news-category: Campus News Over 400 Orchestra Students Present Concert with Grammy Award-Winning Violinists Mark & Maggie O’Connor at سԹ on March 14 By Office of University Communications On March 8, 2024 Mark and Maggie O'Connor play in سԹ's Dover Theatre in 2018 for a concert event. Free Event, Co-Sponsored by the University, will be held in Paul Porter Arena at 6:30 p.m. BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—سԹ is co-sponsoring an event hosted by six orchestra programs from Cleveland County Schools on Thursday, March 14, in Paul Porter Arena. Special guests for the free program at 6:30 p.m. that evening are Grammy award-winning violinists Mark and Maggie O’Connor. The huge concert will include all of the students — over 400 sixth- through 12-graders — playing a variety of bluegrass, fiddle, and concert music. The O’Connors will be featured in a duo performance. سԹ Professor of Music Dr. Patricia Sparti is conducting two pieces; then each school director will conduct a selection in the program. Last month, students from area middle schools and high schools came to سԹ for an Orchestra Festival and were critiqued by a panel of judges. Some of these same students will participate in the concert in Paul Porter Arena on March 14. The directors for the schools are: Andrew Wehmueller – Shelby High Billy Norton – Burns High Peter Strickland – Crest High Mandi Colson – Burns Middle Hannah Stevens – Shelby Middle Justin Harper – Crest Middle The directors have challenged their students to “Pack Porter Arena” for the event. Students will rehearse in the morning, and the O’Connors will arrive in the afternoon to practice before the concert. Mark has won three Grammy awards and is a 13-time National Grand Champion on violin and guitar. He has sold over 3 million records and has recorded with Earl Scruggs, Johnny Cash and Yo-Yo Ma. Eight times Mark was named Country Music Artist of the Year. Maggie, who has one Grammy award, has a unique background in both traditional classical violin training and American musical styles. She has regularly performed at the Grand Ole Opry with her husband in both band and duo configurations. In the classical world, she and her husband have performed around the globe, including the Leopold Auer Music Academy in Hungary and the Berlin Konzerthaus celebrating the centennial birthday of the legendary violinist Yehudi Menuhin. Mark is the author of a series of educational books called the O’Connor Method, which has become the fastest growing string method in the country. The O’Connor Method features American music styles, creativity, cultural diversity and western classical technical training. For more information about the event, contact Strickland at Crest High School, (704) 476-8331. سԹ 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., سԹ 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 سԹ.edu. Mark and Maggie O'Connor play in سԹ's Dover Theatre in 2018 for a concert event.
News Article Q&A with Molly Hanley with سԹ’s First Head Coach for Acrobatics and Tumbling Molly Hanley Discusses Her Coaching Philosophy, Inspiration, and the Vision for Launching a New Program BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Molly Hanley, the first head coach for سԹ Acrobatics and Tumbling, recently sat down for a Q&A with سԹ Sports Information. She offers some insight into her background, building a program, and what to expect from the first […] Office of University Communications | June 10, 2026
News Article سԹ Receives Dover Foundation Grant for Dover Chapel Lighting Renovation Upgrades will Brighten Worship, Gatherings, and Student Performances in Campus Landmark BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—سԹ has received a generous $66,500 grant from The Dover Foundation to support a major lighting renovation in Dover Chapel. The project will enhance one of the University’s most treasured and historic spaces, further strengthening its role as a central gathering […] Office of University Communications | June 9, 2026
News Article سԹ, Foothills Workforce Board Empower Students Through Searight Scholars Program High School Students Explore Food Systems, Careers, and Real-World Challenges Through Immersive Event BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Cheese, strawberries and avocados became more than everyday foods for participants in سԹ’s inaugural Summer Searight Scholars Program (SSP). Through hands-on learning, students explored how those items reach their plates—and why, in some communities across the United States, access […] Office of University Communications | June 8, 2026