In this issue
HU16 takes over chapel news
Tis fall, Harding has made a signifcant change to chapel. HU16 has taken on the responsibility of delivering chapel announcements every Tuesday and Friday for the semester, intending to increase engagement in chapel announcements that are typically delivered by a single person twice a week and can oftentimes be overlooked. Te change will encourage students to engage more with chapel announcements and with HU16.
Dean of Spiritual Life and chapel programs Logan Light spearheaded the change and described how the plan came about. “This came from a student,” Light said. “A student had an idea, said something about HU16 back last spring, and I thought, ‘Tat’s kind of interesting.’”
We are providing some more longform content that is presented in a clean and polished way, which I feel can grab attention in a way that simply someone reading announcements may not.
Junior Hailey Stevens, HU16 co-anchor, explained her brainstorming process. “The SGA talked about illumination,” Stevens said. “It was like, ‘this is your way you can illuminate HU16 and also beneft students by not taking forever when doing announcements.’” HU16 will continue to broadcast their daily 5 p.m. show. Tey will also flm a separate review edition that is focused towards students in chapel, which will be broadcast every Tuesday and Friday in the Benson Auditorium.
Sophomore HU16 co-anchor Paul Ryan expressed his excitement about the change and shared how it will difer from normal day-to-day announcements. “I also feel that it is smart to air only two days out of the week. Anything that is done every day has the potential to become boring,” Ryan said. HU16 hopes to attract a wider range of viewers through their chapel announcements. Te innovation began the week of Sept. 1 and will continue throughout the semester.
Harding reacts to nationwide university swatting
Several universities across the nation received false reports of active shooters over the past two weeks.
Over 20 college campuses have been targeted by these calls, known as “swatting.” Te Department of Homeland Security defnes swatting, a felony, as “a malicious act that can involve placing false emergency calls to emergency responders, often reporting a (false) severe, ongoing crisis at a specifc location.”
The University of Arkansas (UofA) in Fayetteville, Arkansas, was one of several schools swatted on Monday, Aug. 25. UofA associate professor of broadcast and multimedia news, storytelling and promotion – and former Harding professor – Dr. Ginger Blackstone described her experience during the swatting.
“It was kind of like a drill times 10 with the best possible outcome; nobody was really hurt,” Blackstone said.
Blackstone, who was teaching class when the campus locked down, said her initial reaction was that the incident was fake.
“It’s a little early in the semester, if this is a student pulling a prank,” Blackstone said. “When I heard about the other schools, I was like, ‘Okay, what is happening today?’”
Many of the calls share similarities: most target the university’s library, some include gunshot sounds and some have similar descriptions of the reported shooter or frearm. News organizations reported that the FBI is working with local law enforcement to investigate the swattings, but officials have not confrmed whether the incidents are connected.
Director of Public Safety Craig Russell said Harding’s campus police are communicating with campus, local and federal law enforcement ofcials in Arkansas about how to respond to swatting.
“We want to be prepared to respond whether it is a hoax or it’s the real thing,” Russell said. “Sometimes you can’t tell. Sometimes it’s just
you’re going to have to respond like it’s the real thing, you know, search the buildings, do whatever you need to do and do our best to keep our campus safe.”
Public Safety runs three annual drills to test their notifcation system and prepare for various incidents. Russell said the University’s active shooter simulation in April 2025 was almost identical to how campus and local law enforcement would respond if Harding was swatted.
Junior Abby Rana is from Fayetteville and learned about the UofA swatting because her brother is a student there.
“I was worried and scared for my brother, a freshman, and my friends on campus,” Rana
said. “I was relieved to fnd that they were all safe. … It’s scary that that can happen there in my hometown and somebody could do that. It’s also scary that’s a possibility here.”
Counseling center director Lew Moore said his primary concern with the university swattings is the added stress it causes for students.
“You cannot not be stressed by something that disrupts life so much as that does,” Moore said. “How much more weight is this putting on our students to be aware that this is [happening] on other campuses?”
If Harding was swatted or experienced a threatening event, Moore said the counseling center would increase their availability for
students to access the center’s resources and counselors.
When junior Lauren McDufe heard about one of the swatting instances, she said she was concerned because shootings and threats of shootings have become common in America.
“My frst thought was concern for them, but then I instantly thought, ‘Okay, that’s not that far from us,’” McDufe said. “I think Public Safety would be on top of it. … I think we’d be good, but you know, it’s not impossible.”
Editor’s note: Te Bison is collaborating with the student media from some of the afected universities to report on the swatting as incidents continue across the U.S.
NATALIA LAGO beat reporter
KENZIE JAMES news editor
Junior Ava Hagedorn reads chapel announcements from HU16 news room Sept. 2. The airing was the frst installment of the newly introduced HU16 announcements to be played in chapel twice per week.
Law enforcement ofcials park on Duncan Avenue outside the Kimberly Hall building on the University of Arkansas campus. Ofcers responded to a swatting call of an active shooter in Mullins Library Aug. 25.
–Paul Ryan, sophomore HU16 co-anchor
Photo by EDGAR CARDIEL
Photo provided by GINGER BLACKSTONE
Tacker’s Burritos, 3B
First Friday Festival, 2A
Performative Males, 3A
Milk Bash, 4B
Campus Life, CPE host First Friday Festival
How many Alani energy drinks ft in the trunk of a Honda Pilot? Ask sophomore Natalia Lago, a member of the Harding Entertainment Resource Department.
“Jane Chandler was in charge of getting the energy drinks,” Lago said. “Some of them were from Walmart, and then some were from Amazon. We picked up the stuf in the Lee building, and then we drove from the back of the library onto the front lawn and dropped it of.”
Harding’s Campus Life student workers handed out around 1,000 energy drinks Aug.
22 under their pop-up tent during the First Friday Festival. For the past three years, on the frst Friday of the fall semester, the University’s front lawn is briefy covered by jump castles, tents and fufy clouds of cotton candy to celebrate and welcome students back to Harding.
“Our goal was to get people to get to know everyone and [welcome] the freshmen,” Lago said.
Director of Campus Life Jane Chandler said she wanted all classifcations of students to feel welcome.
“It’s not a freshman-only event,” Chandler said. “It’s open for everyone to attend; it’s campus-wide.”
Chandler described the difculty of meeting freshmen on campus, while simultaneously celebrating seniors and providing benefcial help as they prepare to leave.
“It’s not freshmen, come celebrate your frst week,” Chandler said. “It’s everybody, come grab cotton candy, grab an energy drink, hang out with us, visit the local vendor fair. It’s a campus-wide thing.”
In addition to the festivities, Campus Life and Harding’s Center for Professional Excellence collaborated to host tents from 36 businesses, including Harding’s own Bison Hospitality, which handed out information to passing students. Some advertised jobs, while others simply wanted students to hear their names.
