The Bison celebrates 100 years
College journalists have recently found themselves at the center of the stories they are covering.
Last summer, the president of Stanford University resigned after an investigation stemming from allegations of research misconduct in past academic papers; allegations that were published in The Stanford Daily campus newspaper.
In an Oct. 12, 2023, article by Associated Press writer David Bauder, Jackie Alexander, president of the College Media Association (of which The Bison is a member), said of the students who spearheaded the investigations, “They are unafraid.They are digging deep. They are really living up to the values and principles of being journalists while also being full-time students.”
Journalism is a public good. Whether it’s holding local officials accountable or shedding light on serial sexual abusers, journalists are called to speak truth to power and serve as a voice for those who don’t have one. From my perspective, it’s also biblical, aligned with Jesus’ example of serving “the least of these” and the Old Testament prophets’ message of seeking justice.
Investigative journalist Jerry “Boo” Mitchell is arguably The Bison’s most famous alumnus. He won a MacArthur “Genius Grant” and was a Pulitzer Prize finalist. But he wasn’t always appreciated during his time as a student journalist.
“Oh, my, they didn’t know what to do with us,” Mitchell said of the University administration’s perception of his fellow
student journalists and their work. “We were young journalists trying to practice our craft, but we sometimes wondered if they believed we were all sitting in The Bison newsroom trying to plot the overthrow of Harding or something.”
Although Mitchell’s professional work would later lead to the convictions of Klansmen in the 1963 assassination of Mississippi NAACP official Medgar Evers, the 1963 bombing of a Birmingham church that killed four Black girls, and the 1964 slayings of civil rights workers James Chaney, Andy Goodman and Mickey Schwerner,The Bison story he believes had the biggest impact was one he wrote about cafeteria prices.
“…I wrote about cafeteria prices skyrocketing by 15%orso, butthe meal ticket staying the same,”Mitchell said.“In my column, I challenged any administrator to try and make it a week on my meal ticket.
Joe McReynolds kindly took me up on my offer and wound up failing miserably. Kay Williams did a news story on it, and the next semester, the administration created a larger meal ticket so that students could survive.”
His subsequent work followed a mission he developed as a Bison reporter.
“Journalism is more than a job; it’s a calling,” Mitchell said.“By pursuing truth, we are pursuing what God loves. And by serving others in his name, especially the ‘least of these,’ we are showing our love to him.”
The importance of the work student journalists do is often passed over at the time because it’s in the day-to-day.They are chronicling the highs and the lows, the extraordinary and the mundane of campus life.They are giving students an opportunity
to voice concerns and criticisms, record school pride and celebrate achievements.This opportunity also extends to the community we call home.We live at a time when local journalism is dramatically decreasing, and unfortunately,Searcy is part of that national trend. In response to this void,The Bison has a dedicated page highlighting our community.
This year, The Bison student newspaper celebrates its 100th anniversary. Although it started as the Petit Jean Collegian from the Morrilton campus in December 1925, the second volume was titled The Bison, with J.N.Armstrong himself on record as faculty adviser.
Under “Our Aim,” the staff wrote, “We aim in this paper to reflect the student life at Harding College, to the best of our ability, as it really is. If the paper is not what you think it should be just ask yourself if you have helped in any way to make it a better paper before you criticize.”
This aim still resonates 100 years later. The Bison staff members and writers are among the most earnest and sincere students you will encounter.They are asking the big questions.They want to tell the story of Harding as they witness it in a given year. They are seeking truth.
So thank you — President Williams, faculty, students, deans, other administrators too numerous to name individually, staff, coaches, athletes and members of the greater Searcy community —for taking their calls, emails,texts and office visits and making time in your calendars for their questions as they seek to make you the center of Harding’s story through the pages of The Bison newspaper.
Adele Duncan begins Student Government Association tenure
FRARACCIO editor-in-chief
Adele Duncan is the president of Harding’s Student Government Association (SGA). Duncan announced her campaign, Illuminate, during the 2024 spring semester.
Q: How was your summer? Did you travel anywhere?
A: It was one of the best summers I’ve had since being at Harding. I was an admissions ambassador, and I traveled around the United States… We stayed at different college campuses, and obviously, talking about Harding is something I enjoy. After that, I went to Greece with Harding for 10 days.
Q: How does it feel to see Hilton Duncan (Adele’s brother) on campus this year?
A: We have an 8 a.m. together… he said he’s going to do better in it than me. He’s got that freshman mindset so he probably will, and that’s okay. It’s really funny — we sit next to each other and get to walk to chapel together afterwards. Other than that, I’m just letting him do his own thing.
Q: How did you come up with the name of your SGA campaign?
A: The campaign idea started when my friend Asaf Lopez, who is on the steel bridge team for Harding, mentioned they won their competition and made it to nationals… I was like, ‘Oh my goodness,’ there are so many things like this that we are just not talking about.
Q: Why is it important for the student body to be connected to each other?
A: I think you might as well get to know everyone here, and get to know their stories. You only live on the same plot of land with
thousands of people your own age for four years. There’s no other place in your life like this.
Q: What is your favorite thing about the Student Government Association?
A: I have two answers. The opportunity to know so many people and get to know what’s going on in their circles… It gives me an opportunity to see what they see which is really awesome. The second part is I work with
great people. I love sitting in those meetings, and the ideas that come from those minds are so creative.
Q: Do you have a sneak peek for any upcoming events on campus?
A: Founder’s Week is coming up soon. Sept. 5 is the day of our first tailgate and football game. There’s going to be a lot of exciting events going on that I can’t share yet. We will be digging up the time capsule
and every day of chapel will be something exciting.
Q: Do you have a message for the students and faculty as the semester continues?
A: At the end of the day, I have three words that I keep using. I want to be approachable, available and present. Those are my three words.
NIC
APRIL FATULA faculty adviser
A poster of headers from previous editions of The Bison hangs in the Student Publications office. The student newspaper released its first edition in 1925.
Duncan holds a light bulb while posing for a picture on Aug. 26. Duncan presented her campaign, Illuminate, during the 2024 spring semester.
Photo by ABIGAIL CALLICOAT
Photo by ABIGAIL CALLICOAT
Dr. Jack Shock, 2A
New Stores , 2B
People’s House, 3B
Stampede, 4B
Shock joins UCM as interim associate VP
ANDREW RENEAU assistant copy editor
Distinguished professor of communication
Jack Shock was named interim associate vice president of University Communications and Marketing, breaking the unofficial campus record for titles in front of a name. The position was announced by President Mike Williams July 30.
