The Bison - Vol. 99, No. 16

As the spring semester of Harding’s 100th year comes to a close, the University is preparing for a new chapter in student leadership as the Student Government Association welcomes its newly elected leaders for the upcoming academic year. Adele Duncan was elected as president, Reed Wilson as vice president and Grayson Hume elected as Treasurer among many others who will make up the whole of the SGA leadership next school year.

Each year, the elected Student Government President chooses a theme through which they will make a difference on campus. Duncan

Student body elects SGA officers Campus Life takes control of Stampede

articulated her vision for the year ahead.

“Harding has so much good going on, and it’s time we illuminate these achievements for the entire community to see,” Duncan said. “Through initiatives like optional emails or calendars to keep everyone informed and accessible, we aim to foster a stronger sense of unity and awareness.”

Duncan is committed to service and involvement, as she has been involved with the SGA since her freshman year.

“Freshman year, I was in charge of White County relations committee and got the students local discounts at food places. Sophomore and Junior year I’ve been on the public relations committee and Secretary this year as well. In addition, I’ve been a section

editor for the Petit Jean yearbook and been able to see all areas and organizations of campus throughout that process and that’s what inspired my vision for illumination.”

Wilson, as Vice President, expressed her full support for Duncan’s vision.

“I’m 100 percent with Adele and very excited to work with her, but also really wanting to have that same goal of bringing light to the amazing things that already are happening on campus and celebrate things that might be overlooked,” Wilson said.

Hume emphasized his hope to redefine the role of treasurer as he said it is typically seen as an easy job.

“I want to change that perception,” Hume said. “My goal is to make my position more

gives them an outlet for creativity and event planning. Light said more opportunities for student involvement and development is always better.

“Giving our students a platform for their ideas and a way to execute them can lead to great things,” Light said.

forward and present in every conversation. I want to be another outlet of help for the other execs but also for the class representatives.”

As these new leaders begin their new roles, the Harding student body anticipates a year marked by collaboration and innovation. Hume said the SGA’s commitment to servant leadership sets them apart from other student governments. “The SGA at Harding is very unique. It truly is an outlet for leaders to do what they do best,” Hume said. “It allows people to work silently behind the curtain so the student’s voices are heard by the administration.”

backgrounds and potential majors.

The move-in weekend that prepares in coming Harding students for life on campus is finding a new home as a part of Campus Life. Stampede will no longer be confined to a three-day weekend event, but will be a year-long resource available to firstyear students transitioning into the college lifestyle. Campus Life is more than ready as they are already deep in preparation for the students’ arrival in August.

The Director of Campus Life, Jane Chandler, said she is determined to better voice the needs and wants of students on

The rebranding of Stampede to be one with Campus Life could also not be done without the Campus Life Student Director junior Lexi Earnhart, who has been working and brainstorming alongside Chandler on rebranding Stampede.

Earnhart explained how Campus Life is organizing events to be more cohesive with the entire year planned and years to come.

“We’re excited to streamline a lot of things and make it more synonymous,” Earnhart said. “I think we’ve done a good job this semester of really showing everyone that

“Campus Life is known to plan and execute fun events where people from all social circles interact, so incorporating this into the move-in weekend of school will allow incoming students to already be making new friends,” Hackett said. “It provides these incoming students with a team of friendly faces that they will see at campus activities going forward.”

Junior Wesley Lamberson said he looks forward to the new season that Campus Life has to offer as Harding enters the next centennial and the positive effects it will have on incoming students.

“I think this will encourage a community on campus that the freshmen will get to experience from day one and will be able to carry along with them once school starts and the rest of campus is able to join,”

TIANE DAVIS editor-in-chief

BAILEY COFFMAN guest writer

ALAINA WOLF guest writer

Juniors Adele Duncan and Reed Wilson prepare for the coming year as they take their roles as Student Government Association president and vice president. The two were elected April 11 to lead the 2024-25 student body.

Photo by MACY COX

– Adele Duncan, 2024-25 SGA President

– Reed Wilson, 2024-25 SGA VP

Two chapels, who benefits?

Here I am, writing my last article for my last print of The Bison during my last weeks on Harding’s campus as an undergraduate student. What I want to leave behind is a call to have hard conversations. Everyone has opinions, and — more often than not — people enter into discussions without any intent to listen to the other side’s perspective. We lose the opportunity for enlightenment when we don’t listen.

Over the last school year, I have brought up multiple topics that others have disagreed with. In each instance, I have put time and effort into making sure the complexity of each side was shown. I have not always done it right, but I still knew the value of speaking about it. As a community dedicated to inspired purpose –– to truth –– we should not be so afraid of disagreement that we simply push away hard topics. Peacekeeping is different from peacemaking. Peacekeeping silences disagreements in order for perceived unity, while peacemaking intentionally works through arguments and strives for a deeper kind of unity. It’s the second one that brings “peace beyond understanding.”

The spring 2024 breakout chapel decision to split up male and female students brought me back to fifth grade. In my hometown, that is when the puberty talk is given. Most American students have the experience of being split up by gender at about the age of 9 and having separate puberty talks. Students were given a basic idea of what would happen to their hormones and bodies in the upcoming years for their gender and were left guessing about the other half of their class. This idea and feeling translated into the spring breakout chapels. This article is not meant to hurt the speakers and their testimonies given over the semester, as I think they did very well with their topics. However, the topics chosen for both groups felt basic and stereotypical for a university that claims to want to deepen all students’ theological perspectives and thoughts. The chapels openly catered to stereotypes for their specific gender, which raises another

concern: Are we catering to gender roles and needs in the church more than the health of our souls? God consistently shows both masculine and feminine traits, which naturally makes sense because all people are created in his likeness. Separating genders to speak about God is denying both sides a complete perspective of who the Lord is. The women’s chapel covered the topics of mentorship, selfconfidence, friendship and how to submit pride to follow the Lord, all of which are foundational topics that everyone should be reminded of. Men’s chapel revolved around how men of God should behave as husbands and fathers.

vastly different and gave a partial understanding to students. If men are having conversations about fatherhood and how to be a husband who emulates Christ, shouldn’t women touch on topics of motherhood and marriage too?

