Fall Academic Convocation Archives - �۶�ֱ�� University

Gardner-Webb Officially Celebrates New Academic Year with 2025 Fall Opening Convocation

Office of University Communications — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 20:49:58 +0000

Annual Event Reaffirms Commitment to Scholarly Pursuits; Recognizes Newest Scholarship Recipients

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—�۶�ֱ�� University celebrated the start of the academic year with the Fall Opening Convocation. A time for faculty, students and staff to reaffirm their commitment to scholarly pursuits, the annual event also welcomes first-year students and celebrates GWU’s newest scholarship recipients.

Vice President for Christian Live and Service and University Chaplain Dr. Josh Parrott opened in prayer. Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters explained the significance of the Fall Convocation and introduced the deans of each college. Student Body President Andrea Stampone presented the honor code, and Campus Ministries United Coordinator Daniel Martin gave the closing prayer. Associate Professor of Music Dr. Josh Cheney and the �۶�ֱ�� Choir led the singing of the Alma Mater.

The featured speaker was 2024 recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award, Dr. Ivelina “Iva” Naydenova, chair and professor in the Department of Psychological Science. She shared advice that she wished somebody had told her when she was a freshman in college.

Naydenova listed four traits that she believes contribute to success and happiness:

Kindness—“Psychologist John Gottman has spent his entire career showcasing how successfully managing relationships with others is at the core of our well-being. For example, did you know that volunteering or helping others in need actually makes you happier? The acts of kindness do not have to be grand … you can simply hold the door for others, help a friend who does not have a car and absolutely needs to go to Chick-fil-A for a milkshake, you can volunteer at a homeless shelter, or give blood, to name just a few.”
Gratitude—“We tend to take people for granted; we mean to say how grateful we are to them, but we often never get around to that. So, say ‘thank you,’ write thank you letters, tell people how much you appreciate them, and you will be all the better for it.”
Appreciation—“Enjoy the journey … college is indeed the best time of your life! Take advantage of all the things. Join different clubs. Put yourself out there, and I promise you, you will have more things than you know what to do with in no time.”
Curiosity—“Do not rush to declare a major! Explore your options, go see Micah Martin in the Career Center, go talk to the wonderful folks over at Student Success or the GWU Counseling Center, take different classes, and see what speaks to you.”

Scholarship Award Presentations

Interim GWU President Nate Evans announced the scholarship recipients.

Will Brooks

Delani Wright

Etera Pendleton

Marnina Krist

Gage Helms

Andrea Hartman

Jackson Hartley

Eason Ezell

Mason Humphries

Kenneth (KJ) Battle II

Eliana Littlejohn

Caroline Curtis

Audrey James

The Belk-Ellis Scholarship—Audrey James, of Forest City, N.C., majoring in business. This award recognizes students from Cleveland or Rutherford County, who have demonstrated strong academic performance and who plan to pursue a major in business.

The LeGrand Ware Scholarship—Caroline Curtis, of Shelby, N.C., majoring in business management. This award was established to honor students from Cleveland or Rutherford County who have achieved high academic distinction and who plan to pursue a degree in business.

The Searight Leadership Award—Eliana Littlejohn, of Gastonia, N.C. This award was created to open doors for first-generation college students who have already demonstrated exceptional promise as leaders. This award provides resources and opportunities that help students gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become catalysts for good within their communities, throughout society, and in the corporate world.

The Godbold Scholarship—Kenneth “KJ” Battle of Rock Hill, S.C., majoring in accounting. One of �۶�ֱ��’s most generous awards, this full-tuition scholarship established by John and Linda Godbold is awarded to a student of high academic standing who plans to pursue a major in business. The scholarship is intended not only to reward outstanding achievement, but also to encourage the recipient’s potential for leadership and service.

The Ignite Excellence Scholarship

This award represents the highest academic scholarships offered by �۶�ֱ��. Through a rigorous competition, these awards are presented to students who embody intellectual achievement, personal integrity, and leadership potential.

This year, eight students have been honored with full-tuition awards. They are:

Mason Humphries, of Lawndale, N.C., exercise science.
Eason Ezell, of Waynesville, N.C., exercise science.
Jackson Hartley, of Winston-Salem, N.C., Christian studies.
Andrea Hartman, of Murrieta, Calif., psychology.
Gage Helms, of Denver, N.C., business management.
Marnina Krist, of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., psychology.
Etera Pendleton, of Monroe, N.C., Christian studies.
Delani Wright, of Chesnee, S.C., nursing.

The Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength Scholarship—Will Brooks of Shelby, N.C., majoring in economics and finance. The University’s most prestigious award, an eight-semester full-tuition, room and board scholarship, is awarded each year to one high school student who exemplifies the principles and values representative of the �۶�ֱ�� community.

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.

�۶�ֱ�� University 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., �۶�ֱ�� 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 �۶�ֱ��.edu.

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�۶�ֱ�� Begins Academic Year with Fall Opening Convocation

Office of University Communications — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 16:43:38 +0000

Traditional Program Affirms Scholarly Pursuits and Celebrates Academic Achievements

Guest bagpiper, retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Phillip McDevitt
provided the processional and recessional music.

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—�۶�ֱ�� University marked the start of the academic year with the Fall Opening Convocation. A time for faculty, students and staff to reaffirm their commitment to scholarly pursuits, the annual event also welcomes first-year students and celebrates GWU’s newest scholarship recipients. The featured speaker, Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Wilson Hawkins, challenged students to “Make. It. Count!”

As the recipient of the 2024 President’s Early Career Award, Hawkins was invited to speak at convocation. He noted that his father spoke the same three words to him when he started college, and that was all he needed to say. “He had already built the underlying context over years of serving me as a father, a friend, a boss-man, and a spiritual leader.” Hawkins continued, “You see, my parents didn’t have the opportunity to go to college, but nonetheless saw value in higher education. They always made academics a top priority; pushing me to challenge myself with advanced curriculum, refusing to accept excuses, and demanding good grades. Without their constant encouragement and hard work—and trust me, I was a lot of work—I wouldn’t be standing in front of you here today.”

Hawkins acknowledged that no one finds success alone. “Every one of you represent a village of parents, babysitters, teachers, mentors, friends, and authors that pushed you to seek more, to not settle, to chase success. All of the help, love, and adversity in your story has molded and shaped you into the person you are today. Never forget where you came from and always remember that you are here because someone invested in you. It’s up to you to make the most of your time here, and I personally guarantee that you will get out of this experience whatever you’re willing to put in.”

When Hawkins finished, GWU President Dr. William M. Downs thanked him and all of the GWU faculty for being effective teachers, mentors, and advisors, who challenge and inspire students every day. Then, similar to Hawkins, Downs urged students to “Explore. Discover. Thrive.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, my message is simple: We’re here for the journey. We’re here for the adventure. We’re here for this moment,” Downs asserted. “I think the coolest thing about college is that we get to stare straight into the face of the unknown and ask it a question. At no other time in your life will you have the opportunity like this to ask and to try to answer life’s big questions. Education is about peering into the darkness and then looking for light. That’s the great exploration. That’s the great expedition. That’s the Big Adventure.”

Downs continued, “If we accept the challenge of the great adventure before us, then just think of what we can do for the community beyond our walls. Think of what we can do for our neighbors, for our region, for our country.”

Special Recognitions

During the ceremony, winners of the University’s highest scholarships were acknowledged.

Searight Leadership Award

Kevin Handley

Marisol Lopez

The Searight Leadership Award supports first-generation college students who have demonstrated leadership potential. This award will provide access to the knowledge and skills that will enable graduates to become catalysts for good throughout society and within America’s corporate structure. This year’s recipients are:

Marisol Lopez, from Marshville, N.C., business management major.
Kevin Handley, from Richmond, Ind., pre-med major.

Ignite Excellence Scholarships

Ja’Kayla Alexander

Ayden Bollinger

Isaiah Brown

Naliah Codjovi

Jessica Horn

Elijah Lewis

Jaylen Mays

Lucy Merritt

The Ignite Excellence Scholarship competition serves as an opportunity for students to compete for the highest academic scholarships awarded by the University. This year, eight students received full-tuition scholarships to honor their exemplary academic achievements.

Ja’Kayla Alexander, from Shelby, N.C., nursing major.
Ayden Bollinger, from Lenoir, N.C., biology major.
Isaiah Brown, from Warrior, Ala., criminal justice administration major.
Naliah Codjovi, from East Amherst, N.Y., biology major.
Jessica Horn, from Plainfield, Ill., psychology major.
Elijah Lewis, from Graham, N.C., computer science major.
Jaylen Mays, from Charlotte, N.C., graphic design major.
Lucy Merritt, from Shelby, N.C., nursing major.

