Gardner-Webb Celebrates Contributions of Visionary Leaders on Founders Day, Dec. 5

This Year’s Event Honors Nursing Pioneer Dr. Shirley P. Toney and Legacy of the Dr. S.S. Royster Family; Bost Gymnasium Receives Historical Marker

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—On Dec. 2, 1905, the first Boiling Springs High School Board of Trustees signed the school’s official charter. Through their support and the dedication of other community, state and religious leaders, the school grew in size and reputation. In 1942, the institution was renamed Gardner-Webb, in recognition of its ardent supporters, former North Carolina Gov. O. Max Gardner and his wife, Faye Webb Gardner.

Now 119 years later, the small junior college has evolved into a nationally-recognized university and leader in Christian higher education. Those who helped build GWU into what it is today gave generously of their time, talents and critical financial support. Each year, on the Thursday following Thanksgiving break, the Gardner-Webb campus, alumni and friends celebrate Founders Day to honor the names and legacies of the persons and groups who played formative roles in the University’s development.

This year’s observance of Founders Day falls on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. The day is highlighted by the presentation of two Founders Medals to Dr. Shirley Putnam Toney, dean emerita and professor emerita of the School of Nursing, and the Royster family, extending from Dr. S.S. Royster to David W. Royster III.

Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs underscores the significance of this annual celebration, “Our University’s history is filled with towering figures who have been so instrumental in shaping today’s institution, and we dedicate Founders Day to honoring them and their legacies. These have been people of vision, people of faith, and people resolute in their commitment to building and sustaining one of the greatest places in America to go if you want a Christian higher education. I am delighted that this year we will have Dr. Toney along with David and Sally Royster on campus to receive our profound gratitude and to accept the Founders Medals.”

The celebration also features a ceremony to place a historical marker at Bost Gymnasium, a Founders Day exhibit in the gym, and the dinner and awards presentation; all open to the public. Following dinner, guests are invited to attend the annual Festival of Lights Christmas celebration, which is a ticketed event this year.

With a career spanning more than half a century, Toney has dedicated her life to advancing nursing education and healthcare. She joined Gardner-Webb when it was a junior college in 1965 as the first instructor in its newly established Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program. As a trailblazer in nursing education, Toney was instrumental in shaping the ADN program’s early curriculum. She assumed the role of program administrator in 1978 and later the position of founding dean of the School of Nursing, a role that cemented her legacy as a pioneer in the field. In 1982, she conducted a feasibility study for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, specifically designed for registered nurses (RNs) seeking to advance their education. Her vision for the program became a reality, and the BSN program quickly gained a strong reputation. She also led three separate feasibility studies to establish a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, which officially launched in 2001. Under her guidance, Gardner-Webb’s nursing programs gained full accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), reinforcing the University’s commitment to high academic standards and quality healthcare education. Read more about Toney’s accomplishments here.

Three generations of the Royster family have been integral supporters for the Boiling Springs community and Gardner-Webb. The former Royster Memorial Hospital (now Royster Hall) was named for Dr. S.S. Royster, who provided the majority of the funding for building the hospital in Boiling Springs. It was staffed by the Drs. W. Wyan and H. Gene Washburn, and Dr. Sam J. Crawley. Royster earmarked $13,000 towards the project but passed away before the project began. His son, David Sr., honored his father’s wishes. Later, David Sr. would serve a term on the Gardner-Webb Board of Trustees from 1958-1959. Eventually, David W. Royster III would serve on the Board of Trustees from 2015-2023 and chair the search that brought Downs as GWU’s 13th president.

Founders Day Schedule

• Historical Marker Ceremony
  • 4:15 p.m. – Historical marker placed outside Bost Gymnasium and University Physical Development Complex, outside entrance facing Withrow Hall.

• Founders Day Historical Exhibit in Bost Gymnasium
  • 4:45 to 5:15 p.m. – University Archivist, Dr. Natalie Bishop, will be on hand to answer questions about the exhibit. Coffee and hot cider will be available to guests.

• Founders Day Awards and Dinner
  • 5:30 p.m. – Dinner will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. on the hardwoods of Bost Gymnasium; the Founders Medals will be awarded afterward. Open to the public. Tickets are $30 per person, $55 per couple, and $225 for a table of eight. Purchase tickets here.

• Festival of Lights
  • 7:30 p.m. – Dover Theatre, Guests are encouraged to join the Gardner-Webb community for this annual program to usher in the Christmas season. The lighting of the campus Christmas tree and a reception will follow in Tucker Student Center. Tickets are required to attend. Admission is $10, $5 of which will go directly to support the Department of Music and $5 of which will be used in Western North Carolina for relief efforts to support those in need impacted by Hurricane Helene. To purchase tickets for Festival of Lights, click here.

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.