A week of special luncheons, receptions and departmental gatherings honoring graduates culminated with the 2006 Spring Commencement exercises. Graduates received honors for their years of dedication and commitment to the principles of Gardner-Webb as a total of 803 degrees were conferred in two separate ceremonies on May 13. Several thousand family members, friends and special guests attended the events honoring the achievements of these new Gardner-Webb Alumni.

Dr. Earl Leininger, provost for Gardner-Webb gave the commencement address to the 2006 graduating class. A native of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Leininger has worked with the senior administration of Gardner-Webb since 2002. Prior to coming to Gardner-Webb, Leininger served at Mars Hill College for over 30 years. Leininger was also presented with an honorary doctorate during the ceremony.

Leininger has been serving as provost for Gardner-Webb for the past year. It was at that time that former provost Dr. Frank Bonner stepped down from that post to become Gardner-Webb’s 12th president. Leninger agreed to serve as provost until a permanent replacement could be found. After a nation-wide search, Dr. Ben Leslie, a nationally recognized theologian, scholar and administrator accepted the position. He will begin his duties at Gardner-Webb this summer.

Awards were also presented during the commencement exercises to graduates exemplifying excellence in academics and citizenship. Several students were honored for comprehensive academic achievement during their collegiate careers including –

Thomas Mark Andrews of Morganton, NC

Bassem Bishara Hallac of Jerusalem, Israel

Kara Virginia Jones of Lawrenceville, GA

Sara Brianne LaRose of Chesapeake, VA

Lance Robert Lucas of Port Matilda, PA

Roxanne Alderson Myers of Statesville, NC

Taylor Jennifer Simpson of Boiling Springs, NC

Matthew Wayne Thomas of Kings Mountain, NC

Summer Hess of Kennett Square, PA was awarded the outstanding female graduate honor while the outstanding male graduate honor was presented to Lance Robert Lucas of Port Matilda, PA. This honor is awarded to students exemplifying the Gardner-Webb motto – “Pro Deo ET Humanitate” - For God and Humanity.

Located in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb University is home to nearly 4000 students from 30 states and 30 foreign countries. Gardner-Webb seeks a higher ground in higher education - one that embraces faith and intellectual freedom, balances conviction with compassion, and inspires in students a love of learning, service, and leadership.