Students in the Gardner-Webb University College of Arts and Sciences Recognized in Awards Ceremony

Students Honored for Academic Excellence, Service and Achievements

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences recently presented awards to students in recognition of their hard work, dedication and excellence.

Professor and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Robert Prickett noted, “We continue to be impressed by our extraordinary College of Arts and Science students. They have demonstrated dedication through research, community leadership, and academic excellence. The brilliance, passion, determination, and excitement they’ve shown in and out of the classroom not only makes us immensely proud today but promises a future where their impact across industries, communities, and the world will be felt.”

The Department of Communication, Art and Design 

• The Elizabeth Carlisle Jones Art Award
  • Emma Wiggins—Given in honor of Elizabeth Carlisle Jones, this award recognizes a student who exhibits exceptional creativity, productivity, craftmanship and presentation in the areas of painting, drawing and printmaking, or other two-dimensional work.    

• The Graphic Design Award
  • Theo Drescher—Presented to a senior majoring in graphic design, this award recognizes superior academic achievement, creativity, and work ethic. Particular attention is paid to those characteristics that predict professional success in the graphic design and/or visual communication industry.  

• The Journalism Award
  • Marianne Luedeman—The recipient for this award has excelled in his or her studies and demonstrated superior writing and management skills in student publications or broadcast journalism.  

• The Photography Award  
  • Kobi Everett—Presented to a senior who has excelled in photography or photojournalism, this award goes to a student displays an exceptional understanding of both the technical and creative aspects of the photographic medium. It also recognizes superior achievement in academics and service to the Department and the University.  

• The Professor James Rash Award
  • Isabella Gallegos—This award is presented to a student who exhibits outstanding creativity, productivity, craftsmanship and presentation in the areas of ceramics, art appreciation, drawing and painting.    

• The Public Relations Award
  • Lawson Knight
  • Ryan Morita

• This award is given to a public relations major who excels in the classroom and in utilizing public relations principles to support campus and community programs and projects. 

• The Video and Film Award
  • Carson Willoughby—Presented for excellence in videography, this award recognizes a student who has sought opportunities both in class and on campus to cultivate their eye for cinematic productions. This student displays an enthusiasm for storytelling and outstanding academic achievement in this field. 

The Department of English Language and Literature 

• The Senior English Major Award
  • Ashley Marie Rich—This award is given to a senior English major for excellence in grades, character, leadership ability, and creativity. 

• Professional Writing Award
  • Makella Irie Knowles—This award recognizes an English major or minor who produces exceptional writing designed for the marketplace. 

• The English Education Award 
  • Jennifer Dawn Armstrong—This award is given to a senior English education major with excellence in grades, teaching potential, character, leadership ability, and creativity. 

The Department of Health, Sport, and Physical Education 

• The Physical and Health Education Award
  • Cole Hoskyns—This award honors a pre-service teacher who excels in physical and health education studies and classroom teaching. 

The Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences 

• The Mathematics Major Award
  • Crystal Aldridge—This award is given to a senior who has excelled in the study of mathematics as a major and performed well in all academic work. 

• The Computer Science Major Award
  • Abigail McBee—This award is given to a graduating senior computer science major who has excelled in the major and performed well in all academic work.

The Department of Music

• The David M. Schweppe Memorial Award
  • Hailey Rodden
  • Connor Settlemyre

• The Shelby Rotary Club presents this award to the graduating senior who made the most significant contribution to the university’s music program and significant academic and professional achievements.   

• The First Year Music Award 
  • Carmen Hunter—The award is presented to a freshman music major who has demonstrated outstanding potential and significant achievement during the first year of study in academic and musical studies. 

• The Music Achievement Award
  • Peter Moore—This award recognizes the student who has demonstrated outstanding musical achievement during the current academic year. 

• The Orchestra Award
  • Ethan Edmondson—This award is presented to a student who exemplifies excellence in preparation and in superb performance, as well as devotion to music.  

• The Symphonic Band Award
  • Dallas Gordy—This award recognizes the band member who has exhibited outstanding performance, participation and attitude in the Symphonic Band. 

