Gardner-Webb to Mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Events Focused on Remembrance, Support and Education

Office of Campus Unity and Connection Encourages Compassion, Hope and Engagement

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—From messages of encouragement to educational programming, Gardner-Webb University’s Office of Campus Unity and Connection will offer several opportunities for the campus community to engage in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Activities will invite participants to honor survivors, remember loved ones and learn more about breast health and early detection.

The monthlong observance will begin Oct. 1 with a Breast Cancer Awareness and Remembrance banner displayed on the first floor of the Tucker Student Center near the rock-climbing wall. Students, faculty and staff are invited to sign the banner with messages of hope, solidarity and support.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month gives our campus an opportunity to come together in compassion and community,” said Jessika Raduly, director of Campus Unity and Connection. “Through these events, we want to honor the lives impacted by breast cancer, celebrate the strength of survivors, support those who are currently fighting, and remind everyone that even simple acts of encouragement can make a meaningful difference.”

The banner will hang near the rock-climbing wall throughout the month as a visible reminder of the many individuals and families affected by breast cancer.

Activities will continue with Pink Notes of Kindness on Oct. 15 at noon in the Dover Campus Center. During the event, students will receive a cookie and a note featuring messages of hope, strength and support. Organizers hope the event will encourage students to spread kindness while raising awareness about breast cancer and its impact on individuals and families.

The month’s educational component will take place Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. in the Tucker Student Center through Pack It Pink! Fill a Box (candy station) for Breast Cancer Awareness. Hosted in partnership with Gardner-Webb’s Physician Assistant Studies Program, the event will offer students an opportunity to increase their understanding of breast cancer risk factors. While enjoying a sweet treat, they will learn about the importance of knowing personal and family health history, breast health awareness, early detection and available screening resources.

“Awareness is about more than wearing pink,” Raduly said. “It is about learning the facts, understanding personal risk factors, encouraging preventive care and showing support for those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. We hope these programs inspire both education and meaningful connection.”

In addition to Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities, the Office of Campus Unity and Connection is highlighting several opportunities for students to connect and engage across campus during October, including Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month Salsa Dance Lessons on Oct. 8, National LGBTQ Awareness Day’s Sweet Belonging event on Oct. 19 and Boo-Nfire on Oct. 23.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Events

• Oct. 1 – Breast Cancer Awareness & Remembrance Banner, Tucker Student Center.
  
  
• Oct. 15, Noon – Pink Notes of Kindness, Dover Campus Center.
  
  
• Oct. 28, 2 p.m. – Pack It Pink! Fill a Box (candy station) for Breast Cancer Awareness, Tucker Student Center.

Other October Activities

• Oct. 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, Salsa Dance Lessons, Stewart Hall, Tucker Student Center.

• Oct. 19, 4 p.m. – National LGBTQ Awareness Day, Sweet Belonging: Cupcakes. sponsored by the Pride Club, Tucker Student Center.

• Oct. 23, 6 to 8 p.m., Boo-Nfire, s’mores, pizza and games, sponsored by the International Student Club, Patio, Tucker Student Center.

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. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.