Dear Friend: In the life of an institution there are often a few major events -- watershed dates - that dramatically impact its future history. In Gardner-Webb’s history there have been four major events: (1) the decision to begin the Boiling Springs High School in 1905, (2) the decision to become a junior college in 1928, (3) the Gardner- Webb name in 1942, and (4) the decision to become a senior college in the late 1960s. It is with great pride and anticipation that I announce to you that on January 1,1993 our name will officially become Gardner-Webb University. This is the culmination of a lengthy process which has involved all major Gardner-Webb constituencies. University status recognizes Gardner-Webb’s current quality, size, complexity, and degree offerings, but it also helps focus our vision for the future. That decision is to become the best regional university of our type. Built on a history of change and growth, Gardner-Webb University will wear her new name with pride. Exciting things are happening at Gardner-Webb. We continue to grow in student numbers. New endowments allow us to make financial aid available to more and more students. In addition to strengthening the undergraduate programs, a School of Divinity will begin offering graduate training for ministers this spring. Plans are well underway for a Graduate School of Business which will offer an MBA degree. Other program expansions are being studied. The name Gardner-Webb University is indicative of growth, change and a look to the future. We hope you will join us — as friends, alumni and supporters — in helping Gardner-Webb University rise to the challenges and needs of a new day. With all this talk of change, however, we must remember that some things will always remain the same — the intimate atmosphere where professors know their students, the Christian environment that is our cornerstone, the beauty of our campus nestled here in the foothills, and the feel that each person who enters our campus gates is special. Gardner-Webb College to Gardner-Webb University ... we will always remain “People Who Care.” Sincerely, M. Christopher White President fflgps <5v- -iySZvKKl Sn«JR j^£X fwgvFsg 5v-«xJ!m;w. t • ’'iWj v^y-p. \VW' ■k'Sk,Kv«/: .<vO m yPpo SBiwigaojSi W*5v Ky.-lvCv PP& Ifeg mmm Mpi lw H*; Wmem!& asSssBc |® SMU BSi r’JtOTx,; ». 11IIPIIS mM^mm mmm w .*>« fvm ■^w*’ ;VJ >» 4&k| « CONTENTS I N THE WEB Volume 3. Number 4 December, 1992 AROUND THE WEB ... pages 1-13 A publication of the Division of College Begins School of Divinity College Relations Phil Perrin Climbs Mt. Everest M. Christopher White, Alumnus, Young Alumnus of the Year Named at President Homecoming Ralph W. Dixon Jr., Vice Scholarship Remembers Robbie Dixon, Honors President for College Relations Scoot Dixon Robin T. Burton, Editor SPORTS Wilson Brooks, Art Director Mark Wilson, Sports Editor ... pages 14-18 Pam Sharts, Photographer Hall of Fame Honors Four Football Team Nears Championship The Web is published for alumni, Sells Wins Athletic Award parents and friends of Gardner- Webb College. It is published four times a year, with issues in ALUMNI spring, summer, fall and winter. ... pages 19-26 Please mail information and address changes to: Campos Family Faces Wrath of Hurricane The Web Post Office Box 976 Gallery of Distinguished Graduates Boiling Springs, North Carolina Passages/Class Notes 28017 (704) 434-2361 Your comments are welcome. DECEMBER 1 9 9 2 /1 AROUND THE WEB School of Divinity O To Be Launched at Gardner-Webb n Thursday, Aug. 27, of the two graduate level offer¬ Dr. Lamb, noting that the two, the Executive Commit¬ ings. The M.A. in Christian Min¬ however, are two separate de¬ tee of the Gardner- istry is a 42-hour degree de¬ gree programs. Webb College Board of Trustees signed to meet the needs of min¬ "Gardner-Webb has earned formally approved a School of isters with limited time sched¬ the respect of Baptists in North Divinity at Gardner-Webb. ules. The maximum class hour Carolina for being a good Chris¬ Long-time faculty member load for M.A. in Christian Min¬ tian school," said Dr. White. Dr. Robert L. Lamb was named istry students will be six hours "There is a high level of trust for to serve as Dean of the Divinity per semester. Also, an under¬ who we are." School. graduate degree in religion/re¬ White did note, however, "The entrance of this institu¬ ligious education or 18 hours of that Gardner-Webb is not offer¬ tion into theological education undergraduate study in reli¬ ing the higher theological de¬ at the graduate level is a natural, gion is required for admission gree as a means of competition, maybe inevitable, growth pro¬ but to meet the needs of the cess," said Chris White. community. "This institution is White continued, "We have not a part of any controversy, been in theological