The Harding American Studies Institute (ASI) hosted World Golf Hall-of-Famer Jack Nicklaus in the first ASI Distinguished Lecture event of the calendar year on Monday in the Benson Auditorium to discuss his upbringing, family and famous playing career.
Nicklaus is an 18-time major champion and a three-time grand slam champion. Along with his athletic accolades, the Ohio native has built hundreds of golf courses around the world.
Harding President Mike Williams led a Q&A with Nicklaus in front of Harding students, faculty and staff, business owners and Searcy residents.
Nicklaus grew up in Columbus, Ohio, with his parents Helen and Charlie. He attended Upper Arlington High School and began his
golf journey at 10 years old at Scioto Country Club. While at the course, Nicklaus met Jack Grout, the club pro at Scioto. Nicklaus said Grout took an interest in his game like a second father.
“He saw something in me,” Nicklaus said. “Jack taught me how to play golf and how to handle myself… I am really blessed to have a fellow like Jack Grout in my life.”
The golf legend proved himself week in and week out on the tour. Along with his 18 major championships, Nicklaus has the third most Professional Golf Association victories with 73. Nicklaus said he attributes his success to his wife, Barbara.
“People ask me, ‘How much credit do you give Barbara for your majors?’” Nicklaus said. “Well, I’ll give her 15. I’ll take three.”
His success also stemmed from constant preparation and practice. During the discussion, Nicklaus’ questions about work ethics challenged the audience.
“How often do you get the job done if you are prepared?” Nicklaus said. “How often do you get the job done if you are not prepared? You don’t, it is just that simple.”
As the two discussed the game of golf, Williams brought up a classic debate that has boggled the minds of golf fans.
“Who really is the greatest of all time? Is it Jack Nicklaus? Is it Tiger Woods?” Williams said.
Nicklaus fired back with a simple, yet powerful response.
“I think that Tiger should believe that he is,” Nicklaus said. “I should believe that I was — if you don’t believe in yourself, who is going to believe in you?”
Members of the Harding community were delighted to hear from the golf legend. Senior Finlay Cummings, a member of Harding’s men’s golf team, said hearing from Nicklaus was a valuable experience.
“I don’t know how Harding managed to get him here,” Cummings said. “You could listen to him tell stories all day long.” Harding athletic director and head golf coach Jeff Morgan alluded to his golf fandom when the excitement grew for the event.
“There is not a long list of people who have accomplished as much in their sport as Jack Nicklaus has,” Morgan said. “That’s a small handful of people.”
As the discussion came to a close on the Benson Auditorium stage, Nicklaus gave advice to Harding students about their careers. Nicklaus said each person needs to find their niche in the world.
“Don’t ever do something that you don’t like,” Nicklaus said. “It’s about what you want to do, and what you feel comfortable with doing.”
Harding begins new AI degree, first in state
The College of Arts and Sciences has announced a new undergraduate program: a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence (AI), beginning fall 2025. It is the first program of its kind both at the University and in the state of Arkansas, and there are few similar programs nationwide. Assistant professor Joe Faith in the College of Business prompted the creation of the new degree program.
“[Its creation] was really just due to my doctoral studies,” Faith said. “I’m currently finishing my dissertation this year, getting an engineering doctorate specifically in artificial intelligence from George Washington University. The goal for me was to take what I’ve learned there and bring that to the undergrad level, mainly because it’s not available for that level right now; this is very cutting-edge in terms of academic programs.”
The program’s development has been in the works for some time, as the approval process for new programs is extensive and takes time to review. The approval process starts with a detailed proposal submission that has been reviewed by the president and provost before continuing down the development path.
“After the initial approval, the curriculum is proposed to UGAA, the Undergraduate Academic Affairs Committee, for a vote,” Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dana Steil said over email. “After that, the proposal goes to the entire faculty for a vote. In this case, the Computer Science Department made the proposal that added four classes. The following was included with this specific proposal:
‘As Artificial Intelligence continues to shape the future of technology and society, it is imperative that Christians take an active role in guiding this evolution. At Harding University, we believe that those who seek answers to life’s Big Questions—questions of purpose, ethics, and the nature of humanity—are uniquely positioned to lead in the responsible and ethical development of AI. Our BS in AI program is dedicated to equipping students with both cutting-edge technical expertise and a strong foundation in Christian values. By engaging with these profound questions, we prepare our graduates to pursue careers in AI that are not only innovative but also purposeful, serving humanity with integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to the greater good.’”
The topic of AI in an academic setting continues to become more relevant as Harding requires professors to include AI statements in their syllabi, and students encounter AI technology.
“AI has been around for a long time, but it’s generating a lot of buzz right now because of ChatGPT and generative AI,” Dr. Frank McCown, Computer Science Department chair, said. “I think a lot of schools are looking at creating programs that focus on AI.”
As life lessons and big questions remain an important part of Harding’s curriculum, the new major continues to explore important moral concepts along with its academic content.
“There’s definitely a lot of ethical concerns about AI, especially within companies,” McCown said. “I think we really need Christians working at these companies who have a pretty strong moral compass helping these companies make good decisions and act in an ethical way with the tools and resources allotted to them.”
NIC FRARACCIO guest writer
EVELYN FILLEMAN beat reporter
Jack Nicklaus speaks with President Mike Williams in the Benson Auditorium on Monday. Nicklaus spoke on campus as a part of the American Studies Institute’s first Distinguished Lecture event of 2025.
Photo by EDGAR CARDIEL
Tacker’s introduces salad options
Tacker’s has introduced salads to its menu, much to the excitement of students seeking
Many students had grown tired of the limited options of fresh produce on campus.
“In the fall, I was kind of disappointed that there weren’t many salad options,” sophomore Anna Johnson said. “I’m an architecture student. I’m so busy, and it’s hard to go to the Caf and stand in line when I only have 15 minutes to grab food and get back to the studio.”
Tacker’s General Manager Misty Degroat noticed a need for healthier menu items.
“I would poll students when they came up to the counter and ask them if they would order [a] salad if we offered it,” Degroat said.
“A lot of people said yes.”
Junior Zoie Preller, Tacker’s assistant manager, echoed this sentiment.
“I think introducing salad to our menu was a really good idea,” Preller said. “As a student, it doesn’t really feel like there’s a lot of healthy options. Most things are deep fried, and when you don’t have a meal plan or access to the Caf, it’s hard to find food that isn’t overly processed.”
Degroat said Tacker’s uses fresh ingredients
in their salads and everything is prepared in-house.
