news-category: Community News Award-Winning Documentary by Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ 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 Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ 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, Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ, after them. Behind the scenes: This is the set where Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ 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 Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æâ€™s 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. Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ 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., Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ 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 Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ.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 Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ Men’s and Women’s Basketball Season Tickets on Sale Now Options Include Discounts for Bulldog Club Members and Super Season Tickets to all 28 Men’s and Women’s Home Games BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.— Season tickets for the upcoming Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ basketball season at Paul Porter Arena are now available for purchase. Fans can choose from men’s and women’s season ticket packages or a super season ticket combo. […] Office of University Communications | October 28, 2026
News Article Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ Theatre Presents ‘Clue’ Performances Scheduled for Oct. 29-Nov. 1 in Dover Theatre BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Mystery, comedy, and plenty of surprises take center stage as Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ Theatre presents “Clue,â€� a murder mystery based on the Parker Brothers board game. Who did it? In what room? And with what weapon? The show is a fun and fast ride through […] Office of University Communications | October 28, 2026
News Article From Reserved Student to Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ Campus Leader, Wade Gross Makes the Most of Every Opportunity Senior Follows His Father’s Advice to Step Outside His Comfort Zone, Discovering Leadership, Friendship and Community BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—When Wade Gross, of Senoia, Ga., arrived at Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ, he carried with him a challenge from his father. “In high school, I was a rather reserved person,â€� he reflected. “I didn’t really get out and do […] Office of University Communications | October 27, 2026