Community News/Events Archives - ��Ƶ

Bulldog Nation Raises Over $2.5 Million for Double Dawg Day 2026

Office of University Communications — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:36:12 +0000

More Than 1,300 Donors Support ��Ƶ Students, Academics and Athletics

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—A shared sense of purpose and Bulldog energy fueled Double Dawg Day 2026 at Gardner‑Webb University, as alumni, parents, employees, students and friends rallied behind the institution’s mission. More than 1,300 contributed over $2.5 million to support scholarships, academics, athletics and campus initiatives.

The strong response on April 16 reflects the power of collective impact and the continued momentum of Double Dawg Day as it entered its 11th year. Donors came together from all over the United States and across the globe—extending from Austria to Venezuela. Gifts of all sizes made an immediate difference, including a transformative contribution that will fully renovate the athletic weight room, strengthening the University’s mission and expanding opportunities for its students now and for years to come.

“This year’s Double Dawg Day is a powerful reminder of what can happen when the ��Ƶ community comes together with a shared sense of purpose,” emphasized GWU President Nate Evans. “As our once-a-year giving campaign, it continues to create a transformational impact across our campus, shaping the student experience in meaningful ways. Each gift represents a belief in our mission and an investment in our students, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who made this day possible.”

Participation remained a central focus of Double Dawg Day 2026. Friends of the University accounted for 43% of donors, followed by parents at 22%, alumni at 19%, and additional support from faculty, staff, and students.

“Double Dawg Day continues to demonstrate the extraordinary generosity of the Bulldog community,” noted Interim Vice President for Advancement Karen Bruce. “Each gift—no matter the size—is a powerful statement of belief in our kingdom mission and a meaningful investment in the future of ��Ƶ and the students we serve. We are deeply grateful for the collective impact that is shaping lives today and for generations to come.”

Throughout the day, donors directed their gifts to a wide range of priorities, including the University Priority Fund, academic schools and colleges, scholarships, Athletics, the Bulldog Club, and campus programs and departments. A portion of the donations will be used to renovate a residence hall, make updates to the Football Center and Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center, and enhance the criminal justice program through the creation of a dedicated forensic lab space.

The success of Double Dawg Day 2026 was made possible by a campus‑wide effort, with students, faculty, staff, coaches, deans, alumni volunteers and ambassadors promoting the day and encouraging participation across digital platforms.

Kanisha Fowler, director of Annual Giving and Advancement Communications at Gardner‑Webb, emphasized the collective nature of the achievement and thanked the Bulldog community for rallying behind the University.

“The love and support for ��Ƶ are on full display during Double Dawg Day,” Fowler praised. “This is the power of our community, coming together to achieve something meaningful. Today, we celebrate you—the men and women who make this community so special—through the stories you’ve told, the careers you’ve built, and the lives you continue to impact. We are grateful for every gift because each act of generosity moves us forward and makes a lasting difference. Thank you for giving to Double Dawg Day.”

Each gift made during Double Dawg Day has a lasting impact, helping fund scholarships that make a Gardner‑Webb education accessible, enhancing academic and experiential learning opportunities, supporting student‑athletes, and strengthening programs that prepare graduates to lead, serve and make a difference.

Gardner‑Webb University extends sincere gratitude to every donor, advocate and volunteer who made Double Dawg Day 2026 a success and helped move the institution forward.

Double Dawg Day Top Performer Spotlights

Alumni class – 2025 with 24 donors.
College – Health Sciences with 62 donors.
Athletic program – Wrestling with 377 donors.

View more details on the day’s gifts, matches and challenges .

��Ƶ is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ��Ƶ prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at .

