Gardner-Webb University recently held its 2011 spring commencement exercises where a total of 436 students graduated. Local graduates included the following:

• Jane Leonard of Columbus, who graduated with a BSN degree in nursing;

• Mary Stephens of Columbus, who graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS degree in business administration;

• Bridget Johnson of Mill Spring, who graduated with a BS degree in accounting;

• Kristin Whitmire of Mill Spring, who graduated with a BS degree in elementary education;

• Reba Williams of Mill Spring, who graduated with a BSN degree in nursing;

• Hannah Edwards of Saluda, who graduated with a BA degree in English.

Located in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb University is home to over 4,300 students from 37 states and 21 foreign countries.

– article submitted by Matt Walters