Issuu

Volume 53, Number 1, 2018

rHE MAGAZINE

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: GWU SAYS FAREWELL TO PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY \ GWU SALUTES MILITARY ALUMNI STUDENT RESEARCHERS CELEBRATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS NEW WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH TAKES COURT PRAYER GARDEN HONORS ALUMNUS

GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY 2018 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Vice Chairman of the Board Ronald R. Beane, Lenoir, N.C. Secretary Candace J. Arey, Shelby, N.C. Treasurer Max J. Hamrick, Boiling Springs, N.C. Immediate Past Chair C. Lorance Henderson, 79, LHD

2015- 2018 Franklin W. Beam, Shelby, N.C. Ronald R. Beane, Lenoir, N.C. George R. Gilliam, College Park, Ga. C. Lorance Henderson, 79, LHD, Morganton, N.C. J. Jackson Hunt, Lattimore, N.C. James E. Robbins, Forest City, N.C. David W. Royster III, Shelby, N.C. Frank A. Stewart, Belmont, N.C. Anthony N. Strange, Henrico, Va. Don L. Yelton, Shelby, N.C. Robert W. Yelton, Shelby, N.C.

Feature President Frank Bonner looks back at 31 years of service to Gardner-Webb

2016- 2019 Rodney B. Allison, '82, Durham, N.C. Candace J. Arey, Shelby, N.C. Ralph L. Bentley, Statesville, N.C. Randall L. Marion, ’12, LHD, Mooresville, N.C. Tony M. Robbins, Forest City, N.C. Bob D. Shepherd, Morganton, N.C. Thomas H. Watson Jr., ’63, Newton, N.C. Christopher L. Welch, '92, Charlotte, N.C.

2017- 2020 John W. Bell Jr., '56, Asheville, N.C. Susan B. Briggs, '80, Gastonia, N.C. Mark Collins, Charlotte, N.C. Teresa Hamrick Huggins, Boiling Springs, N.C. Jennifer Marion Mills, Mooresville, N.C. Maurice B. Morrow, Fort Mill, SC Delaina Adams Smith, ’95, Roaring River, N.C. Gary H. Smith III. Aiken, SC John Teeter, 76, Hickory, N.C. Lisa C. Tucker, ’81, Concord, N.C.

SENIOR STAFF Dr. A Frank Bonner President Dr. Don Berry Faculty Chair Dr. Bruce Boyles Associate Provost for Professional and Graduate Studies Chuck Burch Vice President for Athletics Dr. Sarah Currie Vice President of Student Development Woody Fish Vice President for External Affairs/ Advancement Mike Hardin Senior Vice President for Administration Dr. Tracy Jessup Vice President for Christian Life and Services, Minister to the University Dr. Ben Leslie Provost and Executive Vice President Richard McDevitt Vice President of Marketing Lou Ann Scates Staff Council Chair Kristen Setzer Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Jeff Tubbs Vice President for Planning & Institutional Effectiveness

Departments

Dr. Nicole Waters Interim Associate Provost. College of Health Sciences Dr. David Yelton Associate Provost for Arts & Sciences

4 12 20 25

SGA OFFICERS (2018-2019) Aliah Price - President Shelby Putnam - Vice President Garret Allen • Treasurer Bridgette Turner - Secretary Amber Freeney - Parliamentarian

GARDNER-WEBB

-IE

News & Notes Feature Students Athletics

28 30 42 50

Scenic Impressions Alumni Features Class Acts ln Memorium

GARDNER-WEBB • THE MAGAZINE Volume 53, Number 1, 2018

The Gardner-Webb Magazine is the official magazine of Gardner-Webb University, and it is published by the Division of University Communications and Marketing.

Students Gardner-Webb Students Explore Varied Topics for Extensive Scholarly

Hurricanes, Mental Disorders & Post-apocalyptic Insights

Research

Gardner-Webb President Dr. A. Frank Bonner

Design SPARK Publications

Vice President for Marketing Richard McDevitt

Assistant Editor Jackie Bridges

Managing Editor Noel T. Manning II

Editorial Assistance Val Leeper Kathryn Manning

Digital Magazine Editor Matt Renter

BULLDOGNATION^fc

Bulldog Nation Basketball Coach Alex Simmons Brings Experience and Legacy of Collegiate Success to GWU Alex Simmons Takes the Court as New Women’s Basketball Coach

Alumni Stories Major Terri Lopez Homestead ‘07 is First Female Officer to Serve as Tactical Crew Director at Fort Greely, Alaska

Contributing Writers Mary Carlson Niki Bliss-Carroll Leah Clevenger Jackie Bridges Ryan Bridges Alice Byrd

Will Mabry Noel T. Manning II Mary Beth Martin Sara McCall Emily Peeler Marc Rabb Chelsea Sydnor

Contributing Photographers Hannah Anders Kevin Banks Austin Billiot Kaylin Bowers Katie Bryant Chris Breedlove Niki Bliss-Carroll Bob Carey Joe Ciarlante Tim Cowie Joel Fluty Joseph Fluty Alexis Fonville Ryan Gunter Megan Hartman Scott Holstein Mark Houser Zuradi Jaimes

Kim Kreuzman Ethan Loveless Lindy Lynch Noel T. Manning II Lisa Martinat Randy McNeilly Christina O’Grady Brittany Randolph Sarah Schurman Emily Slaughter Joy Smith Jeff Sochko Abbey Sprinkle Chelsea Sydnor Deborah Triplett Rachel Tucker Jenna Wachsmuth Madison Weavil Bryson Willis

MIX Paper from responsible sources

Please Recycle

FSC: C005991 Submissions and Feedback By mail: The Gardner-Webb Magazine Office of University Communications P.O. Box 7315 Boiling Springs, N.C. 28017 By email: ntmanning@gardner-webb.edu Gardner-webb.edu/gwumagazine

A Life Devoted to ‘God and Humanity’

Advancement Family Remembers Bobby M. Pettyjohn ‘52 with Prayer Garden at GWU

Address and Name Change Submissions Contact: Becky Robbins By phone: 704.406.4251 By email: rrobins@gardner-webb.edu Social Outreach

Twitter.com/gardnerwebb

lnstagram.com/gardnerwebb

Facebook.com/gardnenwebb

Upon request, this publication can be made available in an alternate format. Please make a request by calling 704-406-4631 or emailing ntmannmgGgardner-webb.edu

VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

Leadership Studies to Meet the Demands of Today’s Workforce

New Innovative Business Degrees Enhance Opportunities for Working Professionals The Godbold School of Business at Gardner-Webb University launched a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in fall 2018 and will offer an online 10-month Master of Business Administration (MBA) in January 2019. The 60 course hours required to earn the DBA include 24 hours of foundational classes, 24 in the selected major and 12 for the dissertation. Four concentrations are offered: accounting, finance, international business and marketing. The 10-month MBA is a unique format that allows a student to take two courses every eight weeks. The curriculum

GARDNER-WEBB

•

is structured to provide students with the managerial skills needed for successful leadership. “Our entire faculty has worked to develop courses that are of the highest quality and value,” noted Mischia Taylor, dean and instructor of business. “We are also proud these programs maintain the Gardner-Webb tradition of small class sizes, which gives us an opportunity to develop relationships with our students.” University leaders spent considerable time researching the demand for both degrees, and they believe the opportunities for program growth and impact are substantial.

Gardner-Webb University has finalized plans for a new online degree program through the School of Education, the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership (BAOL). ‘This curriculum provides students with a liberal arts understanding of leadership in today’s complex organizations in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors,” shared Dr. Jeff Hamilton, assistant professor of Education. “We believe students will enjoy developing the knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes that are in high demand by employers and are hallmarks of effective leaders.” The degree is modeled after the University s Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership. In addition to other program goals, students will be offered the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills to lead within any type of organization, service or profession. Multidisciplinary in approach, the BAOL provides some key learning concepts that include understanding critical organizational processes, team building, effective communication, conflict management, multicultural team building and leading/driving change within an ethical approach to personal and professional leadership. Courses offered through the major include Organizational Theory, Leadership Development, Theory and Practice of Leadership, Organizational Communication, Introduction to Human Resources Management, Ethical Leadership, Digital Culture and Society and more.

University Honored for Comprehensive Student Experiences Gardner-Webb University has been recognized by a national organization that rates colleges on high-impact educational practices and student engagement. For its dynamic out-of-classroom learning and study abroad programs, GWU has earned the title of College of Distinction. The honor also acknowledges the University’s commitment to such core competencies as critical thinking, writing, oral skills,

Online Master of Arts in English Named Best in Nation

research and global perspectives. Dr. Ben Leslie, GWU provost and executive vice president, said the achievement further recognizes the enthusiastic dedication of the University’s faculty. “Creating and implementing a set of studentcentered programs that include opportunities like service learning, first-year programs, undergraduate research, global learning and capstone courses are simply an extension of our fundamental commitment to student success, he affirmed. “At Gardner-Webb, we have a faculty that is committed first and foremost to a studentcentered college experience that empowers our students for leadership and success in whatever their chosen profession.” For information about the award, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.

Gardner-Webb University’s online Master

in-depth graduate study to students whose

of Arts in English degree has been named among the best in the nation. Gardner-Webb’s online programs have

careers and geography may prohibit their participation in a seated program, shared Dr. Jennifer Buckner, associate professor of English and chair of the Department of English Language and Literature. “We are thrilled to be recognized among the most affordable options—but we are more proud

received multiple honors for quality and affordability in recent years, but this marks the first distinction for the University’s Master of Arts in English program. OnlineU, an online source for college and career information, honored GardnerWebb as No. 4 in the U.S. on its “2018 Most Affordable Online Colleges for a Master’s in English” list, a resource produced to help current and future students make smart choices about advancing their education and careers. The ranking earned GWU a placement among schools like Texas Tech (Lubbock, Texas), Valdosta State University

that the program we provide is of high quality and value,” she said. “Students who enter our program often express surprise and delight that our online program is so interactive,” Buckner shared. “We’ve found a way to bring the personalization and community of a private, liberal arts university into

(Valdosta, Ga.), and Arizona State

an online format. While in the program, students develop their scholarly and professional skills, preparing them for

University (Tempe, Ariz.). “Our decision to use an online delivery

a lifetime of critical, informed thinking about a wide range of topics related to

format reflected our desire to provide

English studies.”

VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

NEWS & NOTES

Dr. Prince Bull Named School of Education Dean

He is a Quality Matters-certified peer reviewer and online facilitator. In 2012, he received the NCCU Teaching Excellence Award. Bull has authored “Understanding Technology Integration to Prepare Millennial Students for 21st Century

Officials at Gardner-Webb University are thrilled to announce that Dr. Prince Bull

Education” (2010), as well as numerous articles and other publications. In

has been appointed as the new dean of the

addition to an active research program,

GWU School of Education.

Bull is in demand as a keynote speaker

Previously, Bull was a professor of

and workshop leader, especially in the areas of educational technology and teaching modalities.

Curriculum and Instruction in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), where he served since 2008. With over 25 years of leadership

Bull’s extensive education and degrees include a Bachelor of Arts in History/Law

experience in both higher education and the public school system, Bull was

and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Sierra Leone

recently awarded a grant by the UNC system to develop the first competency-

Dr. Prince Bull

based education (CBE) degree program in

reflected, “to implement innovative programs designed to produce the next generation

elementary education and middle grades education in the UNC system. “I look forward to working with students, staff, faculty and administrators,” Bull

(Freetown, Sierra Leone), a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Supervision and

of transformative and socially-responsive, highly-qualified educators to meet the needs of North Carolina and beyond.”

a Master of Education in Special Education from North Carolina Central University. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction from North Carolina State University (Raleigh, N.C.).

Dr. June Hobbs Named Chair of Student Success A longtime Gardner-Webb University

I will encourage our students to engage

English professor assumed a new role,

in undergraduate research projects that

after being named the inaugural Fay

will make them attractive to graduate

Webb Gardner Chair of Student Success.

schools, test potential career paths, and

Dr. June Hobbs, a 25-year veteran of the

develop the critical-thinking skills crucial for all kinds of careers in the 21st century,” noted Hobbs.

GWU Department of English Language and Literature with a proven track record of extraordinary investment in students, began her new role in the fall

Hobbs is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University (Shawnee, Okla.). She holds

2018 semester. The Gardner Foundation committed a generous, three-year gift to the University

an M.A. from the University of Louisville (Louisville, Ky.) and a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma (Norman, Okla.).

to launch the “Fay Webb Gardner Master

“The Gardner Foundation has been

Mentorship Program.” The program

bold in allowing us to venture into this area and explore how we can expand

includes the creation of a new endowed chair—the Fay Webb Gardner Chair of Student Success—to focus exclusively on mentorship as a means of enriching the

student mentoring in a way that few other colleges in America are trying to do,” observed Dr. Joseph Moore, Gardner

undergraduate experience of students who demonstrate superior academic potential. In this role, Hobbs will provide

experience, Hobbs also serves as the GWU

individualized attention toward student research and internship projects, fellowship

director of Undergraduate Research and is the faculty sponsor to the University’s

applications and career guidance. In addition to her extensive teaching

GARDNER-WEBB

•

chapter of Alpha Chi, a national collegiate honor society.

Foundation/GWU liaison and assistant professor of history. “GWU is already better than most schools in the nation at mentoring undergraduate students. Through this program, we want to create an even more intentional focus on what we are passionate about.”

Record-breaking Event Raises More Than $90,000 Officials at Gardner-Webb University are thanking supporters for their part in the record-breaking success of #DoubleDawgDay, the University’s annual celebration of giving to support student scholarships and financial aid. Over 220 donors gave $90,310—exceeding last year’s total. “Thanks to these donors, more students can now have outstanding college experiences and pursue their goals at Gardner-Webb,” said GWU President Dr. Frank Bonner. “Ultimately, their generosity enables the University to carry out our mission to serve God and humanity.” According to Sara McCall, director of GWU Annual Giving, #DoubleDawgDay is dedicated to raising scholarship funds. “These gifts are vital to students’ opportunities and successes. Supporters and donors have made—and will continue to make—a substantial difference in the lives of today’s young people.”

GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY

ANNUAL FUND

Help keep the wheels turning for our

TALENTED STUDENTS Support GWU's Annual Fund of our students receive scholarship assistance and/or financial aid.

• Senior psychology major Justin Jenkins makes the most of his GWU experience. He proudly serves as a Presidential Associate at campus functions and plays guard on the Bulldogs basketball team. After graduation, Justin seeks a career in medical device sales. “I chose GWU because it feels like a true community. It's a lot different from other colleges I visited." Make your gift to GWU's Annual Fund today! gardner-webb.edu/give Every dollar you give to the Annual Fund directly supports student scholarships.

For the 2017-2018 year, GWU students hailed from 38 states and 27 countries.

VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

NEWS AND NOTES

School of Education Students Advocate for Teachers in Washington, D.C. Students and faculty from the Gardner-Webb University School of Education travelled to Washington, D.C., to tour the city and advocate for educational professionals. The GWU contingent met with representatives of Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina to share their thoughts on the importance of the education profession. During the session, the teacher candidates discussed pertinent educational issues and asked questions about upcoming educational policy initiatives,” Members of the uardner-webD Aipna uni delegation were front row, from left, Kelsi Williams Harlev Bur gess, Sarah Grace Moxley, Summer Byers, Hannah Ray, Emily Eidson, Sarah Traylor Shaquavia Chiles An gela Meade, and Dr. June Hobbs, and back row, Tyler Hemingway, Damien Hutchins Hope Still GabrinliP Cortese, Mallory Moore, Morgan VanderSchaaf, Tyler Helms, and Dr. Bruce Moser

Students Win $10,000 for Research, Creativity and Academic Rigor Gardner-Webb University sent 16 students to the Alpha Chi Conference in Portland, Ore. Alpha Chi is a national college honor society invested in fueling students’ original research and creativity. There are 300 society chapters at colleges and universities in the United States. “Gardner-Webb sent the largest delegation and won the most prizes of any chapter in the nation at the national convention,” said Dr. June Hobbs, Alpha

Collaborative team members were chemistry major Tyler Hemingway (’18) of Cape Coral, Fla., biology major Damian Hutchins (’19) of Cherryville, N.C., psychology major Kelsi Williams (’18) of Lincolnton, N.C., and nursing major Hope Still (’19) of Harrisburg, N.C. English major Mallory Moore (’18) of Maurertown, Va., won a $3,000 Benedict Graduate Fellowship. Philosophy and religion major Harley

Chi sponsor and Fay Webb Gardner chair of Student Success. “Our students’ superior preparation and professionalism were very

Burgess (18) of Forest City, N.C., won a $1,000 Region III graduate fellowship. English major Hannah Ray (18) of High Point, N.C., won

obvious in the context of such intense

the presentation prize in American literature English major Emily Eidson (18) Augusta, Ga., won the presentation prize in world literature. English education major Sarah

academic competition.” Students from GWU won a total of $10,000 in prizes and grants for their research presentations.

Grace Moxley (18) of Bluefield, Va., won the

A collaborative team took the first-place prize of $5,000 for their project: “The

presentation prize in education. Exercise Science major GabrieUe Cortese (18) of Athens, Ga.,

Psychology of Oceanic Climate Change.”

won the presentation prize in exercise science

GARDNER-WEBB

•

related Dr. Jason Parker, associate dean of the School of Education, who has taken students to meet with Burr s office in the past. Being able to advocate for the teaching profession aligns directly with the standards for teacher candidates in North Carolina.”

White House Briefings, The EPA and Endangered Languages Provide Fruitful Dialogue Twenty students represented Gardner-Webb University at the annual conference of the Southern Regional Honors Council (SRHC) held in Arlington, Va. The SRHC promotes and advances honors programs and honors colleges in the Southern United States. Students had the opportunity to explore over 400 presentations, including panel discussions, talks, art works and featured displays. Gardner-Webb students also met members of the Plant Protection Group of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and had dinner with Patrick Woody (’03), who shared how his time at GWU helped him advance to his current position, in which he briefs White House staff. The keynote speaker was linguistic anthropologist Dr. K. David Harrison, author of “The Last Speakers: The Quest to Save the Worlds Endangered Languages.” Biology major Callie Elliott (’19) of Terrell, N.C., was elected as Student Vice-President of SRHC for the next year and will serve at the 2018 National Collegiate Honors Conference in Boston, Mass. She will represent more than 10,000 students at more than 100 institutions with Honors programs in the Southern Region. Above, Public relations major Alice Byrd ('18) of Asheville, N.C., presented her project “Nerds Abroad: A Semester Spent in Florence.”

Left, Biology major Callie Elliott (’19) of Terrell, N.C., (left) and her project partner, photog¬ raphy major Joy Smith (’20), presented: “An Honors Event: Murder Mystery Dinner.” Elliott was also elected as Student Vice-President of SRHC for the next year and will serve at the 2018 National Collegiate Honors Conference in Boston, Mass.

VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

NEWS AND NOTES

Wonder Dog Demonstrates Science of ATF Investigations The worlds of science and criminal investigation intersected with a visit from ATF officers and their special agent “Camden the Wonder Dog” during chemistry classes on campus. Senior Special Agent Darren Solomon with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) Charlotte Field Division joined forces with Union County Fire Marshal Kevin Rigoli, and ATF K-9 Officer Camden for the presentation. Camden is an Accelerant Detection Canine specially trained to sniff out scents of various liquids that arsonists use to start fires. During the visit, Camden demonstrated his skills by correctly detecting which canisters contained evidence of an accelerant. Solomon and Rigoli also talked to students about the importance of a strong science foundation within many aspects of law enforcement, particularly within arson investigations. Lauren Mahoney (‘18) earned a degree in criminal justice and sociology, and in the

There are so many different kinds of science that are involved in solving these

a specialty for everything. It’s not just law

future, she hopes to work as an agent with

cases,” she reflected. “They have different types of scientists for blood, alcohol or

it and a social aspect, and you have to put it

the State Bureau of Investigation.

drugs, or firearms, you name it. They have

enforcement and guns, there’s science behind aU together. It’s so much more complex than people realize.”

Christian Character and Development are Foundations for WinShapeCamp Officials at Gardner-Webb University have announced a new partnership with WinShape Camps, established in 1985 by Chick-fil-A founder, S. Truett Cathy—allowing the organization to expand its overnight camp offerings into the Carolinas. In June 2019, Gardner-Webb will become the first location for overnight WinShape camps outside the state of Georgia WinShape Camps provide a camp experience that enables campers to sharpen their character, deepen their Christian faith and grow in their relationships with others. whoT^ m 201i9 WiU be °ffered t0 students who have completed first through fifth grades, with availability for sixth through eighth graders beginning in the 2020 § camp season. , * ^ more than 100 day camps across the country, as well as internationally in Brazil andCostlmcaFor ore information, visit winshapecamps.org.

GARDNER WEBB

•

Gardner-Webb University Celebrates Graduates During 2017-2018 Year Nearly 1,000 Students Honored During Four Commencement Ceremonies During the 2017-2018 academic year, Gardner-Webb University hosted a total of four commencement ceremonies spanning

Several university milestones were achieved during the May exercises. The Hunt School of Nursing awarded its 4,000th overall

three different dates: August 5, 2017, December 16, 2017, and May 12, 2018. Nearly

degree. In addition, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Master of Science in Nursing

1,000 graduates were honored for earning

- Family Nurse Practitioner programs each

associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral

bestowed its 100th degree. The Department

degrees from a variety of university programs.

of Natural Sciences awarded its 500th degree in biology, and the School of Psychology and Counseling conferred its 1,000th bachelor’s degree. Gardner-Webb has added on-line commencement streaming for families and friends unable to attend the services via Facebook Live. The University salutes the 2017-2018 graduates and applauds their

The August ceremony featured the conferring of the 1,500th RN-BSN degree. The University also bestowed doctoral degrees to graduates in the first cohort of the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, which launched in 2014. In December, the University conferred its 4,500th Master of Business Administration degree.

significant achievements in higher education.

FEATURE

THIRTY-ONE YEARS:

A REMINISCENCE FRANK BONNER, PRESIDENT

s I approach retirement, I appreciate this opportunity to reflect on the past 31 years at Gardner-Webb University and especially the last 13 years as president. The emotions involved make it difficult, but there is also so much I would like to express that going about it has been a challenge. I stress to students the importance of seeking Gods plan for your life. Perhaps that plan

is clearest in retrospect, as you look back at the way events unfolded and how some doors closed and others opened. It has been helpful for me to reflect on the stages of my career and to see them as a continuum. I began my college experience at Furman University in the fall of 1965, fully intending to major in physics. That idea crashed early in my first experience with college level physics. What about biology? I liked it, but my biology professor announced one day that anyone planning to major in biology needed to sign up that afternoon. I was not ready to make what I thought was a commitment. In recent years, I have cautioned students against a bad idea that I held early on—that once you decide on a plan you are locked in and can never change your mind.

In 1987, Frank Bonner came to Gardner-Webb as Vice President for Academic Affairs. His role later evolved into Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, and then Provost and Senior Vice President. He was named the 12th President of Gardner-Webb in May 2005 and took office on July 1.

GARDNER-WEBB

•

’

"This is truly a great University. It has all the raw materials-purpose, people, mission, and Christian values and unrivaled commitment." Seeing some great professors in action, I decided that was the life and career I wanted. I might be a dean someday. No, dean was probably out of the question, beyond my reach. But college professor—I could do that. So, what major? History or English? English it was. Following graduation in 1969,1 married the love of my life, Flossie Black, and we packed up and headed to Number 7 Bon Cam Apartments in Athens, Ga., and the University of Georgia, where I began working on my master’s degree in English. After my first major graduate school test in Victorian prose (and feeling that I had completely bombed it), I decided I probably was not going to make it and prepared to tell Flossie. When I got my grade, it was 98. Not a failure after all. After earning As in all but one course, I made a late decision to pursue a PhD at the University of Florida, Vanderbilt or UNC Chapel Hill. I was accepted at all of them. I decided on Chapel Hill, because that was where my dad was earning his PhD when I was born. The years in Chapel Hill were really great. As a teaching assistant in the English department all four years, it was my introduction to college teaching. Our daughters, Alison and Florence, were born there with me in attendance. Our friends were medical school students, law students and dental graduate students living around us in Glen Lennox Apartments, which are still there today and look just the same. We would baby-sit for each other and while we were not quite as poor as the proverbial church mice, we were very happy. Simple pleasures can be the best. Many years later Flossie and I walked by our former apartment while visiting the area and pondered just how far we had come since the early years of our marriage. In 1974, we left Chapel Hill for Anderson College (Anderson, S.C.) and my new position in the English department. Florence was about two weeks old, and we joked about her arriving in time to make the trip. I still had a dissertation to write, which I did, and received my PhD in 1977. Those were years made up entirely of teaching, and I loved it. In 1982, two fateful events came together: my election as chairman of the faculty, and the arrival of Mark Hopkins, the new president of the College. Looking back, I probably did not give Mark enough time before I was in his office with my list of faculty concerns. Apparently, I made a good impression on him nonetheless. Mark would often boast of the number of

VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

his former staff members who had gone on to be college presidents, and he said that I would someday join that list. I did not believe it or give it much thought. Shortly after I was named president at Gardner-Webb, Mark wrote me a letter reminding me of that. That summer (1982), Mark paid me a stipend to write a proposal for a federal grant to renovate the womens residence hall—my very first administrative assignment of any kind. Little did I realize at the time, but that turned out to be the beginning of a career in administration. Later, Mark would dub me “Assistant to the President, primarily with more grant-writing responsibility. Later, at his request, I filled in as Registrar for a while. I really did not want to do that, but I did. It was a lesson I have passed on to students ever since—never refuse a task assigned by your boss—assuming it is legal, moral and ethical. When I was hired by Gardner-Webb to become the new vice president for Academic Affairs, I left my post as associate dean for Special Programs at Anderson. I have discovered that when one is upon retirement, after 31 years at the same institution and 44 years full time in the profession, a lot of reflection takes place. Perhaps it is normal to think about regrets, about all the things I wish I had done, the things I should have done better or at least differently, and, of course, mistakes I made—and there were quite a few. It is strange, perhaps ironic, that it is at the end of your career that you are in the best position to plan it if you had it to do over. While I have certainly reflected on things I should have done better, I will instead offer thoughts on some lesser-known achievements. First are the intangible accomplishments, some of which may not be well known or are perhaps forgotten. The first of these is the promotion of a strong sense of purpose. Every institution has a mission; yet few stress purpose. Purpose is the ‘raison d’etre’—the reason or justification for existence. If we do not know and understand that, then why do we think the institution exists? Gardner-Webb’s purpose, I believe, is to advance the kingdom of God through Christian higher education. Other faith-based institutions advance the kingdom of God; we are charged to do that in the arena of higher education. There are, of course, many other institutions of higher education. This purpose is what sets us apart. The formal affiliation change with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) is worthy of mention. I have continuously stressed that this was the formation of a new relationship, and that should be the focus, not separation. In the words of our bylaws, it is a mutually-voluntary affiliation, and one that I believe is actually better and more constructive for both institutions. We had been fortunate in North Carolina that our formal relationship with the Convention never

14 |

GARDNER-WEBB

•

n-Jl:

really threatened academic freedom, as that kind of relationship had in other states, but I was concerned about protecting academic freedom into the future. BSCNC and Gardner-Webb can now be mutually supportive—and friends—with overlapping missions but without the tensions involved in the former relationship and all of its implications. My work and involvement in the effort served to protect academic freedom at GardnerWebb, and I regard it as one of my most important contributions and achievements. Other intangible accomplishments would include continuing to stress the importance of academic excellence as the vital ingredient of success, strengthening and emphasizing the student-centered essence of GardnerWebb, development and promulgation of the “brand” of the University, and the establishment of a formal marketing effort. Aside from the addition of new buildings, programs and academic infrastructure, by far the most important accomplishments are not those of mine or any other president or, for that matter, any single individual. The greatest accomplishments are those of the entire University family in the shaping and enriching of the lives of so many students over the years. It is people that make Gardner-Webb University truly great—students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees and friends of the University. Faculty and staff nurture, mentor and support students, and they go on not only to live meaningful and fulfilling lives of their own, but also to make other peoples lives better in innumerable and various ways. They make our society, our world, a better place, a better place than they found it, and in so doing carry out Gardner-Webb’s purpose, “To Advance the Kingdom of God through Christian Higher Education.” They truly embody our motto, Pro Deo et Humanitate} For God and Humanity. The implementation of the Hope Scholarship is just one powerful example of our students’ heart and commitment. It was after many of them had become profoundly aware of the plight of victims of human trafficking that they asked if the University could do something in response. The Hope Scholarship was established. It provides a fullride scholarship to carefully-selected individuals, offering them ongoing attention and support. This is truly a great University. It has all the raw materials—purpose, people, mission, and Christian values and unrivaled commitment. To borrow a phrase from Shakespeare, “the elements so mixed that greatness is here. Time and again, I have tried to express my belief that Gardner-Webb has unlimited potential. There are challenges ahead, but Gardner-Webb’s finest days are still to come. To have had a pait in this journey, in this wonderful undertaking, has been for me both a privilege and a great joy.

VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018 1

FEATURE

PURPOSEFUL LEADERSHIP:

Successes and Accomplishments during the Bonner Era (2005-2018) ■ The Higher Ground Capital campaign became the highest yielding fund-raising effort in the history of Gardner-Webb, bringing in more than $45 million in contributions. ■ The largest enrollment in Gardner-Webb history, nearly 5,000 students. ■ The addition of the College of Health Sciences facility (houses the Hunt School of Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, and Exercise Science). ■ The addition of Frank Nanney Hall (houses the Noel Center for Disability Services and the Department of Social Sciences). ■ The addition of the Science Laboratory Center. ■ The addition of the Tucker Student Center. ■ The addition of the Loy Theatre Scene Shop (adjacent to Dover Theatre). ■ The addition of several new residence facilities for traditional undergraduates. ■ The purchase of the Gardner-Webb University Charlotte Center. ■ Academic program growth and development brought in new majors, degrees and program launches (including: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Business Administration, Family Nurse Practitioner, several Doctor of Education degrees, the Physician Assistant Studies Program, 10-month Master of Business Administration, Accelerated RNBSN. Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership, School of Performing and Visual Arts, School of Psychology and Counseling, Criminal Justice for traditional undergraduates, Graphic Design, Birthto-Kindergarten. ■ Launched the Summer Scholars Research Program. ■ Launched the GWU Education Hall of Fame (recognizing educational professionals throughout the nation who have had significant impact in both their field and in the community at large).

GARDNER-WEBB

4 AG AZIN E

'■•si

College of Health Sciences Frank Nanney Hall

■ Gardner-Webb consistently recognized nationally in the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. ■ Academic programs have received numerous national honors and awards for outstanding commitment to students and scholarship. ■ Gardner-Webb honored for support of the military as a Purple Heart University (the first in North Carolina). ■ Received funding to name the Godbold School of Business and the Hunt School of Nursing. ■ Launched and gained donor support for the Impact Center, focusing on Christian ethics and social responsibility. ■ Launched the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. ■ Launched the Center for Innovative Leadership Development. ■ Relaunched Gardner-Webb University Marching Band. ■ Funding, construction and renovations for the John Henry Moss Stadium and the David and Marie Brinkley Softball Stadium. H Added the Women's Lacrosse team. ■ GWU joined the Big South Conference as a full member for athletics. ■ Men’s soccer team earned NCAA Division I bid after winning Atlantic Sun Conference tournament (the first ever for the program at Division I). ■ Women’s basketball team won Big South Conference tournament and gains bid to the NCAA Tournament (the first ever for the program at Division I). H Men’s basketball team defeated nationally ranked Kentucky to gain national exposure for GWU. H Physical campus enhancements included major landscaping, new paver walkways, new sidewalks around Stadium Drive, walkway lighting for safety, the Bridges Gate welcome entrance, and exterior digital billboards.

VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

FEATURE

CALL ME

‘FLOSSIE’ BY NIKI BLISS-CARROLL AND JACKIE BRIDGES

ne s Darely b-teet tail, but one should not be fooled by her stature. Although she is as down-to-earth as they come, Florence Flossie” Bonner, wife of Gardner-Webb University’s 12th president, Dr. Frank Bonner, is leaving her successor with some pretty big shoes to fill. She was a force in the classroom, having ^Uph.t“Iy‘Policated alSebraic equations to Shelby 1 -C.) High School students for nearly 20 years Today, more than a decade after she retired from teaching, former students still call her "Mrs one vo"" th°Ugh She rePeatedly encouraged one young man, Call me‘Flossie,’” he just couldn t bring himself to do so. in Wfo? B°nner beCame GWU President 5, his new role put her more in the energipht * 6VentS’ but she focused her 8 on being his confidant and encourager.

GARDNER WEBB

•

“My role is to support Frank and be an ambassador in the community,” she explained. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of that” She has served on the GWU campus wherever needed, offering a smile and handshake to visitors and praising the exceptional work of students. Through the years, she’s made time for other important endeavors in Cleveland County, N.C. She has served as president of the Junior Charity League and on the boards of the YMCA and Eat Smart, Move More. She and Frank are members of First Baptist Church in Shelby, and she shares her talents on committees there as well. “I’ve had a really good life,” she declared. “The people of Gardner-Webb and the greater Shelby area have been so good to us. In 2019, after more than three decades of work at Gardner-Webb and 13 years as president, Dr. Frank Bonner will retire. Next August, he and Flossie will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Reflecting on their lives together—the first time they met, their dating years, family vacations, camping and other adventures

Flossie

smiled and stated, “We’ve had fun. Flossie is approachable and friendly. Her contagious energy and kindness are among her most endearing qualities.

In fact, she became so popular among students that one Student Government Association (SGA) presidential candidate utilized her name in his campaign speech. After naming several of the reasons he felt students should vote for him, he spontaneously added, “And I m endorsed by Flossie Bonner!” He won the election. “Frank and I thought that was so funny, she related. “We will never forget him. In retirement, the Bonners are looking forward to traveling more, and visiting their grandchildren. She would like to visit Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Alaska and some other locations, but the Bonner’s home base will be Shelby. After 32 years here, this is our home,” Flossie asserted. They also plan to continue the healthy habits started years ago: eating nutritious foods and exercising six days a week. She runs 1.5 miles in the morning before meeting a group of friends to walk another

5 miles. She also lifts weights, works out on the elliptical machine, and plays pickle ball. She and Frank often spend Sunday afternoons on the golf course. Her guilty pleasure is to skip a workout and indulge in a gooey dessert. “That rarely happens,” she acknowledged. “But if I had a chance to eat

What has she liked most about GardnerWebb? She doesn’t skip a beat. “The people,” she affirmed. “Faculty, staff and certainly the students. The faculty and staff are so focused on the students. They are always there for them. Faculty members don’t just teach the students, they want each one to

my mom’s homemade cobbler, that would

be a better person. Gardner-Webbs greatest

definitely be hard to say no to.”

asset is definitely the people.”

VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

STUDENTS

Hurricanes, Mental Disorders & Post-apocalyptic Insights Gardner-Webb Students Immersed in Scholarly Research

BY NIKI BLISS-CARROLL & JACKIE BRIDGES

n 2012, Gardner-Webb University’s first Undergraduate Summer Research Scholar, Jeremy Griffin, examined the

properties of ginger ale. The experience led to graduate school for the 2013 alumnus and the opportunity for his doctoral research to be published in the top chemistry journals around the world. Griffin is just one of many Summer Research Scholars who have benefitted from the program. Others have received scholarships to Ph.D. programs, similar benefits or exciting opportunities, such as an internship with Oscarwinning film score composer Hans Zimmer or studying lemurs in Madagascar.

GARDNER WEBB

•

has been offered to more students

& opportunity

intersections between feminist theory, film criticism, and

Ruthie Lievsay’18 Uses Artistic Talents to Explore Mental Disorders —«r-r-

While working on her research project, Ruthie a ™

Lievsay challenged herself academically and creatively. After assessing 10 mental disorders using the principles of Positive Psychology, she illustrated each one. Positive Psychology focuses on the characteristics and virtues that enable individuals, communities and organizations

depression/suicidal ideation. “I became interested in the subject when I took Dr. Phillips’ course ‘Girls Gone Mad,’ where we studied women’s madness in foreign films,” explained Moore, an English major. “I began to learn about feminist theorizing on mental illness in women, and these theories changed my own perspective on mental illness—specifically depression. I wanted to study films produced in my lifetime and answer the question, ‘Are these films an oppressive force for women with depression or

to thrive. “The idea was to discuss and portray visually in my paintings the strengths that can be seen in different disorders rather than focus on the pathology of them the way most psycho ogy professionals do,” explained Lievsay, a native of Mount

a liberating voice?”’ Moore watched 15 films, and her greatest challenge was narrowing her scope. She decided to use Phyllis Chesler’s “Women and Madness” as her primary source of feminist theory. Although coming to a conclusion wasn’t easy, Moore

Airy, N.C. u A Through her research, she realized the illnesses share

established some important takeaways. “I discovered that

similar positive traits. “I used the VIA Classification of Strengths, which is a list of 24 strengths based on research by Peterson and Seligman. Persistence, prudence, self-regulation and open mindedness are all strengths necessary to persevere

while these films send good messages of hope and freedom to women struggling with depression, they are not necessarily good educational tools for the general public,” she explained.

through therapy and make huge strides against a ment

“In general, these films can teach women and girls who are struggling that the best path to mental health is individuality

disorder,” Lievsay shared. “One major challenge was trying to portray more men a

and self-acceptance.”

or emotional strengths visually in the form of a igure.

use

some principles of art in order to make them stand out, h e making them contrast against the background and having the be dominant compositionally.

Caroline Burnette ‘18 Gains Insight on Victorian-Era Gender Roles and Mental Illness Perceptions Mallory Moore ‘18 Examines Themes of Suicide and Depression in Modern Films Gardner-Webb University alumna, Mallory Moore, of Maurertown, Va., is currently pursuing a master s degree in film studies at the University of Chicago, thanks in part, to her undergraduate research. Mentored by Dr. Teresa Phillips, GWU associate professor of Spanish, Moore investigated

Ideas about Victorian-era gender roles and their association with insanity intrigued a Gardner-Webb University English graduate. Caroline Burnette, of Asheville, N.C., was mentored by Dr. June Hobbs, professor of English and director of Undergraduate Research at Gardner-Webb. Burnette examined the correlation between gender roles and the treatment of mental illness in women during the Victorian era through critical analysis of Charlotte Perkins

VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

STUDENTS

Gilmans classic short story, “The Yellow Wallpaper.” Although she felt fairly confident in what she would discover, Burnettes findings went far beyond her initial expectations. “I came into the program with a fairly-developed idea of what

genre based upon his survey of the field. "I spent a lot of time

I was going to find,” she explained, “but the results changed

offered. I then turned to my own writing and applied some of the

drastically by the time my project was finished. I set out to research

observed techniques. I did a good deal of reading about weapons and survival techniques to make my story believable.”

gender bias, and what I discovered was an entire social movement directed at infantilizing and regressing women, particularly through a medical treatment known as the ‘rest cure’ and bogus diagnoses like ‘hysteria and ‘neurasthenia.’ [These explanations were] designed to further the stereotype that women were fragile, delicate, hysterical and totally dependent on men.”

Hilton focused on completing an original piece of work in the reading other works within the genre to see what techniques other authors employed in shaping their own narratives,” he

For Hilton, the hands-on aspect of the research process was extremely rewarding. “This project presented me with a chance to dive into the world of writing,” he reflected. “I see this as a potential kick-off point for a publishing career and necessary experience should I wish to pursue a teaching licensure in

Summer Byers ‘18

Combines Research Efforts with Creative Writing to Produce Young-Adult Science Fiction English alumna Summer Byers, of Forest City, N.C., studied young-adult science fiction and began developing an original piece of genre fiction. “My research began as an examination of sci-fi feminism,” she explained, “but it slowly evolved to encompass agency, identity, technophobia and post-humanism within the genre.” Byers conducted a genre study and analyzed several young-adult science fiction novels. “I read books such as ‘Never Let Me Go,’ ‘Ender’s Game,’ and ‘Sphere,’ in addition to working on my own novel,” she shared. “Outside of my novel study, I read sources that focused on key themes of the genre—such as identity—and observed how these themes were conveyed in novels.” For Byers, establishing a basic overview of the young-adult science fiction genre and developing a better understanding of the creative writing process revealed new insights within a genre she already loved. “I learned that young-adult science fiction focuses on addressing how advancements in society impact a

Ethan Ramsay,,Ms,„r,T„n,efan

Was It?

young person’s sense of self and understanding of their place in a rapidly-changing world.”

social science. focused his undergcXatT^ch oT“ f" “d time period: the American Revolution

Aaron Hilton ‘18

-ZzsssEss?

Explores Writing Post-apocalyptic Fiction Gardner-Webb University English alumnus Aaron Hilton, of Winston-Salem, N.C., developed an original piece of post-apocalyptic fiction during his research experience. Mentored by Dr. Chris Davis, GWU professor of English, Hilton began his project with an in-depth study of the literature. “As with any genre, post-apocalyptic fiction is a complicated affair with many connections to other genres,” he explained. “I think postapocalyptic narratives are intriguing avenues for self-exploration, which raise meaningful questions about our values and what it means to be human. I discovered some literature that presented unique scenarios and unearthed sub-genres of which I was formerly unaware.”

