Gardner–Webb University hosted Fall Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 16, in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. More than 240 graduates were honored during the ceremony, and the University conferred its 4,500th Master of Business Administration degree.
The ceremony featured graduates of Gardner-Webb’s traditional undergraduate program, Degree Completion Program (DCP), and graduate programs. Elizabeth Davis Snow (Wilmington, N.C.), who earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice, offered the invocation. Rhonda Wayne Mann (Davidson, N.C.), who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Kaleigh Elizabeth Wise (Maiden, N.C.), who received a Bachelor of Arts, provided the scripture readings.
Some graduates were honored for outstanding leadership, citizenship, and academic excellence. Brianna Marie Tipton (Marion, N.C.), a biology major, was recognized for academic achievement with the Senior Scholastic Award. The Degree Completion Program Academic Award was presented to Arthur Ferreira De Oliveira(Rutherfordton, N.C.), a double major in business administration and accounting.
Dr. Al Cadenhead, GWU Associate Vice President for Church Relations, offered the commencement address. “There is definitely risk in doing what we are asked,” Cadenhead reflected. “Risk is a part of life and we must accept that truth or we will always be burying our gift in order to protect it.”
He continued, “I strongly believe that risk is as necessary to life as breathing in and out—and I think we often forget that fact. Today, you are being blessed. You are being given responsibilities, and this is no small moment in your life. Don’t bury what you have been given. Use it, celebrate it, risk it.”