On Aug. 1 a post on Harding’s Instagram page said Shock was given this roles in order to invest in strategic initiatives for Harding’s second century. Shock said he would miss the classroom setting, but he was excited to move on to new horizons.
“I’ve spent my life in the classroom, and I love the classroom, and I never thought I would leave the classroom, but this opportunity came up, and I am excited by the challenge and looking forward to stretching some communication muscles,” Shock said. “I’m going to miss my interaction with students in the Reynolds Center in the Department of Communication. When I was hired, I said the only way I can leave my friends in the Department of Communication is if I bring them with me over here. So I’m going to look forward to lots of visits and dropins and interaction with students who help me keep my finger on the pulse of what’s happening at Harding.”
Shock’s temporary exit from the Communication Department left a 35-yearold gap to be filled. Hannah Robison and Josh Hardin, both recommended by Shock, will take over two of Shock’s classes: Communication Law and Introduction to Public Relations. The remaining classes will be taught by current faculty.
Shock said he feels confident in Robison and Hardin.
“As I’ve been working with those new teachers, I have reminded them that their students will remember their heart a lot longer than they’ll remember their syllabus,” Shock said.
Professor Charles Bane, who recently stepped into the role of chair of the Communication Department, commented on Shock’s skill in storytelling.
“He understands that the first thing you have to do is you’ve got to craft the story,”
Bane said. “And we sort of have forgotten that the business model doesn’t always work in an academic setting. You know, the business model works for businesses, but in the academic setting, there’s got to be this bigger story, this bigger idea that you’re trying to push.”
Sophomore Haleigh Carter, a former student of Shock, found that his passion for stories improved her classroom experience.
“I think that I learned a lot better through storytelling than just like a straight lecture and slides and taking notes,” Haleigh said. “I remembered it more because most of the stories were wacky and funny, and so that made me remember them, and then it made me remember the principles that he was attaching to them.”
Renovations and changes aim at ‘Caf’ improvement
announced it would transition from Chartwells to Aramark, looking for an increase in food quality and cost efficiency.
dining program. We place extra emphasis on maintaining consistent quality.”
To encourage this spirit of openness, tudents have shared their feelings towards this new dining hall. Sophomore Scott Young Jr. noted that requiring a staff member at each station to serve food has resulted in longer lines.
“I’ve waited a couple times for two and a half minutes before getting food,” Young said. In addition to renovating the line protocols and menus, Harding and Aramark teamed up to renovate the entrance to the dining hall. Worlow believes the new and striking look brings attention to the improvements in quality.
“With a fresh new appearance, students can also notice the changes reflected in the food served,” Worlow said.
And it isn’t just students that Bison Hospitality is appealing to; they have also worked to include the thoughts of cafeteria staff, like Tammy Price, a self-described “checker-slash-cleaner.”
“It’s much brighter in here, and there seems to be a lot more room,” Price said. Price also commented on her perceived improvement in the attitudes of students thanks to the renovation. When prompted on how this improvement has affected her, she said, “Students think we’re here to serve them, but they serve us just as much.”
Aramark is no stranger to Harding; they were the University’s previous food provider before the administration switched to Chartwells in 2020. Aramark returned with a few tricks up their sleeve, like the new “Catfish Friday” service, slinging fresh fried fish to celebrate the end of each week. Both Worlow and Price confessed to catfish being their guilty pleasure and their favorite addition to the updated menus.
Classes to begin your semester.
What if you moved your body, not to change the way it looks but because of how it makes you feel?
Give your movement meaning
JACKSON TRAHANT beat reporter
Dr. Jack Shock works in his new office on Aug. 26. President Mike Williams announced July 30 that Shock was appointed interim associate vice president of University Communications and Marketing.
Juniors Logan Smith, Timothy Baku and Kendall Webster talk over food in the Charles White Dining Hall Aug. 27. The entrance to “the Caf” was renovated over the summer
Photo by EDGAR CARDIEL
Photo by EDGAR CARDIEL
3A OPINIONS
Did you know that the Harding steel bridge team went to nationals this summer? Or that our Baja team competes against schools sponsored by big brands like Ford, and we still beat them? Huge things are happening on this campus every day and it is so easy to miss it.
This year, the theme for our student body is “Illuminate.” We all have remarkable things happening in our lives, and the Student Government Association (SGA) wants to highlight those achievements, opportunities and celebrations.
celebration as a University. We have truly soaked in every moment of it, but we are
Illumination station
even more ready to start the next chapter and make history for students 50 years from now to look back on. An example of this is that in just a week, we will make our own time capsule for the year 2074.
My personal goal for the SGA this year is that I do what I can to fulfill all of your goals for the year. I want to be approachable so that when you have a suggestion or concern, you can tell me, whether I am in the cafeteria, my office or even on the intramural fields. SGA is also in the works of setting up accessible
to be. Ask me about our big list of dreams and goals sometime, but also please add to it!
We as the SGA are excited to start working hard in our roles for you all. Lastly, if you are still reading this piece, then I applaud you. Come find me, and I will tell you about the time I accidentally cheated during a 5K on a Disney cruise.
The Harding University Black Student Association (BSA) has been making strides as an organization in the past year. We have done an outstanding job retaining members and increasing attendance at events. “Late Nite Chapel,” or what used to be known as our weekly devotional, has been a lifechanging experience for our members. Inspirational stories of perseverance, grit and faith from PJ Welch and Dr. Priscilla Anne Brown highlighted just how important this event is for our community. In addition to spiritual development, we also spent time together at game nights, movie nights and skating sessions.
BSA leadership represented at the 2024 UAMS Midsouth Black Expo, dined with 2024 presidential candidate Dr. Cornel West, conversed with science fiction specialist Dr. Isaiah Lavender, and heard the story of chief DEI officer for the National Science Foundation, Dr. Charles Barber.
I would like to highlight the achievements of two of our distinguished members, Chelsei Arnold and Dakarai (Dak) Bush. Arnold, a McNair Scholar and psychology major, completed her summer research internship
titled “Empowering Excellence: A Look at Mentorship for a Black Woman in STEM at a Predominantly White Institution.” Bush, an international business major, was named “National Track Athlete of the Week” by the NCAA and won the indoor 400 meter national title with a personal and school record of ‘00:46.88.
Our vision statement, “Begin with the end in mind,” will be evident in every decision that we make this year. We will continue to pour into our members, and encourage them to strive for success by any means necessary. Moreover, we will make a commitment to serve all in need.
