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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 together’ remember ‘I‘This want to beneeds able to family come Never Never forget forget search update Presidential Mike Williams named University’s sixth president and tell their stories’

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 Photo by MADISON 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 Trustees, said in a statement at theMEYER 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 membersD. traveled to New York City from hired Dr. Michael Williams publicly accepts the Harding presidency at a press conference in Cone Chapel on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

Williams has served as ofHer theproject announcement.

Ganus said.

“I’m looking forward to the by the University for thiswhat process. learned about the terrorists’ motives and the the National Guard patrolled was an members traveled to New York City from hired documented the visit to the of the announcement.

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

Journalists would often new Sept.

8-12 to observe the 20th president at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama, 2015.

York College, continuing “We are conductingsince a nationwide search Alumnus Charles Ganus, boardanniversary member U.S.president government’s responsethe in mission real time.of investigation.

Journalists would often new Sept.

8-12 Charles 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 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 business acumen ofas an experienced relationships that need to going toTrinity let theChurch church be the church, and with the Churches of Christ, announced Harding — continuing forbe it mended,” to be the for a president that will who leaduniversity Harding and chairman of 2001, the presidential search EVERETT KIRKMAN For Blackstone, Sept.

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

11, terrorist attacks on chapel, and the Engine 54, with the Churches9of Christ,on announced Harding — continuing for itplane to be the Ladder for a president that area will to lead Harding andthe chairman of the Center presidential search 4, Battalion firehouse 8th Ave. day off.

Unaware of the initial crash, enter the Red Cross find someone World Trade in New York the appointment a 9new president on June special place hasofneed been. look forward University its Cross vision as a Christ-centered committee, said while Center the process isNew ongoing, president.

Hein received overwhelming support Williams said.it“We toIcome together. we can still be aofpowerful influence in the editor-in-chief day off.

Unaware the initial plane crash, enter the Red area to find someone the World Trade 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, saidstudent while the ongoing,an University in Manhattan.

Fifteen firefighters the second plane hit the second tower, 12, willing toof their story.

City.

Each on process the tripisfulfilled 2020. Dr. Samuel A. Smith, an alumnus towhen the next president building onBecause that.” the presidential search committee’s roleanfrom institution higher education,” Walker said This when the second plane hit the second tower, willing to share their story.

City.

Each student on the trip fulfilled in Midtown Manhattan.

Fifteen firefighters the board of trustees.” family needs to come together.

I kingdom of God — while staying in our lane.” the president building that.” of moment, higher education,” Walker said to thehonors presidential search committee’s role 12, 2020.

Dr. Samuel Smith, an alumnus from Engine Co.served 54 A. went to the World herOther twonext cell phones,also landline and on BlackBerry “At that that firefighter became contract on ahe topic related to 9/11, institution the college, has as president since colleges affiliated withbinds the of inWilliams February.

“We are searching for a mature ishonors now over.

He said and other board Wednesday, Oct. 27, Dr. Michael herOther two cell phones, landline and BlackBerry “At thatnotified moment, thatFaulkner firefighter became believe contract on ahe topic related to 9/11, in from Engine Co. 54 went to to the World the board what binds usat together —time. what Williams said heSept. looks forward rekindling colleges also affiliated with the Trade isOn now over.

He said and other board February.

“We aresaid. searching for a to mature of the college, has served as2001, president since Center on 11, and none all began to ring the same After my client,” Shock “It was up me to the events surrounding it and the effects July 6, 2020, after spending nearly 20 years Churches of Christ have recently gone of the church of Christ who is led members were grateful for theHarding time and ofmember all began to ring at the same time.

After my client,” Shock said.

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

11, 2001, and none D.members Williams was announced as trustees ofthe hischurch decision to resign on familyoftogether — have isshe so much stronger relationships that he had lost with colleagues at Churches ofthe Christ recently gone Christ who isthe led were grateful for the time and member July 6, 2020, after spending nearly years — the most men from a20single learning events, was advised to returned ensure of he had a safeof experience that did this felt worldwide. a variety atmen Lipscomb. presidential transitions. the word of God the Holythat Spirit, effort every committee member put C. into byensure learning ofbigger the events, she was advised to in had a safeand experience did through felt worldwide. returned —of theroles most lost fromSmith’s a single University’s sixth president.

Dr. Robert ofheOct. 27. so home much than what pulls us apart.

Harding when he wasat here before.

Moving through presidential transitions. effortThe every committee into morning bynot theexploit word of God Spirit, in a variety of roles Lipscomb.

Smith’s company that day.

The firefighters stay and rest up for the work that engine him, thatand didthe notHoly put him in a and group visited themember Sept.

11put Memorial will that take day. placeThe today.

Onhome Aug.and 5, Lipscomb in inauguration narrowing the visited searchthe forSept. the University’s the that spread the gospel of a stay rest up forUniversity the work that not exploittohim, didof not put him in The group 11 Memorial committed engine company firefighters Walker, of board of trustees, shared their personal with what the ensue in Lipscomb days and weeks to come. zone that would unhealthy him, and andpresident Museum at the ground zero on Thursday, committed Onhave Aug. 5, University in there to the spread theforgospel of Sowould narrowing the search for the University’s inauguration willhe take today.

After meeting in be person inofSearcy during we toTennessee, come together to craft a bold, he said aimsplace tostories highlight “Smith proven himself bethe a the forward, andwould focused strengthening next would ensue in days andannounced weeks to come. zone that be on unhealthy for him,the and Nashville, andpresident.

Museum at ground zero on Thursday, Christ there sharedhas their personal stories to with students and faculty and shared memories “All of the Turner networks, all of also to accompany him to and through the Sept.

9. While there, Jack made the announcement on Dr. behalf of Shock, the the Nashville, Tennessee, announced the Christ and focused on strengthening the next president.

“Smith has proven himself to be a week of Homecoming, Walker said the ambitious vision for the future of Harding makes a Harding education relevant today. 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 that had been lost. them — even like TNT, TBS — they were interview.” distinguished professor ofCone communication, University in its pursuit of excellence in appointment of the university ’s 18th On Oct. 30, 2020, theinretirement of Dr. Harding thoughtful listener with a visionary spirit,” board at a press conference Chapel. board reconvened in a meeting on University.” can dream allchairman day long what R. Wayne White, ofabout 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 “We colleagues been lost. saidthat onehad of chairman the most memorable all simulcasting CNN, including CNN Shock described the many interviews president wasMcLarty interviewed by multiple news outlets — Dr. Candice McQueen, former higher education.”

Bruce asconcluded University president was Dr.Stinnett R. Wayne White, of the York This announcement a nine-month, Zoom on Tuesday, Oct. 26.

Williams said he Williams said the faculty, staff, alumni we think it ought to be, but really if the College Board of Trustees, said.

“After Tennessee commissioner of education and announced to the Harding community via Two weeks after this announcement, all simulcasting CNN,said. including CNN moments Shock described the many interviews was interviewed by multiple news Stinnettofsaid ofto theher most memorable theone trip was reading International,” Blackstone “The thinking heweeks took part in, where he stood directly Tennessee about his experiences at ground zerooutlets invia the that commissioner of education and interviewing announced to the Harding community Two after this announcement, College Board of Trustees, said.

“After nationwide search for a president. several great candidates, it former dean of the university’s department Harding constituents received an email anabout emailhis from Board of Trustees Chairman officially accepted the presidency at around and students Harding must collaborate. world thinks it’s irrelevant, it doesn’t really International,” Blackstone “The thinking he took part in, and where stood directly experiences atattacks. ground Shock zero in was the that moments trip topeople her was reading names of of the the 2,977 that diedit was, there’s point in ussaid. clamoring over the behind the camera theheinterviewer, weeks following the former dean no of the university’s department Harding constituents received an emailas of an email from Boardon of Trustees interviewing several greatexperiences candidates, The board announced in October was apparent that Smith’s in education.

McQueen was the first female from the presidential search committee, Dr. Robert Walker behalf ofChairman the2020 entire was, there’s no point in us clamoring over behind the camera and the interviewer, as weeks following the attacks.

Shock was the names of the 2,977 people that died 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.

“We’ve right all got diverse opinions — and on matter,” Williams said.

“Finding relevance seeingthat their faces in photos andin now, we just need centralize a presence of familiarity. called to Walker New York by a former the presidential searchpresidential committee, president ofresources education.

McQueen was theto first female higher Dr. 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 board.

On Feb. 10, Walker the from resources right now, we just need toofsaid. centralize a presence of familiarity. called toIrby, New York bymarketing a announced former student, onour 9/11, seeing their faces in photos anda that Dr. Bruce McLarty would retire as Williams said it did not quite feel real that’s how God made us,” Williams “He in mission and how that really makes learning more about their individual lives. the message.”

“I could stop the interview if I saw him Darren national officer of president hired in the Church of Christ requesting input 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 of 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. president, citing “an extremely drove into Searcy.

Heclear said after us diverse perspectives, and itstopped would difference theeasy world is absolutely critical.”

“Ichallenges thinkinit’s to define those ahead.” people Blackstone said the channel in he distress, and I made that with the gave the American Red Cross, tochallenging assist with Reduntil school’s 130-year history. formation of a presidential search committee candidates.

The survey included questions the and opportunities Candidates foreasy the role of Harding president “IBlackstone am confident that her vision, deep regarding characteristics qualities inthe a campus-wide The committee the channel stopped in distress, and thatand clear with one the berunning American Red email.

Cross, to assist with Redliving “I think it’s to define those people business environment,” as leading the change.

by Student their death,” Stinnett said.

“I mean it for two full weeks. reporter,” Shock said.

“The number Cross media relations. here for overI made 28 years, he considers ludicrous for said me breaks to think Ivision, have some Association President Ethan “I amcommercial confident that her deep will regarding characteristics and qualities in a campus-wide email.

Thethree committee 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 Dr.included David Burks has now served as interim 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 Searcy home. kind of unique vision about the future that of Brazell attended thethen press conference, and students, alumni, faculty and staff considered expertise, passion for faith-based education seven board members, three Harding will interview with the University board trustees, who will 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 — buthethey deserve for their fullon stories to said.love “There was no rulebook for this.to thethe subject, especially at this brutal time.

Marriott Marquis whereHarding he metalumni. with the most president for nearly a year. and for Lipscomb willneeds lead usNothing boldly important for a president what faculty members and three of who willpublicly then finalists.

At press conference, Williams said ““ nobody else has.

The vision be this The said was reassured tovote hear board has not announced a into new season greatness, exemplified theespecially president should beand prepared Upon the announcement of met theSeptember search said.athis “There was noof rulebook for this.

