Campus awaits Inspire
As the University moves into its second century, the event traditionally known as “Lectureship” has been rebranded as “Inspire,” and promises interests for both returning alumni, current students and members of the community. In the Inspire program, Monte Cox, who is serving as committee chair for the Lectureship team, said there will be something for everyone at Inspire.
“Presenters from all over the world bring their expertise in all things ministry — missions, preaching, youth ministry, children’s ministry, mental health and much more,” Cox said. “If you are an elder, a deacon, a preaching minister, a youth minister, or simply a member of a local church invested in the life of your congregation, then there is something here for you. We hope you will leave this year’s event inspired.”
Co-Director Meagan Justus said that the rebranding to Inspire is an attempt to update Lectureship to be current to modern issues and interests.
“Our purpose for rebranding Inspire was to update it and bring it into the second
for the 2024 event. century,” Justus said. “We really wanted to find topics that were interesting and relevant for students. So, we’re offering courses on things like gender identity and the Middle East crisis and the historical, Biblical and political perspectives on that.”
Justus said that the 100th Lectureship provided a turning point and an opportunity for change.
“Lectureship has been largely the same for the last 100 years,” Justus said. “We thought this was a perfect time to update the name to be more current and also appeal to a different, additional demographic and to be really clear about what we were offering.”
Justus considered the purpose of Inspire to be serving the church and to provide resources for those working in the church.
Justus said she is excited for students to hear from John Walton, an Old Testament professor at Wheaton University, and someone who many students are reading in class.
“The most important thing that I want students to know is they don’t have to take seminars for credit to come to Lectureship,” Justus said. “Lectureship is free for all students, and they can come to any session without registering or taking it for class.”
about God walking
Joseph through his trials in Egypt on Wednesday.
“Being asked to speak as a student speaker is such an honor,” Brown said. “Lectureship has always been one of my favorite events at Harding, so getting to be a small part of it this year is a great blessing.”
Senior English major Ada Lawrence is speaking on Monday about the unifying nature of God, in contrast to the isolating nature of sin.
“I have been so thankful for Lectureship for years as a rich celebration of our Lord, and as I am rejoicing in the ability to share the good news of our Lord in all my life, I am honored to be able to share in this academic setting,” Lawrence said. “Praise God for his goodness.”
The event will begin Sunday night in the Benson Auditorium with a keynote presenation led by Devin and Elijah Swindle.
More information about Inspire can be found on Harding’s website.
Photo by ABIGAIL CALLICOAT
MAGGIE SAMPLES news editor
Harding alumna Evie Boyd, then a senior, speaks to a group of students Sept. 26, 2023, in the Heritage building. Lectureship was recently rebranded as “Inspire”
Senior marketing major D. Ray Brown is speaking
with
CFIT program prepares students
Harding began the Cardiac Function and Interventional Technology (CFIT) graduate program fall of 2022. It is the only program of its kind in the United States.
The CFIT program is a 10-month, twosemester program. It requires 36 credit hours, and its prerequisites are a bachelor’s degree and anatomy and physiology I and II.
Tristan Pendergrass, assistant professor in the College of Allied Health, teaches multiple courses for the CFIT program. The program requires classes such as cardiac function, cardiac rhythm management, and electrophysiology, as well as labs.
Other CFIT classes are business leadershiporiented. Pendergrass said they also have “cardiac device career concepts in the fall
A
tribute to
Former Harding University First Lady Louise Ganus died Sept. 6, 2024. She was 102. Ganus was born Dora Louise Nicholas on Feb. 10, 1922, in the small town of Strawberry, Arkansas. She began studying at Harding in 1938 at the age of 16, and she graduated with degrees in English and French. During her time at Harding, Ganus worked as the Social News Editor for The Bison. She was active on campus as a member and president of social club W.H.C. She won a free-throw competition in 1942. She was crowned queen of the L.C. Carnival in 1941.
She married Clifton Ganus Jr. in 1943. Louise Ganus served as the third first lady of Harding while Clifton Ganus Jr. served as the president of Harding from 1965-1987. They were married 76 years before his death in 2019.
Ganus’ daughter, Debbie Duke, spoke of Ganus’ dedication to Harding. “From the time she was 16 on, Harding was her life,” Duke said.
and cardiac device career leadership in the spring, and those classes are more oriented on leadership, management, organizational behavior… and teamwork.” Many of these classes build on one another.
“We tell a lot of our students, ‘Your knowledge is going to get your foot in the door,’” Pendergrass said. “How well you work with people and how well you communicate is going to keep you there.”
The CFIT program is structured into cohorts of students. Timothy Jayne, a current student in the program, said of the cohorts, “We’re all working together to help encourage and uplift one another.”
CFIT professors are involved with students.
“The teachers have been fantastic,” Jayne said.
“They really care about us, … and I know that even after we graduate, they’re going to be there for us.”
May 2024 CFIT graduate Trey Goudeau said the program’s professors “work very diligently to help you land a great job in the field of your choice.”
“My experience in CFIT was fantastic,” Goudeau said. “Everything about the program is highly focused on helping the students to succeed not only in cardiovascular studies, but professionally as well.”
Many CFIT graduates pursue careers in Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) and electrophysiology. CRM focuses on devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators, while electrophysiology is a more lab-oriented career.
“CFIT absolutely helped guide my career,” Goudeau said. “CFIT is a unique program because it’s an industry based program, providing strong interview prep and many networking opportunities with industry professionals and managers.”
Pendergrass said alumni of the program and the companies they work for have called CFIT graduates “well prepared” and “very successful.” Multiple graduates have had the opportunity to work with accomplished doctors.
“God has been writing this story for decades,” Pendergrass said.
The CFIT program has successfully prepared many graduates entering the field of healthcare.
“If you’re someone who knows the medical field is where you want to go, but you’re unsure of what area within the field you want to work, then CFIT is a perfect program for you,” Goudeau said. “The field [of] electrophysiology and cardiac devices is a very challenging, but incredibly rewarding field to build your career.”
Louise Ganus and her 22 years as first lady
After being inspired by an organization at Columbia where her husband pursued a degree, Ganus helped found Associated Women for Harding. She was awarded their Lifetime Achievement award in 2007. Ganus was a sponsor for the women’s social club Tri Kappa. She also participated in Harding’s Master Gardeners Club. Duke said Ganus was supportive of her husband during his time as Harding’s president.
“She worked really hard,” Duke said. “I remember her going to bed at midnight and getting up at six. She was an early morning person, but the family stayed up late, so she stayed up late.”
Lisa Williams, current first lady of Harding, spoke of Ganus’ character. “She has always been known to have a gentle, kind, loving spirit,” Williams said.
Ganus traveled often with her husband, and Duke said Ganus visited 75 countries in her lifetime including Ukraine and Germany.