“I chop and slice our tomatoes and onions, and our chicken is cooked fresh every single day,” Degroat said.
Tacker’s also offers several dressing options, all of which are housemade.
“I housemake the ranch, the Waverly sauce and the honey mustard, which is new this semester,” Degroat said.
The menu features two salad options: the Waverly and the Garden.
“The Waverly salad has a base of the spring mix, smoked chicken — which is sautéed with red onions and some brown sugar — and all the fixings: Waverly sauce, pickles, tomatoes, cheese and bacon,” Preller said. “You can get fried, grilled or smoked chicken on the Garden Salad and then whatever toppings you’d like.”
The new salad offerings quickly gained popularity among many students.
Available for purchase with card, DCB and meal exchanges, these options made healthier choice more accessible to the student body.
Students react to rock band’s disbanding
ANDREW RENEAU asst. copy editor
Lead singer for COIN Chase Lawrence announced Jan. 28 his decision to disband the rock band (on their Instagram account.)
The band performed at Harding in the fall 2021 for Campus Life’s precursor Campus Activities Board (CAB).
The post is preceded by COIN’s announcement in November 2024 that drummer Ryan Winnen stepped down to focus on personal matters.
Lawrence cited allegations of misconduct against both Winnen and guitarist Joe Memmel for his decision to disband.
“Creating a space for love and joy through music has always been my mission,” Lawrence said in his Jan 28. Instagram post. “Discovering that this space has been compromised by the actions of others is truly heartbreaking. Unfortunately, these developments mean that COIN can no longer continue as a band.”
Long-time COIN fan and senior
Kayla Boggs, who crashed her car while traveling to a COIN concert, said she re-read their post after she saw it.
“I read the post that they were disbanding, and I looked at the comments to see what was happening, because it did not specify why,” Boggs said.
Senior Chloe Schliffka said she was sad when she heard COIN broke up.
“I’m a little shocked,” Schliffka said. “They came to Harding a few years ago, so it was cool that we at least got to see them before they did break up. They
were popular, and the school liked it when they came.”
Junior Joshua McCain will binge COIN’s music now that they have disbanded, and said how he relates to their music.
“I am more of a romantic, so I tend to empathize with songs talking about relationships or other things of the like,” McCain said.
Harding School of Theology transitions to main campus
TWILA REED guest
writer
The Harding School of Theology (HST) embarked on a new chapter this past fall as it began its first academic year on Harding University’s main campus. While the move was an exciting step forward, it also carried a sense of loss for those deeply connected to HST’s history in Memphis. As Dean Monte Cox said, the transition was bittersweet.
“To relocate it here was just painful for people who were employed there and were not anymore, but there was much to do,” Cox said.
Steve Cloer, associate professor of ministry and Director of the Center for Church and City Engagement, acknowledged this duality.
“Anytime there is a transition, there is a sense of loss you have to grieve and a sense of hope that you have to lean into,” Cloer said.
One way HST has embraced this change is through the creation of the Center for Church and City Engagement. Many were initially concerned about maintaining HST’s strong relationships with Memphis churches after the relocation, and the Center emerged as a response to that need. Becky McCown, an integral leader in the transition and the current advising and accreditation specialist, explained her confidence in the transition.
“We were really blessed to have people both in Memphis and in Searcy who both really love HST and want to see it succeed no matter what,” McCown said.
One of the center’s most recent initiatives
is the Ministry in the City Listening Tour. Cloer described the tour as an effort focused on congregations’ needs.
“Going to different cities and meeting with church leaders and just kind of listening to what their needs are,” Cloer said.
Another significant benefit of the move has been a reduction in tuition costs. Although the official tuition rate remains $775 per credit hour, every student now receives an automatic scholarship—thanks to generous donors and operational savings from the transition—bringing the cost down to just $100 per credit hour. This financial shift has led to an increase in enrollment. Admissions
Counselor Christopher Jackson reported a surge in student growth from 23% to 71% for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Looking ahead, one of the new developments is the construction of a library to house HST’s collection of theological resources. The library will be built behind Brackett Library, and McCown noted that a groundbreaking ceremony is most likely expected within this month or the next. While the transition required emotional and logistical adjustments, relocating to Harding’s main campus has provided HST with fresh opportunities to expand its mission. The school remains dedicated to deepening faith and calling its students to a higher standard—an idea that has been at the heart of its mission since its founding nearly seven decades ago.
In 1958, former Harding President George S. Benson purchased a mansion in Memphis and the surrounding 13 acres to
serve as the new home for HST. Over the years, students walked its grounds, challenged both academically and spiritually, living out the school’s motto: Deeper Faith, Higher
Standards. Today, as HST steps into its future, that mission continues to shape its students no matter where they call home.
JIANA MANGLICMOT
COIN performs in the Anthony Wright Administration Auditorium on Oct. 8, 2021. Lead singer Chase Lawrence announced the group’s disbanding through Instagram on Jan. 28.
Graphic by BEN EVANS
Graphic by SYDNEY PALMER
Photo by JAXON NASH
State of the SGA
Did you know a student saved someone’s life by performing the Heimlich maneuver at a local restaurant? This semester the Student Government Association (SGA) will continue to illuminate all that is going on around campus and the Searcy community. Sometimes this may look like an illumination chapel service, but other times it looks like volunteer work at the new public library.
Every Wednesday the SGA comes together and discusses ways to make this campus a better place for everyone and shed light on the good the students are doing.
As always, we are open to student voices and want to serve as a bridge between the faculty and students. One fun example of this at work was when I received direct feedback about the lack of strawberry milk options in the cafeteria and student center. Freshman male representative Sterling Ross teamed up with Aramark to host a strawberry milk day in the cafeteria and added it as an option to the Pod in the Student Center.
A message from your SGA representatives
All that to say, please come and let us know how we can improve the student experience or help you get involved around campus. This semester we are excited about enhancing the opportunities of involvement. Emma Gaskill, the sophomore female representative, will expand the on-campus garden. Garrett Blankenship, senior male representative, will be adding to spiritual life options. Grayson Thomas, junior male representative, will be helping connect the basketball teams to the students to make the Rhodes rowdy. Those are just a few of the many members working towards everyone’s experience. Never hesitate to connect with us.
My office hours are 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday if you ever want to stop by. Otherwise, we hope to see you all around.
