I .
Near the foothills petit jean 2009 | harding university | searcy, ark. | volume 85 editor in chief assistant editor copy editor assistant copy editor head photographer sports photographer assistant photographer layout editor assistant layout editor adviser katie ramirez hannah beall rachel klemmer emily hauptli noah darnell craig rainbolt nick michael caitlin quinn jody pancoast jeremy d. beauchamp student life people leadership academics organizations social clubs athletics index 10 50 136 164 196 246 274 306 harding college, 1955
2 Near the foothills of the Ozarks,
opening 3 midst of hill and plain;
4 Stands our glorious Alma Mater; Harding is her name.
opening 5 Sing the chorus, shout it loudly, echoing through the vale,
6 Hail to thee, beloved Harding,
opening 7 Alma Mater, Hail.
8 opening T he 2008-09 Petit Jean dedication winner, Dr. Jack Shock, professor of communication, led his students by example, both academically and spiritually. When his former students heard he was the recipient for the dedication, many of them wrote to relay memories of their favorite professor. Shock’s classes were always unique, because he had held many interesting jobs before and during his time at Harding. His classes were full of stories from his early years working in the public relations field. In 1995, he took on the role as former President Bill Clinton’s director of letters and messages at the White House and he also worked with the American Red Cross, beginning just after 9/11 when 1993 Harding graduate Darren Irby asked him to head to Ground Zero to be a public affairs technician. In 2005 he left for New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the coastline to again work with the Red Cross. “I remember him talking to our class via speakerphone from the [World Trade Center] site for one entire class period, sharing what he was doing and what he was learning,” 2002 graduate Ryan Cook said. In the November 2, 2001 Bison, Cook wrote about Shock’s Red Cross work. “On the first day I was at Ground Zero, after about five minutes, they had found a fireman’s body,” Shock said in the article. “That was my introduction to Ground Zero. It was a rude awakening to what I was going to see and experience for the next eight days.” On a public relations trip to New York in the spring of 2008, Shock led a group of students back to Ground Zero to witness the progress of the construction of the 9/11 memorial. Students were also able to see how Shock handled other disaster relief efforts when the American Red Cross again called on him in the fall of 2005. “I will never forget the time his Red Cross duty called him to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina,” 2008 graduate Molly Morris said. “He described the relief efforts via speakerphone as we listened back in class. Though he wasn’t there in person that morning, I don’t think a single person skipped class that day.” Shock used other methods to keep his students engaged in class. “He always tried to keep class interesting, especially the seemingly boring Communication Law,” Cook said. “His songs to help us remember the Supreme Court justices and the First Amendment stand out still.” Beside his use of children’s songs for memorization, Shock used relevant issues to discuss textbook concepts. “Dr. Shock stressed getting real-life experience to augment our academic work and worked hard to help open doors for us in that way; it wasn’t just talk,” 1990 graduate Craig Cheatam said. “He incorporated issues from that day’s headlines into the subjects he taught, showing how the knowledge we were gaining was preparing us for the time when we would be called upon to deal with those issues.” He also tried to get students thinking about their future outside of Harding. “He was a great encourager and wanted his students to aim high,” Cook said. “He encouraged me and others to take the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund internship test. There was a run of [a couple of] years when someone from Harding was accepted into the program, no small feat for such a small program. That internship was my first major professional experience, and it has opened career doors ever since.” Others echoed Cheatam and Cook, adding that Shock’s use of his own career experiences were what inspired them to work hard. “The classes with J-Sho, as we called him, were nothing short of amazing,” 2007 graduate Kate Dear said. “He knew how to command the class with riveting details and stories. Press and Society, the class we all originally dreaded, became our favorite as we were able to freely interact with Dr. Shock and learn from him in a way that spurred us on to greater, thinking not only as students but as the adults that we soon were to become.” One student, who later went on to work as the director of news services and public relations for Harding, was April Fatula. “When I arrived at Harding as a freshman, I already knew I wanted to major in print journalism,” Fatula said. “Dr. Shock was working at the White House then, but even in his absence, it didn’t take me long to figure out that he was somewhat a rock star in the department and on campus in general. Through Jack and his connections, I have attended movie premieres, chauffeured dignitaries and met fellow journalist Lester Holt.” Along with his arsenal of public relations stories, Shock also brought humor into his classes. “As a freshman, I jotted down practically every word he said,” Morris said. “I dedicated a section of my notebook to what I titled, “Shocking Facts! Fun facts about Dr. Shock-Collect ‘em all!” Any time Dr. Shock revealed something about himself, we put it on the list. We knew his favorite color, green, which childhood teacher taught him to type 106 words-per-minute, Ms. Annie May Hamilton, and the name of the paint color he used in his home, Murmur.” Others relayed stories of Shock’s amiable nature. “He was a great sport when we took advantage of his hospitality to “kidnap” a cherished childhood toy of his and held it for ransom,” Cheatam said. “To this day, the sock monkey is the chosen icon to represent my fellow classmates’ relationship to Dr. Shock, and every time I see one I think of him.” Besides his encouragement in the classroom and his humor, most of his students agreed that it was his personal interest in them that they remembered the most. “Dr. Jack Shock is not the average professor,” 2008 graduate Kristin Kelley said. “He takes time and energy to forge meaningful relationships with students, establishing a confidence