The Ganuses were also faculty for a semester at Harding University in Greece.
In regard to her willingness to travel, Duke said “she was very brave.”
Mona Lee Garner, a longtime friend of the Ganus family, said Louise Ganus was “a very gracious, lovely person.”
Duke said of Ganus, “I remember as a child going to deliver food to people because she was always caring about people and trying to help people.”
She and her husband were known for their hospitality. “I would say our house was like a revolving door of people in and out all of the time,” Duke said.
Garner also said Louise Ganus was “very, very supportive” of her husband through his various careers. “I think she loved what she did. She loved Harding. She loved him,” Garner said. She described the Ganus’ relationship as one of “mutual respect.”
Duke said Ganus “deeply cared about people.” Duke added that Ganus was a “great mother” and “wonderful grandmother.” She is survived by three children, 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
The life and legacy of former first lady Leah Burks
Leah Burks died July 10, 2024. She was 81. Burks was the first lady of Harding from 1987-2013 while her husband, David Burks, served as Harding’s president.
Leah Burks’ son Stephen Burks spoke of her life. “She grew up as a farm girl in Illinois–raised on the farm, worked on the farm.” Burks attended Harding University for college. She was a member of Zeta Rho social club and a queen for Beta Phi social club.
Before serving as first lady, she was an English teacher and an art teacher.
When she became Harding’s first lady in September 1987, Leah Burks focused her talents into various organizations. She was also active in Associated Women for Harding. Burks also served as a sponsor for Zeta Rho. Burks is remembered for her gardening abilities, a skill she learned growing up on a farm.
“She always had flowers growing no matter where she lived,” Stephen Burks said.
She often hosted events at her Harding Park home during her time as first lady. They became well-known around Harding.
Liz Howell was a friend of Leah Burks.
“Leah was [a] humble and immensely talented individual,” Howell said. “She and Dr. Burks hosted numerous events in their home, always adding thoughtful touches to make everyone feel welcomed. Despite her own challenges, Leah would consistently ask, ‘How can I help?’”
“She was very hospitable,” Stephen Burks said. “That’s what a lot of people know her for, having people to the house from all over the world.”
Current First Lady of Harding Lisa Williams corroborated Burks’ comment “She hosted things that I was a part of, and it was always immaculate,” Williams said.
Burks spoke of her role as a mother, saying she did well “trying to keep our home…safe from all the craziness that can happen.”
Pat Rice, friend of Leah Burks, spoke of her character. “Leah was a pretty lady with a nice smile,” Rice said. “She enjoyed as much being known as a gardener, farm girl as being
first lady of Harding. In serving her with health care, I never heard her complain.”
Cindy Hunter, executive assistant to Harding’s President Mike Williams, met Leah Burks in 1989 when Hunter began working at Harding.
“Leah was very kind and gracious,” Hunter said. “She had great taste and decorated beautifully. She was passionate about her family, gardening and cooking…she was a woman of many talents.”
Her friends spoke highly of her character.
“She was a wonderful listener and a trusted confidante,” Howell said. “One of the most cherished gifts from my time at Harding was Leah’s friendship.”
Burks was known to be quiet and stay out of the spotlight. Nonetheless, Williams said, “She took a role for almost 30 years that took her out of her comfort zone all the time.”
“Leah will always be remembered for her ability to make people feel welcome and comfortable around her, which she always did, but especially during the years she served as the first lady of Harding,”
Hunter said.
HELEN STRICKLAND opinions editor
HELEN STRICKLAND opinions editor
HELEN STRICKLAND opinions editor
Cardiac Function and Interventional Technology (CFIT) students dissect a heart Sept. 21, 2023. The CFIT program began in fall of 2022 and prepares students for work with cardiac devices and technology.
Louise Ganus smiles on Feb. 10, 2012. Ganus served as the first lady of Harding from 1965-1987.
Leah Burks poses for a photo. Burks served as the first lady of Harding from 1987-2013.
Photo provided by Jeff Montgomery
Photo provided by Jeff Montgomery
Photo provided by Jeff Montgomery
TheLink.Harding.edu 3A OPINIONS
Guest Writer Scott Young Jr.
Robert Horry: The forgotten G.O.A.T.
Graphic by ANNA CLAIRE CURTIS
Whenever the topic of the Greatest Basketball Player of All Time is brought up, the conversation often turns to the same question: Who’s won more championships? This is the reasoning for many people, why Lebron James could never be the greatest of all time. James has only won four championships to Michael Jordan’s six. This is why players like Karemm Abdul-Jabar,Tim Duncan and Magic Johnson remain relevant in the conversation: While they might not be widely considered the greatest of all time, the amount of rings they’ve won keeps them in the spotlight. But there is one player whose name never enters that conversation, yet who has more rings than every name I’ve mentioned. So, if you’re talking rings, I won’t listen unless I hear the name Robert Horry. Now, I forgive you if you don’t know who that is. For the average person, it makes more sense for you to have never heard that name before then for you to recognize it. Horry never averaged more than 12 points per game. His career average for assists is 2.1, for rebounds is 4.8 and for blocks is 0.9. Not exactly a superstar caliber player. His only lasting mark on basketball history is winning the Sixth-Man of the Year Award for the 2001-2002 NBA season. Oh, and did I mention he won seven NBA Championships, and is widely regarded as the clutchest player in NBA history? How “clutch” a player is can be difficult to quantify, but it is an potentially game-winning moments. And of those players, Horry rises above the rest.
Editor-in-chief, 2023-24 Tiane Davis
Writer’s block is such an interesting thing. Of all the columns and articles I’ve written for The Bison in the past, this was one of the more difficult ones, and not for lack of material. I simply have too many good things to say about the people who have worked at our beloved newspaper for the past century. My first draft of this piece was something about memories that will last a lifetime — I made so many of those during my time at The Bison, but narrowing them down was impossible. My second draft was something about the defining moments in our lives — The Bison played a huge role in shaping who I am, but who wants to read an offensively condensed story about my college experience? Ultimately, both were too hard to write with only a few hundred words and to an audience of alumni and students.
