news-category: Ignite Scholars Ignite Scholar Elijah Lewis Builds Community at ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ By Office of University Communications On November 3, 2025 Elijah Lewis, center, is an Ignite Scholar majoring in computer science. Campus Connections Empower Sophomore to Grow Spiritually, Academically, and Professionally BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.āIgnite Scholar Elijah Lewis, of Graham, N.C., first heard about ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ University from his friend A.J. Hogan. When Lewis visited campus, he also experienced the vibrant and close-knit community his friend had described. āI believe God pointed me in this direction due to the personal connections, the amazing first impressions I had during my visits, and the inviting atmosphere of the community that he showed to me,ā Lewis explained. āI also saw the career and financial opportunities ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ could provide, and I knew this was where I was meant to be. I want to thank my parents for always supporting me from day one.ā Winning the Ignite Scholarship was further confirmation. āIt meant everything to me,ā Lewis shared. āReceiving this recognition was a huge confidence booster. I canāt imagine myself anywhere else. Without a scholarship, I wasnāt sure what Iād be able to do in life, but ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ās generosity made my path clear.ā Elijah Lewis, right, Dr. Mirek Mystkowski, center, and two other students examine a sample problem while practicing for a programming contest coming up at the 39th Annual Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges. His first year at ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„, he focused on building his spiritual and academic foundations and also connecting with people on campus. Lewis joined a Bible study group led by Hogan. It has become his greatest source of support. āThat community has given me peace and encouragement to handle challenges, whether itās tough times in life or the pressure of academics,ā Lewis observed. A computer science major with a minor in mathematics, Lewis is naturally curious. āEver since I was a very young kid, Iād take apart devices like my iPod or explore every menu in a program just to see what was possible,ā Lewis reflected. āComputer Science gives me a way to turn that curiosity into a career, and I hope to use that passion in a way that honors God.ā Elijah Lewis reads a sample problem while practicing for a regional computer contest. His professors, Dr. Mirek Mystkowski and Oscar Gonzales, are preparing him for success in the programming field. āTheyāve consistently gone above and beyond by offering after-class opportunities, providing guidance, and even helping me make important career connections,ā Lewis noted. As a way to apply what heās learning in class, sharpen his skills, and provide additional practical experience for his resume, Lewis is preparing for a programming contest. Heās been working with Mystkowski and a couple of other students for the event held at the 39th Annual Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges (CCSC) Southeastern Region meeting. āItās been fun and academically rewarding to get to know and work with the professor and the other two guys in an environment other than class,ā Lewis acknowledged. āThe actual competition will be a nice learning experience, because itās something I’ve never done before.ā Lewis also went to the Career Fair sponsored by the ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ Center for Personal and Professional Development. As part of his Business Communication and Administration Class, he prepared beforehand by writing a resume, creating a LinkedIn profile, and practicing his pitch with classmates. At the event, he met and talked with some potential employers. āĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ has given me great resources and mentors who have taught me the skills I need to pursue a vocation,ā he observed. āOverall, itās given me a strong foundation that I know I can build a future on.ā About the Ignite Scholarship Ignite Excellence is ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ Universityās most competitive academic scholarship. Each recipient receives a full-tuition scholarship that covers the cost of tuition for eight semesters. Recipients are selected through an on-campus interview process. They must maintain a cumulative institutional grade point average of 3.5, reside on campus, and continue to demonstrate a strong leadership ability and commitment to service. Learn more here. About ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ 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. Learn more at . Interested in computer sciences? Start your journey here. Elijah Lewis, center, is an Ignite Scholar majoring in computer science.
News Article ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ University Alumnus Appointed to State Public Health Commission Pharmacist Nathan Robertsā Experience in Rural Healthcare Access Positioned Him for Service on 13-Member Board BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.āSince graduating from GardnerāWebb University 12 years ago, pharmacist Nathan Roberts has expanded his skill set, taken on increasing responsibility, and demonstrated a clear capacity for leadership. His impact drew the attention of his company, CVS Health, and […] Office of University Communications | May 20, 2026
News Article Anonymous $1.5 Million Gift Advances Student Experience and FaithāCentered Mission at GardnerāWebb University 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 […] Office of University Communications | May 12, 2026
News Article ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ University Mourns the Passing of Dr. Earl H. Godfrey Jr. on May 7 Known for His Faith, Storytelling, and Dedication to Students, Professor Emeritus of Accounting Served the University for Over Three Decades BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.āThe ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ community is remembering Dr. Earl H. Godfrey Jr., an educator, colleague and friend, who passed away on May 7, 2026. For more than three decades, Godfrey faithfully served the University as […] Office of University Communications | May 12, 2026
