The event will be held at 9:25 a.m. in Stewart Hall of Tucker Student Center on GWU’s main campus and is free and open to the public. Milligan’s life was changed drastically when his wife, Kristen, was diagnosed with Stage IV liver cancer.
GWU Distinguished Artists Series Continues with Renowned Soprano

Office of University Communications and Katie Furr

Jeryl Cunningham-Fleming, soprano, will present “Stand the Storm: Anthems, Hymns and Spirituals of Faith and Hope” for Gardner-Webb University’s Distinguished Artists Series on Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. Dr. Cindy Swicegood will provide accompaniment on the piano. The free concert is open to the public and will be in Hamrick Hall’s Blanton Auditorium on the main campus.
Joyful Hands to Perform on WBTV

Office of University Communications and Mallory Moore

Gardner-Webb University’s sign language choir, Joyful Hands, will appear on WBTV’s Morning Break on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 9:30 a.m. While Joyful Hands performs at a variety of events each semester, this opportunity to reach a larger audience comes as Gardner-Webb’s deaf program celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. With the Christmas season just around the corner, the group will present Sara Evans’ “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”
Gardner-Webb Announces Establishment of “Fay Webb Gardner Master Mentorship Program”

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University is pleased to announce a leadership gift by the Gardner Foundation to establish a new student-focused program at Gardner-Webb University. On behalf of the Gardner Foundation, O. Max Gardner III, grandson of institutional namesakes O. Max Gardner and Fay Webb Gardner, has committed a generous, three-year gift to the University to launch the “Fay Webb Gardner Master Mentorship Program.” The program includes the creation of a new endowed chair to center exclusively on mentorship as a means of enriching the undergraduate experience of students who demonstrate superior academic potential.
Gift Announcement Planned at Gardner-Webb University on Nov. 2

Office of University Communications

GWU Announces Gift by Gardner Foundation to Establish New Student-Centered Program. A full release outlining details of the new program will be provided following the event.
GWU Alumna Researches Renewable Energy Sources as Part of Doctoral Program

Office of University Communications

Shelby Hooe, a 2016 graduate of Gardner-Webb University, is conducting research to improve the design of fuel cells, a source of renewable energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fuel cells use hydrogen or another fuel to cleanly and efficiently produce electricity with water and heat as the only products. Hooe is pursuing her doctorate in chemistry at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.