PetitJean Harding University Searcy, Ark. 2011- 2012 Enrollment: 7,056
ell-known for his comical Bison articles, endless supply of ties and incredible passion for teaching literature, Associate Professor of English Michael Claxton had been impacting students' lives since his arrival at Harding in 2003. An alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Claxton said his position at Harding had been a great fit, both for him and for the University, ever since. "One of my favorite classes was a specialty course I taught in 2005, called Faith and Doubt in 19th Century England," Claxton said. "It had some of Harding's best English majors at the time, and the quality of their discussions and work was incredible. I also liked teaching Shakespeare in the spring of 2011. It was a treat to teach some of the very best literature in the world." When asked about his personal goals, Claxton said he strove to give his students an appreciation for literature, even when the task seemed difficult. "I love teaching World Literature," Claxton said. "I try to make it interesting for students who might not necessarily find it so, and I get lots of different perspectives. I also love teaching the same student as a freshman and again as a senior. Seeing their academic growth is one of my favorite experiences." Claxton's personal mission, he said, was helping students through their own struggles of faith by learning from writers of the past. "I am fortunate as a literature teacher to teach texts that wrestle with questions of faith and ethics," Claxton said. "I like the freedom to talk openly about faith and watch very intelligent writers wrestle with it, like John Milton, who wrote 'Paradise Lost,' expressing his faith in a way that still speaks to us." Senior Kevin Newton, who had taken several courses taught by Claxton over the duration of four years, sang Claxton's praises for his well-rounded teaching style and influence in many aspects of life. "Dr. Claxton is the perfect blend of teacher, passionate about his subject, and mentor, relating excellently to his students," Newton said. In addition to teaching, Claxton was also actively involved as a member of the chapel committee and as co-sponsor of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society and Souvenirs poetry club. He assisted as an announcer for the White County Spelling Bee, enjoyed slight-of-hand with the Searcy Magic Club and had campus-wide fame for his notorious "Cliff and Clax" comedy duo, alongside Music Professor Cliff Ganus. He had accumulated many awards over the years, including the 2008-2009 Teacher Achievement Award, the Alpha Chi Faculty Scholar Award in 2011 and the American Studies Institute Teacher of the Year Award in 2007. One of his favorite awards, he said, came from the Bisons basketball teams. "I attend almost every game and have a seat behind the team next to the water cooler," Claxton said. "They gave me a special picture of one of their games for being a Rhodes Rowdies fan ...talk about distinguished." His greatest reward, however, always came in bringing a student newfound appreciation for literature, changing his or her outlook on life. "In 'Blue Like Jazz,' Donald Miller says that he never cared for jazz until he watched a street performer playing saxophone with his entire heart and soul," Claxton said. "He says, 'Sometimes you have to watch someone love something before you can love it yourself' That is my personal goal. My job is to love a poem and hope it catches on." Sarah Eason
.. • College is more than just bookwork. It is more than concerts, Spring Sing or Homecoming. Student life is a new way of building relationships and broadening faith. Freshmen leave their parents, arrive on campus and must choose how they want to view life and arrange their priorities. Over the course of four years, we define our goals and values and choose which path we want to walk. Jessica Boyd
i-f-'s. ~~CUA.f- .f-o k Welcome Home Minutes before the winner of thejohn H. Ryan Sweepstakes Award was announced, Spring Sing Director Steven Frye was notified that for the first time in 38 years, there was a tie. Social clubs Zeta Rho and TNT's show "Redistribution of Wealth" and clubs Delta Nu, Pi Theta Phi, Gamma Sigma Phi and Iota Chi's show "20/80 Vision" tied for the award, allowing two different charities to benefit from the $2,000 sweepstakes prize. According to Frye, the judging criteria had been set up to make this sort of thing just short of impossible. As it turned out, each show scored one way in one category and differently in another, balancing the scores and resulting in a tie. Zeta Rho director senior Emily Ford believed that the tie was eye-opening and beneficial for all, reminding them that there were no winners or losers in a competition aimed at helping others. "The moment Dr. Burks came up to the microphone and said, 'For the first time in Spring Sing history,' our eyes got huge, our f 2. Spring Sing hands squeezed and we shot off our feet like fireworks," Ford said. "I remember looking down at our little group of merry men jumping and hugging each other, and I felt so proud. We were like happy parents, but [after) getting to know all of the other directors and how hard they all worked, it felt more like a six-way tie. We worked together to make Spring Sing a success; our charities were able to make this world a little brighter, and I felt like God was glorified through it all." Pi Theta Phi participant junior Allison Lincoln found her original reaction to be a little less than excited. "I didn't understand the point of a tie," Lincoln said. "But, after the initial shock wore off and I was reminded of what Spring Sing is supposed to be about, I realized that it honestly doesn't matter who won, and the best part is, two amazing organizations got to receive money when it would have originally only been one." Frye felt a great sense of pride after the two clubs tied for the Ryan Sweepstakes Award. "There is a little bit of being a parent that's in directing Spring Sing," Frye said. "Whenever someone wins an award, I'm proud of them like I am my own child. When two of them share, I imagine it's like being Venus and Serena Williams' parents, so proud of both of them. There is that sense where I was just gratified that people had done their best and had been recognized in that way." Frye believed the shared award complied with Harding's mission of developing Christian servants in faith, learning and living. "Spring Sing competition is like when Paul talks about running the Christian race," Frye said. "The idea is that everybody runs in order to receive the crown. If you've done your best, you're going to receive your award, but you don't begrudge somebody who has gotten something else. You don't diss another in order to make yourself feel better. Now, will there always be people that do that? Yes, there will be some. But for the most part, I think the student body really liked the outcome." Ashley Rosenbaum
