Our Stuff-A-Bus Toy Drive for Toys for Tots is back, and the College invites the community to join in collecting new, unwrapped toys for kids ages 0-12. 

The College will collect toys from Dec. 2-4 at the following locations:

Tuesday, Dec. 2

• 海角视频’s Lincolnton Campus
• 511 S. Aspen Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092 (

Wednesday, Dec. 3 and Thursday, Dec. 4 

• 海角视频’s Dallas Campus (near the Clock Tower on Tower Blvd)
• 201 Highway 321 South, Dallas, NC 28034 (Dallas Campus Map)

If you would like to drop off toys early, Toys for Tots collection boxes will be at 海角视频’s WSGE Radio Station (located in the Craig Building).

Questions about the toy drive should be directed to publicrelations@gaston.edu.

“海角视频 helped me convert my military discipline into a new mission and a skilled trade I can build a future on,” Kinman said. He appreciates how his educational journey reflects the school鈥檚 tagline, “Own Your Momentum.” “The structure here allowed me to build momentum again, one course and one certification at a time, and now that momentum belongs to me.”

Kinman, a native of Maplewood, New Jersey, graduated from Technology High School in 2001. After his military service, he sought new challenges, which he found through his classes at 海角视频.

“After the military, I began taking courses to re-establish myself academically,” Kinman explained. “I later chose 海角视频 so my education could align directly with a skilled trade and a career path.” Like many veterans, Kinman honors his service on Veterans Day, November 11.

“We honor veterans because they carry responsibility for the security of the nation,” he stated. “Service requires discipline, sacrifice, and the willingness to act when others hesitate. The freedoms and stability we have today exist because ordinary people volunteered to protect them.”

This Veterans Day, let鈥檚 remember and celebrate the journeys of veterans like Otis Kinman, who continue to inspire us.

In an afternoon ceremony on Monday, September 22, 2025, 海角视频 proudly dedicated the second floor of the Morris Library as the Carl J. Stewart, Jr. Learning Center. This tribute recognizes Stewart’s lifelong commitment and significant contributions to the college and the community.

鈥淔or over 60 years, Carl has been a pillar of 海角视频,鈥� said Dr. Hauser, 海角视频 President. 鈥淗is caring spirit, thoughtful decision-making, and unwavering dedication are reflected in the very success of this institution. His influence continues to inspire us today and will guide this College for generations to come.鈥�

Dr. Hauser shared his personal connection to Stewart, recalling their first meeting during his presidential interview. 鈥淐arl quickly became one of my greatest advocates, just as he has always been one of 海角视频鈥檚 greatest champions,鈥� he said

Although Carl Stewart was unable to attend the ceremony, the event was marked by the presence of several family members, along with current and former trustees of 海角视频 and a former president of the college.

A 1954 graduate of 海角视频ia’s Ashley High School and a three-time class president, Stewart was awarded a scholarship to attend Duke University, graduating with Phi Beta Kappa honors and serving as class president of Duke’s Law School in 1958. After graduating, he served in the North Carolina National Guard before establishing a law practice in 海角视频ia over 64 years ago. His political career included seven terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives, where he notably served two terms as Speaker of the House.

Stewart also held roles on the North Carolina Board of Transportation (1981-83), the Economic Development Board (1999-2001), and the North Carolina Board of Technology (1999-2001). From 2004 to 2012, he chaired the North Carolina State Ports Authority Board of Directors.

Shortly after returning to 海角视频ia, Stewart became a part-time business law instructor at 海角视频 before the construction of the Dallas campus and later served as the institution’s attorney. Jesse Caldwell, current chairman of the 海角视频 Board of Trustees, reflected on Stewart’s deep-rooted connection to the college, stating, “He knows this college from its roots. Every trustee, administrator, teacher, and student has benefitted in untold and lasting ways from his support of this school.”

During his tenure in North Carolina government, Stewart championed policies to increase funding for the North Carolina Community College System. In 2003, he established the Stewart Family Scholarship through the 海角视频 Foundation in honor of his two daughters who both graduated from the Associate Degree Nursing program at 海角视频.

