Students, faculty pack 100,000 meals
Harding joined the 9/11 Foundation to host a memorial event Sept. 12. This event involved partnering with The Pack Shack to host a Feed the Funnel party in the RhodesReaves Field House, where volunteers worked in assembly lines to pack meals for people in need. The University was the only college in Arkansas to participate.
Through two Feed the Funnel sessions, volunteers packed 100,000 meals for the White County nonprofit 100 Families. Assistant to the Provost Dr. Andrea Morris said the goal of 100,000 packed meals was an effort to honor those who lost their lives Sept. 11, 2001.
“We’re going to be feeding White County for a long time,” Morris said. “Hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands of families will be impacted by this, and we are humbled and grateful to be a part of this.”
Morris said she wants Harding to be known as a place of service in the community around the University.
“A place who not only says that we are Christ-focused and Christ-centered, but that we live it,” Morris said. “And what better way to do that than to put our hands and our feet to work on behalf of others?”
Morris said the event also included members of the Searcy community who are unaffiliated with Harding.
“Harding is hosting, but this is for the community, and we are part of an incredible community, so we wanted to make it big,” Morris said.
During her time at Harding, Morris has also been working on the Table, a response to food insecurity in the Harding community.
“While it’s not directly connected, there absolutely is this spiritual connection of it,” Morris said. “And then having the hands that are going to be serving [at Feed the Funnel], also serving in Table in some capacity as well, so we’re doing it together and in various forms.”
Morris said it is important to recognize that our neighbors include not just other
students, but also the members of the Searcy community.
“We’re laboring on behalf of our neighbors,” Morris said. “Our neighbors are not only those who live next door to us in our dormitories or those that we sit next to in our classrooms, but it is those that we live next to, those of us who don’t live on campus, and it is those that we pass in the grocery store.”
Morris said she considered this event to be an opportunity to serve God in community for the community.
“God has given us an incredible gift to be his voice and his hands and his feet, and
when he does that, we dare not miss that opportunity,” Morris said. “We dare not look away from it or say it’s too big. … And again, together, we can do this.”
Senior Isaac Raymond participated in the event this year and said the event is unique because it aims to serve the community on a large scale.
“The people who need us most are often right next door,” Raymond said. “Beyond that, the party itself is a super fun way to connect with friends while doing something meaningful.”
Senior Bailey Coffman said it was important for students to participate in this event because of their calling as Christians.
“As Christians we are called to serve, and being in a constant state of servanthood directs our hearts to the ultimate servant who paid the ultimate price – Jesus,” Coffman said. “For Harding students to get to work so closely in connection with bettering and providing for the needs of our community puts us in a really cool place to be able to minister and share the love of Christ to our neighbors – the community of Searcy.”
Founders Day marks start of Centennial celebration
Harding University celebrated Founders Day, part of the many Centennial celebrations, Sept. 7. The day commemorates the 99th anniversary of the school’s first day of classes.
Executive Vice President Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson said he was excited to begin the Centennial celebration with Founders Day this year.
“It is an opportunity to really celebrate when this University started,” Thompson said. “When we say ‘Founders Day,’ we are appreciating all of those men and women who made it possible to even establish Harding. It also pulls different generations of people together as a community.”
Founders Day started with chapel followed by a Centennial prayer walk led by Mike and Lisa Williams. The prayer walk started at the Harding College arch and concluded at the David B. Burks American Heritage Building. After the prayer walk, Chartwells offered a free barbecue lunch on the front lawn. Thompson’s emphasis for the day was the legacy students will build for themselves while at the University.
“For them, the legacy and relationships that are developed over time, everything all the students experience now — that’s [the result of] hard sweat, time and work that all came before us,” Thompson said. “So we get to acknowledge that, celebrate and thank God for it, but we also get to be good stewards of it.”
Several Harding students are building their own legacies within their families. Freshman Vivi Edwards is a first-generation college student who said she is hoping to start a new generation of Harding students in the future within her family.
“Being a first-generation college student, I believe Harding is the perfect place to start a generational tradition of creating hardworking Harding students,” Edwards said. “Harding has been so good to me, and I hope one day I can give back to such a wonderful place.”
While hoping to build her own legacy on campus, Edwards said she has appreciated her decision to attend Harding as a Searcy resident.
“The first couple of weeks at Harding have been nothing but the best, and I don’t think I
In this issue:
would have gotten this same experience from any other college or university,” Edwards said. “The love and care that I feel on this campus is more than I have felt anywhere else besides with my loving parents.”
Some students on campus are building the legacy they want for themselves in hopes of making positive changes while on campus. Freshman class representative Fletcher Stobaugh said he wants his legacy to be about love and kindness to those around him.
“I love being the voice of the freshman class,” Stobaugh said. “I want my legacy at Harding to be joyful and [about] building people up. I love Harding so far. It’s been everything I hoped it would be.”
Charity concert, 4B Softball award, 1B Code Black, 1B Pickleball courts, 2B
Freshman enrollment increases by 7%
TIANE DAVIS editor-in-chiefPresident Mike Williams announced in a press release last week that Harding’s freshman class enrollment had increased from last year. With a 7.08% rise compared to last year’s first-year student demographic, the University surpassed its goal of 1,000 new students, the press release said.
“As we enter our Centennial year, the value proposition of a Harding education is extremely competitive,” Williams said in the press release. “We are proud to welcome each student and pleased to enroll this extraordinary freshman class.”
The press release reported a total enrollment number of 4,608, which includes students from 48 states and 58 foreign countries. The University, according to Williams’ announcement, surpassed its goals for undergraduate retention rates and graduation rates with an 87% retention rate and 71% graduation rate.
After a seven-year decline in enrollment, the University made major investments into facilities and technology, said Vice President of Enrollment Steve Lake.
“We began to work much harder at pursuing prospective students,” Lake said.
“This year’s increase is a byproduct of everyone in enrollment services working harder and buying into this new system and philosophy.
Dr. Williams’ leadership and energy provided some of the additional sparks we needed to elevate our efforts.”
The seven-year decline in enrollment was painful to watch, Lake said. Enrollment is the “lifeblood of this institution,” and after he was asked to take it over in 2020, enrollment services began to “reassess and reimagine” the methods they were using to increase numbers.
“I love this place so much,” Lake said. “These are very challenging times in higher education, and to see more young believers have the Harding experience is extremely satisfying.”
Lake said being able to witness “this surge in enrollment” is extra meaningful knowing the University is seeing an increase specifically during its Centennial year.