Nothing theDr. subject, at this brutal time.

Marriott Marquis where he with the challenges —trustees, but they deserve for their fulltoWilliams’ stories to be remembered and told.

I want be able like had ever happened.

Like, when is rest of his team each morning in Ginger Blackstone, associate professor Williams has served as president Faulkner into athis new season of greatness, exemplified Upon the announcement ofofin the search the should be prepared The board hasthey not publicly announced a hechallenges admired the president hard work and dedication tapestry ofhad everybody contributing to what optimistic perspective of IHarding moving 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 September be remembered and told. 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, in Shock told the students ofsince histhe two toofaddress. excellence, and immersion in committee, Walker also announced date on which they to announce University Montgomery, Alabama, of the heroic men and women who paved the full potential and bandwidth of Harding forward as an institution. 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 students. is appropriate?” weeksShock at ground with the Red Cross.

In the meantime, Ganus said hethe felt blessed University our we work to decision appointment of also anzero executive search firm, regarding the new 2015.

Faulkner is associated with transform the lives our students,” David bythe Dr. David Burks’ interim CarterBaldwin, to aid the search for athe new the way in 1924 forsharing what Harding isstudents. today. can be.”asoftogether “His message of unity andhiring. mending past is itcommunity appropriate?” weeks at ground with the Red Cross. seating area, withpresidency. transform the lives of our students,” David

by Dr. David Burks’ interim presidency.

CarterBaldwin, aid to thehis search for a new churches of Christ.to Prior presidency at “At Harding University, we have a In the face of what he described as young relationships was powerful,” Brazell said. “I Faulkner, Williams spent 28 years at Harding, remarkable, and a rich heritage,” Williams people leaving religion as a whole at a rapid think this is a special place, and Dr. Williams most recently as vice president of advancement. said. “A legacy that needs to be remembered rate, Williams said he thinks it is time to is the perfect fit to lead this University. I’m He also served as director of admissions and honored. But, the board of trustees did have a refresh. He said he believes it is time looking forward to interacting with him more and assistant vice president of enrollment not appoint me to be a curator of Harding’s for a new restoration. in the future as we work together to make services in previous years. Williams earned past — they asked me to champion her future.

“We need to restore first century love,” this school an even better place.” both his bachelor’s and master’s of business So I aspire to be an architect — a passionate Williams said. “We need to restore first The Faulkner board of trustees congratulated Brands Association wrote a letter to the GABRIEL HUFF administrationGABRIEL from Harding.

He received architect — of a contemporary of century compassion, first century mercy. We Williams at a simultaneous press conference Brands Association aexpression letter to the president requesting clarification, asst. copy HUFF editor problems instead ofwrote attacking the asking woman GABRIEL HUFFfrom the our a doctorate of higher education president requesting clarification, asking asst. copy editor historical mission.” problems instead of attacking the woman questions such as, “Must an employee who’s already in a tough situation, I think need to run towards broken humanity with on Faulkner’s campus.

GABRIEL asst. copy HUFF editor such “Must employee University of ePennsylvania. who’s already inas, atotough situation, think the intensity of the holy one. We need to give said despite a an challenging “The board has confidence in the strength In an f f oasst. r t tcopy o c ueditor r b COV I D - 1 9 questions beWilliams vaccinated to work?” and “What wefully wouldn’t have ban abortions toI make I n Ina nasaid ePresident f fWilliams ovote, r t tthe o cSupreme uperfectly r bBiden COV I Dthe -of1on 9 landscape, be fully vaccinated work?” and “What Walker fits we wouldn’t havething.” toto ban abortions tohas make numbers, Joe said are the consequences ofUniversity falsifying one’s heabelieves the a this generation a reason to stay.” of the administration and faculty at Faulkner,” 5-4 Court the abortions rare numbers, President Joe Biden saidU.S. are the consequences of falsifying one’s In9a 5-4 vote, therequesting Supreme Court ofon thegreater abortions a or rare thing.”

Sept. that hedeclined is the vaccination testing status andposition. does the board’s profile established forto the University’s United States block Texas’ new Freshman Skyler secretary capacity than itsMarcellus, current Williams said he does not view the church a representative said in a statement on behalf vaccination or testing status and does the Sept.

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

1.to to for HU Students for Life, said he agreed next president. said without compromising theological as an organization but as a people. of Faulkner board of trustees chairman Dale responsibility rest with the individual Depar tment ofmore Labor to100 require abortion law on Sept.

1. the HU Life, said he agreed companies with than employees orfor employer?”

Texas law, coined Texas Heartbeat with theStudents Texas lawfor because aligns with “I amThe pleased today that we have foundall convictions, the University must itadapt, excel “At least in my opinion — and I think the Kirkland. “We know this school is in strong companies with more than 100 employees employer?”

The Texas law, coined the Texas Heartbeat theKlein, Texasvalues. law because it aligns L ori assistant professor of mandate COVID-19 vaccinations or orwith Act, seeks to prevent when a fetal his Christian Furthermore, he with said thetoright person,” Walkerabortions said at the press andhis courageously move forward. board is absolutely with me on this — we hands. We will work diligently to get us L ori Klein, assistant professor of to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations or Act, seeks to prevent abortions when a fetal Christian values.

Furthermore, he said history and political science, said Harding weekly testing. heartbeat or cardiac activity is detected in the law holds people more accountable for conference.

“He is a mature, spiritually sound Williams said Harding’s vision befor are going to let the church be the church,” through this transition.” and political science, saidcannot Harding weekly testing. heartbeat orwhich cardiac activity is80detected in history the holds people more accountable University would also be subject to these The mandate will affectbegins million the womb, typically around theirlaw actions and saves lives. and the Christ-centered man.

He aligns with crafted by him alone.

Williams will assume the Harding The mandate will affect 80 million University would also be subject to these womb, which typically begins around their actions and saves lives. em l o y e einto s , wpregnancy. h i c h i s More a l m o specifically, s t t w o - mandates if that theywebecome effective — Williams said. “Harding University is not sixp weeks “I believe need to fix the systems ourethirds mission and understands our culture.

“I intend to reach out to our passionate the church.

We are going to stay in our lane. presidency on June 1, 2022.

Until then, Burks m p l o y e e s , w h i c h i s a l m o s t t w o mandates if they become effective — six weeks into pregnancy.

More specifically, “I believe that we need to fix the systems Photo

by MADISON MEYER the private sector to workforce, hasgovernment more than is100 employees the actofpermitted individuals sue anyone since that itthe trying to fix with Hethirds brings vision, strategic thinking and the Photo by MADISON MEYER 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 Flowers are propped up beneath an American flag at the Engine 54, Ladder alumni — to listen, to engage and to mend We are going to do what we do best.

We are will continue to serve as interim president. 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.

Flowers are9propped upon beneath aninAmerican at the Engine 54, Ladder Battalion firehouse 8th Ave., Midtown flag Manhattan commemorating who performs or assists abortions.

The law abortion,” Marcellus said.

“So I believe according AP News.

Thefall task of it applies forand religious exemption. allows citizens to produce lawsuits instead of unless we need to gosaid in wean need to fix the 4, However, she such exemption issuing thetomandates will upon 4, Battalion 9 firehouse Ave., Midtown Manhattan commemorating firefighters who diedon on8th Sept.

11.in This firehouse lost the most firefighters allows citizens to produce lawsuits instead of However, we need to gosaid inbecause, and wean need toasfixto the she exemption issuing the mandates will upon necessitating public officials tofall enforce the foster system.

Isuch believe we need go the may becare difficult as far she the Occupational Safety and Health the9/11. firefighters who died on Sept. 11. This firehouse lost the most firefighters necessitating public officials enforce the may system.

I believe wesystems need go on becare difficult as far as to she the Occupational Safety and Health law.

If plaintiffs win a case, they can obtain inaware, and we need tobecause, fix all that Administration (OSHA), atoregulatory isfoster the Church of these Christ does not on 9/11. law.

If plaintiffs win adepartment. case, canBiden obtain in and we need to all systems that Administration (OSHA), adamages regulatory aware, the Church of‘Ifthese Christ does not a minimum $10,000 in they along is the is fix like, youvaccinations just have an agency of theoflabor have agovernment precedent of rejecting awith minimum $10,000 in an damages along have the is like, ‘Ifwill youvaccinations have an attorneys’ fees. department. abortion, this other bejust taken care agovernment precedent of rejecting agency ofJADA the labor Biden also said he of would sign executive as“Deanna a group, though individuals can apply ROBISON has been astuff consistent example McClure also said she believes Hutson has “She’s been the sweetest friend, and I believe withsaid attorneys’ fees. abortion, this other stuff will be taken care set a tone around the Harding campus of what set the tone of kingdom-minded friendship Texas Governor Greg Abbott signedofas ofa ’exemptions. because they areindividuals not trying to fixapply those group, though can also he would an executive Christ’s love and compassion,” sophomore order to mandate allsign federal employees for guest writer Texas Governor Greg Abbott of ’exemptions. because they are not trying torid fixserve those act into law inall May, allowing it signed to takeReagan systems; they’re just trying to here get of the it looks like to be a Christ-minded friend.

McClure said.

“She truly to order to mandate federal employees for tothe get vaccinated, exempting them from “You have to have a isbasis,” Klein said. throughout DGR and theby campus,” McClure said.

Photo MADISON MEYER and ishave most a gracious winner.” the into 1. law inexempting May, itthe to take systems; they’re just‘Itrying to get rid of the effect Sept.

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

Furthermore, “You can’t just say, religiously.’

CAROLINE BIRDWELL Hutson said being nominated was a surprise Photo byCOVID-19 MADISON MEYER Second year pharmacy student Claudia Sifford administers effect Sept.

1. have criticized the problem overloading those systems.” law, saying sixSome weeks is not enoughwill timenew for “You weekly testing options.

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

We don’t vaccination head copy editor toSifford her,insothe winning was aRoom surreal experience and at the student vaccine Claudia clinic held Liberty on Aug. 27.

Second yearshots pharmacy administers COVID-19 law, saying six weeks is not enough time for You someone seek abortion.

There are also beginning Oct. 1,animmigrants will be to say We don’t vaccination shots at the vaccine clinic aheld have,have sorttoof,bea able history in why. the Churches required toto receive vaccinations as well reminder that Jesus is working through her. in the Liberty Room on Aug. 27. seek abortion.

There are also have, controversies regarding the medical “Very Kelley said. …

“Because delivered by law rather than an executive sort saying of, a history in the required receive vaccinations asaccuracy well of Christ we don’t do Churches that.” tosomeone become residents.

