mdalton's blog

Each fall alumni and friends of Gardner-Webb have the opportunity to hear what’s happening at the University – directly from the students who are involved day to day. These students are Student Development Officers, a group of ambassadors dubbed the Dialing Dogs, charged with spreading the word of Gardner-Webb and helping the University continue to grow.

Dialing Dogs is hiring now; searching for the best conversationalists and students who are extremely energetic, excellent talkers and even better listeners. If you’re a student interested in becoming a part of this team, click here to apply. If you know a student who would make an awesome SDO, please forward this info to them.

Thanks to an incredible show of support from our alumni last year, Gardner-Webb reached an unprecedented participation rate of giving. Our university family, in which alumni play a huge role, have much to celebrate with this new record.

This year, we are on the brink of another record in alumni giving and we need your help. Your participation in giving back to Gardner-Webb, whether by a small one-time gift or by a plan to give multiple times over the next few years, is immensely important. It is your generosity that makes such a difference in the lives and experiences of the University's current students.

David Putnam (’79, ’86) has spent much of his life in a classroom as a student and teacher, sharing his passion to educate young people. Putnam also loves the rewarding experience of writing and recently released an inspirational novel entitled “Crickets of the Silver Queen.” It has been referred to as a tribute to God’s unending, unfailing, and relentless love for his children. This is Putnam’s first published book and became a reality thanks to Crossbooks (a division of Lifeway). Lifeway is a Christian store retailer with locations in nearly 25 states.

Thank you parents for your support of Gardner-Webb University throughout the year. During the past few semesters, we have been contacting you regarding the GWU Annual Fund and your response has been enormously positive. Your generosity to the Annual Fund helps ensure upgrades to your student's home away from home, whether those improvements are in their living or learning spaces. We appreciate your interest in and enthusiasm about the University and we're excited to share Gardner-Webb with you! Your support helps us make the best experience possible for all students.

Giving back to GWU may be second nature to some, while others may need a little reminder of why they love Gardner-Webb. That is why when a GWU student calls each year, they ask you about your personal experience and what makes you love this University. Whether you show your love by giving through the Annual Fund, sports teams, or special projects, we tremendously appreciate your support. We recently asked Alumni Board President Shedrick Harris why he loves and gives back to GWU. Check out this video to hear Shedrick’s story. Feel free to share your love for GWU by posting a comment.

The results are in for Gardner-Webb’s fiscal year 2009, and as we hinted earlier this year, GWU alumni have broken the school record of alumni participation with 16.7% alumni giving. While this is an all-time high, this is only the beginning of incredible new times at GWU. Thank you, alumni, for supporting Gardner-Webb’s mission and allowing current students the same life-changing experiences that devote you to your alma mater. Gardner-Webb University is gaining momentum, due largely to alumni support. There is an unmistakable energy at GWU as new and improved programs are implemented and the phenomenal faculty and staff continue to build these programs for students, alumni and friends of the University. The academic enhancements, incredible student experiences and the focus on service-learning could not be accomplished without the support and generosity of alumni who give through the GWU Annual Fund.

Gardner-Webb University has had its fair share of victories this year, with the announcement of the new John Henry Moss Baseball Stadium, and the largest ever freshman class entering the Gardner-Webb family just to name a couple. And now, as the University nears the end of the 2009 fiscal year, GWU’s extended family – alumni and friends – are close to being among the victors of this fine institution. Records are being broken thanks to GWU alumni and friends, and your amazing support of Gardner-Webb.

Phonathon Fall 2008 proved a huge success for GWU’s Annual Fund, with our Student Development Officers raising more than $200,000 in gifts and pledges. Phonathon began in September with recruitment and training of 28 GWU students, and calling took place between September and December 2008.