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 to Share Faith Journey of War Prisoner, Olympian

Office of University Communications

A documentary chronicling the faith journey of a World War II prisoner and U.S. Olympian Louis Zamperini will be featured at Gardner-Webb University’s Dimensions program on Nov. 10. The event begins at 9:25 a.m. in Stewart Hall of the Tucker Student Center on campus and is free and open to the public. The story of Louis Zamperini was the focus of “Unbroken,” a best-selling book by Laura Hillenbrand and a recent movie directed by Oscar winner Angelina Jolie.
Student’s Career Path Became Clear After Studying Liberal Arts

Office of University Communications

During his sophomore year, Jacob Kirby (’16) felt a calling to switch his major from music education to discipleship studies. Kirby told his music professor and mentor Dr. Paul Etter that his passion was in ministry — not music — and the professor responded with encouragement. “He actually prayed for me, right there in his office, that God would guide me along the right path for me,” Kirby shared.
Concert at Gardner-Webb to Support Human Trafficking Awareness

Office of University Communications

Through a variety of awareness activities, Gardner-Webb University regularly spotlights the issue of human trafficking and offers support to its victims. The next opportunity to help people impacted by trafficking comes Nov. 18 as GWU hosts a fundraising concert in Dover Theatre. The performance, sponsored by the University’s Release Club, will feature the Rory Tyer Band and it will help raise money to support an organization that works to fight human trade.
Gardner-Webb to Host Annual Christmas Art Sale

Office of University Communications

Artwork by Gardner-Webb University students and other local artists will be available for purchase during the GWU Art Club’s annual Christmas sale Nov. 19-21. The club hosts the sale each year prior to Thanksgiving, with proceeds benefitting students and art events on campus. This year’s sale will offer a variety of items such as ceramics, paintings, jewelry, crochet hats and scarfs, photography, soaps and honey.
Partnerships with Professors Helped GWU Grad Chart a Course for his Future

Office of University Communications

In his graduate studies, Josh Johnson (’15) is developing and optimizing an instrument that could someday unlock the mysteries of Mars. His passion to explore the chemical makeup of the universe began at the Gardner-Webb University Laboratory Center in Withrow Mathematics and Science Hall. It was during a chemistry course that Johnson discovered a desire to research issues that really matter.
Elementary Education Major Gets Attention of Official at N.C. DPI

Office of University Communications

“We have to start teaching social studies in the younger years, as this is a time in the children’s lives when they begin to develop social, problem-solving, and certain societal attitudes and views that will influence the rest of their lives.” These words written in a blog by Sarah Haywood, a student in the Gardner-Webb School of Education, recently gained the attention of Fay Gore, Section Chief for K-12 Social Studies at N.C. Department of Public Instruction (DPI). “It was my second post of the social studies methods class, about why the subject of social studies was such a crucial subject to teach in elementary schools,” Haywood shared.
GWU Students Experience Service, Culture in Chicago

Office of University Communications

By serving the homeless at the longest-operating mission in the country and volunteering with a citywide 10K race to feed the hungry, a group of Gardner-Webb University students experienced service needs and opportunities during a recent trip to Chicago. For the second straight year, the University’s Community Engagement and Campus Recreation offices teamed to offer the Fall Break Service Trip, with assistance from Brian Arnold, assistant director of student activities, and Micah Martin, director of student leadership development and community engagement. “God calls us to serve others,” Martin explained.

WGWG: Gardner-Webb Students Serve, Explore Chicago on Fall Trip
GWU Basketball Standout Excels Academically

Office of University Communications

Tyrell Nelson (’17), Gardner-Webb University basketball standout, looked for a college environment where he could excel academically as well as athletically. Born in Washington, D.C., Nelson was in the eighth grade when his family moved to North Carolina. He played at Metrolina Christian (N.C.) Academy under Coach Michael Wilson and earned all-state honors as a senior.
Exploring Big Things in Far Away Places

Office of University Communications and Mariana Mellado

Upon closing the last box, she packed it into her two-door Toyota Yaris. All of her essential belongings—her clothes, a laptop, and several books—were inside the car. She shut the door, put the key in the ignition, and drove ahead.
Founder & Director of Global Nonprofit to Speak at Gardner-Webb University

Office of University Communications

The founder and director of an organization that shares stories of hope in the midst of tribulation will speak at Gardner-Webb University’s Dimensions program beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 3. David Johnson of Silent Images will be the featured guest at the program, which will be held in Tucker Student Center at GWU and is free and open to the public. Johnson is a former English teacher who left the classroom in 2006 to start Silent Images.
Gardner-Webb to Host Jazz Orchestra, Swing Dance

Office of University Communications

Some of North Carolina’s best jazz musicians and educators will perform on the campus of Gardner-Webb University on Nov. 6. The concert in Stewart Hall of the Tucker Student Center will be followed by a swing dance. Both are free and open to the public.
Patriotic Concert to Honor Veterans on Nov. 10

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University and Isothermal Community College (ICC) will honor the nation’s past and present military service personnel with a special concert, “Celebrating Our Veterans,” at The Foundation Performing Arts Center in Spindale, N.C., on Tuesday, Nov. 10. The program, which will begin at 7:30 p.m., will feature patriotic music by the Gardner-Webb University Orchestra, the Symphony of Rutherford County, the Crest High School Advanced Strings and the Rutherford Community Chorus. At the conclusion of the show, there will be a fireworks display over the lake adjacent to the Foundation facility on ICC’s campus.
Show to Spotlight Music Legend at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