If women are discussing surrendering pride to be a better follower and friend through Jesus, don’t men deserve and need to hear these messages?

As the world is more connected than ever, the beauty of being alone is fading. An invaluable and incomparable form of growth comes alongside finding comfort by solely existing: being alone.

I urge you! Do not mistake being alone for the feeling of loneliness. You can sit in chapel with thousands of other students and feel lonely. You can sit in your dorm room alone and not feel lonely. Loneliness is not dependent upon your state of being. Your state of being is not the qualifier for a feeling as one such as this.

Loneliness is a disease that is consuming more than a billion individuals each day, but why? Perhaps they are realizing their state and incorporating what they assume is the appropriate feeling. Perhaps

These talks were given without a female perspective or testimony, which feels, yet again, like male students were given an incomplete narrative. Both types of messages and presentations have a place in the church and chapel; however, my concern lies in the fact that the teaching styles and topics were

I want to challenge the student body and those in charge of chapel to allow a full perspective to be seen and heard in chapel. Allow disagreements, for they bring critical thinking and conversation. Without a fresh perspective, growth is a battle. We stay stagnant in our faith and thought without discourse and discussion. If the tomb is open, then why are we closing doors to the ones who need it most?

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

I imagine a Harding community that welcomes disagreement in the same manner I saw Cornel West and Robert George display. They showed how you don’t need to refute the other before you can love them. If we were so devoted to one another in love that political, theological or social differences had no effect, our campus would flourish. Even parts of the Bible seem to disagree –– Proverbs says to pursue wisdom at all costs, but Ecclesiastes tells us to find joy in work over wisdom. In 2 Samuel it says that God incited David to take a census, but 1 Chronicles says it was Satan! Our holy scriptures confuse God with Satan or Satan with God! If the written word of God, with all its theological, political and cultural diversity can be a unified work of literature that accurately depicts God’s faithfulness, imagine the powerful testament of peacemaking a Harding that seeks the same unity could be.

loneliness stretches greater into people-filled rooms. Each uncomfortable, awkward or new situation is met with a glance downward and the automation of checking each social page and platform. With the help of technology, loneliness is only temporarily swept under the rug by a glowing screen that fills in — what seems — all of the gaps of tangible connection. Does each gap have to be filled to be satisfied? How would your interactions walking around campus look if your dominant hand wasn’t occupied by a buzzing rectangle? True community is invaluable and incomparable. We can serve others in community. We can be held accountable in community. We can find ways to improve ourselves and help those around us. However, how can we face reality when we are inevitably away from this community physically?

Practice being alone. In no means am I advocating for anti-community, but too many people today equate being alone with the feeling of loneliness. How can we combat this? Practice being alone. Some can challenge themselves to find a healthy balance of time spent with community and time alone. Some do not have such a luxury to choose an intentional time balance. You cannot anticipate or plan ahead for when you will find yourself alone.

Both of my grandmothers’ husbands died before I was born. My grandmothers were alone, but they were never lonely. Mindset can aid this practice of being alone.They intentionally connected themselves with various communities physically and spiritually. If we can find peace with ourselves in time alone, we can translate this peace outward in circumstances that we may find ourselves feeling lonely in. Dare to find peace and extend it to others.

Practice being alone, and soak it in. Walk through life paying close attention to the beautiful moments and the difficult ones; savor each melody and delight in life’s song. God commonly speaks to those in solitude. If Jesus needed a retreat, we are in desperate need. He is the ultimate supplier of peace. Use this practice of being alone as a tool. Call on him and reflect when loneliness looms overhead. Dedicate time to be alone to create and grow this relationship. You have the power to create a safe space when you are alone. You may not always be able to turn to a physical community.

You can always turn to being alone, in community with someone who loves you greater than any love has ever loved.

Be still and know.

There is value in being in community.

It is exciting to know the power to make that a reality is already within every student, staff member and faculty member. We have the power to love beyond agreement. We are all capable of saying “Can you explain more?” instead of “Here is why you are wrong.” The problem is we very rarely want to do that. A great example of this done well is shown in Matthew 9. Jesus and his disciples are eating dinner when “sinners” and tax collectors join. The men of the law question Jesus, asking him why he lets those people at the table. Jesus responds, “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’”

Be honest with me for a second: When you put yourself in that story, do you ever consider yourself as the “sinner?” Well, why would you? You go to Harding! You haven’t gone over chapel skips! You make curfew every night! You wake up for church on Sunday! Everyone, everywhere, is wrong about something. We all commit the sin of self-righteousness. We all fail to listen to one another. We all tend to ignore facts or see only what we want.

A commitment to love means we accept our own limitations and allow others theirs without holding it as a pointed gun. A Harding where I can critique policy, professors and expectations without losing respect is a Harding where a dedication to truth is preserved. What is faith if not a commitment to unraveling the unknown?

In three weeks I graduate from Harding. I will pack up my little house, put what’s left of my life here into my car and drive home. Harding and the people she holds will stay. It is up to you to decide who she continues to be. Send emails to your next opinions editor, Helen, that hold her accountable while showing her grace. Find the strength to listen to those who you believe are wrong, and I’ll do the same. Look around at your table and live out what it means to love mercy. May the Spirit of God foster a community where everyone is welcome.

