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Searcy, Searcy, Online atatat TheLink.Harding.edu Searcy, Online TheLink.Harding.edu Searcy, Ark., 72149 Online TheLink.Harding.edu Online at TheLink.Harding.edu Searcy,Ark., Ark.,72149 72149

Searcy, Ark., 72149

to help remember ‘IUniversity want to be able holds 15th annual lighting Never Never forget forget search update Presidential their stories’ and tell ceremony

Photo by MADISON MEYER Photo by MADISON MEYER

Dr.Jack Jack Shock, Shock, distinguished distinguished professor professor of of communication, communication, and Dr. and Dr. Dr. Ginger Ginger Blackstone, Blackstone, associate associate professor professor of of communication, share share their their firsthand firsthand experiences experiences in in media media from from Sept. communication, Sept. 11, 11, 2001, 2001, with with honors honors communication communication Photos by MADISON MEYER students. Students and faculty visited the 9/11 memorial in Downtown Manhattan on Thursday, Sept. 9.

Photos by MADISON MEYER students. Students and faculty visited the 9/11 memorial in Downtown Manhattan on Thursday, Sept. 9.

Junior Emily Stinnett was a student on “My job was to bring the story out,” Blackstone worked as a producer for CNN Photo

by JEFF MONTGOMERY Junior Emily Stinnett was a student on “My job was to bring the story out,” Blackstone worked as a producer for CNN Photo

by JEFF MONTGOMERY EVERETT KIRKMAN Charles Ganus, head of the Harding presidential president the board Lindy aIngram, member of the tripand and created video documentary of Atlanta in Septemberof2001.

She andof hertrustees; Shock said.search committee; Dr. RobertinWalker, EVERETT KIRKMAN Charles Ganus, head of the Harding presidential search committee; Dr. Robert Walker, president of the board of trustees; and Lindy Ingram, member of the trip and created a video documentary of in Atlanta in September 2001.

She and her Shock said. editor-in-chief the board of trustees, leave the American Heritage building oncorrespondents Sept. 10. team have since received an Emmy Award it. A shorter version of her work, specifically Even national newson editor-in-chief the board of trustees, leave the American Heritage building Sept.

10.

Even national news correspondents team have since received an Emmy Award it. A shorter version of her work, specifically for“ There’s their reporting work over the course of Solomon, from outlets like NBC, ABC and Eleven honors communication students University focused on theofreflection of students, chair the Lipscomb Board of a number good things president.

This marked theCNN first for“ There’s their reporting work of over the course of Solomon, from outlets like NBC, ABC and CNN Eleven honors communication focused on theofreflection of students, EVERETT KIRKMAN students University chair theon Lipscomb Board a number of good things president.

This marked the firstas the KIRKMAN was shown in chapel Friday, Sept.

10.of weeks following the attacks, as America hadan restricted access at ground zero, and fiveEVERETT communication department faculty time Photo by MADISON MEYER Trustees, said in a statement at the time happening here at Harding right now,” outside executive search firm was editor-in-chief the weeks following the attacks,right as America hadan restricted access at search groundfirm zero, as happening and five communication department faculty time was shown in in chapel on Friday, 10.

Trustees, said a statement at Sept. the time here at Harding now,” outsideGuard executive was editor-in-chief Her project documented the visit to the learned about the terrorists’ motives and the the National patrolled what was an members traveled to New York City from ofHer the announcement.

Ganus said.

“I’m looking forward to the hired by watch the University for thiswhat process.

Themembers Lily Pond is illuminated as City people gather to the University’s campus Christmas lighting ceremony on the front lawn on Nov. 29.

This year, there learned about the terrorists’ motives and the the National Guard patrolled was an traveled to New York from project documented the visit to the of the announcement.

Ganus said. “I’m looking forward to the memorial, hired by the University for this would process. as wella as visitsalso to St. Paul’s U.S.president government’s responsethe in mission real time. ongoing investigation.

Journalists often new Sept.

8-12 to observe the 20th anniversary York College, continuing “We are conducting aPark. nationwide search Alumnus Charles Ganus, board member are Sept. more lights decorating campus, expanding into LegacyJournalists U.S.president government’s responsethe in mission real time.of investigation. would often new 8-12 to observe the 20th memorial, as wella school as visitsalso to affiliated St. Paul’s YorkTrinity College, school affiliated continuing of chapel, “We to are conducting a nationwide search Alumnus Charles Ganus, boardanniversary memberon ongoing Church and the Engine 54, For Blackstone, Sept.

11, 2001, was her speak Shock as a liason, who would then of the Sept.

11, 2001, terrorist attacks with theTrinity Churches of Christ, announced Harding — continuing for 2001, it to be the for a president that will who lead would Harding and chairman of 2001, the presidential search For Blackstone, Sept.

11, was her speak to Shock as a liason, then of the Sept.

11, terrorist attacks on chapel, Church and the Engine 54, with the Churches of Christ, announced Harding —Two continuing for it to install be the Ladder for a to president that area will lead Harding andthe chairman of theHUFF presidential search 4, Battalion 9 firehouse on 8th Ave. day off.

Unaware of the initial plane crash, enter the Red Cross to find someone World Trade Center in New York GABRIEL Due the COVID-19 pandemic, Harding 24 this year. contractors help “It kind of looks like just water coming the appointment of a 9new president on June special place it hasof been.

I look forward University in its Cross vision area as a Christ-centered committee, saidTrade while Center the process isNew ongoing, day off.

Unaware the initial plane crash, enter the Red to find someone the World in York Ladder 4, Battalion firehouse on 8th Ave. place it has been.

I look forward theMidtown appointment of a new president on June inshare its vision as a Christ-centered special committee, said while the ongoing,an University in Fifteen firefighters the second hit the second tower, 12, willing toof their story.

Each student on process the tripisfulfilled asst. copy editor not serve premade hot chocolate lights, one ofplane which is the the trees, which IA. find very an interesting,” 2020.

Dr.Manhattan.

Samuel Smith, alumnus towhen the next president building onWallace that.” theCity. presidential search committee’s roleandid institution higher education,” Walkerand said the when the second plane hit the second tower, off willing toof share their story.

Each student on the trip fulfilled in Midtown Manhattan.

Fifteen firefighters to the next president building on that.” institution higher education,” Walker said theCity. presidential search committee’s role 12, 2020.

Dr. Samuel A. Smith, an alumnus from Engine has Co.served 54 went to the World two cell phones,also landline and BlackBerry “At that“We moment, that firefighter became herOther contract on ahe topic related to 9/11, in February. the college, as president since colleges affiliated with the of are searching for aoffered mature is honors now over.

He said andrelated other to board cider year and Washing company, McMillion Hudgins said.Co. “They kind look like herOther two cell phones,also landline and BlackBerry “At thatlast moment, thatinstead firefighter became Pressure contract on ahe topic 9/11,apple from Engine 54 went toofthe World colleges affiliated with the Trade is honors now over.

He said and other board inmy February.

“We aresaid. searching for a to mature of the Center college, hasSept. served as2001, president since on 11, and all began to ring at the same time.

After client,” Shock “It was up me to the events surrounding it and the effects July 6, 2020, after spending nearly 20 none years Churches of Christ havesame recently gone member of the church ofeveryone Christ who isme ledto said. members were gratefulhosted for theits time and packets all began to ring at the time.

After my client,” Shock said.

“It was up to the events surrounding it and the effects Trade Center on Sept.

11, 2001, and none Harding University 15th of the drinks for to make The pressure washing company willows in this way, and I think that Christ recently gone Christ who is led members were grateful for the time and member July 6, 2020, after spending years’s — the most men lostnearly from a20single learning ofofthe events,have she was advised to returned ensure of hethe hadchurch a safeof experience that did Churches felt worldwide. a variety atmen Lipscomb. through presidential transitions. byensure the word of God and the Holy Spirit, effort every committee member put into themselves. learningthe of lights the events, she low was trees advised to in he Dana had a safe experience that did handles felt worldwide. returned —of theroles most lostamazing, fromSmith’s a single annual lighting ceremony on campus McMillion, director around and really cool.

Yeah, it’s really and presidential transitions. effortThe every committee into bynot theexploit word of God Spirit, in a variety of roles Lipscomb.

Smith’s company thatatday.

The firefighters stay home and rest up for the work that engine him, thatand didthe notHoly put him in a through group visited themember Sept. 11put Memorial inauguration will take place today.

On Aug. 5, Lipscomb University in narrowing the search for the University’s committed to the spread of the gospel of stay home and rest up for the work that not exploit him, that did not put him in a The group visited the Sept.

11 Memorial engine company that day.

The firefighters Monday, Nov. lights to ofcommitted maintenance, said Harding also hung ground. other helps glad I got to personal experience it.” with the there shared their stories would ensueThe in Lipscomb days andcontractor weeks to come. zone that would be unhealthy forgospel him, and and Museum atadding ground zeroUniversity’s on Thursday, On Aug. 5, University in I’m to the spread of the of the narrowing the29, search for more the inauguration will take place today.

“Smith proven himself to bethe a Nashville, Tennessee, announced the Christ andwould focused on strengthening the next would in on days and weeks come. zone that unhealthy him, and hang andpresident.

Museum at ground zero on Thursday,less there sharedhas their personal stories with thenext display. lights to focused space be everyone outfor and help theensue lights the trees on tocampus.

Although heproven does know why andhas faculty andnot shared memories “All of the Turner networks, allthe of students also toand accompany him to and through the Nashville, Sept.

9. While there, Dr. Jack Shock, Christ Tennessee, announced on strengthening the president.

“Smith himself to beora thoughtful listener with a visionary spirit,” appointment of the university ’s 18th University in its pursuit of excellence in On Oct. 30, 2020, the retirement of Dr. “All of the Turner networks, all of students and faculty and shared memories Sept. 9. While there, Dr. Jack Shock, also to accompany him to and through the of colleagues thatsaid had been lost. themeverything — even like TBS — they were how, interview.” distinguished professor of acommunication, University inpeople its pursuit of excellence appointment ofisTNT, the university ’s hosts 18th Onceremony Oct. 30, 2020, the retirement of Dr. avoid thoughtful listener with aChristmas visionary spirit,” The began with Christmas having outside of campusin Once done, Harding the lights R.McMillion Wayne White, chairman of the York president Dr.like Candice former Bruce McLarty professor as University president was higher education.” them —— even TNT,McQueen, TBS — they were Dr. interview.” distinguished of communication, of Stinnett colleagues had been lost. saidthat one of chairman the most memorable alllighting simulcasting CNN, including CNN Shock described the many interviews the was interviewed by multiple newsband outlets president — Dr. Candice McQueen, former higher education.”

