Gift to Gardner-Webb will make a difference

It's inspiring to see people give back to the community. Gardner-Webb University witnessed this on a grand scale as a Rock Hill, S.C. couple with local ties made a major investment in the future of the university.

Business entrepreneur John Godbold and wife, Linda, recently announced a multi-million dollar gift to Gardner-Webb's School of Business. The generous contribution comes in the form of an establishing gift, estate gift and a pledge of annual support. As a result, we now have the Godbold School of Business.

We've often seen the business school at Gardner-Webb and its faculty reach out to the community through various programs and interactions. They've reached out to utilize the community's expertise in programs they've offered, essentially creating a partnership with the community. They've also helped the community through many of those same programs, utilizing the school's own expertise to the great benefit of others.

The school was on the receiving end of generosity this time and the university rightfully celebrated.

"We know that investing our money in a Christ-centered school like Gardner-Webb will make a difference and will multiply and help out a lot of people," Mr. Godbold said.

Mr. Godbold founded Carolina State Bank, now a part of 5/3 Bank, in Shelby in 1989, at which time he began his relationship with Garner-Webb. He said School of Business provided his own business with many qualified employees and added that he hoped the gift not only gives back but also continues that tradition.

"John and Linda support great teaching and great scholarship," said University President Frank Bonner, "but most of all (they) believe in opportunity."

Their generous gift will provide multiple opportunities for many people in the coming years. It will provide an avenue for the school to transform as business transforms.

It'll make a difference for the university. It'll make a difference for students -- both present and future. It'll make a difference to the community as a whole.