news-category: Campus News Brinkley Amphitheater Construction is Underway By سԹ On April 5, 2023 Completion Scheduled for Fall 2023 with Opportunities for Numerous Outdoor Events BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—David and Marie Brinkley, longtime donors who have contributed to the advancement of سԹ, continue to see their recent investment flourish. The Brinkley Amphitheater, a 900-seat venue, is progressing. “According to our construction schedule, we are looking at being able to host our first show this fall,” said David Wacaster, director of operations for Facilities and Maintenance. The finished project will engage students and the community while also adding an inviting and welcoming presence to Main Street and the South entrance to campus. The Brinkley Amphitheater will provide a new place to present performing arts, outdoor worship services, Webbstock events and other summer concerts. This new venue is part of a larger outdoor complex. In the second phase of development for the site, سԹ intends to construct a Main Street-facing building adjoining the amphitheater that will house both a campus shop and a nationally recognized eatery open to the public. The Brinkleys provided the lead naming gift, and according to GWU’s Vice President for Advancement Nate Evans, additional support for the outdoor performance complex came from a $500,000 budget appropriation from the North Carolina General Assembly, with endorsements from the Boiling Springs Town Council and the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners. Several other university donors have also generously provided financial contributions towards this project. The Brinkleys have a strong philanthropic background and pledged to give portions of their income to making a difference in the community. “Every day when I say my prayers, I ask the Lord to give me opportunities that I can share my blessings,” David Brinkley stated. In addition to their gifts to various organizations in Cleveland County and Kings Mountain, N.C., where they live, the Brinkleys have financially supported several projects at سԹ. Most recently, they donated money toward a new Runnin’ Bulldog sculpture at Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. In the past, they have provided gifts for سԹ academic programs, the Marching Bulldog Band uniforms and the Brinkley Softball Stadium. When the opportunity presented itself for them to contribute to the amphitheater project, they were excited about the possibilities of a new performance venue for the University. They believe that the amphitheater will give the University exposure and open up doors for opportunities for people in the region to become more familiar with the town of Boiling Springs and سԹ. For more information about giving opportunities for سԹ, click here. #### 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. Story Contributions provided by Eriana Meadows, سԹ student
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