After overtoatopermanent year ofanCOVID-19 protocols “It wasimportant,” very surprising because being [a of a distancing, term used in the the bill: fetal heartbeat. controversies regarding medical accuracy delivered by law rather than an executive we “Very important,” said.

“Because know thathas a been lot Kelley of folks who have Klein said. saying don’t do that.” become permanent residents.

Klein also saidwethe mandate would order, The announcements supplement the of Christ andtosocial Harding was able to have nursing major] pretty busy the last two Some professionals have said a heart does of a term used in the bill: fetal heartbeat. we know that a lot of folks who have order, Klein said. immune systems that don’t respond as A Centers for Disease Control and applyalso to students.

Biden administration’s six-prong plan The announcements supplement the notKlein said the mandate would Homecoming back at its fullest capacity and semesters, so I feel like I haven’t been as present not form around six weeks into pregnancy. professionals have said a Hutson heartplan does not“ The committee metControl Sept. 22and to robustly did not of an A Centers for Disease immune systems thatsodon’t respond as celebrated by crowning senior toSome reduce the spread of Deanna the coronavirus are not covered by Prevention Biden administration’s six-prong applystudents to students. as I’ve wanted to bedevelop … it enough really caught me Senior Julia Carrell said she was disappointed not form around six weeks into pregnancy. discuss who should be eligible for a immune response; it looks like from the as to the 2021 Homecoming Queen.

Prevention committee met Sept.

22 to robustly did not develop enough of an and keepthe thespread countr on coronavirus track. The that provision,” said.covered “They are “ The studentsKlein are not by reduce ofythe off guard in a good way,” Hutson said. “I think it with the Texas Heartbeat Act. Senior Julia Carrell said was disappointed Hutson represented social club of the Pfizerwith the that they discuss whobooster shoulddose be eligible for a data immune response; it booster looks from the plan listed or tswomen’s to vaccinate the that moreprovision,” likely to be Klein affected by testing said.

“They and are COVID-19 and keep theeff countr y she on track.

The was just really coolthird to get to havelike that experience “Ideally, the government should attack the Delta Gamma Rho (DGR).

Hutson is a nursing with the Texas Heartbeat Act. BioNTech vaccine.

A U.S. Food and Drug are.

So it ’s just taking a little bit more data with the third booster that they COVID-19 booster dose of the Pfizervaccine requirements for large venues unvaccinated, administer booster shots, plan listed eff or ts to vaccinate the more likely to be affected by testing and and also to just be reminded that the impact major from Tennessee.

Throughout roots ofMemphis, thethe issue,” Carrell said.

“Lotsattack of people “Ideally, government should the vaccine panel voted Sept. to to get there.”

BioNTech vaccine.

A U.S. Food and17 Drug are.

Sothem itcan ’s just a little bit impact more — football, basketball,for etc.” keep schools open, increase testing, assist unvaccinated, administer booster shots, requirements large venues Administration that Jesus havetaking is bigger than any herkeep time at University, Hutson hasimprove served searching abortion is said. aysymptom larger — Klein roots ofthe thefor issue,” Carrell “Lots ofof people the Pfizerpanel booster shots to those Administration voted Sept.

17 to we to can get have themonthere.” said basketball, states and private with economic recover and schools open, increase testing, assist football, etc.” companies approve our own.” as vice president ofabortion Harding Nursing Student issues like poverty, access toand childcare being searching for ispatients. aysymptom of larger or older who are atshots highto risk of approve the and Pfizer booster those care for COVID-19 The full may filesaid lawsuits the government Klein states and private companies 65 with economic recover improve Hutson said that seeing other members Association, an ambassador for HUchildcare Heal andbeing acan’t limited …

Itthe could bepatients. that woman issues like poverty, access illness but declined to approve 65 or older and who are at high risk of of DGR follow Jesus pushes her to follow in summary of plan cantothe be viewed on may will face challenges enforcing Biden’s severe file lawsuits and the government care for COVID-19 The full member of Phi Sigma Iota.Members ofbeDGR afford another child it the could thatcan’t the will limited … could be[or] that woman shots for other people intothe U.S. severe illness but declined approve the White House website. executive order since OSHA,Biden’s which the summary ofIt the plan can be viewed on face challenges enforcing said Hutson represents the club well and was their footsteps. woman doesn’t have emotional support.

There afford another child [or] it could be that the Assistant professor of nursing Karen Photo by MADISON MEYER Many questions arose after Biden’s serves as the primary enforcer, has only the shots for other people in the U.S. the White House website. executive order since OSHA, which deserving of the honor, but Hutson is a greater “Harding been a place54, of true, intimate are so many factors that go into deciding to 800 enforcement officers for the entire Kelley woman doesn’t have emotional support.

There Junior Emilyprofessor Stinnett tries on is a Karen firefighter’s gear athas the Engine Ladder 4, said the booster shot ver y announcement as the administration did Assistant of nursing Photo

by MADISON MEYER serves as the primary enforcer, has only Many questions arose after Biden’s representative for Christ. ccommunity and I cannot imagine my life Graphic by COOPER TURMAN take care of a child.

And if we attack those Battalion 9 firehouse on 8th Ave. in Midtown Manhattan. are so many factors that go into deciding to for those with immunoJuniortant Emily Stinnett tries on is a firefighter’s gear at the Engine 54, Ladder 4, country.

COVID-19 mandates not release course action.

Kelley said the booster shot ver y enforcement officers for the would entire impor announcement as theheart administration did 800 “She has sucha adetailed kind and isofalways without Manhattan. it,” Hutson said.

Graphic

by COOPER TURMAN take care ofasenior adetailed child.

And ifArthurs weConsumer attack those country.

Battalion firehouse on 8th Ave. in Midtown conditions. have beenCOVID-19 easier to enforce if they were compromising According to CNBC, the impor tant9for those with immunonot release course of action. mandates would serving others,” Delaney said.

Photo by MADISON MEYER compromising conditions.

“She embodies what it means to follow Christ, Senior According to CNBC, the Consumer have been easierHutson to enforce they wereHomecoming Deanna wasifcrowned queen at half time during which is something the women of Delta Gamma the football game against Arkansas Monticello on Oct. 23. Homecoming court nominees are voted on by the student body.

Rho strive to do daily.”

Students respond respond to to Students Possible vaccine vaccine mandates mandates to affect private companies, Possible to affect private companies, Supreme Court’s ruling on Supreme Court’s ruling on universities universities Texas abortion ban Texas abortion ban

2021 Homecoming queen crowned

2A

NEWS

Friday, October 29, 2021

Photo by MADISON MEYER

American Sign Language professor Debbie Woodroof interprets for Jessica Berry during chapel Oct. 25, 2021. This was the first ASL themed chapel at Harding.

Harding hosts first ASL themed chapel SHANNON KEYSER guest writer

Monday, Oct. 25, was Harding’s first-ever chapel program to focus on mission work within the Deaf community and featured Harding alumnus and missionary Tony Slate, who spoke about misconceptions about the Deaf community and outreach methods.

The program also included American Sign Language (ASL) intsructure Debbie Woodroof, who interpreted Slate’s program; junior ASL Club devotional director Will Shirel, who led worship; and junior ASL Club co-president Nick Emlaw, who interpreted worship and taught attendees one of the songs.

“I think it’s important that Harding do this because it brings awareness to a community that often gets overlooked in our society,” Emlaw said. “It enables us to be aware … and reach out to people who are often overlooked and shine the light of Jesus.”

One of the major misconceptions the program addressed was how ASL is a fundamentally different language than English.

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that you just learn a bunch of vocabulary and you sign it in English word order,” Woodroof said. “It’s cause for big communication misunderstandings because the syntax [of ASL] is so different from English. We assume that deaf people know English, but it’s their second language. Their first language is American Sign Language.”

Woodroof said Churches of Christ have historically not been in the forefront of ministering to the deaf, and the program aimed to bring the Deaf community to the Harding community’s attention.

“Deaf people tend to be a disenfranchised population and [are] underserved,” Woodroof said. “[The chapel program was] bringing awareness of that.”

Photo by CAROLINE PALMER

The postal wagon and post office unit are the focus of the exhibit. Postcards may be mailled free of charge through the exhibit until Nov. 5, 2021.

We try to bring them joy and show them that they are not forgotten and that there are people who are making an effort to be a part of their culture.

– Lauren Mastellar ASL club co-president

Harding’s ASL Club also works to raise awareness of the Deaf community. On campus, the club holds meetings and hosts silent dinners and game nights in which the participants cannot speak to communicate.

They also engage in off-campus activities to reach out to the Deaf community.

“The club takes field trips to the Sylvan Hills Church of Christ, and we get to join in on their deaf worship service,” junior ASL

club co-president Lauren Masteller said.

“We also go to the Arkansas School for the Deaf and make more connections there. We also do caroling, going around to different nursing homes and deaf adults, and we try to bring them joy and show them that they are not forgotten and that there are people who are making an effort to be a part of their culture and reach out to them.”

For students interested in learning ASL, Harding currently offers ASL 1, 2 and 3, along with American Deaf Culture. Students are also invited to join the ASL Club, whether they have taken ASL classes or not. The club meets Thursdays at 3:45 p.m. in the Swaid Center for Health Sciences in room 214.

“There is absolutely no experience necessary to join the ASL club,” Masteller said. “It’s really come as you are. Come and expect to learn but also to develop friendships that will last well throughout college, and we’ll give you the tools to reach out to different communities.”

Photo by CAROLINE PALMER

Owney, based on a real dog from Albany, New York, traveled internaionally with the post office. Artifacts were donated by an arrray of sources.

Interactive exhibit on Postal Service in Benson

ERIC JOHNSON opinions editor In the lobby of the George S. Benson Auditorium, the History and Political Science Department is hosting an interactive exhibit on the United States Postal Service. The exhibit opened Oct. 20 and will remain up until Nov. 5.

The exhibit is titled “To Bind the Nation Together: The United States Postal Service Mission Since 1775” and is being funded by the Clifton L. Ganus Jr. Endowment for History and Political Science. Professor of history Dr. Kevin Klein serves as the chair for the Endowment, a position he has held since 2017, and led the effort to establish the exhibit.

The Ganus Endowment, which seeks to promote student access to history, particularly for majors in the department, began hosting exhibits in the Benson lobby two years ago.

In fall 2019, the Ganus Endowment brought in a 10 foot by 10 foot piece of the Berlin Wall in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Berlin Wall coming down.