“It’s not just a part-time job fair, it’s not just a vendor fair, but, hopefully, a blend of both,” Chandler said.
Senior Marketing Director for Campus Life Tucker Allen said he watched students interacting with the tents, including Crispy Cones, which let students spin a wheel for the chance to win a coupon for free ice cream.
“I have so much footage of people talking to groups,” Allen said. “Tey had all these little games. Subway was giving out free sandwiches, and a lot of cofee shops had cofee.”
Alumni Relations starts new ambassador program
Alumni Relations launched a new program this summer with a goal to connect alumni to the Harding community.
The Harding Ambassador Network is a program designed for alumni to build the Harding community nation-wide, by encouraging prospective students and connecting alumni of all ages.
“A couple of board members thought of the idea of trying to equip our alumni base to promote Harding in their areas and kind of be the voice of Harding wherever we live across the country,” network director Cherisse Gregory said.
Te inaugural ambassador meeting is next week on Sept. 10. Gregory said that there are currently almost 200 ambassadors, but she and Chief Growth and Strategy Ofcer Paul Maynard have a goal of getting 1,000 ambassadors in the next couple years.
“For over 100 years, we’ve had Harding alumni and friends of Harding who are really passionate about the place,” Maynard said. “Informally, they’ve told people in their home church, their school, their community [and]
their church camp about Harding. We want to formalize that.”
One of the ambassadors’ roles is to help the undergraduate and graduate admissions counselors recruit students. Ambassador and alumna Emma Smith (’23) said ambassadors already shared the names of 37 prospective students with the admissions team; 19 of those students were new and had not previously contacted Harding about applying.
“[Te admissions team] can only be in so many places at the same time,” Maynard said. “What if we literally had 1,000 people who were kind of an extension of that team working to help us get the word out about Harding?”
Another part of the ambassadors’ role is to continue fostering relationships in the Harding community. Gregory said the network could help recent graduates or students about to graduate fnd internships, jobs and a network of Harding alumni.
“I think we promote relationships so much on campus when students are here,” Gregory said. “We want to make sure those relationships continue no matter where you go, that you always have connections nearby.”
“I’m actually super excited about
Smith learned about the network while visiting Searcy and is now an ambassador in Tallahassee, Florida. She said she wanted to participate to remain connected with the Harding community.
said. “I met my family and my community in Searcy. … When I think of home, I truly think of the Harding community and the churches in Searcy.”
Students respond to increase of digital textbooks
MICHAEL WRYE beat reporter
Over the past 10 years, Harding has gradually transformed the way it provides textbooks to students. Today, the primary and preferred method of textbook access is through the digital platform HU Direct Access, which provides students with quick, easy access to their primary texts for all of their classes. Direct Access is lower-cost as compared to physical textbooks.
Generally, students see Direct Access as a net positive, but the consensus is not unanimous. Most people say that they prefer the physical nature of paper books, but are usually swayed by the convenience and value of the virtual option.
“When I was a freshman, I really thought I would prefer to have all of the physical textbooks, just because I don’t usually like reading on a screen, but then I got here and realized that some of my classes only had the option to use direct access,” sophomore Anna Cox said. “And then I realized how nice it is actually, because you can use the search bar to look up terms, you can have it use a split screen and take notes, or have an open-book test going. It’s nice, especially for people with a lot of big textbooks, because it’s cheaper, you have them all in one place and there’s no reason to keep them once the class is over.”
On the other hand, it doesn’t always seem necessary or even preferred to have an online textbook. Sometimes the preference is entirely dependent on the subject matter and the type of book.
“Most of my classes didn’t even have the option of Direct Access and I’m okay with
that,” junior transfer student Maurice West said. “Tey are books that I care about actually having in physical form, and it’ll be cool to keep them. But for the one book that was ofered through Direct Access, I was glad to opt in, just because it’s a small little book that I’ll probably never read again.”
Some people do not buy into the idea of online textbooks. Sometimes the books are simply not worth it.
“To be honest, it seems like direct access cheapens the students’ access to a sense of physical knowledge,” sophomore Sebastian King said. “It kinda seems like this is the beginning of a library apocalypse. I do have access to my physics textbook online for ease of access, but I also just bought the physical book as well, because it’s just so much better. Sometimes it also doesn’t even seem fnancially worth it.”
Regardless of opinions, the fnal word on where to get textbooks comes from the students themselves; it is a matter of preference and depends on the subject matter in question. However, the trend seems to remain partial toward physical books.
KENZIE JAMES news editor
Sophomores Ellie Nicolas and Anna Cox talk with a vendor from Tidal Wave Auto Spa. Tidal Wave was one of 36 local businesses at the First Friday Festival.
Photo by BRILEY KEMPER
ANDREW RENEAU opinions editor
Graphic provided by HARDING AMBASSADOR NETWORK
it,” Smith
TheLink.Harding.edu
Harding’s student body seems to get a bit bigger every year. With the incoming freshman classes growing little by little, it should be no surprise that campus feels more crowded. However, students have noted that this year’s student body feels particularly full compared to previous years, not just in attendance, but in campus parking spaces. Some of these spaces are overfowing, such as residence halls or study spots, but perhaps the most obvious, and possibly most irritating, of these is parking.
Te amount of parking spaces on campus is proving to be an issue for commuters, upperclassmen with jobs and those with special transportation needs. Lots that would normally be available, such as the GAC, Swaid/Reynolds and Heritage, are overflowing. During the first two weeks, available parking spaces have been so limited, students have been forced to choose between walking everywhere, fronting the realities of weather, time constraints and physical concerns, or braving the traffic problem and the possibility of running late to class or, in some cases, having to re-park in their original place and then walk.
Part of the problem is that the School of
On Aug. 19, restaurant chain Cracker Barrel announced plans to update the logo and interior for all of their locations. Te iconic image of Uncle Herschel in a rocking chair next to a barrel was set to be changed as part of a broader franchise rebrand. Te plan sparked outrage among longtime fans, who expressed their disappointment across social media.
Te backlash revealed that Cracker Barrel was more beloved than the company may have realized. For many Americans, Cracker Barrel is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place deeply tied to personal memories of buying old-fashioned candies and toys, playing the peg game, and enjoying pancakes in a welcoming setting. Americans were upset by the rebranding eforts because it would have taken away from years of nostalgia and memories, replacing them with a more modern and minimalist aesthetic.