seldom seen with other teachers. He is truly interested in watching students succeed in their career, and his enthusiasm for public relations and journalism makes me excited for future job opportunities.” Shock’s greatest goal for his students was for them to succeed as Christian communicators in any field they chose to go into after graduation. “As seniors, he invited us into his home for a Christmas dinner and prayed that we would be influential as Christian communicators,” Morris said. “I think we all just hope to be as inspiring to one person as he has been to hundreds.” Dear said that one of her favorite memories of Shock was the day before her graduation in May of 2007. “With many of us already in tears, he spoke to us, this time not about a funny story or with a deep intellectual thought, but with words that will remain with me throughout my career and my life that he has touched so deeply,” Dear said. Shock brought out a Bible and read from Joshua 3:5: “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” “Although many of us were scared to death of what the future held, he was very reassuring that we would surely succeed,” Dear said. One of Shock’s most important lessons to his students was his emphasis on what they were doing the day after graduation. “After classes with Dr. Shock, I feel like there’s not a question of if I’ll land my dream job someday, but when,” Kelley said. “I feel equipped, excited and ready for the professional world.” Fatula also agreed saying that her friendship with Shock was important as a student and also as a colleague. “He respects his students and their goals and goes out of his way to help make those goals reality,” she said. “I have had the distinct privilege of calling Jack Shock my professor, colleague and friend.” With all of his public relations experiences, his humor and dedication to his students, it was no wonder that alumni from all over wanted the chance to share their memories of Dr. Jack Shock. So many wanted to say thank you to the man who influenced their lives the most while they attended Harding. Katie Ramirez Jack Shock Professor dedicates work to building Christian communicators
dedication 9 Dr. Jack Shock, professor of communication, spends the week of May 12 in New York City with public relations and print journalism students. Shock led the group of 15 to Ground Zero, The Clinton Foundation headquarters in Harlem, the Statue of Liberty and inside the NBC studios. Courtesy of April Fatula More Shocking Facts! •Shock was tested as a word savant at age 5 •He loves the ampersand •His birthday is Valentine’s Day •He would consider selling his forehead for ad space •He enjoys Moonpies and Diet Coke •His White House nickname was Pork Chop •He led a sit-in at Harding’s Lily Pond in 1975 •He attended Harding for pre-optometry school, but when he realized he would have to touch eyeballs, he switched to business and later earned a master’s in journalism history •He reads the Wall Street Journal because he thinks the writing is beautiful Courtesy of Molly Morris
10 Jeff Montgomery
division 11 There are aspects of our lives at Harding that we, as students, take for granted. We sometimes forget the unique opportunities that are available to us. Year after year, a new freshmen class is introduced to Harding’s campus, groups of students travel abroad for three months at a time, spring break campaigns allow students to experience mission work and thousands of people flock to Searcy to watch Spring Sing. The traditions of Harding are unique. For only four years of our lives, we are able to break away from home, develop our individuality and experience the opportunities Harding has to offer. If we let them, taking part in these traditions will help shape us into the person God wants us to be. Hannah Ware student life
12 student life the unsung heroes of spring sing With the lights dimmed and the curtain pulled, the expectant audience shuffled through the aisles and into seats as they flipped through their programs. Little did they know that a completely different world existed behind the scenes of Spring Sing. Props needed to be set up. Microphones needed checking. Lights needed to be cued. Craig Jones, the choral director for Harding Academy, was one of the people working behind the scenes, training the hosts, hostesses and ensemble to sing to the best of their ability. Jones helped with Spring Sing vocal training for the past five years. “It’s a joy to watch all of the areas come together to make a show, and the energy the college students bring is fantastic!” Jones said. Jones began the vocal rehearsal process of Spring Sing very early. The theme and potential song selections for the 2008 show were chosen before the 2007 performance. After being selected, the hosts and hostesses went on a weekend excursion to Branson, Mo., to see shows and come up with ideas that they could utilize in their performances. Actual vocal rehearsals began in early January before the March show and continued up to three times a week to prepare for the choreography. Jones trained the students with scales and pronunciation exercises. “I constantly reminded [the hosts and hostesses] of little tricks to help them remember words or notes or how we want a certain phrase sung and to put that together with the choreography so that every spot of the song ‘sells’,” Jones said. Event Specialist David Robison, another
spring sing 13 Members of Chi Omega Pi and Delta Gamma Rho perform in their show “Can You Hear Me Now?” on March 22, 2008. More than 90 members of Chi Omega Pi, Delta Gamma Rho, friends and beaux participated in their show about mimes at a fair. Jeff Montgomery Hosts and hostesses May 2008 graduate Jillian Shackelford, senior David Walton and juniors Haley Jane Witt and Logan McClain introduce the Iota Chi, Pi Theta Phi and Gamma Sigma Phi show “New York Minute” on March 22, 2008. The hosts and hostesses performed short musical introductions for each of the seven shows. Jeff Montgomery Junior Rachel Williams sings along with her group on March 22, 2008, in ”You Just Got Served.” The show, which benifited FishNet Missions from Little Rock, featured members from GATA and OEGE. Jeff Montgomery Graduate Jillian Shackelford ends the matinee show on March 22, 2008, in the finale featuring all acts from the show. Shackelford was the first student to be a hostess for four consecutive years. Jeff Montgomery behind the scenes contributor, was the sound technician for Spring Sing. “My job is to make everyone else sound good,” Robison