By the time my deadline for this special guest column came and went (I submitted this three days late), I had a very sweet realization: those who work to publish The Bison eight times per semester generously write for and about other people. Occasionally, you
Remember when I told you his stats? I may have misled you a tiny bit. Now, I did not lie, those are the regular season career averages for Horry. But, when you look at the playoffs, things get a bit more interesting. In the playoffs, his points per game average
goes up by a full point, to 13.1. His blocks and assist numbers stay pretty similar; his blocks stay completely the same at 0.9, and his assists only rise by 0.3, for a 2.4 average. His rebounds, on the other hand, rise by almost a full point, from 4.8 to 5.6. But, the NBA Finals are where Horry reached his final form. You may be thinking that, with these incredibly average stats, Horry’s 7 championship rings have to be just luck. Right? There’s no way a player so supremely middle of the table made any outstanding contribution that won his team a NBA Championship. Oh, no, no, reader. In almost every single championship run Horry was a part of, he had at least one, if not a multitude of stand-out moments, times where he put the team on his back and gave them a fighting chance through nothing but grit, determination and clutch ability. Now, there are too many moments for me to delve into here, but I implore you to do your research. You will find that throughout his career, when the stakes were at their highest and stress plagued even the greatest of NBA All-Stars, there was one man who consistently found himself calm as could be, ready to nail a shot from anywhere on the court. And his name is Robert Horry. Don’t you forget it.
writer for The Bison. He may be contacted at syoung10@harding.edu.
One true sentence
might see a little Staff Talk section on the very bottom of the last page, but really, The Bison tells stories about everyone but itself. Of the four years I worked at The Bison, I never wrote or read anything in it that was about my fellow Bison friends. Any time I told stories about my life in my opinion column, those stories were still meant to be read by our outside readers, not by us.
The people who create The Bison deserve so much more than the occasional “Hey, I read your article this morning!” or “I saw your name on the front page last week!” You, the readers — their dedicated outside audience — can only give them the occasional word of encouragement, which is always appreciated.
I, however, being in the unique situation in which I am no longer on staff but have been given the opportunity to write again, want to write for the internal audience. I want The Bison to be my reader, for a change.
I have heard that if you ever get stuck with writer’s block or can’t seem to narrow down your topic, start by writing one true sentence. To anyone who has worked for The
For art’s sake!
Bison at one point or another, I wrote a few true sentences about you. You are honest. You are compassionate. You are humble. You make mistakes, just like everyone else. You own up to your mistakes. You are forgiving of others. You stand up for others. You praise others. You are creative. You love to learn — you are still learning! You know how to have fun. You love to share the fun. You get distracted. You work hard. You get distracted again. You finish what you start. You are silly. You are responsible. You sing while you work. You make people laugh, sometimes at your singing. You are not afraid to be yourself. You are really weird, but I promise that is a good thing. You love Legos. You love sports. You are very, very smart. You are helpful. You love to say “yes!” but occasionally say “no” when you need to. You love others well. You teach others how to appreciate life. You are encouraging. You are unique. You are a nerd! You adapt quickly. You are a good listener. You are generous with your time.
You are my friend.
I am proud of you.
I only wrote one big paragraph about you, but I could have written 1,000. I appreciate you for being a good part of my life, and I think about you a lot.
The Bison is 100 years old. I want to ask my external audience: Has The Bison done well for you? I know it has done well for me.
My literary theory class spent this week reading an excerpt from Susan Sontag’s “Against Interpretation,” an essay about the interpretation of art. In it, she critiques our modern obsession with art’s value only being in the meaning we interpret from it. She argues that we have spent the last few centuries interpreting every piece of art — literature, painting, poetry — to death. Now, she says, art will be most useful when its meaning is clear, when we do not have to dig and insert our own analysis into the art we consume. I find this interesting. As an English major, I have spent the last few years interpreting literature again and again, and I have grown tremendously as a result. Some works of art are simply confusing or outside of the context or culture I have grown up in, and I need extra time and guidance to interpret a work. I have learned a lot from analyzing and interpreting complex works of art with my professors and my peers. This is not a bad thing; it is education. However, I think I agree with Sontag. Have you ever been in a room of people who want to dissect a work of art so thoroughly that you lose all appreciation for the work? I certainly have. In fact, I’ve been guilty of doing this myself. Interpretation is praised and valued, but not because it is useful. It does not really seem to edify us; it is a mere intellectual show. Furthermore, when we interpret art too much, we can warp the art itself so that the art itself becomes muddled.
In an increasingly chaotic world, we always want to create or experience the newest, freshest thing. I see this in myself all of the time. Even if the old thing is good, I get tired of it after a while, and I want something else. Sontag noticed this, too. This culture we find ourselves in, she says — a culture in which we are chasing art to dissect it with whatever preconceived notions we have — makes art always on the run and people always seeking to create what is most unique.
When we are always looking for new art to interpret, we lose the sensory experience of the art itself. Think about the beauty of experiencing — really experiencing — art. Think how you felt when you heard your favorite song for the first time. Think about the last book you read that you could not tear your eyes from. Think of the shows you watched as a child and the mesmerizing colors they held. You did not need to interpret these things; they simply held your attention and captivated your emotions. That, Sontag argues, is what art is really for. Art can make us simply feel. Literature can make us laugh or cry. Music can calm us. Art can affect our souls if we only let it. Our obstacle is our desire to interpret it to death with our own biases before the art gets a word in edgewise.
I will leave you with the words of the woman herself, Susan Sontag:
What is important now is to recover our senses. We must learn to see more, to hear more, to feel more.
was the 2023-24 editorin-chief for The Bison. She may be contacted at tianejd@gmail.com.
STRICKLAND is the opinions editor for The Bison. She may be contacted at hstrickland@harding.edu.
Strickland
HELEN
Graphic by ANNA CLAIRE CURTIS
Scott Young Jr.
Evelyn Filleman
Addie Echols Elliott Coombes Oscar Aldana
Wesley Hall
Aidan Efaw
Graphic by SYDNEY PALMER
TIANE DAVIS
SCOTT YOUNG JR. is a guest
Tiane Davis
It is well
Editor-in-chief Nic Fraraccio
“The hope that kills you”
This summer, I watched “Ted Lasso”, a comedy-drama television show focusing on an inexperienced American football coach taking over AFC Richmond, a soccer team in England.
My mom wanted me to watch the show with her — she is basically a super fan. Considering I love watching the Premier League, I enjoyed the show and its humor.
In today’s column, I want to discuss the final episode of season one: “The Hope That Kills You.” Lasso and his team face relegation before their last match against Manchester City, one of the best teams in the league.
As the game approaches, the team comes together through themes of hope and resilience. Despite the challenges, the mindset within the locker room was at an all-time high for AFC Richmond.
The hope continued to build during the competitive match. In the second half, Lasso and his coaching staff realized they needed a tie to secure safety. At the end of the game, City scored a late winner to officially relegate AFC Richmond.
It was the hope that killed them, or at least you might think. I believe it is the hope that proved their worth for seasons to follow.
Here is a question for you: Does hope really kill us? If you give up a late hail mary to choke the lead away, you might say yes. (Sorry Baylor fans).
If you study for an exam and end up with a bad grade, you might say yes. If your favorite baseball team pulls your star pitcher for no reason, you might say yes. (I suffered through this moment in 2020).
What about those of you who say no? Why? What does hope do for us in our daily lives?
