Gardner-Webb Clubs Recognized for Service to Campus and Community

ASL Club Advisor Robert Moore, Campus Ministries United, and Pre-Health Society win Top Awards

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Hope Saunders, Gardner-Webb assistant director of Student Engagement, recently recognized leaders and advisors of the University’s clubs and organizations.

Saunders noted that in 2023-2024 there were 37 groups for students to get plugged into. Four new clubs were introduced:

• Direct, Video, Record Club (D.V.R.) who aims to highlight all that goes into video and filmmaking by bringing student’s imagination and creativity to the big screen.
• One Love – who strives to equip and empower young people with the knowledge and resources necessary to recognize unhealthy and/or abusive relationships.
• Portfolio Management Group which provides real-world portfolio management experience through the application of sound financial stewardship.
• March of Dimes Advocacy Network who promotes the visibility, awareness, and mission of the March of Dimes Foundation which is to lead the fight for the health of all moms and babies.

She also reported that clubs and organizations:

• Hosted 48 service events on the GWU campus, in the community, nationally and internationally.
• Provided community for 541 unique club members.
• Sponsored a total of 861 events.

Campus Ministries United was recognized as the Club of the Year. They were honored for several reasons. “The club has an extensive executive board that works diligently to provide opportunities for our students to grow in leadership, service, compassion, and faith,” Saunders shared. “This group offered over 370 events for our student body just this year. These events ranged from weekly Bible studies, off-campus retreats, service events, weekly worship services and all the way to spike ball and pickleball tournaments.” Accepting the award were Jacquelyn Carroll, Neal Payne and Michelle Lominac.

The Pre-Health Society was recognized for sponsoring the Event of the Year, the RAM Medical Clinic. Voted on by the Inter-Club Council executive board, the Pre-Health Society was chosen because of the impact their event had on the community and the extensive amount of planning it took to make this event happen. Saunders noted, “The club leaders organizing this event spent a whole year putting it together. From reaching out to doctors asking them to volunteer their time, to rallying other clubs to serve with them, and even working overnight shifts during the event. This event gave over $30,000 in free dental, eye, and general medical care to those in our community who otherwise could not get medical attention.” Representing the club were Aedan Kerr, Marissa DiMatteo, Blake Henkel and Dr. Meredith Rowe.

American Sign Language (ASL) Instructor Robert Moore was honored as Advisor of the Year. Club leaders nominate their advisors for this award and Moore was selected because of the many ways he went above and beyond supporting the ASL club. His nominators said that Moore’s door is always open to them, and he helped them plan fundraisers and events. One student said, “He deserves to be Advisor of the Year because without him, our club would not have been able to do so many awesome things this year! He has a heart for students, which shows not only in his teaching but also in his unwavering support of the ASL Club.” 

Additional Awards were given to the following clubs and events for projects and service.

• Art Club for planning, organizing and executing the Christmas Art Sale.
• ASL Club.
• Campus Ministries United.
• College Democrats, Politics and Pizza.
• CrossFit Club for their dedication and great performance during the CrossFit Open Workouts
• Day of Release Workout sponsored by CrossFit Club & Release the Captives to raise awareness and funds to fight human trafficking.
• Gospel Choir Christmas Concert.
• March of Pie sponsored by the March of Dimes Advocacy Network.
• National Association of Music Education (NAfME).
• Pre-Health Society for organizing the RAM Medical Clinic.
• Pride Club for Plate Smashing Event.
• Student-Athlete Advisory Council for organizing a Mental Health Week for the student body.

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.