Gardner Webb The Magazine and Spark Publications Win National Honor

Publication Receives Silver Davey Award from Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA)

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The 2020 edition of Gardner-Webb The Magazine, the official magazine for Gardner-Webb University, and its production partner, SPARK Publications of Charlotte, N.C., have received a silver Davey Award. The Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA) selected winners for the annual awards from over 2,000 entries from across the U.S. and around the world. For 17 years, the Davey Awards has honored the finest creative work from the best small shops, firms, and companies worldwide.

“What a great international cheer to have this collaborative team recognized for the big creative work we do together to produce Gardner Webb The Magazine,” praised Fabi Preslar, president of SPARK Publications.

Entries are judged to evaluate distinction in creative work. In determining gold and silver winners, entries are judged on their merits based on a standard of excellence as determined by AIVA, an invitation-only member-based organization of leading professionals from various disciplines of the visual arts. Current membership represents a “Who’s Who” of acclaimed media, advertising, and marketing firms including: Spotify, Majestyk, Big Spaceship, Nissan, Tinder, Conde Nast, Disney, Microsoft, GE Digital, JP Morgan, PGA Tour, Wired, and many others.

“It is an honor for the Gardner-Webb University magazine team to be recognized by industry professionals,” shared Noel Manning, associate vice president for Communications and Marketing and managing editor for the publication. “Our writers, photographers, editors, and the Spark Publication team offer an incredible pool of talent, which I believe our magazine shows. But even more, I believe it is the people of Gardner-Webb who make the magazine so compelling. They are the ones we feature, and they are the ones who shine.”

Gardner-Webb The Magazine is published annually by the Division of Marketing and Communications. Since 2013, the magazine has received numerous awards including those from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), The Communicator Awards, the Hermes Creative Awards, the Davey Awards, and the Collegiate Advertising Awards.

About SPARK Publications

For 24 years, SPARK Publications has been a custom independent publishing firm specializing in effective and award-winning association and university magazines, and entrepreneurial and legacy books.

About Gardner-Webb

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.