Gardner-Webb Celebrates New Year and New Faces with Fall Opening Convocation

Ceremonial Tradition is a Welcome to Incoming Freshmen and Commitment to Academic Success

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The beginning of the academic year and the addition of new faces on the Gardner-Webb campus is a time for celebration. The University recognizes the importance of the occasion with the Fall Opening Convocation on Aug. 22 at 9:25 a.m. in Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC).

Classes will dismiss at 9 a.m. for everyone to assemble in LYCC. Freshmen will line up in Dover Theatre, and faculty will gather in the north concourse hallway. 

The event begins with a processional of the incoming freshmen class and the faculty in academic regalia. Faculty Marshal and professor of economics, Dr. Anthony Negbenebor, will ring the bell, and Dr. Josh Parrott, vice president for Christian Life and Service and University chaplain will give the invocation.

The formal event is both a welcome and commitment to scholarly pursuits. “Convocation is an academic ceremonial tradition that celebrates our dedication and rededication to academic achievement and our university mission,” stated GWU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Karen Aubrey. “We officially welcome and recognize our first-year students, and we celebrate the beginning of their transformative educational journey. And, we come together as a campus community to show our support and excitement for the academic year ahead.” 

Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs will offer a welcome and recognize the recipients of the University’s highest scholarships.

“There is so much positive potential at the beginning of a new academic year, and Convocation is the moment for us to pause, reflect, and motivate before the full rush of classes is upon us,” shared Downs. “It is appropriate that we gather to remind each other of our shared purpose and mission, to encourage each other to set and achieve ambitious goals, and to commit to each other that we will support all members of the GWU family on our intellectual and spiritual journeys. I look forward to this important hour together.”  

The University’s Honor Code will be presented by Student Body President Paul McElearney. Then, Downs will introduce the featured speaker, Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Wilson Hawkins, who is the recipient of the 2024 President’s Early Career Award.

Downs will follow with his remarks and expectations for the year. The program ends with the singing of Gardner-Webb’s Alma Mater, led by Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Joshua Cheney. The closing prayer will be said by Whitney Easter, student co-coordinator of Campus Ministries United. Guest bagpiper, retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Phillip McDevitt will provide the processional and recessional music. 

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

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.