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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 Honors Achievements of 2024 Summer and Fall Graduates

Office of University Communications

In Gardner-Webb University’s commencement ceremony on Dec. 13, former N.C. Commissioner of Labor Josh Dobson challenged his audience of over 400 graduates to follow their dreams with all their hearts. Dobson, a 2005 GWU alumnus, served over 14 years as a North Carolina elected leader and recently became the president and chief executive o!icer at North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA).
Alena Ivanov and Nathan Cremin Take GWU Athlete of The Week Awards for Dec. 9

Office of University Communications

After a strong first weekend of indoor season, senior Alena Ivanov and sophomore Nathan Cremin from the Gardner-Webb University track and field team have taken home GWU Athlete of The Week.
Gardner-Webb Assistant Professor Dr. Lorell Gordon Celebrates Achievements of Her Students

Office of University Communications and Avery Copeland

Dr. Lorell Gordon, an assistant professor in the Gardner-Webb University School of Psychological Science and Counselor Education, recognized a need within the school’s program offerings and worked with her colleagues on a solution. She played a key role in developing and implementing the Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling (MCFC) concentration within the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.
Gardner-Webb Collegiate National Association for Music Education Chapter Receives State Honors

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb Collegiate NAfME (National Association for Music Education) received the statewide Chapter of Excellence award at the North Carolina Music Educators Conference (NCMEA) in Winston-Salem, N.C., in November. They were the only chapter in the state to be recognized with this award.
Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs and First Lady Kim Downs Share Christmas Greetings

Office of University Communications

With music performed by the Gardner-Webb University Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. Joshua Cheney, Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs and First Lady Kim Downs invite you to join them in celebrating the spirit of the season in this annual video Christmas card.
Gardner-Webb Honors Contributions of Visionary Leaders on Founders Day, Dec. 5

Office of University Communications

"When you drink the water, don’t forget who dug the well,” these wise words spoken by Dr. Shirley P. Toney about those nursing pioneers before her also summarize the purpose of Gardner-Webb University’s Founders Day Celebration. Each year, on the Thursday following Thanksgiving break, Gardner-Webb’s campus, alumni, and friends recognize and pay tribute to those who played formative roles in the University’s 119-year development from a high school to a nationally-recognized university and leader in Christian higher education.
Dr. Kellie Griggs, a Gardner-Webb Nursing Alumna, Recognized with the Most Prestigious National Honor in Nursing

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb alumna Dr. Kellie Griggs has received the most prestigious national recognition in nursing. Earlier in November, she was inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) in a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. With more than 3,000 Fellows, the Academy represents nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia.
Ignite Scholar Peter Moore Chose Gardner-Webb for Music Major in Traditional Worship

Office of University Communications and Makella Knowles

Peter Moore, born and raised in a musical home, is a junior at Gardner- Webb University pursuing a music major in traditional worship. Since middle school, Moore has looked up to the music minister at his home church in Rutherfordton, N.C. Once Moore found out Gardner-Webb was the only school in the area that o!ered a program with an emphasis on traditional worship, he applied immediately.
CBS Analyst Gene Steratore is Featured Speaker for Gardner-Webb Baseball’s First Pitch Celebration on Feb. 1

Office of University Commuications

Now in its fifth year, Gardner-Webb baseball’s First Pitch Celebration has become a must-attend event. Scheduled for Feb. 1 in Tucker Student Center, the featured speaker is NFL and NCAA Rules Analyst Gene Steratore. A native of Uniontown, Pa., Steratore is a former NCAA and NFL official with 40 years of experience that includes refereeing Sweet-16 games and a Super Bowl.
Gardner-Webb Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Names New Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Karen Aubrey has named Dr. Gregory D. Pillar as assistant provost for Academic Affairs. He will o!icially start his new position on Monday, Jan. 6. His duties include helping the provost foster academic excellence, student success, and faculty development.
Gardner-Webb’s Annual Festival of Lights Ushers in Celebration of Christmas

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Department of Music hosts the 2024 celebration of Festival of Lights on Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Dover Theatre. Featuring performances by GWU music groups, the program includes carol singing and the reading of the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke.
Gardner-Webb Men’s Soccer Advances to Second Round; Campus Watch Party Planned for Sunday, Nov. 24 at 3 p.m.