Klein sought to follow this first exhibit up with another one in fall 2020. With it being

an election year, Klein wanted to make sure the exhibit was deliberately non-partisan, relevant and shared a message of national unity. These considerations led Klein to create an exhibit honoring the U.S. Postal Service, as the agency’s founding purpose — “to bind the nation together” — perfectly captured the spirit he was hoping the exhibit would embody.

“There’s a lot more around us that functions than we often realize,” Klein said. “It’s the things that are broken that we notice the most, and we’ve been seeing so many things broken in the last two years that it’s easier to forget the things that aren’t broken.”

The two main artifacts on display include a post office unit and a postal wagon, which were both loaned from the Pioneer Village Museum through the White County Historical Society. In addition, the Jacksonport State Park loaned several additional artifacts, including a postal scale and saddle bags.

Angela Gibbs, a Harding graduate from the History Department, is the curator of the Jacksonport State Park museum and assisted in this process.

On the ledge of the postal station, there is an array of postcards with pictures from

Harding’s history. These postcards represent the main attraction of the exhibit: anyone can take a postcard, fill it out, drop it in the letterbox found in the middle of the postal station and the History Department will take care of the postage and send the letter. All of this is free of charge. The last day to send one of these letters will be the last day the exhibit is in the Benson: Nov. 5. The postcards were produced by Harding Press, and the photos were individually selected by Klein.

It’s the things that are broken that we notice the most, and we’ve been seeing so many things broken in the last two years that it’s easier to forget the things that aren’t broken.

– Kevin Klein professor of history

The exhibit also includes several other displays, including a showcase on the brief history of the usage of V-mail during World

War II and a kid-friendly stuffed dog named Owney. The artifacts found in this V-mail showcase come from the Klein family, and the creation of Owney was a collaborative effort with the Departments of Art and Design and Family and Consumer Sciences.

Finally, the exhibit includes a brief video played on loop on a small flatscreen television set up on a table beside the postal wagon. The video is entitled “Men and Mail in Transit” and was created by the federal government in the 1950s to inform the public on the inner workings of the postal system.

Klein called the exhibit a practice in public history, which, in addition to educating and engaging with the Harding community, creates an opportunity for history students to learn the skills of curatorship. Sophomore Thomas Reynolds has been involved in the set up and management of the exhibit, serving as an intern for Klein. In addition to learning about the evolution of the postal service through American history, Reynolds hopes students take advantage of the opportunity to send a letter through the exhibit.

“It’s special to get something in the mail,” Reynolds said. “It means more than a text you can send in 20 seconds.”

OPINIONS 3A

TheLink.Harding.edu

A more perfect union Eric Johnson

The male gaze

Anna Claire Williams Guest Writer

M

aturing, for me, meant learning that I do not exist for the male gaze.

Growing up the youngest of five daughters, I spent many hours dreaming of my wedding, my senior prom and any event that I could wear a frilly and sequined dress and people would compliment me for my appearance. By high school, my friends and I prayed for votes to get the glory of wearing a sash and fake tiara and parading across the football field during halftime of the biggest football game of the season. It was not until college when I started to see this as problematic.

Each year, all clubs and organizations are asked to nominate a senior girl of high achievement in good standing to be voted upon by the entire student body for Homecoming queen. There is a loud absence of a Homecoming king — a title that could possibly excuse the unnecessary need for Homecoming maids to begin with. But that’s an article for another time. Women are called to the supposed “honor” of Homecoming maid for their achievements and involvement at the school but are only rewarded with a seemingly objectifying pageant for men to gaze upon and vote for the woman they find

Silas Foster Guest Writer

I

t seems to be human nature to always strive to have more — that the grass is always greener on the other side. Many people would throw away half of their life — and perhaps all their life — to obtain this sense of success where they no longer need to worry about anything. The sad part is life does not last long. It seems humans can adapt to fight anything, but death is the one thing that life will always fall victim to. The clutches of death may come later in life after you have met all your life’s goals and reached the pinnacle of your existence, or it may take hold of you as you are in the middle of climbing that mountain of success. What good is it to strive for something that can vanish in the blink of an eye? Perhaps life isn’t about the destination, but instead about the journey. Rather than focusing on some end goal in the distant future, we should instead enjoy each day as it comes to us.

Throughout time, literature depicting heroes has been extremely popular. There is a sense of satisfaction that can be felt in seeing through the eyes of people who have it all. Whether it be people who have money and authority, absolute power or even an underdog who rises from nothing to obtain everything. History’s

Cooper Richardson

Opinions Editor

the most attractive. I wish there was a way for a woman to be appreciated for her creativity, her intelligence and her kind actions without the need for an expensive, tight dress and makeup.

Maybe we have been taught to find the male gaze empowering because it is all we know. The male gaze is a term to describe how men are empowered by the sexualizing and objectifying view of women, seen in films, social media, the work place, schools and anywhere else that both men and women coexist.

The week of Homecoming: Our accomplished Homecoming maids were flaunted on the Benson stage, somewhere women are not welcome at 9 a.m. for chapel.What a humiliating disservice to women to discredit our unity with the Holy Spirit but applaud us for our silent and smiling appearance in an evening gown. I dream of a day where a woman is able to take the microphone to speak with pride of her own list of accomplishments and involvements without the inherent need for the male Student Association president to be her voice-over.

Maybe one day even farther away in this parallel universe, a woman will be able to speak from behind the podium on the Benson stage and

preach her savior’s beautiful and good news without the warning of her presence being ruled an announcement.

Maybe we are all preaching the sweet name of Jesus all the time just by the lovely existence of humanity and community. Maybe the rules are missing the mark. We can only hope this is the case.

At this rate, we will never earn true autonomy.

Every win for women is still a loss because it has to first be decided by men. So, what do we do? As for me, I toil, mourn and listen. We hope we find peace in the reassuring tones of those older and wiser — those who have been bruised by the patriarchy long before I wrote an article arguing the existence of Homecoming queens.

So, I ask you to join me in viewing things from a scorned woman’s perspective. Covered by the front honoring powerful and accomplished women on campus, maybe the crowning of Homecoming queens is problematic and only perpetuates the male gaze.

is no comfort in wisdom; without failure we can’t appreciate the excitement of success. In this way the “scary” part of growing up is essential.

But it is also good. The courage it takes to face the unknown and the perseverance required to get back up after falling on your face are both examples of growth. In fact, the scary parts of growing up are in and of themselves the way we grow up, and that is good.

My wish for you today is that you’ll go and listen to “Wonderful and Scary” by PEABOD and then tell me how much you love it. But, infinitely more, I hope you will take comfort in the thought that we are not alone in this scary part of life and you’ll get excited for the wonderful things to come.

COOPER RICHARDSON is a guest writer for The Bison. He may be contacted at crichardson4@harding.edu.

ERIC JOHNSON is the opinions editor for The Bison. He may be contacted at ejohnson7@harding.edu.

ANNA CLAIRE WILLIAMS is a guest writer for The Bison. She may be contacted at awilliams15@harding.edu.

given him under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 8:15).

Throughout his book, there is one clear positive that he wants readers to take away — that the only life that isn’t one of vanity, is one that is devoted to God. While all a man’s possessions can vanish in the blink of an eye, the one thing that death cannot beat is God. It is difficult to be content with the life you have, especially when you feel like you have nothing. However, it is in those times of emptiness where God is capable of completely filling you.To those who seek a life serving God, having nothing is one of the greatest blessings we could have.There is no fear of losing whatever we have; there is no fear of death, and there is no fear of living a vain life. Rather than living a life focused on success, these types of people can live a life where each day is dedicated to glorifying God. It is only in this lifestyle that a person can be freed of all their worries. Only by giving up everything for God can you obtain everything your heart desires.

SILAS FOSTER is a guest writer for The Bison. He may be contacted at sfoster10@harding.edu.

Wonderful and scary

Guest Writer

W

hen I was 10 years old, playing Pokémon with my friends was my favorite thing in the world. Maybe for you it was sharks and minnows at the pool, freeze tag on the playground or dancing in the living room to your favorite song. Looking back at those moments is fun, and I can’t help but smile a little bit while thinking about it. Ten-year-old me didn’t have any cares in the world.

But now I have fears. Not just fears of snakes, or wasps, or spiders (although, I am still afraid of those things), but real, deep fears, like letting down those I love or choosing the wrong career path. Now I have doubts. Not just doubts about picking the best starter Pokémon, but real, deep doubts.Like, is my role model the man I thought he was, or do I really love God? Growing up is scary.

Why then, did 10-year-old me so desperately want to grow up? It was because I didn’t want to go to bed at 9:30 or eat my broccoli. I wanted

staffEverett Kirkman

to become independent — and that is exactly what is happening. As I grow up, I am choosing what to believe in, deciding what values I hold and developing my character based on my own experiences and knowledge. I am becoming uniquely me. And in that way, growing up is wonderful.

PEABOD, an up-and-coming “happy” rapper, has a song describing this dichotomy, appropriately named “Wonderful and Scary.” It perfectly describes this beautiful aspect of life.

There is something infinitely special about growing up. I think it has to do with its universal and yet unique nature. Everyone has to persevere through the scary and everyone gets to enjoy the wonderful, that is universal, but everyone must experience both the wonderful and scary in a different way, and that is unique. Or maybe it’s the surprising idea that “the scary” is not only an essential part of growing up, but it is inherently good. Without our uncertainty there

I

n ages hence, I imagine that people will look back at the narrative arc of American history and see the summer of 2020 as being a pivotal moment of change. I expect that it will be interpreted as being the nation’s dramatic awakening from the post-racial myth that defined the Obama years.

The murder of George Floyd and all that came after changed the way we look at ourselves as a nation in a particulalry profound way. One might argue that this moment came with the 2016 election of former President Donald Trump, but I do not see that moment as having an equally profound effect on our self-concept.

Instead, I would say the success of the Trump campaign was a major crack in the glass of the fragile post-racial lie that had been accepted as the mainstream cultural narrative but did not break it. Perhaps the first cracks in the glass came as early as 2015 with the protests in cities such as Ferguson, Missouri, and Baltimore, Maryland, and with the birth of the Black Lives Matter movement. While these developments challenged the idea that America had entered a racism-free utopia, the final blow didn’t come until last summer.

Let’s dive into this post-racial myth concept.

Its essence can be largely captured in the statement: “How can America be racist when we elected a Black president?” As appealing as this idea might be to many, it reflects a lazy, inaccurate view of what life in America is like and how it still varies widely based on one’s skin color. Using the election of one Black man as evidence that systemic racism has completely dissappeared is simply not a logical position to hold. Yet this view was largely embraced by many-- until 2020.

The summer of 2020 can be summarized as having two distinct, yet interrelated developments.