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Gardner‑Webb University Orchestra Welcomes Legendary Artists Mark and Maggie O’Connor for a 250 Celebration of America

Office of University Communications — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:51:21 +0000

Grammy winning Artists Headline a Patriotic Program Celebrating American Composers, Veterans, and GWU’s New President Nate Evans

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Influenced early by American fiddle traditions and later shaped by classical and jazz training, Mark O’Connor’s music reflects the full scope of America’s musical heritage. On April 27 at 7 p.m. in Dover Theatre, his unique musical talent comes to Gardner‑Webb University as the GWU Orchestra presents “America at 250! A Celebration!” The concert features O’Connor and his wife, violinist Maggie O’Connor, whose performances blend classical training with American roots traditions.

“We will honor 250 years of America by performing music by American composers with an American soloist, Mark O’Connor,” said Dr. Patricia Sparti, conductor of the Gardner Webb University Orchestra. “He is the greatest jazz violinist, bluegrass fiddler and American musician of this generation. We will also honor veterans during the program.”

Tickets for “America at 250! A Celebration!” are $15 and free for all students and Gardner‑Webb faculty and staff.

Few living musicians embody the breadth, innovation and spirit of American music quite like Mark O’Connor. Grammy‑winning folk icon James Taylor once said of him, “There’s something about that guy’s touch. I think he is to music what Muhammad Ali is to boxing.” Yo‑Yo Ma echoed that sentiment, praising both O’Connor’s mastery and restless creativity: “Between thought and execution there are no impediments, zero. But what really interests me is that this is a person in constant development, hungry to develop.”

Mark and Maggie O’Connor playing at the Grand Ole Opry.

That hunger has shaped one of the most singular careers in American music history. A four‑time Grand Masters Champion, O’Connor was only 13 years old when he became the youngest person ever to win the Grand Master Fiddler Championships, an all‑ages competition. His record still stands atop more than four decades later. Additionally, he remains the only musician to have won national championships on fiddle, bluegrass guitar, and mandolin.

Also a three-time Grammy winner and eight-time CMA Artist of the Year, O’Connor is one of the most in‑demand session musicians in the country. He has recorded on more than 500 albums and collaborated with artists ranging from Dolly Parton and Paul Simon to Randy Travis and The Judds.

Yet O’Connor’s influence reaches far beyond the recording studio. Drawing equally from folk traditions, jazz and classical training, he has forged what many critics call a new American classical music. His works—including the bestselling “Appalachia Waltz,” co‑recorded with Yo‑Yo Ma and Edgar Meyer, and “The American Seasons”—are now staples of orchestral repertoires worldwide. His “Fiddle Concerto” remains the most‑performed modern violin concerto of the last 50 years.

Maggie and Mark O’Connor came to ��Ƶ in 2024 for a Cleveland County Schools Orchestra day.

Maggie will share the stage with her husband. A violinist and vocalist, she is also a Grammy Award‑winning artist whose career bridges classical virtuosity and American roots music with rare ease. Trained at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University and the Aspen Music Festival and School, Maggie brings both technical command and expressive depth to every performance. Critics have praised her as “formidable” and “soulful,” noting her uncanny musical connection with her husband on stage.

Maggie has performed at the Grand Ole Opry, appeared at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall, and collaborated with artists including Paul Simon, Béla Fleck, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. In addition to performing, she is an educator and co‑director of the O’Connor Method String Camps, helping shape the next generation of American string players. A visual artist as well, Maggie draws inspiration from the intersection of music, nature and imagination—an influence that resonates through her artistry.

The April 27 program reflects the sweeping story of American music, past and present. Highlights include the finale of Dvořák’s “New World Symphony,” Gershwin selections from “Porgy and Bess” (arranged by Robert Russell Bennett), Copland’s iconic “Hoedown from Rodeo,” and Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance No. 4,” performed in honor of Gardner‑Webb University’s new president, Nate Evans.

The program also features “Faith” from O’Connor’s groundbreaking “Improvised Violin Concerto,” with Mark O’Connor as soloist, as well as “Strings and Threads,” a piece he composed. Both Mark and Maggie will perform violin, guitar, and vocals on Mark’s arrangement of Stevie Wonder’s “Love’s in Need of Love Today.”