I am a woman. I am 19 years old. I grew up in a conservative Church of Christ. I am opinionated, bold and smart. I am a woman. I am used to being disrespected, disregarded and looked down upon. I have read my Bible cover to cover, but my interpretation of it isn’t good enough. I love people no matter what they believe, how they identify or what they’ve done in life–some people have told me they consider this a sin. I grew up in the Bible Belt.
I am a woman! For a very long time, I hated this about myself. I so desperately wanted people to respect me that I began blaming my gender for other people’s blatant and deliberate disrespect. Some say this has only made me “stronger” or “given me thicker skin.” Some claim this has made me some kind of raging feminist. I think, however, that this has only made me more compassionate. Jesus is a man. His 12 apostles are men. He has women who follow Him and aid in the sharing of the gospel (Mary, Martha, the woman at the well, Junia, Priscilla, Phoebe etc…) but we typically don’t give them high regard. Women should be silent in church. Where three or more are gathered, that counts as a church. Women may never speak. Eve ate the fruit. Rahab hid the Israelite spies and risked her life for her faith. Ruth stayed by her mother-in-law’s side and showed her an unfathomable amount of love. Esther saved her people. But Eve ate the fruit, she is a woman. Therefore, all women are inherently less valuable than men, right?
I understand that some of you are reading this right now and thinking “Wow, how naive is she?” Trust me, I know you and your opinions very well. But, for once, I beg you to step into my shoes. I beg you to silence the part of yourself that refuses to see or hear anyone else’s opinion on this topic. I beg you to sit, read, reflect and consider the message that women receive.
In freshman year, my Bible teacher (shoutout to Dr. Edwards) asked the class,
I do not come from man, I come from God
“What do you think your spiritual gift is?” I was known for talking in class, so, of course, I raised my hand. I said, “I’ve always thought my spiritual gift is talking.” And, it’s true. I’ve thought about that interaction several times in the past year. I have always felt like my spiritual gift was speaking but I’ve also always been too afraid to admit that. I don’t feel called to plan events like I feel called to talk to people about God. And, sure, I don’t only have opportunities to speak about God from the pulpit, but am I seriously going to be denied that opportunity because of…my anatomy?
In short, I wonder how much more unified the church would be if we just put aside the gender issues and loved each other like Jesus calls us to and intended us to. I have never understood why that is too big of an ask, and I refuse to settle.
I am a woman. I am a daughter of the king. I believe the Lord sees, respects, loves and considers me as completely and equally valuable as a man. I believe the Lord has entrusted me with a gift I am no longer afraid to claim. I believe that compassion is admirable and that God would never ask me to be silent. I don’t think there’s anyone
me out. I think the compassion I’ve gained from being disrespected over the years is now my superpower. I pray daily that I will have a heart that sees people how the Lord does. If your heart is hating me or my words right now, I invite you to say that prayer as well.
Apathy toward misery
When I was younger, I deeply felt the sufferings of this world. Naive though I was, I hurt when I saw someone hurting. I did not blame them for their pain or dismiss them from my thoughts. I did not always know how to help, but I was bothered by the pain and injustice in the lives of others.
Children are particularly good at this empathy thing. They can be devastated even by the movies they watch — they fixate on the death of Bambi’s mother in “Bambi” or cry when Scar kills Mufasa in “The Lion King” (maybe some of us still do that, but children are especially susceptible to these extreme emotions). They see people hurting — people without a home or loved ones or struggling with addiction — and they ask their parents: “Why?” They ask if they can help the hurting. They do the work of caring.
As we get older, though, we almost forget. We disregard the suffering of others because it is uncomfortable. Maybe we are too busy or too distracted to care.
My boyfriend and I have recently become big fans of Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast “Revisionist History.” It was in an episode of this podcast that I came across a quote from James Keenan’s book “A History of Catholic Theological Ethics:”
Sin is the failure to bother to love.
Gladwell relates this quote to the story of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10. Prominent religious leaders pass over the man beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. A “lowly” Samaritan takes the time to care for the beaten man. The Good Samaritan bothered to love.
This sentiment extends far. We live in a world of chaos and entropy; brokenness is within us and all around us. It is easy to become immune to the hurt of others. We see it every day in social media posts, on television and on our streets. We see it in our families and classrooms. We sometimes dwell on the sadness for a moment or remark to a friend about how tragic things are. Then, we scroll; we look away; we forget. We do not bother.
Imagine if we all cared — really, truly, beautifully cared — about the state of our sisters and our brothers. Imagine if we took the time to look the suffering of others right in the eyes and weep with the weeping. Recall how God weeps with us. Do the same for others.
The problems in our world are not as distant as we pretend they are. This is uncomfortable for us all, but it is true. There is suffering at our doorstep, and we can bother to see it.
Gladwell referenced Keenan’s quote while addressing gun violence in impoverished communities. He altered the quote:
Sin is the failure to bother to care.
The way I see it, sin is the failure to do both. We care, and then we love. We love because we care. (Caring is maybe the first step in loving many of us have long forgotten how to do.) Be who you were as a child. See the people who hurt. Bother to care; bother to love.
HELEN STRICKLAND is the opinions editor for The Bison. She may be contacted at hstrickland@harding.edu.
Michael Claxton
Evelyn Filleman
Aja Griffin
Julia Jenkins
in the world who cares more about what I have to say than my father in Heaven. I am a woman–I do not come from man, I come from God.
Graphic by SYDNEY PALMER
Nic Fraraccio
SGA President Adele Duncan
Community Editor Amanda Toye
Graphic by ANNA CLAIRE CURTIS
GraphicbyBEN EVANS
Twila Reed
Gold in the Sand
Editor-in-chief Maggie Samples
From under the fig tree
I have always known what I wanted to do. I wanted to write about fun things, like cultures, parties and people. From a very young age, this had always been my plan, in one way or another. Even when I had brief fancies of being a wedding planner or a funeral director, I always returned to telling stories. I have never changed majors in college. I was certain that journalism was what I wanted to do. Then last semester, I took a law class and decided to have a crisis. I really enjoyed the class, both the time spent in the classroom and the subject matter. To my shock and horror, I began researching the LSAT and law schools.
How was it that after 10 years of being certain of my purpose, and four years of studying it, I was now considering a different path?
In “The Bell Jar,” Sylvia Plath talks about sitting under a fig tree and looking up into the leaves.
Each fig represents a different future she could have. One fig is her life as a great
poet, another her life as a mother, and still another, a life of travel.