education nor does it seek to be ... but to for decades," noting that be above that controversy," Gardner-Webb has had sev¬ said White. eral thousand graduates in In offering the Master of Christian ministry. "And, Divinity, Gardner-Webb we have built a faculty joins company with such re¬ widely recognized for excel¬ gional schools as Duke Uni¬ lence — in both academics versity, Emory University's and Christian commit¬ Candler School of Theology, ment," he added. Vanderbilt University, Gardner-Webb University In addition, Gardner- Samford's Beason School, |£>cI)ool of Btotnttp Webb boasts a library facil¬ Columbia Bible College and ity and collection that is to Seminary and Southeastern date superior to that offered Baptist Theological Semi¬ by many seminaries. The nary. school's location is ideal as well, to the M.A. in Christian Minis¬ With the Board's approval. situated in a rural setting yet try. The Master of Divinity is a Dr. Lamb and the Department near the metropolitan centers of three-year (approximately 90 of Religious Studies have devel¬ Charlotte, Greenville and semester hour) basic profes¬ oped curriculum, policies and Asheville. sional degree. It is comparable guidelines for the Divinity The offering of a Master of to similar degrees in theological School. The Divinity School will Divinity at Gardner-Webb fol¬ seminaries and divinity automatically be accredited by lows a recent move by the Col¬ schools. Students will be per¬ the Southern Association of lege to introduce a Master of mitted to take a heavier class Schools and Colleges and will Arts in Christian Ministry. The load and the M.Div. does not seek accreditation from the response to the M.A. in Chris¬ require an undergraduate de¬ American Theological Schools. tian Ministry, which will begin gree in religion as an admission In doing so, many of the devel¬ January 1993, has been over¬ prerequisite. opments involved will be de¬ whelming, according to Dr. "The two programs will signed to meet the ATS guide¬ White. overlap in purpose, educating lines. However, the Gardner- Dr. Lamb explained the roles people for the ministry," said Webb program will have some distinctives. 2 / T H E WEB Dr. Robert L. Lamb Scholastic Appointed Dean Awards of Divinity School Presented I To Class I r. Robert L. Lamb has mentor for Doctorate of Minis¬ | JJ been appointed Dean tries students at Drew Univer¬ Members 1—of the new School of Di¬ sity and Southeastern Baptist vinity. Dr. Lamb is professor of Theological Seminary. From religious education and religion 1977 until 1979 he was Associate and in the Department of Reli¬ Director of Seminary Extension Scholastic awards gious Studies and Philosophy. in Nashville, Tenn. were presented during A graduate of Stephen F. Dr. Lamb has served North Fall Convocation to the Austin State University in Carolina Baptists as a member member of each class Nacogdoches, Texas, he holds of the Long Range Study and with the highest scholas¬ both an M.A. in Religious Edu¬ Planning Committee and as tic average. This year's cation and an Educational Doc¬ chair of the Minister Support award winners were: torate from Southwestern Bap¬ Advisory Committee. In addi¬ FRESHMAN tist Theological Seminary. Dr. tion, he has been president of AWARD: Lamb has done further study at the North Carolina Religious Westminster Choir College, Education Association and was Heather Michelle Baylor University, North Caro¬ vice president for the Southern Barnes, daughter of Ri¬ lina State University and Appa¬ Baptist Religious Education As¬ chard and Carolyn lachian State University. sociation in 1990-91. Barnes of Hampton, Va.; During his 27 years of teach¬ A member of Boiling Angela Andrea Orsky, ing at Gardner-Webb, Dr. Lamb Springs Baptist Church, Dr. daughter of Andrew and has served in many capacities. Lamb's professional involve¬ Geraldine Morrison of He has been vice-chair of the ments include the National As¬ Mooresboro; and James faculty, a member of the aca¬ sociation of Baptist Professors Bernard Dress, son of demic council and chaired the of Religion, In-Service Guid¬ John and Lorraine Dress Department of Religious Stud¬ ance Directors, the American of Lilburn, Ga. ies and Philosophy. He has most Academy of Religion and the SOPHOMORE recently been director of DI¬ Society of Biblical Literature. AWARD: MENSIONS, which brings out¬ He has been listed in Out¬ standing Christian leaders to standing Educators in America Kimberly Ann the campus each week. and the Directory of American Zamrock, daughter of A charter member of the Scholars and was named to John and Carol Zamrock Christian Service Organization Who's Who in Religion for 1992- of Morristown, N.J. at Gardner-Webb, he served as 93. JUNIOR Chairman of the Board of Direc¬ Dr. Lamb has written many AWARD: tors in 1990-91. articles and, with