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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Founder and CEO of Headbands of Hope to Speak at Dimensions on Oct. 7

Office of University Communications

The Dimensions program at Gardner-Webb University announces its seventh guest for the 2014-2015 academic year. Founder of Headbands of Hope Jess Ekstrom will share her love and passion for young children with deadly diseases on Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 9:25 a.m. in the Paul Porter Arena, located inside the Lutz- Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC). The event is free and open to the public.
Only: The Four-Letter Word in Suicide

James Morgan and Office of University Communications

Actor Robin Williams’ apparent suicidal death came as a shock to us all. Williams touched many lives through his life and career, and even his death. Local publications have done an excellent job of covering this tragedy, and have emphasized the need for more education about suicide.

WGWG: Robin Williams & Lauren Bacall Special
String Octet to Play Free Show at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

A world-class string octet will perform at Gardner-Webb University on Sunday, Oct. 5, in a free program presented by the GWU School of Performing and Visual Arts. The strings group will present selections that will include Shostakovich’s “Two Pieces for String Octet, Op. 11” and Enescu’s “Octet for Strings in C Major, Op. 7.”“This is tremendous music being played by some of the world’s finest string players,” said Dr. Patricia Sparti, chair of GWU’s music department.
GWU Divinity Professor Reviews New U2 Album

Office of University Communications

U2 forged a music career by blending the spiritual and secular worlds, and the band revisits its theological roots in its latest album, Gardner-Webb University Professor Dr. Steve Harmon offered in recent reviews for the Associated Baptist Press and WGWG.org. Harmon teaches in the GWU School of Divinity and specializes in Christianity, religion and theology. After discovering U2 as a high school student about 30 years ago, he has maintained an interest in the band, often reviewing the group’s albums.

WGWG: U2's New Album- Dr. Steven Harmon reviews the new release
Gardner-Webb University Homecoming Weekend Planned Oct. 2-4

Office of University Communications

Homecoming weekend at Gardner-Webb University is set for Oct. 2-4, and officials are planning many opportunities for alums to come back to Boiling Springs to reconnect with their alma mater and reunite with old friends. The Office of Alumni Affairs and the Office of Student Activities have planned a variety of fun activities, detailed below. For more information about Homecoming, call the Office of Alumni Affairs at 704-406-2586.
Sixty-Mile Relay Adds to Gardner-Webb University Homecoming Rivalry on Oct. 4

Office of University Communications

Runners of several counties are invited to participate in the second annual “50 to 50 Military Appreciation Relay Run” event on Oct. 4. The relay involves a series of runners transporting the game ball nearly 60 miles from UNC Charlotte to GWU, just in time for the homecoming day gridiron matchup. The event is a joint effort by the adjoined ROTC programs at GWU and UNC Charlotte (which includes the Military Science and Aerospace Studies Departments – Army and Air Force).
Best-Selling Author Ron Rash to Visit GWU

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University alumnus and best-selling author Ron Rash is set to visit GWU as he gains worldwide attention for “Serena,” his novel that was adapted into a feature film set to premiere next month. Rash will visit the campus Oct. 3 to give the keynote address at the Appalachian Writers Association’s annual awards banquet, part of the Southern Appalachian Culture Series conference hosted at Gardner-Webb. The 1976 GWU alum, also currently the John Parris Distinguished Professor of Appalachian Studies at Western Carolina University, will discuss Appalachian writing and read from some of his works.

WGWG: Catch Up with Ron Rash
Gardner-Webb University to Spotlight Mission Work

Office of University Communications and Brooke Kelly

Gardner-Webb University students, faculty and staff members participate in mission trips around the world throughout each year. Students will share testimonies of their mission experiences during the University’s weekly Dimensions program on Tuesday, Sept. 30. The program will include photo slideshows from student mission trips, as well as the announcement of 2014-15 mission opportunities.
GWU Included in Ranking for Regional Universities

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University was named a top 50 Southern university by College Choice in its first annual “best of” list. The rankings were based on equally-weighted factors freshmen indicated were most important to their college decision, including academic reputation, financial aid offerings, overall cost, and success of graduates in the post-college job market.“We are certainly gratified to see Gardner-Webb University included in the College Choice rankings,” GWU Provost and Executive Vice President Ben Leslie offered.
Brinkley Softball Field Project to Offer Top-of-the-LineFacility for Student Athletes

Office of University Communications and Jill Blank

As a softball player at the start of my junior year at Gardner-Webb, I am honored to witness the beginning of a monumental project and be a member of the first class of players to use it. A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the future Brinkley Softball Stadium on the morning of Sept. 19. This brand new stadium will include seats for 350 spectators, a concession stand and a press box, and much more.
GWU to Offer New, Shorter Semester Option

Office of University Communications

Some students decide they’d like to enroll in a course after an academic semester has started and realize it’s too late. A new option from Gardner-Webb University’s Degree Completion Program (DCP) will allow students to begin select courses in the middle of a traditional term. In October, the DCP will launch its first Minimester, an eight-week term that provides the same coursework as a full 16-week period, said Dr. Bobbie Cox, GWU Associate Provost for Adult and Distance Education.