Performing in the Ju Go Ju and Ko Jo Kai show, sophomore Lauren Tesh rides a unicycle and sings about life on the farm. "Singin' in the Grain" placed third overall in Spring Sing. Ashel Parsons The cast of the "20/80 Vision" show displays all of the possible changes for life in the future. The group won the John H. Ryan Sweepstakes Award for the second year in a row. Ashel Parsons Dressed as robots, the fast dance group for the "20/80 Vision" show dazzles the audience in their glow-in-thedark costumes. "Spring Sing united us as clubs, almost in the same way that club week does in that it is a very time consuming, often challenging experience," junior Allison Lincoln said. AsheI Parsons The "Housewives" of Delta Gamma Rho, Chi Omega Pi, Zeta Pi Zeta and friends sing about the troubles of getting dinner on the table and raising children. The overall theme for Spring Sing 2011 was "Welcome Home." Ashel Parsons The hosts portray the characters from 'The Addams Family" in their song introducing the Gamma Sigma Phi, Pi Theta Phi, Iota Chi, Delta Nu and friends show. The hosts used the parody to illustrate the family side of Spring Sing. Ashel Parsons Student Life f3
f + Spring Sing Senior Carson McGill chastises his employee, sophomore Thomas Mills, and sings about the not-so-boring side of office life. Regina and Chi Sigma Alpha's show was based off of the hit television show 'The Office." Ashe[ Parsons Graduate Amanda Favazza portrays a lightning storm during the Zeta Rho, TNT and friends show. "I feel as if God looked at all of the shows this year, saw the amazing love that we all came to have for each othet~ and thought it was about time we all realize that in his eyes there are no winners and losers," senior Emily Ford, Zeta Rho director, said. Ashel Parsons
Members of TNT, Zeta Rho and friends raise sophomore Erica Dobnikar in the air during the finale of the "Redistribution of Wealth" show. Steven Frye, director of Spring Sing, believed that the shared award complied with Harding's mission of developing Christian servants in faith, learning and living. AsheIParsons The hosts, ensemble and members from each show dance together in the finale song "Spring Sing, Welcome Home." For the first time in Spring Sing's 38 year history, there was a tie for first place between the "Redistribution of Wealth" and "20/80 Vision" shows. Ashel Parsons The girls and guys of Shantih, Chi Kappa Rho, GATA and Alpha Tau Epsilon wait for the school bus during their show 'Just Kidding Around." They performed a medley of school-related songs. Ashel Parsons Student Life f 5 --
SkA"i"~ Vk"i~+ In the Nation's Capital Students on Harding's campus were well-known for putting personal comforts aside, putting on their work clothes and using breaks from school as time to spread out across the country and beyond. Spring break mission trips in 20 II brought hope to hundreds in places such as Sacramento, Calif.; Vancouver, Canada; and Nicaragua. One group of 14 students ventured to the nation's capital to work with a local congregation and change the lives of underprivileged children in the heart of the U.S. The group, led by seniors Molly McCoy and Ben Caudill, helped with the Laurel Church of Christ in Bethesda, Md. Their host family was very supportive of their efforts, helping them clean and organize part of the Ronald McDonald house, which provided housing for children undergoing medical treatments. The main focus of the trip was working with underprivileged children, and activities included hosting a Bible bowl and filling backpacks with toiletries and school supplies for homeless children. They also threw a St. Patrick's Day party to brighten the day of children in need around the area. "I liked making backpacks for the homeless kids," sophomore Emily Spencer said. ':Just knowing that now they would have something to do over spring break when they wouldn't have had anything to do otherwise was rewarding." The group also participated in door knocking in local neighborhoods, passing out flyers and raising awareness of the Laurel Church of Christ. However; door knocking proved to be one of the more difficult parts of the trip. "Washington, D.C. has laws against soliciting, which means you can't even go and hand people a flyer," Spencer said. "Sometimes it was frustrating because we would have whole lists and were only f b Spring Break Campaigns able to talk to two people we visited." However; the trip was filled with many new opportunities and life lessons from which the members were able to learn. "The trip more or less opened my eyes to seeing every opportunity in the day as one that can bring glory to God," Caudill said. "It doesn't necessarily take door knocking or a St. Patrick's Day party to share God's message." Overall, the experience was a way for the group to grow closer together while serving others. "The main thing I learned is that sometimes you go on a trip and try to have an impact on people, but at the end of the day you are the one who is impacted the most," Caudill said. "The church was so strong and supportive of us the whole week, and the little kids at the shelter were so welcoming and open to us that they easily impacted us far more than we did them." Jessica Boyd
Sophomore Kevin Holder plays basketball with an inner city child at a festival organized by the mission group in Knoxville, Tenn. In addition to playing basketball, the Knoxville mission team also had an egg toss and played the game "ninja." Mackenzie Lee Sophomore Callie Abston prepares tortillas with a family in Belize. The group sampled the local cuisine at several restaurants and spent time visiting and encouraging families. Courtesy of Diana Kirby Sophomore Tyler Phillips plays with Nicaraguan children. Her mission team also helped build a porch extension to keep the rain out of a widow's house. Courtesy of Kreston Lee Sophomore Kris Monroe races neighborhood children down a road in Belize. The group went door knocking and, for fun, explored caves. Courtesy of Diana Kirby Monroe nails siding onto the San Antonio Church of Christ building in Pueblo Viejo, Belize. "It was a very humbling and eye-opening trip," Monroe said. "Belize has a lot of the aspects of a less fortunate nation, but it is a place filled with wonderful people that I will never forget." Courtesy of Diana Kirby Student Life fT
