Gardner-Webb Hosts New Tradition: Spring Family Weekend

Various Activities Give Families Opportunity to Experience Their Students’ Home at GWU

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—A new spring tradition begins at Gardner-Webb University on Feb. 11-13. The Office of Student Engagement is hosting a family weekend, where families can experience their students’ home at GWU.

Throughout the weekend, families and their students are encouraged to attend social programs, a worship service and athletic events, including a GWU Basketball doubleheader featuring the men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Assistant Dean of Students Brian Arnold is the director of Student Engagement and New Student Orientation, who coordinated the schedule of events. “We are very excited to welcome GWU families back to campus for Family Weekend during the Spring Semester,” he expressed. “We are enthusiastic about helping connect families to life at the Webb with a weekend full of opportunities for students and families to engage in various activities.”

Additionally, Gardner-Webb’s colleges and schools will host open house events to give families a glimpse into their students’ academic life. Some of these include attending a class in elementary education, participating in a nursing simulation lab and an exercise science lab, and meeting faculty in the Godbold College of Business and the various departments in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The staff of the Center for Personal and Professional Development will be available to discuss the services they provide to students. The Counseling Center will also have a drop-in to discuss practical coping skills to help students during their time in college and beyond. Families can discover ways to support their students as they navigate college life. A reception will be held to honor students on the University’s Dean’s List.

Other special events include a softball game against the University of Rhode Island, a performance by the Zuzu Acrobats, student-led family worship, sweet Bingo (with desserts and prizes), family movie night and an opportunity to climb the Indoor Climbing Wall at Tucker Student Center.

Families are also invited to participate in a Q&A session with President Dr. William Downs and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose. Additionally, the inaugural meeting of the Parent and Family Council will be held.

“Our students rely on the love and support of parents, family and friends, which is why we’re so happy to organize a weekend of events that allow us all to say ‘Thank you!’, shared President Downs. “The slate of activities is packed, and we hope this new spring tradition proves both informative and fun.”

The weekend wraps up on Sunday with a continental breakfast, Worship at the Webb, farewell luncheon, a softball game against Colgate University and a lacrosse match against Howard University.

For more information about the weekend, contact the Office of Student Engagement at 704-406-4732.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 48 hours prior to the event. Please call (704) 406-4253 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.