WGWG: GWU Degree Completion Program - What is the Minimester?
Collin Helms, Son of U.S. Navy Corpsman, Finds Home at GWU

Office of University Communications

When Collin Helms thinks back on his childhood, he remembers two distinct phases. In his early childhood, his father–a former U.S. Navy Corpsman who then contracted with the Navy as a biomedical engineer–was healthy and involved. “He loved sports,” Collin remembers.
Gardner-Webb University Announces Groundbreaking for New Softball Stadium

Office of University Communications

Officials at Gardner-Webb University and representatives from the community will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Brinkley Softball Stadium on Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. Students, faculty, staff, and members of the community are invited to attend. The event will be held at the current softball field location on South Main St., in Boiling Springs.
GWU to Host Annual Family Weekend Sept. 19-21

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb will proudly welcome university friends this week for Family Weekend activities that will include a special worship service, campus athletic events, and various entertainment options open to the campus and greater community. Some events require advance registration and fees. The annual Family Weekend, set for Sept. 19-21, offers students’ family members a look at life on the GWU campus, said Karissa Weir, director of Student Activities, Campus Recreation, and New Student Orientation.
Gardner-Webb to Honor Military Personnel

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University takes pride in supporting local men and women who protect the country through military service. On Saturday, Sept. 20, Gardner-Webb will honor service personnel by offering active-duty military members and veterans free admission to the University’s football game at Spangler Stadium. GWU will host Military Appreciation Day as the Runnin’ Bulldogs take on the Wofford Terriers at 6 p.m.
GWU Climbs List of Best Colleges in South

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University ranks high among the best regional colleges and universities in all of the southeastern United States, according to a new assessment released by U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News ranked Gardner-Webb No. 34 in the South in a nationwide report on more than 600 regional colleges, which the organization defined as higher-education institutions that offer a full range of undergrad programs, select master’s programs and a few doctoral programs. The ranking is one of many indicators that the University continues to improve its service to students and the community, GWU Provost and Executive Vice President Ben Leslie said.
Jonathan Lotz to Speak at Dimensions on Sept. 23

Office of University Communications

The Dimensions program at Gardner-Webb University announces its fifth guest for the 2014-2015 academic year. Evangelistic minister and global speaker Jonathan Lotz will share stories of overcoming challenges on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9:25 a.m. in the Paul Porter Arena, located inside the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC). The event is free and open to the public.
Life Of The Scholar (LOTS) Program Set for Sept. 18 at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

The latest Life of the Scholar (LOTS) event at Gardner-Webb University will give the audience an inside look at the life and contributions of James William Cannon, the founder of Cannon Mills, and creator of the model mill village of Kannapolis, N.C. Dr. Timothy Vanderburg, professor of history at GWU, will serve as guest speaker for the event, and will examine the powerful paternalism that Cannon established and how mill workers responded to it. The lecture will be held Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in Hope Hall of the Tucker Student Center.
Andy Thomas to Speak at Dimensions on Tuesday, Sept. 16

Office of University Communications

The Dimensions program at Gardner-Webb University announces its third guest for the academic year in partnership with the Office of Career Development. Andy Thomas, career coach and author, will speak about career development on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 9:25 a.m. in the Paul Porter Arena, located inside the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC). The event is free and open to the public.
Gardner-Webb’s Renovation of New Health Sciences Building Nears Final Stages

Office of University Communications

Officials at Gardner-Webb University say renovations for the new College of Health Sciences building are progressing, and the facility updates are expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2015. In June, GWU announced the purchase of the 53,500-square-foot Crawley Memorial Hospital building, located at 315 West College Ave., in Boiling Springs. Following extensive renovations that were initiated when the purchase was finalized, the facility will house the University’s new College of Health Sciences.
Gardner-Webb to Honor Community Partners

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University and the Town of Boiling Springs have partnered together for more than a century to serve a broad community of students and residents. The University will thank the town for its support by honoring select personnel this weekend. GWU will recognize Boiling Springs government leaders, police and fire servicemen, town workers, and business owners in a Hometown Heroes celebration Saturday, Sept. 13.
Gardner-Webb University Presents Cabaret Entertainment Event Sept. 19-21

Office of University Communications

A select group of Gardner-Webb University faculty and friends will present “The Story and Classic Love Songs of Cole Porter” as part of a cabaret entertainment event during GWU’s Parents’ Weekend, with performances scheduled Sept. 19-20 at 7 p.m. and Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. in Gardner-Webb University’s Millennium Theatre (located behind the Communication Studies building). Due to a limited number of seats per show, reservations are required. Produced by Dr. Joseph Webb, professor of communication studies, the cabaret will feature members of his “Jazz Revue” group, including GWU faculty members Mary Roby, dean of Libraries, and Matt Whitfield, professor of Music, along with community members Jim Sansing, Don Hardin and jazz pianist Phillip Howe, a former Gardner-Webb student.
GWU to Present Renowned Trumpeter in Concert

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s School of Performing and Visual Arts will proudly present Eric Berlin, principal trumpet for the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, in concert on Tuesday, Sept. 16. The performance is set for 8 p.m. in Blanton Auditorium, inside Hamrick Hall on the main Gardner-Webb campus in Boiling Springs. The concert is free and open to the public.
Gardner-Webb to Collect Socks for Homeless

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will collect new men’s socks this month to donate to homeless people in the community. “Socks are one of the most requested items for the homeless,” said Micah Martin, GWU Director of Student Leadership Development and Community Engagement. “But they are not frequently donated to homeless aid organizations since people typically donate used clothing and trash their old socks.”
GWU Honors Students Prepare for New River Clean Up Sept. 12-14

Office of University Communications

One of the oldest rivers in the world will once again receive a helping hand from Gardner-Webb University honors students as they prepare for an annual environmental cleanup event. Dozens of students, faculty members, and volunteers are expected to depart from Boiling Springs and participate in the annual New River cleanup day, held Sept. 12-14 in Ashe County, N.C. The initiative is coordinated by North Carolina Big Sweep, an organization whose purpose is to rid the environment of litter by promoting environmental education and organizing annual statewide cleanup efforts of waterways and other areas.