On Double Dawg Day, Gardner-Webb Donors Smash Record by Giving Over $2.8 Million

More than 1,300 Donors Participate in Annual Day of Giving to Raise Money for Students, Academics and Athletics

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—For the 10th consecutive year, enthusiastic supporters of Gardner-Webb University not only surpassed—but more than doubled—the previous year’s record. For 24 hours on April 10, Double Dawg Day, 1,354 donors answered the call and raised over $2.8 million.

Interim GWU President Nate Evans shared his excitement over the monumental response. “Bulldog Nation, you did it again!” Evans praised. “We are very grateful to our alumni and friends that have helped to make this day so successful. It is inspiring to see so many investing in our mission and our students. Thank you for showing up to celebrate the legacy and the future of GWU in this way.”

Friends of the University led the way among donors with 42% participation, second was alumni with 19%, and third was parents with 18%. Donors came from 46 states, with the majority coming from North and South Carolina. On the world map, donations came from Canada, Ireland, Sweden and Poland.   

Gardner-Webb’s Interim Vice President for Advancement Karen Bruce commented on the record-breaking day. “What a phenomenal outpouring of generosity!” she emphasized. “We give all glory to God for this incredible success and extend our heartfelt thanks to every single donor who gave so selflessly. Because of you—and through the incredible dedication of our Advancement and Marketing teams, our coaches, deans, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the entire campus community—we more than doubled last year’s total. Your support fuels our shared mission of Kingdom building, empowering the next generation to lead, serve, and impact the world for Christ. Thank you for believing, giving, and building with us.”

Whether funding scholarships, athletic facilities and training, or enhancing classrooms and labs, each gift has a direct and lasting impact on the success of Gardner-Webb and its students. Numerous challenges and matching opportunities provided additional money throughout the day. These opportunities included two significant bonuses that will be directed towards capital projects across campus.

Kanisha Fowler, director of Annual Giving and Advancement Communications at GWU, expressed her thanks to everyone who participated. “Wow! What an amazing day!” she declared. “The success we experienced this year is a result of teamwork and partnerships that make Gardner-Webb thrive. Your support as an alum, employee, friend and community member helped us reach new levels on Double Dawg Day and will allow us to continue transforming the programs that benefit our students. I am forever grateful. Thank you!”

Double Dawg Day Leaderboard Spotlights

• Searight PACE Program: $111,918.
• College of Health Sciences had 81 individual donors.
• School of Divinity raised $64, 323.
• Wrestling had a total of 412 donors who committed $166,189.
• Class challenge—79 individual class years were represented and 2017 led with 14 individual donors.

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.