Partnering with other organizations such as The Table has allowed us to spread the word about the departments already integrated into our campus-wide resources. Connecting students with these resources has been a great focus for our leadership and will continue to be an integral part of our service.
The BSA has developed a strong base of returning students who support, promote and represent our presence on campus. Our network has grown significantly over the last few months through our use of social
media, member participation and a large influx of students of the African diaspora. Tapping deeper into this pool of students will be an assessment of the effectiveness and efficiency of the strategies and factors I mentioned before.
In the thick of these elements, the window of opportunity to impact the experiences of students, faculty and visitors on campus is immense. Maintaining structure as our group continues to expand is of utmost importance. In anticipation of this projected growth, leadership roles are set to expand and increase in number to accommodate the various needs of the organization.
As we finish up the first century of Harding and move into the next, it is imperative that we continue on a trajectory that will ensure success for all students. I absolutely cannot contain the pride I have for our members, leadership and supporters. I commend their hard work and dedication to excellence. Thank you for your contributions. Stay focused on the goal, and let’s all have a great year!
An invitation
A few years ago, at the suggestion of my parents, I listened to Christianity Today’s “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill,” a podcast series detailing the flourishing, abuse and subsequent damage control of a large church in the early 2010s. The podcast itself was fascinating, but what particularly moved me was its opening song: “Sticks and Stones” by Kings Kaleidoscope.
A worthless war A curtain torn
To take control of the ship
A nail of shame
A broken vein
To write redemption a script
A truthless gun
A dying Son
To turn the tables we flipped
Turn the tables we flipped
Paint the beauty we split
The first time I heard one particular line burst from this song, I got chills. Paint the beauty we split. I reflected. What does “paint the beauty we split” even mean? Who is “we”? What does this have to do with our roles in the church? After a few years of growth, reflection, hurt and healing, I’ve formed a few answers that can grow right alongside me.
When Jesus died on the cross, the curtain in the Temple was said to have torn in two (Luke 23:44-47). Jesus’ death was a result of human sin–our human sin. When I think of the beauty we split, I think of sin. It’s represented indirectly by the tearing of the Temple curtain upon Jesus’ death, but it is realized in our modern world, too. We split beauty all the time. We break friendships. We create abusive power structures (see again “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill”). We are selfish. Amidst these fragments broken by sin are beauties originally intended by God: community, church and generosity. Behind every mistake of ours is the shadow of what Eden could have been.
Yet, Jesus is our hope. His resurrection is the brush by which we can paint the very beauty we split with our sin. We have the tools to make this world a better place. In fact, I think that’s what our work here on earth is: to paint the beauty we split.
Therein lies my column name: Paint the Beauty. To me, the fact that we split this beauty is implied. We are sinners, but to be productive members of the Christian body, we must look one step further and do something about that sin. So here I am, holding the brush Jesus offers to each of us, and trying to paint the beauty with this column. Maybe the cracks in the beauty are large. Maybe they will be visible no matter what I do. I will paint them with the love of Jesus nonetheless, and here I invite each of you to do the same.
HELEN STRICKLAND is the opinions editor for The Bison. She may be contacted at hstrickland@harding.edu.
Graphic by ANNA CLAIRE CURTIS
Graphic by ANNA CLAIRE CURTIS
Graphic by SYDNEY PALMER
Editor-in-Chief Nic Fraraccio
#646
A week after my grandmother’s celebration of life, I listened to the hymns at my home congregation, Bell Shoals Church of Christ. Due to COVID-19 pandemic regulations, my family and I donned light blue masks. I sat there quietly, and my mind was in a million different places. Suddenly, the song leader caught my attention.
“Our next song this morning will be number 646,” the song leader said. “Six-four-six. It is well with my soul.”
It is my favorite song to sing in church. However, I decided to sit and listen to the words. I opened my ears to the soothing vocals and harmonies:
When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul!”
A simple, yet comforting message for us to hear. However, it is not always easy to think that way. I struggled to grasp this concept during 2020.
A month after the death of my grandmother, I trudged through a difficult time in life. I was drained — the hobbies and activities I enjoyed did not feel the same.
As some of you know, I am an avid sports fan. Specifically, I love watching Chelsea Football Club and the Tampa Bay Rays. Win or lose, I did not enjoy watching either team play like I normally do.
It was a tough stretch in life that I will never forget; but it shaped me into the man I am today.
I flipped a switch during my senior year at Foundation Christian Academy (FCA). I need to give credit to three people. Two of them attended FCA with me, Austin Corn and Carson Kull. The third person, Adrian Montanez, went to school just down the road. These three guys helped me stay afloat. Whether we watched a game together or played video games, the group helped me keep a positive attitude.
I don’t want to say too much about Adrian, Austin and Carson. You will read about them in my future columns.
I believe we are made in the image of God. However, God puts people in our lives to mold us into better people.
I know it is cliche, but everything happens for a reason. In this case, everyone you come in contact with is there for a reason. God has a plan for us. He uniquely designed us before time began.
Sorry, it is time to be cliche again. You learn something new every single day, right? Yes, and everyone you meet will teach you something new — whether it is good or bad. My column will discuss the people, moments and stories that shaped my soul. You might be thinking, ‘Wow, this is some pretty deep stuff.’
Relax, I have some good stories and messages to share.
I will leave you with some encouragement as we roll through the semester. Enjoy yourself these next couple weeks. I know you have tests and quizzes coming up. It is going to be okay. Do not let the stress take over and prevent you from having a good day.
For my freshmen readers, I hope you have fun during the club recruitment process. If you are looking to join the men’s club with the best jerseys, I believe Galaxy is the right place for you. Our opinions editor, Helen Strickland, would certainly agree. (By the way, those Knights hockey jerseys are incredible. Sorry Theta.)
I look forward to seeing you around campus. I pray that you receive wisdom and strength throughout the school year. Be blessed, and it is well.
NIC FRARACCIO is editor-in-chief for The Bison. He can be contacted at nfraraccio@harding.edu.