2011 graduates Christina Belew and Morgan Evans test the quality of the water from the well that Harding engineering students designed and built in Haiti. Evans previously worked at a water-testing facility, and her knowledge was invaluable to the team. Courtesy of Christina Belew Evans holds the child of Peltan Christian Primary School's superintendent. Mter the engineering students installed the well, counseling students went to Haiti to lead a seminar discussing Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Courtesy of Christiana Belew Junior Axnanda Reynolds entertains a group of children at a Catholic school in New Zealand. The Global Outreach mission team was allowed into schools to perform morality skits. Courtesy of Amanda Reynolds Senior Ethan Lilly writes "Peltan Harding Ansanm" in the wet concrete section of the well in Haiti. The mission of the five-year-long Ansanm project was to teach Haitians to build new wells in the community. Courtesy of Christiana Belew Senior Dave Towell stencils the name of the health clinic at the Village of Hope in Fettah, Ghana. In the clinic, the art department painted a mural depicting scenes ofJesus healing the sick. Courtesy of Daniel Adams f8 Summer Campaigns
/)\~ St /)\~ M 1 .f-o ~ eA-k ~~ Bringing Hope to Haiti As a part of a five-year-long partnership, engineering and counseling students traveled to Haiti in the summer to work with the Peltan Christian Primary School. Led by Engineering Instructor Jimmy Huff, Associate Professor of Engineering Rich Wells and Associate Professor of Counseling Todd Patten, students built a well and led a seminar in the developing country, in addition to serving the Haitian people and spreading the Gospel in many other ways. Before leaving on the trip, engineering students designed plans for the well and sent plans for a latrine, which was built before they arrived. Because of the rising need, students in the Engineering Service Projects class designed a high-tech latrine, complete with ventilation system in order to decrease the airborne disease carried by insects. When the group arrived at the school, they inspected the latrines and finished the ventilation system. During the construction of the well, students were assigned individual jobs in order to increase work efficiency. People from the community also came out to dig the well and pour cement. While they were digging, they often ran into rocks and water, forcing them to dive underwater to continue digging. The Harding team pumped out the water with a generator in order to solve the problem. Nevertheless, the situation was precarious; one slip of the generator at the top of the well and the result would have been disastrous for the diggers underneath. "It hit me just how much they wanted this well, that they were willing to risk their lives," Wells said. According to Patten, seeing Haitian people teaching each other and taking control of the situation was one of the most rewarding aspects of the trip. "The most meaningful experience for me was [seeing] a man explaining the importance of water treatment to a child from his school," Patten said. "Giving the Haitian people the necessary tools to aid others in the community was the whole purpose of the project. It is important to improve their basic needs, because until those needs are met, we cannot help with their emotional trauma." Patten also added that the men who helped with the well project had since then used their newfound knowledge and skills in their communities, spreading knowledge that would benefit multiple Haitian families in the future. This type of domino effect was exactly what the Harding group hoped to accomplish through their time in Haiti. "It's all a part of the plan and the partnership," Wells said. "It's like the old saying, 'If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a night; but if you teach him to fish, you feed him for a lifetime."' Jessica Boyd Student Life f 'J
# • 0 IMP~ A Tweet to Remember Every year, new students arrived on campus with anticipation for the Impact program. Impact helped transition freshmen into the college life by creating an opportunity for them to make new friends and get excited about the upcoming semester. The theme for this year was "So Fresh and So Clean." Students bonded through various social activities, including energy group sessions led by upperclassmen, themed dinners, silly games and devotionals. On the final night of Impact, participants attended the finale in the Benson Auditorium, where one Impact student won a $10,000 travel voucher to attend one of Harding's seven overseas programs. Dr.jeffrey Hopper, dean of the International Programs office, came on stage dressed in a Native American costume to introduce the contest. "The idea was that most of our students, coming from one of the 50 states, are really not Native Americans in the truest sense," Hopper said. "It was an attempt to introduce the idea of the different cultures that make up our country 2Qlmpact and the value of getting to know other cultures." To enter, students had to register for Student Impact and mention either @HUintl or # HUimpact20 ll on Twitter to automatically be entered in the drawing. "The International Programs office is seeking ways to increase our social media presence at Harding," Hopper said. "We also used Twitter to make the freshmen more aware that we do have @HUintl and want to point them to follow this Twitter account. We had over 300 valid, individual responses." On Aug. 20, the final night of Impact, two finalists were chosen randomly to be in the running for the grand prize. Hopper shot two arrows to pick finalists, one male and one female. Finally, in order to choose the grand prize winner, the Bisons and Lady Bisons soccer teams competed in a penalty kick shootout, each representing a contestant, and the winning team's contestant won the grand prize. Freshman Richelle Pettit from Ava, Mo., was the recipient of the grand prize, and freshman Tyler Nutt from Suwanee, Ga., was the runner-up. "I decided to attend the Greece program," Pettit said. "The one thing that really got me interested was the fact that I can walk where Jesus walked." Nutt, who received a $3,000 voucher to attend the program of his choice, found himself deciding between two programs. "Right now, I am torn between Greece and Australia," Nutt said. "Greece would be cool because it would put me right in the middle of all the history of the Bible, and Australia would be cool because the culture is so different and I hear it is beautiful." Even