“I am a big fan of Harding’s history — the people and the commitments and the sacrifice that was made by those that came before us,” Lake said. “We will forever honor those people and their efforts. More people need to experience this special place.”
The continuing upward trend for the freshman class was a group effort, said David Hall, assistant vice president of enrollment. Each person’s role at Harding is important in inviting new students to the University, he said.
“It feels good when you see the positive results for the work that you’ve put in,” Hall said. “In addition to that, I think the school has something extremely valuable for a lot of people out there, and it makes me feel like my role here has some significance.”
Trends like this take more than just a mission statement, Hall said. In order to
keep the trend, the University needs to tell the story of Harding in a way that makes people want to visit and enroll, he said.
“That takes our students and faculty being able to fully reveal who they are to our visitors, and I think we’ve been doing that,” Hall said. “When students visit here, they look around, and they see students that are happy. They talk to faculty members who are deeply interested in what they want to do.”
Hall said he expects Harding to see cycles of good and bad trends but that he believes Harding will always have steady numbers because of the need for Christian education in the world.
“I am confident that Harding is going to be here for a long, long time,” Hall said. “We’re strong; we’re financially strong. We have something extremely valuable here, and I think that there are people who need what we have that are flocking to what we have.”
“Back in the Day” is a special section in The Bison newspaper in celebration of Harding’s centennial year. Each print issue during the 202324 academic year will have pieces related to the centennial, connecting our readers to Harding’s past.
“Back in the Day” is a special section in The Bison newspaper in celebration of Harding’s Centennial year. Each print issue during the 2023-24 academic year will have pieces related to the Centennial, connecting our readers to Harding’s past.
This week, we can see the increases in enrollment throughout Harding’s history, something that mirrors our articles in the 2023 Bison.
This week, we get a glimpse at the banter between students at faculty from years past. We also see a bit of satire connecting the Searcy community with Harding’s culture.
September 15, 1989 issue: Vol. 64, No.1, p. 5
Throughout my Harding experience, every time I drive around the Swaid or Reynolds building parking lots, I and many other students persistently check for cars passing through.
The problem is, the trees are overgrown in the parking lot, blocking the view of the drivers wanting to turn. I cannot list on my hands the number of times I was in close proximity to crashing into someone because I couldn’t see past the trees. So the majority of the time, I pause and wait for 30 seconds to see if anyone is coming, looking both ways about five times for each side. I believe that either the trees should be trimmed back so we can see past them or be completely cut down before someone gets in a wreck. Another problem is that people driving
Speaking for the trees, let it die
down the road by the Reynolds should slow down because they fly through there. They act like they are about to be late to curfew or something. It doesn’t matter if they are driving their car or riding their bike, they just assume we can see them when, in fact, we cannot. I’m not sure if we have those trees to make the campus look better, but I can say that it is a problem that students can’t see past without being scared to pull out of the parking lot to get on the road. If it is to make the campus look good, maybe switch them to bushes instead of massive 20-foot tall trees that are not properly trimmed. Trimming the trees would be a short-term solution, and I do believe in the future, we are going to need to remove the trees from the parking lot, because
it is becoming a safety hazard for Harding students and faculty that drive through this area on a daily basis. I know many students that have nearly crashed their vehicle as they were exiting as well. I believe Harding should fix this problem as soon as they can. The last thing that Harding needs is to have students get in a wreck because of a failure to trim the trees in their parking lots. I’m sure Harding has a lot of blind spots surrounding the roads and parking lots, but I know this location is one of the worst blind spots on campus.
Lessons from FIFA
God Abroad
London’s Christian Heritage
London, like much of Europe, is an unchristian city full of churches. Heavy stone columns, marble statues and monuments and elaborate mosaics hide one sad fact: These holy buildings are spiritually empty. Few Londoners are practicing Christians, and the nation, like Iceland and Nordic Europe, has been falling away from its Christian heritage for decades. Church is now just a pretty building.
As many English and Bible majors know, England boasts an impressive Christian heritage to which many nations ought to have aspired. Though modern England has put away its Christian past, the foundation upon which it stands is a mighty one of faithful, servant-hearted nurses, politicians, preachers and schoolteachers. It is a foundation not easily forgotten. Last week, our Harding University in Europe (HUE) group took a tour of Old London’s Christian heritage, beginning at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Ben, our guide, is a 50-year-old photographer and evangelizing Christian who regularly reads George Whitefield’s sermons, runs the Twitter account for the great Puritan preacher Thomas Watson, and has not yet given up London to godlessness. Standing on the corner by the house of the mayor of London, he told us about the most admirable and the most forgotten of the English Christian servant-leaders: Anthony AshleyCooper, the seventh Earl of Shaftesbury. Ben
pointed ’round the corner, where we could barely see the small bronze statue of Eros in the middle of Piccadilly Circus. Little known, Ben said, is the statue’s true name and dedication, which is the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain. Shaftesbury, who lived from 1801 to 1885, is now forgotten by mainstream and secular England. In his time, however, he was known as the “Poor Man’s Earl.”
Unlike many politicians or social reformers of the day, the Christian faith was central to Shaftesbury’s labors. He was not bogged down in anxiety over work-church balance, and wrote that “no man can persist from the beginning of his life to the end of it in a course of generosity or in a course of virtue unless he is drawing from the fountain of our Lord himself.” Christ was the focal point of Shaftesbury’s life, and because of this, his political life was devoted to God instead of ambition, moneymaking or fame. He practiced evangelical Anglicanism and worked to convert the unbelieving English population, clinging fiercely to the God of “wisdom and mercy” while working to improve the lives of the poor and destitute.