Stan Howell, In addition to his roles at co-authored. Workbook for William Douglas Gardner-Webb, Dr. Lamb has Staff Minister Search Commit¬ Johnson, son of Johnny served as interim pastor at a tees: a Guide for Seeking a Staff and Mildred Johnson of number of churches in the state Minister, published in 1991 by Marion. and has been adjunct teacher at the Baptist State Convention of Midwestern Baptist Theologi¬ North Carolina. cal Seminary. He has also been DECEMBER 1 9 9 2 /3 A Tribute to Ernest Blankenship H By Dr. Jim Taylor e left us just a year short of retirement, dying at home quietly and suddenly in the warm summer night as though to save us trouble. There was no time for farewells to family or friends, nor were they needed from this man who had already by his generous life filled our treasure chests to overflowing. Simple, yet more complex than most people realized, Ernest Blankenship had already made his mark when death called. Two years ago when I asked joined, I like to think, by the rides. He cared deeply about the Ernest to submit his profile for spirit of Hemingway -- aficiona¬ unfortunate, yet he never spoke the English handbook, he dos three; supping at a move- about these acts that signified wrote, "I am a would-be poet able feast of artistic violence. what a Christian gentleman he who excels in raising exotic Another of his interests, rac- was. birds." It was a perfect way of quetball, occupied the last sev¬ In his poetry over the years, describing both his aspirations eral years of Ernest's life. I fol¬ Ernest frequently meditated on and his avocation, the one fired lowed his progress avidly, liv¬ death. Unlike Emily in the kiln of his passion for lit¬ ing for his sad and contrite nar¬ Dickinson's morbid verse, erature and language, and the ratives of injuries inflicted upon Ernest's poems seem more like other imaging the spicy and bi¬ his mountain-climbing oppo¬ Walt Whitman's when zarre. nent (Phil Perrin). Leaving the Whitman finally understood Though he reveled in the joy courts one day, I paused to that no poet could ignore such a of creating poetry, Ernest often watch as Ernest, clad in, of all basic and inevitable issue of hu¬ treated his verse dismissively. things, long dress pants and t- manity. Nevertheless, Ernest's When he read his poems in pub¬ shirt, made his torturous way poetry reflects the grim fact of lic, Ernest seemed shy and ill at about the court, transferring his mortality and of his own be¬ ease, even apologetic that we racquet from hand to hand in grudging acceptance of that must sit through his puny ef¬ direct violation of the rules. Like fact. In his 1983 poem "Coming forts. Audiences, however, de¬ boxing, racquetball became a to Terms Stubbornly," he re¬ lighted in his wit and wisdom, passion. I wish he had written a minds me of Shelley, who "pre¬ especially when he wrote about poem about it. dicted" his death in a watery his exotic birds. For 12 years Ernest grave, or of Byron, who fatalisti¬ Perceptive students learned Blankenship served as chair of cally yearned for a soldier's de¬ to savor Ernest's dry humor and the English Department. One il¬ mise: his love of good stories, espe¬ lustration of his character must cially those from the Southern suffice. He frequently gave him¬ Only those who have never lived literature and culture that he self the "bad" schedules, ones wish to die. loved so well. that we prayed would some¬ 9 had intended not to talk so His interests were even var¬ how pass us by. mach aboat death, ied enough to include boxing. In the community, Ernest tfat it's so easy to forget not to He spent countless hours "adopted" some of the older talk aboat death. watching bouts with his fellow people, taking them to the gro¬ The head and the heart hold enthusiast Gil Blackburn, cery store, the doctor, or just for different views. 4/THE WEB They both succumb a/id are our minds. Nanney finally put to rest, The germs will come and do h>ut Death takes its own theirwork. Foundation sweet time. My body will not resist Logic and essence are not 9 will lie down and die, always the same. fully cooperating, but9 will not cry. Gift The way 9 deal with the 9 have learned that living is punishment as 9 run the race dying and dying is living. Helps Improve Makes the greatest difference 9don t have to like it, but 9have as 9 keep my eyes on the to accept it. Residence Hall G finish line. Mo one can change the fact that This man deserved but did ardner-Webb College 9 have the virus of a fatal not receive the retirement years has received a $141,500 disease. that awaited down a short road. gift from the C.P. We hurt because he is gone but Nanney Foundation of Later in the same poem he rejoice in the legacy of a great Gastonia. perhaps speaks for all of us: human being whose love of lit¬ The gift comes on