Bruce McLarty as University president was Dr. R. Wayne White, of the York music performance by the Mostly Brass attend the event. ceremony the Monday after are a big selling point for people coming Board of Trustees, said.

“After Tennessee commissioner ofincluding educationCNN and College announced to the Harding community via Two weeks after this all simulcasting CNN,said.

Shock described the announcement, many interviews was interviewed by multiple news outlets Stinnett said one ofto theher most memorable moments of the trip was reading International,” Blackstone “The thinking that he took part in, where he stood directly about his experiences at ground zero in the Tennessee commissioner of education and announced to the Harding community via Two weeks after this announcement, College Board of Trustees, said.

“After andanincluded servings chocolate This year, Harding was ablestood toanhave a Thanksgiving. to Harding.of several interviewing candidates, it former dean of Blackstone the university’s department constituents received email emailhis from Boardofofhot Trustees Chairman International,” “The thinking that he took part in, and where directly about experiences at ground zeroand in was the Harding moments tripgreat topeople her was reading names of the the 2,977 that diedit was, there’s no point in ussaid. clamoring over the behind the camera theheinterviewer, weeks following the attacks.

Shock former deansee of the university’s department Harding constituents received anlights emailas of an email from Board of Trustees interviewing several great candidates, apple cider.

This was followed by the turning normal ceremony andand also added “So, you the biginwas splash of lights,” “We hearofpeople over and overthat say, ‘One was apparent that Smith’s experiences in education.

McQueen the first female from the presidential search committee, Dr. Robert Walker on behalf ofChairman the entire was, there’s no point us clamoring over behind the camera the interviewer, as weeks following the attacks.

Shock was the names the 2,977 people died on seeingthat their faces in photos andin rightMcQueen now, we just need centralize a presence of familiarity. to Walker New York by a former the presidential searchpresidential committee, president ofresources education. was theto first female higher Dr.called Robert on behalf of the student, entire was9/11, apparent Smith’s experiences education were the best match for requesting input for future hired in the Church Christ Feb. 10, Walker the infrom on board. ofcalled the On lights with University President Legacy Park onthe all interview of the street light McMillion said.

“It’s reallytoofamazing thing that drew me to Harding is welives. were resources right now, wejust just need centralize a presence of familiarity. toIrby, New York bymarketing a announced former student, on 9/11, seeing their faces in photos and learning more about their individual the message.”

“I couldinput stop if I saw him president Darren national officer of requesting hired in the Church of Christ for future presidential board.

On Feb. 10, Walker announced the higher education were the best match for the challenges and opportunities ahead.” school’s 130-year history. candidates.

The survey included questions formation ofleading a presidential search committee the message.”

“I could stop the interview if I saw him Darren Irby, national marketing officer of learning more about their individual lives.

David Burks the countdown. poles.

McMillion said the request came and seeing all the kids having a good time. here at the Christmas lights and that got think it’s easy to define those ahead.” people Blackstone said the channel stopped the“Ichallenges in distress,The andsurvey I madeincluded that clear with the school’s the American Red Cross, to assist with Red candidates.

130-year history. formation of a presidential search committee questions and opportunities foreasy thetorole of school Harding president “IBlackstone am confident that vision, deep meCandidates regarding characteristics qualities in a campus-wide committee saidbreaks the channel stopped in distress, and I administration. made thatand clear with one the That’s American Red email.

Cross, The to assist with Redfrom “I it’s to define those people “Ithe like it’s mesmerizing, acommittee dazzling the Harding probably one of myher favorite parts.” to think come back the really by their death,” Stinnett said.

“Iand mean it running commercial for two full weeks. reporter,” Shock said. “The number Cross media relations.

“I am confident that her vision, deep will regarding characteristics and qualities in afeel campus-wide email.

Thethree Candidates for the role of Harding president interview with the University board expertise, passion for faith-based education included seven board members, Harding students, alumni, faculty and staff considered running commercial breaks for two full weeks. reporter,” Shock said.

“The number one Cross media relations. by their death,” Stinnett said.

“I mean it experience, really one of the iconic Harding McMillion said preparations for the Freshman Dakota Hudgins expressed look at the school, and I decided to come was a huge event, and it was a huge attack “You just had to go on feeling,” Blackstone issue here is the safety and wellbeing of Seated in the same spot in the New York students, alumni, faculty and staff considered expertise, passion for faith-based education included seven board members, three Harding will interview with the University board of trustees, who will then vote on finalists. and love for Lipscomb will lead us boldly most important for a president and what faculty members and three Harding alumni.

“You just had to go on feeling,” Blackstone issue here is the safety and wellbeing of Seated in the same spot in the New York was a huge event, and it was a huge attack — but they deserve for their full stories to said.

“There was no rulebook for this.usNothing the subject, especially at this brutal Marriott whereHarding he metalumni. with thelighting moments for Marquis all and students,” sophomore ceremony typically start thetime. day “ her reaction at seeing the lights here,’” McMillion said.

“So, iton helps sell and Lipscomb willHarding lead boldly important for a president what faculty members three of who willpublicly then vote finalists.

The board not announced a newfor season greatness, exemplified challenges theespecially president should beand prepared Upon the announcement of met theSeptember search said.alove “There was noof rulebook for this. when Nothing theDr. subject, at this brutal time. “ into Marriott Marquis where he with the most —trustees, but theyhas deserve for their full stories to be remembered and told.

I want to be able like this had ever happened.

Like, is rest of his team each morning in Ginger Blackstone, associate professor Brinson Davenport said. after Homecoming weekend, which was Oct. for the first time.

Harding.” into athis newhad season of greatness, exemplified Upon the announcement of in theSeptember search challenges the president should be prepared The board hasthey not publicly announced a date on which expect to announce a by excellence, diversity and immersion in to address. committee, Walker also announced the like ever happened.

Like, when is Dr. Ginger Blackstone, associate professor rest of his team each morning be remembered and told.

I want to be able to help remember andexpect tell their stories.” a it okay to run diversity a commercial again? When communication, was beside Shock in by 2001, Shock told the students of histhe two toofaddress. excellence, and immersion in committee, Walker also announced date on which they to announce regarding and the new hiring.

Incommunication, the meantime, Ganus hethe felt blessedin our community together again? we work to decision appointment oftold anzero executive search firm, it it okay to run a as commercial When wassaid beside Shock 2001, the students of his two of to help remember tell their stories.” the seating area, sharing with is appropriate?” weeksShock at ground with the Red Cross.

In the meantime, Ganus said hethe feltstudents. blessed transform our we work to decision regarding the new hiring. appointment of to anzero executive search the livesasoftogether our students,” David Dr. David Burks’ interim CarterBaldwin, aid the search for afirm, new bythe is itcommunity appropriate?” weeks at ground with the Red Cross. seating area, sharing withpresidency. students. transform the lives of our students,” David CarterBaldwin, to aid the search for a new by Dr. David Burks’ interim presidency.

IP encourages COVID-19 booster shots Students respond to Students respond to Possible vaccine mandates to affect private companies, Possible vaccine mandates to affect private companies, Supreme Court’s ruling on Supreme Court’s ruling on universities universities Texas abortion ban Texas abortion ban

said. “It will be much simpler and make people feel more comfortable to receive the booster at home. Right now it’s not required to go, but it is recommended.”

EVERETT KIRKMAN Dr. Julie Hixson-Wallace, professor editor-in-chief Brands Association wrote a letter to the GABRIEL HUFF ofBrands pharmacy, said the booster shot is Association a letter to the GABRIEL president requesting clarification, asst. copy HUFF editor problems instead ofwrote attacking the asking woman GABRIEL HUFF Harding’s International Programs (IP) president requesting clarification, asking asst. copy editor specifically for people who have received problems instead attacking the woman questions such “Must an employee who’s already inas, a of tough situation, I think GABRIEL HUFF asst. copy editor is encouraging planning questions such as, “Must an employee already in a tough situation, think I n a n e f students f oasst. r t tcopy o cwho ueditor r bare COV I D - 1 9 either bewho’s fully vaccinated to work?” and “What the first have two doses the Pfizer or we wouldn’t to ban of abortions toI make I n Inaabroad na 5-4 ePresident f f ovote, r tthe tthe o spring cSupreme u r bBiden COV I D -of 9 be fully vaccinated work?” and “What we wouldn’t havething.” totoban abortions toone’s make to travel in semester to1on numbers, Joe said are the consequences of falsifying Court the abortions a rare Moderna vaccines or the first dose of the President JoetoBiden saidU.S. the consequences of falsifying one’s In9COVID-19 a 5-4 vote, thebooster Supreme Court ofon the are abortions a or rare thing.”

Sept. that hedeclined is requesting the vaccination testing status and does the United States block Texas’ new Freshman Skyler Marcellus, secretary getnumbers, their shots.

Johnson and Johnson vaccine. vaccination or testing status and does the Sept.

9 that he is requesting the U.S. United States declined to to block Texas’ new Freshman Skyler Marcellus, secretary Depar tment of Labor require all responsibility rest with the individual abortion law on Sept.

1. for HU Students for Life, said he agreed On Nov. 29, IP director Audra Pleasant responsibility rest with the individual Depar tment of Labor to require all abortion law on Sept.

1. the100 HU Life, said he agreed companies with more than employees employer?”

The Texas law, coined Texas Heartbeat orfor with theStudents Texas lawforbecause it aligns with sent out a Texas statement tothan students going companies with more 100 employees employer?”

The law, coined the Texas Heartbeat theKlein, Texasvalues. law because it aligns L ori assistant professor of toAct, mandate COVID-19 vaccinations or orwith seeks to prevent abortions when a fetal his Christian Furthermore, he with said abroad saying that a growing number L ori Klein, assistant professor of to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations orin history Act, seeks to prevent abortions aoffetal his Christian values.

Furthermore, he said political science, said Harding weekly testing. heartbeat or cardiac activity iswhen detected the lawand holds people more accountable for history and political science, said Harding weekly testing. heartbeat or cardiac activity is detected in the law holds people more accountable for countries have started imposing would also be subject to these The mandate will affectbegins 80booster million the womb, which typically around University their actions and saves lives.

The mandate will affect 80 million University would also be subject to these the womb, which typically begins around their actions and saves lives. em p weeks l o y e einto s , wpregnancy. hShe i c h said i s More ashe l m owanted s t t w o - mandates if that theywebecome effective — six specifically, “I believe need to fix the systems shot requirements. ethirds m p weeks l oact yofepermitted ethe s, w h i cindividuals h isector s More a l mto o specifically, ssue t tanyone w o - mandates ifmore theywe become effective — six into pregnancy.

“Iitthe believe that need toemployees fix the systems private workforce, since has than 100 the that government is trying to fix with to encourage students to get their booster thirds of the private sector workforce, since it has more than 100 employees — the act permitted individuals to sue anyone that the government is trying to fix with who performs or assists abortions.