During the Industrial Revolution, little boys as young as 8 were allowed to work as chimney sweeps’ apprentices. Since no one checked the ages, boys as young as 4 stood on rooftops and climbed into chimneys the size of a breadbox; small though they
were, many got stuck, were injured or even died while working as apprentices. The Earl of Shaftesbury stopped this practice and sponsored free schools — the Ragged Schools — for young boys in poverty. Before Shaftesbury’s work, thousands of people deemed lunatics were locked in asylums, chained to the wall by the neck, slept naked in straw, hosed down once a week with freezing water. Shaftesbury alone paid attention. He entered these asylums, saw with his own eyes the situation of the useless and insane, and as he wrote himself, dedicated his life to “the advance of human happiness.” Shaftesbury’s work resulted in strict recordkeeping, better quality of care and fewer unwarranted detentions. As a member of the opposing party wrote, Shaftesbury was “a ready, steadfast and willing friend” to the poor and working class. At his funeral, the streets were crowded with the young and the poor. Many of them held signs that said, “I was hungry, and you fed me. I was naked, and you clothed me. I was a stranger, and you cared for me.” We cannot forget England, without which the free American church would not exist. And we cannot forget the Earl of Shaftesbury, who sacrificed power and ambition for the sake of the needy.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup wrapped up Aug. 20. The United States team lost in a shootout against Sweden, with senior player Megan Rapino missing her penalty kick in her final tour for her career. Spain ended up taking home the trophy, the first for their country, which was a momentous accomplishment. The anticipated winner, Australia, was defeated in the semi-final round by England, which was a huge upset for most fans around the world. Many of the best players graced our screens. Marta Vieira da Silva, Sam Kerr, Julie Ertz, Lauren James and others gave us games to chat about over meals while we cheered at televisions. With all of these wild moments, the most controversial ones happened when the games were over. When Spain was receiving its medals, the president of Spain’s soccer federation, Luis Rubiales, kissed forward Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth in celebration. A moment that was supposed to honor this player and her work was taken from her. On top of the lack of professionalism from her coach and soccer federation, it was horrifying to watch this woman be demeaned in possibly the greatest moment of her career. Looking through comments on Facebook, I thought I would find encouragement from people supporting the removal of the coach. Instead, I was met with comments such as “Looks like she wanted it!” or “Who can blame him!” These comments should be disappointing but are sadly the life of most female athletes. There is a video of soccer player Alessia Russo receiving Women’s Player of the Year from the Manchester United Foundation’s chief executive John Shiels. Shiels said, “I’m not going to give this trophy to Alessia because it is too heavy.” A moment that should be about a player and her achievement was taken because of this person’s lack of respect.
This story follows women in whatever field they find themselves in. Female athletes have to prove themselves more spectacularly than male athletes to be taken half as seriously. In moments of great achievement, women are still being disrespected, belittled and compared to male athletes. Extraordinary athletes such as Brazil’s Marta are compared to male counterparts as a compliment. This communicates the message that the highest achievement a female athlete can achieve is being similar to a male player. What does this teach the future generations of young girls?
I know some of my readers will read this as another complaint of “unattainable” expectations men need to meet. I feel sympathy for those who have to learn to respect people different from themselves this late in life, I know it must be a jarring experience. We are failing half of our athletes by taking away their recognition and making their sacrifices less than because of their gender. We are teaching our young dreamers that their limits are what society has already decided they can achieve. This treatment is revealing a greater issue with the way women are viewed. Women’s and men’s mediocrity are not measured the same. An average woman is an example of why wage gaps exist while an average man is praised for finding a good work-life balance. These ideas don’t just come about. They are practiced in STEM classes where women are statistically called on more often to prove themselves or in business classes when their authority is constantly being questioned. The way we treat our athletes is a direct translation of how women are constantly being required to avoid failure.
No one is arguing for lowered standards of excellence. What I am arguing is that many sports fans are failing to respect the skills of athletes who are female because of their biases. Let’s stop mentioning how attractive or unattractive women are when they are doing their job. Let’s not make their awards about ourselves. Let’s allow female classmates to mess up and still have our respect. When we begin to realize our own unfair expectations for others, we will begin to allow collaboration and community to thrive.
For Love
Editor-in-Chief Tiane Davis
All of their moments
Growing up, my dad always told my brothers and me to make sure to go to weddings and funerals — even if we don’t know the people there that well. He never explained why, but he didn’t need to give a reason — weddings and funerals are two of the most important events in a person’s life.
Within the past month, I went to one of each. Although one was filled with joy, and one was filled with grief, both weekends rang strong overtones of love and togetherness.
One important detail was that neither of those events were about me in any way.
I can easily remember the things that are about me — my high school graduation, my best cross-country races, my favorite birthdays. I could probably recall all of my biggest moments with annoying detail, because it’s easy to hold memories that are mainly about us.
Yet, I regret to admit I don’t always remember a best friend’s first day at a job or a sibling’s move to a different state or a cousin’s engagement party.
But two weeks ago, as I watched one of my best friends walk down the aisle in her perfect white dress, I knew I wanted to remember her cute blue heels and the expression on her fiance’s face when he got a first look. I wanted to remember how pretty her eyes looked when she smiled back at him. I wanted to remember the laughs I heard at the reception afterwards. Not so I could feel good about myself for being a “good friend,” but so that I can tell her a year or 20 years from now: “Remember your wedding day? That was a great day.”
I wanted to remember one of her greatest moments because I care about her.
Remember your wedding day? That was a great day.
– Tiane Davis, editor-in-chief
I clearly remember a lot of terrible moments in my life too. They were big. I won’t pain anyone by recounting them, but I definitely remember them. I also remember how meaningful it was to have someone there with me or not there with me. I remember when the people near me were patient with me and reminded me I was still good. We remember a lot of our worst moments, no matter how much we try to forget them.
And when I was sitting in the back of my cousin’s car on the way to his grandmother’s funeral a week after my friend’s wedding, I knew he would remember it. Ten years from now, he might not remember me specifically going with him, but he will remember if he felt loved or not.
A lot of people prefer to be alone for some of their big moments, but that is almost never an invitation for us to stop caring about them. When I am by myself feeling happy or sad, I might prefer to feel those feelings in solitude, but I always appreciate the thought that someone out there would gladly answer the phone if I called.
I can’t tell you how many times I have heard something similar to, “Be there for the people you love,” but what does that mean, really? Be where? What if the person you love needs to be alone?
Make all of their moments your moments. I think that is what it really means. Not in a selfish, “This needs to be about me,” type of way, but in a “I’m with you” and “You are a big part of my life” type of way.
Remember what it feels like to care about the people you love, and remind them how much you care a year or 20 years from now. Not necessarily because you want the same in return, but because you love the people you experience the important moments with. We do these things for love, and no part of that should be selfish.
A big moment for someone else will often be a smaller moment for you, but it does not have to be. The big moments for the people you love can be the big moments for you too.
Piper: the best of all of us
My cat, Piper, is unequivocally the best feline companion one could ever hope for. While it may seem like a cliché to assert that one’s pet is the best, Piper’s exceptional qualities set her apart from the rest. She’s a striking gray and white cat that we welcomed into our home as a precious kitten, and she embodies all of the qualities that make a cat the perfect companion.
First and foremost, Piper’s fluffiness is unparalleled. This endearing attribute elevates her cuteness to astonishing levels. Her fur is so soft and abundant that it’s almost like she’s wearing a pair of adorable pants, with her legs being the fluffiest part. This unique feature never fails to elicit “awws” from anyone who meets her, making her an irresistible bundle of fluff.
