news-category: Alumni Double the Hoops, Double the Memories: Gardner-Webb’s Hoopscoming 2026 By Office of University Communications On December 8, 2025 Two Games, One Bulldog Family, Twice the Opportunity to Cheer on the Runnin’ Bulldogs BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Coming in 2026, Gardner-Webb University Alumni Relations is turning up the excitement with two Hoopscoming celebrations. Alumni and fans are welcome back for two memorable game days filled with tradition, excitement, and a tribute to the players and supporters who make GWU basketball special. Before each game, alumni are invited to register for a luncheon held on the third floor of Tucker Student Center. Following the meal, featured speakers and coaches will share stories, updates, and inspiration from the hardwood. Mark your calendars and register for these basketball showcases: Saturday, January 24, 2026Gardner-Webb Men’s Basketball takes on USC-Upstate at 2 p.m. in Paul Porter Arena. Men’s basketball and cheer alumni will be recognized at halftime, and registered guests will enjoy reserved seating for the big game. Register here. Saturday, February 7, 2026Gardner-Webb Women’s Basketball faces Winthrop at 2 p.m. in Paul Porter Arena. Women’s basketball and cheer alumni will take center stage during halftime, with reserved seating for all registered attendees. Register here. Whether you played under the lights, cheered from the sidelines, or filled the stands with Bulldog pride, Hoopscoming 2026 is your chance to relive the glory and reconnect with the Gardner-Webb family. Faculty and staff receive a discount on tickets. For more information, email Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Shannon Hovis at [email protected]. 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. Learn more at gardner-webb.edu.
News Article Gardner-Webb University Earns National Recognition for Preparing Future Elementary Teachers in The Science of Reading Elementary Education Program Achieves Top Marks in New Report from The National Council on Teacher Quality BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program at Gardner-Webb University has earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ). The council’s report, “Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation,” spotlights GWU’s College of Education […] Office of University Communications | July 23, 2026
News Article Gardner-Webb Alumna Shelby Putnam Combines History, Community and Storytelling at Carolina Theatre The 2020 Graduate Credits GWU’s Liberal Arts Education, Faculty Mentorship and Leadership Experiences for Helping Shape Her Career BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—On those rare occasions when Gardner-Webb University 2020 alumna Shelby Putnam catches a show at the historic Carolina Theatre in Greensboro, N.C., she takes in the beautifully-preserved auditorium and knows she is in the right […] Office of University Communications | July 22, 2026
News Article Family Establishes Robert and Evelyn Cabaniss Music Scholarship at Gardner-Webb University Endowment Honors Cleveland County Couple’s Longtime Love of Music, Education, and Service BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Music was woven into everyday life in the home of Robert and Evelyn Cabaniss of Cleveland County, N.C. The family listened to a wide variety and sometimes sang along. To honor their parents’ love for music, support for education and service […] Office of University Communications | July 17, 2026