Graphic by BEN EVANS

Illustration by GRACIE CORNETT

Emma McDaris Guest Writer

Graphic by BEN EVANS

We live and die

One year ago, I was struggling in so many areas of my life. The 2023 spring semester was a semester of doubt, questioning and hopelessness for me. Too many of the things that had previously brought me joy no longer did. Several of my favorite friends were no longer living nearby, and I was dealing with a lot of social situations that were new to me. I even considered quitting The Bison, though I am eternally grateful I did not. Everything felt scary, and the causes of all the problems I faced were hard to pinpoint at the time because there were so many. That summer, I moved to Oklahoma for an internship and lived in an apartment by myself. I had one friend in the area, but we were not close. I was alone, but in a much different way. I finally had the time and space to think and self-reflect.

I do not remember how I came across it, but I found a letter online that Albert Einstein allegedly wrote to his daughter, Lieserl. He explained why the most powerful force in the universe is love. This letter became something I referred back to often, just to serve as a reminder of what I want my focus to be. I urge you to take a break from this column and read the letter we copied on the right.

I soon decided to name my weekly column in The Bison “For Love,” based on what he wrote. I later found out that he did not write the letter, and it was actually a hoax that showed up on the internet in 2015. Regardless, reading that letter changed my perspective on life. I wanted to practice changing my thought processes, even if just a little. I didn’t care if it was fake because I knew it was something I believed in. Who needs a credible source if the words are true?

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine, out of the blue, asked me, “What is your deepest conviction?” I was thrown off by the question, but I knew what to say.

Love in its purest form can only bring good to the world.

Every time I say it, I can see the obviousness, yet I believe it with as much conviction and importance as ever. I have a feeling no one would argue with me on it, but I want to emphasize once again how important it is. We have so many distractions in our lives that we sometimes do not think about what our true values are. Attending a Christian school or growing up in the Church makes us feel like we have strong values. We are told what our values should be, but those who tell us sometimes forget to teach us what it feels like to truly live a life based on them. Our teachers of faith will often tell us that our words are empty if our actions do not align, but they sometimes forget to help us train our thoughts to align with our beliefs. I think this struggle is normal in the life of a young person. We cannot truly change our thought processes if we ourselves are not investing the time, which is why there is no help in blaming our teachers and mentors. We can hold our guides accountable, but what will truly bring change in our lives is taking responsibility for our thoughts and actions. If you have one belief, let it be that love exists and is powerful. If you have one motive, let it be to always love others. If you have any value that directs your motives, a trustworthy one to follow is love. Everything else can proceed from there.

If you can’t let yourself trust a source other than the Final Authority, forget the hoax letter I found and remember what Jesus said when he was asked what the greatest commandments were:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:37-40).

I also often think of what John said in his first letter to the believers:

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).

I did not fully understand the concept of having real values to lead my life until less than a year ago. I did not understand what it meant to truly believe something and intentionally allow that belief to guide my thoughts and actions. At least, I had never taken the time to identify my then current values and compare them to the values I aimed to hold.

Because I am human, I will always come across moments in my life where I do not act or think out of love — I now recognize that those are the low points. Those are the times when hopelessness, loneliness or doubt start to return.

Sometimes, when I have doubts about a decision or feel directionless, I think about all the things I would do for love.

What always grounds me is this:

For love we live and die.

For Love, cont.: the universal force

This letter was allegedly written by Albert Einstein to his daughter Lieserl. Researchers soon discovered that Lieserl’s even existence is questionable, therefore the author of the letter is unknown.

“When I proposed the theory of relativity, very few understood me, and what I will reveal now to transmit to mankind will also collide with the misunderstanding and prejudice in the world.

I ask you to guard the letters as long as necessary, years, decades, until society is advanced enough to accept what I will explain below. There is an extremely powerful force that, so far, science has not found a formal explanation to. It is a force that includes and governs all others, and is even behind any phenomenon operating in the universe and has not yet been identified by us. This universal force is LOVE. When scientists looked for a unified theory of the universe they forgot the most powerful unseen force.

Love is Light, that enlightens wthose who give and receive it.

some people feel attracted to others.

Love is power, because it multiplies the best we have, and allows humanity not to be extinguished in their blind selfishness. Love unfolds and reveals.

For love we live and die.

Love is God and God is Love. This force explains everything and gives meaning to life. This is the variable that we have ignored for too long, maybe because we are afraid of love because it is the only energy in the universe that man has not learned to drive at will.

To give visibility to love, I made a simple substitution in my most famous equation. If instead of E = mc2, we accept that the energy to heal the world can be obtained through love multiplied by the speed of light squared, we arrive at the conclusion that love is the most powerful force there is, because it has no limits.

If we want our species to survive, if we are to find meaning in life, if we want to save the world and every sentient being that inhabits it, love is the one and only answer. Perhaps we are not yet ready to make a bomb of love, a device powerful enough to entirely destroy the hate, selfishness and greed that devastate the planet.

However, each individual carries within them a small but powerful generator of love whose energy is waiting to be released.

When we learn to give and receive this universal energy, dear Lieserl, we will have affirmed that love conquers all, is able to transcend everything and anything, because love is the quintessence of life.

Love is gravity, because it makes

After the failure of humanity in the use and control of the other forces of the universe that have turned against us, it is urgent that we nourish ourselves with another kind of energy…

The Places You’ll Go

When I finished high school in 1990, the most popular graduation gift was a brand-new book by Dr. Seuss. Eight years ago, and with apologies to Theodor Geisel, I adapted his idea for our seniors. I’ve updated the poem for today’s grads. May God bless you always.

The day has arrived!

You have waited and waited.

Did you ever suspect

You would be liberated?

Now exams are all done, Not a one of them flunked.