To park or not to park
Teology library expansion has restricted the entire lot between Grad Hall and the Benson Auditorium, leaving a whole section of campus parking a construction zone. So far, there has been little efort or statement on replacing that lot with a new one or designating new parking areas. Additionally, students are only permitted to park in white painted spots during the school day in order to reserve space for faculty. While this makes sense in theory, the lot overtaken by construction was almost entirely made up of student spots, and there has been no sign of changing current red spaces to accommodate this.
Another aspect contributing to the problem is the overall increase of cars on campus. Te ratio of new students on campus to students who have graduated is uneven: while there are always seniors and transfer students who are graduating and leaving, this does not free up enough space to accommodate the number of freshmen who come along with their vehicles. Senior graduating classes are typically smaller than incoming ones (compare our nearly 800 May graduates to our estimated 1,200 new student) and with the last couple years’ classes having also been record-high for Harding as a whole, it was only a matter of time before
the student body exceeded campus capacity. Believing that current campus space is large enough to support the growing influx of freshmen seems to be a skewed assumption; disproportionate graduating and incoming class sizes means requiring other methods of action to improve the situation.
Overall, the parking situation on campus has begun to shift from an irritation to a legitimate problem. Te issues highlighted here are, no doubt, not the only reasons for the parking debacle. If campus cannot be expanded or new parking spaces created, then other solutions should be considered and implemented. Would it be wise to assign faculty and staf specifc spots and get rid of all other red spots that are unused? Should underclassmen residence hall students only be allowed to park in designated dorm lots? Should there be excused absences or no ticketing on Black and Gold visitation days, when parking is a battle in itself? Whatever the solution may be, the issue needs to be addressed quickly and publicly.
You want a logo with that?
The pushback wasn’t just about the logo. It was about preserving a sense of
comfort and tradition in a world that often undervalues the importance of maintaining things as they are. Founded in Tennessee in 1969, Cracker Barrel holds a special place in Southern culture, where many people prefer beloved traditions remaining unchanged rather than be modernized beyond In today’s world, many people believe that
change is always necessary, that new is better, and society should always be pushing for the next best thing. Te rebranding of companies coincides with this societal notion of constant innovation. Americans are becoming tired
100 students - 3 questions
A
of competing in this race of trying to be the newest and greatest on the market. Some people like how things are and have always been, so why change it? Even if the change does ‘keep with the times.’
While the company’s desire to improve business is understandable, this incident proves that change isn’t always the answer. Innovation doesn’t always lead to improvement. Some have speculated that the controversy itself may have contributed to a temporary boost in sales.
In response to the public outcry, Cracker Barrel reversed its decision, confrming that the beloved logo and interior design would remain unchanged. Uncle Herschel and the country-style store experience will continue to be a defning feature of one of America’s most recognizable restaurants. Tis situation shows that progress doesn’t always require change; sometimes, it means preserving what people already cherish.
Time of writing: 12:19 a.m.
(Cue a crisp, British voice, preferably Benedict Cumberbatch on four espressos.)
The performative male, or Cinaedus homosapien, is an elusive specimen. Commonly found grazing on Harding’s fertile plains, it is frequently seen spread under a towering oak on a plaid picnic blanket. Te location may seem random to the untrained eye, but do not be fooled. Every crease and cofee stain is steamed and spilled to perfection. It lies in ambush; a subtle but deadly predator.
Watch! He produces a dark brown guitar and carefully tweaks the already-tuned knob. Though the jointed fingers of Cinaedus homosapien are only capable of producing three chords, he strums with gusto and passion, his twangs a desperate plea for favor. Alas, this ritual attracts only pity.
Tis creature’s vocabulary is as studded as its nose ring. When threatened, the performative male will release a vicious word-vomit of Kierkegaard or Simone de Beauvoir. If this fails to ward of attacks, he will retreat into the lining of his linen pants, muttering “assimilation” and “commodifcation” until the aggressor retreats.
Te Cinaedus homosapien has evolved past the average human and no longer needs water. Instead, their hands grow a glassy shell, not unlike a mason jar, with which he uses to slurp black cofee, kombucha and matcha tea. Tis appendage is constantly kept full, thus serving the dual purpose of hydration and attempted feminine attraction. Like a spring in the desert, water can always be found near their resting ground. This, however, is not for their own consumption. The Cinaedus homosapien thinks, with condescension, that water is useful only for the weak and the bourgeoisie.
Approaching this obscure creature in chapel is easily done, but not recommended. Around the 15-minute mark of the average session, the creature begins to emit a cycle of booming “hm”s and “mhm”s from deep within its chest. At close range, these crashing waves of solemn piety have been observed to stun and maim unsuspecting students. If one is fortunate enough to withstand the blasts, Cinaedus homosapien can be observed to scribble frantically in a leather-bound notebook. Tis, too, has proven to be a performative gesture to the surrounding students: the notes, later analyzed, will consist of, at best, jumbled Bible verses and grocery lists, and at worst unintelligible scribbles.
When travelling in a group, typically during their daily migratory fight path from the McInteer to Midnight Oil, the fashing streaks of bright reds and muddy browns produced by their cardigans draw tears to the faces of war veterans. A pack of males is called a “workshop,” taken from their cryptic practices of arranging themselves by perceived intelligence and trading podcast ideas and
Despite their ridicule, Cinaedus homosapien remains a prominent and resilient species in North America. Want to see one for yourself? Grab your pour-over cofee and paperback copy of Susan Sontag’s “On Women” (or “Fourth Wing” to attract the risqué subspecies) and go Or don’t, I don’t really care. Goodnight.
Graphic by CARYS BIRDWELL
Graphic by MELANIE GUYETTE
Community editor
Lorelai Curtis
Opinions editor Andrew Reneau Guest writer
Evelyn Filleman
EVELYN FILLEMAN is a guest writer for The Bison.
LORELAI CURTIS is the community editor for The Bison. She may be
TOBIN SELLERS
Samples of gold
Editor-in-chief Randi Tubbs
I began this semester convincing myself that I would have no escape from the grind and that my life would simply be a countdown until graduation. I would have to go day by day, completing tasks and starting a list of new ones for the next day. I would stress daily about where I am going to work, what jobs I should be looking for, and if I am going to please my family and friends with those decisions. I did not account for the meals with friends, dates with my boyfriend, or even alone time watching the newest season of “Love is Blind” – all things that I genuinely need to survive.
I lived the frst week of this semester in that state, wondering why I felt so empty. On Thursday of the second week, I had just submitted Te Bison to be printed and acquired some hours of free time. I texted my best friend (and boyfriend) notifying him of my freedom, and he suggested we take an excursion.
We started dating almost two years ago. Te frst months of our relationship were full of long car rides, sharing and singing music, and browsing antique and record stores. When I think about those frst few months, it genuinely feels like my memories are stolen from the most precious romance novel ever written.
The important thing is that I don’t get stuck thinking about living and forget to live. I have to make a choice.
