news-category: College of Arts and Sciences Marilyn Withrow, ’71, Donates Gift to Purchase Chemistry and Microbiology Equipment By Office of University Communications On February 17, 2023 Advanced Microscopes and Instruments Improve Lab Research BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Alumna Marilyn Withrow, ’71, has made a generous gift to enhance the Ƶ chemistry and microbiology programs. This multi-year commitment provides advanced equipment and protects the investment by including funds for maintenance and upkeep. Susan Manahan, assistant professor of biology, said the donation of 22 microscopes for the microbiology laboratory replaces all of the old microscopes and will greatly enhance the viewing experience of the students in lab activities. Students in Microbiology for the Health Sciences, General Microbiology, Genetics, Cell Biology, and Immunology will use the microscopes to focus on a variety of samples. Marilyn Withrow’s donation was used to equip a teaching microscope with a camera and connect to a monitor. This setup allows the instructor to show students what to look for in their own microscopes. “In addition, we were able to purchase and equip a teaching microscope with a camera that will be connected to the new monitor to show students what to search for and focus on when viewing their own microscope slides,” Manahan explained. “With the software that comes with the camera, we will be able to take photographs of images on slides and even make short videos.” The chemistry department acquired Thermo Scientific UV-VIS Spectrophotometers, which identify the presence of chemical compounds and measure their concentration. Dr. Stefka Eddins, professor of Chemistry, shared that the new equipment replaced two aging, soon-to-be-defunct, instruments. The purchase allows the department to continue to meet the needs of students in classes, such as General Chemistry II, Analytical Chemistry I and II, Physical Chemistry I and II, Biochemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry. “These classes are taken by biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and exercise science majors,” Eddins offered. “Our hands-on approach to teaching our students how to use chemical instruments, including the two new spectrophotometers, sets us apart in that our students acquire real, hands-on, laboratory experience and are not just mere observers.” Photo by Shira Edwards / GWU Photo Staff Photo by Samantha Holt / GWU Photo Staff The chemistry department acquired Thermo Scientific UV-VIS Spectrophotometers, which identify the presence of chemical compounds and measure their concentration. View more photos, . In addition to the instruments, the department also purchased accessories for automated spectrophotometric analysis, as well as an explosion-proof refrigerator. These pieces of equipment will expand the ability to perform chemical analyses efficiently and store various reagents safely. Marilyn and her husband, David, ’72, are longtime supporters of their alma mater, and Marilyn is a former trustee. When David passed away in 2020, the family established the David E. Withrow Endowed Athletic Scholarship to support student-athletes. In addition, David’s relatives supported the construction of the Withrow Science Building. This building was dedicated in 1966 and named in honor of GWU trustee and benefactor, A.T. Withrow of Charlotte, N.C. As students were introduced to the new microscopes, they were excited to see sharper images and smaller details of the microorganisms. One of those students is senior Helena Berczes, who is double majoring in biology with a concentration in biomedical sciences and American Sign Language with a minor in interpreting. A laboratory associate, who assists other students in the microbiology lab, Berczes expressed her thanks for the gift and explained how the donation affects everyone in the Department of Natural Sciences. “I’m excited for people coming through the department to use the new equipment and be able to see everything so much more clearly,” Berczes noted. “Even the older scopes that we had on the (microbiology) side of the department, were moved over to general biology. I heard one of the professors say that those scopes are better than the ones they had, so actually it has benefited the entire department even if they are not using the brand new ones.” Blake Henkel, a junior who is also majoring in biology with a concentration in biomedical sciences, admired the innovative features available on the new microscopes. He wants to be a dentist and said learning to recognize microorganisms prepares him for dental school. “Not only does it help us identify what we need to identify, but also to retain and recall what these organisms look like,” he explained. Learn more about the programs in the Department of Natural Sciences. View more photos . Note to our readers: This article reflects the University’s tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University’s official Admissions page. 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. Ignite your future at Ƶ.edu.
News Article Ƶ College of Health Sciences to Host Annual Scholars Day Highlighting Research of Nearly 70 Students Event Showcases Research by Graduates of Physician Assistant Studies and Exercise Science BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The College of Health Sciences will host its annual Scholars Day on Wednesday, April 23, showcasing the research and academic achievements of graduates from the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies and exercise science programs. Scholars Day will take place in Room 255, […] Office of University Communications | April 14, 2026
News Article Ƶ Honors Students Present Research at Southern Regional Honors Conference Honors Scholars Gain Experience Presenting Research Beyond the Classroom BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Ƶ Honors Program students recently showcased their scholarship at the Southern Regional Honors Conference (SRHC), held in Montgomery, Ala. The annual conference brought together over 700 high-achieving students, along with faculty, and administrators from across the southern United States for three days of […] Office of University Communications | April 14, 2026
News Article Double Dawg Day Support on April 16 Helps Ƶ Students Like Amber Jimenez Build Their Future First-Year Nursing Major Shares How Donor Generosity Shapes her Experience BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gifts made on Ƶ’s Double Dawg Day on Thursday, April 16, directly support the scholarships that help students succeed in the classroom and beyond. On this day, the GWU community will unite to support scholarships, academic programs, athletics and the hands-on experiences […] Office of University Communications | April 12, 2026