GARDNER WEBB

•

rdig8ins in to

and through books," elaboratedVRam's "“''''l'’ s“rchinS online N.C. "My biggest challenge°‘ relevant to my future students.”

H pnmary sources PersPectives on the

consider, “Whose American RwolT Studentsf° though tfuUy Ramsey offered, “One of the inte U W3S it? an example, offering true freedom?’ The souC ^ q“eStions is> ‘who was Americans, the decisio„lfX“ ""f/” ^“^an especially after Lord Dunmore’s n

slaves who agreed to fight for the looking back, Britain would have be1^ ^ Ramsey’s insights

.Was complicated, ^°fferin§ freedom tc ^ Native Americans,

to challenge students to reexamine 1 ^ °PPortunities new light. reexamine long-held facts in a brand

received the attention it deserves, according to one research scholar. Gardner-Webb alumnus, Eli Hardin, of Boiling Springs, N.C., decided to focus his research on the factors that led up to thousands of New Orleans’ residents being stranded after the storm. A political science major with a minor in biblical studies, Hardin studied primary documents from the mayor’s office in New Orleans, including correspondence with federal officials. “One key source I used was the transcript of the mayor’s testimony to the U.S. Senate,” Hardin noted. “I also relied on the New Orleans local newspaper, ‘The Times-Picayune,’ to give insight to the information that was being received by locals as the event unfolded. I also relied heavily on the U.S. House of Representatives investigation and report on Hurricane Katrina.” His analysis of the documents led Hardin to wonder if mistakes were made by New Orleans’ officials before the storm. “It was not surprising that the city was not fully evacuated because everyone

Dalton Blackmon ’18

saw that on TV in 2005. What was surprising, however, was the

Uncovers Interesting Information onBiacK Economic Life in the Post-Civil War Era

realization that most of those who remained did not have to, had

Conducting scholarly research is like looking for burie

the city acted differently leading up to the storm.”

treasure,

Which is what Gardner-Webb University graduate Dalton Blackmon uncovered in his study on black economic i e m Atlanta, Ga„ during Reconstruction, 1865-1880. “I chose this topic, because I had done previous research on slavery in

t an a

during which I made many surprising discoveries,” shared Blackmon, who is from Canton, Ga. I wanted to see i w a found in the antebellum times lasted into the Reconstruction

One challenge Blackmon faced was gaining access to the documents he needed. The research center where many materials were housed was unavailable to Blackmon at t e 1m . Instead, he relied on studying archived newspapers t at were accessible online, dissertations related to his topic, an o y directories. He researched and documented living conditions, occupations, business, crime and government contio , Because of the interesting information he uncovered, Blackmo changed his topic to mapping black businesses in^Atlanta dur

Reconstruction. This pivot in his research allowed for a muc

"Xhalmappln^s a major development in the soc^nces, so is racial history in the West and Reconstruction,

Sarah Branch Ramsey wanted to find out what Gardner-Webb University is doing to promote environmental sustainability. Her Undergraduate Summer Research Project looked at six main categories of sustainability practices, and she discovered

covers all three of these.”

Eli Hardin ’18

Studies Hurricane Katrina Evacuation by Analyzing Primary Resources r,

tin

Hurrkane Katrina battered the i gulf ■»>st m

August 2005, and according to the N Weather Service, killed

Louisiana and Mississippi-

Sarah Branch Ramsey ’18 Develops Plan on Environmental Sustainability

the ancj

storm has been ^^^[^olitical lenses reviewed through cul L, nce. A review in the decade plus hasn't of New Orleans evacuation p

that her University is taking steps to reduce energy and water use and decrease carbon dioxide emissions. Ramsey presented her findings at the GWU Life of the Scholar Multidisciplinary Conference. “What GWU can work on most is waste diversion and reduction and the use of chemicals,” noted Ramsey, a Pilot Mountain, N.C., native. "A simple practice that the University can implement is composting, specifically, vermicomposting (the use of worms to break down organic material). This will reduce the waste that

VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

STUDENTS

is being dumped into the landfill and will be beneficial to use as fertilizer and mulch around campus, thereby reducing the

vision tor tne tuture

chemicals used for fertilizer .” Ramsey hopes to use her practical research to help mission

The Gardner-Webb University Undergraduate Research Scholars Program funded a total of 13 student-scholars for the 2018-19 academic program, which represents the greatest number of scholars in the program’s history. June Hobbs, director of Undergraduate Research, has the vision of increasing the research opportunities for GWU students and hopes to facilitate the program’s continued expansion. Without question,” she shared, “these projects are a very important way we can add value to the overall educational experience for our students.”

organizations develop sustainability practices. “I have had one mission organization express interest in the composting aspect of my research, so I would love to be able to support existing organizations in that way as well.”

Rachael Meachem ‘19 Combines Research Efforts with Service-Learning Project to Help Underprivileged Kids Remove Obstacles to Education The knowledge that kids in poverty face unique educational challenges prompted Rachel Meachem to personally investigate deeper questions about the most effective ways to remove obstacles, meet needs, and develop the intellect of low-income, elementary students. A sociology major from Wadesboro, N.C., Meachem presented her research at the GWU Life of the Scholar Multidisciplinary Conference. Her project involved helping underprivileged kids at Graham Elementary School in Shelby, N.C. “My goal was to better understand the obstacles to education in circumstances of poverty,” she explained. “I hoped to give back to the community by illustrating better ways to understand and nurture the needs of students at Graham Elementary School.” Because of their year-round schedule, Graham Elementary was an excellent resource for the service-learning component of her project. “In addition to academics, many students struggle with developmental skills like teamwork, compliance with authority and hyperactivity. I definitely believe this experience has given me knowledge to better understand where people come from and how they manage problems and challenges differently.”

GARDNER-WEBB

•

Alex Simmons Takes the Court as New Women’s Basketball Coach

The Shelbyville, Tenn., native also spent ardner-Webb University named Alex Simmons the head coach of the womens basketball program.

Simmons comes to Gardner-Webb after assistant coaching stints at Ole Miss (2013-2018) and Middle Tennessee State (2010-2013). She also served as a graduate

time as interim head coach at Ole Miss. “I am ecstatic to be the head coach of the women’s basketball team at GardnerWebb University,” said Simmons. This is an opportunity that I have worked for my whole life, and God could not have chosen a better place for me and my

family. The University and surrounding community afford any studentathlete a chance to experience a family atmosphere, along with an opportunity to compete for championships in the Big South Conference. I am very excited for the future of Gardner-Webb womens basketball.”

assistant coach at Kansas (2009-2010). VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

BULLDOG NATION

"This is an opportunity that I haw© worked for my whole life, and God captain and the Lady Vols representative

could not ha¥© chosen a better

on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Simmons was a high school star at one of

place for me and my family/'

the nations most storied prep programs, earning Tennessee Miss Basketball honors at Shelbyville (Tenn.) High in 2004. She earned WBCA All-American honors and played in both the WBCA and McDonald’s All-America Games following her senior season. Simmons was also tabbed an AllAmerica player by Street & Smith’s (2nd team) and was a USA Today and Student ports Junior All-America in 2003. Also an honorable mention Street & Smith s All-America selection in 2001 and 2002, Simmons helped the Golden onnott6S t0 State championships in 2001, 2003 and 2004. she ^ a three_time AU-State selection, four-time All-District choice, and she was named Mid-State Player of the Year in 2003. On the AAU circuit, Simmons was named a 16U All-American in 2003 and AAUNat-61 AAU T

t0 4 thlrd-Place finish at

°nalS and a first-Place finish at

AAU Junior Nationals.

She graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2008 with a degree in exercise Simmons was named to the WBCA Thirty Under Thirty Top Assistant Coaches’ list in 2017 and, as director of recruiting, reeled in three consecutive top20 classes for Ole Miss. She also mentored a pair of All-SEC performers during her time with the Rebels.

Simmons is an established leader on and off the court. While at Middle Tennessee State, Simmons helped the Blue Raiders to three NCAA Tournament appearances during her time on the bench. Her work with the team’s post players produced an

candidates, and we are very pleased to have

honorable mention All-America selection, and in 2011-2012 saw the Blue Raiders grab the most rebounds since 1983.

Alex Simmons on board,” said Vice President for Athletics Chuck Burch. “Her basketball

Simmons’ basketball roots run deeply to the most respected places in the game.

knowledge, her strength of faith, and her overall character provide an excellent fit for

She played collegiately at the University of Tennessee under basketball Hall of Famer Pat Summitt from 2004-2009

“This search produced several very strong

Gardner-Webb University and the studentathletes she will lead. We are also very appreciative of the strong foundation, on and off the court, laid by Coach Rick Reeves during his 14 seasons. He left the program in much better shape than he found it.”

GARDNERWEBB

•

helping the Lady Vols win a pair of NCAA Division I National Championships (2007, 2008). Simmons played on three Final Four squads (2005, 2007-2008) and another

Ch/ t

™mons and her husband,

Her du,act« personality, coachinB u»da„o„a»dhetHperien''Masa^ he

rSl Championsl>‘P level make

Webb President dTS B“dMG"d”'r‘

BULLDOG NATION

Three GWU StudentAthletes Honored by Big South Conference Athletes Received Prestigious Recognition for Academic Achievement BY MARC RABB

Gabrielle Cortese

ardner-Webb saw three student-athletes honored with the 2018 Big South Conference Christenberry Award, the league’s highest academic honor.

The George A. Christenberry Award for Academic Excellence is given annually to the male and female studentathlete with the highest GPA during their undergraduate collegiate careers. A record nine student-athletes from the conference were honored, including three from Gardner-Webb — women’s track 8i field distance runner Gabrielle Cortese (4.00 in exercise science), women’s soccer standout Jessica Ferguson (4.00 in chemistry/Spanish) and men’s track & field runner Keaton Poole (4.00 in business administration).

Cortese, of Palm Bay, Fla., was the 2017 Big South Women s Cross Country Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and was GWU’s top.cross coun ry performer throughout 2017. She set the school record ,n the two-m le run at 12:00.44, and posted Top-10 career times in indoor track competition in the 1,000-meter run (3:20:34), 3,000-meter run (10:38.38) one-mite run (5:20.83), and the 5,000-meter run (18:39.08). Cortese also ra in the Top 10 in the following outdoor events: 1,500-me er run

3,000-meter run (11:02.65), and the 5,000-meter run (18:32.

Kan., appeared ,n .6 matohes with ™ 2017, and scored her lone goal in a 1-1 draw agains came in tire 71st minute and gave Gardner-Webb a took nine shots with four on goal in 834 mrnutes pta*cdu"hg I® * season. For her career, she played in 70 contests with 18 stabs and scored nine goals with six assists for 24 points.

N.C.. was voted Sig South

time in that event in GWU

run (15:40,81), and

10 in the WWrSiUn as well as the outdoor one-mile run (4:29.60) in indoor trac 5,000 meter run (15:57.80).

. ,.e fou,th-co„secutive yea, Gardner-Webb has seen a s,uden,-athlete earn the award The 2017-2018 honorees mark VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

SCENIC IMPRESSIONS •Avk*:.Vi'

GARDNER WEBB1*

6fc{ AV f ±_? 1 /i wijv j «# / pg* vj^r /

)> [

[

■hr

VOMJtyt 53, NUMBER 1, 2018

ALUMNI

Steady in the Storm GWU Alumnus Changes Course to go From FHigh School Drop Out to Senior Engineer BY JACKIE BRIDGES

GARDNER-WEBB

•

“I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, where the wind's like a whetted knife; And all I ask is a tall ship and a star

to steer her by” hese words from “Sea Fever,” by poet John Masefield (1916) have echoed in Glenn Henson s mind

through the challenges in his life. The 92-year-old World War II veteran—who lives in Vienna, W.Va.,—heard the poem recited many times by Phillip Lovin Elliott, president of Gardner-Webb University from 1943 to 1961. Clockwise, Glenn Henson at age 14, before he dropped out of school; at Dupont in 1966; and at Gardner-Webb in 1953 with the counselor for boys, Miss Oster Whisnant Shytle. Henson is the second from the right.

“In chapel, Elliott would say, We ve got some things to do,’ and he would recite the poem,” recalled Henson, a 1953 graduate. “He said the lines with conviction, and it made an impression on me. It meant that he was determined to do something right and to do it well.”

Henson suggested soccer. He helped

The words inspired and resonated with Henson, perhaps because of some difficult

start the league and coached for 15

times in his life: failing the sixth grade,

years. Their community honored

dropping out of high school to serve in

Henson and four veterans by placing

World War II and finishing school after

their pictures on a monument

the war. Seven years before hearing those

owed to return, but would adhere to

words in chapel, a 17-year-old Henson

e same rules as the younger students,

and some friends lied about their ages

mson worked hard, graduated in two

to join the Marines. His unit was headed

ars and he enrolled at the Boiling Springs

for Japan when the atomic bombs were

bool. “Gardner-Webb had good teachers

dropped. The ship was rerouted to North

;0me of the best in the country,” Henson

Ghina, where the soldiers attempted to

ared. “I got a good foundation from the

supervise the transition of power. The

mands that were made. You had to meet

Chinese nationalists welcomed us, but the

quirements for conduct and academics.