Te frst months of a relationship are some of the most exciting, vulnerable and anxious times that humans can experience. I was so focused on him that I wasn’t letting my other responsibilities and commitments cloud what I knew was most important – deepening my connection with him. While I might’ve been a little too lenient with putting my responsibilities on the back burner in those months, those were some of the happiest months that I can remember living.
Honeymoon phases fade, and the choice has to be made to not let connections (not just romantic ones) fade too. Last week, I needed that reminder. As I read through Maggie’s columns, that quote felt aimed – she read me for flth! I knew that at this point in my relationships, a conscious choice had to be made to continue to maintain and grow.
So, when my boyfriend suggested we take an excursion, how could I have said no? Maggie just told me to make a choice. We left for Little Rock that afternoon, listening to and singing our favorite songs. We walked through shops and a record store, just like old times. We ate pizza at a restaurant we probably won’t go back to. We had silly conversations, difcult conversations, and at times we didn’t talk at all. We were in the moment, experiencing each other and appreciating the time spent.
I am learning to put Maggie’s lesson into practice. Maggie went out of her way to prioritize the people she loved, and I’d like to resemble her in that way.
(Beware of spoilers for Kpop Demonhunters)
Last week I finally watched “KPop Demon Hunters.” Why had I not watched it when everyone’s been talking about it? Skepticism. Multiple recent, terrible experiences with new cinema—especially animated productions—led me to question the quality of such a popular movie. But that’s not the point here and neither is the fact that “Demon Hunters” was actually a great movie with relatable character arcs, inspiring plot and, of course, extremely catchy music.
Instead, one major moment of the movie stuck out to me as an interesting diference from other recent media: (spoiler) Jinu dies. A major character designed to highlight the film’s moral themes dies at the end. Seriously? All the romantic buildup, plottwists and development into a better person, for what? He can’t be revived, happy and free with Rumi?
No. And that’s how it should be.
Recent media has created an expectation in viewers for magical, unrealistic perfection at the end of a story. Hollywood is taking a page out of DC Comics’ book, reviving characters so regularly that death itself has lost any meaning or emotional weight. Disney might have started this trend with their “happily ever afters” masking the
gruesome endings of Grimm’s fairytales, but those usually included fewer fantastical resuscitations and more exaggerated freedom from fnancial struggles. (Marrying a prince does tend to help one avoid that reality.)
Blame Disney or not, conquering death is such a prominent theme these days that I’ve watched people become angry when their favorite character does not get revived by some magical means. It’s harming the impact and importance of modern media.
Consider two opposing examples:
Te “Transformers” franchise has faded of the radar, but most people know the name Optimus Prime. Troughout franchise history, Optimus Prime has died over 20 times…and been revived on nearly as many occasions. Seriously, Google it. Sure, it’s for the plot; he’s the popular leader, it makes sense to kill him for efect. But Transformers wouldn’t be Transformers without Optimus Prime, so obviously he can’t stay dead. At least, that’s what I imagine the thought process was behind each of his self-sacrifces that were really only temporary naps until the next movie. Not a very fulflling thought for the fans.
Now consider “Avengers: Endgame.” Iron Man dies—permanently. (If this spoils the ending for someone, sorry, but it’s been longer since that movie came out than Tanos’ snap lasted.) His death evokes some intense grief in his fans, simultaneously bringing closure to the story that started with “Iron Man” 10 years earlier. It showcases the reality of human life, and the fact that he stays dead amplifes the narrative regarding the Infnity Stones. While magical, they are not all-powerful.
franchises speaks for itself.
I am certainly not suggesting that all fantastical resurrections should be discarded. Imagination is an awesome thing. And many stories are themed in such a way that death and revival make the plot more impactful. Found family narratives are defned by the characters ending up back together after war or death. Some stories successfully balance real death and grief with temporary death for plot, like “Harry Potter.” Nonetheless, the excessive amount of media now subscribing to this theme has lessened the value of sacrifce and loss in most narratives.
Let’s return to “KPop Demon Hunters.” Jinu’s death does in this movie what Tony Stark’s death does in “Endgame,” just on a smaller level. He sacrifces himself, saves the heroes from Gwi-Ma and corrects the selfsh mindset that had defned his character throughout the flm. Not only does his death beneft the moment by helping Huntrix save the day, it also provides healing for Rumi to fx her relationships with her best friends and become the best version of herself—he supports her happily ever after. While shocking in the moment and sad in the aftermath, Jinu’s death arguably brings the best characteristic to this flm: emotional depth. In addition to the billboard-hit music and overall film quality, “KPop Demon Hunters” is made special by Jinu’s sacrifce that bridges the gap between fantastical world-building and real-world value. Sorry, Sony. You really should not have sold the rights to this one…
Surely the diference in quality of these
Te Errors of Our Ways
Not long ago, I found an essay I had written in college. It was about one of Shakespeare’s earliest plays, and the frst thing I noticed is that the teacher had circled a word in my title. Looking closer, I felt a mild case of heartburn. As my title, I had written “A Comedy of Erreurs.” I misspelled the word “errors.”
Are you following what I just confessed? Te future English professor—who would go on to exhaust over 16,000 Pilot Precise V7 blue pens marking mistakes on two generations of student essays—had himself made the most ironic of blunders.
It’s awfully generous of you to assume this was intentional meta-humor. I wish I could say I was that clever in college. But as a friend was fond of saying, never call a conspiracy what could be better explained as incompetence. Somewhere out in the universe, there’s a retired college teacher who still thinks I’ll never amount to anything. Fortunately, life sometimes presents a chance for us to make things right.
A few weeks ago, I appeared in a production of “A Comedy of Errors.” Since I was cast the day before the show, perhaps I should give some background.
One of my colleagues teaches at a local homeschool co-op where his children attend. Te school favors a Charlotte Mason-inspired classical curriculum, which explains why my friend teaches Latin, Plutarch and “Paradise Lost” to children. He is thrilled to have a group of students who are passionate about learning. Tey study the humanities, but also math and science. Several are taking piano or violin lessons. Others master watercoloring, practice archery, make ceramics or learn Irish dancing. Nearly all of them are involved in drama.
Tey especially love Shakespeare, a fact which doesn’t just warm my heart. It dips
my heart in four, pops it in peanut oil, and deep fries it just the way my grandmother would. As a teacher of Shakespeare who has spent thirty years atoning for the erreurs of his youth, I am never happier when talking up the Bard with folks who don’t yawn at his name on the syllabus.
Last spring, I was invited to watch their production of “As You Like It,” which is my favorite of the comedies. I was amazed at their talent. Young folks from age 10 to 18 gave it all they had—wearing period costumes, reciting fully memorized lines and performing hilarious actions that showed how well they understood what they were doing. Te audience of parents and friends shared my joy and made it known throughout the show.