I remember my sophomore year of high school baseball at Foundation Christian Academy in Brandon, Florida. Our team was decent for a newly established program, and we achieved a winning record for the first time in school history.
Besides playing catcher, I enjoyed every second of the games, practices and trips. However, our season ended in the first round of the district tournament. All of the work, sweat and tears put into a season felt like it was wasted.
Did the hope kill us? I will be honest with you — absolutely not. The early exit motivated us to strive for more in the following season. A year later, our squad was firing on all cylinders.
Our pitching was lights out, the lineup was deadly, and our confidence was through the roof. Unfortunately, after a 7-0 start to the season, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 season.
Was it upsetting? Of course — but our team knew that we did everything we could to become better players and men.
Hope is what motivates us to do better in life. It is our decision whether to put in the work or not. Hope does not do the work for you — but it helps to have some when you think all is lost.
Do not worry, God has a goal for all of us to fulfill. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of this concept:
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
As you go on with your day,my encouragement for you is to put your faith in God. It is not always easy to do, but it will all be worth it in the end.
You might think hope kills us every once and awhile. But sometimes, hope is the little boost we need to get over the hump. Be blessed, and it is well.
require students to purchase a meal plan when Aramark misrepresents the food they serve. crossed a branding they use for the food they serve on campus. For proof, I ask you to consider whether Bison Hospitality’s advertisements match the food you eat. Shiny wrappings and cardboard look amazing and taste terrible.
join the Harding body they agree to purchase, among other items, a meal pla dorms during curfew, avoid using Chat-GPT on assignments and attend their classes. I have not read the student handbook, but not a single line says the student agreed
Authenticity and Aramark
NIC FRARACCIO is editor-in-chief for The Bison. He may be contacted at nfraraccio@harding.edu.
This summer I did something I had not done in 20 years. I dusted off my old magic act and put on a show. Granted, it was for an audience of nine people, and all of them are related to me. But still, when we hosted a birthday party for my 3-year-old greatnephew at my mother’s house in July, I surprised little Maverick by appearing from behind a curtain wearing a vest and bow tie and doing 10 minutes’ worth of magic tricks
For those who may not know, I once wanted to be a professional magician, like my idol, David Copperfield. As I watched him work his wonders on television, I could picture myself onstage, with jumbo fans blowing my hair back, turning assistants into tigers and whatnot.
Then came the talent competition in the fifth grade. Since tigers were not allowed at J.H. House Elementary, I had to trim my act. Here’s what I did: I put three separate silk handkerchiefs in a clear tube, and when I blew them out, they were tied together. Get out. Then I changed three black ’78 records into red, blue, and yellow records. No way. And for the grand finale, I pulled ten yards of paper ribbons from an apparently empty box. Boom.
I lost to a baton twirler.
After a few more public performances—at the rotary club, at the library, and at Vacation Bible School—I realized that being a magician wasn’t for me. My retirement was probably the best thing I could have done for the art form. Oh, I’ve done a trick here or the re for visitors to my house, and I’ve emceed a couple of shows for our local magic club, but there has been no public groundswell of support for me to pick up the wand again. I am most definitely NOT available now for birthday parties. Still, we thought little Maverick might enjoy a few tricks, so I set up a table in the sun- room and put out a sign that said, “Michael the Marginal.” A blank coloring
to be deceived by Aramark’s advertising; I’d
The first is Aramark’s advertising policies go against Harding’s core values. Harding advertises itself as following the character, example and concerns of Jesus Christ. How does hiring a company who misrepresents their food
The second is that the manner in which Aramark advertises their food is unfair to students. Why should students be expected to purchase an
So what are we to do? Does your singular voice matter? Aramark says it does. They plastered QR codes across the cafeteria; now is the time to use them. If you think Aramark’s advertisements
Bursting Bubbles
book suddenly filled up with pictures. A lit candle turned into a bouquet of flowers. Spots kept multiplying on a card. My great-nephew loved the show, and so did his mother and her siblings, who remembered me performing magic for them when they were young. While my act had not changed much in three decades, I did have one new thing up my sleeve.
I brought out a bottle of bubble liquid, dipped the small stick with the ring at the end into the bottle, and blew bubbles all over the living room. I told Maverick to catch one, and that’s all the encouragement he needed to start running after bubbles and grabbing at them. But bubbles being what they are, they kept popping between his fingers. “Watch, Maverick,” I said. “This is how you do it.” That’s when I reached out and seized a bubble, which turned into a clear glass ball in my hand. Whoa.
But it’s a good thing I was in Georgia and not California. I could have gotten a ticket.
Did you hear about this? A few weeks ago, a bubble entertainer in San Diego was given a citation for “fluid littering” when a park ranger caught his outdoor act. Sandy Snakenburg is a showman who has entertained crowds for years with his giant bubbles. Videos on Instagram show him mixing liquid with large sticks and then releasing enormous, snake-like globs into the air. One of them he calls “the dragon.”
Audiences love watching the effervescent spectacle, which the self-proclaimed “Bubble Pirate” has been whipping up for years. A displaced Navy veteran, he travels around in
matched the food you ate, let them know; if you disagree, tell them. By giving us a medium for communication, they admit our voice matters. Whether or not that is another form of advertising will be proven by their actions. Aramark should truthfully represent the food they bring; and if they do, students should be gracious about their shortcomings. Aramark has not been up to nothing -– the new coffee station in the cafeteria and yogurt parfaits alone have brought me more joy than anything in my professors’ syllabi. In the end, not all the food Aramark makes is awful, and, similarly, not every student complaint is accurate to reality. Of course it’s not your mother’s food — your mom isn’t a food distribution company.
ANDREW RENEAU is an asst. copy editor for The Bison. He may be contacted at areneau@harding.edu.
a van that doubles as his home. “Everyone is a 6-year-old kid again,” he says of spectators to his show. “It’s creating magic.” But not, apparently, in San Diego, where Snakenburg was slapped with a citation and summoned to appear in court in October. He was accused of “littering prohibited fluid.” When asked what kind of Scrooge would object to an outdoor bubble show, a city representative pointed out that the Bubble Pirate uses up to six gallons of fluid mix per day and that the residue could potentially
damage the grass.
Snakenburg is vowing to fight city hall, and he tells Fox 28 News that he has no plans to retire his act. I understand the environmental concerns, but somehow, charging the 63-year-old homeless vet with eco-terrorism seems like overkill. Especially when the evidence has evaporated. I just hope these heavy-handed regulations don’t head east. If the police question Maverick, he already knows to say that he didn’t see a thing. Plus, I’d hate to see the law come after the Harding Bubble.
mclaxto1@harding.edu.