The law abortion,” Marcellus said.

“So I believe according to AP News. The task of unless it applies for religious exemption. shots if they wereAP eligible toThe maketask sureof who performs or assists abortions.

The law abortion,” Marcellus said.

“So I believe according News. it applies forand religious exemption. allows citizens to produce lawsuits of unless we need to gosaid in wean need to fix the However, she such exemption issuing thetomandates will fallinstead upon their vaccine would beand accepted allows citizens to produce lawsuits instead of However, we need to gosaid inbecause, and wean need toasfixto the she exemption issuing thestatus mandates will fall upon necessitating public officials to enforce the foster system.

Isuch believe we need go may becare difficult as far she the Occupational Safety Health necessitating public officials enforce the may system.

I believe wesystems need go through each program’s becare difficult as far as to she the Occupational Safety and Health law.

If plaintiffs win aend case,date. they can obtain inaware, and we need tobecause, fix all that Administration (OSHA), atoregulatory isfoster the Church of these Christ does not law.

If plaintiffs win a case, they can obtain in and we need to fix all these systems that Administration (OSHA), a regulatory is aware, the Church of Christ does not a minimum of $10,000 in damages along the government is like, ‘If you just have an agency of the labor department.

Biden have a precedent of rejecting vaccinations “O ur policies so far have matched awith minimum in an damages along have is like, youvaccinations have an attorneys’ fees. abortion, this other stuff‘Ifwill bejust taken care agovernment precedent of rejecting agency of the labor Biden also said he would sign executive asthe a group, though individuals can apply what we need toof do$10,000 fordepartment. students to enter withsaid attorneys’ fees. abortion, this other stuff will beto taken care Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed as ofa ’exemptions. because they areindividuals not trying fixapply those group, though can also he would an executive order to mandate allsign federal employees for a country successfully and beallowing able to see alltake of Texas Governor Greg Abbott ’exemptions. because they are trying not trying torid fix of those act into law inall May, it signed to systems; they’re just to get the order to mandate federal employees for tothe get vaccinated, exempting them from “You have to have a basis,” Klein said. theto things they want to see when they’re the into 1. law inexempting May, itthe to take systems; they’re just‘Itrying to get rid of the effect Sept.

Some haveallowing criticized new “You problem that’s those systems.” getact vaccinated, them from “You have tooverloading have aobject basis,” Klein said. weekly testing options.

Furthermore, can’t just say, religiously.’ effect Sept.

1.

Some have criticized the problem overloading those systems.” there,” continue tonew law,Pleasant saying sixsaid. weeks is not enoughwill time for “You weekly testing options.

Furthermore, can’tthat’s say, ‘Itoobject religiously.’ beginning Oct. 1, “We’ll immigrants be You have tojust be able say why.

We don’t law, saying six weeks isand not expectations enough time for You someone seek abortion.

There are also beginning Oct. 1,animmigrants will be to say We don’t have,have sorttoof,bea able history in why. the Churches required toto receive vaccinations as well modify our requirements someone to seek an abortion.

There are also controversies regarding the medical accuracy have, sort of, a history in the Churches required to receive vaccinations as well of Christ saying we don’t do that.” to become permanent residents. as countries continue to modify theirs.” of a term used in the the bill: fetal heartbeat. regarding medical accuracy saying don’t do that.” tocontroversies become permanent residents.

Klein also saidwethe mandate would The announcements supplement the of Christ Pleasant said that inbill: order to staydoes Some professionals have said a heart of a term used in the fetal heartbeat. applyalso to students.

Biden administration’s supplement six-prong plan The announcements the notKlein said the mandate would updated on vaccine IPdoes not“ The not form around sixrequirements, weeks into professionals have said a pregnancy. heartplan toSome reduce the spread of the coronavirus are not covered by Biden administration’s six-prong applystudents to students.

Senior Julia Carrell said she was disappointed not form around six weeks into pregnancy. constantly monitors all of the countries and keepthe thespread countr on coronavirus track. The that provision,” said.covered “They are “ The studentsKlein are not by to reduce ofythe with the Julia Texas Heartbeat Act. Senior Carrell was plan listed eff or tssaid to vaccinate the that moreprovision,” likely to be Klein affected by testing that programs are located in, as disappointed well The as said.

“They and are and keep the countr y she on track. the government should attack the more with“Ideally, the Heartbeat Act. vaccine requirements forby large venues unvaccinated, booster shots, plan listed effadminister or ts tocould vaccinate the likely to be affected testing and countries thatTexas potentially be visited. roots of thethe issue,” Carrell said.

“Lotsattack of people “Ideally, government should the vaccine — football, basketball, etc.” keep schools open, increase testing, assist unvaccinated, administer booster shots, requirements for large venues For the spring semester, programs will be searching abortion is said. aysymptom larger —“The roots of thefor issue,” Carrell “Lots ofof people first you to a consistent Klein saiddoses statesget and private companies with economic recover and improve keep schools open, increase testing, assist football, basketball, etc.” located in Peru, Greece and Italy and will issues like poverty, access to childcare being searching for abortion ispatients. aysymptom of larger care for COVID-19 The full level may file lawsuits and the government Klein said states private companies with economic recover and improve of good antibodies that help protect limited …

Itthe could bepatients. that woman can’t becare traveling to Argentina, Egypt and Israel, issues poverty, access childcare being summary of plan cantothe be viewed on you, willbut face challenges enforcing Biden’s may file lawsuits and the government forlike COVID-19 The full over time those antibodies need afford another child could be thatcan’t the will limited … could be[or] that woman and across Europe, respectively. the White House website. executive order since OSHA,Biden’s which summary ofIt the plan canit the be viewed on face challenges enforcing little bit of boosting,” Hixson-Wallace woman doesn’t havewebsite. emotional support.

Therea serves afford another child [or] it could beBiden’s that Many questions arose after as the primary only the White House order sinceenforcer, OSHA,has which “We want to make sure a student won’t be the executive are so many factors that go into deciding to said.

“The booster shot helpsforbump your woman doesn’t have emotional support.

There announcement as the administration did 800 enforcement officers the entire serves as the primary enforcer, has only Many questions arose after Biden’s caught during the semester not being able Graphic COOPER TURMAN take of adetailed child.

And ifinto we attack those country.level are socare many go deciding back upbyand extends how COVID-19 mandates not release afactors course of action.

800 enforcement officers for the would entire announcement as thethat administration didtoimmunity to access things want toifdo or trying Graphic

by COOPER TURMAN take care ofato athey child.

And attack thoselong have been easier to enforce they were According CNBC, theweConsumer your vaccination works atifthe level it not release detailed course of action. country.

COVID-19 mandates would to According get a booster shot in another country to CNBC, the Consumer did have been easier to enforce if they were when you first got vaccinated.” because of vaccine requirements,” Pleasant EMMA JONES digital content editor

Hixson-Wallace also said there has been some confusion between the booster shot and a third dose. She said that the third dose is intended for those who are immunocompromised, as it takes these people three doses of the vaccines to get to the same immunity level as it takes most people with two doses.

The College of Pharmacy held its last COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Nov. 30.

There is another clinic today, from 2 to 4

have halted since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

John Osborne, director of international programs at Oklahoma Christian, said the school had planned to resume programs this month. After ending their in-person semester at the start of Thanksgiving break, students were given an opportunity to study abroad at the Vienna, Austria, campus during a longer break this winter.

But, on Nov. 19, Austria announced a national lockdown, for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, to start on Nov. 22 and last three weeks.

“That changed everything for us,” Osborne MADISON MEYER said. “We couldPhoto get by into the country but

by MADISON MEYER Flowers are propped up beneath an American flag at Photo the Engine 54, Ladder we couldn’t have a viable program.”

Flowers are9propped upon beneath aninAmerican at the Engine 54, Ladder 4, Battalion firehouse 8th Ave., Midtown flag Manhattan commemorating In spring 2020, Osborne, Pleasant and 4, Battalion 9 firehouse Ave., Midtown Manhattan commemorating the firefighters who diedon on8th Sept.

11.in This firehouse lost the most firefighters on the9/11. firefighters who died on Sept. 11. This most firefighters the firehouse directors oflost the the international programs on 9/11. at Lipscomb University, Abilene Christian University and Pepperdine University began monthly group phone calls to Photo by MADISON MEYER share information and keep each other Photo byCOVID-19 MADISON MEYER Second year pharmacy student Claudia Sifford administers informed.

The day before Austria made vaccination at the student vaccine Claudia clinic held in the Liberty Room on Aug. 27.

Second yearshots pharmacy Sifford administers COVID-19 the announcement, Osborne was on vaccination shots at the vaccine clinic held in the Liberty Room on Aug. one 27.

“Very important,” said. “Because delivered by law rather than an executive of those calls. WhenKelley he brought up their delivered by law rather than an executive we “Very said.

“Because know important,” that a lot Kelley of folks who have order, Klein said. potential issue, Pleasant volunteered to help. we knowsystems that a lot folksrespond who have order, Klein said. thatofdon’t as A Centers for Disease Control and immune Now, Oklahoma Christian’s groupofofan49 Prevention committee metControl Sept. 22and to robustly did not develop enough A Centers for Disease immune systems that don’t respond as will be studying in develop Greece three discuss whocommittee should bemet eligible a immune response; it looksfor like fromweeks, Prevention Sept. for 22 to robustly did not enough ofthe an COVID-19 of the Pfizerwithresponse; the third that they discuss whobooster shoulddose be eligible for a data immune it booster looks like from the and staying in the Artemis, the Harding BioNTech vaccine.

A U.S. andPfizerDrug are.

So it ’s just taking a little bit more data with the third booster that they COVID-19 booster doseFood of the University Greece campus.

Administration panel voted Sept.

17 to to getSothem there.”

BioNTech vaccine.

AbyU.S. Food and Drug are. it ’s just taking a little bit more Graphic COOPER TURMAN Osborne said this opportunity saved approve the Pfizerpanel booster shots to those Administration voted Sept.

17 to to get them there.” p.m., on and Wednesday, Dec. 8 to from 3 their trip and made it possible for the 65 orand older who are at high risk of approve the Pfizer booster shots those tosevere p.m. by appointment illness but declined to approve 655 or older and who are only. at high risk of students to be able to study abroad for the shots for other peopleatinOklahoma U.S. International programs the first time in nearly two years. severe illness but declined tothe approve Assistant professor of nursing Karen

by MADISON the shots for other people in the U.S. Christian University have recently made “Since that Photo moment, Audra MEYER and her Junior Emilyprofessor Stinnett tries on is a Karen firefighter’s gear at the Engine 54, Ladder 4, Kelley said the booster shot ver y Assistant of nursing Photo by MADISON MEYER changes to their trip to Europe.