And when I learned later that the students had about two weeks of intense rehearsal, I was blown away. Bravo to their director Shannon Foust and to each member of the cast. Count me as a fan of Cross Creek Cottage productions.
That’s why I jumped at the chance to join in the fun last month. I was invited as an alleged expert on Shakespeare (but now that they’ve read about my checkered past, we’ll see if my reputation sufers). Tis was to be a reader’s theatre version of “A Comedy of Errors.”
Shakespeare borrowed the plot from the Roman playwright Plautus, and it’s one of his earliest comedies. He’s still fguring out his
signature style, but he already knows how to put characters in hysterical situations. Te plot involves two sets of twins—two masters and two servants—who repeatedly get confused for each other in the city of Ephesus.
About a week before the show, Shannon and the cast read through the entire play, discussing the characters and their personalities and motivations. A few days later, she assigned roles, and students highlighted their lines in the script. Since no rehearsal was required, the actors would just read their parts, improvising their movements and emotions.
As the Duke of Ephesus—with appearances in the frst and fnal acts—I was supposed to act bewildered at all the chaos of mistaken identities. At my age, acting bewildered is not heavy lifting.
Performed on a Saturday afternoon before a sold-out crowd, the play was delightful. In the absence of real identical twins, we had matching costumes. What we lacked in blocking, we more than made up for in enthusiasm. I had quite a workout to keep up with the energy of the cast, who injected mock violence, breathless running, impassioned speeches and uncanny timing into the show. At one point a wig few of, moments before a line about hair.
I can’t tell you what it means to 50-somethings when teen somethings invite us into their adventures. I am immensely proud of these students and excited to see where the future will take them. If only my college English teacher could have been there.
Narrative columnist Michael Claxton
RANDI TUBBS is editor-in-chief for The Bison. She can be contacted
Comic by TOBIN SELLERS
Graphic by CARYS BIRDWELL
Graphic by MELANIE GUYETTE
Graphic by
– Maggie Samples, Spring 2025 editor-in-chief
Guest writer Camille Bewley
CAMILLE BEWLEY is a guest writer for The Bison.
The Dugout Dispatch
Unstoppable NFL
Have you ever wished really hard that something would come back? For me, I would love just one last chance to walk down the aisles of Dirt Cheap, the Searcy equivalent of pure unimaginable bliss that even trying to describe would do the fne institution a disservice. Now, all that’s left is a giant “FOR LEASE” sign, and every time I’ve driven past it, I can’t help but wonder if I’ll ever fnd a store like that again.
Te good news is, unlike the unreliable state of discount stores in Searcy, something massive is coming back, and it will likely shift the mood every Sunday on campus for the rest of the year. I’m talking, of course, about the National Football League. Te NFL’s frst slate of games is this weekend, and tonight my team, the Los Angeles Chargers, is set to kick of their season in Brazil against the Kansas City Chiefs. I’m cautiously optimistic, but of course I’ll say that and then watch Patrick Mahomes and the other half of America’s equivalent of a royal wedding destroy all hope I have.
Taylor Swift aside, it will be a fun season. Another 18 weeks of fantasy football strategy, the witching hour on RedZone with Scott Hansen, waiting all day for a Sunday night and all of the things that make the NFL a yearly $23 billion industry. Ten the ultimate climax: Super Bowl LX in San Francisco, before another long ofseason begins.
But things don’t last forever. You’ve blinked, and Mahomes turns 30 in 12 days. Josh Allen is entering his eighth season in the league, and so are Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield. Peyton Manning retired when I was in the ffth grade, and Tom Brady has been out of the league for three years now. So in a sense, just like Dirt Cheap, the career of your favorite childhood quarterback has probably also come and gone, and whatever flls its place might not be near as satisfactory.
And just like Dirt Cheap, the people who own these multi-billion-dollar teams aren’t afraid to pinch a few pennies when necessary, and those decisions have led to major consequences. Micah Parsons became the second superstar from Dallas to take his talents elsewhere during this calendar year after being traded to the Green Bay Packers, after Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wouldn’t budge on contract negotiations, declining to even bring Parson’s agent into the room on several occasions. Trey Hendrickson, last season’s sacks leader, might have gotten a pay raise from the Cincinnati Bengals for this season, but he’s still being paid far less than the premiere players at his position.
NFL RedZone, a cable channel where subscribers can watch all the big plays from every game each Sunday owned by the NFL, will have commercials for the frst time in its 17-year history. Te NFL sold the property, along with NFL Network, to ESPN in exchange for 10% stock (or about $2.4 billion) in the “Worldwide Leader in Sports,” with the sale likely fnalized by the start of next football season.
Te fact is, the NFL is a big deal, and the money will never stop. Nothing stops the NFL. CTE and concussion lawsuits, player suspensions for domestic violence and other felonies, Player’s Association scandals and all the other lawsuits like the ones from Jon Gruden and Brian Flores that are bringing more to light from the shadows. All of those things take center stage during the ofseason, but as soon as the Hall of Fame games kicks of the preseason, none of it matters. Te NFL is unstoppable, and this weekend will make it just as clear as ever before, forever and always.
Three Bison teammates win summer league title
“Green Bay changed the trajectory of my baseball career back in 2023,” Long said. “I was blessed to get to go back and play with the guys one more time.”
After a run in the NCAA Division II tournament and a Great American Conference championship in the spring, three Harding baseball players looked to sharpen their skills this summer with the Green Bay Rockers of the Northwoods League, one of the premier collegiate summer leagues. Teir work led to the Rockers fnishing with a regular season record of 42-28, culminating in their second league championship.
For former Bison pitcher Maddox Long (‘25), the Rockers are credited with reviving his career when he played for them back in 2023. Before his tenure, Long’s career ERA was 5.68, but a 6-start stretch with the Rockers allowed Long to reach levels he hadn’t seen before, and made him one of the most dominant pitchers in all of DII baseball during the fnal two seasons of his career.
Long was a member of the Rockers team that won the 2023 championship, making him one of the few players ever to win two Northwood titles. Long said having other Bisons on the team made this season more memorable.
“My experience with the Green Bay rockers was special,” Long said. “I got to win my second ring in the Northwoods alongside two of my college teammates.”
Senior catcher Collin Helms played a big role for the Rockers after batting .289 in 50 games for the team. Helms said that his experience was an extremely positive one all the way around.
“Being a part of the Rockers this summer was a very special experience,” Helms said. “I made many good relationships over my
time in Green Bay, including teammates, my host family and coaches.”
Helms said that he felt blessed for the opportunity to not only play for the team this summer, but to end things with a championship.
