BOILING SPRINGS, NC – A total of 777 students earned degrees this weekend at Gardner-Webb University. On Friday, 108 nursing students were honored, while on Saturday morning, 451 undergraduate degrees were conferred. During Saturday afternoon’s ceremony, all graduate degree students were awarded their diplomas.
Featured speakers for the 2008 commencement exercises included:
• The President, Chairman and CEO of Time Warner Telecom, Larissa L. Herda.
• A distinguished and honored nurse from Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Jennifer Turner Smith (coordinator of the Chest Pain Center).
• Two doctoral candidates, Jeffrey Church (Ed.D) of Lenoir, N.C. and Christopher C. Law (Ed.D) of Charlotte, N.C.
Herda shared her thoughts on values, leadership and life with the graduates in the Saturday morning ceremony. “This is a good time for reflection and to think about your purpose/mission in life and your personal values and how you will apply those in all aspects of your life,” noted Herda. “And be prepared for your perspective on these things to change as you experience life, as you change and grow.” Herda took the helm of Time Warner Telecom Inc., as President and CEO, in 1998. She was elected Chairman of the Time Warner Telecom Inc. Board of Directors in 2001, and currently holds the title of Chairman, President and CEO.
During the commencement exercises awards were presented to graduates exemplifying excellence in academics and citizenship. Matthew Brett Walters, English major, of Hartsville, S.C. was honored for comprehensive academic achievement during his collegiate career and he was also selected as the outstanding male graduate. Natalie Ann Pippin, Religious Studies and Philosophy major, of Evans, Ga. was selected the outstanding female graduate and honored with scholastic achievement as well. These students exemplify the Gardner-Webb motto – “Pro Deo et Humanitate” - For God and Humanity.
Nancy Priscilla Parker of Mill Spring, N.C. was selected as the recipient the Darlene J. Gravett Scholar Award for her study, “Brick and Mortar: Filling in the Cracks in Rutherford County’s Mental Health Care System.” The award is presented to a graduate student whose scholarly research, done as a part of his/her study at Gardner-Webb Graduate School, has the potential to make a distinct contribution to the improvement of society.
Other scholastic award winners honored during the commencement exercises were:
• Allison Brooke Barksdale – Bachelor of Science in Biology (Gladys, Va.)
• Kelly N. Boyd – Associate Degree in Nursing (Gaffney, S.C.)
• Phyllis A. Brooks – Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Statesville, N.C.)
• Chinwendu K. Enyioha - Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (Nigeria)
• Hannah Michal Kidd - Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Rutherfordton, N.C.)
• Susan Brown Monroe – Master of Science in Nursing (Shelby, N.C.)
• Rebecca Ann Silleman - Bachelor of Science in Accounting (Boiling Springs, N.C.)
• Andrew Michael VanCamp - Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Spindale, N.C.)
Additional comments and words of encouragement were shared from the weekend’s commencement speakers:
• “As you leave today you will leave with something many other people will have, a college degree. Clearly no small feat…. And in fact, something only a small percentage of the world’s population could ever hope to accomplish. But this is not what is going to distinguish you in this world. It is the person that you are, your character, your values, how you live your life that really matter. You will also distinguish yourself by taking the situations you find yourself in, with all the challenges and sometimes difficulties, and looking for the opportunity. Look for an opportunity to make a difference, be unique, and provide leadership and turn even the most adverse situations to your advantage.” – Larissa Herda, Chairman, President and CEO, Time Warner Telecom Inc.
• “As a nurse, at any level, there is always a new challenge each and every day. Never let yourself grow complacent in your daily activities. Never become resistant to change and set in your ways. There is always a different perspective to view your patients, your peers, your leaders, and your career. There are always opportunities that will present themselves, it is up to you to be willing to open the door and walk through.”
- Jennifer T Smith, Coordinator of the Chest Pain Center, Spartanburg (S.C.) Regional Medical Center
• “This experience has been a blessing; however, it has not been easy. The Doctor of Education program is a rigorous program with very high expectations. The professors hold their students accountable for doctoral level work, and to that I am thankful. Now it is time for you to tell others of your stories. If your graduate experience was as blessed as mine, please tell others. Share your experiences with them. Tell them what Gardner-Webb means to you. Most importantly, however, always seek God’s guidance in everything you do and don’t get upset if He tells you to ‘Stop praying and get moving’.” – Jeffery Church, Ed.D, Lenoir, N.C.
• “I know that I cannot do anything myself 1/10th as great as I can with the support of those around me. Whether the support comes from my faculty, my fellow colleagues, or a dedicated group of individuals interested in my personal growth and success. My experience at Gardner-Webb University is one that I will take with me wherever I go.” – Christopher Law, Ed.D, Charlotte, N.C.
GWU commencement ceremony dates/number of students/degrees earned listed below:
Friday Ceremony - 108 Graduates
AA 65
BSN 39
MSN 4
Saturday AM Ceremony - 451 Graduates
BS 370
BM 7
BA 74
Saturday PM Ceremony -218 Graduates
MA 92
MA/EDS 14
IMB 2
MAC/IMB 1
MAC 22
MBA 57
MDV 24
EDD 5
DMN 1