said. Robison had to start working as soon as the set began to develop so that he could make sure the two integrated. He said that his team drilled holes, laid cables and set up wireless microphone systems for everything to work, while also making none of it visible. There were around 56 different channels and two sound operating boards that Robison and his team had to control. There were also two different sound systems, one for what the audience needed to hear and one for what the performers needed to hear. Robison also helped the clubs record the vocal tracks for their shows. Two weeks before Spring Sing premiered, Robison attended each rehearsal, making sure all microphone levels were correct and balanced. “If I do my job right, no one notices, and my reward is seeing the students enjoy themselves and put on the very best performance they can,” Robison said. Staff member Sue Moore was in charge of selling the tickets for Spring Sing. According to Moore, more than 9,000 people watched the four different Spring Sing shows. It was the fourth year for the tickets to be sold online, which made Moore’s job a lot easier. Students and locals were given a chance to buy tickets a day before the general public could. “[The ticket booth] is definitely busier around Spring Sing time,” Moore said. “[On] the first day, there is always a long line of people at one o’clock ready to buy the tickets.” Since she was in the ticket booth for the first 30 minutes of the show making sure the spectators got their tickets and were in the correct seats, Moore rarely got the opportunity to see the beginning of the show. “If you can get the people here and in the auditorium, then it doesn’t matter what seat they’re in — they will enjoy it,” Moore said. Also working behind the scenes was Steve Martin of Benson Auditorium Technical Services. Martin was in charge of all the lighting that went into Spring Sing. He researched, rented and coordinated all the different types of lighting and made sure they went on and off at the right times. Martin began preparing for Spring Sing in January as well. Because he also ran chapel, his days consisted of going straight from working chapel to preparing for Spring Sing. These behind the scenes workers and a conglomeration of many others had to work together long before opening night to ensure successful performances. “A cooperative spirit [must be] among all parties, particularly backstage,” Martin said. “This can make or break Spring Sing.” Christie Cronk and Rachel Klemmer
14 student life Members of Ko Jo Kai and Ju Go Ju stare into the distance as deer caught in the headlights on March 22, 2008, in their show, “The Night Before Christmas.” Members included sophomore Jordan Stephens, senior Ali Standridge, recent graduates Abby Wilson and Tiffany Berken and senior Emily Burroughs. Jeff Montgomery Singing a solo, junior David Walton performs March 22, 2008. Walton sang Josh Groban’s “Machine” accompanied by the Harding Jazz Band. Jeff Montgomery Sophomore Todd Sanders and senior Catherine Canterbury salute in the Zeta Rho and TNT show, “When ‘Over There’ was Over” on March 22, 2008. The show portrayed love sick girls searching for their U.S. soldiers and soul mates after World War II. Jeff Montgomery
spring sing 15 spring sing unfinished Act I “Come So Far, Got So Far To Go” Hosts, Hostesses & Ensemble “You Just Got Served” GATA, OEGE & Friends “That’s All” by Logan McClain “When ‘Over There’ Was Over” TNT, Zeta Rho & Friends “Point Taken” by Harding Jazz Band “Weird Science” Chi Sigma Alpha, Regina & Friends ”Gimme, Gimme” by Haley Jane Witt “The Night Before Christmas” Ju Go Ju, Ko Jo Kai & Friends “The Song That Goes Like This” Hosts & Hostesses As the opening of Act II, hosts, hostesses and members of ensemble perform “After Today” from “A Goofy Movie” on March 22, 2008. “After Today” allowed members to relive their awkward early teen years as they sang about life as misfits. Jeff Montgomery Act II “After Today” Hosts, Hostesses & Ensemble “Can You Hear Me Now?” Chi Omega Pi, Delta Gamma Rho & Friends “Machine” by David Walton “New York Minute” Gamma Sigma Phi, Iota Chi, Pi Theta Phi & Friends “I Know Where I’ve Been” by Jillian Shackelford “Gotta Thrive, Not Just Survive” Chi Kappa Rho, Kappa Gamma Epsilon, King’s Men, Shantih & Friends “Full Count” by Harding Jazz Band “United We Stand” Hosts & Hostesses “All for One” Hosts, Hostesses, Ensemble & Clubs Senior Katherine Milner dances in Regina and Chi Sigma Alpha’s Spring Sing show “Weird Science” on March 22, 2008. Milner portrayed a lonely robot looking to make friends. Jeff Montgomery
16 student life In late August, hundreds of new students arrived in Searcy a few days ahead of schedule to attend Student Impact. The week consisted of an array of activities designed to prepare new students for the school year and help them become oriented with the campus and its amenities. Beyond showing students where the library was located, where they could purchase their textbooks and how to use their DCB, Impact also included activities that correlated with Harding’s Christian mission, such as participating in service projects around the Searcy community. “Our service projects show incoming freshmen that service is important to Harding and a big part of what we do here,” junior Melissa Ritchie, the Impact service project director, said. Ritchie said that many Impact group leaders helped her prepare and supervise several service projects, which took place Sunday afternoon, the day before classes began. The service projects ranged in variety and included activities such as recycling, picking up trash, visiting residents at nursing homes, crushing cans and writing letters of encouragement to those in need. While Ritchie did not have an official count of how many freshmen participated in the seven different projects, she and her staff were extremely pleased with how many students were willing to help. “I think the service project shows that Harding students really care about the community,” Ritchie said. Second-year freshman John Muhlhauser, an Impact group leader, helped supervise a project to clean and crush a mound of cans so that the Sunshine School, a local program aiding individuals with special needs, could turn in the cans for money. “Not only did we get the chance to serve others, we had a great time doing it,” Muhlhauser said. “We also got a little creative by using a truck to crush some of the cans.” Freshman Emily Betts helped with the service project at the Sunshine School. While she felt that crushing cans could be gross at times, she was glad to help out. “Doing a service project for the first time at Harding within a Christian setting was a unique experience for me,” Betts said. “I’m looking forward to further opportunities.” Student Impact went beyond allowing students a smoother transition into the first week of classes. Not only did they learn their way around campus, but they saw first-hand that service was an integral part of the Harding community. Zach Welch service beginning the year with