Office of University Communications

Senior midfielder Caio Hughes scored in the 72nd minute while the Gardner-Webb defense was dominant over 90 minutes as the Runnin’ Bulldogs took down Oregon State 1-0 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday evening, Nov. 21.
Destined for the Medical Field: Ignite Scholar Benjamin Rogers Pursues Academic Goals

Office of University Communications and Makella Knowles

Ignite Scholar Benjamin Rogers, a junior at Gardner-Webb University, has known since he was young that he was destined for the medical field. As a winner of the Ignite Scholarship, Rogers begins his academic journey toward his goal with his tuition fully paid for eight semesters.
Gardner-Webb Celebrates Contributions of Visionary Leaders on Founders Day, Dec. 5

Office of University Communications

On Dec. 2, 1905, the first Boiling Springs High School Board of Trustees signed the school’s o!icial charter. Through their support and the dedication of other community, state and religious leaders, the school grew in size and reputation. In 1942, the institution was renamed Gardner-Webb, in recognition of its ardent supporters, former North Carolina Gov. O. Max Gardner and his wife, Faye Webb Gardner.
Gardner-Webb Department of Exercise Science Presents National Speaker, Chip Sigmon

Office of University Communications

Chip Sigmon, a nationally acclaimed speaker and strength and conditioning coach, will speak at Gardner-Webb University on Monday, Dec. 2, at 3 p.m. in the College of Health Sciences. Hosted by the Department of Exercise Science, Sigmon will discuss “The Culture of Strength and Conditioning.” The program is free and open to the public.
Men’s Soccer Team and Elle Blatchford of Women’s Basketball Named Athletes of The Week

Office of University Communications

Sophomore guard Elle Blatchford from the Gardner-Webb University women’s basketball team and the entire Gardner-Webb University men’s soccer team have been named GWU Athletes of The Week.
Gardner-Webb Men’s Soccer Makes History with First Big South Conference Tournament Championship

Office of University Communications

For the first time since joining the Big South Conference, the Gardner-Webb (12-3-3) men’s soccer team has been crowned tournament champions a!er taking down No. 22 High Point (11-4-2) by the final of 2-1 on Saturday (Nov. 16) evening inside Vert Stadium.
GWU Men’s Soccer Draws Oregon State in First Round of NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship

Office of University Communications

For the first time since 2006, the Gardner-Webb University men’s soccer team had its name called during the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Selection Show. In front of an energetic crowd, the Runnin’ Bulldogs learned their fate and will be traveling to Corvallis, Ore., to take on the Beavers of Oregon State on Thursday, Nov. 21.
Guided by Faith: Annagrace Earwood’s Dedication to Serving Others

Office of University Communications

As an undergraduate student at Gardner-Webb University, Annagrace Earwood’s favorite memory involves an act of service. She was vice president of the Religious Studies Association and volunteered with members at the Washington Outreach Ministry, a food pantry in Cherryville, N.C.
Ashley Hawkins and Darryl Simmons II Named Gardner-Webb Athletes of The Week

Office of University Communications

After posting strong opening weeks of the season on the court, sophomore guard Darryl Simmons II of the Gardner-Webb University men’s basketball team, and senior guard Ashley Hawkins of the women’s basketball team, have been named GWU’s Athletes of The Week.
Gardner-Webb Honored with New International Award from Colleges of Distinction

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University has received the latest award from Colleges of Distinction that recognizes its outstanding support for international students. The “International College of Distinction” accolade highlights GWU’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional support services for its international student community, ensuring that they thrive during their academic journeys. For the 2024 Fall Semester, Gardner-Webb welcomed undergraduate, online and graduate students from 36 foreign countries.
Gardner-Webb Hosts East Tennessee State for Annual Education Day Game

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University women’s basketball team will tip off against East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in its annual Education Day game Tuesday morning (Nov. 12) at Paul Porter Arena.
Gardner-Webb Men’s Soccer Advances to Big South Finals for First Time in 13 Years

Office of University Communications

For the first time in 13 years, the Gardner-Webb (11-3-3, 5-0-2) men’s soccer team will make an appearance in the Big South Men’s Soccer Championship Game after taking down visiting Presbyterian (6-8-2, 2-4-1) 2-0 on Nov. 10 inside Greene-Harbison Stadium.
Gardner-Webb University Hosts Annual Veterans Day Service on Nov. 11

Office of University Communications

Cpl. Brandon Blair, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and senior pastor of Langston Baptist Church in Conway, S.C., spoke at Gardner-Webb University’s Veterans Day Service on Nov. 11. Gardner-Webb hosts the annual celebration of Veterans Day to honor students, alumni and friends of the University who answered the call to serve their country—in war and in peace— through a branch of the U.S. military.
Florence-Darlington Technical College Partners with Gardner-Webb to Offer Transfer Agreement

Office of University Communications

Officials from Gardner-Webb University and Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) in Florence, S.C., signed transfer agreements in a virtual ceremony on Nov. 5. The contract paves the way for qualified students in FDTC’s Associate of Applied Science programs to pursue bachelor’s degrees at Gardner-Webb.