MICHAEL CLAXTON is a narrative columnist for The Bison. He may be contacted at
Narrative Columnist Michael Claxton
Illustration by KIT MOORE
Asst. Copy Editor
Andrew Reneau
Graphic by MAKAYLA MCDONALD
Graphic by ANNA CLAIRE CURTIS
The Dugout Dispatch
Sports Editor Eli Dean
Yesterday, Sept. 26, 2024, the Oakland Athletics played their last game in the city of Oakland. I’m writing this in advance, so I can’t tell you who won, attendance numbers or anything specific to the last game. But I can promise you this: What happened yesterday should have never happened at all. What has transpired over the last eight years since John Fisher took full control of the A’s has been an unequivocal disaster. The worst part is, all of this could have been prevented. Still, the leaders in charge of Major League Baseball (MLB), commissioner Rob Manfred and the rest of the 29 other owners have taken the promise of extra revenue, and have stood silent as the sport is being embarrassed by one man’s belligerent hatred of his team’s own fans.
At 58 years old, The Oakland Coliseum is tied for fourth place as the oldest ballpark still in use by a Major League team. When the A’s moved from Kansas City to Oakland in 1968, it was because of the brand-new stadium. In 2024, they are leaving Oakland because of its poor conditions. To give the A’s credit, it was pretty clear they needed a new stadium.
So when it came time for a new stadium to be built, in 2018, after much negotiation, the A’s and the city of Oakland agreed to build a stadium at Howard Terminal, with an estimated cost for the city of around $350 million. According to Casey Pratt, now the chief of communications for the Oakland mayor’s office, but previously employed by the local ABC affiliate as the senior sports producer, the city allocated $375 million in response to the estimate from the Athletics. When the COVID-19 pandemic started, that estimated number jumped to around $565 million. Pratt estimated that when Fisher announced plans to leave Oakland for Las Vegas, the city was less than $90 million short from reaching the necessary funding for the new stadium. It’s a lot of money to the layman, but when stadiums cost billions and billions of dollars, $90 million really isn’t that much.
The problem is, John Fisher bolted before giving the city a chance to collect the extra $90 million. Fisher sold his share of the Coliseum for $125 million in August. The money was there, but Fisher was set to move ever since MLB owners gave him the go ahead to seek relocation.
It’s clear looking back that John Fisher tore this team apart intentionally well before he wants to admit. It started when he traded away starting pitcher Chris Bassitt during the 2022 offseason after a year he made the All-Star team for practically nothing in return. In the days that followed, Fisher traded fan favorite first basemen Matt Olson and third basemen Matt Chapman for batch of prospects, a large number of them no longer in the A’s system. By quickly shredding the team’s core identity, Fisher ostracized the fans and raised ticket prices to discourage fans from attending games. Then, Fisher could claim that the fans aren’t showing up in Oakland, so moving to Las Vegas only benefits the A’s as an on field product. In 2022, the A’s lost 102 games, and the next year finished with the worst record in the entire league. This year is slightly better, but they will still miss the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
Las Vegas sports coming from other places haven’t been successful. The Raiders, the football team who at one point also called the Coliseum their home before moving to Vegas, bring in more visiting fans than actual Raider fans. This is the Raiders’ fifth season in Vegas. During that time, they have no playoff wins and one winning season. That’s in stark contrast to the Golden Knights, an expansion team in the National Hockey Association (NHL). That, added with the fact they were successful from the start, appearing in the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season, allowing fans to celebrate the Golden Knights as their own. Both the A’s and the Raiders are nowhere near winning the Super Bowl or the World Series. How the Las Vegas community and tourism will respond to a baseball park on the Vegas strip is hard to tell. Things have been such a disaster for everyone involved in the A’s move to Vegas that they will play in a minor league ballpark for (maybe) the next three years before moving west in 2028. What’s to say the A’s, a team that’s not currently built to win, will be ready to win by 2030? I’m not so sure myself, and it’s because I don’t think Fisher will spend the money necessary to win. Just like how Fisher didn’t show the enough effort necessary to keep the Oakland A’s in Oakland. I could go on, but I think I could sum all of this up to one phrase that’s encapsulated everything over this past year. He’s heard it before, during reverse boycotts and all of the rest. But John Fisher, for everything baseball stands for: SELL THE TEAM!
ELI DEAN
Women’s soccer starts GAC tilt
NIC FRARACCIO editor-in-chief
As the conference season begins, the Harding women’s soccer team will search for its first conference tournament berth since 2021.
Before their first Great American Conference (GAC) matchup, the Lady Bisons played five non-conference games to kickoff the 2024 season. The team collected their first win of the season Sept. 4 against Rogers State University.
Harding collected a 1-0 victory following a goal from fifth-year forward Carmen Gunn. Sophomore goalkeeper Maysa Willis collected her third career clean sheet against the Hillcats. Willis said the defense has continued to build confidence ahead of the GAC season.
“Our team cohesion out of the back was a lot better,” Willis said. “The energy all over
the field really impacts our back line because we get more confidence.”
It was a special game for Harding on and off the pitch. Women’s social club Delta Nu and men’s social club Knights hosted a soccer tailgate to support the women’s team. Furthermore, the two clubs supported two specific Lady Bisons during the tailgate.
Senior midfielder Lauren Service is a Delta Nu member and Knights queen and sophomore forward Gabie Eddins is also a Knights queen. Service said the club tailgates have a true impact on the game being played.
“It is hard to describe what it feels like to know that people are there to support you,” Service said. “It makes you want to do it for them.”
Eddins said the events can benefit both the team and the clubs involved.
“Having people out there to support helps us on the field,” Eddins said. “You are supporting your classmates, but it is also good for club recruitment.”
The Lady Bisons began the conference season in Ada, Oklahoma, Sept. 5 against East Central University.
Despite Harding’s vast chance creation, the game ended in a 0-0 draw against the Tigers.
Service said the team play has looked good despite the goal-scoring struggles in non-conference play.
“I really feel like we are in a good spot,” Service said. “We have the ability to be successful this season.”
Harding will be back in action Oct. 3 as they host Southwestern Oklahoma State University at the Stephens Soccer Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Following their game against the Tigers, the Lady Bisons will have a day off before hosting Northwestern Oklahoma State University Oct. 5.
Bisons extend country’s top winning streak 63-3 victory vs. Arkansas-Monticello puts winning streak at 22
before a cruical play on defense during the first half of
opponents 181-10 in their first three games of the
Freshman defensive lineman Diego Davis said teammate Andrew Miller had an exceptional play.
In a decisive strike on Sept. 21, Harding University defeated the University of ArkansasMonticello 63-3 on their opponent’s field. The victory extends Harding’s winning streak to 22 games.
Assistant Athletic Director Scott Goode commented in an online game recap that the Bisons’ first quarter broke an eight-year record.