Together, the evening serves as both a tribute and a celebration—honoring America’s musical heritage while showcasing artists who continue to expand its possibilities.

Following the concert, Mark and Maggie O’Connor will sell CDs, DVDs, shirts and jewelry and will sign autographs and take photos with audience members.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event. Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

��Ƶ is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ��Ƶ prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at .

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��Ƶ Recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April

Office of University Communications — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:19:52 +0000

Campus Events Focus on Education, Advocacy, and Solidarity with Survivors

��Ƶ’s Office of Student Development will recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month throughout April with a series of educational programs and awareness events. For 25 years, Sexual Assault Awareness Month has united survivors, advocates, and communities in a shared commitment to ending sexual assault, abuse, and harassment through education, prevention, and support.

Vice President of Student Development and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose, who also serves as the University’s interim Title IX coordinator, emphasized the importance of intentionally observing the month and engaging the campus community in meaningful ways.

“Honoring Sexual Assault Awareness Month means choosing to see, to listen, and to act—because every voice matters, every story deserves dignity, and every community has a responsibility to create a culture of respect, consent, and accountability,” Villarose emphasized.

Building on this commitment, ��Ƶ will host a variety of programs and initiatives this mont aimed at fostering awareness, education, and open dialogue around sexual violence, prevention efforts, and available campus resources.

Monthlong Book Display at Dover Library

��Ƶ’s Dover Library will host a book display featuring books and educational resources focused on sexual violence awareness, prevention, consent, and survivor support. This collection is intended to encourage learning, reflection, and informed dialogue across the campus community. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to visit the display throughout the month to explore these important topics and access available resources.

April 1

Start By Believing Day – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., front of the Caf, Dover Campus Center.

Held the first Wednesday in April, Start by Believing Day provides an opportunity for communities to unify with a single voice for survivors. “We hear you, we support you, and we will start by believing.”

April 8

Know Your IX: Title IX training session – 7 p.m., Faith Hall, Tucker Student Center.

April 9

Consent with Fries – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., front of Tucker Student Center.

April 13

Know Your IX: Title IX training session – 8:15 a.m., Faith Hall, Tucker Student Center.

April 15

Know Your IX: Title IX training session – 2 p.m., Football Training Room

April 16

Wear Teal Day: Free Slushies – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., front of Caf, Dover Campus Center.

Teal is the official color of Sexual Assault Awareness Month to represent prevention, healing, and solidarity with survivors. “T.E.A.L.” represents Togetherness, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Learning.

April 29

Wear Denim Day

Denim Day originated in response to a widely criticized Italian court decision in the 1990s that raised serious concerns about the treatment and rights of victims. Women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans in solidarity the following day, helping to spark a movement that is now recognized globally and supported by organizations such as Peace Over Violence.

Learn more about Title IX.

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Community Gathers at ��Ƶ for Parade of Tables to Benefit Local Students in Need

Office of University Communications — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:26:49 +0000

Fundraiser Strengthens Support for the Little Bulldog Backpack Program, Serving 67 Children Each Week

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—One of the signature fundraisers for the Little Bulldog Backpack Program will be held at ��Ƶ this spring. The annual Parade of Tables is April 18 in the Tucker Student Center, beginning with table viewing at 6 p.m. and followed by dinner and a program at 6:30 p.m. Volunteers decorate themed tables for eight guests, and tickets to the event support the organization’s mission to provide weekend meals for local children.

Hodges McCathern, a member of the Honors
Student Association, packs food for children.

The fundraiser supports the year-round work of the Little Bulldog Backpack Program, which provides weekly food bags for students at Springmore and Boiling Springs elementary schools. Each bag contains 15 to 18 items, including breakfast foods, lunch and dinner options, non-perishable fruit, and salty and sweet snacks. ��Ƶ students, faculty and staff regularly lend support through packing food bags and contributing donations. Boiling Springs Baptist Church donates space for storage and for volunteers to pack the food each week.