Typically, team have been incredibly helpful and Battalion 9 firehouse on 8th Ave. in Midtown Manhattan. impor for those with immunoJuniortant Emily Stinnett tries on is a firefighter’s gear at the Engine 54, Ladder 4, Kelley said the booster shot ver y Oklahoma Christian offers abroad generous with their time,” Osborne said.

Battalion firehouse onstudy 8th Ave. in Midtown Manhattan. compromising conditions. impor tant9for those with immunoprograms every semester in Asia, Europe “I’m so thankful that Harding is willing compromising conditions. and Central America. All of these programs to share their space. It saved our trip.”

2A

NEWS

Friday, December 3, 2021

Photo by CAROLINE PALMER

Seniors Maddy Hall, Everett Kirkman, Hayley Kate Webb, Grace Long and Mary Grace Golden stand in front of the Honors House Nov. 30, 2021. Each student presented a thesis, which took at least two semesters of planning and research.

Students present honors thesis projects TIANE DAVIS sports editor

Several senior honors students recently presented their thesis projects that have been in the works for at least two semesters with the help of faculty advisers.

Seven seniors have presented their projects already, and one is scheduled to present on Dec. 8. Lei Emerson, Mary Grace Golden, Maddy Hall, Everett Kirkman, Grace Long, Josh Shockley, Haley Kate Webb and Alicen Wilcox are the eight students who completed an honors thesis this semester. Eight more are scheduled to finish during the spring semester.

Dr. James Huff, associate professor of engineering and Honors College faculty fellow, said honors students originally would do an honors capstone project, but the Honors College introduced honors theses last year as a different way for students to finish off their undergraduate studies.

Huff said his goal was to find something that would improve the likelihood students would not only do a high performing academic exercise, but also contribute knowledge to their field as an undergraduate student.

“What we define as an honors capstone or thesis is that there is an element of external credibility, meaning it’s going to an audience beyond just the course and the professor,” Huff said. “Its value is determined by a broader community beyond Harding University.”

Huff said the biggest part of an honors thesis that is different from an honors capstone is the amount of time it takes to do it. He said every honors thesis has taken at least two semesters of planning, independent study and writing a thorough, completed research paper. Huff said every honors thesis student also had to complete an honors capstone prep course to ensure two semesters of planning.

Maddy Hall, who presented her thesis Nov. 12, said when she found out what she had to do to graduate with honors with distinction, she realized it was a goal that was within her reach. Hall said she already had to write a 10-page paper for her English senior seminar, so she felt writing an honors thesis (about 20 pages) was something she could do that could still challenge her.

Hall said she had several faculty advisers help her along the way, including a few from the English Department, a few from the College of Bible and Ministry and a couple from the Honors College.

“Dr. Huff was the one that really walked us through the preparatory steps for this whole thing,” Hall said. “That was all last semester, and he met with all of us every week. I’d say the mastermind behind making my thing actually happen would have been Dr. Huff guiding us all through it.”

I really think we have a deep profound scholarship to offer . . . we have a chance to contribute kowledge within our different fields.

– Dr. James Huff Honors College faculty fellow

Golden, who presented her thesis Nov. 16, said her project began her freshman year when she took the Beyond Professional Identity lab with Huff. She said her project, which was about the political identity of first-time voting Christian women, really started during the 2020 presidential election.

Golden said Huff and Department of Communication Chair Dr. Laurie Diles helped

her a lot while she researched and planned her project. Golden said Huff helped take the lead on certain interviews she had to do, and he was able to guide her a lot with the research. She said Diles met with her once a week to discuss the project and that she has been invested in her work all four years. “[Huff ] has just been very invested in the personal experience of each student and the personal project,” Golden said. “Dr. Laurie has been a great mentor and she’s great.”

Huff said a big asset Harding has is that the faculty cares deeply about the students, and the Honors College wanted to tap into a program that is common to many universities, but in a way that harnessed faculty care.

“It makes me come alive with excitement because I really do believe — as a researcher myself — in the culture at Harding of deep care rooted in a Christian conviction of love,” Huff said. “In our context, I really think we have a deep profound scholarship to offer.

Rather than asking what people are telling us about the knowledge in our field, we have a chance to contribute knowledge within our different fields.”

Harding presents: ‘Little Women’ JADA ROBISON student writer Next weekend the Harding Theatre Department’s production of “Little Women” will be available for all to see. This popular story follows the lives of four sisters — Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March — as they experience love, tragedy, triumph and all that life has to throw at them.

Senior Cassie Chisum plays Jo March in the show. Chisum expressed just how much she’s learned about herself from playing this character, as well as how similar she is to the character of Jo. “Playing Jo has taught me so much,”Chisum said. “I am very similar to this character and relate with her on so many different levels, not only her personality, but also so much of her life experience. I think one of the biggest lessons that has been instilled in me through playing Jo is to unapologetically be myself.”

Junior Elizabeth Dillard said she felt that the most important part of being in this production was being around the people in it.

“By far, the best part of this production is the people,” Dillard said. “Each cast member has brought so much to their role, whether large or small, and rehearsing in the Ulrey for so many hours on end has given us the chance to develop strong bonds with each other.”

Chisum explained that one of the most important things to be learned from this story

Each cast member has brought so much to their role, whether large or small, and rehearsing in the Ulrey for so many hours on end has given us the chance to develop strong bonds with each other – Elizabeth Dillard junior

is its acknowledgement of the inevitability of growth and change.

“I think one of the most important parts of this story … is that change is inevitable and while it is uncomfortable at times, it doesn’t always have to be a good change or bad change, sometimes it just is,” Chisum said. “Instead of resisting change so much, if we can just open our hands and open our hearts and our minds to see that change is just a part of this rollercoaster of a life that God takes us through. Then we can soak in the moment so much better, and we can learn to rely on the things that are steadfast like relationships and ultimately our relationship with God.” Photo by JILLIAN JARVIS

Wendy Neill prepares senior Jamie Hall’s hair and makeup for a rehearsal of ‘Little Women’ Dec. 1, 2021. The production will run from Dec. 9-11 in the Ulrey Performing Arts Center.

OPINIONS 3A

TheLink.Harding.edu

Chapel buddy

Emma Hayes

Hannah Kellum

Guest Writer

I

Guest Writer

want you to be my chapel buddy, So I can tell you that Jesus loves you So I can make sure you have His New Song queued I want you to rest on your back, in the sea, next to me.

In the morning at nine, when we sing, I want you to feel the goodness of community, the kind that makes you feel less lonely.

I want you to see yourself as He does, without your praising or trying or pursuing, just your being, floating in the water that is the Father, basking in the goodness of the fact that He created you and He created me.

His heart, always beating to know you.

I long to nudge you in the side, when we all echo in beautiful harmony in irony that the lyrics sometimes do not speak to the truth of your identity.

I’ll place my hand upon yours, to halt your vocal chords when hymns shame you for your “wretchedness.”

When lines of song bounce off the walls in a familiar note: “to make a wretch His treasure,” I want to remind you that He would never, for you have always been

and will be His forever, no matter what may weather.

And when the speaker gets to the stage, and tells you how you are His, only after you do X-Y-and-Z, I’ll tap your knee, and hum a tune all about the goodness of the melody already inside of you, for the very breath in our lungs was gifted to us and always will be because Life loves you no matter what.

I’ll cheers my morning coffee cup, high in the air, even if people mock and stare, because I want everyone to hear: He really, deeply, truly does care that you know, my dear chapel buddy: you are fearfully and wonderfully made, like a humpback whale in the sea; a grand masterpiece, intrinsically designed, inviting you to swim with freedom in your fins, in the waters of Love.

And, on the inevitable days when the song leader is louder than His tune of Truth, may we stand up and sing the classic “Love One Another,” remembering that you, chapel buddy, are also your own brother.

I want you to know that He has always

called you good, and very good at that.

If you ever need a reminder of Whose you are, and you can’t find it at Dawn, I’ll gently remind you that it’s more important to take care of yourself mentally, chapel buddy, if it looks like turning up your headphones that drown out the screams that proclaim that you are anything less than worthy.

I want you to be my chapel buddy, So I can tell you that Jesus love you So I can make sure you have His New Song queued The One that says: I want you to rest on your back, in the sea, next to Me. In the morning at nine, when you sing, I want you to feel the goodness of community, the kind that makes you feel less lonely.

I want you to leave knowing that I call you Holy, that you are Christ’s Divinity.

EMMA HAYES is a guest writer for The Bison. She may be contacted at ehayes1@harding.edu.

The value of geocaching

Tiane Davis Sports Editor

D

r. Brian Primack, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas, said in a recent national study that “young adults who increased their use of social media were significantly more likely to develop depression within six months.”

Many of my peers — myself included — spend quite a bit of free time shut inside watching TV or scrolling through social media, which pushes out time we could be spending on more fulfilling and stimulating activities.

I would like to introduce the world of geocaching: a simple activity that fosters growth in so many ways yet requires very little brain power.

The first geocache I ever found was in 2017 outside a planetarium in Wyoming. I hardly knew what a planetarium was, and I hardly remember why I was in Wyoming, but it felt so exciting to find the little tupperware and trade out a prize to take home.

Geocaching is fundamentally a treasure hunt all over the world that everyone is allowed to participate in, but not many people know about. Open the geocaching app, and it gives coordinates and hints to find over 1.4 million geocaches — some the size of the tip of an index finger and some as big

as a bathtub (though any geocache that big is pretty rare).

I did not look for more geocaches until about two years later, and at that point, I had started to realize there were plenty of them to find in my middle-of-nowhere hometown in rural Indiana. One of the beauties of geocaching is they are hidden in all kinds of places, whether it be the middle of nowhere, New York City or Australia.

Five different sizes of geocache exist: micro, small, regular, large and mystery. I remember finding a geocache once that was inside a tractor toy; it was a mystery geocache. Another time, I spotted a huge piece of chewed bubblegum — almost too huge to be real — stuck to a stop sign. I am not sure what was going through my head, but I decided to poke it; it ended up being a bubblegum-shaped piece of plastic with a magnet glued to it. There was a geocaching log fit snugly inside.

Every geocache has a paper log that people can write their names on, and some geocachers go to the extent of making a name stamp so they don’t have to sign the log with a pen every time. Tradition is to write names, the date and sometimes hometown.

The smallest geocaches only have room to fit a tightly-rolled geocaching log.

Cassie Cohu

Once, I found a geocache that was big enough to fit about 10 different prizes inside.

There wasn’t anything special, just prizes one would find in a kids meal or kindergarten treasure chest. Of course, I never take anything without putting something else back in to replace it.

I have a wide collection of geocaching prizes; I keep them in a metal cookie tin.

