Purpose
Established in 1988, the purpose of the Gallery of Distinguished Alumni recognizes and honors alumni of Gardner-Webb University who have made significant contributions in their field of service and the communities in which they serve. A true measure of the University’s greatness is found in the achievements of its alumni. Gardner-Webb alumni are the link to the past, present, and future; an affirmation to where we have been and a benchmark for where we are as a University. Alumni bring distinction to the University by their professional accomplishments and Christian examples; they serve to inspire current and future students.
Eligibility
Any alumnus/alumna of Gardner-Webb University that has attended at least one semester, including staff and faculty, is eligible for nomination and induction into the Gallery of Distinguished Alumni. To be eligible for induction, recipients must agree to be present at the Recognitions and Awards Banquet held annually during the Homecoming Weekend.
Criteria for Selection
Nominee is accomplished in one or more of the following areas:
Career Distinction: Recognized as outstanding or exceptional within his or her professional career, field, or industry. This distinction is reflective of Gardner-Webb University’s core values of Faith, Service, and Leadership.
Service to Society: Exhibits integrity and demonstrates commitment of service to others through professional and volunteer efforts.
Involvement and Support: Deeds and actions reflect the importance of his or her educational training, pride in his or her alma mater, and loyalty to Gardner-Webb as demonstrated through his or her interest, support, and involvement in the advancement of the University.
Integrity and Character: Nominee has the highest standard of personal integrity and character.
Nomination Process
Any alumnus/alumna, staff, faculty, student, or community citizen can make a nomination. Nominations are submitted to the Office of Alumni Relations at anytime throughout the year. However, nominations for the forthcoming academic year are submitted no later than July 1. Nominations are made by completing an Award Nomination Form available on line at www.supportgwu.com or by calling the Office of Alumni Relations at 704.406.3862.
Nominations are accepted using the following guidelines:
1. The Office of Alumni Relations provides an Award Nomination Form upon request and makes it available online at www.supportgwu.com.
2. In addition to the Award Nomination Form, the nominator is encouraged to provide supporting items that further distinguish the nominee. Such items may include, but are not limited to:
-Current biography or resume
-Newspaper and magazine articles
-Personal stories
-Awards or certificates of achievement
3. Nomination Forms are held for each individual for a two year period. If an individual is not selected for the forthcoming academic year, the nominee is filed for review the following academic year.
4. No limitation is placed on the total number of nominations accepted for consideration.
Selection Process
The Office of Development/Alumni Relations, in conjunction with members of the Alumni Association Recognitions and Awards Team, select up to 24 inductees for the academic year using the following guidelines:
By June 1 Nominations for the forthcoming academic year (June 1
through June 30) are submitted.
By July 1 Nominees are reviewed.
By July 15 Nominees are selected.
By August 1 Award packet is mailed by the Office of Alumni Relations.
Award packet to include:
-Letter signed by the University President
-Reply and Reservation Form
-Biographical Form
By August 15 Reply and Reservation Form is due.
By September 1 Confirmation packet is mailed by the Office of Alumni
Relations.
Confirmation packet to include:
-Letter from Office of Alumni Relations
-Itinerary for Homecoming events
-Reservation Form for Homecoming events.
By September 15 Reservation Form is due.
Announcement and Recognition
The Gallery of Distinguished Alumni are recognized and honored in several specific ways throughout the year:
1. Portraits and biographies are displayed in the Dover Campus Center on a rotating basis.
2. Portraits and biographies appear in the winter publication of The Magazine, on the supportgwu.com website, and in the hometown newspapers of each inductee.
3. Distinguished alumni and their families are invited to a reception and banquet in their honor during the Homecoming weekend.
4. During the banquet, biographies are shared and graduates are presented a plaque by the University President.
5. Distinguished alumni are recognized out on the field during the half-time festivities of the Homecoming football game.