• The Chorister’s Excellence Award
  • Crystal Aldridge—This award recognizes an upcoming graduate who has presented exceptional dedication to Gardner-Webb choirs. This individual has participated in a choral ensemble during every semester of study at Gardner-Webb, has have demonstrated purposeful intentionality toward individual growth in technique and artistry, has demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm for the program’s communal growth and vision, and has shown kindness, humility, and a commitment to our choral community in rehearsal and performance.

• The Chorister’s Service Award
  • Zander Bryant—This award is presented to an upcoming graduate who has demonstrated an exceptional willingness to serve Gardner-Webb Choirs. This individual has answered calls to service for tasks both simple and complex, for work which is platformed and for work behind the scenes, and for that which served few or served many. This individual serves as an example of servant leadership for the Gardner-Webb Choirs community and, ideally, inspires others toward the same.

The Department of Natural Sciences 

• The Sherman Parrish First Year Chemistry Award
  • Jacob White—This award is named after Dr. Sherman Parrish, who taught Chemistry at Gardner-Webb for more than 30 years. It is given to a student in recognition of outstanding achievement in General Chemistry, which, as a discipline, is comprehensive, demanding and exacting. 

• The Paul J. Stacy Award in Biology
  • Michael Ciminiello
  • Reese Jones

• This award is presented in honor of Paul J. Stacy, whose devotion to the teaching of biology and love of the students at Gardner-Webb spanned beyond three decades. The recipient’s name is placed with others who have received the honor and displayed on a permanent plaque in the Department of Natural Sciences. 

• The Les M. Brown Environmental Science Award
  • Charity Rosenhauer
  • Mariana Valles Chavez 

• This award was established in 2006 to honor Professor Emeritus Dr. Les M. Brown’s appreciation of nature, passion for teaching science, and involvement of students in research at Gardner-Webb University for nearly 40 years. The winner of this award exhibits commitment to academic excellence and research in the area of environmental sciences. 

• The Stefka Eddins Undergraduate Research Award
  • Tuyet Anh Nguyen—This award recognizes a student, who demonstrates a commitment to and excellence in undergraduate research by execution and completion of a collaborative student/faculty project.

  

The Department of Public Service 

• The Academic Excellence in Criminal Justice Award
• Andersen Boyles, of Monroe, N.C., criminal justice major and minor in psychology, is recognized for his exceptional academic achievements, earning a 4.0 grade point average. He exemplifies the qualities of a highly motivated and organized student who consistently excels in all of his endeavors. His dedication to his studies and his unwavering commitment to academic excellence have set a high standard for his peers. His ability to balance rigorous coursework with other responsibilities is truly commendable, and his achievements serve as an inspiration to all students.

• Adam Protasewich, of Matthews, N.C., a criminal justice major with a minor in homeland security, has excelled to the top of his class and is a rising senior. His professors report that he is always engaged in classroom discussions and critically analyzes the material. He is anticipating a summer internship that will lead him to a career in criminal justice or homeland security.

• Linkin Scism, of Lawndale, N.C., is a criminal justice major and homeland security minor. His professors report that he is thoroughly engaged in his classes through critical discourse with his fellow students. He has risen to the top of his graduating class and serves an example for other students. He spends his free time working for Gardner-Webb University Police.

• Jamie Marie Suppa, of Chicago, Ill., is a graduating senior with a major in criminal justice administration and a minor in sociology. Her professors report that she is an outstanding student-athlete who has excelled inside the classroom and also, in her sport. She has risen to the top of her graduating class and is a role model for other student athletes.

• The Academic Excellence in Homeland Security Award
• Caroline Helton, of Lincolnton, N.C., is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in homeland security, with a minor in criminal justice. She has risen to the top of her graduating class. Her professors report that she is an energetic student that is fully engaged in classroom discussions that energize her fellow students.

• The Academic Excellence in Military Science Award
• Camden C. Stratton, of Spartanburg, S.C., is recognized for his academic excellence and supervision of cadets. He will graduate with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a minor in military science. He earned a 4.0 in his military science minor. Additionally, he will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army at the official Army Officer Commissioning Ceremony in May. He is planning a career in the medical field with the U.S. Army.  