Chinese communists didn’t like us,” Henson

Prepared for the next step, Henson went

revealed. “Thirty-two men were killed in my

N C State University in Raleigh, N.C.,

regiment over a three-month period.

ld obtained his bachelor’s in mechanical ^

On the way back home to Rutherford County, N.C., Henson witnessed one more

mneering. He landed a job with DuPont s vannah River Plant, a nuclear facility

from a Chinese prison. They buried him

Aiken S.C. In 1962, he transferred to iew plastics plant built by DuPont in

in the Western Pacific. The somber service

enna, W. Va. He and his wife, Frances

death, a Marine who had been rescued

m joined Vienna Baptist Church, and

chaplains request for the men to write

, volunteered in the community, serving

letters to the soldier’s family, who expected

L boards and lending his expertise to

a joyful reunion, not the devastating news

Once home, Henson worked in a textile mill for a year, and then he and some

during wartime. “He has done so much for this community and this church, and he has done it freely,” praised Dennis Pratt, associate pastor of Vienna Baptist. “I don’t know anybody who doesn’t speak highly of him.” Henson retired from DuPont as a senior engineer after 29 years in Vienna for a total of 37 years with the company. He helped design the machinery to manufacture Teflon, Nylon and Butacite, a plastic that goes inside safety plate windshields. Henson is an example of how engineers solve problems, be it for your ^ career, your community or for yourself. It

is etched in Henson’s mind as well as the

that he wasn’t coming home.

recognizing Gold Star families whose loved ones died while serving in the military

was almost always a challenge,” Henson reflected. “If it didn’t work right, you had to make it work right.” During those trying times at work or in life when things didn t go as planned, Henson recalled the voice of

The couple had four sons, and he coached

tie league baseball. When a city leader ,

starting a new youth sport,

Phillip Lovin Elliott repeating the words, “I must go down to the seas again...”

friends decided to finish school. They weie VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

ALUMNI

Stan Law, GWU alumnus, became president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina in 2017

“Won’t You A be my Neighbor?”

s President and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina in

state—Stan Law^alem~the

largest YMCA in t]

Whenever he stands up ln fro^f “

1985 alumnus of Gardner-WebbU' with people by following the examnl 7!? ~

Stan Law '85 Believes his GWU Liberal Arts Education was Essential for his Immersion into Life Experiences BY JACKIE BRIDGES

emeriJof history

affirmed. “He LTa^torytdW TlTdh®” ^ 8 a.m. classes that were an hn ^? hlm f°r S6Vera long. You were on the edge of and 15 minutes time. He told stories and§ y°Ur S6at the entire I learned that I liked Kstory^T^ * te*Wextreme introvert, my comm,, ^ 35 3 natUral stories. They are my stories Style is tellin speaking about them in pubW fu cornf°rtable presentations in my career

ai aVe made a lot of

the ones about my experiences*°Se ** §° best are bunch of facts.” Versus just stating a

GARDNER-WEBB

1 said, "Dad when i grow up,! wart to He majored in social science and

help people like that/ I mewerr considered doing anything else brt helping people.

played tennis at Gardner-Webb. He liked the size of the University and the campus atmosphere felt right. “I needed an environment where there were not too many distractions,” Law said. “At GWU,

Law has worked in various roles with the Y and moved to his current position in March 2017. The association has a $35 million-dollar budget, 16 branches and provides programs for more than 150,000 adults and children Law is the first African American to hold this position in the

organization’s 128-year history.

He started his Y career in 1990 in his hometown of Charlotte N.C., and has served the organization m Washington. D.C.. Cincinnati, Ohio and Binn.nghain. Ala. The Y’s mission aligned perfect y wi is desire to help people, a passion he embraced as a grader when he noticed other kids in his class pickg on a twin brother and sister who wore the same clothe Totod by what he observed, Law asked his parents

and explained that sometimes, because of choices or an ^ i. rlnn’t have enough money to pay circumstances, Pe°P came back home and my dad the bills and buy clothes. „ recaned “I said, asked me if I had any

le like that; I never

I could balance playing tennis with my studies. The sociology, psychology and history classes were critical to my career, because working in communities I have learned that if you don’t understand the history of the community, you can’t understand the people.” Law believes the classes in Gardner-Webb’s liberal arts core curriculum prepared him for the various responsibilities in his daily schedule. “The diversity of skills that a liberal arts college teaches you has certainly helped me lead the YMCA,” Law assessed. “I average seven to eight meetings a day. One meeting, I could be helping to design a building; the next minute, I could be in a conversation trying to help counsel a kid. The next, I could be trying to set up a partnership with another organization.” The math and economics courses he took at GWU also provided him a foundation to expand his management skills. “I have been blessed to have all these opportunities with the Y, and I learned early on that in a leadership position you don’t have to know everything; you have to know a little bit about everything,” Law reflected. “You have to lean on those who are specialists in a particular area.”

When speaking to groups, Stan Law follows the example of Dr. Tony Eastman, professor emeritus of history, who amazed students with his storytelling.

VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY Major Terri Lopez Homestead ‘07 is First Femsio ™ to Serve as Tactical Crew Director at Fort Gre™y Ateka" DV Mllr'l Dl ICC rADDHI I BY NIKI BLISS-CARROLL

J J

''iQorxd

ardner-Webb University alumna Maj. Terri Lopez Homestead (’07) has never been

one to shy away from adventure. In fact for most of her life, she has engaged in what can only be described as unusual, exciting and even hazardous activities. Her philosophy is “to take advantage of every opportunity that is given”—

gardner-webb

and destroy the nude! ^ an incoming ICBM in it

k’ intercePt

Warhead of

especially when the road ahead seems difficult She is currently stationed at Fort Greely, Alaska and is the first female crew leader for the 49th

outside the earth’s atm!

Missile Defense Battalion of the Alaska National Guard. Her daily mission as a National Guard

Homestead. As a chiMh * Way °f life for the United States from U immi8ratec San Diego, Calif., she le^X*caAfter settling

officer is to defend the United States against

saying is, ’vie tThe 30oT,'7'^ million.’ Our crews arfa7f T*the 300

flight>

365-days-a-year missfon8”^61^ Th'S *S 3 Adventure has always he

excelled in sports—specif6 n° Spea^ Enghsl p Really in track and fi

"If y©y want to be part of a eommymity

Heavy Brigade Combat Team. A few years later, I went to El Salvador as a medical planner for Beyond the Horizons, and upon

that geouyisiely cares about you amd your success* Gardner-Webb is the place to be*

my return, I was selected for an opportunity in Germany” Beyond the Horizons-El Salvador was a U.S. Army South-led humanitarian and civic assistance mission deploying U.S. military engineers and medical

Other individuals at GWU also helped She started pole vaulting in high school and competed in junior college as well. She was attending Cuyamaca Community College (El Cajon, Calif.) when she was recruited to pole vault at Gardner-Webb University. The thought of moving across the country—far away from most of her family and friends—didn’t faze her. In fact, she credits her current career trajectory as a result of specific experiences she had at Gardner-Webb. “If it wasn’t for Teri Hassell [former GWU Instructor of Health Education and

shape and prepare her for the next steps of her journey. “Dr. [Franki] Burch was a phenomenal instructor,” Homestead recalled.

professionals to El Salvador for training and to provide humanitarian services. After transitioning to Stuttgart, Germany,

“I learned so much from her classes, and she

to serve at the European Command as an operations officer, Homestead met her

was always available to answer and explain

husband, who was from Alaska. In 2014,

any questions I had. Capt. William Nicholson

the couple decided to move to Anchorage

was an outstanding professor of Military

to be near his daughter.

Science and prepared me to be the best soldier I could be. He mentored me on how to be a successful officer.” She has always enjoyed helping people and planned to pursue Physician Assistant (PA)

“I had my first child in February 2017—around the same time I was selected to come to Fort Greely, Alaska, to become the senior tactical director for Echo Crew at the 49th Missile Defense Battalion,” she offered. “I learned that I am the first female tactical director at Fort Greely. Our rigorous training is validated on a continuous basis through both scheduled and no¬

Physical Education], I don’t think I would be an officer,” Homestead shared. I was an

studies. While at GWU, she majored in health and wellness and minored in military science. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 2007 and,

enlisted soldier in the Army Reserves when

instead of going to PA school, became a medical

I came to Gardner-Webb. Ms. Hassell was

operations officer in the National Guard. She

a lieutenant colonel in the National Guard,

traveled the globe, serving U.S.-led humanitarian

and she motivated me to join GWU s ROTC

efforts in Central America and Europe. “I deployed to Iraq in 2009 as an evacuation

hopes to complete another 10 years in

and treatment platoon leader in the 30th

the military and then retire from service. Whether in uniform as “Major,” or on the

[Reserve Officer Training Corps] program. She mentored me throughout my journey both as a student and as a cadet.

notice evacuations with scenarios that emphasize operational realism.” She

home front as “Mom, Homestead believes her time at Gardner-Webb helped set the stage for every adventure and opportunity that followed. “If you want to be part of a community that genuinely cares about you and your success, Gardner-Webb is the place to be; she encouraged. “The teachers are awesome, the coaches are great, and life on campus is very positive. Definitely put GWU on the top of your list.” She hopes the next generation will dig deep, push hard, and reap the rewards that only perseverance and dedication can bring. “It may be difficult to see the positive in some of the opportunities you may be given,” she shared, “but at the end of the day, those difficult roads may lead you to the best opportunity of your life. Don’t get comfortable. Always push to be a better version of yourself.

VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

GARDNER-WEBB

•

Roka finished ter incredlibl® s@D© sworn oou H 2 tolars, 13 miutioftes ate S3 s®c©inds, making ter the 10th fes« swommer of

48 successful crossings ion 2011

“Athletes who get this place. Value the education. Desire to get better athletically, but most importantly, have character and integrity. Heather definitely had all three. She fell in love with this place, and we knew she was a fantastic fit for Gardner-Webb.” She made the crossing with the

Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation. Her toughest ith each stroke through the 64-degree waters of the English Channel, Heather Roka, a 2008 Gardner-Webb University alumna thought about

challenges were the cold water and swimming about five hours in the dark. Her crew—sister Lyndsey, friend Isabel (both former GWU swimmers) and Isabel’s husband, Dean—

all the people in her life who inspire her. Ro a inis e

gave her warm soup and drinks. To maintain her mental

her incredible solo swim in 12 hours, 13 “d 53 seconds, making her the 10th fastest sw mme of 48

focus, she thought about her patients: teens with spinal cord

successful crossings in 2017. The about crossing the channel when she was a membero ^ GWU swim team. She has trained since according

amputee. “All of these people have undergone a traumatic situation that has forever changed their life, and yet it is

feat accomplished by only 1,832 solo swimmers. to Dover.UK.com.

injuries, adults recovering from strokes, and a 70-year-old

g j tide

About 300 meters off the Eokaanfher dream. with a strong rip current came be w mg mentaily>” “The last 90 minutes of the swim nea y ks it

inspiring how many embrace all the challenges I can throw at them,” Roka described. “They work so hard, pushing past sweat, tears, frustration and pain. Without saying anything, these people encourage me to do more and try harder. Since crossing the channel, Roka has taken a permanent job in her hometown of Fort Myers, Fla. She’s training for her next

she confessed. "When I finally pulled »nyself^f ^ ^ ^

major swim, a four-day, four-lake swim for a total of 40 miles

was mainly just an overwhelming se

in Arizona in April 2019. “It will be a cold-water swim, so I am

It took about 24

excited to tackle a different type of challenge,” she informed. Roka has also competed in swims to raise money for an orphanage in Bolivia and to help cancer patients pay for

Roka felt blessed

wait for the next challenge. In the months because of everything thath PP

the attempt therapist

possible. She has an ideal job as a

F X

their treatments. “I am also doing the Swim Across the Sound in New York/Connecticut, which is 15 miles and is a fundraiser for the St. Vincent Society focusing on helping people cover medical expenses due to cancer. As I work in healthcare, I see firsthand how often insurance falls short in

and randomly met two channel expe^ ^ rampleted the

covering those huge bills.”

MacDonald, lives 10 mi.<MacDonald helped with my channel swim a record t and then helped

like pacing and focusing on techniques, but also instilled

training, has provided unen ing En jand » R0ka praised. guide and reassure me w 1 e w d b the huge “I have also been overwhelmed and bl amount of support from so many of

and friends.”

, M..

always had an incredible wo•

^ ^ student„

Simpson built a winning P

Simpson is not

Roka said swimming at GWU taught her the basics, something more. “The team taught me how to learn to love a challenge, and the wonderful lifetime friendships formed during hours of training, bus rides and meets still impact my life on a daily basis,” she affirmed. “The only reason I even attempt these swimming challenges is because of the love of swimming and all the positive memories. Upon graduation, I found myself unable to walk away from e swimming world. No words will ever describe how grateful I am that Coach Simpson decided I could be a valuable par o the GWU team and family.

^ academic

athletes who are also honoie uegjnning to find excellence. ”We decided from great fits for Gardner-Webb, Simp VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

ALUMNI

THROWING STRIKES

Former GWU Pitcher Alyssa Gutierrez ’14 Embraces Risk-taking and Encourages Others to Explore Life Beyond the Comfort Zone

lyssa Gutierrez is no stranger to

pressure. The 2014 Gardner-Webb

mversity alumna was a force of steelv rescue aS a pitcher for the Lady Bulldogs 7

that hard work reaps multiple dividends Bom in San Antonio, Texas, Gutierrez and her family later relocated to Wake Forest of high sSeA£tS,0ftba" ,OU' ye“S reached a fork-in the f yCar' Gutlerrez

upcoming decisions

BY NIKI BLISS-CARROLL

^ key

The summer before m„ „ high school was one of recounted. “Was I gn'

Was I going to a J

•

^ °f and Strife’” she

g t0 3 State school?

about softball? V^dVl^0017 WHat at do I want to study?

