GWU news

BOILING SPRINGS, NC- $45 million dollars. That is the goal for the Gardner-Webb University Higher Ground Campaign, which went public on Nov. 11 at a gala celebration. This campaign will raise money for student scholarships, faculty development, buildings, service learning and several other university needs.The highlight of the day was the announcement that $33 million has already been raised toward the Higher Ground Campaign goal. These funds were secured during the 4-year “leader-phase” of the campaign, which began in July 2006.

Homecoming is just around the corner. Many fun events have been planned for you and your family during the weekend of October 22-23. Among the festivities taking place thoroughout the weekend is an Alumni Association Network Reception and Meeting which will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. You will not want to miss the Pre-Game Street Party from 11:00a.m. until 1:00p.m. on the street between Spangler Stadium and the Soccer Field. Food will be for sale from Fatz Cafe and live music will be provided by The Embers, a favorite beach band of the Carolina's. Don't miss the GWU Runnin' Bulldogs vs. Presbyterian Blue Hose Homecoming football game at 1:30 p.m. followed by an Alumni and Friends Awards and Recognitions Banquet to be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. For a complete list of events, please refer to the Homecoming Brochure that was recently sent to you electronically. We look forward to seeing you at Homecoming 2010!

Since late October, construction has been underway for Gardner-Webb University's new baseball stadium. Construction on the Masters Field at John Henry Moss Baseball Stadium is complete and a special dedication ceremony will be held Saturday, September 18, 2010. A Ribbon Cutting for Hamrick Gate will begin at 12:45 p.m. followed by the John Henry Moss Baseball Stadium Dedication at 1:00 p.m. The first pitch will be thrown in the new stadium when baseball alumni will play against current players in a game beginning at 1:30 p.m. Click here for a complete schedule of the day's events.

Gardner-Webb University announces with great sadness the death of Professor Emeritus of Religion Dr. Jack Partain, who passed away on August 3 in Shelby, NC at the age of 77. Partain served at Gardner-Webb University as professor of religious studies from 1983-1998. He was also vice chair of the faculty from 1986-88, and in 1996 was awarded the Fleming-White Award for Excellence in Teaching. That same year Partain was honored with a national Templeton Foundation Award for his work in the academic course “Issues in Science and Religion.”

Gardner-Webb recently launched a redesign of gardner-webb.edu, the University’s main website. As part of the redesign, the gardner-webb.edu homepage has incorporated information that was previously featured on a supportgwu.com blog posting each day. There are five stories featured on gardner-webb.edu that will change every two weeks. Though gardner-webb.edu should now be your primary source for University news and stories, supportgwu.com is still your home for event information, online registration, and career networking as well the Bulldog Club, Annual Fund, and Class Notes. Take a peek of Gardner-Webb’s new online look at gardner-webb.edu.

A group of Gardner-Webb University students, including rising freshman, Tray Schley, recently joined ministry groups around Cleveland County to support the Cleveland County Potato Project . The Cleveland County Potato Project was started earlier this year to help feed hungry locals in a tough economic climate. Schley was pleased to help his new community. “It’s hard work, but it will pay off.” Schley, who signed with the GWU Runnin’ Bulldogs earlier this year, was one of several area volunteers who harvested over 1,500 pounds of potatoes. The Salvation Army, Kings Mountain Crisis Ministry, Upper Cleveland Area Needs (U-CAN), and the Greater Cleveland Baptist Association are among the Cleveland County agencies that will distribute the food to the community.

Randall Hall, a 1988 Gardner-Webb alumnus in Accounting, has been named the Interim President and CEO for the Bank of Asheville. Hall, who has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary/Treasure for the Bank since 1999, assumed the post June 30, 2010. Hall, a veteran banker, served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Secretary/Treasurer for the Bank of Granite before joining the Bank of Asheville in 1997. He serves on the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County Finance Committee. Stephen L. Pignatiello, Chairman of the Bank and its holding company, believes the community can bank on Hall's experience. “Randy Hall is well qualified to lead Bank of Asheville during this transition. As the second-in-command since the Bank’s founding, he has been involved in every phase of operation and has a strong record of providing leadership. He was recruited to join the Bank when it was being established because he already was well respected in the banking industry. He has contributed greatly to the bank’s success,” said Pignatiello.

Social networks are ever evolving and largely set the pace for how we communicate in the 21st century. These communication mediums are no longer just a space for personal chit chat, but have become hubs for successful business transactions. Communicating and Marketing Using Social Networks is a new course that will be offered by the Center for Continuing Professional Education at Gardner-Webb University from July 5, 2010 to July 30, 2010. Participants will learn how to identify and use the social networking sites best suited to one's business needs in order to maximize communication, customer loyalty, and the accessibility of one’s product.