The first was the incredible outpouring of frustration of so many people. These protests were largely led by Black activists and exposed the racial wounds that not only have failed to heal but were continuing to be irritated. Some might claim that these protests reflect more on the success that rhetoric and propaganda can have on agitating an otherwise unoppressed population into a f renzy of emotional victimization and not on actual conditions of systemic oppression. While this charge is not baseless, it surely cannot answer for the magnitude of social unrest that the world saw.

The second major development that arose from the summer of 2020 was an increase in social consciousness regarding the reality of race relations in America today. Like the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, it was a time when the veil was lifted from the eyes of many to finally confront the social injustices at play in our country in a more profound and urgent capacity.

Together, both of these developments summarize much of what exactly happened in the summer of 2020 and explain how the post-racial myth of the Obama years was finally destroyed and replaced with a new level of appreciation for our country’s continued struggle with systemic racism.

Before I close, let me acknowledge that I am painting with a very broad brush here. Of course, there were those who never adopted this post-racial myth, just as there are still those who hold onto it today. Furthermore, it is rather rash of me to categorize and impose this narrative on our history. Admittedly, reality is always more complex than any one label might suggest and fails to progress in a straight line that can be easily traced. Nonetheless, I suspect that with time we will begin to see more clearly the summer of 2020 as the pivotal moment that it was.

The fruitless pursuit of success oldest piece of literature, Gilgamesh, is an epic story depicting a man who was the strongest, wealthiest and most powerful king in all the land.

Gilgamesh is shown in these heroic tales to be a mighty man and someone who had everything his heart desired. Despite being someone who could take on monsters and divine beasts, the one thing he could not beat was death. After failing in his long journey to obtain immortality, the story ends with Gilgamesh showing off all that he has been able to accomplish to his boatman. Death is not an enemy that makes life meaningless, but instead it is what makes life so valuable.

A more well-known work of literature would be Ecclesiastes, which is a book written from the point of view of an extremely wise king who had everything. In the book, this king in all his wisdom complained that after all his success, everything he has built, everything he has obtained, all the wisdom he has, all his wealth, everything he has gained on his road to success is vanity. He then goes on to implore the reader to enjoy life, “For man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has

The glass has been broken

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

April Fatula faculty adviser

Erin Booher Ella Duryea

Silas Foster Shannon Keyser

Cooper Richardson Jada Robison

Hayley Kate Webb Michael Wester

Anna Claire Williams

guest contributors

4A

OPINIONS

Friday, October 29, 2021

Work in progress Everett Kirkman

Editor-in-Chief

Classic dumb blonde I

’ve noticed that I’ve stopped courtesy laughing as much lately. I don’t know exactly what flip switched within me, but I have not cared as much about being “polite” and laughing at the things I don’t think are funny anymore.

Don’t get me wrong though, I laugh a lot. It’s not hard to make me laugh — simple commentary on a situation will normally do the trick. Oftentimes I laugh at the things that I say myself. But, lately, if someone makes a comment in front of me that screams deep-seated insecurity, or is nothing more than an overused, unoriginal, inherently misogynistic joke, I don’t make an effort to laugh. Not even an uncomfortable giggle.

“But, come on, I was kidding. Can’t you take a joke?”

“I was being ironic, don’t you get it?”

Actually, no I don’t get it. And if that’s what you consider a joke, then no, I guess I can’t. Maybe I’m jaded. Maybe I’m overly cynical. But, to me, for something to actually be ironic, it should be obvious that you do not mean what you are saying. If you are saying something actually ironic, you believe the opposite of what you are saying.

Telling a sexist joke, even under a false veil of irony, hurts women.

At their best, these types of jokes are bad humor. At their worst, they prop up the very sexist structures that I like to think were shattered decades ago. I continue to be proved wrong.

I’m tired of lazy, recycled humor from the good ole days of blatant sexism and chauvinism.

Michael Wester Guest Writer

I

f you’ve been on campus long enough, chances are you’ve heard this familiar phrase. Maybe you heard it for the first time as a prospective student on a tour from an admissions counselor, or maybe from the mouth of a disgruntled upperclassman, sarcastically verbalizing their frustrations with the establishment that is Harding.

Whether it was said with 100% conviction, or completely ironically, there is no escaping the unofficial mantra of Harding University, but it begs the question: Is it really great to be at Harding?

At this point, I’ve probably lost some of you; you might be thinking, “If this guy hates Harding so much, then why is he here?” Don’t get me wrong; I love Harding.

I love the people, and I love being here.

But in the same way we cannot overlook flaws in a person because of our love for them, we must not overlook Harding’s shortcomings in blind devotion to our university. All of us have different reasons for choosing Harding. Whether you’re a legacy student or an athlete, or you chose Harding because it was the school that aligned most with your values, we all have one thing in common: The desire to belong.

The search for belonging or community is something that drives us all whether we admit it or not, and while Harding provides that community for many, it is not without its problems.

It’s great to be at Harding, but who is it great for? What about the students

– Everett Kirkman, editor-in-chief

When the quintessence of your joke ridicules someone — not for their actions, but because of the way they look, or their gender identity — you make it easier to dehumanize them. Humans are complex.

But, if you look at someone as just a blonde, or just a fat person, or just a sandwichmaker-who-needs-to-get-back-in-thekitchen, you won’t feel as guilty when you tear them down. Especially if you get a laugh out of it.

W hen a culture makes a habit of demeaning the same, particular group of people, it becomes easier for other boundaries to relax. Broadly, maybe that strengthens a male-exceptionalistic worldview. Or, as I have witnessed in my own life, maybe that manifests itself in using verses from Ephesians 5 or 1 Timothy 2, out of context, as punchlines to “jokes,” that, at best, discredit women’s experiences.

Maybe you’re thinking to yourself, dear reader, that I’m being too sensitive.

Or maybe too “politically correct.” But, I think I’m really just tired. I’m tired of lazy, recycled humor from the good ole days of blatant sexism and chauvinism.

I am hopeful, though, that progress is yet to come, because I’ve seen progress in my lifetime. Maybe real, lasting change is a grassroots movement: from individuals, to friend groups, to families, to communities, to churches, to institutions. Maybe it starts through small things, like not laughing at jokes that actually offend me. Maybe it starts with telling my friend that their jokes make me uncomfortable. Or, maybe it’s as simple as responding to a dumb blonde joke with a suggestion to take a closer look at who I am. If you’re going to make jokes based solely off of my appearance, at least take the time to notice that these are highlights anyway.

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

O

It’s great to be at Harding who go to chapel in a building bearing the name of a man who would be less than thrilled to see them on his campus?

Or what about the service which all but silences and erases the roles of women? Is Harding great for them? It’s great to be at Harding, but what about the students who were verbally assaulted with racial slurs and had eggs thrown at them on campus just this semester? Is Harding great for them? It ’s great to be at Harding, but what about the female students known and unknown who have been sexually harassed or assaulted on campus and don’t even feel safe just walking to their dorms at night?

Is Harding great for them?

Harding belongs to everyone, just as much to me as to you, and if we claim to be a diverse community, then it is our job to make it so.

circles or social clubs. Diversity is not just proximity to people who don’t look like you; it’s about putting yourself in their shoes and fighting to make sure they are treated with the same respect you demand for yourself. If Harding is not great for everyone, then it is not great for anyone.

Some of you may now be asking the all too familiar question of, “If it’s so terrible here, then why not just leave?”

Here’s the answer: Harding belongs to everyone, just as much to me as to you, and if it claims to be a diverse community, then it is our job to make it so. This is about more than changing the name of a building or erecting a memorial. This is about hearts and minds. Harding is only as great as the people who walk its campus and fill its classrooms. If we let hate and division silence us, then nothing changes, but when we find the courage to raise our voices and boldly demand action, that is when greatness can be achieved. So, is it great to be at Harding? Only if we make it.

– Michael Wester, guest writer

I could go on, but the point is that we have a responsibility to make everyone here feel safe, heard and loved — not just the ones who look like us or are in our

MICHAEL WESTER is a guest writer for The Bison. He may be contacted at mwester@harding.edu.

Dark knight of the fridge

nly twice in my life have I seen into the abyss. Once I climbed a ladder to clean my gutters, which the people on television tell me not to do. If they weren’t trying to sell me expensive gutter guards, their concern for my safety would be touching. Anyway, when I got to the top, I peered over into the trenches.

That’s when I saw the primordial slime oozing through the gutters. The dark sludge from rotting leaves, tree branches and miscellaneous gunk was terrifying.

I scampered back down the ladder and hid under the sofa for the rest of the day.

My second such experience happened last week when I opened the refrigerator in the office break room.

I think we all accept community refrigerators as a necessary evil. Imagine the chaos if each individual office, desk or cubicle served as a storehouse for bag lunches and power drinks in various stages of consumption. So, in the spirit of Rousseau, we make a social contract with our colleagues that goes something like this: “I think your pimento cheese sandwich is hideous; you think my cranberry and arugula salad is hideous. Fair enough.

But we agree that we can’t store them in the broom closet. So, let’s consent to the two-week rule: Any food not consumed within two weeks should be taken outside and shot.”

Someone, alas, has broken the pact.

Ever since January, I have been growing increasingly alarmed at the state of three slices of cheese left in the butter dish on the office refrigerator door. While we can only thank our lucky stars that they were sealed, plastic wrappers offer only such much defense. The Kraft squares had started life as a dull shade of orange, but as the months rolled by, they began to take on a wider spectrum of both color and movement. Every time I opened

Michael Claxton

Narrative Columnist

But now, the center of the sandwich has started to sink, to cave in upon itself. The crust has ossified, the jelly is converting to a gas, and the peanut butter has assumed liquid form. The structural integrity of this sandwich is compromised beyond repair. No matter how big Biden’s infrastructure bill is by the time it is passed, no amount of tax money can repair what is in the fridge.

This lunch has now become the New Years’ Resolution of sandwiches — no sooner made than abandoned. It has even reached a state where its removal poses a scientific conundrum. Has the biological ecosystem growing on the bread reached the point of possible usefulness to medicine, or does the contagion hazard it poses outweigh any potential benefits? In other words, will this sandwich infect as many people as it could potentially cure?

As I surveyed the rest of the fridge, I noticed everything else had moved away from the peanut butter mush. The halfused salad dressing was cowering in the corner, the green bottle of Perrier sparkling water — which has not sparkled since before the pandemic — was hugging the edge of the door. An expired carton of soy milk sulked above the crisper.

