ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï

news-category: Advancement

ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Receives $1.85 Million Transformative Gift

class of 2028 form the number 28 on the football field

Donation Enhances Athletics, Residence Halls, and ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.— ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï has received one of the largest single contributions in the last 25 years—an initial $1.75 million gift that broke previous records. Just one week later, the donors added an additional $100,000, bringing the total to $1.85 million. This transformative gift will impact all areas of campus life.

“This transformative gift is a powerful affirmation of ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï’s mission and the life-changing impact this institution has on our students and their families,â€� said Interim President Nate Evans. “It reflects not only deep gratitude but also great vision, investing in our facilities, academic programs, and student life so that ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï can continue to change lives. We are incredibly grateful for this generosity and inspired by the trust it places in our future.â€�

Frank Nanney Residece Hall

The donation will go toward athletic, residential, and academic enhancements. Projects start this month to install new turf for the football field and replace the basketball court in the Paul Porter Arena. A major refurbishment of Nanney Hall is underway and various updates in other residence halls and apartments will take place over the summer. The final part of the record-breaking gift will be used to update computers, equipment, and technology needs for the Department of Communication, Art and Design.

The donors were motivated to give because they saw the positive impact that the GWU community—faculty, staff and students—had on their son’s Christian walk. â€œÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï is a unique and rare gem in higher education,â€� they said. “The school has blessed our son in a variety of ways. GWU offered an environment where he could thrive and grow both professionally and spiritually. He was also instrumental in identifying certain areas that would benefit from our financial support, and we wanted to honor that as well.â€�

They also felt strongly about directly supporting the ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï mission and encourage others to financially support the University. “God has his hand on GWU and this is evident every time we set foot on campus,â€� the donor said. “God’s calling to support GWU was an easy ‘YES.’ We hope that other families with the capacity to give will experience the same calling.â€�

With their contribution to ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï, they wanted to bless the people who had become friends over the last four years. “Our son developed strong relationships with his peers, academic, administrative and coaching staffs,â€� the parents said. “We have developed meaningful relationships with some key administrators and have enjoyed our many visits to Shelby/Boiling Springs. We feel a real connection to GWU, and it’s all because of the people.â€�

Upgrades to Nanney and other residence halls will directly impact the daily lives of ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï students, observed Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose. “I am deeply grateful for the generous support of our donors,â€� she affirmed. “We are excited about the transformation this will bring. The investment in new residence hall furniture is more than just a physical upgrade—it is an investment in the comfort, well-being, and community experience of our students. These refreshed living spaces will enhance students’ ability to rest, study, and connect with others, helping to create a true home away from home.â€�

The turf and basketball court will provide a foundation to improve the student-athletes’ experience. Interim Vice President of Athletics Chuck Burch noted the existing football turf was installed in 2014. “Ordinarily, turf fields last between eight to 10 years, so our field has held up well considering how much we have used it,� Burch noted. “Replacing the turf and shock pad under the turf allows us to provide our student-athletes the safest environment possible.�

Head Football Coach Cris Reisert also expressed his gratitude to the donors. “The new turf football field is a huge blessing for our program,� he emphasized. “This gift provides a state-of-the-art turf field that our players can use daily to help improve their craft in practice or compete for conference championships in games.�

Additionally, Burch explained the need for a new basketball court. The Runnin’ Bulldogs are playing on the same surface that has been in the Paul Porter Arena since the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center was built in 1982. “After multiple sanding and refinishes, there are numerous dead spots throughout the court,� he stated.

Head Men’s Basketball Coach Jeremy Luther added, “This gift will give our student-athletes a sense of pride and encouragement to continue striving to be the best they can be. It’s great to see the investment our donors and administration have made in making this new floor a reality.�

The equipment for the Department of Communication, Art and Design will support numerous academic programs. Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Jennifer Buckner assessed the gift’s impact. “This lab provides industry-standard technology that will support photography, videography and digital designs in a tech-forward learning environment, preparing students for future careers,� Buckner said. “We are excited to see how this lab enhances department strengths, such as our sports and commercial photography or our student-produced films for the International Real to Reel Festival.�

ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï 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., ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï 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 ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï.edu.

Previous News Article

Hootsuite, the Leading Social Media Marketing Platform, and ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Host Second Annual Higher Ed Social Media Summit

Next News Article

ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Mourns the Loss of Longtime Staff Member Will Corn

Related News

  • News Article

    ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï 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 ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï 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. […]

    basketball tickets landscape
  • News Article

    Tucker Family Makes Historic $11 Million Gift to Advance Future of ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï

    Record-Setting Commitment Names the Tucker College of Health Sciences, Strengthens Academic Programs and Expands the Tucker Scholarship Program BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The family of Robert and Carolyn Tucker and ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï have announced a record-setting $11 million gift to name the Tucker College of Health Sciences and expand the Tucker Scholarship Program. The commitment, representing the […]

  • News Article

    Come Home to ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï: Homecoming 2026 Offers Something for Every Bulldog

    Annual Celebration Features Reunions, Athletic Events, Family Activities and Weeklong Bulldog Cares Food Pantry Collection Drive BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.â€”ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï’s Homecoming 2026 will combine celebration and service as alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends gather Nov. 6-8 for athletic events, reunions, worship opportunities and longstanding campus traditions. Leading up to the weekend, the campus and […]

    Homecoming Newscenter Day Of Graphic