2023-2024 Petit Jean Yearbook - "Centennial"

Fromits humble beginning as Harding College in 1924 to its evolution into the esteemed institution it is today, the legacy of Harding runs deep, intertwining with the narratives of countless lives.

The measure of Harding’s existence lies not merely in the ethos of service and the pursuit of goodness that permeates its halls, but also in the achievements of its alumni whose impact spreads far and wide. As we reflect on the impact of the past 100 years, we are reminded of our responsibility to uphold the legacy of this institution, and to emulate the example set forth by Jesus of Nazareth.

Throughout its history, Harding has instilled values of service and sacrifice in the hearts and minds of generations of students. Yet, it is not solely in its successes that Harding’s soul is found, but also in the humility to acknowledge its missteps and shortcomings.

In our stewardship of Harding’s story, we are confronted with the entirety of its narrative — the highs and lows, the triumphs and failures. Yet, in embracing the fullness of this narrative, we reaffirm Harding’s role as a provider of Christian education.

As we turn the pages of this book, may we do so with a sense of hope and purpose, knowing that our collective efforts will shape the legacy of Harding for generations to come. And may we, in all our endeavors, strive to justify the existence of this institution through lives of service, humility and unwavering commitment to the greater good.

Our hope is that through these pages we have been faithful stewards of this narrative, capturing the essence of moments that now reside in our collective memory. For within the folds of Harding’s past, present and the hope of its future, lies a story rich with purpose and meaning.

The Cedar Falls of Petit Jean From Petit Jean 1924-25

Dedication

LLOYD O. SANDERSON & MRS. FLORENCE M. CATHCART

Petit Jean 1924-25

“Feeling the necessity of getting before the student body the principles for which our beloved Alma Mater stands. We tried in our simple way to make that principle felt. We choose the medium of song because a story set to music often makes the most lasting impression. That it may find a permanent place in the heart and mind of every member of the student body is our sincere wish.”

Following the consolidation of Harper College and Arkansas Christian College, J.N. and Woodson Armstrong penned this letter to the students of the newly formed Harding College. The Armstrongs are pictured above at the burning of the Harding mortgage on Thanksgiving Day 1939, 15 years later. Armstrong’s time as president had been fraught with financial difficulties and major debt against the institution - this burning ceremony was a celebration of the efforts of George S. Benson and Armstrong in successfully eliminating the debt Harding had accumulated. Armstrong was president emeritus and dean of Bible at the time.

Photo Courtesy of Brackett Library Archives

Youhave been a great factor in whatever success has attended Harding College in this, her first year. You and your faculty have passed through the experiences, borne the burdens, and made the sacrifice incidental to the beginning of a great and important work.

It has been your privilege to establish precedents for future student bodies. Students of Harding College in all the years to come will appeal to your acts in an effort to justify themselves in the doings of things they themselves may want to do. Traditions of the doings of this first student body will be handed down from year to year and from generation to generation, even so long as the institution shall live.

From this day on, wherever you may go, whatever you may do, you will be a message from Harding College. It is our most sanguine hope that your lives may glorify her fair name by verifying the intrinsic value of the high and holy ideals for which she stands. Remember that her existence cannot be justified unless the lives of her students manifest the principles of our Lord, unless they are true to Him who took upon Himself the form of a servant and went about doing good.

Remember that Harding College lives as the result of keen sacrifice; that every brick in her walls, every book in her library, and every piece of equipment in her laboratories are the result of the influence of Christ upon hearts. Remember that we who man the institution would betray most sacred trust did we not make first the instilling of the principles of Christianity into the hearts of her students. Remember, too, that wherein you fail to support in word and life the religion of our Lord, it shall be a source of deep regret to every member of your faculty. Remember that every word of God is as true as every other word of God, and loyalty to God means loyalty to every word he has spoken.

“Remember that her existence cannot be justified unless the lives of her students manifest the principles of our Lords, unless they are true to Him who took upon Himself the form of a servant and went about doing good.”

As you become men and women of affairs, do not forget the world’s need of Christian schools and the debt that you yourself owe to them. Wherever your lot may be cast, give your unstinted support to their maintenance. Remember the Lord is counting on you.

Our Father, bless these, our children. Make them a blessing to this needy world, and so long as they abide in thy work may thy Peace, which passeth all understanding, guard their hearts and their thoughts in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Brother

and Sister Armstrong

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1924-25

THE HISTORY OF

Written by Hallie Davis & Julianne Baker

Photos from Ann Cowan Dixon Archives & Special Collections and UCM Archives

Harding College Arch 1924 -1979

The Root – Bible School Movement

Our story began near the turn of the 20th century. James A. Harding was a preacher and debater who attended Bethany College in West Virginia. Bethany College was started by Alexander Campbell, the founder of the Restoration Movement in the United States. Together with David Lipscomb, Harding opened the Nashville Bible School in Nashville, Tennessee, Oct. 5, 1891. The initial cohort of students was nine young men, all intent on becoming preachers. Nashville Bible School continued under the leadership of Lipscomb and Harding and is now known as Lipscomb University. In 1901, Harding left Nashville to assume the presidency of Potter Bible College in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Harding stated that the move was “simply a division of the forces of the Nashville School that twice as much good may be done.”

John Nelson (J.N.) Armstrong, a graduate of the Nashville Bible School, followed Harding to Potter Bible College as a professor of Greek after he married Harding’s daughter — Woodson Harding Armstrong. J.N. Armstrong, along with a cohort of faculty from Potter Bible College, was heavily influenced by Harding’s leadership and desire to spread the Bible School Movement further westward.

Richard Atterbury documented the history of Harding University in his book, “The Story of Harding College.” Atterbury wrote about the passion of Harding and Lipscomb: “The zeal of these two great teachers, Lipscomb and Harding, was contagious; and many of their associates went out from them deeply committed to the principles of Christian education and eager to establish schools in other areas.”

Harding College directly resulted from Harding’s and Armstrong’s influence in the Bible School Movement. Armstrong, Benjamin Franklin Rhodes Sr., Robert Clark Bell and R. N. Garner left Potter to establish the Western Bible and Literary College (WBLC) in Odessa, Missouri, in 1905. The city of Odessa donated a building for the school and offered to provide financial support should they set up there. WBLC opened Sept. 1905 with

Armstrong as their president. Over 100 students enrolled on the first day, and around the same stayed and attended classes for the first year. Their statement of purpose read:

“The purpose of the school shall be to teach the Bible as the revealed will of God to man and as the only and sufficient rule of faith and practice, and to train in pure Bible Christianity those who attend, excluding from the faith all opinions and philosophies of men and from the work and worship of the Church of God all human inventions and devices. Such other branches of learning may be added as will aid in the understanding and teaching of the scriptures and as will promote usefulness and good citizenship among men.”

In 1907, Armstrong withdrew from the presidency of WHBC due to his health, and Gardner succeeded him. After Armstrong withdrew, he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada.

Cordell Christian College & Harper College

The president of Cordell Christian College in Cordell, Oklahoma, resigned and offered the president position to Bell or Rhodes — but neither was willing to accept. Bell and Rhodes reached out to Armstrong in Las Vegas and brought him to Cordell. There, Armstrong accepted the role of president at Cordell Christian College. The school flourished until the mid1910s when influences of the war and problems within the Cordell community led to the college’s decision not to return for the 191819 school year. The decision was made to consolidate Cordell with Harper College — another Christian university in Harper, Kansas. In 1919, Armstrong announced to become the president of Harper College. He accepted the position with an enrollment of 250 and — due to the generosity of the community — an endowment of $130,000.

The Merge

Five years later, in 1924, Harper College’s enrollment steadily increased, and despite expansion plans, the idea arose of consolidating with 3-year-old Arkansas Christian College (ACC) in Morrilton, Arkansas. Ultimately, the decision was made to merge, and the three schools became what would later be called Harding College. The merger into one institution would then have both the facilities and faculty to qualify as a senior college.

“Thus Harding College began her struggle for excellence. The consolidation of Harper College and Arkansas Christian College provided the barest justification for senior college status. But the road which would lead a small, unknown college in Arkansas to a position of national prominence was to prove long and arduous.”

(Attebury, 8)

ACC was connected to the movement of Lipscomb and Harding through Gus Hill, a Nashville Bible School alum and a major character in the opening of ACC, who pushed for the establishment of a Christian school in Arkansas. ACC was built in 1922 in Morriton, Arkansas, with A.S. Croom as the establishing president.

Upon the merger of Harper College and ACC, the college was renamed in honor of James A. Harding as “it was considered a fitting tribute to the life of a great man, who had probably done more for Christian education, and given more enthusiasm and impetus to the work than any other man of the century.”

Although Croom was the president of ACC, Armstrong was appointed president of Harding College with Croom as vice president. Armstrong would remain in this position until 1936.

Campus life in Morrilton

Many issues plagued the 1924 school year. The buildings on the Harding College campus were in a near-constant state of construction and would not be completed before the term began. There was a dormitory called Scoggin Hall that was used as makeshift housing for female students until the new dormitory —

James A. Harding

Students at the Nashville Bible School.

A young J.N. Armstrong.

“These two schools now stand as monuments to the memory of the two great friends who gave the most to such work and to whom the church of the last fifty years owes the largest debt.” 1934-35 Catalog

Jennie Hill Hall — was finished. Men lived in “private homes or wherever they could find a place” — some slept on the floor of the unfinished administration buildings. The girls did not move into their dormitory until January 15, 1925, and the first chapel service in the new auditorium was not conducted until March 18. The campus in Morrilton was near Petit Jean mountain — the namesake of Harding’s yearbook and named in the original rendition of the Alma Mater.

Despite all this, the student’s campus life was thriving. Football first appeared in 1924 with a team entirely composed of freshmen. Their first season was cut short to only four games. They won two of the four before the season abruptly ended when their coach was killed and two members of the team injured in a car accident.

“Intercollegiate basketball and baseball were also begun in the school year 1924-25, but faculty believed that students as a rule entered school for mental discipline rather than to become athletes, and in harmony with this athletics was looked upon as a value mainly in breaking up nervous tension prevalent among hard-working students.”

early social clubs on campus. These included the women’s social clubs Ju Go Ju, The Woodson Harding Comrades and Twin Q; also men’s social clubs that included the H Club and the Harding Gas House Gang. The following year, in 1927, two additional clubs were added.

Harding College advocated for the education of preachers and teachers. Men who wanted to become preachers were given free tuition, and each was required to sign a “preacher’s note” which stipulated that if they left school and preached for five years postgraduation, the note would automatically cancel; if not, it would remain payable to the school. This remained so until 1932, when they were required to pay half the tuition and fees.

Preachers may have been allowed to enroll at Harding tuitionfree. However, Armstrong also made an effort to provide financial assistance and recognize the value of work for non-preaching students who could not afford the cost of tuition.

“The school did all it could in this way to assist poor students to receive an education. No one who really desired to attend would be turned away. This policy, however, made the financial load of the school heavier, for many were helped through that were not able to pay any expenses, and the tendency was to have a surplus of workers.”

The Move

In 1934, 10 years after consolidation, Harding College moved from its campus in Morrilton to Searcy, Arkansas. The college started to outgrow the campus in Morrilton as all of the dorms were filled, and almost the same number were housed in private houses around town. Even the classrooms were becoming to tight for the number of enrolled students, leading to a lack of space to hold the growing student body.

Galloway College, an all-female college in Searcy, Arkansas, closed due to the consolidation of Methodist colleges in Arkansas due to the pressures of the drought and lingering depression. This left the campus, almost three times the size of the campus in Morrilton, open and for sale. The powers that be at Galloway offered the sale to Harding College for $75,000 when the value of the campus at the time was estimated to be over $500,000. $75,000 then would be around $1.7 million today, and $500,000 would be around $8.7 million.

Those students, during the first year of Harding College, lived amid construction—a very visual and tangible representation of what was going on behind the scenes.

“Seldom has a greater devotion or a deeper sacrifice been shown for an ideal than has been demonstrated by the teachers who struggled to maintain Harding College in its formative years.” (Mattox, 1)

On June 4, 1926, Harding College finally received the endorsement of the state board of education and received the rating of a senior college. At the time, there were 10 departments on campus and students could earn a Bachelor of Arts degree upon graduation. The 1926 school year saw the formation of some of the

By the time Harding College moved from Morrilton to Searcy, the campus had been empty for two years. Many improvements needed to be made, and students and faculty alike were eager to help. They moved equipment and books 70 miles to Searcy, improved the existing buildings, and began the process of what continues to be a beautiful campus. The root of financial troubles at Harding College began there. The College was paying generous scholarships and reducing tuition while the money flowing in through tuition and financial gifts was not enough to pay the bills.

Upon the move to Searcy,

The Administration building in Morrilton.

Football team play a game in Morrilton.

George and Sally Benson

administrators made changes and additions to the institution and campus life. Football was not a part of the new campus, there was an opening of the Harding College Press — which printed the college bulletins and catalogs — and tuition continued to increase to make up for the move to Searcy.

“It is our heart’s desire and prayer so to direct Harding College in every branch of activity, that our Great Father can approve and bless the institution. We are delighted to please friends, but we forget this in our zeal to please Him whom we serve and to whom we entrust all” - J. N. Armstrong, truthseeker, July 1935, as quoted in F.W. Mattox.

The Benson Years

Armstrong announced his decision to retire after 30 years of service in Christian Higher Education in 1936, and George S. Benson was named to assume the role of president.

Benson was a 1923 graduate of Harper College and a 1925 graduate of Harding College. He served as an instructor in Harding’s first year before graduating. Following graduation from Harding, Benson and his wife, Sallie Benson, left for China to

serve as missionaries with the Chinese Missions in Canton, China.

Benson became president, along with a debt of $68,000. He intended to disseminate the debt by Thanksgiving 1939, just three years into his presidency. On that day, Benson presented the canceled mortgage to Armstrong. F.W. Mattox described what followed:

“Following the dismissal of the assembly the entire group of students and friends stood, in a drizzling rain, on the front campus and saw Mr. Armstrong drop the mortgage on a hurriedly built bonfire.”

After the burning of the mortgage, Benson continued to build Harding College as an institution. His presidency brought the construction of new buildings, dormitories and facilities all over the campus. Benson raised money and reached out to donors to help fund the building of a new library, gymnasium, student center and two dormitories — one for men and one for women. After asking for $1,500,000 in 1946, Harding College reached its goal for the new construction in 1950. As funds were continually raised, the men’s dorm, Armstrong Hall, was built to recognize and honor J.N. Armstrong.

Benson’s leadership saw the construction of the Administration building and a Fine Arts building built from the brick of the original Godden Hall. In a four-year time period, Benson brought eight new buildings to the Harding College campus. Benson led in years of expansion and growth, working toward making the Searcy campus the permanent home for Harding College.

In 1954, Harding College received full accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. This meant students wouldn’t fear whether other associations in the country would accept their credits. This accreditation dramatically increased enrollment, with an average of 60 new students each year for the following decade.

Benson appointed Dr. Clifton Ganus Jr. as the Harding College vice president in 1956. It was during this time and development that Harding College joined the athletic Intercollegiate Conference. After a decade of dedicating his life to the students and faculty of Harding College, Benson retired in 1965 and appointed Ganus as his successor.

The Ganus Years

Dr. Clifton L. Ganus Jr. was declared president of Harding College in 1965 after serving as vice president alongside Benson. With the Ganus Student Center named after his father, Clifton L. Ganus Sr., Ganus was more than accredited as the new president. Ganus graduated from Harding College in 1943, where he was the editor of the Petit Jean yearbook. He soon became a preacher in Mississippi. After preaching for two years, Ganus earned a master’s degree from Tulane University in 1946.

Ganus returned to Harding College in 1946 to begin teaching in the history department before soon becoming chairman of it. He continued to pursue a doctorate while teaching before being officially named the vice president of Harding in 1965.

Ganus’ inauguration was the first official inauguration of a Harding president and was held on September 18, 1965. Ganus’ presidency was driven by excellence in all areas. During his time, the Petit Jean and The Bison received All-American ratings from the Associated Collegiate Press. In addition to academic success, the institution grew as new facilities were built and athletics excelled.

Through the growth of the college, Ganus led Harding to obtain university status in 1979. As the new decade began, Harding College officially became Harding University. Throughout the rest of Ganus’ presidency, Harding began establishing study abroad programs. In 1980, a campus in Florence, Italy, opened allowing students to take classes and spend a semester immersed in Italian culture. In 1985, Ganus introduced the Walton Scholars program

Chapel in the Godden Hll Auditorium. Prior to the Administration building.

President Benson passes off a stack of mortgage documents to the bank representative.

George S. Benson in later years.

Clifton L. Ganus Jr.

to Harding’s campus, bringing in thousands of students from Latin America. Ganus stepped down from the presidency in 1987, welcoming Dr. David B. Burks as his replacement.

The Burks Years

Dr. David B. Burks was inaugurated Sept. 18, 1987. Burks graduated from Harding College in 1965 and eventually returned to be a professor of accounting in 1967. In 1974, Burks helped establish various business majors in the College of Business. After becoming dean of the College of Business, he was approached about applying for the new presidential position after Ganus retired.

Burks’ 30 years as president saw a wealth of student and academic program growth. Beginning in 1987, Burks established

Ladies Garden, the Rhodes-Reaves Field House was opened and dedicated in 2016.

The Field House brought more space and newer facilities for the athletes.

The football facilities also got an upgrade with the dedication of the Huckeba Field House in 2019. This indoor field was named the biggest in Division II and one of the largest in the nation. The improvement of the athletic facilities continued as the Ganus Activity Center was remodeled in 2016, making space for athletic training and the kinesiology department.

With the changing of times and the popularity of apps, McLarty oversaw the development and release of the official Harding University app in 2017. The app was made to connect the Harding community through regularly updated information and access to schedules, events and tickets for both students and alumni alike.

With advancements in technology, the university also brought recognition of the past. The Linda Byrd Smith Archeology Museum was opened and dedicated on April 13, 2017. The museum contained over 100 artifacts from biblical times and was set up in the Jim Bill McInteer Bible and World Mission Center.

new study abroad programs ranging from Greece, Latin American and Zambia. Harding also grew in on-campus programs. The development of the Bible department and Center for World Missions was a large success during Burks’ presidency. The Honors College was established in 1989, and master’s programs in business, counseling and physician’s assistants are a few of the largest graduate programs to have been established.

Burks was dedicated to showing Harding as an institution dedicated to the Christian mission. Establishing camaraderie was vital to Harding’s story during Burks’ time. The campus was built on fellowship and relationship between brothers and sisters in Christ. By the end of Burks’ presidency in 2013, student enrollment increased by more than 2,000 undergraduate students. Burks was determined for Harding to be accessible to any student who wanted to call it home. Through the implementation of scholarships and federal aid, Harding provided more students with tuition assistance, which played a large factor in the increased enrollment.

In 2013, Burks announced his retirement from being president. After over 30 years of serving Harding, Dr. Bruce McLarty was appointed to be Burks’ successor.

The McLarty Years

Dr. Bruce McLarty took over in 2013. During his presidency, McLarty focused on relationships with students and encouraged relationships with alums. McLarty oversaw the dedication of many buildings on campus and helped lead the establishment of the First Ladies Garden in 2015. The garden was dedicated to all past, present and future women of Harding. In addition to the

As 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world, Harding University had to learn how to navigate with the new normal. Masks, safety precautions, quarantine and virtual classes became the expectation. During the pandemic, McLarty shifted out of his role as president as he retired, and Burks returned as interim president until a new one was found.

Today

Today, Dr. Michael Williams serves as the current president and was inaugurated in 2022. Williams arrived on campus in 2021 and began transitioning into the role. During this time of transition, Harding underwent new developments, including a new memorial dedicated to alumnus Botham Shem Jean after his death in 2018. The Hatcher Indoor Soccer Complex opened in 2021, and the Administration Building was dedicated to Elijah Anthony and Dr. Howard Wright, the first two African American graduates of Harding University.

Williams officially became the president of Harding in June 2022 with innauguration in the fall. The Holland-Waller Center was constructed in 2023 in place of the former Ganus Student Center, which was demolished earlier that year. Williams continued to lead Harding through the Centennial year. The University had grown exponentially since its opening in 1924. Six presidents later, Harding still stands tall, beloved by all who cross through those iconic arch’s. Harding University’s history continued to be deeply rooted in Christ, and as the Centennial comes to a close, a new century of Harding history may begin.

Three generations of presidents. David B. Burks, Clifton L. Ganus Jr., George S. Benson

Dr. Burks during his time as a Business professor.

Dr. McLarty with Dr. Ganus at the announcement of his presidency.

President Michael D. Williams

Harding University Arch 1979 - 2024

John Nelson Armstrong

“Everything Harding may undertake will succeed or fail according to your attitude toward it. At least, any undertaking that you solidly support cannot fail… As we conclude, we want to say once more that we believe in you. We believe you will do whatever is necessary to keep Harding College that standard institution that it is. We are counting on you to watch its progress, to know from year to year its needs, and to stand solidly behind every campaign launched to supply these needs. Finally, we love you, we are for you, for Harding College.”

Dr. George S. Benson

“To Harding Students of Nineteen Forty One: It is a genuine pleasure to record, through the medium of the Petit Jean, a message to those whose faces make its pages immortal. The year 1940-41, which has been a banner year for Harding College will go down in history as a most crucial one for our nation. It has witnessed the alarming approach of the raging conflict of Europe; the development of seriously increasing tension in the Pacific; and gravely growing internal dissension. In this hour of National crisis I appeal to the students of Harding College to stand fearless and steadfast in their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, remembering that it is God who sets the limits of the habitations of the nations. Righteousness is the greatest asset of any nation. Therefore in your desire to be of service in these crisis, I appeal to you, above everything else, to labor to increase righteousness in America.”

Dr.

Clifton L. Ganus iii

“There is no way to measure the good that the Harding family has done for us. They taught us when we were ignorant, supported us when we were weak, and encouraged us when we were sad ... They walked with us in the darkest hours and held up our hands when we were feeble. They nurtured us when we were weak and helped us fight our battles with sin. They visited us when we were sick. They cheered us when we were unhappy. They helped us rear our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We can find the Harding family all over the world. Being part of the Harding family for all of these years has been a little bit like Heaven on earth. Of course, it has never been perfect, because human beings are involved, but I think you would have to go a long way to find a better group of people working together with the spirit of Christ.”

Dr. David B. Burks

“I hope Harding will continue to be a great influence in the Lord’s kingdom, and I think it has been. When I was a student here, we were much smaller with a student body of less than a thousand, but I think we were still a significant influence to the Lord’s kingdom. I think we are today, and I hope we will continue to be. I hope that we will not get caught up in what’s happened with so many institutions. Academics have become the forefront of everything that we measure success by; consequently, spiritual values have diminished. I hope that we’ll continue the balance between spiritual values with high expectations on academic values and how students live. This brings me back to our mission statement of faith and learning and living. These are the words we chose to use to describe it, and that will continue to be what the Harding experience is.”

Dr. Bruce D. McLarty

“First of all, I have always seen myself in you. The world was very different when I arrived on campus as a freshman in the fall of 1975, but so much about being a Harding student has not changed. On that Sunday afternoon after my parents dropped me off on campus, I remember walking by Graduate Hall and being almost overwhelmed by a sense of a new beginning. Few people on campus knew if I had been good or bad, kind or cruel, sincere or hypocritical, intelligent or not-so-smart. I sensed that, more than ever before, I was in charge of the person I would become. I think the memory of that moment is the lens through which my heart has viewed Harding students all these years. Every one of us comes here in the process of becoming. In the hands of God, this is called “sanctification,” and we can all be changed for the better during our time here. That is why I see in you a reflection of my 1970s self. It makes me nostalgic and helps me to pass along to you some of the grace that I so much needed and so freely received in my own days as a student. And it reminds me of how important it is to choose life, to seek first the kingdom of God, to find the straight gate and the narrow way and to respond with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength when Jesus calls to us, “Follow me.” Incredible life-altering choices continue to be made every day on the Harding University campus. This is why my experience over 40 years ago has much more in common with your experience today than you might at first imagine.”

Dr.

Michael D. Williams

“The men and women of 1924 who founded this institution were visionaries with inspired purpose. It awakened their imaginations and aspirations to envision a Christ-centered institution. It anchored their faith in God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. It propelled perseverance and tenacity as they overcame significant challenges and barriers. It fostered their courage in the midst of uncertainty. It gave birth to generosity that led the founders to mortgage their livelihoods to see this school established and flourish. This inauguration represents a signature moment in the life of this institution. It is a momentous occasion where we reflect on the vision, heroic sacrifice and unwavering resolve of the founders of Harding University.”

The Bison, Oct. 10, 1943

TALL TALES OF

Harding’shistory includes not only tales of great success and achievement, but also rumors and whispers of past ghosts, haunted buildings and prophecies of future life events passed down through the student body.

Popular Harding lore throughout the past century included Gertie the Ghost, the classic “three swings and a ring”, the old bell tower and the pregnant tree. These legends remain in the memory of the student body. The generational influence and longevity of these campus myths can be seen in past editions of The Bison.

The most prominent legend in Harding’s history started before the university moved to Searcy and the land belonged to the Galloway Women’s College. The first recorded account of a ghostly presence was found in the Sept. 1936 issue of “The Bison” and described

Godden Hall from the Galloway college as haunted by a ghost.

The stories behind the infamous legends of Harding University’s campus.

that the bell tower and Claud Rogers Lee Building, built from the bricks of the torn down Godden Hall, held the spirit of Gertrude within their walls.

Students in the Lee Building reported hearing footsteps above them, doors slamming and opening, locked doors being unlocked and faint tinkling of the piano keys as the spirit of Gertie played the piano. Harding’s Special Collections Librarian Hannah Wood recalled her experience of the mysterious rumors that students told while she was a student at Harding in the late 1990s.

This spirit, dubbed the “Galloway Ghost” in the following years, was reported roaming the corridors of Godden Hall. Students fabricated a story of the Galloway Ghost’s past in the 1940’s, but the most famous account of the ghost’s backstory came from then student Chris Elliot’s version of the tale in 1950.

Elliot wrote a story about a young Galloway girl named Gertrude who died from falling in an elevator shaft in Godden Hall. The story was revived in the 1960s when students declared

“I had friends who talked about the practice rooms in the Lee Building and would hear someone practicing upstairs and would go check it out and see no one there,” Wood said.

Professor of Mathematics Debbie Duke associated the ghostly myths with the Lee Building in her time as a student at Harding as well. Duke said the stories she heard from her parents, who were at Harding before Godden Hall was torn down, were funnier than the campus folklore itself.

“Godden Hall was thought of as being haunted and creepy

Old Godden Hall built in 1902 and demolished in 1951. Clipping from The Bison 1948

Students pictured together by the bell tower on the front lawn. Photo from Brackett Library Archives

A recreation of the “Galloway Ghost” from The Bison. Clipping from The Bison April 6, 1948

and mysterious,” Duke said. “It was so old and beat up that they would throw screwdrivers at the walls. There were bats in it. The boys would throw tennis rackets to try to chase out the bats.”

Another legend in the Harding canon was the “pregnant tree.” As described in an 2013 article from The Bison, the phenomenon that caused a bump in the tree was called a “burl.” The story of the time claimed that anyone who touched the “pregnant belly” of the tree would become pregnant themselves.

“I remember walking past the tree my freshman year with my guy friends, and they would push each other into it,” senior Hallie Davis said. “It was so funny because it just continued the lore.”

The “three swings and a ring” marriage myth was another legend created much later in Harding’s history. This rhyme was first mentioned in “The Bison” in the late 1990s.

The articles describe the “dangerous” swing story as if a couple sits on the classic Harding wooden swings more than three times, then wedding bells will soon follow. An issue in October 1996 described the nuances of the bell tower variation of the legend, which said if a couple walked under the bell tower together, then they are destined to be married; however, if a man walks through the bell tower alone, he was said to never find love.

Senior David Perkins said he first encountered these stories during his time at Harding Academy, but that most freshmen are given the full index of spooky stories as a way of initiating the new class. He attributed the preservation of these stories to the generations of families that have continued to send their children to Harding throughout the century.

“I think it’s cool that [the legends] have continued to live this long,” Perkins said. “I do think that Harding has a very unique culture of being able to maintain things that are important to it and being able to pass down stories like that.”

While these stories were just myths, Wood said the longevity of these stories was a reflection of the Harding student body during every decade.

“I think part of it is that it provides a point of

connection from generation to generation,” Wood said. “Every four to five years, we get a whole new crop of students here, so to me it’s one of those things that helps tie and weave those generations together … Each new crop of freshman gets told these same things and it gets woven into the tapestry of Harding.”

She said while it may have begun as a way to scare freshmen, these stories formed a unique Harding identity known across campus.

Duke realized through the stories passed down from her family that the qualities and hearts of Harding students and faculty had remained the same through the past century.

“I think so many things about Harding have not changed over the years,” Duke said. “We’ve grown and gotten a lot bigger, but as far as the mission, what we’re all about and who we are, the fun times [my parents] had, students still have a lot of fun and they ought to… and it was that way back then and it’s that way now. That we still have these stories that we can laugh about and continue is just a part of who we are.”

Written by Lauren Simmons

Campus swing and the “pregnant tree” pictured in the 1980s. Photo from Brackett Library Archives

Photo from Brackett Library Archives

Students pictured swinging on the front lawn in 2003. Photo from Brackett Library Archives

COZY CORNERS QUIET NOOKS

“Warehouse is a great place to study because it offers both a communal place that allows for synergy and a quiet, sound proof space for those who need to lock in. The coffee is great too!”

“If I’m doing a big project I really like to go to Starbucks and sit at the big table in Starbucks because it’s a really stimulating environment and I really get a lot of work done in that kind of place.”

“The Watson Center is my favorite place to study. It is so peaceful and makes me feel like I’m just chilling in a classroom in elementary school. They also have great snacks for so cheap and it’s awesome.”

Hannah Vaughn

The Watson Center

Sienna Patten Starbucks

Emma Weber Warehouse 4 Café

“I work best in a place like MO. It’s a hub for all of student life. I feel the same way about people watching on the subway as i do about sitting at MO. I also think that MO just feels personal and comforting. It’s a great place to be a fly on the wall or to lock in. And also I love coffee.”

“I really like the art building because it has different options for studying that are never super busy. I also love sitting outside in the little courtyard that they have. It feels super peaceful and it’s quite pretty.”

Cozy Corners & Quiet

Kayla Leas Midnight Oil Coffeehouse

Grace Clayton Stevens Art & Design Center

“I choose to study in the library because it’s a good mix between social life and the ability to lock in. Plus quick access to coffee is always a plus.”

Bradley Cole Brackett Library

Downtown Provides 8:30 P.M. Communion Service

Just after 8:00 on Sunday night, people begin trickling into the silent gymnasium. The lights are dimmed; the only illumination comes from an overhead of a painting of Jesus Christ being projected on the front wall. A sea of folding chairs has been arranged in a semicircle to face the tables at the front.

By 8:30, all the chairs have been occupied and crowds of latecomers begin to gather on the outside edges of the room.

The Sunday night service at Downtown Church of Christ differs dramatically from the traditional evening services to which many students are accustomed.

Unlike many evening services, which use a series of songs to lead up to a different lesson each week, the Downtown service focused exclusively on the Lord’s Supper.

“The purpose of the service is to have a time that is strictly dedicated to communion,” said Dr. Pat Garner, the worship leader for the service. “That’s what it originally started as, and that’s what we intend to continue to do.”

“It’s more centered on your personal relationship with God,” Katie Tool, junior, said.

After the period of singing, worshipers were invited to partake of the Lord’s Supper. Instead of being passed down the rows on trays, the bread and fruit of the vine sat on tables at the front of the room, allowing those who wished to participate to do so at their own pace.

Because of these unique elements, the service grew considerably after its inception several years ago and became especially popular among Harding students.

“We started out with 50 or 60 people and now we’re getting near 1000,” Garner said. “That number is probably 95 percent students.”

“It’s such an uplifting service,” Hill said. “Everyone there seems to truly love God, and that really shows to their friends and the people around them.”

Written by Sara Hardesty

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1999-2000

Leading the Way | Directing the students, senior Reed Wallace leads singing for the service. Downtown Singing held their first service of the school year on Aug. 27. The service now includes a praise team made of students. Photo by Abigail Callicoat

SINGING His PRAISES

Downtown Singing offers a space for praise and student-led worship in its 26th year.

Downtown Singing has influenced the lives of Harding University students since 1997. The Searcy community knew the Sunday night service at Downtown Church of Christ to be one filled with worship by hundreds of Harding students, but it hadn’t always been that way.

In 1997, Mark Pugh, the minister of Downtown Church of Christ, approached professor of communication Patrick Garner and Sam Shultz, both members of Downtown Church of Christ, to propose them leading a new Sunday service. They accepted and worked together to create a service aimed towards the students of Harding.

Garner and Shultz’s original idea was a silent service focused on communion. As it became a time of meditation and devotion, Shultz and Garner loved watching it grow into something more.

“It has been a blessing,” Garner said. “Sam and I really loved doing it, and we just felt sure that it will continue.”

As the service went on, the students outgrew the auditorium and began to fill up a new location, the Family Life Center. Over time, the service became more focused on praising God through song, but communion remained offered each Sunday, as was the original intent of the service.

Now in 2023, Dr. Kraig Martin, head of college ministry for Downtown Church of Christ and associate professor of Bible and ministry, explained how the church elders saw it become completely student-led.

“They organize the team of students, and they put it together,” Martin said. “We just open the door and let them in.”

One of these students, senior Caleb Shockley, became one of the two interns who led Downtown Singing for the 2023-24 school year. Shockley watched Downtown Singing grow from when he attended with his friends his freshman year to becoming one of the leaders.

“To be able to be here now and have this active part is really

awesome,” Shockley said. “To see how many students come is super incredible.”

Not only was this aforementioned growth from increased attendance, but also from more students volunteering their time for leadership positions.

The team leaders and volunteers, all Harding students, came together for one purpose: to serve their fellow student body for a time of worship.

Alongside Shockley, junior Luke Bensinger was brought on to be an intern for Downtown Singing in fall 2023. Bensinger remembered the impression Downtown Singing left on him when he toured Harding.

“No one forced you to be there . . . but there were hundreds of students coming together to sing,” Bensinger said. “It was amazing.”

After he attended the service throughout his freshman year, Bensinger was enthusiastic about beginning a leadership position.

“I felt like the Lord was really calling me to do something a little bit out of my comfort zone,” Bensinger said.

Bensinger believed that God’s work through Downtown Singing would continue to shape the Harding community for years to come.

“Only through the Spirit and through God’s power could anything beneficial or joyful ever be accomplished,” Bensinger said.

In fall 2023, the Family Life Center continued to be filled to capacity with hundreds of students coming together to worship God with their voices on Sunday nights before starting their week. Dedicated time, effort and intentionality went into the making of this special service from the student body. As Bensinger put it, “Downtown Singing is the place for you.”

Written by Alaina Wolf

Lift Your Voice | Students gather on August 27th for Downtown Singing. What used to be a night of silence and meditation has grown into a night of singing and worship, honoring God with praise, meditation and communion. It has been held at Downtown Church of Christ since 1997. Photo by Abigail Callicoat

Held down |At the game on _______, freshman Tyler Chitwood looks for a teammate to pass the ball while being tackled by the opposing team. Water polo games took place weekly on Monday nights.

Photo by Lauren Simmons

Score | The goalie jumps up to block the ball. The defense guards the goal to block shots from the opposing team. Caption caption caption thats not actually awful.

Photo by Lauren Simmons

When Harding first purchased the campus in Searcy, it came with an indoor swimming pool. That building was torn down and the swimming pool moved to the Ganus Athletic Center. Swim has been a past-time for students, club activity, and sport since then.

Photos Courtesy of Brackett Library Archives

TREADING LIGHTLY

Throughout Harding’s history students had found unique ways to fill their time outside of classes and day-to-day life. In fall 2023, clubs and others alike participated in water polo in the pool at the Ganus Athletic Center.

Various clubs established a routine of meeting once a week for a game in the pool. Men’s social club Beta Omega Chi could be found there from 7:30-8:30 on Monday nights; senior Ethan Conn talked about how he first became involved with the activity.

“I think it really picked up [in fall 2020], and now it’s become a common, unstructured thing that we all know to go to,” Conn said. “We average about 30 members, but as the semester goes on, that number dwindles down and fluctuates . . . When we play, we like to tackle each other and just have some fun.”

While Beta Omega Chi members played on Mondays, the Knights social club began their water polo games spring 2023 with games on Wednesday nights. Knights athletic director, junior Grant Dale, shared the experience of Wednesday night games.

“We divide up into three different teams and play in the shallow end, and we rotate the teams based on who loses and

play until 10:30,” Grant said. “A good fifty percent of the club shows up to play, and a significant number of freshmen come because it’s a good recruiting tool for us. Several members from Omega Phi and Theta join as well.”

Club water polo nights provided a unique opportunity for multiple clubs to join together for some unofficial fun, but it didn’t stop there. The women’s social clubs also participated in the water polo phenomenon. Zeta Rho and Delta Gamma Rho put on a water polo game for their new members in the fall 2023 club week. Senior Lucy Rosser attended the game.

“The energy from both clubs and their members made it encouraging for the new members,” Rosser said. “Not only to have fun but get to connect with another club as well.”

Even though attendance varies throughout games, water polo has been proven to withstand the busy schedules of students. The popularity of the game has continued to grow through the 2023 school year. One thing was certain: water polo had a consistent presence on the Harding campus in fall 2023. They could be found most nights, battling in the swimming pool for victory.

Story by Sophie Thibodeaux

Students find outlet in water polo in the Ganus Athletic Center

Going for it | Rushing for the ball, Rylan Partlow participates in the game on _______. Water polo became a favorite activity for clubs. Photo by Lauren Simmons

Though we came from far and near it was all of these that bound us together, and gave us common interests and goals. We knew our stay here was only temporary, but we learned to work together, to share our problems and celebrate our accomplishments, just as any normal family would.

Adjusting to school life. Worshiping together.

Engaging in special activities. Studying for lessons.

Achieving our goals. Are part of the memories we Will have of our life at Harding

We will remember much about Harding and our lives while here. We’ll all recall important and trivial events, and in each of our hearts these events will return with varying degree of poignancy. Representing these events to the fullest extent is impossible thus this section is dedicated to stimulating the individual memories of Harding life we all will take wherever we go.

Written by Suzanne Johnston

From 1982-1983 Petit Jean

From 1964-1965 Petit Jean

Written by Karen Roseberry

From 1993-1994 Petit Jean

of Student Life

Maybe we didn’t come to Harding with this in mind, but whether we knew it or not, our year was to be, in large measure, the foundation for the rest of our lives. How we handled our studies and activities determined the firmness of our character in the future. What we put into our relationships with God and others proved to be the cornerstone upon which our lives were being built. Whether or not this was based on a Christian focus would determine, more than anything else, our pathway in life and ultimately, our destiny.

Written by JoAnna Dockery

Everyone we meet leaves their mark; everything we do shapes who we are. Whether it is singing on a stage, cheering on our team or sharing God’s love in a foreign country, we are products of our experiences. God works all around us, providing opportunities for us to learn and grow. We are ever changinig works of art, shifting with every fresh adventure.

Student life is the thread that weaves all of our college memories together. Once the stress of tests and grades fade away with time, we are left with the memories of everything in between. From mornings with chapel and chicken biscuits, to afternoons spent on the front lawn or hiking Petit Jean, all the way to late nights filled with Spring Sing rehearsals and coffee shared with friends, what we do with our time here defines us. All of the day-to-day moments that make up our time at Harding can end up being the most significant. What we choose to dedicate ourselves to will direct what direction our lives will go when we graduate.

Written by Jonna Hopper

From 2015-2016 Petit Jean

From 2007-2008 Petit Jean

Written by Jenny Tyree

From 1993-1994 Petit Jean

SPILLING THE

Tea

English Department students and professors fellowship weekly over a cup of tea.

In an effort to join students and faculty together, the English Department hosted weekly Tea Times on Thursday afternoons. The department also offered a special chapel service for English majors and a crochet club.

“The

department runs off of our community and connection with each other, so we prioritize it .”

The English Department loved to involve their students in different activities to stimulate conversations outside of the classroom. Senior English major Becca Kearney-Dunker joined the English Department her sophomore year when she switched her major. KearneyDunker spent time in the department as both a student worker and student, making her relationship with the department like a second family on campus.

- Becca Kearney-Dunker

“The department runs off of our community and connection with each other, so we prioritize it,” Kearney-Dunker said. “The professors love when students come by to chat or ask to go on walks or get coffee.”

Kearney-Dunker participated in many of the department’s Tea Times and other events, like the Burns’ Supper and Blind Date with a Book. Tea Time met in the department’s study lounge weekly and provided hot tea and treats for the students and staff that comes. Tea Time has quickly become a place of refuge for people as they found community during busy academic schedules.

“Tea Time offers a space for anyone, regardless of major, to come to the department’s study lounge, drink

some fresh, hot tea, and chat,” Kearney-Dunker said.

As important it is for the students, the faculty and staff of the department loved participating in Tea Time as well. English Department administrative assistant Victoria Hutcherson spoke about her experience and the intimacy of the event.

“I think that the main focus of events like that are to build bridges for students, so they can build meaningful connections that they can rely on in times of need, but also people that can be their biggest encouragers and can be really a mentor for them or even just a friend that they pass in the hallway from day to day,” Hutcherson said.

Hutcherson was not a part of the English Department during her undergraduate education, but in her position as administrative assistant, she appreciated the smaller space where professors could invest deeply in the lives of their students. She encouraged all students, not just English majors, to attend the events held by the English Department.

“[The events] are designed for people who are part of the English discipline, but we also want everybody to know that all are welcome at all of our events,” Hutcherson said.

Tea Time had became a place where students of all disciplines can share meaningful conversations. Junior interdisciplinary major Jiana Manglicmot felt welcomed by the community developed and loved getting to talk to people outside her discipline.

“We laugh, we provide encouragement, we gab and we drink tea,” Manglicmot said. “It’s just a sweet time of fellowship, and I really want to see the community grow. English major or not, everyone has a seat at our table.”

Written by Maggie Samples

“English Department established local Sigma Tau Delta: For the first time at Harding, intrerested English majors organized a local chapter of Sigma Tau Delta. The chapter provided for a deeper study of world literature.”

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1973-1974

Tea and Donuts | Professors and students visit over tea and snacks in the American Studies building. The English Department hosted Tea Time as a form of “microhospitality.” “We get to serve each other just by pouring for someone else or handing across a mug,” Dr. Jon Singleton said. “I’d like to think Tea Time helps keep the academic work we all do together rooted in friendship and good will.”

by Lauren Simmons

Let’s Chat | Over a cup of tea, senior Becca Kearney-Dunker and Dr. Kathy Dillion spend time in conversation on a Tea Time Thursday. Tea Time provided a space for students and faculty to connect outside of the classroom.

Photo by Lauren Simmons

Photo

Branching Out

The Global Missions Experience calls for students to branch out in the mission field

Harding University hosted guests and students to experience worldwide and domestic missionary life simulations through the Global Missions Experience.

The 2023 Global Missions Experience (GME) was hosted in September at Harding Unversity Tahkodah (HUT). Different churches, college groups, community members, and about 200 Harding students came together to learn about missionary work. Professors and student leaders helped organize and lead the weekend with help from various volunteers.

One of Harding’s missionary in residence, Oneal Tankersley, served in Africa for over 20 years and now helped run the HUT training facility in Floral, Arkansas.

“The GME (Global Missions Experience) and the GMC (Global Missions Conference) began several years ago as the heir to the World Mission Workshop,” Tankersley said. “That event had served each year for half a century as a way of getting missional college and university students from sister institutions together for a few days of encouragement and instruction.”

The GME began as a workshop to bring prospective missionaries together to learn from others’ experiences. Since then, the World Mission Workshop grew, leading universities to join together for two different events - the GMC and the GME.

to a market in a foreign country, I can say it’s very accurate. They then get in their families, they learn how to buy food and barter, they have to dodge pickpockets and navigate beggars and people wanting their money.”

In addition to the market, Davis was also in charge of an interactive mural that was created throughout the class time, then interacted with on the final night of the weekend. The mural had a call to mission that allowed students and guests to commit to mission work at somepoint throughout their lifetime.

“If people felt called to do global mission work or domestic mission work, they would come up get their thumbprint painted with a specific color,” Davis said. “Global would be put in the trees as leaves, and for domestic, you put it in the roots. It was this interactive moment where people could commit to this action of pursuing missions.”

“Our prayer is that thousands of people will hear about Jesus in an authentic and caring way and that Christians from all parts of the world to all parts of the world will be servants and disciples sharing the good news and hope that Jesus gives.” - Shawn Daggett

“The new GMC and GME arrangement is an attempt to give a fresh and more hands-on missions event that not only inspires but also gives students a series of tactile real-life simulations to share and experience together,” Tankersly said.

The hands-on experience involved basic survival training and a special immersive encounter. Seniors Hallie Davis, Cynthia Turner and Landon Gardner were the student codirectors for GME 2023. As directors, they met weekly staring in Janurary 2023, and then met in fall 2023 three times a week.

Each director had specific roles they overlooked. Some dealt with finace, others with marketing. Davis had been a student of the HUT two-week intersession course and had served as an intern. Her work with HUT and participation in Harding in Zambia abroad program equipped her to organize the market simulation, a simultation that focused on exposing the guests to a foreign market.

“They were put into families, and they went through a market simulation that captures the idea of what a market is like in a foreign country,” Davis said. “As someone who’s been

The annual weekend sought to inspire followers of Christ to become servants and lead new hearts to God. Throughout his years at HUT and hosting GME, Tankersley had witnessed what GME did for the people of the world.

“The GME impacts the world through the students whose hearts and minds are touched and transformed by it,” Tankersley said. “It is the desire of all of our HU missions staff and colleagues to walk alongside these students to help them further discover and mature in their plans for service.”

Shawn Daggett, director of the Center for World Missions, was the head faculty adviser for the event. Daggett led the event multiple times in the past and was excited it was back at Harding. He had big goals for both the event and the participants.

“Hopefully we will all be more globally aware and joyful in sharing our faith at home and abroad,” Daggett said. “Whether we become better senders or we become missionaries, our prayer is that thousands of people will hear about Jesus in an authentic and caring way and that Christians from all parts of the world to all parts of the world will be servants and disciples sharing the good news and hope that Jesus gives.”

The Global Mission Experience would continue in the future to bring more people towards a call of missions. The education, practice and worshipping of the event brought unlikely students together by the desire for Christ. The 2024 GME was planned to be held by Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee.

Written by Emma McDaris

Water Sign | The Global Mission Experience offers classes to help prepare participants for the mission field. Jerry Myhan taught a class on Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) to many different students. As a retired missionary and nurse, Myhan had extensive experience with water purification on the field.

Photo courtesy of Hallie Davis

Sing to the Birds | Before the nightime speaker, Harding alumnus, John Lim, leads singing. Lim participated in the Global Mission Experiece 2018 when he was a student. Photo courtesy of Hallie Davis

Apples Anyone? | The market simulation is a big part of the GME. Senior Emmy Cabe worked as a volunteer for the event and participated as a vendor selling apples in the market. Participants had to buy from vendors like Cabe. Photo courtesy of Hallie Davis

Growing for God | Working on the interactive mural, missionary Derek King erases the outline of a tree. The mural captured thumbprints of participants who committed to the mission field, foreign or domestic.

Photo courtesy of Hallie Davis

AWAY FROM

Students have the opportunity to partake in at home Bible studies hosted by various faculty and staff members.

Every Wednesday night, Harding students had the privilege of attending home Bible studies hosted by various faculty and staff members or fellow students. Some Bible studies that were available for students were hosted by Jill Davis and Kelsie Turley, by the Ganus family, and by David Mayes.

Sophomore Bella Caballero started going to one particular home Bible study the first week of her freshman year. She attended the 606 College Bible Study hosted by five couples – the Adams’, the Traughber’s, the Hicks’, the Ragsdale’s and the Eudaley’s. After one visit, Carol Adams, one of the main hosts for the Bible study, reached out to Caballero directly to get to know her better. This was meaningful to Caballero since she was new to Harding and did not know many people yet.

“This Bible study became like my family. Carol [Adams] and the older girls at the study were so influential to me and focused on getting to know me,” Caballero said.

When Caballero first began going to the study there were about 15 attendees, but it grew to over 80 by spring 2024. Caballero continued to attend the 606 College Bible Study every Wednesday night at 7.

Junior Shaelyn Woody takes part in two home Bible studies – one on Wednesday nights and one on Sunday nights. Director and assistant professor of architecture Mike Steelman and his wife host a Bible study on Sundays, and as an Interior Architecture and Design major, she decided to try it out. Chair and professor of communication Laurie Diles and professor of Bible and church history Allen Diles host a Bible study on Wednesdays. The Diles started the study with the HUG group they went with and it started to grow as those students invited their friends. Woody was invited by a friend.

“I have met so many new people through it and I am learning so much every time I go,” Woody said. “It is nice to be surrounded by people who love you, pray with you and for you, and who genuinely care about helping you grow and mature in your faith. It’s also great to be able to spend time with professors outside of a school setting. You get to connect on another level and develop more of a mentorship/friendship that way. They have so much

wisdom and great insight and are so eager to share it with us.”

Chair and associate professor of English Jonathan Singleton started hosting a home Bible study with his wife in his first semester working for Harding. Singleton moved from a closeknit church family that bled into the Harding community, so the Bible study began as a “New Yorkers and friends” Wednesday night study. Through the years it morphed into 7-10 students who Singleton invited or invitees brought along.

“I have been growing most in my understanding of the Bible through our Bible study,” Singleton said. “The center of our Bible study has been reading a significant part of scripture together and talking about what we hear and different peoples perspectives on how to understand the scripture. Having the students point of view on how they understand the Bible and how it meshes with their lived experience is so valuable and deepens my understanding of the Bible.”

Singleton was inspired to host a Bible study after attending two home Bible studies as a student. Janine and Harold Alexander hosted a Bible study Singleton attended as a freshman at Harding, and former president of Harding University David Burks and his wife hosted a Bible study he attended at the end of his time as a student.

“They took a backseat role in the discussions,” Singleton said. “They would always cook or bake for us. That hospitality shaped the way we wanted to be for students. The kindness from the Burkes and the Alexanders made such a huge difference in my life as a student.”

Woody had gotten more than she thought she would out of the Bible studies, and encouraged others to take the leap.

“I want to encourage people to be uncomfortable and get involved,” Woody said. “Starting something new and getting outside of your comfort zone can be hard. I get it, I had to do it, but it is so rewarding. The community of a home Bible study is irreplaceable and so worth putting yourself out there. If you see an opportunity to get involved, take it.”

Written by Randi Tubbs

“Lift up thy voice: A group of students sing praises to God during one of the weekly Lilypool devotionals. Although most of the devotionals were never held at the Lilypool, tradition held that they be called that. Reprinted from Petit Jean 1985-1986

studies are offered to students every Wednesday night.

Leading women |Kelsie Turley and Jill Davis lead an all women’s home bible study. Turley and Davis invited students into their homes Wednesday nights for worship and study. Photo by Lauren Simmons

Taking notes |Sophomore Ashlyn Glaven takes notes at an at home Bible study hosted by Kelsie Turley and Jill Davis. Glave and her friends were regulars at the all womens Bible study on Wednesday nights. Photo by Abigail Callicoat

Gather | A group of Harding students gather with David Mayes for an at home Bible study. Numerous home Bible

Photo by Lauren Simmons

Searcy visits Searcy | Students advocated to invite Jordy Searcy to perform at Harding. The concert cost $10 for students and was held in the Anthony and Wright Administration Auditorium on November 28th.

Not our Ex’s Mom | Campus Life hosts its first concert of year, inviting Brooke Alexx to Harding’s campus. Students attended for free in the Reynolds Recital Hall to listen to the up and coming artist. Photo by Lisanne Cheatham

It’s a Zoo Out There | Students gathered in the on an October afternoon to pet cows, goats, llamas and other furry friends. Campus Life organized a petting zoo on the front lawn during midterm week.

In the Spotlight | Getting ready to compete in a relay race, Senior Libby Hinton and junior Aubrey Arnold team up during Midnight Madness. The 2023 pep rally was Halloween themed and featured different games and giveaways sponsored by Campus Life.

Photo by McKenna Oliver

Photo by Lisanne Cheatham

TICKETS! | Seniors Hank Noblin, Lisanne Cheatham and Brenley Colbert sell tickets to the Jordy Searcy concert in the Student Center. Student workers were hands on in preparations for campus life events.

Photo courtesy of Lisanne Cheatham

Photo by Lisanne Cheatham

Searcy and the Students | Student workers for campus life take a photo with Jordy Searcy following the concert. Student workers sold tickets, marketed, and helped to execute Campus Life events.

Photo by Lisanne Cheatham

THE OF CAMPUS

Campus Life offers new activities and changes leadership.

The Campus Life association had a successful fall semester full of various activities, concerts, and events that included and catered to a wide range of the student body. Student workers and a new director, Jane Chandler, went out of their way to curate a new, inclusive vision for the organization. Senior Brenley Colbert shared her experience working with Campus Life while at Harding.

“This is my first year working with Campus Life, and we do have two lead staffers so it has been nice to get their input from previous years,” Colbert said. “Jane Chandler has designated each of us to a certain area, which allows us to work together, but be in charge of our own separate tasks.”

Colbert was one of the many student workers that felt the change in leadership to be a smooth transition. As director, Chandler made students in the organization feel heard and was open to suggestions and new ideas based on what students were looking for.

“What really works is that Jane is very open to new ideas and how to make Campus Life better for students,” Colbert said. “We are able to come in with our own ideas, give feedback to her, and listen to the students for what they want to see.”

Junior Evan Carter spoke on how Campus Life has made it a point to work with and include all students. Carter enjoyed working different events held by Campus Life, but more importantly he was able to see the effect of what the organization on campus.

“Our biggest goal was to reach everyone on campus,” Carter said. “There are a lot of people on campus who feel disconnected, and we really wanted to change that and help those people make friends through our events.”

Senior Kassie Lamoureux shared her perspective of Campus Life over the course of the last four years as a student. Lamoureux expressed gratitude for the opportunity for activities outside of social clubs.

“They [Campus Life] are always doing fun little activities to help motivate students,” Lamoureux said. “I can see that they’ve started doing a lot more to get students involved, especially outside organized social club events, so they are really making an effort to those who are not in clubs.”

Campus Life served as an encouragement to students to participate in campus activities and create a space for every student to feel welcome within the Harding community.

Story by Sophie Thibodeaux

became the Director of Campus Life in the 2023-24 Year. Chandler said, “I like being the Director of Campus Life because I love planning events and activities student’s experience at Harding!”

Chandler introduced the Campus Life Passport, which allowed students to attend Harding sporting events for a chance to win a free study abroad trip among other prizes.

Beginning in 2007 as the Campus Activities Board, the Campus Life had brought life and fun to campus through special events, activities, and concerts. Headliners such as Taylor Swift, Jason Mraz and David Cook had been brought to the Benson stage.

Photo courtesy of

Photo from 2010-2011 Petit Jean

Photo from 2008-2009 Petit Jean

Photo from 2008-2009 Petit Jean

Rally for Football | Tailgates brings out smiles and joy as freshmen Amanda Toye and Lauren Pumphrey enjoy socializing at tailgate row. All social clubs participated in the tailgates with their tents, games and members supporting the Bisons. Photo by Julia Arnett

Grillin’ Up | Grilling for men’s social club Theta’s tailgate, junior Seth Rogers, serves their game day quesadillas. Tailgates brought out very different kinds of food served by the clubs.

Photo

by

Julia Arnett

Reprinted from

Sophomore Keller Phillips cooks hamburgers inside of a bison grill before the football game against East Central University on Nov. 9. In addition to the unique grill, Knights also boasted a full-size trebuchet at their booth.

Petit Jean 2013- 2014

Spikeball Fun | In a game of Spikeball, senior Regan McClure soaks up the sun at the tailgate in fall 2023. Spikeball had become a popular tailgate game for many students over the recent years. Photo by Hallie Davis

Cheer for the Herd| At Delta Nu’s tailgate, sophomores Cassidy Park, Emma Savage and senior Allison Rose enjoy watching the Thundering Herd move through the tailgate. The Thundering Herd would walk to the stadium as apart of the Brotherhood Walk before each home game. Photo by Randi Tubbs

RUN WITH

Students train for months preparing for the St. Jude Marathon weekend in Memphis.

St. Jude Children Hospital hosted a marathon weekend every December, including the 2023 marathon weekend on December 2nd. The Saturday morning consisted of a 5k, 10k, a half-marathon, and a full marathon. Thousands of participants travelled from all over the Memphis area to partake in this busy race weekend. Amongst the racers was a multitude of Harding students participating in the races. Many students spent the semester training with friends to participate in the half-marathon, which consisted of 13.1 miles around the city of Memphis. Some of these students included senior Zane Edwards, a participant in the half-marathon, who ran with a group of friends.

“ I did the St. Jude half because I heard my friends were doing it and I knew I wanted to run,” said Edwards.

“I really respect St. Jude for all the work they do for children, and the struggle of running a marathon is minute compared to kids battling cancer” -Reese Pettijohn

While Edwards and many others completed the 13.1 halfmarathon, some students decided to conquer the 26.2 miles marathon. Senior Chase Preston had completed the half-marathon is years past, but for the 2023 race, Preston trained and completed the full marathon.

“Running the marathon was something that my friends and I decided that we wanted to do after doing the half marathon last year,” said Preston. “The preparation process wasn’t too bad but waking up on Saturdays for long runs was pretty brutal.”

Preston spent months training for the marathon. Like Preston, other students spent time training for their race. Senior Jenna Wesley, a long time runner and marathon weekend participant, spoke to how her background affected her personal training process.

“The preparation process was based on a three month training plan I made after doing lots of research,” said Wesley. “I grew up running too, so I already knew about the importance of training and being consistent with it. It was really fun getting back into running shape and having a specific goal to work towards throughout the process.”

Wesley enjoyed training with goals, and it felt natural to her as she had train in the past. Each training journey was different for each runner. Preston focused on longer runs on weekends to ear stamina, and Wesley emphasized small goals and consistency. Senior Reese Pettijohn had his own plan, and spoke on the emphasis of his training experience for the race.

”The preparation was essentially making the time to run consistently, and having a goal in mind when you start training,” said Pettijohn. “I had previously only done the half marathon last year in Memphis, and I wanted to try and do the full thing.”

While running marathons definitely took a physical toll

on the runners, the actual race day experience seemed to also create an unexpected emotional experience. The St. Jude marathon weekend raised money for the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The hospital’s goal is to insure no family had to pay for their child’s cancer treatment. The weekend raised money for that cause and had many of the St. Jude patients outside cheering on the runners.

“The marathon itself was very emotional, and very worth it. It was the most challenging day of my life,” said Pettijohn. “I really respect St. Jude for all the work they do for children, and the struggle of running a marathon is minute compared to kids battling cancer. I think I would do another marathon, as it really puts a lot of things into perspective when you experience the support from the community in Memphis.”

Wesley also spoke on the emotional toll and the overall environment of running the race. Members on the Memphis community lined the race course and cheered on the runners, thanking them for their support and dedication to the children of the St. Jude Hospital.

“Everyone was so encouraging the whole time and the actual cause that the race supports is so good too,” said Wesley. “There were definitely high and low points throughout, and I don’t think I could have gotten through it without the people I ran with. I was also always looking forward to seeing my friends and family cheering us on.”

The St. Jude marathon weekend has proven to be an important component to the funding of St. Jude Children’s Hospital and their mission. The accomplishment that each student felt after finishing the race was obviously not just one of personal gain,but of self sacrifice. Each student embarked on a task that pushed them mentally and physically. Rather it was running the 5K, 10K, half-marathon, or the full marathon, Harding students got to participate in something bigger than their own training. They were able to run for the cause of child cancer, and get to support the mission of St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Written By Bailey Coffman

Ring the Bell! | After finishing the half-marathon, senior Emmy Cabe celebrted by standing with the St. Jude bell. The bell has served in the hospital for patients to ring once they have finished treatment.

of

Starting Strong | At the beginning of the half-marathon, seniors Ashlyn Voss and Allie Nesbitt are excited for the race ahead. Many students ran the half-marathon, many finishing before the 3-hour mark.

courtesy of Lucy Rosser

We Did It!| After the long race, students pose together with their medals earned from finishing the race.

of

Photo

Photo courtesy

Emmy Cabe

Almost There | Battling the 26.2 mile marathon, seniors Reese Pettijohn and Jenna Wesley help graduate student Wyatt Maples make it to the finish line at the end of the race. The three students ran the race together, making it fitting that they finished it together.

Photo courtesy of Reese Pettijohn

Photo courtesy

Hallie Davis

Following the trail of coffee from Ethiopia to the Harding community.

Searcy is a town with an array of coffee shops and a surprisingly deep history of coffee, particularly within the Harding community. Before the idea of coffee shops was accepted as a cultural norm, getting a cup of coffee meant sitting down inside a diner and ordering. Over time, as interest in drinking coffee grew, so did the demand for coffee shops. They rapidly arose in culture and populated towns all over America, and Searcy was no exception.

Among various chain stores, by 2023 Searcy had seven local coffee shops and its own roastery. The Wolf Coffee Company provided artisan roasting, as well as a subscription to home-delivered coffee packages. As for coffee shops, Searcy offered a variety of options. Midnight Oil, which held a place in the hearts of locals since it was established, provided fellowship over coffee and an overt purpose to serve communities– as did shops such as Imago Dei. Mr. Postman and its sister shop Perk and Post created a variety of services, most notably the chance to order a cup of coffee while you sent out your mail. Stu’s Brew, a drive-though based shop, offered convenience without sacrificing quality. Alongside their coffee, shops like Cream and Sugar, Soda Jerk and Warehouse 4 offered sweets and baked goods. With dedicated and intentional local coffee shops, people in Searcy were never lacking a good cup of coffee or a place to gather.

The Harding community always has seemed to place importance on coffee culture and all it entailed: community and appreciation of people

over the coffee itself. This was exemplified in 2009 when Dr. Pat Garner was asked to teach an intersession course over the origin and diffusion of coffee. As coffee culture grew, this course placed an emphasis on understanding the significance of historical and cultural aspects of coffee and people: “We went to the places where coffee began, which would be Ethiopia,” Garner said. “We went to Oman, which borders Yemen, and then we went on to Istanbul … And we chose to end our trip in Paris.” He explained the significance coffee’s diffusion had on cultures. As it diffused from Ethiopia across the Red Sea to Yemen and Oman, then to Cairo or Istanbul, it entered the capital of Europe, which led to the significant role coffee shops played in gathering people.

In modern culture, the emergence of coffee shops began to drastically increase; however, coffee culture was still pervasive before the wide-spread popularity of coffee shops grew. Garner shared his experience of simply drinking coffee where he could find it when he attended graduate school: “We would have these long classes, like from 7 to 10 at night, and there would always be a coffee pot – or Saturday mornings for three hours we would have class, and there would always be coffee,” Garner said.

Harding students were not left entirely destitute before the overly popular emergence of coffee shops. In 1978 the Student Association (SA) took the initiative to regularly host events called coffeehouses, where they organized entertainment and served coffee. SA coffeehouses were created to give students a break from daily studies and university life and to provide them with a chance to engage in community.

The SA hosted the first coffeehouse in the newly built Hammon Student Center. Admission was free, and student musicians performed alongside Pat Daisy, a country-pop star from Nashville. Admission to events wasn’t always free. In 1976 student musicians performed for a coffeehouse and entry was 25 cents. There was, however, complimentary sodas and donuts. Additionally, the events were often themed and decorated, and sources of entertainment weren’t only live music. For one Halloween, the SA hosted a horror themed coffeehouse where students enjoyed food and scary movies.

By the ’90s, there was a Starbucks on campus, but the SA wanted to provide students with more options. They aimed to create a place on campus where students could study, relax and spend time with one another. They

Stopping on his walk along the road in Gondar May 13, senior Alan Elrod learns how the native Ethiopians make pottery. Right behind was the women’s co-op building where single mothers were able to work and learn a craft. Reprinted From Petit Jean 2010-2011

Standing at the edge of a mountain May 14, students overlook Simien Mountains National Park in Ethiopia. The students camped in these mountains overnight at an altitude of 10,700. Reprinted From Petit Jean 2010-2011

Students work together in Starbucks in 2018. Starbucks has become a campus fixture ever since it was opened as a part of the Legacy addition. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

opened The Loft, a coffee lounge on the second floor of the student center above Starbucks in 1998. Students who worked at Starbucks additionally worked in The Loft. It accepted DCB and was set to remain open until curfew each night. Partly, the SA was keen to create a relaxed atmosphere directly on campus like The Loft due to the success of Midnight Oil. In 1997, Matt and Mandy West saw the need to create a place of fellowship and serve the community. They opened Midnight Oil to fulfill that purpose. In 2009, Midnight Oil was purchased by Kibo Group, a nonprofit organization that worked with communities in East Africa to overcome poverty and injustice. After it opened, Midnight Oil seemed to instantaneously seal its place in the community.

Garner recollected the impact of its opening. “I always liked coffee and enjoyed all the coffee drinks, but you just couldn’t get them everywhere, and so when Midnight Oil came in it was just great,” Garner said.

He additionally mentioned the role Midnight Oil played in creating a third place for the community.

Referencing a book called The Third Place by Ray Oldenburg, Garner shared the three types of places people inhabit: their homes, places of work, and third places that allow people in communities to gather. “In Searcy there were several places you might have called a third place,” Garner said. “There was a restaurant up on the square called Bobby’s. That was a third place. People would come for any number of meals, but breakfast especially. Lots of different types of people would gather there. Then Midnight Oil came in and gave us just a totally different type of place.”

Hannah Carpenter, one of the current managers at Midnight Oil, discussed what it was like to grow up in Searcy and the outlet having a local coffee shop provided. She mentioned the popularity of the TV show, “Friends”, which came on every Thursday night, and the exciting impact it had on the culture at the time. “They had Central Perk on ‘Friends,’ and so when Midnight Oil opened, culturally it was this novelty and this thing that’s happening in other places,” Carpenter said. “We didn’t have anything special here like that. Nowhere to hang out late, absolutely nowhere.”

Once it opened, Midnight Oil seemed to become Searcy’s version of Central Perk, and Carpenter shared the impact of having this type of a place to gather. “There was no internet on phones like it is now,” Carpenter said. “People weren’t texting all the time, so it was a place to be with people, to be with your friends, to have a cultural experience that people might be having outside of Searcy. It gave kids a place to play music too. My brother grew up playing music, and he would play shows, and we just all hung out.”

Junior Cerra Cathryn Anderson, a barista at Midnight Oil, shared her insight on coffee culture from the perspective of a student worker. “My job has brought me some of my best friends, either my coworkers or the regulars I get to see almost every shift,” Anderson said. “I get to be part of a very intentional coffee community that focuses not only on the customer experience but also on an ethically-sourced, quality cup of coffee. I see such a richness and artistry in the coffee-making process that is difficult to access sometimes in a small town like Searcy.” Carpenter had an array of managerial duties, including being in charge of updating and remodeling

Oil. Perhaps most importantly, she endeavored to create a space where students actively went to socialize. This task was not without difficulties. She found the biggest challenge to be a disconnect in the amount of time people spent socializing while trying to provide an interesting place where people wanted to spend time with one another.

“From observing myself and my own kids, I think people go home and get on their phones and chill out, and it’s kind of sad,” Carpenter said. “I just don’t think people want to be out anymore. And so that’s been a challenge, but I like a challenge. I’ve been trying to look at it as a challenge to create a space where it’s going to draw people away from that.”

Additionally, Carpenter expressed a willingness to connect with students and learn what they wanted to gain from Midnight Oil in the future. Anderson had some ideas that would connect students with local coffee shops while also providing access to a variety of information relating to coffee. “I would love to see more shops around town investing into the community with coffee knowledge –whether that is classes offered, coffee tastings hosted, opportunities to meet local roasters like Rozark, or welltrained baristas who can answer a variety of questions about their product and the coffee market in general,” Anderson said.

Anderson and Garner both emphasized the importance of learning about the culture that surrounds coffee. Anderson further elaborated, “I would also love to see coffee shop owners, managers, and baristas diving into the various cultures around coffee that are represented worldwide.”

Garner expanded on this sentiment. Opposed to some of the larger coffee farms that could be found in places like Brazil, he discussed coffee production on a

smaller scale. “In Ethiopia, we went to some very small coffee farms and coffee co-ops, and I appreciated the smallness of those things as opposed to the gigantic crops,” Garner said.

He mentioned the impact of appreciating varieties of coffees, as well as the places they came from. “In Ethiopia for example, there’s this Sidama region. They have a particular type of coffee as opposed to other areas of Ethiopia,” Garner added, “Not that I’m saying don’t drink Folgers, but what I’m saying is to try different types of coffee and learn to appreciate different varieties of tastes.”

Overall, local coffee shops provided a place to facilitate coffee culture with a true emphasis on the importance of appreciating other people and community.

Written By Cora Freeman

Midnight

Many changes have been made to Midnight Oil since it first opened in 1997. But one thing has not changed – the gathering of students and the community to enjoy coffee together. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Better Together | The newly named managers of Midnight Oil, Hannah Carpenter (’01) and Sarah Fraser pose for The Bison at Midnight Oil. Carpenter and Fraser were named the co-managers of Midnight Oil in 2023.

Photo by Macy Cox

Students mix and mingle at Midnight Oil in the early 2000s. Midnight Oil has been a staple in the daily lives of students for studying or a conversation over coffee since it first opened in 1997. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

BLUEGRASS BARBEQUE & BARISTAS

Beats and Eats event brings together the Searcy and Harding Community for food, fun and bluegrass.

Searcy’s

Beats and Eats series hosted an event on campus featuring a unique blend of Arkansas culture and Searcy small businesses.

Bluegrass, Barbeque and Baristas was hosted at Heritage Park on Sept. 15. The event allowed local businesses and restaurants to preview the goods their business offered to community members and Harding students who attended the event. Harding’s Arts and Life Program helps organize the event with Beats and Eats.

The event drew in a wide crowd and continued the popularity of the Beats and Eats series in the community. Mat Faulkner, mayor of Searcy discussed the value that events like these added to the community.

“One of the reasons we love this event so much is because it allows us to help expose the community to culture and talent from around the world,” Faulkner said. “The Arts and Life Program does a great job securing music talent that provides a rich cultural experience and we love to help connect the community to these opportunities.”

This was the first event that Hannah Carpenter, the manager of Midnight Oil, had experienced as a vendor. Carpenter appreciated her involvement with the event through the lens of a small business manager.

“I think it’s special that the businesses that are here are specifically small businesses,” Carpenter said. “It’s special that it’s open to the whole community, and it’s also located on Harding’s property.”

The event continued the tradition of the first Beats and Eats of the academic year being hosted on Harding’s campus, and many Harding students patronized the event. Two of these students were seniors Alyssa Dodson and Libby Selvidge. Dodson and Selvidge enjoyed attending many past Beats and Eats events.

“It’s been super fun,” Dodson said. “I like the energy and the community and seeing so many people in one place to listen to music and eat good food and enjoy each other’s company.”

Backyard Blues | The Gravel Yard Band plays for the Beats and Eats event in September. Additional performers included Harding alumnus Joe Oliver. Excitement was expressed over the opportunity to bring Harding and the Searcy community together.

Photo by Jenna Gaessler

Community Calls | Sitting on the Heritage Park lawn, members of the

and

community listen to live music at the Bluegrass,

and Baristas event on Sept. 15. In addition to music, several local food vendors and coffee shops catered the event.

Bluegrass, Barbeque and Baristas also furthered the mission of the Beats and Eats series to build a sense of community with all of the members of Searcy, including Harding students.

“I see Beats and Eats on its own when it’s downtown, but when they do stuff on campus, it does kind of feel like they’re connecting more,” Selvidge said.

Local businesses and officials also felt a closer connection between Harding and the community through this series. The Searcy and Harding community could at times feel separated, but events like Beats and Eats have helped close the gap.

“We hope these events help strengthen existing relationships and establish new ones with neighbors all

across the community.”

- Mat Faulkner

Assistant director of community connections Kyle Thompson served in a unique role as both staff at Harding and as a co-director of Beats and Eats.

“One of the things that Beats and Eats tries to do is bring in some type of education and culture to the community, which is where the partnership with Harding and [the Arts and Life Program] is important,” Thompson said “They have the resources to bring in a variety of artists that Beats and Eats alone wouldn’t be able to do. That’s the value of the partnership.”

The presence of these events allowed the seemingly two different communities to mold into one, unifying people of Searcy, residents and students alike.

“It is wonderful to see Harding students and faculty mingling with the Searcy community while enjoying music, activities and great food,” Faulkner said. “We hope these events help strengthen existing relationships and establish new ones with neighbors all across the community.”

Written by Emma McDaris

Searcy

Harding

Barbeque

Photo by Jenna Gaessler

Breaking THE BARRIER

Mayor Matt Faulkner challenges students to think outside of Harding and to grow within the Searcy community.

Hello Mat! | Commanding the attention of the crowd, Searcy mayor Mat Faulkner addresses the students in his chapel. Faulkner moved on and off the stage to include as many students as possible.

Photo by Lauren Simmons

Searcy

mayor Mat Faulkner integrated with the Harding students as he hosted a weekly breakout chapel with Assistant Director of Community Connections Kyle Thompson. Breakout chapels resumed fall 2023 These chapels spanned acoss many topics, bringing different speakers and leaders, some from outside Harding’s campus. One of the breakout sessions involved Faulkner and Thompson welcoming different speakers from the community each week.

“The intention behind this breakout chapel is to provide an opportunity to connect Harding students with community leaders and organizations who offer support services to those in need in Searcy and White County, “ Faulkner said. “These local heroes will share about their missions, who they serve, and how Harding students can engage in the effort.”

Faulkner and Thompson dedicated these chapel to introducing different community leaders. This weekly hour gave the community a chance to reach out to students for help and involvement. Faulkner is equally excited for this additional element to further foster the idea that Harding students are members of the community.

Harding and the mayor has realized and takes it to a personal level by helping everyone around them.”

Faulkner’s and Thompson’s chapel helped students, like Lundy, see the connection Harding has with the community. Thompson organized the chapel with the intent to encourage students to become connected with the community.

“We’re after the conversations that ignite big dreams in our students’ hearts, spurring them to ponder and contemplate how they can channel their unique skills and talents to be a neighbor to those around them, no matter the stage of life,” - Kyle Thompson

“I believe Harding students have so much to offer,” Faulkner said. “ What they learn by listening as well as engaging with those in the Searcy community will provide them with invaluable tools to continue to serve their own communities when they return home.”