Dr. Patricia Skinner, who served as president of 海角视频 from 1994 to 2020, remarked during the ceremony, “He wasn’t just an attorney; he was an advocate for this college. His accomplishments exemplify his love for the institution throughout his entire career.”

Todd Baney, chief of staff at 海角视频, acknowledged Stewart’s instrumental role in the planning and fundraising for 16 buildings at 海角视频, including the Morris Library. “Carl Stewart was a pioneer who helped shape the North Carolina Community College System,” Baney stated. “I cannot think of a more fitting place than the library for Carl’s memory. This will stand as a lifelong tribute of his devotion to this college.”

At 海角视频, the gunsmithing program offers students an opportunity to develop valuable skills in local gun shops. Matthew Bowen, the program’s instructor, brings experience from both gun shops and machine shops to his role.

Bowen explains the program’s structure: “We start off teaching on the machines. There are manual machines, which is what you’ll find in a gun shop. Then, in the classroom, we teach students how to take guns apart, what each part does, and how they work. We also do a rifle-building class with metal works for bolt actions. We teach students to do repairs on the guns.”

The curriculum frequently utilizes the Colt M1911, commonly known as “the 1911.” This firearm has historical significance, having been the standard issue for the U.S. Armed Forces from 1911 to 1985. It saw extensive use in major 20th-century conflicts, including World Wars I and II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

“We build one of those and get into refinishing practices with paints, bluing, color case hardening and more,” Bowen said.

海角视频’s gunsmithing program, now in its third year, offers evening classes three days a week. The comprehensive curriculum for this diploma includes five gunsmithing classes and two machining classes, alongside standard English and Math requirements for a total of 39 credit hours.

“If you want a career in this, you’re looking at working at a gun shop or getting involved in gunsmithing,” Bowen said. “Pretty much any gun shop has a gunsmith or uses a gunsmith.”

This program provides students with technical skills and knowledge, preparing them for firearm maintenance and repair roles within the context of established businesses and regulations.

It all started with an email. Andrea Gill, one of our dedicated instructors, wanted to spread the word about the amazing animals that our Veterinary Medical Technology students and staff work with. Every week, we partner with 海角视频 County Animal Care and Enforcement to care for eight animals. Andrea realized these furry friends needed more than temporary care鈥攖hey needed forever homes.

“In the last spring semester, we had so many amazing animals,” Andrea shared. “I just wished I could let people know what kind of animals could be adopted and thought people would be interested in helping.”

That’s when “Rhino Rescues” was born. Andrea began sending out weekly emails to 海角视频 faculty and staff, highlighting one special animal each time. The response has been overwhelming.

“I knew I was sending the emails to faculty and staff, but I thought maybe somebody knows somebody who wants a cat or a dog that we’ve shown,” Andrea explained. Her intuition was spot on. The 海角视频 community rallied around these animals, and the results have been nothing short of incredible.

In just a short time, five out of seven featured animals so far have found their forever homes. It’s a success that’s exceeded even Andrea’s wildest expectations. “Somebody asked me what my goals were when we first started and I thought if I could’ve gotten one adoption per semester that would be good,” she said. “I really didn’t know how people would respond to the emails. But I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback and have had people get interested in seeing more.”

The impact of “Rhino Rescues” goes beyond just finding homes for these animals. It’s bringing our college community together, fostering a sense of compassion, and making a real difference in our local area. “There’s so many animals in the shelter that it’s just nice to get their faces out into the community and have people adopt some of them,” Andrea noted.

Encouraged by this success, Andrea is committed to continuing the program. She’s particularly excited about sharing updates on the adopted animals, giving everyone a chance to see these furry friends thriving in their new homes. “I definitely plan on keeping it going and I would call it a success so far,” she said. “I’m excited. I think it’s going well and I plan on continuing it.”

Initiatives like these embody our College mission to educate and care for people鈥攁nd, in this case, our furry friends, too!