Tucker Scholar

The Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength Scholarship is awarded each year to one high school student who exemplifies the principles and values representative of the �۶�ֱ�� community. This top scholarship is made possible by the generous support of Carolyn and Robert Tucker, who exemplify these same principles and values in their personal and professional lives.

The 2024-25 recipient is Lily Streeton (above right), from Kernersville, N.C. She is majoring in business management.

�۶�ֱ�� University 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., �۶�ֱ�� 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 �۶�ֱ��.edu.

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�۶�ֱ�� Celebrates New Year and New Faces with Fall Opening Convocation

Office of University Communications — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 17:45:30 +0000

Ceremonial Tradition is a Welcome to Incoming Freshmen and Commitment to Academic Success

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The beginning of the academic year and the addition of new faces on the �۶�ֱ�� campus is a time for celebration. The University recognizes the importance of the occasion with the Fall Opening Convocation on Aug. 22 at 9:25 a.m. in Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC).

Classes will dismiss at 9 a.m. for everyone to assemble in LYCC. Freshmen will line up in Dover Theatre, and faculty will gather in the north concourse hallway.

The event begins with a processional of the incoming freshmen class and the faculty in academic regalia. Faculty Marshal and professor of economics, Dr. Anthony Negbenebor, will ring the bell, and Dr. Josh Parrott, vice president for Christian Life and Service and University chaplain will give the invocation.

The formal event is both a welcome and commitment to scholarly pursuits. “Convocation is an academic ceremonial tradition that celebrates our dedication and rededication to academic achievement and our university mission,” stated GWU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Karen Aubrey. “We officially welcome and recognize our first-year students, and we celebrate the beginning of their transformative educational journey. And, we come together as a campus community to show our support and excitement for the academic year ahead.”

�۶�ֱ�� President Dr. William M. Downs will offer a welcome and recognize the recipients of the University’s highest scholarships.

“There is so much positive potential at the beginning of a new academic year, and Convocation is the moment for us to pause, reflect, and motivate before the full rush of classes is upon us,” shared Downs. “It is appropriate that we gather to remind each other of our shared purpose and mission, to encourage each other to set and achieve ambitious goals, and to commit to each other that we will support all members of the GWU family on our intellectual and spiritual journeys. I look forward to this important hour together.”

The University’s Honor Code will be presented by Student Body President Paul McElearney. Then, Downs will introduce the featured speaker, Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Wilson Hawkins, who is the recipient of the 2024 President’s Early Career Award.

Downs will follow with his remarks and expectations for the year. The program ends with the singing of �۶�ֱ��’s Alma Mater, led by Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Joshua Cheney. The closing prayer will be said by Whitney Easter, student co-coordinator of Campus Ministries United. Guest bagpiper, retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Phillip McDevitt will provide the processional and recessional music.

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.

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�۶�ֱ�� Begins Academic Year with Traditional Fall Convocation

Office of University Communications — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 20:34:11 +0000

Program Recognizes Students’ Achievements and Includes Remarks from Teaching Award-Winner Dr. Elizabeth Amato and President Dr. William M. Downs

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—�۶�ֱ�� University celebrated the beginning of the 2023 academic year with the Fall Convocation. Awards were presented to 56 students, and the 2021-2022 winner of the Excellence in Teaching award, Dr. Elizabeth Amato, issued a challenge to students. �۶�ֱ�� President Dr. William M. Downs also presented his “call to action.”

“Convocation is a calling together, a summoning, or a convening,” he explained. “It is a time-honored academic tradition at most universities, including our own. And Convocation gives me the opportunity … to give you a brief message … and message of thanks … a message of encouragement … and a message of action.”

He congratulated and thanked Amato for being an outstanding teacher and also recognized the faculty for the work they do. He praised their expertise, energy, dedication, passion and compassion and emphasized, “Thank you, faculty, for the paths you illuminate for our students … not only the path to graduation but also the path to a meaningful life.”

In her speech, Amato defined liberal arts education as “the education for learning liberty. For living in this world as a free person.”

