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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GWU Students Join Honor Society

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University inducted 39 new members into the Alpha Chi student honor society in a ceremony on Nov. 16, in Blanton Auditorium on the GWU campus. Alpha Chi is a coeducational academic honor society that promotes academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and honors those who achieve such distinction. Membership is open to juniors who demonstrate strong character and whose GPA ranks them in the top 10 percent of their academic classes.
Gardner-Webb Mourns Loss of Physical Education Professor Emerita

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University Professor Emerita Dr. Lonnie Proctor, remembered as a driving force for Special Olympics and as an educator dedicated to her students, passed away Sunday, Nov. 16. She was 85. Proctor began teaching health and physical education at Gardner-Webb in 1969, and she spent 24 years as an educator for the University.
Gardner-Webb Establishes Partnership with Virginia Baptists

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University signed a partnership mission covenant with the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) on Nov. 12, becoming the first school outside the state of Virginia to do so. According to the BGAV, the purpose of the partnership is to help “fulfill the Great Commission through shared commitments and cooperative ministry, while at the same time maintaining the independence and distinct character of each.” “Gardner-Webb University exists to advance the Kingdom of God through Christian higher education,” said Tracy Jessup, vice president for Christian life and service and senior minister to the university.
Gardner-Webb University Theatre Presents “Getting Out” Nov. 19-23

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Theatre Department will present “Getting Out” Nov. 19-22 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov 23 at 2:30 p.m. in the Dover Theatre, located inside the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC). Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for senior adults and students of other schools, and are free for children. “Getting Out” is set in current day Louisville, Ky. Released from prison, Arlene returns to a run-down apartment, intent on starting her life over.
GWU Football Coach Shares Mentor Lessons at Men’s Event

Office of University Communications and Linda Cabiness

Gardner-Webb University Head Football Coach Carroll McCray raised a black book before an audience of 150 people gathered for the annual men’s night at Double Springs Baptist Church and declared, “I brought my playbook.” Instead of holding up a diagram of X’s and O’s showing linemen and running backs, McCray held up a Bible at the Shelby (N.C.) church. “From the youngest to the oldest, this has all the answers,” the coach said.
GWU Musicians to Perform Jazz Concert

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Jazz Collective will perform a program featuring selections by the likes of Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Wally West, the University’s new director of jazz studies, will play alto saxophone and lead the performance, which begins at 8 p.m. in the Dover Theatre on campus. West is an award-winning musician who has served many years as a performer, educator, and band leader in North Carolina.
GWU Orchestra to Perform Nov. 17

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s orchestra will perform a free concert for the public at 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, in the Dover Theatre on campus. The show will contain more than an hour of music, including selections by Gershwin, Mozart and other well-known composers. Dr. Patricia Sparti, chair of the music department and professor of music, will serve as director and conductor.
GWU Students Join Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University inducted 36 new members into the Gamma Beta Upsilon Chapter of the Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society for adult students on Nov. 9. In a ceremony in GWU’s Tucker Student Center, 33 students and three honorary inductees joined the society as representatives of the College of Adult and Distance Education at Gardner-Webb. Joining Alpha Sigma Lambda as honorary members were Homer Craig, coordinator of the criminal justice program and instructor of social science at Gardner-Webb; Nicole Waters, director of the RN to BSN Program and assistant professor of nursing at GWU; and Lane Wesson, chair of the GWU Online Elementary Education Program and associate professor of education.
GWU to Host Full Slate of Arts Events

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University is set to host a busy week of arts events Nov. 17-23, with a full schedule of music, visual arts and theatre offerings on campus. The University’s orchestra will perform Nov. 17 at 8 p.m., followed by a jazz concert on Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. Both shows will take place in Dover Theatre in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center.
Gardner-Webb Business Alumni to Share Success Stories with Students

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University alumni will share insights from their professional careers in business during the Broyhill School of Management Executive Day, set for Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m. in Hamrick Hall’s Blanton Auditorium. Students, community business leaders, and the public are invited to attend the free event, which will feature keynote speaker Jim Bos, vice president of purchasing for Global Interiors, Automotive Interiors and Electronics Johnson Controls. Executive Day will also include a panel of business professionals who include Emily Dotson, financial institution specialist, Rebecca Bechtel, financial institution examiner, and Ryan Senegal, supervisory examiner, all with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
GWU Alum to Share Experiences from Mission Field

Office of University Communications

The Dimensions program at Gardner-Webb University announces its 14th guest for the 2014-15 academic year. Missionary Jennifer Foster will share her experiences on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 9:25 a.m. in Stewart Hall of the Tucker Student Center. The event is free and open to the public.
Alumna Jess Greer Grateful for Father’s Military Service

Office of University Communications

In September 2001, Jessica Greer’s father, Charles Greer, was busy pursuing his Master of Divinity degree at Gardner-Webb, driving to campus each week for courses while a young Jessica and her brother took swimming lessons in the Gardner-Webb pool. He was only one year from finishing his degree when 9/11 changed everything. He was called into active duty to serve with a military police unit in the Army National Guard.
GWU Artists to Exhibit Work in Annual Faculty Show

Office of University Communications

Five Gardner-Webb University faculty and staff members will exhibit their creative talents throughout the next month in the annual Faculty Art Show in the Tucker Center gallery. Artists include Susan Bell, watercolors and pastels; Nancy Bottoms, mixed media; Sheila Bronner, photography; Paula Casper, oils and fabric; and Doug Knotts, three-dimensional forms in clay, stone, metal and wood. An opening reception for the show is set for Thursday, Nov. 13, from 4-6 p.m. in the gallery, and the artwork will display through Dec. 12.
Student & Military Dependent Daniel Napier (’16) Finds Home at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