impact 17 Second-year freshman John Muhlhauser crushes a can during a service project on Aug. 23 at the Sunshine Scool in Searcy. By crushing cans, students helped clean the grounds of the Sunshine School and saved its employees from having to do it themselves. Noah Darnell Freshman Mary Beth Byrd puts on a Hawaiin lei at the annual luau at President David Burks’ house on Aug. 22. Student Impact participants ate a luau-style dinner in the backyard of Burks’ home as a way of getting to know more students on campus. Noah Darnell Braden Kehl, a sophomore, gets a drink in the cafeteria at the Student Impact theme dinner on Aug. 23. Students were encouraged to come dressed in the style from their favorite decade. Noah Darnell Sophomore Eric Suddeath and freshman Jacob Brown follow instructions given by the hypnotist, Dale K, during the show on Aug. 22. “Whenever the hypnotist would [make a suggestion] I would be like ‘Well, I am a princess’,” Suddeath said. Noah Darnell
18 student life The Homecoming musical “Oklahoma!” attracted many students, faculty, locals and alumni during the Oct. 24-26 Homecoming weekend. Many knew friends or relatives that played the lead roles or participated in the ensemble, but one man who held all of these pieces together could not be seen center stage. Professor of communications Robin Miller was the director for the musical and had directed many previous Homecoming musicals. Miller came to Harding as a student in 1973, graduated in 1977 and returned in 1980 as a professor in the theater department. In 1985, Miller began directing the Homecoming musicals and directed most of the musicals since that year. Miller said that working with the students was his motivation for staying at Harding for over 20 years. “[I’m still here because I’m] working in a place to see students grow and in a place I can share God,” Miller said. Over the years, Miller always wanted to teach. He said it was a part of who he was, and he could not get away from it. “Many years ago I thought about changing [jobs], but it’s what I’m drawn to,” Miller said. “It’s working with people that I care about.” Miller did not always have the most conventional class settings since some of his classes were held in the rehearsal hall, but he still felt that these times with students were vital. He enjoyed seeing students use their skills and learn something new at the same time. Miller had one big lesson that he wanted his students to learn. “[Their] identity is not in their job, their role or the applause when the show is over,” Miller said. “It’s in Christ.” Performing in the Homecoming musical “Oklahoma!”, senior Elizabeth Harrell is serenaded Oct. 23 by senior David Walton. Harrell and Walton played Laurey Williams and Curly McClain, two of the leading characters in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Noah Darnell Rachel Filbeck, a junior, sings a section from “The Farmer and the Cowman” in the musical “Oklahoma!” on Oct. 23. Fillbeck portrayed Aunt Eller, a witty older woman who was not afraid to put even the toughest of men in their places. Noah Darnell Robin Miller, director of the Homecoming musical, instructs a member of the cast during practice Oct. 9 in the Benson Auditorium. For 23 years, Miller directed Harding’s Homecoming musicals. Noah Darnell While trying to give senior Linzi Lawson a “Persian Goodbye”, Jared Cook, a senior, is caught in the act by sophomore Sam Barker. “It was difficult to get the timing right with the kissing scene even though I didn’t have to do much throughout the scene,” Lawson said. “I was just supposed to be there and let them do their thing.” Noah Darnell
homecoming 19 rockin’ Robin Miller and the others he worked with started planning the next musical nearly a year before its debut. In December and January, they were already heavily involved with the planning and decisionmaking. Even after so many years, Miller kept the creativity flowing. “In ways, [staying creative] is not difficult,” Miller said. “Each show has a different script. Even when you do the same show again, you look at ways to improve it.” Many of his students and coworkers appreciated the things that Miller offered the theater department. “Mr. Miller is acutely aware of the students’ need to balance their spirtual, emotional, academic and social lives,” Dr. Morris Ellis, professor of communications, said, “but his greatest concern is about their relationship with God.” Producer Cindee Stockstill agreed that Miller had a holistic view of the musical, theater and life in general. “He is able to see the whole picture and not get caught up in one aspect of the show over another,” Stockstill said. “He teaches his students about this [as well].” The faculty told stories about how Miller was able to admit his faults and ask for help and advice and how he focused more on the students’ spiritual and emotional lives than any of their performance skills. It was evident to many that he did not focus on himself, but that his whole focus was on the students he taught and mentored each day. “What I enjoy most about Mr. Miller is his example,” junior Tessa Tunnell said. “He always looks to the Lord for guidance in selecting the musical and in directing it. He truly models for us how to be good role models and examples to others.” Farron Martin