Dr. Elizabeth Amato

She continued, “By free, I mean, you are creature who is inherently free. You were born that way. You were made in the image and likeness of God and possess a rational soul. Though you were certainly born free, you are called to participate in your education. You, in an important and meaningful way, are a co-worker in your education. It’s a pretty big responsibility.”

Amato went on to say that a liberal arts education also prepares an individual to be happy. Quoting Aristotle, she said, “The peculiar work of a human being is not your day job. Your day job is what you do to support yourself and your family. Instead, the work of a human being is to seek happiness.”

Happiness, according to Aristotle is to pursue a life of virtue—being a good person who does good things. “It’s up to you to decide what sort of person you’ll be,” Amato elaborated. “Take care to put good things inside of you—in your soul, mind, and heart—where it counts the most and can’t be lost or taken away from you.”

Downs’ remarks followed Amato’s theme. He quoted Woodrow Wilson, the only U.S. President to earn a PhD. Wilson said, “You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, and a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.”

Downs noted, “At �۶�ֱ��, we’ve been underscoring our own version of that message with T-shirts and posters and stickers that have exhorted you to ‘Make Your Mark’ … Now, it has probably been explained to you that the reference to Mark is a biblical one. Mark 12:30, to be specific: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’”

He challenged the students to “Make Your Mark”:

In the classroom: “If you see a problem, imagine a solution … and if you can imagine a solution, then go design the solution.”
On the fields of competition: “Success as a Runnin’ Bulldog doesn’t just mean getting a ring, it means demonstrating to the world what it looks like to win with honor and class, it means competing with integrity, it means living your life as a champion.”
In service to the community: “The world needs more �۶�ֱ��. More of our nurses and health care professionals, more of our teachers, our counselors, our pastors.”

Issa Cogdell receives the Ignite Excellence plaque from GWU President Downs.

Student Awards and Recognitions

One-Year Scholastic Awards

After the completion of one year of work at �۶�ֱ��, the One-Year Scholastic Award is presented to 27 students who tied for the award with perfect 4.0 averages. They are:

Crystal Alridge
Morgan Barbery
Justin Bender
Emma Duchscherer
Rachel Estes
Mollie Fuller
Kalem Griffin
Caitlyn Hamrick
Avery Hogan
Tanner Horne
Sydney Hudson
Sara Jann
Abigail Mcbee
Zoe Mina
Madison Peek
Braeden Pratt
Mylee Quattlebaum
Jackson Reid
Ashley Rich
Benjamin Rogers
Annali Silver
Austin Thorne
Johannes Van Wijk
Dylin Waldorf
Meredith Wayland
Audrey White
Alaina Yeater

Two-Year Scholastic Awards

Upon the completion of two years of study at �۶�ֱ��, the Two-Year Scholastic Award is presented to eight students who have a perfect 4.0 average. They are:

Daniel Beheler
Theodore Drescher
Christian Horton
Kyndal Jackson
Reese Jones
Rebecca Majorel
Sara Roslund
Shelby Watkins

Three-Year Scholastic Awards

After completing three years of study at �۶�ֱ��, the Three-Year Scholastic Award is presented to nine students with a perfect 4.0 average. This year’s award recipients are:

Leah Carpenter
Caleb Cook
Alexandra Haasser
Paula Harvie
Makayla Jibben
Micah Moulder
Emma Rayfield
Grace Schiefen
Chelsea Walters

Elise Beaver, Ignite Excellence Scholarship winner, receives her plaque from President Downs.

Ignite Excellence Scholars

Elise Beaver from Greensboro, N.C., majoring in elementary education.
Mindy Jae Brown from Polkville, N.C., majoring in elementary education.
Issa Cogdell from Winston-Salem, N.C., majoring in computer science.
Bailey Hope from Gastonia, N.C., majoring in nursing.
Hodges McCathern from Lexington, S.C., majoring in biochemistry.
Andrea Stampone from Parkland, Fla., majoring in political science and psychology.
Corwin Stanley from Mooresville, N.C., majoring in music.
Isabel Suarez from Mount Holly, N.C., majoring in psychology.

The LeGrand Ware Scholarship

The LeGrand Ware Scholarship is awarded to a student from Cleveland or Rutherford County with high academic standing who plans to major in business. This year’s recipient is Jacob Jensen from Lawndale, N.C., majoring in accounting.

Searight Leadership Award

AJ Leyva from Cliffside, N.C., majoring in business management.
D’Michael Williams from Charlotte, N.C., majoring in criminal justice administration and homeland security administration.