Freshman Garlit Lundy experienced the breakout chapel for the purpose of hearing what Faulkner had to say. Lundy expressed that he was grateful for the opportunity to connect with the community.

“Harding’s influence stretches beyond Arkansas and to other countries, but also keeps their influence in just their own home town,” Lundy said. “ I think that’s one of the things a lot of Christians miss, they want to go and do interntional mission trips leaving their own country in shambles, but where they need help is just outside, their neighbor. That’s one of the things that

“We’re after the conversations that ignite big dreams in our students’ hearts, spurring them to ponder and contemplate how they can channel their unique skills and talents to be a neighbor to those around them, no matter the stage of life,” Thompson said. “But, beyond mere discussions, our hope is for students to heed that gentle nudge from the Spirit, stepping across the street to truly be a neighbor.”

Thompson’s and Faulkner’s breakout chapel centered around community and developing students aspirations to be a part of the greater Searcy commuinity.

Written by Emma McDaris

Part of Something Bigger | Students become more involved in chapel as Mat Faulkner goes into the crowd to ask a question. These breakout chapels became a place of engagemnet, where Faulkner sought out student discussion and intgrated students with the community.

Photo by Lauren Simmons

COME TO

Students and faculty work together to open a food resource center for the Harding community.

Sometimeslife does not bless us in ways that are preferred.

Many students on Harding’s campus had expressed the difficulty of affording food and groceries on days that the campus cafeteria is closed. The Table was created to help students access the nutritious food that they may need at no cost. In fall 2022, senior Tucker Lovell presented an idea to Dr. Andrea Morris about assisting the Searcy community with food drives. This conversation led to a campus-wide survey that brought forth the true concerns and needs of Harding’s students.

“This grew into a conversation about needs on campus and led us on a listening tour with social clubs, students in the Honors College, student government and students in Food and Nutrition, and what we learned is that there are food security needs on campus,” Morris said. “To get a better idea of the depth of this need, we conducted a survey in chapel in November 2022, whose results revealed that within a 30-day period, 36% of respondents stated that they go without a nutritious meal between 1 to 16 days.”

After realizing this issue on campus, the plan was set into motion. Lovell and Morris headed a student board to help with the organization and running of The Table. The Table was placed in Kendall Hall and can be accessed during the day. While many services of The Table were food, it was also recognized that if many students went without food, then they were lacking other things as well.

AR college or university that wanted to start or expand their food pantry – our prayer was answered!” Morris said. “So, we began preparations to open a Food Resource Center. We held a naming contest and The Table was the winning name.”

With the plan in motion, the Harding community gained access to The Table in fall 2023. The establishment of The Table signified the need that was often overlooked within the campus. Many assumed the financial stability of students, but more commonly than not, students struggled, and many were embarrassed by their financial insecurities. The Table was meant to be a place where students didn’t have to feel alone or embarrassed. The Harding community was a family, and the people behind The Table were going to treat them as so.

“As a food resource, The Table offers food to students, but we also offer toiletry, personal hygiene and laundry items,” Lovell said.

The Table was created to provide students with the necessities that they needed. As the idea was initially a dream, Lovell and Morris spent time trying to figure out the funding to support the Harding community. Luckily, Harding received a grant from the state of Arkansas that was written specifically for universities and colleges to expand their food pantries.

“We began praying about ways to respond to campus needs and in February 2023, the Arkansas Department of Education’s Higher Education Division made a $5,000 grant available to any

“Parents not only send their children to Harding, they entrust their children to us,” Morris said. “The Table is a way that we can do this.”

The Table was made for students; therefore, it was ran by students. A student board was created to help with the organization and control of the pantry. Senior Milyn Ross joined the board because she wanted to make a difference in her Harding community.

“My goal with getting on the board was really to be the hands and feet of God,” Ross said. “Jesus says that when you feed, clothe, visit the least of these you are doing that for Him. And I want to be a part of that, I want to see people in need and automatically see Jesus and I feel like working for The Table helps me do that.”

The Table will continue on Harding’s campus, but will hopefully in the future grow into the Searcy community. The establishment of this resource provided opportunities for many students as they struggled financially. At the end of the day, no person was perfect and everyone needed help.

“Our desire is to walk with any family member through this time until they reach wholeness,” Morris said. “Importantly, we stress that there is no shame in expressing a need! We all are in need of some kind, whether emotionally, mentally, spiritually, or physically, and we believe that is why God has placed us in the body of Christ – to care for the household of faith. The Table is a way God has blessed us to live this out at Harding.”

Written by Hallie Davis

Nice and Neat | Senior Milyn Ross restocks green beans at the Table located in Kellar Hall. The Table served both students and faculty alike. Photo by Lauren Simmons

Stacked and Stocked | At The Table, Senior Tucker Lovell restocks packages of apple sauce. Lovell served as the Board President for The Table and spurred the initial plan with the guidance of Dr. Andrea Morris. Photo by Lauren Simmons.

LET THERE BE

Friends and families come together to celebrate the tradition of the lighting ceremony on Harding’s front lawn.

Students,staff and the Searcy community eagerly anticipated the annual celebration of turning on the Harding lights on the front lawn, which marked the beginning of the holiday season.

The lighting ceremony began in 2005 with approximately 60,000 lights. As of 2017, the lighting ceremony involved over one million lights strung in the area. With each year, new lights and events were added to the ceremony. Horse-drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate stands and photo opportunities brought more people from the Searcy community to campus for the event.

The Harding lights were known by alumni everywhere, which made it one of the most anticipated events of the Christmas season.

Light

“My favorite part of the lights are how they look at night,” junior Kaci Geer said. “They’re just so pretty to look at. I look forward to the lights every year.”

The Harding lights created an environment on campus that many students appreciated. Not only for the joy the lights brought, but also the lighting they provided to campus at night. Junior Tucker Bartch shared his adoration of the lights.

“I love the fellowship of a town celebration that opens the season when we rejoice in the birth of our savior.”

“I personally look forward to the event every year,” junior Scarlett Davis said. “I love the fellowship of a town celebration that opens the season when we rejoice in the birth of our savior.”

- Scarlett Davis

The Searcy community was known to participate in the Christmas season. Like the Harding lights, there were light displays at Berryhill Park and a well-known living nativity at the First Assembly of God in Searcy. As the community came together to partake in these seasonal events, Harding students saw these activities as a sign of something different. For the students, the Harding lights symbolized the nearing end of the semester and provided a ray of positivity during the busy time surrounding finals week.

“People are friendlier and more comfortable at night when they are on,” Bartch said.

“Harding could keep the lights on year-round, and I would lose no sleep.”

During fall 2020, the lights went up before Thanksgiving break so that the students could enjoy them before the extended break. In the COVID-19 pandemic, winter break started at Thanksgiving, meaning the typical lighting ceremony would not happen. The lighting ceremony had increased significance then and continued to be a favorite for the coming years.

“I have been to all three ceremonies in my years here,” Davis said. “I would consider coming back after graduating [to watch it].”

With each passing year, the lighting ceremony continued to bring joy, camaraderie and a sense of community to all who attended, ensuring its place as a beloved tradition for generations to come.

Written by Alyson Voigt

Deck the Halls | Students involved in Harding University’s bands brought their talents to the front lawn for the lighting ceremony. The music brought Christmas cheer and added to the festive experience of the night. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

One Horse Open Sleigh | A family riding in a carriage ride pass under the

arch. Students and members of the Harding community had the opportunity to ride in a horse drawn carriage during the lighting ceremony.

Warm Hearts and Cocoa | A group of freshmen students enjoy their first Harding lighting ceremony. Students attending the lighting ceremony received hot chocolate and apple cider, participated in photo booths and listened to Harding’s bands.

courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Community | Students gather for a photo with Mike and Lisa Williams during the lighting ceremony. The ceremony brought students and faculty from all areas of campus to the front lawn for a night of community and Christmas cheer. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2005-2006

Photo

Harding

Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

On Top of a Harding Swing | Junior Sha’lon Mason helps freshman Katie Parker hang Christmas lights Nov. 29 [2005]. ‘I enjoyed spending time with my friends and helping make the school festive for Christmas,’ Parker said.”

JUMPING FOR

Senior Jacob Weatherford shares his love of jump roping with others.

Senior Jacob Weatherford started jump roping 17 years ago when he joined the Jump Rope Club in elementary school on the advice of a friend. His friend ended up quitting the year after, but Weatherford stayed with it. He started competing in the sport of jump rope in fourth grade and taught jump roping workshops all over the country starting in eighth grade. Since then, he travelled to spread jump rope knowledge. These adventures took him to Norway, Switzerland, Spain, France, Italy and Germany.

“I have been blessed with so many different opportunities through the sport of jump rope” Weatherford said. “Whether it is jumping in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or jumping on the streets of Italy, I have to give jump rope credit for getting me to where I am today. I firmly believe that without the sport of jump rope, I would not be the person or man I am today. It gave me an identity and a family that I will treasure for the rest of my life. In conclusion, jump rope was, is, and always will be a part of me.”

In the fall 2023 semester, Weatherford participated in Director of Community Connection and President of the National Christian School Association Dr. Andrew Baker’s capstone vocation and mission class. Their final project was in relation to juvenile detention and they worked with the Department of Youth Services in Arkansas to visit the Alexander Youth Detention Center. Their objective was to visit the kids and listen to their

Joy

stories and insights. Weatherford used his jump rope skills as an opportunity for connection.

“The kids were really engaging and insightful,” Baker said. “Once they found out that Jacob was a world champion jump roper, the kids wanted to see, so he busted out his jump rope and did his thing. It was very impressive.”

Weatherford wanted to try and start his own jump rope team later in life. His goal was to become a teacher. He considered starting an after-school jump rope team for interested students. He hoped to eventually start a jump rope clinic in relation to the juvenile detention center.

“There are a lot of ways that jump rope can impact a kid’s life,” Weatherford said. “I know for me it has been a thing that I can escape to and find solace in. Jump rope gave me a community that I can be myself in without feeling judged or looked down at. Because of this, I want to share the sport of jump rope with kids so that they can have the same experiences and feelings that I had.”

Weatherford trained and practiced to compete at the American Jump Rope Federation National Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah in June 2024.

Written by Randi Tubbs

Share | Senior Jacob Weatherford poses with his jump rope in the Ganus Athletic Center. Weatherford shared his love of jump roping with individuals in the Alexander Youth Detention Center. Photo by Lauren Simmons

Winners | Following the American Jump Rope National Championship senior Jacob Weatherford poses with his pairs partner. The pair took home second place at the national championship. Photo by Lauren Simmons

Skipping Rope | Senior Jacob Weatherford showcases his skills with the jump rope in the Ganus Athletic Center. Weatherford’s talent has led to him winning various competitions across the country and led to participation in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Photo by Lauren Simmons

MO IN THE

During the snow day, students warm up and enjoy together’s company at Midnight Oil.

Snow

It’sTuesday, Jan. 16th, 9am, and the possibilities are endless: sledding, baking, movie-watching, gaming, socializing, sleeping in. Classes are out, and snow is here. How could the second week of school get any better? Though each individual has their personal favorite snow day pastime, of course, a guaranteed place of socialization is Midnight Oil Coffeehouse, packed to the brim with snacks, drinks, games and a good laugh with a fellow customer or barista. When a snow day hits, you can bet that every table will be occupied and every chair filled.

Midnight Oil has been a favorite landing spot for Harding students and Searcy locals alike, offering space for games or conversation and connection with both old friends and new acquaintances. As students file in, the baristas flurry behind the bar to prepare hot chocolates and lattes. Customers wrap their fingers around their mugs, slowly thawing and sparking up conversations newly energized by the promise of no classes and maybe (fingers crossed) no homework. A rousing game of Codenames occupies a group near the fireplace while a chess competition between Willie Black—a MO regular and famous cat-lover—and anyone brave enough to face him for the chance of a free drink. Hands shake in greeting, and names are exchanged between individuals who were until now separated only by class schedules. Some more studious individuals take some time to get a head start on papers or projects, but no one is too busy to remove an earbud and chat for a moment or two.

Friendships blossom despite the cold as the chess game gets heated, the allure of competition pulling strangers in closer—checkmate, Willie wins again! A girl looks up from her novel in the corner as the loser laughs and shakes his head, heading to the bar to order from the barista he hasn’t chatted with in a while. He has always been rushing to class or chapel, after all. But no one is rushing today, slowed to freezing by the ice, snow and wind that toys with the ends of scarves and corners of textbooks. Time doesn’t pass here. It sits demurely in the corner, twiddling its thumbs patiently until the ice slips away, and it may return to regulating the ten-minute breaks between lectures and lunches with friends. No, time has stopped for just a day or two, so dust off your coat, thaw out your fingers and stay a while.

Written by Cerra Cathryn Anderson

Worthy Competitor | Midnight Oil regular Willie Black opens a game of chess. Black challenged anyone for a chance to win a free drink if they defeated him in the game.

Photo courtesy of Hannah Carpenter

“Talking over a cup of coffee, seniors Maria Madriz and Esperanza Massana enjoy the atmosphere at Midnight Oil. Because of its Race Street location close to campus, the coffee house was a popular hangout for students to socialize and study.”

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2001-2002

Challenger | Junior Cerra Cathryn Anderson plays Midnight Oil regular Willie Black in a game of chess. Anderson was a barista at Midnight Oil and enjoyed a full snow day at Midnight Oil Jan. 16, 2024.

Photo courtesy of Hannah Carpenter

First

IMPRESSIONS

Campus job fairs allow students to network and prepare for their future careers.

The Integrated Marketing and Communications (IMC) Expo was held on Oct. 11, 2023. This expo allowed for students to network and meet professionals in their field. It was targeted towards students who majored in IMC, sales, marketing, advertising, graphic design and public relations.

“I would recommend anyone to attend these expos,” junior Bradley Cole said. “It’s not just for IMC students and we try to make that very known. Anyone who wants to go, can and should go. It’s a great place to meet people and very helpful for internships.”

Businesses from both Searcy and other places came to the expo, offering students a glimpse into potential job prospects. Junior Abbey Williams shared her experience at the expo and stressed the importance of exploring internships beyond one’s home state, encouraging upperclassmen to broaden their horizons.

“This summer I’m looking for internships all over the country, so meeting this many company representatives was helpful because they were from all over the place, Williams said.

Encouraging active participation, students across various departments were urged to attend the expo and engage with businesses. Even those with internships already lined up were encouraged to expand their networks.

“I thought this would be a very good way to network and have an idea to meet with companies,” Cole said. “I had also gone the year prior and I remembered it being a very helpful way to understand companies and what companies I wanted to check out.”

Students in IMC were highly encouraged to make connections with companies from the start of their Harding career.

“Since taking Intro to IMC my first semester at Harding, the IMC expo has been praised as a great opportunity to network and find potential career and/or internship opportunities,” junior Carlie Shelton said. “It wasn’t until my junior year that I was able to attend, and I am so glad that I did.”

The Communication Department, Education Department and College of Bible and Ministry also hosted job fairs in the 2023-24 school year to introduce students to prospective future employers.

“It helped me get more comfortable and confident with talking and answers questions from emloyers in schools that are looking to hire teachers,” senior Lucy Rosser said. “I appreciated there was a good mix of different kinds of schools as well as some from other states.”

These expos allowed students with professional growth and exploration for new companies, fostering connections and opening doors to future opportunities.

“The job fair was an opportunity for all education majors to make connections and get to know reprentatives of schools in several states around Arkansas,” senior Lorelei Glover said. “It helped me to see varying opportunities and how schools can differ from smaller to district schools and really help me decide on what kind of school I was looking for.”

Written by Alyson Voigt

Firm Handshake for the Firm | Senior

Thando Mahlangu meets the employees for Blue Flame, a company invited to the IMC Expo. IMC students discovered several paths they could take after college and learned about different careers for the future. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

fairs to ask questions about their futures and find out about new opportunities for their career.

Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Your Career is Calling | Students line up at the Education Career Fair to speak with a representative from Lisa Academy. The College of Education brought various schools and educators in to share opportunities with Harding students. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

The Future is Bright | Senior Ta’Mya Jones speaks to a possible future employer. Senior students at Harding attended the job

Students meet with a representative from Cintas in 2008. Cintas also participated in the IMC Expo in the 2023-24 school year.

Photo from Brackett Library Archives

TO THE SEVEN CONTINENTS

Written by Twila Reed

A short history of Harding International Programs

The cobbled brick streets composed of ancient stone wind down the tightly knit city of Florence, Italy. Bustling markets chock-full of colorful tapestries, locally owned gelato shops, and artisanal bakeries provide endless avenues for exploration and cultural exchange. Students studying abroad in programs have the option to leave their Italian villa after classes on the weekdays and travel throughout the expanse of Europe. The 1590 church villa in Florence; the resorts in Greece and Zambia; and the adventures in Europe, Australia and Asia, and Latin America would all be erased if not for the vision of Don Shackleford. In the late ‘70s Don Shackleford, a member of the board of trustees, approved the plan to build a Harding campus in Italy. That summer of 1979, former President Clifton L. Ganus went to Florence to give the final stamp of approval for a campus. The next fall of 1980, 19 Harding students arrived at their new campus, which was an old apartment complex turned dorm owned by a local Church of Christ. The Harding villa situated between the cities of Florence and Scandicci also shared space with local Bible students. The original requirements for study abroad students stipulated that the student must at least be a sophomore with a 2.5 GPA; the additional cost was only $1,300 which today would equal about $4,900. This program started off on a three-year trial period with classes for four days a week with the opportunity for European travel during the other three. The HUF program was a massive success that trailblazed the path for Harding’s prolific international program.

FLORENCE

GREECE

The crystal blue ocean splashes against the white sand of the Grecian beaches. Students, faculty and staff weave in and out of their Porto Rafti resort complete with classrooms, dining rooms, beaches, sports facilities, and a movie theater. However, very little learning takes place inside the confines of the resort. Study abroad members spend their days touring ancient Grecian ruins and studying the history of the early church right where the events occurred. Students also take excursions to both Israel and Egypt, where they are able to further immerse themselves in ancient religion and culture. This picture chronicles the semester that some 50 students will spend abroad while at HUG or Harding University in Greece. HUG (created alongside with HUE) was the second of Harding’s international programs that was the outgrowth of Don Shackleford’s dream to make Harding a place that teaches students to appreciate and understand the world at large. HUG’s first study abroad trips took place in fall 1994 at a hotel in Glyfada, a city on the outskirts of Athens. The majority of classes centered around archeological, biblical and European study. Unlike HUF, which focused more on free, independent travel, HUG had many more English-guided tours. The program continued to attract and cultivate students, and by 2001, Shackleford found a permanent home for HUG in Athens in the Artemis hotel at Porto Rafti. HUG has been a transformative experience for many students like Jeremy Glover and Kendal Dean, who met and raised money for an Iraqi refugee family during their time in Greece, or like Catherine Waters (one of the few female Harding Bible majors at the time) who grew considerably in her faith during her time at HUG. Harding University in Greece has proven to be a beautiful, transformative adventure for many students and will continue to do so.

Photo courtesy of Caryllee Cheatham

Photo courtesy of International Programs

Photo

EUROPE

Wind whooshes past as students plummet thousands of feet to ground, skydiving in New Zealand. Petting the rough trunks of elephants in Thailand and kayaking the Milford Sound in New Zealand after touring the Sydney Opera House are some of the few unique adventures those at Harding’s Australasia program get to experience. After HUG and HUE’s successful first terms abroad in 1995, talks began circulating around a new business program that would be based in Singapore but also allow students to travel to neighboring areas like Japan and Hong Kong. There were also discussions over potentially starting a new campus in the Australian continent. Eventually, this program would become the Harding in Australasia (HUA) study abroad program. This program would be different than its predecessors because while trips like HUG, HUF and HUE focused more on ancient ruins or history, the emphasis of HUA would be on nature. This program, which launched in fall 1996, quickly garnered the interest of the students who filled the 40 some spots just days after the trip was announced in chapel. It was during this first semester of HUA that Harding also began offering scholarships for students to go abroad (for HUF and HUG as well). The scholarships were the passion project of the first International Programs director Dean Shackleford, who wanted Harding students to travel the world and develop a passion for sharing the gospel “to the ends of the earth.” These scholarships would go to students based on financial need and academic achievement. The development of HUA was due in large part to former President Burks, who built it with the help of Rich Little, a native of Queensland, Australia. In its first year, students were sent to the Great Barrier Reef, Ayer’s Rock, Australian capital Canberra and Sydney’s Opera House.

A day in Paris seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up in the Camp de Mars Gardens can swiftly change to sailing around the icy Scandinavian peninsulas for students participating in the Harding in Europe (HUE) program. This program gives students the opportunity to travel to one country after another, getting a taste of Europe in a matter of months. During the advent of HUG, the University also began the Harding in England program, which would eventually become known as the Harding in Europe program due to the many trips around Europe. The Harding in England inaugural group of 20 started their trip in the New Atlantic Hotel whose renovation was still underway during the first semester abroad. After spending some time in the “Tube” or Underground Railroad System, British Museum and visiting the Prime Meridian, the group went to Ireland, where they visited the famous Blarney Castle and its stone, which promises to bring the talent of public-speaking to anyone who kisses it. The group also visited Scotland and Wales. Throughout their travels the group also spent time studying music, business and the humanities. Like its predecessors, HUE was an extremely well-enjoyed international program, and by summer 2005, HUE began its first summer program. As the program has grown, students have traveled to Iceland, England, the Netherlands, Germany, France and Italy to visit their sister campus in HUF, allowing HUF director Robbie Shackleford the chance to teach and learn alongside the HUE students as well. Harding University in HUE has been able to provide so many life-changing experiences to countless Harding students.

AUSTRALASIA

Photo courtesy of International Programs

Photo courtesy of Brackett Archives

LATIN AMERICA

Visiting the mossy green ruins of Machu Picchu, drinking the crystal ice water found on the glacier of Perito Moreno, or playing with llamas help to create the unforgettable memories cultivated during Harding University in Latin America (HULA). In fall 2002, Harding’s new dean of International Programs, Jeffrey Hopper, along with the support of President Burks, opened up the Harding campus in the South American country Chile, located near Viña del Mar. Hopper chose Chile over Costa Rica for Chile’s relatively stable economy and infrastructure. To apply, students only needed a 2.0 GPA, good disciplinary standing with the University, and $200 for the deposit. HULA, Harding’s first international program in a Spanish-speaking country, sought to become an asset to the University’s newly developed Spanish-speaking program. The first students of this new campus stayed in condominiums with an ocean view, explored the Atacama Desert, and went skiing in the Andes. The program, like all the others, was a great success that many students came to remember fondly, like needing to resort to sign language to communicate with the locals and experiencing new social customs. HULA continues to offer fond memories and novel adventures for all those who choose to visit.

ZAMBIA

The overwhelming sound of tons of water plunging down at Victoria Falls, giraffes walking through the campus backyard, or visiting the local markets filled with gorgeous hand-made items — these descriptions and more all color a student’s time at Harding University in Zambia (HIZ). This program, introduced in October 2006 by Dr. Jeffrey Hopper and Dr. Monte Cox was different from Harding’s previous study abroad programs because this trip had a much more mission-focused design. Here students would work in clinics, serving the residents of Zambia as ambassadors of Christ. This program in the Namwianga Mission near Kolomo, Zambia, would also create space for nursing or medical majors to travel abroad while still earning the necessary skills and experience for their field of study. This program also required much more stringent requirements like taking a health course, passing a cultural sensitivity test, and completing HUT (Harding University in Tahkodah), which acts as a training ground for missionary work. HIZ’s first excursion abroad proved to be much more challenging than others as students lived in conditions without electricity or running water while working in clinics with children who had contracted AIDs. However, the students surmounted these difficulties and grew tremendously as a result because of them. After returning from a semester at HIZ, one group held a silent auction and raised over $5,000 for those they met and served in Zambia in an initiative dubbed “Hearts for HIZ.” Harding’s eclectic and diverse study abroad opportunities have provided so many opportunities for students to grow both as people and in their faith with Christ.

Photo courtesy of Hallie Davis

Photo courtesy of International Programs

HUA HIROSHIMA

Harding University in Australiasia visits Hiroshima, Japan.

Harding Univerisity in Australasia occured most fall semesters and allowed students to visit numerous countries on the Asian and Astralian continents. HUA was known to be one of the most adventurous abroad programs to go on. It offered opportunities such as skydiving, whitewater rafting, snowboarding, skiing and bungee jumping. Rich Brown, a professor and chair of the marketing department, was chosen to go on the 2023 HUA trip.

“It’s just phenomenal,” Brown said. “New Zealand is just so extraordinarily beautiful. Australia is so big and the people are very nice. Going to Asia is a real cross-cultural experience.”

Fall 2023, the HUA group visited Hiroshima, Japan after a trip to Kyoto, Japan. They went to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum which highlighted the tragedies that the atomic bomb caused. There were memorials for peace, counters of when the last nuclear bomb was detonated and a clock that will self-destruct if a nuclear war begins again. There was a section displaying the history of nuclear bombs and what has been created since the one dropped on Hiroshima.

“I was grateful to go to Hiroshima because while our generations weren’t alive during the atomic bombing we have been affected by the consequences of this decision,” Sophomore Kame Bishop said. “The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum conveys the message of ‘No more Hiroshimas.’ I think this message is important for us to see.”

For one student, sophomore Max DeLoach, the memorial museum

main reasons for choosing HUA.

“It was a very emotional experience,” DeLoach said. “I didn’t really know what to expect. There were first person testimonies about what they saw, there were journal entries kept by little girls of their experiences during and following the blast. [HUA] showed me new areas of history to delve into. Particularly in Hiroshima, the information was made very accessible. The way that it was documented and how they handled the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was brilliant. It really helps people to be more interconnected with the history there.”

Across from the courtyard at the memorial, there was a building still standing after getting directly hit by the explosion.

“It was one of the most awe-inspriing thing to see,” DeLoach said. “You would feel emotions from reading things in the museum, but you actually look at this building and recogize that there were human people in that building, it unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”

Brown made a point to discuss the war and what to expect to see so that no one was unprepared. Brown felt the museum was an important experience to have as students who will be potentially the decision-makers in the coming years.

“The day at Hiroshima was not so pleasant as it was important,” Brown said. “Some things you remember because they were a lot of fun and some things you remember because of the way they made you feel. I don’t think anyone who went on that trip

Gate to the Shrine | The Itsukushina Jinja shrine stands in Hiroshima, Japan. The symbolic gate was visited by the 2023 HUA group during their visit to the Hiroshima Peace memorial Museum. Photo courtesy of Kame Bishop

Canyoning | During their stay in New Zealand, the fall 2023 HUA group ziplines, repells, and jumps through canyons Oct. 31, 2023. The group spent most of their semester exploring New Zealand and the surrounding areas.

Trunking through Thailand | The fall 2023 HUA group stand in the water of Elephants World in Thailand Nov. 16 2023. During the visit, the group was able to feed and bathe the elephants.

Queens in Queenstown | On their last day in Queentown, New Zealand, the HUA group visits the nearby beach on Oct. 30, 2023. The group spent a total of five weeks in Queenstown.

Photo courtesy of Kame Bishop

Photo courtesy of Kame Bishop

TO TRAVEL

Students have the opportunity to plan their own trips while studying abroad at Harding University in Florence.

HUFstudents were allowed up to four weeks of independent travel during their time abroad—two weeks were built into the semester, and two weeks at the end of the semester were optional. The first week of independent travel was from March 4-11. Students traveled to a variety of countries both near and far from Italy.

HUF director Robbie Shackelford loved the opportunities that free travel gave to students. Many students spent months planning their travel time while others planned it while they traveled.

“[Independent travel] is a learning experience that teaches independence,” Shackelford said. “[Students] decide what to see and do…where and what to eat, how to travel from country to country, how to use the public transportation, where to sleep, as well as choosing which museums, religious centers, palaces, or other sites to visit.”

Many students traveled in groups, making the experience something they all shared. Sophomore Abby Fulmer shared her plans for free travel with five other students.

“We all got together as a group [to plan] because all six of us want to hit as much as we can,” Fulmer said before the trip.

The group went to cities such as Venice, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest, Interlaken and Munich. While planning her week of independent travel, Fulmer said the group was hoping to ride gondolas, go on “The Sound of Music” tour and visit a concentration camp.

“This is such a unique opportunity that not a lot of people have, especially as a college student,” Fulmer said. “My philosophy is ‘How many places can you go in as little time as possible?’”

Sophomore Gray Arnett traveled with five other students as well to Tromsø, Norway, to see the Northern Lights.

“Our friend told us that he had a really good view of the Northern Lights there, and it was a really cool town,” Arnett said. “We took his advice and booked a flight there.”

After Tromsø, Arnett’s group went to Oslo, Norway, where a friend showed them around the town. They also traveled to London to see a soccer game.

Sophomore George Garner said he and a friend plan to visit northern Italy for half of their first week of independent travel and snowboard in the Alps for the second half of the week.

“We love to hike, so we’re gonna think about going hiking up around Lake Como,” Garner said.

Sophomore Becca Dugger said her group of six planned to go to Switzerland and Greece for their second week of independent travel.

“We’re skydiving, and we might try to ski if it’s easy and cheap,” Dugger said while planning her travels.

Each student had a different opportunity to travel where they wanted. The option of independent travel allowed students to do either as much as possible or allowed them to focus on specific places. The students of the HUF trip had an amazing time studying in Florence, but also each had unique experiences. With free travel, no student experienced the same HUF trip.

Written by Helen Strickland

Hot Shot | A group of sophomore HUF students take a photo together in Florence, Italy. These students also visited Germany, Austria and Switzerland during their week of free travel. Photo courtesy of Emily Hale

Up and Away | Paragliding in the Swiss Alps, sophomore Addie Echols smiles for the go pro. Popular activities on free travel adventures included paragliding, skiing and hiking. Photo courtesy of Addie Echols

Venice Really Floats My Gondola | Sophomores Maya Daniel, Helen Strickland, Jessica Leite, and Sarah Audish pose together on the Rialto bridge in Venice, Italy. Venice is a popular stop for students on free travel due to its popularity and proximity to Florence.

Photo courtesy of Helen Strickland

Girls Going on Free Travel | A group of fall 2024 HUF students on the Sound of Music tour pose in front of the famous "Sixteen Going On Seventeen" gazebo in Salzburg, Austria. While there they visited other notable locations from the famous movie. Photo courtesy of Hunter Fulkerson

En España | Sophomores Emily Hale and Becca Dugger take a selfie in Barcelona, Spain on March 11, 2024. Hale and Dugger also visited Monte-Carlo, Monaco during their week of free travel. Photo courtesy of Emily Hale

A GLIMPSE INSIDE OF HUE

Students who spent the semester abroad at Harding University Europe share their reflections on a once in a lifetime semester.

Harding University in Europe (HUE) is a popular international program. During the fall 2023 semester, thirty-nine students flew to Europe, beginning in Iceland, and traveled around Western Europe for three months. By November, the group had visited fourteen countries, consumed too many cappuccinos to count, navigated six metro systems, and wrote what seemed to be endless journal entries in their Moleskines. Students studying abroad document their time in these journals and are able to look back on their memories, experiences and obervations in the years following. Tradition holds that upon arrival students recieve their moleskine notebook. It it they record daily interactions, reactions and relfections on their experience. Some treat it as an assignment while others pour their hearts and souls into its pages.

Photos courtesy of Caraline Rogers

In short, HUE changed my life. HUE was the most challenging, yet rewarding three months of my entire life and it’s hard to summarize it all in just a few sentences. To experience traveling through 13 European countries while making 40 new friends is something I am grateful for each day. HUE changed the way in which I see the world and I also have a greater appreciation for God’s handiwork in the world and in His people. I learned so much throughout HUE that cannot be taught within a classroom. If you’re on the fence about going … go.

Written by Ethan Gartrell

In London, I watched someone jump the automated turnstiles of the Underground before I walked down the street to peer at centuriesold Viking broadswords. In Rome, we walked on cobblestones taken from the walls of the crumbling Colosseum. In Athens, we fed upon a dozen courses of summer salads, bread, pork, feta, honey and olives, a combination which we learned originated in the Turkish empire a millennia ago. In places like Honfleur, Vík, Monterrosso, Corinth and many more, we observed and enjoyed an old kind of life: slow, quiet cafes, ancient but still habitable houses, the raking of olive trees for the harvest. This way of life runs like a cold, narrow current beneath the wide river of the sleek modern world, a world full of McDonald’s menus, car horns, and Google Maps. And our living these two worlds wasn’t forced upon us – for the most part, we were allowed to experience Europe in the ways we saw fit, whether it was taking an evening walk on the Champs d’Elysees strewn with autumn leaves, seeing MacBeth in London’s Globe Theater while planes roared overhead, or studying with friends during teatime at the Florence villa.

Written by Clara Kernodle

It’s always been a dream of mine to go on The Amazing Race, but this past fall I got the chance to make it a reality through HUE. Visiting 16 countries in less than 90 days is no small task, but with the help of 38 other friends I was able to find energy to keep traveling. My personal favorite places that we went, were Florence, Italy and Palma de Mallorca, Spain. From nearly getting detained by police in both Germany and Hungary to summiting the Acrocorinth in Greece, the memories that I created on this trip will last me a lifetime. Seeing the David in person was incredible, as was trekking across a glacier in Iceland. What surprised me is how fun everyday tasks were in Europe. Buying groceries suddenly went from a normal thing to a huge adventure as Gannon Foxx and I navigated our way through Tesco. One of my favorite aspects of life is the idea of meandering off the beaten path, so some of my favorite times were when we’re in places that weren’t as touristy or crowded. Forging your own path is maybe the most fun thing to do in life. I was able to learn a huge amount of history and culture in several new places. In case you’re wondering, British food is exactly as bad as people have said and their people are worse. This said, England was amazing, and I’d go back in a heartbeat. The sheer amount of bucket list items that HUE crosses off is more than enough reason to go, and I was able to do so alongside incredible friends both new and old. The bonds created on this trip are greater than any landmark we might have seen, and their continuation after HUE ended are my favorite souvenirs.

Written by Jackson Pschierer

Throughout our semester abroad we visited fifteen countries and experienced a multitude of cultures. Whether that was the difference in language and customs - like how if you order a latte in Italy you will get a cup of hot milk, or when you are communicating with police and they don’t speak your language, it makes things a lot more difficult. This trip is one that will be reflected on by all the students that went, and we grew in several aspects of our life, one would be our faith. We started in Iceland and saw some of the most beautiful landscapes on the earth, validating the evidence of a creator. We then moved to one of the biggest cities in Europe (London, England) which showed God's ordained plan in the form of a timeline. In England you can walk from church to church and see how the gospel spread across the city and Europe through the years. There were numerous stories of how God was seen throughout our trip as he brought us safety and provided for us in times of stress, and just worked through people to show us his interworking’s through history. Along with how much we learned we became world travelers; this trip enhanced our independence and developed our street-smart skills as well. This trip is one of the best things that Harding offers and provides an opportunity that we may never have again. It gives students a foundation of how to travel, what to expect and where we should go in Europe.

Written by John Cox

Hike to it | During a hike at Patagonia National Park, sophomores Angelica Curi, Lilliana Smith, Faith Cox and Olivia Berry pause for a breather and a picture. HULA is known for adventure in the outdoors. Photo courtesy of Angelica Curi

Bottom of the World | On Feb. 8 the group poses in front of the Argentinian flag and the Porito Moreno glacier. They visited the southern most point of South America on their trip to the Argentinian Patagonia. Photo courtesy of Angelica Curi

Bottom of the World | The group hikes in Torres Del Paine National Park on Feb. 11, the peaks of Torres Del Paine can be seen in the distance. Students at HULA were able to get out and be active through hikes and other excursions in Argentina and Peru. Photo courtesy of Angelica Curi

Hola FROM HULA

Students of the Harding University Latin America (HULA) trip brace the cold and glaciers in Argentina.

For many students at Harding, studying abroad was an unforgettable. They experienced new cultures in foreign places. Harding offered six different semester abroad opportunities, along with several other shorter trips. Harding University Latin America (HULA) was one of these programs.

Sophomore Angelica Curi was on the 2024 spring semester trip, and had her own reasons for choosing this specific study-abroad program.

“My dad is actually from Peru, so many of the adventures HULA does, I have known about my whole life,” Curi said. “I wanted it to be a way for me to connect with a part of who I am and how my heritage plays into it.”

Other students, like sophomore Olivia Berry, looked forward to seeing the beauty of the Latin American countries. Berry felt that it would open doors to new experiences.

“I knew that I would get to experience some of the most beautiful and unique places in the world,” Berry said. “From the channels that Charles Darwin once sailed, to one of the highest mountains in the world outside of the Himalayas, to the Subarctic forests of Ushuaia, HULA has everything you could hope for.”

For some, like sophomore Landon Wyatt, HULA seemed like the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of college life. Wyatt took time away to completely immerse himself into the HULA experience.

“I wanted a semester where I wasn’t as focused on completing an ever-growing list of assignments, and instead could try to focus on myself in other ways,” Wyatt said.

No matter the reason for participating in HULA, the trip was constantly packed with adventures. Berry reflected on the opportunity to climb Mount Fitz Roy.

“I got the opportunity to summit Mount Fitz Roy in Patagonia and while it was likely the hardest hike I’ve ever done, the climb was so rewarding,” Berry said. “Every step closer to the top of the 15-mile hike just became more and more beautiful.”

Curi and Wyatt also experienced the Beagle Channel. They both shared their memories from this specific trip.

“The sheer beauty and tranquility of the landscape [at Beagle Channel] left a huge impact on me,” Wyatt said. “We got to see a wide variety of wildlife, from penguins to sea lions.”

For many, the highlight of the HULA trip was Patagonia. Its beautiful views drew students to the trip and continued to be a repeated favorite.

“My experience in Patagonia was breathtaking,” Wyatt said. “The rugged beauty of the landscape, with its towering mountains, pristine glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes, was awe-inspiring. We were able to hike through Torres del Paine National Park and explore the Perito Moreno Glacier.”

Even with the beauty, hiking part of Patagonia came with its rewards and challenges. A part of the experience allowed students to hike in the National Park. Curi expressed the mental difficulties of the hike, but said that it was one of the best experiences of her trip.

“We started the hike around 8 a.m. not fully knowing the mental battle we would endure,” Curi said. “It was a beautiful, scenic hike at the beginning, but after several miles, it began to get harder. The wind became stronger to the point of almost blowing me over a few times, and the hike turned steep and rocky. All your mind is focused on is each step you are taking. When we got to the top, it was all worth it.”

After all the amazing challenges and experiences done by the students, they enjoyed the Latin American culture the most. One aspect of HULA that stood out to all three students was the people and the cultural experiences they have had. Berry explained that it was a blessing to meet the people of Latin America.

“HULA does a wonderful job of immersing you in the culture that goes beyond museums and history,” Berry said.

Getting to experience these people and cultures left a lasting impression on all three students. Many of the students on the trip had either majors or minors in Spanish, which allowed them to practice the language while abroad. The immersive trip allowed them to learn outside the classroom, and to truly be a part of the culture.

Harding University Latin America was a transformative experience for everyone who received the opportunity to go. Students who went were deeply immersed in cultures foreign to them. It gave students access to breathtaking adventures and gave them opportunities to grow as young adults.

Written by William Fry

Ice Cold Baby | Sophomores Angelica Curi and Faith Cox stop for a photo while walking on a glacier walk of the Perito Moreno glacier. The walls of the glacier are 230 feet high and it goes 400 feet below the water. Students were able to walk with the aid of crampons on their shoes and helmets for safety. Photo courtesy of Angelica Curi

ROADS TO

Students studying abroad at Harding University in Greece (HUG) have to change their plans due to the unrest in Israel and Palestine.

The Harding University in Greece (HUG) group in fall 2023 was unusually small, with five people. They traveled to places such as Athens, Rome and Egypt. They originally planned to take a trip to Israel as the group does every semester, but their plans changed. Once news broke out about the conflict between Israel and Palestine, the HUG group could not travel to Israel as they had planned due to the conflict in the Middle East. The director of HUG, Lacey Bortell, learned about the Hamas attack when Audra Pleasant, executive director of international programs, sent her an alert from the U.S. Embassy.

“We were told seconds before having lunch by our director, Lacey Bortell. After our prayer, she broke the news for us and none of us even believed her,” sophomore Abby Davidson said. “We all chuckled until we realized just how serious this was.”

Instead of going to Israel, Bortell planned last-minute for the group to have a week-long trip to Rome.

“The day we canceled the Israel trip, we decided to work on planning a trip to Rome,” Bortell said. “Rome is not usually on the HUG agenda, but it is a beautiful city central to biblical history. The trip to Rome was a gift; we were able to make our plans very quickly, and we were blessed to be in Rome at the same time as HUE, which gave our students the opportunity to spend time with more friends from Harding.”

Despite the change of plans, HUG was still able to visit Egypt. They spent about two weeks in Egypt, traveling to different cities and visiting and historic sites. Even though Egypt was

relatively close to Israel, the group did not experience any repercussions of the conflict.

“It was very interesting to see the Egyptians’ perspective on the war and how they seemed to be universally aligned with the Palestinians,” sophomore Chris Beller said. “I was never concerned with my personal safety, but there were some revealing moments, such as the power going out in the perfume shop. After the power went out, we were told that Egypt and Israel share a power grid, so the energy is split between the two countries.”

Sophomore Conley Owen reflected on the conflict in Palestine and Israel and its impact on students, and Europe.

“One thing I would like people to understand is that the war, regardless of how it has been portrayed on the news, has not phased much of life in Europe or the Mediterranean – at least not yet,” Owen said. “Life is still very much business as usual over here, just like it is in the US. That is not to discount the thousands upon thousands of lives that have been lost and impacted in the Gaza Strip and in Palestine and Israel, but the conflict luckily has not spread far beyond that immediate area as of now, and hopefully never will.”

Written by Addie Echols

Hello St. Pete | The group stops for a photo in front of the Roman Colosseum on October 13. The group took a detour to Rome after their trip to Israel was cancelled. Photo Courtesy of Kristin Wiewora

Quick! Let’s take a pic | Sophomores Jake Garms and Abby Davidson take a selfie together in front of the Colosseum. Only five students traveled to HUG in the fall semester.

Photo Courtesy of Kristin Wiewora

A Family Affair | In front of the Colosseum Assistant professor of History Nate Wiewora poses with his wife Kristin, and daughters Ruth and Rose. Wiewora served as the faculty sponsor for the HUG trip. International programs allows the opportunity for faculty families to travel together overseas. Photo Courtesy of Kristin Wiewora

Hello St. Pete | Students pose in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on October 16.

Photo Courtesy of Kristin Wiewora

A WORLD OF

Harding offers a course on the “Theology of Beauty” with a two week experience in Italy.

In the summer of 2023, a group of 25 students visited Italy for a course titled “Theology of Beauty.” The experience was an initiative of the newly formed Theological Studies Program in the College of Bible and Ministry. Although the trip was an abbreviated abroad experience, students left with their own perspective of beauty challenged by the art and culture of Italy and deepened relationships with their fellow peers.

The trip, led by Dr. Mac Sandlin, associate professor of Bible and ministry, focused on what it meant to experience God’s character through the beauty of another culture and location.

“The focus of this trip was academic,” Sandlin said, “It was about exploring the ideas. The content of the course determined the shape and the nature of the trip. So it wasn’t first and foremost a trip to Florence where students took a class, it was first and foremost a class that felt like it would be best served by doing it in Italy. To me the dream of the class came first, and then it occurred to me, ‘Oh it would be cool to do that in Florence because it would tie into the material on beauty’.”

Beauty

Students left Italy with more than a definition of what beauty and theology are. Junior Cerra Cathryn Anderson said she was excited to change as she learned more about recognizing beauty in the seemingly mundane and how a challenged perspective impacted her relationship with the Lord.

“I was wanting to experience Italy with a different perspective, a more focused perspective,” Anderson said. “I was wanting to grow personally closer to the Lord through an aspect of his character that I just don’t get to experience much intentionally.”

“To me being able to see beauty in everything and everyone makes beauty that much grander and that much more special.” - Jiana Manglicmot

Students said they grew in their relationships both with the Lord and with their peers. Relationships quickly became one of the most cherished aspects of the trip to students. Senior Chase Preston said he was grateful for the opportunity to join the HUF program and enrich himself in another culture and become friends with those he may not have otherwise.

Through their experiences in Italy, students formed unique definitions of what beauty and theology meant personally. Senior Rebecca Kearney-Dunker described how she defined the “theology of beauty.”

“We studied how God’s character can be seen through beautiful things,” Kearney-Dunker said, “To use a metaphor we relied on, the Holy Spirit is like the light shining through stained glass; without the light, the beauty of the glass would be kind of ugly and dull.”

Other students also formed their own definitions of beauty. Junior Jiana Manglicmot was asked how her perception of beauty had changed after her experience on the trip.

“I think my definition of beauty, at least what I see beautiful, has changed from the beginning of the trip to now because I think I would reserve beauty for very specific things,” Manglicmot said. “To me being able to see beauty in everything and everyone makes beauty that much grander and that much more special.”

“I’m extremely thankful for that trip because I don’t think I would have gotten to know those people had I been on Harding’s campus,” Preston said. “I got to know people that I wouldn’t have normally gotten to know, and I got extremely close with them, and now we’re all best friends.”

Students said they began the trip as individuals but traveled home together as a new family. Their perspective of beauty was altered by the experiences in Italy, but they also saw beauty in each other that continued as the students returned home.

“I didn’t leave my favorite part of Italy,” Manglicmot said. “Everyone came back here, and that was the best part of it. We get to continue seeing each other, and that is just so sweet.”

Students said the lessons they learned — the beauty in God’s creation and the beauty in relationships — were invaluable and continued to inspire them.

Written by Alyson Voigt

Over the Ponte Vecchio | A rainbow arches over the Arno River after a rainy evening in Florence. Throughout the tour of the city, students found beauty in the art, architecture and God’s creation. Photo courtesy of Katie Shanks

Architectural Marvel | The group took photos at every stop along the way. Not only did the abbreviated program visit Florence, but also Rome to see landmarks like the colosseum.

Photo courtesy of Alyson Voigt

Sunsets and Smiles | Students pose for a photo in front of an Italian sunset. The students smiled together to remember the beauty in the sky and in each other.

Photo courtesy of Katie Shanks

Smiling Hearts |On an outing in Florence, the students stop to capture the moment. Not only did the group find meaning in landmarks, but also in one another.

Photo courtesy of Chase Preston

Sophomores Marc Anderson, Mandy Smith, and Lee Bell frolic in Navona Square during their trip to Rome last spring [1989] while at HUF. Reprinted from Petit Jean 1990-91

AT THE

Harding University in Zambia students and faculty explore Cape Town for a special getaway.

In 2023, the Harding in Zambia (HIZ) program took an eightday trip to Cape Town, South Africa in the middle of their semester. The group explored the city to see both beautiful views and sites with deep history.

David Gardner, coordinator of Harding in Zambia with International Programs, reflected on the purpose and intention of adding this new location to the program’s itinerary.

“We were looking to add an academic component to Harding in Zambia that would explore the culture and history of South Africa,” Gardner said. “This was largely influenced by hundreds of HIZ students reading Nelson Mandela’s ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ since the program began in 2007.”

Harding’s International Programs directors worked closely with Alan and Rachel Howell to plan this trip, since the Howells had previously traveled to Cape Town as a “getaway” during their long-term mission work in Mozambique. Alan Howell reflected on the reason Cape Town was chosen as the place to achieve the goals of International Programs.

“I think while missions in Churches of Christ have often focused on rural areas in Africa, really, the big cities in Africa –those are the places of mission in the future. And so, while it’s great to go to places like the Namwianga mission, it’s also really important for HIZ students, we believe, to see a big African city and to imagine what ministry and missions can look like there.”

Since the goal of the trip was to inform students about the history and culture of Cape Town and South Africa, the group visited sites like Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, the Tree of Life ministry that engages with people in impoverished neighborhoods and the District Six Museum, which described the great loss many South African families

Botanical Garden.

“The Kirstenbosch Gardens are unforgettable,” Gardner said. “It’s the closest image I can conceive of when thinking about what the Garden of Eden would have looked like.”

International Programs planned to take future HIZ students to Cape Town as well, with the only modification of spending more time there.

“We will look to create more exposure to Christian ministries and other non-profits so that students can learn from experienced professionals,” Gardner said.

Written by Alyssa Toye

Cape of Good Hope | The summer 2023 HIZ group visits the most south-western point of the continent of Africa. This was a stop during an exploration through Cape Point Nature Preserve and Camps Bay. Photo courtesy of Alyssa Toye

Penguin visiting | The HIZ students visit native penguins at Penguin Boulder Colony in Cape Town, South Africa. This was the first year the study abroad group added Cape Town to their itinerary. Photo courtesy of Alyssa Toye

Look out point | During a drive through Cape Point Nature Preserve in South Africa, the HIZ group stops for a photo at a look out point. The group saw animals, mountains and a vibrant sunset in their adventure through the preserve.

Photo courtesy of Alyssa Toye

“Harding in Zambia (HIZ), the newest addition to Harding’s overseas programs, offered 24 students the opportunity to understand missionary needs in Africa.”

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2007-2008

Alumni

reflect on the lasting impact of International Programs

Aaron Utley | (’08) | HUG Spring 2006 I would say that it was obviously a life-changing experience and has since spurned a passion for travel and learning about other cultures. So I’ll always hold my time there as well the people I traveled with in a special place in my heart.

Summer 2005 Harding University in Greece allowed me to see the world, make some lifelong friends and strengthen my faith through our study of Acts. That summer provided countless memories that I will always cherish. Meghan Ebright | (’10) | HUG Summer 2009 Traveling abroad with the HUG program was a whirlwind of moving movements, adventure with new found friends, and being immersed in beautiful cultures and communities. Walking the same streets as biblical characters and cruising along the Nile, among many other excursions, brought to life all the stories I heard since childhood and made a profound impact on my faith. Sterling McMichael | (’19) | HUA Fall 2016 My experience studying abroad changed my character, my worldview and ultimately my life. My time on HUA 2016 impacted [me] so much I moved internationally and that allowed me to meet my wife.

Emory Thompson | (’19) | HUA Fall 2016 Studying abroad was a bucket list trip. It was eye opening to experience other cultures. It is a semester I will always treasure. Lee Anne Russell | (’86) | HUF Fall 1983 My semester at HUF was a highlight of my time at Harding. The friendships, the travel, the sights, and all the experiences are wonderful memories that I cherish! Kendra Neill | (’22) | HUE Spring 2019 My time abroad was one of the best experiences I had while at Harding. I was a bright-eyed 18 year old, on the streets of London, figuring out who I wanted to be as a person in a new stage of life. And not only did it embolden me as a person, but I also met the people that would become my dearest friends for the rest of my time at Harding. Melissa Ritchie Posey | (’10) | HUG Spring 2008 I will never forget my semester abroad. Following Paul’s journey through the Bible in real life made it all so real for me. Standing in the Jordan River will be an experience I will never forget. Zachary Green | (’12) | HUG Spring 2011 My time in Greece was amazing! Being able to walk in some of the same places as Jesus and his disciples did is an unforgettable experience! I highly recommend anyone thinking about it to do it. You may never get another opportunity like it in your life! You will also make lifelong friends! Dale Coley | (’05) | HUG

Bridgette Tomlinson | (’14) | HUG Summer 2016 I went to HUG summer 2016. I traveled to 14 different countries in three months learning the beauty in God’s creation and people. I now read in scripture in color after being able to walk where Jesus walked and visit the cities we read about in the Bible. Andrea Stark Bishop | (’97) | HUE Fall 1995 During the semester I spent in the United Kingdom, I truly believe I discovered who I was meant to be. I found the part of myself that wanted to learn more, to be more, to go more. I learned to get on a train or a bus and go wherever I wanted to go. For a small town girl from Oklahoma, London opened doors I didn’t even know existed. Mary Katherine Kundmueller | (’16) | HUA Fall 2013 Study abroad was not only an opportunity but the gift of a lifetime. HUA not only opened my eyes to a whole new world but led me to getting a degree overseas, living abroad and following my dreams. Victoria Karkau Hutcherson | (’23) | HUF Summer 2021 Attending HUF expanded my worldview in so many ways, but specifically in the way I interacted with different cultures. I am forever grateful for the impact Robbie, Mona, Ethan, as well as the other HUF staff had on me. Aidan Haslam | (’22) | HUG Summer 2020 My time in Greece allowed me to walk in the footsteps of apostles and to see how far God’s hands reach into his creation. I saw history, art, philosophy and language connect and expand my understanding of the world through Harding as I was shown a community of connection.

Photos Courtesy of Petit Jean Archives, The Bison Archives and UCM

SPRING SING’S

Spring Sing took over the Benson stage every spring, covering it in glitter and forever rewriting lyrics in students’ longterm memory.

A “ravenously unrestrained herd of sleep-deprived zombie-people,” as Bill Rankin described them in the ’80s, covered campus, all usually strangely dressed and either napping or compulsively running choreography as if they had forgotten to do much else.

thought was their best song, “Gonna Take You Higher” due to the vague meaning, and Ju Go Ju and Galaxy rushing to remake the bloomers of their bumble bee costumes two days before the show. There were two performances in the Administration Auditorium, with an attendance of 2,500. The criteria for winning was entertainment and comedy, and that year, Sub T-16 and Ko Jo Kai became the first ever winners with the theme of “Sailing Sailing.” The next year, Jo Go Jo and Galaxy won with “Bee-Bop,” then for the next three consecutive years, King’s Men and the now-disbanded Oege won the sweepstakes.

It is difficult to find words to accurately describe that wild mix of joy and suffocation which is Spring Sing. Oh, there are some who try… with words like ‘goofy,’ ‘profound,’ ‘intellectual,’ ‘neurotic’; but all of these fall so short of the actual experience.” – Bill Rankin, “The Little-Known Facts of Harding’s Favorite Spring Ritual,” The Bison, April 17, 1987

The chaos of this ritual was conceived fifty years ago in the Searcy heat, at Camp Wyldewood, in the summer of ’73. Having heard the success of Abilene Christian University’s Sing Song, a few students, including Jerry Palmer, Nancy Hatfield, Kathy McKinney and Steve Alexander, were inspired to create a similar event with the original name of Spring Sing, in honor of the 50th anniversary of Harding University and to enhance the annual youth forum, which since disappeared. Palmer and McKinney served as chairmen of 1974 Spring Sing, and Alexander was one of the first hosts, along with Kathy Curtis, Ann Ulrey and Stacy Peters.

That first year of Spring Sing was crude, especially in comparison to what it is now. The programs were artistically handwritten by Palmer to cut costs, as the show only had a budget of $1000. It lasted three and a half hours, as all the songs were sung in entirety, with little or no choreography, everyone was inexperienced, there was barely a whisper of costuming (tuxedos were furnished by Sir Roberts of Little Rock until around 1982) and was reminiscent of a choir concert. Due it being the first year, no one knew what they were allowed to do, therefore issues arose with censorship, resulting in the removal of what Peters

For years, “identifiable dance steps” were taboo, which resulted in a good deal of awkwardness and controversy. In the early years of the show, Dr. Jack Ryan, “Mr. Spring Sing,” suggested that while you could not please everyone, when you were unsure, simply refrain. It continued even into the ’80s, when Mike Roden compared the sheer amount of arm flailing (the then-substitute for identifiable dance steps) with landing an aircraft in a Bison article (The Bison, April 11, 1980). However, in the current era, both clubs and ensemble performed various dance numbers, often with highly recognizable dance steps – there was even a swing dancing club on campus, indicative of the changing attitude of the University towards “spontaneous choreography.”

A related, and more considerable controversy was the concern over the purpose of Spring Sing: whether it was primarily for club competition, or another way to show off to University visitors, or a way to grow closer together. Palmer, co-chair of 1974 Spring Sing, stated that some of his main purposes for Spring Sing were to provide a spring function for social clubs and a new form of competition for social clubs. While in some respects, this debate still rages, most find the latter purpose of the tradition to be the truest — Spring Sing was an unique way to form bonds between clubs, sometimes, heal rifts between them, and create new friendships. Jersey Monday, which was made exclusive to those participating in Spring sing in 2011, stood as a testament to this camaraderie. While

yes, the show was in large part marketing for the University, and yes, animosity arose at times between the clubs, at its heart, Spring Sing served as a way to foster deeper connection. It also provided an introduction to show business, and provided the common student a place to perform, which might not otherwise be available to them.

In 2005 the decision was made to turn Spring Sing into a charitable event raising money for local non-profits. Over the years, Spring Sing has raised more than $100,000, often donating $7,000-$8,000 each year. In the fall, each club chose a charity to give to, and oftentimes would even donate their time to them. Should the club rank, the chosen charity received a cash prize from the University, which was originally set at

$1,000 for the winner’s charity, ranging to $200 for the fourth runner’s up and $600 for third runner up. The club that received the Spirit Award was given $1,000. This award was voted upon by all the club directors and given to the club that best exemplified the spirit of Christ throughout the entire Spring Sing process. This award premiered in 2000, when it was first given to Shantih and Friends, and continued ever since. Both

Costumes and Makeup | During the 1987 show, students preform in full costume and makeup. Participating social clubs went the extra mile to make their story and characters leave an impact on the audience. Photo Courtesy of Brackett Archives

Glitz and Glam | The hosts and hostesses of the 1990 Spring Sing show pose in their performance outfits. Since then, the hosts and hostesses went through multiple costume changes throughout the show.

Photo Courtesy of Brackett Archives

of these changes reflected a benevolent shift in the attitude and purpose of Spring Sing. It went from being a way to involve students in the 50th anniversary of the University, evolved to become club competition, but became primarily a way to foster relationships between clubs while raising money for charity.

With over 50 years of development, needless to say, much changed about Spring Sing. It went from being a few clubs singing parodies of popular songs to one of the biggest productions of the year.

“We don’t want it to be a glorified talent show, “ Dr. Steve Frye said of Spring Sing over 20 years ago. “We want it to match a Branson show or a theme park. What we don’t have in money for sets and costumes, we make up for in student enthusiasm,” (The Bison, April 13, 2001).

The show moved to the newly completed Benson Auditorium in 1980, the same year larger clubs began using live music, backgrounds became more detailed and confusion over tabulations resulted in a certified public accountant being hired the following year. In 1991, a synthesizer was added, and a rap group performed between shows — the beginnings of what would later become the ensemble. 1999 saw the first experimentation with pyrotechnics, which was highly successful and became a fairly consistent part of Spring Sing. In 2014, laser lights were used for the first time in the Benson, and it continued to get bigger and bolder from there. Let it be noted, the oft overlooked Harding stage band has been a facet of Spring Sing since the beginning.

Spring Sing, in its 50 years, had several memorable moments, some breathtaking, some more mundane. One of the most outstanding recent moments was the winning show of 2022, Haunted Harding, performed by Phi Kappa Delta, Delta Gamma Rho and Omega Phi. It was the first show in two years without COVID-19 regulations, and the first time that these clubs joined a show together. It created an urban legend for why curfew existed, touching on the Harding ghost stories, and ultimately showcasing the community of the University. It won both the music award and the entertainment award, as well as the John H. Ryan Sweepstakes Award.

The Sweepstakes Award was renamed the John H. Ryan Sweepstakes Award in 1998, during the show’s 25th anniversary, as a way to honor one of the biggest contributors to and influences of the show. Ryan, “Mr. Spring Sing,” had his start in 1974, when he was approached by two students, co-founders of Spring Sing, who asked him to be a faculty advisor and producer… the night before the first performance, specifically to approve some questionable musical numbers. That first year,

I Can Fly! | Students dance to their Spring Sing performance in 2001. Through the years, Spring Sing dance became more complicated and unique for each shows theme. Photo Courtesy of Brackett Archives

Two Years Strong | As the second Spring Sing show, the host and hostesses sing together on stage in 1976. 48 years later and the traditions of hosts and hostesses stood strong for the 50th show anniversary. Photo Courtesy of Brackett Archives

he saw how the show could serve as an initiation into show business and how it strengthened relationships within clubs. He fully committed the next year, and continued to be deeply involved in the process, serving as a Spring Sing producer from 1974 until 2005. He died in 2012, but his legacy lived on through not only the award, but also in Spring Sing itself.

His legacy also lived on through Frye, whom he hired in 1989. Frye had been Spring Sing director since the mid ’90s. His wife, Dottie Frye, was asked to be co-director of the hosts and ensemble in 1992, and a few years later, the position of artistic director was created by President David Burks specifically for Steve Frye, and the couple worked together on the show for almost 30 years. Under their direction came the reinstatement of the annual themes, which disappeared in the early ’80s until 1995, and they continued to be some of the largest influences of the show. Steve Frye’s ambition for Spring Sing was to match the professionalism of a Branson show, as well as provide students with the opportunity to collaborate on something that is bigger than themselves.

2020 was one of the most memorable years, as it brought the cancellation of the show due to COVID-19. It was planned to instead take place the next year, and the theme was changed from “Once Upon A Time,” to “Twice Upon A Time.” Clubs were required to keep their show themes, and anyone who held a role in the show – whether a host/hostess or in ensemble – was allowed to hold on to it. When 2021 came around, the show was moved up an additional two weeks to accommodate for extra practices, so it did not coincide with the Easter holiday for the first time since 1999, and several regulations were in place, including a limit of 36 people on stage at a time (fully masked), and pre-recorded Jazz Band and production numbers. After having two years to prepare, the anticipation was high. It was also the first year that Theta officially participated in Spring Sing, which they did with Gamma Sigma Phi, Pi Theta Phi and friends. Their show, “Can’t Stop The

Feelings,” won the John H. Ryan Sweepstakes Award and $2,000 for Sparrow’s Promise.

Then, there were also the several horror stories that circulate, the best being the ones that were told directly — or that were experienced — however, there are others, that were found in the archives of records, such as “Spring Sing Horror Stories” by Emily Nicks in Bison (April 18, 2019). In 1984, one of the hosts, David Slater, fell into the orchestra pit, landing on the grand piano, to the shock of the pianist, who asked him what he was doing down here. Then Slater clawed his way out and on stage, and took a bow. In 2018, a senior Ju Go Ju member hit her head on concrete after tripping, then, due to embarrassment and adrenaline, she went on stage and performed. Afterwards, she found she had a concussion.

Behind each and every performance, however successful, was a group of people designing and building the set, tailoring and keeping track of the costumes, frantically working to make sure everything ran smoothly, running lights and sound, playing the instruments, making sure no one tripped backstage and picking up the trash and sweeping up the glitter when the show was over. Without them, Spring Sing would not exist.

“Don’t forget about the minority dozen who changed people’s clothes and picked up trash. This was their moment too,” wrote Joshua Johnson (Bison, “The Bluecollar of Spring Sing,” Aug. 20, 2017). It is no small thing to serve, and they deserve recognition.

At the end of the day, Spring Sing stood for service, tradition and community. Like many other facets of Harding life, there would be those who were cynical and those who unabashedly love it, and there would be flaws and imperfections, yet, God willing, it would continue. Fifty years from now, may it still be a chaotic blend of neurotic and profound, etching rewritten lyrics in students’ craniums and giving large amounts to charties. May tech crews still run the lights and theatre kids build and paint the set. May it continue to build relationships between peers in the Harding community, and may it provide the common student with an opportunity to perform on stage for thousands. Much would change, as it has in the past, yet may it remain a way to serve and connect with others, and remain a monument to the history of the University.

Written by Rebecca Waner

Ladies of the ‘80s | One hostess performs her solo in a Spring Sing show from the ’80s. Hosts and hostesses of Spring Sing each have a solo act during the performance.

Knights Final Battle | In the 2014 Spring Sing show, Knights social club makes history with their performance based on the American Revolution. They swept awards and took home the winning title. Knights has not participated in Spring Sing since 2014. Photo Courtesy of Brackett Archives

BETA OMEGA CHI

Everybody | Beta Omega Chi (BOX) had a great time this year with 25 new members and several timeless events. For their first round mixer, BOX continued the tradition of making large batches of milkshakes in trash cans for everyone to enjoy. Their second round mixer theme stayed consistent, having the men of BOX and potential new members show up in a box or anything made out of cardboard. At that mixer they had homemade donuts for all the potential new members. This year BOX enjoyed being together throughout all their events. For instance, every Monday night, BOX competed against one another in a game of water polo in the GAC swimming pool. In addition, they had great functions; such as, their fall semester float function and pop up functions at the Searcy Cinema.

K.

H. Diles, D. Perkins, C. Hooton, B. Hammond, A. Haley, T. Jayne, L.

D. Williamson, J. Edwards, C. St Clair. Row 2: N. Lively, D. Beauchamp, N. Webber, L. Sexton, J. Ballard, B. Jackson, D. Steinmetz, K. Cory, E.

A.

C. Rudolph, M. Kendall, I. Rine, K. Peters. Row 3: T. Schumacher, K. Vertodoulos, A. Moonen, J. Espinosa, L. Gauntt, M. Hill, T. Chitwood, H. Gist, R. Walker, D. Cook, O. Davis, C. Smith, T. Schwiethale, M. Jones. Row 4: B. Reed, N. Studebaker, J. Steinmetz, C. Beauchamp, L. Burress, S. Vargas, C. Johnson, T. Lewis, J. Moody, L. Radke, J. Townsley, A. Ross, B. Sanzone, D. Mitchell, G. Lewis, D. Liddle, R. Thomason, I. Sanzone, M. Thompson, H. Hudgins, T. Westbrook. Row 5: A. Hearrell, E. Harrison, L. Patterson, C. Neal, G. Brooks, T. Chance, W. Perkins, C. Clark, K. Jobe, M. Rohrback, B. Owens

Row 1:

Fortner, B. Kendal, H. Langdon, X. Wagner, E. Conn, V. Brentham,

Huddleston,

Dove,

Bailey,

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2010-2011 Reprinted from Petit Jean 2020-2021

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2006-2007

Photos Courtesy of David Perkins & Chase Johnson

CHI OMEGA PI

A.

Pink and Green | Chi Omega Pi (Chi-O’s) was established in 1989. Known as the sweethearts of campus, they added 33 sweet new members to their club in fall 2023. They regularly had tailgates with other clubs and hosted several different functions this year. They loved doing activities with other clubs during club week. Such as, painting with Delta Nu and couples yoga with Phi Kappa Delta. They had several fun activities throughout the year, including a back to school swim party in Aug. 2023 and a fall fest with Omega Phi in Nov. 2023. Joined with Delta Nu and Rome, Chi-O’s had a great time participating in Spring Sing.

Row 1: R. Morales, M. Palmer, R. Smith, K. Washko, E. Jones, A. Bettinger, L. Ball, C. Adams, M. McElroy, L. Tilley, J. Heater, M. Edwards, J. Biskner, S. Futrell. Row 2: R. Mitchell, P. Campbell, A. Fisher, N. Traynham, E. Smith, C. Shockley, D. Teague, T. Shumate, H. Byrd,

Daughtety, N. Reneau, A. Brophy, C. Bartley, A. Jennings. Row 3: S. Parscale, M. Watts, H. Carter, K. Geer, L. Sparks, C. Gilreath, S. Vargas, A. Johnson, A. Kerr, B. Coler, A. Carlton, R. Emlaw, A. Rodas, H. Britt, C. Kerr. Row 4: N. Mooney, N. Wolfe, K. Boggs, G. Thurman, J. Walton, J. Leite, M. Sanders, K. Mitchell, S. Green, M. Freeman, N. Couch, A. Limburg. Row 5: K. Curo, E. Tedder, K. Scheirer, M. Simmons, M. Stewart, S. Burks, P. Mullins, C. Starck, K. Walker, H. Logsdon, R. Deidiker, K. Mulcahy, L. Stevenson. Row 6: E. Mealio, L. Wilson, E. Marshall, L. Johnson, H. Waller, O. Williams, K. Yurcho

Reprinted

Reprinted

Reprinted

Photos Courtesy of Caroline Adams

CHI SIGMA ALPHA

Welcome Home | Chi Sigma Alpha (Chi Sigs) celebrated their 60th year together on campus in the 2023-24 school year. From an escape room function to a murder mystery semi-formal, the men of Chi Sigs had great events throughout the year. In fall 2023, they gained 7 new members with a theme of adversity throughout club week and their devotionals. During the year Chi Sigs had unofficial club dinners every Monday and Friday night in the Student Center where they would eat and enjoy being together.

Row 1: K. Chesney, T. Shumate, E. Weldon, J. Aldrich, C. Matthews, R. Duncan, A. Sleege, E. Willis, M. Kenne Row 2: C. Shiflet, E. Dean, S. Diaz, C. Fuller, I. Whitfield, J. Gaessler, A. Phillips Row 3: S. Mohammadi, D. Fuller, A. Chunn, J. Robinson, N. Mostollar, L. Smith Row 4: L. Mirante, M. Spivy, I. Phelps, C. Daniel, D. Lahr, J. Rosengartner

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1986-1987

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1993-1994

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1985-1986

DELTA NU

Row 1: E. Skinner, A. Dodson, G. Clayton, M. Gooden, M. Brown, E. Weber, C. Jay, B. Moore, R. Kearney-Dunker Row 2: A. Price, M. Guyette, H. Simmons, B. Permenter, G. Brown, E. Morgan, E. Steil, T. Ritzel, C. Tucker Row 3: L. Fleener, K. Felzien, A. Bassay, S. Sletcha, A. Beene, K. Savage, S. Falconer, C. Blankenship, R. Henderson, L. Campbell Row 4: C. Crisler, A. Hagedorn, E. Johnson, Q. Tindle, A. Rana, V. Whittington, A. Ferren, J. Smith, K. Leas Row 5: A. Curtis, L. Service, D. Ritchie, C. Park, M. Jones, A. Thompson, E. Bortell, R. Tubbs, H. Holcomb, I. Bunner, J. Manglicmot

Row 6: I. Cutts, S. Armstrong, K. Martin, M. Smith, M. Pruitt, C. English

What? Who? | In their fifteenth year, the women of Delta Nu gained 27 tie sporting members in fall 2023. The club held a Delta Nutankhamun function where they buried a time capsule for generations of Delta Nu members to uncover in the future. In spring 2024, Delta Nu paired with Chi Omega Pi and Rome for Spring Sing, marking the first year Delta Nu didn’t perform solo.

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2010-2011

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2020-2021

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2021-2022

GATA

Stop, Look and Listen | GATA was as lively as ever this year, gaining 15 new members and friends. As a club, they grew and bonded together, celebrated GATA’s 85th anniversary with alumni, and had much fun with the face paint during club week. From a mad-hatter tea party mixer to their annual white elephant at their Christmas party, there was always plenty of fun to be had.

Row 1: A. Wardlow, J. Dyer, O. Long, F. Waggoner, C. Seay Row 2: D. Bodkin, R. Gossett, E. Smith, A. Jennings, B. Jones, E. Luallen Row 3: C. Pauley, A. Howell, B. Gagajewski, S. Sumners, M. Lockhart, A. Salisbury, A. Coehoorn Row 4: J. Thomas, E. Pace, A. Price, E. Beehn, A. Chapman, G. Supratman

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1982-1983

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2008-2009

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1961-1962

Courtesy of the Brackett Archives

Courtesy of the Brackett Archives

DELTA CHI DELTA

Serving Others | Delta Chi Delta celebrated over 30 years on campus. The men of DXD are not necessarily a social club, but a service club. During the club process they lived out their motto by helping others and serving the community around them. DXD’s first round theme was “Delta Chai Delta ‘’ where they provided chai and conversations for potential new members. Second round was a game night and for their third round, the members held “pizza and poster boards” where they enjoyed each other’s company while making thank you signs for organizations on campus such as public safety.

Row 1: K. Laughlin, B. Thomas, D. Buckley, T. Ellis, Z. Hartzell, J. O’Pry, M. Riggs, C. Seay, S. Foster, L. Neal, J. Edwards

Row 2: E. Boone, E. Seright, G.

Supratman, N. Kinonen, Y. Fujisawa, A. Howell, R. Ouimet, J. Clegg, M. Doss, C. Bennett Row 3: J. Huff, H. Runions, S. Carignan, C. Jones, S. Kovaleski, A. Anderson, M. McWilliams, J. Breezeel, R. Leonard

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2008-2009

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2006-2007

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1990-1991

DELTA GAMMA RHO

Row 1: R. McClure, O. Letsinger, H. Webb, C. Davis, H. Davis, S. Gaskins, E. Thornhill, H. Clark, A. Von Luckner, S. Roach Row 2: M. Wade, L. Earnest, K. Hix, A. Neal, E. Siklosi, B. Barker, E. Holland, S. Stanley, G. Hamlett, M. Luallen, A. Toye, A. Martin, M. Powers, A. Giggleman, A. Nicks, C. Paine, A. Cox Row 3: A. Davis, R. Marks, K. Williamson, M. Jones, M. Cox, M. Barnett, T. Windon, C. Hooton, M. Guyer, C. Roach, R. Wallace, M. Smith, L. Hollis, C. Williams, C. Schiffka, K. Peters, L. Rhodes Row 4: A. Taylor, B. Kelley, K. Roitsch, A. Farris, L. Bendickson, M. Watson, E. Spraggs, M. Williams, N. Aziamov, L. Rosenbaum, C. Covalt, A. Kowiti, S. Styles, B. Birmingham, B. Jackson, B. Mundy, A. Brauer, K. Maha Row 5: A. Shannon, M. Dorminey, S. Stewart, L. McDuffie, N. Thompson, M. Stewart, R. Myers, O. Abrams, M. Smith, D. Watts, M. Phillips, K. Mahan, A. Gentry, K. Jones, G. Hinckley, J. Huff, M. Williams Row 6: H. Haslam, K. Picker, B. Kemper, S. Styles, E. Scott, A. Jones, G. Tiller, E. Morgan, M. Singleton, G. Caplener Row 7: A. Stephens, A. Crocker, B. Davis, S. Davies, A. Holzbach, E. Gaskill, H. Sanders, L. Hawley, A. Stevens, B. Holland, E. Adams, J. Cannon, L. Pumphery, L. Simmons Row 8: A. Henning, K. Jones, A. Toye, C. Smith, J. Mullins

We are the Women |The women of Delta Gamma Rho enjoyed being together this year at events such as tailgates, functions, club week and beaux games. In the fall semester, the beaux of DGR won every competition they competed in. With 43 new members joining, DGR remains one of the largest women’s social clubs on campus. This is DGR’s 35th year as a social club.

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1989-1990

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2013-2014

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1995-1996

Photos Courtesy of DGR Historians

ROME wasn’t Built in a Day |The men of ROME experienced their fourth year as a social club on campus. The idea of ROME came from a Bible class when the speaker talked about the ancient Romans drive and dedication to making things happen. Over the years, ROME formed a unique friendship with the men’s social club Theta. During all club, they showed their love to Theta by having ROME president Conner White wear a Theta jersey. ROME won the all club chant champions belt the first night of all club.