My pile of prizes is probably worth no more than a dollar total, but each of them are valuable to me for all the special moments they remind me of.

There is so much value in discovery as opposed to repeating the same routines we follow every week. Time spent scrolling or watching shows made purely for entertainment can easily be replaced with time spent finding hidden prizes or exploring the world.

Geocaching is a great way to discover new places, connect with people and add variety to an otherwise stagnant life. Any effort required to find a geocache is rewarded with a physical prize and a story to tell, as well as the opportunity to leave your name for the world to find.

TIANE DAVIS is the sports editor for The Bison. She may be contacted at cdavis27@harding.edu.

America the grit-less

Guest Writer

T

he path of least resistance is the path that most Americans are taking and it’s destroying our country. America has become soft and has become obsessed with selfish thinking. What makes me happy? What is going to be the best path for me? We have become a people who only seek the road of comfort and ease. This way of living might just be the reason behind a lot of the problems we see in the world around us. When we choose to do the hard things that might be uncomfortable, maturity can follow and we can become genuine followers of Christ. Acts 14:22, says, “Strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” The only way God can refine us is if we are put through the fire.

Maybe the reason we do not know how to thrive in tough circumstances is because we

staffEverett Kirkman

have been coddled to the point where we are incapable of enduring anything that is slightly uncomfortable. Americans have been taught to only think about self, which contradicts everything the Bible preaches. When our sole focus is our own daily wants and desires, we fall into a spiral of fear and paralysis. “Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 17-18.

Perseverance and resilience are two key traits the Bible commands us to follow. These qualities must be practiced. They will not magically appear. The Bible tells us we will have suffering. Paul tells us to rejoice in our sufferings because only then will we grow in our Faith. We are called to keep moving forward

in tough times, leaning on the Lord’s strength.

We are not called to sit and analyze everything until we are comfortable with a tough situation.

As Christians we are called to not bow to any idols. Those idols may not be wood and stone, but they can be the god of the couch or ease. Idol worship can also come in the form of “self.” I’m thankful Jesus took the path of suffering instead of the path of ease and comfort.

1 John 2:6 says, “Whoever claims to live in him must live as he lived.” Christians are supposed to be prime examples of grit and hard work, but instead we have become a community of whiners and complainers. Arguing about things that don’t matter and things that please us. We have to pull ourselves up by the boot straps and learn how to endure instead of hide and panic.

CASSIE COHU is a guest writer for The Bison. She may be contacted at ccohu1@harding.edu.

Save the yearbook

Y

earbooks should be fully funded and supported by all educational organizations. These books tell the story of institutions each year and preserve history for years to come.

My yearbook experience in high school was not a good one. My yearbook supervisor did not care about the quality efficiency of our publication, and it was a very frustrating experience. When I came to Harding, my goal was to find a way to be involved in Student Publications.

During my junior year, the staff of Student Publication began promoting applications for the upcoming year. I applied and was accepted; long gone were the days of being overlooked by my high school yearbook adviser. Now, I am the editor-in-chief of the Petit Jean and promote a process and an atmosphere that I would have preferred in high school.

A common view of the yearbook may be that it is childish — a tradition that should be left behind in high school. I could not disagree more. Yearbooks are essential to preserving the history of any educational organization. Universities lose a link to the past with the absence of the yearbook. The yearbook is a product of history that stands the test of time.

In the Feb. 7, 2019 Chronicle of Higher Education article “The ‘Great CollegeYearbook Reckoning’: Why Scholars Say Blackface Images Aren’t Outliers,” Emma Pettit and Zipporah Osei describe how Lisa R. Pruitt referred to the yearbook she edited in 1985 to see if students participated in the racism of blackface.

The yearbook is a product of history that stands the test of time.

– Hannah Kellum, guest writer

“She wanted to see if any students appeared in blackface,” Pruitt and Osei wrote. “Quite honestly, Pruitt said, she couldn’t remember.

Pruitt, like many others, is re-examining her yearbook and rethinking the images memorialized in its pages.”

“Don’t Toss That Musty Yearbook,” a 2008 article in the Chronicle of Higher Education, pleads with the public to keep yearbooks after graduation. This article said the yearbook might be worth something one day if something significant happens to a previous classmate.

Because of these facts, discarding the yearbook would be a significant loss. With the rise of social media and the cost of yearbook publication, this art is in danger of being the first item cut from a school’s budget. The termination of the yearbook may be a logical choice to make, but I urge people in these positions to reconsider. Yearbook funding should be increased and sustained to continue providing students with opportunities and to extend history beyond the current years.

The yearbook provided me with an outlet for creativity and community. My staff and I are filling our book with stories of the 2021-22 school year, and I think that is worth preserving. Students get to rediscover school history through yearbooks, and staffs in charge of publications find passion through their work. Schools should not abandon the art of the yearbook because of the significant role it plays in telling the story of our time for generations to come.

HANNAH KELLUM is a guest writer for The Bison. She may be contacted at hkellum@harding.edu.

editor-in-chief Sara McClaran features editor Ben Lane news editor Tiane Davis sports editor Sophie Rossitto community editor

Eric Johnson opinions editor Ryan Gallagher lifestyle editor Emma Jones digital content editor Caroline Birdwell head copy editor Gabriel Huff asst. copy editor

Cianna Jay editorial asst.

Madison Meyer head photographer Caroline Palmer asst. photographer Jillian Jarvis asst. photographer Theo Westbrook video/social media

Hunter Woodall pr/social media Cooper Turman graphic designer Blue Billingsly illustrator Eden Henderson beat reporter Michael Claxton narrative columnist

Cassie Cohu Emma Hayes

Hannah Kellum David Reed

Jada Robison

Hayley Kate Webb

April Fatula faculty adviser

guest contributors

4A

OPINIONS

Friday, December 3, 2021

Work in progress Everett Kirkman

Editor-in-Chief

Hopeless romantic?

W

here were you when Spotify Wrapped was released on Wednesday? In case you are not a Spotify listener or have been taking a social media hiatus, each December since 2016, Spotify has given its users a recap of their most listened to content of the year. From top played artists, to songs, to genres, Spotify wraps up your year in music, and ties a bow with your “audio aura” on top.

Heading into dead week, there was something jarring about this reminder.

Listening to my top songs of 2021 playlist this week, and being told exactly how many times I played my top song of the year, has taken me back to the places I have been this year, and the complicated emotions I have felt during my best and worst moments.

As with any good trend, there were of course the Spotify Wrapped memes. Some people complained that Spotify content was the only thing on social media that day, and some Apple music users shared their own stats or sought to prove they were different from the mainstream crowd by uniquely streaming their content on a wrap-free platform.

Regardless of their hot takes, it seemed like just about everyone on my feeds was talking about music on Wednesday. In the midst of a rise in COVID variant numbers worldwide and contentious Supreme Court hearings on abortion limitations, the slice of the world that I am most exposed to was almost exclusively talking about a streaming platform. Of course, breaking news topics were still being discussed on a large scale, but it was all interwoven between social commentary and memes.

As much as I value staying up-to-date on national and international news, sometimes it is nice to focus on something like music discourse. I am passionate about policy that affects me and will affect large groups of marginalized people for generations, but when something is being argued at the Supreme Court level, I am left feeling helpless and defenseless. It is easy to get angry and stay angry about things that are out of my control. It has been easy to stay angry and disheartened over the past two years about the pandemic, how it has been handled by different groups, and how it has affected humanity on a global and personal scale.

I see all of those strong emotions bleed into other areas of my life — like the music that I listen to. Spotify labeled my personal audio aura as “hopeless romantic” and “energy,” which feels pretty accurate.

A lot of what I choose to listen to is either upbeat, and generally empowering, or kind of wistful and reflective. It may surprise you, or it may not, but after looking at my music year in review, a lot of what I listen to is about heartbreak. Not always romantic heartbreak, but expressions of pain that come in waves throughout life.

It is not always easy for me to express more melancholy emotions — I historically just try to avoid recognizing these feelings altogether — so I find comfort in listening to music that articulates my feelings.

My Spotify 2021 Wrapped, as silly as some aspects of it were, reminded me of areas in which I have personally grown this year, friendships that flourished or diminished, and experiences that shifted my worldview. Because of the way music affects and helps me categorize and make meaning out of my own life, I love learning about what my friends listen to. Something as simple and meme-inspiring as Spotify Wrapped gives me more insight into the lives of those around me. The music someone chooses to spend their time listening to speaks to their greater human experience — the good, bad, and every convoluted emotion in between.

I love when people share their Spotify stats. If you felt embarrassed by yours or thought no one would care, send it to me. I want to know. Even if your most-listened-to song is a 480-minute box fan white noise recording you listen to to fall asleep.

EVERETT KIRKMAN is the editorin-chief for The Bison. She may be contacted at ekirkman@harding. edu.

State of the SA David Reed Guest Writer

I

still remember the day in June 2017 when I begrudgingly stepped foot on the campus of Harding University for Honors Symposium. In all honesty, I had no desire to spend two weeks of my life in Searcy, Arkansas, baking in the summer heat with 49 other people I did not know.

What could Harding really offer that was better than the other universities I was considering? In my mind, the answer to that question was “not much.” There was no way that a small school in the middle of nowhere could afford me the opportunities and community I desired.

I could not have been more wrong. By the end of those two weeks, I realized that the value of a Harding education runs much deeper than what can be put on a brochure, shown in a building or even taught in a classroom. The crux of the Harding experience lies in the wonderful community that students have the privilege of participating in on a daily basis. The intangible value of the relationships I built during those two weeks and the promise of being able to build many more shifted the paradigm on which my college decision was made.

No longer was I worried about acceptance rates, rankings or statistics. Rather, I was dreaming about the community that I could build by pursuing an education in a faithbased environment with people committed to pushing me in the right direction.

For the better part of 18 months, this community was disrupted, though not lost. While we were not able to gather together, we maintained our level of care for one another as we adapted our habits in the interest of our health. Nonetheless,

D

id I tell you about the time I met a future United States senator?

I was 12 years old, and my grandmother was visiting us in Georgia from Nashville. She was a big believer in history, having lived a fair amount of it herself. When I stayed with her for a few weeks each summer, she took me to important places like the Tennessee State Capitol and the Hermitage. It was once home to President Andrew Jackson, who was from the Volunteer State.

When she came to Atlanta one year, my grandmother called around and made appointments for us to visit the Georgia State Capitol and try to meet the governor. She had known a couple of Tennessee governors and felt that everybody should meet at least one. As it turns out, Gov. Joe Frank Harris was out of town on the day we went, though he later sent me a signed photo, which I tacked on the wall of my bedroom.

All the other 12-year-old boys I knew had posters of Olivia Newton-John and Brooke Shields on their walls. But as a kid clearly marked for greatness, I had the governor’s autograph.