GARDNER-WEBB

•

After some contemplation and deep prayer, I knew where I was supposed to be, and it was Gardner-Webb. Every time I visited campus, I had a peaceful feeling that made me realize it was home.” While at GWU, she majored in communication studies with a concentration in public relations, because it incorporated all of her favorite things: writing, media relations, and talking with people. I m so lucky to have found this field because it is always evolving, and as someone who loves a challenge, it never ceases to keep me on my toes,” Gutierrez related. Her university experience shaped her next steps and prepared her for graduate school at East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville,

fazed by a high amount of work due within

BBBs across the country learn how to reach

a looming deadline, the level of difficulty of

the Spanish-speaking demographic. “Our

an assignment, or the challenge of taking

team won the Best Overall Communications Award and Best Outreach Program Award at BBB’s annual national meeting,”

on something new. My GWU professors had a knack for taking school assignments and making them relevant to the ‘real world.’ As a result, my transition from school to work was seamless.” At ECU, Gutierrez served as a communications intern at the Brody School of Medicine (BSOM) and a teaching assistant in the School of Communication. “As a teaching assistant, I had the opportunity to help launch and run the Speech Communication Center that was designed

she explained. “This was an incredible accomplishment since we were competing with nearly 100 other BBBs across the U.S., Canada and Mexico!” Although she loves where she is currently working, she still holds a torch for highered communications and hopes to work in that sector again in the future. “As a communications intern at GWU, I wrote a feature story about a young girl who became

to help all students across campus with their

a single mom while a college student,”

presentations,” she shared. “I also taught a

she recalled. “She defied the stigmas and

Public Speaking course. Both roles offered

stereotypes by graduating on time with

N.C. “My classes at GWU helped me excel in both grad school and in my professional

tremendous insights into the field that I

field,” she offered. “Because of how I was prepared at Gardner-Webb, I have never been

After graduating from ECU with a Master of Arts in Communication in 2015 Gutierrez became the director of communications for the Better Business

the love and support of her family and the University community. While at ECU, I was able to give a voice to the second- and third-

could not have received otherwise.”

Bureau (BBB) - Eastern N.C. Division. Responsible for covering one-third of the state of North Carolina, she oversees the communication department, which handles BBB advertising, media relations, and community outreach. “We have made it our mission to inform both businesses and consumers about the importance of trust in the marketplace. We have also made an effort to expand all BBB services to our Spanish-speaking community as well. Gutierrez and her team developed and executed a national conference to help other

year medical students who created and ran a free clinic for the underprivileged in the Greenville area. I want to share those stories and let the world know how incredible our young adults can be.” Stepping off the pitchers mound into new territory wasn’t easy for Gutierrez, but she has never regretted the risks she has taken. “I would have to say the best advice I can give is to get out of your comfort zone early and often,” she reflected. “Try new things, go to new places, and meet new people. If you get out of your comfort zone early, then it will become normal and trying new things won’t be uncomfortable anymore.”

"My GWU professors had a knack

for taking school assignments and making them relevant to the 'real

world.' As a result, my transition from school to work was seamless. VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

THE ASSSES"?BY NIKI BLISS-CARROLL

MIRACLE

SEASON

GWU Alumna Anna Pashkova 16 Reflects on Lessons of Friendship, Loss and Perseverance 40

GARDNER-WEBB

•

Gardner-Webb University alumna.

In 2010, Anna Pashkova (’16) anrl h Schoolvoneyban teammates

tat

Championship. A record-sett-intr vu

^ ^tate

Runnin’ Bulldogs, Pashkova remembers Ifo) ^ of that 2010 high school season. She dso re gut-wrenching news that shocked the entire f' ^ commumty on August 11 9011 ■ ntlre Iowa City start of her senior year •2011-just weeks before the

The team’s star—setter Caroline “LW-p j tragicaUy killed in a moped accident Th f °Und~Was The Miracle Season"—released earl •

ieahxre

the story of how the remaining playemba Und6r the 8**®* of their tough-love

~tells

against their rival, City High School, at the 2011 State Championship. In a point-by-point showdown, West High emerged victorious after a successful shot down the line to secure the win in the fifth set. “The feeling was almost indescribable. It was such a huge mix of bittersweet feelings,” offered Pashkova. “There was excitement with such a big comeback and relief that we had done it, and it was finally over. It was emotional because of everything that had built up from losing ‘Line’ and the fact that she wasn’t there with us.” After such an incredible and emotionallyraw season, Pashkova wasn’t sure if she wanted to continue playing volleyball in “Kelley was previously an all around Bresnahan—played by Oscar-winner

player—she could play as a hitter, in the

Helen Hunt—in a successful quest to win a

back row, and she had good technical setting

consecutive state title in Found’s memory.

skills,” Pashkova recalled. “She still had to

“Finding out the story would become a

learn the ‘ins and outs’ of being a setter

major motion picture was a long process,

which is a position typically developed over

and so it was something we all soaked in

several years. She just had a few weeks.”

over time,” Pashkova shared. “Producers

The movie depicts a turning point in the

started approaching our coach and the

season where the team began to really click,

Found family soon after the 2011 season.

and they realized they may have a shot at

Overall, I think the producers did a good

state after all. “The first few games were

job of capturing the main story behind

pretty messy,” said Pashkova. “Once Kelley

the movie. We hope it is inspiring to

became our setter, things started coming together, and we started winning games.

many people.” Academy Award-winner William Hurt

It was a battle the entire season, but the

plays Found’s father, Ernie, who had to

drive to keep going and striving for the wm

process not only the death of his youngest

together and for ‘Line’ pushed us forward. Game by game, the West High team

daughter, but also the loss of his wi e,

yn>

to cancer just 10 days later. Pashkova isn

marched ahead and managed to face off

college. “I actually went on my visit to Gardner-Webb in the middle of my senior season,” she reflected. “I wasn’t planning on playing, but what captivated me about GWU was the close-knit community that felt like home and resembled the community of support we had created in Iowa.” She earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from GWU in 2016. Now a graduate student at Ohio State University (OSU), Pashkova is studying medical dietetics and hopes to become a registered dietician. She will complete the OSU program in 2019. “My time at GWU reinforced the incredible benefits of a small community. It was so beneficial for my education, and I had the most amazing professors and advisor—Dr. Jeff Hartman—while I was there,” Pashkova declared. “We had difficult volleyball seasons

sure she truly understood the magnitu e o

in a different way than I had experienced the team’s loss until the season was over,

before, but this also served as a teaching had never experienced the death o some

point in itself to continuously keep trying I knew before,” she reflected. “As a team’ we just knew we had to stick toge

be there for each other more than ever, even slept at each other’s homes for the couple of weeks, because we didn t wan be apart.”

and never give up throughout the journey. Overall, the lessons she has learned through her high school and college experiences have prepared her for whatever may come in the future. I ve realized that things aren’t always easy, and unexpected

While the team continued to grieve,

life events are bound to happen,” she

Coach Bresnahan was working to s

season. She no longer earned any

ope

respond to and deal with it. Line was a

West High would be competitive enou0

great example of how to live life to the

advance to playoffs-le. alone mate t d the

fullest with passion—-and to continually live

way to another title "“tch,U'® Jlp fehleir,

in the present.”

explained. “We have a choice in how we

selected Found’s best friend, Kelley to become the team s setter.

VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1 f 2018

1960s

the airport “Concord-Padgett Regional Airport.” Before serving as Concord’s

Steve Poston ‘66 has been named to the Wingate Sports Hall of Fame class of 2017 at

mayor, the Gardner-Webb graduate served on City Council from 1995-2001. In addition to 27 years of elected leadership, his service in Concord extends back over

Wingate (N.C.) University. The Gardner-Webb

40 years with a career as a public-school

graduate has given 46

and Beverly Hills Elementary Schools.

years of service to Wingate,

educator and principal at Coltrane-Webb He will continue his public service to

while serving as the director of athletics since 2001 and as a

North Carolina after being appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper to the Local

vice president for over 20 years. He began

Government Commission.

Harris, helping the Bulldogs to a 6-2-2 mark in 1968. Washburn embarked upon a successful coaching career after his playing days were complete. He coached at the highest levels of Division I football, but made his most significant impact as one of the game’s most well-respected defensive hne coaches in the NFL. The Shelby N C native coached 18 total seasons in the Du hW?r,klng With the Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions and lami Dolphins. He was named Defensive Assistant Coach of the Year by Pro Football

as the head baseball coach at Wingate, leading the squad for seven years while earning league Coach of the Year honors twice and picking up a nod for Region

is the author of “Parent’s Guide to Youth Basketball and Beyond.” Cantwell played

Coach of the Year. Poston led the Bulldogs

basketball at GWU under Eddie Holbrook,

to a pair of conference championships.

and went on to serve as assistant coach

saw seven of his linemen earn Pro Bowl

During his time as the Director of Athletics

for Bobby Cremins, legendary coach of

onors during his career, with that group accounting for 15 total Pro Bowl selections.

Kevin Cantwell ’69

Weekly in 2000 and was chosen by Sports Illustrated scribe Peter King as Assistant Coach of the Year in 2008. Washburn

(AD), Wingate has won the SAC Echols

Appalachian State, Georgia Tech, and,

Athletic Excellence Cup 12 times, more than any other school in league history.

most recently, the College of Charleston. Based on Cantwell’s years of experience

JuHan “Doc” Crocker Davis ‘75

Wingate has added six sports in his time (mens swimming, womens lacrosse, men’s and womens indoor and outdoor track and field). The Bulldogs rank first in

as a player, college coach and recruiter,

was inducted into

the book helps parents who have children playing at any stage of pre-high school or high school basketball. For more

the GWU Gallery of

NCAA Division II Academic All-America producing colleges since Poston became the AD. Under Poston’s direction, Wingate

information about the book, visit his

Distinguished Alumni. A resident of Spartanburg, S.C., he is a 1975 graduate

website, www.kevincantwellbasketball.com Books are available at Amazon.com.

of GWU with a Bachelor of Science in Health and

is the SAC leader in conference titles, SAC Scholar-Athletes, SAC Presidents’ Award

Physical Education. He

1970s

winners, conference Players of the Year and Academic All-America honorees. The Bulldogs picked up the first NCAA team title in a SAC-sanctioned sport in 2016 when the men’s soccer team took home the title. J. Scott Padgett ‘67 has been recognized for his leadership and legacy to the city of Concord, N.C.

Jim Washburn ‘73 was inducted into the

was th FT- BuUd°gS in 1973> which ir l WlnningSeasonin^uior

Gardner-Webb Athletics Hall of Fame Class. A

football

^ u aViS C°aChed hl§h school

football m South Carolina for 35 years 25

former offensive tackle, Washburn developed a reputation as one of the

including five atate^ch^pi^g^j^^^^61’

Gardner-Webb football

was named State Coach of theYear sbf

Concord in December 2017. The Concord

program s stalwarts during his time in Boiling Springs, starring on the line in both the junior college and

City Council unanimously voted to rename

senior college eras. He started his career

Padgett completed four terms as Mayor of

1971 to 197?r 1ferman in f00tba11 from for the R WaS StartinS quarterback

s™0fretT^neHigh Athletic Coaches As'J^ S°Uth Carolina and the South ^ Association Hall of Fame

gardner-webb

•

^ C°aches

Jennifer Mincey Stepp ‘86 was elected to the City

1980s

Council of Gastonia, N.C., Dr. Barbara R. Blackburn

serving Ward 5, the ward her father served when

’82 and ’87 has just released the third version of

she was a child. She has a Bachelor of Science

her bestselling book, “Rigor is NOT a Four Letter Word.” In this practical resource, Blackburn defines rigor and gives tools that teachers can use

content areas, grades and subjects. for educators that focus on rigor, motivation, instruction and leadership. A sought-after consultant, she was an award-winning professor at Winthrop University and has taught students o all ages. She was named as one of the Top 30 Education Gurus in the world for 2017 by Global Gurus. Her books are available online from her publish

including 11 times Southeastern Deaf Golf Champion, twice National Deaf Golf Champion, twice National

onda McCraw ‘87 retired from Cleveland

Blackburn has authored 18 books

Deaf Golf Champion, five times BayState Deaf Golf Champion, and

works part time as a reading tutor with CCS. She has also served as a volunteer with Hospice

Deaf golf champion for several other

irs. She was a teacher assistant from 78-1986, and a classroom teacher

com and other major bookstores.

m 1987-2009 in grades K-4. She

For more information, visit the website, BarbaraBlackburnOnline.com.

;ame the Title I Lead Teacher in 2009 d served children in this capacity as Leading Intervention Specialist until

Daniel Calhoun Johnson Jr. ‘82 was posthumously

r retirement. McCraw also taught

inducted into the GWU

mmer school and was the summer ,raCy teacher/coordinator for several

Alumni. Johnson never let his deafness prevent

irs. While working for CCS, she served o years as a teacher representative for rdner-Webb’s Educational Committee,

Gallery of Distinguished

him from following

e received the following awards: iling Springs Elementary Teacher of

God’s call to serve in ministry. He completed

- Year, Boiling Springs Elementary ape Award, CCS Risk Watch Educator the Year (two years), North Carolina ;k Watch Educator of the Year Carolina

his Bachelor of Arts at Gardner-We in 1982, after learning about the

University’s new deaf program. on to New Orleans Theological Semin for his Master of Divinity, completing his degree in 1985. He was awarded his Docifof Ministry in 2008 at Word University's Beeson School o > in Homewood, Ala. He served as pasM for the Deaf and as a strategic church planter. Additionally, he opera e a field worker and missionary Baptist Association of Greatei Orleans and the Louisiana Baptis Convention. He passed away Jan-

Up, six times Connecticut State

in Shelby, N.C., and

of Cleveland County

www.routledge.com, Amazon,

Deaf Golf Runner Up, twice Northeast Deaf Golf Champion, twice Northeast Deaf Golf Runner

County Schools (CCS)

Wendover (Shelby, N.C.) for several ,

Inc. in Stoughton, Mass. He has

education from Gardner-

First ARP.

be incorporated immediately across

Distinguished Alumni in 2002. A resident of Raynham, Mass., Vaughn is employed as a job developer/career counselor at TEMPUS Unlimited

degree in early childhood

service, arts, sports and her church,

their classrooms. The strategies can

1982 to 1986. He was named a GWU

won numerous golf championships,

Webb. She is also involved in community

every day to raise the level of rigor in

was a member of the golf team from

Ws Channel 14 Teacher of the Week, do’s Who in America’s Teachers «*), and Cleveland County Schools AR teacher. Her poem, They Call Her th; was published in Carolina Women

states. He was also inducted into the Southeastern Deaf Golf Association Hall of Fame in 2007.