though winning the trip of a lifetime would be enough incentive for many students to attend Impact, the winners emphasized that the program, with or without the drawing, was still well worth the first college experience. "I really enjoyed Impact and felt like it got me much more prepared for what was to be expected in college," Pettit said. Jessica Boyd
Senior Zach Daggett and freshmen Petra Malmquist and Morgan Smith imagine there is glue between their hands at the hypnotist show Aug. 19. Hypnotist Dale K made participants believe that their hands were permanently stuck together. Ashel Parsons Senior Brett Cravens prepares to shoot a basket in the GAC during free time on Aug. 21. The theme for Impact was "So Fresh and So Clean." Ashel Parsons Sophomores Kallsy Mitchell and Logan Page model their retroinspired outfits Aug. 19 at the 80s-themed dinner in the GAC. Friday night's events included the dinner, a devotional in the Benson and a comedy hypnosis show. Ashel Parsons Freshman Tyler CleDlnlons gives a dog a bath at the Humane Society Aug. 20 as a part of the Impact service projects. Other projects included organizing wheelchairs and walkers and folding clothes for the needy at a warehouse in judsonia. Ashel Parsons Jeffrey Hopper, dean of the International Programs, dresses as a Thunderbolt Native American and announces the finalists in the contest for the $10,000 International Programs travel voucher Aug. 19. Freshman Richelle Pettit won the contest and decided to use the voucher for the HUG program. Ashel Parsons Student Life 2f :;;;;W-
As a part of the Homecoming festivities on Oct. 29,junior Scotti Beth Lawson performs a skit in the Pied Pipers show. Other weekend activities included a Good News Singers concert and class reunions. Ashe[ Parsons Seniors Ellen Erwin, Shcralee Kerr, Gina Cielo and Kaylcc Swayne wave to the crowd during the Homecoming parade on Oct. 29.Ju Goju's float won the contest, and the club received $500. Ashe[ Parsons Freshman Colton Kamper dodges a tackle during the game against Ouachita Baptist U nivcrsity on Oct. 29. After the game, freshman Donatella Luckett was named the GAC Special Teams Player of the Week for returning a kickoff 88 yards lor a touchdown. Ashel Parsons During halftime of the football game against Ouachita, senior Elisa Hester of Regina is presented as Homecoming Queen. The other finalists were seniors Stephanie Allen of Pi Theta Phi, Kelly Gossett of Zeta Rho and Emily Sansom ofJu Go Ju. Ashel Parsons The team Felix Felicis defends their goal during the Quidditch tournament at Harding Park on Oct. 25. CAB organized "I Heart HU Week" with different activities each night, including a dodgeball tournament and a bonfire. Ashel Parsons 22 Homecoming
HU A Week of Festivities "I Heart HU" week brought a new way to gear up for Homecoming. The Campus Activities Board (CAB) spent weeks working to create this week-long celebration. Each day had a designated theme, representing reasons why students loved HU. The idea was created by CAB Director Corey McEntyre in spring 2011. One of the biggest events of the week, the Quidditch game, was arranged byjunior Carter Wright, the multimedia director for the board. The idea was taken from the "Harry Potter" novel series and modified by Wright. "The event was 'Bring Your Own Broom,"' Wright said. "We ended up having a really good turnout." With I 0 teams participating, players also enjoyed the event. "I thought Qudditch went really well," junior Tyler Tipton said. "The tournament brought a little piece of the magic of Hogwarts to Harding that day." Junior Velvet Janelle, public relations director's assistant, felt the event was a success overall. "Our main goal was to get the [student] body together and have fun," Janelle said. "It's always great to hear people say that they enjoyed it and that they wanted it to happen again." The mission of the event was also to liven the time surrounding Homecoming. Each day was extensively planned to get students excited for one of Harding's largest celebrations of the year. "The whole energy and atmosphere for the week was really hyped up and fun," CAB senior Amy Littleton said. "I think everyone was generally happier and more excited [than in years past]." The week was a tradition students campus-wide wanted to keep. "It really got students more involved during the entire week of Homecoming, instead of just at the game," junior Monica Davis said. "I enjoyed all of the activities and am looking forward to seeing what CAB comes up with next year." Hannah Robison Student Life 23
2+ Musical .f-oMot't'oW, -hMot"t"oW Actors of Tomorrow The audience in the Benson Auditorium was taken from the hard knock life to glamorous "N.YC." in Harding's 20 ll Homecoming musical, ''Annie." Spectators were surprised to see that, rather than casting university students for all the roles, a large number of actors were actually children. Positions for Annie and the rest of the orphan cast were open to both students and children in the community. Over l 00 girls auditioned for the roles, and after many callbacks, Abbey Giboney, a Harding Academy eighth grader, was cast as Annie. Harding students in the cast were impressed with how well she handled her role as an actress. "I think what makes her talented is that she picks things up very quickly," junior Benji Holder, who co-starred alongside Giboney, said. "She never had a problem learning her lines or remembering music. She was very committed from the beginning, and it really showed in her performance." Holder said he and Giboney were able to successfully connect for a heartwarming performance. "The directors would explain things differently to [Abbey and me] because I'm 21 and she's 13," Holder said. "When it came down to it, we both were able to get into character and form the relationships that Warbucks and Annie needed to have to make the roles believable." Junior Amy Dorsey spent a lot of time working with the other young girls in her role as an orphan. "I had a blast with these girls," Dorsey said. "They were some of the best that I have ever worked with." Senior Logan Kays said that the college actors and younger actors were able to closely bond because of the special activities they did off-stage. "There was one dressing room that was specifically for the orphans," Kays said. "We would spend time together talking, taking pictures, writing encouraging cards and coloring pictures for each other." Mter the curtain calls and final bows, Harding students walked away with some new, albeit younger, friends. Stacy Hall