Undeterred by Harris’s absence, my grandmother arranged for us to visit the secretary of state. Before we went into his office, she told me not to stare.

It was not easy. I had never seen a man with no legs before.

Max Cleland greeted us warmly as he rolled his wheelchair out from his desk toward the front door. That’s when I noticed that he rolled himself with one arm because that was the only limb he had left.

I’m sure he was used to telling the story.

He had been in the Vietnam War. In 1968, he and two other soldiers jumped out of a helicopter onto a hill east of Khe Sanh.

When he glanced down, he saw a grenade on the ground. Thinking it had fallen out of

We are better in community there was a certain piece of the Harding experience that was notably absent as we navigated this new world. With the beginning of this semester, the Student Association was excited to see how we could “Keep Moving Forward,” reclaiming this missing and crucial part of student life while hoping that students would recognize its importance in making Harding such a special place.

The student response has been above and beyond anything we could have imagined. We have been amazed (but not entirely surprised) by the wholehearted and enthusiastic participation of the student body in campus events, gatherings and celebrations. The excitement of being back together, of being in community, is palpable.

This was clear from the start, as students came together in September to provide necessities to Afghan refugees displaced by the takeover of the Taliban. In a matter of days, by the grace of God and the strength of the Harding community, we collected over 100 boxes from social clubs, campus organizations and individuals, far surpassing our original goal of 50. Moreover, the extended Harding community consisting of alumni, parents and friends chipped in to donate over $7,000 in support of this cause. This was only possible because we chose to come together as a student body.

I remember walking up to Midnight Madness 20 minutes before it was supposed to start, thinking that there would not be a long line to get in. I was wrong. The line, five people wide, stretched all the way to the Ganus Activities Complex lawn. The Harding community could not wait to

come together and cheer on their fellow students. Football tailgates, with some amazing encouragement from coach Paul Simmons, have been more crowded and exciting than they ever were in my freshman year. Family weekend brought a flood of parents, siblings and extended family back to campus for the first time since the spring of 2020, making the celebration feel like Homecoming came a month early.

The Botham Jean memorial dedication demonstrated the commitment of the Harding student body and wider community to honor the memory of someone who was and is so dear to us. Relay 4 Life honored those students, family members, faculty and community members who are fighting or have fought the tremendous battle against cancer. Churches are full once again as Harding students and community members alike are eager to learn, worship and spend time in community. Wednesday night Bible studies have resumed meeting in the homes of professors, coaches, administrators, students and community members as young and old come together in recognition that we are better when we learn from one another.

A relationship with Christ requires a relationship with the body of Christ. The two cannot be separated. Through the trials and tribulations of the past year and a half, one thing has become abundantly clear, especially at Harding: We are better when we are in community.

D AV I D R E E D i s a g u e s t w r i t e r for The Bison. He may be contacted at dreed2@harding.edu.

Meeting Max

Michael Claxton

Narrative Columnist

had been in the fifth grade Christmas play.

When she told him I was from the small town of Lithonia, he smiled. “That’s where I grew up,” he said. Later I learned that he was a regular at Granny’s Kitchen, an allyou-can eat buffet in town. I’m sure you understand that any place called Granny’s Kitchen is heaven on earth, mainly because of the fried chicken and banana pudding.

Before we left, he took out a color photograph of himself and signed it this way: “To Michael — A great Georgian. Best of luck in your career!! Max Cleland 1984.” I noticed that he made his “G’s” upside down.

It must have been hard to learn to write with his left hand.

I had other small brushes with political fame. Another year when I made the honor roll, I got a letter from Ben Jones, a member of the Georgia State Legislature. Before he got into politics, he had been on television as “Cooter,” the car mechanic on “The Dukes of Hazzard.” While that probably was not his greatest contribution to America, I certainly knew who he was, even though I may have been the only 12-year-old boy in Lithonia who did not have a poster of Daisy Duke hanging up. My wall was too cluttered with heads of state.

Cleland went on to serve one term as a U.S. senator from Georgia. In 2001, he received an honorary doctorate from Oglethorpe University, my alma mater. President Barack Obama nominated him in 2009 to serve as secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission, and he did for eight years.

Few politicians were ever such a visible embodiment of courage. Cleland died last month at the age of 79. From one great Georgian to another, thanks, Max.

his flak jacket, Cleland picked it up to throw it away from his pals. That’s when it blew.

The grenade was not his. It had belonged to one of the other soldiers, who had not taken precautions to secure it properly in his gear. The blast threw Cleland back and tore up his legs and his right arm so badly that they had to be amputated later. It is a wonder that he survived at all. He was 25 years old. As he talked to me, he pointed to himself and told me that I could do anything I set my mind to.

To prove the point, he said when he returned home, he went into politics, getting elected as a state senator and working on issues important to veterans. Vietnam veterans returned home to a country that was not especially gracious about the sacrifices they had made. Cleland wanted to make sure they were taken care of.

He got noticed when Georgia’s governor became the 39th president of the United States. Jimmy Carter named Cleland as head of the Veterans Administration. When Carter lost reelection, Cleland returned to Georgia and ran for secretary of state.

That’s the position he held when a gangly 12-year-old and his determined grandmother marched into the Capitol.

He was very kind. He asked me about my interests, and when all I could do was mumble something about Star Wars, my chief MICHAEL CLAXTON is a narrative press agent quickly stepped in to mention columnist for The Bison. He can be that I had made the honor roll at school and contacted at mclaxto1@harding.edu.

At The Bison, it is our goal to serve the Harding University student body with integrity, truth and open ears. However, we believe that meeting that goal is a two-way street between our staff and the public it serves. We pledge to keep our eyes and ears open to what our community has to say and hope that, in return, that community will be an interactive audience, sharing its stories with us. We also pledge to do the basics: Report accurate and relevant information, check our facts, and share them in a professional, timely manner. If you have any story ideas, questions, comments or concerns for The Bison staff, please email Everett Kirkman, the editor-in-chief, at ekirkman@harding.edu. “The Bison (USPS 577-660) is published weekly (except vacations, exams and summer sessions), 20 issues per year,

by Harding University. Periodicals postage paid at Searcy, Arkansas 72143. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bison, Harding University 11192, SEARCY, AR 72149-0001.” BYLINE POLICY: The Bison provides an opportunity for class writers to contribute work under the byline “guest writers.” Due to this arrangement, staff writers may rewrite a portion of the guest writers’ stories as they deem necessary, while still identifying the work as the guest writers’ own.

Vol. 97, No. 08

THE

A H A R D I N G U N I V E R S I T Y S T U D E N T P U B L I C AT I O N

December 3, 2021

Online at TheLink.Harding.edu

Searcy, Ark., 72149

Roberts named player of the year SARA MCCLARAN features editor

Senior forward Emma Roberts was named Great American Conference (GAC) Player of the Year in November after leading the Lady Bisons soccer team with 17 goals and two assists during the 2021 season. Roberts played a total of five seasons, having been allowed an extra year of eligibility because of COVID-19.

“To have her come here to be able to play here was just a phenomenal blessing for us and our program,” women’s head soccer coach Gregory Harris said. “Emma’s probably one of the most dynamic players that I’ve ever coached here in my 21 years here at Harding, I’d say, on either side of the ball — men or women.”

Roberts was one of the team captains this year, and Harris said her level of experience helped her teach the younger players and helped her play wherever the team needed her.

“She’s a Division I player that we had here at Harding,” Harris said. “We’ve played Emma everywhere except for goalkeeper …

She’s really one of the more flexible players that we’ve ever had here.”

Harris said Roberts is leaving Harding having played more games than any other Harding women’s soccer player and has been well decorated with honors and awards.

“When you look at Emma Roberts, you know, you’re looking at a definition of Harding soccer,” Harris said. “Every time she went out and played she gave it her all. She was blue

collar in her work ethic every single time. The threat of her, I think … struck a lot of fear in people. They had to scheme to stop her.”

Roberts’ work ethic wasn’t just noticed

by Harris. Student assistant Kelson Miller said Roberts brought a lot of speed, heart and grit to the team.

“She gave it her all every game, and you don’t doubt that,” Miller said. “I think that just speaks to her character off the field, as well.”

Roberts said the most enjoyable parts about soccer were being creative outside the normal day-to-day routine and participating in healthy competition to improve.

“I’ve gotten to play with a lot of different types of players and a lot of players who have excelled in … different skills,” Roberts said.

“Every player has their specific thing that they are the most talented at.”

Miller said the whole team is always helping each other, and the other teammates doing their jobs allowed Roberts to be the GAC offensive player of the year.

“Not one person can do it on their own,” Miller said. “If they could, it wouldn’t really be a team sport. It’s hard to get there by yourself.”

The Lady Bisons placed fifth in the GAC conference this year, and several of the players dealt with injuries during the season. Despite the rough year, Harris said they never griped or complained.

“I will not knock the effort of the ladies on the team,” Harris said. “I’m extremely proud of them and their effort and what they gave to this year. It wasn’t an easy year.”

Photo by MADISON MEYER

Senior forward Emma Roberts dribbles the ball down the field at the Stevens Soccer Complex on Oct. 7. The Lady Bisons soccer team won the game against Northwestern Oklahoma 5-2.

Harding football season comes to a close HAYLEY KATE WEBB guest writer

Photo by MADISON MEYER

The Harding Bisons football team wins 30-14 against Washburn in the first round of NCAA Division II playoffs on Nov. 20 at First Security Stadium. The Bisons were defeated at home in the second round playoff game against Northwest Missouri on Nov. 27.

The Harding football team was defeated 28-9 by Northwest Missouri State in the second round of the NCAA playoffs, ending their 2021 season.

The Bisons’ 2021 playoff appearance was Harding’s fifth straight NCAA Division II playoff appearance.

The Bisons football team earned the second seed nationally and hosted their first two rounds in First Security Stadium. Although the team made the playoffs during the past five seasons, it was only the second time in program history that the team hosted a home playoff game. The voice of the Bisons Billy Morgan said the home crowd played an imperative role during playoff competition, and it was a special experience for the team to have the opportunity to play a playoff game at home.

“The playoff atmosphere is a different atmosphere,” Morgan said.

In the first round of the playoffs, the No. 7 nationally ranked Bisons hosted the No. 24 ranked Washburn Ichabods. The Bisons were led by senior fullback Cole Chancey who rushed for 176 of the team’s 419 rushing yards. Harding defeated Washburn 30-14, earning their 14th straight home win and

sixth NCAA Division II playoff win. The team advanced to the second round, hosting the No. 3 ranked Northwest Missouri State.

Senior lineman Dalton Allen said the victory was even sweeter with fans by their side to cheer the team on.

“Friends, family, students and faculty mean everything to us as athletes,” Allen said. “For them to show their support by being present and rowdy when it comes to game time gets us excited to put on a show.”

