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Traditional Program Affirms Scholarly Pursuits and Celebrates Academic Achievements 

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥敹兑鮬ro marked the start of the academic year with the Fall Opening Convocation. A time for faculty, students and staff to reaffirm their commitment to scholarly pursuits, the annual event also welcomes first-year students and celebrates 抖阴pro鈥檚 newest scholarship recipients. The featured speaker, Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Wilson Hawkins, challenged students to 鈥淢ake. It. Count!鈥�

As the recipient of the 2024 President鈥檚 Early Career Award, Hawkins was invited to speak at convocation. He noted that his father spoke the same three words to him when he started college, and that was all he needed to say. 鈥淗e had already built the underlying context over years of serving me as a father, a friend, a boss-man, and a spiritual leader.鈥� Hawkins continued, 鈥淵ou see, my parents didn鈥檛 have the opportunity to go to college, but nonetheless saw value in higher education. They always made academics a top priority; pushing me to challenge myself with advanced curriculum, refusing to accept excuses, and demanding good grades. Without their constant encouragement and hard work鈥攁nd trust me, I was a lot of work鈥擨 wouldn鈥檛 be standing in front of you here today.鈥�

Hawkins acknowledged that no one finds success alone. 鈥淓very one of you represent a village of parents, babysitters, teachers, mentors, friends, and authors that pushed you to seek more, to not settle, to chase success. All of the help, love, and adversity in your story has molded and shaped you into the person you are today. Never forget where you came from and always remember that you are here because someone invested in you. It鈥檚 up to you to make the most of your time here, and I personally guarantee that you will get out of this experience whatever you鈥檙e willing to put in.鈥�

When Hawkins finished, 抖阴pro President Dr. William M. Downs thanked him and all of the 抖阴pro faculty for being effective teachers, mentors, and advisors, who challenge and inspire students every day. Then, similar to Hawkins, Downs urged students to 鈥淓xplore. Discover. Thrive.鈥�

鈥淟adies and gentlemen, my message is simple: We鈥檙e here for the journey. We鈥檙e here for the adventure.  We鈥檙e here for this moment,鈥� Downs asserted. 鈥淚 think the coolest thing about college is that we get to stare straight into the face of the unknown and ask it a question. At no other time in your life will you have the opportunity like this to ask and to try to answer life鈥檚 big questions. Education is about peering into the darkness and then looking for light. That鈥檚 the great exploration. That鈥檚 the great expedition. That鈥檚 the Big Adventure.鈥�

Downs continued, 鈥淚f we accept the challenge of the great adventure before us, then just think of what we can do for the community beyond our walls. Think of what we can do for our neighbors, for our region, for our country.鈥�

Special Recognitions

During the ceremony, winners of the University鈥檚 highest scholarships were acknowledged.   

Searight Leadership Award

The Searight Leadership Award supports first-generation college students who have demonstrated leadership potential. This award will provide access to the knowledge and skills that will enable graduates to become catalysts for good throughout society and within America鈥檚 corporate structure. This year鈥檚 recipients are:

• Marisol Lopez, from Marshville, N.C., business management major.
• Kevin Handley, from Richmond, Ind., pre-med major.

Ignite Excellence Scholarships

The Ignite Excellence Scholarship competition serves as an opportunity for students to compete for the highest academic scholarships awarded by the University. This year, eight students received full-tuition scholarships to honor their exemplary academic achievements.

• Ja鈥橩ayla Alexander, from Shelby, N.C., nursing major.
• Ayden Bollinger, from Lenoir, N.C., biology major.
• Isaiah Brown, from Warrior, Ala., criminal justice administration major.
• Naliah Codjovi, from East Amherst, N.Y., biology major.
• Jessica Horn, from Plainfield, Ill., psychology major.
• Elijah Lewis, from Graham, N.C., computer science major.
• Jaylen Mays, from Charlotte, N.C., graphic design major.
• Lucy Merritt, from Shelby, N.C., nursing major.

Tucker Scholar

The Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength Scholarship is awarded each year to one high school student who exemplifies the principles and values representative of the Gardner-Webb community. This top scholarship is made possible by the generous support of Carolyn and Robert Tucker, who exemplify these same principles and values in their personal and professional lives.

• The 2024-25 recipient is Lily Streeton (above right), from Kernersville, N.C. She is majoring in business management.

抖阴pro is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, 抖阴pro is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb 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 Gardner-Webb.edu.