Adding to Piper’s charm is her distinctive mustache, a feature that cat owners around the world find utterly endearing. It gives her an air of sophistication and playfulness, creating a
captivating visual contrast against her fluffy coat. Piper’s distinctive appearance is not just a source of pride for me; It’s a talking point that allows us to connect with others who appreciate her unique beauty.
However, Piper’s exterior is only part of what makes her exceptional. Her friendly personality is what truly sets her apart. She adores the company of people and eagerly welcomes guests into our home. When I return
positions. Frequently, I return home to find her lounging like a dad in a recliner after a long day’s work. It’s a pose that’s perfect for capturing in photographs and sharing with friends and family, invariably sparking laughter and admiration.
Yet, it’s her habit of tucking her little paws under herself while seated that I find most irresistibly cute. There’s something inherently endearing about a cat who adopts such adorable postures without a care in
In summary, my beloved Piper is, without a doubt, the best cat one could ever wish for. Her unique combination of physical charm and a warm, friendly personality makes her a cherished member of our family. From her fluffy appearance to her quirky sitting habits Piper’s presence brings boundless joy and love to our lives, reminding us each day of the incredible bond we share with our feline companions.
Get your gerbil nail trimmers while they last
The hero is out riding his bike. Suddenly, he smells smoke. Oh, no! The pet store is on fire! Flames leap out the front door as terrified animals are trapped inside. Since no one is there to help, our hero charges in. He releases a caged monkey, who helps him unlock the dogs. Each time he guides more animals to safety, he goes back in and passes by the snakes. “Ugh,” he shivers, and moves on. Bravely, he springs the cockatoos. Then the ducklings. After that, the mice. He even grabs a scoop and empties the aquarium into a glass bowl full of goldfish. That’s it. The pet store is clear. He’s free to leave. But as our hero goes back in one more time, he has a crisis of conscience.
And that’s when Pee-wee Herman runs screaming out of the store, his hands full of garden snakes, and passes out on the sidewalk.
I thought of that scene when I heard on July 30 that Paul Reubens had died. In 1978, the actor created the childlike Pee-wee — with his impish giggle, too-tight gray suit and red bow tie. He entertained audiences in comedy clubs, in three movies and on a CBS Saturday morning show that ran for four years. As a freshman in high school, I would imitate his voice all the time.
At the 10-year reunion, no one was shocked that I was still single.
I also thought of that scene from “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure”when I visited the Neighborhood Pet Shoppe last month. You may recall that I broke the news recently that the Searcy store had sold a $3,500 turtle. About a week later, an African grey parrot found a new home for another three-and-a-half grand. If you’re keeping score, that’s $7,000 for a bird and
a reptile. And I’ll bet someone’s eyeing the blue-tongued skink, priced to move at $479.99.
I was frankly stunned when I went to the Pet Shoppe. The world of pet care has changed since I had a dog named Pepper in the 80s. I’m told that 62% of Americans own a pet these days. As part of the “lower 38,” I live without one, though technically I lease my house from a crime syndicate of moles who live underneath it. Anyway, a stroll down the aisles at the store on Race Avenue is eye-opening.
Toys galore. Does Fido need a plush squeaky taco? How about a rubber cactus? I discovered an entire wall of Kong Cozies-the hottest brand of stuffed animals for your real animals. Or you can get a Wubba, a toss-andfetch toy for hours of fun. I was tempted to get a Lambchop doll for myself. No wonder the sign on the front door said, “Adult Supervision Required at All Times.”
The pet food aisles were next. Back in the day, Pepper ate Gaines Burgers. These individually wrapped meat patties were like feeding your dog a Big Mac and a Little Debbie all at once. Empty doggie calories.
No Gaines Burgers for sale here. Instead, the staff recommended the Natural Balance Sweet Potato and Bison Soy-Free meal. Fluker’s Grub Bag turtle treats were available in River Shrimp or Insect Blend. Grain-free Duck and
Green Pea Recipe was a pricey option for Mr. Whiskers, but I noticed that the Fussy Cat brand cans were BOGO. Harnesses and leashes in all colors and prints. Studded collars for your tough-guy pet, and Melatonin Calming Aid for your other pet. Nursing bottles are available for gerbils, rabbits and ferrets. When I was there, “Cat’s in the Cradle” was playing over the loudspeaker. Who knew you needed castles, sunken ships, diving helmets and even Minions for your fish tank? Or that your 48-cent goldfish will require air diffusers, pumps, a quartz glass heater, filter cartridges, coral cutters, soil spades, forceps, reef glue and an algae scraper? Remembering my brief experience taking care of guppies as a kid, I was relieved to see that the Neighborhood Pet Shoppe has a 14-day freshwater fish return policy in case Nemo tanks early. They’re stocked for every conceivable pet need. Terrarium moss for snakes. Infrared heat projectors for bearded dragons. Hammocks for lizards. Ferret Finders (“Never lose your best friend”). Rabbit hay feeders. Wee Away grooming wipes. Cat paw gel. Bath sand for chinchillas.
And yes, there is a birthday room and a pet spa. Thirty-minute baths with cucumber mint soap. Bird, nail and beak trims. I could have sworn I saw a corgi getting a massage and an updo.
The cash register rings all day as folks spend big to indulge their pets. Meanwhile, I’m grading composition essays at 18 cents a pop. I knew I should have gone into retail.
is
The Tampa Traveler
Sports Editor Nic FraraccioAs an avid sports fan, I do not like it when people ask me, “Why do you watch sports so much?” I think the answer to that is pretty obvious. Sports are one of my favorite escapes from the problems of this world.
However, there is one question I love to answer regarding my sports fandom: “Who is the greatest athlete you have ever met?”
If you know me, this is one of my favorite stories to tell.
It was a gorgeous Monday morning on Dec. 1, 2014. My dad and I took a trip to Orlando, Florida, to watch the Hero World Challenge, a charity golf tournament featuring 20 top-ranked golf professionals. That year, Isleworth Golf and Country Club hosted the star-studded event.
I can promise you one thing — 11-year-old Nic was pumped to see some of his favorite golfers in action. Little did I know I would get the chance to talk to one of the greatest to play the game.
My dad and I arrived at the course at 7 a.m. Our plan was to watch some of the guys warm up on the driving range. The country club was located in a luxurious neighborhood with some of the most stunning houses I had ever seen.
To get to the range, my dad and I had to walk down the street, passing multi-million dollar houses with each step. When we were about 100 feet away from the range, a pink golf cart flew by us.