Though your brains may be drained

From the thoughts that you’ve thunked.

Yes, your head is all crammed

With stray facts running loose,

Like irregular verbs

And the height of a moose.

You made it through COVID, With vaccines and masks. “How on earth did we do it?”

Is what everyone asks.

You survived Harding’s birthday — We’re 100, I hear.

A century of memories

Crammed into one year.

It’s been one for the ages — Football championships!

Five decades of Spring Sing! A solar eclipse!

You’ve witnessed our triumphs

In athletics and arts.

You’ve endured all our efforts

At testing your smarts.

But now is the time

To head out from this place.

I’m sure no one saw

The small tear on your face.

The succession of “lasts”

Has now slowly begun:

Last chapel, last classes, Last late Wal-Mart run.

Last Bison, last Frisbee, Last chicken-filled biscuit.

Last meal in the Caf —

If you’re willing to risk it.

(If you do, I commend The rotisserie brisket).

All those last-minute errands: Parking tickets to pay.

Note to self: “Tortured Poets”

Hits the market today.

There is so much to pack —

All those books, souvenirs, The assorted mementoes

Of four to six years.

What to toss? What to save?

How much stuff should you keep?

Dare we hope our class handouts

Will escape the trash heap?

Michael Claxton

You must take a break! Off to MO on your bike

For a Café Vienna

Or one last Mocha Mike.

Will you add some whipped cream?

Maybe two or three squirts. Then back to the packing

Of three hundred t-shirts.

But the least of your worries

Are heavy suitcases. Your minds are a-flurry In a half-dozen places.

All those possible futures

In such different typefaces.

Will you marry or not?

And what job will you get?

Will you live near your family?

Or move to Tibet?

Will you have any children?

Work from home or commute?

Will you count every penny, Or be swimming in loot?

Loan payments and moving

And grad school and rent.

The farewells and job search.

Must you now reinvent? You wanted a change,

But is this what you meant?

And now leaving school

Isn’t quite what you’re wishing.

Could you add one more major?

Like Linguistics or Fishing?

Your advisor says, “No, Don’t waste your brain powers.”

After all,” she reminds you, “You’re a grown-up by hours.”

And so, you slip into Your cap and your gown

And await all the people Who are coming to town.

All your uncles and cousins, Your Mom and your Pop, And even your neighbor, Dear old Mr. Schmop. Not a one of these folks Thinks you’re going to flop.

It’s alright to be nervous. You’re not weird to have jitters. Yes, your stomach feels like A motel full of critters.

I deeply regret not having been able to express what is in my heart, which has quietly beaten for you all my life. Maybe it’s too late to apologize, but as time is relative, I need to tell you that I love you and thanks to you I have reached the ultimate answer!”

-Your father Albert Einstein

But you have real talents. You needn’t be scared.

I’ll bet that you’ll find

That you’re fully prepared.

And if you mess up,

Just say, “That’s how it goes.”

Sometimes you fall flat

And get sand in your nose.

Just dust yourself off. Grab a Kleenex and sneeze, And then get some ice

For the bumps on your knees.

Then learn from your failures —

They’re not a disease.

Forgive yourself. Really.

OK? Pretty please?

If the world seems chaotic, Or a little too large.

Don’t forget to remember

That God is in charge!

The world is uncertain.

The future’s obscure.

But one thing I promise.

Of that thing, I’m sure.

Your teachers are cheering

For you as you go.

You’ve brightened our worlds

So much more than you know.

When each of you came, We were all overjoyed.

Without you, professors Are so unemployed.

So go, do us proud!

Show compassion. Be kind.

Love others. Be joyful.

And then you will find

That when challenges come You won’t so much mind.

We hope we’ve been able

To strengthen your wings, But we gladly confess You’ve taught us a few things.

So, thank you for choosing

To plant yourself here.

Those roots will continue

To grow and endear, And we’ll think of you fondly Year after year.

And now I’ll step aside

To give Seuss the last word (Since primary sources Are always preferred).

“So, be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray Or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea, You’re off to great places!

Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting.

So get on your way!”

Narrative Columnist

Graphic by BEN EVANS

Illustration by EMMA WEBER

Love, Emma Weber

Guest Space

This week, The Bison welcomes alumnus and director of center for charitable estate planning Ken Bissell to reminisce on his time as a fan of the Harding Bisons.

Thanks to sports editor Nic Fraraccio for inviting me to write the last sports column of the year. It’s been a long minute, 41 years to be exact, since I last penned a column for this newspaper when I was The Bison’s sports editor in 1981-82 and 1982-83. My column, “Sports Spectrum”, regularly appeared for those two years.

As I scanned The Bison archives for those old columns, flashes of both nostalgia and sadness tugged at my heart. The nostalgia recalled memories of specific games and matches and the athletes of the day who were my friends and peers. Surprisingly, some of the details are still very clear in my mind.

I attended countless football, basketball and baseball games; tennis and golf matches; and track, cross-country and swimming meets. Women’s intercollegiate sports began in those years; I had the privilege of personally covering the inaugural Lady Bisons basketball and softball games and volleyball matches. The tinge of sadness came as I read quotes from several head coaches who have passed on through the years. John Prock (football), Jess Bucy (men’s basketball), Dick Johnson (baseball), Jack Boustead (swimming and diving), Ted Altman (softball) and Cecil Beck (men’s intramurals) were men who dedicated their careers to leading studentathletes while teaching them about Jesus. They were my friends and mentors.

Having a four-decade history provides an interesting perspective on how the program has evolved over time. The challenges those teams and coaches faced are a sharp contrast to today’s success. Appreciating the accomplishments of the present program is difficult without knowing where we’ve been and on whose shoulders we stand.

