Scholarship Named In Honor Of Eugene And Betty Washburn & S.L. And Betty Johnson
BOILING SPRINGS, NC – Gardner-Webb University is honored to announce the creation of a new scholarship that will go towards helping an education major who wants to teach students with mental and physical disabilities. Thanks to Harry and Sherwin Washburn of Boiling Springs, N.C., The Eugene and Betty Washburn and S.L. and Betty Johnson Endowed Scholarship Fund has been established.
The scholarship is named after Harry and Sherwin’s beloved parents, as their way of honoring them for the
example of strong family ties they’ve set over the years.
Gardner-Webb’s Steve Varley, vice president for development couldn’t be more thrilled about the timing and purpose of this gift. “In a year when we’re bringing forth a new work and ministry with the addition of Frank Nanney Hall, this will have a significant and long term effect on students and this university,” said Varley.
Frank Nanney Hall is a 12,000 square foot building, currently under construction that will be the new home for the NOEL Program for students with disabilities. It is expected to open this summer.
Harry and Sherwin know first hand how important education is for someone with additional needs. Their son, Brett has a handicap and attends North Shelby School, a primary and special education school that teaches Pre-K through 12th grade. According to Harry and Sherwin, North Shelby’s staff is more than just educators. They have given Brett confidence to survive in the world and an incredible love for learning.
“Hopefully, this scholarship will encourage future teachers to continue making handicapped students successful and confident graduates,” said Sherwin.
Both Harry and Sherwin have a long history with Gardner-Webb. Harry’s parent’s, Eugene and Betty both attended Gardner-Webb and even owned a house that was right next to campus, located across the street from Boiling Springs Town Hall. “I was born and raised on the campus of GWU,” said Harry.
Harry’s grandfather was the late, Rev. J.L. Jenkins, who served as president on two different occasions for Gardner-Webb when it was known as Boiling Springs Junior College (1932-35 and briefly in 1939). Jenkins’ was also pastor of Boiling Springs Baptist Church.
Harry attended Gardner-Webb and graduated from Limestone College in Gaffney, S.C, where he received a BA in business. Today, he works as terminal manager for Quickway Transportation Inc. in Simpsonville, S.C.
Sherwin has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Gardner-Webb. She has spent most of her teaching career at Cliffside Elementary in Rutherford County, N.C., where she has split her tenure between teaching eighth and fourth grade. She earned national board certification in 1998 and 2008.
Harry and Sherwin even met at Gardner-Webb as students and were later married.
Harry’s father, Eugene is a graduate of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, N.C. and taught school for many years. He retired as assistant principal of Crest Middle School. His mother, Betty graduated from Limestone College and taught exceptional children before her retirement. The couple are lifelong members of Boiling Springs Baptist Church.
Sherwin’s parents, S.L. and Betty Johnson raised six children on a dairy farm in Iredell County. According to Sherwin, her father also owned and operated a contract milk hauling business. Her mother retired from the Iredell-Statesville Schools Food Service Department. The Johnson’s and their family have been active members of Beulah Baptist Church in Iredell County for years.
If there were one more university connection that must be mentioned between Harry and Sherwin and their entire family, it would have to be Gardner-Webb athletics. While they love attending everything from football to tennis, Brett’s favorite would have to be basketball. “Brett always has a favorite player and Chuck Burch (Gardner-Webb vice-president of athletics) has always been nice to arrange a meeting so Brett could meet the player and get a picture of them together,” said Harry.
Gardner-Webb women’s swim coach, Mike Simpson even helped Brett prepare for a Special Olympics swimming event in the past.
The Washburn family has seen Gardner-Webb grow over the years and have built long lasting relationships. That example will now be carried on thanks to their gift that will benefit others coming through the university for years to come.
Harry Washburn urges anyone interested in donating to this scholarship or seeking application information to contact Steve Varley at 704-406-3251.
Located in Boiling Springs, NC, Gardner-Webb is home to nearly 4,000 students from 39 states and 21 foreign countries. Founded in 1905, Gardner-Webb provides exceptional educational opportunities within a Christian environment.
####