Harding Academy eighth-grader Abbey Giboney and junior Benji Holder dance in the song "I Don't Need Anything but You." They portrayed the main characters Annie and Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks in the Homecoming musical. Grant Schol Senior Aislyn Wilson sings about the "hard knock life" of being an orphan in New York City dUJing the Great Depression. The show had a happy ending for the orphans when the unscrupulous Miss Hannigan, played by graduate student Mary McBride, was arrested. Grant Schol During the dress rehearsal on Oct. 25, McBride, seniorJ oshua Little and junior Emily Welfare plot one of their get-rich-quick schemes. '~mie" was also the Homecoming musical in 1986. Ashel Parsons While sitting in Miss Hannigan's office, senior Morgan Tunnell, McBride and Giboney discuss Annie's adoption by Warbucks. One of the most difficult parts of the set, according to senior Jonathan Aders, was constructing the rotating platforms. Ashel Parsons The orphans dream about better lives after Miss Hannigan scolds them for making too much noise. The orphan cast was played by a mix of university and local grade school students. Grant Schol Student Life 2.5 !WWZ
2b cAB The Avett Brothers serenade the audience at the First Thaw Festival April l, 20 ll . The festival was a weekend-long music event benefitting Heifer International, a non-profit organization that donated livestock and seeds to people in poverty in order to end hunger in a sustainable fashion. Ashe[ Parsons Senior Christa Sm.ith leads a Zum.ba class in the Hammond Room on Sept. 8. Because of popular demand, CAB increased the number of classes to eight per week. Ashe[ Parsons On Aug. 25, senior Danielle Morton flips on a trampoline at the Back to School Bash on the front lawn. The Back to School Bash featured new organizations on campus, a "Belles and Beaux" concert and inflatable slides. Ashe[ Parsons On Sept. 8, Alex Cox, spokesperson for MANA, discusses the mission of MANA, which is to provide food for severely malnourished children. Cox and alumnus Mark Slagle drove an old Winnebago to colleges across the country raising awareness for the organization. Caleb Rum.m.el Cheerleaders perform. for the crowd at Midnight Madness on Oct. l 7. Other activities included a three-point shot contest and the introduction of the Bisons and Lady Bisons basketball players. Ashe[ Parsons
ZMMbA c,(As.S.~ Zoom Into Fitness Zumba's popularity zoomed across campus after the free classes were first introduced by the Campus Activities Board (CAB) at the beginning of the year. A Latin inspired dance-fitness program, Zumba encouraged female students to get fit while still having fun. Senior CAB Director Kelly Gemma said since the Zumba class had begun, student response and attendance had been excellent. "Director of Campus Life Corey (McEntyre] thought it would be a good idea to get involved with students in a more well-rounded way," Gemma said. "CAB is always wanting to do more events throughout the year. It is our intention to get the students involved as well as connecting with one another." One of three Zumba instructors, senior Christa Smith got certified in May 2010 in hopes of teaching others so they, too, could enjoy the classes as much as she did. "Last year, my roommate and I started holding classes on campus just by word of mouth," Smith said. "This year, with all of the advertising for it on campus and with CAB being involved in Zumba, it has definitely gained recognition." Classes held over 40 girls and were offered eight times a week. According to junior Sarah Holup, the best thing about the classes was that they were free, allowing all girls to sign up. She also loved that CAB was offering new, creative opportunities for students who might not attend concerts and movies on campus. "Offer something to get [students] motivated to live a healthier lifestyle," Holup said. "I know since I have started attending Zumba, I feel better about myself and tend to eat healthier foods." Overall, Zumba had been a big hit, and Smith enjoyed helping other students succeed in their personal fitness goals. "It's so much fun," Smith said. "I love seeing the faces of each person in class loving it and enjoying themselves." Kristi Soto Student Life 27-
Junior Bradley Spencer prepares to dunk the basketball at Midnight Madness on Oct. I 7. To begin the night, the returning players were awarded with their Gulf South Conference championship rings. Ashel Parsons Brett Anderson of Ha Ha Tonka energizes the crowd before The Belle Brigade takes the stage on Oct. 24. In keeping with the theme "I love Harding because it rocks," CAB also set up a Rock Band tournament in the student centec Ashe[ Parsons On Oct. 7, juggler Mark Nizer balances two balls on his finger, performing for prospective students during Bison Days. To showcase his talent further, Nizer juggled rings while riding a unicycle. Ashel Parso11S 28cAB ,
Bison Days students enjoy the Belles and Beaux concert and tailgating before the football game on Oct. 8. Family Weekend allowed families to experience a taste of life at Harding. Ashe/ Parsons In celebration of Homecoming, The Belle Brigade performs in the Administration Auditorium on Oct. 24. CAB planned a full week of activities for Homecoming, including a fall festival with hay rides and carnival games on the front lawn. Ashe[ Parsons Student Life 2'1
Police officers and emergency response personnel honor the courage of the firefighters and police who lost their lives in the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001. At the ceremony, a new 9/ll memorial was unveiled at the Searcy Fire Station. Ashel Parsons New York Fire Chief Greg Manning shares his memories from serving at Ground Zero. Manning traveled to Searcy to represent all firefighters who were affected by the attacks. Ashel Parsons Juniors Ethan Robson and Tyler Fonville play a patriotic tribute at the 9/ 11 memorial se1vice in the Benson Auditorium Sept. 11. On the back of each seat in the auditorium was a name of a victim, representing the 2,977 lives that were lost. Ashe[ Parsons Senior Elinor Renner places an American flag on the front lawn Sept. 8 to honor the 9/ II victims. The Alumni Relations Office organized groups to perform random kindness all weekend. Ashe[ Parsons SA president senior Bruce McMullen places a South African flag in the ground. Students were encouraged to represent a country with which they had a personal connection by placing the country's flag on the front lawn. Ashe[ Parsons 30 9/11 Anniversary