Football coach Paul Simmons has alluded in press interviews to the poor facilities the old Bison coaches and athletes had to work with. Forty years ago, it was common for the First Security Stadium (known as Alumni Field back then) grass turf to be completely worn down to the soil between the 20-yard lines and hash marks by the end of the football season. The old football locker room/ weight room on the west end of the stadium frequently flooded after a hard rain. Prock, whose college degree was in industrial arts, welded by hand many of the weight machines in the University’s metal shop in the mid-1960s. They were still used by the team in the early 2000s.

Prior to the construction of the Ganus Activities Complex, which was built in 1976 and served as homecourt for Harding basketball and volleyball teams until 1997, the Bisons played their games in the “old” Rhodes Field House, which didn’t resemble the beautiful gym that we enjoy today. It was a smelly, dark World War II airplane hangar that happened to have a basketball court and some bleachers on one side of the court.

The baseball team played many years at Berryhill Park, a dependable but poorly designed stadium where the city’s new pickleball courts are located across Race Avenue. The outfield of the first iteration of Jerry Moore Field, built in the early 1980s, often was a marshy, muddy quagmire after a storm.

Fast-forward to today. We are arguably witnessing the most successful run in the history of Harding sports, which resumed intercollegiate play in the late 1950s after a two-decade hiatus. Every team is highly competitive in the Great American Conference, including several league champions.

We’re competing at the national level in football (remember the natty in December?), women’s basketball, volleyball and softball; our men’s and women’s track and field teams are both ranked in the NCAA Division II top 10, and our golf and tennis teams are regionally ranked this spring. Baseball is battling for the conference lead going into the season’s homestretch.

Harding’s athletic facilities continue to improve; several are the envy of every Division II program around the country. Fan attendance is strong, and alumni interest in all sports is at an all-time high.

So what is my point? Let’s not take this moment in time for granted. Attend the games and matches, and support the teams with the fervor that they deserve. Take pride in wearing the Black and Gold. Encourage our athletes when you see them on campus. Promote the teams on social media. More than anything, have fun. There’s never been a better time to be a Bisons and Lady Bisons fan!

Bisons defeat Savage Storm

The Harding baseball and softball teams are continuing to fight for postseason seeding as the regular season conference schedule comes to a close.

The Harding baseball team completed a three-game home sweep April 13-14 against Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

In game one, Great American Conference Pitcher of the Week senior Maddox Long hurled his first career complete game shutout in a 2-0 victory. The Arkansas native struck out seven batters during his fourth win of the season.

Long said his approach has been a key factor to his triumph on the mound this season.

“The keys to success have just been sticking to the game plan every week,” Long said. “I just try to get ahead in counts early and then put guys away when I can.”

The following day, the Bisons grabbed both wins in the doubleheader with scores of 7-3 and 5-3, to complete the sweep against the Savage Storm. Senior outfielder Michael Dewald collected five hits in two games to improve his season batting average to .343. Sophomore catcher Collin Helms said Dewald works hard in any given situation.

“Mike is someone who shows up to the field every day with a special kind of conviction,” Helms said. “You know exactly what you are going to get.”

Long said the team’s confidence will flourish if the offense and pitching staff continue to provide for each other.

“I think our staff is really good this year. I think if we can put up four or five runs a game, that gives me confidence we can win 90% of our games,” Long said. “The day when the offense is together and combined with our pitching, I feel like it is pretty hard to beat us.”

With two conference matchups remaining, Harding currently claims second place in the GAC standings.

The Harding softball team took two out of three games in Durant, Oklahoma, against Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Despite losing the first game of the series 10-9, a Lady Bison broke a record against the Savage Storm. Senior catcher Chelsea Blankenship became the first player in program history to hit three home runs in one game.

Third baseman Emma Curry said the team environment was crazy during Blankenship’s illustrious performance.

“When she hit that third home run, we were all in disbelief,” Curry said. “We were

going absolutely crazy in the dugout and made sure to cheer her on.”

After dropping game one, the Lady Bisons bounced back April 14 and grabbed two victories with scores of 3-0 and 9-3 to win their second conference series in a row. Junior pitcher Riley Price and senior pitcher Abby Burch threw back-to-back complete games to shut down the Savage Storm.

As the conference tournament approaches, Curry said the team wants to keep the same momentum moving forward.

“We want to keep on going and feed off this previous weekend,” Curry said. “We want to make our big plays, have fun and just be who we know we can be.”

Following the series win, Harding currently holds third place in the GAC standings.

The Harding softball team will host East Central University for a three-game conference series. Game one begins Friday at 4 p.m. The Harding baseball team will travel to Ada, Oklahoma, to take on East Central in a three-game conference series.

The GAC softball championships will begin May 2 in Bentonville, Arkansas and the GAC baseball championships will begin May 3 at the top four seeded campus sites.

Track teams prepare for conference meet

The men’s and women’s track teams are hitting the ground running as the season gets ready for its conclusion. Both teams find themselves in the national rankings for Division II and looking to end the year strong. The men’s team is ranked fifth nationally by the United States Track and Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association and set two NCAA provisional marks won in seven separate events this past weekend at the Rhodes 7-Way Meet in Memphis, Tennessee. One of the provisionals was in the 4x100-meter relay with fifth year senior Krishaun Watson, fifth year senior Will Meredith, senior Tad Kirby and fifth year senior Dakarai Bush finishing in first with a time of 40.89 seconds. Bush said he is confident of his group and the rest of the team’s ability to have high placements the rest of the way, with the goal being to place at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in May.

“We are doing way better than last year, and I can tell that we as a team are going to place pretty high at nationals,” Bush said. “We had a mindset change, and we all want to improve and win more than ever.”

