news-category: Campus News Gardner-Webb Executive Chef Thomas Tessneer Selected for Aramark Culinary Excellence Competition By Office of University Communications On April 8, 2025 First Round is April 22-23 in Wilmington, N.C.; Winner Moves to Nationals in Napa, Calif., in July BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University Executive Chef Thomas Tessneer has been invited to participate in the 2025 Aramark Culinary Experience Competition. He will compete in the East Region cookoff on April 22-23 against university chefs from North Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Impressed by Tessneer’s passion and creativity in the kitchen, Aramark’s regional executive traveling chefs and regional managers selected him for the contest. He travels to UNC-Wilmington for the first-round event. If he wins, he will have a chance to compete in the national showcase on July 16 in Napa, Calif. The competition utilizes American Culinary Federation (ACF) standards to celebrate and spotlight Aramark’s culinary talent. The ACE competition provides growth and development while continuing to build the global culinary culture for Aramark’s chefs. 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.
News Article Gardner-Webb University Receives Dover Foundation Grant for Dover Chapel Lighting Renovation Upgrades will Brighten Worship, Gatherings, and Student Performances in Campus Landmark BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University has received a generous $66,500 grant from The Dover Foundation to support a major lighting renovation in Dover Chapel. The project will enhance one of the University’s most treasured and historic spaces, further strengthening its role as a central gathering […] Office of University Communications | June 9, 2026
News Article Gardner-Webb, Foothills Workforce Board Empower Students Through Searight Scholars Program High School Students Explore Food Systems, Careers, and Real-World Challenges Through Immersive Event BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Cheese, strawberries and avocados became more than everyday foods for participants in Gardner-Webb University’s inaugural Summer Searight Scholars Program (SSP). Through hands-on learning, students explored how those items reach their plates—and why, in some communities across the United States, access […] Office of University Communications | June 8, 2026
News Article Gardner-Webb Grant Writing Certificate Equips Professionals to Meet Community Needs Participants Gain the Tools to Bring Ideas to Life BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Professionals from across the region recently completed Gardner-Webb University’s Grant Writing Certificate program, developing proposals designed to address real needs in education, public safety, healthcare, and community development. Now equipped with practical skills and grant plans, participants are positioned to pursue funding and turn […] Office of University Communications | June 8, 2026