“The Northwoods League is among the best collegiate wood bat leagues in the country,” Helms said. “I am grateful to have been a part of such a special summer raising the trophy at the end.”
Another pitcher, junior Keaton Baird, said he was blessed to be able to refne his skills in hopes of taking a big leap for the next season.
“It was honestly a dream come true,” Baird said. “I can’t say enough about the Green Bay Rockers family, the coaches, teammates, host families and fans.”
Olatunde selected for West African track championships
Division II Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships, becoming a three-time All-American.
Te West African Athletics Championships, ofcially known as the CAA Region 2 African Championships, is a premier regional track and feld competition featuring some of the most talented athletes from across West Africa.
Tis year’s event took place Aug. 18–19 at the University of Ghana Sports Complex in Accra, Ghana.
Harding University’s own sophomore Olaolu Olatunde represented Nigeria in both the 100-meter dash and the 4x100-meter relay, earning gold medals in both events.
“Te meet in Ghana was very competitive, fun and unforgettable,” Olatunde said.
“Competing for my country was surreal. It’s something I’ve always dreamed about, and being able to bring home gold medals for Nigeria made it even more special.”
Olatunde’s path to this achievement required months of dedication and preparation. Leading up to the championships, he competed in Nigeria’s National Trials and earlier this year fnished as runner-up at the 2025 NCAA
“Preparation was very demanding,” Olatunde said. “It was months of sprint work and consistent training, basically running hard from December all the way until that fnal meet.”
Although track is often considered an individual sport, Olatunde’s Harding teammate, junior sprinter Donald Nwamere, emphasized the importance of camaraderie among teammates. He explained that the principle of ‘iron sharpens iron’ applies heavily on the track, with athletes pushing and motivating each other to improve daily.
Nwamere said Olatunde’s success in Ghana was no surprise, as he knew the shape his teammate was in prior to the meet.
“If anything,” Nwamere said, “I was super proud of the feat he achieved, and that’s just the beginning for him because he is a hard worker.”
Despite being only a sophomore, Olatunde already holds multiple school records at Harding. He is the program’s record-holder
in the indoor 60 meters, outdoor 100 meters, outdoor 200 meters, and as a member of both the 4x100-meter and 4x200-meter relay teams.
“I came to Harding because of the strong religious culture here, along with the great facilities and the overall environment,” Olatunde said. “It felt like a place where I could grow not just as an athlete, but as a person too.”
Assistant track and feld coach Lincoln London emphasized that his most important advice for his sprinters is to trust the process. He noted the value of being fully prepared— mentally, spiritually and physically—and the importance of executing with confdence in order to achieve the results one deserves.
“Olaolu’s faith and trusting the process will take him very far in this sport,” London said. “He’s a rare talent, and he has all the tools to make him into a model citizen, not only on the track but in life.”
Eli Dean
Junior Keaton Baird (left), senior Collin Helms and Maddox Long (‘25) celebrate with Northwoods League championship trophy. The 2024 Bison baseball teammates played together with the Green Bay Rockers this summer.
Sophomore Olaolu Olatunde poses for a photo before his competition during the 2025 NCAA DII Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships May 24. Olatunde was selected to represent Nigeria in the West African Athletics Championships in Ghana.
Sports Editor ELI DEAN is the sports editor for The Bison. He may be contacted at
Photo provided by HARDING SPORTS NETWORK
Photo provided by COLLIN HELMS
Graphic by TOBIN SELLERS
ELI DEAN sports editor
SIDNEY DAVIES beat reporter
ALDI plans to open location in Searcy
Te city of Searcy is in the process of welcoming grocery store franchise ALDI to much local excitement. ALDI is an international discount supermarket chain known for its afordable prices and casual store layout. The development, which is located on Beebe Capps next to Casey’s General Store, is already in progress, with completion expected early next year.
Gabrielle Ingle, planning administrator at Searcy City Hall, described the process for the new development: “We did not reach out to them; the developers reached out to the city when they were seeking approval for a large-scale development,” she said. “June 27 is when the building permit was issued to Hart Construction. On Aug. 22 they passed the full building footing inspection. So they’re pretty early in the process.”
Sunnie Keck, local mother of two and wife of associate professor of English Russell Keck, expressed her enthusiasm for a local ALDI. “I’m super excited about the new ALDI because I’ve been driving to Batesville, Cabot or Conway to shop for years now,” Keck said. “I currently shop at Walmart for the
essentials during the week and then drive to ALDI once a month or so to stock up because the prices are so much better. My money just goes further at ALDI … It’s basically a cousin to Trader Joe’s, so there are options there you can’t fnd at Walmart. ALDI also has a lot of items with cleaner labels that are hard to fnd or more expensive at other places.”
When asked, Keck said, “I can’t list a favorite food item. Tere are too many… I’m really excited for ALDI to be in Searcy. Walmart needs some competition.”
Candice Cargile, executive assistant at Hart Construction, explained the construction process. “Hart will turn over the store to ALDI on Jan. 9. We anticipate ALDI opening the store by Feb. 1,” Cargile said.
Hart Construction and the city of Searcy see the new development as fulflling a need in the community.
“For years, the citizens of Searcy have desired more grocery options,” Cargile said. “We believe the new ALDI will help fll the shopping needs for the people of Searcy and surrounding areas.”
“We are very excited that ALDI chose Searcy,” Ingle said. “It will be a great addition to our city.”.
Recycling program changes in Searcy
Beginning Oct. 6, Searcy will shift from pick-up recycling to drop-of only.
Te city of Searcy put out a press release dated saying that the city had lost a total of
$392,976 due to the cost of the curbside pick-up program, and that nearly 80% of picked up recycled materials end up in the landfill due to contamination. The press release argues that it is more sustainable to have people drop of their own recyclable
material and will benefit the city more long-term.
“Tis transition allows us to reduce waste, save taxpayer dollars, and ensure that more of what we collect can actually be recycled,”
Mayor Mat Faulkner said in the press release. “Drop-of recycling gives us better quality control and is a more sustainable way forward.”
While it might seem more maintainable for the City of Searcy, some residents believe it will be hard to fnd time to still recycle in a responsible and efective manner.
Ejaye McFarland, Searcy school teacher and mom of two, said with a busy schedule of sports, school and life that it is hard to fnd time to ft in recycling. McFarland also voiced concern for an expected decline in recycling.
“It’s just crazy to me that they would stop recycling altogether,” McFarland said. “I feel like without [recycling pick-up], people won’t be doing it like they should.”
McFarland expressed concern towards eliminating the option for people to recycle simply by putting their recycling materials
in designated bins. Her reservations being that it is a seemingly more involved process to drop of recyclable materials rather than the pick-up process.
