Double Dawg Day Blitzes Record with Over $1 Million Raised

Gardner-Webb University Receives Over 1,100 Gifts to Support Every Aspect of Campus Life

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—For the eighth year in a row, giving on Double Dawg Day, April 20, eclipsed the previous record with a one-day giving total of over $1 million.

Whether funding scholarships, athletic facilities and training, or enhancing classrooms and labs, each of the 1,153 gifts has a direct and lasting impact on the success of Gardner-Webb University and its students.

With overwhelming support from North Carolina donors, gifts also came from 39 states and as far away as Australia, France, Poland, Germany, Canada, Bangladesh and South Korea.

“Great teams win championships, and this year our Advancement team did an outstanding job mobilizing friends and loyal supporters to raise an unprecedented $1M,” praised Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs. “That record-setting collection of gifts will be dedicated to enhancing student success at GWU, and the advancement of our institutional mission just took a huge leap forward thanks to this wildly successful day of giving.”

Donors displayed school spirit by investing generously in the areas that mean the most to them. These included scholarship and program support for academics and matching gifts for many of the sport programs, the Christian Service Organization, and contributions to virtually every aspect of campus life.

According to Nate Evans, vice president for Advancement at GW, this exceptional year is a testament to the dedication and effort of many individuals, as well as the incredible generosity of the University’s donors. “We are thrilled by the outpouring of support from our alumni and friends in the past 24 hours,” he emphasized. “It is heartening to witness so many people rallying behind our mission and helping us achieve our goals. Without their contributions, we could not have achieved this level of success. We are proud to say that the Bulldog Nation truly rose to the occasion this year!”

Kanisha Fowler, assistant director of Annual Giving at GWU, echoed the energy and success of the day. “It was incredible to watch our alumni, friends, faculty, and staff come together to make this day so successful,” she asserted. “We deeply appreciate the love expressed for Gardner-Webb by everyone who supported throughout the day.”

Double Dawg Day Leaderboard Spotlights

• Gardner-Webb wrestling and swimming teams had the highest participation among athletic programs.
• The College of Health Sciences and College of Arts and Sciences raised the most funds for academic program support.
• The Searight PACE program, professional and continuing education, raised more than $100,000 for scholarships and program enhancement. 
• The GWU Wrestling Program had the most donors with 307 and received the first gift of the day.
• Shea Mattingly won the Ambassador Challenge by recruiting 57 donors.

View more details on the day’s gifts and challenges, here.

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.