Junior Antiwain Jones ranks second nationally in the high jump with a height of 2.20 meters. Jones said the team is focused and ready to encourage each other through the finishing touches of the season.

“There have been ups and downs this season,” Jones said. “As a team we are staying

strong while motivating each other to keep pushing through any adversity that comes our way.”

As for the women’s team, they have had similar success this year as well. Currently ranked 15th by the USTFCCCA, the Lady Bisons look to increase their provisional numbers and continue to seek better results individually and as a team. Junior Hazel Jackson placed sixth in pole vaulting this past weekend at the Rhodes 7-Way Meet and said she is ready for the rest of the season.

“This season is going very well for not only me but the rest of the pole vault squad as well,” Jackson said. “I am really excited for

the rest of this season as I am hitting some big numbers in the weight room and moving up to some really big poles.”

The teams will split up for this weekend, with some members going to Fayetteville, Arkansas, for the John McDonnell Invite on the University of Arkansas campus and others going to the Alumni Classic in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on the campus of Arkansas State University. The Great American Conference Championships are May 1-3 in Magnolia, Arkansas, and soon after, the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships will take place May 23-25.

ELI DEAN community editor

NIC FRARACCIO sports editor

Sophomore Audri Aaron throws javelin April 6 at the Bison Open. The Lady Bisons broke three school records at the meet.

Photo by MACY COX

MACY COX and ELI DEAN

Guest Writer Ken Bissell

Left: Senior first baseman Coulton Doyle prepares to swing at a pitch against Union April 17 at Jerry Moore Field. The Bisons defeated the Bulldogs 2-1 in a non-conference matchup. Right: Junior outfielder Macy Ham stands in the batters box April 16 against Arkansas Tech. The Lady Bisons defeated the Golden Suns 4-1 to complete the conference sweep.

Graphic by MAKAYLA MCDONALD

Searcy pet store offers baby chickens

ELLIOTT COOMBES beat

The Searcy Neighborhood Pet Shoppe recently added backyard chickens to their stock. Customers can buy baby chicks to keep as pets and chicken coops to house them. The chickens are provided from a local breeder.

Employee John Sherwood and his wife initiated the decision to get the chickens for the store.

“We saw some really cute chicken coops that were available and thought, well, if we’re going to have chicken coops, we could provide a couple of chickens,” Sherwood said. “We don’t sell many, just a few a week, for pets.”

Since the chickens are meant to be pets, Sherwood tries to get fancier breeds. This includes Polish chickens, who have an impressive feather hairdo, and the current stock of Welbar chickens. Welbars are admired for the dark brown color of their eggs. Sherwood said he is actively searching for an additional breed.

“The next one I’m looking for is called an Easter Egger, or an Araucana,” Sherwood said. “They have a green-colored egg, so when I sell out of these, I’ll probably get one of those.”

Cathy Wood, another Pet Shoppe employee, said she loves everything about chickens.

“My grandkids love them; they make them smile,” Wood said. “And they keep all the bugs out of your yard.”

Employee Tanya Salace owns several backyard chickens and has come up with lots of ways to play with them.

“I paint the nails of my chickens,” Salace said. “You have to be careful of the color because they’ll peck at red … I dress them up, and they have coats and clothes and hats. So yes, they are my babies. When I walk outside, they come running.”

Salace said she also uses parrot toys like treat balls and rope bridges to entertain her pets.

“I’ll put their little herbs through their xylophone, and they’ll peck them,” Salace said. “And they make music, so I think it’s more for me than them.”

Sherwood said chickens are another way for people to get outdoors and in their gardens more.

“I think we wanted everybody to have the opportunity to enjoy chickens in their backyard,” Sherwood said. “They’re very popular. It’s more than just a backyard supply for eggs, they’re now pets that people love and talk to and enjoy just like a rabbit.”

Sherwood said anyone wanting to own chickens cannot get just one.

“They always have to have a friend,” Sherwood said. “It’s the minimum that you should get two, but it would be even better if you could get four. And be ready to have fun, because they are great pets.”

Harding band, orchestra perform at Searcy High School

MAGGIE SAMPLES news editor

The University orchestra played at Searcy High School April 15. They were accompanied by the Searcy Junior High and High School orchestras as well as other ensembles from the area as a community building event. The event was organized by former Harding band and orchestra director Michael Chance, who is currently the orchestra director for the Searcy Public Schools. The Searcy Junior High and High School orchestras performed before the Harding Orchestra. This was followed by a mass performance by the string performers from the orchestras, the Cross Pointe music group, and other string groups and individuals from the area.

Harding Orchestra Director Eric Colgrove said Chance organized the event to showcase the musical talent in the area.

“He was looking for an opportunity to show the community of Searcy just how many orchestral musicians there are here in the Searcy area and just so they could see how prevalent orchestra is here in this area,” Colgrove said. “We are one of the few communities in Central Arkansas that hosts an orchestra.”

Colgrove said music is a lifelong growing and learning experience, so it’s important for musicians to have a community.

“It’s just a great thing for the community,” Colgrove said. “I think the Searcy community appreciates art, and I think it’s a valuable thing for us to keep supporting and growing.” Colgrove said he wanted to highlight the need for support and also the current support that musical programs in the community

have. He encouraged people looking to support or join musical groups to reach out to local directors.

“We’re always looking for new musicians to fill in the ranks, whether we’re at Harding or especially high school or any of the other programs that are here,” Colgrove said. Junior Andrew Williams plays trombone in the Harding Orchestra and said the performance was good.

“I think getting to play with all these different groups between Orchestra and Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band creates little sections of community, but also brings everyone together under the big umbrella of music,” Williams said.

Junior Kylie James plays the clarinet in the Harding Orchestra and said the event was a good opportunity for outreach and promotion of the various orchestras.

