Hanging Out with Gardner-Webb University's Major Gifts Officer

Dr. William M. Downs became President of GWU in July 2019.

After graduating from high school, I attended Gardner-Webb College which was then a two-year college.  I remember my years there from 1955 to 1957 with much appreciation and excitement.  It was a good school, and it prepared me well for my last two years of college and for life in general. Gardner-Webb over the last sixty-three years since I graduated has grown into a well-respected University.  The enrollment in 1957 was approximately 500, and this year the enrollment was a little over 2000 undergraduate students.

Several weeks ago I had a visit from Tami Ruckman, Major Gifts Officer at Gardner-Webb University. I had met her earlier in Boiling Springs, and when she was in Raleigh, she came by for a visit. I had my yearbooks from 1956 and 1957 and we had fun (at least I did) looking through them as I reminisced about my two years there. Comparing then and now was mind-boggling for me.

My Gardner-Webb Yearbooks. 

She arrived with a gift bag of little goodies from GWU.

Gifts included a copy of the most recent Gardner-Webb Magazine with a picture of their new president, Dr. William M. Downs on the cover.  Dr, Downs came with stellar recommendations when he assumed duties in July last year.  I hear glowing reports of how much Dr. Downs already is liked.

Another gift is my own personal drinking straw made of aluminum with its own cleaning brush and carrying case.  If I can remember to carry it, I will make my contribution to eliminating the use of plastic straws.

The little charging pad will be helpful because all I need to do is put my i Phone down on the pad and it will charge.  No messing with cords.

Can you find me among the two photos here?  That was 1956-57---a special fun year!!!!!

Where's  Grandpat?

Where's  Grandpat?

Tami and I really hit it off, so I look forward to more visits with her whether here or there.  Thank you, Tami, for the visit, and I am still giving thought regarding a gift to my alma mater. It was fun looking back at the yearbooks and remembering all the good times I had there and all the friends that I made.