ROME

Row 1: C. Moore, C. White, J. Nance, M. McCree

Row 2: G. Fields, R. Emlaw, A. Caldwell

Row 3: E. Rickett, E. Coombes, L. Hoffner, K. Saelzer Row 4: G. Kiegel, C. White, M. Kreh, G. Bergeson

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2020-2021

Photos Courtesy of Conner White

TRI SIGMA DELTA

K.

White and Blue | Tri Sigma Delta kicked off their second year as a revived social club on campus. Reestablished spring 2023 by women on the softball team, the club had their first chance fall 2023 to gain new members. With 27 new members, Tri Sigma Delta became filled with many athletes and adjusted their functions, meetings and events to the different sport teams’ schedules. Tri Sigma Delta was founded in 1972 and flourished in the 1980s. Their original motto “Sisterhood, scholarship, service, and dedication to God” has held through time.

Row 1: J. Cabana, C. Blankenship, M. Fraley, M. Law, A. Burch Row 2: H. Garrett, H. Hinkle, B. Johnson, K. Fox, A. Aaron, O. Wiedower, T. Hankins, K.Hammitt, C. Sansom, M. Ham Row 3: C. Thompson, A. Stanfill, C. Potter, E. Zabornek, D. Winders, A. Isbell, A. McCulley, A. Cheek, K. Kabrich,

Appleton, T. Nunn Row 4: W. Thomas, R. Thompson, T. Walsh, K. Echols, N. King, K. Pierce, J. Parks, B. Johnson Row 5: K. Cabana, E. Curry, A. Lamkin, L. Cabana, A. Miller, R. Geer, D. Garner, J. Lambert, R. Price Row 6: L.Maciejek, A. Davidson, M. Lepak, I. Miller, S. Sheffield, L.Walling

Red,

Courtesy of Brackett Library Archives Reprinted from Petit Jean 1975-1976

Courtesy of Brackett Library Archives

Photos Courtesy of Emma Curry

GALAXY

C.

Astra Castra Numen Lumen | Galaxy was started back up in the spring of 2022 after being gone for a few decades. This year the club had fun together with mixers, functions, queening, and devos. Their first round mixer was a hot dog eating contest with a second round golf theme mixer to follow. They gained 27 new members almost doubling their club size. Their motto is Astra Castra Numen Lumen meaning “the stars my camp, the Deity my light.”

Row 1: K. Pierce, B. Solley, J. Bybee, M. Aquino, W. Lamberson, T. Kirkbride, J. Lobo, M. Mejia, T. Smith Row 2: M. McCullough, N. Fraraccio, C. Helms, B. Johnston, C. Thompson, A.Wood, P. Tabor, C. Barger, N. Bowie, W. Anderson, R. Reynolds Row 3: B. Copeland, K. Vanderpoel, C. Lee, B. Francis,

Helms, G. Meeker, D. Welch, C. Newsom, J. Spears, E. Cope Row 4: J. Binford, E. Noble, J. Jones, J. Currie, L. Kille, B. Lucas

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1987-1988

Courtesy of Brackett Library Archives

Courtesy of Brackett Library Archives

Photos Courtesy of Koby Keen

SHANTIH

Orange Crush | Shantih was founded in 1973, making this year on campus their 50th anniversary. The women of Shantih celebrated by hosting a homecoming reunion for the alumni and current members. Shantih alumni from all decades attended and many even wore their old jerseys. In fall 2023, Shantih gained a singular new member. They had fun being together throughout club week, meetings, and functions. This year Shantih decided to team up with Ko Jo Ki, Ju Go Ju, Titans, and Sub T-16 for Spring Sing.

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1993-1994

Row 1: S. Hoffner, N. Wright, C. Blankinship, Y. Fujisaw

Row 2: A. Hodges, S. Jenkins

Row 3: C. Hartzell, T. Traylor, A. Caldwell, L. Hoffner, C. White, G. Hodges, G. Fields, C. Jones, R. Waner

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1992-1993

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1990-1991

Photos Courtesy of Hannah Traylor

GAMMA SIGMA PHI

Row 1: A. Hughes, A. Pryor, S. Taylor, M. TeBeest, K. Johnston, E. Banks, B. McSpadden, L. Longley, A. Gentry Row 2: Z. Denny, R. Kieswetter, J. Stone, B. Raburn, D. Draper, D. Curtis, J. Watson, P. Rickard, T. Szostek, E. Hall, J. Weatherford, C. Padilla, J. Zelaya, J. Hudkins Row 3: B. Jones, E. Basham, J. Miller, B. Mayes, D. Clothier, C. Preston, J. Agin, L. Huddleston, R. Orr, G. Brown, E. Taylor, A. Doyle, M. Slimp, J. Land, J. Rodriguez Row 4: T. Hill, J. Hernandez, D. Jones, J. Sutton, E. Rivera, A. Hughes, B. Bell, B. Caylor, B. Sosebee, H. Jones, A. Clay, D. Matthews, G. Topping, E. Kulas, C. Haynes, L. Hooper Row 5: G. Tucker, L. Donoho, D. White, C. Simmons, G. Murcia, Q. Brill, I. Qualls, S. Maia, C. Hope, B. Hudgens, L. Rosenbaum, S. Yager, G. Pace Row 6: L. Nichols, N. Farris, M. Baxley, H. Tabora, L. Roberts, J. Gumm, D. Cary, P. Spiegel, M. Jones, D. Reynolds, B. Holt, T. Getty Row 7: L. Stewart, D. Hill, J. Suppratman, B. Brown, P. Weaver, A. Runk, J. Doyle, T. Galyan, C. Atkins, J. Linderman

Brotherhood | Founded in 2001, Gamma Sigma Phi (GSP) celebrated their 22nd year on campus as a men’s social club. 35 new members joined in fall 2023, bringing the club up to around 80 members total. The men had fun together with functions such as mini golf and their annual Christmas semi-formal. GSP had a bible study series in the fall semester focusing on 1 and 2 Peter. They met every Wednesday morning at 6:30am by Einstein’s bagels in the student center. In addition to that study, the men of GSP continue to be built on Colossians 3:23, which is their club verse.

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2012-2013

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2004-2005

Photos Courtesy of Chase Preston

Ready to Rumble | Ko Jo Kai was founded in 1939 and has been enjoying being together ever since. The ladies had fun this year with tailgates, haunted houses, and even Christmas pajama parties. KJK gained 30 new members in the fall. During all club, their beloved Kojie Rumble was just as popular as ever and the women even won an all club chant champion award during the week.

KO JO KAI

Row 1: M. Drause, B. Thatcher, M. Greer, E. Banks, E. Gardner, M. Haynes, D. Jacobo, S. Wiedower Row 2: A. Gardner, P. Hollis, S. Thompson, A. Green, A. Thomas, E. Callahan, A. Melo, M. Carillo, Y. Callejas, K. Berry, N. Burnell, P. Eoff Row 3: M. Housely, E. Iglesias, A. Watson, H. Smith, S. Falconer, B. Haye, C. Birdwell, K. Colon, C. Scott, A. Burton, E. Cartwright, K. Mullins, A. Spurlock, C. Reitmar, L. Rampey Row 4: E. Gaugh, A. Steward, C. Wallace, Z. Gordon, L. Alexander, M. Potter, C. Runk, A. Murphy, E. Hill, B. Level, B. Wadill, J. Carr, S. Banks, L. Givens, A. Miller Row 5: N. Lindsay, R. Derrick, M. White, A. Baird, B. Maile, A. Demuth, K. Yoakum, M. Welch, M. Willis, M. Allred, K. Myers Row 6: R. Orr, S. Busbey, Z. Frost, J. Edwards, R. Collazo

Courtesy of Brackett Library Archives

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2001-2002

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1985-1986

Photos Courtesy of Ellery Gardner

KINGSMEN

For Life | Kingsmen celebrated their 50th year as a club on campus and gained five new members. In terms of interests, the men of Kingsmen are a widespread club - from going to the gym to playing Dungeons and Dragons. They made sure that everything is Christ centered throughout it. For their 50th year, the club threw a large birthday party and gave Logan Light a special Kingsmen jersey. For their semi-formal function in the fall, the members and dates dressed up as Christmas movie characters.

Row 1: C. Logsdon, J. McKinley, C. Field Row 2: J. Bradshaw, A. Woodhouse, B. Wheadon, A. Davis, J. Smith, G. McWilliams Row 3: S. Smith, E. Sutherlin, W. Fredricks Row 4: J. Meza

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1992-1993

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2008-2009

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2010-2011

Courtesy of the Brackett Library

Photos Courtesy of Joseph McKinley

PHI KAPPA DELTA

Locked in Unity | Phi Kappa Delta celebrated their 10th year as a women’s social club. Phi Kappa Delta gained 39 new members in the fall semester with their recruitment theme of “Come Celebrate.” The club held a 10th year reunion where current, past and founding members came together to reminisce on club memories during Harding’s homecoming. During all club in the fall semester, Phi Kappa Delta won the “chant champions” belt during one of the nights with their iconic stomping and hat chant.

1: D. Curtis, A. Hall, Q. Spurlock, M. Otto, M. Feger, L. Davis, M. Ross, R. Dennis, K. Degner, R. Hamilton, G. Mahon Row 2: R. Stanglin, S. Millares, C. Phelps, V. Romero, G. Chunn, A. Anderson, A. Jones, C. Sellers, K. Glenn, E. Wise, E. Montague, A. Dehm, A. Laverty, L. Morales Row 3: B. Johnson, R. Vick, R. Vick, K. Harris, A. Starck, A. Gibson, R. Gregg, T. Smith-Gardner, E, Dougan, Z. Hearyman, A. Voigt, C. Cofer, E. Kallenbach, L. Park Row 4: K. Matson, M. Brimingham, M. Gloff, A. Edwards, A. McNeill, L. Smith, C. Wilson, A. Curi, E. Cardiel, J. Stone, E. McDaris, E. Hollis, E. Jackson, F. Williamson Row 5: E. Crawford, A. Dunaway, A. Wohlfeil, S. Soto, L. Genry, P. Schmitz, K. Jonason, A. Wright, M. Brooks, R. Dodd, J. Anderson, O. Berry, S. Ramsey, B. Carlson, B. Knappier Row 6: S. Cook, J. Mills, T. Henry, F. Cox, S. Crooks, S. Audish

Row

Photo courtesy of Chase Sellers

Photo courtesy of Chase Sellers

Photo courtesy of Chase Sellers

Photos Courtesy of Lydia Davis

Row 1: T. Carpenter, T. Davis, O. Berry, A. Griffin, C. Hall, C. Morrow, H. Atkins, H. Parker, E. Booher, E. Weber Row 2: C. Curtis, K. Baker, G. Whitaker, T. Bradley, C. Cameron, C. Manry, B. Wolford, M. Brown, J. Butterfield, P. Acri, C. Matthews, E. Roberts, S. Edwards, H. Hutson, C. Duncan, J. Patterson, A. Williams Row 3: J. Spears, A. Hall, C. Long, B. Hall, S. Busby, R. Hupp, C. Turman, A. Williams, S. Roberts, J. Simmons, T. Ho, W. Sanford Row 4: J. Tishmacher, M. Kiptoo, K. Ras, G. Egli, K. Graves, N. Schutzler, J. Jenkins, J. Walton, S. Campbell, A. Mcguire, C. Crabb, E. Linderman, A. Galyean, I. Brown, W. Muckleroy, C. Shaw L. Crawford, D. Granberg, B. Baxter Row 5: B. Evans, C. Jewett, J. Carlin, A. Allen, T. Burke, A. Johnson, S. Young, A. Brinsfield, L. Crawford, D. Granberg, B. Baxter Row 6: A. Koone, L. King, K. Adams, I. Aston, J. Page, P. Hawkins, E. Olree, J. Bobo, C. Shoemaker, J. Edwards, J. Limburg, S. Bertolino, J. Trahant, L. Gibbs, T. Luttrell Row 7: G. Dale, E. Burton, A. Landes, C. Manners, J. Thompson, J. Beck

KNIGHTS

GGK | Knights Social Club, established in 1968, accepted their 55th pledge class with 33 new members (squires). Knights prides themselves in something to do every day of the week including dress-up nights “Fancy (k)Night” at mediocre restaurants, Knights Church and devotionals and weekly water polo. Knights desired to hold a culture where everyone is welcome and everyone is pushed to be more like Christ, bearing the motto “God first, Others second, Self last” as their symbol represents. Knights attributed their “good chemistry” or “psychotic façade” to both their desire and effort to know one another on their most fundamental level.

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1996-1997

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1980-1981

Photos Courtesy of Malachi Brown

PI THETA PHI

Y-E-L-L | Pi Theta Phi was founded in 2004 and celebrated their 20th year as a club on campus this year. Gaining around 41 new members in the fall, the club enjoyed unique functions such as their Survivor function. The club week theme was “you bring out the best in me.”

Row 1: T. Chapman, M. Wilson, E. Hayner, N. Alvarado, L. Glover, V. Brenthem, E. Pfalser, K. Bonham, A. Rieser, M. Lowry, K. Mckinney, N. Denham, M. West, L. Triplett, A. Falkowska Row 2: T. Rivers, E. Conn, A. Taylor, S. Sprawls, K. Epperson, K. Kieser, M. Moore, J. Perry, J. Weatherford, C. Crabb, M. Firkins, C. Gunn, M. Denny, M. Maples, J. Hood, C. Thweatt, K. Fortner Row 3: G. Morine, J. Smith, A. Flores, R. Keiswetter, S. Woody, A. Jones, E. Keowen, R. Gaharen, E. Janes, H. Hunt, S. Ensminger, M. Clark, H. Butterfield, C. Baumgardner, D. Lucio, C. Berryhill, K. Drennon, I. Elmore Row 4: R. Webb, C. Meyer, V. Edwards, H. Corker, A. Prior, J. Paine, L. Egli, W. Bailey, B. Olive, E. Thornhill, M. Thornton, E. Smith, J. Huff, A, Hunter, A. Williams, E. Miller Row 5: C. Taylor, E. Ramsey, S. Marks, H. Wilson, K. Potter, C. Taylor, C. Roos, G. Lamb, E. Thompson, M. Madar, C. Freeze, B. Eastham, S. Hembree, A. Clark, M. Camp Row 6: S. Palmer, E. Grande, A. Shoemake, C. Cooper, N. Haileab, A. Strong, M. Godwin, A. Rogers A. Slater, D. Durden, K. Walling, H. Tabora B. Ward, K. Roberts, A. Brazell Row 7: M. Field, K. Bolton, L. Mease, G. Eaves, A. Hughes, E. Fuller, S. Labiche, L. Earnhart, S. Floyd, A. Dallas, K. Kieser.

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2013-2014

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2011-2012

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2008-2009

Photos Courtesy of Addyson Prior

LAMBDA CHI THETA

Camaraderie | Lambda Chi Theta was founded in 2015 and celebrated its ninth anniversary in 2024. Lambda was a tight-knit group that enjoyed growing spiritually, helping the community and competing in athletics. The club had a variety of events in the year. From hosting “Just Dance” competitions to laser tag tournaments. Lambda members strove to live out their club verse John 3:30; “He must become greater, I must become less.”

Row 1: S. Styles, A. Besterfeldt, B. Moore Row 2: S. Bittle, D. Holland, H. McNeel, S. Burdge, S. Styles Row 3: A. Helms, J. Ward, S. Reijgers, A. Howard, C. Gross, A. Weatherford Row 4: Z. Fox, S. Sims, L. Stacy, J. Reid, A. Hollis, G. Gilley Row 5: C. Cook, J. McCall, H. Freeman, M. Pennington, C. Allen, K. Harris, C. Herrington

Photo courtesy of Marcos Morales

Photo courtesy of Marcos Morales

Photo courtesy of Marcos Morales

Photos Courtesy of Dylan Holland

REGINA

Crowns On | Regina was established in 1947. In the fall and spring the women enjoyed being together throughout functions, tailgates, and more. Their tailgates were unique from having live music to a pop-up book shop. Regina also had a fun variety of mixers. The first round theme was “at the table” where current and potential members could get to know each other. After club week, in the fall semester, the women had a spiritual retreat. There they had fun with a pancakes and pajamas breakfast.

Row 1: K. Koonce, E. Foster, T. Koonce, M. Hailey, C. Turner, J. Jennings Row 2: J. Love, E. Sutherlin, J. Beehn, K. Jones, L. Smith, A. Ouimet, P. Singleton, E. Sawyer Row 3: R. Nickleson, M. Cates, G. Stevens, E. Burrows

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2005-2006

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1972-1973

Courtesy of the Brackett Archives

Photos Courtesy of Cynthia Turner

OMEGA PHI

Row 1: C. Shockley, J. Brazell, J. Morgan, D. Rosciano, C. Slatton, D. Burton, E. Smith, D. Houser, G. Bartley, Row 2: E. Pratt, A. Williamson, D. Teague, L. Olree, S. Bunker, A. Brauer, R. McClure, C. Schliffka, R. Marks, N. Bankhead, L. Zelaya, V. Ceu Cin, P. Cordova Row 3: J. Huffaker, C. Brunson, T. Hardy, I. Blake, N. Traynham, C. Cherry, J. Kirchner, L. Permenter, G. Jones, N. Martinez, G. Young, E. Hollingsworth Row 4: G. Comer, T. Blanchard, G. Oppermann, R. Davis, C. Barboza, C. Blevins, T. Cooper, C. Gilreath, D. Ussery, C. Grubb, A. Davis, J. Wells, B. Verett, C. Moshinsky Row 5: H. Catalan, J. Burnham, N. Murray, S. Chesshir, G. Garner, J. Craig, E. Carter, N. Herman, P. Huitt, M. Wells, J. Fitzpatrick, T. Browning, J. Bommarito Row 6: J. Warnick, G. Galloway, B. Tomlinson, S. Whitwell, W. Clauson, Z. Ramirez, C. Fitch, G. Johnson, C. Fitch, N. Opperman

Oooo Phi! | Omega Phi (O Phi) enjoyed their 11th year on campus as a men’s social club. The club received one of the largest pledge classes with 30 new members joining in the fall. Their club devotional theme was based around the word ‘Koinonia’ which is Greek for fellowship and communion. The men of Omega Phi focused on that throughout their meetings, tailgates and various events. At their Christmas semi-formal the club hosted a jalapeño eating contest. Many members participated, but the winner ate a total of 14 spicy jalapeños. Like many years, O Phi was known for their “O” chant during all club. This year was no exception, the hype of that cheer got the student body excited to hear Omega Phi’s chant each night.

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2017-2018

Photos Courtesy of Grant Bartley & Luke Permenter

JU GO JU

Nobody Else Can | Women’s social club Ju Go Ju appreciated their 99th year on campus together. This year, the clubs recruitment theme was Camp Ju Go Ju. They had camp themed mixers and shirts. In addition, the women had fun at their functions. In the fall semester, line dancing was a hit and they even attended an Arkansas Travelers baseball game. During club week, men’s social club Galaxy helped cheer on the 42 new members to a victory in their annual flag football game against the women of Zeta Rho.

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1926-1927

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1973-1974

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1998-1990

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2015-2016

Row 1: J. Waldron, E. Ursery, C. Cowley, H. Paul, A. Arnold, R. McMillan, J. Lynn, O. Brown, K. Waldron, E. Brantley, D. Lee, E. McFarlin, H. Carroll, B. Kraner, M. Masters, R. Barrett Row 2: A. Mee, M. Mallory, L. Rambo, G. Chambley, S. Neal, M. Paul, D. Lee, E. Jarnagin, A. Gomez, G. Lawson, J. Wilhite, M. Maynard Row 3: M. Lambert, A. Gaw, W. Tubbs, R. O’Banion, B. Waddill, C. Folse, C. Pryor, K. Swindle, A. Glover, M. Schmitz, I. Nirella, Z. Browning Row 4: E. Wallis, M. Self, M. Walker, J. Cook, C. Melson, J. Morey, G. Glover, J. Sparks, H. Hook, J. Van Vreden, J. Maynard, P. Wilson Row 5: R. Reed, D. Wilson, R. Wallace, A. Snow, L. Weiss, J. Byrd, C. Chambers, N. Justice, T. Williams, W. Word, D. Bishop Row 6: H. Kuykendall, C. Cole, R. Jones, J. Nutt, J. Morse, Z. Worrell, G. Hansard, B. Owens

SUB T-16

Row 1: J. Waldron, E. Ursery, C. Cowley, H. Paul, A. Arnold, R. McMillan, J. Lynn, O. Brown, K. Waldron, E. Brantley, D. Lee, E. McFarlin, H. Carroll, B. Kraner, M. Masters, R. Barrett Row 2: A. Mee, M. Mallory, L. Rambo, G. Chambley, S. Neal, M. Paul, D. Lee, E. Jarnagin, A. Gomez, G. Lawson, J. Wilhite, M. Maynard Row 3: M. Lambert, A. Gaw, W. Tubbs, R. O’Banion, B. Waddill, C. Folse, C. Pryor, K. Swindle, A. Glover, M. Schmitz, I. Nirella, Z. Browning Row 4: E. Wallis, M. Self, M. Walker, J. Cook, C. Melson, J. Morey, G. Glover, J. Sparks, H. Hook, J. Van Vreden, J. Maynard, P. Wilson Row 5: R. Reed, D. Wilson, R. Wallace, A. Snow, L. Weiss, J. Byrd, C. Chambers, N. Justice, T. Williams, W. Word, D. Bishop Row 6: H. Kuykendall, C. Cole, R. Jones, J. Nutt, J. Morse, Z. Worrell, G. Hansard, B. Owens

Go SUB T Hey | In addition to Harding’s centennial celebration, SUB-T 16 celebrated their 100th year on campus as a men’s social club. There were many reunions during the homecoming weekend in honor of the men’s legacy....

Reprinted from Petit Jean

Reprinted from Petit Jean

Reprinted from Petit Jean

Anchors Away | Re-established in 2012, Sigma Phi Mu (Sig Phi) is one of the fairly new women’s clubs on campus. This year Sig Phi had a great time at tailgates and functions. They collaborated with mens club Chi Sigma Alpha and had a sports day function in the fall with games – such as, tug-of-war. Another successful fall event was their Hunger Games function. Sigma Phi Mu is a very creative club and that includes the beaux as well. Two of the beauxs had films they made that featured in the December 2023 film festival.

SIGMA PHI MU

Row 1: J. Brazell, A. Furby, K. Kirk, C. Collett, A. McClendon, F. Schmeling, A. Sleege, G. Bartley Row 2: R. Mckinlay, M. Faith, A. White, H. Wright, B. Flinn, D. Sexson, B. Stevens, P. G. Huff, E. Judd, J. Gaessler Row 3: K. Robinson, J. Williamson, H. Butler, R. Mendenhall, R. Malone, E. Heightman, B. Roberson, T. Golden, M. Shields

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1987-1988 Courtesy of the Brackett Archives Courtesy of the Brackett Archives

Photos Courtesy of Marissa Bennett

THETA

Row 1: M. Day, L. Ramer, C. Bowman, J. Gadberry, K. Ogden, C. Roos, L. Triplett, S. Stanley, A. McGinness, K. Williamson, S. Cook, E. Roach, B. Blankenship, E. Wolfe, B. Wolfe Row 2: A. Robinson, Z. Douglas, W. Fry, T. Schemling, R. Dodd, I. Bunner, A. Taylor, J. Ward, D. McGinness, J. Anderson, G. Ferrell, M. Mensah, L. Campbell, Z. Bath Row 3: C. Carroll, P. Penick, F. Ellis, N. Cozort, G. Hume, J. Mashburn, A. Brigance, B. Petty, C. Hembree, H. Forkner, A. Vargas, E. Middleton, C. Wright, T. Nance Row 4: J. Bergsagel, J. Boren, T. George, N. Spray, S. Wood, C. Sewell, R. Leach, C. Cooper, M. Craig, C. Roach, J. Wilson, B. Rohan, L. Willmon Row 5: B. Trevathan, G. Hinckley, S. Lewis, R. Kirkpatrick, K. Gibson, L. Bensinger, T. Rivers, M. Smith, I. Cutts, C. Woollard, B. Cooper, B. Masters, T. Bates, L. Hollis, B. Baker, E. Huff Row 6: S. Rogers, G. Mahon, T. Henry, R. Gandy, L. Marek

Ice Cold | Founded in 2018, Theta quickly became one of the fastest growing clubs at Harding, gaining 35 new members this fall. The size of the freshman class was supposedly influenced by Theta’s first ever “4th annual” Milk Bash in August, seeing one of the best turnouts of any Theta event. Theta also redeemed its classic “Pepsi Party” with a much larger gathering and better atmosphere compared to the year before. This year, with a number of around 80 members, Theta continued to prove that their club is not just a fad, but rather an ongoing phenomenon that remains to be seen as anything other than ice cold.

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2021-2022

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2021-2022

Courtesy of the Brackett Archives

Photos Courtesy of Clayton Roach

We’re Lillies | Iota Chi marked their 18th year as a women’s social club. With 21 new members joining in fall 2023, the women enjoyed their club week theme of “bearing one another’s burdens” and the addition of new beaux. Iota Chi continued to celebrate each other’s accomplishments, such as winning club flag football and softball championships in the fall semester. Iota Chi hosted their annual Barn Bash function, full of costumes and games around Halloween, and spent semiformal skating the night away.

IOTA CHI

Row 1: K. Tomlinson, M. Binkley, M. McNeel, G. Moore, D. Williamson, D. Burton, S. Harris, A. Bowie, E. Neill, A. Rice Row 2: L. Freeman, K. Corley, A. Trask, S. Lewis, K. Walters, R. Corley, S. Thibodeaux, H. Noble, K. Guyer, A. Hawkins, K. Lamoureux Row 3: M. Brister, K. Peger, A. Turner, M. Zerby, H. Collett, P. Witcher, A. Mills-Rhodes, A. Durham, E. Rosenberger, M. Lantrip, Row 4: M. Miller, P. Khan, H. Bittle, C. Arnold, A. Besterfeldt, A. Bruton, R. Limburg, T. Reed, M. Blaine, K. Sicks Row 5: T. McAuliffe, R. Lowe, R. Reese, Z. Bittle, E. Reiger, S. Clark, G. Manuel, C. Froud, C. Perkins Row 6: R. Neely, E. McKechnie, D. Truax, H. Landrum, K. Bryant, A. Wright, K. Beauchamp, S. Loving, R. Moore Row 7: C. Woollard, T. Schwiethale, M.

J. Glenn, T. Westbrook

Rohrback,

Reprinted from Petit Jean

Reprinted from Petit Jean

Photos Courtesy of Kinley Corley

TITANS

T-I-T-A-N-S | Titans was established in 1977 and places emphasis on their motto “superiority is merely routine.” The men’s club started off their year with a hayride function that included a cookout, s’mores and farm animals. They welcomed 30 new members into the club and hosted their traditional second round concert. Titans held their Christmas themed semi-formal in Pangburn and their Toga “formal” and concert in the spring.

J. Sutton, W. Harness, N. Buckner, Z. O’day, X. Hylton, L. Kingsbury, A. Isbell, B. Bass Row 6: D. Devine, J. Schmidtlein, L. Gilchrist

Row 1: A. Killingsworth, B. Hess Row 2: I. Gelwicks, A. Shelton, R. Elrod, H. Atchison, R. Collazo, T. Ouhl, T. Ouhl, C. Elwonger, G. Hill, H. Griffin, G. Tammany, G. Wade, J. Baxley Row 3: S. Farley, I. Briceno, E. Gardenhire, C. D’sidocky, R. Partlow, C. Boggs, J. Sands, N. Rabb, L. Nelson, K. Moody, B. Sloan, L. Martin Row 4: W. Gibson, T. Nixon, N. Cale, D. Campbell, T. Greenawalt, T. Pearman, H. Hutcherson, C. Matthews, J. McCain, B. Caffey, K. Laird, Z. Frost Row 5: E. Moore, A. Rodriguez, N. Ray,

Courtesy of Brackett Archives

Courtesy of Brackett Archives

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2000-2001

Photos Courtesy of Bradon Bass

Hark | TNT celebrated it’s 90th year as a men’s social club on campus. With weekly devos, functions, intramural games, water polo, Allen sleepovers and many more fun events, the men enjoy being together. With 42 new members elected in the fall, TNT remained the largest men’s club on campus. In honor of their 90th year, the club hosted a reunion during homecoming weekend. There they honored former member and sponsor Doc Holloway by gifting him an endowment for musical scholarships.

Row 1: N. Vaughn, A. Nesbitt, J. Wesley, S. Davis, A. Duncan, J. Jenkins, M. Cofer, M. Kirby Row 2: M. Hochstetler, C. Christie, D. Bennett, C. Traughber, S. Sheahen, H. Corker, B. Ward, C. Parsons, G. Thibodeaux Row 3: M. Barnett, A. Abbott, B. Humphreys, W. Ashmore, S. Gooch, B. Pierce, J. Jackson, C. Curtis, E. Ashmore, D. Mickey, M. Guyer, M. Burt, B. Erwin, B. Garrett, B. Allmon Row 4: N. Aziamov, P. McNeal, T. Hearn, G. Arnett, J. Montgomery, W. Garrison, L. Kelly, W. Nixon, M. Gill, P. Whitehead, C. Moss, P. Lawyer, D. Bass, P. Breaux, H. Lillard, K. Flatt, R. Hill Row 5: L. Ieler, J. Mills, J. Richardson, M. Burgess, A. Hubbell, J. Knight, J. Nelms, N. Hix, A. Dycus, D. McFarlin, D. Bennett, B. Birmingham, T. Steed, E. Paltjohn, A. Lopez, F. Shipman, J. Hatman, J. Glenn Row 6: B. Coleman, E. Paltjohn, J. Aljian, M. Thweatt, K. Collins, J. Tuyishime, F. Stobaugh, A. Fowler, C. Hankins, D. Burt, J. Clark, C. Butt, J. Parker, C. Owens, J. Polk, M. Roberts, R. Maple, C. Stewart, L. Wyatt Row 7: D. Underwood, B. Caudill, G. Blankenship, G. Mahan, N. Wesley, M. Roberts, L. Jones, C. Sipe, J. Fager, E. Bush, I. Braswell, M. Smith, K. Nieman, J. Moore, L. Richardson, E. Steed, N. Watson, C. Vanbrunt, J. Hobbie, C. Newman, T. Watson Row 8: B. Cole, J. Hoppe, T. Cromwell, R. Lynn, H. Noblin, T. Bartch, T. Frost, K. Butler, C. Thweatt, T. Windon, A. Davis, E. Dycus, D. Coffey, G. Moore, N. Hirscheider, Z. Dulin, M. Newman

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2008-2009

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1976-1977

Photo courtesy of Brackett Archives

ZETA RHO

Row 1: D. Bass, L. Cheatham, A. Nesbitt, E. Booher, B. McSpadden, L. Rosser, M. Shelton, C. Hearn Row 2: A. Robison, S. Wade, J Lynn, L. Gray, L. Thornton, A. Province, M. Kirby, B. Chandler, L. Walton, M. Smitty Row 3: A. Callicoat, I. Caballero, E. McFarlin, H. Wade, A. Thompson, H. Windon, A. Martin, T. Spears, J. Wesley, H. Carrol, A. Clark, A. Voss, N. Vaughn, K. Prine, K. Ogden, A. Glavan, M. Langdon, E. Hale Row 4: K. Cromwell, R. McMillan, A. Metheny, E. Howard, O. Parkhurst, A. Duncan, L. Eller, A. Beason, N. Comer, A. Howell, L. Seats, B. Flynn, B. McSpadden, C. Clayton, K. Rush, A. McFarland, A. Ellis, J. Coffey, M. Flanagan, H. Fulkerson Row 5: M. Maples, E. Harper, C. Adair, A. Risinger, E. Patterson, J. Jenkins, S. Davis, M. Speight, R. Tuten, A. Stone, C. Cullins, A. Sims, M. Cofer, C. Meadows, A. Watson, E. Montgomery, D. Glover, M. Stanley, O. Brown, A. Griffin Row 6: A. Fulmer, A. Arnold, R. Johnson, S. Guidry, E. Edmundson, S. Stillings, H. Woodard, P. Martin, G. Hawkins, A. Lillard, M. Chun, C. Davis, L. Nesbitt, J. Sansom, H. Cutts, S. Vergne, A. Echols, A. Britt, A. Boyle, K. Burton Row 7: A. Stanley, E. Miles, C. Dolan, C. Rubio, H. McCullough, C. Gray, E. Fitzhugh, E. Lancaster, G. Thompson, E. Parmer, A. Walker, G, Comer, K. Hale, H. Woodward, E. Graham, L. Box, A. Weller, J. Ellerman, A. Marcum Row 8: A. Nystuen, C. Madar, A. Nixon, R. Martin, L. Stripling, M. Little, M. Davis, E. Newman, L. Wiley, J. Dulin, A. Sparkman, D. Cash, L. Cady Row 9: P. McNeal, G. Dale, S. Gooch, G. Arnett Row 10: B. Erwin, D. Bennett

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2001-2002

Sisters United by the Son | Zeta Rho takes on their 63rd year together as a women’s social club. Zeta Rho gained 41 new members in the fall semester after their recruitment theme “Part of the Story.” Zeta Rho focused on organizing service projects around campus and in the Searcy community. The club raised the most money for Relay for Life and held a campus wide yard sale. The women continued to remain active on campus through their involvement in organizations such as Student Government, Campus Life, Campus Ministry Connections, IMCO, Student Publications, COBA, admissions and other areas. In addition, several members worked local jobs at places such as Midnight Oil and Nooma Studios. Zeta Rho’s legacy of a Christ centered sporty, silly sisterhood will carry on.

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1978-1979

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1982-1983

HARDING’S

“The heart of the college is its library.” – Harding Bulletin, September 1928

In 1928, a Harding Bulletin article shared, “The heart of a college is its library.” Over the past hundred years, the history of Harding’s libraries continually exhibited that notion.

Harding College inherited the library’s first collection after the merger of Harper College and Arkansas Christian College in 1924. In Jennie Hill Hall, the library was located in the basement of the girls’ dormitory along with a reading room and three classrooms.

Though there was immediate access to a collection after the merger, Harding’s first library was not without beginning struggles. At the time, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools required libraries to have a collection of 8,000 volumes. Harding College fell short of that mark with its inherited collection of 3,000 volumes. With great effort, 2,000 more volumes were added within the first year. During the college’s second year, Dean L.C. Sears worked with librarians at Chicago University and handpicked 3,000 volumes. In the summer following the first academic year as Harding College, 1,200

books were added to the library catalog. This brought the total number of the collection to 7,200. With Roxie Woodring as the first librarian, this dedication built the grounds for what would become one of the most carefully curated libraries in Arkansas.

The library was initially organized using the Dewey Decimal system and a triplicate card catalog system. Students in Morrilton also had access to the Carnegie Library, which contained an additional 7,000 volumes.

Once Harding relocated to Searcy, formerly where Galloway Female College was located, the library’s second home was Godden Hall. As the largest building on campus, it hosted over 16,000 books as well as dorm rooms, offices, classrooms, the post office and auditorium.

Mrs. Catherine Score, the former librarian of 10 years for Galloway, became the new librarian for Harding. Annie Mae Alston replaced Score in June 1947. Alston received her B.A. from Harding in 1939 and became an assistant professor of English at Harding in 1944.

By 1950 the library ran out of space as the student body continued to grow, and an expansion became necessary. The librarians at the time, Alston and Anne Early, oversaw the transition from Godden to a new building. Reportedly, students volunteered to move the library’s collection of nearly 25,000 books to a new building: the Beaumont Memorial Library. At the time, card catalogs were still used to find books and interlibrary loan requests were mailed. Students often brought rolls of change so they could make copies of journal articles or prints from the microfilm machines. The Beaumont served the community well; however, technology began to advance and the student

The library under the direction of Catherine Score.

Godden Hall. The library was located here following the more from Morrilton.

Catherine Score

body continued to grow. In turn, a new space for the library became necessary. This resulted in the library’s temporary relocation so that a new facility, the Brackett Library, could be built.

Meanwhile, the library was relocated to the Administration Auditorium for one year after the Beaumont was torn down. Library Director Winnie Bell planned and oversaw the moving process during the summer of 1989.

Most of the books were stored in an offsite warehouse and were gathered as students needed. Library staff office spaces were piled on the stage and the circulation desk was located under the balcony. As a study space, platforms were built on the balcony to hold tables and chairs. Platforms were additionally built on the sloped floor, but an aisle was left to allow book carts to be used. Librarians recalled the staff using bungee cords to keep the carts in place, and on occasion, carts rolled away from student workers and crashed into the stage.

After only a year of construction, the Brackett Library was dedicated in 1990 thanks to the generosity of the Bob Brackett family, who funded the process

with a $12 million gift.

While printed materials were still readily available, the possibilities were expanded. Technological advances facilitated many changes in the ‘90s through the advent of the internet. These changes continued into the early 2000s with an expansion through electronic databases. Access to e-books and journals grew rapidly, as well as public access to library computers and printing. In 2016, the library additionally began to offer research consultations, as the need for assistance increased with the amount of electronic sources. In 2022 the librarians conducted over 600 consultations and offered individual help to each student who booked a session.

Regarding a focus on communal aspects, Director Ann Dixon made a variety of changes. In 2007 a coffee shop opened, and for the first time food and drinks were allowed throughout the library. This was a big change compared to when only water bottles were allowed in 2001. In 2014 Dixon retired, and Jean Waldrop has since taken over as director.

This legacy of community continued: the current model of the Brackett utilized open spaces and areas

1. The Beaumont Library 2. The Beaumont Library dedication ceremony. 3. Stacks of books in the Administration Auditorium during construction of The Brackett Library. 4. Stacks piled in the Administration Building during the relocation of the library. 5. A student flips through card catalogs in the Beaumont Library in the 1970s. 6. A student studies in the Beaumont Library. 7. Librarian Winnie Bell on the second floor of the Brackett library near the end of construction in the summer of 1989. 8. The new facade of the Brackett Library in the 1990s. 9. Former director Ann Cowan Dixon. The Ann Cowan Dixon Archives and Special Collections were named in her honor. 10. Current director Jean Waldrop.

designed for collaboration. After COVID, students frequently took advantage of communal areas in the library. From the rolling marker boards, therapy dogs and board game nights to First-Year Experience events, the Brackett provided opportunities to gather for a variety of reasons. The expansion of the library’s physical expansion did not end with the increased role of technology in the library. Plans to move the Harding School of Theology’s collection to the Brackett were put into place in 2024.

The entire history of Harding’s libraries, from the Morrilton-to-Searcy relocation, as well as the journey from Godden to the Brackett and electronic expansions, shared a story of constant movement and change. Each improvement was made with the community in mind, and Harding’s librarians from 1924 to present day have answered the call to serve and remained dedicated no matter the circumstance–truly demonstrating the central role a library can play in collegiate settings.

Photos courtesy of Brackett Library Archives, Jeff Montgomery and The Petit Jean 2014-2015

The Writing Center continues to aid student academic writing 44 years later.

PART OF THE Story

Atthe heart of campus, students utilized the Harding University Writing Center in the Brackett Library. The center was opened in fall 1979 by Assistant Professor of English Larry Long. Although it had changed hands several times over the years, professor of English Nick Boone, alumnus and former student writing consultant, took charge in fall 2023.

Started in American Studies room 325, the Writing Center grew in recent years, adapting and changing all while it catered to the needs of Harding students. As the program continued to grow, Boone expounded on future plans.

“We are really excited to continue spreading our services to different parts of campus than we traditionally have, and now have the ability to do online services with more and more graduate students who are remote,” Boone said.

The growth of the center led to many demands that the writing consultants had to meet. Boone worked with the students to alleviate the stress this work-load caused. Sophomore Avery Nicks was one of the many writing center consultants who found a balance between her studies and work in the center.

“I love the work-study balance involved with this job,” Nicks said. “Dr. Boone is great at accommodating our needs as students and encourages us to come to him if we are ever feeling overwhelmed with school work during a particular week.”

The balance and comfort Boone brought to the work environment spared the workers from potential stress. Nicks felt that this gave her a new opportunity to create meaningful relationships with her students. The connection allowed her to celebrate with the students. It created a new environment that was built on the rewarding feelings of helping peers grow, succeed and gain confidence in their writing abilities.

“The ability to help students grow in confidence as writers is such a fulfilling aspect of the job,” Nicks said. “Students so often come in and apologize for their work before we’ve even looked at it, but I love seeing the shift in their moods as they realize that they are capable of great writing too.”

Over the years, the Writing Center was a place where student workers helped others become better writers; however, the Writing Center became a place where the workers had the chance to learn and grow themselves. Junior consultant Alexis Gentry saw the Writing Center as a platform to personally broaden her academic horizons.

“I have always been a strong writer, but typically more so with creative writing and research papers,” Gentry said. “The Writing Center allows me to test my skills in many different areas. I receive APA nursing papers, experimental procedures, grad school applications, music theory analyses, and so much more. This stretches what I know about writing, and my application of those skills, and has even forced me to learn a few new skills to help me become a better Writing Center consultant.”

The Harding University Writing Center continued to not only be an incredible opportunity of growth for consultants and students alike, but also served as a connection to the past, present and future. The establishment of the Writing Center shaped the academic success of students since 1979 and continued to affect the lives of both students and consultants.

Written by Bailey Coffman

Taking positive steps to help students improve their writing, the English Department established a writing laboratory for students, under the supervision of Dr. Larry Long. Open 27 hours a week, the lab was staffed by graduate students in English. Any student having writing problems was invited but students in English 103 and juniors and seniors who had not satisfied the English proficiency requirement were urged to attend. Reprinted from Petit Jean 1980-81

Busy Bee | While helping a student, senior Rachael Bull completes a shift at the Writing Center. “The Writing Center’s value is really in our orientation towards equipping,” said Bull. “We don’t just want to fix it, we want to equip students with tools to be confident and competent writers.” Photo by Abigail Callicoat

Writer’s Workshop | At Brackett Library’s Writing Center, sophomore student worker Jacob Branson works the front desk while another consultant assists a peer in revising a writing assignment. Photo by Abigail Callicoat

EVERYONE MATURE IN

Shift in Lectureship program allows for increased student involvement.

Harding University hosted its 100th annual Lectureship the week of Sept. 24–27. The theme was “Inspired Purpose: Everyone Mature in Christ” and featured faculty, student and guest speakers.

Meagan Justus, staff in the College of Bible and Ministry, was involved in planning, marketing and event execution for Lectureship. She had a part in brainstorming the theme and organizing the speakers.

“The purpose of Lectureship has always been to serve the church,” Justus said. “At Harding, we have this collection of spiritual resources gathered together, and Lectureship is when we open our doors and invite churches and Christians to take advantage of these resources.”

The structure of Lectureship was different this year. The goal was to offer topics that were applicable to students, like marriage ministry, spiritual disciplines and youth ministry. The College of Bible and Ministry also offered a seminar credit, and over 130 students signed up to participate.

“The structure of Lectureship has evolved this year to a track-based approach,” Justus said. “This year, we are offering 19 workshops in three days tailored to students and those we serve in congregations.”

In addition to having guest speakers students gave presentations. Senior Evie Boyd was one of these student speakers. She also served as a student representative on the Lectureship committee. Boyd spoke on Colossians 2 and focused her speech on walking with Christ.

Christ

“My topic specifically, it’s a ‘Journey of Faith,’” Boyd said. “It’s Colossians 2:6–7, and then on into verses 9 and 10. What do we do with that? At this age, at this time? How do we walk in faith? What does the journey of faith look like for us?”

Boyd said that as a member of the Lectureship committee, she appreciated the behind-the-scenes look at the importance of the event to Harding. Listening to professors on the committee talk about their love for Lectureship helped her understand what Lectureship meant to the Harding community.

“[Harding] is about spreading the gospel,” Boyd said. “It’s about teaching about Christ. It’s growing our faith. It’s making us stronger. It’s increasing our love for one another in the community, and Lectureship does every single one of those things.”

Senior Aiden Broome spoke on John the Baptist’s example of how to be a witness of Christ.

“It’s a lot more pressure than I expected,” Broome said. “I’m not sure how many people will show up to my lecture, but if they choose to, I want to honor the fact that they may have come a long way and that they may be choosing to go to my lecture instead of someone else’s.”

Lectureship provided opportunities not only for participants and visitors, but gave a platform for Harding students to share their inspired purpose.

Written by Maggie Samples

Leading Ladies | Deep in discussion, senior Courtney Eby and alumna Emily Wright lead a lecture over being “Equipped to Call.” The pair were one of many student lectures during the event. Photo by Abigail Callicoat

Captivating the Audience | Passionately speaking, senior Evie Boyd gives her lectureship speech on “A Faith Journey.” Boyd stated that her admiration for members on the committee is what inspired her to be a part of lectureship.

Photo by Abigail Callicoat

“The New Life in Christ” was the theme for the 34th annual fall lectureship. The series of lectures was attended by 2,000 guests, four hundred of whom were housed in dormitory rooms and in homes of faculty members and other town residents. The highlights of the lectureship week, in addition to the close fellowship, were outstanding speeches, panel discussions, daily Bible classes and choral presentations. Thanksgiving day, with a huge barbecue for all, signified the end of the lectures with concluding addresses by Otis Gatewood and Marshall Keeble.

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1958-59

As part of the Centennial celebrations, the Department of History and Political Science hosted a year-long series called the 1924 Experience which explored the context of Harding’s beginnings through exhibits, speakers and events.

Assistant professor of history Kimberly Laing, served as the Clifton L. Ganus Jr. Distinguished Chair of History and Political Science, was the coordinator of the 1924 Experience.

“The Ganus chair’s job is to find ways to expand the love and understanding of history at Harding,” Laing said. “As a historian, I was interested in what was 1924 like. When Harding started, what else was going on in the world?”

1924 Experience involved around 20 different events. There were speakers from Harding and all over the country, including Dr. Beverly Gage from Yale University. Gage was a 2023 Pulitzer Prize winner and spoke during Homecoming week on J. Edgar Hoover and the creation of the FBI.

“I just kind of went through and was like, what would I want to see if I were trying to learn about 1924,” Laing said. “And what can I get?”

In addition to seminars, there was experience-based activities; such as, visiting the one-room schoolhouse at Pioneer Village and the virtual reality Harlem Renaissance.

Students collected stamps and photos in a scrapbook from attending events. Laing said the more events students came to and collected stamps for, the more likely they were to receive free tickets for The 1924 Experience Dinner in April, where guests could dress in formal 1920s attire and experienced authentic food and music from the decade.

The library was one of many spots on campus hosting a traveling exhibit of the 1924 timeline. Electronic resources librarian

Amy McGohan said the library was a great location for this exhibit because of the high number of student visitors.

“Our gate counts are higher than ever,” McGohan said. “We are having so many students in here, so this is a great place to put it — where a lot of people will see it. The program itself is amazing. There’s so many things going on, and I would really encourage people to go to it.”

Another activity the Harding community participated in was the Flight Around the World Contest. The winning two students and a faculty or staff member went on a series of flights around the world in eight days — paid for by the Clifton L. Ganus Jr. Distinguished Chair of History and Political Science. Students applied in teams of two of the same gender and submitted a proposed itinerary that detailed what flights they would take and overnight stops they would include during the trip. Junior Kit Moore said she is excited about the contest.

“To get to go around the world with a friend and a faculty member — it’s just a really cool experience that I would like to have, but at least I’m glad someone will get to have it,” Moore said.

Honors College coordinator Kristina Chance, junior Kiera Blankinship and senior Lily Burrows were announced as the winners of the contest at am event surrounding the theme of aviation.

Dr. Jeremy Kinney served as the speaker for this event. Kinney was the associate director for research and curatorial affairs at the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian, and he said that his love for aviation and his job at the Smithsonian were things he was really passionate about and he encouraged students to find their own topics of interest.

“Go as far as you can,” Kinney said. “The things you’re

The History Department provides experiences to look back at the past and immerse students and guests into 1924, the year Harding College opened.

interested in — you’d be surprised finding out all the different ways you can make a career out of your interests. If you’re consumed by learning about a topic, you can really go as far with anything.”

The event focused on the first aerial flight around the world, which was accomplished by four members of the U.S. Army Air Services and lasted 175 days. The 26,345-mile flight was the end of a global race to be the first to complete a circumnavigation mission, similar to the race to the moon that would take place 45 years later. Laing said it is important to understand the linkage between the past and the present.

“Our past informs every part of our present,” Laing said. “When we understand where we have come from we are better able to deal with our present. I think that students gain a greater appreciation for how complex the past is and how many things are happening at the same time.”

In addition to the aviation events, the 1924 Experience joined the Art and Design Department in showcasing the Miguel Covarrubias: Caricaturista Exhibition, introducing the art of an era and a major person from the 1920s.

Dr. Liann Gallagher, co-director of the 1924 Experience and associate professor of political science, said working with the art and design department was beneficial.

“We have partnered with this exhibit with the art department,” Gallagher said. “They have been very helpful in putting up, maintaining and managing the exhibit itself, which was great. The partnership with them has been really invaluable.”

Gallagher said students could broaden their horizons by experiencing what the 1924 Experience brought to campus.

“One of the cool things about college, I think, is that you get exposed to perspectives that are different from your own,”Gallagher

said. “So even if you’re not an art person, consuming art and being a patron of the arts is still a really important thing to make yourself a really well-rounded person.”

Laing said there is a connection to be found between caricatures now and the art from the displayed time period.

“Many people think of caricatures at the fair, but to see an artist who does caricatures and an anthropologist who does characters, and then how that can give you a better picture of an era,”Laing said.“We can take photographs, and photographs are great, but they don’t really draw out the uniqueness of the person in the same way a caricature does.”

Written by Emma McDaris

Professor & Pulitzer | Beverly Gage, a Yale professor and Pulitzer Prize-winner, discusses her work, G-Man, about the complicated and fascinating life of J. Edgar Hoover, on Nov. 2. Gage won numerous awards and G-Man was named best book of 2022 by The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Publishers Weekly, The New Yorker, The New York Times, and the Smithsonian. Photo courtesy of Erin Laughlin

Ganus Gabs | Former Harding professor of music Cliff Ganus Ill reflected on 100 years of Harding music at the Colloquium of the Liberal Arts series on Feb. 6. Kevin Klein, Greg Laing, and David Kee also discussed the interconnectedness of various topics concerning liberal arts. Photo courtesy of Erin Laughlin

Winners! | Senior Lily Burrows and junior Kiera Blankinship pose as winners of the 1924 Experience Trip Around the World on Oct. 19. Burrows and Blankinship, along with another student and staff members, spent Spring Break traveling around the globe to commemorate the first flight around the world, which happened in 1924. Photo courtesy of Erin Laughlin

Caricatured | Caricature artist Laura Hammond draws portraits of sophomores Erin Marshall and Kalyn Holeyfield in the Mildred Taylor Stevens Art Center on Jan. 16 in conjunction with an exhibit in the Stevens Art Gallery. The exhibit displayed art by early 20th-century artist Miguel Covarrubias and was part of the 1924 Experience. Photo courtesy of Erin Laughlin

Pose! | Senior Josh Brooks stops to get a photo by Greg Laing, associate professor of English at the Photo Booth during the 1924 Experience on Sept. 16. For the first event of the 1924 Experience, “Compulsion” showed at the Rialto in downtown Searcy. Photo courtesy of Erin Laughlin

Poetry Pit Stop | Professor of English Michael Claxton sits in the First Lady’s Garden and reads a poem as a part of the Robert Frost Poetry Walk on Sept. 25. The Poetry Walk was the second event put on by the 1924 Experience. Photo courtesy of Erin Laughlin

Organizer & Photographer | Organizer of the 1924 Experience Kimberly Laing poses with her husband Greg Laing, associate professor of English at the showing of “Compulsion” at the Rialto. The showing was the first event of the 1924 Experience put on by Harding to celebrate its centennial year.. Photo courtesy of Erin Laughlin

THE DIVIDE

The Department of Foreign Languages adds the Center for Translation within the new Holland-Waller building.

In fall 2023, the department of Foreign Languages opened the Center for Translation. Though the center began taking clients in 2022, it wasn’t until fall 2023 when the center was formally established within the new HollandWaller building.

Michelle Holland, assistant professor of foreign languages and international studies and assistant director of the Center for Translation, discussed the department’s reasoning for offering services in translation.

“We were already planning on offering more translation courses, and I had enrolled in the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee to get an MA in Translation Studies,” Holland said. “So a logical skill and service we could provide was translation.”

Holland added two major facets that laid the foundations for the center: academics and service that glorified God. The intention was to provide students with opportunities to actively utilize their language skills in meaningful and practical ways. Through translation services, this allowed those who worked in the center to serve the community.

“Language services can be expensive, so we want to offer them at highly reduced rates and pro bono as needed, depending on the situation,” Holland said.

Students who worked on projects for the center translated written materials, mainly in Spanish and French. Some projects included documents for the Disability Services Office, Registrar and International Education Center, as well as a power of attorney for a student and a flyer for a doctor’s office in Searcy.

A major project the center worked on was translating

“Lay Down Your Guns,” a book by Harding alum Greg Taylor. Holland explained that Taylor and his daughter-in-law were concerned that many of the Hondurans the book was written about would not be able to read it. One contributing student was senior Caitlyn Pettis, who elaborated on what the process looked like.

“Typically, each person translates a page on their own during the week, and then we meet to discuss how we each translated that page,” Pettis said. “During this, we come to a consensus about the translation for each page and that becomes the ‘official’ translation. It gives an outlet of creativity that you don’t always get to find in the classroom setting.”

Senior Sierra Tackwell, who was also frequently involved with the center, shared her hopes for connecting with the community through translation services.

“It will be good to see how [the Center for Translation] impacts the rest of the community and brings Harding and Searcy together,” Tackwell said.

With this in mind, Holland and Pettis both added their hopes for the center’s future. Holland looked forward to establishing the Center for Translation as the first place that comes to mind when someone in the community needed translation services, while Pettis encouraged other students to participate in the future.

“We are really blessed to work at a place that cares about both student achievement and progress and community outreach,” Holland said.

Written by Cora Freeman

A Momentous Occasion | President Mike Williams, professor of French Robert McCready, Jolie Love, and dedicated faculty members commemorate the official opening of Harding’s Center for Translation. The cutting of the ribbon symbolized the institution’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural connections through language.

Courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Unlocking Languages | Assistant professor Michelle Holland leads a discussion at the ribbon cutting for the Center of Translation. The center provided translation services in spanish and french. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Engaged In Conversation | In the HollandWaller Commons, professor of French Robert McCready, Provost Marty Spears and senior Jerome Etienne speak during the ceremony on Nov. 2. The group attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, formally establishing the Center for Translation. Photo Courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Photo

FOUNDATIONS OF

Harding faculty and students find ways to get involved in filmmaking.

Harding provided opportunities for students with any range of interest to participate in the production of films. Associate professor of communication Dr. Charles Bane acted as the executive producer for student film projects. He helped students by reviewing their screenplays and provided them with access to premium services such as locations, actors and equipment.

“[Student producing is] a learning tool,” Bane said. “It’s a way to own your craft. It’s one thing to sit in a classroom and talk about camera angles and lighting, but it’s another thing to actually do it.”

There were a number of ways for students to get involved in film productions. A film practicum course was offered for the first time starting in fall 2023 and became a major recruitment tool. That semester Bryan Hudkins, an instructor of Communications, joined Bane as a film professor teaching video production and hoped to teach cinematography and editing in the feature.

“I call film my unshakable passion,” Davenport said. “Film is like a foundation I keep coming back to and I can’t shake it. I realized as a kid that I was seeing the world through film. I was always thinking in terms of shots. I was always constructing a storyline in my head. I came to Harding as a film major and it has been everything it’s needed to be and more.”

“I believe that the filmmaker is like the preacher and that telling stories is the best way to capture people’s hearts and minds and emotions.”

-Brinson Davenport

“It’s also a good way for our students as freshmen to jump right on the movie set and learn as they move up from grip to assistant camera their sophomore year and then their junior year to cinematographer and by their senior year they’re ready to direct,” Bane said.

Senior Film major Brinson Davenport worked as writer, director and producer of a film that was to be submitted in the 2023 Five Minute Film Festival.

Although Davenport had been involved in filmmaking since the age of ten, Harding’s film program offered knowledge and experience to those such as Davenport with true passions.

“I believe that the filmmaker is like the preacher and that telling stories is the best way to capture people’s hearts and minds and emotions,” Davenport said.

Students were involved in film projects through non-Harding-related ways as well. Junior theatre education major Aubrey Jones was involved in projects as an actress. She made the connections through Instagram.

“The parts I don’t like about theater, I don’t have to do in film,” Jones said. “Namely learning lines. It was super cool getting to see behind what’s in the frame of the screen, just because that’s not something I’ve ever really experienced. To have any little experience in film will help just with the world that we are living in.”

Written by Randi Tubbs

Trust the process | Senior Theo Westbrook assists senior Brinson Davenport in filming Alumna Marianna Davenport. Brinson Davenport and Westbrook worked together on the short film “Bloodied Hands”.

Photo courtesy of Brinson Davenport

Light work | Sophomore Will Muckleroy helps Senior Theo Westbrook stabilize lighting and camera work. The two helped senior Brinson Davenport film his project, “Bloodied Hands”.

Photo courtesy of Brinson Davenport

Take a Look Inside a Book | A sketch book on display at the art gallery captures the attention of students. The artwork was meant to be the expression of what it means to be surrounded by art. Photo by Abigail Callicoat

Invested | In Stevens Art Gallery students flip through pieces of the exhibit. The student gallery opened in fall 2023 to showcase student art created in response to their trip to Greece, Egypt, India and Japan.

Photo by Abigail Callicoat

Art and Design students showcase their internationally inspired creations in Stevens Art Gallery.

Surrounded by art, culture and inspiration, 14 Art and Design students embraced experience and creativity in their art displays at Stevens Art gallery. Assistant professor of art and design and coordinator of graphic design program Ricky Colón said the trip’s focus was exposure to art produced by other cultures. The trip spent time in Greece, Egypt, India and Japan.

“Part of the challenge that we presented to students was ‘How could you share this experience with people back home?’” Colón said. “They’re seeing museums. They’re seeing architecture. They’re being exposed to culture and people from all over, so we wanted to give them a challenge to be creative.”

The students were introduced to a variety of culture, art and inspiration from all over the world. Having traveled to three continents, students were exposed to experiences that shaped their own art on display.

When Colón coordinated with Stevens Art gallery, he wanted to challenge the students to embrace their experience and their art.

“I just set the ball in motion and presented them with a challenge,” Colón said. “They took it upon themselves to express themselves.”

eastern art, and to use that to grow as people and artists.

“I think they had a real experience that allowed them to see that you know, the design that we do, the art that we do in the West, that is only a small fraction of the quality or the quantity of the type of art that’s being done around the world,” Darnell said.

The display followed a theme of being “Surrounded.” Throughout the trip they learned what it meant to be truly surrounded by art and the world. Art surrounded them at every stop and showed the impact that art could have on the world. Colón believed it was their job to recognize the art and the culture it created.

“The world is full of a lot of really good, thoughtful, talented people, and we have a lot to learn,” Colón said. “And I think as Christians, it’s our responsibility to be aware of other cultures, be aware of other ways of thinking, be aware of other ways of doing things and try to honor the beauty that God created when he created in the first few days and ‘it was good.’”

The culture in different places built a platform for the students to create from. As they traveled the world, they not only found art in their surroundings, but also in those around them. Communication instructor Noah Darnell was another faculty member on the trip. Darnell spoke about how close the group became over the duration of the trip. For him, the highlight wasn’t about the physical art, but about the growing relationships around him. It was important for the students to become familiar with

Junior Cassell Stewart said the people on the trip were a high point. She said knowing the group would do anything for one another was the moment that meant the most.

“We went all around the world in about five weeks, and it was a whirlwind kind of trip,” Stewart said. “I only really knew a couple people going into this trip, so it was amazing to get to know so many other new people.”

Sophomore Anna Claire Curtis was one of the students Stewart met and got to know over the span of the trip. Curtis loved meeting everyone throughout the trip, and the piece that stood out to her the most was in the Egyptian History Museum. The Palette of Narmer captured the history of Egypt in an unconventional way.

“[The Palette of Narmer] is an old Egyptian tablet that depicts the unification of upper and lower Egypt, and celebrates his military victories,” Curtis said. “It’s in the shape of an eye shadow palette and was used to hold make-up for the pharaoh.”

As Curtis and Stewart got to experience these art pieces, they also worked on their relationships with one another. Stewart shared that her favorite parts of the trip were spent with the people she shared the trip with; however, she also found inspiration from the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula in India.

“We instantaneously recognized the beauty of the contrast of the morning light and the shadows cast, as well as the intricate detailing on the doorway itself,” Stewart said. “It was kind of funny to be able to share that moment with another artist, and so many moments like that happened on the trip. Artistic styles can be very different, but we all recognize beauty when we see it.”

The art and design students got to be inspired by art from different parts of the world. For many, the trip became less about art, but became a trip where different artists recognized beauty and art together.

Written by Maggie Samples

Lost in a Moment | Standing in awe, sophomore Caimon Field and junior Kit Moore admire the artwork displayed in the gallery. Despite not attending the trip the gallery allowed other art and design students to appreciate the art their peers created.

Photo by Abigail Callicoat

HONORS OFFERS

For decades the Honors College provides unique opportunities and advanced studies for students.

Harding University’s Honors College welcomed new students each year to their tight-knit group of students and staff. The Honors College was one of the many colleges that allowed students to pursue more rigorous course and participate in additional research about topics of their choosing. By completing some of these extra requirements, students can graduate with Honors. Over the year, the Honors College has become more prestigious, limiting their acceptance of students. Professor of communications and the Assistant Dean of the Honors College, James Miller, loves working with the honors students and seen all of their success.

“We have about 400 active members of the Honors College, including 55 new incoming freshmen,” Dr. Miller said. “Students can graduate from the Honors College by taking a specified number of honors classes, maintaining a certain GPA, and completing an honors thesis or capstone project.”

received when he joined the Honors College for the first time.

“During my presidency, I plan to offer a wide menu of engagement - encouraging students to build themselves academically and socially,” Davenport said. “ Hopefully, in a few years - when I leave Harding - I can look back on my time at the Honors College and feel like I made a contribution to the Honors, and Harding, culture as a whole.”

The Honors College provided a community for many students, but it also provided opportunities for students to grow. Walton Scholar Valentina Romero was a student of the Honors College and loved that the honors classes had a smaller environment and more in depth material.

“It is a community and a place where knowledge and experiences can be shared among vibrant lifelong learners.” - Aiden Davenport

“Being in the Honors College is such a great opportunity because I have the opportunity to be in a smaller size class so that I can participate better than a bigger size class,” Romero said. “I am taking classes in the Honors College and in those, I can say what I think about certain topics.”

Being a part of the Honors College meant more academic work, but to many, it also gave a community. The Honors College hosted cookouts, dinners and other events throughout the year for their students. Senior Honors College president and student Aiden Davenport.

“To me, the Honors College is more than just a building,” Davenport said. “It is a community and a place where knowledge and experiences can be shared among vibrant lifelong learners.”

When Davenport became president, he had a goal in mind for the year. He wanted students to feel the community that he

The Honors College changed their requirement for the 20232024 school year making acceptance more difficult for students. Their new criteria allowed the college to be smaller and become a closer community. Even though its smaller, the students and staff are determined to make their experience at Harding impactful.

The Honors College was a community built upon academic rigor and has continued to grow on the Harding University campus.

Written by Oscar Adlana

Approximately 70 students were involved this year in the Honors program, a selective curriculum which encourages critical thinking and requires high levels of academic excellence from its members.

“The Honors program is an invitational curriculum offered to freshmen who are either Trustee or National Merit Scholars,” Honors Association President VI McCracken said. “ We started five years ago and have been takin in around 20 new students a year. But we are looking to expand and double our size to 40 a year.”

The program presents selected general education classes in a different way. “Honors students take extra classes that replace some of their general education classes,” McCracken said. “These classes differ from a lecture format in that they are mainly discussion-oriented. We feel that it’s important for students of this caliber to think critically. It is crucial that students learn to think on their own and are able to take what they learn and apply it to their chosen fields,” McCracken said.

McCracken said that they everyone had different motives for accepting the challenge of the Honors program. For many it was to collect academic accolades or to produce an impressive transcript, but for him it was different. “My whole belief system has been changed,” McCracken said. “I really wish other classes could be like this. The program has encouraged me to think, and I’ve enjoyed that the most.”

-

Bart Blasengame Reprinted from Petit Jean 1993-1994

Big Smiles | Seniors Audrey Cartwright, Tiane Davis and Emma Weber smile for a photo while on the Honors trip to Greece over Christmas break. The Honors College put an emphasis on experiences. Photo courtesy of Tiane Davis

Noah Knows | Instructor of Communication, Noah Darnell talks to Honors students while on their group trip to Greece. Students were able to experience a shortened international program and travel with fellow Honors students. Photo courtesy of Tiane Davis

NYT Crossword | In the Sears Honors House, Dr. James Huff and honors students sit to solve the Friday crossword from the New York Times. Huff recruited Honors students to complete the crossword while on their trip to Greece. Photo by Lauren Simmons

| A

Photo By Lauren Simmons

Chapels MINI MAJOR

Various departments offer smaller scale chapel experiences for students.

Several different department-specific chapels were held for students on campus. One of these was the English Department, which hosted a chapel every Thursday morning as a substitute for chapel in the Benson Auditorium. The service was designed to foster connection and authenticity in worship amongst English majors and faculty. The group sang hymns, related literature to scripture, meditate, and prayed for one another. Chair of the English Department, Dr. Jon Singleton, explained the unique method of prayer and the role it played for the chapel.

“What’s

“Everyone prays for someone else around the circle,” Singleton said. “What’s really special about that is half our chapel time is just visiting with each other. The way it gives a chance for us as teachers to pray for a student, or the student to pray for a teacher, is really special.”

Department’s breakout chapel, which they called “Tabernacle.” Dr. Anessa Westbrook, a professor of Family Ministries, was in charge of Tabernacle, also offered experiences for interdepartmental bonding.

“Being able to get to know your major’s professors and to give them a space where they can share more about their faith,” Westbrook said. “And when you provide a space where they, or other students, can have a dedicated time where they can focus on that and worship together, I think that’s a real positive thing.”

really special about that is half our chapel time is just visiting with each other. The way it gives a chance for us as teachers to pray for a student, or the student to pray for a teacher, is really special.”

- Dr. Jon Singleton

Students were often given the opportunity to present the lesson. Junior Ada Lawrence spoke about the experience of leading in a smaller group.

“It is so amazing to share what I’m learning [about God] with people,” Lawrence said. “Especially as a woman at Harding, it means so much to me that I get to do that. It doesn’t feel like I’m rebelling. I’m just teaching.”

Another focused chapel service held was the Bible

The Communication Department also hosted a service in place of regular chapel. The film majors and faculty discussed movies with a christologogical mindset.

“Film chapel personally means a lot to me because it allows us to take a christian perspective on a field that is becoming progressivly less so,” junior Lucas Mirante said. “It has, without a doubt, shaped my view of the kind of things that I can do with my craft and my degree.”

All of these department-specific chapel services provided a break in the monotony of regular chapel encouraged relationships between students and faculty.

Written by Maggie Samples

Cinema & Community

vibrant group of students gathered in fellowship for film chapel, coming together to explore the profound impact of movies through a Christological lens. The gathering was meant to fosters connection and encourage dialogue among film majors.

Praises be | Students sing praises in the weekly chapel held by the College of Bible and Ministry. Students were able to attend chapels hosted by various departments instead of the main gathering held in the Benson Auditorium. Photo By Lauren Simmons

Finding Inspiration | At the chapel held by the College of Bible and Ministry on March 1st, Junior Theo Westbrook listens attentively. The Department invited various professors and guest speakers to lead worship. Photo By Lauren Simmons

Guiding Light | Dr. Charles Bane takes the lead in film chapel, inspiring students with his insightful perspective on integrating faith and film. His guidance nurtures a Christ-centered approach to storytelling and filmmaking.

Photo By Lauren Simmons

PAWSITIVE IMPACT

The Communication Sciences and Disorders Program adds a furry friend to their team.

In1953, Richard Walker pioneered speech therapy services in Searcy and coursework in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD). Several years after this in 1975, Canine Companions, a national organization, began raising and training dogs to assist people with disabilities. In recent years, the CSD department and Canine Companions officially crossed paths when faculty members endeavored to obtain Harding’s very own facility dog– Verdi. After an extensive process, he was welcomed to campus in August 2023.

The Harding University Speech Clinic (HUSC) provided free services involving communication, feeding and cognition. As a facility dog, Verdi aided a variety of clients on campus and at Harding Academy by enhancing therapy sessions. Laura Mulvany and April Watson, his handlers, described the difference his work made in the community.

“People just respond differently to animals,” Mulvany said.

“A client’s motivation, willingness to complete tasks, attitude and stress level changes once they are able to interact with him.”

Watson added, “He brings excitement or calm –whichever is needed – into a session, and kids will often work harder for Verdi than they do for their clinician.”

Verdi often worked alongside graduate assistants in the CSD department, such as Carli Hamilton, who described an array of duties she fulfilled.

“One of the sweetest responsibilities is spending time with Verdi,” Hamilton said. “At

times, we will be asked to take Verdi for walks, and potty breaks, watch him while Mrs. Watson and Mrs. Mulvany are attending to other duties and aid in activities to help expend some of Verdi’s energy.”

Watson expanded on Verdi’s capabilities: “We joke a lot around the office that Verdi is smarter than the rest of us,” Watson said. “He really is a highly intelligent animal. He knows over 40 different commands.”

This extensive list included playing games such as Uno or bowling, demonstrating hygiene, identifying body parts, turning pages, dressing up as book characters, opening and closing doors, retrieving objects, giving hugs, and many other activities.

“He’s currently learning how to participate in a hearing screen where he puts up a paw each time he hears the beep,” Watson added. “It’s amazing to see children react to a dog in the therapy room who actively participates in the session.”

Hamilton mentioned an additional encouraging aspect of Verdi’s job for pediatric clients was his mailbox.

“Multiple clients have written Verdi letters or colored pictures for him,” Hamilton said. “Verdi will ‘write’ back and sign with a paw print.”

Though he was extremely skilled as a facility dog, Mulvany claimed it was Verdi’s demeanor that caused him to stand out.

“He truly loves to work,” Mulvany said. “He wants to help others with whatever they need. He wants to be there for someone who is having a meltdown. He wants to complete tasks to make it easier for someone to manipulate their environment. He loves people, which is huge for some clients who need that unconditional love that is not dependent on their ability to communicate.”

Written by Cora Freeman

The Communication Sciences and Disorders program began in 1953 and was pioneered by Richard Walker. The program originally provided speech therapy services from the third floor of the Administration building from a small room in a larger audiometric suite.

Photos Courtesy of UCM

Pages of Comfort | Participating in a therapy session, graduate student Ellie Fox and Cameron Snider read a book with Verdi the therapy dog. Verdi was added to the Harding community in August 2023.

Having a Ball | Sitting beside therapy dog Verdi, graduate student Carli Hamilton poses for a picture. Verdi aided both students and clients in the therapeutic process. Photo by Lauren Simmons

So Handsome | Waiting patiently, Verdi holds his leash for his new friend. Verdi had been trained to make things easier for different people, and holding his leash is one of the many things he is equipped to do.

Photo by Lauren Simmons

Photo by Lauren Simmons

THE LAB

Students conduct interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) research through the Beyond Professional Identity (BPI) lab under the guidance of Dr. James Huff.

There are many places on campus that are fostering academic excellence outside the traditional classroom experience. One of these opportunities is a nationally funded research lab created by Dr. James Huff.

After earning a Ph.D. in engineering education research at Purdue University, Huff returned to Harding as a faculty member and integrated researcher. His passion was examining and understanding the lived experiences of identity in engineers as they transition from schools to workplaces. In his first semester at Harding in the fall of 2014, Huff knew that he wanted to mentor and train students to conduct original research using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), that is, a systematic way to analyze text to generate psychological findings, as an advanced qualitative research approach. He approached Ronnie Clements, Miranda Kelly, and John Dawidow, three undergraduate students from engineering courses, to see if they would be interested in launching a research lab to pursue these questions while Principle Investigator Huff mentored them. With their agreement to pursue these questions, they began the Beyond Professional Identity (BPI) lab.

The research is divided into four strands: academic wellbeing in engineering faculty, professional shame, quality in interpretive research and personal identities in professional settings. These sections are designed to fully understand a person in professional workplaces and prepare them to better care for themselves and others. The research is funded by a $575,430.00 grant called CAREER: Advancing academic cultures of well-being by understanding professional experiences of engineering faculty. This was received from the U.S. National Science Foundation.

“Through the BPI lab, I have had the joy of mentoring Harding students, postdoctoral research scientists, and Ph.D. students affiliated with other universities--all from fifteen different disciplines ranging from accounting to art to computer engineering to psychology. While our work is anchored in applied personality and social psychology, understanding the processes of identity is an effort that is important for any major,” Huff said.

The mission is to use in-depth qualitative research to advance care both for and from the whole person, beyond their professional identity, Huff said, and members of the BPI lab typically are mentored over the course of 2-3 years to conduct an original study that they lead, culminating in their honors thesis. They also contribute as paid research assistants to Huff’s research in engineering education and applied social and personality psychology.

These research assistants are the lifeblood of the discovery – their hard work is building the foundation of the research. This learning also empowers the students to create long term goals for their future. Junior Chelsei Arnold is a research assistant that has benefited from the inspiration the BPI lab creates.

“This lab has inspired me to conduct personal research, prepare for my future, and think outside the box. This lab has also given me the unique opportunity to be surrounded by other creative minds like Dr. Huff, Julianna, Kyle, Amelia and Olivia, who possess passion, ambition and intelligence. I’ve been so blessed to have joined such a fulfilling lab, and I’m so thankful to Dr. James Huff for the invitation,” Arnold said. Outside of professional goals, research students also learn about the importance of their chosen course of study. Amelia Slater, BPI research assistant, is a sophomore who works for the lab. Her contribution to the work has informed her of the importance of the work.

“The most important part about being in the lab is learning how to honor other’s experiences,” Slater said. “We will often read through or do interviews of people within marginalized categories and the research we do is about making their experiences known and validated and being able to advance the knowledge for people and from their experiences.”

Huff’s BPI lab specialized in bringing engineering students together, focusing on their identity within their profession as well as their identity in Christ. This research lab has created a community of faculty and students, learning to grow with each other.

