news-category: Campus News Gardner-Webb CrossFit Hosts Second Annual Jerry Gass Hero WOD By Office of University Communications On October 13, 2022 Event Remembers Alumnus Who Died While Serving His Country in Afghanistan BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb CrossFit is hosting the Second Annual Jerry Gass Hero WOD (Workout of the Day) in Spangler Stadium on Homecoming day, Oct. 29, at 8 a.m. Last year, over $5,000 was raised for the Jerry Gass Jr. Memorial Scholarship during the inaugural event. Staff Sgt. Girard “Jerry” Gass Jr., 33, a Green Beret, died Aug. 3, 2014, while on a combat operation in Afghanistan. The 2003 Gardner-Webb alumnus was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C., and was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and two children, Charlie and Stella. Gass was a Special Forces Medic and Sniper on his second deployment to Afghanistan. The last thing this hero did before his death was carry an injured teammate to safety, treat him, and get him off the battlefield. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V” device, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal among several other military commendations. Nancy said her husband loved his family and was a caring friend, who would do anything to help someone. “This event means my husband has not been forgotten,” she shared. “It means my kids will have another opportunity to be made aware that their Daddy was someone special, and he is loved and appreciated for his service and for the type of person he was.” The event is open to individuals and two-person teams. Registration for the competition is 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.
News Article Gardner-Webb Mourns the Loss of Longtime Staff Member Will Corn From the Field to the Heart of Campus, Will Corn’s Influence Will Be Felt for Years to Come BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb University community is mourning the unexpected passing of longtime staff member Will Corn, who died Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the age of 46. For more than a decade, Corn served as the […] Gardner-Webb University | June 17, 2025
News Article Hootsuite, the Leading Social Media Marketing Platform, and Gardner-Webb Host Second Annual Higher Ed Social Media Summit Event Attended by Social Media Professionals from 15 Universities Across Six States and Canada BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Hootsuite, the industry-leading social media marketing platform for enterprise organizations, and Gardner-Webb University welcomed social media professionals from 15 universities across six states and Canada to the Second Annual Higher Ed Social Media Summit held June 5-6. A one-of-a-kind […] Office of University Communications | June 11, 2025
News Article Theandra “Thea” Thompson Named Interim Vice President of Marketing for Gardner-Webb Current Associate Vice President of Web & Digital Communications Joined the University in 2020 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb Interim President Nate Evans has announced that Theandra “Thea” Thompson, associate vice president of Web & Digital Communications, will serve as interim vice president of Marketing. She will fill the role of Vice President of Marketing Richard McDevitt […] Office of University Communications | June 10, 2025