Welcome to your connection!
Here, you will find shows exploring the many aspects of Bulldog Nation. GW students, faculty, staff, alumni and community are thinkers, doers, and world-changers, seeking to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspired to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of those around them. Our guests offer a landscape of diverse thought and engaging discussions covering a wide-range of topics impacting our world at home and around the globe.
Episode 1 is available now on Anchor, Spotify, Soundcloud, Google Podcast and Amazon Podcast. Subscribe via your favorite podcasting platform to be the first to hear our next episode!
In this episode, we talk the 27th Annual Ruby C. Hunt Family Y Turkey Trot. Host Noel T. Manning II (a previous Turkey Trot participant) sits down with Bruce Putnam, a longtime member of the Turkey Trot committee, and Jordan Fricault, event coordinator, to discuss the beloved Thanksgiving Day tradition in Boiling Springs, N.C. Taking place Thanksgiving morning on the Gardner-Webb campus, the Turkey Trot brings together runners and walkers of all ages for a fun and meaningful start to the holiday.
We dive into the history, purpose, and community impact of the event, which has become a cherished tradition for families year after year. Proceeds from the Turkey Trot benefit the We Build People Campaign at the Y, providing scholarships for community members in need. Volunteers are still being recruited, so there’s a chance to join the team behind this special event!
This walk-and-run experience offers more than exercise; it’s an opportunity for connection, camaraderie, and celebration. Participants enjoy refreshments, socializing, and a chance to compete in age and gender categories for awards. Start your Thanksgiving off right by joining the Turkey Trot community!
In this engaging episode of First Downs, host Dr. William Downs, President of Gardner-Webb University, sits down with Dr. Joshua Cheney, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, along with two talented GWU students, Jadon Norman and Za’Kia Hamilton. They reflect on their unforgettable experience performing with the Gardner-Webb Concert Choir in Normandy, France, in honor of D-Day.
Hear about the emotional journey, the preparation, and the significance of representing Gardner-Webb on such a historic stage. Dr. Cheney and the students share their personal connections to music, and how this international performance deepened their passion for their art.
After a national search process, on March 27th, Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs has named one of its own, GWU Associate Coach Jeremy Luther as the head coach of the men’s basketball program.
In his 11 seasons at GWU, Luther contributed a wealth of knowledge and played a vital part of the program’s 188 wins. Luther also helped lead the program to its first NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament in 2018-2019.
On episode 4 of the Dean’s List, we will spotlight the work students and staff are doing in the area of Residence Life at Gardner-Webb University. We’re joined today by five students (Holly Clark, Corey Dragun, James Fleckenstein, Micah Moulder and Maryevelyn Murray) who are resident advisors. We also welcome Director of Housing and Residence Education Shelbilyn Boelsche; she offers tips, reminders, and approaches to engaging and participating in the on-campus experience at GWU.
The Dean’s List is hosted by Lesley Villarose, vice president for Student Development and dean of students at GWU.