This year’s event features tables designed by the Department of Physician Assistant Studies and the Hunt School of Nursing. Dr. Josh Parrott, Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service, will serve as emcee, and entertainment will be provided by ��Ƶ alumna Lindy Bryson. Dinner will be catered by Aramark. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased from Lou Ann Scates at 704-477-2455 or on campus from Debbie Hill, administrative assistant for the Department of English and World Languages, at dthill@gardner-webb.edu, 704-406-3035 or 704-406-4411.

The Parade of Tables was first held in 2017, when Lou Ann Scates, retired ��Ƶ registrar, organized the event on the University’s campus. Paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, the fundraiser was revived in 2025 with Scates’ church, Boiling Springs Baptist, serving as host.

GWU Assistant Professor Dr. Mitch Porter helps with
the Little Bulldog Backpack Program every week.

The feeding program began in 2011, inspired by Scates’ visits to her son’s school for lunch. She often noticed children who wanted to buy extra food but lacked the money. “It’s hard to imagine a kindergartener or a fifth-grader going to bed hungry,” Scates reflected.

Scates shared her concern with biology faculty emerita Susan Manahan, and the two began pooling their resources. Working with the school’s social worker, they started buying food for 20 children every other week. Because Springmore’s mascot is the Little Bulldogs, the Little Bulldog Backpack Program quickly took shape as its own community organization.

Support grew as word spread across the ��Ƶ campus and throughout the community. Today, the program is an established 501(c)(3) non-profit backed by local partners. “We have eight churches who help, and have received financial donations or food items from individuals, businesses, and Town of Boiling Springs officials,” Scates shared.

Now serving 67 children every week, the Little Bulldog Backpack Program continues to grow through volunteer support and community generosity. Together, local churches, volunteers, and members of the ��Ƶ community continue to ensure that children in Boiling Springs and Springmore schools have the food they need each weekend.

To learn more or to support the Little Bulldog Backpack Program, contact littlebulldogbackpackprogramk5@gmail.com.

Assistant Professor of Physics and Director of the GWU Honors Program, Dr. Wilson Hawkins, center, and members of the Honors Student Association help pack food bags each week.

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��Ƶ Double Dawg Day 2026: Be Part of the Momentum

Office of University Communications — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 21:18:00 +0000

Kick Off the Next Decade of Impact by Joining the University’s 24‑hour Giving Celebration

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—After surpassing records in 2025, Gardner‑Webb University’s Office of Advancement is building momentum for the 11th annual Double Dawg Day. The 24-hour celebration of generosity and community kicks off its next decade of giving on April 16. Supporters are invited to make 2026 another milestone year for student scholarships, academics, and athletics.

The focus is on broad donor participation from alumni, faculty, staff, students, families, and friends. Every gift of any size is a vote of confidence in Gardner‑Webb’s mission and a tangible show of support for students.

“Your gift shapes our future,” noted Director of Annual Giving and Advancement Communications Kanisha Fowler. “With multiple areas to support, your impact reaches far and wide. This Double Dawg Day, we’re aiming for more—more partnerships among our community, more support for University priorities and more donors giving to their passions. We need you. Unite with us and give on April 16.”

Ways to Give on Double Dawg Day

Donors can direct their support to the people, programs, and causes that matter most, including:

University Priority Fund – Addresses the University’s most immediate and strategic needs.
Annual Fund – Supports student scholarships and the overall student experience.
School/College Priority Funds – Gives deans the flexibility to respond quickly to new opportunities and strengthen academic programs.
Athletics – Supports all 22 NCAA Division I teams.
Bulldog Club – Enhances student‑athlete scholarships and provides the tools athletes need to succeed on the field and in the classroom.
Campus Programs and Departments – Allows donors to support specific initiatives and areas of passion across campus.

