Gardner-Webb Officially Celebrates New Academic Year with 2025 Fall Opening Convocation

Annual Event Reaffirms Commitment to Scholarly Pursuits; Recognizes Newest Scholarship Recipients

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University celebrated the start of the academic year with the Fall Opening Convocation. A time for faculty, students and staff to reaffirm their commitment to scholarly pursuits, the annual event also welcomes first-year students and celebrates GWU’s newest scholarship recipients.

Vice President for Christian Live and Service and University Chaplain Dr. Josh Parrott opened in prayer. Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters explained the significance of the Fall Convocation and introduced the deans of each college. Student Body President Andrea Stampone presented the honor code, and Campus Ministries United Coordinator Daniel Martin gave the closing prayer. Associate Professor of Music Dr. Josh Cheney and the Gardner-Webb Choir led the singing of the Alma Mater.   

The featured speaker was 2024 recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award, Dr. Ivelina “Iva” Naydenova, chair and professor in the Department of Psychological Science. She shared advice that she wished somebody had told her when she was a freshman in college. 

Naydenova listed four traits that she believes contribute to success and happiness:

• Kindness—“Psychologist John Gottman has spent his entire career showcasing how successfully managing relationships with others is at the core of our well-being. For example, did you know that volunteering or helping others in need actually makes you happier? The acts of kindness do not have to be grand … you can simply hold the door for others, help a friend who does not have a car and absolutely needs to go to Chick-fil-A for a milkshake, you can volunteer at a homeless shelter, or give blood, to name just a few.”
• Gratitude—“We tend to take people for granted; we mean to say how grateful we are to them, but we often never get around to that. So, say ‘thank you,’ write thank you letters, tell people how much you appreciate them, and you will be all the better for it.”
• Appreciation—“Enjoy the journey … college is indeed the best time of your life! Take advantage of all the things. Join different clubs. Put yourself out there, and I promise you, you will have more things than you know what to do with in no time.”
• Curiosity—“Do not rush to declare a major! Explore your options, go see Micah Martin in the Career Center, go talk to the wonderful folks over at Student Success or the GWU Counseling Center, take different classes, and see what speaks to you.”  

Scholarship Award Presentations

Interim GWU President Nate Evans announced the scholarship recipients.

The Belk-Ellis Scholarship—Audrey James, of Forest City, N.C., majoring in business. This award recognizes students from Cleveland or Rutherford County, who have demonstrated strong academic performance and who plan to pursue a major in business.

The LeGrand Ware Scholarship—Caroline Curtis, of Shelby, N.C., majoring in business management. This award was established to honor students from Cleveland or Rutherford County who have achieved high academic distinction and who plan to pursue a degree in business.

The Searight Leadership Award—Eliana Littlejohn, of Gastonia, N.C. This award was created to open doors for first-generation college students who have already demonstrated exceptional promise as leaders. This award provides resources and opportunities that help students gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become catalysts for good within their communities, throughout society, and in the corporate world.

The Godbold Scholarship—Kenneth “KJ” Battle of Rock Hill, S.C., majoring in accounting. One of Gardner-Webb’s most generous awards, this full-tuition scholarship established by John and Linda Godbold is awarded to a student of high academic standing who plans to pursue a major in business. The scholarship is intended not only to reward outstanding achievement, but also to encourage the recipient’s potential for leadership and service.

The Ignite Excellence Scholarship

This award represents the highest academic scholarships offered by Gardner-Webb. Through a rigorous competition, these awards are presented to students who embody intellectual achievement, personal integrity, and leadership potential.

This year, eight students have been honored with full-tuition awards. They are:

• Mason Humphries, of Lawndale, N.C., exercise science.
• Eason Ezell, of Waynesville, N.C., exercise science.
• Jackson Hartley, of Winston-Salem, N.C., Christian studies.
• Andrea Hartman, of Murrieta, Calif., psychology.
• Gage Helms, of Denver, N.C., business management.
• Marnina Krist, of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., psychology.
• Etera Pendleton, of Monroe, N.C., Christian studies.
• Delani Wright, of Chesnee, S.C., nursing.

The Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength Scholarship—Will Brooks of Shelby, N.C., majoring in economics and finance. The University’s most prestigious award, an eight-semester full-tuition, room and board scholarship, is awarded each year to one high school student who exemplifies the principles and values representative of the Gardner-Webb community.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, 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.