Written by Emma Weber

In the lab | Junior Chelsei Arnold and sophomore Olivia Bell sit and take part in a BPI lab discussion. Arnold and Bell were mentored by Dr. James Huff through the BPI lab. Photo by Lauren Simmons

In discussion | Clemson University PhD student Tim Ransom and junior Julie Beehm sit together in the BPI lab during discussion. Beehm worked for the BPI lab and sat in on weekly meeting to discuss their research. Photo by Lauren Simmons

Let’s Discuss Shall We | Dr. James Huff leads a Beyond Professional Identity (BPI) lab discussion. Huff created the BPI lab in 2014.

Photo by Lauren Simmons

GAME-CHANGING

Creativity

The Computer Science Department’s annual capstone project bases around Quixo.

Beginning in 2003, Harding University’s Computer Science Department’s annual capstone project prompted students to create a functional A.I. that was capable of making logical decisions in a current game. The 2023-24 project was based around Quixo, a five-by-five grid-based strategy game.

The goal of the game was similar to Tic Tac Toe, with players trying to complete a row of five of their pieces forming a line. The twist was in the fact that players could only move pieces by picking one and using it to slide all of the other game pieces on the row. The type of game that was picked each year fell under the category of abstract strategy. The players made informed decisions based on their knowledge of the game and its current state.

“Everything you see, that’s perfect information,” associate professor of computer science Dr. Scott Ragsdale said. “There’s no chance, there’s no rolling dice.”

To get a better understanding of Quixo, the senior teams played physical versions. This allowed them a better understanding of what moves were logical, and they used this knowledge to program the game as well as the A.I.

“This feels more like what I would do as an actual job,” senior Kyle Shanachilubwa said.

Shanachilubwa worked on implementing the core of the game, which allowed it to function. The project required collaboration and communication. There was a technical test that gave a score to various areas of the project that was essential to the success of the project. The A.I. was heavily tested and went through rigorous training in order to function as intended.

“The easiest way to train it is to play it yourself and make sure all the moves are valid and sensible moves," senior John Aldrich said. "Then you can set it up to play itself.”

The objective of the game was to make the A.I. tie itself. The future of A.I. expanded every year, and Harding’s Computer Science Department learned a great deal about it in the past and planned to continue as it looked toward the future.

Written by Noah Bankhead

Curriculum expands with fall installation of computer terminal | Expanding its curriculum, the Academy added courses in office practice and computer programming. The compact courses on programming in ‘BASIC computer language, integrated into physics and upper-level math classes, began after a cathode ray tube terminal was connected with the college’s central digital computer. With just under half possessing masters degrees in their fields , the Academy boasted a faculty highly qualified to teach. Instructors in speech, business, and the sciences trained students for competition in forensics at Harding College and in typing, math, physics, and chemistry at Arkansas State University. Reprinted from Petit Jean 1975-1976

Strategic Mastery | Senior John Aldridge demonstrates his expertise in Quixo during Harding’s capstone project. Aldridge's gameplay precision directly impacted the A.I.’s logic, refining its decision making abilities. Photo by Jenna Gaessler

Tactical Brilliance | Senior Colton Marshall engages in strategic gameplay for Harding University’s computer science capstone project. Marshall contributed to the development of Quixo A.I. His input refined the A.I.’s logical algorithms.

Photo by Jenna Gaessler

Teamwork | Collaborating on fine-tuning Quixo

A.I.’s coding, seniors John Aldridge and Colton Marshall are a cornerstone of Harding’s computer science capstone project. Their teamwork ensured technical excellence and shared commitment, driving the project forward. Photo by Jenna Gaessler

Finger Lickin’ Good | Debbie Duke, mathematics professor and alumna, shares a meal with students in the Family & Consumer Science Kitchen. The students prepared the meal following old Associated Women for Harding (AWH) cookbooks and invited alumni to join them. Photo courtesy of Megan Jones

Breaking Bread | Students and Alumni share a meal together in the FCS kitchen. The FCS students were assigned a meal to prepare out of old Harding AWH cookbooks. Photo courtesy of Megan Jones

Breaking Bread | Alumna Elaine Justus shares a meal with four girls in the FCS kitchen. The girls made pepperoni pizza and a side salad, a meal they were assigned from Associated Women for Harding cookbooks. Photo courtesy of Megan Jones

COOKBOOK COOKS

The Family and Consumer Science Department hosts cooking event with alumni and students.

The Family and Consumer Sciences Department celebrated the Centennial year with a special cooking event through the resource and family management class. This class teaches students how to buy ingredients and cook recipes according to budgets they are given for the lab every week.

Junior Elly Harper said they have spices and basics like flour and sugar in the lab but that they budget to buy all other ingredients at Walmart.

For the last two weeks, students were assigned recipes from the Harding cookbook, which was created by the Associated Women for Harding. Each recipe was contributed by women connected to Harding, many of them alumni. The first edition was published in 1965, and the most recent fourth edition was released in 2009.

Megan Jones, the instructor for the resource and family management class, had the idea to use recipes from the cookbook and invite the contributors back as a way to celebrate the Centennial.

“I just wanted to connect the students with some of the ladies that have been associated with Harding for a long time and have connections and [have] submitted a recipe so that they can just talk about their experience at Harding or the special experience with the recipe,” Jones said.

Harper prepared feta pasta from the Harding cookbook, salad and bread with her group in the class.

“We have two hours to work and prepare the meal and set everything up, and [the alumni] come in the last hour and everyone will eat together and just get to talking,” Harper said.

Freshman Arianna Parker said she enjoyed talking with the alumna whose recipe she cooked during class and that this event is something she hopes the class will continue doing in the future.

“Everything was completely different when she was a student, so I think it’s cool to see her surprise that we made the recipe,” Parker said.

The Family and Consumer Sciences Department is focused on how food can be a ministry at Harding and serve the Searcy community. Jones said the FCS-SA prepares frozen meals for different organizations around Searcy. They have worked with Sparrow’s Promise and are working with Downtown Church of Christ and The Table.

“We have hands-on activities just building those skills but also really serving the people around us, and that’s really important to us and community and connection,” Jones said. “I think this is the perfect event.”

Delegates | Seniors Madeline Lowry, Harding Nursing Student Association president, and Gillian Campos attend the Arkansas Nursing Student Association Conference in Little Rock on Sep. 15. Lowry was chapter president and both were speakers at the event.Photo courtesy of Madeline Lowry Free Pizza | During a lunch meeting hosted by the Harding Nursing Student Association (HNSA), Lynda Jo Palmer, the nurse educator from CARTI Cancer Center lectures upper level nursing students over the basics of cancer. The HNSA held regular lunch meetings to learn from professionals and provided the students with a meal. Photo by Lauren Simmons

FROM CAMPUS TO

Harding

Nursing Student Association (HNSA) helps prepare students for success in their field.

All of the students in the College of Nursing were involved in the student-led Harding Nursing Student Association (HSNA). The HSNA was involved in fundraising and service projects as well as holding monthly meetings where speakers came to educate the students on specialty areas in nursing, or about a story from their life as a nurse.

Harding’s local chapter was a part of state and national Student Nursing Associations, meaning they were able to attend annual state and national meetings. Through these meetings, students in the association were able to listen to guest speakers, run for state or national offices, and write proposals that could eventually work their way up to becoming national position statements by different nursing associations. Those position statements could have then become the foundation of bills and laws potentially used by the government.

Assistant professor in the College of Nursing Marcus Binns was the faculty sponsor for the HNSA, along with Dr. Kim Swenson, associate professor of nursing.

“There is a good reason we continue to be the top nursing school in the state,” Binns said. “Our students get excellent education, clinical experiences, and build our foundation on mission and faith. The field of nursing attracts people who want to help others, so all of our students are naturally-inclined to be caring, empathetic, and willing to seek out those hurting. Being a Christian nurse means we also view our work as a higher calling, so our students go into the field ready to live out the mission for which they have been called.”

Senior Maddie Lowry served as president of the HNSA in the 2023-24 school year.

“I have enjoyed getting to bring in different speakers to talk to our students and inspire them to be better nurses, give them perspectives that only few can offer, and give them opportunities that they might not have otherwise been aware of,” Lowry said. “I have gotten to work with our amazing faculty and learn so many leadership qualities from them that I hope to take into my future endeavors and I am grateful for that.”

Harding was able to open a door for Lowry to participate in an internship summer 2023 that landed her a job in the specialized field of oncology.

“I think Harding’s nursing program has prepared me to be a very well-rounded nurse who incorporates her Christian values into her care,” Lowry said. “It is very grueling, but it has to be.”

Senior Ashlyn Voss served as vice president of the HNSA in the 2023-24 school year. Voss chose her career path because of inspiration she found in the Bible.

“I always grew up reading stories of Jesus healing and serving people in the Bible,” Voss said. “A verse that specifically stuck with me was when he calls us to serve others as he served us. I believe being a Nurse allows the Holy Spirit to work through me to heal, care, and bring joy to patients during some of the lowest times in their life; just as Jesus did.”

Being a part of HNSA gave Voss the opportunity to gain experience from visitations at Little Rock hospitals and attend conferences to hear experiences and wisdom from nurses.

“It has given me several different opportunities through the variety of clinical experiences and has allowed me to interact with so many patients,” Voss said. “I know I have received a quality education, which gives me confidence as I start my career as a nurse.”

Binns expressed great adoration for Harding’s College of Nursing and the opportunities it offered its students, namely HNSA.

“We routinely hear from employers that they seek out our graduates because they know they are expertly prepared and passionate,” Binns said. “I get so excited each semester at graduation knowing that the world is about to be blessed by all of these special students that we have been pouring our knowledge into. I am encouraged every day knowing that the next generation of nurses will have our students among them.”

“Students from a nursing practicum prepare a feed tube for ‘Bill,’ a mock patient. Day-to-day routines helped prepare students for professional careers in the health care field.”

Reprinted from Petit Jean 19921993

From Brackett Library Archives

YOU AT HARDING

“To the Administration and Board of Trustees of Harding College.”

Harding was established in 1924 as a senior college named [whatever it was called], and was later named Harding University officially. One-hundred years has passed since its establishment It has been one hundred years since her establishment. Throughout these years, she has become highly regarded within the Church of Christ community for her education and Christian values. She is seen as a beacon of light to many, but there is darkness along the way. In [YEAR], Harding University coined the term “You belong at Harding,” but that was not always the case for everyone.

Resistance to Integration

After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the segregation of public schools to be unconstitutional in the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) case, some were beginning to wrestle with the idea of integration on campus amidst the Civil Rights Movement. Those thoughts would soon be addressed in 1956 when George S.

Benson delivered the notorious speech “Harding College and the Colored Problem,” during chapel. [TITLE] Michael D. Brown reiterates some statements from this speech in the Arkansas Times; Benson felt integration would bring “increased destruction to property, increased gonorrhea and syphilis, and increased pregnancies.” In the conclusion of his speech against integration, he stated “The blackbirds and bluebirds, the blue jays and mockingbirds, they don’t mix and mingle together young people!” Unbeknownst to Benson, his strong opposition to integration sparked an even stronger fight for desegregation amongst the campus.

Time for a Change

One of Benson’s arguments against integration was that the campus just wasn’t ready. Well The Student Association, led by Bill Floyd, decided to challenge that. If they could get enough of the campus to sign the “Statement of Attitude,” then this would be proof that the Harding community would be ready for the change. In 1957, it was published that the “Statement of Attitude” was signed by “946 out of 1276 students, faculty, and staff.” The “Statement of Attitude” reads:

To the Administration and Board of Trustees of Harding College:

A number of members of the Harding College community are deeply concerned about the problem of racial discrimination. Believing that it is wrong for Christians to make among people distinctions which God has not made, they sincerely desire that Harding College make clear to the world that she believes in the principles of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. To that end, the undersigned individuals wish to state that they are ready to accept as members of the Harding community all academically and morally qualified applicants, without regard to arbitrary distinctions such as color or social level; that they will treat such individuals with the consideration and dignity appropriate to human beings created in the image of God; and that they will at all times face quietly, calmly, patiently, and sympathetically any social pressures intensified by this action.

After reaching out to Bill Floyd to offer some insight into his thoughts on integration at the time, he quickly responded via email with, “Any efforts to split us up by

The Bison, Nov. 14, 1957

Bill Floyd - 1957 Petit Jean

color, race, ethnicity, size, age, doctrine, or in any other way whatsoever, is misguided. I am not about mere integration. I am about Oneness. I am one with you. You are not just my brother, although you are that, too. I am you and you are me, as we are one in Christ Jesus, blessed forever. As you are hearing my words, you are absorbing me. As I hear your words, I am absorbing you. But, we are much more than just White and Black. We are, also, One in the Spirit. Integration is just one of ten thousand considerations of our overarching. Oneness. I am putting integration in a larger context. The implications are of Wholeness. Holy, Holy, Wholly.”

Open Doors, Closed Minds

Harding opened her doors to Black students in the fall of 1963. Walter Cunningham, J.C. Lewis Brown, and David Johnson were the first three African American students to enroll and attend Harding. Following in their path, Elijah Anthony and Dr. Howard Wright were the first two African American students to graduate from Harding with a bachelor’s degree (class of 1968). In March of 1968, Anthony and Wright spoke on the racial bigotry within the Churches of Christ during chapel. Barclay Key stated in a journal for The Arkansas Historical Quarterly, “The two seniors were most intent on emphasizing that Churches of Christ had not adequately addressed racial discrimination.” Anthony stated that the churches have, “been avoiding the issue of race; we just slid over, under, and around it.”

This opens the conversation of belonging. Harding was now admitting Black students, but were they accepting them?

Derogatory terms were still being commonly used around campus such as, “boy,” “Nigra,” and “colored.”

The pep band also still played the “Dixie” song at sporting events. It became prominent that Harding made space for Black students before creating a welcoming environment. Seeing this, Black students at Harding created the Groove Phi social club was created in 1968 by Black students at Harding. This social club provided a space that was more accessible and welcoming to Black students compared to the existing social clubs on campus. The social unrest on campus was a reflection of the unrest felt by Black people across the nation since the civil rights movement.

A New Movement

The civil rights movement was not the only thing that stirred the pot at Harding. During the global pandemic in 2020, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement was in full effect after the unjust killing of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer. Many saw the BLM movement as a call to action, and during this, Jackson House, a Harding graduate, started the petition to replace Benson’s name on Harding’s auditorium with Botham S. Jean. House stated the purpose for the petition was to honor the life of Harding graduate Botham S. Jean instead of promoting the racism of Benson present during his speech. Seeing that the building is the most prominent on Harding’s campus, a name change would be a huge statement. George S. Benson Auditorium is used for most of the key events in the community and daily chapel.

Although the petition received over 18,000 online signatures, Bruce McLarty, Harding’s president at the time, decided against the name change. Some of his statements on this decision were, “Dr. Benson indeed gave speeches in chapel opposing integration of Harding College in the late 1950s. That he said these things is true, and Harding University regretfully acknowledges that. Yet, before the end of his tenure, this man who defended racial segregation presided over the integration of Harding College in 1963.”

Harding’s Motion for Progress

After the petition, McLarty created a task force in the fall of 2020. The purpose of this task force was to acknowledge

David Johnson - 1964 Petit Jean

J.C. Lewis Brown - 1964 Petit Jean

Walter Cunningham - 1964 Petit Jean

Walter Cunningham shown here at a Bison basketball game in 1963. Photo courtesy of UCM

African American achievements throughout Harding’s history. Greg Harris, the chair of the task force, stated, “Whether it’s statues, whether it’s the naming of buildings, whether it’s the naming of programs to start to honor some of our African American heritage here at Harding University.”

Two major achievements of the task force that can be seen on campus are the monument in honor of Botham S. Jean and the Anthony Wright Administration Building. The memorial of Botham S. Jean includes a plaque with his image, unveiled at Harding University on September 29th, 2021, Jean’s 30th birthday. On October 23rd, 2021, the Administration Building was named the Anthony & Wright Administration Building in honor of Elijah Anthony and Howard Wright. Along with the renaming, monuments were created in front of the building to acknowledge the achievements of other former Black students, such as, the first to be admitted to Harding, J.C. Lewis Brown, Walter Cunningham and David Johnson, and the first to graduate with master’s degrees, Thelma Fae Smith and Curtis Sykes.

Along with these wonderful additions to Harding’s campus, Harding currently has a “Commitment to Diversity” statement that reads as follows:

Harding University is committed to being a diverse community of mission that demonstrates a Christ-like understanding and respect for all people, and that models and practices the reconciliation made possible by the gospel of Christ. There is also an office of Diversity Services dedicated to

“work with the entire campus to create a climate of justice, to encourage access and equity at Harding, and to offer programs that educate the campus about diversity.” This office works closely with the Black Student Association (BSA) on campus.

Statement from the Black Student Association

The purpose of the BSA shall be to promote leadership, cultural awareness, understanding, and appreciation of Black cultures within the student body of Harding University and to enrich the lives of students on personal, academic, social, and spiritual levels. The BSA is open to any student in good standing who is enrolled at Harding University and who is interested in historical and contemporary issues concerning Black Americans and possesses or is interested in cultivating an appreciation for Black cultures around the world. The BSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation or membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law.

Conclusion

Harding University has definitely come a long way from its days of segregation, but it is important to note there is still progress to be made. Whether Benson’s speech reflected the entirety of his life or not, it still created a huge crack in Harding’s foundation. It is going to take more than grand, public gestures to fix the foundation of the matter at hand. Bringing in students from different backgrounds and ethnicities can create the appearance of a diverse environment, but intentional efforts and changes behind the scenes will create the feeling of a diverse environment.

Written by PJ Welch

Howard Wright and Elijah Anthony at commencement in graduation regalia. Photo courtesy of UCM

Elijah Anthony and Howard Wright at the ceremony celebrating the renaming of the Administration Building in their honor. It is now known as the Anthony & Wright Building. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Friends and Family of Botham Jean and the Harding community gather for the unveiling of the memorial in his honor on Sep. 29, 2021. Photo from 2021-22 Petit Jean

Art From 1924-25 Petit Jean

Bittle

Burks

Davis

Jonathan

AT HE ABLE

Student Government Association president, senior Ella Duryea emphasizes the power of student voices.

StudentGovernment Association (SGA) president senior Ella Duryea spoke on the first day of chapel to introduce the beginning of her commitment to invite everyone to have a seat at the metaphorical table of the Harding community. Duryea placed her emphasis in curating community events geared towards listening to students’ voices. With her visionary help, the SGA brought back events such as town halls and open forums. Various services also made a comeback, such as a shuttle around Searcy, which Duryea was eager to start at Harding. Duryea wanted to aim sights forward to the next 100 years of the university, in light of the centennial celebration, and emphasize the importance of community.

“Especially at the hundredth year, we are at a crossroad,” Duryea said. “We get to look back and see how far we’ve come, but it’s also time to look forward and see where we are going.”

Duryea had a lot of experience with the SGA in past years, but her time as president created opportunities for her to implement the ideas of her peers. She was able to make a difference not only for the SGA but also for the Harding student body. Implementing ideas like the car service was something other members of the SGA were excited about. Junior Adele Duncan, secretary and head of the Public Relations Committee of the SGA, said Duryea saw the need and wanted to change it.

“People with cars don’t even think about [the service], but for [Duryea] that was something that she was passionate about, and she’s executing it,” Duncan said.

Other services that were implemented, such as the town halls and open forums, were designed to let students voice opinions. Senior Luke Ziegler, vice president of the SGA, said those events affected the student body.

“[Those events] give us a way to really connect with all members of the student body and ensure that everyone has a voice and a seat at the table,” Ziegler said.

The implementation of these events meant that more students could participate in deciding the future of the Harding community. Duryea gave students a chance to sit at the table.

“We are here now, and we want everyone to have a voice in what this place is going to look like and everyone to have a say,” Duryea said. “We want to do it together,”

Duryea’s time in the SGA provided her with friendships and a chance to grow as both a person and a leader. Duncan knew Duryea through the SGA and their

Lily Burrows

Burton

Butterfield

Whitney Byers

Emory Cabe

Anna Caldwell

Abigail Callicoat

Faith Carpenter

Moriah Carriere

social club. Duncan spoke about Duryea’s influence on the campus.

“Ella’s done a great job of making sure everyone feels seen,” Duncan said. “I can see her reaching out and making a difference in people, so it’s been awesome to watch her do that.”

Duryea focused on creating a community based on servanthood. With help from all of the members of the SGA and administration, she asserted that Harding would be able to accomplish goals previously never considered.

“It is not a conversation that will just happen,” Duryea said. “We’ll take what we’ve learned to administration and we’ll work together to see what we can do. We’ll be action oriented, which I am really excited about.”

During her time as SGA president, Duryea advocated for students of Harding to take a seat at the table and share their thoughts, suggestions and hopes for the future. She created an opportunity for a continual community that would stay established for years to come.

Written by Alaina Wolf

Hartley Carroll

Audrey Cartwright

Sierra Cassidy

Adriana Castellon

Bethany Chandler

Eva Cheatham

Robert Cherry

Tyler Chitty

Caleb Chunn

Seated | Senior Ella Duryea sits at a Midnight Oil outdoor table. Duryea focused her SGA campaign around gathering at the table to share each other’s stories. Photo by Abigail Callicoat

Alayna Clark

Anna Kay Clark

Hallie Clark

Brenley Colbert

Caleb Cole

Wesley Coleman

Nathan Collier

Ethan Conn

Elliott Coombes

Kinley Corley

Rylee Corley

Gracie Cornett

Lovell Craig Mark Craig

EmmaMae Cravy Tucker Cromwell

Jimmy Crow

Cydney Cypert

Katherine Dalafave

Aiden Davenport

Brinson Davenport

Christiane Davis Emily Davis

Hallie Davis

Kelsey Davis

Lydia Davis

Rinda Dennis

Meghan Denny Lionelly Deras

Hannah Diles

Alyssa Dodson

Ciera Drum

Kenzie Ducharme

Jacquolin Dyer

Courtney Eby

Macy Edwards

Zane Edwards

Leah Egli

Makayla Elmore

Kalyn Epperson

Kaelyn Evans Thomas Evans Eleanor Fantauzzo Ashlyn Farris

Menolly Felzien Gabriella Fields Cooper Fitch Bailey Floyd Sherell Fong Kaler Fortner Evelynn Foster Drew Fowler

Francis

Gardner

Gaskins Alex Gaw Elaine Genry Aya Giggleman Garret Gill

Glover Maria Gonzalez

Martina Gooden

Leah Gray

Max Guyer

Hannah Haddix

Anna Grace Haley

Alexander Hall

Evan Hall

Shayla Hall

Ryleigh Hamilton

Gracie Hamlett

Lorelei

Whitney

Kelsey

Nicholas

Mimi Herring

Karlie Hite

Madison Hiteshew

Aeryn Hodges

Gabriel Hodges

Lindsay Hollis

Caleb Hooton

Bailey Hammond

Hancock

Kayla Harper

Kadyn Harris

Harris

Avery Hawkins

Christopher Hearn

Jessica Heater

Destiny Hendrix

Hermann

Ellianna Holland

With the Author | Senior Kalyn Epperson holds up her published book, “Hello Hospital”. Epperson published her book through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing in July 2023. Photo by Abigail Callicoat

HELLO HARDING

Senior Kalyn Epperson becomes an author with her book “Hello Hospital.”

Becoming

an author was not many students’ ideal job while going through school, but senior Kalyn Epperson found her passion for writing through her passion for children. Epperson authored a picture book titled “Hello Hospital,” a book intended to make the hospital setting a little less scary for children. She was inspired by her work with children as a child life major. She felt as though hospitals would be easier for children if they understood different components of their potential experience. Junior Emma Commes spoke of Epperson’s book and how it sought to comfort children.

“‘Hello Hospital’ helps break down into more simple words the equipment and procedures used in hospital settings for young patients,” Commes said. “When children go into a hospital, so many emotions and thoughts run through their head. In the back of the book, Kalyn included little games and puzzles for the child to do to keep their mind off of the things going on around them, while also providing them comfort.”

Epperson’s book was published through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing in July 2023. Her professors provided support throughout the process of writing, editing and publication. Instructor of family and consumer sciences, Shana Jones enjoyed watching Epperson write her story.

“Kalyn used her gifts and skill set to write a children’s book as they go through a difficult, stressful experience,” Jones said. “She is a motivated,

hardworking student, and we could not be more proud.”

Epperson never planned to write a children’s book but “Hello Hospital” quickly evolved into a passion project.

“I never thought I would be an author,” Epperson said. “But next thing I knew I was coming up with ideas and putting them to paper.”

“I never thought I would be an author but next thing I knew I was coming up with ideas and putting them to paper.” - Kalyn Epperson

Epperson wanted children to feel seen and heard during their interactions with doctors and during trips to the hospital. She wanted the book to be something both parents and teachers could use to help their children and students prepare for these experiences.

“I wanted something that would make sense to kids,” Epperson said. “[I took] my knowledge of how to bring complex matters down to a child’s level and made a book about it.”

Epperson’s writing was inspired by her relationships with children, but she also feltcalled to write these books. She planned to dedicate herself to children ministry as well as child education.

Written by Camille Kovaleski

Claire

Katie

Shannon

Katherine

Kaleigh Kittinger

Kinley Koonce

Trevor

Myles

Kathleen Krejci

Cianna

David Lainez

Kassie Lamoureux

Hayden Langdon

Brittany LeGrande

Sasha Lewis

Hunter Lillard

Abby Long

Onycha Long

Tucker Lovell

Madeline Lowry

Madison Luallen

Michela Luna

Mya Luna

Ryan Lynn

Amanda Mackay

Keely Madden

Abby Martin

Alicia Martínez Ortuño

Mikayla Maynard

Adrianna McClendon

Regan McClure

Emma McDaris

Megan McLarty

Savannah McReynolds

Briana McSpadden

Hannah Mohie

Emma Montague

Bailey Moore

Madison Moore

Mercedes Moore

Steven Moore

Horacio Moronta

Kendall Moshinsky

Allyson Murphy

Joseph Nance

Lawson Neal

CHALLENGE

Senior Charlie Parsons navigates his senior year after a leg amputation and an ongoing battle with cancer.

Fall2020 was a historic semester for many new freshmen at Harding University. Senior Charlie Parsons was a new freshman ready to be at Harding after the COVID-19 pandemic ended his senior year of high school early. Parsons participated in all the normal activities as he joined a social club, took classes, and began to be seen as a leader on campus. After his first two years at Harding, Parsons’ experience took a turn.

At the end of his sophomore year, Parsons was diagnosed with cancer. A cancerous tumor was found in his leg, and in summer 2022, Parsons had surgery to remove that tumor resulting in an amputation. After almost a full year into this journey, Parsons returned to campus in fall 2023 for what would’ve been his senior year. Originally Parsons was unsure if he would come back to Harding after everything that happened, but ultimately it was the people and professors who brought him back.

“You know, who wouldn’t be happy to have their best friend back at school? He simply provides so much joy and wisdom to those around them.”

– Ethan Dycus

“It was a hard choice to come back to Harding because I would’ve liked to stay somewhere closer to home because of doctors and family,” Parsons said. “But I know that there was a good group, a good community at Harding, social clubs helped but I think the friendships that transcended social clubs such as with business professors like Joe Faith, John Stone, and people like that.”

Parsons’ return to campus resulted in a community of supporters glad to see him back around campus. Many friends of Parsons kept in touch with his journey and missed seeing him around. Childhood friend senior Ethan Dycus made it his mission to let Parsons know he was loved and supported by communicating with him almost every day for the time Parsons was away from campus.

“I felt like it was my top priority to be there for him. I know what it’s like to be alone and I didn’t want him to ever feel alone,” said Dycus. “He’s my best friend, I had to be there and I know if the roles were reversed he would have been there for me as well. He needed someone to be by his side, and even though I was 6 hours away I wanted him to know I was there. I just had to show up.”

Parsons meant a lot to people on campus and his community wanted to be with him as he continued treatments. Another friend, senior Kyle Räs, wished that he stayed closer to Parsons during his time away. Räs was proud and inspired by his friend’s strength to push through the long journey.

“Watching Charlie from afar was inspirational but also hard to watch as a friend. I’ve grown up with Char [Charlie] and have known him for a long time,” Räs said. “It was hard to see him go through all of that and it still currently is. He has taken it in stride though and for that, I am incredibly proud of him.”

Parsons came back on campus fall 2023 and commuted every now and then for appointments and treatments However, even with his busy schedule, the community was thrilled to have him back.

“Those that know him and his story are simply amazed. Everything he set out to do he has done, he learned how to walk again and came back to school,” Dycus said. “You know, who wouldn’t be happy to have their best friend back at school? He simply provides so much joy and wisdom to those around him.”

Parsons’ time at Harding may have been different and challenging, but he had found a community on campus with his friends and professors that helped him through the transitional journey. Parsons’ story was inspirational as he had to learn how to live differently, yet he made it look easy. Parsons’ finished out his year at Harding as an information systems major and planned to continue on to the next stage of life with God beside him and his community supporting behind.

Written by Alaina Wolf

Allie Nesbitt

Cody Newman

James Nixon

Jennifer Noel

Julia O’Pry

Kathleen Ogden

Luke Olree

Rusty Orr

Mattingly Otto

McKenzie Paden

Leah Pahman

Evan Paltjon

Belicia Parker

Jada Parker

Jordyn Perry

Erin Pfalser

Andrew Phillips

Carly Pipkin

At the steps | Senior Charlie Parsons stands on the Benson Auditorium steps. Parsons continued the fight with cancer upon his return to Harding’s campus fall 2023. Photo by Abigail Callicoat

Ashanti

Addison Smedley

Eli Smith

Logan Smith

Madelyn Smith

Sydney Soto

Tessa Spears

St Clair Savanna Stanley Aleea Starck

Rebecca Stephens

Bethany Stevens

Carson Stewart

Daniel Stickney Rachel Story

Ansley Strong Alli Stroud Silas Styles Grayson Sutherlin

Caroline Taylor

Sophie Thibodeaux

Sarah Thiele

Blaine Thomas Cale Thomas Andrew Thompson

Lillian Thornton

Carter Thweatt

Lindsey Tilley

Weston Timms

Alyssa Toye

Allison Trask

Hannah Traylor

Cooper Turman

Cynthia Turner

Jonathan Underwood

Jesus Urueta

Nora Vaughn

A OF SUGAR Spoonful

Aspoonful of sugar was just the beginning of the sweet story behind the directorial staff of the fall 2023 Homecoming musical. Assistant professor of theatre and director of Pied Pipers, Dottie Frye, chose senior theatre education major Violet Brentham as the lead choreographer for “Mary Poppins.”

Not only was Brentham a student of Frye but she was also a member of the Pied Pipers ensemble. Frye had seen what Brentham was capable of, on and off stage.

“I had worked with Violet several times,” Frye said. “She was a Spring Sing 2023 ensemble member, and I noticed then that she loved to perform and entertain.”

Brentham had a passion for the arts as she not only participated in it, but also searched for a career. As a theatre education major, Brentham worked with children and students to find a passion on stage.

“I have a passion for theatre, and teaching gives me a way to inspire that same passion in the next generation of creators,” Brentham said.

Her passion for the theatre led her to great dedication for the musical. Brentham wanted to dedicate her work with the musical to all those that were in it and to all the spectators who came and watched. Brentham spent countless hours outside the theatre department to make this musical the best it could be.

“Over the summer, I spent time researching the history of the music style so we could build our dances off of that along with the inspiration behind the movie,” Brentham said. “I’ve

gained so much knowledge about dance itself and different choreographers.”

Because of her leadership and dedication, the appreciated Brentham, and thought that she increased the camaraderie and community within the cast. She seemed to make their time together sacred and beneficial to not only the musical but also their relationships. Cast member senior Jackson Samuels spoke on Brentham’s leadership.

“Violet is very personable and is very good at making sure that everyone is on the same page and understanding,” Samuel said. “She is such a positive person, and if you do not understand something, you will never feel put down by it.”

Her choreography brought an opportunity for her and the cast to create a magical experience for the audience.

“Getting to create is difficult because there’s always the thought in the back of your mind that what you’ve done is not good enough, but luckily that’s where God comes in,” Brentham said. “We don’t have to be good enough, we just have to do our best to let his light shine through us.”

The cast and crew of the fall 2023 musical spent time to make “Mary Poppins” as magical on stage for the audience as it had been backstage for the cast. Brentham’s role as choreographer showed her magic touch on the stage through dance as well as off through her dedicated relationships with everyone involved.

Written by Sophie Thibodeaux

Senior Violet Brentham leads choreography of the fall 2023 Homecoming musical “Mary Poppins.”

In Action | Senior Violet Brentham (blue hat) performs in the Homecoming musical “Mary Poppins.” Brentham was chosen as lead choreographer for the show and participated in the ensemble. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Art from 1924-25 Petit Jean

Caton Adair

Spencer Aiello

Oscar Aldana

Jacob Aljian

Andrew Allen Caleb Allen

Cerra Anderson

Jacob Anderson

Carson Atkins

Marlen Avila

Nikolas Aziamov

Whitney Bailey Brett Baker

Maryella Baker

Ross Barrett

Tucker Bartch

Tyler Bates

Kaylee Bauer

Ann-Clayton Beason

Coby Beauchamp

Brett Bell

Dylan Bennett

Luke Bensinger

Makenzie Blaine

Kiera Blankinship

Peyton Breaux

Adam Brigance

Mackenzie Brister

Donald Brown

Timothy Brown

Alaina Bruton

William Burress

Mason Burt

Korban Butler

Lauren Cady

Ella Callahan

Mirna Callejas

Colin Cameron

Gracelyn Caplener

Jacob Carlin

Mariangel Carrillo

Evan Carter

Kent Cates

Corban Cherry

James Chunn

Caleb Clark

Cailynn Clayton

Michael Codara

Molly Cofer

Brady Coleman

Bethany Coler

Ruben Collazo

Amy Collins

Natalie Comer

Alexa Cook

Declan Cook

Emma Coomes

Baylor Cooper Ty Cooper Haydn Corker

Hunter Corker

Macy Cox

Cory Crabb

Carmen Crisler

Elizabeth Crow

Finlay Cummings

Grant Dale

Reagan Davis

Scarlett Davis

Isabelle Dees

Sonya Demaree

Zachary Denny

Analeaha

Victoria Gomez

Samuel Gooch

Emma Gosch

Ella Graham

Benjamin Green Katie Green

Caroline Grover Caden Grubb

Lauren Gurganus

Nathan Hager

Avery Hall

Rachel Hall

Elly Harper

Kaycee Hatley

Kati Hauer

Benjamin Haukaas

Caden Haustein

Charles Helms

Get Pumped | Junior Sam Busbey faces his crowd at Citizens Park. Busbey opened for Nordista Freeze at a Knights social club charity concert. Photo by Abigail Callicoat

BUSBEY’S BARS

Junior Sam Busbey opens at a Knights social club charity concert.

Knights social club hosted its annual charity concert on Sept. 9 at Citizens Park. It was headlined by Nordista Freeze, a Nashville-based psych-pop band. Junior Sam Busbey opened the concert and played new, original songs. Busby found inspiration for his songs from challenging times in his life.

“I’d say during the [COVID-19] lockdown is when I really started to form a connection with music,” Busbey said. “Whenever I’m inspired by art, I just want to recreate the feeling that I got from it. I started making my own music just on my phone [in February 2021] and since then I just haven’t stopped.”

The concert was Busbey’s second live performance and the biggest crowd he had performed for.

“It was nerve-wracking,” Busbey said. “But I had my boys with me there, and they really shared their energy with me and helped me get through it, so it was really fun.”

Several of his fellow Knights members, such as junior Jackson Trahant, reflected on Busbey’s success at the concert.

“I think that it was so wonderful to see a member of the club and a member of the community bring such vibrant energy to the concert,” Trahant said. “He did everything that an opener possibly could and started the vibes that needed to be carried on throughout the rest of the concert. I love supporting him in his endeavors.”

Junior Tyler Bradley also appreciated Busbey’s contribution to the event.

“I know that it was one of the first times that he’s played in front of a crowd that large, so he was really nervous about it going up,” Bradley said. “His lyrics are always very thought out and very meaningful to him and the people that he writes it for. I just think that he did a really good job going up there and facing a fear that he’s had for a really long time.”

The concert hosted approximately 200 students and provided opportunities to meet both of the artists as well as purchase merchandise. All of the proceeds from the concert were donated to Dwell Uganda: a program that helped Ugandan families build safe and reliable housing.

Written by Emma McDaris

Stefany

Addison

Luke Huddleston

Kolten Kluesner Jaxon Knight

Nathan Lively

Adam Loving

Grayson Lusk

Gabriel Mahon

Mason Mallory

Eva Malsam

Manglicmot

Skyler Marcellus-Ojeda

Alexandra Matheny

Jennifer Matthews

Jacob Maynard

Courtney McFarlin

Naomi McNaughton

Layne Medler

Ana Melo

Emily Metz Chalaire

Eiley Miles

Isaac Miller

Kayleigh Mitchell

John Moody

Rachel Moore

Yenifer Mora

Elizabeth Morgan

Andile Moyo

Nieto

Britney Njeri

Joseph Nutzell

Nathanael Obadiah

Bailey Ogle

Noah Oppermann

Paul

Jamie Payne

Michael Penton

Luke Permenter

Jimmy Pinzon

Kenda Potter

Jiana

Gisele

Isabella

Riley Price

Camila Ramos

Natalie Reneau

Alyssa Risinger

Darcy Ritchie

Casey Robinson

Angie Rodriguez

Elizabeth Rosenberger Wilson Rutter

Storming the field | Junior Lexi Chism captures senior Nathaniel Wallace and senior Roland Wallace walk with locked arms onto the field for the Division II National Championship game. Chism went along with the Harding football team to photograph the historic feat. Photo courtesy of Lexi Chism

High fives | Junior Lexi Chism walks between the lobby and the gym of the Rhodes-Reaves Field House. Chism was photographing the pep rally in the fall semester. Photo courtesy of Lexi Chism

CODE BLACK

Junior Lexi Chism excels in photography and promotional footage for Harding’s football team.

TheHarding football team had close to 50 people on their sidelines, including players, coaches and something a little unexpected: a junior Harding student with her camera.

Junior Lexi Chism was the head Harding University football photographer for the 2023-24 and 2022-23 school years. During her time as a student, Chism traveled to every game with the team and took action-packed photos along the way. She even had family on the team’s staff.

“My dad is the offensive line coach, and then during COVID, I randomly made a video because he asked me to with clips I found online,” Chism said. “I edited them together, and the Sports Information Department hired me from there.”

Her education at Harding and specifically her studies in integrated marketing communications honed her skills and gave her an eye for what makes a photo exceptional. Chism, on average, took around 1,000 photos a game and narrowed each set of pictures down to 100 highlights.

“There are definitely a few [pictures], like touchdowns, that are always [crucial to get],” Chism said. “Or if the defense gets a sack, that’s always really fun, but I also really like capturing the reactions after the touchdown where [the players and fans are] all super excited.”

Chism was also in charge of creating promotional footage for Code Black and potential players. This added to her commitment and time with the team, personally and professionally.

“Getting to watch the whole season unfold and getting to see the story behind the season makes everything a little more exciting,” Chism said.

Her father, Kevin Chism, the team’s offensive line coach, watched his daughter’s professional life unfold and how she interacted with the team.

“Lexi has made tremendous progress in her photography over the last three years,” Kevin Chism said. “I think Lexi’s best gift is her ability to capture our players’ personality. She has taken the time to get to know the players, so she knows what their true personalities are. She does a great job taking action shots, but my favorite are the candids where she captures their personality.”

Kevin Chism was impressed and inspired by his daughter’s work. “When Lexi approached me about wanting to do some photography and video with the football team, I really didn’t know what to expect,” Kevin

Chism said. “She has gone above and beyond my wildest expectations. She has been fully committed and has spent countless hours taking pictures, editing pictures and making promotional and entrance videos. I think most people would be shocked to know how much time she spends on it. I could not be more proud of how she has invested in something she wants to pursue and cannot wait to see where this road will take her.”

Senior Nathaniel Wallace, defensive lineman for the football team, said he appreciated that Lexi Chism was able to vividly capture different moments of the team. Wallace felt the impact that Lexi Chism’s photos had on the players.

“I believe her pictures kind of bring the team together in the sense that we get to see both sides of the team –offense and defense – just being able to see each other work really hard to make each other better,” Wallace said.

Lexi Chism worked to provide the players, staff and Searcy community with quality photos that captured the memories made by the team, and her impact was felt by all.

Written by Emma McDaris

Alexander Saballos

Maggie Samples

Ines Lopez-Almansa

Benjamin Sanzone

Isaac Sanzone

Chloe Schliffka

Noah Schutzler

Trevor Schwiethale

Lael Seats

Ximena

Lauren

Halle Tharp

Reed Thomason

Ameliah Thompson

Avery Thompson

Chloe Thompson

Emma Thompson

Sophie Thompson

Gracen Thurman

Taylor Tippin

Lillian Tolleson

Noah Traynham

Rachel Tuten

Sailor Ullrich

Dylan Ussery

Sebastian Vargas

Brady Verett

Alyson Voigt

Chase Wagner

Katelyn Walling

Jessi Walton

Griffin Warpula

Mackenzie Watson

Preston Weaver

Jefferson Wells

Theodore Westbrook

Steven Whitwell

Mckenzi Wilkins

Abigail Williams

Lianna Williams

Kennedy Williamson

Caitlin Wilson

Piper Witcher

Caleb Woollard

Asaiah Wright

Samuel Yager

Gloria Zelaya

Art From 1924-25 Petit Jean

Audri Aaron

John Abbott

Brooklynn Abercrombie

Julia Adair

Kent Adams

Katherine Agee

Alford

Brent Allmon

Tatiana Amaya

Abigail Anderson

Warner Anderson

Marissa Andujo

Mauricio Aquino

Greyson Arnett

Emilin Asher

Eugene Atha

Lance Bafford

Joshua Ballard

Claire Bartley

Caleb Bennett

Daniel Bennett

Olivia Berry

Takarianna Berry

Simon Bertolino

Brittany Birmingham

Brycen Biskner

Hattie Bittle

Faith Bizeau

Ethan Blaeuer

Kayla Boggs

Lucy Box

Lillian Bradshaw

Hannah Bretherick

Abigail Britt

Hailey Britt

Grace Brown

Colton

Tytus

Alden Davis

Marah Davis

Paris Davis

Amie Dehm

Annika Demuth

Ava Dolan

Carter Doughty

Jade Dulin

Abigail Durham

Macayla Dutile

Weston Eades

Jaeli Eby

Cassie English

Jewel Fabiana

Caimon Field

Emma Field

Mackenzie Flanagan

Hannah Ford

Adeline Forkner

Kennedy Foster

Asa Fowler

Zebadiah Fox

Paul Frost

Yukiyo Fujisawa

Abby Fulmer

Breanna Gagajewski

Reece Gandy

Ethan Gardenhire

Kendra Gavin

Harrison Gist

Meredith Godwin

Trinity Golden

Cooper Gordon

Susannah Green

Aja Griffin

Lillian Gurganus

CRAFTING ACROSSGenerations

Sophomore Amelia Slater creates new pieces from passed-down materials.

Sophomore Amelia Slater, shared her love for crafting because of how it connected generations in her family. She grew up crafting after learning from her mother and grandmother, who taught her sewing, crocheting and other crafting skills. It wasn’t until high school that she began to advance her crafting techniques. One of her most cherished creations was a dress made from a quilt that had been passed down through generations of her family.

“Amelia comes from a line of women who love to craft,” sophomore Randi Tubbs said. “She has been given fabrics, quilts, crochet and knit pieces from generations down. She takes those pieces and creates

Delaney Harrington

Caleb Hartzell

something new out of them with the craft skills she has.”

Slater frequently wore the pieces that she made. This allowed other students to remark at her capabilities.

“I can see her talent through her style,” junior Addie Lawyer said. “[When I saw] her crochet vests and her quilt dress, I was so impressed with her crafting skills.”

Part of the appeal of these craft styles was the recyclable quality. Slater spoke about a dress that she made out of recycled fabric.

“Something I made that was like a multigenerational moment was the patchwork dress,” Slater said. “We were going through old bins, and we found an old quilt top, which is just like the fabric sewn together. There’s no stuffing in it yet. It was one of my great-great-grandma’s hand-sewn pieces.”

Slater’s Instagram account, @ameliascrafting, showcased all of her creations. She wanted to have a place where she could easily display her work. She often crocheted gifts for special events in her friends’ lives. The act of gifting was preferable to selling her crafts for profit.

“I think it’s so much more meaningful if I crochet you something for your birthday, and then you have this piece of art that I made you that connects us,” Slater said. “Whenever you see it, you’re like, ‘Oh, Amelia made that for me, and that is a metaphor for our friendship.’”

For Slater, crafting was more than just a hobby; it was a means of expressing her love for her friends and family. Through her multigenerational crafts, she found a way to connect with her family’s past and create lasting memories for the future. These pieces would continue to be passed down, telling stories for generations to come. Slater encouraged everyone to try their hand at crafting and believed that it allowed individuals to express their creativity and connect with others.

“It’s so life-giving, so relaxing,” Slater said. “It’s really cool to make something with your hands. Even if you make something ugly, it’s still something you made, and that’s a beautiful thing.”

Written by Alyson Voigt

Emily Hale

Jacob Hale

Wesley Hall

Jaxon Hardy

Jordan Hatman

William Heavin

Timothy Henry

On the Go | Sporting a vest worked on by multiple generations of her family, sophomore Amelia Slater poses for the camera. The vest was woven by her mom, ribbed by her grandma, and embroidered by Slater. Photo by Lauren Simmons

Jacob Hernandez

Murphy Hernandez

Micah Hill

Camdyn Hinton

Faith Hinton

Noah Hirscheider

Noah Hix

Grace Hixson

James Hobbie

Patchwork | Sophomore Amelia Slater wears a homemade patchwork dress. The dress was made out of a hand sewn quilt top by an unknown relative. Photo by Lauren Simmons

Sadie

Audie

Kaylor

Kinsley

Mallory

Mikayla

Nathan

Kaitlyn Keiser

Cierra

Benjamin

Sunnah

Bailey Knappier

Anthony Kummerfeldt

Savanna LaBiche Andrew Landes Hannah Landrum

Makenna Langdon

Lawrence

Lawson Russell Leach Denim Lee Leon Lewis

Avery Lillard Elijah Linderman Morgan Little Abigail London Walker Lusk Carly Madar

Margarita Magana

Shannon Maia Reagan Marks Erin Marshall

Avery Martin Luke Martin

Prady Martin

Michael McCree

Hailey McCullough

Lauren McDuffie

Rachel McKinlay

Caleb McMaster

Kennedi McQueen

Jareli Medina

Andrew Medley

Mario Mejia

Rachel Mendenhall

Jasper Meza

Lauren Milam

LILLI

Sophomore and transfer Lilli Burch leaves a volleyball scholarship to pursue a multi-media journalism degree.

HardingUniversity gained a good one in fall 2023 when sophomore Lilli Burch transferred from Freed-Hardeman University. Before her transfer, she was a member of the Freed-Hardeman volleyball team and was a speech and communications major on the road to speech pathology. She realized after her freshman year that she needed a more direct degree plan to go towards her goal: a SEC sideline reporter.

“Volleyball was only four years of my life and my career is the rest of my life,” Burch said.

Burch felt that she had really found her home in Harding’s communication department and loved the atmosphere.

“I was so stressed about going to college in the first place because of how tedious it is,” Burch said. “Communication is not like that at all. It’s based on you and communicating with others in all types of ways.”

Since enrolling at Harding, Burch was involved with a number of different activities. She was a HU16 Live at 5 sports reporter and worked for KVHU 95.3. She was also involved in the College Church of Christ and Rock House College Ministry. Being involved in multiple areas on and off campus was something she felt was best to improve her skills.

Dutch Hoggatt was the advisor for media production and general manager of the university radio stations. Burch and Hoggatt worked closely together in Burch’s first year at Harding.

“The more vocal experience you get, whether it is radio or television, the better,” Hoggatt, said. “What she does with the radio is going to enhance her abilities with whatever she decides to do. If she wants to pursue [her goal], I think she has every opportunity and skill to do it.”

The news and editorial director of live news broadcast HU16, Noah Darnell, hired Burch after one audition. Burch felt nervous to start live television, but after a couple tries she found herself growing in ways she didn’t expect. Darnell described Burch as adding a “lightness” to the studio.

“Once she got over the nervousness of doing it, she was one of the strongest people we’ve had in a while,” Darnell said. “Her knowledge of sports and her general absorption and attention allows her to convey to an audience really well.”

Burch hoped to continue on this path and work doing football broadcasting on Harding’s sidelines in fall 2024.

Written by Randi Tubbs

Live at 5 | Sophomore Lilli Burch reports for the Hu 16 Live at 5 broadcast as a sports reporter. Burch found a home in the Communication department at Harding following her transfer from Freed-Hardeman.

courtesy of HU 16

Photo

Zane Milam

Andrew Miller

Autumn Miller

Kathryn Mitchell

Sam Mitchum

Suhaia Mohammadi

Ensley Montgomery

Natalie Mooney

Eli Moore

Katherine Moore

Lidia Morales

Sarah Mundy

Esteban Munoz

Gerardo Murcia

Nathan Murray

Katherine Myers

Riley Myers

Robert Nance

Pretty in pink | Sophomore Lilli Burch poses on the front lawn of harding’s campus. Burch left a volleyball career at Freed Hardeman University to study multimedia jourmalism at Harding. Photo by Abigail Callicoat

Bayli

Jacob

Amaria

Genevieve Nguema

Zachary O’Day

Cheyenne Paine

Cassidy

Joshua

Anielka

Skarleth

Nathaniel

Helen

Lauren Pumphrey

Cambrey

Mathias

Vivian

Hannah

Two routes | Freshman Weston Eades and junior Landon Eades stand back to back together on harding campus’ front lawn. The brothers followed two different trajectories after coming to Harding. Weston joined the

and

theater department

Landon plays on the Bison Football team. Photo by Jenna Gaessler

TALE of TWO BROTHERS

The Eades brothers embrace two different sides of of the Harding community.

Every student at Harding experienced the community and relationships that made the university stand out against others, but these relationships were thicker than water for some students. For Weston and Landon Eades, Harding was a family affair. Both brothers began their Harding careers in fall 2023 and jumped head-first into their passions. Although these brothers shared many things in their lives, their hobbies were not one of them. Weston, a freshman theatre major, began his work in the Harding theatre department early with “Mary Poppins”, performed in the children’s improvisational group The Piped Pipers, and then was cast as a host for “Spring Sing 2023: Golden”. Landon, a junior kinesiology major, was on the defensive line for the Harding Football team, winning the D-2 National championship.

The Eades brothers made impactful memories in their first semester in their respective fields and their respective groups.

“My best highlights on campus have been performing with the Pied Pipers,” Weston said. “They’re such a familyoriented group that spend their time and energy making kids laugh.”

For Landon, who transferred to Harding his junior year, the team he worked with brought him a quick sense of school pride.

“Harding has been such a great experience,” Landon said. “Being a part of a football team so impressive both in how they play and what kind of men they are is special.”

Sibling rivalry did not follow this pair into college and helped Weston make new connections as well as strengthened their relationship on both ends.

“I love that my brother is here with me,” Landon said. “I’ve gotten to know him better over the last semester and gotten to see him thrive in his environment of theatre. I’m very proud of him.”

These brothers were highly thought of by both faculty and staff. Freshman Jiles Burnham was friends with both brothers and saw their impact even in their first semester on campus.

“The Eades brothers are easily my favorite duo on campus,” Burnham said. “Although their lives and personalities are drastically different, they share such a beautiful warmth and love for people. They are both incredible at what they do, but they are some of the most humble, genuine people I have ever met. They are so supportive of their peers and even competition, always ready to congratulate others even if they didn’t get the outcome they wanted. Weston and Landon are truly a spark of light in the life of anyone they interact with.”

These brothers made a mark on the campus in many different ways during the start of their Harding careers and have big plans for the rest of their legacy.

Written by Emma McDaris

Art From 1924-25 Petit Jean

Emma Adams

Alayna Alexander

Guido Alpizar

Ethan Ashmore

Aidan Bailey

Hailey Baker

Baltodano

Patricia Baptiste

Chloe Baumgardner

Felicité Bawoné

Cason Baxley

Allison Beene

Dane Bennett

Miriam Bennett

Samantha Berry

Zephi Biddle

John Birmingham

Alec Bishop

William Blair

Libia Blandon

Cassidy Blankinship

Ciana Blankinship

Leah Blasko

William Blazier

Carter Bloodworth

Kalyn Bolton

Jayson-William Boren

Cameron Bowman

Ella Boyd

Jordan Brabble

Trinity Brian

Nathan Britt

Ashton Brophy

Christina Brown

Tyler Browning

Christian Brumley

Hillary

Elizabeth Bryant

McKenzie Bryant

Kelsey Bullock

Kytriana Burrell

Emerson Bush

Helina Butler

Ashlyn Campbell Paris Campbell

Andrew Canterbury Julie Carr

Haleigh Carter

Herber Catalan

Kimberly Cerna Meza Graham Chambley

Jessica Chappell

Gracie Comer

Hunter Compton

Connor Cooke

Brisa Cortez

Kaeden Cory

Neely Couch

Jacey Crawford

Kole Crawford

Abbigail Crocker

Sara Crooks

Kinsey Curo

Cole Curtis

Hannah Cutts

Samuel Dandy

Lana Danielson

Olin Davidson

Sidney Davies

Brianna Davis

Christopher Davis

Diego Davis

Myles Day

Eli Dean

Ryley Derrick

Simon Diaz

Chandler Donlin

Sophie Dougherty

Zachary Douglas

Ethan Dove

Kennedy Drennon

Thelma Dubon

Kadence Duck

Michael Esparza

Jerome Etienne

Seth Evans

Joshua Evans-Pickens

Kenneth Fager

Madelyn Dudley

Aidan Dycus

Landry Earnest

Isabella Eastham

Gabriella Eddins

Samuel Edwards

Kimber Eike

Valerie Elias

Jennifer Elizondo-Munoz

Foy Ellis

Elizabeth Eminger

Pasha Eoff

Kerra

Ellie

Anet Flores

Cassidy Froud

Desiree

Ayden Gardner

Amara Garland

Emma

Katherine Faulkner

Felzien

Carter Fitch

Fitzhugh

Deborah Foust

Hannah Fowlkes

Ella Fox

Victoria Freitag

Jacob Frisbie

Carter Fuller

Hugh Galyean

Gamez

TheFRESH NUMBERS

The freshman class enrollment hit a record high in the 2023-24 school year

2023-24 freshman class was estimated to be over 1,000 students in fall 2023. This class size was one of the biggest since before the COVID-19 pandemic. With roughly 870 freshmen straight from high school and 150 transfers, the Harding campus was eager to welcome them to their new home in Searcy.

There were a lot of factors that contributed to the increase and class numbers. Vice President of Enrollment Services Steve Lake was hired in 2020 and worked to change the way recruiting and admissions were approached. However, a lot of the swaying of class sizes was out of their control.

“Classes are smaller coming out of high school, we are living in a society that doesn’t embrace faith like it once did ... and less people going to college,” Lake said. “So with all those forces, we are really kinda defying the odds.”

The new freshman class had over 100 more students than the 2022-23 freshman class. The increased number of students meant one change on campus — larger classes. Associate professor of New Testament Jason Darden, taught strictly freshmen in his five years at Harding and had to rethink his teaching with the new numbers. Darden jumped from his highest class number of 60 in 2022-23 to his largest class having 125 students. Because of this, the class dynamic was a bit different from years past.

Darden loved forming mentorship relationships with his students, but the large class sizes proved that to be difficult. His typical structure of class introductions could not happen anymore, but what he found was that students were then making more of an effort to create those relationships with him and their own peers.

“That’s the sad part about having this big of a class, but what I am finding is the students that I know I will form a relationship with are the ones that hang out after class,” Darden said.

The large class size not only made it difficult to create relationships in the classroom but also outside. Freshman Easton Steed explained how different college was from high school and how creating relationships was something he had to do himself. Steed mentioned how the events Harding hosted for his class were something future students should take advantage of.

“It’s definitely good to go to the events they [Harding] holds for freshmen and transfer students,” Steed said. “Going to Sonic, and just going around you halfway in your dormlike knocking on doors.”

Building relationships was something that this freshman class was not afraid of. Darden expressed that this group of students was extremely talkative and animated in and out of the classroom.

“They have a lot of energy,” Darden said. “They are very talkative, they don’t seem shy like last year’s group of freshmen. They are eager to learn and they are just excited.”

The large freshman class was a change to Harding’s campus, but their excitement proved to represent them well as students. Harding was happy to welcome all 1,000 of them home to Searcy for the next chapter of their journey. As the freshman class navigated through their first year of college, they became a part of Harding’s rich history as the new centennial of Harding University began.

Written by Addie Echols

Alison Giggleman

Jonah Ginocchetti

Delia Gîrba

Evelyn Glenn

Austin Glover

David Gomez

Natalie Gomez

Rachel Gomez

Michael Goodloe

Gabriel Gosch

Evelyn Graham

David Granberg

Kiptoo Aiden Koone

Kovaleski Jennifer Kuhn William Lamberson Emery Lancaster Emileano Landers

Dusty Lee

Katherine Lemasters

Akeema Lewis

William Lewis Anna Limburg

Rachel Limburg

Nataleigh Lindsey

Isaac Linnett

Madelyn Lockhart

ALTITUDES

Freshman Ethan Noble serves as the student pilot of the Harding plane.

FreshmanEthan Noble always knew that he wanted to be a pilot. Noble’s dad was a pilot, so from a young age he was interested in flying. Since he was five years old he had been doing a variety of aerobatics, including flying upside down, and the love for planes only grew. He graduated from Harding Academy of Memphis in 2023 and was fully enrolled at the University of Mississippi by April, until he visited Harding.

“He decided to come visit us and you could tell he felt at home and happy right off the bat,” Steve Lake, the vice president for enrollment services, said.

In August, Noble received a text that offered him a position as the student pilot for Harding’s plane. He accepted and began right away. In the fall semester of 2023, Noble went on trips with Harding almost weekly and took two overnight trips. Noble’s most notable flight was the trip to Dallas for Harding’s football teams as they played in the Division-II National Championships. On the longer excursions, though he was excused from classes, it was Noble’s responsibility to take care of his schoolwork. He flew alongside a professional pilot for each trip, including Ken McConnaughhy who was the pilot for over 20 years, and Nicholas Turnage, who was the student pilot at McConnaughhy’s time.

There had not always been a place for a student pilot on Harding’s plane. Years ago when the pilot flew solo, he had a heart attack while in the air. An aboard passenger had to emergency land the plane, igniting the necessity of a second pilot. Harding seized the opportunity to give students a chance at flying experience. As Harding grew, so did the need for the efficiency that accompanied the plane.

“One thing I have enjoyed with Ethan and all of the student pilots is that they become very good friends of ours,” President Mike Williams said. “They become a part of our family and Ethan has been a great addition to the team.”

Noble frequently flew with Williams, along with many other people of Harding’s leadership team.

“When you have the former and current presidents on board, it can be nerve wracking at first,” Noble said. “Now I feel like I’ve developed a relationship with them.”

Noble planned to continue serving as Harding’s student pilot, and hoped it would be just what he needed to set him up for his career.

Written by

On the wing | Freshman Ethan Noble stands beside Harding’s plane. Noble was chosen as the student pilot to work alongside a prefessional pilot and assist on every outing possible. Photo by Lauren Simmons

Reagan

Jonathan

Daniel

Andrew

Canaan

Jackson

Danielle

Drew

Luke

Larah

Ryan

Bailey

Gabriel

Evelyn

Lauren

Arianna

Sara

Roxanna

Ransburgh

Rieger

Rohan

Katherine

Emma

Miles

Evan

Bailey

Annie

Daniel

Aven Stevens

Landon Stewart

Sutton Stewart

Fletcher Stobaugh

Stella Styles

Braylen Summons

Ashley Sutton

Cassandra Swartz

Isabella Swing

Kendall Talieje

Gracelin Taylor

Hailey Taylor

Elizabeth Tedder

Benjamin Tess

Brylee Thompson

Ediah Thompson

Gabrielle Thompson

Denver Threlkeld

Maxwell Thweatt

Cameron Timmons

Jess Tischmacher

William Tomlinson

Amanda Toye

Blake Trevathan

Daisy Truax

Cassidy Tucker

Gaines Tucker

Taylor Usery

Cale VanBrunt

Pablo Velasquez

Sophie Vergne

Reagan Vick

Riley Vick

Braden Waddill

Maelyah Wade

Amelia Wagner

Adella Walker

Johnna Walker

Richard Walker

JT HIKES THE CT

Freshman JT Simmons hikes the 486-mile Colorado Trail in summer 2023.

Talia Walsh

Darrah Wanderman

Bridget Ward

Colton Ward

Annie Watson

Makenna Watson

Nathan Wesley

Livia Wheeler

Olivia Wiedower

Lydia Wiley

Jadyn Wilhite

Aaron Williams

Freshman JT Simmons had been hiking throughout his childhood, but when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, he was completely invested. By the time he was a senior in high school he was thinking about hiking long distances, and that summer he decided to hike the 486-mile Colorado Trail, or the CT, between Denver and Durango, which classifies as a thru-hike.

“He started planning for it about five months before he left and would tell me all about it,” freshman Eden Steil said. “I was excited that he was getting to do something that he’s always wanted to do.”

Before Simmons tackled the trail, he only had three nights of backpacking under his belt. Taking on the CT was a task he was not sure if he would be able to finish, but he wanted to take on the challenge anyways. Simmons said he did not truly believe he would finish until he had 100 miles left.

“He would often talk about how he wasn’t sure if he could do the hike or not,” Steil said. “I had hiked and backpacked with him multiple times and knew he was completely capable. If he didn’t finish it this past year, he probably would have tried again.”

Simmons started on Jun. 18, 2023 and finished Jul. 18, hiking for exactly one month. He took six dispersed days off of those 31 days. Every four to nine days he would get close enough to a town where he could stay at a hostel, eat at a restaurant and restock on his food by calculating how many miles until the next town. His body was in a constant calorie deficit due to burning up to 8000 calories a day and his body only letting him eat up to 4000 calories per day. It took about a week for him to acclimate to the altitude and about two weeks for him to stop thinking about his physical pain.

“It seems really complicated and scary but it really is just one day at a time,” Simmons said. “It’s very consistent. You wake up at dawn, make yourself breakfast, pack up all your stuff and walk until you have lunch, keep going, set up camp, eat, sleep and repeat the next day.”

The most difficult part that he faced was the solitary nature of the hike. Although he would hike off and on with other hikers, he was alone for a vast majority of the time. The other hikers, however, motivated him to finish.

“Thru hikers all have this camaraderie,” Simmons said. “We are all moving towards the same goals, doing the same things, we have the same struggles. You make friends really fast.”

The Colorado Trail is one of the more tame trails to thruhike, Simmons explained. Even still, hikers don’t make it for a multitude of reasons including overuse injuries, running out of money, loneliness and other physical and mental impediments.

“More people have successfully climbed Mount Everest than completed the Colorado Trail,” Simmons said.

The month-long hike did not pass without its fair share of wildlife encounters. After a 25-mile day, Simmons and another hiker decided to set up camp two miles out from a town. While making dinner, a bear dropped out of a tree about 300 feet away from their camp and did not stay away, coming as close as 100 feet. The bear was acclimated to humans and knew they had food. The two hikers decided to make the two mile hike in the moonlight to the town to stay on the safe side.

Simmons inspired people in his life to accomplish things they never thought possible.

“Before I met JT, I knew almost nothing about long distance hiking or gear or mountain ranges, and through our friendship both of us have increased in knowledge about these things,” sophomore Mikayla Jones said. “He sparked my passion for hiking and running as well, and before we both move into separate stages of life I hope to complete the Continental Divide Trail with him.”

Simmons was far from done with his thru-hiking journey. He hoped to tackle many more on his list, including parts of the Pacific Crest Trail and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Written by Randi Tubbs

Into the Wild | Freshman JT Simmons poses with a “Lost creek Wilderness” sign on Jun. 20, Simmons was two days into his month long hike through the Colorado Trail. Photo courtesy of JT Simmons

Cobe Williams

Millie Williams

Evelyn Williamson

Faith Williamson

Maysa Willis

Heather Wilson

Emma Winford

Braden Wolfe

Hannah Woodard

Aidan Woodhouse

Scott Young

Emma Zaboronek

Shiwei Zhai

Dean Adams

Sophie Bain

William Baker

Madison Bell

Camille Bewley

Lydia Charlton

Abby Christison John Cox

Arden Cravy

Ashely Daughety

Claire Faulkner

Evelyn Filleman

Jack Gise

Clara Kernodle

Lauren Laws

Conley Owen Maddox Paul Kallista Roades

Caraline Rogers Grayson Thomas Lauren Triplett

Anna Wolfe

GRADS TO MEMPHIS

Men at Work | Harding graduate students Aidan Broome and Malachi Brown stand together on Harding campus’ front lawn. Broome and Brown worked to complete their Masters of Divinity (M.Div) degrees in the 2023-2024 school year.

Photo by Abigail Callicoat

Graduate students Malachi Brown and Aidan Broome complete the Masters of Divinity (M.Div) graduate program the Harding School of Theology in Memphis.

Anadvantage of being a student at Harding University meant you had access to some of the best graduate programs in specific fields. Harding’s graduate programs include tracts in education, nursing and Bible. The Masters of Divinity (M.Div) was a newer graduate program that intrigued many undergraduate Bible majors. Students Malachi Brown and Aidan Broome join the M.Div program while still completing their bachelor's degrees. Both students spent their senior year participating in the master’s program, meaning they traveled to Harding’s School of Theology in Memphis, which was the campus where the master classes took place, multiple times a week. Even with the challenging schedule, Broome and Brown voiced how the master’s has bettered them as Christians and students.

“It has stretched my capacity to focus both on reading and problem-solving. With the increased attention to detail and the near-constant reading, it is also much more difficult to keep my studies and my faith separate.” –Malachi Brown

“It has stretched my capacity to focus both on reading and problem-solving,” Brown said. “With the increased attention to detail and the nearconstant reading, it is also much more difficult to keep my studies and my faith separate.”

The rigorous change of pace and the depth of material brought challenges, but it also brought growth and a desire to learn for Broome. He stated that he was able to explore faith in a way he hadn’t gotten to before. The classes prepared him for big questions and gave him a foundation of knowledge for his future plans to teach.

“So far, many of the classes I've taken have forced me to look at pieces of my faith that I hadn't before,” Broome said. “For example, last semester I wrote a paper on ancient Muslim-Christian interactions. I also got to write a personal history of my home congregation.”

The M.Div program provided both Brown and Broome with extensive opportunities to grow and a very unique experience for their final years at Harding.

Dr. Steve McLeod, a professor at Harding School of Theology, shared the benefits and purpose of one obtaining a M.Div degree.

“I think the program is great for students who know that they want to major in Bible and go on to do master's work,” McLeod said. “It helps to accelerate them toward their goals so that they can enter the ministry more quickly. The program should be a blessing to them and to the churches that they serve.”

McLeod said that this master’s program helped students prepare for a life of ministry in varying capacities. Broome and Brown both had distinctive plans for after graduating with their two degrees.

“I hope to do hospital chaplaincy, and then at some point, get a higher degree and teach at the university level,” Brown said. “It is difficult to plan for things in the field of ministry, so don't be surprised if I am a youth minister, preacher or English teacher on my way to those, if chaplaincy and teaching are indeed what God wants me to do with this degree.”

Brown planned to become a university teacher or a hospital chaplain. He thought that the M.Div would set him on a good path to accomplishing those desires, but also understood that it was going to be God’s plan. Similar to Brown, Broome had a distinct idea of the route he wanted to take his masters.

“Right now I am looking at jobs as a high school Bible teacher,” Broome said. “I'd love to get a PhD once my M.Div is over, but we'll see what life has in store.”

Both students were excited for what the future held, and more importantly, excited for the opportunity to share God’s word. Both students were honored that they were able to participate in the M.Div program. They loved how it challenged them to think beyond the confines of the undergraduate classes and provided them an experience they couldn’t get anywhere else.

Written by Hallie Davis

Ashley Carlton

Bradon Bass

Gabriel Braghetto Otero

Jessica Davis

Kinley Schnell

Maddie Adams

Marlee Schaife Mason Spivy

Harding and women over the last century.

THE WOMEN WHO HARDING

Written by Twila Reed

WOMENof Harding

Harding’s history and success would look palpably different if it were not for the myriad of women working tirelessly behind the scenes to contribute to an establishment close to their hearts. During Harding College’s first decade, one woman would advance to the front as an indispensable figure in our history–Woodson Harding Armstrong, Harding’s first, first lady. Her tenure as First Lady lasted from 1924 to 1936; however, as the daughter of James A. Harding and Pattie Cobb Harding, Armstrong’s connections to Harding ran deep.

Born in 1879, faith and education were tenets even in Armstrong’s upbringing as her father was a preacher and evangelist who was a founding member of Nashville Bible School (now Lipscomb University). By 1895, 16-year-old Woodson Armstrong was taking charge of her education, studying Latin, Greek and Hebrew. In an all-male Greek class, she met and eventually fell in love with professor J.N. Armstrong; the couple married a few years later. During J.N. Armstrong’s 12 years as president, Woodson Armstrong took an active role in Harding life, serving as dean of women, teaching speech and drama and sponsoring and chartering Harding’s first social club, Woodson Harding Comrades (WHC). After a prolific career in service and education, Woodson Harding Armstrong died Dec. 1, 1971, at the age of 92. Despite being an early figure in the University’s history, her legacy continued to live on in the lives of those who attended the school that she worked tirelessly to help build.

1930s

Despite the economic trepidation of the era, the dedicated leaders and faculty of the institution labored to keep the university afloat during the depression. The survival of the university was in large part due to many strong women who worked tirelessly for Harding. One example of this dedication was present in the life of Zelma Lawyer who was a matron for the lively women of Pattie Cobb. After leaving her position at Pattie Cobb, Lawyer went on to become matron of Grey Towers, another building on campus, and an associate professor for English. Lawyer’s successor and another great example of the many talented, dedicated women of Harding was Mrs. Florence Cathcart who was also the instructor for primary education, the composer of Harding’s alma mater and eventual Dean of Women. In 1934, the Women’s Club of Searcy held a reception of coffee, cakes and mint in the American Legion Hall to honor the women on the faculty and staff of the university. The hall was adorned with “fall flowers and ferns” with “a color scheme of pink and green.” The ’30s would prove a challenging decade for many Americans, but with the diligence of the many men and women of Harding, the university was able to come out on the other side stronger.

1940s

The women of Harding College were called to step up during this time of duress. In 1943, a national aviation firm advertised to campuses across the country (including Harding) asking for women to participate in their engineering course as a part of the war effort. They needed young women with an interest and training in collegiate mathematics to begin learning engineering principles through a program sponsored by Cornell and other universities with the goal of eventually putting those skills to use for the US military. Many of the women were very excited at this opportunity, commenting on a long-existing interest in engineering but always thinking of it as something that only men could do. After the war, Harding continued to grow, and in 1947, the University appointed a new Dean of Women, Zelma Bell to replace the newly retired Florence Cathcart who resigned with the accolade Dean Emeritus. Zelma Bell (class of ’38) served in the Navy during the war and then went on to teach English at Lipscomb while earning her master’s in counseling at Columbia University in New York City. By the late 40s, the women of Harding began participating in the American Association of University Women with Mrs. Richard Deener and Mrs. George (Sally) Benson as the president and vice president. The Searcy chapter would meet monthly over dinner. The tumultuous events of this decade gave women the opportunity to prove themselves, and the women of Harding answered the challenge with hand ready and willing to work.

“To My Harding Girls: Today our penal institutions are being filled with mere boys — and sometimes girls. I have a feeling that responsibility for much of this delinquency must be borne by the women of America — the mothers, sisters, and sweethears of these young criminals. I have no greater desire for the young women that go our from Harding College than that they make women after God’s own heart — women who are destined to make the world safer for the youth of the nation and, hence, safer for civilization itself. In helping to save others, will these future wives and mothers, Harding College girls, save themselves.”

Woodson Harding Armstrong Petit Jean 1935-1936

Zelma Bell and Louise Ganus ca. 1949. From Brackett Archives

Zelma Lawyer From Petit Jean

Woodson Harding Armstrong

Harding’s women were certainly known for their hospitality like Sally Hockaday Benson, the wife of Harding’s second president, George S. Benson. Sally Benson was born in 1896 in Granite, Oklahoma. She would go on to earn her bachelor’s degree at the University of Oklahoma, where she would later teach. She also taught at Oklahoma Christian University before moving to Morrilton, Arkansas, as a teacher in Latin and math. There, while in a play cast by Armstrong, she met her co-star and future husband George S. Benson, who was a coach and principal at Harding Academy. At Harding, Sally Benson took an active role in campus activities, teaching at Harding Academy, hosting teas for visitors and supporting the formation of a gardening club. Harding women also focused on making advancements in their career fields, like the formation of the Business and Professional Women Club. The college created the club to help female professors and faculty gain connections and relationships through their monthly dinner meetings with an array of guest speakers. Their first president was Miss Marguerite O’Banion, secretary to President George S. Benson. In addition to developing their staff, Harding also began to encourage their female students to begin studying STEM fields saying:

“Leaders in American education would be guilty of a fateful omission if they did not consider the necessity of bringing about a radical change in the accustomed study of science medicine, and American attitude toward the engineering by women.”

During this period, a minority of the women in Harding were majoring in nursing, medicine, math, biology and minoring in chemistry. The female students were not only interested in academics but in pouring into their fellow students with the advent of the Big Sister program during the 50s. Many upperclassmen were eager to apply for the program to be a mentor to new incoming freshmen girls. The women of Harding this time carving out their own path at this institution.

Harding also began to experience some of this social revolution as well. In the early ’70s, congress passed the title IX act which called for equal opportunity in sports for both men and women. Harding faculty and staff wanted to balance upholding their Christian morals and standards while complying with the act’s regulations to ensure its students could continue to receive their federal financial aid. Harding students began rallying around the cause, sending letters to President Clifton Ganus, creating petitions and submitting editorials. This push for intercollegiate sports coupled with the success of Harding women’s intramural teams allowed for the development of a women’s basketball team through Arkansas Women’s intercollegiate sports association. Students continued to advocate and appeal for the advancement of women’s sports programs within the institution, and by the ’80s women’s sports merged into the AIC of Arkansas Intercollegiate Sports, including basketball, volleyball, track, and cross country. Through the growth of women’s sports to the relaxation of the dress code which finally allowed women to wear pants, the ’70s saw ten years of massive change and progression for the women of Harding.