Plath says, “I saw myself sitting in the crotch of this fig tree, starving to death, just because I couldn’t make up my mind which of the figs I would choose. I wanted each and every one of them, but choosing one meant losing all the rest, and, as I sat there, unable to decide, the figs began to wrinkle and go black, and, one by one, they plopped to the ground at my feet.”
As I have been thinking about my future after graduation, this passage from “The Bell Jar” has been at the forefront of my mind. I don’t want to stall out at this crucial moment and fail to make a decision. I don’t want to stay nestled into the roots of the fig tree, glancing between the “writer” fig and the “lawyer” fig, and then forget to pick a fig at all.
Probably, I am simply afraid that, after 16 years of school, I no longer know exactly what my future looks like. Maybe this lawyer business is simply a passing idea, like the time I was certain I would one day be a trapeze artist. Perhaps, being a lawyer is what I am called to do. I have no idea.
The important thing is that I don’t get stuck thinking about living and forget to live. I have to make a choice. I have to move to the next stage of my life. It might not be the path I stick with forever, but the biggest thing is that I pick one and start walking. Soon, probably sometime in May, I have to reach up and pick a fig.
As a graphic designer, I see other people’s creations, designs and artistic endeavors every day. I love seeing how hard people work on creating visuals of substance, knowing they put effort, thought, context and a little bit of themselves into their project. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing art that fulfills and is fulfilling to make.
Recently I was at Hobby Lobby getting supplies for a class when my boyfriend called me over to the decorations sections; horror, I was greeted with an aisle selling wall art. It was painfully obvious everything was created using a graphic designer’s worst enemy: AI.
I looked upon a picture of a raccoon in a suit, upon first glance it seemed normal, like something my grandma would laugh at. After looking closer, I found the hand had seven clenched fingers going in the wrong direction and distorted waistcoat buttons that looked as if they were created by an alien who almost knew what a button looked like.
The sad excuse of a fancy raccoon was not the only devastatingly distorted creature in the aisle. There were similar portraits of cows, armadillos and bears. It was not only
One time I flew on a small airplane with Arthur Shearin. It was my first trip on a private jet, and I wanted documentary evidence to show my friends. I asked if someone could take my picture. Arthur volunteered and—knowing I was a bachelor—he said, “Now you can put that on eHarmony and see if it helps.”
He was always quick on his feet, either with a sharp piece of wit or a word of encouragement. When he died Jan. 13, 2025, just shy of turning 77, Noel Whitlock told this story at his funeral. After his first Sunday as the preaching minister at the College Church, Noel was heading to his car. Another car was pulling out of the parking lot when the driver slammed on the brakes, spun around, and stopped next to him. A smiling man jumped out and said, “Hi! I’m Arthur Shearin, and I’m here to make sure you succeed.” As Noel Whitlock told the large crowd, “I realized later that Arthur was
confined to these dapper woodland animals; there were other sections of game controllers with backgrounds and effects to smooth backgrounds and lines that did not match up. This type of “art” was not just confined to Hobby Lobby, but Walmart has started selling AI slop as well.
There are giant Valentine’s Day cards that have the airbrushed style characteristic of design with no human touch. It is genuinely disappointing to see this accepted into society so casually. There are real designers out there who would love the opportunity to create something for these companies that are actually satisfying to look at.
This all boils down to capitalism not valuing the creation of art or integration of it within our society. The artist or designer is becoming an undervalued profession simply because big companies want to save time and pump out ridiculous trash that has no business being called decor, art or design.
There are plenty of ethical debates about how to use AI the correct way, but allowing AI to replace designers should not even be a topic of discussion. I do not think it is wise to consume or become tolerant of AI “art;” find designs that you enjoy and were created with empathy and reason. Furthermore, as Christians, find decor that speaks to you and was created by someone who was divinely inspired to create. Commission artists who are eager to make visuals beyond the imagination. Admire the talents God has given to people so that they may worship in their act of creation.
Shearin’s chorus in the early ’70s when he first taught at Harding. Once, Miller said, he was recording their performance to submit for his own doctoral work. “We sang perfectly,” Miller recalled, “until the last note.” Arthur nearly blew his top, but after he composed himself, the group did it over, and they got it just right. That perfectionism would be a hallmark of everything Doc Shearin did. He learned his work ethic growing up on a farm in Bolivar, Tennessee, and practiced organization and punctuality in the military. All these qualities, along with being famously frugal, made him a first-rate administrator,
here to help everyone succeed.”
Such was his role as a music teacher at Harding, where he taught for nearly 35 years.
As the founder of the Concert Choir and its director for two decades, he nurtured several generations of singers, some of whom have carried his guidance into their own choruses. Since his death, many have posted tributes to their favorite teacher, mentor and voice coach. In one year alone he performed 12 weddings for couples who met in his choir. He was an expressive man and could be demanding. “You always knew what he was thinking,” said Robin Miller, who was in
and as chair of the Music Department for 15 years, he led the planning of the Reynolds Building and carefully supervised its construction. He was a stickler for detail, and former Provost Larry Long praised him for excelling in the dreadfully tedious work of checking academic catalogues to see if each program had the right number of hours.
A gifted singer, he first led singing in worship at the age of eight, belting out the blustery hymn “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah.” He was masterful as a worship leader—joyful, reverent, and funny, too. I remember one Sunday night he stood up to
lead singing at College Church and announced to this very traditional congregation, “We have assembled a praise team tonight.” He paused for effect and then added, “And all of you are on it.”
Arthur served as an elder at College Church for 16 years and co-taught a Bible class with his good friend, Dan Newsom. They loved bantering, and Dan affectionately called his colleague “Sir Arthur.” When Doc had to stop teaching because of struggles with memory, he still retained his sharp wit. Once Dan said, “Good morning, Sir Arthur” to him, and he shot right back, ‘That’s King Arthur to you!” He had a marvelous voice and often sang at weddings. At Harding he taught voice, vocal pedagogy, diction and music appreciation. He sponsored the Alpha Chi Honor Society and was the musical director for several Homecoming shows, including “Annie,” “My Fair Lady,” and “The Music Man.” In Searcy he worked with the Kiwanis Club. He was a regional leader in the National Association of Teachers of Singing. At church he was a dedicated shepherding group elder, thoughtfully tending to those in his care.
In 2010, when Harding put up a statue to his colleague Uncle Bud, it occurred to me that current students would have little knowledge of this campus icon who died in 2005. So, I planned a day in chapel to tell his story. Arthur helped me organize that program and narrated the tribute, insisting that we get all the details right.