Granted, as a man who has eaten the same basic turkey and mustard sandwich every day for the past 15 years, I have no right to sandwich-shame anyone. But someone must take a stand before our break room becomes the epicenter of another global crisis. As Pogo would say, “We have seen the enemy, and he is us.”

the f ridge, their position had shifted somewhat. I could have sworn they were taunting me.

If Dr. Fauci had inspected our break room, he would have put the entire building in quarantine. But all that was child’s play compared to the sandwich.

First, an extended analogy. Years ago, Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman starred in a depressing movie called “Seven.”

They played detectives on the trail of a madman who was killing people in ways that enacted the seven deadly sins. For instance, a glutton was forced to eat a vat of spaghetti at gunpoint until he died. Ugh. The crimes grew increasingly horrible, to the point that few decent people could make it through the whole movie.

The “sloth” victim — a petty drug dealer who the killer saw as a leech on society — met an especially heinous end.

He was strapped to a bed and starved for months, given only enough water and medicine to keep him alive. When the detectives found his body, it was not a pleasant sight. They also found a stack of Polaroid photographs nearby, where the killer had taken pictures over time to show the man slowly deteriorating.

Why do I bring this up? Because over the last month, I have been watching the slow decomposition of a peanut butter sandwich in the office fridge. It started as a robust, hearty lunch, in the prime of life, as it were. Had it been eaten the MICHAEL CLAXTON is a narrative very day it was made — nay, even the columnist for The Bison. He can be same week — all would have been well. 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. 06

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

October 29, 2021

Online at TheLink.Harding.edu

Searcy, Ark., 72149

Harding hosts GAC cross-country meet, men take title GABRIEL HUFF asst. copy editor

Harding hosted the Great American Conference (GAC) cross-country championship on Saturday, Oct. 23, for the first time since 2011 as the men’s team won its third title in program history with 42 points.

The meet was held at 1214 Fuller Lane in Searcy on the property of Charlie and Gloria Adcock, who allowed Harding to use their backyard for the championship. Eight men’s teams — participating in the 8K run — and 12 women’s teams — participating in the 5K run — competed in the event. Head cross-country and track coach Don Hood said the Harding teams had an advantage in the meet because they were familiar with the course and the weather.

“We get to sleep in our own beds,” Hood said. “There’s some really good things to go along with that, but there’s also some added pressure because you want to defend your home course, so I thought it was a really great opportunity for our guys and girls to do well today.”

Senior Dylan Douglas individually won first place — finishing eight-tenths of a second ahead of freshman Luke Walling, who won second place — and became the GAC’s first three-time individual champion and the first GAC competitor to win three championships in a row. He earned the GAC’s Runner of the Year award, and Walling won Freshman of the Year.

“After winning the race, I felt pretty accomplished given the fact that we were running on behalf of Harding as a whole,”

Douglas said. “So, my team and I, we went out there to represent our school and represent our coach, who put in a lot of effort to train us and teach us good values that we used during the race and used in preparation for it. So, to know that all of that paid off felt really good. It felt very fulfilling to run alongside my teammates and run for them and run for all of us.”

Douglas said one of his favorite aspects of Saturday was running alongside Walling.

“We moved past the runners from the opposing teams together,” Douglas said.

“We did pretty much everything together that whole race. That’s not like anything I’ve experienced in my seven years of running.”

Hood, who won the Coach of the Year award, said Douglas learned to run a smart race, also complimenting his humility and great competitive nature. However, Douglas said others have been the main factor of his success.

“I would say the thing that has contributed most to my success — not just in running, but running included — has been just the accumulation of every word or gesture or favor or understanding or show of grace that people have shown me,” Douglas said.

The Harding women’s cross-country team finished in fourth place overall. Hood said the team had been battling injuries and COVID-19 during the year, including an injury that occurred during the race.

“But I was very, very proud of their efforts,” Hood said. “For us to end up the fourth placed team — we were probably ranked fifth coming in — so we exceeded expectations, and they had very good times, probably best times of the year on this course.”

Photo by TIANE DAVIS

The Harding men’s cross-country team starts their conference championship 8,000-meter race on Oct. 23. The men defeated second-place Oklahoma Baptist University by four points.

Senior Sydney Tabor said the event was sentimental for her.

“The energy was totally different,” Tabor said. “I mean everybody knew that this was the first time since 2000 — and what 11? — that we’ve had the GAC [Championship] at our course. The support here was just unreal, and we were all really grateful for it. Everyone felt it. Thank you.”

Oklahoma Baptist’s women’s team came in first place — winning their fifth straight championship — with Arkansas Tech and East Central respectively following in second and third place.

Oklahoma Baptist and East Central men’s teams finished in second and third place respectively.

The Harding teams now look forward to regionals, occurring Nov. 6 in Joplin, Missouri.

can bring out more of it as she continues to coach them.

Reeves said the transition from her coaching position at Fort Lewis College — a state school — to her new position at a private Christian school has been smooth.

“I love being back in this type of environment,” Reeves said. “Just being able to express my values and beliefs and being able to help the girls grow in their spiritual journey and their athletic ones, as well.”

The softball team’s first game at the start of the season will occur on Feb. 4 at the Arkansas Tech Invitational. Reeves said she is happy with how the team is so far and that she has a lot of hope for the upcoming season.

“They work really hard, and they’re really athletic,” Reeves said. “We’re a young team, and so we definitely have a little bit of growing to do, but I’m pretty excited to see what they’re going to do this season.”

Two members of the softball team said Reeves has been good at getting the team excited to play, even though the season does not start for another four months.

“She’s just very competitive and fun,” junior pitcher and infielder Payton Reynolds said. “She’s kind of brought a fire into all of us to want to compete and want to win and just make it fun and exciting.”

Reynolds said they saw a glimpse of what the season would be like at their game against the University of Memphis on Oct. 21. She said Reeves is able to encourage the team when things might not be going as planned and that her energy for the game is contagious.

“She’s brought this new competitive energy, and we know that she has one goal, and it’s to win,” senior outfielder Allison Hyatt said.

“That’s just awesome because it’s something that we all share, and it just brings out fire.”

Hyatt also said Reeves has been doing well as far as bringing the team together and keeping them close.

“She also prioritizes family, which is really important because we’re a family, but we also have families outside of softball,” Hyatt said.

“Finding that balance is really important no matter what stage in life you are.”

Hyatt said as a senior who had the same coach for most of her college career, she was a little worried about meeting the new coach and seeing how she would fit in.

“We had no idea who we were going to get and how much was going to change,” Hyatt said. “But we’re really excited, and I don’t think we’ve ever doubted her.”

Softball team welcomes new head coach

Photo by CAROLINE PALMER

Head coach Ashley Reeves stands in the middle of the softball field at the Harding Softball Complex on Oct. 27. Reeves was hired as the new softball coach on June 9, 2021.

Abilene Christian University and Fort Lewis TIANE DAVIS College, as well as four years as a starter in sports editor center field at Texas Tech University.

The Harding softball team welcomed During her time as a softball player at previous Fort Lewis College head coach Texas Tech, Reeves made Second Team AllAshley Reeves to the coaching staff in June to replace former head coach Phil Berry after Big 12 and First Team All-Big 12 twice, as his retirement at the end of the 2021 season. well as NFCA All-Region Honors. Reeves Reeves arrived with 13 total years of said she is able to feel the same passion for experience in coaching at Harding Academy, the game as her players do and hopes she

Men’s, women’s golf teams finish first half of season RYAN GALLAGHER lifestyle editor The Harding men and women’s golf teams finished their fall session of their season and are entering their break. Golf is a year-round sport starting in early fall and ending in spring, with a break during November and December. The Bisons returned home on Tuesday after finishing their last tournament, the Tulsa Cup. Both of the golf teams finished the season with a ninth-place finish.

At the beginning of the season, the men’s golf team was originally selected fifth in the Great American Conference (GAC) Preseason Coaches’Poll.The first tournament of the season was mid-September at the GAC Preview, and the golf team took home their first title since 2017. Sophomore Sam Tandy beat his teammate, freshman Wilmer Haakansson, to take the title at the tournament. Senior Trevor Mellott spoke on the victory of the Bisons.

“It was a great feeling knowing that every single one of us put in a huge amount of effort to come out on top,” Mellott said.

“Being the first tournament of the season and getting a win was a major boost for all of us. This proved that this team has what it takes to be a high caliber team.”

The week after the GAC Preview was the Northeastern State University (NSU) Classic, where Harding took third. Sophomore Leo Maciejek won his first career tournament finishing with an eight-under 205. These back-to-back individual tournament title wins are firsts in Bison history. The men’s golf team then went on to take 13th at the Missouri Southern State University Fall Invitational and seventh at the Battle of the Belt.

The Lady Bisons were picked fourth in the GAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll. At the GAC Preview, they finished in seventh place but had individual performances. Sophomore Brenda Sanchez tied for fourth, which is her first top-five finish in her career. The following week, Sanchez took another top-10 finish, placing sixth at the NSU Classic. At the NSU Classic, the Lady Bisons tied the second best 36-hole total in school history, shooting a 32-over 608.

The Lady Bisons placed 13th at the Battle of the Belt, led by Sanchez once again.

Sanchez has shot one-over 73 in the second round of the first three tournaments. In this tournament, sophomore JoJo Perry finished her best 36 hole-tournament, shooting 16over 160. Perry reflected on her first season last year and how she felt coming into this season.

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN

“We were coming in after our spring season last year on a really high note,” Perry said.

“We made regionals for the second time in golf history for the women’s. For us we were really on this high wanting to come into the season and really show people who Harding was and how we can really prove ourselves.”

Coach Dustin Howell discussed how he

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN

implements Christianity while he mentors his athletes.

“We have student athletes from a wide variety of backgrounds,” Howell said. “We operate from an atmosphere of respect for different beliefs on the team and non-beliefs.

In that, I am also called to a mission to bring as many people to Christ as possible.”

2B

COMMUNITY

Friday, October 29, 2021

Stu’s Brew closes Beebe Capps location, opens new location

CAROLINE BIRDWELL head copy editor

Stu’s Brew Coffee and Espresso made plans to officially close their 304 Beebe Capps location tomorrow, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m., adding a new location at 2622 Chapel Lane which opened Oct. 18.

Stuart Willibey, owner of Stu’s Brew, said the Beebe Capps location has done well since 2007 when it opened, resulting in the need for more space.

“Business has steadily increased over the years, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in our lines exceeding our space at that location,” Willibey said. “Expanding our space [at Beebe Capps] was not an option due to its proximity to other businesses.”

Another reason for the Chapel Lane location is due to the interest of customers who live on the west side of Searcy, Willibey said.