In the second round of the playoffs, the Bisons were led by another 100-yard rushing performance from Chancey. Chancey rushed for 117 yards, pushing his career total over 5,000 rushing yards. However, the Bisons fell to the Bearcats 28-9. Northwest Missouri will go on to face Ferris State on Saturday.

The Harding Bison football team finished the 2021 season 11-2. While reminiscing on the 2021 football season, senior quarterback Robert Wilcke said a lot of memories stood out.

“We had a great season,” Wilcke said. “This is a special group of guys that love and play for one another. It ’s all about the brotherhood, and it truly does not matter who we play because that love for one another won’t change or waver. Each week you got a special group coming out to play for the people around them and give everything they had for the brotherhood.”

Lady Bisons finish third at GAC tournament RYAN GALLAGHER lifestyle editor The Lady Bisons volleyball team ended their season Nov. 19 after falling to the No. 1 seed Oklahoma Baptist 3-0 in the Great American Conference (GAC) tournament semifinals, ending Harding’s six game win streak. This is the third year in a row the volleyball team fell to Oklahoma Baptist in the GAC tournament.

The Lady Bisons opened their season with two tournaments. At the Washburn Tournament where they played No. 8 ranked Washburn, No. 15 ranked Northern State, No. 25 ranked Rockhurst and Cameron University, where they ended up with two wins and two losses; their victories were over Northern State University and Cameron University. The second tournament was the Texas-Tyler Tournament, where the Lady Bisons opened with a 3-0 loss against Ferris State. They then won their next two games against the University of West Alabama and St. Edward’s.

The team entered the regular season with a 75% win rate, winning 12 out of their 16 games played. Eight of their wins were 3-0 shutouts. The only games that were dropped were against Arkansas Tech, Oklahoma Baptist, Southwestern Oklahoma and East Central. During the regular season there was also a non-conference match against Union where the Lady Bisons fell 3-1. For the GAC

tournament, the Lady Bisons started strong with their 3-2 victory over East Central.

The game started with a 1-0 lead to East Central, before Harding answered with two sets back and finished strong, winning the fifth set. The following day after the game against East Central, the Lady Bisons fell to Oklahoma Baptist, putting a stamp on their season.

Junior Libby Hinton reflected on the season and spoke about competing in the league as a whole.

“Our conference has gotten a lot more competitive which has been really fun,” Hinton said. “Every game is a game we need to be playing good, so it brings a lot of challenges, too. Overall, it was super good.”

Junior setter Sarah Morehead led the team in assists. In 94 sets, she put up 954 of 1,150 assists for the team. No other teammate had over 100 assists for the team. In terms of kills, junior middle blocker Kelli McKinnon and Hinton were on the top with 230 and 225 kills, respectively. Unlike the statistics for assists, the kills statistics for the team were more spread throughout the team with six different players having over 100 kills.

Junior defensive specialist Emma Winiger had the most digs for the team with 423 digs, averaging four-and-a-half digs per set.

Head coach Meredith Fear talked about Morehead and her role in the team as a setter.

“The setter is the quarterback, the pitcher, the decision maker of the team; that is a

Photo by MADISON MEYER

The Lady Bisons volleyball team plays their senior game against Southern Arkansas University on Nov. 9. Harding finished the season 12-4 and placed third in the GAC tournament. testament to her for getting the ball where Athlete, which is given to the athlete with we need to … to be able to score, knowing the highest GPA in the tournament. the right plays to call, knowing the right The volleyball team currently has a core people to set,” Fear said. of nine juniors with most of them coming The Lady Bisons earned seven different from freshman year. Stoner reflected on the individual awards for the season. Morehead joy it has been to be a part of that group. was recognized as first-team All-GAC, and “There are genuinely no words to describe Ally Stoner and McKinnon were recognized — we get to share the court with our best as honorable mention All-GAC. In addition, friends,” Stoner said. “You just can’t put that Kinley Schnell, Winiger and Morehead were into words. It is so much fun, and we are a named GAC Distinguished Scholar Athletes. really tight knit group, as well as the rest of McKinnon was also named GAC Elite Scholar the team. You can’t help but feel joy.”

2B

COMMUNITY

Friday, December 3, 2021 Businesses to visit in Searcy Eden Henderson

beat reporter

Noodle House

Photo by MADISON MEYER

Matt Seibert displays the Christmas lights decorating his home at Windmill Cove on Dec. 1. The winners of the Holiday of Lights contest will be announced closer to Christmas.

Searcy businesses and residents light up the city CAROLINE BIRDWELL head copy editor

The Searcy Christmas lighting contest — occurring in conjunction with Holiday of Lights — will begin in the coming weeks with winners announced near Christmas.

The competition will now allow for more winners, judging and awarding of cash prizes by wards instead of the city as a whole. Specific submission deadlines, dates and prizes have not yet been announced.

Although Main Street Searcy and First Security Bank have hosted lighting contests in the past, this year will be Holiday of Lights’ second year hosting the contest.

Amy Burton, director of Main Street Searcy, said having Holiday of Lights host the contest has streamlined efforts.

“It’s easy to focus on just the city parks or Downtown, but there are so many other homes and businesses that decorate,” Burton said. “We want to give our visitors a great impression, and we thought the lighting competition would be a great way to do that.”

Burton said there will be first, second and third place prizes this year for each residential ward, as well as for businesses.

While exact prizes are not available as of Dec. 1, Burton said winners will receive

a few hundred dollars. Winners will be selected by a group of anonymous volunteer judges — both city and county officials and Holiday of Lights committee members — over a period of two to three days.

“We take many factors into consideration,” Bur ton said. “O bviousl y, outside of traditional or nontraditional Christmas lights on buildings and houses, we also look at supporting structures like inflatables or animated displays. It’s about the overall appearance, the seasonal feel. Does it feel like Christmas? Does it invoke happiness or joy? It is about lights, but it’s also about experience.”

Searcy resident Matt Seibert won last year’s lighting contest and is preparing for this year’s competition. Seibert said he has put up Christmas lights since the ‘90s, starting off small. Now, his displays include 40,000 lights synced to music.

“Yes, we won last year’s competition and [it] was totally unexpected,” Seibert said.

“We got the call and [were] just in disbelief.

There are some great displays out there …

Friendly competition is great — [it] keeps us pushing for better and bigger shows.”

Additionally, Seibert and his fiancé Becky Sept play roles to engage visitors and take photos. Seibert said on Friday

nights he and Sept dress as the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who. On Saturdays, they dress as Santa and Mrs. Claus in a life size sled.

Seibert also includes a 5 foot mailbox for children to drop off their letters to Santa.

Seibert said everyone who drops off a letter gets a handwritten letter back from Santa.

“It all started when my parents would drive us around looking at Christmas lights,” Seibert said. “I remember the joy it brought us and wanted families [to] experience the same joy. Becky and I have been blessed and absolutely love doing this for families and the community.”

Senior McLane Ramsey said she loves to drive around Searcy and look at all of the Christmas lights.

“I’ve gone with my f riends to look at Christmas lights around Searcy since freshman year,” Ramsey said. “There is so much to see in the neighborhoods, parks and just everywhere. It is my favorite part of Christmas, and I’m excited to see all of the lights that people put up for the competition.”

Seibert’s lighting display will be on Sundays-Thursdays f rom 6-9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 6-10 p.m. at 18 Windmill Cove.

Photo by MADISON MEYER

Noodle House, which opened in February 2021, is a fairly new Japanese restaurant in town. It may also be recognized as an extension of Dora Express, a Hibachi restaurant that many Harding students f requented. Ben Firmansyah was the owner of Dora Express and is the owner of Noodle House.

Firmansyah immigrated to the United States from Indonesia in 2008. He spent time in Los Angeles, working and serving in restaurants. He then moved to Atlanta where he attended culinary school. Firmansyah said his instructors taught him how to make sushi, hibachi and many other dishes at this culinary school. He explained that he had worked in several different types of restaurants during his career, including Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese and Japanese restaurants, but cooking Japanese food was his favorite and was also the restaurant he had spent the most time working in.

Firmansyah began his career as an entrepreneur by opening a Hibachi food truck in Newport, Arkansas, in 2017. His food truck was open for a year and half.

Firmansyah then moved to Searcy in the middle of 2018, where he opened Dora Express. Firmansyah said it was difficult to keep Dora open because he could not find enough chefs. In 2021, when Firmansyah was able to move into a bigger and nicer space, he was able to keep the menu from Dora Express but also expand it and add more traditional Japanese dishes.

Firmansyah talked about the difficulties of opening a new Asian restaurant in the Searcy community.

“This is a small community of Asian [people],” Firmansyah said. “It’s hard to open Asian food in a small city.”

Firmansyah has a desire to introduce the Searcy community to more traditional Asian food, such as Ramen and Pho, which is a Vietnamese dish. He explained that people already know about and like sushi and hibachi, so it can be difficult to introduce these new items.

“It was hard for me to give it to them,” Firmansyah said. “I’m not sure if they’ll like it or not.”

Firmansyah said he has many different types of noodles that he plans to integrate into the menu, starting in the winter.

“It ’s not easy, but I tr y my best,” Firmansyah said.

He also explained how the difficulties of COVID-19 have affected him, especially with opening a new restaurant. Trying to obtain licensing for sushi has been the most difficult challenge, Firmansyah said.

Visiting Noodle House was a welcoming and kind experience. Ben Firmansyah was happy to spend time with me and even allowed me to try a few different types of sushi. His excitement for the food that he was serving was contagious, and it was also evident among his staff. Noodle House is a special place that offers a unique opportunity to try something new.

EDEN HENDERSON is a beat reporter for The Bison. She may be contacted at ehenderson@harding. edu.

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FEATURES 3B

TheLink.Harding.edu

Photo by MADISON MEYER

Sophomore Megan Drause shows off her creation Maggie the ASL puppet on Nov. 18. The puppet will be residing in the art classroom at the Arkansas School for the Deaf in Little Rock.

Harding student builds puppet for Arkansas School for the Deaf MADISON MEYER head photographer

Sophomore Megan Drause built and donated a puppet that can sign American Sign Language (ASL) to the Arkansas School for the Deaf in Little Rock. She first came up with the idea in high school, where she was taking a puppet-making class, but began the building process last year.

“Last year, in my English class, my topic for the entire semester that I spent time studying and researching was Deaf culture and how we can better the education of Deaf children,” Drause said. “It was probably the best opportunity I was going to get to make something like that.”

Drause designed the puppet, Maggie, to make its home in the art classroom at the School for the Deaf.

“I wanted her to look really fun and colorful,” Drause said. “Part of that is not

just because she is going to be living in an art room, but because of the theory about colors. Bright colors keep your attention a lot better.”