He was married for 53 years to the love of his life, Sheri. Together they had two children and nine grandchildren, who called him “Papa Doc.”
There’s an old hymn from the 1930s that looks forward to the time “When all of God’s singers get home.” Now, Arthur has joined the spiritual chorus. I suspect he’ll soon find a way to get it better organized, under budget and on key.
Narrative Columnist
Michael Claxton
Illustration by KIT MOORE
Guest Writer Anna Claire Curtis
Graphic by BEN EVANS
Graphic by BEN EVANS
Graphic by BEN EVANS
394 members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) voted in this year’s Hall of Fame voting process. The process to vote feels simple, you’re given a ballot with dozens of names and told to choose up to 10 players. But the thing is, it’s never as black-and-white as those instructions seem. The thing is, a lot of voters have set up their own rules and guidelines that present themselves as a group of holier-than-thous, and as a result it’s ruined what makes the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. special. And no other example is more obvious than the one singular voter who last week did not vote for Ichiro Suzuki for the Hall of Fame. When I was 8 years old, my dad took me to Kansas City to try and witness a Mariano Rivera save. The all-time leader in saves, Rivera’s legacy is unmatched. He’s the last player to wear the #42, the number made famous by Jackie Robinson. More people have walked on the moon (12) than scored a run off of Rivera in the postseason (11). Rivera’s postseason career was 96 games and 141 innings long, making stats like that absurd. So May 11, 2013, when Rivera captured the final out of a Yankees 3-2 win, it was a moment I’ll never forget. Years later in 2019, Rivera was unanimously voted into the Hall of Fame, becoming the only player ever to have that honor. That day in right field was Ichiro, who this year fell one vote short of reaching the same honor.
Ichiro is MLB’s all-time hits leader in a single season, and if you combine the nine seasons he spent in Japan, he has more hits than anyone in history. After 10 at-bats, Ichiro’s batting average never dropped below .300 over his 19-year career. He was a 10time All-Star and started his career with 10 straight seasons with 200 hits. To compare, since Ichiro’s retirement in 2019, six players have that many hits and one has done it twice over the past six years. Nobody will ever match Ichiro’s consistency at the plate, and it’s hard for me to understand why anyone would consider not voting for Ichiro. And that fact only illustrates how broken the Hall of Fame’s system is.
One such issue is the current state of the ballot and the obvious debate over the steroid era. One former voter, retired MLB writer Ken Gurnick infamously declared in 2014 that he would not vote for a single player who played in the steroid era, let alone was a known user. As a result, he only voted for a single player and left off players like Greg Maddux, Tom Glavin and Frank Thomas, players who never used steroids but were punished by Gurnick for simply existing in an era where Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) ran rampant. After a firestorm of backlash, Gurnick decided never to vote again, which could have been used as a reference for voters who might have wanted to do the same thing. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. In 2021, 14 voters sent in ballots without a single vote cast. That led to Hall not accepting new members for the first time in 50 years. It’s likely that a blank ballot was cast this year, and if not then it’s only more egregious that Ichiro was left off a voter’s ballot.
The problem is, there doesn’t seem to be a clear solution. There isn’t a rule that says that you have to publicize your ballot, and so many writers choose to keep theirs a secret. That’s the first issue I have with the current system. These BBWAA members write about baseball constantly to secure credibility with their readers, but when it comes to a Hall of Fame ballot, they privatize their votes, which I can only assume is the fear of lost credibility. We will likely never know who didn’t vote for Ichiro or Derek Jeter, another former Yankee who fell one vote short of a unanimous vote in 2020, and that’s a problem. Accountability matters, and for as many issues as I have with the current system, there unfortunately doesn’t seem to be any clear solution other than making all votes publicly available. Keeping the voters and writers alike accountable will go a long way, so that in 2028 when Albert Pujols makes the ballot, he will end up being the first position player ever to be unanimously elected. If that doesn’t happen, then I won’t know what to think.
Until then, there aren’t many solutions for an issue that seems so minute, but for baseball fans like myself, I have a real issue with how the system works, and until something, anything, changes, then I think there will only be further controversies year-after-year, which isn’t something anyone wants besides the one writer who celebrated this past week as an unknown infamous celebrity.
ELI DEAN is the sports editor for The Bison. He may be contacted at edean3@harding.edu.
Francis named quarterback, fullback coach
MAGGIE SAMPLES editor-in-chief
The latest addition to the Harding football coaching staff is a longtime Searcy native, former Harding Academy football coach and Harding athlete.
Will Francis has been hired as the quarterback and fullback coach for his alma mater. Francis was a student athlete for Harding, but not in football. He is a former Harding basketball player and baseball player.
More recently, Francis has been the football and softball coach at Harding Academy, while teaching biology and Bible. He continues to coach the Harding Academy softball team.
Francis said that in his time with Harding and Harding Academy sports programs, he has learned that winning is fun, but doesn’t last, so the goal of sports should be to mold players into better people.
“If we did nothing but focus on winning,” Francis said. “And did nothing but focus on getting to the top of what we consider our craft and fail to make them better husbands and better fathers and better family men and better people in their jobs, and people that love other people and people that are selfless. If we didn’t help anybody do that, then we failed.”
Francis said that the Harding programs do this well and he enjoys the culture that he has experienced, both as player and coach.
“The mission of Harding and the mission of Harding athletics hasn’t changed, what’s changed is the people, there’s just a different generation and a different set of people that
are here on campus right now, then there were when I was younger,” Francis said.
Francis considers the decision to move from Harding Academy to Harding to be a difficult one, but hopes to impact the student athletes he works with.
“It was a hard decision to leave, but, in the grand scheme of things, whether I was there, whether I’m at the University, I hope to help change lives and using the talents that God’s given me to to help people have a great experience, but ultimately be better people whenever they get done,” Francis said.
Andrew Miller is a running back for the Harding football team and a recent graduate of the Harding Academy football program. Miller said that Francis is both a great coach and a great man.
“I’m super pumped to play under Will again,” Miller said. “I loved playing for him in high school and I’m looking forward to [getting] to work together again. Will is an offensive genius, so he will be a great addition to the coaching staff and team.”
Head Coach Paul Simmon said he feels blessed to be adding Francis to the staff.
“Will is an elite winner, but more importantly, he is a man of strong faith and somebody that will love our young men very well,” Simmons said.