the 25th erature and language will al¬ anniversary of Gardner-Webb's for we do not have control of the ways enrich and inspire us. C.P. and Irene Nanney Resi¬ air we breathe dence Hall, named for the late Or the source of the food we eat but if the while 9 think on thee, Gastonia couple. The residence Or the social possibilities that dearfriend, hall has attractive accommoda¬ we are subjected to Till losses are restored and tions for 64 female students. Or the thoughts thatengage sorrows end. The contribution has been used for updating and refur¬ Observatory Is Lab for bishing the residence hall and structural improvements. Im¬ provements to date include a Young Astronomers new roof, renovated baths and the installation of a security sys¬ tem. The addition of a fire/ School children and their Travel. smoke detection system is in parents were recently invited to An evaluation will be held progress. Gardner-Webb for star gazing. following the first session to de¬ According to Wayne The Young Astronomers Se¬ termine the nature of future Johnson, director of residence ries, started this fall, is a pilot projects. The ultimate goal, ac¬ life, a number of additional im¬ program of activities and dem¬ cording to Tom English, is to provements are being assessed onstrations in astronomy. On farm such activities out into the with plans for implementation campus for the first meeting, the school systems through the es¬ next spring. "The generosity of participants were treated to tablishment of astronomy the Nanney Foundation and the views of the moon and other clubs. The groups would be able Nanney family has made a tre¬ planets, galaxies, star clusters, to explore some of the ideas pre¬ mendous impact on the living and gas clouds in space. sented in the workshops on accommodations for the young A group of 20 participants their own, leaving visits to the women in this residence hall," will meet two times a month observatory for more advanced said Johnson. through January. Sessions have projects, or for sessions tailored The Nanney family mem¬ included such topics as The Sky, to the specific interests of cer¬ bers have been long-time Telescopes, Sky Motions and tain groups. friends of Gardner-Webb. C.P. Patterns, The Moon, The Plan¬ For more information, con¬ Nanney served as both an Advi¬ ets, The Earth and The Sun. Fu¬ tact Tom English at Gardner- sor and member of the Gardner- ture programs are planned on Webb College, 434-2361, ext. Webb College Board of Trust¬ The Stars & Galaxies, Astro¬ 200 or 448. ees. nauts and Rockets & Space DECEMBER 1 9 9 2 /5 Alumnus, Young Alumnus of the Year Named Dr. Walters Mrs. Coy Dr. Doris L. Walters was She organized and developed commitment to God, her profes¬ named Alumnus of the Year the Fukuoka Friendship House sion, her community and her and Jill Haney Coy named in Japan in 1972 and served as country. Since she was commis¬ Young Alumnus of the Year the director until 1988. sioned by the U.S. Air Force in during Homecoming 1992. The alumnus contributed 1978, Mrs. Coy and her hus¬ greatly to Baptist life as a mem¬ band, Bob, have lived in seven Dr. Walters ber of the Japan Baptist Mission different locations. Dr. Walters is a 1959 gradu¬ Executive Committee, Pastoral Tire couple currently lives in ate of Gardner-Webb. She Counselor and Chaplain of the Clovis, New Mexico, where Mrs. earned further degrees from Fukuoka Friendship House. Coy supervises emergency room Carson-Newman College, She worked as a referral counse¬ nursing at Cannon Air Force Base. Southwestern Baptist Theologi¬ lor for the Tokyo Lifeline, de¬ She is a member of Central Baptist cal Seminary, Wake Forest Uni¬ signed and supervised the con¬ Church in Clovis, where she serves versity, the Naganuma Japa¬ struction of a student center and as pianist for the youth choir. nese Language School. She supervised journeymen of the She has contributed to each of earned the Doctor of Miniatry Southern Baptist Convention the communities she and her hus¬ from Southeastern Baptist Foreign Mission Board. band have called home. In Illinois, Theological Seminary. At Gardner-Webb, she is a she coordinated events for senior Much of her work has been member of the Ministerial adults in her church and was in¬ focused on pastoral counseling Board of Associates. strumental in bringing the needs of and reaching out to youth Mrs. Coy senior adults to the forefront of the worldwide. Currently, she is community's conscience. Director of Missionary Coun¬ Mrs. Coy graduated from Mrs. Coy has continued to im¬ seling and Support Services for Gardner-Webb in 1976 with a prove her professional skills by the Department of Pastoral Care degree in nursing. While on earning a BSN from the University at North Carolina Baptist Hos¬ campus, she exibited leadership of Texas and a master's degree