Tucker Scholar

President Downs presents a plaque to the 2023-24 Tucker Scholarship recipient, Rachel Gaura.

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�۶�ֱ�� Celebrates Academic Achievements of Students at Fall Opening Convocation

Office of University Communications — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 13:21:33 +0000

2021 Excellence in Teaching Recipient Dr. Abby E. Garlock and President William Downs Issue Challenges to Students

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Each year at the Fall Opening Convocation, �۶�ֱ�� University recognizes the outstanding academic achievements of its students. Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Karen Aubrey presented the 2021-22 Scholastic Awards to 30 students with the highest GPA at the conclusion of one, two and three years of study at the University.

�۶�ֱ�� President William Downs recognized 12 winners of the University’s top scholarship programs: Ignite Excellence, R.W. Andrews, Searight Leadership, and Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength.

Some of the winners of the two-year scholastic awards are recognized at the Fall Convocation. Photo by Sarah Garrison / GWU Photo Team

The event also included remarks by the 2021 Excellence in Teaching recipient, Dr. Abby E. Garlock, assistant professor and doctoral program chair, Hunt School of Nursing. The Excellence in Teaching Award is presented each year to an exceptional faculty member with at least five years of full-time teaching service to the University. Recipients are nominated by one of their peers and the winner is determined by comments from faculty and students.

Garlock began her remarks by recognizing her colleagues, “I hope you know that all of your faculty at �۶�ֱ�� University are excellent in their expertise and commitment to your learning.”

She continued by naming three things that give her joy: Working with people who are honest and kind, being able to express her faith, and working in a supportive environment. Then noted, “But what brings me the most joy is you. Our students. In fact, I think most of the faculty and staff here at �۶�ֱ�� would agree. We get joy from helping you learn, whether that is learning life skills, gaining knowledge for your major, learning how to score the winning point, or growing in your faith.”

Garlock gave the students three challenges that she believes will help them find joy in their time at �۶�ֱ��. They are:

“Be courageous and make mistakes. Most of the time we are afraid to make mistakes because we don’t want to try and fail. We don’t want others to judge us if we don’t succeed or aren’t ‘good enough.’ Let that go. You learn the best from your mistakes.”

“Be honest and kind. Being honest is difficult, because it requires us to be vulnerable and express emotions we may not want to consider. But when we can be kind to ourself and to others, it is much easier to be honest.”

“Lastly, surround yourself with people who challenge you. I once heard it said, you are the average of the five people you spend most of your time with. So, surround yourself with good mentors and good friends who help you reach the goals you have for your future.”

Downs thanked Garlock for her appropriate remarks, congratulated her on her recognition as an outstanding teacher and also thanked the faculty for their “energy, dedication, passion and compassion” in the classroom.

Noting important dates in GWU’s history, Downs spoke about the blessing of being at �۶�ֱ��, and the certain measure of responsibility that comes with that blessing. “When you hear that people are struggling, it is easy to get depressed,” Downs asserted. “It’s easy to want to turn away, to wring our hands, to shrug our shoulders. But I believe that we at a university like this one—a Christian university—have a special responsibility. ‘To whom much is given, much will be required.’” (Luke 12:48)

Downs said part of living out that responsibility is caring for humanity. He referred to a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson that his freshman English professor wrote on the chalkboard 38 years ago: “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”

At first, there was some eye-rolling, yet Downs said he has remembered the quote and its implications. “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year…Don’t wilt or waver in the face of the challenges you see around you. Instead, be inspired by the positive impact you are going to be able to make one day as a college graduate. And, until then, remember that sometimes the best day of the year is the day you do something to make someone else smile.”

Downs also concluded his remarks by issuing a challenge, “Keep your eyes focused on a higher purpose. Keep your heart, soul, mind and strength fixed on doing good…for yourself and for others. Be your best Bulldog, friends, and you’ll have an amazing year.”

The program also included the welcome and invocation by Interim Vice President for Christian Life and Service Neal Payne. Alpha Chi President Allyson H. Butts performed the ringing of the bell. Dr. Joshua Cheney, assistant professor of music, led The Alma Mater and University Fight Song performed by the Concert Choir with accompaniment by the Marching Bulldogs. Student Government Association President Blake Elizalde led the reaffirmation of the University Honor Code, and Hannah C. Thurman, a senior music major, performed a musical interlude. Michael B. Causey, student coordinator for Campus Ministries United, gave the closing prayer.