Make your donation .

In addition to making a gift, supporters can sign up as Social Media Ambassadors (also known as advocates) to spread the word and build momentum throughout the day. Register and learn more .

With community involvement at its core, Double Dawg Day 2026 aims to unite as many donors as possible—because the real power of the day comes from participation. Whether someone gives, shares, encourages classmates, or cheers on a favorite department or team, their involvement fuels a transformative student experience at Gardner‑Webb.

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��Ƶ Specialty License Plates Now Feature Updated Runnin’ Bulldog Athletic Brand

Office of University Communications — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:46:32 +0000

Available in North and South Carolina, Money Received from Sale Goes to the Annual Fund

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Supporters of ��Ƶ in North and South Carolina can now display their school pride with specialty license plates featuring the revamped Runnin’ Bulldog athletic brand. The updated look offers a distinctive way for the GWU community to show its spirit across the Carolinas.

Shannon Hovis

Beyond the new look, the plates also provide meaningful support for the University, with a portion of each purchase and renewal contributing directly to the Annual Fund.

Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Shannon Hovis said the specialty plate offers both a visual celebration of Bulldog pride and a tangible benefit to the University. “Seeing our new logo on the ��Ƶ specialty license plate is a point of pride for our entire Bulldog family,” she noted. “Even more meaningful is that every plate purchased directly supports the ��Ƶ Annual Fund. These gifts make an immediate impact—providing scholarships, strengthening academic programs, and supporting campus initiatives wherever the need is greatest. It’s a simple way to show our Bulldog pride while investing in the success of our students.”

North Carolina

Alumni in North Carolina may purchase a ��Ƶ specialty plate through any N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or . A portion of each specialty plate fee supports ��Ƶ’s Annual Fund, providing ongoing support for student scholarships and institutional priorities. Additional fee information and personalization options are available through the N.C. DMV website.

South Carolina

Alumni in South Carolina may obtain a ��Ƶ specialty plate or at their local DMV office. A portion of each specialty plate fee benefits ��Ƶ’s Annual Fund, helping enhance scholarships and the overall student experience. For detailed fee and renewal information, visit the S.C. DMV website.

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Broadway Veterans to Lead Workshops and Perform at Gardner‑Webb

Office of University Communications — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:32:48 +0000

Jared and Lindsay Bradshaw will Teach Masterclasses and Present a Public Concert on Feb. 12

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The ��Ƶ Department of Music will host Broadway performers, Jared and Lindsay Northern Bradshaw, on Feb. 12. During the day, they will share their expertise with students. At 7 p.m. in Dover Chapel, the couple will present a concert that is open to the public.

Lindsay appeared on Broadway in Wicked (Ensemble/Understudy for Glinda) for 13 years straight, and in the National Tour of The Sound of Music (Maria). Jared is best known for his eight-year run in the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of Jersey Boys. He has the distinction of playing 10 of the 11 roles in the show. They travel all over the United States conducting workshops and performing as the Broadway Bradshaws.

Their sessions for students at ��Ƶ include:

Vocal masterclass at 9:25 a.m. in Dover Chapel.

Acting masterclass at 10:25 a.m. in Millennium Playhouse.

Musical theater coaching at 1:15 p.m. in Millennium Playhouse.

Concert at 7 p.m., open to the public, Dover Chapel.

Lindsay brings extensive television experience, with co-star and guest star appearances on New Amsterdam, The Americans, The Last O.G, Tales of the City, Mr. Robot, and CSI Miami. She has also appeared in several TV commercials in the United States and abroad. She is currently performing in Finding Nemo, the Big, Blue and Beyond, where she plays either Peach, Dory or Pearl at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. She and Jared have a 12-year-old daughter, Georgia.