“It was inspiring to see high school musicians dedicated to music and passionate about performing for others,” James said. “Likewise, I hope it was an enriching experience for them to see that you can continue music in college and the ensemble environment is an important community to be a part of. I hope we will be able to perform there in the future and create more of a connection between Harding and the music programs in Searcy.”

The Harding Orchestra will perform Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Anthony Wright Administration Auditorium. The concert is free to the public, and they will be performing several pieces from the Star Wars films.

“Back in the Day” is a special section in The Bison newspaper in celebration of Harding’s centennial year. Each print issue during the 202324 academic year will have pieces related to the centennial, connecting our readers to Harding’s past.

“Back in the Day” is a special section in The Bison newspaper in celebration of Harding’s Centennial year. Each print issue during the 2023-24 academic year has pieces related to the Centennial, connecting our readers to Harding’s past.

This week, we look at the founding of the Harding Orchestra. Formed together a month after the start of the Great Depression in 1929 and before Harding called Searcy home, things have definitely changed in the last 95 years. The Harding Orchestra has a long history, from the first director Harold J. Lewsaw to the current director Eric Colgrove.

This week, we get a glimpse at the banter between students at faculty from years past. We also see a bit of satire connecting the Searcy community with Harding’s culture.

reporter

A baby chicken waits to be purchased by a customer at Searcy Neighborhood Pet Shoppe April 17. The pet store recently started selling chickens for customers to buy as pets or for other reasons.

Photo by MACY COX

Chuck Hicks says goodbye after 55 years

MAKAYLA MALOTTE guest writer

It’s difficult to capture what effort one man has put into a lifetime of service, especially since he has done it all for God. After 55 years at Harding, assistant professor of music Chuck Hicks is retiring. Having been both a student and a teacher, Chuck Hicks has acquired many levels of education, including a Master of Science in education, a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design and an Associate of Arts in liberal arts/Bible. As a private guitar and string instruments instructor, he also served as the director for several different ensembles at Harding like The Good News Singers, Belles and Beaux, and the guitar ensemble.

Grayson Thompson, a current student of Hicks’, described his teaching.

“The way he incorporates biblical messages into his teachings empowers me when playing music and in my everyday life,” Thompson said.

Thompson explained how Hicks helps his students feel that they are not just reading what’s on a page, but what they feel a connection with. The encouragement and love for music have made an impact on many students and

KENZIE JAMES guest writer

The freshman interior design and architecture studios designed and built hammock structures on the front lawn outside of the Olen Hendrix building April 5-6.

Designing a hammock structure has been a project for the freshman studios in the past, but this is the first year the studios have ever built their designs.

Faculty members Nikki Crane-Hasty and Mike Steelman, the co-teachers for the studio, decided to make the project a reality to protect the trees on Harding’s campus.

While hammocking is a popular student activity when the weather is nice, students will tie hammocks to a bigger tree trunk and a small dogwood, Crane-Hasty said.

“We don’t have good, beautiful thick trunks close enough for the hammocks,” Crane-Hasty said. “It causes that dogwood to bend really bad, and it does a lot of damage.”

The students started the design process for this project by designing a hammock structure individually.

future with music.

President Mike Williams, described one of Hicks’ characteristics.

“He’s very reflective,” Williams said. “He’s taken those reflections, and he’s given voice to them.”

Freshman Emma Luallen, who participates in the afternoon studio, said an idea like including benches on the structure was part of her individual design and was kept through each student critique and collaboration.

“We all came up with our own idea, and then over time, we gradually came together into pairs, to groups and then as a whole class,” Luallen said.

Two freshman studios each worked on their own designs, which resulted in two structures. Freshman Madison Smith, a student in the morning studio, said that after their design was solidified, the studios spent a couple days building their hammock structures behind the Ulrey Performing Arts Center.

“I think it helped us get to know our studio a little bit better,” Smith said. “This is the first time they’ve done this element of building and, I think, the collaboration to that scale of the whole class.”

One of the requirements for students’ designs was the structures had to be built with nuts and bolts so the structures could be taken apart at the end of the semester. Originally, the structures were intended

Department chair and associate professor Dr. Jay Walls said Hicks’ music is never-ending, playing several different styles and rhythms.

“He’s a very versatile musician who can play different styles like classical and contemporary and does it all very well,” Walls said.

Having experience with multiple other arrangements and skills, he has passed on those skills to his students. He’s not afraid of what he loves and his focus on Christ. The amount of time that Hicks puts in is a characteristic that many people have seen and admired about him. Traveling all around the world with his ensembles not only as their director but also as their bus driver showed many people the dedication and encouragement he has for his students.

“He would travel around the country, they would do a concert in Nashville, and the next night they would be in Dallas,” Walls said. “And if that meant driving all night, Chuck was going to do it.”

Throughout this past month, several of Hicks’ previous students have come back together to Harding to reflect on the years and thank Hicks for all the dedication and love he has put in for each of his students over the past 55 years. Harding is not losing Hicks forever, as he will continue to do private lessons in his own time with his students and will still be around to help with events and other parts of the music department.

Eight students participate in regional Steel Bridge Competiton Architecture students build hammock structures

TIANE DAVIS editor-in-chief

The regional Steel Bridge Competition took place at University of Tennessee at Martin April 4-6 and was hosted by American Society of Civil Engineering and American Institute of Steel Construction. Twenty schools participated in the regional competition. Around eight students went to represent Harding in the competition this year, Harding’s fourth year to compete. The team placed first, led by team captain and junior civil engineering major Anders Cole and will move on to nationals at Louisiana Tech May 31 and June 1. Junior civil engineering major Mufasa Lopez was a designer for the steel bridge competition and said 40 schools will participate at nationals. “We even won an award for the best improved team, which was huge for our program,” Lopez said. “I think our numbers look really good, and we hope to place in the top 10.”