“The Bisons’ 35-point first quarter was their highest-scoring quarter since scoring 35 in the second quarter against Southeastern Oklahoma on Oct. 15, 2016,” wrote Goode.
“...he had like a 70-yard touchdown where he shook somebody, stiff-armed somebody, and then scored,” Davis said. “That was a good one.”
The Harding Bisons are known for their attention to detail while practicing, and preparing for their opponents. Davis said their preparation helped win them the game.
“First of all, they like their quarterback,” Davis said. “Their quarterback is a very mobile quarterback; he likes to run. So our defense really tried to hone in on making sure we contained his mobility.”
The Bison players may have scored the points, but the crowd motivated them through the game. Cheerleader Emily Etzig said despite the game leaving Harding’s campus, supporters still showed up.
“We have a lot of parents and people that travel for the game,” Etzig said. “A lot of people drove the three hours to the school -– it was impressive.”
Harding’s next game will be played Sept. 28 against Henderson State University at First Security Stadium.
Photo by ABIGAIL CALLICOAT
Sophomore midfielder Kendall Jerkins attemps to get the ball past a defender druing the team’s home opener against Union (TN) Sept. 5. After 5 non-conference games, the Lady Bisons are preparing for their GAC conference games.
Photo by ELI DEAN
Senior linebacker Cayden Pierce looks to the sidelines
Harding’s 59-0 victory in their first game of the year against Southern Nazarene Sept. 5. The strong defensive play has helped defending national champions outscore
season.
ANDREW RENEAU asst. copy editor
Searcy schools face violent threats
On Wednesday, Sept. 11, Kevin Davis, the assistant director of the Department of Public Safety, sent an email out to the Harding community about a potential threat of violence a student at Harding Academy had received. Davis said a text message was sent to a student at Harding Academy threatening a school shooting. The message, though not listing a specific school, was taken very seriously by both Public Safety and the Searcy Police Department. Due to the text, a lockdown was initiated for Harding Academy that day. On Friday, Sept. 13, Searcy School District Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hart shared a video message regarding a “threat of violence” that was planned to occur on Monday, Sept. 16. Searcy High School gave parents the choice to either send their children to school or keep them at home
without repercussions for missing school.
“Our students look to us for calmness and peace in the chaos,” eighth grade English teacher at Harding Academy Christy Morgan said.
Even if there are serious threats of violence, the teachers at both schools are prepared and trained to respond accordingly.
“We have discussed many times in class that we are not helpless if violence comes our way. They (students) flinch when we have any kind of lockdown. Our job is to gently remind that God is surrounding us, no matter where we are,” Morgan said.
students through any stress this situation may have caused them.
Regardless of the schools’ overall response, the teachers were there to guide and help their
“Teachers and staff were here on sight ready to teach school,” community relations coordinator for Searcy Public Schools Betsy Bailey said. “We want our children to get the best education. The teachers are there to teach school.”
The students of Harding Academy and Searcy High School both shared similar experiences.
“I think the biggest effect has just been one day where no one showed up to school,” Searcy High School sophomore Micah Linderman said. “Other than that, I think the students and teachers feel pretty safe and secure and it’s easy to carry on like normal.”
Harding Academy, having a lockdown on campus, did what they could to allow the students a normal school day.
“I feel safe and protected and we just had a soft lock down,” Harding Academy senior Mileigh Harlow said. “We continued with our regular activities and it kept our mind off of it.”
Both schools had heightened police presence and security on the day of the threats. Taking the safety of their students into highest consideration, the schools communicated with parents and students appropriately.
“The sad reality of almost weekly violence at schools has made us aware and also afraid,” Morgan said. “The thing that gets me is the freedoms we lose because of the threat of violence. It is our new reality. Fear can be crippling for anyone. It wreaks havoc on those who struggle with depression and anxiety.”
Searcy prepares for annual Get Down Downtown
ELLIOTT COOMBES guest writer
Small businesses are putting out their best for Get Down Downtown, an annual local festival hosted by Main Street Searcy. Spring Park and White County Courthouse square will be full of attractions and crowds a perfect spot for local shops to show off their wares.
The ice cream shop Soda Jerk is getting ready for the boom of people.
“We’re getting stocked up with all of our extras, and getting all of our staff trained and ready,” owner Lisa Douglas said. “We get excited about all of our local people coming out to see us.”
Douglas also owns Vibe vintage shop, where the festival coincides with their autumn line, meaning visitors will get the first look.
“We’ll have a huge fall and winter drop right in time for Get Down Downtown,” Douglas said.
The Sweet Peep will be setting up their “stuffed animal factory”a hands-on stall for visitors to make their own stuffed animals. Owner Melissa Vandiver said she was glad for the joy brought by the festival.
“I love the energy, and I love seeing all the people walk around downtown” Vandiver said.
Bobby Wright, the owner of Quattlebaum Music Center, will be holding extended hours for his shop.
White
“It’s my favorite time of year,” Wright said. “I like Get Down just as much as I like Christmas.”
Quattlebaum will also be holding a string change on Saturday. Customers who buy a pack of Martin Vein strings will get a second pack free and put on their guitar for no cost.
Book Nest is making a return, having just reopened Sept. 19. Employee Clara Baker expressed excitement about the festival as a way to get into the fall season.
“We’re gonna pull out some books, and have a table out, and have our books out so you can come by and see but also come into our store during the festival,” Baker said.
The newcomer Wild Flour Bakery will be entering Get Down Downtown for the first time. Owner Teresah Johnson has taken part with her food truck in the past but now boasts a permanent storefront to offer at the festival.
“I’m really excited for Get Down Downtown; I’ve only been at this location for about two months now, so for me, I’m really hoping that it’s a busy event,” Johnson said.
Get Down Downtown begins tonight at 6 p.m. and again Saturday at 10 a.m.
Photo Illustration by BEN EVANS
AMANDA TOYE community editor
The White County Fair took place Sept. 9-14. The fair featured various food stands, games, rides, a rodeo, animal show, craft show, petting zoo and more.
Derby cars race at the White County Fair in a demolition derby Sept. 18. Drivers participated in this event in a mud pit and crashed into one another in their personalized derby cars.
Graphic by MAKAYLA MCDONALD
Photo by EDGAR CARDIEL
Photo by ABIGAIL CALLICOAT
County hosts fair for community to enjoy
Graphics by BEN EVANS and ANNA CLAIRE CURTIS
Comic book artist shares his journey
The art department began the 2024-2025 academic school year by welcoming a new faculty member, Professor Mitch Breitweiser. Breitweiser received his undergraduate degree in Fine Arts from Harding University, and upon the completion of his degree, began his journey into the exciting world of comic books.
After graduating, Breitweiser moved to the place where he knew all the established publishers were in order to pursue his dream career in comics.