Thisdecade of changing ideals and attitudes began to reflect itself in the ideas and goals of the women of Harding. These women cited wanting to get a good education as one of their primary goals for coming to college and dreamed of working in journalism, biological research, and teaching. Many also came with the dream of meeting their future spouse and starting a family, but still put a heavy emphasis on their education as their reason for choosing Harding College specifically. The women of the faculty, staff, and community also continued to deepen their ties through their work and service to Harding through the establishment of Associated Women for Harding (AWH) in February of 1965. President Clifton L. Ganus wanted to find ways to foster an investment and passion for Christian education and found that solution through the AWH. The organization, which started with one hundred fifty members quickly grew to having nearly a dozen chapters scattered throughout the state, with even one out of state chapter (Louisiana). Graduate Mae Ann Songer acted as the first president for the Searcy chapter with First Lady Louise Ganus acting as the vice president. This group of diligent, godly women quickly began work on their respective activities to fundraise for and better the institution. For example, the Pine Bluff chapter fundraised for a new instrument for the school while the Little Rock Chapter focused on renovating a room in the American Heritage Room. The Searcy chapter spent their first year writing a cookbook with recipes compiled from the members of the AWH to sell and return their profits to the school. They also began organizing an annual spring “style show,” hosting numerous luncheons and programs,

Sally Hockaday Benson Photos from Brackett Archives

Mildred Bell, Bessie Mae Pryor, Mary Formby and Mae Ann Tucker From Brackett Library Flickr

Louise Ganus

1970s women of campus. From Brackett Library Flickr

1980s

Harding also saw lots of growth during this period. The eighties brought to completion what the seventies began with the implementation of women’s sports and other forms of equality throughout the university. After years of lobbying for an opportunity in collegiate sports, surmounting challenges of modesty and funding, the Lady Bisons finally gained the opportunity to participate in sports on a collegiate level. One Lady Bison that rose through the ranks during this period was Mara Crump, a physical education major and member of the cross-country team at Harding University. In ’83, Crump became the first woman from this institution to participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as an AllAmerican athlete. In addition to her athletic ability, Crump also maintained a high GPA and strong dedication to her academic success at Harding as well. The inception of women’s sports also saw the temporary change of women being allowed to wear pants on campus become a permanent one. Despite these changes, Harding’s women still maintained a dedication to the University through the numerous fundraising endeavors of the AWH such as their annual style show, selling cookbooks, and a catering service. The ’70s and ’80s brought about a myriad of changes, yet the Harding’s ladies always sought to work for the betterment of the University.

ForHarding the advances during the past two decades only seemed to continue as the university introduced a female tennis team at the start of the decade. Harding’s volleyball team also made news when in 1991, they won the school’s “first sole championship” in the AIC conference. The AWH also continued their invaluable efforts through fundraising and brining publicity to the school as they planned and directed a children’s talent show to raise money for student scholarships. This decade also saw a continued interest in the care and preservation of Harding’s women as the school began hosting lessons and talks for women’s self defense on and off campus. Additionally, at a women’s conference hosted by WING (Women in God’s Service), the University joined a network of Christian women (both online and via telephone) to come together and anonymously share struggles, prayer, and guidance with one another – a peer counseling system known as Sister to Sister. With the close of the ’90s. Harding was able to continue its pattern of consistent growth and valuable change

1990s

2000s 2000s

Yet over these coming decades, Harding would continue to create that “bubble” which allows our university to be a warm community—a community that would be sorely lacking without the contribution of its many talented women. In 2004, WINGS (Women in God’s Service) hosted their tenth women’s conference with a theme centered around joy. WINGS’ conferences have encouraged a myriad of Harding women, and this conference sought to bring together the generations of them by allowing the guests to nominate the speakers at their own conference. This unorthodox approach would help to ensure that the speakers had the potential to speak to a variety of age groups. As the decade progressed, Harding’s women continued to excel with the advent of the a new tennis team. This program offered for women came soon after Harding’s first women’s soccer team (1998) and not long before the university’s first female softball team (2011). These sports team and the scholarships some of them offered, afforded many Harding women the opportunity to play the sport they loved while also attending a university that shared their love for Christ. To round out the decade AWH (Associated Women for Harding) awarded the esteemed Louis Ganus their Lifetime Achievement award at a luncheon celebrating her 85th birthday on April 20, 2007. Louise Ganus, Harding’s third First lady, has poured herself into her family and this university, spending a life time in service to God and others. Women like Louise exemplify the characteristics—humility and service—that Harding seeks to emulate throughout time.

WING’s Conference 1995 Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

National AWH officers in 2001. From Brackett Library Flickr

2003 Women’s Soccer Team. From Brackett Library Flickr

1980s women of campus. From Brackett Library Flickr

2010s

In 2015, Harding University celebrated its newly completed First Ladies Garden – a memorial that seeks to honor the contributions of Harding’s first ladies. The walkway rounds off into different sections, each boasting unique flora that represent one of Harding University’s first ladies. The first garden in tribute to Woodson Harding Armstrong contains forsythias, hydrangeas and crabapples all flowers popular from Woodson Armstrong’s era.

Continuing the walk down the garden’s path, the next section of the garden blooms with amur maples and weeping cherries favorites of Sally Hockaday Benson, who was an avid gardener and the wife of Harding’s second president, George S. Benson. Roses and delicate lavenders adorn Louise Nicholas Ganus’ portion of the First Ladies Garden. Flowers like red double knockout roses and flowering quince abound in Leah Ann Gentry Burk’s portion of the garden, but they also abounded in the personal garden she kept in her home, which she so often opened for tours to raise money for the University.

Renaissance spirea and coral bells azalea finish out the fifth semi-circle of the First Ladies Garden. This section honors Harding’s fifth first lady, Ann Hutson McLarty, wife of Bruce McLarty. The impact of this university over these past one hundred years would have been impossible were it not for the work and dedication of the women of Harding.

AsHarding begins its next one hundred years, it welcomed with it fresh ideas and faces, most notably our newest first lady Lisa Williams — or Ambassador (a term Lisa Williams said was more welcoming) — the garden has yet to add her section. However, the First Ladies’ Garden as well as the rest of the University were eager to work with her in the coming years. Lisa Williams grew up in West Virginia. She loved playing in the outdoors and often had to be told to come inside as a child. She came to Harding in the 80s, wanting to major in interior design but instead settling on elementary education.

The couple met at Harding, they met through a blind date and became engaged in the winter of ’86 when Mike Williams asked her “if she would marry Santa Claus.” Lisa Williams became an elementary teacher for grades three, five and six while also creating Arkansas’ Virtual Education Academy while Mike Williams joined the staff at Harding. In 2015 Mike Williams became the President of Faulkner University and they moved from Searcy to Montgomery, Alabama. They had a prolific career at Faulkner, founding a college of health science and an autism center. In fact, a focus on autism and a better understanding of it was something Lisa Williams said she wanted to contribute to Harding’s campus. In addition, she wants to continue to create more spaces for women to contribute to the University and more opportunities for students to tell the story of their faith all to create more community.

Lisa Williams has already begun these endeavors while serving on the board for the new Women of Faith initiative launched in chapel in fall 2023 to honor the many esteemed alumnae and foster opportunities for service and growth with the current student body. This advisory was in conjunction with the new Holland-Waller Center, which houses the foreign language, history and political science, international studies and international student programs, ROTC and the Swaid Institute for International Education.

The Harding community was excited to usher in this new era which sought to honor the lives and works of those who came before.

Dedication of the newly completed First Ladies Garden Apr. 29, 2016. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Lisa Williams poses for a photo for the Petit Jean. Photo from Petit Jean 2022-2023

NEW DIRECTIONS

International Programs appointed a new director for Harding University in Florence (HUF), effective fall of 2023. Aleece Kelley observed and worked alongside Robbie and Mona Shackelford for the spring 2024 and summer groups, according to the International Programs January newsletter, which was sent to subscribers on Jan. 25.

Executive director of International Programs Audra Pleasant said her role throughout the transition of leadership was supporting both Kelley and the Shackelfords as they bolstered the students.

“Robbie and Mona are the [HUF] program to so many students and faculty and administrators at Harding, and that includes me,” Pleasant said. “They have devoted a huge portion of their lives to developing this program and honoring students and families and being hospitable to so many people who were both from the United States and from the community there in Italy.”

Pleasant said Shackelford and Kelley shared a student-oriented focus, which made the HUF program successful.

“I had the opportunity to work with Aleece when she was working in our office here in Searcy,” Pleasant said. “She worked very hard to advocate well for students when she was helping to administer all the programs that we had, and I know she really valued the opportunity she had to work and talk with students while they’ve been in Italy.”

Current HUF director Robbie Shackelford said he looked forward to working alongside Kelley during the transition period.

“Mona and I have already had many opportunities to be and work together with Aleece and Zac,” Shackelford said. “Their love for Italy and Italians will bless future HUF students for years to come.”

Kelley and her husband Zachary had been working with Avanti Italia, a Bible and English school in Scandicci, Italy for the past seven years and appreciate the work of the people who worked at the Bible school and HUF before them.

“I cannot wait to see [the students] delight in all the food, art and culture this incredible country and her people have to offer,” Kelley said. “[I look forward to] seeing how students are changed by their experiences studying here. When they encounter Italy through a lens of respectful, thoughtful scholarship, there is no way they will leave the same person.”

Chair of the Department of Music and former Avanti Bible school director Jay Walls had worked with Aleece and Zachary Kelley through his connection with the Bible school. Walls said he considered the Shackelfords position difficult to fill, but that Kelley was up to the task.

“I was really pleased when Harding made the decision that they did, because it really necessitates a person who is immersed in that culture and already has lots of connections, and Aleece has that,” Walls said. “They already had a lot of connections throughout Scandicci, and she understood thoroughly the Italian culture, and she communicated extremely well in the language. So that, in my opinion, was a really good choice.”

Walls said the job of the HUF director was difficult and required dealing with regulations and governmental bureaucracy.

“When she did things, she did them well, so I’m sure that benefited the students in the program,” Walls said.

With previous experience in Harding’s International Program office and a passion for student education and experiences, Kelley has a bright future with the Harding University Florence program.

Written by Maggie Samples

Harding University International Programs announces a new Florence director, Aleece Kelley.

Making Memories | The spring 2024 HUF group visits the Piazza della Cisterna and Gelateria. The soon-to-be HUF director, Aleece Kelley, joined the group for the excursion Photo courtesy of Robbie Shackelford

Mentor and Mentee | Robbie Shackelford and Aleece Kelley take a photo together during a HUF adventure. Kelley plans to take over Shackelford’s director position beginning in the summer semester. Photo courtesy of Robbie Shackelford

New Face on Campus | The upcoming Harding University Florence director, Aleece Kelley, stands in front of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence, Italy. International programs announced Kelley’s appointment at the beginning of the spring semester Photo courtesy of International Programs

“In college, Aleece understood what it meant to be a good friend. She always was quick to listen and only ever had a kind word to say about others. After spending any time with her, you always left feeling emboldened. During this next chapter where she will serve as the new HUF director, there is no doubt that she will have that same impact on every student she meets. Her students will leave Italy having had an inimitable experience and feeling inspired.”

- Erin McBride Richards, former Harding peer

Photos reprinted from Petit Jean 2010-2011

Jeff Montgomery reflects on 37 years as University photographer.

“What a gift it is to be able to go out and interact with a community like Harding.”

THROUGH LENS Jeff s

The magnolias on Harding’s campus are a fixture. Montgomery started “Magnolia Monday” to showcase the photos he took of the flowers. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Photo courtesy of Lexi Chismy

Q: How long have you been at Harding?

A: I started at Harding in August of 1991.

Q: How did you get this job as a photographer at Harding?

A: I worked for Stu Pubs. I worked for the Petit Jean, and I worked – for back in the day UCM was called public relations – and I was a student worker in public relations as well. The photographer was Leslie Downs, and he was leaving, and David Crouch said, ‘Why don’t you take a gap year – I know you’re about to graduate – take a gap year and wait for MFT to start so work a year and go to school part time and work part time’. And so I decided to do it, and that’s when I became the Harding photographer. And when it was time to go to school, MFT had so much demand they wouldn’t take part time students, so I had to decide – and I was really having a lot of fun being a photographer; I was really enjoying it. So I stayed being a photographer, that’s how I got this job.

Q: What does an average day as Jeff Montgomery look like?

A: Average day as Jeff Montgomery is the best part of my job because the average day is who knows what’s happening today. Today I’ve been sorting through photos all morning. I taught class at 11:30. I came back, and a magazine in Little Rock is doing a feature on Christmas in Searcy and needed Christmas light photos from the campus. So I researched all of that, and then now I am back to sorting through photos of Homecoming weekend. And then I am going to shoot a basketball game tonight. This morning, early, I shot the art department coffee gallery event. So that’s the great thing about my job - it’s very random. It can be anything - it could be really slow, it could be crazy busy and things just pop up all of a sudden that need attention, and it’s good, I like the variety.

Q: In your 33 years here, what has been a most memorable event, or a favorite photo? In your time here, what was an event that you haven’t forgotten – that has stuck with you?

A: No doubt about it the transition from Dr. Burks to Dr. McLarty. In more recent times we have transitioned presidents again - but that was historic. Going from the fourth to the fifth Harding president, that was awesome. There are other cool events. The McInteer building dedication - that was a massive undertaking. All of a sudden that day I realized, ‘Whoa, this is not a burning of the mortgage moment but it’s a historic moment like that’. A significant moment in the history of the University – we’re naming a building after a major character in the Harding community and covering that and knowing the idea of whatever we show is what is going to be remembered. If you go back and look at 1994 at the McInteer dedication, what you know about is the photos we took that day and the stories that were written in the magazine, Petit Jean and Bison. That’s all anybody is ever going to know about that going forward. And that’s exciting; sometimes it’s a little nerve wracking. But it’s exciting to be a part of doing that kind of thing. I mean, my goodness, meeting U.S. presidents, Margaret Thatcher, those are all big time, big league fun things, but for sure for sure in Harding’s history, probably the most significant thing I’ll ever do is covering the transition from Dr. Burks to Dr. McLarty. Centennial is pretty big too.

Q: What is your favorite part about your job?

A: We are sitting in my office right now, but I often say the campus is my office because I work all over the place and that is a great privilege. I mean I work in athletics, I work in academics, I work with administration, food service . . . I mean every area of campus I can interact with. And that’s exciting. You know to walk into a classroom and take pictures of a class going on to watching the Bisons hopefully go 11-0 Saturday. When you go out on photo assignments it’s exciting, things are happening – and that’s what’s fun, you are out there. And I am a photographer. Like I pinch myself sometimes when I say that. ‘Is that really real? Yes it’s really real.’ I really do get to be a photographer every day and man what a gift that is to be able to go out with a camera and interact with a community like Harding, that is so wonderful, and tell the stories. What’s not to like about that job?

Q: How do you think your job helps to tell the story of Harding’s past, present and future?

A: Clearly from the past all the photos I have taken are telling the story. I’ve been telling the story since I worked here. There’s a national organization of university photographers, and their motto is ‘We capture the visual history of higher education.’ So that’s what we’re doing. So in the past it’s we’ve told the story and the archiving and things that you do in the present makes it meaningful when you go looking in the past. So things that I do, keywording and things like that, take a lot of time, and people don’t think about necessarily. That’s things happening in the present that will help us in the future find the past.

Q: On the topic of changing presidents from Burks to McLarty, what about that time was so monumental? Describe the shifts that were taking place - in the student body, faculty, Harding policy, board, etc.

A: It was so monumental because we had had Dr. Burks for so long, and the Board was taking a year to do a search for the next president. What would that look like? What would change? Who would it be? How would Harding look in the future? All exciting things to consider. I missed the GanusBurks transition by one year, so I had only ever known Harding as a Dr. Burks school.

Q: What would Jeff in college say to Jeff now? What would Jeff now say to Jeff in college?

A: I am not sure what Jeff in college would say to Jeff now. Jeff in college would be excited for the Jeff of the future because he actually was able to make a career out of photography. Current Jeff would tell Jeff in college to probably study a little more and definitely to be more involved in campus activities, not just covering things with a camera, but to spend more time with friends and definitely to go to HUF and maybe take some art classes.

Q: Thinking about the Centennial year, if someone is looking through your photos at the Bicentennial, what would you like them to see/know?

A: I would like them to see that students love the school, and that alumni love the school, and that the original mission of the school is still strong. I would also want them to see that we really do have the best students, faculty, staff, administration and Board of Trustees, and we are working hard to keep Harding strong and faithful to its mission.

Founders Day events begin with campus wide prayer walk and reflection on the past, present and future of the University.

Students,

alumni, faculty and staff celebrated Harding’s third Founders Day by participating in a prayer walk around campus. President Mike Williams led the prayer procession to various buildings throughout campus while the group prayed for the lives of past, present and future students and faculty.

The prayer walk was held for students, faculty and alumni to come together as a community and remember Harding’s pioneers. There were 10 stops scheduled for the prayer walk which included major buildings on campus that had scripture incorporated into the architecture. At each stop Williams asked a different person to pray, including former chair and professor of music Dr. Cliff Ganus III, executive vice president Dr. Jean Noel Thompson and former president Dr. David Burks.

The director of alumni and parent relations, Heather Kemper, helped coordinate the prayer walk. Kemper spoke with Thompson and Williams about the importance of prayer for the centennial year Founders Day.

“Dr. Williams and Dr. Thompson really wanted prayer to be an important component of the Founders Day activities,” Kemper said. “In trying to think of how to best meet the needs of the student body and alumni and everybody that would be on campus really, that’s kind of where the prayer walk came from.”

The idea of the prayer walk came from Lisa Williams, wife of Mike Williams, who had led prayer walks for women in the past. The purpose of the event was to create a spiritual foundation not only for the rest of the school year but also for Harding’s future.

“It’s something that can live on the entire year that anybody can be a part of,” Kemper said. “Whether you’re here on campus, or if you’re alumni living a thousand miles away.”

When asked what would be expected for upcoming centennial celebrations, Thompson said he believed students, faculty and alumni would celebrate Harding’s history in different ways, focusing on the longevity of the University.

“Everyone is doing it in such a way that we’re boasting in Christ, we’re thankful, we’re grateful for those who have come before us,” Thompson said.

During his previous tenure at Faulkner University, Thompson served alongside Mike Williams and celebrated Faulkner’s 75th anniversary. During that time, Thompson and Williams prayed deeply for their school, but Harding’s Founders Day celebration was the first time Thompson took part in a prayer walk. Alumna Cheryl Finley participated in the prayer walk and was deeply moved by the event.

“There were individuals in the group that at each stop had a connection to that particular stop, and Mike had them pray,” Finley said. “[Mike Williams] called them out to pray for that particular stop,

Praying in Preparation given about the prayer walk by President Dr. Mike Williams. He had urged guests to pray at locations that they had a unique connection to.

Please Bow with Me | Member of the Harding University board of trustees, Robert Diles, leads a prayer on a stop in front of the Thornton Center for Education. The walk was guided by volunteers willing to bless the school year and give thanks for all that has been done in the past century on Harding’s campus.

Photo by Lauren Simmons

and I thought that was very touching and personal.”

Finley said she was moved by the personal connections between the prayers and their locations. She said Mike Williams intentionally called on those with special connections to each location, which gave a personal touch for the audience. Finley said that her favorite stops were the Jim Bill McInteer Bible and World Missions Center and the George S. Benson Auditorium.

“It got me thinking about all the students that go into the Benson every day and all the students that are called out into the world for missions,” Finely said. “It just hit me standing between those two buildings.”

The centennial prayer walk continued for the rest of the 2023-24 year, bringing people back to campus to pray over the work, faculty, and students. The connections to the buildings through each prayer brought depth to the spiritual walk.

Written by Addie Echols

Heads Bowed for Harding College | Ted Lloyd commences the event with a prayer regarding the timeline of the University. The walk consisted of ten different locations and the markers would be present throughout the year for anyone to follow the same path.

Special Connections | As they bow their heads, Mike and Sandra Parker join the Harding community in prayer. They have watched the University develop since 1989 with their children and grandchildren attending the university.

Photo by Lauren Simmons

Photo by Lauren Simmons

A CONVERSATION WITH

A pediatrician in Oklahoma and Harding graduate, Dr. Amy Emerson was appointed to the Harding Board of Trustees in fall 2023

Dr. Amy Emerson

Q: What has kept you connected to Harding in recent years?

A: Through the years, we’ve enjoyed working with different recruiters and helping to connect Harding to kids in our area. We love opening our home for events, and since we love a good party—we like to invite everyone we can fit into our house. The more the merrier. I’m a mom of four teenagers, and I love teens! I love all young people, but folks between 1319 are just my heart. It’s funny because as my children grow, I just fall more in love with each age group they bring home. Honestly, the young people of today are so earnest in their desire to help others and so creative in their ways of imagining solutions, that it inspires me!

Q: Can you share about your journey in becoming a pediatrician and how your faith has inspired your career choices?

A: I always knew I wanted to work with children. I tried to keep my options open, so I took the DAT, the MCAT and the optometry exam my senior year. I even interviewed with different schools, but ultimately, I really wanted to practice medicine. I graduated in May, married in July, moved to Jackson and started med school in August—not ideal, but it worked for us. Clint taught and coached while I studied—not sure who worked harder. We went on a mission trip to Belize with a church from Broken Arrow after my first year, and it was on that trip that Clint decided to go into dentistry. We have both tried to integrate our faith into every step of our pathway, sometimes better than other times.

While in med school, we were active at church, hosted a small group and tutored at a children’s home, despite the immense pressures on us at the time. God has given us beautiful opportunities at each step of the way to use our gifts, gain more experience and learn from others. The older I get, the more I realize the most impactful way to minister to anyone is just to see them, seek to understand them, listen to them, and let them know they are loved. It’s all about relationships. I wish I had learned earlier to care less about fixing what I think is broken and more about just listening to the person in front of me.

Q: How do you think your experiences on the boards of nonprofits will add to your contributions to the Harding board?

A: I know I have so much to learn when it comes to higher ed and serving Harding, and I can’t wait to soak up as much knowledge as I can. I hope my past experience will be of benefit, whether it’s fundraising, considering policy implications, assessing risk, and most importantly, looking towards the future of an organization. I always say, there’s no such thing as neutral. You’re either growing, or you’re taking steps backwards, but no one has the option of just sitting still. The world is moving faster than ever, and there’s work to be done for the Kingdom. I hope my current work with Hope Rising and the Science of Hope will also provide an opportunity to use what we know to help those on our campus and those we will serve. We need it more than ever.

Q: Where do you see opportunities for Harding to excel and make a positive impact?

A: I think everyone who has come before me and everyone on the present campus has placed Harding in a position to serve a hurting world. Our nation, our world, has never needed what Harding has to offer more. People are lost, people are hurting and people are hopeless. We have the answers for so many of the questions that are being asked. The hope we have within us is the antidote to the despair many face. It’s exciting to imagine the many ways Harding can play a role in the future. I love the quote by Abraham Kuyper, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!” Whether students are studying art, history, math, science, education, all domains of our creation have been made for His glory, and our students are equipped to make such an impact in every realm of the world!

MARK CREWS Searcy, AR

SWAID SWAID

JOE WILD

HAROLD REDD

JAMES HOLSOMBAKE Vestavia Hills, AL Vero Beach, FL Memphis, TN Panama City, FL

CHARLES GANUS Searcy, AR

DAVID WALDRON La Vergne, TN

HARRELL FREEMAN Metairie, LA

MICHAEL JUSTUS Searcy, AR

JOHN O. SIMMONS Columbia, TN

JAMES H. CONE Little Rock, AR

CRAIG CHEATHAM Colorado Springs, CO

ROBIN MAYNARD

TIM BEWLEY Afton, MN Hendersonville, TN

JOHN D. REESE Searcy, AR

MARK WEEKS Brentwood, TN

RODNEY WALLER Arlington, TX

HOWARD WRIGHT Atlanta, GA

ROBERT WALKER Decatur, AL

STEPHANIE COCHRAN Searcy, AR

For thirty-four years, alumni Robert “Robbie” and Ramona “Mona” Shackelford worked together at the study abroad program, Harding University in Florence, Italy (HUF). Robbie Shackelford announced the spring semester would be his last as the director of HUF. Over the years, the Shackelfords acted as mentors, guides, and facilitators, making a lasting impression on the academic and personal paths of the students they hosted in the Florence study abroad program.

Robbie Shackelford said he began his career at Dallas Christian School as an art and physical education teacher in addition to his job as the football coach after receiving his degree in 1980 from Harding University. In 1987, after a brief tenure at Harding Academy, the Shackelfords returned to Florence along with their two sons.

In the beginning, Robbie Shackelford said he did not think he could apply to the director position because of his father’s involvement with the program. His father, Don Shackelford, collaborated with Dr. Clifton Ganus, who was the University president at the time, to turn the Florence Bible School into an opportunity for students to study in Italy for three months. The Shackelfords planned to relocate to Italy anyway to be closer to Robbie’s hometown and look for other jobs in the area, including other university study abroad programs. It was not until Dr. David Burks reached out that he took the director position at HUF.

Robbie Shackelford encouraged students each semester on their initial arrival at the villa to keep three things in mind as they set out on their study abroad adventure – wake up with a song on your heart, communicate with the creative creator, and aggressively seek beauty every day. These three elements have resonated with past students, who have conveyed that they define Robbie Shackelford’s leadership.

Robbie Shackelford played a large role in introducing students to Italian culture and viewpoints.

“The memories that flash into my head are those moments sharing with students places and seeing their reaction,” Robbie Shackelford said. “The ah-ha moments, the cultural exchange, music related or sports related — those moments — going skiing

Robbie and Mona Shackelford retire after 34 years at Harding University Florence.

in Abetone or taking students to the Castle or to Sicily to see the sea.”

The Shackelfords organized a variety of encounters, classes and outings to provide students with a more comprehensive understanding of the world, improved cultural sensitivity and a deeper appreciation for diversity. Classes were conducted in the HUF villa as well as at significant sites and museums across Italy.

Alumna Beth Ann Fox, who attended HUF in spring 1994, commended Robbie Shackelford’s directing and teaching techniques.

“He had a great way of putting traditions in the program that were culturally valuable for all of us, but you got a flavor of home,” Fox said. “For someone like that to teach you about the renaissance, he was the perfect fit for the HUF director. He embodied the renaissance man.”

In addition to organizing social gatherings and outings for the students, the Shackelfords fostered a sense of belonging and community inside the villa that the students called home for three months. Students formed a supportive network away from home as the Shackelfords committed to cultivating a sense of community among each group.

Alumna Sarah Gwinn, who attended HUF in fall 2007, recalled memories of her favorite parts of her HUF experience.

“One of my favorite things about the villa was that we celebrated everybody’s birthdays with a giant cake and a loud chorus of ‘Buon Compleanno’ with Robbie singing the loudest,” Gwinn said. “It really made our group and the villa feel like family and home when we were so far away.”

Each semester abroad, the community grows beyond the term through enduring friendships and connections. From birthday parties to early morning devotions and late-night activities, Robbie Shackelford said he was dedicated to creating connections among the students residing in the villa.

After his final semester at HUF, Robbie Shackelford said he planned to return to Searcy to care for his father, travel to see friends and paint. He said being able to drive through the Tuscan hills, live in a 15th century villa, spend time with the staff and be with the “great students” were all things he counted as a blessing.

“So often I ask God, ‘Why? Why so many blessings?’” Robbie Shackelford said. “I’ve been very blessed over the years. The blessing of relationships — of being able to share with students over the years — has been incredible, and the relationships with the people in the community of Scandicci and Florence and then the places where I’ve taken students — I know I’m not kidding myself, I’m going to miss it, but I think it’s time.”

As a mentor and advisor, Robbie Shackelford assisted students in overcoming the difficulties of adjusting to a new setting, encouraging self-improvement, independence, and resilience. He guided students to seek out beauty and their creative creator, leaving them with memories they will share and cherish forever.

“When I think of Robbie Shackelford and HUF, that is what he was created to do. There could not be a more perfect fit,” Fox said. “If we could all find and do our jobs the way that he embodied Director of HUF all those years, the world would be a different place.”

Written by Lisanne Cheatham

Harding students studying abroad called this villa home during their time in Florence. Don Shackelford found the 1492 villa on accident. The owner gladly sold the home after learning it would be used for the education of college students. Photo courtesy of Brackett Library Archives

Home Sweet Home | Robbie and Mona Shackelford stand at the Abbazia di San Miniato overlooking Florence, Italy on May 13, 2017. This was a stop during orientation for students after arriving in Florence. The Shackelfords retired after 34 years. Photo Courtesy of Grant Schol

- Robbie Shackelford

“It would be difficult to overestimate the positive impact Dr. Cochran has had on me and so many others during his time at Harding, What a privilege that has been I deeply admire how intentional he is about reaching out to share words of kindness and encouragement. He is exceptional at making others feel seen and appreciated. He truly embodies what it means to live like Jesus.” –

Travis McNeal

Leading by Faith | Changing scenery, Dr. Cochran shares time with his class near the Brackett Library. He made a commitment to creating a bond with his students each year and felt that they were the best part of his career. Junior Lydia Radke said, “One of the biggest things I learned from Dr. Cochran was to treat people not only in the way I want to be treated, but as if they were Christ standing in front of me.”

Photo Courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

LEAVING A

Auniversityis made up of bits and pieces of its people. Dr. Ross Cochran spent 38 years investing in the Harding community, and he left a great legacy of kind and gentle fellowship in his retirement. Cochran began as an instructor in the College of Bible and Ministry in 1986, and over time, he became a professor, director of the Vocational Ministry program, and director of Harding’s Camp Tahkodah in Floral, Arkansas. Through these various roles, he was a faithful servant of God and taught countless students how to care for their neighbor and love in a way that is consistent with the life of Jesus.

When asked to reflect on his relationship with the University, Cochran spoke highly of his colleagues and the entire Harding staff, accrediting each of them with contributing to a rich culture of mutual encouragement and mission. There are many characteristics about the community that Cochran believed the world would benefit from, and he contributed to equipping and sending students out to reflect these values in the world. It was evident that Cochran was not one to separate mission from work, and he spent his days at Harding fully invested in the student body and mission of Jesus Christ. His students felt that commitment, as many of them noted his genuine interest in their lives and dreams, his selfless nature, and his wisdom. Not surprisingly, he named his students as being the best part of the job. Discovering their interests, backgrounds, aspirations, and how they planned to contribute to the repair of the world was a passion of his. He believed the student body to be an integral piece of the community, saying that

“The culture needs the students … who want to live righteously, who want to live out the way of Jesus in their treatment of each other.”

It is this relationship with his students that made him such a renowned teacher and friend, and it is the students’ admiration of such a teacher that led to Cochran being the 2017 Petit Jean Yearbook Dedication Recipient.

Cochran impacted students not only on the campus, but on the campgrounds as well. As director of Camp Tahkodah (2004-2011) with his late wife, Nita, who passed away in 2016, the Cochrans had a unique opportunity to serve alongside many university students who worked as camp counselors. Again, he credits the young adults he worked with as being a “real transformative aspect of camp.” Cochran understood the importance of young adulthood as one of the most formative times of life, and he committed almost four decades of his life to mentoring and inspiring young minds. His mentorship was certainly not limited to college students, as Tahkodah was also where he mentored and invested in Travis and Meleah McNeal, his and Nita’s successors as Camp Directors.

“It would be difficult to overestimate the positive impact Dr. Cochran has had on me and so many others during his time at Harding,” Travis McNeal said. “For me personally, he has been a wise and trusted mentor since I began working with him at Camp Tahkodah in 2010. What a privilege that has been. I deeply admire how intentional he is about reaching out to share words of kindness and encouragement. He is exceptional at making others feel seen and appreciated. He truly embodies what it

A reflection on the lasting impact of Dr. Ross Cochran as he concludes his final year at Harding.

means to live like Jesus. Harding is losing a great mentor, teacher, and friend in Dr. Cochran’s retirement.”

This was a sentiment that echoed by many of the faculty and staff members as well as students who have been fortunate enough to work alongside such a thoughtful colleague and professor. Senior Lillie Kate Thornton reflected on the impact Dr. Cochran had on her as a student.

“Having Dr. Cochran as a professor is similar to a 50-minute lunch break with a friend,” Thornton said. “An abundantly wise, kind and hilarious friend. His genuine care for both his students and teaching the Gospels makes class with him a pretty special experience I’m grateful to have had.”

Looking back at 38 years of teaching and investing in people here on this campus, it was indisputable that Cochran was one of those people whose life makes others’ lives better. Cochran was invited to participate in a writing project centered around the archives of Landon Saunders, a minister and theologian. He and his wife, Stephanie, celebrated two years of marriage in January 2024 and were excited to get to be together and travel more with this transition.

“I’ve loved this,” Cochran said. “It’s been, I think, a really good fit. I love it now, I could love it more. I could love it still. But life has chapters, and I’m really excited about what’s coming.”

Written by Molly Speight

Inspiring Generations | Dr. Cochran takes advantage of the weather, holding class outside the McInteer Bible building. He began his Harding career as an instructor and eventually became Director of Theological Studies. Photo Courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

German Abarca Paillacho

Assistant Professor Carr College of Nursing

Catherine Acre

Associate Professor Occupational Therapy

Amy Adair

Associate Professor College of Education

Scott Adair

Professor of Bible and Ministry

Daniel Adams

HUG Director International Programs

Glen Adams

Professor of Behavioral Science

Usenime Akpanudo

Professor College of Education

Jenene Alexander

Professor College of Education

Michael Allen

Assistant Professor College of Business

Daniel Atchley

Professor of Pharmaceutical Science

Daniel Bailey

Associate Professor Pharmacy Practice

Tim Baird

Professor of Computer Science

Amelia Baker Librarian/Instructor

Amy Baker

Instructor Communication Sciences & Disorders

Andrew Baker

Asst. Prof. Bible and Ministry/Dir. Comm. Connections/NCSA

Kimberly Baker-Abrams

Associate Professor Behavioral Science

Charles Bane

Professor of Communication

Paulette Bane

Assistant Professor English Language. and Literature.

Steven Barber

Associate Professor Engineering and Physics

Chris Barker

Assistant Professor College of Business

Klay Bartee

Assistant Professor Marriage and Family Therapy

Clay Beason

Professor College of Education

Rebecca Bennett

Lecturer of Biology

James Berry

Director of Advancement and Testing

Marcus Binns

Assistant Professor College of Nursing

Andrea Bishop

Assistant Professor Graduate Education

Ken Bissell

Director of Center for Charitable Estate Planning

Justin Bland

Associate Professor Exercise and Sport Sciences

Kristi Bond

Associate Professor Foreign Lang. and Intl. Studies

John Boone

Librarian/Instructor

Lauren Boone

Assistant Professor University Studies

Nicholas Boone

Professor of English Language. and Literature

Nicky Boyd

Associate Professor

Brenda Breezeel

Librarian/Associate Professor

Gary Breezeel

Professor of History and Political Science

Gregory Brooks

Professor College of Nursing

Joshua Brown

Professor Pharmaceutical Science

Philip Brown

Professor College of Business

Richard Brown

Professor College of Business

Jacob Brownfield

Assistant Professor

Bryan Burks

Professor College of Business

Stephen Burks

Professor Kinesiology

Jeanie Burt

Assistant Professor College of Nursing

Tiffany Byers

Director of Multicultural Student Services/Student Success

Heath Carpenter

Associate Professor English Language. and Literature.

Cindy Carrell

Associate Professor Music

Scott Carrell

Professor Music

Jessica Carter

Assistant Professor Pharmacy Practice

Teresa Castleman

Director of Abundant Living

Mike Chalenburg

CIO/VP Information Systems & Technology

Timothy Chance

Assistant Professor Comm. Sciences and Disorders

Yuee Chen

Instructor College of Business

Steven Choate

Associate Professor Art, Architecture & Design

Robert Churchman

Professor College of Business

Dona Clarin

Associate Professor College of Nursing

Brady Clark

Assistant Professor Physician Assistant Studies

Michael Claxton

Professor Enlgish Lang. and Lit.

Steve Cloer

Assistant Professor Harding School of Theology

Ross Cochran

Professor College of Bible and Ministry

Enrique Colón

Assistant Professor Art, Architecture & Design

Eric Colgrove

Instructor Music

David Collins

Assistant Professor College of Education/Director of WISP

Kimberly Cooper

Associate Professor College of Nursing

Steven Cooper

Associate

Professor Biology

Karen Corker

Assistant Professor College of Business

Amy Cox

Associate Professor Art, Architecture & Design

Brian Cox

Assistant Professor Exercise and Sport Sciences

Monte Cox

Professor Bible and Ministry

Shawn Daggett

Professor Bible and Ministry

Jason Darden

Assistant Professor Bible and Ministry

Noah Darnell

Instructor Communication

Tessa Davidson

Assistant Professor Art, Architecture & Design

Reflecting on 300 Columns in The Bison Newspaper

If you told the high school version of me that I would someday write 300 essays for a college newspaper, I would have fainted on the spot. First, because that sounds like way more work than I would have wanted to take on at eighteen. But also, because it would mean that one of my two career dreams had come true.

First, I wanted to be an English teacher. The wonderful teachers in my life stoked my love of writing and reading literature and helped me get better at both. As I watched them in front of the classroom day after day, I thought to myself, “I want to do what they do.” Granted, they made it all look much easier than I have since discovered teaching to be, but they set me on a path that has blessed my life for nearly thirty years.

My second dream was to be a humor columnist. I grew up in Georgia and often read a writer named Lewis Grizzard, who had a weekly column in the Atlanta Journal. As I devoured his witty musings on life, love, sports and

the Waffle House, I thought to myself, “I want to do what he does.” I shared that dream with a friend who told me jobs like that were hard to get and that I had best stick to teaching. So, I put the idea on the back burner.

It stayed there for over a decade. Two years into my career at Harding, I had Heather Browning in my class. She was the editor for the campus newspaper and liked my sense of humor (There’s no accounting for taste). Heather invited me to write an article for The Bison, and I sent in a piece about a recent trip overseas. That turned into an invitation to submit more, and by the next semester, I was writing for nearly every issue of the

paper. I have now been doing that for eighteen years.

I’m so grateful to Student Publications for putting up with my nonsense and giving me space to write about whatever I want. From stories of my childhood to tales of funny things that happen to me in restaurants, from thoughts about pop culture to tributes for friends who have passed on, I’ve had the freedom to write 800 words a week on things that mattered to me. I’ve even taken on challenges sent in by loyal readers, such as the time I wrote a whole column without the letter “E,” or the week I submitted one entirely in limericks.

I’ve just done the math, and it seems I have inflicted over 240,000 words on the Harding nation since 2005. I feel the need to apologize.

But not necessarily to stop. As long as readers tell me they enjoy what I write, I plan to keep going. I am seldom happier than when composing a new “Just the Clax,” and I’m thankful to Harding for this wonderful ride.

A Happy Reunion | Dr. Claxton poses with Heather Browning, the Bison editor who asked him to contribute his first column to the publication. The two reunited at the Student Publications alumni brunch on Nov. 4. Photo courtesy of Michael Claxton

300! | Professor Michael Claxton examines his articles for the Bison. Claxton has filed and retained hard copies of all of his articles over the years. Photo by Lauren Simmons

Narrative Columnist

Michael Claxton

Jill Davis

Assistant Professor Mathematics

Mark Davis

Professor College of Business

Tannon Davis

Assistant Professor University Studies

Joni Day

Assistant Professor Comm Sciences and Disorders

Amanda Diles

Associate Professor Physician

Assistant Studies

Laurie Diles

Professor Communication

Robert Diles

Professor Bible and Ministry

Katherine Dillion

Professor English Language and Literature.

Jared Dockery

Associate Professor Communication

Norma Dominguez

Instructor Comm. Sciences and Disorders

David Donley

Assistant Professor Biology

Deborah Duke

Professor Mathematics

John Richard Duke

Professor History and Political Science/Director ASI

Laura Eads

Assistant Professor Music

Lee Edwards

Associate Professor Bible and Ministry

Morgan Elam

Assistant Professor Physician Assistant Studies

Alyssa Eller Librarian/Instructor

Wendy Ellis

Professor College of Education

Lisa Engel

Associate Professor College of Nursing

Terry Engel

Professor English Language and Literature

Marc Fager

Associate Professor College of Education

Joe Faith

Instructor College of Business

April Fatula

Instructor Communication

Hailey Fields

Instructor Computer Science

Britney Finley

Assistant Professor Kinesiology

Hunter Finney

Assistant Professor Physical Therapy

Jennifer Fisher

Associate Professor Communication Sciences and Disorders

Shawn Fisher

Associate Professor History and Political Science

Kimberly Flowers

Professor College of Education

Charles Foust

Associate Professor Computer Science

Brad Francis

High School Principal Harding Academy

Allen Frazier

Professor College of Business

Beverly Froud

Instructor Family and Consumer Sciences

Charissa Fuller

Assistant Professor College of Nursing

M. Liann Gallagher

Associate Professor History and Political Science

Cassandra Ganus

Assistant Professor Physician Assistant Studies

Zane Gastineau

Professor Engineering and Physics

Lana Gettman

Professor Pharmacy Practice

Stacy Gibson

Professor Art, Architecture & Design

Jim Gurchiek

Harding Academy Superintendent

Allison Gutierrez

Instructor Behavioral Science

Jordan Guy

Associate Professor Bible and Ministry

Elizabeth Hall

Assistant Professor Family and Consumer Sciences

David Hall

AVP Enrollment Services/HUB Manager

Tammy Hall

CFO/VP of Finance

Whitney Hammes

Librarian/Assistant Professor

Brian Harrington

Executive Director Center for Professional Excellence

Jacqueline Harris

Assistant Professor College of Nursing

Julie Harris

Profesor History and Political Science

Kathy Helpenstill

Associate Professor Behavioral Science

Allen Henderson

Assistant Professor College of Education

Alan Hewett

Assistant Professor Engineering and Physics

Charles Hicks

Assistant Professor Music

Julie Hixson-Wallace

Professor Pharmacy Practice

Mario Hofheinz

Associate Professor Physician Assistant Studies

Dutch Hoggatt

Professor Communication

Jessica Holland

Instructor Harding School of Theology

Michelle Holland

Assistant Professor Foreign Lang. Intl. Studies

Byron Howell

Assistant Professor College of Business

Ronnie Huckeba

Director Sr. Advancement Officers

James Huff

Associate Professor Engineering and Physics

Melinda Huff

Assistant Professor Cheminstry & Biochemistry

Larry Hunt

Professor English Language and Literature

Dwight Ireland

Professor Behavioral Science

Gary Jackson

Instructor Bible and Ministry

Samuel Jeffrey

Assistant Professor Behavioral Science

David Johnson

Professor College of Business

Benjamin Jones

Assistant Professor Theatre

Ellen Jones

Assistant Professor Pharmacy Practice

Genevieve Jones

Assistant Professor Foreign Lang. Intl. Studies

Megan Jones

Assistant Professor Family and Consumer Sciences

Shanna Jones

Instructor Family and Consumer Sciences

BEYOND BOOKS

Professor Paulette Bane expressed creativity outside the classroom through poetry and art.

Assistant professor of English Paulette Bane taught a variety of classes within the English Department, and her passion followed close behind. She found purpose and meaning through her poetry, published under her maiden name, Geurin. Much of her poetry revolved around her hometown and childhood in Arkansas. Her debut collection, “Wading Through Lethe,” was published in 2022 and caught the attention of editors. Bane was chosen to be one of nine poets from the region to be featured in “Wild Muse: Ozarks Nature Poetry.” As she stayed busy writing poetry and going on tour with fellow Ozark poets, Bane also wrote screenplays and cherished time with her daughter through drawing and painting.

“My daughter likes art, so we draw and paint together a lot,” Bane said. “She’s about to be six, so it’s a great age to be creative. She’s very curious and imaginative.”

While her successes happened consecutively, she encouraged others that she had been writing for years and that it was a lot of hard work.

“Sometimes there’s an impression that when someone reaches a level of success especially creatively that they must possess some special talent or it must come easily, and they would get discouraged perhaps and feel like they can’t pursue it,” Bane said. “Though these successes have happened all kind of one after another, I’ve been writing for many years, and it’s a lot of hard work. It’s a lot of making connections and reading other people’s work and being kind to people and building each other up inside the community.”

Sophomore Delaney Harrington, one of her students, shared her experiences with Bane.

“She is an amazing professor and poet,” Harrington said. “She always works with me, and I loved hearing her insight at our Souvenirs meetings.”

Bane pushed her students to be their best and tried to be an inspiration of dedication to them all. Her best advice was to “Stop worrying about talent and get to work.”

Written by Alaina Wolf

Pages & Poets | English professor Paulette Bane stops for a portrait in her office. Bane has been a professor at Harding since 2016.

Photo by Lauren Simmons

Whitaker Jordan

Associate Professor Foreign Lang. and Intl. Studies

Landry Kamdem

Professor Pharmaceutical Science

Russell Keck

Associate Professor English Language and Literature

David Kee

Associate Professor College of Business

Kevin Kehl

Associate Professor University Studies/Student for Student Success

Susan Kehl

Professor College of Nursing

John Keller

Professor Art, Architecture & Design

Karen Kelley

Assistant Professor College of Nursing

Heather Kemper

Director Alumni & Parent Relations

Anita Killins

Associate Professor Physical Therapy

Alyssa Koay

Assistant Professor Music Gregory Laing

Associate Professor English Language and Literature

Kimberly Laing

Assistant Professor History and Political Science

Steve Lake

Vice President Enrollment Services

Cheryl Lee

Professor College of Nursing

Donny Lee

Professor College of Education

Mary Madill

Associate Professor Physician Assistant Studies

Dale Manor

Professor Emeritus Bible and Ministry

Jessica Martin College of Business

Kraig Martin

Associate Professor Bible and Ministry

Tod Martin

Registrar

Darren Mathews

Assistant Professor College of Education

Ruth Ann Mathis

Associate Professor Physical Therapy

Dennis Matlock

Professor Chemistry & Biochemistry

Melodie Mauney

Assistant Professor Occupational Therapy

Kristen McCook

Assistant Professor College of Nursing

Frank McCown

Professor Computer Science

Robert McCready

Professor Foreign Lang. and Intl. Studies

Sarah McGaha

Professor Kinesiology

Michael McGalliard

Dean College of Allied Health

Amy McGohan

Librarian/Associate Professor

Travis McNeal

Professor Behavioral Science

Lolita Meredith

Instructor

Glen Metheny

Professor College of Business

Bradley Miller

Professor Engineering and Physics

Charles Miller

Professor Theatre

James Miller

Professor Communication

Nathan Mills

Professor Biology

Jessica Moore

Associate Professor Kinesiology

Justin Moore

Professor College of Education

Lew Moore

Professor Marriage & Family Therapy

Steven Moore

Professor Biology

Candice Moore

AVP University Communications & Marketing

Jeffrey Morgan

Athletic Director

Andrea Morris

Assistant to the Provost for Strategic Initiatives/Asst. Prof.

Luke Morris

AVP Finance

Nicole Mount

Associate Professor Physician Assistant Studies

Zachary Muncy

Associate Professor College of Business

Jaime Murphy

Assistant Professor Chemistry & Biochemistry

Zach Neal

Vice President for Student Life

James Nesbit

Assistant Professor Pharmacy Practice

Debora Nutt

Professor College of Nursing

Daniel Oden

Associate Professor Bible and Ministry

Mike Oliver

Associate Professor College of Business Rigel Page

Instructor College of Business

Allison Parker

Instructor College of Education

Joseph Parker

Instructor Engineering and Physics

Todd Patten

Professor College of Education

Tristan Pendergrass

Asst. Prof, Cardiac Function & Interventional Tech

Matthew Perring

Instructor College of Education

Darla Phillips

Assistant Professor University Studies

Trixie Pittman

Associate Professor Biology

Audra Pleasant

Director International Programs

Mark Powell

Professor School of Theology

Kyle Pullen

Professor Music

Scott Ragsdale

Associate Professor Computer Science

Kevin Ramey

Professor Physical Therapy

Rebekah Rampey Professor Biology

Peter Rice

Associate Professor Bible and Ministry

Rodney Richmond

Professor Pharmacy Practice

Lisa Ritchie

Professor Family and Consumer Sciences

Thomas Ritchie

Assistant Professor Kinesiology

Teaching Bohr | Professor Keith Schramm gives a lesson on the Bohr model in class in 2019. Schramm began teaching at Harding in 1992. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

CLOSING CHAPTER

Harding bids farewell and honored Dr. Keith Schramm’s 31-year legacy after his final semester.

Professor of physical science Dr. Keith Schramm completed his final semester of teaching in the Chemistry Department in fall 2023. After coming to Harding in 1992, he finished his 31-year career and relocated to Mount Dora Christian Academy in Mount Dora, Florida to teach chemistry for the 2024 spring semester.

“I was supposed to retire this past May of 2023, but Dr. White asked if I could stay on until this December of 2023, so I did,” Schramm said. “Mount Dora Christian Academy, being affiliated with the Church of Christ, reached out to Harding looking for chemistry graduates to come and teach for them. I called them myself and offered to come and teach just for the spring semester of 2024.”

Schramm was missed by many students and faculty. Department chair and professor of chemistry Cindy White spoke on her experience teaching alongside Schramm.

“He is an amazing teacher, instructor and colleague. He has given me so much help and advice over my 12 years of teaching, and I don’t know what I’ll do without him next year,” White said. “I consider him a dear friend, a wonderful mentor, and someone who has taught me much.”

Schramm was known for his general chemistry classes and beloved by many students. His dedication to both the content and the students proved evident by the relationship created with his students. Senior medical humanities major Mckenzie Paden spoke about her time being under Schramm’s tutelage and what she enjoyed about his classes.

“I had him as my first-semester general chemistry professor, and he still knows my name and greets me in the hallway,” Paden said. “He

was very helpful to me when I had questions, and was always willing to sit down with me and make sure we were on the same page and understood.”

White watched Schramm’s relationships with students for years and saw how he exemplified Christ each day.

“He is loved and respected by all of his students, who learn so much more about chemistry after taking his class because of how well he teaches it,” White said. “He exhibits Christ and the fruits of the spirit in his life, and his kindness and personality allow him to get along well with the faculty and students.”

Schramm enjoyed his time at Harding but knew it was time for the next chapter. He changed his retirement plan in order to accommodate the needs of Mount Dora and was excited to be able to help. However, it was evident that his presence would be missed.

“His care for his students and knowledge about chemistry are some of my favorite qualities,” Paden said. “I knew if I had a question, I would always go to him first because I knew he would explain it well, and his knowledge would help me understand.”

Schramm displayed the meanings of Christ to many students and continued to do so at Mount Dora. Many students and faculty were happy for him and his new journey. Schramm was happy to finish the year out at Mount Dora schools, but looked forward to his final retirement.

Written by Sophie Thibodeaux

Emily Roberts

Director Donor Relations

Jonathan Roberts

Senior Director Financial Aid

Jesse Robertson

Professor College of Bible and Ministry

Michael Robinson

Associate Professor Engineering and Physics

Stacey Rodenbeck

Associate Professor Biology

David Ross AVP Human Resources

Jacob Rotich

Assistant Professor College of Business

Patrick Ruhl

Assistant Professor Biology

Craig Russell

Director Public Safety

Mac Sandlin

Associate Professor Bible and Ministry

Courtney Selby

Assistant Professor Pharmacy Practice

Kevin Shelby

Associate Professor College of Education

James Shelton

Professor College of Business

Melissa Shipp

Associate Professor Pharmacy Practice

Susan Shirel

Assistant Professor English

Jonathan Singleton

Associate Professor English Language and Literature

Cody Sipe

Professor Physical Therapy

Ellis Sloan

Assistant Professor College of Business

David Smith

Assistant Professor Physical Therapy

Jeanie Smith

Associate Professor Pharmacy Practice

Patricia Smith

Associate Professor College of Nursing

Ronald Smith

Professor Mathematics

Susan Smith

Associate Professor College of Nursing

Terry Smith

Professor Behavioral Sciences

Bridget Smith

Director Disability Services

Marty Spears

Provost

Paige Spillman

Assistant Professor Occupational Therapy

Douglas Steele

Assistant Professor Physical Therapy

Mike Steeleman

Assistant Professor Art, Architecture & Design

Dana Steil

Dean College of Arts & Sciences

Darlene Stewart

Instructor English Language and Literature

Jake Stewart

Professor College of Business

Kevin Stewart

Professor Chemistry & Biochemistry

John Stone

Assistant Professor College of Business

Rayanne Story

Associate Professor Pharmacy Practice

Jeremiah Sullins

Professor Behavioral Science

Dan Summers

Assistant Professor College of Business

Inna Swann

Associate Professor Physical Therapy

Kimberly Swenson

Associate Professor College of Nursing

Devin Swindle

Professor Bible and Ministry

Jim Tarrant

Professor Pharmaceutical Science

Chantelle Taylor

Assistant Professor Chemistry & Biochemistry

Kimberly Tebo

Instructor College of Nursing

Marcus Thomas

Assistant Dean for Student Development

Elizabeth Thomason

Assistant Professor College of Nursing

Jean-Noel Thompson

Executive Vice President

Jan Traughber

Associate Professor Communication Sciences & Disorders

Ken Turley

Professor Cardiac Func. & Intervention Tech

Hot Off the Press | Associate Professor of History and Political Science Nathaniel Wiewora poses with a newly minted copy of his published book “Sins of Christendom.”

The book was published in March 2024.

courtesy of Kristen Wiewora

byWORKS WIEWORA

After years of hard work, Dr. Nathaniel Wiewora wrote and published his book “Sins of Christendom.”

Associate professor of history Dr. Nathaniel Wiewora wrote and published the book “Sins of Christendom.” He worked with an editor at the University of Illinois Press who guided the project from the proposal stage to the publishing stage.

“I first submitted a manuscript to the press in the fall of 2021,” Wiewora said. “The manuscript was reviewed by several expert reviewers. The process is blind review, in the sense that I do not know the reviewers. When their comments came back, I submitted a revised manuscript. That was then copyedited and designed, and became the final book, which was published in March 2024.”

The book was based around evangelical criticism of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“This book uses the diverse animus expressed by evangelicals to illuminate how they used an imaginary Church as a proxy to disagree, attack, compromise, and settle differences among themselves,” Wiewora said. “The evangelical practice to contrast itself with the emerging faith not only encompassed but also went beyond religious matters.

Wiewora explored similar conflicts expressed by attacks on the Latter-day Saints, the Book of Mormons and Nauvoo ideas. The main audience for the book was for historians of evangelicalism, Mormonism and religious intolerance. It appealed to audiences and readers interested in both evangelicalism and Mormonism, as well as the broader American crowds.

Chair of the History Department, Dr. Shawn Fisher worked with Wiewora during his writing.

“Dr. Wiewora has taught me a lot about anti-Mormonism in the antebellum period and about the ways evangelicals defined themself to some degree through comparisons with Mormons,” Fisher said. “He is speaking to professional historians, but it is a useful book for anyone interested in the development of Christianity in America.”

Fisher expressed the importance of continued education and exploration of academic professions.

“Academics should be constantly working to seek the truth,” Fisher said. “This is an arduous journey, and sometimes, we discover things we would like to share with others. We historians do this mostly by writing. Dr. Wiewora has worked hard in the field to establish himself as an authority, and that process produces the kind of discipline and competency that pays off in the classroom, too.”

Wiewora served as visiting faculty on the Harding University in Greece abroad program in fall 2023 with sophomore Abby Davidson. Davidson admired Wiewora’s character and teaching.

“Wiewora was amazing,” Davidson said. “He really understood the balance of work and rest that was needed for a semester abroad and was very flexible to the students’ needs throughout. Due to the small group we had, we became very close like family. He is an incredible role model. He is the kind of teacher that makes sure his students are engaged, and are understanding the material. He would allow for a space of conversation where we could discuss the sights seen and our feelings about them.”

Wiewora hoped that his book would introduce a topic that would leave readers inquiring about how their own religion or the ones discussed can influence lives.

“As a historian of American religion, I am interested in the ways that religion influences people’s lives,” Wiewora said. “This book is about the myriad ways people use religious intolerance to advance their own religious consequences and the unexpected consequences that follow.”

Written by Randi Tubbs

Photo

Mallory Turner

Associate Professor Pharmacy Practice

Pamela Voss

Assistant Professor Graduate Education

William Waldron

Assistant Professor Engineering and Physics

Jean Waldrop Brackett Library Director

Jaimie Walker

Instructor Communication Sciences & Disorders

Laurie Walker

Assistant Professor Mathematics

Richard Ward

Assistant Professor Pharmacy Practice

Stephen Warren

Professor College of Education

April Watson

Assistant Professor Communication Sciences & Disorders

Robert Watson

Assistant Professor Cardiac Func & Intervention Tech

Anessa Westbrook

Associate Professor Bible and Ministry

Tim Westbrook

Associate Professor Bible and Ministry

Cindy White

Professor Chemistry & Biochemistry

Jonathan White

Professor Engineering and Physics

Nathaniel Wiewora

Associate Professor History and Political Science

Donald Wilcox

Assistant Professor Physical Therapy

Sarah Wilhoit

Professor Art, Architecture & Design

Robert Williams

Associate Professor College of Education

Taylor Williams

Assistant Professor Engineering and Physics

Carl Williamson

Assistant Professor Bible and Ministry

Hannah Wood

Librarian/Assistant Professor

Charlie Wright

Assistant Professor Pharmacy Practice

George Yeboah

Professor Pharmaceutical Science

Jon Yingling

Professor Kinesiology

Kevin Youngblood Professor Bible and Ministry

HISTORIC MOMENTS

by Nic Fraraccio

“I owe all I know to my dad’s instructions. Dad said he was gonna quit pitching when he had a son to take his place.”

- Preacher Roe, 1937

Multi-sport athlete Jim Citty lettered in three different sports during his senior year at Harding. Citty earned his letters with two years of football, three years of track and four years of basketball. Citty captained the 1959 and 1960 Bisons football teams. Overall, Citty would earn 10 different collegiate letters. Citty was inducted into the Harding Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.

Harding pitcher Elwin “Preacher” Roe strikes out 24 batters in a 13-inning game against Arkansas Tech University. The Arkansas native would spend 12 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He finished his MLB career with 127 career wins, five all-star appearances and a 3.43 career earned run average (ERA). Roe was inducted into the Harding Sports Hall of Fame in 1989.

“Harding was fortunate to attract Jim since his athletic prowess has been unmatched on the campus.” - Pete McCoy, 1961

The Harding bowling team wins their first National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes (NAIA) national championship in school history. Led by Harding hall-offamer Charles Burt, Charles Webb and Gary Parsons, the Keglers would continue their national dominance in the following seasons. Harding won three NAIA titles in a row (1970,1971,1972).

AIC singles champion Gary Parsons practices for the national tourney in Kansas City.

The Harding football team defeats Langston University in the 1972 Cowboy Bowl. The game was played in snowy conditions with wind gusts up to 25 miles per hour. The Bisons won the game on a 41-yard field goal by quarterback Tom Ed Gooden. This was the first bowl and American Intercollegiate Conference championship victory in school history. The Bisons finished the ’72 season ranked in the top 15 in NAIA.

The remodeled Rhodes-Reaves Field House hosts its first games of the season Nov. 15, 1997. The men’s and women’s basketball teams hosted Abilene Christian University to begin their home schedules. Changes to the renovated arena included an increase in seating, improved air-conditioning and new graphic scoreboards.

The Harding men’s basketball team wins their first District 17 championship. The title run included a historic victory against Scottie Pippen and the University of Central Arkansas March 2. Freshman Corey Camper hit the game-winning shot with five seconds remaining to defeat the Bears by a final score of 88-87.

The Lady Bisons cross-country team wins the conference and regional championships. Led by head coach Steve Guymon, Harding finished the season ranked fifth in the nation. Multiple members on the team were recognized for their achievements throughout the season. At the regional meet, sophomore Janee Jones, junior Savita Chelimo, senior Jess Fisher, junior Kalina Szteyn and senior Mary Brown earned All-Region honors.

Janee Jones and Savita Chelimo at the Ted Lloyd Stampede on Sep. 9, 2006. Reprinted from Petit Jean 2006-2007

Program from the 1972 Cowboy Bowl Langston Lions vs. Harding College Bisons Courtesy of UCM

Corey Camper, a freshman who led the Bisons in scoring this season, goes under the basket to score on two-time All-American Scottie Pippen in Harding’s 88-87 upset win over the University of Central Arkansas March 2. Reprinted from The Bison Vol. 62, Special Issue

Crowds cheer on the Bisons during the game against Abilene. The remodeled Rhodes Memorial Field House provided an exciting arena for both the Lady Bisons and Bisons. Reprinted from The Bison Vol. 73 No. 9

Harding hall-of-famer Daniel Kirwa wins 5k and 10k titles at the Division II national championships. The runner from Eldoret, Kenya, won all six races he ran during the outdoor season. In three years, Kirwa would earn 13 All-American honors and win four national titles. Kirwa was inducted to the Harding Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.

The Harding women’s golf team wins the Great American Conference championship for the second year in a row. The Lady Bisons cruised to victory by beating second place Henderson State University by 23 strokes. After earning All-Tournament honors at the conference tournament, senior Emily Plyer would represent Harding at the NCAA Division II National Championship.

Janet (Kogo) Cherobon-Bawcom runs at the 2012 London Summer Olympics for the United States track and field team. Kogo ran her personal best in the 10,000-meter event. The Harding hall-of-famer placed 12th with a time of 31 minutes and 12 seconds. Kogo won two regional championships during her illustrious career as a Lady Bison.

The Harding women’s soccer team wins the Great American Conference regular season and tournament championships. Harding defeated Southwestern Oklahoma State University in the title match by a final score of 5-3. After winning the conference title, the Lady Bisons earned a spot in the Division II national tournament. Harding finished the season with an overall record of 15-4-2.

Emily Plyer at the 2013 GAC Golf Championship Reprinted from The Bison Vol. 88 No. 17

Daniel Kirwa lead the pack at the Ted Lloyd Bison Stampede on Oct. 11. The Bisons won the team event with Kirwa taking first place in the individual race with a time of 23 minutes, 48 seconds. Reprinted from Petit Jean 2008-2009

The 2015-16 women’s soccer team. Reprinted from The Bison Vol. 91 No. 1

Photo courtesy of The Bison Archives

The Harding football team makes a historic run to the national semifinals. The Bisons achieved an 11-game winning streak before losing to No. 8 Texas A&MCommerce. In the first three rounds of the national tournament, the Bisons defeated three top-10 opponents in a row: No. 6 University of Indianapolis, No. 9 Ashland University and No. 10 Ferris State University.

The Harding men’s golf team qualifies for the NCAA Division II National Championship for the first time in school history.

Junior Sam Tandy led the field after 18 holes when he posted a 66 in round one. The Bisons would finish the championship in eighth place out of 20 teams. Junior Sam Tandy and Senior Jake Croshaw earned spots on the Division II PING All-Central Region team. Following the season, head coach Dustin Howell was named Central Region Coach of the Year.

The Lady Bisons volleyball team wins the Great American Conference (GAC) championship. Harding defeated Henderson State University in four sets to capture the GAC title. In the first round of the Division II national tournament, Harding completed the upset victory over No. 3 University of Nebraska at Kearney. The Lady Bisons defeated the Lopers in five sets.

Led by head coach Paul Simmons, the Harding football team wins their first Division II National Championship in program history. The Bisons defeated Colorado School of Mines by a final score of 38-7 in McKinney, Texas, to complete an undefeated season. Harding became the first team in NCAA history to rush for 6,000 yards in a season.

Harding Volleyball team celebrates their win over the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Reprinted from Petit Jean 2018-2019

Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Photo courtesy of Lexi Chism

Kings

OF THE C URT

Juniors Teodor Zlatar and Cas de Ruiter compete at the ITA Cup, NCAA Division II national championship.

One of the 2023-24 Harding tennis doubles team, juniors

Teodor Zlatar and Cas de Ruiter, competed at the ITA Cup, NCAA Division II national championship. The pair placed as runner-ups in October 2023 and was the first doubles team in Harding’s history to make it to the national championship. Tennis coach David Redding explained the honor of the qualification.

“For a university to have a player or players qualify for the ITA Cup is a very prestigious accomplishment,” Redding said. “For Harding, this is the second year in a row we have had two players selected to compete in a 16-draw tournament from all D2 players from all over the country.

In the 2022-23 season, two singles players went to the ITA Cup where they both eventually lost. Zlatar was one of the players who advanced as a sophomore, while the other singles player was fifth-year Dani Ortiz. Zlatar typically played as a singles player, but due to an illness on the team, he and de Ruiter were paired together mere weeks before the regional tournament, which decided the teams that progressed to the national championship.

“It was an amazing thing to look forward to because we weren’t even sure if we were going,” de Ruiter said. “We ended up second in the regionals and only the winners are guaranteed a spot in the national championship.”

Even though they were thrown together last minute, it was clear that the relationship of the team influenced their success at the championship greatly. Zlatar leaned on his teammate when things got tough, and it was in those moments that their natural talent didn’t matter as much as their connection did.

“It is the most talented and deepest team I have coached

during my tenure,” Redding said. “Ultimately how successful our season is will not depend on our talent alone, but how we learn from and handle pressure situations that we will encounter throughout the season and gain more mental toughness.”

Zlatar and de Ruiter’s ability to learn with and from one another was a testament to their success. On and off the court they pushed each other to be the best. As each player’s skills were different, they had to rely on each other to succeed. Zlatar was known for his skills in serving and returning the ball, while de Ruiter was known for his netgame. Both players had unique skills that complimented one another, leading them to their second place title at the national championship.

“We supported each other in tough moments on the court,” Zlatar said.

It was the team dynamic and trust that sent these players to the championship. Their unexpected pairing greatly benefitted the team. Redding spoke about his love for the two players.

“Cas has proven himself to be one of the top doubles players in the nation, and Teo has enough natural talent to be able to compete with anyone,” Redding said. “For me, it was one of the highlights of my coaching career to witness their run against some of the other top players in the nation.”

Written by Hallie Davis

Photo courtesy of Sports Information

No “Love” Here | Junior Cas de Ruiter lines up to hit the ball at the baseline. Ruiter played doubles with junior Teodor Zlatar during the championship.

Photo courtesy of Nathan Looney

Deuces | Junior Teodor Zlatar hits a ground stroke over the net. Zlatar competed and placed runner up at the ITA Cup, NCAA Division II National Championship with junior Cas de Ruiter. Photo courtesy of Nathan Looney

Bush

BREAKS RECORDS

Junior Dakarai Bush breaks a 20-year-old Harding record in a 400-meter race.

During the 400-meter race at the Ole Miss Classic track meet on March 24-25, 2023, senior Dakarai Bush broke a 20-year-old Harding record on his way to a firstplace finish. Bush posted a time of 46.60 seconds, besting Tyler Kemmerer’s time of 47.20 seconds, which was set in 2003. Bush recorded the fastest time for the event so far this season in Division II. The sprinter also earned first place in the 200 meters with a time of 21.33 seconds, a new personal best. In addition, he was part of the four-member team that finished second in the 4x100-meter relay.

Bush said his approach leading up to a meet was to focus on the preparation he did leading up to that point.

“My mindset is, I’ve put in all this work, so I’m just going to run my hardest,” Bush said.

Head track and field coach Don Hood said Bush combined his natural talent with his work ethic and character to find success on the track.

“Dakarai is one of the greatest competitors I’ve ever been around,” Hood said. “It never surprises me when he wins because he is just driven internally to be the best he can possibly be … He’s a relentless worker. He’s sculpted himself into an ideal athlete through hard work, persistence, sheer determination and a will to win that a lot of guys don’t have.”

Senior Krishaun Watson, who competed with Bush in the 4x100 relay said Bush always gave his best effort in practice and pushed everyone on the team to improve each day.

“He is a great teammate that will give you his all whether he is tired or feeling amazing,” Watson said. “He strives to improve not only at every meet but also every day in practice.”

Bush earned multiple first-team All-GAC awards in 2021 and 2022. His main goal for the 2022-23 season was to win a national championship in the 400-meter event or hurdles, as well as become an All-American athlete. Bush also had aspirations for the track and field team to earn a national championship, following their Great American Conference title last spring [2022].

“That’s really the main goal,” Bush said. “And conference champion would be good too.”

Bush’s record-breaking legacy continued through the 2023-24 season.

In May 2023, Bush captured his first national championship in the 400-meter event at the NCAA Division Outdoor Championships in Pueblo, Colorado. The victory was Harding’s first 400-meter national championship in program history. 10 months later, Bush added to his illustrious career. The Texas-native won his second career national championship in the 400-meter event at the Division II Indoor Championships in Pittsburg, Kansas. With a time of 46.88 seconds, Bush helped the Bisons to an eighth-place finish.

Written by Sophie Rossitto with contributions by Nic Fraraccio

Champion | At the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championship Senior in May 2023 senior, Dakarai Bush stands on the podium holding his trophy. Bush took home first place in the 400-meter relay. Bush also won the 400-meter relay event at the Division II Indoor Championships in 2024. Photo courtesy of Nathan Looney

Faster Than the Speed of Light | Senior Dakarai Bush runs in the 4x100-meter relay at the Harding outdoor track meet March 18. Bush broke the 400-meter Harding record by just under one second.

Photo courtesy of Nathan Looney

MIRACLE MEMORIES

Harding’s baseball team dedicates a day in Little Rock to the Miracle League baseball team.

Last fall, the Harding baseball team dedicated a day to Miracle League in Little Rock, a baseball league tailored for physically and mentally disabled children. Senior Billy Johnston, a pitcher for Harding, highlighted the impact of the event on him and his teammates. Dressed in their uniforms, each of the players paired with one of the Miracle League participants. This was an annual event that included the entirety of the Harding baseball team.

“We take two groups and the whole day is typically four hours,” Johnston said. “Overall it is a very cool experience that I’m glad the baseball team undertakes. Obviously it’s a very humbling experience to see the things these kids suffer from and opens my eyes a bit to just how lucky I am and appreciate more what God has blessed me with.”

It’s our unique way of putting to work the tools God has given us.”

Also on the Harding baseball team, junior Caleb Barger spoke to the excitement surrounding the event, not just from the participants of Miracle League, but Harding as well.

“It’s one of the best things we do,” Barger said. “I know all the guys love doing it. They enjoy being out there and being able to play and it’s such a cool experience to meet these kids and see them play and laugh and enjoy hanging out. It’s such an amazing experience. We have a blast just the same as the kids.”

“It means a lot to each guy because during the time we are there we get to develop small relationships with each Miracle League player. It’s our unique way of putting to work the tools God has given us.” - Collin Helms

Sophomore Collin Helms, another member of the Harding baseball team, emphasized the connections made with each Miracle League player and called attention to the event as a medium through which his team could use the skills they had been given to bless others.

“Being able to share the passion for the game we love is a great way to connect with each kid,” Helms said. “It means a lot to each guy because during the time we are there we get to develop small relationships with each Miracle League player.

The Harding baseball team’s involvement with Miracle League served as a reminder of the power of sports in cultivating a mindset of empathy, leading to a deeper connection with the local community. Through service, the team not only encouraged the participants of Miracle League, but experienced personal growth in shared excitement for a sport that was collectively loved by all who participated. In years to come, the Harding baseball team would continue to keep the spirit of true sportsmanship and compassion alive.

Written by Bailey Coffman

Batter Up | Freshman Joshua Bybee and sophomore Will Roguske pose with a young boy at the Miracle League baseball game. Both players participated in the league with the Harding Baseball team. Photo courtesy of Caleb Barger

Stealing Bases and Hearts | Supporting the Miracle League is something the Harding baseball team looks forward too each year. Sophomores Luke Whaley and Cooper Newsom smiled with a Miracle League participant. Photo courtesy of Caleb Barger

Team Effort | The Miracle League is hosted in Little Rock in the fall. Sophomore Wesley Featherston partnered up with a young girl and played the baseball game by her side. Photo courtesy of Caleb Barger

Homerun | Sophomore Jenson Presley and freshman Camden Helms laughs with a young boy during the Miracle League weekend. The baseball team played a game alongside the children, helping them along the way. Photo courtesy of Caleb Barger

Bunt that Ball | Freshman utility player Kelsey Fox bunts the ball in the game against Delta State as head coach Ashley Reeves and the women’s softball team look on. The Lady Bisons played a double-header against Delta State. They won the first game and lost the second.

Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Looking on | Head softball coach Ashley Reeves watches her team from the sidelines in the game against Ouachita Baptist University on April 7. The Lady Bisons won both games in a double-header.

Photo courtesy of Harding Softball

Huddle up | The spring 2024 softball team huddle up for a talk by head coach Ashley Reeves during practice. Reeves won her 100th game in the spring 2023 season.

Photo by Abigail Callicoat

THE BIG

The Harding softball team continued to win games, earn awards and make history throughout the 2023 season.

Lady Bisons head coach Ashley Reeves earned her 100th career win as a head coach after the 3-0 victory against Ouachita Baptist University April 7. Reeves began her collegiate coaching career at Abilene Christian University in 2011. Before coaching in Abilene, Reeves coached the Harding Academy softball team for three seasons.

Assistant coach Chris Wiman said Reeves tries to communicate self-confidence and competitiveness when coaching the Lady Bisons.

“When these girls leave softball, they’re going to understand that you’ve got to compete in everything you do,” Wiman said.

As Reeves and the Lady Bisons racked up wins, sophomore outfielder Macy Smith contributed to the team’s success by leading the team in batting average and sitting in second for fielding percentage.

Smith said it was a special moment to be a part of Reeves’ 100th career win but expected more success to come as the season concluded.

“Getting to be a part of her 100th win is a big deal,” Smith said. “We’ve broken a lot of records this year, and I

Head softball coach Ashley Reeves celebrates 100 wins during the 2023 season.

think we’re looking forward to breaking a lot more.”

Junior Abby Burch also made school history against Christian Brothers. Burch broke the all-time school record for career saves after recording her 23rd career save against the Buccaneers. Burch surpassed Emma Dwyer’s record of 22 saves during her four-year career as a Lady Bison.

Burch loved being able to close games for the Lady Bisons and was motivated to pitch well as the season concluded.

“It’s motivating me to do better and continuously get wins for my team,” Burch said.

The Lady Bisons also gained attention from the Great American Conference (GAC) committee.

Sophomore pitcher Riley Price was named GAC Pitcher of the Week for three consecutive weeks. Price joined the Lady Bisons in the fall after transferring from University of Texas at Tyler.

Price has thrown eight complete games during her first season as a Lady Bison. Price also led the team in wins and strikeouts during the 2023 season.

Written by Nic Fraraccio

Hustle Up! | Head Coach Ashley Reeves coaches from the third base line during the game against Delta State on March 22. Coach Reeves celebrated her 100th win in the 2023 season.

Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

DETERMINATION

Sophomore Kaylie Washko and freshman Jessica Chappell accomplish new goals in the 2023 cross country season.

Harding’s women’s cross-country team finished the regular season with a performance at the Old Glory Gallop 5K cross-country race at Dallas Baptist University. Head coach Don Hood appreciated the contributions of freshmen and transfer students in all four meets this season.

“I’ve been pleased with how our newcomers have adapted and performed in a new system and at a new school,” Hood said. “We have good depth on both teams. That’s not something we’ve had in the past.”

One of those newcomer runners was freshman Jessica Chappell, who achieved several goals while on the team. Chappell finished second among Harding runners to sophomore Kaylie Washko, with individual finishes of 41st, second, 42nd and 17th in each of the races.

“Running is what keeps me going,” Chappell said. “The team is great, too. We’re always there for each other and supporting each other through whatever we’re going through.”

As a team, the Bisons placed fourth out of 33 teams, with Chappell and Washko leading the group. Washko was recently awarded the Great American Conference (GAC) Runner of the Week award for the week of Sept. 27.

“It felt amazing to win and to bring that award to Harding,” Washko said. “My goal is to continue to improve my times for the 5K at Conference and 6K at Regionals.”

Washko’s performance at the Dallas Baptist University meet was one of her better performances of the year, and she looked forward to improving more at the GAC Championships on Oct. 21.

&

DISTANCE

“This last cross country meet in Dallas was one of the best 5Ks for me, as I both set a personal record and also placed high enough to be honored at the awards ceremony,” Washko said. “I’m hoping to improve my speed, as I feel like my endurance is really great, but that extra speed would be amazing.”

Hood said Washko’s work ethic set her apart, and he appreciated her contributions to the team.

“Kaylie is a relentless competitor and worker,” Hood said. “She has a great desire to be the best she can be, so she lives the lifestyle and does the training that is required for that.”

While the team prepared for the GAC championships, Chappell wanted the team to grow closer together at the close of another successful season.

“Our goal as a team is just to become more confident in ourselves and keep each other going,” Chappell said. “Sometimes I have a lot of anxiety right before a race, but everyone is there for me. Whenever the gun goes off and I run that first minute, it all goes away and I’m able to run at my pace and it takes me where I want to go.”

The GAC Championships were held in Russellville, Arkansas. The runners who advanced further went to the NCAA regionals Nov. 4, which was hosted in Joplin, Missouri.

Written by Eli Dean

“1982 was the season that almost failed to happen in women’s cross country. | At the beginning of the fall semester, only one letterman, Marla Upton, had reported to coach Ted Lloyd. Several of the performers from last year’s NAIA District 17 Championship team had graduated, several did not return to school, others were more concerned with studies. Around the AIC Arkansas College was again fielding a team, and Hendrix was talking about it, but the other schools were fielding only men’s cross country squads. But instead of being discouraged, senior Marla Upton found ways to overcome adversity. Bubbling with enthusiasm about running and women’s sports, she quickly spread the word to other female athletes on campus that help was needed. And by the end of the first week of school, the beginnings of a team had assembled. Although most the newcomers had little experience, they had determination ... and motivation.”

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1982-1983

Fierce Freshman | On Sep. 15, 2023, freshman Jessica Chappell runs in a home meet. Chappell served as a leader on the team by pushing herself and encouraging others. Photo courtesy of Nathan Looney Award Recipient | On Sep. 27, 2023 sophomore Kaylie Washko receives the Great American Conference Award. Washko also received the All-Academic Athlete honors award. Photo by Caleb Chunn

BAND OFBrothers

The Harding Bisons claim the NCAA DII National Championship for the first time in school history.

The Brotherhood. A group of men, athletes, coaches and believers playing to glorify the name of God on and off the football field. After pushing through the ups and downs of a hardfought season, the Brotherhood climbed to the top of the college football world.

On Dec. 16, 2023, more than 6,000 members of the Harding community joined together in McKinney, Texas to support the undefeated Bisons at McKinney ISD stadium. With loud voices and black-and-gold pom poms waving in the air, there was a different sense of energy amongst the Harding faithful. This energy propelled the Bisons throughout a legendary performance that ultimately ended with scenes of elation.

The No. 2 Harding Bisons defeated No. 1 Colorado School of Mines 38-7 to claim their first national championship in school history. The Bison offense rushed for 502 yards during the historic performance. This was the third game of the season that the Bisons rushed for over 500 yards.

Harding’s defense put the clamps on the Oredigger offense following a touchdown on the first drive of the game. The Bisons successfully held the Orediggers on all three fourth down conversion attempts throughout the game.

The dominant performance placed an exclamation point at the end of an undefeated season. The story was complete. The Brotherhood finished the race and left no stones unturned on the offensive or defensive side of the ball.

6,160 rushing yards– a number that has not been achieved at any level in the history of college football. The number seems improbable, but the offense made it possible. Harding led the nation in rushing yards per game with an average of 410.7 yards.

Four members of the Bison offense rushed for over 500 yards throughout the 2023 season. Two members, sophomore running back Braden Jay and Associated Press (AP) All-American junior running back Blake Delacruz, rushed for over 1000 yards.

“We had guys making plays all throughout the playoffs,” Delacruz said. “Anybody can make a play at a certain time and if a guy wasn’t making a play at a certain game, he was still giving his all in other areas of the field. I think that’s really special.”

Along with the Bisons rushing success, the powerful offensive line boosted the playmaking ability for the slotbacks and running backs.

The offensive line received multiple awards for their success on the field and in the classroom. Most notably, senior offensive lineman Hunter Willis earned first-team AP All-American honors. Delacruz said every member of the Harding offensive line should have received All-American honors for their efforts during the historic season.

“They set the tone every game and every play. The way they do their job each and every day, from Monday all the way into Saturday is unbelievable,”

Delacruz said. “With this offense you have to be detailed, and they took that to the next level with the way they played and the effort they gave.”

The Harding defense achieved an incredible feat during the 2023 Division II playoffs. The path to the national championship would look like a gauntlet for most teams. However, the Bisons took care of business in a special way.

In the playoffs, the Bisons faced off against No. 6 University of Central Missouri, No. 2 Grand Valley State University, No. 11 Lenoir-Rhyne University and No. 1 Colorado School of Mines.

Harding’s defense held each playoff opponent to their lowest single-game point total of the season during the playoff run. Junior defensive lineman Wesley Coleman said the coaches would constantly remind the team that “when it gets harder for the Bisons, the Bisons get tougher.”

“Coming in every single day and every single week knowing that we’re going to have to face crazy opponents, we’re going to have to put up our best performance,” Coleman said.

The consistent fight on defense propelled the Bisons near the top of many stat leaderboards. Harding led the nation along with the University of Charleston for the most defensive touchdowns in Division II football.

The notable stats and performances led to multiple honors for the Harding defense. Senior defensive lineman Nathaniel Wallace earned first-team AP All America and Great American Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

The hard work on defense started long before the beginning of the national championship season. Junior defensive lineman Dre Hall said the players on defense were motivated to lock in during summer practices after missing out on the 2022

“The whole season we were saying we wanted to be the best defense and we felt like we had a lot to prove,” Hall said. “To be able to show up on the biggest stage–that was a great feeling.”

A dream finally came true for many members of the Harding community on that beautiful December day in McKinney.

To this day, it can still be hard for people to grasp the memories and feelings of championship triumph for the Bisons. Head Coach Paul Simmons said it is “really impossible” to describe the joy of the 2023

“In so many ways, it was the best season of life. The games, the playoff run and the national championship was so amazing, but the incredible memories made along the way and the special reunion that took place that weekend in McKinney is what we will always carry with us,” Simmons said. “It really was such an emotional experience and the feeling of pride that you could feel in the entire Bison Community was priceless. What an amazing ride it was.”

Written by Nic Fraraccio

Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Celebration! | Head Coach Paul Simmons celebrates the victory with the team and over 6,000 supporters on Dec. 16. This was the first National Championship victory in football in Harding’s history. Photo courtesy of

Decision Maker | Junior quarterback Cole Keylon warms up before the game. “The guys we’ve got that can carry the ball, they’re just great week in and week out. I’ve just got to get the ball to those guys,” Keylon said. Photo courtesy of Lexi Chism

Diving for the Win | Sophomore running back Braden Jay dives into the end zone during the game against Colorado School of Mines. Jay scored a 73-yard touchdown run, adding to a total of 6,350 for the season. Photo courtesy of Lexi Chism

Supporters | Senior football captains Oric Walker Jr., Roland Wallace, Nathaniel Wallace and Levi Pate step onto the field with the stands filled with Harding University fans, alumni and students behind them. Over 6,000 supporters drove from all areas to attend the championship game in Texas.

Photo courtesy of Lexi Chism

Lexi Chism

Wave a Pom | Senior Emma Brantley waves to the crowd at the Division II National Championship game. Brantley served as the 2023-2024 Harding cheer team co-captain.

Photo courtesy of Alaina Abbott

Smile for the Crowd | Senior and cocaptain of the Harding cheer team, Kadyn Harris smiles at the Divison II National Championship game crowd . The Bison football team won the National Championship game for the first time in Harding’s history. Photo courtesy of Alaina Abbott

Photos from Brackett Library Archives

LET’S GO

The Bison cheerleaders cheer the football team to a National Championship. Harding University was not only able to celebrate its 100th year in the 2023-2024 school year, but it was also the first year ever that the Bison football team played, and won, in the D-2 National Championship game. For the cheer team, this meant close to equal excitement and anticipation.

The team travelled and arrived sporadically at the Airbnb they rented on Friday, December 15. The cheer team and Harding’s band along with the opposing school’s teams attended somewhat of a pep rally at a brewery in downtown Dallas that evening. Even though the crowd was mainly Colorado School of Mines fans, the cheer team still had a great time.

“It was one of the most fun experiences I have ever had,” Senior Kadyn Harris, co-captain of the cheer team, said.

After the rally, the team and whatever Harding people could make it went to the local Hilton Hotel for a graduation ceremony of the December football graduates.

The morning of the big game, the cheer team got up early and the captains cooked an elaborate breakfast for the rest of the girls. They arrived at the McKinney Independent School District Stadium in McKinney, Texas on the morning of Saturday, December 16. The girls attended and performed at the tailgate outside of the stadium.

“[The tailgate performance] was super sweet for us because it was our last tailgate and almost all of the alumni and parents were able to be there,” Harris said.

Harding’s cheer coach of over 20 years, Kelle Blickenstaff, described the weekend as “all one huge memorable moment.” Blickenstaff shared how meaningful it was for the cheer team to be able to perform in front of many of their family and friends that they never would have been able to, along with hundreds of alumni.

“It was like a homecoming game like no other homecoming anyone has ever had,” Blickenstaff said. “I don’t think they missed a stunt. Their energy was great and they performed very well. We’re very proud of them. I have been really proud of the cheerleaders this year. They really came together as a team, they work together so well. They’re all kind, encouraging, Christian ladies.”

This game was unlike any other for everyone, but notably for the cheer team. The game was aired on ESPN2, meaning they wouldn’t know where a camera would be located or angled from. They had to be at their sharpest performance, smile all of the time, not mess around with each other and stay at high energy throughout the entire game.

“We were aware that there were going to be more cameras on us than normal and that was definitely going to be an adjustment,” Senior Emma Brantley co-captain of the cheer team said, “It really helped us stay energized because it was a really tiring day.”

Both captains were elated by the crowd participation. Neither had seen a crowd interact with their cheers and chants like they did at that game. The day was extra bittersweet for the seniors on the cheer team because not only were they leading the cheers for the biggest game Harding had ever played at, but it was their last game to cheer.

“It is crazy because not only is it the 100th year of Harding, the team is playing at the National Championships, but also we were the COVID-19 class,” Harris said. “We had to go from nothing to getting to do all these things that nobody has ever gotten to participate in before. It has been a really cool full circle. This has by far been the best experience I have ever had.”

Written by Randi Tubbs

Cheer on the Bisons | The Harding cheer team pose with Buff the Bison during the football National Championship on Dec. 16. The team cheered the Bisons to their victory over Colorado School of Mines, 38-7. Photo courtesy of Alaina Abbott

Written by Nic Fraraccio

Ted Lloyd John Prock David Elliott NOTABLE COACHES

Ted Lloyd’s record-breaking career began in 1964 when he took over the Harding track and field team. In 1968, Lloyd took over the cross-country program– and the rest was history. The Harding alumnus broke a school record by winning 40 conference championships across track and field and cross-country. His skillful mentoring produced 75 AllAmericans and six national champions during his prestigious career at Harding. Furthermore, his coaching talent was also on display at the international level. Lloyd helped manage the United States track and field teams and eventually took over the head coaching position for the country of Panama during 1969 and 1970. The historic career was recognized by local and national organizations. Lloyd was inducted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Hall of Fame in 1983. Six years later, Lloyd was a part of the first class for the Harding Sports Hall of Fame. In Sept. 2023, Harding dedicated the new track and field complex to Lloyd and his wife, Marcie, for their incredible contributions to the athletic programs.

John Prock began his 24-year Harding coaching career in 1964. In his first 15 seasons, Prock and the Bisons would make history within the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference (AIC). The Bisons won their first conference championship in program history in 1972 after finishing the season with a 10-1 record. The season ended with Harding’s first postseason victory, a historic 30-27 victory over Langston University at the Cowboy Bowl in Lawton, Oklahoma. The Bisons would finish the season ranked sixth in the final NAIA poll. Prock would also lead the Bisons to a second AIC title in 1976. During his illustrious career, Prock coached 10 All-Americans and 63 AllAIC honorees. Prock earned NAIA District 17 Coach of the Year in 1969, 1972 and 1976 as well as NAIA Area IV Coach of the Year in 1976. Following his retirement in 1987, Prock was the sixthwinningest coach in NAIA history with 114 wins. Prock joined Ted Lloyd as the only coaches to be inducted into the first class for the Harding Sports Hall of Fame in 1989.

David Elliott began his coaching career in 1975, six years after his individual AIC championship as a player for the Harding tennis program. Elliott finished his playing career as a three-time AllAIC honoree and won the Berryhill Award in 1969 as Harding’s top senior male athlete. In his 39-year career as head coach for the men’s and women’s tennis teams, Elliott tallied 1,123 victories, the most by any head coach in Harding sports history. Harding also captured 10 AIC titles and produced over 50 winning seasons between both teams during Elliott’s historic career. In 2006, Elliott joined elite company by becoming the fourth coach in collegiate tennis history to surpass 1,000 career victories. Elliott was a part of the 1990 class for the Harding Sports Hall of Fame. In April 2019, Harding renamed the Harding Tennis Complex in Elliott’s honor.

Jeff Morgan

Jeff Morgan coached the men’s basketball team for 30 seasons and became Harding’s athletic director in 2018. During his coaching tenure, Morgan’s success was recognized on the conference and national level. Morgan led his teams to 21 postseason tournament appearances, including seven national championship appearances. His success in the 2000s was capped off with a Gulf South Conference (GSC) West Division Team of the Decade award in 2010. The Bisons tallied three regular-season conference championships and won the 2014 Great American Conference (GAC) tournament as the No. 5 seed under Morgan. Furthermore, the Bisons achieved some historic victories under Morgan’s leadership. The Bisons defeated the No. 2 ranked team in the country twice under Morgan– first against the University of Montevallo in 2004 and second against the University of Alabama-Huntsville in 2012. Before his retirement in 2023, Morgan served as the longest tenured coach in the GAC and ranked in the top 20 for career victories among active Division II coaches.

Paul Simmons Meredith Fear

Before his coaching career began, Paul Simmons displayed his talent on the gridiron for the Bisons from 1991 to 1994. Simmons became the first and only Harding football player to earn first team All-American honors three times. He was inducted into the Harding Sports Hall of Fame as a player in 1999. However, Simmons came back as defensive coordinator and defensive line coach from 2006 to 2016 before becoming the head coach in 2017. In his first season, Simmons led the Bisons to their first semifinal appearance in the NCAA Division II national tournament. In 2021, Simmons won his first GAC regular season championship with a conference record of 10-1. Two years later, Simmons led his team to the top of the college football world. The Bisons finished the season 15-0 and defeated Colorado School of Mines in the final game of the season on Dec. 16, 2023 to capture their first national championship in program history. Simmons coached three All-Americans during the historic season and earned American Football Coaches Association National Coach of the Year.

Before returning to Harding as a head coach in 2012, Meredith Fear represented the Lady Bisons as a libero from 2004-2007. The two-year captain earned multiple All-GSC honors and currently sits as Harding’s career leader in digs per set with 5.02. Fear will enter her 13th season as head coach of the Lady Bisons volleyball team in fall 2024. Fear’s previous 12 seasons were nothing short of successful for Harding’s volleyball program. During Fear’s tenure, the Lady Bisons have won seven GAC regular season championships and three GAC tournament championships. Fear has collected three GAC Coach of the Year awards and coached three AllAmericans. In 2018, the Lady Bisons achieved their biggest victory under Fear, defeating the University of Nebraska at Kearney in the first round of the NCAA Division II national tournament. In 2022, the Lady Bisons finished the season 30-2 and broke the school record with a 28game winning streak.

Notorious D.I.G. | In the senior night

The Lady Bisons won 3-0. Photo courtesy of

Senior Season | The Lady Bison seniors pose with their gifts from the team on senior night. Seven seniors graduated after a successful 2023 season. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

The

game against Southern Arkansas, senior Logan Smith-Morgan dives for the ball.

Jeff Montgomery

THE SERVE

Lady Bison volleyball has a successful season saying goodbye to seven seniors.

From the outside, the 2023 Harding volleyball team looked to have had another successful season as co-regular season champions, and a conference record of 13-3 and an overall record of 19-11. These successes were, however, not without their trials.

Co-coaches of the team Meredith and Robert Fear have been coaching volleyball at Harding together since 2012, making it 12 seasons together. The two felt the camaraderie among the team all season.

“There were a lot of unexpected injuries and decisions so there was a stretch of losses,” Meredith Fear said. “We still came out as co-regular season champions with no all-star in the middle. It really was a full team effort.”

The team practiced five to six times a week, considering the frequency of games which was mostly two times a week. They arrived at school two weeks before the beginning of the fall semester and ended the season at Thanksgiving.

“The thing that I enjoy the most is seeing the process where the girls come in and where they end up when they leave,” Robert Fear said. “I love seeing that process of growth that they go through.”

Senior Emma Winiger played on the team for five years. Winiger was on the team for the COVID-19 season and was offered to stay on another year to make up for it and she took it. She said the coaches help the team the most by putting them into trying situations and pushing them through them

mentally and individually, but as a team. The challenges of the season were made easier through the team spirit they had created.

“It was hard since you want all of your teammates to be healthy and able to participate,” Winiger said. “We really love each other so that was one of the easier things. We care about each other on the court and off the court. I think our friendships assisted in that.”

Winiger’s favorite memory was senior night. Since her class had a COVID-19 season, they missed out on almost a full year, but senior night symbolized their journey.

“It had been a long time coming for our class,” Winiger said. “It was especially sweet because two alumni of our class that graduated came back for [senior night]. It was a lot of fun to look back on how far we have grown athletically, personally, and spiritually.”

Meredith and Robert Fear are hopeful for next season, especially after seeing how their team became a family by the end of the 2023 season.

“Looking to next year, we just encourage people to come out and support us,” Meredith Fear said. “We are going to be really young, exciting and dynamic. This team does a great job representing Harding.”

Written by Randi Tubbs

Row 1: Emma Winiger, Chloe Ingersoll, Kinley Schnell, Grecia Soriano Row 2: Logan Smith-Morgan, Sarah Morehead, Libby Hinton, Kelli McKinnon, Ally Stoner

Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Harding

Golf team succeeds with players from seven countries.

GLOBETROTTERS

Around the World | Members of the men’s golf team pose for a photo at the Searcy Country Club course. Seven countries were represented by the players on the team.

Photo by Jenna Gaessler

Across the Green | Bart McFarland walks to the next hole. McFarland placed seventh in the conference. Reprinted from Petit Jean 1991-92

The men’s golf team included players from seven different countries: Guatemala, Spain, England, Sweden, Germany, Bulgaria and the United States. The diversity of the team brought unique opportunities to all parties involved. Travis Lauterbach, head men’s and women’s golf coach, said he enjoyed the energy the diversity brought.

“That’s the nice thing, everyone has a certain enthusiasm for the game of golf – obviously if they’ve come this far they’re pretty serious about their game – and they’re going to bring a certain energy because they want to get better,” Lauterbach said.

Junior Wilmer Haakansson, from Stockholm, Sweden, said as an individual and team member, he appreciated the atmosphere created by the dynamic environment.

got to learn and have fun with one another.

“It’s easy to have fun when we’re all from different places,” Haakansson said. “We can joke about what things are like back home, and people are usually baffled by something that’s different compared to what they are brought up with. We also tend to learn a few words here and there in someone else’s native tongue.”

Bedford, England native, junior Finlay Cummings enjoyed experience life with his teammates. Having teammates from all over the word meant learning about different cultures.

“You don’t move across land and ocean to go to school... if you’re not serious about performing and making the most out of it.” - Wilmer Haakansson

“Competition is arguably higher than ever in program history, but we stay humble and are happy for each other’s successes,” Haakansson said. “Just because most of us are from far away, the overall ambition and seriousness in the team is severe. You don’t move across land and ocean to go to school, especially not when the similar alternative back home is free of tuition, if you’re not serious about performing and making the most out of it.”

The team’s dedication to perfecting their craft did not stop them from having fun times as well. Lauterbach said the different cultural backgrounds contributed to the team. They

“It is fun and exciting to hear about the other guys on the team’s stories about where they play back home and what the courses are like there,” Cummings said. “I learn skills from my teammates, as we are always talking about the game together, and this really allows us to bounce ideas off each other and get better as a collective and not just individually. I feel this is enhanced by the global team we have.”

The team started the season with several high-placing tournaments, the most notable of which was a runner-up finish at the Northeastern State University (NSU) classic Sept. 19, where they finished two strokes under NSU. The team continued to have a positive season. Their team dynamic and skills came from the fact they each grew up in different countries - they were a global team, with the same love for golf.

Written by Emma Weber

Разстояние | Hailing from Sofia, Bulgaria, sophomore Denis Staykov proudly poses with his countries flag. Staykov joined the golf team as a transfer from Arkansas State University. Photo by Jenna Gaessler

Attention Getter | Following his time on the golf team at Harding, Max Faure became the men’s golf graduate assistant. Faure was originally from France.

Photo by Jenna Gaessler

GOALS

The women’s soccer team visits Greece on preseason trip.

The Harding women’s soccer team traveled to Greece to prepare for the upcoming season. The trip lasted from Aug. 1-13 and involved visits to the Acropolis, Athens and Delphi. The trip included moments of the team bonding, Bible studies and learning about the places where the Apostle Paul walked.

Head soccer coach Greg Harris said though the team played some soccer while in Greece, the main focus of the trip was team bonding.

“The most important thing we wanted to get out of this trip to Greece was allowing the team to come close together and bond,” Harris said. “That was our major focus, was on this team growing together as a team, as a family, as a unit.”

Several of the players discussed the positive aspects of the trip and what they learned from the experience.

“I learned that traveling is exhausting, but you have to fully embrace it and have a good time,” senior midfielder Kelli Tindel said.

The trip involved many moments of vulnerability, freshman forward Gabie Eddins said. She said the close proximity brought them closer to each other.

“I think we learned how to get along with each other,” Eddins said. “You’re in close quarters for two weeks and there’s no one else, and [you’re] just learning how to live in community with one another.”

Sophomore outside back Katie Cabana said the trip helped build community within the team, especially with the freshman.

“I just think it’s really unique, and we got to know some of the freshmen a little bit more than we would if we were in Searcy,” Cabana said.

Visiting biblical locations and doing Bible studies at those places impacted the players. They travelled to places Paul the apostle preached and was able to learn where it was taught.

“That was really, really cool, just to see another place you read about in the Bible,” Tindel said about visiting Delphi.

Written by Trinity Golden

Power in Prayer |The Harding Bisons conclude practice on a public field in Porto

Greece. “It was really cool to be able to practice with a seaside view and sunset most afternoons; it was really special for us to experience together ending the day that way,” freshman Calle

Seeing New Sights | After spending the day in Athens, the Bisons stopped by the Panathenaic Stadium. This stadium was where the first Olympic games were held. Photo courtesy of Greg Harris

Appreciating Art | The team travelled to a museum and looked at many different works of art. “My favorite part of the museum was learning about all of the history and culture of Greece. Our tour guide was so passionate and made the experience of the tours incredible,” freshman Talia Walsh said. Photo courtesy of Greg Harris

Ancient History | The Bisons were able to view all of the temples at the Acropolis and took a picture in front of the Parthenon. The Acropolis looked over the city of Athens. Photo courtesy of Greg Harris

Rafti,

Citty said. Photo courtesy of Greg Harris

Dribbling

DEJA VU

Two Harding soccer teammates share a special victory over Mississippi College.

Anotherwise typical away soccer game had extra meaning as a fifth-year defender Josh Fulton and fifth-year midfielder Seth Albritton squared off against their former team at Mississippi College (MC) on Sept. 8. Fulton transferred during the fall 2021 semester and Albritton soon followed in spring 2022. While this wasn’t the first game the duo played against MC, this was the first meeting on the road.

“Two years ago, we were supposed to play at MC, but our whole team got [COVID-19], and the game got canceled, so that was devastating to me because I couldn’t wait to play them,” Fulton said. “This was my last chance to play against my old team.”

After Harding took a 1-0 lead late in the second half, MC responded with a game-tying goal three minutes later. After a

back and forth, Fulton was able to pass the ball towards fifthyear forward Camilo Porto for the game-winning assist at the 77-minute mark.

“When Camilo put the ball behind the net, I just went nuts,” Fulton said. “I was punching the air, I was so happy.”

Fulton didn’t realize at first that he played a part in the game-winning play.

“Right as I was walking back [over to the sidelines], I realized that I was the one who played him that ball, and it didn’t click right away,” Fulton said. “I was just thinking that we can’t let them score again because if I get the gamewinning assist against my old team and coaches, it’ll feel like a Disney movie.”

The game was also the first time the Bison soccer program defeated MC after four previous losses, and Albritton said he couldn’t contain his excitement after the win.

“I was so pumped to be able to play them again this year and on their field, and I thought about [the game] all summer leading up to it,” Albritton said. “So to finally beat them like

Both players started their college journey together, with the two meeting during one of Albritton’s college visits at MC. After Fulton transferred to Harding during his junior season, Albritton reached out to Fulton while in the transfer portal and felt like Harding was the right place for him.

“It was a little thing after a little thing that I felt like the Lord was guiding me and leading me,” Albritton said. “I didn’t really know what Harding was except some stuff I’d heard from Josh, but I felt like the Lord was calling me to leave, and

Harding players and coaches were ecstatic after the his-

Head soccer coach Jon Ireland said he was proud of the way his players performed in the win but also took notice of what the game meant to Fulton and Albritton at the beginning

“It was an incredible moment for them to beat their former team, and they both played a huge role in the win over Mississippi College,” Ireland said. “I was so excited for our team but especially for Josh and Seth. It was a big win and a

Written by Eli Dean

Steady and Focused | Fifth-year senior Seth Albritton runs down the field with the ball. Albritton transferred to Harding in spring 2022 from Mississippi College, which he played against and won Sept. 8, 2024.

Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Full Speed Ahead | Fifth-year senior Josh Fulton looks ahead with the ball in possession. Fulton transferred from Mississippi College to Harding, spending the rest of his college years playing for the men’s soccer team. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Feet in the Game | Fifth-year senior Seth Albritton runs down the field with the ball. Albritton played with the Harding Bisons to defeat his former team, Mississippi College.

Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

“New program has hopes for strong future: The men’s soccer team was the newest addition to the Harding athletic family this year. In its inaugural season the team surprised many of the veteran Gulf South Conference teams with impressive skill and speed. “Our most important goal is to represent Harding in a Christian way so we can be examples to each team we play,’”Drew Chandler said.

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2000-2001

Listen Here | Head women’s basketball coach Tim Kirby coaches the Lady Bisons during a timeout during the Feb. 15 game against Arkansas Tech University in the RhodesReaves Field House. The Lady Bisons defeated the Golden Suns with a winning score of 80-65. The 2023-24 season was Kirby’s ninth as head coach. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Drive! | Freshman Josie Williams dribbles past an Arkansas Tech University player in the RhodesReaves Field House Feb. 15. Williams scored 11 of the Lady Bisons’ 80 total points during the game, and was awarded GAC Freshman of the Year for the 2023-24 season. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Happy Times | Following the game with Cameron University in which Angie Fouts Dugger scored a single game record high of 40 points, teammates Bridget Benson and Angie pose for a celebratory picture.Reprinted from Harding Magazine Vol. 5 No. 3 Summer 1997

Baskets | Senior Sage Hawley dodges a block from an Arkansas Tech University player and goes in for a jump shot in the Rhodes-Reaves Field House Feb. 15. Hawley recorded her 50th career double-double during the game and earned her second all-region honor during the season. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

BY HOOP

The Lady Bisons conclude a fruitful season and continue that through the 2023-24 season.

TheLady Bisons ended their basketball season with 25 wins, the third time in program history the team ended with that many victories. Though they lost their last game against Southern Nazarene University on Mar. 5 and could not advance to the NCAA tournament, the team placed second in the Great American Conference. Several players earned All-GAC tournament honors, including senior guard Jacie Evans, junior forward Sage Hawley and sophomore guard Rory Geer.

For Hawley, this was a season full of accomplishments. She became the third Lady Bison to earn both First Team All-Central Region and Academic All-America honors and the second Lady Bison named Second Team All-America by the Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association. Hawley also set a school record with 20 double-doubles, which is when a player accumulates ten or more in at least two statistical categories — points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots — during a single game.

“It is a tribute to Sage and our team having a great season,” Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Tim Kirby, said. “When an individual gets recognition for their accomplishments, it also gives the team some recognition.”

Hawley said her teammates pushed her to where she is now.

“This was my third year on the team, and I think everybody that’s come through has really pushed me to be a better person,” Hawley said. “Specifically, I think the coaches really have high expectations for me, and I feel like this year I was able to meet a lot of them. And that’s always my goal. And then I think my

teammates know more than me sometimes about, like where I can be and where I should be.”

Hawley noted the influence of Evans who has been a close friend since her freshman year, in particular in showing her what leadership looks like. The two have been close friends since Hawley’s freshman year, according to Evans.

“She’s someone that can always make me smile,” Evans said. “I know when Sage is around she is going to either be dancing or making us laugh.”

In the Lady Bisons’ last game, Evans led the team with 21 points. She was also named a 2023 Distinguished Scholar Athlete.

“This season was very successful in my eyes, and I know it was in my coaches’ eyes as well,” Evans said. “We won a lot of games and played hard consistently throughout our season. It’s disappointing we didn’t get a chance at the NCAA tournament. However, I am more than content with how our team played this year. It was my first time here at Harding to make it to the conference finals and, as a senior, that’s exactly where you want to be.”

Hawley was excited for the season ahead.

“I want all the awards I get if I can, but really, the main thing is I want a GAC championship,” Hawley said. “I want that not only for myself and the senior class, but also just for the people that have pushed me to be this way… Then I want to go as far as I can in the NCAA tournament.”

Written by Nic Fraraccio

Lets Go Girls | The Lady Bisons cheer on their teammates during a winning game against Arkansas Tech University Feb. 15, which was the Lady Bisons’ fourth straight win against Arkansas Tech University. The game was also Harding’s 25th straight victory in the RhodesReaves Field House. Photo by Lauren Simmons

RHODES ROWDIES

The Harding Bisons create a spirit campaign around “Revive the Rhodes.”

Students filled the Rhodes-Reaves Field House on Jan. 30 in order to cultivate a supportive atmosphere for the players. The night began with students walking through the doors and filling the stands section by section. There were games, incentives and prizes available for all the students who showed up to support the Bisons in their win over Ouachita Baptist University.

“In basketball the action is nonstop,” head basketball coach Weston Jameson said. “Momentum and energy play such a crucial role, and the crowd can impact it. Our goal is just to make this an awesome atmosphere and experience for our players, students and the Harding and Searcy community. We want it to be a place where people can go crazy, have fun and also help impact winning.”

One of the ways the men’s basketball team encouraged students to attend was by donating $250 to the social club that had the most members in participation at the game.

“We had over 350 students check in to represent their social club,” Jane Chandler, director of Campus Life, said. “I would say we easily had 700-800 students in the student section side of the court.”

The Rhodes-Reaves Field House had a legacy of a booming atmosphere that consisted of not only Harding students, but also Searcy community. In February 2013, the field house was described as “the best road trip destination in college basketball” by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Geico in an online fan poll.

“I remember the crowd cheering at the top of their lungs from the jump ball to the last whistle,” alumna Jessica Berry said. “It was always great to see the Harding student body cheer on the Bisons week to week.”

Jameson recalled his days playing in the “Rowdy Rhodes.”

“I still can vividly remember having that Bison jersey on and walking out to the roar of the crowd,” Jameson said. “It’s special giving our players those same types of memories. Those are the games they will never forget.”

Not only was it a fun night for the student body, but it was also a rewarding experience for the players on the team.

“The energy absolutely affects the way we play because it gives us a little added motivation when we have our friends and people in the stands supporting us,” senior guard Samuel Henderson said.

Junior guard Wyatt Gilbert made sure to show his thankfulness to the student body.

“We work hard every week to prepare for the games, so it’s great to have so many people come to support us,” Gilbert said.

Overall, the goal to revive the lively atmosphere of the Rhodes-Reaves was met. Campus Life partnered with the men’s basketball team to continue to energize the games.

Written by Ensley Montgomery

On your Feet | During the match against Ouachita Baptist University, the crowd cheers for the men’s basketball team. The club with the most members in attendance was awarded a $250 cash prize. Photo courtesy of McKenna Oliver

Head in the Game | Dodging an opponent, freshman Sam Smith shoots a layup. The Bisons won the match 83-78. Photo courtesy of McKenna Oliver

Basketball with Buff | At the game on Jan. 27, Buff the Bison poses for a picture. Buff was a fixture at Harding sports events. Photo courtesy of McKenna Oliver

COURT TO COACH

A former Harding basketball player assumes role as head men’s basketball coach.

HardingUniversity basketball had been a part of coach Weston Jameson’s life since his time as a player in 2010.

Starting in the 2010 season, Jameson played as a point guard for the Bisons until 2014. Jameson got the full experience as a player when he started and participated in three NCAA Division II Tournaments during his college basketball career. He returned for the 2023-24 season as he was hired to be the head coach of the men’s basketball team. As he came back in the fall 2023, he reminisced on his time as a player and what it meant to be the coach.

“I had an amazing experience during my five years as a player,” Jameson said. “I played with some incredible players but even better teammates.”

Jameson felt the family dynamic of his team as a player and valued that as he became a coach. He felt that his time in 2010 reflected what he wanted to bring to the team. Jameson loved how the team continued to grow even with an experienced roster.

“I love the challenge of improving by one percent each day,” Jameson said. “One of the most gratifying things is looking back over the course of an entire year and realizing all of the progress you made on and off the floor.”

Jameson found watching the progress of the team to be the most rewarding part when he became the coach. In addition to growth on the court, he also watched the team grow emotionally and spirtitually. Jameson wanted to expand relationships outside of the team and build a legacy to connect with the entire Harding community.

“The Harding basketball team is truly a family,” Jameson said. “You play with guys for four or five years, but you build relationships that literally last a lifetime.”

Jameson found connections through his time as a player and hoped that his players could do the same. The relationship he had with former men’s head basketball coach and Athletic Director Jeff Morgan was something he valued and wanted to replicate with his team. Seeing Jameson as a player, Morgan believed Jameson would do well as coach because of his organizational skills, knowledge of the game and his love for the team.

“Coach Jameson was a great point guard for us on some really good teams,” Morgan said. “It always was like having another coach on the floor because of his leadership and communication. He had a great feel for the game and knew how

Rhodes back to Harding | From the stands in the Rhodes-Reaves field house, men’s head basketball coach Weston Jameson poses for a portrait. Jameson was named the new men’s basketball head coach on March 16. He was formerly an assistant women’s coach and played for the Bisons from 2010-14.

Photo by Lauren Simmons

to get everyone involved on and off the floor.”

Morgan and his family appreciated the community they found through Harding basketball, and he looked forward to watching the team’s progression from a different position. Morgan couldn’t wait to watch Jameson grow as a coach and see how the Harding community embraced this new change. Morgan found such comfort as a coach and loved watching Jameson experience the same kind of community.

“The HU community has always been so supportive of our family and program, and we are forever grateful,” Morgan said. “For many years, the Rhodes-Reaves Field House was packed, and it was very humbling to walk out onto the court every day. I know Coach Jameson will continue to build on that culture and will continue to grow the Bison basketball family.”

The transition from coaches brought a learning curve to the team. Senior Stetson Smithson said the transition between coaches had been smooth and the team had been picking up the new things quickly. They worked on improving their offense and defense, which allowed them to grow as a team in all areas.

“I’m excited for the chance to compete and show everyone the kind of talent this team has,” Smithson said.

The team worked hard on developing their skills and general strength building. Smithson said they were working to be healthier, faster, stronger and more athletic. As they grew, Smithson also experienced the personal growth the team brought him.

“Being a part of the Harding basketball team has changed my life,” Smithson said. “There have been a lot of hard lessons learned over my four years here. No matter what’s going on, wins or losses, we have to come back the next day and work to get the outcome we want.”

The community and family dynamic of the basketball team became a necessity to

the basketball players and staff. The Bisons made a change this year in welcoming Jameson from the court to the staff. Jameson seemed excited and optimistic for the next era of Harding basketball. An emphasis on family, community and hard work became a foundation for the team. The basketball family said goodbye to Morgan, but welcomed a new member with Jameson, and learned how to adapt to change.

Written by Maggie Samples

“The Harding basketball team is truly a family,” Jameson said. “You play with guys for four or five years, but you build relationships that literally last a lifetime.”

Get’cha Head in the Game | With a score of 93 to 86, the Harding Bisons win the Great American Conference Men’s Basketball Championship over Henderson State in overtime. Weston Jameson was named MVP in his final season as a Bison by the Great American Conference.

Photo Courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

BASEBALL

Row 1: D. McNeel, C. Barger, J. Jackson, H. Pike, S. Price, D. Penick, T. Kirkbride, M. Dewald

Row 2: C. Doyle, L. Lacey, W. Featherston, C. Helms, K. Lane, L. Whaley, C. Newsom, P. Tabor

Row 3: H. Vaughn, J. Presley, J. Binford, S. Martinez, G. Meeker, J. Lobo, N. Bowie, D. Welch

Row 4: S. Johnson, M. Jay, P. Newby, C. Thompson, B. Hamilton, K. Baird, B. Francis

Row 5: W. Roguske, T. Smith, B. Johnston, A. Davidson, M. Long

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Row 1: B. Harris, S. Smithson, D. Henderson, S. Henderson, K. McBride, W. Gilbert, R. Marshall, J. Smith, A. Gbane

Row 2: B. Spencer, D. Bacon, M. Oliver, H. Lillard, N. Hirschieder, S. Smith, B. McHenry, R. Chougkaz, D. Munroe, C. Mora, J. Martin, G. Hutcherson, J. Francis, W. Jameson

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Row 1: K. Hammitt, H. Mason, T. Wells, K. Bailey, M. Holt, J. Thorman, R. Crawford, K. Echols, E. Thompson, J. Williams

Row 2: T. Kirby, S. Capitanelli, K. Fester, T. Wells, J. Thomas, R. Geer, P. Peric, J. Crawford, S. Hawley, K. Kabrich, I. Ugarte, H. Harbour, A. Isbell, L. Davis, A. Bowman, D. Yates

CHEERLEADING

Row 1: R. Ceal, L. James, E. Edmundson, R. Webb, M. Dudley, E. Calloway

Row 2: D. Lee, M. Gibson, E. Thornhill, E. Brantley, A. Watson, B. Thompson

Row 3: E. Brumley, H. Parker, H. Carroll, B. Bison, K. Harris, W. Byers, E. Etzig

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

Row 1: T. Allen, C. Castleman, J. Wood, C. Brock, C. Chunn, C. Smelser, A. Boscs, N. Perry, A. Bailey, B. Axtell, L. Walling

Row 2: M. Sciba, T. Valente, R. McCarn, P. Hansen, B. Biskner, C. Harsh, J. Pruim, M. Ingalsbe, T. Campney, N. Haileab

Row 3: C. Johnson, K. Oakes, Z. Reed, J. Gist, S. Smith

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

Row 1: A. Gray, E. Mast, A. Aaron, J. Weilnau, K. Phillips, N. Megias, N. King, K. Bieker, K. Washko

Row 2: J. Chappell, A. Stewart, J. Villard, D. Winders, C. Graham, J. Parks, A. Metzger, J. Rodgers

FOOTBALL

Row 1: D. Dunlap-Johnson, K. Allen, K. McDonald, C. Pierce, M. Mays, A. Butler, T. Greenawalt, B. Jay, R. Wallace, D. Hall, J. Spicer, G. Lewis, T. Ross, S. Sheffield, J. Jordan, W. White, C. Keylon

Row 2: M. Young, J. Sheehan, C. Mitchell-Johnson, D. Brown, D. Romberger, T. Dugger, C. Martin, W. Fitzhugh, O. Sinclair, C. Griffin, T. Wright, B. Delacruz, L. Martin, O. Walker, T. Wiseman, J. Strickland

Row 3: M. Mason, N. Wallace, C. Carroll, A. Miller, D. Pierce, E. Moore, J. Citty, J. Evans-Pickens, Z. O’Day, M. Lepak, M. Claybrooks, E. Carlton, K. Carroll, Z. Strickland, L. Chaffey, D. Manning

Row 4: R. Fox, H. Moronta, R. Elrod, X. Hylton, D. Carroll, L. Pate, J. Mays, C. Whitfield, L. Ray, G. Price, J. Underwood, J. Dugger, A. Bailey, J. Mitchell, C. Welch, A. Wilson

Row 5: D. Gomez, E. Swindle, A. Fager, J. Formby, C. Lees, H. Willis, A. Toler, B. Burke, D. Daring, D. Johnson, J. Harrell, J. Alejo, I. Miller, G. Gundaker, G. Ennis

Row 6: J. Richardson, M. Ericson, D. Porter, J. Sobczak, J. Lopez, T. Johnson, T. Agyapong,, L. Eades, W. Coleman, G. Wright, C. Brumley, M. Stotts, J. Atchley, B. Barnett, B. Neal

Row 7: S. Mitchum, E. Luckett, R. Hudson, D. Nelson, J. Collier, J. Pickens, D. Mays, I. Ross, G. Lewis, M. Tomas, D. Campbell, T. Mitchell, C. Oliver, C. Hill, B. Furch

Row 8: J. Cody, D. Davis, K. Jones, O. Daniels, V. Cox, J. Vining, N. Addy, L. McCormick, J. Lawrence, J. Cobb, M. Esparza

Row 9: C. Williams, M. Colvin, I. Gray, L. Mercer, B. Knapton, B. Rushing, J. Oluwayemi

MEN’S GOLF

Row 1: T. Lauterbach, S. Tandy, J. Garcia, J. Peralta, W. Rush, J. Croshaw

Row 2: T. Tarvin, W. Haakansson, L. Maciejek, F. Cummings, D. Staykov, M. Faure

WOMEN’S GOLF

Row 1:T. Lauterbach, P. Martinez, I. Sanchez, A. Martinez, B. Meche, M. Wilson, S. Kincade, J. Croshaw

Row 2: C. Meyer, B. Sanchez J. Perry, K. Winnings, M. Faure

MEN’S SOCCER

Row 1: J. Lee, E. Bracy, G. Guimond, S. McElveen, J. Nitz, A. Kirsten-Westgard, M. Sanchez, B. Jacquet, C. Glomski, T. Sterbenz

Row 2: J. Leslie, B. Southard, E. Boles, O. Eckhardt, S. Akpanudo, I. Arsuaga, J. Terry, J. Pastiroff, F. Saxon, S. Albritton, C. Porto, J. Ireland, D. Bowes

Row 3: H. Kim, H. Kambatuku, J. Fulton, J. Hernandez, A. Wagner, D. Weir, H. Torres, G. Otero, S. Silva, G. Petousis, J. Tuyishime, K. Wicklund

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Row 1: G. Evans, K. Tindel, M. Herring, B. Bulliner, N. Gomez, R. Thompson, M. Ventura, S. Fawks, S. Berry

Row 2: B. Dixon, M. Gragg, L. Blackburn, H. Hinkle, K. Jerkins, K. Barcenas, G. Templeton, C. Gunn, V. Jones, L. Service, J. Walker, M. Potter, J. Leslie

Row 3: G. Harris, G. Beard, C. Kauppi, W. Thomas, C. Citty, L. Cabana, M. Potter, M. Willis, B. Brown, T. Walsh, C. Potter, K. Holeyfield, K. Cabana, H. Kim, R. Ramirez

MEN’S TENNIS

Row 1: R. Jove, J. Van Vreden, A. Urquiola, T. Zlatar, N. Britt, C. Folse, D. Redding

Row 2: C. Mikkelsen, B. Walker, E. D’Arrigo, C. De Ruiter, F. Gayme, H. DeMunbrun

WOMEN’S TENNIS

Row 1: G. Plunkett, R. Pecsi, K. Mahawanniarachchi, S. Sarmiento Ruiz, E. Graham, G. Dodd

Row 2: K. Roux, I. Rogel, R. Britt, N. Alverez, A. Zarate Valdez, M. Stafford, D. Redding

MEN’S TRACK

Row 1: D. Sargent, T. Kirby, B. Hanoch, K. Aguilar, D. Nwamere, D. Bush, C. Smelser, W. Raymond, I. Miller, T. Allen, P. Hansen, A. Boscs, E. Landers, N. Perry, R. Smith

Row 2: C. Stramrood, E. Mumme, B. Singleton, A. Bailey, K. Watson, Y. Bilong, J. Wood, B. Axtell, L. Walling, N. Haileab, C. Johnson, R. McCarn, C. Harsh, L. Stiper, B. Ferris, D. Hood

Row 3: P. Quillin, D. Ellis, V. Malykhin, J. Ellis, M. Sciba, D. Osoba, M. Ingalsbe, D. St. Jean, J. Pruim, K. Hatley, J. Wall, K. Jackson, T. Daugherty, J. Hardy, C. Hammitt, Z. Reed, J. Meli , L. London

Row 4: S. Bush, A. Kopytko, K. Oakes, C. Castleman, A. Jones, T. Campney, T. Valente, S. Williams, K. de Carvalho, N. Csokas, S. Helms, S. West, G. Lundy

WOMEN’S TRACK

Row 1: B. Johnson, P. Pelzer, C. Nguema, K. Burrell, A. Aaron, J. Villard, E. Mast, J. Weilnau, K. Phillips, A. Gray, K. Washko, N. King, L. Retailleau, K. Hall, K. Bieker

Row 2: P. Quillin, J. Rodgers, K. Vehner, L. Ngapout, C. Graham, E. Patterson, A. Cheek, A. Stewart, V. Jones, S. Parker, T. Hankins, J. Parks, D. Hood

Row 3: D. Ellis, C. Stramrood, J. Atkins, J. Davis, B. Stewart, N. Thompson, C. Hall, M. Hiteshaw, K. Hausam, D. Winders, K. Blankinship, T. Graham, K. Stueve, C. Sansom, H. Jackson, A. Clark, M. McElroy, S. Soto, G. Ogunmakinju, L. London

VOLLEYBALL

Row 1: K. Fester, S. Capitanelli, O. Wiedower, S. Morehead, C. Ingersoll, C. Hinton, E. Winiger, G. Soriano, A. Stanfill, A. Hall, M. Fear, R. Fear

Row 2: R. Smith, J. Lambert, L. Hinton, L. Smith-Morgan, P. Hilmer, A. Lamkin, D. Garner, M. Lacy, K. McKinnon, S. McKinnon

PROGRAMA INTERNACIONAL

DE BECAS

The first week of classes is difficult and challenging for everyone, but for international students, there are feelings of exhilaration mixed with apprehension as they navigate unfamiliar surroundings, cultures and academic systems.

David Lainez is a senior from Nicaragua majoring in computer science with a minor in project management. Lainez discussed his experience before being awarded the Walton Scholarship.

“I went to college in Nicaragua for two semesters, and I had to commute for two hours back and forth,” Lainez said. “It was a relief when I was awarded the scholarship because now I live from walking distance to my classes.”

But Lainez also described how challenging it was to have his first semester online. “I was not physically present at Harding, and that meant that I couldn’t make friends, meet people and professors,” he said. “There were many things I was not familiar with and could not understand until my second semester when I came to Harding.”

Ariana Cerna, a freshman computer science major with a minor in mathematics, shared her experience when coming to Harding.

“We arrived the week before classes, and I was captivated by the beauty of Searcy,” Cerna said. “My RA’s and dorm mom were kind and people would always smile at me even if they didn’t know me.”

Cerna also said “it was difficult to make friends at first, but I would meet people in my classes all the time. The food here is also different than what I’m used to eating.”

The Walton International Scholarship Program (WISP) was launched by Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, and his wife, Helen. The scholarship brings students from El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Belize and Mexico to one of three Christian universities in Arkansas: Harding, John Brown and the University of the Ozarks. The scholarship aims to promote democracy and free enterprise in Latin America. After graduation, Walton Scholars return to their countries to make meaningful contributions with the education they have received.

WISP first began with Walton traveling to Panama and Costa Rica in 1983, where he visited Gabriel Lewis Galindo, a Panamanian entrepreneur and diplomat. Galindo and Walton began talking about the future of Central American countries, and Galindo encouraged Walton to start a scholarship program. In 1985, the Walton family donated to the three universities in Arkansas to fund a scholarship that would benefit students from Central and Latin America. This is when the Walton International Scholarship Program began. The same year, interviews were conducted to select the first class of Walton Scholars, who arrived at their respective universities in August.

The Walton family sought a close relationship with Walton Scholars; Helen Walton herself was very involved and desired to form personal relationships with the students. In 1995, Mrs. the director of the Scholarship from JBU along with his wife and Helen Walton, traveled to Central America for the 10th anniversary of WISP. In the years since, many Walton Scholars have been a part of the board of trustees at their respective universities. In 1999, Federico Villegas became the first Walton alumnus to become part of the board of trustees at JBU.

At Harding University, Walton Scholars are known for being hard working, smart and unique students. Walton Scholars have an average GPA of 3.6. They excel not only in their grades, but also in other areas academically. For example, they work in the library and DormNet, they are resident assistants, teacher aids and more.

Junior Camila Ramos from El Salvador expressed her gratitude for the Walton Scholarship Program.

La primera semana de clases es difícil y desafiante para todos, pero para los estudiantes internacionales, hay sentimientos de euforia mezclados con aprensión a medida que navegan por entornos, culturas y sistemas académicos desconocidos.

David Lainez es un estudiante nicaragüense de último año de Ciencias de la Computación con mención en gestión de proyectos. Lainez habla de su experiencia antes de recibir la beca Walton.

“Fui a la universidad en Nicaragua por dos semestres, y tenía que viajar dos horas de ida y vuelta, fue un alivio cuando me otorgaron la beca porque ahora vivo a poca distancia de mis salones de clase”. Pero Lainez también comenta lo desafiante que fue tener su primer semestre en línea, “no estaba físicamente presente en Harding y eso significaba que no podía hacer amigos, conocer gente y profesores. Había muchas cosas con las que no estaba familiarizado y que no pude entender hasta mi segundo semestre cuando llegué a Harding.”

Ariana Cerna, estudiante de primer año de Ciencias de la Computación con mención en Matemáticas, comparte su experiencia al llegar a Harding.

“Llegamos la semana antes del inicio de clases y me cautivó la belleza de Searcy. Mis RA’s y mi dorm mom eran amables y la gente siempre me sonreía aunque no me conocieran”, Cerna también comenta que “fue difícil hacer amigos al principio, pero conocí gente en mis clases todo el tiempo. La comida aquí también es diferente a lo que estoy acostumbrada a comer”.

El Programa Internacional de Becas Walton (WISP) fue puesto en marcha por Sam Walton, fundador de Walmart, y su esposa, Helen. La beca lleva a personas de El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panamá, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Belice y México a una de las tres respetadas universidades cristianas de Arkansas: Harding, John Brown y University of the Ozarks. El objetivo de la beca es promover la democracia y la libre empresa en América Latina. Tras su graduación, los becarios Walton regresan a sus países para hacer contribuciones significativas con las habilidades que han aprendido.

WISP empezó con un viaje de Walton a Panamá y Costa Rica en 1983, cuando visitó a Gabriel Lewis Galindo, empresario y diplomático panameño. Galindo y Walton empezaron a hablar del futuro de los países centroamericanos, y Galindo animó a Walton a poner en marcha un programa de becas. En 1985, la familia Walton hizo una donación a las tres universidades de Arkansas para que iniciaran becas en beneficio de estudiantes centroamericanos y mexicanos. Ese mismo año, se realizaron entrevistas para seleccionar a la primera generación de becarios Walton, que llegaron a sus respectivas universidades en agosto del mismo año.

La familia Walton procuraba mantener una estrecha relación con los becarios Walton; a Helen Walton siempre le gustaba tomarse fotos con ellos y hablar con ellos. En 1995, el director de Becas de JBU, junto con su esposa y Helen Walton, viajaron a Centroamérica con motivo del 10mo aniversario del WISP. Desde entonces, muchos becarios Walton han formado parte de la junta directiva de sus respectivas universidades. En 1999, Federico Villegas se convirtió en el primer exalumno Walton en formar parte de la junta directiva de JBU.

En Harding University, los Walton Scholars son conocidos por ser estudiantes trabajadores, inteligentes y únicos. Los Waltons tienen un promedio GPA de 3.6. Destacan no sólo en sus notas, sino también en otras áreas académicas. Por ejemplo, trabajan en la biblioteca y en DormNet, son Asistentes de Residencia, Ayudantes de Profesores y mucho más. Al observar a los Walton Scholars, vemos que están motivados para tener éxito, sobresalir y hacer contribuciones significativas al mundo. Camila Ramos, estudiante de tercer año de El Salvador, expresa su gratitud por el Programa de Becas Walton.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

“I am profoundly grateful for the privilege of participating in this transformative program, one that has not only enriched my academic and professional journey but also nourished my spirit,” Ramos said.

Dr. Michael Claxton, an English professor, shared his thoughts on the Walton Scholars.

“I have had Walton students in my classes every semester for the past 20 years, and it is a joy to work with them,” Claxton said. “Their hard work ethic, their enthusiasm for education, and their commitment to make a difference back home after graduation has always inspired me. They are my students and also my friends.” .

The Walton Scholarship Program has changed the lives of thousands of people, not only the recipients themselves, but also their families and countries. Since the beginning of the scholarship, several alumni have founded companies in their home countries that create jobs and help promote economic growth. A great example of this is Benjamin Lopez, a computer science major from Nicaragua who graduated in 2009. In 2013, Lopez founded OOQIA, a software company that now has over 60 collaborators. Just like Lopez, several Walton Scholars have helped their home countries in many ways, which fulfills the primary goal of the scholarship.

Empowered by the opportunities afforded by WISP, Walton Scholars emerge as influential leaders within their communities. Junior Angie Rodriguez Gomez from Honduras exemplifies this transformation.

“Thanks to the Walton Program, I have become a skilled professional and a strong leader of faith,” Gomez said. “Providing me with numerous opportunities to grow and develop on campus, the program has completely transformed my life.”

The selection process for the Walton Scholarship is rigorous and challenging. Applicants must meet certain GPA and other background requirements. They submit a video and an essay so that the committee gets to know them better. Applicants go through several tests and interviews. Being selected for the Walton Scholarship is more than just grades; it’s about the students’ commitment to their community, leadership, and motivation to improve their countries. The last step of the process is an interview with the three directors of the scholarship from the three universities. This academic year the directors of the program from the three universities traveled to Central America and Mexico to conduct the interviews in person, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, the interviews were conducted virtually.

Dr. Nicky Boyd was the director of the Walton Scholarship Program at Harding from its beginning. He came to Harding as an assistant basketball coach and then coached golf for some time and later became the director of the Walton Scholarship. He has worked at Harding for 41 years; 28 as the director of the program. Now, Boyd is an international student adviser, helping international students with legal matters in the United States. Going back in time, Boyd comments about how in the first years of the scholarship, every university interviewed the applicants on their own, and it was not very structured. The Walton Foundation used to be small, but now it is more structured. WISP has evolved significantly, Boyd says.

The first classes used to have a lot of students from Belize, as English is their official language. Meanwhile, in other Central American countries learning English was mainly a privilege; now, there are several opportunities such as scholarship programs that allow kids from low-income families to learn English for free. Boyd, thinking about the first generation, talked about a lady from Guatemala who came to Harding not knowing a lot of English. She stayed with Boyd’s

“Estoy profundamente agradecida por el privilegio de participar en este programa transformador, que no sólo ha enriquecido mi trayectoria académica y profesional, sino que también ha alimentado mi espíritu”, declaró Ramos.

Dr. Claxton, profesor de inglés, comparte su opinión sobre los Walton Scholars: “He tenido estudiantes Walton en mis clases cada semestre durante los últimos 20 años, y es un placer trabajar con ellos. Siempre me ha inspirado su ética del trabajo duro, su entusiasmo por la educación y su compromiso de marcar la diferencia en su país después de graduarse. Son mis alumnos y también mis amigos”. comenta Claxton.

El Programa de Becas Walton ha cambiado la vida de miles de personas, no sólo de los propios beneficiarios, sino también de sus familias y países. Desde el inicio de la beca, varios exalumnos han fundado empresas en sus países de origen que crean puestos de trabajo y ayudan a impulsar la economía de forma significativa. Un gran ejemplo de ello es Benjamín López, un bachiller en Ciencias de la Computación de Nicaragua que se graduó en 2009. En 2013, López fundó OOQIA, una empresa de software que ahora cuenta con más de 60 colaboradores. Al igual que López, varios becarios Walton han ayudado a sus países de origen de muchas maneras, lo que cumple con el objetivo principal de la beca. Gracias a las oportunidades que les brinda el WISP, los becarios Walton se convierten en líderes influyentes en sus comunidades. Hondureña Angie Rodríguez Gómez ejemplifica esta transformación.

“Gracias al Programa Walton”, reflexiona Gómez, “me he convertido en una profesional cualificada y en una fuerte líder en la fe. Al proporcionarme numerosas oportunidades para crecer y desarrollarme en el campus, el programa ha transformado mi vida por completo.”

El proceso de selección para la beca Walton es riguroso y exigente. Los aplicantes deben cumplir determinados requisitos de promedio académico y otros antecedentes. Presentan un vídeo y un ensayo para que el comité pueda conocerlos mejor. Los solicitantes pasan por varias pruebas y entrevistas. Ser seleccionado para la Beca Walton es algo más que las notas; se trata del compromiso del estudiante con su comunidad, su liderazgo y su motivación para mejorar sus países. El último paso del proceso es una entrevista con los tres directores de la beca de las tres universidades. Este año académico los directores del programa de las tres universidades viajaron a Centroamérica y México para realizar las entrevistas en persona, pero durante la pandemia de COVID-19, las entrevistas se realizaron virtualmente.

Dr. Nicky Boyd fue el director del Programa de Becas Walton en Harding durante varios años. Llegó a Harding como entrenador asistente de baloncesto y luego entrenó al equipo de golf durante algún tiempo y más tarde se convirtió en el director de la Beca Walton. Ha trabajado en Harding unos 41 años, y 28 como director del programa. Ahora, Boyd es asesor de estudiantes internacionales, a los que ayuda con asuntos legales en Estados Unidos. Volviendo atrás en el tiempo, Boyd comenta cómo en los primeros años de la Beca, cada universidad entrevistaba a los solicitantes por su cuenta, y no estaba muy estructurado. Antes la Fundación Walton era pequeña, pero ahora está más estructurada. WISP ha evolucionado mucho, afirma Boyd.

En las primeras clases solía haber muchos estudiantes de Belice, ya que el inglés es su lengua oficial. Mientras tanto, en otros países centroamericanos aprender inglés era principalmente un privilegio; ahora, hay varias oportunidades como programas de becas que permiten a los niños de familias con bajos ingresos aprender inglés gratis. Boyd, pensando en la primera generación, habló de una becaria de Guatemala que llegó a Harding sin saber mucho inglés. Se quedó con la hija de

Dr. David Burks with Sam Walton. Walton chose Harding as one of the schools to be a part of the Walton International Scholarship Program. Photo from UCM Archives

daughter for three weeks, and by the time school started, her English improved a lot. Boyd talked about the differences between the program now and when it began.

“One of the fun things about the first classes is that they interacted with the Walton family a lot,” Boyd said.hey would go to Bentonville, and they would have them at their house. [Sam] Walton would even play tennis with them.”.

He highlights that due to programs like Access and other scholarships in central America to learn English for free, it has become more difficult to select recipients, as more and more students become fluent in English each year. Boyd notes that the success of the program is based on Walton Scholars going back to their countries and making meaningful contributions.

“Students used to be older than 24-25, their English was weaker but just as sharp and as motivated,” Boyd said. “We had no computer science people, and nearly all were business majors.. Over the years we found that the most entrepreneurial students are computer science students. One student in El Salvador had hundreds of employees, and others employed 10-30 people. I think this has helped the economy of their countries.”

Moving to a different country might sound okay if you are moving from the U.S. to Canada, but things get difficult when a different language is spoken in that country, and you have no family there. This is the case of Walton Scholars:

Even though they move to a new country with so many differences, they still manage to excel. For most Waltons, their first semester is the most difficult. When you are an international student and you have no family in that country, it becomes tough to find a place to stay during breaks; making friends is also difficult when English is not your first language and gaining confidence when speaking English takes a while. Most Waltons comment that getting used to American food and being away from their families and friends made their first semesters more difficult to handle.

American students often do not realize the amazing opportunity they have at Harding with the international student community. One of the best ways to learn about other cultures is to interact with people from those cultures, and if you have that opportunity, you should take advantage of it. Every academic year, usually during the fall semester, the Walton Scholars celebrate “Latin Fest.” Walton Scholars from Mexico and Central American countries prepare food, decorations and different musical performances, with the goal of fundraising money to help boost the education of kids in Central America and also share their culture with Americans. This is an amazing opportunity to learn about different cultures of Central American countries and Mexico.

Dr. David Collins is the current director of the Walton International Scholarship Program and Dean of International Education. He took on this position in fall 2022. Before that, he served as the executive vice president of Harding for nine years under President Bruce McLarty and two years under President David Burks. He also served as assistant dean of students and vice president of Student Life for 10 years. Collins was also a high school chemistry and physical teacher for 10 years, and a basketball and cross-country coach. In total, he has served at Harding for 28 years. He is a 1992 graduate of Harding, where he met his wife, Beth. Even though Collins has had several positions throughout his life, he said that being the director of the Walton Scholarship has been his favorite.

When Collins was a student at Harding, he lived in the same wing in Allen Hall as the upperclassmen Walton Scholars. He said he met several Waltons

Boyd durante tres semanas y, cuando empezaron las clases, su inglés había mejorado mucho. Boyd habló de las diferencias entre el programa ahora y cuando empezó.

“Una de las cosas divertidas de las primeras generaciones es que interactuaban mucho con la familia Walton, iban a Bentonville y los recibían en su casa. [Sam] Walton incluso jugaba tenis con ellos”, explica Boyd.

Destaca que, debido a programas como Access y otras becas en Centroamérica para aprender inglés gratuitamente, se ha hecho más difícil seleccionar a los beneficiarios, ya que cada año son más los estudiantes que dominan el inglés. Boyd señala que el éxito del programa se basa en que los becarios Walton regresen a sus países y hagan contribuciones significativas.

“Los estudiantes solían tener más de 24-25 años, su inglés era más flojo, pero igual de astutos y motivados. No teníamos gente de Ciencias de la Computación y casi todos estudiaban negocios”, explica Boyd. “Con los años hemos descubierto que los estudiantes más emprendedores son los de Ciencias de la Computación. Un estudiante de El Salvador tenía cientos de empleados, y otros empleaban entre 10 y 30 personas. Creo que esto ha ayudado a la economía de sus países”.

Mudarse a otro país puede parecer bien si te mudas de Estados Unidos a Canadá, pero las cosas se complican cuando en ese país se habla otro idioma y no tienes familia allí. Este es el caso de los becarios Walton: a pesar de mudarse a un nuevo país con tantas diferencias, se las arreglan para sobresalir. Para la mayoría de los Walton, su primer semestre es el más difícil. Cuando se es estudiante internacional y no se tiene familia en el país, resulta difícil encontrar un lugar donde alojarse durante las vacaciones; hacer amigos también es difícil cuando el inglés no es tu lengua materna y ganar confianza a la hora de hablar inglés lleva un tiempo. La mayoría de los Walton comentan que acostumbrarse a la comida americana y estar lejos de sus familias y amigos hizo que sus primeros semestres fueran más difíciles de llevar.

Los estudiantes americanos a menudo no se dan cuenta de la increíble oportunidad que tienen en Harding con la comunidad de estudiantes internacionales. Una de las mejores maneras de aprender sobre otras culturas es interactuar con personas de esas culturas, y si tienes esa oportunidad, debes aprovecharla. Cada año académico, normalmente durante el semestre de otoño, los Walton Scholars celebran “Latin Fest”. Los Walton Scholars de México y los países centroamericanos preparan comida, decoraciones y diferentes actuaciones musicales, con el objetivo de recaudar fondos para ayudar a impulsar la educación de los niños en Centroamérica y también compartir su cultura con los estadounidenses. Esta es una oportunidad increíble para aprender sobre las diferentes culturas de los países de América Central y México.

Dr. Collins es el actual director del Programa de Becas Internacionales Walton y Decano de Educación Internacional. Asumió este cargo en otoño de 2022. Antes de eso, se desempeñó como vicepresidente ejecutivo de Harding durante nueve años bajo el mandato del presidente Bruce McLarty y dos años bajo el de David Burks. También fue vicedecano de Estudiantes y vicepresidente de Vida Estudiantil durante 10 años. Collins también fue profesor de química y física en escuela secundaria durante 10 años, y entrenador de baloncesto y cross-country. En total, ha trabajado en Harding durante 28 años. Se graduó en Harding en 1992, donde conoció a su esposa, Beth. Aunque Collins ha desempeñado varios cargos a lo largo de su vida, señala que ser director de la Beca Walton ha sido su favorito.

Cuando Collins estudiaba en Harding, vivía en la misma ala de Allen Hall que los estudiantes de último curso de la beca Walton. Señala que ha conocido a varios Waltons a lo largo de su carrera en Harding y destaca lo talentosos que eran.

“Los Walton Scholars son de los estudiantes más brillantes y con más talento. Trabajan duro, se involucran en el campus, más que solo en sus clases,” dijo Collins.

Aunque Collins estaba entusiasmado con su nuevo puesto, había retos a los que tenía que enfrentarse, como tener 60 estudiantes a los que tenía que conocer a un nivel más profundo.

“Mi mayor preocupación era que me incorporaba a un puesto y ya había 60

Photo from Brackett Archives

Photo from UCM Archives

throughout his career at Harding and highlights how talented and well-rounded they were.

“Walton Scholars are some of the brightest and most talented students,” Collins said. “They work hard, they get involved on campus, more than just in a classroom.”.

Although Collins was excited about his new position, there were challenges that he had to face, like having 60 students that he had to get to know on a deeper level.

“My biggest concern was that I was stepping into a role, and there were already 60 students who I did not know,” Collins said. “I can see now in my second year that each year it gets better as I get to know the students in a much more personal way.”.

The fact that Collins served in Student Life for several years makes him aware of many of the difficulties that international students face. International students “come not just to Harding, but to a different culture, a new country, are introduced to college life in a different country, and there is an additional layer if we compare international students to American students,” Collins said.

Collins notes that he wants to focus on helping international students adjust better to a different culture. The holidays are always a challenge for international students. Some are outgoing and have friends who invite them over during the holidays, while others struggle to find a place to stay during Christmas, Thanksgiving and Spring break.

“If we are going to recruit students to come to Harding, we must look at our calendar and make sure we can accommodate them when they come from so far away, considering how difficult it is to go back to their homes during the holidays,” Collins said.

After 37 classes of Walton Scholars, it has become difficult to stay in touch with all of them. Collins wants to focus on creating a network of Harding Walton alumni to allow current Walton Scholars access to internships and jobs and make life after graduation a little easier. Collins shared one piece of advice for American students.

“American students should realize the unbelievable opportunity they have at Harding to learn about cultures from all around the world,” Collins said. “You can see the world through our international students.Go and talk to an international student, take advantage of this tremendous opportunity to learn about other countries, cultures and geopolitics.”

The Walton International Scholarship Program (WISP), initiated by Sam and Helen Walton in 1985, has not only provided financial support but has fostered a community of diverse, motivated scholars from Central American countries and Mexico. The program’s emphasis on qualities beyond academic achievement, such as leadership and commitment to community, is reflected in the achievements of its alumni, who have become entrepreneurs and contributors to their home countries’ economies. Harding students should engage with international students, recognizing the unique opportunity to learn about different cultures. Looking forward, under the guidance of Collins, the current director of WISP, the program aims to create a supportive network for alumni, facilitating internships and jobs to ease the transition for Walton Scholars after graduation. WISP is not just a scholarship; it’s a platform fostering global understanding and the development of future leaders.

Written by Hengel Zelaya

estudiantes a los que no conocía. Ahora, en mi segundo año, veo que cada año es mejor, ya que llego a conocer a los estudiantes de una manera mucho más personal”, dijo Collins.

El hecho de que Collins trabajara en Vida Estudiantil durante varios años le hace consciente de muchas de las dificultades a las que se enfrentan los estudiantes internacionales. Los estudiantes internacionales “vienen no sólo a Harding, sino a una cultura diferente, un nuevo país, son introducidos a la vida universitaria en un país diferente y hay una capa adicional si comparamos a los estudiantes internacionales con los estudiantes estadounidenses.”

Collins señala que quiere centrarse en ayudar a los estudiantes internacionales a adaptarse mejor a una cultura diferente. Las vacaciones son siempre un reto para los estudiantes internacionales. Algunos son extrovertidos y tienen amigos que les invitan a casa durante las fiestas, mientras que otros luchan por encontrar un lugar donde alojarse durante las vacaciones de Navidad, Acción de Gracias y Primavera.

“Si vamos a reclutar estudiantes para que vengan a Harding, debemos mirar nuestro calendario y asegurarnos de que podemos acomodarlos cuando vienen de tan lejos, teniendo en cuenta lo difícil que es volver a sus casas durante las vacaciones”, dijo Collins.

Después de 37 promociones de becarios Walton, se ha hecho difícil mantenerse en contacto con todos ellos. Collins quiere centrarse en la creación de una red de antiguos alumnos Walton de Harding que permita a los actuales becarios Walton acceder a pasantías y puestos de trabajo y les facilite la vida después de la graduación. Collins compartió un consejo para los estudiantes estadounidenses.

“Los estudiantes estadounidenses deberían darse cuenta de la increíble oportunidad que tienen en Harding de conocer culturas de todo el mundo. Pueden ver el mundo a través de nuestros estudiantes internacionales”, dijo Collins. “Vayan y hablen con un estudiante internacional, aprovechen esta tremenda oportunidad de aprender sobre otros países, culturas y geopolítica”.

El Programa Internacional de Becas Walton (WISP, por sus siglas en inglés), iniciado por Sam y Helen Walton en 1985, no sólo ha proporcionado apoyo financiero, sino que ha fomentado una comunidad de becarios diversos y motivados de países centroamericanos y México. El énfasis del programa en cualidades que van más allá de los logros académicos, como el liderazgo y el compromiso con la comunidad, se refleja en los logros de sus exalumnos, que se han convertido en empresarios y contribuyentes a las economías de sus países de origen. Los estudiantes de Harding deberían relacionarse con estudiantes internacionales, reconociendo la oportunidad única de aprender sobre culturas diferentes. De cara al futuro, bajo la dirección de Collins, actual director del WISP, el programa pretende crear una red de apoyo para los antiguos alumnos, facilitando prácticas y puestos de trabajo para facilitar la transición de los becarios Walton tras su graduación. WISP no es sólo una beca; es una plataforma que fomenta la comprensión global y el desarrollo de futuros líderes.

Escrito por Hengel Zelaya

Photo from UCM Archives

Photo from Petit Jean Archives

1980s

In 1974 Harding University opened its first TV studio in the Ezell building. David Hurd oversaw the first television program, and Lou Butterfield was hired as executive news producer in 1976. In fall 1983, Mike James and Butterfield launched Harding University’s first live news broadcast on the White County Cable Television system in Searcy, Arkansas.

“[Mike James] came to me and said, ‘Hey, how about we talk about putting a TV station together?’” Butterfield said.

TV-12 was originally included in Searcy’s basic cable package for channels 2 through 13, accessible in dorms. The programming was scheduled to air 12 hours per week with a live 20-minute newscast at 6:30 each weeknight and closed at 8:50 with a devotional. Students were tasked to produce five original shows each week.

“We did all kinds of programming,” Butterfield said. “We did a musical show, we called it ‘Center Stage.’ We went as far as Morrilton to do rodeos.”

In fall 1988, the White County Cable System added new programming, forcing Harding to change channels, becoming TV-19. The new channel was included in “first tier” cable instead of the basic package available in all student dorms before the channel change. The decision was

In 1994 signal moved from Channel 19 to Channel 16, along with a physical move of TV news operations and master control from the Ganus Building to the Ezell basement. In a 1994 The Bison article “TV-19 to begin broadcasting from new facilities,” Judie O’Farrell wrote “‘The move has not been easy,’ [Butterfield] said. ‘It’s kind of like moving your house, only three times more difficult.’”

In fall 1997, Dutch Hoggatt became adviser of TV-16. One of Hoggatt’s major changes as the adviser was moving the newscast time from 5 p.m. to 6p.m., and rebranding the broadcast to “live at five.”

The next fall semester, 1998, the TV station relocated to the Reynolds Center, and Bob Ritchie took over as director of the studio.

not made without reluctance.

Phillip Tucker wrote in the 1988 The Bison article “TV-12 moves up to channel 19.”

“Butterfield says he regrets the change, but that ‘White County Video has supplied with access for Channel 12 free of charge for all these years, and so it is not our place to gripe about what's free.’”

In these decades and the following, TV-12 worked hard to produce political coverage and the equally important Spring Sing broadcast.