Track ready to hit ground running on new season
ELI DEAN sports editor
Harding’s men’s track team is kicking off the second semester strong. The track season is extremely fast-paced, but the Bisons are up for the challenge as they look to sharpen their skills before the NCAA Championships. Fifth year senior Spencer Helms said that so far this season is unlike any other.
“I think the belief is on a whole different level this year,” Helms said. “I feel very confident in saying that our minds are all on the same goal: a national championship. This team is on a mission like I have never seen before.”
Helms said he is excited to see where the season will take him.
“I’m looking forward to traveling to meets and spending time with my teammates,” Helms said. “This is the last time that I will be a part of a collegiate sports team, and I want to take advantage of the time I have by spending it and creating memories with the people I love.”
Junior Noah Haileab said that the team is as close to winning a national championship as ever.
“Our team is super close-knit,” Haileab said. “The culture of the team has been like this since I have been here and is the main reason why I picked Harding during my recruiting period. We are just several dudes making memories with each other, whether it’s on our runs or on a road trip.”
Even in sports where players compete individually, team chemistry generates success
Sophomore Everett Mumme said his team encourages each other.
“We are a great community encouraging each other on our journey to getting better,” Mumme said. “I’m looking forward to having successful times with great teammates.”
Helms said he believes the Bisons are capable of winning a national championship.
“As a team, we have our minds set on the national championship,” Helms said. “Our team is full of guys who believe it can happen and are doing everything to make it a reality. I believe we have a championshiplevel team with guys who have constructed a championship-level culture.”
Women’s track break records at Samford Invitational
KELLY MAHAWANNIARACHCHI head copy editor
Harding University’s women’s track team had a notable performance Friday, Jan. 17, at the Samford Invitational in Homewood, Alabama. Junior Cella Nguema finished fifth in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.73 seconds, a personal record that broke her school record of 8.77 seconds set in 2024. This time also earned her the 15th national ranking in Division II and a provisional NCAA qualifying mark.
“Breaking my hurdle records feels great, but since I already had the record, it wasn’t as exciting as it could have been,” Nguema said. “Still, no school record is safe, so I’m
motivated to not just keep it but to push myself even further.”
Nguema’s event coach, Lincoln London, shared a few words about Nguema’s determination when it came to the Samford Invitational.
“She was a bit nervous to compete since she was nursing a slight hamstring injury,” London said. “However, her grit and determination overcame all obstacles.”
A good bond is often crucial for the success of a sports team. Nguema also explained how she appreciates the advice she receives from her teammates.
“My teammates share valuable advice when it comes to this sport that has worked for them, advice on injuries and conditioning,” Nguema said. “This has helped me improve a lot.”
Freshman Jerlana Williams also had an admirable achievement, finishing second in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.59 seconds, earning her the 22nd national ranking in Division II and a provisional NCAA qualifying mark. As a freshman, Williams shared about her experience on the team.
“My team has been there as a way to encourage me,” Williams said. “From off the track to on the track my teammates have been there.” Williams also stated some of her goals for the upcoming season.
“One of my goals this season is to make nationals,” Williams said. “And win nationals for both indoor and outdoor seasons.”
Sports Editor Eli Dean
Dugout Dispatch
One vote short for #51
Photo provided by Jeff Montgomery
Junior Noah Haileab leads the pack during a track meet at the Ted and Marcie Lloyd Track and Field Complex during the 2024 track season. The men’s track team is looking for its fourth straight GAC championship this season.
Photo provided by Jeff Montgomery Will Francis is the new quarterback and fullback coach. A graduate of Harding, Francis is also the Harding Academy softball coach.
Various denominations welcome all
As a Church of Christ-affiliated university, Harding can struggle when welcoming students from different denominations. Because Searcy is a hub for churches of various beliefs, from Catholic, Pentecostal, Baptist, non-denominational and Episcopal churches, students and community members have many options.
Sophomore Keaton Rochelle, assistant youth pastor for seventh through ninth graders, spoke about his experience as a part of Fellowship, a non-denominational church in Searcy.
“Fellowship is a non-denominational church, they accept anyone and are willing to take in anyone because that’s what Jesus would do,” Rochelle said. “I think a lot of people are Church of Christ here at Harding, but at the same time there’s a lot of people that come that are Baptist, non-denominational, or that are here because they don’t per-say, have religion.”
Rochelle said that Fellowship has more members from the Searcy community than Harding students. He has felt fulfillment by being in a position to help young students who need it the most.
Trinity Episcopal Church, located in downtown Searcy, is known for its outreach toward the community. Offering a free food pantry that anyone in the community can use or donate to, as well as a fence on which they hang winter clothing for those in need,
Trinity Episcopal has created a welcoming environment for all.
Reverend Mark Harris, the priest at Trinity, shared some of his experiences with the Searcy community.
“We are called to be evangelists to the community in whatever way, shape or form that takes,” Harris said. “That’s what animates us. The core common Christian message of salvation in Christ Jesus. Then the rest of what animates us is our history and tradition of the Church of England, where the Episcopal church takes its heritage.”
Harris said anyone is welcome to donate to the pantry or hang clothing on the fence.
“I’ve met many, many people from around town simply stopping in to stock the pantry,” Harris said. “During the really cold months of December, January and February, we will put out a little sign that says, ‘Trinity giving fence.’”
Freshman Racheal Sims has attended an Anglican church for much of her life. While at school, she attends St. Andrew’s Anglican
“The
Review: new business opens downtown, Wildflour bakery
ANDREW RENEAU asst. copy editor
Walking into WildFlour Bakery presents a mix of simplicity and funk. The walls? A combination of pearl white and dark purple. The lights? Diverse. The welcome sign is rainbow, the interior is illuminated by white lights hanging from a tall ceiling and a set of changing colored bulbs hovers above the counter.
Teresah Johnson owns the storefront and operates it with her family, but her entrepreneurial spirit began in her grandfather’s jewelry store, back before she owned her store.
“I grew up on Spring Street,” Johnson said. “I spent every day of my life for the first ten years in that jewelry store.”
For Johnson, baking and small businesses are two passions she has never lost.
“If baking can bring joy to someone in any way, then why wouldn’t I want to spread that joy to other people?” Johnson said.
She began cooking in her kitchen in 2017 and quickly progressed to selling cupcakes and her take on an oatmeal cream pie at a farmer’s market. Johnson recalled setting up her tent with tables, chairs and displays she moved using her minivan. She had six cupcake flavors and sold them in hundred-degree weather.
Johnson said she began to see her future in a storefront after she purchased her food truck.
