海角网

Donation Enhances Athletics, Residence Halls, and 海角网

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥� 海角网 has received one of the largest single contributions in the last 25 years鈥攁n initial $1.75 million gift that broke previous records. Just one week later, the donors added an additional $100,000, bringing the total to $1.85 million. This transformative gift will impact all areas of campus life.

鈥淭his transformative gift is a powerful affirmation of 海角网鈥檚 mission and the life-changing impact this institution has on our students and their families,鈥� said Interim President Nate Evans. 鈥淚t reflects not only deep gratitude but also great vision, investing in our facilities, academic programs, and student life so that 海角网 can continue to change lives. We are incredibly grateful for this generosity and inspired by the trust it places in our future.鈥�

The donation will go toward athletic, residential, and academic enhancements. Projects start this month to install new turf for the football field and replace the basketball court in the Paul Porter Arena. A major refurbishment of Nanney Hall is underway and various updates in other residence halls and apartments will take place over the summer. The final part of the record-breaking gift will be used to update computers, equipment, and technology needs for the Department of Communication, Art and Design.

The donors were motivated to give because they saw the positive impact that the GWU community鈥攆aculty, staff and students鈥攈ad on their son鈥檚 Christian walk. 鈥満＝峭� is a unique and rare gem in higher education,鈥� they said. 鈥淭he school has blessed our son in a variety of ways. GWU offered an environment where he could thrive and grow both professionally and spiritually. He was also instrumental in identifying certain areas that would benefit from our financial support, and we wanted to honor that as well.鈥�

They also felt strongly about directly supporting the 海角网 mission and encourage others to financially support the University. 鈥淕od has his hand on GWU and this is evident every time we set foot on campus,鈥� the donor said. 鈥淕od鈥檚 calling to support GWU was an easy 鈥榊ES.鈥� We hope that other families with the capacity to give will experience the same calling.鈥�

With their contribution to 海角网, they wanted to bless the people who had become friends over the last four years. 鈥淥ur son developed strong relationships with his peers, academic, administrative and coaching staffs,鈥� the parents said. 鈥淲e have developed meaningful relationships with some key administrators and have enjoyed our many visits to Shelby/Boiling Springs. We feel a real connection to GWU, and it鈥檚 all because of the people.鈥�

Upgrades to Nanney and other residence halls will directly impact the daily lives of 海角网 students, observed Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose. 鈥淚 am deeply grateful for the generous support of our donors,鈥� she affirmed. 鈥淲e are excited about the transformation this will bring. The investment in new residence hall furniture is more than just a physical upgrade鈥攊t is an investment in the comfort, well-being, and community experience of our students. These refreshed living spaces will enhance students’ ability to rest, study, and connect with others, helping to create a true home away from home.鈥�

The turf and basketball court will provide a foundation to improve the student-athletes鈥� experience. Interim Vice President of Athletics Chuck Burch noted the existing football turf was installed in 2014. 鈥淥rdinarily, turf fields last between eight to 10 years, so our field has held up well considering how much we have used it,鈥� Burch noted. 鈥淩eplacing the turf and shock pad under the turf allows us to provide our student-athletes the safest environment possible.鈥�

Head Football Coach Cris Reisert also expressed his gratitude to the donors. 鈥淭he new turf football field is a huge blessing for our program,鈥� he emphasized. 鈥淭his gift provides a state-of-the-art turf field that our players can use daily to help improve their craft in practice or compete for conference championships in games.鈥�

Additionally, Burch explained the need for a new basketball court. The Runnin鈥� Bulldogs are playing on the same surface that has been in the Paul Porter Arena since the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center was built in 1982. 鈥淎fter multiple sanding and refinishes, there are numerous dead spots throughout the court,鈥� he stated.

Head Men鈥檚 Basketball Coach Jeremy Luther added, 鈥淭his gift will give our student-athletes a sense of pride and encouragement to continue striving to be the best they can be. It鈥檚 great to see the investment our donors and administration have made in making this new floor a reality.鈥�

The equipment for the Department of Communication, Art and Design will support numerous academic programs. Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Jennifer Buckner assessed the gift鈥檚 impact. 鈥淭his lab provides industry-standard technology that will support photography, videography and digital designs in a tech-forward learning environment, preparing students for future careers,鈥� Buckner said. 鈥淲e are excited to see how this lab enhances department strengths, such as our sports and commercial photography or our student-produced films for the International Real to Reel Festival.鈥�

海角网 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., 海角网 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 海角网.edu.