Photo from 1984 Petit Jean

Photo from The Bison, Oct. 9, 1992

Photo from The Bison, Nov. 9, 1984

Photo from The Bison, Sept. 30, 1983

HU16 News Network Marks Milestone Anniversary

2000-10s

During spring 2000, Channel 16 came back on air after a semester-long break due to the upgrading of Harding’s system by White County Cable.

The spring semester of 2007 brought new coverage of a student-run sports news program every Tuesday and Wednesday at 8 p.m. on TV-16.

In 2010 Ginger Blackstone, a past student of Lou Butterfield and a TV-12 news anchor in the 1980’s, took the position of news director.

“I really caught the TV bug,” Blackstone said, reflecting on her time as a student with TV-12. “I was actually involved in a social club my freshman year, and I went inactive my sophomore year because I really felt like I found a different tribe. It was all those crazy bunches of people that hung out in the TV studio, and I loved it; I absolutely loved it.”

In 2012 Tim Hamilton was hired as a staff member, directing all sports production for Harding. Mark Prior, after involvement with the station for years, became director of the TV station after Ritchie’s departure. Between 2014 and 2019, Jim Miller served as chair of the Communication Department and oversaw many changes.

“We recognized that if we were going to elevate our work and our students’ opportunities at the TV station, and give them the best realworld experience that we could, we were going to have to upgrade,” Miller said.

During this time, there were renovations to the television station, expansions of sports production, and during the 2014–2015 school year, TV-16 was renamed HU16.

In summer 2017, the TV studio was completely redone totaling expenses of $160,000 and was dedicated to Amy and Scott Sewell by spring 2018. Alumna Amy Sewell was a major contributor to the renovation which included tearing down and rebuilding the Reynolds Center TV studio, installing brand-new technology, and a change from standard definition broadcasting to high definition.

2020s-Present

The 2021 school year launched new apps that featured two live streams and video-ondemand programming on Amazon Fire, Android, AppleTV, iOS and Roku platforms. The following year, HU16 ended its longstanding channel on the White County Cable system.

The 2022–2023 school year aired specials like “Double Dutch” and “Shock Talk,” and earned an honorable mention for the Mid-America Student Emmy Awards, and two student Emmys for political coverage in 2022. By the end of spring 2023, the TV studio said bittersweet goodbyes to Tim Hamilton and Ginger Blackstone.

“This is really a legacy,” Blackstone said. “It’s something that we’re really proud of. It’s a smaller program, but that has actually worked to our benefit . . . it's amazing to see how things evolve over the years.”

Noah Darnell took over as news and editorial director in fall 2023. In that semester, an all-new software system, the industry standard from the associated press, ENPS, was installed. This system brings HU16 production to the same class as all other national brands such as National CBS and The Washington Post.

Story by Randi Tubbs

Photo from The Bison, March 2, 2007

Photo from The Bison, Sept. 29, 2000

Photo from The Bison, Oct. 22, 2021

Photo from The Bison, Oct. 22, 2021

EXPLORING THENatural STATE

HU Explore Club hikes, paddles and camps in the Natural State.

Several years ago, faculty members and students realized a need on campus to provide students with more opportunities to experience nature. The campus lacked recreation activities for more experienced students, as well as information for students that were interested in exploring the Natural State but had little guidance on outdoor activities. JD Yingling was a faculty member who took on the task of providing students with a community to meet these needs. In fall 2019, Yingling worked with students to establish the Explore Club. The club was designed to meet the spiritual, communal and recreational needs of students, with the ultimate goal of promoting wellness.

The foundation for the club began when Yingling was a student at Harding: “I wanted to backpack, camp and do other outdoor activities but didn’t really know how,” Yingling said. He saw a similar trend among students once he became a professor and wanted to be able to provide them with knowledge and chances to refine their skills using the abundant natural resources in Arkansas.

With the help of Mary Kathryn Wicker Rienert, he established the club. “I looked for interested students and found the perfect person in MK,” Yingling said. “We worked together on getting the club started and she came up with the Explore Club name. MK also developed a constitution and went through the process to start an ‘official’ campus organization through Student Services.”

Junior Lydia Radke joined the club during the fall of her freshman year. “[Yingling], now a good friend, was my wellness professor that semester and told me about it.” Radke said. “I’ve always loved hiking and outdoor activities and knew that I wanted to do more of that during college and make friends with the same interests.” Sophomore Jacob Branson expressed similar reasons for joining the Explore Club, “I enjoy doing things outside-- hiking, climbing, camping --and it was nice to have an organized group of people who wanted to go out and do those things together, as well as to meet new people.”

Yingling additionally expressed his appreciation for the community that the club creates. “Selfishly, I just love to be with students and the outdoors is a great environment to learn from each other and get real,” Yingling said, “Being in the wilderness tends to drop all pretentiousness and people can just be their true selves. It’s easy to get to know someone well and have deep conversations.”

He felt another important aspect of the club was the ability to allow students to connect with God while experiencing nature. “I connect with God when I’m outside in creation and I know a lot of students are the same way,” Yingling said. The Explore Club provided students with many opportunities to cope with the stresses of college and simply experience the awe of creation.

Branson spoke about the accessibility of the club and specifically pointed out that Explore Club did not require membership or dues

for students to participate. “Our officers just plan events and anyone is welcome to come to as few or as many as they’d like,” Branson said. Radke added to this sentiment and shared that the club was open to people of varying experiences. “We have a wide range, from people that have done long, intense backpacking trips to people that have never hiked before,” Radke said, “We want to make outdoor activities more accessible to students by helping people find places to go, things to do, and friends to go with.”

Additionally, the club coincided with the Harding Outdoors program, which provided donated gear that students borrowed free of charge. Though he retired in spring 2024, Yingling elaborated on his hopes for Explore Clubs’ future. “Truthfully, we are way behind a lot of other universities in providing outdoor opportunities for our students. Everything we do is without university support,” he explained, “I want to have the program become more well known to alumni and gain more support from donors.”

Radke also mentioned hopes for the club to expand and offer more opportunities to students in the future. “The club has grown a lot in the past two years and I hope that continues. We’re also hoping to start planning a wider variety of activities, like climbing, caving and more water activities in addition to hiking and camping.

Since its establishment, the Explore Club has strived to become a thriving community. Through much dedication, the club successfully provided a platform for individuals to connect with nature, build friendships, and foster spiritual well-being.

Written by Cora Freeman

Made it! Members of the HU Explore Club pose at the Village Creek State Park in Wynne, Arkansas. They camped at the park overnight.

Photo courtesy of: Amelia Slater

Picture perfect! Participating in an activity planned by the HU Explore Club, Two students kayak on Greers Ferry Lake. After this they hiked to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain Island located in the middle of the lake. Photo courtesy of: Amelia Slater

Time to unpack! On Sept. 9, HU Explore students unpack the truck with their kayaks. The group traveled to Fairfield Bay, Arkansas for a day trip of hiking and kayaking.

Photo courtesy of: Amelia Slater

View from the top! After hiking Sugar Loaf Mountain Island, sophomores Bayli Nash and Lauren Stewart pose for a picture. They used kayaks, paddle boards and a house boat to reach the island. Photo courtesy of: Amelia Slater

FOOTBALL, ROLLERSKATES AND MILKSHAKES

Bison Football, Harding leadership, Sonic and Pivot Studios team up for a unique project.

Harding’s very own football team and President starred in a new Sonic inspired commercial. Student organization, Pivot Creative Studio, worked with the captains of the football team, President Dr. Mike Williams, Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, and Sonic to create a unique commercial-like video.

Senior Asa Clay worked with the football team for the past two seasons, and continued to work with them with the Pivot Creative Studio. Clay described their vision and goals for the project.

“Ultimately our goal was to try to make it look as real and professional as possible since we knew a lot of people were going to be seeing it,” Clay said.

The professional inspiration came from watching corporate commercials, like Sonic’s. Instead of having a full camera team, all Pivot had was one camera and ninety minutes to shoot the entirety of the project. There was a small budget and not a lot of time to work with.

With inspiration coming from Sonic commercials, Pivot wanted to follow that same goal and film as though they were in a Sonic stall. To accomplish this goal, they placed chairs in a room, had people sit in them, and figured out camera angles.

“It was really cool for us to be able to do a widely recognized company and it made us work and focus a lot harder on something like that just because it’s a little bit of a further step than things we had previously worked on,” Clay said.

This effort was a collective piece, featuring different aspects of the university. Graduate student and Harding football captain, Cooper Carroll, shared some insight into the attitude on set.

“Seeing Dr. T[hompson] on the rollerblades and Dr. Williams squished in the back seat between Wes and Nate was hilarious,” Carroll said. “They were great to do this with and made it a lot of fun with some of the outtakes and conversations.”

Working with Williams and Thompson proved to be a highlight for both Pivot studios and the football players. Senior Wesley Coleman, another captain of the football team, spoke to the working dynamic of Williams and Thompson.

“Working alongside two prominent figures at Harding means a lot and it was amazing to get to experience how personable they are,” Coleman said. “They are very supportive and it’s a blessing that our leaders have this quality.”

The video provided the players an opportunity to participate in something fun and uplifting for the community. As players, they felt honored to be choosen to represent the University .

“Our team has a huge positive impact on the community and I’m glad that I was chosen to be able to represent it,” Coleman said.

Cooper expressed the personal feeling of representing the brotherhood that many have not get to seen.

“It means a lot to all the guys in the commercial to be able to represent the Harding Football team in this way,” Cooper said.

The Pivot Creative Studio created a memorable video for both the players involved but also for the community viewers.

Written by Bailey Coffman

Harding’s Drive-In | The Bison football captains pose with Dr. Williams, Dr. Thompson, Sonic General Manager Levi Wright and the Pivot team members following the shoot. The commercial was well recieved by the community and other students. Photo courtesy of Evie Cunningham Behind the Scenes | Senior Asa Clay films a segment of the commercial at the Race Street Sonic. Inspiration for the commercial came from other Sonic commercial shoots. Photo courtesy of Evie Cunningham

DOUBLE THE DISCS

Harding Apocalypse shares its season with the Sky Bisons, the all-female frisbee team, for the first time since 2019.

The Sky Bisons had finally made their return after a four-year hiatus. The all-female ultimate frisbee team initially broke off from the Harding men’s team, Apocalypse, after not having enough female players. The men’s and women’s ultimate frisbee teams had wrapped up their season with two teams instead of only one. The teams traveled to competitions and matches all around the country.

Senior Kassie Lamoureux spoke of her experience playing for the team for Apocalypse the past three years and the transition to the all-female Sky Bisons.

“I was the only person to join that year along with one other senior,” Lamoureux said. “We’ve gone from two undergraduates to a full line of seven, which is the minimum requirement to make a team.”

For Lamoureux, the team always consisted of small team numbers. However, fall 2023 created a new experience with the revival of the Sky Bisons. Lamoureux joined the team when it was only one co-ed team and watched it grow into the teams it became.

“In the past, we would just organize our own tournaments,” Lamoureux said. “But now we’re being connected to other universities in the Arkansas area through the traveling program.”

Graduate student Sophie Balentine was a co-captain for the Sky Bisons and spent many years with the ultimate frisbee team. Balentine shared her experience as a co-captain and the history behind the team.

“The ultimate frisbee men’s started at Harding in 2003, and the women’s team was started a few years following that.” Balentine said, “The Sky Bisons has had about a threeto-four-year hiatus since COVID caused many numbers to

drop. This is the first year that we’ve had enough girls on the team to have a team. Kassie Lamoureux and I decided to recruit more girls, and now we finally have enough to play.”

With two full teams, they were recognized by other university and club teams in Arkansas. As the Sky Bisons made their fall 2023 debut, Apocalypse also had a successful year. Senior Steven Burdge was the captain of the Apocalypse ultimate frisbee team and watched the growth of both teams throughout the season. Burdge had a different perspective as the captain and felt rewarded to watch the development of a team he loved.

“It’s been a really great experience and blessing where I’ve made a lot of lifelong friends going to tournaments all over the country,” Burdge said.

Burdge enjoyed the travels, tournaments and relationships that he developed with the team. The opportunity to spend time with the team grew with practice and training. Burdge expressed how determined each player was.

“We usually practice four times a week,” Burdge said. “Pickup on Mondays, throwing drills on Wednesdays, and then for two hours every Tuesday and Thursday going over offensive and defensive drills. We practice the fundamentals and just try to get better and better every day.”

The Sky Bisons and the Apocalypse both grew throughout the fall 2023 season. The development and split into two teams brought new opportunities for the players and the future of ultimate frisbee at Harding. Now recognized by other teams around the country, they were able to grow and show off their skills for the first time as two teams since 2019.

Written by Sophie Thibodeaux

Stretching for the disc, juniors Daniel Tignor,

and senior

in an Ultimate Frisbee

Nov. 14. “It’s more than just a game of Frisbee,” sophomore Aaron Miller said. “It’s the fun of competition, teamwork and fellowship with our brothers and sisters.”

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2003-04

Adam Williams

Luke Dockery compete

match

Looking for an Open | Preparing to throw the frisbee to a teammate, sophomore Denver Mitchell participates in the Oct. 10 practice. Apocalypse and Sky Bisons practiced numerous evenings each week.

Photo by Jenna Gaessler

Disc it Out | Receiving the frisbee, freshman Ella Heightman glances for an open teammate. The Sky Bisons practiced at the Ted and Marcie Lloyd Track and Field complex.

by Jenna Gaessler

Photo

Diving for Dreams | At a Sky Bisons practice, graduate student Sophie Balentine dives for the frisbee. She was co-captain of the Sky Bisons.

Photo by Jenna Gaessler

UNLIKELY ALLIANCE

Harding hosts Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Robert George for the American Studies Distinguished Lecture Series

Based solely on the socio-political positions held by Dr. Robert George and Dr. Cornel West, one might not expect the two of them to get along, let alone be close friends. The leading public intellectuals’ visit as part of ASI’s Distinguished Lecture Series surprised many in this regard; Dr. George and Dr. West demonstrated a profound friendship built on love, trust, shared faith and pursuit of truth that enables the civil discourse and loving disagreement that they skillfully embody.

During a classroom session in the early afternoon, Dr. West answered the first of the Big Questions – “Who is God?” –describing God as love mediated through Jesus on the cross, love as a need, a deed, and a seed: we need the blood of Christ on the cross, we perform the deed of loving our neighbor and we plant seeds, leaving the world a little better than we found it. We ought to leave a little heaven behind, as Dr. West’s grandmother said. Dr. George also turned to Christ as the answer to this question, saying that Christ is the means by which we transcend the god of the philosophers and come into contact with the personal and parental being that Christ points to in His prayer: “Our Father, who art in heaven….”

We cry out for the help we need; as Dr. West said, “Womb to tomb without a call for help is impossible.” Acknowledging our need for help is an exercise in humility, a becoming-servant in relation to God rather than asserting ourselves as masters of our own fates. This vertical piety shapes the spiritual experience, while horizontal piety dictates how we interact with our communities. Dr. West defined this kind of piety as “virtuous acknowledgment of the sources of good in your life that you are willing to put on your back (as Aeneas carried Anchises out of Troy) and show your respect to.”

Asking parents, family, peers, teachers, pastors, and others for help goes against the tendencies of the culture we inhabit, but in the eyes of the world, the faith and piety that we talk about makes no sense at all. The wisdom of God is folly to the world, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians. We ought to become holy fools like Father Zosima in Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, pursuing the thick blood of Christ at the foot of the cross rather than the thin and acceptable “Kool-Aid” that we find when things start to make sense to the world.

Dr. George turned to a discussion of the session’s assigned reading: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” Questions of the appropriateness of public protest become questions of eternal, natural, and human law. Do we have an obligation to disobey unjust laws, that is, human laws that go against the eternal and natural laws? St. Augustine, St. Aquinas, and King say yes; a just law elevates, upholds, and uplifts the human personality and spirit, while the unjust opposite hurts everyone. How do we disobey? Do we fight fire with fire, as Malcolm X argued

for in his “Message to the Grassroots” speech? Dr. West referenced John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme; King’s Gandhian method of nonviolent protest, his Dream, and the Love Supreme that he preached were in line with humanity’s status as created beings, as incomparably valuable children of God.

The vulnerability that we assume when asking for help cultivates in us the capacity to love, to imitate our Creator. Civility on its own is too thin, while deep relationships of love keep us in the thick blood of Christ. Civility is not just being nice or being polite, but also recognizing that while you might have something to teach your conversation partner, you have something to learn from them as well. No one holds all true beliefs, and to assume that one does is to close the door to learning and civility. Civil discourse thickens our faith through intellectually rigorous examination, building on the riches of our traditions while also recognizing that those traditions may fall short. Deep spirituality enables the survival of society.

We have to think about what really matters. Does that characteristic or skill go on your resume or on your tombstone? Resume virtues matter, but are not of ultimate value. Tombstone virtues are intrinsically valuable: ends in themselves, as Immanuel Kant would say. Faith. Friendship. Family. Knowledge. Beauty. Holiness. Integrity. Honor. We mix up these virtues just as we mix up the thick blood of Christ at the foot of the cross with the thin Kool-Aid of the world. We have to pursue and wholeheartedly embody those tombstone virtues in all circumstances. We ought not treat people who we disagree with as enemies. We are all brothers and sisters, children of one Father.

Dr. Williams moderated the panel in the evening, and by the end was on the verge of tears. “What we just heard was a sermon.” I, for one, was cut to the heart by what Dr. George and Dr. West not only said but also demonstrated in their interactions with each other: a profoundly beautiful expression of the truest sort of friendship, one that has moved far beyond utility and pleasure and into the realm of Aristotle’s perfect friendship, one between “good people similar in virtue” who love each other for their own sake and who wish good things for each other. Dr. Carpenter commented a few days after the lecture, “[Dr. George and Dr. West] model for us that we have to be unapologetically unafraid of free people exchanging the biggest ideas and stay in fellowship as we do it.”

The American Studies Institute was founded in 1952 with the goal of promoting a better understanding of the constitution, of capitalism and free enterprise, and of the intersections of faith and civic life. The bar for the quality of the Distinguished Lecture Series continues to be set extremely high; the Harding community has much to look forward to as stewards of this tradition.

Written by Isaac Raymond

Harmony in Disagreement | Dr. Robert George and Dr. Cornel West discuss the importance of civil discourse and respect for others on stage. The duo visited campus with standing opposing views. Photo Courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Let’s Pray | President Mike Williams leads a prayer at the closing of the ASI Distinguished Lecture Series event. ASI invited Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Robert George to speak on Feb. 27 in the Benson Auditorium. Photo Courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

The American Studies Institute (ASI) was founded in 1952. The aim of ASI is to educate students on capitalism and free enterprise through an emphasis on the Constitution. The hope is to help enable students grow in their professional and spiritual lives. Each year it welcomes a variety of distinguished guest speakers and hosts student sessions, a dinner and a main event on campus. Previous speakers include Lady Margaret Thatcher, Gerald Ford and Eva Kor (pictured) as well as Mikhail Gorbachev, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and countless others.

Photos courtesy of Jeff Montgomery and Brackett Archives

@HUStudentPubs

Facebook: Harding University Student Publications

THE THE

A Note From The Bison

Tiane Davis

This year, The Bison worked closely with the Petit Jean, especially with it being Harding’s Centennial. Our goal in Student Publications has always been to tell Harding’s story while preserving as many parts of its history as possible — big or small. As we work to reach this goal, we work as a team, not two publications that work independently from one another. To epitomize this constant collaboration, I created a “Bison Year In Review” to include in the Petit Jean’s 100th edition.

While The Bison focuses more on happenings around campus and Searcy on a week-to-week basis, the Petit Jean serves as an archival record of features through out the entire school year. With that knowledge in mind, I picked what I thought were the best feature stories we have published that also serve as a reflection of the past year at Harding.

The stories I included in this mini version of The Bison are not only the stories I felt best represented the school year, but the stories The Bison staff enjoyed covering the most. I picked spreads that remind me of how much fun The Bison staff had this year because — although we know the importance of our jobs — we also have fun.

If you paid attention to The Bison this year, you might notice that the pages in this section are not identical to anything we published. That is because our newspaper pages have more space for each story. I cut out a few sentences and adjusted the spacing to fit as many stories as possible to better represent the range of content we strived to report on this year.

When Julianne asked me to put together these pages, I was ecstatic. The Petit Jean is such an extraordinary record of Harding’s history, and being included in its creation fills me with nothing but pride and joy for Student Publications. Like I said before, The Bison and Petit Jean do not work independently; they work together, and this section gave us the perfect opportunity to show you that.

I might not always have old copies of The Bison laying around, but I know I will have my yearbooks kept on a shelf somewhere in my house for the rest of my life. For that reason, I was so grateful for the opportunity to immortalize my favorite Bison spreads in these precious four pages.

in so much work to make sure it will be

“I am so honored to have been chosen for this role, especially

Junior dance captain Emma McDaris said the Centennial has put pressure on the cast to do well and emphasizes the

“When you look closely, the show is about a broken family who needs help being put back together,” Shasteen said. “It’s about a father who learns how to love his wife and children, a mother who learns how to stand up for herself and the people she loves, and two very special children who learn that anything can happen

Both performances of “Mary Poppins” will be at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $20 in the alumni

The Bison Editor-in-Chief

Bisons win national championship

Bisons defense powers through 2023 season

NIC FRARACCIO sports editor

Along with the Bisons offense shattering the college football rushing record with 6,160 yards, the Harding defense stepped up in crucial moments during the title-winning season.

The players on the defensive side of the ball knew they had a special group as they worked toward the 2023 season. Junior defensive lineman Dre Hall said players would stay after practice to watch film and “sharpen their tools” in preparation for the historic season.

“We knew everything we had to face, and we knew our weaknesses,” Hall said. “We knew that’s what we needed to do heading into the new season.”

The hard work and preparation boosted the Bisons to their first national championship in program history. After consistent performances by the defense, the Bisons received multiple topthree rankings in defensive stat categories by the end of their undefeated season.

Most notably, Harding tied with the University of Charleston for the most defensive touchdowns in Division II football and finished the season ranked fifth in total defense.

The Bisons held each playoff opponent to their lowest single-game point total during the national championship run. Junior defensive lineman Wesley Coleman said the coaches would constantly remind the team that “when it gets harder for the Bisons, the Bisons get tougher.”

“Coming in every single day and every single week knowing that we’re going to have to face crazy opponents — we’re going to have to put up our best performance,” Coleman said.

Throughout the regular season and Division II playoffs, the Harding coaches continued to boost the Bisons’ confidence and support. Hall said the Harding coaching staff shows constant care for the players on and off the football field.

“At a lot of places, you would be just another number or just another face,” Hall said. “These

coaches actually love us, and we love them. I do not think you will get that anywhere else.”

The Harding defense entertained fans and members of the media throughout the entire season. Billy Morgan, the voice of the Bisons for the Harding Sports Network, said the Bisons did not have a weakness during their historic run.

“It’s without a doubt the most fun defense that I’ve ever had a chance to watch,” Morgan said. “I love to watch the flexbone on offense, and it was dominant all year, but when you see that defense going out there you know you have a chance to win.”

Players and staff members have continued to show appreciation to fans and students after returning for the spring semester. Coleman said it has been a blessing to receive support and love from the Harding community.

“I want to say thank you for your never-ending support during the season,” Coleman said. “It is just amazing to know that we have such a great crowd of people behind us.”

Additional photos and photo illustration by MACY COX

Photo provided by AJ Williams

The Bisons completed an undefeated season Dec. 16 to win their first national championship in program

Bison Year in Review FEATURES 1B

Students craft Greenhouse Coffee and Bakery

ELI DEAN community editor

Coffee lovers across Harding’s campus had a new place to get their daily cup during the week of snow and university closures, with the help of a few creative students with a bright and fresh idea.

Greenhouse Coffee & Bakery opened for business Jan. 16, the first day classes were canceled due to the icy campus conditions. Co-owner and senior Gracie Hamlett said the idea came from a video she saw online this past summer with a similar concept, and she wanted to do something similar with her roommates, senior Regan McClure and junior Kennedy Williamson, in their apartment this winter.

“I sent [the video] to my roommates, Regan and Kennedy, telling them we had to do this,” Hamlett said. “We’ve done things like this in the past so we are always looking for what to do next. When snow week began, I knew that this was the perfect time.”

The snow began to fall during the beginning hours of Sunday, Jan. 14, and it lasted until Monday night. Many took the first opportunity of the year to play in the snow, but by Tuesday, some of that excitement had died down. That was when Hamlett and her roommates decided to do something fun during their unexpected day off.

“The snowfall day is magical,” Hamlett said. “The first full day of snow is the day you go out and play or just stay warm inside, resting. The second full day of snow is when people start to get restless. So that’s the day we decided to do it.”

Regan McClure, who helped make Hamlett’s vision a reality, said that it was all about having a fun place to be with close friends during a day where most would want to stay inside their dorms or apartments.

“We wanted to see our friends during the snow and also give people something to do outside of their rooms,” McClure said. “Something silly is that we had one of our bedrooms set up as a coat room to have enough room. It was so much fun.”

Those who ventured out of their dorms for a free cup of coffee were met with a warm welcome as they arrived at the door. Sophomore Macey Stewart said the environment was welcoming and

a fun place to spend a chilly day inside.

“Visiting Greenhouse Coffee Shop was definitely the highlight of my snow day,” Stewart said. “Everything about the experience was so inviting and joyful, from the way they took my coat at the door, to the delicious coffee and treats, to the lively conversations with all the friends who came to visit.”

Dr. Huff hits one-year NYT crossword streak

RANDI TUBBS features editor

Dr. James Huff’s claim to fame is not only holding positions as the senior faculty fellow of the Honors College and associate professor in the engineering department, but also that he recently achieved a one-year streak of New York Times crosswords. Though Huff has had on and off streaks for two years, he is on his longest streak of 365 days of completed crosswords as of Sunday, Jan. 28.

“[The crosswords] engage me in an everyday habit,” Huff said. “They always wake me up a little bit, but they chill me out, too.”

Over the 2023-2024 Christmas break, the Honors College went abroad to Porto Rafti, Greece, where Huff began to share his hobby with his students. It became their daily ritual to complete the New York Times crosswords together.

“We started together pretty much every day on our trip over winter break,” sophomore Eric Rice said. “I feel like they’re making me smarter.”

Huff and a small group of students have begun meeting every Friday in the Honors House to continue their group crossword solving. Huff projects the crossword puzzle onto a big screen, and they read through each clue together.

“We maybe would’ve eventually figured it out on our own, but when you play together, then everyone can bring in their experiences,” Huff said.

The group advises that if you would like to start playing, to start on a Monday. The crosswords get increasingly difficult each day, with Sunday being the biggest and most challenging. Tuesday through Thursday puzzles are themed, and Friday through Saturday puzzles are more demanding work. Daily mini crosswords are also available for

from The Bison Feb. 2, 2024; Vol. 99, No. 10.

free on New York Times, and a mid size puzzle is available once a week.

Huff says that a frequently asked question is if he cheats on his puzzles. He simply responds, “I don’t cheat, I learn.” Another question he often receives is what he does if he doesn’t have internet service. He said he just makes it work.

Rice and sophomore Aiden Joy have since subscribed to New York Times games to keep up with the crosswords they started abroad after seeing the benefit.

“You pay essentially 10 cents a crossword, or $3 a month,” Joy said.

Neither student played crossword puzzles before their trip to Greece. Huff openly invites all students to join him and other crossword lovers every week on Fridays at 3 p.m. in the Honors House to play along or to watch.

Photo by MACY COX

Junior Kennedy Williamson and seniors Gracie Hamlett and Regan McClure make coffee and pastries in their apartment kitchen Jan. 16. They opened their home up for guests to try their coffee.

Story and photo from The Bison Jan. 19, 2024; Vol. 99, No. 9.

Story

2B FEATURES

Huntsman blesses Market at Mabee with care

RANDI TUBBS features editor

Lucretia Huntsman arrives at the Student Center at around 6:15 a.m. every weekday to gather supplies and inventory. By 7:30 a.m., she has restocked and is posted at the Mabee Business Market for the rest of the day. Everything in the Mabee market is supplied and retrieved by Huntsman. She takes note of the buying trends and creates specified inventory sheets to accommodate.

Huntsman has been working at the Mabee Business Market location since 2018. Before the move, she worked at Einstein Bros. Bagels in the Student Center. Her arrival has proven advantageous for those in the College of Business Administration.

“She is an amazing part of the Mabee building,” senior Alex Hall said. “She is just a pleasant surprise. It’s really enjoyable to have her.”

Hall said he saw her almost every day for a school year.

“She always says ‘Hi,’ to students and makes the entire market a really great atmosphere for people to come in and do homework,” Hall said. “A lot of times during the day, students will just eat their lunch there with her.”

Hall mentioned that for the past few years he has heard of her giving out handmade Christmas cards to students.

“She draws them and hands them out to students,” Hall said. “I do not have one yet, but my roommate has two.”

Her generosity does not go without note, as a group of students came together to gift her a Walmart gift card, candy and flowers in December 2023, right before Christmas break.

“I still have [the flowers] on my table in my

Story from The Bison Jan. 19, 2024; Vol. 99, No. 9.

kitchen, and they’re still pretty,” Huntsman said. “They literally made my break.”

Senior Abby Long visits the market at least once a week.

“It’s less about specific interactions with her,” Long said. “It’s more that every time you go in [the market], you’re going to interact with someone who’s treating you like a friend.”

Huntsman is known for asking students what she is missing and what she can better stock. One day a few months ago, Huntsman described, she was having a bad day, and a student simply gave her a hug.

“It was like how our world just needs to be,” Huntsman said. “We need to care from our hearts. It’s definitely not the job, it’s the students.”

Paul and Sharon Pitt retire after over 50 years

Paul and Sharon Pitt sit in front of their house with Paul’s homemade Native American flute Sep. 19. The couple retired from full-time positions in spring 2023 but accepted adjunct positions for fall 2023.

NIC FRARACCIO sports editor

CIANNA JAY head copy editor

Two Harding professors departed the Harding classrooms after over 50 years of teaching at multiple schools.

Paul and Sharon Pitt announced their retirmenets in spring 2023 but came back as adjunct professors for the fall semester due to a shortage of faculty.

The Pitts attended the University together before graduating in 1967,, and they got married in June 1967. After their marriage, the couple began their teaching careers at Harding Academy in Memphis. The couple taught at the Academy for three years before Paul Pitt left for graduate school.

In fall 1971, the couple began teaching at Harding Universtiy, with Paul Pitt teaching in the

Story and photo from The Bison Oct. 13, 2024; Vol. 99, No. 4.

Department of Art and Design and Sharon Pitt in the Deaprtment of Communication. Both professors have used different teaching techniques and styles to grow closer to students. Sharon Pitt said she likes to cook for her students every semester in their underground house, which her husband designed.

“I’ve had as many as 60 that I’ve cooked for,” Sharon Pitt said. “the last few years we’ve also had a hypnosis session at the end because Paul is a certified hypnotist. And so that’s been the entertainment for the students.”

Along with hypnotism, Pual Pitt has continued to grow his interest in his artwork throughout his teaching career. Part of his teaching involved taking his students around town and painting during class time.

Paul Pitt said he and his wife have benefited from their teaching and ministry at the University.

“It’s a combination of being able to benefit from teaching them but also being able to produce sometimes and preach to them some,” Paul Pitt said. “That’s important.”

As their final days of teaching come to an end, students and faculty have continued to show their support for the couple.

Senior Austin Simmons has known the Pitts since his freshman year, when he was in Sharon Pitt’s class, and she invited her stuents over for a cookout. He said it has been a joy getting to know them through their stories of faith and life experiences.

“I feel very happy for them,” Simmons said. “The Pitts have put many years and hard work into their careers at Harding, and I feel they will use their retirement for the glory of God.”

Following their retirement, the Pitts plan to spend time with their grandchildren and Sharon Pitt’s mother. The couple will continue to have guests over to their house, and Paul Pitt will continue to work on his art.

Photo by Morgan Pickering

THRILLER MEETS

Senior Aubrey Jones directs “The Game’s Afoot” for Campus Players’ Centennial show.

Amurder-mystery play entitled “The Game’s Afoot” was chosen as the show put on by Campus Player’s for the fall 2023 semester. The president of the organization, senior, Aubrey Jones directed the group’s centennial show.

“Campus players is an organization that has been around since 1924, since Harding was founded,” Jones said. “It’s looked different from year to year and has evolved, but there have been Campus Players shows pretty much since the beginning.”

The Campus Players’ president directs an annual play, but it is traditionally a one-act play that is held in the spring semester. The 2023 play was a multiple-act play held in place of the typically faculty-directed play during the season.

“The show that is usually in that slot is faculty-directed show,” Jones said. “The Campus Players show is being more directly supported by the University, and it will get a budget and publicity and direct faculty support that a faculty-directed production would even though it’s a student-led production.”

This play was Jones’ first choice when she found out of her role of head director.

“‘The Game’s Afoot’ is a comedy murder mystery set in 1936,” Jones said. “It involves a Broadway star who has played Sherlock Holmes on Broadway, and he and his friends that are in the show with him are all having a Christmas party, but during that party one of the guests gets stabbed. And suddenly a fun, exciting and jolly Christmas party turns sinister and the actor who plays Sherlock takes on a more real role of Sherlock and tries to figure out ‘whodunit.’”

Theater

This was the first time that Jones directed a full-length play. She had been an assistant director, both in high school and with Campus Players. Specifically, she assistant-directed “One Stoplight Town” in spring 2022, which she explained helped prepare her for the position of head director.

“I have a good insight into how a Campus Players show tends to be run and how to go about the process,” Jones said. “I’m really excited for this to be my first real directing experience.”

Vice President of Campus Players, junior Madison Soper, worked with Jones frequently. She discussed her experience with Jones as a director and spoke about her directorial characteristics.

“[Jones] is calm, wise and intelligent,” Soper said. “She knows what she’s doing and she’s worked hard.”

Junior Maddie Canterbury, Secretary of Campus Players, agreed with Soper in her interactions with Jones. Canterbury spoke on Jones’ work ethic and her dedication to both the play and her team.

“Aubrey has worked so incredibly hard on making sure this year is going to be incredible for Campus Players,” Canterbury said. “It’s been so awesome to work with her.”

Written by Maggie Samples

“Numerous one-act lays were produced in the fortnightly meetings directed by advanced members of the group. Altogether the activities of the Campus Players have touched every phase of play production from writing the plays to making the costumes, creating the lighting effects, designing and painting the scenery, and training the casts. No more complete training school for effective speech and dramatics can be found.”

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1931-1932

Call |

Leading Ladies | Senior Aubrey Jones and junior Madison Soper pose together on the set of “The Game’s Afoot.” Jones was the president and Soper was the vice president of the Campus Players for the 202324 school year. Photo Courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Break a Leg | The cast of “The Game’s Afoot,” together after their last performance. The cast of the comedy-murder mystery worked for months to put on the show under the guidance of director Aubrey Jones. Photo Courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Curtain

The cast waves goodbye to the audience in their last performance of “The Game’s Afoot.” The Campus Players also put on “The Importance of Being Earnest” in spring 2024.

Photo Courtesy of Jeff Montgomery

Roll Call & Roll Out | HUniversal Skate meets between the Benson Auditorium and Olen Hendrix to practice, teach and learn more about skateboarding. The group met weekly and had a consistent number of members. Photo courtesy of Christian Shaw

Leader of the Pack | Christian Shaw, the founder of HUniversal Skate, stands with his board raised in the air. Shaw created the organization to find others who shared the same passion for skating as him. Photo courtesy of Christian Shaw

Shredding Campus | Matthew Shaw attempts to launch his skateboard off a ramp on Harding’s behind the Olen Hendriz. The Skate Club met in Downtown Searcy and Riverside Park, as well as on campus. Photo by Lauren Simmons

RollingSCHOLARS

HUniversal Skate, a new Harding University club, creates community and an outlet for students.

Harding University’s first skate organization started on campus in spring 2023. The organization met weekly to skate on campus together. Christian Shaw, a sophomore, was the founder of HUniversal Skate.

“I started HUniversal Skate because when I came to Harding, I had been skating for half a year and loved it. I wanted to have a community to skate with. I found that there were people that skated, but they were all scattered,” Shaw said. “With the inspiration of my older brother who had started a skate club at his college, and with the encouragement of my friend Aidan Brinsfield, I started the process of creating the organization in the beginning of my freshman year.”

“I try to teach people early steps for skating like balancing and turning. I am nowhere near a pro skater, but I learned how to do the Ollie my freshman year with the help of Christian, and I’ve been longboarding a long time.”

“[The] events provide a safe place for all and encourage community. Students who may not fit in with a traditional social club or other campus organizations can flourish in the Skate Club,”

- JD Yingling

Shaw completed the paperwork and spoke with the Deans, however, he struggled to find a sponsor. With the help of Dr. Jonathan Singleton, he found Professor JD Yingling, who taught in the Kinesiology department. Yingling’s son was a skateboarder growing up, which was partly why he agreed to sponsor the organization. Once everything was in order, Shaw started recruiting, pushing out information on social media and making announcements in chapel.

Sophomore Caleb Hartzell has been a part of HUniversal Skate since the beginning. He did a lot of the media and recruiting for the organization. When asked about the organization, Hartzell wanted to emphasize that the organization was not just for people who already knew how to skate.

HUniversal Skate had around 80 members; however, 20 members consistently show up to each weekly skate. The organization also met most Saturdays to skate down Art Alley, in downtown Searcy, or hill bombing at Riverside Park. Shaw believed this sense of spontaneity is what makes HUniversal Skate so unique.

Yingling looked forward to the club’s future and the beneficial social aspects it could provide. With the leadership skills members of the club have shown in mind.

“[The] events provide a safe place for all and encourage community. Students who may not fit in with a traditional social club or other campus organizations can flourish in the Skate Club,” Yingling said. “Skaters have an automatic connection with other skaters –it’s a very inclusive community. I think this club is good for the social environment at Harding.”

HUniversal Skate proved it was a club grounded in a community fostered by the love of skating.

Written by Cora Freeman

ALL MISSIONS FELLOWSHIP

Row 1: I. Paul, T. Stout, P. Witcher

Row 2: C. Cameron, V. Freitag, A. Crawford, L. Fadke

Row 3: B. Lehde, T. Westbrook, C. Baxley, T. Schwiethale

Row 4: O. Tankersley

AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY

Row 1: E. Smith, M. Paden, M. Gooden

Row 2: E. Skinner, A. Shelton, A. Wright

Row 3: L. Wilson, S. Chesshir, D. Fuller

Row 1: S. Gaskins, D. Vo, Dr. A. Westbrook, C. Stewart, A. Long, M. Kirby, J. Noel

Row 2: A. Risinger, K. Walling, K. Johnson, K. Epperson, H. Hunt, A. Lawrence, K. Sicks

Row 3: O. Dalrymple, A. Howell, M. Bacon, S. Soto, S. Jenkins, L. Burrows, K. Blankenship

Row 4: J. Johnson, A. Wilson, L. Ieler, C. St. Clair, S. Keyser

ALPHA CHI

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERIOR DESIGN

Row 1: C. Freeze, J. Pfiffner, C. Reitmair

Row 2: S. Fawks, B. Flinn, K. Holleyfiled, R. Dennis

Row 3: E. Marshall, A. Cox

BELLES AND BEAUX

Row 1: N. Vaughn, K. Lewallen, B. Bridges

Row 2: J. Gamble, K. Heller, Q. Tindle, C. Hicks

Row 3: E. Siklosi, N. Docken

BELLES AND BEAUX 1961

“Chosen to tour the Far East were eighteen members of the A CAPPELLA. These students, together with Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Davis, formed the Harding Belles and Beaux who entertained thousands of service men in Japan, Korea, Hawaii, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.”

Reprinted from Petit Jean 1960-1961

BLACK STUDENT ASSOCIATION

Row 1: H. Byer, R. Dennis, L. Bassay, Z. Donels, C. Muyenzi

Row 2: A. Neal, E. Hood, N. Watson, T. Buku, Dr. T. Westbrook

“The Good News Singers is a small a cappella group who sings lots of different songs proclaiming the good news of Jesus! We are a group of friends who love to sing and have fun, but also who love the Lord and want to show people how good it is to be in Him. This year, we have visited and sung at several churches, events on campus, and we also had the privilege of going to St. Lucia to sing for the Botham Jean Foundation and spend time with the Jean family and their church.” - Sophomore Riley Myers

CHRISTIAN ENTREPRENEUR ORGANIZATION

Row 1: K. Faulker, T. Allen, T. Henry, K. Walker

Row 2: C. White, D. Kee

EDUCATING FOR LIFE

Row 1: C. Ramos, L. Zelaya, E. Almanza, D. Lucio

Row 2: E. González, S. Peña, A. Cerna, C. Padilla, N. Alvarado, A. Melo

Row 3: P. Córdova, K. Samaniego, I. Briceño, A. Kummerfeldt, A. Calero

GOOD NEWS SINGERS

Row 1: E. Kille, B. Flynn, S. Styles

Row 2: R. Myers, L. Bendickson, R. Myers, C. Hicks

Row 3: K. Gibson, K. Butler

HEALTH SCIENCE CLUB

Row 1: B. Abercrombie, Z. Denny, D. Yo, K. Sicks, T. Stone, H. Clark, J. Williams, A. Rhodes, B. Callaway, E. Judd, M. Shelton, J. Wesley, T. Sanders, M. Paden

Row 2: T. Amaya, C. Phelps, E. Wolke, M. Hoke, S. Perez, O. Leach, A. Hunter, B. Davis, B. Kemper, E. Wilkinson, R. Corley, A. Clark, N. Lindsey, S. Haywood, A. Giggleman, E. Cabe

Row 3: D. Duke, R. Tullis, Kelsey Bullock, A. Wohfeil, A. Davis, K. Kittinger, A. Gisel, K. Jones, L. Hawley, C. Radar, K. Foster, L. Eddy

Row 4: A. Shelton, G. Chambley, J. Wilhite, T. Ho, D. Fuller, C. Stewart, B. Erwin, L. Milam, M. Luallen, H. Landrum, J. Perez-Garcia, K. Keiser, M. Shields, A. White

Row 5: Landon Crawford, C. Wagner, Unnamed, P. Howe, L. Nelson, P. McNeal, S. Evans

Row 6: L. Ieler, C. Maners, G. Blankenship, J. Richardson

STUDENT SPEECH AND HEARING ASSOCIATION

Row 1: L. Seats, J. Arnett, S. Davis

Row 2: H. Hinkle, S. Sprawls, J. Perry T. Spears

Row 3: N. Comer. A. Taylor

HONORS STUDENT ASSOCIATION

Row 1: M. Jones, D. Durden, S. Cook, Z. Hearyman, J. Walton

Row 2: A. Shannon, L. Bensinger, C. Herrington, A. Davenport, K. Green, Dr. J. Miller

INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATION

Row 1: D. Lee, M. Oliver, L. Cheatham, E. Gardner

Row 2: A. Britt, S. Gillespie, L. Sloan, P. Hollis, A. Voigt

Row 3: N. Vaughn, W. Lamberson, E. Hill, A. Matheny, A. Williams

Row 4: T. Shumate, M. Craig, S. Audish, C. Butt

NO STRESS CHESS

Row 1: C. Collins, E. Foster, T. Allen, S. Whitwell

Row 2: C. Shuttleworth, A. Shafer, E. Evans, W. Fredricks, J. Waldrop

PHI SIGMA IOTA

Row 1: D. Watts, M. Holland, M. Gooden, C. Dalrymple, A. Rose

Row 2: P. Weaver, G. Jones, B. Kee, Dr. R. McCready, L. Genry, Dr. K. Bond

“‘Since marketing has been rapidly evolving, the field was a tad overdue,’ Sloan said. ‘We considered adding various advertising, public relations, graphic design and web development introductory classes to the COBA marketing degree for over 12 years.’

However, according to Sloan, the best place for the IMC degree program to start was in the department of communication with the intent that it would then build a bridge back to COBA.’

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2018-2019

PIVOT CREATIVE STUDIO

Row 1: A. Matheny, E. Cunningham

Row 2: M. Craig, L. Sloan, J. Hodge

Row 3: M. Walker, A. Clay

“Pre-PT club is a club that fosters a better understanding of Physical Therapy as a career. It provides several experiences and opportunities for students to form a more competitive application for a Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. Students are given visual opportunities to tour and receive real-world experiences from various different areas in the PT building, such as the Cadaver Lab.” - Sophomore Hailey McCullough

PSI CHI

Row 1: B. Chandler, E. Jones, F. Carpenter

Row 2: C. Owen, J. Sullins

PRE-OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY CLUB

Row 1: T. Stone, H. Clark, J. Williams, A. Rhodes, B. Callaway, E. Judd, J. Wesley, M. Shelton

Row 2: A. Hunter, B. Davis, B. Kemper, E. Wilkinson, R. Corley

Row 3: K. Kittinger, A. Gisel, K. Jones, L. Hawley

PRE-PHYSICAL THERAPY CLUB

Row 1: K. McKinney, E. Clark, E. Cabe, Dr. Finney

Row 2: G. Wise, F. Wise, E. Wolke, H. McCullough

Row 3: A. Davis, L. Hollis, A. Ross, Z. Bower

SMILES FOR CHRIST

Row 1: L. Zelaya, E. Almanza, A. Gómez

Row 2: A. Dubon, G. Zelaya, E. Iglesias

Row 3: M. Mejía, I. Briceño, M. Guevara

STRING QUARTET

Row 1: E. Gosch, E. Gomez, E. Palmer, K. Hatley

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Row 1: L. Zeigler, A. Duncan, E. Duryea, G. Hameltt, M. Guyer

Row 2: E. Carter, G. Hume, G. Zelaya, A. Melo, K. Picker

Row 3: F. Shotbaugh, E. Rhoten, C. Roach, E. Brown

THE

TABLE

Row 1: K. Grimes, Dr. A. Morris, E. Justice

Row 2: M. Ross, C. St. Clair, T. Lovell

WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Row 1: K. Shanks, J. Parker, M. Prater, M. Luallen

Row 2: A. Price, M. Chunn, S. Glaskins, B. Kemper

STUDENT ASSOCIATION

2013-2014

First Row: L. Landrum, K. Mott, J. Copeland

Second Row: T. Perkins, L. Turner, C. Stubblefield, T. Gentry

Third Row: Z. Rock, A. Messer, B. Lanier, J. McManus

Reprinted from Petit Jean 2013-2014

Every day we eagerly anticipate what we will witness God doing in your lives. He has blessed each of you with unique talents. Our chief aim is to shepherd this University community in an effort to best prepare you to change the world.

We aspire to help our students develop an authentic faith in God — a faith that defines your purpose, strengthens your resolve, calms your anxiety, and inspires you to seek justice and restoration in our broken world. We are committed to placing your growth, development and overall college experience at the center of our efforts.

As members of the student body during our centennial year, you have a unique position in Harding’s legacy. One hundred years ago our founders could not have imagined how broad and deep the influence of this community would be, but you are sent into all the world. You will become compassionate business leaders, merciful educators, principled politicians, dedicated ministers and caring health care providers who will make positive changes in the lives of many.

We pray that God will bless you with peace and wisdom and empower you with the Holy Spirit to live lives of significance.

Dr. Mike and Lisa Williams

Spring 2024

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

This place is my home. I mean that literally, and figuratively. My parents met at Harding in the fall of 1995. And married after graduation, in 1998. My dad has always joked that he does not know how he got here. Here, being still in Searcy and still at Harding. When I was 2 my mom was selected to be the dorm mom for Cathcart. And there we lived, with 250 freshman girls for 7 more years. The front lawn became my backyard and the girls became my sisters. I rummaged through their rooms, stole their candy and played for hours. Sleepovers in the lobby with the couches smushed together were the highlight of my life then. I will never forget bike rides on the front lawn, and summer swims in the fountain taking advantage of an empty campus. My relationship with this place is deep and with depth comes complexity. But also with depth comes an innate understanding. I am honored that I was able to guide the creation of the 100th Petit Jean. Because in so many ways the history of Harding is a history of me. This book has truly been a labor of love. I have spent over 500 hours digging through the archives, reading old manuscripts and dissertations and working with a staff that have become my new “college girls”. I have stayed in my office more times than I can count. At one point I did not know if it would come together. But here it is and I am proud to say it did. I am grateful that I was able to tell the story of my home. Of who she was 100 years ago, who she is today and who I hope she will be tomorrow. I do love this place, and I pray that the words and the photos throughout this book honor, all of her, well.

ALYSON VOIGT ABBIE DURHAM AJA GRIFFIN RANDI TUBBS

ABIGAIL CALLICOAT CORA FREEMAN ADELE DUNCAN CAMILLE WHITE

ENSLEY MONTGOMERY JENNA GAESSLER CAILYNN CLAYTON LAUREN SIMMONS

HALLIE DAVIS head copy editor

LISANNE CHEATHAM layout & design editor

COLOPHON

“100 Years” is the 100th volume of the Petit Jean yearbook at Harding University. It was printed by Walsworth Publishing in Marceline, Missouri. All pages were designed on Apple computers using Adobe Creative Cloud.

COVER

The cover was produced on Bookcloth Black Linen with matte gold hot foil on the front cover and spine. There was embossing on the front and back covers and the spine with clear silk screen.

ENDSHEETS

The front and back endsheets were conceptualized by Julianne Baker, editor-in-chief, and illustrated by Russell Simmons. The endsheets were printed on Standard White Endleaf. All illustrations were scanned in from the Harding University Brackett Library Archives.

THEME

The theme, “100 Years,” was developed by Julianne Baker, editor-inchief.

COLOR AND PRINTING

This 9” by 12” book is comprised of 336 pages printed with a four-color process on 100# Legend Matte stock in a press run of 1,950 books.

TYPOGRAPHY

Headlines were set in variations of the Didot font family and ED Drayton font. Subheadlines were set in Kohinoor Bangla Light. Stories and captions were set in variations of the Warnock Pro font family.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographs were taken by student staff photographers Lauren Simmons, Abigail Callicoat and Jenna Gaessler. Other photographs were contributed to the Petit Jean or taken by Jeff Montgomery, university photographer.

DESIGN

Layouts and all graphics were designed by Julianne Baker, editor-inchief; Lisanne Cheatham, head layout and design editor; Hallie Davis, head copy editor; Randi Tubbs, content editor; and section editors.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

WRITERS

Oscar Adlana, Cathryn Anderson, Julianne Baker, Noah Bankhead, The Brackett Librarians, Lisanne Cheatham, Michael Claxton, Bailey Coffman, John Cox, Hallie Davis, Tiane Davis, Eli Dean, Adele Duncan, Addie Echols, Nic Fraraccio, Cora Freeman, William Frye, Ethan Gartrell, Trinity Golden, Kenzie James, Clara Kernodle, Camille Kovaleski, Emma McDaris, Ensley Montgomery, Jackson Pschierer, Isaac Raymond, Twila Reed, Sophie Rossitto, Maggie Samples, Lauren Simmons, Molly Speight, Helen Strickland, Sophie Thibodeaux, Alyssa Toye, Randi Tubbs, Alyson Voigt, Rebekkah Waner, Emma Weber, PJ Welch, Mike and Lisa Williams, Alaina Wolf, Hengel Zelaya

CONTRIBUTORS

Alaina Abbott, Julia Arnett, Caleb Barger, Kame Bishop, Emmy Cabe, Hannah Carpenter, Lexi Chism, Caleb Chunn, Michael Claxton, Asa Clay, Macy Cox, Angelica Curi, Brinson Davenport, Tiane Davis, Hunter Fulkerson, Emily Hale, Greg Harris, Nathan Looney, Jeff Montgomery, McKenna Oliver, Reese Pettijohn, Morgan Pickering, Chase Preston, Lucy Rosser, Grant Schol, Robbie Shackleford, Katie Shanks, Christian Shaw, JT Simmons, Amelia Slater, Helen Strickland, Alyssa Toye, Jacob Weatherford, Kristin Wiewora, AJ Williams, The Brackett Librarians, Univeristy Communications and Marketing, International Programs, Harding Softball

SPECIAL THANK YOU

April Fatula

Kayla Robertson

Tiane Davis

Macy Cox

Tod Traughber

Johnny Cole

Barb Tschannen

Haeley Templeman

Jeff Montgomery

Hannah Wood

Hailey Pruitt

Amy & Andrew Baker

Craig & Caryllee Cheatham

To all those who answered the late night calls, texts and emails requesting quotes or photos –thank you.

To Mike and Lisa Williams – thank you for your support and leadership.

To all the students of Harding University – you are the reason for this book. Thank you.

And most importantly to the Lord – this would be meaningless if not for the power of the sacrifice your Son, Jesus, made on the cross. Thank you.

AAaron, Audri

94, 179, 279

Abbott, Alaina 112, 260, 261

Abbott, John 179

Abercrombie, Brooklynn 179, 308

Abrams, Olivia. 92

Acre, Catherine ........... 228

Acri, Parker. .................. 101

Adair, Amy 228

Adair, Caton. ............... 113

Adair, Julia .................... 179

Adair, Scott 228

Adams, Carol ................ 38

Adams, Caroline 151

Adams, Daniel 228

Adams, Dean............... 208

Adams, Emma 92, 193

Adams, Glen 228

Adams, Kent ...... 101, 179

Addy, Nii 279

Agee, Katherine 179

Agyapong, Tony .......... 279

Aiello, Spencer 167

Akpanudo, Sikanimo ........ 279

Akpanudo, Usenime 228

Albritton, Seth ..................... 270, 271, 279

Aldana, Oscar ... 132, 167

Aldrich, John 88, 140, 151

Alejo, Joseph ................. 279

Alexander, Alayna 193

Alexander, Harold 38

Alexander, Jenene....... 228

Alexander, Liz 98

Alexander, Steve 82

Alexx, Brooke................. 40

Alford, Colton 179

Aljian, Jacob ....... 112, 167

Allen, Andrew ... 101, 167

Allen, Caleb 167

Allen, Kendale ............. 279

Allen, Michael ............. 228

Allen, Tate

278, 306, 309

Allmon, Brent .............. 179

Allred, Maddie 98

Almanza, Emy .. 307, 312

Alpizar, Guido 193

Alvarado, Nikole 102, 151, 307

Amaya, Tatiana 179, 308

Anderson, Abigail..91, 100, 179

Anderson, Caroline 151

Anderson, Cerra.. . 47, 58, 76, 167

Anderson, Elinor ........ 151

Anderson, Jacob ......... 100, 109,167

Anderson, Marc ............ 77

Anderson, Warner ............. 95, 179

Andujo, Marissa......... 179

Appleton, Kasse 94

Aquino, Mauricio 95, 179

Arnett, Greyson

68, 112, 179

Arnett, Julia ........... 43, 308

Arnold, Aubrey 40, 107, 113, 151

Arnold, Caleb .... 110, 151

Arnold, Chelsei 138, 139

Arsuaga, Ignacio......... 279

Asher, Emilin................ 179

Ashley, Carlton 211

Ashmore, Ethan .................. 112, 193

Ashmore, William. 112

Aston, Isaac ........ 101, 151

Atchison, Hayden 111

Atchley, Daniel 228

Atchley, Jarrett ............. 279

Atha, Eugene 179

Atkins, Carson 167

Atkins, Hannah .......... 151

Audish, Sarah 100, 309

Avila, Marlen 167

Axtell, Brady ................ 278

Aziamov, Nikolas92, 112,

BBacon, Duncan ........... 278

Bacon, Madelynn ............ 3 04, 151

Bafford, Lance ............. 179

Bailey, Aidan 86, 193, 278

Bailey, Coach ............... 264

Bailey, Daniel 228

Bailey, Kendrick. 278

Bailey, Whitney 102, 167

Bain, Sophie 208

Baird, Ashleigh 98

Baird, Keaton .............. 278

Baird, Tim 228

Baker-Abrams, Kimberly 228

Baker, Amelia 228

Baker, Amy ................... 228

Baker, Andrew ............. 228

Baker, Brett 109, 167

Baker, Hailey ................ 193

Baker, Julianne ............ 151

Baker, Kristina 101

Baker, Maryella .......... 167

Baker, William 208

Balentine, Sophie 292, 293

Ball, Lindsey 87, 151 Ballard, Joshua 86, 179 Baltodano, Hillary ..... 193

Bane, Charles 128, 228

Bane, Paulette 228, 235

Bankhead, Noah105,140, 151

Banks, Emily .................. 98

Banks, Sarah .................. 98

Baptiste, Patricia 193

Barber, Steven .............. 228

Barboza, Cade ............ 105

Barger, Caleb .......................... 95, 252, 278

Barker, Brooke 92, 151

Barker, Chris 228

Barnett, Brady. ............ 279

Barnett, Marc 92, 112, 151

Barrett, Ross ................. 167

Bartch, Tucker54, 112, 167

Bartee, Klay.................. 228

Bartley, Claire ...... 87, 179

Bartley, Grant 105, 151

Bass, Drake ......... 112, 113

Bassay, Lori-Angela 89, 306

Bates, Tyler ......... 109, 167 Bauer, Kaylee 106, 167

Baumgardner, Chloe 102, 193

Bawoné, Felicité 193

Baxley, Cason 193, 304

Beason, Ann-Clayton ....... 113, 167

Beason, Clay ................ 228

Beauchamp, Coby .............. 86, 167

Beauchamp, Dylan ..... 86

Beauchamp, Keely ..... 110

Beck, Joshua 101

Beehm, Julie .................. 139

Beehn, Elizabeth. 90

Beehn, Julianna. 104

Beene, Allison ....... 89, 193

Bell, Brett 167

Bell, Lee 77

Bell, Madison............... 208

Bell, Olivia 139

Beller, Chris 74

Bendickson, Lily. ................. 92, 307

Bennett, Caleb ............. 179

Bennett, Dane .... 112, 193

Bennett, Daniel 179

Bennett, Dylan ............ 167

Bennett, Marissa ........ 151

Bennett, Miriam 193

Bennett, Rebecca......... 228

Bensinger, Luke..2 7, 109, 167, 308

Benson, Bridget ........... 272

Bergeson, Gabriel 93

Bergsagel, James 109

Berrios, Manuel .......... 151

Berry, Jessica 274

Berry, James 228

Berry, Karii ..................... 98

Berry, Olivia

72, 73, 100, 179

Berry, Samantha ........ 193

Berry, Takarianna ..... 179

Berryhill, Cheyenne 102

Bertolino, Simon101, 179

Besterfeldt, Amelia .... 110

Bettinger, Amy 87, 151

Bewley, Camille .......... 208

Bewley, Tim 223

Bieker, Kaia 279

Binford, Josiah ...... 95, 278

Bing, Grace 151

Binkley, Melany 110

Binns, Marcus ... 145, 229

Birdwell, Chloe 98 Birmingham, Brittany 92, 179

Birmingham, John 193

Bishop, Alec .................. 193

Bishop, Amber ............. 151

Bishop, Andrea Stark 80

Bishop, Kame .......... 66, 67

Biskner, Brycen .. 179, 278

Biskner, Julianna 87

Bissell, Ken ............. 42, 229

Bittle, Hattie 110, 179

Bittle, Spencer 151

Bizeau, Faith ................ 179

Black, Willie 58, 59

Blaeuer, Ethan 179

Blaine, Makenzie ............... 110, 167

Blair, William 193

Blake, David ................ 151

Blake, Ibrahim 105

Blanchard, Ty .............. 105

Bland, Justin................. 229

Blandon, Libia 193

Blankenship, Ben. ....... 109

Blankinship, Cassidy. 193

Blankenship, Chelsea 89, 94

Blankinship, Ciana 193

Blankenship, Garrett 112, 151, 308

Blankinship, Kiera 122, 167, 304

Blasko, Leah ................. 193

Blazier, William 193

Blevins, Cauy 105

Bloodworth, Carter ... 193

Bobo, Jack 101

Bodkin, Darcy 90

Boggs, Carter................ 111

Boggs, Kayla .......... 87, 179

Boles, Ethan 279

Bolton, Kalyn ..... 102, 193

Bond, Kristi ........ 229, 310

Bonham, Kristie 102

Booher, Erin. .........................

101, 113, 151

Boone, Elijah 91

Boone, John ................... 229

Boone, Lauren 229

Boone, Nicholas

118, 229

Boren, Jayson-William109, 193

Bortell, Ella ..................... 89

Bortell, Lacey 74

Boscs, Araud des......... 278

Bower, Zachary ........... 311

Bowie, Aeryn 110, 151

Bowie, Nathan ..... 95, 278

Bowman, Cameron .. 109, 193

Box, Lucy ............. 113, 179

Boyd, Nicky 284

Boyd, Ella 106, 193

Boyd, Evelyn ................. 151

Boyd, Evie 120, 121

Boyd, Nicky 229

Boyle, Ava ..................... 113

Brabble, Jordan 193

Brackett, Bob 115

Bracy, Elliott ................. 279

Bradley, Tyler 101, 170

Bradon, Bass ................ 211

Bradshaw, Joel ............... 99

Bradshaw, Lillian 179

Bramlett, Ava............... 151

Branson, Jacob ... 119, 288

Brantley, Emma106, 260, 278

Braswell, Isdaiah 112

Brauer, Amaleah 92, 105

Brazell, Jonathan.105, 108, 151

Breaux, Peyton 112, 167

Breezeel, Brenda ......... 229

Breezeel, Gary 229

Breezeel, Jacob 91

Brenthem, Violet 86, 102, 151,164, 165

Bretherick, Hannah 179

Brian, Trinity ............... 193

Briceno, Irvin. .............. 111

Bridges, Belle. 305

Brigance, Adam .................. 109, 167

Brimingham, Megan. 100

Brinsfield, Aidan ................ 101, 303

Brister, Mackenzie 110, 167

Britt, Abigail 113, 179, 309

Britt, Hailey ........... 87, 179 Britt, Nathan 193

Brock, Collin 278

Brooks, Elizabeth........ 151

Brooks, Gregory 86, 229

Brooks, Michael .................. 100, 313

Broome, Aidan 120, 151, 210, 211

Brophy, Ashton ..... 87, 193 Brown, Christina 193 Brown, Donald.. 167, 279 Brown, Elizabeth 312

Brown, Grace 89, 179 Brown, Griffin ............. 151

Brown, Hailey 78

Brown, Isaac 101, 180

Brown, John .................. 282

Brown, Joshua 229

Brown, Malachi 89, 101, 151, 210, 211

Brown, Mary 245

Brown, Michael . ........ 147

Brown, Olivia .... 107, 113 Brown, Philip 229

Brown, Rich .................... 66

Brown, Richard ........... 229

Brown, Samuel 180

Brown, Hailey ................ 78

Brown, Timothy 167

Brownfield, Jacob 229

Browning, Heather ..... 231

Browning, Tyler 105, 193

Brumley, Christian 193, 279

Brumley, Elle 143, 278

Brunson, Carter 105

Bruton, Alaina ............ 110

Bruton, Alaina 167

Bryant, Elizabeth 194

Bryant, Katie................ 110

Bryant, McKenzie ...... 194

Buchanan, Ashlyn106, 180

Buckley, Davis ............... 91

Buckner, Nash ............. 111

Buku, Timothy 306

Bull, Rachael ................ 119

Bullock, Kelsey 194, 308

Bunker, Sarah 105

Bunner, Isaac .......................

89, 109, 180

Burch, Abby 255

Burch, Lilli ............................

180, 186, 187

Burdge, Steven 292

Burgess, Miles .... 112, 151

Burks, Leah 214

Burke, BJ ........................ 279

Burke, Thomas ............ 101

Burks, Bryan 229

Burks, Savannah. 87, 151

Burks, Stephen............. 229

Burnell, Nicole 98, 180

Burnham, Jiles ... 105, 180

Burrell, Kytriana 194

Burress, Logan 86

Burress, William ........ 167

Burrows, Ella 104, 180

Burrows, Lily ....................... 122, 152, 304

Burt, Barbara 229

Burt, Charles 244

Burt, Davis ......... 112, 194

Burt, Mason 112, 167

Burton, Aven .................. 98

Burton, Davis ... 105, 110, 152

Burton, Ean .................. 101

Busbey, Sam ....... 170, 171

Busbey, Sam 98, 101

Bush, Dakarai ... 250, 251

Bush, Emerson 112, 194

Butler, Ahmad. 279

Butler, Helina ..... 108, 194

Butler, Korban 112, 167, 307

Butt, Conner ...... 180, 309

Butterfield, Hallie 102

Butterfield, Jonathan ................................. 101, 152

Bybee, Joshua 95

Byers, Hallie 306

Byers, Tiffany ............... 229

Byers, Whitney .. 152, 278

Byrd, Hayden 87, 180

Byrd, Jackson................ 107

CCaballero, Isabella 113

Cabana, Jordan ............ 94

Cabana, Katie 94, 268

Cabana, Lacie 94

Cabe, Emory 37, 45, 106, 152, 308, 311

Cady, Lauren 167

Caffey, Bryson .............. 111

Caldwell, Anna 152

Cale, N ........................... 111

Cale, Nathan ..... 111, 180

Calero, Adrian 307

Callahan, Ella ...... 98, 167

Callaway, Brady ................. 308, 311

Callejas, Mirna ........... 167

Callejas, Yesenia ........... 98

Callicoat, Abigail 113

Calloway, Emmi. ........ 278

Cameron, Colin 101, 168, 304

Camp, McKayla ......... 180

Campbell, Ashlyn 194

Campbell, Chloe 106

Campbell, Deion ................ 111, 279

Campbell, Lane 109, 180

Campbell, Paris 87, 194

Campbell, Seth ............ 101

Camper, Corey ............ 245

Campney, Tiag 278

Cannon, Joselyn ............ 92

Canterbury, Andrew . 194 Canterbury, Jones. 300

Canterbury, Maddie . 300

Capitanelli, Sophiee 278

Caplener, Gracelyn 168

Cardiel, Edgar ... 100, 180

Carillo, Mariangel 98

Carlin, Jacob....... 101, 168

Carlson, Brianna........ 100

Carlton, Ashley 87

Carlton, Elijah ............. 279

Caro, Mariana ............ 180

Carpenter, Faith 152, 311

Carpenter, Hannah ........ 4

7, 58, 65

Carpenter, Heath 229, 294

Carpenter, Tristin 101, 106

Carr, Julie ............... 98, 194

Carrell, Cynthia 229

Carrell, Scott 229

Carriere, Moriah........ 152

Carrillo, Mariangel 168

Carroll, Cooper 109, 279, 290

Carroll, Dennis 279

Carroll, Hartley 107, 113, 153, 278

Carroll, Kekoa 279

Carroll, Lauren. .......... 106

Carter, Evan 41, 105, 168, 312

Carter, Haleigh ..... 87, 194

Carter, Jessica 229

Cartwright, Audrey 153

Cartwright, Ellie ........... 98

Cas, Junior 249

Cash, Dru 113

Cassidy, Sierra ............. 153

Castellon, Adriana 153

Castle, Blarney .............. 63

Castleman, Conner ... 278

Castleman, Teresa 230

Catalan, Herber 105, 194

Cates, Kent ................... 168

Cates, Madeline 104

Caudill, Brody ............. 112

Ceal, Riley 194, 278

Cerna Meza, Kimberly194

Cerna, Ariana ... 282, 307

Chaffey, Landen 279

Chalenburg, Mike 230

Chambers, Caden ...... 107

Chambley, Graham 107, 194, 308

Chance, Kristina ........ 122

Chance, Timothy 86, 230

Chandler, Bethany 113, 153, 311

Chandler, Drew .......... 271

Chandler, Jane 41, 274

Chandler, Year. .............. 41

Channel, Beagle ............ 73

Chapman, Arianna 90, 180

Chapman, Tressie 102

Chappell, Jessica194, 256, 257, 279

Charlton, Lydia 208

Cheatham, Craig 223

Cheatham, Lisanne ... .40, 113, 153, 224, 309, 317

Cheek, Ally 94, 194

Chelimo, Savita .......... 245

Chen, Yuee 230

Cherry, Corban . 105, 168

Cherry, Robert ............. 153

Chesney, Kaylan 88

Chesshir, Samuel105, 304

Chism, Kevin ............... 175

Chism, Lexi174, 175, 218, 247, 259

Chitty, Tyler 153

Chitwood, Tyler 28, 86

Choate, Steven ............ 230

Chougkaz, Roberts 278

Christie, Cole 112, 180

Christison, Abby ......... 208

Christopher, Ty 313

Chunn, Ana 88, 180

Chunn, Caleb ... 153, 257, 278

Chunn, Gracie. ............ 100

Chunn, James .............. 168

Chunn, Molly 113, 313

Churchman, Robert .. 230

Cin, Van Ceu ............... 105

Citty, Calle 268

Citty, Jimmy.................. 279

Clarin, Dona 230

Clark, Alayna 154

Clark, Anna ....... 113, 154

Clark, Brady 230

Clark, Caleb 86, 168

Clark, Ethan ................ 311

Clark, Hallie92, 154, 308, 311

Clark, Jack........... 112, 180

Clark, Micah 102

Clark, Sophia 110, 194

Clauson, Wyatt ........... 105

Claxton, Michael.. .... 230, 231,283

Clay, Asa ............. 290, 310

Claybrooks, Mar'Reion 279

Clayton, Cailynn113,168, 317

Clayton, Grace. 89

Clegg, Jakob..................... 91

Clem, Jacqueline 106

Clements, Ronnie 138

Cloer, Steve ................... 230

Cmelik, Julie 180

Cobb, Joshua 194, 279

Cochran, Ross. .. 226, 227, 230

Cochran, Stephanie ... 223

Codara, Michael ........ 168 Cody, Jackson 279

Coehoorn, Alice .......... 194

Cofer, Crismon .. 100, 194

Cofer, Molly112, 113, 168

Coffey, Daniel .............. 112

Coffey, Jenna 113, 180

Coffey, Jonathan 180

Coffman, Bailey .. 42, 118, 252, 290

Colbert, Brenley 40, 154

Cole, Bradley......... 60, 112 Cole, Caleb 107, 154

Cole, Bradley 60 Coleman, Brady 112, 168 Coleman, Wesley154, 258, 290, 279, 297

Coler, Bethany ...... 87, 168 Coley, Dale 80

Colgrove, Eric............... 230

Collazo, Ruben .... 98, 111, 168

Collett, Carly................ 108

Collett, Hailey 110

Collier, Jabari 279

Collier, Nathan............ 154

Collins, Amy 168

Collins, Christian.108, 309 Collins, David.... 230, 284

Collins, Kaleb 112, 180

Colon, Enrique 230 Colon, Kylee .................... 98

Colvin, Matthew 279

Comer, Gracie.... 105, 194

Comer, Natalie ..... 113, 68

Commes, Emma 156

Compton, Hunter ....... 194

Cone, James. ................. 223

Conn, E. 86, 102

Conn, Ethan . 29, 86, 102, 154

Cook, Alexa 168

Cook, David ............ 41, 86 Cook, Declan 168 Cook, Garrett 180

Cook, Jaydon ................ 107

Cook, Savannah100, 109, 308

Cooke, Connor ............ 194

Coombes, Elliott. 93, 154

Coomes, Emma .......... 168

Cooper, Baylor ... 109, 168 Cooper, Charles 102, 109, 180

Cooper, Kimberly ....... 230

Cooper, Steven 230

Cooper, Ty ........... 105, 168

Cope, Ezra 194

Copeland, Benjamin. 95

Corbin, Gavin .............. 180

Cordova, Pablo 180 Corker, Haydn 102, 112, 168

Corker, Hunter 168

Corker, Karen 230

Corley, Kinley ......................

31, 110, 154

Corley, Rylee. 110, 154, 308, 311

Cornett, Gracie 154

Cortez, Brisa ................ 194

Cory, Kaeden ........ 86, 194

Couch, Neely 87, 194

Covalt, Colby ........ 92, 180 Covarrubias, Miguel 123

Cowley, Caleb 107

Cox, Amy .. 230, 305, 307

Cox, Brian 230

Cox, F. 100

Cox, Faith ..... 72, 100, 180

Cox, John 71, 208

Cox, Macy 47, 92, 168, 251, 297, 298

Cox, Monte 230

Cox, Vincent ................ 279

Cozort, Noah ............... 109

Crabb, Cory101, 102, 168

Craig, Jacob 105, 180

Craig, Lovell.................. 154

Craig, Mark. .........................

109, 154, 309, 310

Cravy, Arden ................ 208

Cravy, EmmaMae 154

Crawford, Ashley 304

Crawford, Emily ......... 100

Crawford, Jacey 194, 278

Crawford, Kole 194

Crawford, Landon .... 101, 308

Crawford, Regan 278

Crews, Mark ................ 223

Crisler, Carmen 89, 168

Crocker, Abbigail ................ 92, 194

Cromwell, Karley ....... 113

Cromwell, Tucker ...............

112, 154

Crooks, Sara ....... 100, 194

Croshaw, Jake 247, 279

Crouch, David 219

Crow, Elizabeth........... 168

Crow, Jimmy 154

Crump, Mara 214

Cullins Cole, Claire. .. 113

Cummings, Finlay 168, 267, 279

Cunningham, Evie. .... 310

Cunningham, Walter148, 149

Curi, Angelica72, 100, 180

Curo, Kinsey 87, 194

Currie, Jack..................... 95

Curry, Emma ................. 94

Curtis, Anna Claire 89, 131

Curtis, Cole101, 112, 194

Curtis, Duke 100

Curtis, Kathy ................. 82

Cutts, Hannah 113, 194

Cutts, Isaiah 89, 109

Cypert, Cydney............ 154

DD’sidocky, Carson ....... 111

Daggett, Shawn .... 36, 230

Dalafave, Katherine 154

Dale, Grant ..........................