“Once I got the food truck, that’s when everything really started falling into place,” Johnson said. Junior Kenzie James remembers visiting Johnson’s food truck while filming a package for student-run TV station HU16.
“It was a very colorful pastel truck,” James said. “I think it caters to a lot of
what teenagers are looking for now, like cheaper, more affordable snacks.”
Today, Johnson’s sells cupcakes from her store on Spring Street, nestled between Quattlebaum Music Center and Burrito Day. She still offers the six flavors she sold at the farmer’s market but has added another six that change each week. Her favorite cupcake flavors are all except chocolate—she particularly enjoys coffeeflavored items.
“If you have a passion, then I fully believe that God gave you that passion for a reason, and we should try to do something with it,” Johnson said.
Warming Center brings shelter
to those in need; offers coats
Warming Center and its contributions to the Mission Machine.
by church members who help keep the Warming Center successful.
Searcy First Methodist Church and nonprofit organization Mission Machine partnered this year to provide resources and shelter — the “Warming Center” — to people in need this winter. Searcy First Methodist Church houses people on nights below 26 degrees Fahrenheit. The Warming Center opened in 2010. Those without a home often receive aid from Mission Machine, a local nonprofit. Through Mission Machine, those in need of housing are provided with a place to sleep and basic amenities.
Mission Machine director Michael Phifer expressed his appreciation for the
“I like that they meet the people they meet at [Searcy First Methodist Church] and get connections,” Phifer said. “It really lets them know that, ‘I’m maybe going through a rough time in my life right now, but I’m still a part of this community.’”
Those who spend the night at the Warming Center often arrive around 6 p.m. They are served dinner and are provided entertainment such as a movie or a game night. They are served breakfast around 7 a.m. the following morning.
Volunteers from the church serve the food and spend the night with attendees. Warming Center volunteer Sylvia Cummings spoke of the collaboration
“We have people who cook meals,” Cummings said. “...We have people who set up and pick up. So it’s more than just ‘walk in and everybody goes to sleep.’”
Searcy First Methodist Church is also responsible for the Warming Fence, a f ence on Main Street used to store donated winter clothing. Those in need of warm clothing during cold temperatures may take clothing from the Warming Fence at no cost. The Warming Fence is successful; approximately 500 coats have been given away this year.
Searcy First Methodist Church member Patty Williams got the idea for the Warming Fence from a friend in Rogers, Arkansas, and opened its doors in 2021.
The Warming Fence consists of a fence with winter coats hanging on it and tubs of other winter clothes. Williams spoke of her inspiration to begin the Warming Fence in Searcy.
“I just feel led to do this,” Williams said.
Senior Pastor of Searcy First Methodist Church Jeff Jackson spoke of Searcy residents’ participation in the program.
“We’ve actually had people from all over the community come and participate,” Jackson said. “...We’ve had an overwhelming response of people giving and receiving what we have out on the fence.”
Searcy First Methodist Church is accepting donations of winter clothing for the Warming Fence.
The warming fence, put together by First Methodist Church, is a place where people in the community can hang gently used coats for people in need. Located at 304 N. Main St, this fence is in a central part of town.
AMANDA TOYE community editor
HELEN STRICKLAND opinions editor
Trinity Episcopal Chuch located at 200 N. Elm St. is one of many churches in Searcy. Trinity Episcopal Church has both an outdoor food pantry and a “giving fence” for people in the community to donate to and utulize.
Graphic by BEN EVANS
Photo by BRILEY KEMPER
Church and the Church of the Holy Trinity, an Antiochian Orthodox church, which are both located in Little Rock.
biggest thing is tradition,” Sims said. “They are sacramental churches. The church services are what we call a liturgy. We form ourselves in the church that can reflect ourselves in our lives.”
Photo by BRILEY KEMPER
Student artist shares creative passion
by
For many students, balancing passions and hobbies with academic responsibilities can be challenging. For Guido Alpizar, a sophomore electrical engineering student from Costa Rica, it’s a balance that seems to come naturally. While Alpizar’s studies in electrical engineering have presented a welcomed challenge in his life, his love of art has remained a deeply personal hobby that has allowed him to unwind and express himself. Alpizar has grown up with a love for creating art.
“I’ve been making art since I was about 5 years old,” Alpizar said. “As a kid, I used to watch TV and draw what I saw.”
Since then, Alpizar has seen his art as a way to express how he feels. Whenever he is stressed or has something to say that may be hard to put into words, he paints or draws.
Despite his impressive artistic abilities, Alpizar sees his art purely as a hobby.
“I wanted to do electrical engineering to prove to myself that I can do more than one thing,” Alpizar said. “I know I have this artistic gift, but I want to challenge myself to try more things that I know may be hard for me. It is also hard to find a job in art back home in Costa Rica. I have noticed that
art is more appreciated here in the United States, but in Costa Rica, it feels like that is not the case.”
Alpizar has enjoyed sharing his art with friends and family, and he’s even sold a few pieces to people who admire his work.
Sophomore Davis Fonseca bought a small canvas painting from Alpizar.
“The design was based on the band Nirvana,” Fonseca said. “I loved how detailed it was even though it was so small. He has the ability to add depth into such a compact painting. His artistic abilities are remarkable.”
While living with the young artist, sophomore Pablo Velasquez has watched Alpizar develop his craft.
“As an artist, he likes to experiment,” Velasquez said. “As his friend and roommate, I get to see his creative process—it’s fascinating all the effort he puts into the small details.”
Alpizar is continually seeking to grow as an artist, exploring new techniques beyond his typical drawings.
“Guido is in the process of finding new ways to do his art,” Velasquez said. “His future projects are really interesting, and I hope people can see more of his art.”
For those interested in seeing or buying his work, Alpizar shares his pieces on Instagram at alpiz_art.
Longstanding holiday lights remain a beloved tradition
Every year, the Harding University campus transforms into a glowing winter wonderland with its beloved Christmas lights. The lights, a longstanding tradition that stretches back decades, have become a highlight for the Harding and Searcy communities.While some students have felt that the lights are being taken down sooner than usual this year, the timing aligns with past years. Harding’s extended winter break this year meant students spent less time on campus to enjoy the lights before they began to be removed.
“We always start taking the lights down after we get back in January depending on the weather,” Head of Physical Resources
Danny DeRamus said.
“Occasionally we are asked by the president’s office to leave some of the lights on the front lawn nearest to Cone Chapel up for weddings or special occasions.”