It was none other than two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson. My excitement level flew through the roof — I was about to watch Bubba destroy the ball on the range. Even better, the range was almost desolate. There were a total of six people: myself, my dad, two cameramen, Bubba and his caddy.
Burch collects second statistical champion award
NIC FRARACCIO sports editorSenior pitcher Abby Burch received her second career statistical champion award last Monday after recording 19 saves during the 2023 softball season.
The Arkansas native led Division I, II and III in saves, beating Chloe Leverington from Saint Martin’s University and Keira Bucher from the University of Maryland.
With 19 saves, Burch broke the NCAA Division II single-season saves record. Alex Lewis from the University of Alabama in Huntsville set the previous record in 2009 with 18 saves.
Burch also broke the single-season school record set in 2019 by Emma Dwyer, who finished the season with 12 saves.
Burch said assistant coach Chris Wiman and her father kept track of the save count throughout the season.
“As soon as I broke the Harding record, they kinda let me know what the national record was gonna be,” Burch said.
Burch kept a clean slate during the 2023 season, not allowing a single earned run during the regular season conference schedule. Overall, Burch finished the season with a 0.87 ERA and 40 strikeouts across 48 ⅓ innings pitched.
Harding’s closer added depth to one of the best pitching staffs in the Great American Conference (GAC). Junior pitcher Riley Price said she would always feel a sense of relief when Burch closed games.
“I knew if I could do it, Abby could go in there and take care of everything,” Price said. “There’s nobody like Abby.”
The senior provided multiple key moments for the Lady Bisons throughout the season.
In her final appearance, Burch shut down Oklahoma Baptist University, advancing the team to the NCAA Central Region One championship.
Burch completed her fourth win of the season by striking out GAC Freshman of the Year Kennedy Clark.
Burch said the victory was one of the most exciting moments during the 2023 season.
“I normally don’t like to celebrate on the field, but I celebrated that one because it was such a good feeling,” Burch said.
Junior catcher Brooke Johnson said the victory displayed Burch’s “killer mentality”
within the circle.
“She has that grit like she wants it, and she’s here to work for all of us,” Johnson said. “She stepped on the rubber saying, ‘I don’t care who you are, I’m about to go to war.’”
As the fall semester continues, Burch and the Lady Bisons will continue to practice in preparation for the 2024 season. Burch said she would love to see the student body support the Lady Bisons during the spring season. “Come out and support. We really do appreciate it,” Burch said. “We are excited to see where the season takes us.”
One of the greats Bison athletics hosts Code Black hype rally
Bubba was hitting bombs with his driver. It almost felt like I was getting a lesson with the little amount of attendance on the range.
All of a sudden, I felt a light tap on my shoulder. It was my dad. He leaned over and said, “Look who it is.”
The first thing I saw when I turned around was a caddy wearing a red bib with a set of golf clubs by his side. My eyes lit up when I saw the tiger headcover on the driver.
Seconds later, Tiger Woods walked up to the range preparing to hit a couple shots before his practice round.
My dad and I proceeded to freak out for a couple of seconds before watching Tiger hit on the range.
For those of you who don’t watch sports, Tiger is arguably the greatest golfer of all time. With 82 all-time Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour victories, Tiger is tied with Sam Snead for the most wins in PGA Tour history.
This was a big deal for my dad and me. We love Tiger, and we were basically watching him stripe golf balls on the range with no other fans around.
When Tiger was beginning to wrap up his range session, my dad said, “You gotta ask him for a picture, son. There is nothing to lose!”
As Tiger was walking off the range, I asked, “May I please get a quick picture?”
He immediately responded, “Of course.” After taking the picture, I thought the interaction was over. Fortunately, I was wrong.
“Do you play golf?” Tiger said.
“Of course,” I said. “Been playing in Tampa for a couple years now.”
Tiger loved it. He started listing off courses he loved to play at in the Tampa Bay area. I knew every course like the back of my hand; I just wished I could play them with his skill level.
Before walking back to the clubhouse, Tiger turned around and said, “Maybe I’ll see you playing out here one day.”
An interaction I’ll never forget with one of the greats.
The Sept. 6 Code Black hype rally was the first to incorporate athletes from a variety of teams. The inclusion of over 450 athletes from men’s and women’s sports brought together a diverse crowd.
At Rhodes-Reaves Field House, cheerleaders and football players funneled guests into the gymnasium. Individuals were given raffle tickets for an opportunity later in the event. As students poured in, the energy from the cheer team and the Thundering Herd Marching Band set the tone for the night.
Assistant Dean of Campus Life Logan Light emceed Code Black. When Light called the players onto the court, they shared the spotlight and threw prizes to the cheering fans.
Campus Life had an array of events in store. First, students were picked from the crowd to participate in a tricycle race.
Sophomore Andrew Reneau was one of the race contestants. He said he was surprised to be selected from the crowd. Three other students were called down as possible contenders, but in a battle of rockpaper-scissors, Reneau won.
“Before I knew that it was a tricycle race, I thought that I would have to push my partner around in the trash can,” Reneau said.
“During the first part, I thought about how big Diego was compared to the tricycle. He looked like a crab crawling down the field.”
Reneau said he looks forward to next year’s Code Black event.
In the next event, the stadium was divided into two sides: black team and gold team. Football players split into groups to represent their respective teams. The players sat down in a line on the court and tried to pass the football from one end of the line to the other. However, participants could only pass the ball using their feet.
The gold team won, and students were given vouchers for Sonic Drive-In.
The scholarship toss was the final event of the evening. The winner had the opportunity to win up to $6,000 in scholarship funds. The students tossed miniature footballs into containers. Each successful toss was rewarded with $500. Director of Campus Life Jane Chandler let three students participate.
President Mike Williams decided to join in on the fun. He ran around the court with the miniature footballs and aided in successfully throwing them into containers.
This year’s Code Black event was one of the best in Harding’s history, Director of Athletics Jeff Morgan said. Morgan said he admires the relationship among the student body.
“I want people to know that the energy they bring definitely has an impact,” Morgan said. “It’s like hitting a refueling station when you have that energy from the people at the games. We are very humbled when we run out to a packed stadium, field or track. We work hard to represent Harding in a great way, and we need your help as we pursue a really fun and supportive game day.”
Morgan said fans are an important part of the game day experience.
“It’s a cool turn around,” Morgan said. “You play on Saturday night. You go to chapel on Monday. You’re sitting next to all these people, it builds those relationships and makes it even better come game day. Students are a huge part of the team. It’s not, ‘Okay, here’s the team, and then here’s the fans.’”
