Pryor Scrapbook Clippings, 1945-2000

The first Harding University diplomas were presented to the school's 125 graduates in winter commencement ceremonies held December 21 on the campus. The graduation was the first held since Harding's change to university status last August. Del Belden, ·Arkansas businessman and · advocate of free enterprise education, was presented the first degree of the day by President Clifton L Ganus Jr., who awarded him the honorary doctorate. "Harding University is very happy to ·recognize the talent, philosophy and achievements of Del Belden. Because he lc>ves his country and his fellowman, because he has achieved .much in the business world and has effectively served his community and state, be_cause he has liberally supported worthy causes and he firmly believes in and assists higher education, we bestow upon him our highest award· - the ~octor of laws degree," said Ganus. Belden then addressed the group of candidates, including his son Paul, who received the bachelor of business administration degree. In his speech, Belden expressed his feelings for the United States government, the business world, faith and God. His advice for the students included: take an active in– terest in workings- of government, become an asset to the em·ployer by teaming everything you can about the company, ·and allow love ~o grow in your life. Del Belden, center, ·speaker for Hardin g's winter commencement on December 21, is awarded the honorary doctor oflaws degree.by President Clifton L. Ganus Jr., right. Dr. Joseph Pryor, vice president for academi c affairs, a ids Belden with his hood. The Belden family was later honored at a dinner, wnere a plaq':'e for the new business building was unveiled. The plaque j _w~l id~n~fy the Cla~ David Belden Centerfor Private E~terprise Education._ .. . Over the past two years, Belden, president of Lomanco manufacturing company of Jacksonville, has taken . classes in the Harding School of · Busin~ along with two of his other sons and a son-in-law. He is actively involved with the Clark David Belden Center for Private· Enterprise Educa– ·tion, named for his late father. He is a spoµsor of the ·American Studies Program and patron of a special energy project conducted by members of the physical science department. Dr. Joseph Pryor, 'vice president. for academic affairs, Dr. David Burks, dean of the School of Business, and Dr. Bobby L. Coker, dean of the School of Education, recommend_ed- the can– . didates for degrees. . Dr. Ganus presented six associate of arts in secretarial science degrees, 45 bachelor of arts degrees, 18 bachel01: of arts degrees in education, 20 bachelor of business administration degrees, 27 bachelor of science degrees, two bachelor of science in medical · technology degrees, three bachelor of social work degrees and four master-of education degrees: .. . - ,.;,s,t·· ~---- ' ~ : Wec;tnesday, April 30, 19!_0.:, ' ,c:lf... PEtlT JEAN QUEEN -~ Petit Jean yearbook adviser J. E. Pryor places the publication's crown on Robin Bales during dedication ceremonies of the yearbook at Harding University ·Monday. Miss Bales, a senior, is the daughter·of Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Bales of Searcy. Other finalists were Miss Gayl_a Shipp and Miss Becky Cox.