1990s Carol Lynn Sisk *90 has released “Fidget,” a fun-filled, action-packed memoir of adventures. Sisk is a retired public high school music and drama teacher and a summa cum laude graduate of Gardner-Webb. Currently, she serves as the music director for her church and as an in-house musician at a local funeral home. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Sisks new book tells the story of the authors childhood as a fidgety, mischievous girl. During her childhood, Sisk spent time in both the North and South, where she learned the customs and dialects of several geographical regions. The authors heritage, speech, mannerisms, neighbors, friends and acquaintances— combined with historical events of the time period—create a fun-filled, actionpacked memoir of adventures. Through it all, however, Gods providence and guidance are always

ughn ‘87 ;ted into the 2017 United af Golf Association Hall He received a Bachelor of •0m Gardner-Webb and

evident in the life of Fidget. The book is available in bookstores or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, Kobo or Barnes and Noble.

16,2011.

VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

CLASS ACTS

Kimberly Wilson Capps *91

most accomplished performer in his

McKay lives in Atlanta, Ga., and is a

graduated from New Orleans Baptist

sport. Short, who lives in Hendersonville,

freelance broadcaster. He was a member

Theological Seminary in December

N.C., won a combined 54 matches"over a two-season span in 1997 and 1998,

of the GWU football team from 1997 -

2017 with a MACE and concentration in childhood education. Since 2006, she has

twice qualifying for a berth in the NCAA

served at the preschool minister at Tulip

Division II National Championships.

Grove Baptist Church in Old Hickory,

Short posted a 27-7 mark in 1997 along

Tenn. She received a Bachelor of Arts in

with 57 takedowns to earn his first

history from Gardner-Webb.

berth to the national championships. He finished eighth in Fargo, N.D., to earn

Charlie Harbison ‘95

NCAA Division II All-America honors.

was named assistant coach for the Arizona Cardinals

Short followed with 27 more wins in 1998, qualifying again for the national

of the National Football

championships. He helped Gardner-Webb

League (NFL). A native

to a No. 26 team finish nationally that

of Shelby, N.C., Harbison

season. In high school, Short earned state

was hired as assistant

Wrestler of the Year honors in 1994. He

defensive backs coach in

was also Junior National Greco Roman

2018 by Cardinals’ Head Coach Steve Wilks, who spent the past six seasons as a coach for the Carolina Panthers. Harbison played college football at GWU for four seasons (1978 - 1981) and signed as a free agent with the Buffalo Bills in 1982. He spent two seasons playing

Champion in 1994. After completing his career at Gardner-Webb, Short continued to wrestle competitively and became the first GWU student-athlete to compete in the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2000.

Communications. This book explores the goodness that this life has to offer. Through situations in his life, McKay realized that God and Jesus make the impossible, possible, and God is known to make a way out of no way. The book is available from Outskirts Press (outskirtspress.com) and Amazon.com. Justin Scot Alston ‘03 was posthumously inducted into the GWU Gallery of Distinguished Alumni. Alston graduated from GWU in 2003 with a degree in sports management and physical education. His chief joy was coaching and refereeing intramural

for the Boston/New Orleans Breakers of

was inducted into the GW

the United States Football League (USFL).

Gallery of Distinguished

As an assistant coach, he has enjoyed a

Alumni. Rev. Dr. Brownin

robust career in a variety of collegiate

is a theologian, ethicist

programs including Gardner-Webb

and activist who studies

University, University of Texas-El Paso

1999. He received a Bachelor of Arts in

games at Gardner-Webb. Alston put his all into coaching intramurals. He would always have a prayer with the team after the game, win or lose. He served on the Student Alumni Council, was the Commuter

(Tuscaloosa, Ala.), Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, La.), Mississippi State University (Starkville, Miss.), Auburn

community-based responses to injustice. A 1999 graduate of GWU, Browning teaches seminary students at McAfee School of Theology at Mercer

University (Auburn, Ala.), Clemson University (Clemson, S.C.), and University

University in Atlanta, Ga. As an assistant professor of contextual ministry, she

of Louisiana-Lafayette (Lafayette, La.). He

teaches courses in practical ministry,

I level. He was an active member of

earned his Bachelor of Science in Business

community development, and communit organizing. For nearly 20, her study and

Southeast Baptist Church (SEBC) in

1995. He and his wife, Tammy, are strong

fieldwork has been tied to East Africa He

a volunteer coach at the University

supporters of Gardner-Webb, serving as Bulldog Club Lifetime members and

book, “Risky Marriage: HIV and Intimate Relationships in Tanzania,” builds on

of North Carolina at Greensboro when he passed away on Jan. 17,

fieldwork completed in Mwanza Tanz^ Closer to home, she has been active in

Alston LIFE Award is given by the

(El Paso, Texas), University of Alabama

Administration from Gardner-Webb in

endowed scholarship donors. James Short ‘98

and activities. He enrolled at High Point (N.C.) University to obtain a master’s degree with hopes of coaching basketball at the Division

Greensboro, N.C., and was serving as

2004. Each year the Justin Scot

death penalty abolitionist work in Georgj

Student Alumni Council and the

was inducted into the Gardner-Webb Athletics

2000s

Office of Alumni Relations in memory of Alston. The award recognizes a

Hall of Fame. The first Gardner-Webb wrestler

Michael McKay ’00

spirit Alston showed in his devotion

Short finished his career

has published his second book of poems, "Positive Poems &

to God, Gardner-Webb and others Additionally, SEBC remembered

in Boiling Springs as the

Perspectives

Alston by naming the church sports field in his memory.

to receive this honor,

Committee chairman, and was involved in many other GWU clubs

GARDNER WEBB

•

GWU senior who embodies the same

The Goodness of Life.'

Erin Boyd Odom ’03 recently published “More Than Just Making It” and “You Can Stay Home With Your Kids” with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Odom blogs at thehumbledhomemaker.com and is the author of four other books designed

A native of Ninety Six,

initiative supported by Cleveland

S.C., he emerged as a

County Schools, Partners Behavioral Health Management, and Cleveland County government. He is the pastor of New Zion Baptist Church in

star in 2002, earning Big South Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors and Division I-AA All-America honors after leading Gardner-

to equip and encourage mothers in the trenches. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Spanish from GardnerWebb. “More Than Just Making It” tells the story of Odom and her family s financial breaking point, as well as the triumph of their comeback. It took hard work, creativity, and faith in God s

was inducted into the Gardner-Webb

campaign up with a better one, repeating

Athletics Hall of Fame. A native of Potter Valley, Calif., she was named Northeast Conference (NEC) Most

as Big South Conference Defensive Player of the Year and earning another round of Division I-AA All-America accolades. His senior season was cut short by injury, but Williams still earned All-Big South Conference honors for the

well as their hearts, but ultimately, they

third consecutive season. When he was

found a new way to thrive and freedom

finished, Williams totaled 326 career tackles - which remains the top total in

online via Amazon.com and other

program history for a defensive back. He also broke up 35 passes - including a career-high 15 in 2003 - which is the top career mark in Gardner-Webb history.

major bookstores. Todd Anthony Picou ‘03 was inducted into

Williams went on to enjoy a successful

the GWU Gallery of Distinguished Alumni. Picou earned his Master of

Terra Wilson ‘07

Webb to a 9-1 record and a final top-20 national ranking. Williams followed that

provision to reset their bank account as

from financial anxiety. It is available

Spindale, N.C.

professional career in Germany, beginning in NFL Europe with the Frankfurt Galaxy.

Outstanding Swimmer three times and won a combined 22 conference titles in her four seasons in the pool. In addition to her individual success, Wilson sparked Gardner-Webb to four NEC team championships in four seasons. In 2006, Wilson earned NCAA Division I honorable mention All-America honors after qualifying for nationals as a junior in the 200m free. She returned to the NCAA Division I National Championships in 2007, finishing sixth in the 200m free to

Business Administration

earn Division I All-America honors.

from Gardner-Webb in

Wilson also earned honorable mention All-America honors in the 100m free

Christopher “Chris” Gash ’07, 16

2003. He grew up in South

was inducted into

Louisiana and earned his Bachelor of Arts in accounting from

the GWU Gallery of Distinguished

Louisiana State University in 1^8 1997 Picou co-founded Hospice aie o

Alumni. A resident of Kingstown, N.C.,

South Carolina, LLC, the largest hospice

Gash graduated from

provider in the state of South Carolina.

GWU in 2007 with

In 2000, he co-founded the Hospice and

a bachelor’s degree

Palliative Care Foundation, a 501WW organization that has provided o

hology and in 2016 with a -of Divinity. As an undergrad,

$100,000 to help those with speci needs at the end of their lives. In 201 , the company expanded to the state

,ed on the men’s basketball

of Georgia, creating Hospice Care o Georgia LLC. He currently serves on the

\J\J men’s basketball team. He

Public Policy Committee for the

md County, serving as mayor n in Kingstown from 2013Sash currently serves on the ind County Schools Diversity

a io

Hospice and Palliative Care Organiza Mario Williams ‘03

was inducted into the Gardner-Webb Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 201 _■ A former prep quarterback,

He currently operates Chiistover ics and serves as chaplain foi

e youngest politician elected in

itteeandthe GWU Alumni He is community coordinator Cleveland Strong Project, term health improvement

that season. She went on to success after her Gardner-Webb career was complete, becoming the first swimmer in school history to compete at U.S. Olympic Trials in 2008. Tayuasiee L. Dewberry ‘09 Mrnmammm was inducted into the GWU Gallery of Distinguished Alumni. She has two degrees from GardnerWebb: a bachelors in business administration in 1997 and her master’s in counseling with an education specialist certification in 2009. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in North Carolina. As executive director of Right Moves for Youth, a non-profit program focused on dropout prevention and youth

earned his reputation as a har safety very early in Boiling Pr VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

CLASS ACTS

development in Charlotte, N.C., Dewberry

expertise in childcare. The N.C. Child

works to develop potential in today’s

Care Commission is responsible for

youth. With that same passion, she also

adopting rules to implement the childcare laws established by the N.C. General Assembly.

serves as a business mentor and consultant to teach, build and empower other professionals across various disciplines. She is a 2016 recipient of the Z. Smith Reynolds Sabbatical, a prestigious honor

professor of nursing and simulation/lab/ clinical coordinator at Mars Hill (N.C.) University. In addition to his responsibilities as clinical coordinator, Tucker teaches medical/surgical classes, assists in the skills labs, and coordinates simulation experiences.

awarded to non-profit executives with a track record of phenomenal leadership, strategic planning and non-profit vision, and organizational growth. George B. Jackson (’09) has published his third book, “Ordination Training for Bi-Vocational Clergy.” Jackson serves as pastor of Citadel of Faith Christian Fellowship in Thomasville, N.C. The 150-page book is designed to guide licensed preachers in preparing for catechism

Michelle Taylor Skipper ‘13

leading to ordination or holy orders. Non-denominational in approach, the manual is an easy-to-understand road map answering the most basic questions: How do I implement

is a recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service, the highest honor a state employee may

ministry, and what tools will I need to

after flooding caused by Hurricane

serve God and His people? The book

Matthew in October 2016. Her efforts

is a byproduct of Jackson’s doctoral

extended to her neighbors and others

project at Gardner-Webb. It is full of personal insights and directions for

who were stranded in town when major roads became impassable. Skipper

body for the ports in Wilmington and

administering the sacraments and

earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice

development across the state through

special ceremonies germane to the modern church. For more information, contact Citadel of Faith Christian Fellowship at (336) 476-7218, e-mail

(DNP) at GWU in 2013. She is a clinical associate professor and director of the DNP program in the College of Nursing at East Carolina University (ECU) in

the ports. The Gardner-Webb graduate was previously a news producer with

cfcf01@>triad.twcbc.com, or visit the

Greenville, N.C. She is a Family Nurse

website citadeloffaith.net.

Practitioner (FNP) with nearly 20 years

o provide updates on N.C. Ports She

of experience, working primarily in rural

works with local, state and international

family practice and OB-GYN settings in Scotland County, N.C.

media partners to promote the latest

2010s

receive. She was recognized for helping with relief efforts in St. Pauls, N.C.,

Kim McClure ‘13

is communications manager for North Carolina State Ports Authority (N.C. ts). The organization is the managing Morehead City, and promotes economic

Spectrum News in Raleigh, N.C. A resident of Wilmington, she frequently travels to speak at community events aimed

XpraxePortsofwiimington

has been appointed to the

Charles Tucker ‘13

N.C. Child Care

was honored as one of America’s Best in

Commission. McClure is the District Executive

Nursing by The American Health Council. With almost three decades in the

Director of the Davie and

healthcare industry, Tucker earned a

director of finance for Hughes Agency, a full-

Yadkin Family YMCAs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and

service public relations,

within the YMCA of

subsequently a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2013 from Gardner-Webb. He also gained his certification as a Nurse

marketing, advertising

Northwest North Carolina. Her career spans more than 20 years and includes time working in YMCA operations, with a particular

Educator from the National League for Nursing. He is presently an associate

and event management hrm m Greenville, S.C.

10yearSof«periil“'TmOr"l,a" accounting, public accounttag^d tax

GARDNER WEBB

•

preparation. Before joining Hughes Agency, she was an accounting and tax manager for a small CPA firm, and an adjunct accounting professor at North Greenville University in Tigerville, S.C. Miles holds a Master of Accountancy degree from Gardner-Webb. She is a member of Delta Mu Delta International Business Honors Society. April Guenzler ‘13, ‘16 has been named 2018 National Magnet School Teacher of the Year. She is a teacher at Brooks Museums Magnet Elementary in the Wake County (N.C.) School System and was selected from a group of eight regional teachers of the year. Guenzler received her Master of Arts in Elementary Education from GWU in 2013 and earned a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from GWU in 2016. Sarah Lynch ‘16 has been hired as the director of the Kings Mountain (N.C.)