Tennis player Réka Pécsi has over 15 years of experience in her sport. She echoes this sentiment and said she is thankful for the support of her fellow students.
“My favorite part of pep rallies is the fact that people who don’t even know each other come to cheer with the biggest enthusiasm,” Pécsi said. “The vibe, the support and the shouting from people around us is absolutely incredible. It’s hard to describe in words, but I’m definitely so thankful for everyone who makes us feel valued as professionals.”
Possibilities are endless at Berryhill pickleball courts
popular new addition to the Searcy community as
ABBEY WILLIAMS
lifestyle/layout editor
The new pickleball courts in Berryhill Park are open and have become a new and exciting part of the Searcy community.
Director of Searcy Parks and Recreation
Mike Parsons said this is just the beginning of what is in store for Berryhill Park.
“This is just phase one of what Berryhill will become,” Parsons said. “It will be a big destination part of Searcy. We will have food truck outlets, family yard games, splash pads, hammock areas, sitting areas and a destination playground.”
Parsons said pickleball is a sport growing in popularity.
“I think the possibilities are endless,” Parsons said. “As long as we can maintain [the courts] and take good care of them, this sport is doing nothing but growing. The future and successes continue to rise, enough where down the road, we have to look at building more pickleball courts. We were crowded before and especially now with Harding students.”
Chris O’Shields, a member of the committee that worked on developing the courts, said the courts in Berryhill Park are the best Arkansas has to offer. He said the pickleball community is a welcoming group and that people from outside of Searcy come to play pickleball on the new courts.
“The courts are successful,” O’Shields said. “I think in due time, there will be more tournaments held. More out-of-town people are coming to Berryhill to play, which will provide more money for restaurants and hotels, and we already have people coming from Cabot, Heber and Little Rock.”
Jana Miller, a member of the Parks and Recreation board, said the courts have brought a new energy to the park.
“It has breathed new life into Berryhill,” Miller said. “I love driving by and seeing the parking lot full. I love that it is such a beautiful complex we are all so proud of. We want people to come check it out. It’s something our community is proud of, and it’s the very first spark of what’s to come, and it’s exciting.”
Miller said playing pickleball is a good way to get outside, exercise and be social at the same time.
“I think it’s fantastic for all generations to be able to come together and play a game,” Miller said. “My daughter plays, as well as someone I know who is 85. I enjoy playing with older and younger people. It’s just a fun game no matter your age or gender, so older people can still get exercise in a great environment. I’m an advocate for adult fitness, and it can be hard to find a place like this and enjoy your workout and be social.”
Junior Leah Smith said her experience with the courts has been positive.
“My experience at the courts has been really great,” Smith said. “It’s been really fun. The courts are nice and organized and the area around it is really well lit and clean. It’s been a safe and friendly environment every time I’ve been, I am a big fan of the hours the courts are open. It’s nice to be able to play later longer.”
Smith said she hopes to meet more new people on the courts.
“The courts definitely have the potential for meeting new people in the community,” Smith said. “I enjoy playing with different people and different skill sets, so that’s something I hope I can do more. I think it’s just a matter of asking people to join your group at this point with the way the courts are set up.”
For a guide on how to play pickleball, watch this short YouTube video.
White County Fair delivers fun for all age groups
EMMA WEBER opinions editorSince 1935, White County continues to provide fun for all ages in its yearly fair, according to the White County Fair website. Saturday, Sept. 9 kicked off the beginning of this year’s White County Fair with a parade through downtown Searcy. All week, fair activities have been taking place on the fairgrounds, located off of Davis Drive. Pageants, rodeos, a demolition derby and livestock competitions were among the main attractions for the week. These attractions provide opportunities to experience the surrounding area more fully. Different vendors will provide opportunities for food and other items for purchase. Junior Jennifer Matthews said she visited the White County Fair again for these reasons.
“I’ve been to the Searcy fair twice now, and my favorite part would definitely be seeing all the animals and trying food at different food trucks,” Matthews said. “I’m from Little Rock, so I typically don’t see rodeos and demolition derbies where I’m from, so that is an interesting aspect for sure.”
The fair aims to offer fun for all ages, students and faculty alike. Head of the English Department Dr. Jonathan Singleton captured his time at the fair on the English Department’s Instagram account.
“I’ve been several times before,” Singleton said. “I went because it was Dollar Night, and I have a 12-year-old that wanted to ride the rides. I wanted to ride them as well. My favorite was a hang glider ride that made me feel like I was flying without giving me the feeling that I was falling.”
The fair provides opportunities to have fun that even graduated students recall.
Alumna Alexandra Wisner encouraged current students to attend the fair. She said going to the White County Fair during her freshman year was her first experience with a county fair.
“Walking in, I was immediately met with flashing lights, loud music and lots and lots of carnival rides,” Wisner said. “I don’t know if they still do it, but when I went, there was a museum of oddities that I paid a couple of dollars to get into, and it had a bunch of shrunken heads and preserved animals in jars. The best part was watching the rodeo, where I saw approximately 50 children chase a terrified calf around the ring to get the bow around its neck.”
Wisner said visiting the fair is a great way to interact with the Searcy community.
“If you’ve never been to a county fair before, the White County Fair is a great place to start,” Wisner said. “You’re outside of the Harding bubble, interacting with your Searcy community, and if you’re not from the South, seeing a brand new side of small-town life. White County is a great place to live, and I didn’t realize how much I appreciate the Searcy community until I left. Leave campus and get involved in your town. Go on a dangerous fair ride. It’s fun.” The fair closes its doors tomorrow, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. Until then, activities will be available at differing prices every night.
Bluegrass group kicks off Family Weekend
TIANE DAVIS editor-in-chiefSearcy Beats and Eats partnered with the Arts and Life Performance Series to organize an event called “Bluegrass, BBQ, and Baristas” this weekend. At Heritage Park, Arkansas bluegrass band The Gravel Yard will perform at 7 p.m., with alumni Joe Oliver giving a pre-show at 6 p.m..
Director of the Arts and Life Performance Series Jay Walls was in charge of hiring the musicians, while Searcy Beats and Eats was responsible for organizing everything else.
“He brings the music, and we bring the fun,” Searcy Beats and Eats co-director Marka Bennett said.
The event will have several local vendors, including four food trucks, three coffee shops
and two dessert trucks, Bennett said. Those who attend the event will have to bring chairs or blankets to sit on, she said.
Eight chess tables, a few live painters, kids crafts and yard games will also be available at Heritage Park. Bennett said one of the goals while planning was to host an event that could be enjoyable for people at any age.