“I left Arkansas and went to the New York City area and just started beating down the doors really,” Breitweiser said. “I continued to go to all these comic book conventions and I mostly focused on just putting myself in the orbit of professional artists, professional writers, professional editors, and other recent graduates that were trying to break into this business.”
Breitweiser focused on building a network of relationships with people in and around the world of comic book creating and publishing.
“It became about a five year journey after school getting hit or miss work” Breitweiser said. “My skills weren’t quite there to be working as a professional full time yet, and that took some time to build up to. I ended up working at a sign shop and doing industrial sign design. I also worked as a barista for a bit — just whatever paid the bills in the meantime.”
It wasn’t until 2005 that Breitweiser fully committed himself to pursuing his dreams.
“I had a friend who lived in a neighborhood in Manhattan, and he was a working professional drawing X-Men at the time,” Breitweiser said. “I knew he would travel to turn his pages into the office every Friday, so I would call him on Thursday nights and ask if I could go with him. He would sneak me into the editorial floor through the freight elevator, and just about every other Friday I was in the Marvel Comics office with a fresh batch of samples I had drawn over the previous week or two.”
Breitweiser stuck with this routine for about six months until he finally got invited to try out for a book called Drax the Destroyer.
“I ended up getting that job, and did pretty well at it,” Breitweiser said. “By the
end of the second issue that I had drawn, Marvel offered me a two-year exclusive contract with them.” By 2018, Breitweiser took his work to social media in order to build a following around his new project,
“The Red Rooster.” Shortly after his work gained a lot of interest, Breitweiser took a leap of faith and successfully crowdfunded the project. By the end of 2018, Breitweiser and his wife found themselves pitching their ideas to the Walmart books buyer.
“In December of that year, they said yes, and then we basically spent all of 2019 and part of 2020 building the content and hiring artists, writers and an editor — essentially building a publishing brand from scratch,” Breitweiser said.
In 2019, Breitweiser founded the Allegiance Arts publishing brand, which he owns and operates with his wife. In May 2020, the company launched “The Red Rooster” along with three other projects which were sold in 3,300 Walmart retail stories.
Recently, the Harding University English department invited Breitweiser to speak at their weekly English Roundtable gathering.
Senior Joseph Mckinley regularly attends English Roundtable and particularly enjoyed Breitweiser’s guest appearance.
“I think his grit and determination really stuck with me,” Mckinley said. “His commitment to his craft and his passion is really impressive.”
Senior Hannah Holcomb is currently taking one of Breitweiser’s Drawing I classes.
“Although I am not an art major, I feel that I have gotten a lot of inspiration from his passion and dedication to his career,” Holcomb said. “I think he will bring a fresh perspective to the Art Department and will expand students’ learning greatly.”
Students interested in taking one of Breitweiser’s classes can look into Drawing I, Fine Art Profession and Visual Arts Studio I. Breitweiser’s comic book work can be found in select Walmart retail stores as well as at www.allegiancearts.com.
Two faculty join Department of Engineering and Physics
The start of a new school year brought many changes for several departments at Harding University. The Department of Engineering and Physics became one of those as they hired two new faculty members.
Dr. Kanembe Shanachilubwa is an assistant professor in the Department of Engineering and Physics from Zambia. Shanachilubwa works with the McNair Scholars Program as well, a program that provides guidance to students to get them funded into graduate school. He was hired during the summer of 2024 to start work at Harding University during the fall semester. He went to Harding University as an undergraduate student and got his doctorate at Pennsylvania State University. As a new faculty member in the department, he sees this job as an opportunity to grow in his career.
“I like this community, I am comfortable around here, there is also a great opportunity for me to advance myself in my career,” Shanachilubwa said.
His parents are Christians as well and have connections with the Harding community.
the Department of Engineering and Physics. Mitchell was hired to start working at
the beginning of the fall semester. He has resided in different places since his parents are missionaries. He worked in a community college in Austin, Texas, before coming to Harding, where he taught electronic classes.
Mitchell said he had the desire to work at Harding University for many years. This year, his dream came true.
“I wanted to work at Harding for many years, the opportunity to teach here finally came along,” Mitchell said.
He said he loves his faculty, the students and the people in the department and that he is happy to be at Harding. Mitchell’s parents were missionaries in Zambia. His father taught at the preaching school, and his mom taught a health class since she is a nurse. Dr. Zane Gastineau, the chair of the Department of Engineering and Physics, was involved in the hiring process for the two faculty members. Gastineau said he feels satisfied to have them as part of their crew. He said it was easy to hire Mitchell since he had already worked in the information technology field at Harding.
“Professor Mitchell is helping us out with our physics program, he has been a great fit,” Gastineau said. Gastineau also knew Shanachilubwa since he graduated from their engineering program at Harding. “Kanembe is doing a fantastic job this semester, I look forward to many years with him in our program,” Gastineau said.
Lynley Eller tells her story of healing despite the odds
Not allowing circumstances to define her, senior Lynley Eller is an inspiration and walking testimony. On Nov. 21, 2021, Eller was t-boned by a car while driving, causing her to have a traumatic brain injury. Doctors at Vanderbilt were certain that she would not live and even if she did, she would be paralyzed. Contrary to their belief, Eller walked out of the hospital two months later and proved to everyone that she was a walking miracle.
Eller came back to campus fall of 2022, a year after her accident. At first, it was tiring on her mentally and physically. She said she was essentially relearning how to exist and training her body to walk normally again.
“According to any science, according to any doctor, I should have died, but God said you know what? We can turn this into a story of revival, of healing, of my glory, because God is worth it,” Eller said.
One of Eller’s friends, senior Scarlett Davis, was with her right before her accident. She got a call from one of her friends and rushed to the wreck, but Eller had already been taken to the hospital. Davis remembers being with friends and praying that Eller would make it through the night. Eller did, and within a month was moved to patient rehab. Through watching Eller recover and
make significant progress over the last three years, Davis is encouraged by her through the way she stays joyful no matter her circumstances and constantly gives all the glory to God.
“The amount of times I’ve heard her say you view life differently when you almost lost it, and I can’t imagine how that really feels,” Davis said. “So I think anyone who has an experience like that sees life completely differently and it’s just wonderful to see how she lives.”
Shanna Jones, assistant professor of Family and Consumer Sciences, was one of Ellers’ teachers the semester that her accident happened. When Eller returned to campus, Jones assisted her in class selection and deciding how much of a workload to take on.
“She has overcome so much, and she is such a fighter,” Jones said. “She always has an upbeat, optimistic demeanor, and anytime there’s something happening in her life that is not ideal, she’s always hopeful that it will work itself out. I would say her optimism and her drive to accomplish her goals and appropriately set goals and work towards them has been really inspiring.”