Weezer released their debut album, simply titled “Weezer,” in 1994. Met with immediate acclaim from critics and listeners, largely in part to the band’s massively successful music video produced for “Buddy Holly,” Weezer was put on the center stage of the alternative rock scene in the 1990s. In an attempt to follow this success, Weezer’s lead vocalist Rivers Cuomo released Pinkerton. The album bravely explored harsher sounds and vulnerable lyrics; audience reception was subpar. This public failure led the band to believe their career was over. Rivers claimed the band was never good, and blamed their fame on their “Buddy Holly” music video. Throughout the next five years, critics and fans began to revisit the album, transforming it into a cult classic. It bolstered a perfect review from Pitchfork, one of the largest music music publication outlets in America. The review brought Weezerback together, but it would be 20 years before the band released an album with any musical depth. Rivers feared making the same mistake again, so he left Weezer fans with corporate sounding, overproduced albums in the meantime. Radiohead released their debut album
The battle of the bands
Pablo Honey in 1993 in the United Kingdom. While they were met with moderate success in their home country, Radiohead struggled to find an American audience. However, the lead single from the album, “Creep,” achieved major success in the US, bringing the group into the limelight. Following this success, the band released The Bends in 1995. This album, while not revolutionary, brought Radiohead into the eyes of major critics and labels, allowing them time and money to work on their pet project, OK Computer. Immediately upon release, critics unanimously agreed this was a major step not just for Radiohead, but for alternative rock as a whole. To this day, OK Computer is still brought up in discussions of the greatest albums of all time, earning the number 12 spot on Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums just this year– beating the likes of “Dark Side of the Moon,” “Revolver,” and “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” After this incredible success, Radiohead took one of the biggest risks in music history, releasing “Kid A,” an album almost entirely devoid of guitar, and instead, featuring electronic instruments. Despite debuting at number one on the UK
Albums Chart and climbing to the number one spot in the US days after release, critics and fans had mixed feelings. Many critics praised Radiohead for continuing to innovate mainstream music, while others described “Kid A” as cryptic and unenjoyable. In a similar fashion to Pinkerton, support for “Kid A” is practically universal now, with it holding the 33rd spot on Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums. To this day Radiohead continues to evolve their sound, even exploring collaborations with the London Contemporary Orchestra.
Both Weezer and Radiohead were faced with the challenge of succeeding albums that achieved critical acclaim while defining their sound. While Radiohead met the challenge with open arms, giving them a powerful legacy and cementing them as one of the most influential bands since the Beatles, Weezer became afraid of another failure, trapping them into a commercialized version of their own band.
ISAAC BUNNER is a guest writer for The Bison. He can be contacted at ibunner@harding.edu.
It was just one first lady talking with another.
When Barbara Bush spoke at Harding in 2002, she had a lot to be proud of. Her husband was the former president of the United States. Her son was the current president. As she spoke to nearly 4,000 people in the Benson Auditorium, she joked that sometimes she couldn’t believe where life had taken her.
“When I sit down with George and we watch our son on television, we are in awe,” she told the audience. “Can this be the same person I threatened with death and destruction if he didn’t clean his room?”
Earlier that day, Mrs. Bush had attended a reception at the home of Harding President David Burks. It had already been a full day, and the dinner and speech were still ahead. Yet after all the guests had left, instead of retreating to a private place to rest, the former resident of the White House sat down with Leah Burks in her living room and said, “Now, tell me all about your family.” Her reputation for being down to earth was no political pose. It was genuine.
Mrs. Burks cherished that story. Not because it involved a celebrity, but because in the midst of a grand public occasion, she had enjoyed a quiet chat about family, mother-to-mother.
When Leah Burks passed away in July at the age of 81, she was remembered as a gracious woman who lived for a long time out of her comfort zone. She disliked the spotlight, never happier than when spending time with her husband and family, tending flowers in her garden, baking in the kitchen, or attending church. But when Dr. Burks became the fourth president of Harding in 1987, she soon had to take on a more public role.
They had met at Harding in the 1960s, when she came from a farm in Illinois. After they married, they returned to Searcy in 1967. With degrees in English and art, she taught both locally. She and David raised a daughter
and two sons, and she treasured time with her six grandchildren—all of whom remember her lovingly as their biggest supporter, who never missed a sporting event or performance. More comfortable planting hydrangeas than throwing parties, she nevertheless became the quintessential host. As her son Bryan said, “She lived graciously in a glass house in a small town.” Her home was constantly open to students and visiting dignitaries. She and Dr. Burks held a weekly Bible study in their home for many years, and she sponsored the Zeta Rho social club for three decades. She was a master of hospitality.
And somehow, she still managed to stay out of the limelight as much as possible. At her funeral, the story was shared of an introverted young woman who attended a reception at the Burks home and felt terribly out of place. Amid the buzz of socializing, she slipped into the kitchen, where Leah was busy preparing food. Mrs. Burks handed the young lady a knife, and they spent much of the evening together, just two kindred spirits staying busy. As the young lady prepared to leave, Mrs. Burks whispered, “The kitchen is the best place to hide.”
A former student recalled the famous luaus that Dr. and Mrs. Burks hosted for incoming freshmen each year. As he stood nervously alone in the crowd, not knowing anyone, Leah Burks came over to him. She immediately put him at ease, and they talked for 45 minutes. He reflected that few things had more influence
on him in his four years at Harding than that experience.
That common touch extended to both the famous and the not-so-famous. Yet another of her favorite stories involved the visit of Margaret Thatcher. When the former British prime minister spoke at Harding in 1995, security was high. The Oklahoma City bombing had happened just eight days before, and Scotland Yard swept the scene in advance of her visit.
After a reception at the Burks home, Mrs. Thatcher insisted on going upstairs for a private chat with Leah. Her security detail balked, since they had not inspected the second floor. But Lady Thatcher was not someone to be trifled with, and, holding one of the Burks grandchildren, she marched upstairs past Scotland Yard and talked for 20 minutes with her host.
Every January, the College Church of Christ hosts a steak dinner for anyone who has read the entire Bible in the preceding year. As much as I view steak as a treat, Leah’s famous desserts are the primary draw. I’ve often joked that the thought of her peanut butter pie got me through Leviticus.
Dr. and Mrs. Burks were married 59 years, and she served nearly 28 of those as Harding’s first lady. She bravely fought cancer twice, and we thank God for her elegant, spirit-filled life.
MICHAEL CLAXTON is a narrative columnist for The Bison. He can be contacted at mclaxto1@harding.edu.
Illustration by Katherine Moore
Narrative Columnist Michael Claxton
Guest Writer Isaac Bunner
Graphic by ANNA CLAIRE CURTIS
Way Back When... The Dugout Dispatch
What brings us nostalgia?
Sports Editor Eli Dean
For me, the past two weeks have been all about nostalgia, for a variety of reasons. For one thing that’s non-sports related, my TikTok feed recently showed me a slideshow of Fortnite; a video game that somehow took over my life and many others in junior high. If anyone’s wondering, I always landed at the one house with a storm cellar at Pleasant Park. Back to sports though. It’s hard to look at today’s sports landscape and not begin to wonder when all of that nostalgia will go away. Manning, Brady, Rivers and Big Ben have all been gone for a long time now. During this last week, Joey Votto’s career came to a close after an unceremonious end in the minors. It’s a way of life. The players we grow up with will all soon be retired. In some cases, their relatives will take their places as the new generation of athletes.
