Gardner-Webb Begins Academic Year with Fall Opening Convocation

Traditional Program Affirms Scholarly Pursuits and Celebrates Academic Achievements 

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University marked the start of the academic year with the Fall Opening Convocation. A time for faculty, students and staff to reaffirm their commitment to scholarly pursuits, the annual event also welcomes first-year students and celebrates GWU’s newest scholarship recipients. The featured speaker, Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Wilson Hawkins, challenged students to “Make. It. Count!”

As the recipient of the 2024 President’s Early Career Award, Hawkins was invited to speak at convocation. He noted that his father spoke the same three words to him when he started college, and that was all he needed to say. “He had already built the underlying context over years of serving me as a father, a friend, a boss-man, and a spiritual leader.” Hawkins continued, “You see, my parents didn’t have the opportunity to go to college, but nonetheless saw value in higher education. They always made academics a top priority; pushing me to challenge myself with advanced curriculum, refusing to accept excuses, and demanding good grades. Without their constant encouragement and hard work—and trust me, I was a lot of work—I wouldn’t be standing in front of you here today.”

Hawkins acknowledged that no one finds success alone. “Every one of you represent a village of parents, babysitters, teachers, mentors, friends, and authors that pushed you to seek more, to not settle, to chase success. All of the help, love, and adversity in your story has molded and shaped you into the person you are today. Never forget where you came from and always remember that you are here because someone invested in you. It’s up to you to make the most of your time here, and I personally guarantee that you will get out of this experience whatever you’re willing to put in.”

When Hawkins finished, GWU President Dr. William M. Downs thanked him and all of the GWU faculty for being effective teachers, mentors, and advisors, who challenge and inspire students every day. Then, similar to Hawkins, Downs urged students to “Explore. Discover. Thrive.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, my message is simple: We’re here for the journey. We’re here for the adventure.  We’re here for this moment,” Downs asserted. “I think the coolest thing about college is that we get to stare straight into the face of the unknown and ask it a question. At no other time in your life will you have the opportunity like this to ask and to try to answer life’s big questions. Education is about peering into the darkness and then looking for light. That’s the great exploration. That’s the great expedition. That’s the Big Adventure.”

Downs continued, “If we accept the challenge of the great adventure before us, then just think of what we can do for the community beyond our walls. Think of what we can do for our neighbors, for our region, for our country.”

Special Recognitions

During the ceremony, winners of the University’s highest scholarships were acknowledged.   

Searight Leadership Award

The Searight Leadership Award supports first-generation college students who have demonstrated leadership potential. This award will provide access to the knowledge and skills that will enable graduates to become catalysts for good throughout society and within America’s corporate structure. This year’s recipients are:

• Marisol Lopez, from Marshville, N.C., business management major.
• Kevin Handley, from Richmond, Ind., pre-med major.

Ignite Excellence Scholarships

The Ignite Excellence Scholarship competition serves as an opportunity for students to compete for the highest academic scholarships awarded by the University. This year, eight students received full-tuition scholarships to honor their exemplary academic achievements.

• Ja’Kayla Alexander, from Shelby, N.C., nursing major.
• Ayden Bollinger, from Lenoir, N.C., biology major.
• Isaiah Brown, from Warrior, Ala., criminal justice administration major.
• Naliah Codjovi, from East Amherst, N.Y., biology major.
• Jessica Horn, from Plainfield, Ill., psychology major.
• Elijah Lewis, from Graham, N.C., computer science major.
• Jaylen Mays, from Charlotte, N.C., graphic design major.
• Lucy Merritt, from Shelby, N.C., nursing major.

Tucker Scholar

The Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength Scholarship is awarded each year to one high school student who exemplifies the principles and values representative of the Gardner-Webb community. This top scholarship is made possible by the generous support of Carolyn and Robert Tucker, who exemplify these same principles and values in their personal and professional lives.

• The 2024-25 recipient is Lily Streeton (above right), from Kernersville, N.C. She is majoring in business management.

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.