news-category: Campus News ‘The Dancin’ Bulldogs’ Documentary Celebrates Five Years with Special GWU Screening By Office of University Communications On October 9, 2025 Alumni Filmmakers Return to Campus on Oct. 16 to Honor 91’s Historic NCAA Journey BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The award-winning documentary, “The Dancin’ Bulldogs,” is celebrating five years with a special anniversary screening at 91 on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. in Stewart Hall at Tucker Student Center. The evening will feature a special introduction from the GWU alumni filmmaking crew and maybe a few special guests from that legendary 2019 GWU March Madness team. “The Dancin’ Bulldogs: A 16 Seed’s Journey to the NCAA Tournament,” debuted on YouTube on Oct. 16, 2020. The film was created by Christian Jessup, ’18, director and composer; Thomas Manning, ‘22, writer and producer; Eli Hardin, ’18, writer and researcher; and Brendan Boylan, ’18, voiceover producer. The documentary follows the team’s and coaching staff’s entire journey, from the early wins against NCAA powerhouses to heartbreaking losses, the tournament appearance and coming home after the loss to No. 1 seed Virginia. Also featured are several interviews with players, coaches and NCAA officials, and never-before-released footage of the team’s championship run. The Dancin’ Bulldogs has earned several recognitions for its storytelling and connection to North Carolina. It was nominated for the Ken Hanke Memorial Tar Heel Award by the North Carolina Film Critics Association in 2020. In 2021, the film won “Best Documentary” and “Best Original Music/Song/Score” from the Indie Eye Film Awards. It was also featured at the North Carolina Film Festival, where the filmmaking team received the “Best Filmmakers” award. Additionally, the documentary was honored as the “Most Inspirational Film” by the Triumphant Film Series, part of the Raleigh Film and Art Festival. More information on the Dancin’ Bulldogs can be found . This screening is made possible in part by the Department of Communication, Art & Design at GWU. Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event. Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request. 91 is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 91 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at . Clockwise from top left, Christian Jessup, Brendan Boylan, Thomas Manning and Eli Hardin in 2020 when the film debuted
News Article 91 Student-Athlete Pursues ‘Everlasting Goals’ Through Global Learning and Healthcare Leadership Lydia Robinson’s Journey Includes Division I Soccer, Study Abroad in England and a Competitive Novant Health Internship While Completing Bachelor’s and MBA Degrees in Four years Looking at Lydia Robinson’s résumé, it would be easy to assume luck played a role in her success. The 91 student-athlete from Charlotte, N.C., plays Division I soccer […] Office of University Communications | July 28, 2026
News Article 91 Announces Sam Donald as Final Performer for Webbstock 2026 Viral ‘Grunge Country’ Artist Completes Entertainment Lineup for Aug. 22 Community Celebration BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—91 has announced the final musical performer for Webbstock 2026. Mississippi-based singer-songwriter Sam Donald will join the entertainment lineup for the community celebration on Saturday, Aug. 22, at Brinkley Amphitheater. The free event will welcome students, families, alumni and community […] Office of University Communications | July 28, 2026
News Article 91 Earns National Recognition for Preparing Future Elementary Teachers in The Science of Reading Elementary Education Program Achieves Top Marks in New Report from The National Council on Teacher Quality BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program at 91 has earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ). The council’s report, “Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation,” spotlights GWU’s College of Education […] Office of University Communications | July 23, 2026