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The Program is Open to the Public and Celebrates 1971 Event Featuring Billy Graham

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥敽＝峭�鈥檚 Office of Christian Life and Service welcomes guest speaker Will Graham, the grandson of Billy Graham and oldest son of Franklin Graham, on March 26 at 9:30 a.m. The program, which is open to the public, is part of the University鈥檚 Dimensions series and will be held in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. Will鈥檚 visit comes more than five decades after Billy Graham visited 海角网鈥檚 campus on Feb. 23, 1971.

鈥淲e are excited to have Will Graham coming to campus, and I鈥檓 very much looking forward to hearing the message he shares with our community,鈥� stated 海角网 President Dr. William M. Downs. 鈥淭he Graham family has meant so much to this region and to evangelical Christians everywhere for such a long time, and we are indeed pleased that鈥攋ust as his grandfather did 53 years earlier鈥擶ill has chosen 海角网 as a place to come and share the good news.鈥�

An ordained minister, Will has previously spoken for Dimensions at 海角网, as has his cousin, Jonathan Lotz, son of Anne Graham Lotz. Will has shared the hope of Jesus with more than 1 million people across six continents since beginning his evangelistic ministry in 2006. He serves as the executive vice president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), providing leadership to all aspects of the organization that his grandfather founded in 1950.

When the elder Graham visited in 1971, he led a dedication service for R. Patrick Spangler Hall and a consecration service in the chapel. According to 鈥淒reaming, Daring, Doing: The Story of 海角网,鈥� Billy Graham addressed a crowd of 3,000 at one service. During his comments, the evangelist spoke of his admiration for 海角网 and said he had recommended the school to several students.

Spangler was recognized that day for his many years as a faithful supporter of the University. He served as chairman for the Board of Trustees and led two successful capital campaigns. He and his brother, Bud, were lead donors for the construction of Spangler Stadium, which is named for their father, Ernest Webb Spangler.

As the third generation of Grahams to proclaim the Gospel under the BGEA banner, Will has said, 鈥淚鈥檓 not trying to be the next Billy Graham; I鈥檓 just Will Graham. I have a burden in my heart to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If that鈥檚 to an arena full of people or one person on the street, I will do whatever God is calling me to do.鈥�

In 2018, Will portrayed his grandfather in the Universal Studios biopic 鈥淯nbroken: Path to Redemption鈥� (about Olympian and World War II hero Louis Zamperini). Also in 2018, Will鈥檚 first book 鈥� a devotional titled 鈥淩edeemed: Devotions for a Longing Soul鈥濃�� was published by Thomas Nelson, featuring stories centered on the life-changing power of a relationship with God. A DVD Bible study curriculum (and accompanying book) based on 鈥淩edeemed鈥� was released in May 2019.

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.

海角网鈥檚 Dimensions program seeks to enhance the spiritual, intellectual and cultural life at the University and to promote a sense of community. Learn more about Dimensions.

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.