Community of Support

Meet Three Couples Who Give to Gardner-Webb Through Different Avenues

Many individuals come together to support Gardner-Webb University financially. These gifts—made by alumni, students, family, friends, faculty, and staff—come in all sizes, from all states and from around the world. They share a love and appreciation for the University and its mission to prepare graduates for lives of service and leadership. Their combined contributions help students follow their passions and create positive and lasting change in the region and beyond.

The following alumni and their spouses share their Gardner-Webb giving story.

Tom and Glenda Bell Consistent, Loyal Donors for Over 40 years

Tom and Glenda Bell’s loyalty to Gardner-Webb originates with Tom’s heartfelt gratitude for what the faculty and staff at GWU helped him accomplish. The couple has consistently given to Gardner-Webb for more than 40 years.

“While Glenda and I have been blessed, we are not to the point that we have the ability to write big checks, but we have the ability to be loyal, to write annual checks,” Tom shared. “It’s important to me that the money I’m giving gets to the direct help of the student, which is what Gardner-Webb is all about.”

A native of Suffolk, Va., Tom received an associate degree from Gardner-Webb in 1966 when the University was a junior college. He returned in 1970 and was a member of the first class (1971) to receive bachelor’s degrees from GWU.

Tom received financial help from the University that included a partial tennis scholarship and work as a resident director and a secretary. He majored in social science, economics and history and felt welcomed by the faculty and staff. “They didn’t give it to you at Gardner-Webb, but they provided you the opportunity to learn and grow as an individual,” Tom stated.

The Bells live in Atlanta, Ga., where he moved in 1971 to take a job with a trucking company. He met Glenda through mutual friends, nearly 50 years ago. In 1982, he opened his own trucking/warehousing business and retired in 2012.

Tom reconnected with Gardner-Webb in the 1980s by serving on the Alumni Board. Also, he reconnected with some classmates, and they continue to meet yearly.

For over 20 years, he’s served as chairman of the Board of Advisors for Godbold School of Business. He’s a longtime member of the Bulldog Club, and he has also served as a GWU Trustee for nearly 35 years in total. “I have spent most of my business career trying to find a way to give back to the University in a small way,” Tom affirmed. “Giving money to Gardner-Webb is a privilege. It is an investment in our future, in the youth that are going to come behind. It solidifies the mission of what Gardner-Webb means to me.”

Wade and Kelly Miller Support Science Programs Through Planned Giving

Wade and Kelly Miller recently designated a generous gift to Gardner-Webb as part of their estate planning. This contribution will support GWU science programs. Wade, a 1987 alumnus who earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, developed skills at Gardner-Webb that formed the foundation for his nearly 20-year career at IBM.

“If I hadn’t gone to Gardner-Webb and had the experiences, the education, the life lessons, the relationships with the professors, the one-on-one, hands-on, and their prodding and pushing me in the right direction on occasion, I would never have gotten into the door for the first job,” Wade stated.

That job was to automate the crop science lab equipment at N.C. State University. Wade excelled in the position, built his knowledge of computer programming and received job offers from several companies. He chose to go to work at IBM and also opened his first business. He met Kelly at IBM, and they were married. Over the years, they started two other businesses.

They are both retired from IBM. Now, he manages wildlife for 17 ranches in Kerrville, Texas, where they live. “I was able to do all I have done in my life, because of what I accomplished at Gardner-Webb,” Wade observed. “I want to give back to Gardner-Webb as a thank you.”

In recognition of their legacy gift, space in the Department of Natural Sciences will be named for the Millers.

Wade encourages others whose success began with lessons learned in the classrooms and labs at Gardner-Webb to help future students do the same. “It’s just the right thing to do,” he affirmed.

Brenda and Larry Watson Pledge to Mission Endowment Fund

Brenda, a 1974 alumna of Gardner-Webb, and Larry Watson recently made a pledge to the Mission Endowment Fund to help underwrite mission trips for GWU students. This year 58 students participated in trips to Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), Kentucky, New Mexico and Guatemala. Through their giving, the Watsons will enable more students to go and work nationally and globally.

Brenda and Larry have a passion for mission work, supporting organizations and serving alongside missionaries in other countries. Sometimes the trips included their children, Carmen and Chrissy. Together, the family helped with construction projects or assisted in other ways.

Through their first-hand experiences, the Watsons know the powerful and life-changing impacts of serving on a mission trip. “You’re learning about other people, putting your faith in Christ to work,” Brenda shared. “We know how it changes you, and we want to give other people the opportunity.”

The couple’s decision to give to Gardner-Webb came from Brenda’s love and appreciation for the University, which was exactly what she needed as a first-generation college student. She majored in French and minored in psychology. As a member of a Gardner-Webb choral group called “A Gentle Way,” Brenda was given an opportunity to travel and minister through song.

She was introduced to Gardner-Webb by her pastor, a GWU alumnus, who suggested she attend. Brenda’s parent had died unexpectedly, and the family was still recovering from this traumatic event. “I think he knew that Gardner-Webb would be a nurturing place for me,” Brenda reflected. “And he knew our family’s commitment to Christ, and that Gardner-Webb would foster that for me.”

For more information about giving to Gardner-Webb, contact the Office of Advancement at 704-406-4254.