“We also try to support as many local entrepreneurs as we can,” Bennett said. “We like to offer them free marketing, space and time with people who come to our events.
This year will be the third year Searcy Beats and Eats has partnered with Arts and Life and the first it will fall on Harding’s Family Weekend. Director of alumni and parent relations Heather Kemper said she is grateful to have a way to give parents and students something to do together this weekend.
“To be able to plan events for them to enjoy with their student is pretty exciting,” Kemper said. “It is fun to kind of see it all come full circle and to be able to provide an environment for parents and their students to reconnect after not seeing each other physically for the last six weeks or so.”
Oliver, a Searcy native and member of the band Rivers West, said it means a lot to him that he was invited to perform at the event during this time.
“Getting to play for both my friends and family is always a gift,” he said. “Harding also means so much to me, so it’s fun to be around the campus during a time like Family Weekend.”
Inspired by music from artists such as Ben Rector and Jordy Searcy, Oliver said he has always enjoyed playing music for people.
“Getting another opportunity to hopefully share new songs and meet new people is always something I can’t pass up,” Oliver said. “I’m just thankful to have been asked to play in my hometown.”
Harding adds child advocacy minor
NICHarding’s Interdisciplinary Committee introduced a new minor this semester that will teach students how to intervene and provide help for developing children.
The child advocacy minor was formed to provide multiple options for majors such as psychology, criminal justice and interdisciplinary studies. However, the minor is open to all majors at the University.
Dr. Kathy Helpenstill, associate professor of behavioral sciences, has led the development of the new minor.
Ideas for the new minor emerged when Helpenstill noticed students taking a number of elective classes within departments, she said. Helpenstill also noticed that other universities across the country included the child advocacy minor within their programs.
Helpenstill said the minor will allow departments to collaborate and give students a different look into child advocacy.
“My No. 1 goal would be to give a broader perspective to the students,” Helpenstill said. “This is super powerful and eye-opening for us even as Christians.”
The minor will require students to take eighteen credit hours involving multiple departments on campus. Offered classes will cover a variety of topics including child abuse and neglect, therapeutic perspectives of play and cooperative education.
Helpenstill also said the minor will encourage the Harding community to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
“We are not called to rescue people,” Helpenstill said. “We are called to sit,
sciences Brittany Cumbie said students will learn how to be the best advocates for children in any field.
knowledge can give you the tools to be able to work with kids successfully,” Cumbie said. “That helps you as a servant of God.”
Professor of behavioral sciences Dr. Travis McNeal said the minor will give students the opportunity to “run towards the broken.”
“Every community has children who need adults to advocate for them, whether that be ustice “At Harding, we have many students who have a heart to serve in this way. The child advocacy
The committee plans to introduce a one-hour multidisciplinary team seminar in February 2024 that will demonstrate and s on how to handle a crisis as a child advocate. The seminar will include in-class simulations that pare students for situations within As the fall semester continues, Helpenstill said all majors are welcome and would benefit from learning how to provide for children. “A minor like this can be helpful to anybody, because you are going to interact with kids and you need to know how to talk to them in a developmentally appropriate way,” Helpenstill said.
Music department welcomes Pullen as Chorus director
The music department began the 2023-24 academic year with a new faculty member, Dr. Kyle Pullen. Pullen works as both a professor of music and director of Choral Activities, University Chorus and Chamber Singers
Pullen received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Houston and his doctoral degree from Claremont Graduate University in Los Angeles.
Pullen’s path to music is a path of family tradition.
“My parents are both musicians,” Pullen said. “My father was a choir director, and I grew up with it, and I was in his choir in high school.”
Pullen has worked in Texas and Oklahoma in both high school and collegiate levels, but he said he especially appreciates what Harding has to offer.
“Harding has something special that is becoming more desired by students who really want an on-campus experience,” Pullen said. “We’re tied to a church; We’re tied to Christianity. Christians generally want to be around each other, and Christians also like to sing with one another.”
Harding students such as junior Aubrey Jones, the 2023-24 Harding Chorus President, welcomed Pullen into the Harding Music Department.
“While he has a lot to learn about Harding’s traditions and what we do here on campus, I think it will be beneficial to us to have a fresh set of eyes in the department,” Jones said. “He isn’t coming in with any biases or preconceived notion of what chorus should be. I think that we are going to be able to reach a place where the singers in Chorus can reach their full potential without precedent
getting in the way but still holding on to what makes us the Harding University Chorus.”
Dr. Jay Walls, chair of the music department at Harding, has started getting to know Pullen and looks forward to his first year.
“He’s trying really hard, you know, to get to know people well, and I like the way that he is very interested in getting all of our choral ensembles to integrate with each other to get to know each other well, so it feels even more like a choral program,” Walls said.
Beginning his career at Harding during its Centennial, Pullen has already begun to think about what the next 100 years will look like for the Chorus.
“We, I think, can still remain strong, and I want the Chorus and the choir program here to be part of what defines us as an oncampus university,” Pullen said. “Not just by participation, but by the quality of music that we create, and I want it to be noticed throughout the region in the country, not to build up our pride but to be seen for what we can offer people in a community.”
Tolkien fans honor his legacy with Coal-biters club
Are you a sucker for grand fantasy and old myth? This club might be for you.
The Coal-biters are a group at Harding born out of love for J.R.R. Tolkien, and curious, eager students have kept it alive for over a decade. Dr. Larry Hunt, a teacher of mythology, partnered with Dr. Greg Laing, a linguistic historian, to create an opportunity to translate and learn from the Northern myths and literature as well as the works of Tolkien and his contemporaries.
Tolkien himself inspired the name, as it was he who formed the original Coal-biters at Oxford University.
“The original concept was Tolkien teaching other professors at Oxford how to read Icelandic,” Hunt said.
A small group involving Tolkien, C. S. Lewis and others formed as a means of teaching and learning. The group would translate passages from the old tales and share them with each other. Within these Icelandic legends, one character type came to distinctly identify with the group, a dreamer who listens to stories told around the fire and sits so close he can almost bite the coals. Hence, these Koalbitar,
or Coal-biters, came to be the namesake of the group so fond of storytelling. Harding’s modern Coal-biters are not so different from the people who inspired it.
Over the years, the student club has delved into both the old literature so inspirational to the original writers—such as the Volsunga saga and the Bjorn saga—as well as the works
of the preceding Coal-biters like Lewis and Tolkien, letting their influence inspire new readers.
“These stories have deep connections to mythology, to themes bigger than any single character or storyline,” Laing said.
Just last year, the club investigated the many pieces of Atlantean mythos and how Tolkien
borrowed from it in the Silmarillion—his collection of short stories—to craft his land of Numenor.
Now, Hunt and Laing are offering members a look into the writing systems of Tolkien. Junior Rachel Hall described the most recent activities.
“We are working on studying the languages that Tolkien created this year, and so last meeting we studied the basics of elvish,” Hall said. “Dr. Hunt brought photocopies of this book that outlines the Koinia alphabet. We studied it and took some calligraphy pens and practiced tracing the letters, and then we figured out how to write our names, and that was so much fun.”
Hall said the Coal-biters are not a group aiming for fluency, but people who have fun learning and exploring their favorite fiction together.
“It’s super chill,” Hall said. “We’re probably, like, the most chill club on campus.”
Coal-biters meet every other Tuesday at 5 p.m. in American Studies room 314. The number of members varies by semester, and currently, the club is looking to rebuild.
“We’re looking for new members, so if anybody is intrigued, they should join us,” Laing said.
Knights social club hosts charity concert
TIANE DAVIS editor-in-chief SAM ROBINSON guest writer
Last weekend, men’s social club Knights held a charity concert featuring musicians Nordista Freeze and Greedi at Citizen Park. Tickets were $7 or $10 with an included poster, and all proceeds were donated to Dwell Uganda, a nonprofit that repairs low-income housing in Uganda.
Guitarist for Nordista Freeze Sam Hearn described their music as “hyper-rock,” because it has a style that is “similar to the electronic sounds of the hyperpop genre” but mixed into classic rock instead of pop. Freeze was largely influenced by musicians like Jan and Dean, Frankie Valli and Herman’s Hermits, he said.
Freeze said he was excited to play for Harding students again.
“We’ve played Searcy and Harding many times, and I’m prepared to engage through my set,” Freeze said.
Freeze’s performance involved moving around the stage, climbing on the wall behind the stage and running through the mosh pit. Through his music and performances, Freeze said he has a specific message he wants to send.
“I have hope that ... everybody feels free,” Freeze said.
At Citizen Park, musicians and the crowd alike were given the opportunity to participate in the show, both having climbed onto the I-bars and surrounding rooftops for a better view. The mosh pit at the front of the stage was dense and stayed charged all night, with many fans crowd-surfing and running into each other while dancing.
Junior Sam Busbey, Harding student and musician who guest opened under the name “Greedi” at the concert, played music that
included a mix of rap, pop, rock and metal, inspired by artists such as Deftones and Playboi Carti.
Busbey said Freeze was energetic and surprised the crowd with how interactive and playful he was.
“His energy is really contagious because his music itself isn’t too crazy, but he just makes it wild,” Busbey said. “Nordista’s a big artist, and performing with someone of his status is something I’ve dreamed of.”
Busbey said knowing the proceeds went to charity was the most satisfying part of the show.
“Every ounce of pessimism in my body about the show was crushed by that knowledge,” he said. “Hopefully, I get more chances to have such an impact on others’ lives like this.”
The energy at the concert was unlike any other experience, junior Gavin Whitaker said. He said the performers are “skilled crowd instructors.”
“They had control over our emotions and excitement,” Whitaker said. “The mosh pit was theirs, and they used it responsibly and humorously. Everyone there — man and woman — tall and short — we were all together all night long.”
Whitaker said Busbey is a good friend of his and that he eagerly anticipated his performance as soon as the event was announced.
“The pride I felt — that we all felt — while he was performing was overwhelming,” Whitaker said. “He is a great artist, and his love for what he does was evident.”
Whitaker said he hopes events like Nordista Freeze’s and Greedi’s performances can inspire local artists to share their work.
“I hope that it shows the strugglers that they don’t need to be afraid,” Whitaker said. “People are yearning for something new and something exciting, and I believe that Searcy and the surrounding communities are full of capable creators.”
The proceeds went toward nonprofit organization
Department of History organizes 1924 experience
CAMILLE WHITE guest writerAs part of the Centennial celebrations, the Department of History and Political Science has put together a year-long series called the 1924 Experience which will explore the context of Harding’s beginnings through exhibits, speakers and events.
Assistant professor of history Kimberly Laing, who serves as the Clifton L. Ganus Jr. Distinguished Chair of History and Political Science, is the coordinator of the 1924 Experience.
“The Ganus chair’s job is to find ways to expand the love and understanding of history at Harding,” Laing said. “As a historian, I was interested in what was 1924 like. When Harding started, what else was going on in the world?”
Laing said the 1924 Experience will involve around 20 different events. There will be speakers from Harding and all over the
country, including Dr. Beverly Gage from Yale University. Gage is a 2023 Pulitzer Prize winner and will be speaking during Homecoming week on J. Edgar Hoover and the creation of the FBI.
“I just kind of went through and was like, what would I want to see if I were trying to learn about 1924,” Laing said. “And what can I get?”
In addition to seminars, there will be experience-based activities such as visiting the one-room schoolhouse at Pioneer Village and the virtual reality Harlem Renaissance.
Students can collect stamps and photos in a scrapbook from attending events. Laing said the more events students come to and collect stamps for, the more likely they are to receive free tickets for The 1924 Experience Dinner in April, where guests can dress in formal 1920s attire and experience authentic food and music from the decade. Scrapbooks are available in the History and Political Science office, Holland-Waller Center room 101.
The library is one of many spots on campus hosting a traveling exhibit of the 1924 timeline. Electronic resources librarian Amy McGohan said the library was a great location for this exhibit because of the high number of student visitors.
“Our gate counts are higher than ever,” McGohan said. “We are having so many students in here, so this is a great place to put it — where a lot of people will see it. The program itself is amazing. There’s so many things going on, and I would really encourage people to go to it.”
Another activity the Harding community can participate in is the Flight Around the World Contest. The winning two students and a faculty or staff member will go on a series of flights around the world in eight days — paid for by the Clifton L. Ganus Jr. Distinguished Chair of History and Political Science. Students may apply in teams of two of the same gender and must submit a
proposed itinerary that details what flights they would take and overnight stops they would include during the trip.
Junior Kit Moore said she is excited about the contest.
“To get to go around the world with a friend and a faculty member — it’s just a really cool experience that I would like to have, but at least I’m glad someone will get to have it,” Moore said.
The contest will close Oct. 12. The winners will be chosen in a random draw and announced Oct. 19 at an event where Dr. Jeremy Kinney, associate director for research and curatorial affairs at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, will speak about 1920s aviation.
The first event of the 1924 Experience, a screening of the film “Compulsion” at the Rialto Theater, will be held Sept. 16. Events will continue until April 20, 2024.