20 student life homecoming in pictures Senior Claire Hancock performs a solo during “Bohemian Rhapsody” with the marching band Oct. 25 during halftime of the Homecoming football game. The performance was one of three in their series of new halftime shows this season, each requiring up to four weeks of preparation. Noah Darnell Harding alumna Amanda Dean Ware helps her son Harry feed a goat Oct. 25 at the petting zoo in front of the Ganus Athletic Center. Along with a petting zoo, Harding provided pony rides and blow-up games as a way of incorporating famillies with children while they visited Harding during the Homecoming weekend. Courtesy of Hannah Ware Senior Daniel Phipps, sophomore Jason Thomasson and senior Wheeler Parsons stand along the sideline Oct. 25 during the Homecoming football game against Monticello. Phipps had the longest catch of the game of 37 yards and scored one touchdown. Noah Darnell Hundreds of students gather at the intramural fields Oct. 24 for the Bison Bash during Homecoming weekend.The Bash was one of many festivities open to all students during Homecoming weekend. Noah Darnell Walking across the field with her father, senior Catherine Canterbury returns to the sidelines of the football field Oct. 25 after being crowned Homecoming Queen. Canterbury, representing women’s club Zeta Rho, was one of 14 girls nominated by their social clubs or the football team. Noah Darnell
homecoming 21
22 student life SA President Michael Crouch, a senior, auctions off dates at The Event on Nov. 18. The proceeds obtained from the auction, totalling $605, were donated to Habitat for Humanity. Noah Darnell Juniors April McCall and Kalyn Heid bid on a date Nov. 18 while eating dinner at The Event. The Event, sponsored by the Student Association, was a catered dinner open to all students, costing two meals on the students’ meal plans for admission. Noah Darnell Senior Michael Crouch interviews sophomore Michael Walker on Nov. 18 before opening the bids for audience members to purchase Walker as a date. “It was good to be a part of something fun and worthwhile,” Walker said. “I’m glad I was involved, [even] if it was only for my [British] accent.” Noah Darnell Freshman Logan Callier hugs his date, sophomore Kinyata Gray on Nov. 18. Gray won Callier as a date by bidding $50 to ensure her victory in the auction. Noah Darnell
campus activities 23 Social clubs and other organizations on campus provided students with many opportunities to attend functions and events, whether they were formals or themed affairs. However, since participation was limited to club membership, all students did not get the chance to take part. The Student Association wanted to create an event open to all members of the student body. SA Vice President Megan Reese, a senior, thought it was extremely important for such an event to take place. “Not every student at Harding has the opportunity to attend a club function, so we wanted to create one that everyone could enjoy, despite what social circle they were in,” Reese said. The SA created and sponsored The Event, Harding’s first school-wide function. The goal was to make the function accessible and fun for everyone. The back room of the cafeteria was transformed into a dining hall; the meal was catered by Aramark. “The caf food was at the top of its game,” Reese said. “It was all so nice. We had great food, pretty centerpieces and linens, and everyone was dressed well. It really felt like a nice night out.” The only payment for the night of festivities was two swipes of a student’s ID card, compared to a normal cafeteria entry-fee of one swipe. The main event of the evening was the date auction that followed the meal. Eleven of Harding’s bachelors were put up for auction. Two of those men, cousins Drew Dell, a senior, and Harrison Dell, a sophomore, were sold as a pair. “Before the auction, I was hesitant to even go up to the front because I thought the whole thing would be a bust,” Drew said. “I thought maybe the highest bidder would pay $10 or $15.” But he was definitely wrong. At first, both said they felt a little awkward while being sold off to the highest bidder, but it was not until they stepped outside of their comfort zones that the prices started to soar. “We both tried to do stupid stuff to try to get the attention off of us, and as soon as I heard $120, I didn’t believe it,” Drew said. Despite their fears, Drew and Harrison earned the highest bid of the evening, even though they were sold as a double-date. The auction was an overwhelming success. The female students in attendance opened their wallets and were ready to pay up for their chance to go on a date with one of the bachelors. Junior Kalyn Heid had not planned on participating in the auction at The Event, but came only to support her friend who was going to bid. However, her plans quickly changed. “When we all saw who was up for bid, my friends told me to bid,” Heid said. “So I did. I guess you could say it was peer pressure.” Once Heid started to bid, she found herself unable to stop despite any financial complications that would result. “The whole time I was thinking, ‘I can’t believe I am actually doing this. How in the world will I pay for this if I win? I’m broke!’ ” Heid said. “It was definitely an experience because it was something I would have never done.” Luckily, depending on the perspective, Heid did not win the auction and was not forced to face financial woes. After freshman Logan Callier’s turn on the auction block, he quickly made plans with his date. “For our date, we are going to go to sonic and Wal-Mart, and we are going to the park to walk through the Christmas lights,” he said. Altogether, the date auction raised $605. The SA donated all of the proceeds to Habitat for Humanity. “We were totally blown away by the great participation we had,” Reese said. “So many people came out for The Event, and so much money was raised for a great cause. I think this just shows us that no matter how much we may be consumed by our own little circles, our school has a great since of unity. If anything, The Event has proven the need for more activities like that.” Hannah Ware the event of the year
24 student life Dr. Monte Cox, Dean of Bible, gives a devotional during the all-school devo Nov. 6 in the McInteer Bible Building. Along with singing and a devotional, Theatron, a drama ministry group, performed for those in attendance. Noah Darnell Mac Frampton, “The American Piano Man”, performs in the Administration Auditorium on Nov. 10. Frampton had performed over 3,000 concerts in the U.S., Canada, South America and Europe and partnered with entertainers such as Bill Cosby, Victor Borge and Roberta Peters of the Metropolitan Opera. Noah Darnell Musician Josh Gracin shakes hands with Matt Garner, a sophomore, Sept. 4 after playing a game of basketball in the Rhodes Field House with other members of the Bison basketball team. Gracin enjoyed playing basketball throughout his tour as a way of exercising and letting off steam before a performance. Noah Darnell