So, to answer my question, what brings us nostalgia?
I remember in 2011 when my dad hurled me up in the air after the late Mike Shannon announced over the radio that David Freese, down to the last strike of the season, had just tied Game Six of the World Series. Twentyfive minutes later, one of my dad’s favorite players, Lance Berkman, tied the game again. Later in the game, Freese sent the series to a seventh game. My dad lifted me off the ground as high as he could, nearly bonking my head against the ceiling fan above us.
Shortly after that, I remember asking my dad before a local recreational basketball practice when I was in first grade when Albert Pujols would play for the Cardinals again. I don’t think when my dad answered that question he thought that during my junior and senior years of high school, The Machine would once again wear the birds on the bat. That 2022 year, when Pujols got to 700 home runs, was probably the most my dad and I had been connected to Cardinals baseball in a long time. Being able to fully experience and appreciate a fill Albert Pujols year in St. Louis was an experience I’ll never forget.
In 2014, my dad went upstairs for just a second before I stood dumbfounded in front of my TV as Travis Ishikawa hit the home run that sent the Giants to the World Series again. I told my dad, “there’s always next year,” but I think he knew better.This year marks ten years, and well, status update, it hasn’t happened since 2011. And at this point, it’s likely not for a very long time.
Watching “LeBron puts up a three, won’t go, rebound Bosh, back out to Allen, his three-pointer… BANG!”, and the rest that followed the morning after it happened in my basement because I couldn’t stay up late as a second grader. Shouting in that same basement, “What are you doing?!” after the Dodgers dealt with a cacophony of errors to blow game four of the 2020 World Series against Nic Fraraccio’s Tampa Bay Rays. Seeing my dad become a fully-fledged football fan over someone we first saw playing while waiting in line at Sam’s Club (hint, he’s a quarterback looking to get his third Super Bowl in a row). Even if I’m not the biggest Chiefs fan in the world– that has been special. Every now and then, it’s fun to think about those moments, whether they happened 13 years ago, or the memories are just a few months old.
And the special thing is, soon enough, we’ll all be much older, still recalling these memories with the appreciation that only nostalgia gives.
Derrick hired as new coach
JACKSON BRANSON staff writer
This year, the Harding football team welcomes its newest assistant coach, Ryan Derrick. Joining the faculty as the wide receivers coach, Derrick is no stranger to Harding University. As a 1997 alumnus, Derrick is a former teammate of head football coach Paul Simmons. Following their time as students, the pair went on to coach together for eight years at Harding Academy in Memphis.
“It was an easy choice for us,” Simmons said. “We almost always know who we want to get.”
He said that Harding exists within a unique context among college football teams across the United States, in that the vast majority of the coaching staff are alumni.
“One of the reasons why we succeed here is because we have such a special group of coaches,” Simmons said. “They don’t view what we do as work, we all view this as mission.”
As such, the athletics department constructs an environment which evokes a strong sense of home — a tradition Derrick is continuing.
Following the belief that the team works best when it functions as a family, Derrick involves his own when possible. Within the first week of school, Derrick and his family have already thrown birthday celebrations for two of the wide receivers. Derrick said his wife asked the players what they wanted for their birthday, and worked to make two custom desserts for them: one for the team to share, and one to keep for themselves.
One of these two students, senior Darius Brown, is entering his fourth year with the football team and his second year as receiver. As expected with a change of leadership, some aspects of practice, which began Aug. 7, are a little bit different. Brown said Derrick is “blending his own style and seeing how it fits with us,” but above all “he adds to us.”
Derrick said that upon receiving the invitation from Simmons, he had a brief discussion about it with his family, but aside from that “it was an easy decision.” He, his wife and both his children were excited about the move to the University, and are just as invested in the new position as he is.
Detailing the specifics about what was necessary for players at Harding, and thus all the more so their coach, Simmons stated, “We have to have young men that are unselfish... that mentality is magnified times 10 at receiver... it takes a very special guy to excel at receiver here.” Given their experience together, Simmons earnestly believes Derrick meets those character-driven requirements —“I trust him completely,” Simmons said.
Explaining their aim for the season, Derrick and Simmons both maintained that dedication to God remains the quintessential focus for them as individuals and for the team. “The goal
for us remains consistent, and that goal is to have the very best culture in college football in America, and for us that begins and ends with trying to honor God,” Simmons said. Derrick echoed the same mentality, adding on that the football team is a missions field, and his reason for taking the position has more to do with the opportunity to “pour into young, Godly men,” than it has to do with the game of football itself.
Soccer teams look to start season strong
NIC FRARACCIO editor-in-chief
As the fall season approaches, the Harding soccer teams are searching for redemption at the Stephens Soccer Complex.
Last season, the men and women fell short of qualifying for the 2023 Great American Conference tournament. With many returning and new faces around the locker room, both teams are set for the long-awaited 2024 season.
Led by their head coach Dr. Greg Harris, the Lady Bisons enter the new season with 21 returning players. Junior forward Whitney Thomas returns to the squad after leading the team with five goals in 2023.
Harding features six seniors for the upcoming season. Senior midfielder Hattie Hinkle said the team has prepared well for the conference schedule.
“We’ve had a lot of team bonding and getting to know each other,” Hinkle said. “We are definitely looking forward to the rest of the season.”
The women’s preseason was highlighted by a 5-0 victory over the University of the Ozarks. One of the goalscorers, freshman forward Kloey Fullerton, said the team produced multiple scoring chances throughout the match.
“It was a great confidence booster,” Fullerton said. “Knowing that our goal was to score and get multiple shots in — it was a great first step.”
With less than a week before the regular season opener, Hinkle said the team continues to work hard on and off the field.
“We do a lot of goal setting personally, and as a team,” Hinkle said. “We are not only trying to make ourselves better on the field, but making ourselves better teammates.”
As the Lady Bisons bring in nine new players, the men’s team features 17 new faces ahead of the 2024 season.
Jon Ireland, the Bisons head coach, will showcase a new look for Harding after missing out on the 2023 conference tournament.
Junior forward Matthew Sanchez, one of the 11 returning players, said the team has “meshed well” during training.
“It seems like we already have a really good bond,” Sanchez said. “I would almost allude to it as a family.”
