news-category: Founders Day Nominations Open on Sept. 15 for Gardner-Webb Founders Medal By Office of University Communications On September 4, 2023 Annual Award Presentation Highlights University’s Celebration of Founders Day BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb will celebrate Founders Day on Nov. 30 in recognition of the date the University was officially chartered, which was on Dec. 2, 1905. A highlight of the observance is the presentation of the Founders Medal, which recognizes individuals who have contributed significant and distinguished service to the Gardner-Webb. The community is invited to nominate individuals for the University’s most prestigious honor beginning on Friday, Sept. 15, and going through Friday, Oct. 13. Two Founders Medals will be awarded. A full list of criteria and the nomination form can be found here. “I look forward to continuing the Founders Day tradition that we revived in 2022,” affirmed Gardner-Webb President Dr. William Downs. “Our University has such a rich and fascinating history, and Founders Day provides us with the perfect opportunity to celebrate the men and women who since 1905 have devoted so much labor and love to building this special place. I truly believe that the more we learn about GWU’s past, the more excited we will all be about what can be accomplished in our future.” Last year’s inaugural recipients were John and Linda Godbold of Rock Hill, S.C., and the late O. Max and Fay Webb Gardner. In addition to a dinner to recognize the Founders Medal recipients, this year’s festivities include a historical exhibit and the placing of a historical marker. The day concludes with the annual Festival of Lights program at 7 p.m. 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.
News Article Gardner-Webb Alumni Reunite to Celebrate Longtime Bonds and Historic Memories Classmates From the 1960s Gather at the Snack Shop to Reminisce, Honor Friendships, and Revisit the Campus Where Their Stories Began BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Seated around a table in the Snack Shop—a restaurant they frequented in the 1960s when they were in school—a group of devoted Gardner-Webb alumni reminisced about their college days, back when the […] Office of University Communications | October 14, 2025
News Article Gardner-Webb to Honor Athletic Excellence at Hall of Fame Gala During Homecoming Weekend Event Celebrates 120 Years of Runnin’ Bulldogs’ Legacy and Recognizes 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—A highlight of the annual Homecoming festivities at Gardner-Webb is the Athletics Hall of Fame Gala. This year’s event on Oct. 17 also kicks off the University’s “120 Years and Runnin’ Strong” celebration. Alumni and friends will gather […] Office of University Communications | October 2, 2025
News Article 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 […] Office of University Communications | December 6, 2024