campus activities 25 activities on campus Performer Fisher Stevenson opens for Josh Gracin and Lady Antebellum on Sept. 4 in the Benson Auditorium. At the beginning of every school year, Harding’s Campus Activities Board recruited up-and-coming music stars to perform for the Searcy community. Noah Darnell Charles Kelley, lead singer for Lady Antebellum, performs Sept. 4 in the Benson Auditorium. Lady Antebellum was known for hit songs like “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” and “I Was Here.” Noah Darnell
26 student life Sophomore Moses Rotich from Kapchorwa, Uganda, came to Harding with a plan to run for the cross country team. Once he set foot on campus, however, he had a change of heart. Rotich saw the soccer team playing and was reminded of how much he loved the sport. He played soccer since he was in secondary boarding school — similar to American junior high school. “In boarding school we played soccer all the time, and I came to love it with a passion,” Rotich said. Coming to the U.S. was a big adjustment for Rotich. Stereotypes existed in Africa about American soccer, but joining the Harding team gradually changed his thinking. Practices were as intense at Harding as they were at his home, and there were some different rules to get used to. The weather, however, was Rotich’s biggest adjustment. “I have never lived in a humid place before, and the weather here changes so fast,” Rotich said. “I remember when I first tried out for the team. It was so humid, and I felt like I couldn’t breathe that day.” One of Rotich’s biggest challenges was communicating with his teammates. He was a little intimidated because he had such a thick African accent and started out very quiet with the other soccer players. “After a few days though, I learned that it is very difficult to isolate yourself in the United States,” Rotich said. “The guys would different sport same worlds,
international students 27 always come and try to converse with me and make me feel part of the team. I know all of them now, and we all play the game with a passion.” Coach Greg Harris played a big part in helping Rotich fit in with his teammates. Rotich said that the player-coach relationship was a lot different for him in the U.S. than it was in Uganda. At home, the coach-team relationship was mainly on the field. Harris helped build the team by inviting them over to his house to relax and have fun outside of practice. Rotich said he always wanted to go to a Christian school in the U.S. A Harding alumnus and friend of his father recommended Harding to him. “I wanted a good Christian education in the U.S., and Harding seemed to be the place,” Rotich said. Not only did he have to make adjustments on the soccer field, but he also found there were a lot of social and educational differences. He experienced many of the same difficulties most African students faced. The hardest part was socializing because the English accent was very different from their African accent. “[Most African students] don’t normally feel confident enough to interact freely, so it was only natural that I experienced the same problems,” Rotich said. “The education system here was somewhat different and hi-tech, which I wasn’t used to, but I adapted quickly.” Rotich also discovered that he had more free time because his classes did not seem to be as hard as at home. In Uganda, he said he had many sleepless nights studying for his classes, but his schedule at Harding was a little more relaxed. Through all of the adjustments and changes from Uganda to the U.S., Rotich adapted well. “Harding has been a home away from home for me because I have made so many good friends who always try to help me when I need it, and the professors and everyone else I meet on campus are just so friendly,” Rotich said. “I therefore interact freely with everyone, and I have adjusted quite well in this kind of environment.” Bethany Loftis Teammates and sophomores Haniel Gara and Lola Pardo high-five during tennis practice Sept. 10. Both tennis players came to Harding as international students from Zimbabwe and France. Noah Darnell Junior Gibron Velazquez befriends a few local school children in El Icacal, El Salvador, Aug. 5. A group of Spanish speaking students went to El Salvador to educate children from different communities on ways they could help the environment, based on Christian values. Courtesy of Lupita Ramirez Tiana Li, a graduate student, demonstrates kung fu Sept. 13 while celebrating the Chinese Moon Festival. International students from China used the celebration as an opportunity to share Chinese culture with Harding students. Noah Darnell Sophomore Moses Rotich shields a Drury defender from the ball on Sept. 7. Though it took some time, Rotich worked hard to gain the skills needed to properly communicate with his teammates. Noah Darnell
28 student life leadership starts young Harding’s mission statement stated, “Integrating Faith, Living and Learning,” meaning that Harding wanted to provide students with opportunities to incorporate their Christian beliefs with the rest of their lives. One opportunity Harding provided for its students was through spring break campaigns. Every year, hundreds of students devoted their spring break to spreading the gospel to places around the world. Campaign groups traveled across the United States, Canada and to many other countries including Ukraine, Haiti and Honduras. However, the most unique aspect of the spring break campaigns was not the location, but the leadership that took place long before anyone left for the break. Starting eight to nine months earlier, student volunteers began working on the campaigns for 2008. Recent graduate Nicholas May, the student director and finance director, was the liaison between the spring break missions office and the participating students. “It was a nice way to get involved with students that I would not normally see or interact with,” May said. “There was always an inspirational story from the students that affirmed that even working for just a week was worthwhile.” Junior Brice Priestly led an individual group campaign in 2007 and was asked to be the travel director over all of the 2008 campaigns. “Missions are important,” Priestly said, “But if you can’t get the people there in a safe and efficient way, the mission can’t happen.” Priestly knew that even though his job would not directly affect the people being served through the campaigns, he realized that any way he was able to help would allow the trips to run more smoothly. “Just being a part in any way, we were able to serve and do so much good for so many people who needed to hear the gospel,” Priestly said. Nathan Copeland, assistant to the president, oversaw the