• Silas P. Williams, of Huntersville, N.C., is recognized for his academic excellence and supervision of cadets. He will graduate with his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health Education, with minors in professional education and military science. He earned a 4.0 in his military science minor. Additionally, he will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army at the official Army Officer Commissioning Ceremony in May. He is planning a career as a military police officer with the U.S. Army.

The Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy 

• The Alice Cullinan Discipleship Studies Award
• Lauren Mertz—This award honors long-time faculty member Dr. Alice Cullinan, who impacted a generation of religious educators during her 30-year tenure at Gardner-Webb. It is presented each year to a graduating senior who has demonstrated excellence in and overall commitment to the field of discipleship studies.  

• The M. Vann Murrell Academic Award and The Philosophy and Theology Award
• Dylin Waldorf—Given in honor of Dr. M. Vann Murrell for his 27 years of outstanding service as a professor of New Testament studies and chair of the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy, the award is presented to a graduating senior in the department on the basis of grades in all major courses, overall grade point average, and evidence of exceptional leadership in the future. The Philosophy and Theology Award recognizes a graduating senior who has excelled in his or her achievement in the study of philosophy and theology.

• The Biblical Studies Award
  • Noah Seip—This award recognizes a graduating senior who has excelled in his or her achievement in the study of the Bible.

• The Hebrew Award
  • Crystal Aldridge—This award recognizes a graduating senior who has excelled in the study of biblical Hebrew, the language of the Old Testament.

The Department of Social Sciences 

• The J.O. Terrell History Award
  • Noah Seip—This award was established in 1974 to honor the late Dr. J.O. Terrell, former dean of Instruction and professor of history at Gardner-Webb and is awarded to an outstanding student of history. 

• The Gil Blackburn Excellence in Western Civilization Award
  • Emily Ferguson—Named for Dr. Gil Blackburn, who served as professor of history and vice president and dean of Academic Affairs from 1968–2004, this award is given to an outstanding freshman or sophomore student in the Western Civilization courses. 

• The International Affairs Award
  • Paul McElearney—The award is presented to a student who has shown academic excellence, service and leadership in the pursuit of global understanding, as examined through the multidisciplinary work of international affairs.   

• The Political Science Award
  • Mitalia Montes—This award is presented annually to an outstanding senior in political science. 

• The Public Spiritedness and Service Award
  • Sierra Jones—In the spirit of Gardner-Webb’s motto, For God and Humanity, each year the political science and international affairs major recognizes one of its students who has made an exceptional commitment to public-spiritedness and serving others. 

Department of Theatre Arts 

• The Excellence in Acting and Performance Award
  • Theo Drescher
  • Rachel Nieminen

• This award recognizes excellence in stage performance.   

• The Excellence in Technical Theatre Award
  • Isa Van Sintemaartensdijk
  • Ashlee Reynolds

• The award recognizes superior achievement in technical production in theatre arts and significant contribution to theatrical production.   

• Alpha Psi Omega Award for Excellence in Theatre Arts Award
  • Noah Seip—Alpha Psi Omega is the National Honor Society for students of Theatre. This award recognizes superior achievement in academic study in the theatre arts and superior contribution to theatrical production.   

Department of World Languages, Literature, and Cultures 

• The American Sign Language Award
  • James Fleckenstein—This award is given to a student who has demonstrated excellence in the field of American Sign Language. 

• The French Award
  • Tuyet Anh Nguyen—The recipient is a student who has demonstrated dedication to the French program and has earned excellent grades in French courses, embodying the desire to promote French-language learning.   

• The Spanish Award
  • Bella Turner—This award is presented annually to a Spanish major or minor who has displayed superior aptitude and passion for the Spanish language and the literatures and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. 

• The World Language Education Award
  • Yulia Putnam—This award is given to the world languages major minoring in professional education who has demonstrated excellence in teaching this K-12 specialty area. The student award winner exemplifies the qualities and dispositions sought in teaching world languages. 

• The Second Language Education Award
  • Ori Moon—The student who earns this award has demonstrated clear excellence in teaching a second language. 

More photos from the ceremony available here.

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.