The Bisons final preseason game ended in a 1-0 victory against the University of the Ozarks. Junior forward Cian Halpin opened the scoresheet for Harding.
Sanchez said the depth in attack will provide a spark for the team moving forward.
“There’s so much more creativity on-and-off the ball that Coach [Ireland] is really trying to push this year,” Sanchez said.
As the preseason comes to a close, the Harding soccer programs have their sights set on the season opener.
Both teams will host Union University Sept. 5 to begin the regular season. The women’s team will kick off at 11 a.m., which will be followed by the men’s team at 1 p.m.
ELI DEAN is the sports editor for The Bison. He may be contacted at edean3@harding.edu.
Ryan Derrick is the new wide receivers coach for Harding football. Derrick was previously the head coach at Harding Academy in Memphis from 20062015 and holds the school’s career wins record.
Photo provided by JEFF MONTGOMERY
Graphic by MAKAYLA MCDONALD
Graphic by SYDNEY PALMER
Graphic by BEN EVANS
Two local businesses open downtown
HELEN STRICKLAND opinions editor
Two small businesses, Beyond Boundaries Life and Vibe Vintage Experience have opened in downtown Searcy. The store Beyond Boundaries Life is an outdoor/camping store located on East Center Avenue. Barbara Milton and her husband Bill Milton bought the store in 2017 from its owners. They sold the store in 2022, and it went out of business. The Miltons bought it again and reopened it in 2024 with a smaller inventory.
“There were so many people that…kept asking us to come back,” Barbara Milton said.
The Miltons sell some goods online, but their larger and cheaper inventory is found in the store which Milton referred to as Base Camp. Beyond Boundaries Life has their own line of soy candles and printed
T-shirts. Milton said another appeal of her store is her dog.
“A lot of people come to Beyond Boundaries just to see Sherpa, our border collie…He loves to do tricks,” Milton said.
Milton emphasized Beyond Boundaries Life’s goal to stay connected to downtown Searcy.
“We love the Searcy downtown vibe, and we want to keep it alive. She said. “Yeah, we want to give our neighbors places to come and get things to aid them to get outside,” she said.
Harding sophomore and Beyond Boundaries shopper Eden Steil expressed appreciation for the store.
“Going in, it’s…fun, because, like, you can just talk and hang out, and, like, some as a local, I know the people are working, and it’s really fun. “ Steil said. “And they also have a
dog, “so you get to play with the dog while you’re shopping.”
Vibe Vintage Experience also opened in downtown Searcy this year. Lisa Douglas owns both Vibe Vintage Experience and Soda Jerk, which are located next door to one another.
Douglas said the store is called Vibe Vintage Experience because the store sells “some things that are not necessarily vintage so that they are price point appropriate for college students.”
Douglas began collecting inventory for the store in 2023. In the spring of 2024, she organized multiple pop-up shops to sell the clothing. After their success, she opened a storefront on East Center Avenue in April 2024.
“We decided to go ahead and do the storefront, and then through networking
and connecting with different students at the end of last semester, we made so many friends that like to bring things.” Douglas said. “Now we’re expanding,”
The idea for a vintage store came to Douglas while she was on vacation.
“We were in Charlotte, North Carolina, and our Airbnb was in this cute little downtown area, and there was a vintage store,” Douglas said. She expressed her interest in “how…one shop can reach so many different people.”
Vibe Vintage Experience is organized by style; different aesthetics of clothing are located in separate areas of the store.
“You can do so many different things with thrifting, and I love that,” Douglas said.
Sweet and Sourdough serves pastries in unique way
EVELYN FILLEMAN guest writer
The Searcy area has much to offer its residents; from local stores to outdoor facilities, the town certainly holds its charm within the community. Locals enjoy building relationships, and most students try to integrate into the community. However, there are hidden gems that many have yet to discover, one of which is Sweet and Sourdough Bakery.
This in-house micro-bakery, run by Rachel Jenkins of Pangburn, blends the elements of small businesses with community outreach to create a unique local experience. Sweet and Sourdough itself has no storefront; instead, Jenkins bakes goods in her house and sells them using different methods, one of which is a mobile cart placed in her front yard. The cart, built by her stepdad out of scrap wood, features drawers filled with intricately crafted pastries and a mini coffee bar. It attracts
customers of all ages with its creative setup. For many, visiting the cart becomes a fun activity to do with friends.
“I still laugh about it to this day because it is so crazy how it all came to be,” Jenkins said. “I literally just set a sign out in my yard and prayed about it every day, and God did the rest.” Jenkins had always loved baking and decided she wanted to pursue it. As a stay-at-home mom, Jenkins was looking for a way to help her family while doing something she loved. Soon, the small outpost grew to involve partnerships with other businesses. Allison Dennison, co-owner of Perk and Post (sister shop to Mr. Postman Expresso), places a weekly order with Jenkins.
“She just approached us with a box of pastries, and we were looking for something kind of like that,” Dennison said. ”We started small and ordered a few things from her, cardamom buns and some scones. We had talked about tapping into somebody local, but we didn’t really know who.”
Dennison said that Jenkins’ pastries help draw attraction to Perk and Post, and vice-versa; the pastries continually sell out each week, and the customers love the option for baked goods. In addition to working with Perk and Post, Jenkins also sells pastries to Mercantile on Main Street in Pangburn, and Hard Brew Coffee Co. in Bald Knob.
New Asian cuisine restaurants pop
ELLIOTT COOMBES guest writer
Several new restaurants opened their doors this summer and offered Searcy a fresh taste of Asian cuisine.
Pho Ever and More, owned by Rudy and Hendra Wijaya, opened in June and specializes in Pho, a Vietnamese soup.
“It’s a meal, not a side dish,” Rudy said.
“It comes with noodles and a broth we make with a beef bone marrow.”
They boil the broth for eight to 10 hours each day and serve the dish with noodles, a choice of protein and an optional side of vegetables.The restaurant also sells a variety of different Asian foods, including Japanese teriyaki, hibachi, sushi and Vietnamese dishes. Customer Nikita Berry described it as a combination of hibachi and Noodle House.
“If you like the Noodle House and Fuji’s you’ll like this place,” Berry said.
Pho Ever and More has lunch hours up to 2:30 p.m., and opens for dinner hours at
4:30 p.m. However, the restaurant is closed on Sundays.Rudy says the business has received a positive response from Searcy residents.
“We really appreciate the local people who help us do business,” Rudy said.
Their hope is that more people will come and try something new.
“Please support us, we try and give our best in serving the people around Searcy,” Rudy said.