spring break campaigns and helped the student leaders as they worked towards successful campaigns. “When I saw all the student leaders get so passionate about preparing to serve, [it] forced me to think critically about how I choose to use my life for the Lord,” Copeland said. Students who led the campaign groups had more of a direct influence on the outcomes of their campaigns. Recent graduate Luckson Previl led a campaign to his home country, Haiti. The goal of this group’s campaign was to encourage church members and children by painting church buildings and hosting a vacation Bible school. Previl, who understood the culture shock that could potentially affect students, was able to prepare his teammates for a trip that would be trying. “The students just needed to be willing to go out of their comfort zone,” Previl said. “I realize that for lots of kids at [Harding], the poverty of Haiti is something that most people have never seen before.” Though student leaders began working many months in advance, they were still faced with obstacles. Similar to any event that needed planning, Harding’s spring break campaigns had their challenges to be overcome. “Challenges in the pre-stages were things such as working with the contacts at different locations. We were working on both their schedules and ours to get everything together,” May said. “And there were always students who just don’t seem to cooperate with what you ask them to do, whether it was [missing] deadlines or having no apparent concern for money.” For Priestly, his challenges were keeping students accountable to their teams. “We start so early in the year that in the beginning, people get excited and sign up for the campaigns,” Priestly said. “But the year rolls around and people lose interest. They want to do other, more exciting things. Keeping those students on their teams and active members is the biggest challenge.” Even through difficulties, these leaders felt that using their gifts and abilities was well worth the effort. “It is important for Harding to be involved in missions. Harding, as a Christian institution, and our students should be involved because they get a chance to see how people really live in other parts of the world,” Previl said. “In America, it’s very different from how people live in Europe or Asia. I complain about the [cafeteria] food, but then I think about how people in my country are starving. Mission trips open your eyes and make you more thankful for what you have.” Hannah Ware
spring break campaigns 29 Senior Jonathon Gehrich meets a man in New York and stops to help him feed a squirrel in Central Park on March 3, 2008. Developing relationships with complete strangers was a highlight of the students’ trip to the Northeast. Courtesy of Joseph Dickerson Learning to dance March 4, 2008, senior Katie Williams, junior Curt Matzenbacher and senior Victoria Weaver get into the Hawaiian spirit. Local Hawaiians taught Harding students how to hula during a luau. Courtesy of Janet Henry Gil Jimenez, a graduate student, interviews a stranger about his religious beliefs during a ferry ride to Long Island, New York, on March 5, 2008. Students interviewed people as part of a documentary, which studied people’s views on Christianity. Courtesy of Joseph Dickerson May 2008 graduate Jacob Henry throws a spear into a target during the spring break campaign in Hawaii March 4, 2008. Students had a hands-on experience in learning traditional Hawaiian hunting skills. Courtesy of Janet Henry
30 student life Senior Seth Coleman helps baptize Roza, a Tanzanian woman, in Chimala, Tanzania, in Africa on June 20, 2008. Because of Roza’s complications with her caesarean section, the men were forced to use a sheet to lift Roza into the tub used to baptize her. Courtesy of Jes Ellis Many students who signed up to go on medical missions did so with the expectation of aiding people in need. They intended to ease the patients’ sufferings and help them as much as possible. However, some students found out that they were actually the ones being helped; they were the ones being aided. During the summer of 2008, 13 students from Harding went to Chimala, Tanzania, in Africa and worked at the Chimala Mission Hospital. At the end of the trip, they realized they were the ones who were blessed from their experiences. The mission began when students supplied medical care, provided teaching sessions for the doctors and nurses and encouraged members from the surrounding churches. “We did a lot of health care teaching and community health promotion in remote villages,” senior JM Corella said. “This teaching included the recognition of early signs and symptoms of illnesses such as malaria, pneumonia and dehydration.” Corella added that the group also held a mother/child clinic where they gave vaccinations and weighed babies to ensure adequate growth and development through their years. While the students worked at these things, they slowly began to realize that they were gaining much more than they were giving. “God was teaching us a lot about Himself and about ourselves in relation to Him and this world that He created,” Corella said. The group also felt that getting outside of their cultural comfort zones enabled them to learn things that would not have been possible otherwise. “I was able to see and experience things in Africa that I will never be able to see in the states,” senior Jes Ellis said. “Every cultural experience strengthens me as a person and as a nurse. I saw true pain and suffering, along with the awesome power of God.” While in Africa, the students had the opportunity to meet a young woman named Roza with an interesting story. Before the group arrived at Chimala, Roza had a baby named Daniel. Unfortunately, she developed complications because of the caesarean section and had a terrible infection in her abdomen. After being admitted to the local hospital, the only person who was with Roza was Bibi, the baby’s grandmother. Bibi was ashamed of the way her son, Daniel’s father, treated Roza, so she stayed with Roza in the hospital to help her and her grandson. Even though she was in the hospital, Roza did not get better. After many days of trying to cure her, the doctors told Roza that they could not do anything else for her. This news was hard for both Roza and Bibi. Trying to ease the situation, the students took their Bibles and read scriptures to Bibi. Through a translator, she told them that she was a member of the church in Chimala and that she appreciated them reading and sharing with