HQ., ~Q.,MQ.,M~Q.,~ Ten Years Later Ten years after America watched the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001, the student body remembered the victims from that day. From Thursday, Sept. 8 until Sunday, Sept. 11, students participated in a memorial weekend organized by the Alumni Relations Office. Pi Sigma Alpha, the international political science honor society, along with the American Studies Institute (ASI), purchased flags from 55 different countries that were placed on the front lawn to symbolize the 381 nonAmerican victims of 9/11. Junior Lacey Bates, who grew up in Australia, recalled the attacks in 2001, commenting that she initially thought she was watching a movie when she saw the plane fly into the second Twin Tower. She immediately began worrying for her family members in America when she learned that the images she saw were actually happening. "I felt like it was a bringing together of my two worlds," Bates said. "I was raised in Australia, but I have family here and live here now. The attacks happened in America, but they affected the rest of the world, as well." As a member of the National Corporation for Community Service, Harding pledged to organize 5,000 documented volunteers to help reach the national goal of 1,000,000 volunteers. Some of these projects included collecting laundry money for local families; taking cookies and thank you notes to firefighters, EMTs and policemen; visiting and thanking veterans at their clinic in town; and restocking pantries at Hope Cottage, a safe haven for women who were victims of domestic violence. To close the memorial weekend, Harding held a patriotic salute and tribute that was open to the public on Sunday evening in the Benson Auditorium. The Arkansas color guard presented the state and national flags to begin the ceremony, and the Thundering Herd marching band performed the national anthem and "God Bless the USA." "I was grateful to be able to use my skill to pay tribute on such a momentous occasion," senior band member Greg Snider said. Several videos portrayed the devastation that occurred, and a special tribute remembered the life of victim Malissa White, who grew up in Bald Knob, Ark., and was killed in the World Trade Center. She was the niece of Harding's Food Service DirectorJudy Hart. Speakers for the event included Mayor David Morris, White CountyJudge Michael lincoln and Greg Manning, a firefighter from New York City who spoke about his experiences on duty when the Twin Towers fell and the recovery effort aftenvard. Students and community members combined forces to offer a truly touching tribute to all who lived and died on that fateful day l 0 years ago, paying respects to the grieving while remembering why they were proud to be American. Laura Chanr.bers Student Life 3 f MWZ
~Mr\r\ir\~1 ~i~ir\~ Ar\A Everytliing In-between For sports-loving students, intramurals were an excellent way to make friends while having fun on the field. This was exactly the sort of way seniors Chase Gentry and Austin Augsburger chose to enjoy their free time. Intramurals were open to students who liked recreation and aimed to showcase their talents in competitions throughout the year, from football to archery and everything in between. Gentry had been involved in intramurals throughout his entire college career. "[It's] a big stress reliever when you can go out and put all your schoolwork aside and just play," Gentry said. Gentry participated in every sport that Harding offered, including fall and spring softball, football, volleyball, basketball, 32 lntramurals swimming and track. This past fall, he won the football kick for distance and the softball base run competitions. Augsburger also participated in in tram urals throughout his college years and shared Gentry's love for the events. He won the softball throw for distance in the fall semester. "They [were] like, 'Here's a line. Here's a softball. Throw it as far as you possibly can,"' Augsburger said. "I just happened to win." Of course, with any intramural event there was the incentive of earning an intramural jacket, something Gentry and Augsburger admitted they aimed for every year. In order to receive the jacket, participants must have been active and successful in all of the competitions throughout the year. Jim Gowen, director of men's intramurals, kept a record of the points earned by each student. "lntramurals have always been a source of building relationships over the years," Gowen said. "They are relationships that have carried on." Gentry's and Augsburger's passion for different kinds of sports stemmed back to their high school years. Their sports backgrounds carried over into their extracurricular activities at Harding, and both wanted to encourage other students to have the same great experiences they had had doing intramurals. "There [are] lots of opportunities in intramurals and so many different sports that anybody can play," Augsburger said. Hannah Robison
During a flag football game on Oct. 19, sophomore Ryan Miller runs the ball down the field. Senior Chase Gentry parlicipated in every intramural sport, including flag football, and won the football kick for distance in the sports skills competition in September. Ashel Parsons On Nov. 16, sophomore Caleb Reynolds jumps to hit the ball over the net at the Bruin's volleyball game against the Tigers. Senior Daniel Kiser of the Bruins made it onto the Western AllStars team. Grant Schol On Oct. 5, sophomore Austin Metts dashes with the ball in order to outrun the opposing team. Intramural team events also included softball, volleyball, basketball and soccer. Grant Schol Senior Matt Fahey crosses the finish line in first place at the intramural cross-country race on Nov. 29. Freshman Woody Weeks came in second, followed by sophomore AndrewJones in third. Kristi Soto Weeks,Jones and Fahey begin the one-and-a-half mile cross-country race Oct. 29. In order to receive an intramural jacket, students had to participate in the race, as well as every other intramural competition throughout the year. Kristi Soto Student Life 33 AGW-
In our global society, we must increase our awareness of other cultures. Harding's seven study abroad programs and international students from all over the globe provide a means to broaden our outlook on the world. Students make memories that will last a lifetime and shape their views of life. Jessica Boyd ... - ""ff. 'J'F:f ~..- -.-~ ...----'."'=.~ ~_:..;.~ ·-. ,r"*;. --~ . ~ ·-' . ~. ~ .. ...... . ~- .••• .,tlA ' .. :·~ • . .-;. • , t . • • •" ,;.•• ' "" . .... . . . .. , _ ~ .. ~-... . .. -~ -;({1. -,, . ""~~-- ~-.,. :·~-~7 ", .. ~···i~.~ .. iJ ,, . ... • - A,..- ;\ .. :. ~~~ .... ~·~·· rt·•;.:;)O . . - . ' M' { ···:~ .. : . -~~-- . ~~ ~-· 'r - . ~~-'-':~\.:~ '"" -~-~ , .