The works of renowned American singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie will come alive on a Gardner-Webb stage in November as the University presents a one-man multimedia show focused on his folk music, writing and traveling experiences. Writer-actor Randy Noojin will present “Hard Travelin’ with Woody” in GWU’s Millennium Playhouse on Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 15 at 2:30 p.m. The show, which includes music as well as images and text from Guthrie’s various biographical accounts, is part of the University’s School of Performing and Visual Arts Distinguished Artists Series.
Corie and Matthew Weathers to Speak at Gardner-Webb University on Oct. 27

Office of University Communications

Professional counselor Corie Weathers and her husband, Capt. Matthew Weathers, a chaplain in the U.S. Army, will be visiting Gardner-Webb University on Tuesday, Oct. 27 to speak at the University’s Dimensions program starting at 9:30 a.m. in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. Corie is a licensed professional counselor who has worked with families and individuals for over 15 years. Currently, both Corie and Matthew live in Augusta, Ga., and share the ministry of Insightc2, a marriage ministry that offers support and education for military soldiers, spouses, and others affected by military life and culture.
Gardner-Webb Professor Honored by Psychology Website

Office of University Communications

A Gardner-Webb University professor has been recognized among the top 10 psychology professors in the Charlotte region. Dr. James P. Morgan, who teaches numerous psychology and counseling courses at Gardner-Webb, was recently chosen for the distinguished list by the editors of CareersinPsychology.org. Morgan was surprised by the honor, but pleased to represent and promote GWU.
Gardner-Webb University Announces Establishment of New Digital Commons

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University John R. Dover Library has established an open access online data storage center to showcase scholarly and creative works created by university faculty, staff, and students. Digital Commons @ Gardner-Webb University is an online institutional repository that will include faculty and student papers, conference and event information, on-campus publications, multimedia presentations, and more. According to Mary Roby, GWU Dean of Libraries, current collections housed in Digital Commons include theses and dissertations, a faculty and staff book gallery, library page with university archives and open access eBook collection, and links to the Journal of Organizational and Educational Leadership (JOEL), as well as other university publications.
Gardner-Webb University ASL Students Volunteer for Community Deaf-Blind Camp

Office of University Communications

Three Gardner-Webb American Sign Language (ASL) students volunteered at a 10-week camp for the deaf and blind over the summer at Lake Norman, N.C. Hosted by the North Carolina Deaf-Blind Associates, Camp Dogwood entertains hundreds of weekly visitors for recreational enjoyment through myriad outdoor activities. ASL senior Natalie Cardwell and juniors Madison McMahon and Marissa Richardson served as support service personnel (SSP) for campers on the weekend of Sept. 10-13.
GWU Lecture Series Hosts Baptist Studies Scholar Dr. Curtis Freeman

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s Life of the Scholar program invites the public to “Undomesticated Dissent,” a lecture by Dr. Curtis Freeman, in Faith Hall in the Tucker Student Center on Monday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m., as part of the Joyce Compton Brown Lecture Series. A reception with light refreshments will follow, and copies of Freeman’s book will be available for purchase and signing after the lecture. Freeman is a research professor of theology and Baptist studies and director of the Baptist House of Studies at Duke University Divinity School, Durham, N.C.
Accomplished Businessman to Discuss Entrepreneurship at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

A renowned young businessman will share his journey to entrepreneurship success in a lecture at Gardner-Webb University on Nov. 4. The program is free, open to the public and presented by both the Caudill Center for Ethics and Entrepreneurship in GWU’s Godbold School of Business and a university entrepreneurship class. The guest speaker, Cameron Johnson, started his first business when he was nine years old and began a dozen successful professional ventures in his teenage years.
Benefit Concert to Help Feed Hungry Local Children

Office of University Communications

Several local organizations help feed hungry children through programs that send food home with school students in their backpacks. But those programs only connect with students on school days, leaving times that children may not receive a much-needed meal. Three local student groups are teaming up to help fill those hunger gaps and feed children.
GWU to Host Third Annual Relay for Life Event

Office of University Communications and Jill Blank

More than 1 million people in the United States get cancer each year. The disease’s impact on people in the Gardner-Webb University community led students to organize and host an inaugural Relay for Life fundraiser on campus in 2013. Last year’s event raised over $19,000 for American Cancer Society research, education and survivor support, and Gardner-Webb students hope to increase donations and awareness through this year’s Relay event.
Gardner-Webb Invites Families to Octoberfest

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University invites families to campus Oct. 29 for its annual Octoberfest event that will offer children a variety of candy, games and other fun activities. The free evening of entertainment is set for 6-8 p.m. in the Tucker Student Center on campus. Children and their parents can wear costumes to the festival, which will include candy, hot dogs, popcorn and a variety of games and crafts.
Gardner-Webb University Recognized for Commitment to Military Service Personnel

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University is committed to helping members of the military and their dependents achieve their educational goals. Those efforts were recently recognized for the third year in a row by Military Advanced Education & Transition (MAE&T) as the University was designated as a “Top School” in the 2016 MAE&T Guide to Colleges & Universities research study. The guide measures the best practices in military and veteran education. David Hawsey, GWU Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing, said there are typically around 100 students with ties to the military who attend the University.
Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity Collecting Supplies for S.C. Flood Victims

Office of University Communications

Nineteen people lost their lives. More than 300 people are living in disaster recovery centers because their homes were destroyed. Thousands more have begun costly clean up efforts, and more than 37,000 people have registered for disaster assistance from FEMA.
GWU to Spotlight Impacts of Drugs and Alcohol

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol and drugs by highlighting the topic during Dimensions on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Steve Dalton, who overcame his use of methamphetamine two decades ago, will speak at the program, which is free and open to the public. After emerging from his drug addiction, Dalton and his family resurrected a third-generation farm in Hendersonville, N.C., that was long known for its delicious apples and now its blackberries.