her. Soon, Roza expressed her interest in the Bible and shortly after was baptized into Christ in a bathtub at one of the missionary’s houses. “On the way back to the hospital, we were singing songs, and Roza had this look of peace on JM Corella, a senior, reads the Bible on June 22 to Roza, a patient at Chimala Mission Hospital. Even through her sickness, Roza continued to show interest in learning about Christianity as several students studied with her during their stay in Chimala. Courtesy of Jes Ellis Trying to make friends, senior Heather Mitchell plays with a group of children in Togo, Africa, at the end of May. “It was a really good lesson in that you don’t have to speak the same language with someone to share joy with that person,” Mitchell said. Courtesy of Meredith Gravette While accompanying other medical professionals, senior Jes Ellis helps perform a caesarean section in Tanzania, Africa, on June 22. “We were able to experience things in Africa that we never would have been able to otherwise,” Ellis said. “Our experiences helped give us a more well-rounded view of medical care.” Courtesy of Jes Ellis
summer campaigns 31 a faithful healing her face,” Corella recalled. “She closed her eyes and started humming even though she did not know the songs we were singing. We all just witnessed the work of the Lord and the joy that only comes from having Jesus as your savior.” The transformation that occurred in Roza’s life was evident to everyone around her. “From then on, she seemed very calm and at peace with her condition,” senior Kendyll Helf said. “She smiled and would always hold out her hand for us to come say hello. The change in her demeanor and attitude is truly a testament of what God can do in someone’s life.” Roza was discharged from the hospital the final day that the students were in Chimala. The last news they heard about her was that she was gaining her strength back, but it was a slow and difficult process. “Even if she was in pain, she always welcomed us with a smile and would often say ‘ninamshukuru Mungu kwa wewe’ which in Swahili means ‘I am thankful to God for you,’” Corella said. Ellis, Helf and Corella all agreed that their time spent in Africa was a life-changing event. They learned things that were necessary for them to succeed in their field of study, gained confidence in caring for and treating illnesses and had first-hand interactions with real people and their problems. But the most important thing that they learned was how God worked in people’s lives. “The most valuable aspect of our trip was the relationships that we shared in,” Corella said. “We grew as a mission team, we grew close with the missionaries and the hospital staff, we grew with numerous patients and ultimately we grew with our Heavenly Father. All of us would say that this was the single greatest thing we took from this trip.” The students that went on this medical mission returned home to the U.S. as different people. They were changed by the things they saw and experienced. Their memories of Africa and of God, still very much alive, will remain with them wherever they go. Rebecca Harrell
32 student life more than just keeping score Intramural sports offered students an opportunity to compete in athletic competition without having to be a part of the official collegiate teams. Ranging from softball to swimming, students competed on teams or head-to-head. However, there were student workers behind this whole process that many participants did not take into account. “Working intramurals is not an easy job,” senior Matt Tate said. “A lot of people think that we don’t do that much, but without us, there wouldn’t be any intramurals.” Intramural workers went to the fields and courts early to set up the scoreboards, place the bases or put up the nets. The workers made sure games were played fairly and kept the games going. They calmed irritated players, assisted the injured and were the gears to a machine that many people did not give credit to. Senior Kellie DeAtley had worked intramurals since her first semester at Harding in 2006. She had
intramurals 33 Entering in a team’s point, Hannah Benjamin, a freshman, keeps score of an intramural men’s volleybal game Nov. 3 in the Ganus Athletic Center. Both student intramural workers and volunteers helped intramural sports function smoothly throughout the year. Noah Darnell Senior Mandy Finch and junior Michal Henderson set up the ball to score Nov. 21 in the Ganus Athletic Center. Intramural sports were open to all students and provided great opportunities to meet others while participating in physical activities. Noah Darnell a different view on the way things were done because she worked with the women’s intramural events. “Being a part of intramurals is a fun experience. I love seeing my friends play sports,” DeAtley said. “Working the games lets me get outside of school for a while.” Intramurals certainly took up a good portion of time though. Workers got to pick when to work, typically picking between six to seven one-hour shifts a week. Intramural staff also received payment through work-study. “It isn’t that hard to balance school and work. The scheduling allows for you to work when you can,” senior Brice Carter said. “If you have something you need to be doing, then you can let someone else have that shift.” On Dec. 5, the intramural staff got together to have the annual Intramural Worker Challenge. The group went bowling, ate at Ryan’s Family Steak House and played different sports in the Ganus Athletic Center afterwards. “We play pickle ball, table tennis, basketball and other sports,” Carter said. “When you win an event, you get points. At the end, whoever has the most points gets to take home the plaque.” Some viewed the intramural workers as the unsung heroes behind the scenes of intramural sports. Coach Jim Gowan attested to that. Gowan, director of men’s intramurals for 13 years, said he was an avid sports fan and loved being a part of this group. “I have a great group of guys this semester,” Gowan said. “They are incredibly responsible. They show up on time. They work hard, and I couldn’t ask any more from them. They maintain the spirit of the game, and they sure do make it fun to watch.” Cody Waits Freshman Caleb Genry hits the softball into the outfield Oct. 8 during the men’s intramural softball championship game. Men’s intramurals awarded letter jackets to men who had the highest participation throughout the entire year. Noah Darnell
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