extraordinary ddin While Harding was often seen as the starting point for students to find Mr. or Mrs. Right, one couple's Harding wedding marked the conclusion of a love story that began many miles away in China. Sophomore Benjamin Wu and junior Mos Li met a little over three years ago in China at a program called Two Plus Two, during which they spent two years at a college in China, with plans to transfer to Harding in order to finish their last two years of schooling. They met during their freshman year on the first day of school and began dating the next month. When Li came to Harding to continue her education, leaving Wu in China, the couple realized they could not be separated for long. "I was here a semester before he was," Li said. "So in that semester, we decided to get married. He proposed online. Our parents were really surprised; they weren't expecting it, but they supported us." The engagement was only three months long. Over Thanksgiving break, wedding plans skyrocketed with Li's club sisters in Zeta Pi Zeta helping her plan the wedding that took place Feb. ll, 20 ll. "Mos came home with me over Thanksgiving break," senior Alicia Miller said. "We started planning the wedding, who would be in it and what all she wanted. Mos wanted to embrace the traditional American wedding since she was in America, after all." Steve Shaner, assistant professor of communication, agreed that he knew of no couple more deserving. "They're made for each other," Shaner said. "If any of my Chinese kids were to get married, it would be them. I applaud any young couple that wants to break a culture. They seem to be very in love and seeking God." The couple's parents were unable to attend the wedding due to the time required to obtain a visa; the couple instead had family representatives. Miller's family represented Li's parents, with Miller's father walking Li down the aisle. "My sister was able to come," Wu said. "She lives in Los Angeles, so she represented my parents at the ceremony." The two were married in Cone Chapel with friends and club sisters surrounding them. "It was special for all of us in Zeta Pi Zeta," senior Lauren Kinney said. "We just got her as a part of the ZPZ family, and we were giving her away because we were her family here." Li and Wu still planned on returning to China in the near future for a more traditional Chinese ceremony so that their other family members could be present. Although the couple was not sure if they would remain in the U.S. permanently, they knew that wherever they went in the future, they would go together. Mallory Davis 36 International Students
Timothy Miller escorts junior Mos Wu down the aisle of Cone Chapel on Feb. ll. Sophomore Ben Wu andjunior MosWu met in China, where they were both a part of the Two Plus Two program before transferring to Harding. Courtesy of Lauren Kinney On Oct. 20, The Grey Estate performs at the conclusion of Smiles for Christ's "Smiles Day." Other activities included a paint fight and a "best smile" photo contest. Savannah Lee Junior Mos and sophomore Ben Wu slice cake at their wedding reception on Feb. 11. Unlike most students, they experienced the challenges of planning a wedding in another country and culture and were unable to share the moment with close family. Courtesy of Lauren Kinney A group of Chinese students performs martial arts moves at the Chinese Moon Festival on Sept. I7. The festival also included musical performances and traditional Chinese food. Ashe/ Parsons International 3T
While sitting in the Old City ofJerusalem marketplace, HUG Director Mike James observes the blending of modern and ancient cultures around him. James became the director of HUG in 2010. Courtesy of Steven Chandler Pam Little, director of HUA, hands out drinks to children in the village of Karen in Thailand. The HUA group spent several days getting to know the Karen people and learning their culture. Courtesy of Sarah Conley James examines handmade rugs in Turkey. HUG students learned the entire process of rug making, from dyeing the yarn to weaving it by hand. Courtesy of Kyle Williams HUF Director Robbie Shackelford leads a walking tour around Florence. Even after 21 years of overseeing Lhe HUF program, Shackelford still discovered new people and attractions to share with the students. Courtesy of Kyle Thompson Tom Hook, HULA Administrator Mike James, Dir. HUG Program Lauren Knight, Dir. HUE/ HIP Program Pam Little, Dir. HUA Program Roy Merritt, Coordinator of HIZ Robbie Shackelford, Dir. HUF Program 3 8 Overseas Directors ~:- ~ .1. ,.•.' ' f .l ~- ~ ·. ~ , -·- "' t . . ._ it
working in the city of U(1ll: .. The International Programs office at Harding was constantly making changes, replacing directors for the Harding in Greece (HUG) and Harding in England (HUE) study abroad programs, as well as recreating the Harding in Paris (HIP) program in 20 II. Lauren Knight was hired as director of Harding's HIP and HUE programs. "Thinking J would have a bit of free time on my hands, I emailedJeff Hopper [director of international programsJ and ofTcred to help," Knight said. Hopper said he was impressed with Knight and felt that her background in international business dealings, marketing and public relations made the decision easy. "She docs impeccable work," Hopper said. "She doesn't ask for things she doesn'L need and always asks if she does need something to make the programs better." Junior PaulaJones attended the COBA England program in summer 20 II and agreed that Knight was well prepared for the job. "She understood the delicate balance of being our friend versus working for Harding,"Jones said. "I liked that she was young because she understood what was relevant to us and what we wanted to do." Knight's current project was the revitalization of the HIP program. Although the program had only had small groups of students in the past few years, she felt that the university needed to reexamine all of the opportunities the program had to ofler and then broadcast these selling points to more students. The project included a chapel announcement about the program, free French crepes and a discount on the price of the program as an incentive for students to sign up early. As of the end of the fall 20 ll semester, almost 20 students were signed up fc1r the program, and Knight knew they would not regret their decision. "After all, it's Paris," Knight said. Zachery L. Decker International 3 'I