Not only does eliminating recycling pick-up afect families who participate in recycling, but also local businesses who rely on the resource.
Midnight Oil Cofeehouse uses several jugs of milk an hour which are all rinsed out and put into recycle bins to be picked up by the city. Senior Emma Roach, a longtime Midnight Oil employee, voiced fears about the inconvenience of drop-of recycling.
“We recycle a lot at MO,” Roach said. “I can’t imagine the hassle it’s going to be to take all of that somewhere now.”
Any recyclable materials starting on Oct. 6 will to be taken to the “Searcy Recycling Center at 409 W. Beebe Capps Expressway.
Searcy schools introduce new policies
While opinions varied, a majority supported the shift following a school-wide survey.”
Harding Academy schools kicked off the academic year by introducing new guidelines regarding the student dress code, growing more disciplined and consistent than previous years.
The school year began with Harding Academy students flling the hallways adorned in their new school uniforms. Middle School Principal Jamie Custer shared the origins of the new standardized uniform in.
“Te process began with conversations among school leadership, teachers and parent representatives,” Custer said. “From there, the guidelines were fnalized, communicated to families and rolled out in stages to allow everyone time to adjust.”
Harding Academy afliates, including the High School Department, have felt that the uniform policy has allowed students an easier time preparing for their school day. Director of Academy Relations Carol Spears shared her reports from students regarding the policy.
“The uniform options, which allow students to choose from approved colors and styles, have been well received,” Spears said. “Many students report that the policy has made getting ready in the morning easier and less stressful.”
Regarding the administration’s goals for the policy, Spears said that “Harding Academy’s new uniform policy, implemented for the 2025–26 school year, aims to create a safer, more focused learning environment.
Across town in Riverview Junior High School, Yondr phone pouches have found their way into the school system. Te pouches, which prohibit students from accessing mobile phones during school hours unless directly unlocked, were implemented on the second day of the school year.
Principal Jason Hammett appreciates the increase of student interaction and socialization while away from their phones
“Tere seems to be a higher level of social interaction,” Hammett said. “Several students have mentioned how they hear quite a bit more conversation at lunch time. So far, I have not had any disciplinary actions needed that include cell phones.”
While many believe the pouches to be a sensitive topic with numerous negative effects, Hammett has high hopes for the future of these pouches and hopes others grow to appreciate them in the ways he has.
“Te negative side efects of cell phone use have been abundant in past years, and the data is beginning to show this,” Hammett said. “Tis is why so many states are implementing laws that remove devices from the educational setting. I’m hopeful that students and parents will continue to see the positive efects on focus and social skill development.”
CLARA KERNODLE assistant copy editor
NONA NIELSON beat reporter
ETHAN FARMER guest writer
Tacker’s rolls out new breakfast burrito
Since unlimited meal exchanges were introduced in fall 2024, restaurants at Harding have added new meals to attract students to their locations. Tacker’s Shake Shack boasts the newest addition, now ofering a breakfast burrito meal exchange. Te meal consists of a breakfast burrito and a medium drink, but there is a twist: It is only ofered on Fridays.
Te burrito includes bacon, sausage, eggs, cheese and tater tots wrapped in a toasted tortilla.
“It is a perfect combination of all the breakfast essentials wrapped into a burrito,”
senior Caleb Woollard said. “I had it after chapel and it was the perfect time of day.” Woollard also noted that the burrito feels more flling than a standard meal exchange, with the mix of protein and carbs keeping students full well into the afternoon.
Tacker’s restaurant chain manager Mark Tacker explained that the idea for breakfast burritos started after a construction group in Wynne, Arkansas, ordered about 300 of them on a Friday morning.
“My team and I woke up early that day and made all 300,” Tacker said. “It went really smoothly. We found a system that worked, and we realized we could make burritos a regular special.”
Since then, Tacker’s at Harding has started opening earlier on Fridays to serve both the before and after-chapel crowd.
“Whenever the open light is on, we’re open,” Tacker said.
Word has spread quickly since the frst week of the update, with the line at noon stretching all the way out of the Student Center pit.
“I love it, honestly,” junior Tytus Daugherty said. “I’m a huge breakfast burrito fan, so it was defnitely a great addition. I do look
sits in a white to-go container. Tacker’s launched the Friday-only breakfast burritos this fall.
forward to Fridays because of it. I wish they served it every day.”
Tacker also said that if the burritos become a top attraction, Tacker’s would make them an everyday menu item. Until then, it will remain a Friday-only specialty.
No other restaurant on campus ofers a limited-time deal like this. Te last similar
deal was the Post-Chapel-Roan latte, which was ofered in spring 2025 by Midnight Oil in the library. With this Friday-only option, Tacker’s hopes to attract students who might normally choose Chick-fl-A or Einstein Bros. Bagels for breakfast, while adding more variety to the meal exchange menu.
Traditionally known as a lunch and dinner
destination, Tacker’s hopes the burrito will bring more visitors during morning hours. For now, the burrito has quickly become a go-to for many on campus, with many students marking it as the highlight of their week.
Chess club builds community one move at a time
Every Monday and Friday night, a group of 10-20 students gathers to play a game of chess. Founded in 2022, the club has grown to over 40 members, and welcomes all players, from those who have never played to selfproclaimed chess experts.
“We accept everyone no matter what,” sophomore Katrina DeLaughter said. “Don’t worry if you don’t know anything about chess. We have several members that are gifted teachers and our members range in skill from beginner to expert.”
“If you have a friend or relative that you want to beat at chess, this is defnitely the place you want to be,” junior Samuel Dandy said.
The club participates in off-campus tournaments, hosts an annual campus-wide chess tournament, and attends events such as Relay for Life and organizational fairs. It is also looking to expand into other areas of the community, including Harding Place and Harding Academy. But this club is about so much more than playing chess. Chess Club provides a space on campus for those seeking a community beyond the traditional Harding social clubs.
“Tis is a great place to make friends, especially for introverts who need their
own place,” senior Tate Allen said. “Most of our members are those who do not want the full-time commitment of a social club.” DeLaughter further expressed how the club has become a small community.
“We understand that for some of them, Chess Chub is the social activity for the week,” DeLaughter said. “Ofcers do their best to check in on members frequently to see if anyone is struggling or in need of help.
I personally make the efort to be friends with all the members of the Chess Club.”
Te club is one of fellowship, friends and fun. Members are free to come and go as needed, bring their work to meetings and participate in playing alternative versions of the classic chess game.
“We play traditional chess, or some unique forms of chess like Bughouse and Alice-inWonderland,” DeLaughter said.
Dandy believes that the Chess Club breaks the “chess player” stereotype.