“Our customers who live on the west side of town have been asking us for years to put

a Stu’s Brew on the west side, and with the opening of the Highway 13 bypass, even more people are traveling that way,” Willibey said. “Expanding west made sense to us.”

Willibey said the Beebe Capps building will be relocated to a nearby lot and will only be closed for a short period of time; however, those details are not finalized and paperwork has not been signed yet. He said the Chapel Lane and Race Street locations will remain in full operation.

“We think our Beebe Capps faithful will be happy with our new location in midtown,” Willibey said.

Junior Megan Sledge has worked at Stu’s Brew for almost four years, and she said she is excited about the new location and the chance it brings for the coffee drive-thru to expand. Additionally, she said she loves the relationships she has built because of the Stu’s Brew community.

“I have become such close friends with my coworkers and hundreds of customers

over the years,” Sledge said. “It’s so sweet to see customer after customer pull up to the window and know their drink, as they visit us regularly.”

Freshman Aubrey Arnold has been working at Stu’s Brew since late July, and she said she is looking forward to serving customers at the new location.

“It’s a whole new side of town with new customers, and I couldn’t be happier to have another hut in town to spread the best coffee,” Arnold said.

The Stu’s Brew motto is “Great coffee, great people,” and Willibey said the baristas play a huge role in that.

“Customers like being known, and we love knowing them,” Willibey said. “The personal touch sets us apart from many drivethru businesses … We are thankful for the support we have received for almost 15 years in the Searcy community. We look forward to continuing the tradition of ‘Great coffee, great people,’ for years to come.”

Photo by CAROLINE PALMER

Junior Janae’ Bradshaw serves coffee to a customer at the Stu’s Brew drive-thru on Beebe-Capps Expressway.

Holiday of Lights Committee prepares for Christmas SOPHIE ROSSITTO community editor Workers were on track last week to finish putting up the artificial ice skating rink in Spring Park as preparations for Searcy’s annual Christmas lighting program were underway, members of the planning committee said.

Holiday of Lights comprises a variety of events across Searcy, including light displays that will illuminate the city starting on Nov. 23, Kristi Thurmon, a member of the Holiday of Lights Committee, said.

Mike Parsons, a member of the committee and head of Searcy’s Parks and Recreation department, said the group, which consists entirely of volunteers, plans to add new events such as an outdoor craft show this year to bring in more visitors and Searcy residents.

“This year, we’re going for more of an experience instead of just an event,” Parsons said.

Although the holiday festivities are in the planning phases, Thurmon said workers were wrapping up main preparations for the skating rink last week. Parsons said workers from his department began putting lights up around the city about three weeks ago.

“As you can imagine, it’s a big job to get all the decorations out for Christmas, so they have to start early in October,” Thurmon said.

This year, workers will add more lights to Berryhill and Spring Parks and will light up parts of Yancey Park for the first time ever, Thurmon said.

On Sept. 28, Searcy’s Advertising and Tourism Promotion Commission gave $55,000 in tax revenue to the Holiday of

Lights Committee and Searcy Parks and Recreation to put toward the festival, according to reporting done by The Daily Citizen. Amy Burton, a committee member and director of Main Street Searcy, said the money will help cover the costs of maintaining the Christmas lights and replacing some decorations.

Thurmon, who has coordinated efforts to promote Holiday of Lights, said some of the grant money will go toward advertising, including efforts to bring people into Searcy from out of town.

Burton said a series of Holiday of Lights events will take place in downtown Searcy on Dec. 4, including the craft show, a chocolate gravy cook off and a Polar Express party featuring a movie for kids in the Rialto Theater. The festivities will culminate with the Christmas parade that night, Parsons said.

“Now more than ever because so many people did not really get out and about a lot during the last holiday season because of COVID, we are really working to bring more and more events into our Holiday of Lights activities,” Burton said.

She also said that for the first time, the Holiday of Lights Committee will collaborate with Women of Harding on Dec. 11 to bring the latter group’s princess and superhero party to Berryhill Park. The event will feature people dressed as characters from Toy Story, Frozen and Lego Man and will end with a showing of the movie “Frozen.”

Thurmon said other upcoming events include bus tours of historic sites and holiday lights in Searcy, as well as a selfie station scavenger hunt starting the weekend of Thanksgiving.

The artificial ice skating rink is located in Spring Park. Workers were on schedule to finish putting up the rink last week.

Photos by JILLIAN JARVIS

Peebles Farm to wrap up its fall season on Sunday ERIN BOOHER guest writer SOPHIE ROSSITTO community editor Peebles Family Farm welcomed visitors for the final full week of its 2021 season as the farm’s owners prepared to close Sunday, Oct. 31, until next fall.

Tomorrow, Oct. 30, Peebles will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and from noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, their last day.

Peebles Farm is in Augusta, Arkansas, a 35 minute drive from Harding University.

The farm offers a variety of seasonal activities such as corn mazes, pumpkin patches, hay rides and petting zoos. The Peebles family, lifelong farmers, decided that they would open their farm as a public attraction in 2004.

The attraction began when Katie and Dallas Peebles’ daughter Mary was attending

Harding Academy. Knowing that the family had a large farm, the school asked to bring a class to see the farm, so the Peebles family set up a pumpkin display, apple bobbing and a tour for the class. The next year, they decided to officially establish the farm as a gathering place for the general public.

“We decided to host groups of visitors from other schools, so we looked up how to do a corn maze and added that to our farm along with the pumpkin patch,” Katie Peebles said. “Every year since then, we’ve gotten bigger and added more attractions.”

Since its opening, Peebles Farm has grown tremendously each year, both in size and in number of activities. After beginning with the corn maze — which has become their staple attraction — Peebles has expanded in 17 years to now offer activities such as a pumpkin cannon, paintball arcade and zipline.

Katie Peebles said they have plans to

continue adding new attractions for the next season. Because of its growth in size, Peebles Farm has hired hundreds of nonfamily employees since 2004. In fact, some employees have been with the company for all 17 years it has been open.

“I have no family working for me, but I love them all like family,” Katie Peebles said.

Peebles Farm has long been a local favorite, but it is also an option for Harding students looking for fall activities to fill the weekend. Students looking for a Halloween activity can visit the haunted corn maze at night, but there is plenty to do during a day trip, as well.

Sophomore Ashlyn Voss said the variety of activities at Peebles was her favorite part of the farm this fall.

“We did the corn maze, pet the animals, visited the sunflower field and went down the slides,” Voss said. “It can really keep you entertained for hours.”

Freshman Micah Clark also visited Peebles this fall and said she appreciated the wide range of attractions at the farm.

“What I liked about Peebles is that there was something for everyone, whether it was the pumpkin patch, basketball wagon, corn maze, tire swings or sunflowers,” Clark said.

For students who have already gone to Peebles, or who are looking for another activity, there are still a number of options within a two-hour drive. The Corn Maze at Lollie, Fear Factory 501 and Hicks Family Farm are all options for fall activities.

With November quickly approaching, many of these fall activities may not be available for much longer. Katie Peebles said the end of the fall season is bittersweet.

“It’s sad to close on the last day of the year, but we’ve been very busy,” Katie Peebles said. “But we look forward to adding new attractions for next year and seeing where that brings us.”

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN

FEATURES 3B

TheLink.Harding.edu

Photos by MADISON MEYER

Rick Trujillo mentors students operating cameras for the HU16 coverage of the Homecoming parade on Oct. 23. Trujillo currently works for the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas.

Emmy award winner recognized as Arts and Humanities Alumnus of the Year MADISON MEYER head photographer

Emmy award-winning photographer and Harding alumnus Rick Trujillo was named recipient of the College of Arts and Humanities Alumnus of the Year award Friday, Oct. 22, during Homecoming week.

Trujillo returned to Harding for the third time in 1987 as a 32-year-old in his third attempt to earn a bachelor’s degree.

“I’m so honored and humbled because I know other people deserve it more than me, man,” Trujillo said. “I’m gonna get to thank the core people who helped me way back then. They’re gonna be at my table because I invited them. I’m gonna get a couple minutes to tell how much they changed my life, so I’m grateful for that.”

Trujillo has worked as a camera operator for the TV show “COPS” as well as for

several arenas across the country, including Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Dickies Arena in Fort Worth and Globe Life Field in Arlington for the Texas Rangers Baseball Club.

“My second night in the field, I got my first story, and I got involved in my first fight,” Trujillo said. “I got involved in another fight with my sound guy in Springfield, Missouri, protecting our cop until the cavalry arrived.”

Trujillo received many awards, including an Emmy Award, eight Emmy nominations and a Silver Screen Award.

His national credits include shooting for CNN, ESPN, The Food Network, ABC News, FOX News, NBC News, The Today Show and many other major organizations.

“Awards open doors,” Trujillo said.

“That’s your reputation, your quality of

‘Elf: The Musical:’ behind the scenes

SARA MCCLARAN features editor

Harding put on “Elf: The Musical” on Oct. 22 and 23, but preparation for the show started months in advance and involved hundreds of hours of labor. Much of the preparation involved the set — specifically its design and construction.

The set for “Elf ” was designed by Luis Ramirez, who has designed several sets for Harding theatre productions before. The designs were received in late May, and set building started in August. While some preparation was done by assistant technical director Seth Fish, most of the actual construction is done by students.

“I couldn’t do it without the students — it’s all student built,” Fish said. “Students who are eager to build and work on theatres, and who just love carpentry ... I got Bible majors, business majors, computer majors [and] people who love to work in theatre and build and craft just all work together.”

Each theatre production Harding puts on is different, even when they are done by the same designer.

“You could do ‘Elf: The Musical,’ you know, a thousand different ways, and it [would] be the same show technically, but in reality, it tells a different story,” senior Lydia Black, who played the step-mother Emily, said.

While the last Homecoming musical “Matilda” featured a mostly stationary set, “Elf ” contained no permanent set at all. The production also sported a large LED backdrop that provided a dynamic background for the stage.

“Every show is uniquely different [and] has its own unique needs for the space, for the show,” Fish said. “Every time we get a designer who designs a show, [they] always have different views and styles that they like.”

Fish said while the construction of the set was not hard, the amount of construction was difficult.

“There’s a lot of big set pieces,” senior Deborah Samuelson, who was on the build crew and operated the spotlight during production, said. “There’s, I think, four or five different wagons — platforms that have wheels put underneath them.”

work. They are important. I started winning them here.”

Trujillo spent the first 30 years of his life filling the roles of dishwasher, U.S. Marine, tractor operator, waiter, golf course laborer, shoe salesman and factory worker. He had never picked up a camera before his time at Harding. It all began when he took a production class with Dr. Mike James, distinguished professor of communication, who died earlier this month.

