news-category: Campus News Anonymous $1.5 Million Gift Advances Student Experience and FaithāCentered Mission at GardnerāWebb University By Office of University Communications On May 12, 2026 Funding Strengthens Spaces Where Students āLive, Learn, Train and Growā Across Campus BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.āA significant $1.5 million gift from an anonymous donor will support studentāfocused priorities at GardnerāWebb University. The donor provided flexibility in directing the funds, allowing University leadership to focus on initiatives with immediate and lasting impact on students. GardnerāWebb President Nate Evans emphasized that every major project supported by the gift aligns with the Universityās mission and commitment to holistic student development. āThis gift allows us to invest intentionally in spaces and programs that serve students where they live, learn, train, and grow,ā Evans underscored. āEach priority reflects our commitment to being a Christācentered university that places students at the heart of every decision.ā Myers and Spangler will receive new flooring, furniture and paint. A portion of the gift will fund refurbishments to Myers and Spangler residence halls, including new furniture and upgrades such as flooring, paint, and general improvements. Additional funds will be directed toward targeted student housing improvements across campus. The work will be completed over the summer and will improve the student living experience while supporting an expansion of the Universityās FaithāBased LivingāLearning Community, a residential model that intentionally connects studentsā academic, coācurricular, and personal development around shared interests and values. āThis investment in Myers and Spangler represents far more than a facilities upgradeāit is a direct investment in the student experience at GardnerāWebb University,ā affirmed Vice President of Student Development and Dean of Students LesleyāÆVillarose. āWhen we enhance residential spaces, we strengthen the foundation for student success by creating environments where students can rest, study, and build meaningful relationships. Gifts like this elevate not only where our students live, but how they liveāsupporting their academic persistence, personal growth, and overall sense of belonging.ā Villarose emphasized that the expansion of the FaithāBased LivingāLearning Community reflects the Universityās intentional approach to integrating faith and learning within the residential experience. She added, āThese spaces will allow students to engage more deeply in shared values, spiritual development, and meaningful dialogue beyond the classroom. As this livingālearning community continues to expand, we are creating more opportunities for students to connect their academic journey with their faith in a supportive, residential environment.ā The philanthropic support will also fund a comprehensive renovation of the primary weight room located in the football center. The project will include new flooring, racks, weights, machines, and branded strength equipment to benefit the health, safety, and performance of studentāathletes across all sports. Additional funds will address football program needs and athletic facility improvements. Vice President for Athletics and Athletic Director Brendan Fahey described the renovation as ātransformationalā and a ātrue programāchangerā for the department. āStrength training is essential to the development and wellābeing of our studentāathletes, and this new, stateāofātheāart space will allow us to support them at the highest level,ā Fahey explained. āBeyond enhancing daily training, it will play a key role in recruitment, retention, and the overall studentāathlete experience. We are incredibly grateful for this generous support and look forward to unveiling the new facility to our studentāathletes.ā This illustration shows an overview of the renovated weight room. Reflecting the Universityās commitment to developing the whole student, the gift supports a new instructional space along with updated academic technology across the University. Together, these investments support handsāon learning, classroom instruction, and student preparation for professional success. āAcademic Affairs is grateful for the generous gift, which strengthens support for academic excellence and prepares our students to lead with confidence in their respective fields,ā noted Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs NicoleāÆWaters. āThis support will significantly enhance experiential learning opportunities for students in our Department of Public Service programs by creating an authentic residential setting for crime scene investigation that simulates realālife crime scenarios. This investment elevates the quality of instruction, deepens student engagement, and prepares graduates for the professional workforce.ā The handsāon simulation lab will be located in Washburn House and will serve both students and regional law enforcement partners. Additionally, the donation will support broader academic needs across the University. Waters shared, āThe gift provides technology enhancements to the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education. These upgrades will enable faculty to deliver more interactive instruction while ensuring our learning environments reflect the demands of a rapidly evolving world.ā Beyond its academic impact, the philanthropic support also advances efforts to better serve students across campus. GardnerāWebb leadership designated part of the funds to create a oneāstop shop for key student services, including financial aid, student accounts, and registration. The consolidated space will improve coordination, communication, and customer service while creating a more seamless experience for students. Collectively, these investments reflect GardnerāWebbās mission by supporting students academically, personally, and professionally. ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ 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., ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ 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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