talk about a • mountaintop e.xPeRleNU. The ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu is one of the most visually breathtaking places on Earth, and, as we on the HULA (Harding University in Latin America) program learned last spring, it is best viewed from high above. Our trip to Machu Picchu was broken up into two days. On the first, we toured the ruins of the city. It is difficult to put into words exactly how beautiful the ancient city is. I will never forget the sheer majesty of the stone walls and vivid green grass. We were given the option to hike these mountains the next day, but there was a slight catch. Only 400 people were allowed to hike Huayna Picchu each day, and the first shuttle left for the climb at 4 a.m. However, we all knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so we went to bed early that night in preparation for an extremely early wake up call. With backpacks loaded down, we arrived once again at the site of Machu Picchu and prepared to hike Huayna Picchu. Huayna Picchu has a reputation for being a rather treacherous climb, and attempting this feat so early in the morning seemed just short of insanity. About 30 minutes into the hike, it became obvious that Huayna Picchu's reputation was well deserved. The winding stairs and jagged rocks stretched out before us, and in several instances, a false step could have meant a very long fall. When we finally arrived at the top, we instantly knew the difficult climb was well worth it. "The hiking experience of Machu Picchu was unlike anything I've seen or done," juniorJay Hemphill said. "There are a lot of things that provoke thoughts of the power and majesty of God, and under the category of 'scenery,' this is one of the most obvious demonstrations that I've had the privilege of seeing." Being at the top of Huayna Picchu and looking through the clouds to the ancient city below is an image I will always carry with me.There is no better way to describe the feeling than with the words of junior Sarabeth Ivey. "After over 2,000 steps, we had finally made it," Ivey said. "The view from above the city of Machu Picchu was surreal. I was one of the few privileged visitors who was able to experience this beauty. and that very feeling is how I would describe my entire HULA experience." Payton Hurst +0 HULA --#~ ~-~ ·-.. ~ .. _.,....._ . ~- .__ -..... --......._ __ ·I -_,·· --'»--: . -..-.- --.....;,_-,' ·-t''!x, . '· . - - '- :.---. - - -~ ~- ~ ~.:; .· ..... \_ _: • ' . 4 - ~, • ~ ,_ ,- - '\ ---- ' . ' I :'\L . -~ . -.. ~ . WI. . - . - -. -'r- ,...:~· ·-~· ·, --~.-- .• ·. -,.. ' - ,;. • ~- ./' • • - • ""- . ~ • .... . ~ ...... . • -J;,. · .~-' J-4tt11'. ~ .. --.. t,~ ~~-:-- ~·T· lilo' ·•· . :. ~ il'l:_ ~~,~~:·., ,.~~'k:·- ...... 'If' •.• _.:- .. : . ~ ·- .... ·-~ .i?"! ~:-~ . ( . ' . . ;; - . Ff- ~~· j 1. 1, ..::::~; --· ·. ~~- - - [' -~-- _ : -~· - . ~" __ ~_ ... !· o:::- ··.! .e - --=- }' & ,,.. . - ( fir . . ~ t - ~ ~ . ~ ._ j~ ·l~~ ~ ' ·. ·- i . ! . •,! ~ " • •. ,, ! ) ~-- • ... • • ... • c _,, . T' I . • .. , ~ . I .;,..._ , . . _.,.,, .. . =-· ~ I • •· ~ ~ ,,., ' ~~. iJ"' • All -- "~- ~ ----'- ~ HULA Spring 2011 Row 1: S. Hatcher, A. Horton, K. Simpson, A. Faulk, E. Adams, S. Ivey, E. Daugherty, S. Weeks. Row 2: S. Shock, K. Klein, S. Wheeler, C. Brown, T. Clark, M. Gunter, C. Hendrix, P. Hurst,]. Hemphill, D. Giles, T. Knobloch, W Waldron.
After climbing to the top of Machu Picchu in Peru, juniors Sarabeth lvey, Erin Daugherty, Emily Adams and Annalyse Faulk admire the ruins of the lncan city. They began their climb up the mountain at 4 a.m. in order to be some of the 400 people per day allowed to climb. Courtesy of Sarabeth lvey Senior Sarah Hatcher receives Rapanui face paint at the native dance show on Easter Island. Students also learned about the traditional Moai statues on the island, which dated back to the 14th century. Courtesy of Ann Horton Juniors Sarah Wheeler and Clayton Hendrix learn about the wildlife on Easter Island. The group also went white-water rafting and ziplining in the Lakes Region of Chile. Courtesy of Ann Horton While in Peru, junior Emily Adams suits up in preparation to bungee jump. Another highlight of the trip was sandboarding in the Atacama desert. Courtesy of Annaryse Faulk International +f PJAUll
HUE Fall2011 Row 1: R. Walters, K. Freeman, K. Keese, L. Knight, K. Lape, A. Fincher. Row 2: T. Knight, G. D'Antonio, G. Gwaltney; C. Meadows, T. Landuyt. Junior Rachel Walters and sophomore Kristi Keese stwnble down the rocky hillside of Edinburgh, Scotland. One stop on the trip was to The Elephant House, the cafe where J.K. Rowling wrote the first "Harry Potter" book. Courtesy of Ashley Fincher Sophomore Ashley Fincher admires the panoramic view of London from the London Eye, the world's tallest ferris wheel. HUE students visited historical London landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. Courtesy ofAshley Fincher Sophomores Ashley Fincher and Kristi Keese enjoy macaroons from Laduree, a famous macaroon shop. While in London, they also met actors Kirsten Dunst andjohn Hurt before the "Melancholia" movie premier. Courtesy of Kristi Keese Seniors Timothy Landuyt and Kelley Freeman and junior Rachel Walters lounge in Soho Square while touring London. They also went to the Globe Theater to see Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing." Courtesy of Ashley Fincher +2HUE
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