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 Women’s History Month Series Features Gardner-Webb Campus Leaders Interim Vice President of Advancement Karen Bruce Reflects on Opportunity, Calling, and Stewardship BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Women’s History Month honors the mothers, mentors, and history‑makers who shaped lives and opened doors for generations. At Gardner‑Webb University, that legacy continues through the women who lead across campus, including five members of the GWU president’s cabinet. Throughout the […] Office of University Communications | March 18, 2026
News Article Hart and Soul: Gardner-Webb’s Andrea Hartman Beat Cancer, Earned Starting Spot With Support from Family, Coaches and Teammates, Lacrosse Defender Fought Her Way Onto the Field Written By Beth Ann Mayer Courtesy of USA Lacrosse Magazine No one likes to learn they need a filling during a routine dentist appointment. But it’s not out-of-the-ordinary news. Less than two months before leaving California for her freshman year […] Office of University Communications | March 17, 2026
News Article Magic, Mayhem, and Underdogs Take the Stage in ‘Puffs’ at Gardner-Webb University on March 20-22 and 24 A Fast‑Paced Comedic Spoof Brings Humor, Heart, and a Fresh Perspective to a World of Wizards BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb University Theatre will present magic and mayhem in its production of “Puffs,” on March 20, 21, and 24 at 7:30 p.m. and March 22 at 2:30 p.m. in Dover Theatre. The stage play written by […] Office of University Communications | March 16, 2026
