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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 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.
GWU Students Present Research at Regional Conference

Office of University Communications and Chelsea Snydor

Twenty students represented Gardner-Webb University recently at the annual conference of the Southern Regional Honors Council (SRHC) held in Arlington, Va. The SRHC promotes and advances honors programs and honors colleges in the Southern United States. Students had the opportunity to hear or see over 400 presentations, including panel discussions, talks, art works and poster displays.
GWU Students Win Presentation Prizes at National Alpha Chi Conference

Office of University Communications and Chelsea Snydor

Gardner-Webb University sent 16 students to the recent Alpha Chi Conference in Portland, Ore. Alpha Chi is a national college honor society invested in fueling students’ original research and creativity. There are 300 society chapters at colleges and universities in the United States.
GWU Professor Emerita Publishes Second Poetry Book

Office of University Communications

A new poetry book by Joyce Compton Brown, professor emerita of English at Gardner-Webb University, describes the influence of music in her life. “Singing with Jarred Edges” captures Brown’s thoughts on all types of songs and musicians. “My own interest in ancient ballads and old-time banjo, as well as more modern singers and songwriters is at the core of this book,” Brown described. “I have been moved by those with high lonesome, gravelly, and exquisitely soaring voices. If the music speaks to my heart, I often write about it. I have for years. This collection reflects my own musical journey from the past to the present.”
GWU Alumna Becomes First Woman to Serve Mississippi Congregation as Senior Pastor

Office of University Communications

A Mississippi church is celebrating a milestone in 48 years of history by calling a woman to serve as senior pastor. Courtney Finocchiaro Stamey, a 2012 alumna of Gardner-Webb University, will be the eighth pastor to lead Northside Baptist Church in Clinton, Miss. She joins the church’s associate pastor of 23 years, the Rev. Susan Meadors, to become the church’s first all-female pastoral staff.
Gardner-Webb Alumna Leads Dropout Prevention and Youth Development Program

Office of University Communications

In North Carolina, several community organizations focus their efforts on helping high school students graduate. One such group serves 1,800 adolescents in Charlotte and is led by an alumna of Gardner-Webb University. Tayuanee Dewberry is the executive director of Right Moves for Youth (RMFY), a non-profit dropout prevention and youth development program.
‘Meet the Authors’ Event to Feature Work of GWU Employees

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will host a ‘Meet the Authors’ event on Thursday, April 12, for two faculty members who have recently published books. The event, scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Dover Memorial Library, will feature the work of Dr. Elizabeth Amato and Dr. Robert Canoy.
GWU Department of Natural Sciences Hosts ATF Representatives

Office of University Communications

Students at Gardner-Webb University are learning about the important connection between science and criminal investigations after a special visit from ATF officers and “Camden the Wonder Dog” recently during the University’s chemistry classes. Senior Special Agent Darren Solomon with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) Charlotte Field Division joined forces with Union County Fire Marshal Kevin Rigoli, and ATF K-9 Officer Camden for the presentation. Camden is an Accelerant Detection Canine specially trained to sniff out scents of various liquids that arsonists use to start fires.
Charlotte-Area Teen Earns Comprehensive, Four-Year Scholarship at Gardner-Webb University

Office of University Communications

An Iredell County, N.C., homeschool student has been awarded the University’s top comprehensive scholarship to attend Gardner-Webb this fall, valued at nearly $170,000 over four years. Eighteen-year-old Emily Rhew is a homeschool student who is currently enrolled in classes at Mitchell Community College – Mooresville Campus and at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte through the North Carolina Career and College Promise program. She and more than 200 other students traveled to Gardner-Webb earlier this year to interview for a chance to receive a tuition, room and board scholarship or one of four full-tuition scholarships.

Youtube: 2018 Ignite Excellence Scholarship Recipient, Emily Rhew