A second Asian restaurant, CM Hotpot and Grill, is run by CarlosFrogoso and offers a communal dining experience.
“I want people to experience what I experienced when I went to the Philippines,” Frogoso said.
The support that small businesses like Jenkins’ offer has inspired Harding’s students, like Perk and Post barista Tristin Carpenter.
“The people running small businesses love to make friends with community members and overall make visiting them a very enjoyable experience,” Carpenter said.
So, what can be expected of Sweet and Sourdough in the future? Jenkins is taking it one step at a time, and enjoying her current community.
“I could see myself long-term continuing to do exactly what I’m doing now, or I could also see expanding eventually,” Jenkins said. “I’m trying my best to just take it one day at a time, and let God continue to steer me in what he has planned. He’s gotten me this far, and I trust that he will continue to provide and lead me where he wants me!”
up around Searcy
and cook the dishes together. Each table has a heated basin for soups and a small grill for customers to cook their meat.
“Almost every corner you’ll see a hotpot and grill.” The term hotpot and grill refers to the style of dining where people sit around a table
“Some people are like ‘wait a minute, know I have to cook the for myself,’ but that’s the point of it,” Frogoso said. “It’s fun because when you bring your family and friends, you guys are cooking while eating.”
CM offers three kinds of soup: a spicy Szechuan soup, a tomato soup and the original soup.
The original is “more like a vegetable broth,” Frogoso said.
“Because we have had a lot of people who have been asking for gluten-free, we have that original soup they can use.”
CM also sells bundles, which make the trip more affordable for dining parties. If the customer isn’t interested in hotpots, there are
plenty of entrees to choose from. Frogoso made sure to point out the mini pork buns, which are dumplings with soup inside.
Frogoso’s family has already been established in Searcy’s restaurant scene. His mother owns Whilma’s Filipino Restaurant, and gave him the building when she moved her restaurant to a new location.
“She told me to find something new,” Frogoso said.“So I was like, hotpot and grill would be a perfect change of scenery when it comes to food.”
Frogoso wanted to cater to Harding in particular because of the diverse student population.
“People are now getting to know and enjoy it,” Frogoso said.“I even have a customer that came back every other day, and she’s bringing different people with her. I just
Vibe owner Lisa Douglas organizes clothing items Aug. 28 in her store in downtown Searcy. Douglas opened the store in March 2024 and offers various vintage T-shirts, denim and street wear.
Illustration by ANNA CLAIRE CURTIS
Illustration by MAKAYLA MCDONALD
Photo by JOSEY MYERS
TheLink.Harding.edu FEATURES
First Lady opens home to community
OSCAR ALDANA guest writer
Since Dr. Mike and Lisa Williams stepped into their roles as President and First Lady at Harding University, they have been making changes to provide a welcoming environment, both on campus and within their house. Lisa Williams has been revamping the home to utilize space for the Harding community. She feels that it is important to have a beautiful home so when people visit, they see a positive representation of Harding.
“The house belongs to the University, it is contractual to live here, and the board sees value in having people in the home for the University,” Williams said. “Some people call it entertainment, we do not like to use that word, we are not trying to impress anyone, we are trying to represent the University well.”
Many people admire the work that Williams has done on the home. While Williams has done much of the redesigning herself, Toria Welkener, Harding interior design alumna, has also contributed to the process.
“I assisted her in finish and lighting selection and produced the construction documents for the renovations,” Welkener said.
Welkener said it has been amazing to see the house transform as different presidential couples have resided in it. She appreciates the new flow and openness of the living spaces, which allows for larger groups of people to gather. The finishes they selected elevate the interiors without diminishing the welcoming aesthetic.
Women’s Bible study explores faith overseas in Greece
ADDIE ECHOLS guest writer
Harding assistant professor Jill Davis leads a Bible study for college women every week. This past spring she presented the idea of going to Greece as a group. Davis planned out a 10 day trip to Greece, which included a three-night cruise to the Greek Islands and other various locations. They visited places such as Athens, Ephesus, Corinth and Turkey. Davis extended the invite to the students’ mothers, as well as some Harding graduates. A total of 23 women went on the trip. Senior Lael Seats was one of the Harding students who went on the trip.
“I think it was just crazy to see the Bible in real life because we got to go to the Bema, which is where Paul was on trial,” Seats said.
“So it was just interesting to see like this is where this actually occurred in real time, whereas, before that all you have is your own vision of the Bible but then you get to put it together in real life.”
Another student on this trip was senior Adele Duncan. She had studied abroad in Florence, Italy during her sophomore year, but never had the opportunity to visit Greece. The group stayed at a Harding owned building called the Artemis.
“The magic within the walls at the Artemis was just so similar to my study abroad program and seeing their pictures and the books that they’ve left behind,” Duncan said.
One of Davis’s goals for the trip was to allow students who couldn’t previously go abroad to experience a little taste without leaving campus for a whole semester. The group visited biblical sites such as Corinth and Ephesus, which allowed them to visualize Paul and his journey establishing churches in these areas. They also took cooking classes with the Harding University in Greece head cook, Natasa Tsirmpa. This intergenerational group of women ranged from college to middle age. Since it was a smaller group, it didn’t take long for everyone to get to know each other and grow closer.
“The best part was definitely the group bonding and experiencing it all together, and I was so proud to be a part of Harding to get to offer that for them,” Davis said.
As Davis reflected on how well this experience was with the help of Harding, she said she looks forward to the possibility of the trip happening again in the future.
New HUF Director Aleece Kelley completes first semester
JIANA MANGLICMOT lifestyle editor
After observing and working alongside former Harding University in Florence (HUF) director Robbie Shackelford during the 2024 spring semester, new hire Aleece Kelley has completed her first semester as the sole director of the study abroad program in Italy.
Junior Jessica Leite attended HUF in the spring semester and shared her experience under the co-leadership of Shackelford and Kelley. Leite explained that during this transitional period, she enjoyed getting to know old faculty while also meeting the new leadership.
“We got to form a relationship with both of them, and it was cool because Aleece got to shadow everything that Robbie did, befriend his connections, see what he did and see how she might want to integrate that into her own program,” Leite said. “It just was sweet all around.”
Leite said that Shackelford and Kelley’s shared leadership enriched the trip with their different approaches and hopes for the students during their time abroad.
“I feel like the overall message Aleece gave to us was just one of observance and taking in every moment,“ Leite said. “I feel like that was just her approach to life. We were in Italy, and there was so much to learn there that we hadn’t yet learned.”
