Ceremony will be Held on May 23 at 11 a.m. in Dover Chapel

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—�۶�ֱ�� will host its Memorial Day Observance on Friday, May 23, at 11 a.m. in Dover Chapel, and the public is welcome to attend. Each year, the University sets aside this time to remember the lives of those who have died in military service to their country. The national Memorial Day observance dates back to 1868 when Americans started gathering in their communities to decorate soldiers’ graves and pay tribute to their fallen heroes. The day was established as a federal holiday in 1971.

Retired U.S. Navy Commander John E. “JES” Sutton will be the featured speaker. He is a 1976 alumnus of �۶�ֱ�� University with a degree in mathematics.

The service will begin with a welcome and invocation by Vice President for Christian Life and Service and University Chaplain Dr. Josh Parrott. Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Music Dr. Aaron Rice will sing the national anthem. Adjunct Instructor and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Dr. Jim Rennie will lead the Responsive Reading of Psalm 67:1-7.

Interim �۶�ֱ�� President Nate Evans, who is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, will introduce Sutton. “Memorial Day is a special time for our community to pause and reflect on the high cost of freedom,” Evans asserted. “Through this observance, we are reminded of the courage and sacrifice of those who paid the ultimate price for our nation’s freedoms. We are grateful to Commander Sutton for his service to our nation and for joining us on this important occasion.”

The retired commander grew up in Brazil, where his parents served as missionaries for the Southern Baptist Convention. In 1972, Sutton left his home in Rio de Janeiro to attend Oregon State University. After one quarter, Sutton transferred to �۶�ֱ�� to finish his degree. He met his wife, Rosie, at GWU, and they were married in 1976.

During the summer of 1975, Sutton applied for a commission in the U.S. Navy to work as a nuclear engineer. He enlisted in October 1975, attended Officer Candidate School in Rhode Island, and received his commission in November 1976. He retired from active duty in 2005 while stationed at the NATO headquarters at Brunssum, the Netherlands. He continued working as a government contractor until he fully retired and permanently moved to Elizabethton, Tenn., in 2009. The Suttons have four children and ten grandchildren.

After Sutton’s remarks, Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose will conduct a Remembrance of the Fallen. Silence is observed as the bell tolls 21 times, the highest military honor to those who died defending freedom and democracy. Afterward, Associate Vice President of Marketing Wilson Brooks will play Taps.

Evans will have closing remarks, and Associate Minister for Community Engagement and Athletic Ministries Isaiah Crawford will say the benediction.

�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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Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. John Whitaker Relates Story of Sacrifice

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—�۶�ֱ�� University faculty and staff, along with members of the community, gathered in front of Hamrick Hall on May 24 to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives serving their country. In his speech, retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. John Whitaker shared a personal story to remember his friends who gave their lives on a mission to save others.

�۶�ֱ�� President William M. Downs underscored the significance of Memorial Day, saying it is not about backyard barbecues or clearance sales. “Memorial Day is a solemn responsibility to carry out our lives in ways that would have made those who lost their lives proud,” Downs affirmed. “Our own daily stresses and struggles seem small, so very small in comparison to those struggles endured by the men and women that we have gathered to honor — Those men and women from our own community, who answered the call to defend freedom; those men and women from our own community, who overcame fear to face down evil; those from our own community, who boarded ships or planes or in some other way raced toward conflict rather than shrinking from it.”

Vice President for Christian Life and Service and University Chaplain Dr. Josh Parrott gave the welcome and invocation. Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Music Dr. Aaron Rice sang the national anthem. Vice President for Advancement Nate Evans lead the responsive reading from Psalm 67:1-7.

Downs introduced Whitaker, a native of Gastonia, N.C., and serves as discipleship pastor for City Church, a multiple campus church of over 3,500 members. He is also executive director of Hope4Gaston, a Christian non-profit that over the past 10 years has provided food to over 500,000 individuals, remodeled over 800 houses for families in need, and operates a free clothing store that has served over 250,000 individuals.

He served 25 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 2011. Whitaker spent 10 years of his military service flying in support of America’s War on Terror. He has accumulated over 2,500 hours of total flight time as a C-130H3 Flight Engineer. Whitaker has over 1,000 combat hours flying missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also has over 500 hours of flight time dedicated to humanitarian missions involving hurricane relief, providing food in developing countries and firefighting missions in the Western United States.

The story that Whitaker told occurred during a firefighting mission in the U.S. He and other members of his unit had just returned home from Afghanistan. Four of his friends were called to fight fires in South Dakota. The aircraft was stuck by a microburst and all of them died. One of his friends had just welcomed his fourth child, a one-month-old daughter with three older brothers.

Through his somber words, Whitaker also provided hope. “I know an Air Force Squadron with this motto, ‘This I do that others may live,’” Whitaker related. “I believe that if Jesus had a tattoo, that’s what it would have said, in Hebrew, of course. Mottos are inspiring until the gravity of the situation becomes a reality. So, what are we that are left behind to do? We remember. We honor. We stay in the fight. My dead friends stayed in the fight, so others may live. Through this tragic story of sacrifice by my friends, I am reminded of even a greater sacrifice. I would like to offer today, a perspective grounded in the Christian faith, which has long been a source of comfort strength, hope for many in times of loss and remembrance.”