To begin preparation, the team of engineering majors started working on the project in the fall with weekly meetings, a presentation for the faculty and approval for the project in December. Harding has competed for the last four years and has placed the last two. The first place finish at regionals moved the team forward to nationals. Cole asid he looks forward to the national competition.

“A lot of time and energy went into this, so it was nice to see some payoff,” Cole said. “There are a lot of good

to be put in storage, but instead they will become part of the Searcy community.

Crane-Hasty said Searcy Mayor Mat Faulkner reached out to her about the long-term future of the hammock structures after the project was completed.

The structures will remain on the front lawn until the end of the semester, and they will be donated and rebuilt in one of the public parks in Searcy after that, Crane-Hasty said.

happy to be going. We look forward to competing with them.”

In addition to the steel bridge, Harding competed for the first time in the Concrete Canoe Competition. Junior civil engineering majors Claire Hounshell, Ines Sanchez and Reese Marcangeli represented the Harding team. The Concrete Canoe Competition required tedious planning, due to the 28 days it takes to fully cure the concrete. The competition required many different

avenues of engagement from research, design, scheduling, 3D modeling and researching materials. All planning had to be completed before cast day Feb. 10. Over 15 students and three professors helped construct the 18.5-foot-long concrete canoe.

The members on the team navigated the competition and faced the new experience head-on. Team captain Claire Hounshell embraced the opportunity to compete and learn the ropes.

“I would just like to thank all the people that helped us along the way and

showed up on our cast day,” Hounshell said. “The concrete canoe team owes a lot of our success this year to all the guidance, labor and encouragement we received this year. Now that we have a better idea of what does not work for us and what other very successful concrete canoe teams have used, I think next year’s canoe can be greatly improved and executed more easily.”

Photo by EDGAR CARDIEL

A hammock structure designed by freshmen interior design and architecture studios stands on the front lawn outside of the Olen Hendrix building April 17. The design was brought to life in an effort to protect Harding’s trees.

EMMA WEBER opinions editor

Photo by MACY COX

Sophomore John Gamble and assistant professor of music Chuck Hicks stand on the stage where “Belles and Beaux” performed on the day of the solar eclipse April 8. After 55 years of Harding involvement, Hicks decided to take a new direction. will continue to empower students in their

Photo by Mufasa Lopez Students hold up their awards won at the regional Steel Bridge Competition at the University of Tennessee at Martin April 4-6. In Harding’s fourth year to compete, the group placed first and will go to nationals at Louisiana Tech May 31 and June 1. schools at nationals, and we’re

Social clubs launch home run derby charity event

Social clubs Ju Go Ju and Galaxy introduced their first annual home run derby to benefit the Child Safety Center. The event took place April 14 at the Harding Softball Complex, and all Harding social clubs were encouraged to participate. Admission was free, and every pitch was $1, which went to the charity. The Child Safety Center in Searcy aims to prevent the re-victimization of sexually abused children.

Senior Kayla Harper said she aimed for the event to spotlight the Child Safety Center.

Harper said the student body responded positively to the event and was eager to get involved.

“I think an event like this shows that Harding’s student body cares about the Searcy community and is willing to support, celebrate and raise awareness for causes that need it,” Harper said. “I have been overwhelmed by the willingness of students wanting to help serve and participate in this event. I am honored to be a part of a student body with a heart to serve and love those around us.”

“We were thrilled when Galaxy reached out and asked to partner with us,” Harper said. “It allows us to do more and raise more awareness. We want others in the Harding and Searcy community to see this center’s amazing work and celebrate it by hosting this event.”

Galaxy service director junior Logan Lacey said the drive for the event was hope and a good cause.

“Events like this are just a reflection of what truly matters to the University student body,” Lacey said. “You can ask any of the participants, and while they will be having so much fun, the fire lies in the fact that we are helping such a good cause. This event brings me great optimism personally.”

Lacey said the event had volunteers and social club members participate.

“While some guys are participating, we also have volunteers ready to oversee the operation and even toss the balls for the home run hitters,” Lacey said. “With a little help from Kayla’s creativity, I’m looking forward

to using a sporty activity to protect children in unfortunate circumstances.”

Sophomore Claire Faulkner said Ju Go Ju has a connection with the Child Safety Center through one of the club’s sponsors, Darby Gaines, who is the executive director of the Child Safety Center and that the club looked forward to participating.

“Ju Go Ju is excited and honored to host this home run derby to benefit the Child Safety Center,” Faulkner said. “Having the opportunity to serve Ju Go Ju and the Searcy community this semester has been an immense blessing.”

Student Publications wins awards at ACMA conference

Summer spectacular: a word search puzzle challenge

ABBEY WILLIAMS lifestyle editor

Freshman Brooks Lucas swings his bat for the first annual Ju Go Ju and Galaxy home run derby charity event. The event took place April 14 and raised money for the Child Safety Center in Searcy.

Photo by BRILEY KEMPER

Student Publications members Eli Dean, Macy Cox, Tiane Davis, Randi Tubbs and Alyson Voigt hold certificates from the Arkansas College Media Associates awards. The event took place April 12 at Ouachita Baptist University.

Photo provided by MACY COX

Senior Tiane Davis, editor-in-chief for The Bison, was awarded “Newspaper Editor of the Year” by the Arkansas College Media Association April 12.

Maggie Samples, Ben Evans, Emma Weber, Randi Tubbs, Macy Cox and Nic Fraraccio received multiple awards at the ACMA conference.

Graphics by BEN EVANS

Graphic by ABBEY WILLIAMS, MAKAYLA MCDONALD, BEN EVANS