Drause intentionally created the puppet so that the puppeteer could use both hands for signing.

“The way that it works is she sits on a stand that would hold her head up and you put your hands into hers,” Drause said.

“They almost look like little gloves. Then you can do sign language with your hands and hers while she sits up on her little stand.”

Drause consulted with ASL instructor Debbie Woodroof, who works in Harding’s Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, when her puppet was in its prototype stage.

“Some schools for the Deaf may have them, but I would be surprised if they did,” Woodroof said. “I’ve never seen it in all my years. I think she’s onto something.”

While Maggie was one of Drause’s most recent creations, she has made many different puppets, each with unique designs and personalities.

“It’s a really strange skill to have, but it’s a really, really fun one,” Drause said.

“It’s really easy to make people smile when they’re looking at a puppet.”

Drause even built the Narwhal hat used in Harding’s theater production “Elf: The Musical.”

“Megan is a part of the costume build crew, a small group of student workers who are hired to help produce costumes for all of the shows put on by the University Department of Theatre,” costume shop supervisor Katy White said.

Drause came up with the ideas for each puppet, built and hand-sewed each one herself.

“My inspiration doesn’t really come from anywhere specific, it just comes from

whatever I’m feeling at the time. It turns into whatever little character I make.”

Drause gave away the majority of her puppets to people who found joy in her creations.

“I don’t have much use for them by myself, so I don’t want to just hoard puppets,” Drause said. “I’ve given a decent amount of them to people who I think would just enjoy them.”

Though she considered it a hobby, Drause deeply enjoyed making puppets and would have enjoyed the chance to make it a full-time career.

“I always say that the one thing that could get me to drop out of school in an instant would be to work for the Muppets,” Drause said.

Students help with hurricane relief

BEN LANE news editor

Freshman Joshua Mellor became inspired to get involved in disaster relief efforts after seeing an announcement during chapel that showed pictures of Hurricane Ida’s destruction to homes and communities in Laplace and Point-auxChenes, Louisiana.

“I feel like we can really help people there … service is one of the best ways to act as Jesus would,’’ Mellor said.

The announcement also detailed how to become involved in the relief, and Mellor and other students went to instructor Rigel Page’s office for more information. Page went to Louisiana earlier this semester to provide assistance, but sophomore Emily Justice — one of the other students in the group — said because he was unable to continue going, Page orchestrated the trip and gave those going fuel, money and instructions on where to go and who to communicate with.

Justice says she sees her time in Louisiana as an opportunity to provide two services to people, she said. One, to assist

in the relief efforts and provide help to residents, and the other to share her faith in the Christian gospel. She said it would be silly to go to Louisiana and only evangelize while people’s lives have been displaced and vice versa.

“These people have a need,” Justice said.

“They don’t have homes … all their stuff is gone. These people are grieving … I think it shows a lot about Christians when we’re willing to serve and get gross and dirty in the modest of their pain.”

Mellor and Justice have been to Louisiana to volunteer four times since Oct. 1. Most recently, they traveled to Point-aux-Chenes during Thanksgiving break with senior John Lu and sophomore Julianne Baker.

“A lot of the ministry that disaster relief does starts by helping them so they can have a place to live and somewhere to sleep,” Mellor said. “You can’t expect them to come to God if they don’t have their basic needs filled.”

College Church of Christ has also provided funding, vehicles and contacts in the area for students. Sam Billingsley, member of College Church, said Mellor,

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN

Justice and a Louisiana man named Joseph Dawsey (“Ticker”) have been instrumental in organizing the trips and reaching small overlooked communities.

“It makes you feel really good that someone that’s rough like Ticker can relate to these kids,” Billingsley said. “He knows what a group of college students can do.”

Football seniors thank faculty and staff on campus

SOPHIE ROSSITTO community editor

Harding football seniors presented game jerseys to faculty and staff members on Thursday, Nov. 11, to thank them for the impact they have had on the players during their time at Harding.

Faculty members were able to wear the jerseys around campus the next day before giving them back to the athletes, according to Marketing Department Chair Dr. Rich Brown, who received a jersey from senior outside linebacker Shedrick Robinson.

Brown said he was honored and surprised that Robinson chose to recognize him. Brown used to be Robinson’s advisor and said he admired the athlete’s drive to be successful both in the classroom and on the football field.

“Success in [Robinson’s] mind is not selfish,” Brown said. “It’s about helping other people be better, too, and I think that’s why he’s been a leader on the football team.”

Senior inside linebacker Dylan Hendricks said he gave his jersey to Steve Lake, vice president of enrollment services and assistant vice president of advancement at Harding.

“I gave Steve my jersey because he has meant a great deal to me during my time at Harding,” Hendricks said.

Hendricks said he joined men’s social club Sub-T 16 in 2016 and met Lake, who is a sponsor for the group. The pair bonded during spring break 2018 when they both happened to board the same flight back to Arkansas.

“We ended up just sharing a whole lot of our values, and we talked about a lot of things, and we just really became

good friends from that moment on,” Lake said.

Lake said he was honored to receive the jersey and that Hendricks possesses many qualities such as character and leadership and has blessed Lake throughout their friendship.

Junior wide receiver Michael Cendrick, who is captain of the football team, said the seniors have played a major role in helping the team to succeed and have the right mindset going into each game this year.

“It’s been a win-or-go-home mentality, and the seniors have just been unbelievable in the way that they’ve led,” Cendrick said.

Eight Bison seniors collected All Great American Conference honors on Nov. 16 and seven made the First Team, according to hardingsports.com.

Photo provided by STEVE LAKE

Steve Lake wears senior football player Dylan Hendrick’s football jersey in his office on Nov. 12. Lake is a sponsor for Sub-T 16, Hendrick’s social club.

4B

LIFESTYLE

Friday, December 3, 2021

Photo by JILLIAN JARVIS

Junior Blake Dale participates in the spelling bee hosted by CAB in the Anthony Wright Auditorium on Nov. 30. Senior Maddy Hall won the competition against 21 other students.

CAB hosts student inaugural spelling bee contest

SARA MCCLARAN features editor EVERETT KIRKMAN editor-in-chief RYAN GALLAGHER lifestyle editor Harding’s Campus Activity Board (CAB) hosted their first inaugural spelling bee competition Tuesday in the Anthony Wright Administration Building. The spelling bee was open for any student to compete for the chance to win $100 in dining dollars [DCB]. Student Association President Ethan Brazell was the host for the evening, prompting contestants with their words. The three judges were junior

Grace Morse, junior Mason Shappley and senior Coleman Bevill.

Shappley originally came up with the idea and presented it to Campus Life Director Abby Stinnett.

“Over spring break, I was hanging out on the beach and thought, ‘Man, it would be fun to do a spelling bee at school,’” Shappley said.

“I had fun at my spelling bee in elementary school, I happen to work with CAB, and I talked to Abby. She was excited, so we tried to make it happen.”

From the 22 contestants who competed, the top three finalists were junior Caroline Slater in third place, sophomore Jonathan Underwood in second and senior Maddy Hall as champion.

Underwood said when he heard there

was a prize to be awarded to the winner of the contest, he was motivated to compete.

“I could win $100,” Underwood said. “I’ve been out [of DCB] for like, a couple months.”

Underwood said, to his knowledge, the only time he had competed in a spelling bee previously was in the fourth grade, but he said he did not think he had won. Underwood said he felt confident going into this spelling bee, despite not knowing much about the other contestants.

“I had the mentality of, you know, going in to win,” Underwood said. “I wasn’t there to just play around, but I also didn’t know what the competition would be. There were some strong people. There were some tough words.”

If there is a spelling bee next year, Underwood said he will compete again.

“Next year I gotta win, for sure,” Underwood said.

Hall, on the other hand, has been a fan of spelling bees since she was growing up, though winning is new for her.

“I got super into the spelling bee stuff in elementary and middle school,” Hall said.

“I just genuinely think spelling is very fun.

I had never won a spelling bee until last night, though.”

Going into the competition, Hall said she felt composed and excited to compete, but felt a little pressure to perform, as she is a spelling bee coach.

“I wasn’t nervous,” Hall said. “Except, I’m a spelling bee coach for Dr. Huff ’s daughter, so I was scared I would do bad and that would be discouraging to her.”

wanting to jump to their club, which led to the decision to update their constitution to allow for spring jumps.

“We want anyone who’s interested to have the opportunity to be a part of such an incredibly diverse and caring community,” Ritchie said. “We’re currently brainstorming different ad campaigns for jumps next semester.

Ultimately, we want to spread the word that if someone is interested in joining Delta Nu, we don’t want anything stopping them from choosing to jump.”

During the fall 2021 semester, Delta Nu received 11 jumps after a social media push encouraging people to jump if they were considering doing so. Junior Karli Fisher, who was the Delta Nu vice president for the fall semester, said she believed her club received so many jumps because they focused on supporting people who wanted to do so.

“By showing and telling people that we wanted them to jump if they wanted to jump, I think we created a safe environment where people felt like they were welcomed,” Fisher said. “We worked to make the process much less scary.”

Jumps to Delta Nu are required to write a letter to the club about why they want to join and must complete a club book, but do

not have to go through Club Week, said senior Isabelle Cutts, who jumped to Delta Nu in the fall 2021 semester. She also said she encourages anyone who is considering jumping to any club to do it.

“The choice you made in the first semester of freshman year doesn’t always fit you later on, so don’t be afraid to branch out into something that might be more true to who you are now,” Cutts said.

Delta Nu to accept spring jumps

EMMA JONES digital content editor Women’s social club Delta Nu is encouraging people to jump social clubs during the spring 2022 semester, an action that is typically only encouraged by clubs during fall semesters.

Assistant Dean of Students Logan Light said Delta Nu did not have to get special permission to receive spring jumps, as students are permitted to jump clubs at the beginning of any semester. Jumps are required to have been active in another club for at least two semesters, not including the semester they joined a club. The club they are jumping to also has to have a constitution that allows spring jumps, and they must fill out a jump form and have it approved before active lists are submitted for that semester.

“Jumping clubs in the spring is not uncommon,” Light said.“With the requirement that students must have been active for at least two semesters, most jumps occur during the fall semester. The member wishing to jump clubs must complete a jump form and have it submitted to the Office of Student Life. ” Senior Bonnie Ritchie, who will be president of Delta Nu for the spring semester, said Delta Nu members are aware of more women

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN

Creative handmade gift ideas for this season CAROLINE BIRDWELL head copy editor With Christmas celebrations on the way, people are on the lookout to find the perfect gift for their loved ones. However, a more meaningful present outside of a giftcard or random object is a handmade gift. Whether someone wants to go all out or be more conservative, hand making a gift is a thoughtful way to show someone love this season.

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN