Gardner-Webb Devoted Dawgs Loyalty Society Honors University’s Dedicated Donors

Double Dawg Day Supporters Recognized with Stewardship Items for Three or More Consecutive Years of Giving

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb Advancement team recently launched the Devoted Dawgs Loyalty Society to recognize and thank the University’s most dedicated donors. For their continued support, those who have donated to the college for three or more consecutive years received a welcome letter and a stewardship item as a thank you.

“The purpose of the society is to recognize the generosity of our donors who make giving a priority year after year,” shared Kanisha Fowler, assistant director of Annual Giving. “We emphasize consecutive years of giving because of the huge impact these gifts have on the University’s growth.”

The society currently has 356 members who received stewardship items at the following levels:

• 20+ years – invitation to Philanthropy Luncheon on April 5.
• 15+ years – specialty socks.
• 10+ years – challenge coin.
• 5+ years – lapel pin.
• 3+ years – luggage tag.

Two alumni, who were honored for their giving, are Dr. Drew Bridges and Clay Warf. Both men are proud to give back to their alma mater—because the University gave so much to them.

“Even though GWU was a small school when I enrolled in 1965, both the classroom leaders and the athletic opportunities opened the larger world to me,” stated Bridges, who lives in Wake Forest, N.C. “I learned how to succeed there. I believe that is why it has grown. Let’s keep it going!”

Warf, who is the executive director of the N.C. Baptist Foundation, stated that he would not be where he is today without the support he received from Gardner-Webb. “I had not applied myself very well in high school, so probably the majority of colleges at the time would not have given me an opportunity to grow into a good student,” he explained. “But I got that opportunity at Gardner-Webb, a two-year school at the time, and our school prepared me not only to earn my associate’s degree, but to go on to Wake Forest and succeed there, and then to go on to seminary for the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees. Yes, I had to make good on the opportunity, but Gardner-Webb opened that door for me and made it possible for other doors to open.”

He continued, “Now, Gardner-Webb, my school, is a four-year institution of higher learning that is opening even greater doors of opportunity for students, but with the same degree of personal attention I was fortunate enough to receive when I needed it way back in 1963. I am forever grateful!”

Bridges and Warf invite alumni, students, parents, friends, faculty and staff to join them on Double Dawg Day by donating to the Annual Fund, which supports scholarships. Or, donors can choose which programs and causes they want to support, including:

•          University Priority Fund, which supports the greatest needs of the University.           

•          School/College Priority Fund, which provides the dean with the ability to respond quickly to emerging opportunities, transform the student experience, and strengthen operational capacity.

•          The University’s 22 athletic sports teams.

Special recognitions and challenges will be made throughout the day. Post a selfie on social media wearing GWU gear, or support your favorite Runnin’ Bulldog team to win a challenge.

Matching donations are made possible thanks to the generosity of other donors. In addition to giving, individuals are also invited to serve as Social Media Ambassadors by sharing their love for Gardner-Webb on social media. Register to gain access to the official ambassador toolkit, receive exclusive content, and support the programs that mean the most to you. By using #DoubleDawgDay, individuals can show their support and promote the day of giving on April 7.

For more information about #DoubleDawgDay, visit the FAQ page.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, 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.