In addition to the Jersey Boys, Jared was an understudy for Christian Borle as Wily Wonka in the original Broadway cast of Charlie in the Chocolate factory and appeared as Wonka on the Tony Awards on CBS. Previously, Jared starred in the Off-Broadway hit, Forbidden Broadway. A BFA Musical Theatre graduate of Shorter College in Rome, Ga., Jared started his professional career performing for Disney Cruise Line and in regional theatres across the U.S. Currently, Jared performs daily at Walt Disney World playing four roles in Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and as a principle actor at Hollywood Studios in Disney VILLIANS: Unfairly ever after. His Bing Crosby tribute show also appeared weekly at Disney Springs this holiday season.

For more information about the masterclasses or concert, contact Linda Lee at 704-406-4448.

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��Ƶ Hosts Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Celebrations and Service

Office of University Communications — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 22:10:02 +0000

Observance Invites Reflection on King’s Enduring Legacy and Encourages Community Outreach

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The ��Ƶ Office of Campus Unity and Connection invites the campus community to participate in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Celebrations and Service. The observance offers a time to reflect on King’s enduring legacy and actively contribute to building stronger communities.

King, a champion for justice, equality, and nonviolent activism, inspired a movement that led to the end of legalized segregation with the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964. Later that same year, the 35-year-old King became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Americans celebrated the first official Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 20, 1986. In 1994, Congress designated the holiday as a National Day of Service and marked the third Monday in January every year as the “Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: a Day On, Not a Day Off.”

The schedule for the week and suggestions of service opportunities follow.

Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Celebrations and Service

Monday, Jan. 19
Attend the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration hosted by the Cleveland County NAACP in Shelby, N.C.
- Peace Walk: starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Justice Center and ends at Malcolm Brown Auditorium at Shelby High School.
- Main program: 11:30 a.m. in Malcolm Brown Auditorium. Free and open to the public. Shuttles will run from Malcolm Brown to the Justice Center at 9:30 a.m. The speaker is Ronald Harrill, who has volunteered in education for more than 20 years, serving as a mentor, lecturer, consultant, lunch buddy, coach, advisory committee member and community advocate. The Shelby native released the second edition of his children’s book “Makeda: Queen Of Sheba” under his own publishing company, R. Harrill Enterprises.

Tuesday, Jan. 20
2 p.m., Voices of Unity: The Pennant Project, Tucker Student Center—The Campus Office of Unity and Connection will provide blank pennants that individuals can write on, describing their dreams, experiences, and identities. The display will create a shared visual expression. Each pennant will represent a unique voice, and together they form a powerful symbol of community, collaboration, and unity.

Thursday, Jan. 22
7 p.m., MLK Week Featured Film, Spectrum Theater, Tucker Student Center
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: King in the Wilderness: The Last Years of MLK Jr.’s Life’—this documentary explores a portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. during the last years of his life, from his part in the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to his assassination in 1968.

Service activities

Throughout the week, ��Ƶ students are encouraged to join our MLK Day of Service activities:

Donate or volunteer safely with food banks and pantries—Visit or to find an organization near you.
Deliver meals and groceries to vulnerable seniors—Help out someone you know or contact your local to learn ways to volunteer.
Stay in Touch—Check on your neighbors, friends, and family, especially those who are older or maybe alone. A phone call, text, or a conversation through the door could brighten their day.
Volunteer from home—Check out for service ideas.

For more information, please contact: Jessika Raduly, director of Campus Unity and Connection, at jraduly1@gardner-webb.edu.

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Run, Walk, or Volunteer: Be Part of the Ruby C. Hunt YMCA’s 28th Annual Turkey Trot 5K

Office of University Communications — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:19:49 +0000

Thanksgiving Community Event Begins on the ��Ƶ Campus at Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Ruby C. Hunt YMCA will host its 28th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run on Thanksgiving morning, continuing a tradition that brings families together before the holiday festivities begin. ��Ƶ serves as a community sponsor for this event, which combines fitness, fellowship, and philanthropy.