He continued, “On this Memorial Day celebration, we are called not only to remember those who have fallen but also to honor the legacy of the living ones, and the lives, and the purpose and integrity of those left behind. We are reminded that freedom is not free. In the face of this sobering reality, we must ask ourselves, ‘How can we best honor their memory?’ We must commit to living lives that reflect the values which they fought and died for … let us also stand in hope. Our Christian faith assures us that death is not the end. And those who have died in Christ are now in his eternal embrace.”

After Whitaker’s remarks and devotion, Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose conducted the Remembrance of The Fallen: Silence is observed as the bell tolls 21 times, the highest military honor to those who died defending our freedom and democracy. Associate Vice President of Marketing Wilson Brooks played Taps. Downs gave closing remarks, and Associate Minister for the University for Pastoral Care Stacy Simmons offered the benediction.

�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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Retired U.S. Air Force Veteran Master Sgt. John Whitaker Speaker for Service

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Retired Master Sgt. John Whitaker, a decorated war veteran, will be the featured speaker for �۶�ֱ��’s Annual Community Memorial Day Observance and Prayer Gathering. The service will be held on Friday, May 24, at 9:30 a.m. in front of Hamrick Hall. In case of rain, the program will be held in Dover Chapel.

Each year, the University pauses to remember the lives of those who have died in military service to their country. The national Memorial Day observance dates back to 1868 and exists to recognize and remember those who paid the ultimate price in order to make the world a safer place.

The program will begin with a welcome and invocation by Vice President for Christian Life and Service and University Chaplain Dr. Josh Parrott. Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Music Dr. Aaron Rice will sing the national anthem. Vice President for Advancement Nate Evans will lead the responsive reading from Psalm 67:1-7. �۶�ֱ�� President Dr. William M. Downs will introduce the speaker.

Whitaker, a native of Gastonia, N.C., serves as discipleship pastor for City Church, a multiple campus church of over 3,500 members. He is also executive director of Hope4Gaston, a Christian non-profit that over the past 10 years has provided food to over 500,000 individuals, remodeled over 800 houses for families in need, and operates a free clothing store that has served over 250,000 individuals. Whitaker also volunteers as the chaplain for the Gastonia Police Department, providing ministry support for 190 officers and administrative staff. He is a graduate of Southern Evangelical Seminary in Matthews, N.C. He is married to Amy, their blended family includes two daughters, three sons, and four grandchildren.

He entered the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Hunter Huss High School in 1986 and served 25 years, retiring in 2011. Whitaker spent 10 years of his military service flying in support of America’s War on Terror. He has accumulated over 2,500 hours of total flight time as a C-130H3 Flight Engineer. Whitaker has over 1,000 combat hours flying missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Whitaker was awarded the U.S. Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, The Air Medal, seven times for combat aerial operations; the Arial Achievement Medal, twice; Afghanistan Campaign Medal, The Air Force Combat Action Medal, for direct combat engagement against enemy forces, and The Global War on Terrorism Medal and several other accommodations for valor and service. He also has over 500 hours of flight time dedicated to humanitarian missions involving hurricane relief, providing food in developing countries and firefighting missions in the Western United States.

After Whitaker’s remarks and devotion, Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose will conduct the Remembrance of The Fallen: Silence is observed as the bell tolls 21 times, the highest military honor to those who died defending our freedom and democracy. Associate Vice President of Marketing Wilson Brooks will play Taps. Downs will give closing remarks, and Associate Minister for the University for Pastoral Care Stacy Simmons will offer the benediction.

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.

�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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Prayer Gathering and Observance Event Featured Dr. Eric Davis as Speaker

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Faculty, staff and community members gathered on May 25^th at �۶�ֱ�� University to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in defense the United States while serving in the armed forces. “Memorial Day is our solemn responsibility to carry out our lives in ways that would have made those who lost theirs proud,” proclaimed �۶�ֱ�� University President William Downs.

�۶�ֱ��’s Memorial Day remembrance service provided opportunities to consider the fallen, acknowledge their contributions, and to emphasize why this day is so vitally important for the nation.

GWU alumnus, Dr. Eric Davis, employee support manager and lead chaplain for Cleveland County Government, offered remarks and a devotional reflection. “In an attempt to honor the lives of those who died in battle, Decoration Day was observed on May 30, 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union sailors and soldiers,” noted Davis. “The name, ‘Decoration Day,’ came from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags. Today, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country.”

Vice President for Christian Life and Service and University Chaplain Dr. Josh Parrott led in a welcome and invocation. Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Music Dr. Aaron Rice presided over the singing of the national anthem, and Vice President for Advancement Nate Evans offered a responsive reading. Assistant Dean of Students Brian Arnold officiated over a moment of silence and directed the tolling of the bell, 21 times. This is the highest military honor for those who died defending freedom and democracy. 

“From the inception of our country there have been many who have offered the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms… All of these men and women made sacrifices because they believed in our rights as citizens of these United States to honor God and worship freely,” added Davis.

The program’s close featured Associate Vice President of Marketing Wilson Brooks playing Taps, and Associate Minister to the University for Student Ministries Neal Payne providing the benediction.

The Office of Alumni Relations also displayed a “Missing Man Table” in the Tucker Student Center reserved for the missing comrades in arms, the fallen soldiers. The table featured numerous items including a bible, red ribbon, a single red rose, an inverted glass, a pinch of salt, a lemon slice, and a lone candle. Each item represents the emotions and feelings reserved for those who did not come home. The ceremonial table symbolizes that these courageous men and women are with us in spirit.

The Memorial Day observance and prayer gathering is an annual tradition at �۶�ֱ�� and was established three years ago by President Downs.  

“Today, our own daily stresses and struggles seem small…so very small…in comparison to those endured by the men and women that we have gathered to honor…those from our own community who answered the call to defend freedom,” noted Downs. “Those from our own community who overcame fear to face down evil, those from our own community who boarded ships or planes and raced toward conflict…rather than shrinking from it.”

�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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Dr. Eric Davis, Three-time Alumnus, is Speaker for the Program

The �۶�ֱ�� Community Memorial Day Observance and Prayer Gathering will be held on May 25 at 9:30 a.m. in front of Hamrick Hall. Employee Support Manager and Lead Chaplain for Cleveland County Dr. Eric Davis, a GWU alumnus, is the guest speaker.

Vice President for Christian Life and Service and University Chaplain Josh Parrott will bring the welcome and give the invocation. The ceremony includes singing of the national anthem with Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Music Aaron Rice. A responsive reading led by Vice President for Advancement Nate Evans.

GWU President Dr. William M. Downs will introduce the guest speaker. Davis earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from �۶�ֱ�� in 1995, his Master of Divinity in 2001 and his Doctor of Ministry in 2007.

Assistant Dean of Students Brian Arnold will have the remembrance of the fallen. Silence is observed as the bell tolls 21 times, the highest military honor to those who died defending our freedom and democracy. 

Associate Vice President of Marketing Wilson Brooks will play Taps, and Associate Minister to the University for Student Ministries Neal Payne will have the benediction.

�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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N.C. Senator Ted Alexander is Guest Speaker for Ceremony

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—North Carolina District 44 Senator Ted Alexander spoke at �۶�ֱ�� University’s Memorial Day Prayer Service on Friday, May 27. He urged those gathered to remember the soldiers who died and the American principles they sacrificed to protect. The service was held in front of E.B. Hamrick Memorial Hall on Quinn Circle, which was built in 1925 and dedicated to the memory of three fallen soldiers. At last year’s Memorial Day service, it was rededicated to include two more alumni who died while serving their country.

“The definition of a memorial is a monument or marker that reminds people of an important event or person; in this case, remind means to cause someone to remember someone or something,” Alexander informed. “On Memorial Day, we are reminding Americans of the someones who have given their lives for our country and the something, which is its ideals. From its inception, Memorial Day has embodied four aspects of remembrance—faith, sacrifice, love and rebirth. It is up to us, everyone here, to pass this on, because it won’t happen by itself. We have to become active participants in relaying to our children and grandchildren the American ideals that these soldiers gave their last full measure to defend.”

Alexander, a native of Morganton, N.C., has served in the N.C. Senate since 2019. He and his wife, Patti, have two children: Will, who lives and works in Asheville, and Christina, who is an alumna of �۶�ֱ��.

Following Alexander’s remarks, Associate Dean of the Library and University Archivist Dr. Natalie Bishop led a remembrance of the fallen. During a moment of silence, Bishop rang a bell 21 times, the highest military honor given to those who died defending freedom and democracy. To conclude the solemn moment, Associate Vice President of Marketing Wilson Brooks played Taps.

�۶�ֱ�� President Dr. William Downs gave the closing remarks, again underscoring the significance of Memorial Day. “Our enduring obligation as Americans and as members of the �۶�ֱ�� University family is to treat Memorial Day as much more than simply a day off from work,” Downs affirmed. “Memorial Day is our solemn responsibility to carry out our lives in ways that would have made those who lost theirs proud. President John F. Kennedy once said on an occasion such as this, ‘As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.’ Let us all please commit to living up to that very high standard. If we do that, then we ensure that those throughout our nation’s history who have fallen in battle did not make their sacrifice in vain.”

The program also included a welcome by Vice President for Advancement Nate Evans, and the invocation by Vice President for Christian Life and Service and Senior Minister to the University Tracy Jessup.

�۶�ֱ�� Alumni who Gave Their Lives in Service to Their Country

• The first three were students at Boiling Springs High School who gave their lives serving in World War I:
  • Ira Alberto Crabtree
  • William Norwood Huggins
  • Copher Meade Ewing
• More recent alumni:
  • Lt. Col. William Barkley Jr., class of 1975, who gave his life, along with his co-pilot and crew, while test flying a helicopter near the Marine Corps Air Station, Quantico, Va., on May 19, 1993.
  • US Army Green Beret, Staff Sgt. Jerry Gass, class of 2003, who served his country as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group and was stationed at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, N.C.

�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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