in pital. She is also pioneering and service as president of Gerontology from Webster Uni¬ work with missionary children Decker Residence Hall and a versity. studying in the United States member of the Baptist Student She holds the rank of major whose parents are working Union. A talented pianist, she with the U.S. Air Force and holds abroad. accompanied voice students medals for National Defense, Dr. Walters began her pro¬ and served as the pianist for Combat Rediness, Achievement fessional career in the youth Unity Baptist Church in and Meritorious Service. She has ministry in the United States, Gastonia. earned four Outstanding Unit but the majority of her service Since graduating, she has Awards and two Air Force Com¬ has been concentrated in Japan. continued to strengthen her mendation Medals. 6 / T H E WEB Academic Fellows Scholarship Honors Dixon, Remembers His Wife An Academic Fellows Schol¬ demics is a special tribute. With demic best. Dixon, who is the arship has been established at a background in education, chief development officer at the Gardner-Webb College in Mrs. Dixon spent her career College, also noted that he has a honor of Ralph W. "Scoot" educating students and encour¬ special interest in attracting aca¬ Dixon Jr. and in memory of his aging them to be at their aca- demically gifted students to wife, Robbie, by the members of Gardner-Webb. the College Relations staff at the institution. Ellises Establish Unitrust "As a staff we wanted to find a way to say that we care," said To Assist Students Dr. Robert Parsons, director of church relations. Speaking on r ong-time Shelby residents behalf of the College Relations the College as well. William P. and Pauline Ellis staff Parsons said, "Having The Ellises' son, David, has __ have established a $216,000 worked with Scoot for nearly been a member of the Gardner- charitable remainder unitrust at four years we realized that such Webb Board of Trustees. He now Gardner-Webb College. a tangible expression would lives in Spartanburg, S.C., and is Tire fluids are to be directed convey our heartfelt concern." area manager of the Belk's stores toward educating worthy and Robbie Dixon succumbed there. Tire couple's daughter, Judy needy students at the institution Nov. 20 after a six-year struggle Pollander, attended Gardner- through the W.P. and Pauline T. with cancer. Webb in the nursing program. Ellis Endowed Scholarship Fund. Mrs. Dixon was the daugh¬ The Ellis family, along with Ellis retired as executive vice ter of Robert and Blanch Belk's of Shelby and Forest City, president, secretary-treasurer and Warlickof Bel wood. A graduate donated the Belk-Ellis Computer manager of Belk's in Shelby and of Appalachian State University Center at Gardner-Webb. The cen¬ Forest City after 50 years with the with a degree in education she ter, housed in the Dover Memorial company. He and Mrs. Ellis now was a middle school teacher for Library, boasts 20 computers and maintain homes in Shelby and in 17 years, having taught in the seven printers for student use. Florida. Catawba County, Stanly Hie Belk/Ellis Business Schol¬ In discussing the trust, Ellis County, Durham City and arship was endowed by the Ellis pauses to retrace his life on a to¬ Granville County schools. Most family, along with the Belk Foun¬ bacco farm during the Depression. recently, she had taught at dation and the Belk Corporation of Times were hard in 1930 and col¬ Shelby Middle School. Shelby and Forest City. The schol¬ lege was out of the question. Dixon is the Vice President arship is given annually to students For the Ellises, who say that for College Relations at from Cleveland or Rutherfordton neither had an opportunity or the Gardner-Webb College. The counties. inclination to pursue a higher edu¬ son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph W. This year Mr. and Mrs. Ellis cation, it is important that young Dixon Sr. of Fallston, he is a endowed yet another scholarship people today have an opportunity graduate of the University of at the College, the W.P. and Pauline to attend college. North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ellis Endowed Nursing Scholar¬ The trust will enable many The scholarship is designed ship. young people to do so. to provide financial assistance Commenting on their gifts to The Ellises are not strangers to to academically worthy stu¬ the College, Ellis said, "God has Gardner-Webb. Ellis estimates that dents attending Gardner- been good to us. What I am He his gifts over the years have totalled Webb. In recognizing the honor, made me, what I have He gave more than $500,000. Through the Dixon noted that an endowed me. I'd just like to share it with family's affiliation with Belk's the scholarship in the area of aca¬ others." corporation has played a key role at DECEMBER 19 9 2 /7