There are several opportunities to share in the fun, either as a participant or a volunteer. The 5K for adults begins on Nov. 27 at 8:30 a.m. at the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC) on the ��Ƶ campus, with a scenic route winding through the town of Boiling Springs. At 9 a.m., children can join in the excitement with a one-half mile Fun Run. For those who want to support the cause without running, a “Phantom Runner” option is available.

More than just a race, the Turkey Trot is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. All proceeds benefit the YMCA’s We Build People Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to ensure that individuals and families in need have access to YMCA programs and services.

Volunteer opportunities

For those who want to offer support in other ways, volunteers are needed during the following times:

Wednesday, Nov. 26 – Packet Pickup

Volunteers are needed at the Ruby C. Hunt YMCA library from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. to assist with packet distribution.

Thursday, Nov. 27 – Race Day

Volunteers are needed between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. for packet pickup, registration tables, course support, and general race-day needs.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Kevin Osborne, vice president/senior executive director, Cleveland County Family YMCA, 704-739-9631.

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John R. Dover Sr. to Receive ��Ƶ’s Founders Medal for Generations of Support

Office of University Communications — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:45:04 +0000

John R. Dover Sr.

The Dovers’ Commitment Through Grants and Scholarships has Shaped the University and Cleveland County

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Each year, ��Ƶ presents the Founders Medal in recognition of significant and lasting contributions to the University. Since its founding in 1905, ��Ƶ has benefited from visionary leaders committed to establishing an institution for Christian higher education in the foothills of North Carolina.

Among those early and ardent supporters is the family of John Randolph Dover Sr. The father of 10 children, Dover passed down to his family a legacy built on faith, hard work, and education. As a tribute to his lasting influence, Dover will receive the Founders Medal at the Festival of Lights Dinner on Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m. Accepting the award on behalf of the family will be his grandson, Charles D. Chamberlain.

Dover started Ella Mill in Cleveland County in 1907. He sold that first plant in 1917, then built Dover Mill in west Shelby in 1923. This was the real beginning of what later became Dover Textiles. Dover was not only a successful industrialist—he had a vision for building communities that valued the well-being of those who were a part of them. He understood the value of education and believed it was essential for the prosperity of his employees and their families. Each mill village had schools and churches, of which his own children and family attended.

Dover Sr. died in 1931, leaving management of the company to two of his sons: John R. “Jack” Dover Jr. and Charles I. Dover. Under their leadership, Dover Textiles became the largest employer in Cleveland County with nearly 3,000 people for many years. Annual sales peaked at around $200 million. Dover Textiles was known for its novelty or specialty operations, which included woven, knitted and tricot fabrics, and spun yarns. The family industry was sold in 1984.

John R. Dover, his wife, Ella, and their children

As the company grew, the Dover family supported many projects at ��Ƶ and around Cleveland County. The two brothers served on the GWU Board of Trustees for many years and established the Dover Foundation in 1944 for the primary purpose of supporting ��Ƶ. In the early 1950s, they donated $175,000 to build the first home of the John R. Dover Sr. library, which is now known as Craig Hall. Afterward, they continued to donate and raise money to purchase books for the library.

Other buildings and structures on the ��Ƶ campus are constant reminders of the family’s legacy of support: the Charles I. Dover Campus Center, the John R. Dover Jr. Chapel, and the Kathleen Dover Theatre, named for Charles’ wife. The Dovers’ support of educational and human service organizations is also evident across Cleveland County, with the Dover Foundation YMCA and the Kathleen Dover Hamrick Hospice House.

Today, The Dover Foundation is committed to supporting nonprofit organizations that have the potential to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the well-being of Cleveland County residents. The foundation also awards a total of 12 scholarships each year to students who attend high school within the Cleveland County Schools system. Of the 12 awarded each year, four are designated for seniors who have been accepted at ��Ƶ.

Source: and

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