“Te Chess Club stereotype is calm and calculated, but that is definitely not us,” Dandy said. “We are a very energetic club most days. We also play music and chat amongst ourselves.”
Te Chess Club does more than just play chess; it provides a community to any Harding student who walks into their meetings. Te club regularly meets on Monday and Friday nights from 7-9 p.m. in room 209 in the Heritage building.
“Te process for becoming a member is very easy,” DeLaughter said. “Just come to a game night and play a game of chess.”
DeLaughter and Allen both want to emphasize the ease of joining the club.
“It is a great place to meet people and hang out,” Allen said. “Tis is a great group of people.”
Harding physical therapy prepares students for the future
Harding’s Physical Therapy program was launched in 2010 and quickly became a sought-after degree path due to the accelerated options it ofers students. Te department is a close-knit community, strengthened by time together throughout their long school days and outside of class. Te program, nicknamed “3+3,” motivates students due to its efciency.
“Tere is an accelerated program where basically, their senior year is where they start P.T. school so it cuts a year of the process,” program director Dr. Kevin Ramey said. “It’s a much better deal for students just because they spend a year less in the whole process.”
Graduate student Zachary Killins, who participated in the 3+3 program, shared how the scholars unwind outside of class.
“We have pickleball games every once in a while,” Killins said. “On weekends every once in a while we’ll take a trip together, like go on a hike. Time spent together focused on something other than school offers a space to create meaningful bonds with their fellow students.
Senior Brittany Birmingham, another 3+3 student, embarked on her frst year of physical therapy school this fall at Harding and discussed her frst impressions of the program.
“We do some interprofessional stuf with the pharmacy program and PA school and CFIT,” Birmingham said. “Tey get us all to work together, we’ll have movie nights and they’ll do diferent events where we get to practice interprofessional things.”
Birmingham refected on the value of the mentorship initiative in place for students
ABBY BARRY head copy editor
ABBY DAVIDSON features editor
TUCKER ALLEN guest writer
Graduate student Hayden Calhoun practices his skills on fellow graduate student Collier Byrd. The Harding physical therapy department welcomed the new cohort of frst-year students in August.
The new Tacker’s breakfast burrito
Photo provided by FARAH PRICE
Graphic by GRACE BROWN
Photo by ELENA KALLENBACH
Campus Life shortens club process
Social clubs at Harding are one of the many ways students make connections on campus.
Each student who wishes to be in a club must take part in the club process, which lasts multiple weeks during the fall semester. Tis provides time for students and the clubs’ members to get to know one another.
With social clubs being a prominent feature of campus life, the student body notices any changes that may take place from year to year. Tis year, many have appreciated the shorter timeline compared to previous years.
“I think the club process being shorter this year is defnitely a step in the right direction,” senior Shelby Ensminger, president of women’s social club Pi Teta Phi, said.
Many may not realize how much time, and coordination go into running social clubs.
Presidents and executive ofcers of clubs take on signifcant responsibilities, but the staf members who oversee all the associated activities also play a huge role. Tey spend months planning and preparing so that the process is enjoyable and meaningful for those involved.
“The longer that we draw it out, and the more the new members are witnessing clubs from afar, the more they just want to dive right in,” Director of Campus Life Jane Chandler said.
With the process shortening to eight weeks this year, the potential members have a more
honest approach when deciding which club to choose. Tere will be less overthinking, which allows for more genuine connections. Club members, too, feel encouraged about building new relationships faster.
“Sometimes in recruitment, it’s tough to keep up the momentum,” senior Jabin Huf, president of men’s social club Teta, said. Tis highlights how a shorter process may help maintain excitement and energy for both sides. It takes a big commitment to keep up with all of one’s new relationships and to make sure that everyone who approaches a club’s members feels welcome.
With the processes starting the frst week of school, with the ofcer open house, there is a shorter time frame to get work done on the administrative side of things.
“It defnitely makes it more busy on the front end, which is not a bad thing,” said Huf. “It’s more of a time commitment, which is good; it makes me put my all.”
When the club process frst began, many students on campus worried that the potential new members would not have enough time to make a well-rounded decision in choosing a club, while club members thought there wouldn’t be enough time to truly connect and to get to know each potential member. As the process has gone on, however, and students are getting into the routine of a new semester, these concerns have drifted away.
The shortened timeline has positively impacted the trajectory of this year’s process, more than everyone initially thought.
Teta hosts ffh annual Milk Bash open to all students
Students across Harding campus were invited last Friday, Aug. 29, to the ffth annual “Milk Bash” hosted by men’s social club, Teta.
At this school-wide event that has quickly become a new tradition, students are encouraged to joust one another in shopping carts, using jugs of milk or dyed water as their weapon of choice. Contestants strike their opponents’ one-gallon containers as they ride past each other in a head-to-head matchup, each hoping to be the one left standing. Tis spectacle attracts people from all majors, clubs and classifcations. Junior Teta member Myles Day explains the purpose of the event.
“Te goal of the Milk Bash is simply to put on a super fun and crazy event for everyone at Harding to go to,” Day said. “However, we specifcally design it for freshmen to spend one of their frst Friday nights here in Searcy doing something super wild and fun.”
Day, one of the individuals in charge of the Milk Bash, shared that he and other Theta members have a lot of
preparation to do in order to make the event as successful as it is, which includes getting shopping carts from a dorm, securing chairs and tables from the Physical Resource Department, and getting over 80 jugs of water from Walmart. Overall, it creates an environment that stays appealing and lively both for past spectators and newcomers.
“I had a great experience with the Milk Bash,” freshman Bryce Foster said. “I competed in the jousting bracket and made it to the semi-fnals before being taken out.”
Foster was surprised by how many turned up for the event and noticed how engaged the crowd was, which made the entire experience that much more spectacular.
Despite keeping the same energy and environment, the annual event has made changes.
“It has defnitely gotten a lot more organized since the frst one,” junior Teta member Zach Bath said. “Tis year is the frst time we’ve had a winner of the bracket. We’re also putting out posters and building more of an audience each year. It’s still the same
vibes and atmosphere each year and makes for a memorable early event of the semester.”
Bath has attended Milk Bash for three consecutive years and made his case for newcomers. “Everyone should come at least once, as it’s one of those
events you only really get to do and get away with in college,” Bath said.
When asked if they would attend the Milk Bash next year, all three responded with a resounding “defnitely.”
Photo by BRILEY KEMPER
Photo by BRILEY KEMPER
CARTER OWENS beat reporter
LORELAI CURTIS community editor
Students ride in shopping carts and joust with jugs of colored water. Theta hosts this annual tradition encouraging friendly competition and camaraderie.
Students gather to learn about social clubs at the GAC Open House Aug. 25. With a sped up process, this mixer was held in the second week of school.