Jack Weller ‘17 received the 2017 Board Member of

in a $60,000 renovation of the main

Historical Museum. Lynch earned a Bachelor

the Year Award recently at the North

club. As part of a long-range plan developed in 2010, Weller co-chaired

of Arts in History from Gardner-Webb and completed her Master of Arts in Museum Studies from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. She has experience from working/serving at seven other

Carolina Area Council Leadership Conference of the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Carolina held in Raleigh. Weller, board president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland County, N.C., was recognized for his long and significant contributions to the Boys

museums and historic sites, including

& Girls Club Movement and North Carolina youth. Weller, a member of

the Earl Scruggs Center, the Boiling

the board since 1994, has served as its

Springs Museum, the Edgar Allen

president since 2002. Weller obtained a renovation grant from the Lowes Education Foundation that resulted

Museum, and most recently, Yor Minster in the United Kingdom. ohn R. Wright ‘17 as co-authored “Dio Chrysostomis ingship Oration 1-An Advanced reek Reader with a New Trans ation ith Dr. Fredrick J. Long, prof*jsor o ew Testament and director o istruction at Asbury Theology binary. Published by GlossaHouse, dvanced Greek readers for Kingship 'rations 2, 3 and 4 are forthcoming. /right received his B.A. in

aid College (Brevard, N.C.) Div. in Biblical Studies from 'er-Webb University School of ie is currently a Ph.D. student asbury Theological Seminary m Ky. He is an ordained Baptist vhose interests include New t Greek, classical Greek literatuie ology, and the intersection

a capital campaign to raise almost $500,000 to renovate the former Shelby Middle School gymnasium and create the Mable Hamrick Whisnant Teen Center. The Center houses a computer lab, classroom, game room and air-conditioned gymnasium and serves an average of 40 middle to high school students a day. In August 2017, Weller received his Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Gardner-Webb.

of Imperial Cult studies and the Book of Revelation. Missy West ‘18 was named Teacher of the Year at Rosman (N.C.) Middle School. She received her Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Gardner-Webb.

is 0 VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

ADVANCEMENT

A Life Devoted to ‘God and Humanity’ Family Remembers Bobby M. Pettyjohn ‘52 with Prayer Garden at GWU BY JACKIE BRIDGES

> “ man or prayer who spent his life witnessing to others about Jesus. When he passed

away, his family wanted to honor his memory with a gift to Gardner-Webb, the University that helped Pettyjohn earn a college degree and the place where he met future wife, Carolyn. The things we learned there he used all his life ” shared Mrs^Pettyjohn, who lives in Camden, S.C. "He was a successfu but humble person. I felt extremely blessed to be his wife.” Pettyjohn retired from the DuPont Company after 32 years as a research chemist. He held leadership positions at First Baptist Church in Camden. He had a bachelor’s degree from Carson Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn., and a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Mississippi in Oxford. He was an Army veteran, having served in the Korean era.

PF.TTYJOHll PP AY HP GAPDF.U It1 I.OVIMO MEMORY or noun V M PKTTVJOHII "I'i l‘b(, nro El HUM A ItlTATt BY HJtS FAMILY .* rAPOLYtl H PF.TTYJOHll ' 5Z ROBERT

PKTTY.iOHll

("KAREN C 77) MAX Z PETTYJOHN (PA MELA H )

MAPCY P JOWEPS E5 (JAMES ROBERT. ZP . ’&40 II TIM 2:1-2

outreach and visitation programs in every After 55 years of marriage, and a lifetime of memories, Bobby passed away. As she pray

church we attended.” A native of Georgia, Pettyjohn came to

about the best way to honor her husband s memory, Mrs. Pettyjohn dropped to her knees^

was the first person in his family to attend

When she did, an idea for a prayer garden cam

college, and he was determined to be a leader

to her. She wanted to create a quiet place where

in class and on campus. Mrs. Pettyjohn was

people could talk to God. The Pettyjohn Prayer

a native of Lenoir, N.C., and transferred to GWU in 1952. On their third date, she asked Pettyjohn to share his testimony with

Garden is situated in front of Webb Hall near Main Street in Boiling Springs. Benches are placed in the circular area, which is surrounded by bushes. The Suttle-Wall Tower of Light stands in the center. This location also the backdrop for the monthly prayer gathe

GWU in 1951 on a football scholarship. He

her. When he did, she knew he was the one for her.

The Pettyjohns treasured the time they spent g

for university faculty, staff, students and th

at GWU. They were also excited when their three children and two grandchildren selected Gardner-

surrounding community. sidewalk A white stone placed in the or at the entrance is engraved with the nam

>b as their college of choice, obby Pettyjohn remained connected to

of his wife and children, who are a so

dner-Webb Board of Advisors, three

GWU graduates. , “When the joys, opportunities an demands of college life seem overwhelm^ gff

ns as president of the Alumni Board of actors, and was president of the Board )irectors for the Christian Service

the Pettyjohn family encour^es a ^’rden and students alike to visit this Pr y g and to take these matters to the Lord, son,

-anization (CSO). Mrs. Pettyjohn also zed on the CSO board, and the couple iblished a CSO scholarship in 1995. tyjohn was awarded Alumnus of the Year

Robert Pettyjohn, affirmed. , The scripture on the stone, II Timothy ^ 2-1-2 is a reference to Petty]o ns

and ability to teach others. “Bobby was the Sunday school director Church in Camden for ove pettyjohn also led a visitation program, Mrs. F elaborated. “We were always a pa

V for most of his life, serving on the

985 and Mrs. Pettyjohn was named a languished Alumna in 200(1

Irs Pettyjohn concluded, Thioug ou life Bobby was completely involved in lt Gardner-Webb stood for-Pro Deo et nanitate, for God and Humanity.

1940s

an international student at GWU in 1959.

Rebecca Jane Kendrick Borders ‘41

He left to study petroleum engineering at

passed away Feb. 11, 2018, in Rock Hill, S.C. She was a graduate of Number Three

Louisiana State University, but decided this was not to be his life’s work. In 1964, he

High School and Gardner-Webb, with an

returned to Gardner-Webb and completed

Associate of Arts degree. She was a charter

an associate degree in 1966. He continued his studies at the University of Georgia

member of Eastview Baptist Church in Rock Hill where she sang in the choir, taught childrens Sunday School, and was active

School of Pharmacy, where he graduated in 1969. He worked with Walgreens, Eckerd

in the womens mission organization. She

Drug, and Rite Aid, retiring in 2012 after 43

worked at Smith Enterprises in Rock Hill for more than 20 years.

years. As a pharmacist, he met and served many people, and his greatest gift was to help people in their time of need. He was

Evelyn Elaine Harrill Spangler ‘45

especially fond of GWU Homecomings

passed away Jan. 15, 2018, in Shelby, N.C.

and attended almost every fall. The family of Mr. Pouryousefi fulfilled his wishes by naming the art gallery in Tucker Student Center in his memory. They also endowed

She graduated from Gardner-Webb and Wake Forest. While at Wake Forest, Spangler sang in the choir and later was part of a singing group that performed in churches and for special events. After college, she taught English and Spanish at Polkville (N.C.) High School. She was a member of the Junior

two scholarships. His legacy represents his love for Gardner-Webb, and his desire for students to have the opportunity to gain a GWU education.

Charity League of Shelby, church circles, book club, and a bridge club that cared for each other over 60 years.

Stephen Hurl O’Shields ‘67 passed away June 21, 2018, in Charlotte, N.C. A native of Shelby, N.C. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He was employed for many years by White, Paullin, and Blacka CPA firm, and was chief financial officer of the James L. Highsmith Company and of ATECK. He was manager and swim coach of the Mountain Brook Swim Club and Spearhead Swim Team at Johnston Memorial YMCA in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Charlotte, St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church in Blowing Rock, N.C., and St. John s Lafayette Square Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. He volunteered or over 25 years with the American Heart Association of Greater Charlotte.

1970s Eugene Durham Falls Jr. ‘71 Passed away Jan. 17,2018, in Charlotte, N.C

Elizabeth Gale Earley ‘64

passed away Jan. 21, 2018, in

Gardner-Webb with a degree in usiness administration. He worked 38 y ars for Patent Construction Systems as a

of Greenville, S.C., he graduated

passed away Jan. 1, 2018, in Greenwood,

Jacksonville, N.C. Born in Bostic, N.C., she received her bachelor’s degree in ’ education from Gardner-Webb and a master’s in psychology from the

S.C. Born in Shelby, N.C., he was a graduate

University of North Carolina at Chapel

of Gardner-Webb and was a US Navy

Memn88?oHeWaSamemberofGooi’s

Hill. She alternated between teaching first

served” resbytenan Church where he Sund majy years as an elder as well as nday school superintendent.

1950s Gene Gamble ‘59

veteran, serving during the Korean War. He

and third grade in Jacksonville. She was

retired from Greenwood Mills as director of

then hired to manage the Onslow County (N.C.) Sheltered Workshop at Coastal

weaving after more than 30 years of service. He was a member of Hyde Park Baptist

Enterprises where she trained and taught

Church in Greenwood, teacher of the Gene

vocational rehabilitation to handicapped adults. Next, she entered the real estate world where she worked for over 35

Gamble Sunday School Class, and a deacon.

1960s All Pouryouasefi ‘66

years. She was the owner/broker of The Real Estate 8r Property Management

passed away Sept. 9, 2018, at his home in Dunwoody,

Center in Jacksonville. She was a member of the N.C. Real Estate Commission,

Ga. A recent inductee

National Association of Realtors, the Onslow County Board of Elections, as well as many other committees and organizations.

into the GWU Gallery of Distinguished Alumni, he began his college career as

pfn?,at\He WaS a long-time member of i J. S arJCountry Club where he enjoyed

2018.SFrankVi’ ^

3Way F StatesArmyLcySerVedintheUl following World WaTirHeSeatadnk< Gardner-Webb and graduat in speech and K •rSCeived his ma

nor. Jane was a registered nurse

GARDNER-WEBB

•

received her nursing degree from GardnerWebb and worked for many years as the Director of Nursing at Rutherford Nursing Center in Rutherfordton, N.C., now Willow Ridge Nursing Center. The Talleys were faithful members of Florence Baptist Church in Forest City, N.C., and sang in the Sanctuary Choir. Jane also enjoyed the Handbell Choir and many other musical activities in the church.

1980s Ravon ‘Ray’ Sutton Webb ‘83

passed away Feb. 19, 2018, in Wilmington, N.C. He received his degree from GardnerWebb, and pastored his first church, Lavonia Baptist Church (Mooresboro, N.C.), from 1980 to 1988. He was then called to pastor Beach Road Baptist Church in 1988 and served there until he retired in 2010. Linda Cartner McAuley ‘88

passed away Jan. 5, 2018, in Statesville, N.C. A native of Iredell County (N.C.), she attended Clarksbury United

Methodist Church in Harmony, N.C., with her family and helped her family on their dairy farm. She graduated from Harmony High School, where she was active in the school 4-H club, and then attended Mitchell College. She earned a bachelors degree from Gardner-Webb and worked for Iredell County Social Services. She was active in 4-H and was inducted into the NC 4-H Leadership Hall of Fame. In 2017, the family received the NC 4-H Family Legacy Award.

1990s Lynn Childrez Munoz ‘94

passed away Feb. 6, 2018, in Shelby, N.C. A native of Cleveland County, N.C., she was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Shelby and a graduate of Gardner-Webb with majors in psychology and sociology. Her most recent employment was with Brown & Williamson, where she was a territory manager.

I am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities I had as a student-athlete the last 4 years at Gardner-Webb, and it would not have been possible without the financial support I received. Not only did I transform intellectually and physically, I grew spiritually closer to Christ through the relationships I developed with my coaches and professors. Keaton Poole'18-Track and Field and Cross Country

Teresa Lynn Sailors Human ‘97

passed away Jan. 1, 2018, in Shelby, N.C. She was a member of Way of the Cross Free Will Baptist Church in Shelby. She was a graduate of Gardner-Webb, where she received her degree in nursing. She worked for Rutherford (N.C.) Hospital for 17 years.

2000s Roxanna Beam Carpenter ‘12

passed away Jan. 21, 2018, in Kings Mountain, N.C. After graduating from Burns High School, she studied business administration at Appalachian State University. Later in life, she earned a degree in health care management from GardnerWebb. Roxanna was an artist and expressed herself through painting, pottery, jewelry making, and she owned her floral shop, Blooming Things, in Cherryville, N.C.

CHAMPIONSHIPS BEGIN WITH SCHOLARSHIPS The Gardner-Webb University Bulldog Club is the fundraising effort for the department of athletics, helping to fund scholarships

“Being born on Long Island, N.Y., lacrosse had a huge influence on me, and I wanted to share that with the growing program at Gardner-Webb. The University emphasizes the importance of education, the ability to thrive in the classroom and on the field, and it provides the support system of the entire faculty to excel at both. Gardner- Webb is setting student-athletes up to thrive in the real world!" COLLEEN CONN'19-Lacrosse

for the University's 22 NCAA Division I sports.

mUJLMi » ■

:lub

Gardner-webb.edu/bulldog-club

VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1,2018

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID PPCO

GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY

Office of University Communications P.O. Box 997 Boiling Springs, NC 28017

Laurie Baumgardner Campus Box 7325

GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY

REFER A FUTURE BULLDOG Alumni are our most important connection with high school students who are seeking the "right fit" for college. Every time you share your successful Gardner-Webb experience with 3 prospective student, you serve your alma mater by recruiting potential Future Dawgs who will continue the University's legacy of excellence in higher education.

Help extend the Gardner-Webb message into your community, and refer a student todayadmissions@gardner-webb.edu 800.253.6472

9ardner-webb.edu/alumni-referral