news-category: Campus News 蜜豆直播 Celebrates Leaders of the Past on Founders Day, Dec. 1 By Office of University Communications On November 16, 2022 The Huggins-Curtis Building Activities Begin with Morning Convocation and Include Presentation of Inaugural Founders Medal BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擣rom 蜜豆直播 University鈥檚 origins as a high school through its evolution into a nationally-recognized university and leader in Christian higher education, each chapter of institutional history has been penned by men and women of profound vision and relentless dedication. Those who helped build GWU into what it is today gave generously of their time, talents and critical financial support. On Dec. 1, the 蜜豆直播 community will come together on Founders Day to honor the names and legacies of persons and groups that played formative roles in the University鈥檚 development. The day of celebration will be highlighted by the presentation of two inaugural Founders Medals. 蜜豆直播 University was established in 1905 as Boiling Springs High School. Formed by the Kings Mountain and Sandy Run Baptist Associations, the school鈥檚 purpose was to educate and equip young men and women to invest, improve, and build up the communities in which they lived. In 1928, Boiling Springs High School was accredited as a two-year junior college, and in 1942 it was renamed 蜜豆直播 College in honor of the support of N.C. Governor O. Max Gardner and his wife Fay Webb. In 1993, leaders elevated the institution to its present status as 蜜豆直播 University. 鈥淕reat universities are not built overnight, and the GWU that we know and love today is the product of hard work and persistence by so many people over the course of more than a century,鈥 observed 蜜豆直播 President Dr. William Downs. 鈥淥ur founders鈥攖hose distant in time as well as those who have made their marks in recent years鈥攄eserve our recognition and our gratitude. To that end, I am delighted that we are reviving a Founders Day tradition that hasn鈥檛 been honored here for decades. With this revival, we commit to celebrating our rich heritage each and every year so that we may never forget the efforts of those upon whose shoulders we now stand.鈥 The Founders Day celebration begins at 9:25 a.m. with a convocation in Dover Chapel. Leah Clevenger, director of Alumni Relations, said the program will be led by University Archivist Dr. Natalie Bishop. The presentation will be an opportunity to learn more about the University鈥檚 founders. 鈥淗er 30-minute presentation has been creatively designed for the purpose of engaging students, but will appeal to the broader audience of faculty, staff, and community members,鈥 Clevenger affirmed. At 4 p.m., the Historical Marker ceremony will take place on the site of the Huggins-Curtis Building. The Huggins-Curtis Building served as the main campus building for over 50 years. Built in 1907 by founding trustee and Boiling Springs carpenter John F. Moore, Huggins-Curtis held the school鈥檚 classrooms, student housing, library, cafeteria, and chapel. The Huggins-Curtis burned in a fire in 1957. In its place today sits the Dover Campus Center, a new symbol of welcome to those joining the 蜜豆直播 community. The brick pedestal marker will be placed in the flower bed between Dover Campus Center and the E.B. Hamrick Memorial Hall. The plaque will read: Here stood the Huggins-Curtis Building A symbol of love & deep devotion by our Founders Erected 1907 – Burned 1957 A formal presentation of the inaugural Founders Medal will be at 5 p.m., with a ceremony and dinner in Tucker Student Center. This award recognizes individuals who have contributed significant and distinguished service to the University. Founders Medal recipients will receive a medallion, a lapel pin for everyday wear, and a portrait which will hang in the Dover Library for one year. This year, the Founders Medal will be awarded to two couples鈥攐ne recognizes a couple from the early days of the institution and will be awarded posthumously, while the other medal will be given to a couple for their continuing support and service. Registration for the dinner and ceremony should be received by Nov. 27. Guests may register . After the presentation, everyone is invited to the annual Festival of Lights at 7 p.m. in Dover Theatre, followed by a reception in Tucker Student Center. A beloved Christmas tradition since 1984, the program will include all the favorite activities that area families have enjoyed in the past鈥攔eading of the Christmas story, singing carols, musical presentations, luminaria-lined walkways, and lighting of the Christmas tree. 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 [email protected] with your request. Note to our readers: This article reflects the University鈥檚 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鈥檚 official Admissions聽page. 蜜豆直播 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., 蜜豆直播 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 蜜豆直播.edu. The Huggins-Curtis Building
News Article 蜜豆直播 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.鈥擳he 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 Mike Griffith Reaches 200 Big South Wins, Cementing a Legacy at 蜜豆直播 Longtime Head Coach Reflects on Championships, Growth, and the Student-Athletes who Shaped the Runnin鈥 Bulldogs鈥 Success BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥斆鄱怪辈 men鈥檚 tennis coach Mike Griffith reached a significant milestone in his tenure with the Runnin鈥 Bulldogs, recording his 200th career victory while being a member of the Big South Conference. The historic win came over Converse […] Office of University Communications | April 1, 2026
News Article 蜜豆直播 University Recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April Campus Events Focus on Education, Advocacy, and Solidarity with Survivors 蜜豆直播 University鈥檚 Office of Student Development will recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month throughout April with a series of educational programs and awareness events. For 25 years, Sexual Assault Awareness Month has united survivors, advocates, and communities in a shared commitment to ending sexual assault, abuse, […] Office of University Communications | March 31, 2026