29, 101, 113, 168

Dallas, Ava 102

Dallas, Lena ................. 106

Dalrymple, Chloe 310

Dandy, Samuel 195

Daniel, Creed ................ 88

Daniel, Maya 180

Daniel, Robert 180

Daniels, Oneal ............ 279

Danielson, Kellen 180

Danielson, Lana 106, 195

Darden, Darryl ........... 230

Darden, Jason 197

Daring, Dylan. ............ 279

Darnell, Noah .. 131, 186, 230, 287

Daugherty, Tytus ........ 180

Daughety, Ashely 87, 208

Davenport, A. .............. 308

Davenport, Aiden132, 154, 308

Davenport, Marianna.129

Davenport, Brinson 128, 129, 154

Davidson, Abby74, 94, 278 Davidson, Olin 195 Davidson, Tessa .......... 230 Davies, Sidney ...... 92, 195

Davis, Alden 92, 99, 105, 181, 308, 311

Davis, Austin ..... 112, 154 Davis, Betty 313

Davis, Brianna ............ 195

Davis, Christiane154, 296

Davis, Christopher 195

Davis, Claire ................ 113

Davis, Diego 195

Davis, Emily 154

Davis, Hallie .......... 21, 36, 37, 42, 43, 45, 52, 154, 211, 248, 317

Davis, Jill ........ 38, 39, 232

Davis, Kelsey 154

Davis, Lydia100, 154, 278

Davis, Marah. ... 113, 181 Davis, Mark 232

Davis, Paris .................. 181

Davis, Reagan.... 105, 168 Davis, Scarlett 54, 112, 113, 168

Davis, Stephanie ......... 313

Davis, Tannon 232

Dawidow, John ............ 138

Day, Joni 232

Day, Myles 209, 195

De Ruiter, Cas.... 248, 249

Dean, Eli 88, 195, 256, 270, 298

Dean, Kendal................. 62

Dees, Isabelle 168

Degner, Kendra 100

Dehm, Amie ....... 100, 181

Deidiker, Rachel 87

Delacruz, Blake ............... 2

58, 279

DeLoach, Max 66

Demaree, Sonya ......... 168

Demuth, Annika . 98, 181

Denham, Natalie 102

Dennis, Rinda ... 100, 154, 306, 307

Denny, Meghan 102, 154

Denny, Zachary 168, 308

Deras, Lionelly 154

Derr, Lauren 168

Derrick, Ryley ....... 98, 195

Devine, Dylan 111

Dewald, Michael 278

Diaz, Simon .......... 88, 195

Diles, Allen 38

Diles, Amanda ............ 232

Diles, Hannah ...... 86, 154

Diles, Laurie 38, 232

Diles, Robert ....... 220, 232

Dillion, Katherine ...... 232

Dixon, Ann 116

Docken, Noah. ............. 305

Dockery, Jared 232

Dockery, JoAnna 33

Dockery, Luke .............. 292

Dodd, Reese 100, 109, 169

Dodson, Alyssa....................

48, 89, 154

Dolan, Ava 181

Dolan, Cline ................. 113

Dominguez, Norma 232

Donels, Zoey ................ 306

Donley, David 232

Donlin, Chandler ............... 106, 195

Dorminey, McKenna 92, 169

Doss, Marcus ................. 91

Dougan, Emily 169

Dougherty, Sophie ...... 195

Doughty, Carter 181

Douglas, Zachary109, 195

Dove, Ethan .......... 86, 195

Downs, Leslie 219

Doyle, Coulton 278

Doyle, Jacob .................. 169

Drause, Megan 98

Drennon, Kennedy 102, 195

Drum, Ciera 154

Dubon, Anjelina ......... 312

Dubon, Thelma ........... 195

Ducharme, Kenzie 106, 154

Duck, Kadence ............ 195

Dudley, Madelyn 106, 195, 278

Dugger, Becca 68, 106

Dugger, Jacob 279

Dugger, Ty ..................... 279 Duke, Debbie.

20, 232, 308

Duke, John Richard ... 232

Dulin, Jade 113, 181

Dulin, Zane 112, 169

Dunaway, Analeaha ......... 100, 169

Duncan, Adele . 112, 113, 152, 169, 312, 317

Duncan, Conner 101 Duncan, Roy................... 88

Dunlap-Johnson, Darion 279

Durden, Darcy .. 102, 308 Durham, Abbie. 110, 181, 317

Duryea, Ella ......................... 152, 153, 312

Dutile, Macayla 181

Dwyer, Emma ............. 255

Dycus, Aidan 112, 195

Dycus, Ethan 112, 160

Dyer, Jacquolin ..... 90, 154 Dyniewski, Kaylie. 106

EEades, Landon .. 191, 279

Eades, Weston ... 181, 191

Eads, Laura 232

Early, Anne ................... 114

Earnest, Landry .................. 92, 195

Earnhart, Alexis ................. 102, 169

Eastham, Isabella 102, 195

Eaves, Gracie 102, 169

Ebright, Meghan 80

Eby, Courtney .... 121, 154

Eby, Jaeli 181

Echols, Addie

74, 113, 197, 221

Echols, Kathryn 94, 278

Eckhardt, Oliver ......... 279

Eddins, Gabriella195, 268

Eddy, Lexe 169, 308

Edmundson, Emma . 113, 278

Edwards, Allie 100

Edwards, Jackson ............... 86, 98, 101, 169

Edwards, Macy 87, 155

Edwards, Samuel ............... 101, 195

Edwards, Vinson 102, 232

Edwards, Zane 44, 155

Egli, Greg 101

Egli, Leah ............. 102, 155

Eike, Kimber 195

Elam, Morgan 232

Elias, Valerie ................ 195

Elizondo-Munoz, Jennifer 195

Eller, Alyssa .................. 232

Eller, Lynley 113, 169

Ellerman, Jayden ........ 113

Elliott, David................ 262

Ellis, Amberlee 113

Ellis, Foy ............... 109, 195

Ellis, Tyler 91

Ellis, Wendy 232

Elmore, Makayla 155

Elrod, Reese ........ 111, 279

Elwonger, Cole ............. 111

Emerson, Amy 222

Eminger, Elizabeth ..... 195

Emlaw, Rachel 87, 93, 169

Engel, Lisa ..................... 232

Engel, Terry 232

English, Cassie 89, 181

Ennis, Grant ................. 279

Ensminger, Shelby 102

Eoff, Pasha 98, 195

Epperson, Kalyn102, 155, 156, 157, 304

Ericson, Michael 279

Erwin, Barton30, 112, 113, 169, 308

Esparza, Michael ............... 195, 279

Etienne, Jerome 86, 127, 195

Etzig, Emily. ........ 106, 278

Evans-Pickens, Joshua 195, 279

Evans, Anna 169

Evans, Benjamin 101

Evans, Ethan ................ 309

Evans, Jacie 273

Evans, Kaelyn 155

Evans, Seth .......... 195, 308 Evans, Thomas 155

FFabiana, Jewel ............. 181

Fager, Adam ................. 279

Fager, Jude 112

Fager, Kenneth ............. 195

Fager, Marc 232

Faith, Joe 160, 232

Faith, Mallory.... 118, 169 Falconer, Scarlett 89, 98 Fantauzzo, Eleanor 155

Farley, Stewart. ........... 111

Farris, Ashlyn 92, 155

Fatula, April 232

Faulkner, Claire .......... 208

Faulkner, Katherine 196,

306

Faure, Max ......... 267, 279

Fawks, Sydney ... 305, 307

Fear, Meredith 263, 265

Fear, Robert .................. 265

Featherston, Wesley ... 278

Fehr, Taylor 169

Felzien, Kerra........ 89, 196

Felzien, Menolly 155

Ferrell, Gabe 109

Ferrell, James ............... 169

Ferren, Allexia 89

Fester, Kenneth 278

Field, Caimon .... 131, 181 Field, Emma 181

Field, Maleia 102 Fields, Gabriella .. 93, 155 Fields, Hailey 232

Filleman, Evelyn ......... 208

Finley, Britney .............. 233

Finney, Hunter 233

Firkins, Macie.............. 102

Fisher, Arden .................. 87

Fisher, Jennifer 233

Fisher, Jess ...................... 245

Fisher, Shawn 233, 242

Fitch, Carter 196

Fitch, Cooper ................ 155

Fitzhugh, Ellie 113, 196

Fitzhugh, Will 279

Fitzpatrick, Jake .......... 105 Flanagan, Mackenzie113, 181

Flatt, Kyle ...................... 112

Fleener, Lydia 89, 169

Flinn, Bailey.108, 169, 305, 307

Flores, Anet 102, 196

Flowers, Kimberly ...... 233

Floyd, Bailey................. 155

Floyd, Bill 147

Floyd, Samuel .............. 102

Flynn, Bailey102, 113, 307, 169

Folse, Caleb .................. 107

Fong, Sherell 155

Ford, Hannah 181

Forkner, Adeline .......... 181 Forkner, Hayden 109

Formby, Jacob 279

Fortner, Kaler ........ 86, 155 Foster, Evelynn 104, 155,

309

Foster, Gracie ............... 169

Foster, Kennedy 181, 308

Foster, Ryan................... 169

Foster, Sydney ................ 91

Foust, Deborah 196

Foust, Gabriel .............. 233

Fowler, Asa 112, 181

Fowler, Drew 155

Fowler, Hannah .......... 169

Fowlkes, Hannah 196

Fox, Ella 196

Fox, Ellie ........................ 137

Fox, Kelsey 94, 254

Fox, Ryan 279

Fox, Zebadiah ............. 181

Foxx, Gannon 71

Fraley, Madison ............ 94

Francis, Brad95, 233, 278

Francis, Jon 155, 278

Fraraccio, Nic.................95, 244, 255, 258, 273, 297, 299

Frazier, Allen ................ 233

Freeman, Cora.......47, 126, 136, 169, 288, 303, 317

Freeman, Harrell ........ 223

Freeman, Laney 110

Freeman, Madison 87

Freeze, Callie..... 102, 169, 305, 307

Freitag, Victoria 196, 304

Frisbie, Jacob ................ 196

Frost, Paul 181

Frost, Ty.......................... 112

Frost, Zane ............. 98, 169

Froud, Beverly 233

Froud, Cassidy ............ 196

Fry, William ......................... 73, 109, 169

Frye, Dottie ........................... 84, 164, 296

Frye, Steve 84

Fujisawa, Yukiyo . 91, 181

Fuller, Brenna 106

Fuller, Carter 88, 196

Fuller, Charissa ........... 233

Fuller, Dallas 88, 304, 308

Fuller, Ella ..................... 102

Fulmer, Abby68, 113, 181

Fulmer, Jason ............... 313

Fulton, Josh 270, 271, 279

Furby, Abigail............... 108

Furch, Brian 279

GGabriel, Braghetto Otero . 211

Gadberry, Jared 109

Gaessler, Jenna ............. 48, 49, 88, 140, 141, 169, 191, 266, 267, 293, 317

Gagajewski, Breanna 90, 181

Gallagher, Melanie 123, 233

Galloway, Gage 105

Galyean, Adrian. 101

Galyean, Hugh ............ 196

Gamble, John. 305

Gamez, Desiree........... 196

Gandy, Reece ...... 109, 181

Ganus, Cassandra 233

Garcia, Juan ................. 279

Gardenhire, Ethan.... 111, 181

Gardner, Ayden .... 98, 196

Gardner, David 78

Gardner, Ellery 98, 155, 309

Gardner, Landon 36

Garland, Amara 196

Garms, Jake .................... 75

Garner, Delaney 94

Garner, Pat 26, 46, 64

Garner, George ..... 68, 105

Garrett, Benjamin 112

Garrett, Hannah .......... 94

Garrett, Natalie .......... 106

Garrison, William 112, 169

Gartrell, Ethan .............. 70

Gaskill, Emma 92, 196

Gaskins, Sadie92, 155, 304

Gastineau, Zane 233

Gatewood, Otis 121

Gaugh, Eva ..................... 98

Gauntt, Luke. 86

Gavin, Kendra ............. 181

Gaw, Alex ........... 107, 155

Gbane, Abou 278

Geer, Kaci ....... 54, 87, 169

Geer, Rory..... 94, 273, 278

Gelwicks, Ian 111

Genry, Elaine100, 155, 310

Gentry, Alexis92, 118, 169

George, Tucker 109

Gettman, Lana ........... 233

Getty, Ty 196

Gibbs, Luke 101

Gibson, Anna. .............. 100

Gibson, Kendal. 109, 307

Gibson, Marissa 278

Gibson, Stacy ............... 233

Gibson, William 111

Giggleman, Alison92, 197, 308

Giggleman, Aya 155

Gilbert, Wyatt ... 274, 278

Gilchrist, Lane ............. 111

Gill, Garret 155

Gill, Micah.................... 112

Gillespie, S. 309

Gillespie, Sophia ................................. 169, 309

Gilreath, Campbell 87, 105

Ginocchetti, Jonah...... 197

Gîrba, Delia 197

Gise, Jack 208

Gisel, Alex ........... 308, 311

Gist, Harrison 86, 181

Gist, Jack. ....................... 278

Givens, Lena .................. 98

Glavan, Ashlyn. 113

Glenn, Evelyn ............... 197

Glenn, James ................ 110

Glenn, Kristin 100

Gloff, Madison ............ 100

Glomski, Clay 279

Glover, Austin 107, 197

Glover, Delaney .......... 113

Glover, Garrett. 107

Glover, Jeremy 62

Glover, Lorelei......................

60, 102, 155

Godwin, Meredith 102, 181

Golden, Trinity 108, 181, 268

Goldman, Grace ......... 169

Gomez, Angie Rodriguez . 283

Gomez, Anthony ........ 107

Gomez, David ............. 197

Gomez, Estella. 312

Gomez, Natalie........... 197

Gomez, Rachel 197

Gomez, Victoria 170

Gonzalez, Maria ........ 155

Gooch, Samuel 30, 112, 113, 170

Gooden, Martina. .............. 89, 155, 304, 310

Goodloe, Michael 197

Gordon, Cooper .......... 181

Gordon, Zayle 98

Gosch, Emma .... 170, 312

Gosch, Gabriel ............ 197

Gossett, Rachel. 90

Graham, Cassidy........ 279

Graham, Ella ..... 113, 170

Graham, Evelyn 197

Granberg, David101, 197

Graves, Karson 101

Gray, Alicia 279

Gray, Carley ....... 113, 198

Gray, Isaac 198, 279

Gray, Leah 113, 155

Green, Annie .................. 98

Green, Benjamin 170

Green, Katie 170, 308

Green, Susannah . 87, 181 Green, Zachary 80

Greenawalt, Travis. .. 111, 279

Greer, Maggie 98

Gregg, Rylee .................. 100

Griffin, Aja 101, 181, 317

Griffin, Clark 279

Griffin, Hayden ........... 111

Grimes, Kaylee 313

Grizzard, Lewis 231

Grover, Caroline ......... 170

Grubb, Caden 105, 170

Guevara, Mily 198, 312

Guidry, Sara. ............... 113

Guimond, Gabriel 279

Gundaker, Gavin 279

Gunn, Carmen ............ 102

Gurchiek, Jim 233

Gurganus, Lauren ..... 170

Gurganus, Lillian 181

Gutierrez, Allison ....... 233

Guy, Jordan .................. 233

Guyer, Kate 110

Guyer, Max ..........................

92, 112, 155, 312

Guyette, Melanie 89, 198

HHaakansson, Wilmer ........ 267, 279

Habecker, Matt 313

Haddix, Hannah ........ 155

Hagedorn, Ava 89, 198

Hager, Nathan 171

Hagewood, Sabrina... 198

Haileab, Noah 102, 278

Hailey, Merek .............. 104

Hajicek, Mark.............. 198

Hale, Emily 182

Hale, Jacob .................... 182

Hale, Katie .......... 113, 198

Haley, Anna Grace 86, 155

Hall, Alexander .................. 100, 101, 155, 299

Hall, Avery .................... 171

Hall, Benjamin 101

Hall, Carley 101, 198

Hall, David ......... 233, 279

Hall, Dre 258, 297

Hall, Elizabeth 233

Hall, Evan ..................... 155

Hall, Rachel 171

Hall, Shayla 155

Hall, Tammy ................ 233

Hall, Wesley 182

Hamilton, Brian ......... 278

Hamilton, Carli .................. 136, 137

Hamilton, Ryleigh ................................. 100, 155

Hamilton, Tim 287

Hamlett, Gracie .. 92, 155, 298, 312

Hammes, Kathryn 233

Hammett, Evelyn ....... 198

Hammitt, Kinley

198, 278

Hammond, Bailey 86, 156

Hancock, Whitney ..... 156

Hankins, Cole. ............. 112

Hankins, Taylor 94

Hansard, George ........ 107

Hansen, Parker 278

Harbaugh, Ainsley 198

Harbour, Hartley ........ 278

Hardesty, Sara 26

Hardy, Jaxon 182

Hardy, Sydney ............. 198

Hardy, Thomas 105

Harness, Will 111

Harper, Elly ........ 113, 171

Harper, Kayla 156

Harrell, Jacob ............... 279

Harrington, Brian ...... 233

Harrington, Delaney 182, 235

Harris, Brahm ............. 278

Harris, Greg 149, 268, 269

Harris, Jacqueline 233

Harris, Julie 234

Harris, Kadyn... 100, 106, 156, 260, 261, 278

Harris, Kelsey 156

Harris, Selah ................ 198

Harrison, Ethan 86

Harsh, Colton 198, 278

Hartman, Sarah ......... 198

Hartzell, Caleb 182, 303

Hartzell, Zachary ........ 91

Haslam, Aidan ............. 80

Haslam, Holly 92, 198

Hatfield, Nancy ............. 82

Hatley, Kaycee ... 171, 312

Hatman, Jordan 112, 182

Hauer, Kati ................... 171

Haukaas, Benjamin 171

Haustein, Caden 171

Hawk, Kalin ................. 198

Hawkins, Avery 110, 156

Hawkins, Grace. 113

Hawkins, Phillip ......... 101

Hawley, Lydia 92, 198, 308, 311

Hawley, Sage ...... 273, 278

Haye, Brooklyn 98

Hayner, Eryn 102

Haynes, Maggie ............ 98

Haywood, Samantha198, 308

Healy, Don ...................... 12

Hearn, Christopher .. 112, 156

Hearrell, Aadam .......... 86

Hearyman, Zoe 100, 308

Heater, Jessica 87, 156

Heavin, William ......... 182

Heightman, Ella 108, 198, 293

Heller, Kendyll ............. 305

Helms, Charles 95, 171, 278

Helms, Collin ............... 252

Helpenstill, Kathy 234

Hembree, Cameron ... 109

Hembree, Skylar102, 198

Henderson, Allen 234

Henderson, Daniel ..... 278

Henderson, Ryen .. 89, 198

Henderson, Samuel 274, 278

Hendley, Sophia 198

Hendrix, Destiny 156

Henley, James ............... 198

Henning, Ava 92, 198

Henry, Timothy 100, 109, 182, 306

Hermann, Nicholas 105, 157

Hernandez, Jacob ............... 183, 279

Hernandez, Murphy . 183

Herrera, Stefany .......... 172

Herring, Mimi 157

Herrington, Caleb .............. 198, 308

Hewett, Alan 234

Hicks, Charles... 234, 305, 307

Hill, Carter 279

Hill, Daniel ................... 198

Hill, Ellie 98, 309

Hill, Micah 86, 183

Hill, Ryan....................... 172

Hills, Vestavia 223

Hinckley, Gillian 92, 109

Hinkle, Hattie ....... 94, 308

Hinton, Camdyn 183

Hinton, Faith 183

Hinton, Libby ................. 40

Hirscheider, Noah112, 183, 278

Hite, Karlie ......... 106, 157

Hiteshew, Madison .... 157

Hix, Kennedy 92, 172

Hix, N. .................. 112, 183

Hixson-Wallace, Julie234

Hixson, Grace 183

Hobbie, James .... 112, 183

Hochstetler, Micah 112

Hodge, Jonathan 310

Hodges, Aeryn ............. 157

Hodges, Gabriel 157

Hoffner, Logan 93 Hoffner, Sadie .............. 184

Hofheinz, Mario 234

Hoggatt, Dutch .................... 186, 234, 286

Hoke, Masyn 184, 308

Holcomb, Ashley......... 172

Holcomb, Hannah ....... 89 Holland, Becca 92 Holland, Ellianna92, 157 Holland, Greg Taylor. 126 Holland, Jessica 234

Holland, M. .................. 310 Holland, Michelle 126, 127, 234, 310 Holland, Rebecca........ 198

Holland, Sue 143

Hollingsworth, Ethan 184

Hollis, Eleanora 100, 184 Hollis, Lindsay. 92, 109, 157, 311

Hollis, Luke ................... 198 Hollis, Peyton .......................... 98, 184, 309

Holsombake, James ... 223 Holt, Madison 278

Holt, Robert .................. 198

Holzbach, Audrey 92

Hood, Don 250, 256

Hood, Ellieze ...... 184, 306 Hood, Jaclyn 102

Hook, Hunter 107

Hooper, Stephen .......... 184

Hooton, Caleb86, 92, 157

Hope, Caden 184

Hopp, Rachel ................ 184

Hoppe, Joel 112

Hopper, Jeffrey ............... 63

Hopper, Jonna ................ 33

Hopper, Mar. 63

Hounshell, Claire ....... 158

Housdan, Molly .......... 172

House, Jackson 148

Housely, Molly ............. 198

Houser, Daniel 105, 158

Howard, Emma 113

Howe, Payton ..... 198, 308

Howell, Abigail. 90, 91, 113, 172, 304

Howell, Byron .............. 234

Howell, Dustin 247

Howell, Katie 158

Howell, Rachel ............... 78

Hubbard, Allison 184

Hubbard, Kayley ........ 184

Hubbard, Sarah .......... 184

Hubbell, Austin 112

Huddleston, Joel .......... 184

Huddleston, Luke 86, 172

Hudgins, Houston 86

Hudkins, Bryan........... 128

Hudkins, Joshua 198

Hudkins, Karis 184

Hudson, Raymond..... 279

Huff, James 138, 139, 298

Huff, Elijah 172

Huff, Jabin ...... 91, 92, 102

Huff, Joanna 198

Huff, Melinda 234

Huff, Priscilla ............... 172

Huffaker, Joseph 105

Hughes, Ansley ............ 102

Hughes, Taylor ............ 172

Huitt, Preston 105, 158 Hume, Grayson 109, 184, 312

Humphreys, Benjamin 112

Hunt, Halina. 102, 304

Hunt, Larry 234

Hunter, Abigail .. 308, 311

Huntsman, Lucretia 299

Hupp, Riley 101

Hurd, David ................. 286

Hutcherson, Hayes 184

Hutcherson, Victoria 80

Hutson, Hayden. ........ 101

Hylton, Ainsleigh 106

Hylton, Xavier ... 111, 279

IIdema, Micah ...................... 184

Ieler, Logan112, 158, 304, 308

Iglesias, Emma 98, 184, 312

Ingals, Ellen .................. 115

Ingalsbe, Matthew 278

Ingersoll, Chloe ............ 265

Ireland, Dwight 234

Ireland, Jon 270

Isbell, Audie 94, 111, 184, 278

JJackson, Bonnie ............................ 86, 92, 184

Jackson, Emily.............. 100

Jackson, Gary 234

Jackson, Hazel ............. 172

Jackson, Jacob 112, 278

Jackson, Marquis 313

Jacobo, Daniela .... 98, 158

Jacquet, Beckham 279

James, Kenzie 184

James, Lily ........... 184, 278

Janes, Evalie 102

Jarchow, Hannah 172

Jarnagin, Emmett ............... 107, 184

Jay, Braden ............................ 258, 259, 279

Jay, Cianna 89, 158, 299

Jay, Mines. ........... 259, 278

Jayne, Timothy ....... 28, 86

Jeffrey, Samuel 234

Jenkins, Julia...... 101, 112, 113, 158

Jenkins, Sierra 158, 304

Jennings, Abigail .. 90, 198

Jennings, Allison.......... 199

Jennings, Jonnalynn ... 158

Jerkins, Kendall 199

Jessica, Davis ................ 211

Jewett, Cody.................. 101

Johnson, Austin 87, 101, 172

Johnson, Bethany 94, 100, 199

Johnson, Chase ............ 172

Johnson, Chloe 172

Johnson, Christian 199

Johnson, David . 148, 149, 234, 279

Johnson, Ellery 89, 199

Johnson, Grant .. 105, 172

Johnson, Jack 158

Johnson, Joshua .... 84, 172

Johnson, Kayla... 158, 304

Johnson, Lexi 87, 158

Johnson, Madeline ..... 199

Johnson, Roman .......... 199

Johnson, Sara 278

Johnson, Thomas ........ 279

Johnston, Billy 95, 252, 278

Johnston, Kara ... 106, 158

Johnston, Suzanne 32

Joice, Camdyn 172

Jonason, Kara .... 100, 158

Jones, Alison92, 100, 102, 172

Jones, Anniston ............ 199

Jones, Aubrey 128, 158, 300, 301

Jones, Baylee .......... 90, 172

Jones, Benjamin 234

Jones, Caroline...... 91, 158

Jones, Ellen .................... 234

Jones, Emma 158

Jones, Gabriel............... 172

Jones, Genevieve 234

Jones, Hannah 172

Jones, Harriston .......... 184

Jones, Janee 95, 245

Jones, Kaylor 92, 104, 184, 279, 308, 311

Jones, Kinsley 184

Jones, Kyndal 172

Jones, Luke .......... 112, 199

Jones, Mallory 184

Jones, Maxwell ............ 172

Jones, Megan ................ 234

Jones, Mikayla ... 184, 207 Jones, Reid 107

Jones, Aubrey ..... 300, 301

Jones, Ta’Mya ................. 61

Jones, Shanna 156, 234

Jordan, James ............... 279

Jordan, Whitaker 236

Joy, Aiden 298

Judd, Erin . 108, 172, 308, 311

Justice, Emily 158, 313

Justice, Nathan .. 107, 184

Justus, Meagan 120

Justus, Michael 223

KKabrich, Katelyn. 94, 278

Kallenbach, Elena. 100, 184

Kamdem, Landry 236

Kearney-Dunker, Rebecca 76, 158

Keck, Russell 236

Kee, Bonnie 310

Kee, David .......... 236, 306

Keeble, Marshall 121

Kehl, Kevin 236

Kehl, Susan ................... 236

Keiser, Kaitlyn 184, 308

Keiser, Kiersten ............ 158

Keith, Ian ....................... 158

Keller, John 236

Kelley, Aleece ..... 216, 217

Kelley, Bristol ................. 92

Kelley, Karen 236

Kelley, Zachary ........... 216

Kelly, Brianna 158

Kelly, Cierra 184

Kelly, Logan ........ 112, 158

Kelly, Miranda 138

Kelso, Joshua 158

Kemmerer, Tyler ......... 250

Kemper, B. 92, 199, 308, 311, 313

Kemper, Heather220, 236

Kendall, Matthew86, 199

Kenne, Madison ......... 158

Kernodle, Clara ... 70, 208

Kerr, Abigail 87, 172

Key, Barclay .................. 148

Keylon, Cole ....... 259, 279

Keyser, Shannon 158, 304

Khan, Paris ......... 110, 184

Kiegel, Benjamin 184

Kiegel, Gabe. 93

Kieswetter, Ryan.......... 172

Kiffmeyer, Miranda 158

Kille, Ethan 307

Kille, Landon ................. 95

Killingsworth, Ashley111, 158

Killins, Anna ...... 199, 236

Kim, Sunnah 184

Kincade, Sydney ......... 279

King, Amber ....... 106, 172

King, Derek 37

King, Levi ....................... 101

King, Noelle ........... 94, 279

King, Taylor 199

Kingsbury, Luke .......... 111

Kinley, Schnell 211

Kinney, Jeremy 122

Kinonen, Nathan.......... 91

Kiprono, Amon 199

Kiptoo, Matthew 101, 199

Kirby, Tim 272, 273, 278

Kirby, Morgan ... 113, 304

Kirchner, Jacob 105, 184

Kirk, Katherine . 108, 158

Kirkbride, Ty ......... 95, 278

Kirkland, Ava 172

Kirkpatrick, Rider .............. 109, 172

Kirsten-Westgard, Alex ........................................... 279

Kirwa, Daniel 246

Kittinger, Kaleigh 158, 308, 311

Kluesner, Kolten 172

Knappier, Bailey 185

Knapton, Brock ........... 279

Knight, Jaxon 112, 172

Koay, Alyssa 236

Kohut, Rebekah ........... 172

Kondo, Sei 106, 158

Koonce, Kinley 104, 158

Koonce, Trevor .. 104, 158

Koone, Aiden

101, 106, 199

Koone, Ally ................... 199

Kovaleski, Camille ..... 156

Kovaleski, Seth 91, 199

Kowiti, Alexandria ...... 92

Kraner, Brady 106, 107

Kreh, Myles 93, 158

Krejci, Kathleen .......... 158

Kuhn, Jennifer 199

Kummerfeldt, Anthony 185, 307

Kundmueller, Mary Katherine 80

Kuykendall, Heath .... 106, 107

Kuyper, Abraham ...... 222

LLa, Helen. ...................... 282

LaBiche, Savanna 102, 185

Lacey, Logan ................ 278

Lahr, Dalton 88

Lainez, David .... 159, 282

Lainez, Pero 282

Laing, Gregory 236

Laing, Kimberly 122, 236

Laird, Knox 111

Lake, Steve 197, 200, 236

Lamb, Grace ................ 102

Lamberson, William 95, 106, 199, 309

Lambert, Jacey .............. 94

Lambert, Maddux 107

Lamkin, Ashley ............. 94

Lamoureux, Kassie .... 41, 159, 292

Lancaster, Emery113, 199

Land, Avery .................. 106

Landers, Emileano 199

Landes, Andrew .................

101, 185

Landrum, Hannah 110, 185, 308

Lane, Kyle 278

Langdon, Hayden............... 86, 159

Langdon, Makenna 113, 185

Lanham, Jaden............ 199

Lantrip, Maggie 110

Lauterbach, Travis ... 267, 279

Laverty, Allissa 100

Law, Mackenzie ............ 94

Lawrence, Ada 172

Lawrence, Adria 185

Lawrence, Joshua ............... 199, 279

Laws, Lauren 208

Lawson, Grant .. 107, 185

Lawyer, Addie 106, 182

Lawyer, Addison ......... 172

Lawyer, Peyton .. 112, 199

Leach, Russell 109, 185

Lee, Carter ............. 95, 199

Lee, Cheryl .................... 236

Lee, Denim 185

Lee, Donny .................... 236

Lee, Dusty 199

Lee, James 279

Lees, Carter .................. 279

LeGrande, Brittany 159

Lehde, Braden 172, 304

Leite, Jessica .................... 87

Lemasters, Katherine 199

Leonard, Reese 91

Lepak, Magnus .... 94, 279

Letsinger, O. 92

Level, Britney ................. 98

Lewallen, Katherine .. 305

Lewis, Akeema 199

Lewis, Dillon ................ 199

Lewis, Julia. .................. 106

Lewis, Leon 185

Lewis, Sasha ......................... 109, 110, 159

Lewis, Thomas 86

Lewis, William ............ 199

Liddle, Drew 86

Light, Logan 99

Lillard, Avery ..... 113. 185

Lillard, Hunter 112, 159, 278

Limburg, Anna ............ 199

Limburg, Jonathan 101

Limburg, Rachel 110, 199

Linderman, Elijah .............. 101, 185

Lindsey, Nataleigh ............. 98, 199, 308

Linnett, Isaac 199

Little, Morgan.... 113, 185 Little, Rich 63

Lively, Nathan 86, 173

Lloyd, Ted.. 221, 246, 262

Lobo, Javier 95, 278

Lockhart, Madelyn90, 199

Logsdon, Caleb .............. 99

Logsdon, Hannah 87 London, Abigail 185 Long, Abby 159, 299, 304

Long, Carter 101

Long, Maddox ............. 278 Long, Onycha ........ 90, 159

Looney, Nathan 249, 257

Lopez, Alejandro 112, 201

Lopez, Ana.................... 201

Lopez, Benjamin 283

Lopez, Jose 279

Love, Jolie............. 104, 126

Lovell, Mary Grace 106, 201

Lovell, Tucker52, 53, 159, 313

Loving, Adam 173

Loving, Sarah ..... 110, 201

Lowe, Rachel 110, 201

Lowry, Madeline ................ 102, 145, 159

Luallen, Emma 201

Luallen, Madison.92, 159, 308, 313

Lucas, Brooks 95 Lucio, Danae102, 201, 307

Luckett, Eugene 279

Luckner, A. Von 92

Luna, Michela ............. 159

Luna, Mya 159

Lundy, Garlit 51

Lusk, Grayson .............. 173

Lusk, Walker 185

Lynn, J. 113, 107 Lynn, Ryan .......... 112, 159

MMaciejek, Leo ............... 279

Mackay, Amanda 159

Madar, Carly113, 185, 308

Madar, Molly............... 102

Madden, Keely 159

Maddie, Adams 211

Madill, Mary ............... 236

Madriz, Maria 59

Magana, Margarita .. 185

Mahan, Garrett .......... 112

Mahan, Kiersten 92 Mahawanniarachchi, Kelly 201

Mahlangu, Thando 60

Mahon, Gabriel 109, 173

Maia, Shannon 185

Maile, Becca 98

Mallory, Mason 107, 173

Malone, Riley 108

Malsam, Eva 173

Maners, Cameron101, 308

Manglicmot, Jiana76, 173

Manning, Cooper 201

Manning, Devonte ..... 279 Manor, Dale 236

Manry, Connor ........... 101

Manuel, Grace .. 110, 201

Maple, Riley 112, 201

Maples, Miah .... 102, 113

Marek, Lance ............... 109

Marks, Reagan 92, 105, 185

Marks, Sarah 102

Marshall, Colton 141

Marshall, Erin ............. 185

Marshall, Rylie 278 Martin, Abigail 113, 159, 201

Martin, Avery 112, 185

Martin, Chauncey 279 Martin, Jansen .. 201, 278

Martin, Jessica 236

Martin, Kraig 27, 89, 236

Martin, Luke ...... 185, 279

Martin, Nicholas 201

Martin, Prady ... 113, 185

Martin, Tod .................. 236

Martínez Ortuño, Alicia . 159

Martinez, Alan 279

Martinez, Henrry....... 201

Martinez, Nicolas105, 201

Martinez, Pilar 279

Martinez, Sebastian . 278

Mashburn, Jakin 109

Mason, Hailey 278

Mason, Sha’lon ............. 55

Mast, Ella 279

Masters, Brett 109

Matheny, Alexandra 109, 173, 309, 310

Matherly, Emma 106

Mathews, Darren ...... 236

Mathis, Ruth Ann 236

Matlock, Dennis ......... 236

Matson, Kate ............... 100

Matthews, Jennifer 173

Matthews, Landen .... 201

Mauney, Melodie ....... 237

Maxwell, Emilia 106

Maxwell, Lucy .. 106, 201

Mayes, David 38, 39

Maynard, Jacob 107, 173

Maynard, Mikayla .... 159

Maynard, Robin 223

Mays, DeSean 279

Mays, Jordan ............... 279

Mays, Malik 279

McAuliffe, Trinity 110

McBride, Kelyn ........... 278

McCain, Jacob 111

McCarn, Ryan ............. 278

McClendon, Adrianna ..... 108, 159

McClure, Regan .... 43, 92, 105, 159, 298

McConnaughhy, Ken 200

McCook, Kristen......... 237

McCormick, Luke 279

McCown, Frank 237

McCoy, Autum ........... 201

McCready, Robert 126, 237, 310

McCree, Michael........ 185

McCulley, Ashlyn 94

McCullough, Caroline106, 201

McCullough, Hailey....113, 185, 310, 311

McDaniel, Mandy ..... 106

McDaris, Emma ......... 36, 49, 51, 100, 159, 170, 175, 191, 296

McDonald, Kyle .......... 279

McDuffie, Lauren92, 185

McElroy, Meghan ......... 87

McElveen, Stewart 279

McFarland, Ailee 113

McFarland, Bart ........ 266

McFarlin, Courtney 173

McFarlin, Dawson 112, 201

McFarlin, Elise 107, 113 McGaha, Sarah 237

McGalliard, Michael ........ 237

McGohan, Amy .................. 122, 237

Mcguire, Aiden 101

McHenry, Laronte...... 278

McKechnie, Elizabeth....... 110

McKinlay, Rachel108, 185 McKinley, Joseph 99

McKinney, Kaylee102, 311

McKinney, Kathy.......... 82

McKinnon, Kelli 265

McKnight, Ella 106, 201

McLarty, Megan ......... 159 McLeod, Steve 211 McMaster, Caleb 185 McMaster, Deirdre .... 201 McMichael, Sterling 80 McMillan, Reese ................................. 107, 113 McNaughton, Naomi 173 McNeal, Parker ................... 112, 113, 308 McNeal, Travis 237 McNeel, Macey ........... 110 McNeill, Andrew 100 McQueen, Kennedi 185 McReynolds, Savannah ... 159

McSpadden, Briana 113, 159

McWilliams, Miles 91 Meadows, Chandler 30, 113

Mealio, Elizabeth 87

Mease, Lauren ............ 102

Meche, Brenley............ 279

Medina, Jareli .............. 185

Medler, Layne 173

Medley, Andrew ......... 185

Mee, Alex ...................... 107

Meeker, Griffin 95, 278

Megias, Nieves ............ 279

Mejia, Mario 95, 185

Mellor, Nathan 313

Melo, Ana ... 98, 173, 307, 312

Melson, Campbell 107

Mendenhall, Rachel . 108, 185

Mensah, Michael109, 201

Mercer, Levi .................. 279

Meredith, Lolita 237

Metheny, Glen ............. 237

Metz Chalaire, Emily ....... 173

Metzger, Abby .... 201, 279

Meyer, Cooper ... 102, 279

Meza, Jasper 99, 185

Mickey, Bryson .. 112, 201

Middleton, Evan 109

Milam, Lauren 185, 308

Milam, Zane................ 187

Miles, Eiley 113, 173

Millares, Sheila 100, 201

Miller, Aaron ....................... 94, 279, 292

Miller, Andrew 187

Miller, Autumn .... 98, 187

Miller, Bradley 237

Miller, Charles ............. 237

Miller, Isaac .......................... 94, 173, 279

Miller, James ...... 132, 237

Miller, Jasper ................ 201

Miller, Jim 132, 287, 308

Miller, Laura ...... 106, 201

Miller, Maci 110

Millerd, Parker 201

Mills-Rhodes, Arelia . 110

Mills, Jonathan 100, 112

Mills, Nathan .............. 237

Mirante, Lucas 88

Mitchell-Johnson, Cam ........................................... 279

Mitchell, Denver 86, 293

Mitchell, Jake ............... 279

Mitchell, Kathryn 187

Mitchell, Kayleigh ...... 173

Mitchell, Reagan.. 87, 202

Mitchell, Tyler 279

Mitchum, Sam .. 187, 279

Mohammadi, Suhaia ....... 88, 187

Mohie, Hannah .......... 159

Monday, Jonathan 202

Montague, Emma 100, 159

Montero, Daniel 202

Montgomery, Ensley 113, 187, 274, 317

Montgomery, Jeff218, 219

Moody, John 86, 173 Moody, Kaleb ............... 111

Moonen, Andrew 86, 202

Mooney, Natalie .. 87, 187 Moore, Bailey ....... 89, 159

Moore, Canaan 93, 202

Moore, Candice .......... 237

Moore, Eli ............................. 111, 187, 279

Moore, Jackson .. 112, 202

Moore, Jessica 237

Moore, Justin 237

Moore, Kit . 122, 131, 187

Moore, Lew 237

Moore, Madison102, 159

Moore, Mercedes ........ 159

Moore, Rachel 173

Moore, Steven 159, 237

Mora, Corban.............. 278

Mora, Yenifer 173

Morales Nava, Roxanna . 202

Morales, Lidia 187

Morehead, Sarah ....... 265

Morey, Jesus ........ 107, 202

Morgan, Jeff 276

Morgan, Billy ............... 297

Morgan, Danielle 202

Morgan, Elizabeth 89, 92, 173

Morgan, Jeffrey 105, 237, 263

Morine, Gabrielle ...... 102

Moronta, Horacio 159, 279

Morris, Andrea ... 52, 237, 313

Morris, Luke 237

Morrow, Claire ........... 101

Morse, Jackson ............ 107

Moshinsky, Kendall 159

Moss, Cole ..................... 112

Mount, Leslie ............... 237

Moyo, Andile 106, 173

Muckleroy, Will .................. 101, 129

Mulcahy, Kaitlyn 87, 202

Mullins, Jayda 92, 202

Mullins, Kate 98

Mullins, Peyton ............. 87

Mulvany, Laura 136

Mumme, Everett 202

Muncy, Zachary ......... 237

Mundy, Sarah 187

Munoz, Esteban ......... 187

Munroe, Dylan ........... 278

Murcia, Gerardo 187

Murphy, Ally .................. 98

Murphy, Allyson ......... 159

Murphy, Jaime 238

Murray, Nathan105, 187

Muyenzi, Chelsa 306

Myers, Katherine 98, 187

Myers, Ronnie .............. 202

Myers, Riley 92, 187, 306, 307

Myhan, Jerry .................. 37

NNance, Joseph 93, 159

Nance, Robert 188

Nash, Bayli ......... 188, 289

Nashold, Jacob 188

Neal, Amaria 92, 188, 306

Neal, Bodie 279

Neal, Cayce 86

Neal, Lawson ........ 91, 159

Neal, Sawyer 107

Neal, Zach .................... 238

Neeley, Roseline ........... 202

Neill, Elena 110

Neill, Kendra .................. 80

Nelms, Jake ................... 112

Nelson, Drew 202, 279

Nelson, Luke ....................... 111, 202, 308

Nesbit, James 238

Nesbitt, Allie . 30, 45, 112, 113, 161

Nesbitt, Larah 113, 202

Nevada, Sierra ............ 207

Newby, Parker 278

Newman, Cody 112, 161

Newman, Emily .......... 113

Newman, Michael 31, 112

Newsom, Avery ........... 106

Newsom, Cooper 95, 278

Nguema Mbarga, Genevieve 188

Nickleson, Robyn ........ 104

Nicks, Avery. 92, 118, 188

Nicks, Emily 84

Nieman, Kyle ..... 112, 202

Nieto, Gisele ................. 173

Nirella, Isaac 107, 188

Nitz, Jared ..................... 279

Nixon, Allison 113, 202

Nixon, Taylor 111 Nixon, Will ......... 112, 161

Njeri, Britney 173

Noble, Ethan 95, 200

Noble, Hannah............ 110

Noblin, Hank 40, 106, 112 Noel, Jennifer ...... 161, 304

Noguchi, Hanna 202

Nutankhamun, Delta 89

Nutt, Debora ................ 238

Nutzell, Joseph 107, 173

Nystuen, Anna ........... 113

OO’Day, Zachary 111, 188, 279

O’Dell, Katie 202

O’Leary, Alita .............. 188

O’Lynn, Caleb .............. 188

O’Pry, Julia 161

O’Banion, Marguerite212

O’Banion, Ryan 107

O’Farrell, Judie ............ 286

O’Pry, Julia ...................... 91

Oakes, Kyle 278

Obadiah, Nathanael 173

OBanion, Ryan ............ 202

Oden, Daniel 238

Ofojuah, Chukwudilum .. 188

Ogden, Kathleen109, 113, 161

Ogle, Bailey 173

Oldenburg, Ray 47, 65

Olive, Bailey ................. 102

Oliver, Landon 188 Oliver, McKenna 40, 41, 275, 278, 309

Oliver, Mike 238

Olree, Eli .............. 101, 188

Olree, Luke ......... 105, 161

Oluwayemi, Joseph 279 Oppermann, Gabriel ........ 105

Oppermann, Noah 105, 173

Orr, Rusty 98, 161 Osborne, Bailey 202 Osborne, Gracen ........ 188 Otto, Mattingly 100, 161

Ouhl, Tanner 111

Ouimet, Adaleetha .... 104

Ouimet, Rene' 91 Owen, Conley74, 208, 311 Owens, Carter ... 112, 202

PPace, Emma 90

Pace, Gabriel 202

Paddock, Evelyn .......... 202 Paden, McKenzie106, 161, 239, 304, 308

Padilla, Cristian ......... 307

Page, Andrew 188

Page, Jacob .................... 101

Page, Rigel ..................... 238

Pahman, Leah 161

Paic, Anica .......... 106, 188 Paillacho, German Abarca

228

Paine, Cheyenne .. 92, 188 Palmer, Emily 312

Palmer, Jerry ................... 82

Palmer, Mary ........ 87, 202

Palmer, Sydney 102

Paltjon, Evan ...... 112, 161

Park, Cassidy 43, 89, 188

Park, Lauren 202

Parker, Allison ............. 238

Parker, Arianna 202

Parker, Belicia 161

Parker, Halle .........................

101, 143, 278

Parker, Jackson 112, 202, 313

Parker, Jada 161

Parker, Joseph ............... 238

Parker, Katie ................... 55 Parker, Sandra 221

Parkhurst, Olivia........ 113

Parks, Josie ............. 94, 279

Parmer, Ella 113, 202

Parscale, Sarah .... 87, 202

Parsons, Charlie 112, 160

Parsons, Gary 244

Partlow, Rylan ...... 29, 111

Pastiroff, Jonah 279

Pate, Levi 259, 279

Patino, Elaina .............. 188

Patten, Todd 238

Patterson, Emily 113

Patterson, Joshua101, 188

Patterson, Logan 86

Paul, Hunter ................ 107

Paul, Isabella ..... 173, 304

Paul, Maddox 107, 202, 208

Pauly, Caitlin ........ 90, 188

Payne, Abigail 106

Payne, Jamie ................. 173

Pearman, Travis 111

Peger, Karrington 110

Pena, Sara ..................... 202

Pendergrass, Tristan 238

Penick, Dylan 278

Penick, Peyton ... 109, 202

Penton, Michael 173

Peralta, Jose 279

Perez Garcia, Joanna 203

Perez Suarez, Leslie 203

Perez-Garcia, Joanna .......

308

Perez, Anielka .............. 188

Perez, Lorena 203

Perez, Skarleth ............. 188

Peric, Patricija ............. 278

Perkins, David 21, 86

Perkins, William ........... 86

Permenter, Bonnie 89

Permenter, Luke 105, 173

Perring, Matthew ....... 238

Perry, Jordyn 102, 161

Perry, Nathaniel 188, 278

Peters, Kayla 92

Peters, Stacy 82

Petousis, Georgia ........ 279

Pettijohn, Reese 44

Pettis, Caitlyn .............. 126

Petty, Brooks ................. 109

Petty, Lily 188

Pfalser, Erin ........ 102, 161

Pfiffner, Jacey ...... 305, 307

Phelps, Carly

100, 203, 308

Phelps, Isaiah 88, 188

Phillips, Andrew 161

Phillips, Bryce .............. 203

Phillips, Darla 238

Phillips, Keller 43

Phillips, Kylie ................ 279

Phillips, Macy 42, 92

Pickens, Joshua 279

Picker, Kennedy ... 92, 188, 312

Pickering, Morgan .............. 203, 299

Pierce, Brett 112

Pierce, Cayden ............ 279

Pierce, Denise .... 279, 313

Pierce, Kate 94, 95

Pike, Hayden ................ 278

Pinzon, Jimmy 173

Pipkin, Carly 161

Pippen, Scottie ............. 245

Pitt, Paul 299

Pitt, Sharon 299

Pittman, Trixie ........... 238

Pleasant, Audra 74, 238

Plyer, Emily 246

Poindexter, Ashanti ... 162

Polk, Jackson 112

Pone, Helen................... 188

Porter, Drew. ................ 279

Porto Ochoa, Camilo........ 162, 270, 279

Posey, Melissa Ritchie . 80

Potter, Caitlann............. 94

Potter, Kenda 102, 173

Potter, Maddy ................ 98

Powell, Mark 238

Powers, Madison 92, 162

Prater, Mackenzie ...... 188

Prater, Megan 162

Pratt, Ethan 105, 203

Pratt, Moriah............... 203

Presley, Jensen 278

Preston, Chase 44, 76, 77, 162

Price, Anne 89, 90, 203, 313

Price, David ................. 162

Price, Gagee 279

Price, Riley .......... 174, 255

Price, Sawyer ............... 278

Pricop, Adriana 203

Prine, Karagan .. 113, 162

Prior, Addyson 102

Prior, Mark 287

Province, Addison ...... 113

Pruim, Jackson 278

Pruitt, Magdalene 89

Pryor, Caden ................ 107

Pschierer, Jackson 71

Pugh, Mark 27

Pullen, Kyle ................... 238

Pumphrey, Lauren43, 92, 188

Purvis, Hannah .......... 188

Puryear, Morgen 162

QQin, Shiyun 203

Qualls, Ian .................... 188

RRabb, Nathan 111

Radke, Lydia ...... 226, 288

Radke, Lydia ........................ 86, 162, 226, 288

Ragsdale, Scott .. 140, 238

Rambo, Lukas. ............ 107

Ramer, Landon 109

Ramey, Kevin ............... 238

Ramirez, Zavdiel 105, 162

Ramos, Camila ................... 174, 283, 307

Ramos, Zachary 203

Rampey, Rebekah ....... 238

Ramsey, Emma 102, 188

Ramsey, Sophie 100

Rana, Abigail ................. 89

Rankin, Bill 82

Ransburgh, Ruby ........ 203

Ransom, Reece............. 203

Ransom, Tim 139

Rapert, Jilliynne .......... 203

Ras, Kyle .............. 101, 162

Ray, Landon 279

Ray, Nolan .................... 111

Raymond, Isaac 162, 294

Redd, Harold 223

Redding, David ........... 248

Reed, Braden 86, 162

Reed, Ryder 107

Reed, Twila ................... 110

Reed, Zachary 278

Reese, Hadassah 162

Reese, John .................... 223

Reese, Rochelle 110

Reeves, Ashley.... 254, 255

Reitmair, C. ........ 305, 307

Reitmair, Cambrey 98, 188, 305, 307

Reiser, Amy ................... 102

Reneau, Natalie 87, 174

Reneau, Natalie .......... 174

Rhodes, Alexis 203, 308, 311

Rhodes, Madison ................ 106, 188

Rhoten, Emory 312

Rice, Eric ........................ 298

Rice, Peter 238

Richardson, Andrew 188

Richardson, Jackson .. 112

Richardson, Robert 112, 203

Richmond, Rodney 238

Rickett, Ethan ................ 93

Rieger, Emily ....... 110, 203 288

Riggs, Makenna............. 91

Rine, Isaac ....................... 86

Rising, Hope 222

Risinger, Alyssa . 113, 174, 304

Ritchie, Darcy 89, 174

Ritchie, Lisa .................. 238

Ritchie, Thomas 238

Ritzel, Taylor 89

Rivers, Terry ......................... 102, 109, 162

Roach, Clayton 92, 109, 162, 312

Roach, Emma 109

Roach, Sydney.............. 162

Roades, Kallista .......... 208

Roberson, Brianna 108

Roberts, Eli .................... 101

Roberts, Emily.............. 240

Roberts, Jonathan 240

Roberts, Kendra .......... 102 Roberts, Lily 203

Roberts, Mark 112

Roberts, Seth................. 101

Robertson, Catasia 203

Robertson, Rowdy 203

Robinson, Aaron ................. 109, 203

Robinson, Casey 174

Robinson, Kendall .............. 108, 203

Robinson, Michael ..... 240

Robison, Angel. ............ 113

Rochelle, Keaton 203 Rodas Gonzalez, Ana 87, 189

Rodenbeck, Stacey 240

Rodriguez, Alvaro .............. 111, 162

Rodriguez, Angie 174, 283

Roe, Preacher 244

Rogers, Caraline 208

Rogers, Seth............ 43, 109

Roguske, William 278

Rohan, Buckley 109, 203

Rohrback, Mitchell 86, 110

Roitsch, Kayla 92

Romberger, Dane ........ 279

Romero, Valentina .... 100, 132

Rooney, Jacob ............... 203

Roos, Charlotte .. 102, 109

Rosciano, Dulio 105

Rose, Allison .......... 43, 310

Rose, Ruth 189

Rosenbaum, Luke 92, 162

Rosenberger, Elizabeth...... 110, 174

Rosengartner, James 88, 189

Ross, Andrew 86, 311

Ross, Cheyne 203

Ross, David ................... 240

Ross, Milyn 52, 53, 100, 162

Ross, Reagan ................. 106

Ross, Tyler 279

Rosser, Lucy ..........................

29, 45, 60, 113, 162

Rossitto, Sophie 250

Rotich, Jacob ....... 240, 241

Rotich, Kelvin 203

Rubio, Charity 113, 203

Rudolph, Caleb ............. 86

Ruhl, Patrick 240, 241

Ruiz, Naomi 189

Runions, Houston 91, 203

Runk, Claudette 98

Rush, Kate 113, 189

Rush, Wilfred ............... 279

Rushing, Bryce 279

Russell, Craig...... 240, 241

Russell, Lee Anne .......... 80

Rutter, Wilson 174

SSaballos, Alexander .. 175

Saelzler, Kyle ................ 189

Salisbury, Abigail 90

Samaniego, Kevin .............. 203, 307

Samples, Maggie ... 120, 131, 175, 216, 277,

296, 300

Samuel, Jackson 162, 164

Sanchez, Brenda ......... 162

Sanchez, Ines 279

Sanchez, Matthew ..... 279

Sanders, Henely ... 92, 203

Sanders, Madison 87

Sanders, Tyla ............... 308

Sandlin, Mac 76, 240, 241

Sands, Jaxson............... 111

Sanford, Walter 203

Sansom, Candence 94

Sansom, Jenna ... 113, 203

Sanzone, Benjamin86, 175

Sanzone, Isaac 86, 175

Sargent, Dario ............. 203

Sarmiento Ruiz, Sofia203

Saunders, Landon...... 227

Savage, Emma ..... 43, 189 Savage, Katherine89, 204

Sawyer, Emma ............ 204

Scheirer, Kaitlin............. 87

Schliffka, Chloe 92, 105, 175

Schmeling, Faith 108

Schmeling, Trent109, 189

Schmidtlein, Joshua .. 111, 189

Schmitz, Miles 107, 204

Schmitz, Paige ............. 100

Schnell, Kinley 265

Schol, Grant 225

Schramm, Keith .......... 239

Schubert, Rielyn 189

Schumacher, Tanner ... 86

Schutzler, Noah. 101, 175

Schwartz, Evan 204

Schwiethale, Trevor .... 86, 110, 175, 304

Sciba, Mason 278

Score, Catherine ......... 114

Scott, Corinne 98

Scott, Emma 192, 62

Scott, Josie ...................... 162

Seats, Lael 113, 175, 308

Seawel, Morris 42

Seay, Carter .................... 91

Segura, Ximena 176

Selby, Courtney 240, 241

Self, Michael ................. 107

Sellers, Chase 100

Sellers, Tobin 204

Selvidge, Elizabeth ..... 162

Seright, Elijah........ 91, 204

Service, Lauren 89, 176

Sewell, Collin ..... 109, 162

Sewell, Morris................ 42

Sewell, Scott 287

Sexson, Daphne .......... 108

Sexton, Luke 86, 204

Shackelford, Mona 216, 224

Shackelford, Robbie62, 68, 216, 217, 224, 225

Shafer, Anglene ............ 309

Shanachilubwa, Kyle 140

Shanks, Katie 76, 77, 106, 176, 313

Shannon, Anna 92, 308

Shasteen, Janie............. 296

Shaw, Christian 189, 303

Shaw, Matthew 204, 302 Sheahen, Silas .............. 112

Sheehan, Jameson ...... 279

Sheffield, Mckenney 106, 204

Sheffield, Stone 94, 162, 279

Shelby, Kevin ...... 240, 241

Shelton, Andrew111, 162, 304, 308

Shelton, Carlie ..................... 60, 106, 176

Shelton, James 240, 241 Shelton, Mallory113, 162, 308, 311

Shepard, Reese............. 106 Shepherd, Avery .......... 162 Shields, Madison108, 204, 308

Shiflet, Connor .............. 88

Shipman, Foster 112, 189

Shipp, Melissa ... 240, 241

Shirel, Susan 240, 241

Shockley, Alongside 27

Shockley, Caleb ................... 27, 87, 105

Shoemake, Amelia 102, 204

Shoemaker, Cole 101

Showalter, Mallory 106, 162

Shultz, Sam 27

Shumate, Tanner . 87, 88, 162, 309

Shuttlesworth, Caleb 204, 309

Sicks, Kylie ..................... 176

Siklosi, Elise 92, 305 Silva, Stefano...... 162, 279

Simmons, Austin 299

Simmons, Carson 189

Simmons, JT189, 206, 207

Simmons, Haley 31, 89, 176

Simmons, John . 101, 223

Simmons, Lauren 21, 28, 29, 39, 50, 53, 137, 139, 176, 183, 200, 220, 221, 231, 235, 273, 276, 302, 317

Simmons, Myra ... 87, 204

Simmons, Paul 247, 263

Simmons, Austin ........ 299

Simpson, Olivia .......... 204

Sims, Anna 113, 176

Sims, Scott ..................... 189 Sinclair, Omar 279 Singer, Trinity 204

Singleton, Jonathan ........... 38, 303

Singleton, Maya 92, 189

Singleton, Paige ........... 104

Sipe, Colson 112

Sipe, Cody 240, 241 Skinner, Elise89, 162, 304

Slater, Amelia

31, 84, 102, 138, 176, 182, 183, 288, 289

Slatton, Collin 105

Sleege, Andrew .... 88, 108, 162

Sletcha, Sybil 89

Slimp, Matthew .......... 204 Sloan, Ben 111

Sloan, Ellis 240, 241

Sloan, Lori........... 309, 310

Smedley, Addison 163

Smelser, Cole 204, 278

Smith-Gardner, Tamson . 100, 189

Smith, Andrew 189

Smith, Braden.............. 176

Smith, Bridget 241

Smith, Claire . 86, 92, 189

Smith, Clayton ............ 176

Smith, David ...... 240, 241

Smith, Eli

87, 90, 102, 105, 163, 304

Smith, Ella .................... 176

Smith, Emerson 204

Smith, Hattie................ 176

Smith, Holland 98, 204

Smith, Jeanie 89, 99, 102, 240, 241, 278

Smith, Julie 204

Smith, Lillianna 72, 100, 104, 106

Smith, Logan 163, 264, 265

Smith, Luke ................... 176

Smith, Macy 89, 92, 109, 112, 225

Smith, Madelyn .......... 163

Smith, Madison 189

Smith, Malachi ........... 204

Smith, Mandy ............... 77

Smith, Mason 189

Smith, Olivia................ 176

Smith, Patricia 240, 241

Smith, Reagan 87, 204

Smith, Robert ............... 204

Smith, Ronald 240, 241

Smith, Sam 99, 275, 278

Smith, Susan 240, 241

Smith, Terry 240, 241, 278

Smith, Thelma Fae 149

Smithson, S. .................. 278

Smithson, Stetson ....... 277

Snider, Cameron 137

Snow, Aaron ................. 107

Sobczak, Justin ............ 279

Solley, Bo 95, 204

Soper, Madison . 300, 301

Sosebee, Bailey 204

Soto, Corwin 204

Soto, Sydney ......................... 100, 163, 304

Sound, Milford 63

Southard, Brandon .... 279

Sparkman, Annie113, 204

Sparks, Jacob 107

Sparks, Lucius ............... 87

Spearn, Maria 176

Spears, Jaden95, 101, 204

Spears, James ............... 204

Spears, Marty .... 127, 241

Spears, Tessa 113, 163

Speight, Molly .... 113, 176

Spencer, Braden .......... 278

Spicer, Jhalen 279

Spillman, Paige ........... 241

Spivy, Mason 88

Spoonhour, Katerina 189

Spraggs, Emma .... 92, 189

Sprawls, Sydney 102, 308

Spray, Noah 109, 204

Spurlock, Ashleigh98, 189

Spurlock, Quincey 100

Square, Navona 77

St Clair, Caleb ............. 163

Stacy, Lawson 204

Stafford, Madison ...... 176

Stalnaker, Jayde ........... 204

Stanfill, Avery 94, 176

Stanglin, Rachel 100, 204

Stanley, Aubrey . 113, 176

Stanley, Melody 113

Stanley, Savanna 92, 109, 163

Starck, Aleea 100, 163

Starck, Carmen .... 87, 189

Starks, Ashlyn 176

Staykov, Denis 267, 279

Steed, Easton...... 112, 197

Steed, Tucker 112

Steele, Douglas 241

Steelman, Mike .... 38, 241

Steil, Dana 241

Steil, Eden .... 89, 204, 206

Steinmetz, Daniel 86, 204

Steinmetz, Jacob 86, 176

Stephens, Maci ............ 204

Stephens, Rebecca ...... 163

Sterbenz, Tyler 279

Stevens, Alyssa ..... 92, 189

Stevens, Aven 205

Stevens, Bethany 108, 163

Stevens, Elizabeth 104, 189

Stevenson, Isabella ..... 176

Stevenson, Lindy 189

Steward, Ansley 98

Stewart, Amy ..... 189, 279

Stewart, Carson112, 163, 304, 308

Stewart, Cassell .......... 131

Stewart, Darlene ........ 243

Stewart, Jacob 243

Stewart, Kevin ............. 243

Stewart, Landon ......... 205

Stewart, Lauren 289

Stewart, Madeline 87, 92, 189

Stewart, Sara 92

Stewart, Macey ........... 298

Stewart, Sutton 205

Stickney, Daniel 163

Stillings, Jacob .............. 176

Stillings, Sophie 113

Stirrup, Ethan 176

Stobaugh, Fletcher .............

112, 205

Stone, Addie .........................

106, 113, 176

Stone, James 100, 176

Stone, John .......... 160, 243

Stone, Tia ............ 308, 311

Stoner, Ally 265

Story, Rachel....... 106, 163

Story, Rayanne 243

Stotts, Malik 279

Stout, Trey .................... 304

Stratton, Shelby 42

Street, Race 59

Strickland, Helen. 68, 176

Strickland, Joshua 279

Strickland, Zachary 279

Stripling, Laura ........... 113

Strittmatter, Joy 176

Strong, Ansley .... 102, 163

Stroud, Alli ................... 163

Styles, Silas 163

Styles, Stella .................. 205

Styles, Sylvia ......................... 92, 189, 307

Sullins, Jeremiah 243, 311

Sullivan, Elysia 176

Sullivan, Melissa ........ 176

Summers, Daniel 243

Summons, Braylen 205

Sumners, Savannah ... 90, 189

Supratman, Greg 90, 91

Supratman, Jayden .... 189

Sutherlin, Evelyn 99, 104, 176

Sutherlin, Grayson 163

Sutton, Ashley.............. 205

Sutton, Joshua ............. 111

Sutton, Sarah 106

Swann, Inna ................. 243

Swartz, Cassandra .... 205

Swenson, Kim 145, 243

Swindle, Elijah............. 279

Swindle, Kayden 107

Swindle, Phillip 243

Swing, Isabella ............. 205

Sykes, Curtis 149

TTabor, Preston95, 176, 278

Tackwell, Sierra .......... 126

Talieje, Kendall 205

Tammany, Grant 111

Tandy, Sam......... 247, 279

Tankersley, Oneal 36, 304

Tarrant, James ............. 243

Tarvin, Troy 279

Taylor, Avalyn 9 2, 102, 109, 176

Taylor, Caroline 102, 163

Taylor, Chantelle ........ 243

Taylor, Gracelin 205

Taylor, Hailey............... 205

Taylor, Samantha .............. 106, 176

Teague, Dawson .. 87, 105

TeBeest, Mckinley 106

Tebo, Kimberly 243

Tedder, Elizabeth................ 87, 205

Tenery, Karlie 106, 189

Terry, James 279

Tess, Benjamin 205

Tharp, Halle ....... 106, 177 Thatcher, Bella 98

Thibodeaux, Graham....... 189

Thibodeaux, Sophie 29, 41, 110, 163, 164, 292

Thiele, Sarah ...... 106, 163

Thomas, Alaina 98

Thomas, Blaine .... 91, 163

Thomas, Cale ............... 163

Thomas, Grayson 208

Thomas, Jobe ......... 90, 278

Thomas, Marcus ........ 243

Thomas, Whitney 94

Thomason, Elizabeth 243

Thomason, Reed 86, 177

Thompson, Ameliah 89, 113, 177

Thompson, Andrew 163

Thompson, Avery 177

Thompson, Brylee .............. 205, 278

Thompson, Chloe 94, 95, 177, 278

Thompson, Ediah 205

Thompson, Emma .... 102, 177, 278

Thompson, Emory 80

Thompson, Gabrielle 113, 205

Thompson, Grayson 190

Thompson, Jack ........... 101

Thompson, Jean-Noel 220, 243, 290

Thompson, Kyle...... 49, 51

Thompson, Mathias 86, 190

Thompson, Naomi92, 190

Thompson, Regan 94

Thompson, Sophie 98, 177

Thorman, Jorey 278

Thornhill, Evelina............... 92, 102, 278

Thornton, Lillian 113, 163

Thornton, Mckenzie .. 102

Threlkeld, Denver 205

Thurman, Gracen87, 177

Thurman, Nathan 190

Thweatt, Carter 102, 112, 163

Thweatt, Maxwell

112, 205

Tignor, Daniel .............. 292

Tiller, Grace 92

Tilley, Lindsey 87, 163

Timmons, Cameron .. 205

Timms, Weston 163

Tindel, Kelli 268

Tindle, Quintyn .................. 89, 190, 305

Tippin, Taylor 177

Tischmacher, Jess ........ 205

Toler, Austin ................. 279

Tolleson, Lillian 177

Tomas, Matai .............. 279

Tomlinson, Kierstin 110

Tomlinson, William 205

Tool, Katie ....................... 26

Topping, Garrett 190

Torres, Henrique 279

Townsley, Jonathan ........... 86, 190

Toye, A. 92

Toye, Alyssa ... 78, 79, 163

Toye, Amanda 43, 205 Track, Marcie Lloyd .. 293

Trahant, Jackson101, 170

Trask, Allison 110, 163

Traughber, Camryn ... 112

Traughber, Jan ............. 243

Traylor, Hannah 163

Traynham, Noah 87, 105, 177

Trent, Alexis 106

Trevathan, Blake ................ 109, 205

Triplett, Lauren 102, 109, 208

Triplett, Lindsey 190

Truax, Daisy 110, 205 Tubbs, Randi

31,

38, 43, 56, 66, 89, 128, 182, 186, 190, 200, 207, 242, 261, 265, 287, 299, 317

Tubbs, William ........... 107

Tucker, Cassidy ........... 205

Tucker, Gaines 205

Tucker, Phillip .............. 286

Tullis, Ruth 190, 308

Turley, Kelsie 38, 39

Turley, Kenneth ........... 243

Turman, Cooper 101, 163

Turnage, Nicholas ..... 200

Turner, Anna 110

Turner, Cynthia 36, 104, 163

Turner, Mallory 243

Turner, Tori 106

Turney, Christopher .. 313

Tuten, Rachel ..... 113, 177

Tuyishime, Jalphonse

112, 279

Tyree, Jenny .................... 33

UUgarte, Itziar 278

Ullrich, Sailor .............. 177

Ulrey, Ann ....................... 82

Ulrich, Sailor 106

Underwood, David .. 112, 190

Underwood, Jonathan163, 279

Upton, Marla 256

Usery, Easton 107

Urueta, Jesus ................ 163

Usery, Taylor 205

Ussery, Dylan 105, 177

Utley, Aaron ................... 80

VValente, Thomas 278

Van Brunt, Cale 112, 205

Vanderpoel, Kaiden 95

Vargas, Alejandro 109, 190

Vargas, Sebastian 86, 87, 177

Vaughn, H. .......... 106, 278 Vaughn, Nora 112, 113, 163, 305, 309

Velasquez, Pablo ........ 205

Verett, Brady 105, 177

Vergne, Sophie ... 113, 205

Vertodoulos, Kyle.......... 86

Vick, Reagan 100, 205

Vick, Riley ........... 100, 205

Vides Aguilar, Fernando 164

Villard, Josie ....... 190, 279

Villegas, Federico........ 282

Vining, Johnathan .............. 190, 279

Vo, David ...................... 304

Voigt, Alyson ........................

54, 60, 76, 77, 100, 177, 182, 309, 317

Voss, Ashlyn 45, 113, 145, 164

Voss, Pamela ................ 243

Vreden, J. Van 107

WWaddill, Braden 107, 205

Wade, Grant ................ 111

Wade, Halle 113

Wade, Maelyah 92, 205

Wade, Samuel ............. 164

Wade, Shealyn 113, 164

Wadill, Briley 98

Waggner, Zavier ......... 288

Waggoner, Faylyn 90

Wagner, Amelia 205, 279

Wagner, Chase .. 177, 308

Waldron, David 223

Waldron, Jon ................ 107

Waldron, Kealan ................ 106, 107

Waldron, William...... 243

Waldrop, Jean ... 116, 243, 309

Walker, Adella ... 113, 206

Walker, Darby 164

Walker, Jaime 243

Walker, Johnna ............ 206

Walker, Kade 31

Walker, Kobi 87, 190, 306

Walker, Laurie 243

Walker, Maverick

................................. 107, 310

Walker, Oric 279

Walker, Richard .. 86, 136, 206

Walker, Robert 223

Wallace, Clarissa 98, 164

Wallace, Nathaniel ........... 174, 175, 258, 259, 279

Wallace, Reed ......................

26, 92, 107, 164, 279

Wallace, Roland

174, 259

Waller, Hayley ............... 87

Waller, Loren 164

Waller, Rodney ............ 223

Waller, Suzanne 143

Walling, Katelyn102, 304, 177

Walling, Luke 278

Wallis, Eli 107

Walls, Jay ....................... 216

Walsh, Talia 94, 206, 269

Walters, Kelby 110

Walton, Jessi87, 101, 177, 308

Walton, Lindsay 113, 164

Wanderman, Darrah ....... 206

Waner, Rebekkah ........ 190

Ward, Baylor ..... 112, 190

Ward, Bridget 206

Ward, Colton ............... 206

Ward, Jaxon 109, 190

Ward, Richard 243

Wardlow, Austin .......... 90

Warnick, John 105

Warpula, Griffin 177

Warren, Stephan ........ 243

Washko, Kaylie 87, 190, 256, 257, 279

Waters, Catherine ........ 62

Watson, Annie 98, 113, 206, 278

Watson, April .... 136, 243

Watson, Audrey Jane 190

Watson, Krishaun ...... 250

Watson, Mackenzie92, 177

Watson, Makenna 206

Watson, Molly ............. 136

Watson, Nicholas 112, 165, 306

Watson, Robert............ 243

Watson, Krishaun 250

Watson, Toby 190

Watts, Daisy ......................... 92, 165, 310

Watts, McKenna 87, 190

Weatherford, Jacob 56, 102, 165

Weaver, Preston 177, 310

Webb, Charles ............. 244

Webb, Harley 92, 165

Webb, Raquel.... 102, 190, 278

Webb, Roc 165

Weber, Emma ...................... 89, 138, 165, 267

Weber, Nathaniel 86

Webster, Kendall ......... 190

Weeks, Mark 223

Weilnau, Jaclyn 279

Weir, Davis ................... 279

Weiss, Lane 107

Welch, Cooper 279

Welch, Davis ......... 95, 278

Welch, Mariana 98

Weldon, Ethan .............. 88

Weller, Avery ................ 113

Wells, Jefferson 105, 177 Wells, Matthew ........... 105

Wesley, Jenna .......................

44, 112, 113, 308, 311

Wesley, Nathan . 112, 206 West, Mandy 47, 65, 102 Westbrook, Anessa 243, 304

Westbrook, Theodore 110, 129, 177, 304, 306 Westbrook, Timothy .. 243 Whaley, Luke 278

Wheadon, Bekah 99 Wheeler, Ella ................ 190 Wheeler, Livia 206

Whitaker, Gavin ................. 101, 190

White, A. 108, 308 White, Andrea ............ 190

White, Ava .................... 165 White, Camille 93, 306, 317

White, Cindy 239 White, Conner 93, 165 White, Madison .. 98, 190 White, Will 279

Whitehead, Paxton 112, 190

Whitfield, Chase 279

Whitfield, Ira 88

Whittington, Vivian ... 89, 190

Whitwell, Steven105, 177,

309

Wiedower, Olivia 94, 206

Wiewora, Nathaniel 75, 242

Wiewora, Kristin ... 74, 75 Wild, Joe 223

Wiles, Amalie .............. 165 Wiley, Lydia 113, 206

Wilhite, Jadyn 107, 206, 308

Wilkins, Mckenzi 177 Wilkinson, Emilie 165, 308, 311

Williams, Aaron 101, 102, , 206, 297, 309 Williams, Abigail ....... 177 Williams, Adam 292

Williams, Cobe ... 92, 207, 279

Williams, J 106, 278, 308, 311 Williams, Abbey ........... 60 Williams, Lianna 177 Williams, Lisa ..................... 55, 214, 220 Williams, Millie 92, 207 Williams, Olivia ........... 87 Williams, Theron 107 Williamson, Andrew 105 Williamson, David ............ 86, 110

Williamson, Evelyn 207 Williamson, Faith ...... 207 Williamson, Julianna 108

Williamson, Kennedy ....... 92, 109, 177, 298 Willis, Ethan ......... 88, 165 Willis, Hunter .... 258, 279 Willis, Maddie 98 Willis, Maysa ............... 207 Wilson, Aldrin 279, 304 Wilson, Austin 165

Wilson, Caitlin .. 100, 177 Wilson, Davis 107 Wilson, Heather 102, 207

Wilson, Josiah 109

Wilson, Laura 87, 165, 304 Wilson, Madeleine 102, 279

Wiman, Chris 255

Wimberly, Michael .... 190

Winders, Dinah ... 94, 279

Windon, Holly 113

Windon, Tyler42, 92, 112

Winford, Emma.......... 207

Winiger, Emma 265

Winnings, Kodie ......... 279 Wise, Eve 100 Wise, Faith 165, 311 Wise, Gracie ....... 165, 311 Wiseman, Troy 279 Witcher, Piper 110, 177, 304

Wohlfeil, Avery 100, 308

Wolf, Alaina ......................... 27, 106, 153, 160, 165, 235

Wolfe, Anna ................. 208 Wolfe, Braden .............. 207 Wolfe, Easton 109

Wolfe, Nicole .................. 87

Wolford, Billy ............... 101

Wolke, Emma 308, 311 Wood, Hannah ............. 20 Wood, Jonathan 165, 278 Wood, Silas 109 Woodard, Hannah ... 113, 207

Woodhouse, Aidan99, 207 Woodward, Hannah 113, 190

Woody, Shaelyn 38, 102, 165

Woollard, Caleb 109, 110, 177 Word, Kaitlin ............... 106 Word, William 107 Worrell, Zachary ........ 107 Wright, Alexandra ... 110, 190

Wright, Asaiah .................... 100, 177, 304

Wright, Corbin 109, 165 Wright, Emily 121 Wright, G'Kyson 279 Wright, Hannah 108, 190 Wright, Travell 279 Wyatt, Landon 73, 190

YYager, Samuel 177

Yates, Dawson ............. 278

Yingling, J.D. 288, 303

Yoakum, Kathryn ........ 98 Young, Gordon ............ 105 Young, Malik 279 Young, Scott ........ 101, 207

Yurcho, Katie. ................ 87

ZZaboronek, Emma 94, 207

Zelaya, Gloria 106, 177, 312

Zelaya, Luis .......................... 105, 165, 307, 312

Zerby, Mckenna 110 Zhai, Shiwei ................. 207

Ziegler, Luke 152, 165, 312

Zlatar, Dani Ortiz. .... 248

Zlatar, Teodor 248, 249