Eller spoke at women’s chapel Sept. 11, three years after her accident, about her story and how God has been faithful to her through it all. She continues to use her story as an inspiration for others and a platform to spread the word of God.
Photo by ABIGAIL CALLICOAT
Mitch Breitweiser poses in his office with an original work-in-progress Sept. 25. Breitweiser began his career as a Harding faculty member this year after working for Marvel and launching his own publishing brand.
OSCAR ALDANA guest writer
ADDIE ECHOLS guest writer
JIANA MANGLICMOT lifestyle editor
Photo by JOSEY MYERS
Shanachilubwa knew about Harding because of his parents who attended as well. Brian Mitchell is an instructor in
Photo by JOSEY MYERS
Shanachilubwa poses outside the science building Sept. 25. Shanachilubwa teaches in the Department of Engineering and Physics.
Photo by JOSEY MYERS
Mitchell poses in his office Sept. 25. Mitchell moved to Harding’s Department of Engineering and Physics after teaching at a Texas community college.
Senior Lynley Eller smiles on Harding’s campus Sept. 25. Eller shared her story in women’s chapel Sept. 11 about overcoming injuries from car accident.
48-Hour Film Festival hits year two
This past weekend, the Claude Rogers Lee building, which normally only houses the ROTC program, transformed into a full production studio for the annual 48-Hour Film Festival. The student-led projects kicked off at 6:30 last Friday when professors Dr. Charles Bane and Bryan Hudkins opened the festival and drew each group’s genre at random out of a hat; the students then had exactly 48 hours, as the name suggests, to create a five-minute film within the confines of their genre. Sophomores Scott Young Jr., Alexia Ferren and Issac Brown, who all participated in creating last year’s festival winner, Video Kill, teamed up again to create a film under the genre “fish out of water.” The team continued with the horror inspiration that led to their award last year, but with more of a psychological twist.
Brown said the intent is to invoke certain emotion within the audience.
“Instead of the suspense or action, people waiting on the edge of their seats, I think the overarching emotion we’re looking for is dread. We’re bringing something real and demented in our world, so it should make people squirm,” Brown said.
The flavoring that the team brings to their production is entirely their own; other than the time constraint, the only regulation in terms of style is the film’s relatively loose genre.
“Fish out of water really just defines the theme of a character, so pulling that was awesome because of the freedom,” Brown
said. “There are a bunch of different movies that are fish out of water, from ‘Elf’ which is a Christmas comedy, to ‘The Truman Show’, which is also a fish out of water and a thriller. I was so excited when we pulled that because I knew we could give it our own twist.”
This twist will be who the team referred to as “The Creep,” an antisocial stalker that accidentally kills the innocent, kind-hearted girl whom he obsesses over in a fit of despair and self-hatred.
“I hope the viewers feel sympathy for this character, this bad guy, that they typically wouldn’t,” Ferren said. “Not necessarily that they forgive him, but I hope they understand what made him that way and why he does it.”
In the process of writing, filming, casting and editing these productions, teams must work in sync to produce a coherent final product.
“This has taught me to never say no to an idea,” Young said. “There’s so many things that we weren’t originally going to do, until somebody just said ‘what if we did this?,’ and then it turned out so cool.”
Not only has the group banded together, they’ve grown individually in the necessary skills to create a work of cinematic art.
“I feel like, depending on your group size, everyone has to jump in to help here
and there, and so you’re forced to discover something new that you’re good at,”Ferren said.
in ensuring that the team’s creative vision and script were effectively integrated into the filming process.
However, to brainstorm, write and create a fully presentable film in such a short time table causes a great deal of stress. Young felt this stress particularly, as he participated in both production and acting.
“Of the last 48 hours, I think I’ve been awake for 40 of them,” Young said. “There was a point in filming when I was outside, and my character’s costume was a black hoodie, black jeans, and combat boots. I was miserable.”
The team created a film they were both proud of and excited to present.The public viewing for all the projects created for the festival was Thursday, Sept. 26.
Expanding beyond her usual skills in videography and editing, Ferren uncovered a talent for continuity in this year’s film. She played a key role
Finding a perfect “fit:” students dress up for club mixers
It’s that time of year again. The grills get pulled out, tents set up and flyers posted around campus. The next set of potential new members are going through the process of selecting what social club they want to join. Mixers are a great way for pledges to meet members and learn more about each club. Some clubs have mixer themes that are repeated each year, while other mixer themes could be a one time only occasion.
Senior Denim Lee, a recruitment director for JuGoJu , said her favorite mixer to plan was the 100th anniversary of JuGoJu mixer.
“My favorite mixer is our first round, primarily because it highlights our 100 year theme, ‘JuGoJu Through Generations,’” Lee said. “This mixer stands out for me as it’s the initial opportunity to meet many friends. The excitement and energy of the beginning of the club process is so fun.”
Junior Grayson Hume, a recruitment director for Theta, said he enjoys coming up with creative themes for mixers.
“I think second round this [year] is gonna be my favorite just because it’s going to be different, and it’s going to throw the guys off, like not what they expect,” Hume said. “That’s kind of the goal with all of them is to keep them on their toes and not let them know what’s about to happen.”
Junior Shelby Ensminger, a recruitment director for Pi Theta Phi, said the power of prayer and individuality are some of the most important parts of the club process. She said her favorite mixer is the first round because it brings out everyone’s unique personalities.
“I think our first round mixer is really fun,” Ensminger said. “We dress up in orange and they dress up in blue so the members kind
of get to like, be themselves and show who they are, but the girls also get to show who they are through whatever they’re wearing. It’s like a first impression. So like you’ll see some girls dress up as like crazy stuff, paint their body blue and orange. I just feel like it gives girls a lot of creativity and it lets them be unique and lets them show who they are from the very beginning because a lot of our other mixers we are all kind of wearing the same thing.”
Senior Nick Aziamov, recruitment director for TNT, said the social club process offers friendships and memories that can last beyond Harding.
“Social clubs are a tool for connection and not a basis of identity. It allows for people of all kinds to meet and make memories together, which is one of the few things that will remain post-college,” Aziamov said.
“They’re fun and have been worth investing in in my college time, but it’s just a useful tool
for those friendships and memories. Mixers are high pressure and pretty draining, so try to have other points throughout the semester to get to know people better, especially as you decide on how to approach the club process, so get to know people in more natural and casual ways too.”
JACKSON TRAHANT beat reporter
Photo provided by Lexi Earnhart
WESLEY HALL guest writer
Students attend Pi Theta Phi Social Club mixer in creative costumes following the theme “We Wear Orange, You Wear Blue.” This theme, keeping with the social club’s colors, has traditionally been the club’s first round theme.
Puzzle provided by Aiden Davenport Graphic by BEN EVANS
Graphicby
SYDNEY PALMER