Daniel moved 13 times in 15 years before his father retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, including one two-year stretch in South Korea. In choosing a college, Daniel wanted to find a school that could finally become home. The pride and admiration in Daniel Napier’s voice is palpable as he talks about his father’s 23 years of service in the U.S. Army.
GWU Collecting Food for Local Elementary School Students

Office of University Communications and Jill Blank

Throughout the school year, Gardner-Webb University helps feed local elementary school students in a program that sends healthy snacks home in their backpacks. The University depends on the community’s support for the Healthy Bulldog Backpack Program, and officials want to reward donors for that generosity. Individuals who bring a pack of healthy snacks to Gardner-Webb’s final 2014 home football game on Saturday, Nov. 15, will receive free admission.
GWU Hosts Statewide High School Play Festival in Dover Theatre

Office of University Communications

For two days, Gardner-Webb will host the statewide High School Play Festival by the North Carolina Theatre Conference (NCTC). Sixteen plays from 12 schools perform throughout the day from Nov. 7-8, finalized with an awards ceremony on Saturday, Nov 7 at 8:15. Performances are free and open to the public.
Christian Ethics Center Director to Speak at Dimensions

Office of University Communications and Brooke Kelly

The Dimensions program at Gardner-Webb University announces its 13th guest speaker for the 2014-2015 academic year. Dr. Tom LeGrand will discuss the roles and responsibilities of being a Christian during a program on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 9:25 a.m. in Stewart Hall of the Tucker Student Center. The event is free and open to the public.
Gardner-Webb University to Host Author and Philanthropist Paul Leonard

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s Center for Christian Ethics and Social Responsibility, in conjunction with Fireside Books and Gifts of Shelby, N.C., will host author and philanthropist Paul Leonard for a special lecture and book signing on Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. The event will be held in Stewart Hall at the Tucker Student Center on the Gardner-Webb campus, and is free and open to the public. Leonard will discuss his spiritual journey and how it led to his work for Habitat for Humanity.
GWU Receives Another National Accolade for Online Business Programs

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree ranks among the top programs in the country, according to a recent study of more than 300 universities that offer the distinction. Compiled by OnlineMBAReport.com, the recognition marks the third time this year that the University’s online graduate business programs have received national honors. Online MBA Report (OMBAR) ranks Gardner-Webb at No. 33 overall nationwide for MBA programs, ahead of schools including Florida State University (Tallahassee, Fla.), Mississippi State University (Starkville, Miss.), East Carolina University (Greenville, N.C.) and Pepperdine University (Malibu, Calif.).
GWU School of Divinity Students Take Cultural Immersion Trip Across Asia

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University intercultural studies students travelled on a two-week mission trip across Asia for a cultural immersion experience this summer, visiting the countries of Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, South Korea, and Malaysia. The trip was offered to students at a reduced rate as part of the School of Divinity’s Intercultural Studies (ICS) Practicum Mission Immersion class. Dr. Tereso (Terry) Casiño, professor of Missiology and Intercultural Studies in the School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb, shared the story of their multi-nation trek, emphasizing that the unique experiences could not be reproduced in a classroom environment.
Longtime Gardner-Webb Educator Receives North Carolina’s Highest Civil Honor

Office of University Communications

Dr. John Karriker, a Gardner-Webb University educator for 35 years, was honored this week with the State of North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Presented by N.C. House Rep. Rena Turner on Nov. 4 at a gathering of the Statesville (N.C.) Rotary Club, the Long Leaf Pine recognizes exceptional service to the state. In addition to his educational career, Karriker has actively served the Civitan and Rotary civic club organizations and the Lutheran Church.
Gardner-Webb to Host Annual Christmas Art Sale

Office of University Communications and Jill Blank

Gardner-Webb University will host the annual Christmas Art Sale, featuring handmade pieces by students and other local artists, on Nov. 20-21 in the Tucker Student Center. The sale will offer a variety of pieces, including ceramics, jewelry, knitted items, and paintings. Many GWU students will also gain professional experience through the event, according to Susan Bell, professor of art.
GWU Shares Opportunities with High School Guidance Counselors

Office of University Communications

High school guidance counselors often serve as a link between college-bound students and the universities that they consider as potential places to continue their education. Gardner-Webb University welcomed dozens of counselors to the campus on Oct. 30 to share the opportunities that await students who are searching for the right college fit. The GWU Undergraduate Admissions Office held its first School Counselor Open House to teach advisers about Gardner-Webb’s undergraduate admissions, Degree Completion Program, and graduate studies offerings, with the goal of that message reaching numerous potential students in the region’s high schools.
Gardner-Webb Hosting Series of Career Prep Events

Office of University Communications and Jill Blank

Gardner-Webb University gives students the opportunity to earn a well-rounded liberal arts education, while also helping them develop career skills through a series of specialized events, held at various times throughout the year. The University’s Office of Career Development is planning a series of workshops to help students prepare for internships and jobs, part of a continuous effort to assist students in assessing their strengths, analyzing their skills, and deciding which career is the best fit. Upcoming events include a session on how to search and apply for jobs, which starts at 7 p.m. on Nov. 3 in Faith Hall in the Tucker Student Center, and a mock interview workshop on Nov. 18 in the Washburn House.
GWU to Present Opera Workshop

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University School of Performing and Visual Arts will present an Opera Workshop of scenes, trios and duets next week. Acts will include musical works composed by the likes of Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and feature a cast of a dozen university community members. Performances are set to begin Sunday, Nov. 2 at 3 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 8 p.m., with both workshops taking place in Dover Theatre, part of the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center on Gardner-Webb’s campus.