“I had no skill set to make a living — drank a lot,” Trujillo said. “I was just ... I call it a waste of skin. I mean, I was lost.

I was in a relationship. That relationship ended, but that was the catalyst for me to look at my life and say, ‘Wow, man, what are you doing?’ Then the opportunity came to come back to Harding at age 32. It truly is a miracle.”

Trujillo became involved in HU16 News his third time at Harding, during which he worked with Dr. Ginger Blackstone, associate professor of communication, who was also a student at the time.

“Rick picked himself up and plowed ahead,” Blackstone said. “He made a connection with a video camera that literally changed everything.”

During his visit to campus this year, Trujillo spoke to classes of communications students about his story and career. He also met with students for one-on-one mentoring sessions.

“I really wanted to learn from someone who’s doing what I’m going to be doing,” junior Maddie Rudd said. “I kinda felt like this was an opportunity that if I didn’t take it, I would regret it.”

Photos by CAROLINE PALMER

Seth Fish sits in Santa’s chair on the set of Harding’s Homecoming musical, “Elf,” Oct. 25. Fish is the technical director for the show.

Many of the wagons are nearly 5 feet wide and 8 feet long, and some reach up to 17 or 18 feet tall. The wagons are far from the only important set pieces, however.

“There’s a lot of scenery, and as you watch it, you’ll just see a bunch of new locations taking place... new ways the scenery is being used and moved around,” Fish said. “If you look backstage, it looks like a gigantic traffic jam of all the scenery, and there’s no place for people to move at times.”

The set design and construction takes a significant amount of time and labor. Black said while those involved with it put in a lot of work and devotion, they rarely get noticed.

“I want more people to understand that these people are artists, and these people are creators,” Black said. “They are the people responsible for us getting to present our story in such a magical way.”

Volleyball team remembers Molly Howard-Gerwig HAYLEY KATE WEBB guest writer

Former Harding University student-athlete and coach Molly Howard-Gerwig died on Oct. 16, following a short battle with colon cancer.

Howard-Gerwig was 27.

In May 2021, one week before her wedding, Howard-Gerwig was diagnosed with a rare case of stage IV neuroendocrine colon cancer.

Immediately following the diagnosis, HowardGerwig and her newlywed husband canceled their honeymoon and began scheduling chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Howard-Gerwig died six months later at the home of her parents.

Howard-Gerwig was a graduate of Harding University, where she was a member of the Lady Bison volleyball team for four years. Following her collegiate playing career for the Lady Bisons, Howard-Gerwig served two years as a graduate assistant coach for the team. Howard-Gerwig was known as “Howie” by her teammates, coaches and players. Senior volleyball players Amber Robin and Cooper Monn played under HowardGerwig during their freshman year.

“Howie was an amazing coach to have in my freshman year,” Robin said. “She helped me get out of my comfort zone and always supported me.

She was not only a great coach, but an amazing

friend to everyone on the team, and she was so loved by her Harding family.”

Howard-Gerwig’s funeral was held on Oct. 18 at the Ridgewood Baptist Church in Forrest City, Arkansas. Many past and current Lady Bison volleyball players were in attendance. Following the funeral service, Monn reminisced on her favorite qualities about Howard-Gerwig. Monn described Howard-Gerwig as fun, exciting, determined, caring and always present.

“From yesterday, I was reminded of how great a leader, role model and friend she was,” Monn said.

“She made deep and intentional relationships. All of this points to the fact that Howie was just an amazing Christian. I know she is up there singing and dancing with God right now.”

Howard-Gerwig’s legacy continues to spread throughout the Harding University volleyball team. Even those who never played with or for her understand the impact she had on the program. Junior volleyball player Kinley Schnell said Howard-Gerwig will forever be honored within the Harding volleyball community for the years she played, as well as the years she coached.

“Coach has said before that we should all have a heart like Howie,” Schnell said. “We would not be where we are without the endless support and dedication she brought into the program.”

Harding head volleyball coach Meredith Fear said Howard-Gerwig was the glue that kept their

team together for six years. Fear said Howard-Gerwig was the hands and feet of Jesus to her teammates and that she loved God with everything and loved others always.

“We are starting something on the team called the Heart of Howie award,” Fear said. “It will be given to one of our players that strives to be dedicated, loyal, genuine, passionate, infectious, hilarious, caring, reliable, courageous, humble and good. The goodness in Howie was undeniable, and it was undoubtedly from a life lived walking with Christ. I will miss her every day, and I am so thankful God brought her to this program and into our lives.”

In addition, a new scholarship fund has been established here at Harding to honor the life of Howard-Gerwig. In lieu of flowers, her parents have requested that donations be made to the newly instituted Molly Howard-Gerwig Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Photo by JEFF MONTGOMERY

Molly Howard-Gerwig played on the Lady Bisons Volleyball team 2012 - 15 and served two years as a graduate assistant coach. She died from colon cancer at age 27.

4B

LIFESTYLE

Friday, October 29, 2021

Club Week begins Sunday, and here are some tips for getting through the week.

1. Start learning names, becoming familiar with members and connecting names with faces.

2. Go thrifting. Hit up some shops this weekend to find fun outfits in your club colors.

3. Do homework ahead of time because the more you get done now, the less you will have to stress about when the chaos of Club Week begins.

4. Stay hydrated and eat. You will be busy, but make sure you take care of yourself. Not eating or drinking enough water will only hurt you in the long run.

5. Find your buddies — people you are joining with and some who are not going through Club Week who will be willing to help you if you need it.

6. Take naps when you can because you’ll probably be up late. Catch up on some sleep during the day when possible.

7. Help others, and they’ll help you. It’s easier to get through Club Week when your inductee class works together.

8. Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. Club Week can get crazy, so don’t take yourself or the members too seriously.

9. Layer up because it may get cold. Dress in layers so you can add or remove clothes depending on what you’re doing.

10. Don’t quit, it will be worth it. Club Week serves an important purpose, so don’t give up.

11. Remember that your value comes from the Lord. Clubs are an awesome way to meet people, but they do not define you.

Graphics by COOPER TURMAN and EMMA JONES

Campus prepares for a more normal Club Week EMMA JONES digital content editor The 2021 Club Week will begin on Sunday, and social clubs are preparing for the return of a more normal Club Week, free of COVID-19 restrictions.

Senior Calla Welter, one of the vice presidents for women’s social club Pi Theta Phi (PTP), said she is excited to welcome a new inductee class to the club. She also said the officers of PTP have come up with a plan to help last year’s inductee class know what to do, as they — for the most part — have not experienced a standard Club Week.

“We’ve made multiple documents with details to share during Club Week so that it can be used as quick reference by members,” Welter said. “We also have been sharing information during club meetings, and we will be having a separate meeting for anyone who needs a reminder of what Club Week looks like.”

One club member who has not gone through the regular Club Week is sophomore Alayna Griffith, who is serving as one of the recruitment officers for women’s social club Ko Jo Kai this semester.

“Helping with the club process as someone who has not been through a normal Club Week has had its challenges,” Griffith said.

“It’s hard to come up with your own ideas and create something out of nothing in regards

to recruitment when it is much different this year than last year. But since there are no restrictions as of now implemented for Club Week, I am looking forward to seeing it in full action.”

The 2020 Club Week was pushed back and held in January 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns — the first Club Week to be held in the spring semester since 1959. Restrictions for the week included wearing masks, social distancing, staying on campus for all events and the cancellation of All Club, a nightly event where all clubs gather in the RhodesReaves Field House.

Senior Kyle Bowman, president of men’s social club Beta Omega Chi, said one of the things he is looking forward to most about this year’s Club Week is the return of All Club.

“All Club is a big thing to have back, and to me is the most fun part of every night,” Bowman said. “It allows not only the current members to get loud and have fun, but the [inducted] members get to be excited and have their fun, too.”

Though there have been many preparations made for this upcoming week, Welter said the most important part has been remembering the purpose behind Club Week.

“I think it’s just very important that we remember these girls’ worth and how Christ sees them,” Welter said. “I think it’s really easy to get wrapped up in the hype of things and forget what exactly we are trying to do.”

Photo by JILLIAN JARVIS

Both new and old club members participate in “All Club” in the RhodesReaves Field House on of Oct. 24, 2019. This school year’s Club Week begins Sunday at 6 p.m.

Black Student Association honors former club Groove Phi ELLA DURYEA guest writer

Black students attending Harding University in 1968 formed the social club Groove Phi. Fifty-three years later, the

Black Student Association (BSA) will pay homage to the original members of Groove Phi with a ’60s themed celebration today, Oct. 29.

Junior BSA secretary Janae’ Bradshaw said she is looking forward to the fellowship

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN

and fun that awaits with the celebration happening today.

“We are marketing to clubs and campus organizations and inviting them out because we want to unite with them,” Bradshaw said.

“Though there was an element of exclusion in ’68, we want this to be seen as another step forward.”

Bradshaw said she hopes this event will unify different groups of people across campus.

“We want to have a good time with everyone and invite them to experience the Black Student Association,” Bradshaw said.

Bradshaw said she hopes that after Groovy Phi, people of all races and backgrounds will feel welcome to be a part of the BSA. Junior Nicole Savage said she is eager to attend Groovy Phi after seeing all the work going into the event — and the curated ’60s-themed playlist being created. “[Attendance at Groovy Phi] would be a really good show of support and show the BSA that we stand with the work they are doing,” Savage said.

Furthermore, Savage said she believes the event will be characterized by a unique atmosphere of community.

“It will be a great time to commune with each other and have the opportunity to make connections with people you might not otherwise get to meet,” Savage said.

Junior Halle Miller, public relations officer for the BSA, came up with the idea after a friend sent her an article from the Arkansas Historical Society detailing the original members of Groove Phi and their experience in the first years of integration.

Original members of Groove Phi could not afford the social club dues and were not permitted to play in intramural sports: This was a way to fight the feeling of isolation with the creation of community.

Groovy Phi is a celebration of how far the Harding community as a whole has come while also bringing attention to how the University got here and the history that lies in the formation of Groove Phi. Miller designed this event to honor Groove Phi and the resilience of the original members.

“All are invited, and all are welcome,” Miller said. “For anyone that feels like they don’t have a place on campus, we want them to know that BSA could be that place for them.

[A good turnout would mean] that we are supported by the Harding community and that other people stand behind our message of unity. It would mean that we are no longer in a place where people feel like they don’t belong because of the color of their skin.”

Groovy Phi will occur tonight, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. in Cone Chapel.