Sophomore Gabie Eddins, a Searcy native, shared her sentimental connection to the lights. “Growing up in Searcy, the Harding lights were always something my family looked forward to,” Eddins said. “It’s so special to see them as a student now.
Even though it’s sad when they’re gone, I get why they have to take them down. It’s
nice to know they’ll come back every year.”
The lights, which span the campus from the Front Lawn to the Benson Auditorium, are typically turned on in late November, with students and community members gathering to celebrate the lighting ceremony. For senior Eiley Miles, the lights have been a constant during her time at Harding.
“From freshman year to now, they’ve always made the campus feel like home, especially as it gets colder outside,” Miles said. “It’s one of the things I’ll miss most about Harding when I graduate.
Even though it’s a
little bittersweet to see them go, it reminds me to savor the moment while they’re here.”
For many students, the lights are more than just decorations—they represent the warmth and community spirit of Harding during the holiday season.
“I am glad the students enjoy the lights,” DeRamus said. “And they will be back next year, Lord willing.”
Board Game Nights club creates community for students
Harding is known for its close-knit community. This is typically due to students finding creative ways to spend time together in a slower-paced town. One way students get involved on campus is by joining various clubs and activities, one of which is the Board Game Nights club. The club, formed in fall 2023, has been a quick way for many students to find community with those who share a common interest.
“It’s definitely super casual,” freshman Elijah Hawk said. “It’s basically just a whole bunch of people who like playing games with friends.” Hawk has been involved in the Board Game Nights club since the fall semester and has enjoyed getting to know other students who share his love of board games. He said that his favorite part about the club was its variety.
“You’ll never show up and have the same people, the same games being played, or the same experience,” Hawk said. “It’s always new. There’s always something different to try. You didn’t enjoy the last game last time? Well, pick a different game this time.”
Sophomore Elijah Seright has been a member since it formed and described the inspiration behind starting it.
“Well, we just wanted to make a place where people could get together and network with people of similar interests,” Seright said. And
really it’s just another social event, another way to hang out with folks.” The Board Game Nights club meets every Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. in Mabee 111. The club has a collection of board games and students are encouraged to bring their games. Hawk and Seright explained how any student interested in getting involved is welcome to join.
“One thing they can do is they can join our Discord or GroupMe,” Hawk said. “In addition, if they want to become a member and get involved in the actual administration of the club, they can pay $8 and that’s full membership.”
“We want to make sure that anybody who’s interested but can’t find a group or can’t find friends who are interested can find us,” Seright said. Anyone who loves playing games, meeting new people and taking much-needed breaks from school work is encouraged to take part in the Board Game Nights club.
Their main goal is to get the word out.
Sophomore electrical engineering student Guido Alpizar works on a drawing in his at-home studio. Alpizar has enjoyed exploring new artistic techniques and will often share his work online.
Photo
EDGAR CARDIEL
Students in the Board Game Nights club gather in the Mabee building to play board games. The club was formed in fall 2023 to create a community of students with a shared interest in board games.
Photo by ABIGAIL CALLICOAT
AJA GRIFFIN guest writer
JULIA JENKINS guest writer
Graphic by SYDNEY PALMER
JIANA MANGLICMOT lifestyle & features
Piano duo kicks off recital season
Harding’s Department of Music opened its recital season this week with two piano recitals, from juniors Daniel Bennett and Andrew Richardson, and Director of piano studies Dr. Scott Carrell.
Bennett and Richardson performed their junior recital “Cousins in Concert” on Saturday, Jan. 25. The cousins are a piano duo who have played together for most of their lives. Bennett said he and Richardson began taking lessons from his aunt (Richardson’s mother) when they were five years old and
have grown together in their shared interest in music. Music department chair Dr. Jay Walls said Bennett and Richardson have a noticeable synergy and empathy.
“It’s been a really good experience that not many people can get,” Bennett said. “Doing ensemble piano playing is always good and we both enjoy playing duets because it exposes you to new music, and also, it’s just a lot of fun to play.”
The cousins performed one of these new pieces, “Scherzo-Fantastique”, Op. 16, composed by Jean Louis Nicodé, in their program on Saturday. Bennett said the only record of the piece being performed was by
himself, along with composer Franz List, in 1882.
Carrell said he likes exploring and finding rare pieces like “Scherzo-Fantastique”. Carrell helped Bennett and Richardson prepare for their recital while preparing for his program on Tuesday, Jan. 28. While music majors are required to perform junior and senior recitals, faculty also frequently perform. Carrell said he performs annually because he enjoys the music and sharing it with others.
“Dr. Carrell, like I’ve said before, he’s just a top-quality musician and really knows how to communicate the musical message within any work of art,” Walls said.
Carrell said he learned to accept what the music sounds like to ensure the audience hears the intended tune.
“If I have a very clear idea about what this melody means, what I think it means, then when I play it, it’s going to take on a certain strength,” Carrell said. “Then the audience hearing that, they’re going to hear the strength of that, and that’s going to prompt an idea for them [that] might be different than mine… I want them to be moved by whatever it is in some way or another.”
Brackett Library to host competitive Puzzle Palooza
Harding’s Brackett library is bringing together students and faculty members for a friendly competition featuring different puzzle building teams on Friday Jan. 31.
Amy McGohan, associate library director, said she is hopeful for the turnout of this event.
The competition will take place in the library lab and has a $20 entry fee to cover the costs of puzzles and featured prizes of three Midnight Oil gift cards for the winning teams. Teams of two to four members were able to enter.
Brenda Breezeel, systems librarian, said she is hopeful for continued enthusiasm towards this event.
She shared that she got the idea for Puzzle Palooza from another library.
“We borrowed this idea from a public library in Little Rock, and we were like ‘Oh! What a fun idea.’”
Senior competitor Jessi Walton is eager to participate in Puzzle Palooza.
“I’m really excited that it’s a team of four, because my roommate and I love puzzles,” Walton said.
“My roommate and I are convinced that we’re going to win because we are so competitive, and we don’t think anyone else is going to bring that energy that we’re about to bring,” Walton said.
“We already have 14 teams registered, which we had a cap of 16,” McGohan said.
“Since we’ve gotten such a good response, we think we might try to do it at least once a year,” Breezeel said.
She is hopeful to obtain the grand prize with her teammates.
Nicodé
ABBY BARRY copy editor
Juniors Daniel Bennett and Andrew Richardson perform their junior piano recital in the Reynolds Recital Hall. Bennett and Richardson are cousins and have played together for most of their lives.
