news-category: Community News Award-Winning Documentary by º£½ÇÍø Students to Air Locally on C19 TV By Office of University Communications On November 19, 2025 “Shaping the Old North Stateâ€� explores the lasting impact of former North Carolina Governor O. Max Gardner and First Lady Fay Webb Gardner. ‘Shaping the Old North State’ Explores the Lasting Influence of O. Max and Fay Webb Gardner on the University and Beyond BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—“Shaping the Old North State,â€� a documentary created by º£½ÇÍø students, will be featured locally on Spectrum Cable C19 TV on Sunday, Nov. 23, through Saturday, Nov. 29. Each day, the film will air at 9:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. A story that captures the extraordinary legacy of Cleveland County through the lens of O. Max Gardner and Fay Webb Gardner, the production won the Founder’s Choice Award presented at the 26th Annual Real to Reel International Film Festival. The film traces the Gardners influence far beyond politics and into the present day. They helped reshape not just North Carolina, but the nation. O. Max Gardner served as governor of North Carolina from 1929-1933. Despite living in Raleigh, N.C., and Washington, D.C., the Gardners never forgot their hometown of Shelby, N.C., and what was then a junior college in Boiling Springs. Their devotion and financial support of the college was recognized in 1942, when the trustees voted to name the school, º£½ÇÍø, after them. Behind the scenes: This is the set where º£½ÇÍø students filmed the documentary. Recent GWU graduate Carson Willoughby served as director, cinematographer and editor and was assisted by GWU students, Dakota Hawxwell, camera operator and editor, and Jonathan Holbrook, camera operator. The film was produced through º£½Ç꿉۪s Department of Communication, Art & Design in a documentary class taught by the film’s executive producers: Jessica Maloney, assistant professor of photography and design, and Dr. Chris Nelson, professor of theatre arts. “I’m incredibly proud of Carson, Dakota, and Jonathan!â€� Maloney praised. “I’m so glad our documentary class was able to provide the time and space for them to explore the history of our university’s namesakes and bring their stories to life through film. Their achievement reflects the creativity, innovation, and collaborative spirit we strive to foster in the Communication, Art & Design department.â€� The project also features contributions from GWU faculty and staff, including Dr. Natalie Bishop, dean of the GWU Library, Dr. Tim Vanderburg, professor of history, and voice talent from Jeff Powell, instructor of communication studies and general manager of WGWG Radio. º£½ÇÍø 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., º£½ÇÍø 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 º£½ÇÍø.edu. Interested in video and film? Start your journey here. “Shaping the Old North Stateâ€� explores the lasting impact of former North Carolina Governor O. Max Gardner and First Lady Fay Webb Gardner.
News Article Festival of Lights on Dec. 3 to Welcome Christmas Season at º£½ÇÍø Annual Tradition to Feature Founder Recognition Dinner, Holiday Music, Tree Lighting and Fellowship BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The sights and sounds of Christmas will once again fill the campus of º£½ÇÍø when the University hosts its annual Festival of Lights on Thursday, Dec. 3. The cherished holiday tradition brings together students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members […] Office of University Communications | October 23, 2026
News Article Tucker Family Makes Historic $11 Million Gift to Advance Future of º£½ÇÍø Record-Setting Commitment Names the Tucker College of Health Sciences, Strengthens Academic Programs and Expands the Tucker Scholarship Program BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The family of Robert and Carolyn Tucker and º£½ÇÍø have announced a record-setting $11 million gift to name the Tucker College of Health Sciences and expand the Tucker Scholarship Program. The commitment, representing the […] Office of University Communications | October 21, 2026
News Article Faith in Action: Jackson Hartley Prepares for a Calling in Ministry Christian Studies Major Uses Scholarship Opportunities, Leadership Roles and Service Experiences to Prepare for Ministry By Victoria Edwards, Intern for University Communications BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—As a teenager, Ignite Scholar Jackson Hartley made one of the most important decisions of his life: following Jesus. “God saved my life when I was in high school,â€� noted Hartley. […] Office of University Communications | October 20, 2026