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

Event Recognized Nursing Pioneer Dr. Shirley P. Toney and Legacy of the Dr. S.S. Royster Family; Bost Gymnasium Received Historical Marker

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—“When you drink the water, don’t forget who dug the well,” these wise words spoken by Dr. Shirley P. Toney about those nursing pioneers before her also summarize the purpose of Gardner-Webb University’s Founders Day Celebration. Each year, on the Thursday following Thanksgiving break, Gardner-Webb’s campus, alumni, and friends recognize and pay tribute to those who played formative roles in the University’s 119-year development from a high school to a nationally-recognized university and leader in Christian higher education.

Highlighting this year’s observance on Dec. 5 was 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.

As he presented the awards, Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs noted, “We are here to recognize some towering figures from our institution’s past and present. People who have clearly made a positive and lasting difference in the journey that has led us to today’s Gardner-Webb.”

Toney, Downs asserted, “inspired, trained, and impacted literally thousands of nurses and nurse educators throughout the Carolinas and beyond. She provided outstanding leadership and vision for what is today’s Hunt School of Nursing, and by extension she elevated the quality of patient care in our community and throughout our region.”

“When you drink the water, don’t forget who dug the well.”

Dr. Shirley P. Toney, Founders Medal Recipient

With a career spanning more than half a century, Toney has dedicated her life to advancing nursing education and healthcare. After receiving the Founders Day Medal from Downs and Board of Trustees Chair Gary Smith, Toney pointed out that her accomplishments were the result of many who offered support and encouragement. She recognized Glennie Beam, who was also part of the first nursing faculty. Toney, Beam and the late Grace Lee were the first three instructors for the Associate Degree in Nursing (AND) program in 1965.   

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.

In introducing the second recipients of the Founders Medal, Downs observed, “Multiple generations of the Royster family have been passionate and tireless supporters of Gardner-Webb for decades. The common thread that runs across the generations is that the Roysters have given not only of their means, but of their time, of their vision, and of their leadership in efforts to help others…in efforts to strengthen not just this institution but also to enhance so many aspects of the Cleveland County community and the quality of life that we enjoy here.”

During his remarks, Downs referenced a 1973 Joint Resolution of the North Carolina General Assembly issued shortly after David W. Royster had passed away. The resolution notes that Mr. Royster had served on the Board of Trustees of Gardner-Webb College, and it then goes on to describe Royster as, “kind and courteous, witty and good-humored, straightforward and sincere, according to all a fair opportunity to present their viewpoint but reserving to himself the right to his own independent convictions, which he would express with firmness and clarity of language; notwithstanding his refusal to yield on matters of principle, he was ever gentlemanly and courteous of manner, evoking the admiration and affection of all those fortunate enough to know him.”

After reading the resolution, Downs concluded, “You know, genes are powerful. Anybody who knows this generation of Roysters will be quick to affirm those same admirable qualities continue to exist in abundance…kind and courteous, witty and good-humored, straightforward and sincere…principled and admired by all.”

David Royster III accepted the award on behalf of his family. In his speech, he thanked his wife, Sally, and his family for their support and also paid tribute to the legacy of his great-grandfather, Dr. S.S. Royster, grandfather, David Royster Sr., and father, David Royster Jr.

The former Royster Memorial Hospital (now Royster Residence Hall) was named for Dr. S.S. Royster, who provided the majority of the funding for building the hospital in Boiling Springs, which was for the college and the community. 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.

The celebration also featured a ceremony to place a historical marker at Bost Gymnasium and a Founders Day exhibit in the gym. The marker honors the building named for Alonzo “Lon” C. Bost, founder of Bost’s Bread bakeries, who donated the funds for the gymnasium in memory of his daughter Jean Bost Gardner. Lon was an enterprising young man who got his start in the baking industry around 1903. By 1909, he bought a café in Shelby, where he baked cake, pies and bread and delivered his goods first by bicycle and then by horse and wagon. Bost’s success was driven not only by his business acumen but also by his adaptability to an ever-changing industrialized market. Beyond his business achievements, Lon was known for his civic contributions. He supported local education and community development, leaving a legacy of philanthropy.

Bost Gym opened its doors to roaring crowds on Nov. 23, 1957, as both the Gardner-Webb men’s and women’s basketball teams beat the teams of Howard Business College. For decades, Bost Gym was the. Heart of campus athletics, hosting basketball games, volleyball matches, and various intramural sports.    

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.