Executive Director of International Programs Audra Pleasant said Kelley honors HUF’s well-established roots while also considering changes that may better accommodate the needs of future students.
“The changes she has made in response to student feedback [have been] about scheduling and having more time for rest and reflection and more time to be able to see things in Florence,” Pleasant said. “Students sometimes felt like they didn’t have time because everything was so full. I do think we have seen a shift the last 10 years in study abroad students wanting a little bit of a slower pace so that they feel like they have the time to process and appreciate what they’re doing, not just checking things off on the list.”
Kelley is inspired by Shackelford’s studentled focus, and hopes to continue encouraging students to be thoughtful and present during their time at HUF.
“It’s a student program, and so really building a program that serves them well and gives them an incredible experience is how I’m really wanting to approach it,” Kelley said. “I’m really encouraging them to be curious, ask questions, observe and then talk about that with each other. There’s so many incredible things in this world that the Lord has created that they have the opportunity to experience in a way that not everyone does.”
Kelley has returned to Scandicci, Italy to meet up with the 2024 fall semester Harding University in Europe (HUE) students, who will be staying in the HUF villa until Sept. 9. After their stay, the HUF students will begin their semester abroad Sept. 18.
Senior Magdalene Pruitt also supports Williams’ work. She has visited the Williams’ new house twice since Dr. Williams became president. She loves the couple for their hospitality, and willingness to welcome
students into their home. The home features a kitchen with two dining tables and has plenty of natural lighting, which makes it a great place for students to congregate and fellowship.
“They can fit more people in the house and Lisa told me that she is interested in having women’s studies and a bunch of student meetings since she loves having people over,” Pruitt said.
Photo by JOSEY MYERS
Seniors Allie Nesbitt and Molly Speight visit the Williams’ home Aug. 25 for a meeting with youth group leaders for Downtown Church of Christ. The Williams often open their home to the Harding and Searcy community.
Photo by ABIGAIL CALLICOAT
Members of Davis’s Bible study pose for a photo Aug 2. at Cape Sounion, Greece. The group visited various locations in Greece on their 10 day trip.
New HUF director Aleece Kelley poses near the Florence Cathedral in Italy. Kelley directed her first semester spring 2024.
Photo provided by INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Stampede revamp receives high praise
Even for a veteran student, move-in day can be stressful. From unpacking stuffed bags to finding classrooms, the first few days of college can be overwhelming for freshmen who are new to the university system. Harding helps new students break ground on campus through its Stampede program: a four-day event that helps freshmen make friends, break down schedules, and play games. This year, Harding Admissions gave ownership of Stampede to Campus Life, who made several changes to improve the student experience.
Director of Campus Life Jane Chandler said she and several other Campus Life staff members had been planning Stampede since March 2024. Chandler provided insight into the positive feedback that Campus Life received for the changes that were made.
“I think it’s really helped campus life like continue our brand awareness, even upperclassmen,” Chandler said. “I think it has helped, like ‘Oh, I had no idea you did that or [were] behind the scenes of that.’.”
When asked about the benefits of students working at Stampede, Chandler said the biggest change was making sure the students felt prepared. She stated some of the new things Stampede did this year, including letting students walk their daily class schedule, sitting in their chapel seat and learning how to open their mailbox.
Campus Life worker Lexi Earnhart said one of the best improvements about
the Stampede revamp was giving students more free time.
“So like we wanted to give them time to do that, make a last Walmart run, really use that time to take a nap because they’re so exhausted and mentally drained from meeting so many people,” Earnhart said. “I think that was just a big change that I heard a lot of positive feedback from and I saw it was a very good change.”
James Stone served as one of five coordinators from Campus Life who helped organize Stampede. When asked about the Stampede activities, Stone talked about coordinating the free time and games at the intramural fields.
“We did silent disco,” Stone said. “We had a lighting package and like for a full three hours and there was like at least 100 people there at all times. We did the intramural fields, we had inflatables. We had a soccer game going. We also had volleyball, coloring tables and a football game.”
Freshman Jonah Wagner said his favorite part of Stampede was watching Dale K., a comedic hypnotist who came to Harding to entertain the Stampede crowd. Wagner also gave a brief synopsis of what it was like on move-in day.
“It was fun, I did enjoy meeting new people,” Wagner said. “I did enjoy moving into the room and meeting my new roommate.”
Campus Life hopes to take the feedback from this past Stampede and continue to improve upon it for years to come.
150 students run, swim Little Red River 5K race
On the first day of classes, a group of roughly 150 students came together to run a 5K race to the local Little Red River. Upon arrival, the group swam across the river and back. Originally organized by men’s social club Theta, the run has become a deeply beloved tradition for students.
Senior Colby Covalt recalled when he was first invited to participate in this run during his freshman year of college. Covalt said that during his freshman year he found this run to be “a good time to get together,
Primarily, attendees of the run this year are affiliated with the social clubs TNT and Theta. Covalt further explained the idea and importance of suffering together and how this particular run brought that to his attention.
“It’s not just a, ‘let’s wake up at 6 a.m. and punish ourselves.’ It’s like, ‘wake up at 6 a.m., meet guys, suffer together and have a good time,” Covalt said. “It’s in those moments that you can really glue together closer. You walk around campus and you meet people and it’s awesome, but how much more memorable is it that I am running this race and I’m hurting, but my brother right beside me who I don’t know is also hurting. That’s so much more
memorable and it creates lasting impressions that really have a profound impact on me.”
While the majority of runners were men, sophomore Emma Gaskill was a part of a small group of women who participated in the run.
“I was toward the back.,” Gaskill said. “There were like five girls and then over 100 boys.”
She recalls meeting outside of the Allen dorm at 5:50 a.m. to begin the run. Gaskill also said that President Mike Williams showed up as one of the drivers to take the students back to campus. Gaskill also said that her favorite part of the race was the
“The big challenge is getting in the water. What you do is you run there, you run three miles, you jump in the water, you swim across and you swim back,” Hawley said. “It’s a really good start of the school year. Sure you’re a little tired for that day, but everyone I feel like that does that looks back on it and is like ‘Wow that was awesome! That was like the perfect way to start the year.’ It’s just a really good community thing and it’s also physically challenging.”
Though only a small representation of the group that participated in the run, all three of these students described the level of connection that can come from being an
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AMANDA TOYE community editor
WESLEY HALL guest writer
Junior Tamson Gardner, Sophomore Asa Fowler and other students dance at a silent disco. The disco was one of many events of the 2024 Stampede.
Photo by ABIGAIL CALLICOAT
Graphic by
MAKAYLA MCDONALD