news-category: Campus News ‘The Dancin’ Bulldogs’ Documentary Celebrates Five Years with Special GWU Screening By Office of University Communications On October 9, 2025 Alumni Filmmakers Return to Campus on Oct. 16 to Honor Ƶ’s Historic NCAA Journey BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The award-winning documentary, “The Dancin’ Bulldogs,” is celebrating five years with a special anniversary screening at Ƶ on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. in Stewart Hall at Tucker Student Center. The evening will feature a special introduction from the GWU alumni filmmaking crew and maybe a few special guests from that legendary 2019 GWU March Madness team. “The Dancin’ Bulldogs: A 16 Seed’s Journey to the NCAA Tournament,” debuted on YouTube on Oct. 16, 2020. The film was created by Christian Jessup, ’18, director and composer; Thomas Manning, ‘22, writer and producer; Eli Hardin, ’18, writer and researcher; and Brendan Boylan, ’18, voiceover producer. The documentary follows the team’s and coaching staff’s entire journey, from the early wins against NCAA powerhouses to heartbreaking losses, the tournament appearance and coming home after the loss to No. 1 seed Virginia. Also featured are several interviews with players, coaches and NCAA officials, and never-before-released footage of the team’s championship run. The Dancin’ Bulldogs has earned several recognitions for its storytelling and connection to North Carolina. It was nominated for the Ken Hanke Memorial Tar Heel Award by the North Carolina Film Critics Association in 2020. In 2021, the film won “Best Documentary” and “Best Original Music/Song/Score” from the Indie Eye Film Awards. It was also featured at the North Carolina Film Festival, where the filmmaking team received the “Best Filmmakers” award. Additionally, the documentary was honored as the “Most Inspirational Film” by the Triumphant Film Series, part of the Raleigh Film and Art Festival. More information on the Dancin’ Bulldogs can be found . This screening is made possible in part by the Department of Communication, Art & Design at GWU. Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event. Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request. 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. Learn more at . Clockwise from top left, Christian Jessup, Brendan Boylan, Thomas Manning and Eli Hardin in 2020 when the film debuted
News Article Ƶ Receives Dover Foundation Grant for Dover Chapel Lighting Renovation Upgrades will Brighten Worship, Gatherings, and Student Performances in Campus Landmark BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Ƶ has received a generous $66,500 grant from The Dover Foundation to support a major lighting renovation in Dover Chapel. The project will enhance one of the University’s most treasured and historic spaces, further strengthening its role as a central gathering […] Office of University Communications | June 9, 2026
News Article Ƶ, Foothills Workforce Board Empower Students Through Searight Scholars Program High School Students Explore Food Systems, Careers, and Real-World Challenges Through Immersive Event BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Cheese, strawberries and avocados became more than everyday foods for participants in Ƶ’s inaugural Summer Searight Scholars Program (SSP). Through hands-on learning, students explored how those items reach their plates—and why, in some communities across the United States, access […] Office of University Communications | June 8, 2026
News Article Ƶ Grant Writing Certificate Equips Professionals to Meet Community Needs Participants Gain the Tools to Bring Ideas to Life BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Professionals from across the region recently completed Ƶ’s Grant Writing Certificate program, developing proposals designed to address real needs in education, public safety, healthcare, and community development. Now equipped with practical skills and grant plans, participants are positioned to pursue funding and turn […] Office of University Communications | June 8, 2026