One-Year Scholastic Awards

After the completion of one year of work at �۶�ֱ��, the One-Year Scholastic Award is presented to 15 students who tied for the award with perfect 4.0 averages. They are:

Daniel Beheler, of Gaffney, S.C., economics/finance.
Theodore Drescher, of Gainesville, Va.
Leah Holland, of Kings Mountain, N.C., art .
Christian Horton, of Shelby, N.C., psychology.
Kyndal Jackson, of Gaffney.
Reese Jones, of Alberta.
Zackery Morris, of Stanley, N.C., accounting.
Giampaolo Nardi of Caracas.
Sara Roslund of Lund.
James Seip of Salisbury, N.C., history.
Bridgette Strobl of Littleton, Colo., chemistry.
Shelby Watkins, of Manchester, Tenn., Christian studies.
Alva Sofia Katari Joensson.
Aaron McIver, of Matthews, N.C.
Siv Lina Kristina Ullèn.

Two-Year Scholastic Awards

Upon the completion of two years of study at �۶�ֱ��, the Two-Year Scholastic Award is presented to 12 students who have a perfect 4.0 average. They are:

Helena Berczes, of Henrico, Va., biology.
Leah Carpenter, of Stanley, N.C., nursing.
Mark Chandler, of Chester, Novia Scotia.
Caleb Cook, of Hudson, N.C., accounting.
Alexandra Haasser, of Seffner, Fla., biology.
Paula Harvie, of Johnson City, Tenn., Spanish.
Makayla Jibben, of Anderson, S.C., biology.
Micah Moulder, of Seneca, S.C., psychology.
Emma Rayfield, of Bessemer City, N.C., biology.
Grace Schiefen, of Mooresville, N.C., music education.
Chelsea Walters, of Connelly Springs, N.C., nursing.
Selah Werner, of Robbinsville, N.C., Christian studies.

Three-Year Scholastic Awards

After completing three years of study at �۶�ֱ��, the Three-Year Scholastic Award is presented to three students with a perfect 4.0 average. This year’s award recipients are:

Allyson Butts, of Concord, N.C., exercise science.
Jasmine Jones, of Tamuning, exercise science.
Victor Putter, of Pretoria Gauteng, mathematics.

Stephanie Toukmaji

McCoy Stowe

Annali Silver

Benjamin Rogers

Sarah McLean

Peyton Bryant

Peter Moore

Ignite Excellence Scholars, photos by Sarah Garrison / GWU Photo Team

Ignite Excellence Scholars

Peyton Bryant from Mooresville, N.C., majoring in business management.
Sydney Hudson from Lincolnton, N.C., majoring in business and political science.
Sarah McLean from Lenoir, N.C., majoring in exercise science and psychology.
Peter Moore from Rutherfordton, N.C., majoring in traditional worship music.
Benjamin Rogers from Waxhaw, N.C., majoring in biology.
Annali Silver from Bakersville, N.C., majoring in history education.
McCoy Stowe from Lincolnton majoring in biomedical science.
Stephanie Toukmaji from Charlotte, N.C., majoring in nursing.

President William Downs congratulates R.W. Andrews Scholarship winner, Kofi Boakye Jr. from Kings Mountain, N.C., a music major. Photo by Sarah Garrison / GWU Photo Team

R.W. Andrews Scholarship

The R.W. Andrews scholarship is awarded to a male student from Cleveland County planning to attend �۶�ֱ��. To be considered for the scholarship, candidates must display integrity, leadership, and academic success. The student awarded this scholarship is one who upholds the true mission and value of �۶�ֱ�� University.

This year’s recipient is Kofi Boakye Jr. from Kings Mountain, N.C., majoring in music.

Searight Leadership Award

Caitlyn Hamrick from Shelby, N.C., majoring in elementary education.
Lys Ishiari from Charlotte, N.C., majoring in computer science.

Tucker Scholar

Kylee Morris, of Morehead City, N.C., is the 2022-23 recipient of the Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength Scholarship. Photo by Sarah Garrison / GWU Photo Team

The 2022-23 recipient is Kylee Morris from Morehead City, N.C. She is majoring in biomedical science.

Learn more about GWU Scholarship Programs.

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