Sociology Department Inducts Alpha Delta Mu Chapter Graduate study in psychology was a major concern of the Department of Psychology. The involvement of faculty members in achieving the doctorate set the stage for students to pursue graduate study after earning the baccalaureate degree. During 1980, Rohert McKelvain received the doctorate in counseling psychology from Texas A & M University and Lewis Moore received the doctorate in family relations from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Dr. McKelvain's dissertation studied the effect of patient behavior on cor0nary attacks; Dr. Moore's dissertation dealt with coping in divorce. Six psychology majors received graduate assistantships for the fall of 1980 from five different universities. Two alumni began work with other Christian colleges upon completion of the Master's degree last May. To improve the abilty of graduates to communicate effectively at the professional level, the faculty increased its emphasis on the quality of writing assignments. The concern of the Department for Christian commitment in its graduates was reflected in an independent study on ''Psychology from the Bible" directed by Dr. Walter Prater. Dwight Ireland was on leave for 122 Arts and Sciences-Psychology a second year to pursue doctoral study in psychology at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Dr. Thomas was appointed to staff status as a consulting clinical psychologist at the Searcy Medical Center. Alpha Delta Mu, in existence for only its first full year, served as the social work national honorary society. The club was begun in order to recognize and promote academic excellence. Because of its new beginning, the Beta Lambda chapter (Harding's official club name) contained only four members in the fall. Spring additions were hoped to put the total membership at about 15. The organization, sponsored by Chuck Joiner, chairman of the social work department, participated in two main events for the year. First, a file was set up of past graduate student work so that present students could benefit if so inclined. An award system was also initiated by the club which would allow a student to receive a scholarship of excellent achievement. Although the qualifications for this award were not completely spelled out, Alpha Delta Mu had hopes of announcing a winner late in the spring. Harding"'s Alpha Delta Mu was 2 ~ Billie Alhuny the only one in the state of Arkansas due to the strict accrediting system. The Big Buddies was an organization begun to help young boys without a father image, have a manly influence in their lives. The program, which included about 40 big and little buddies, not only served to help the youngsters, but gave great enjoyment to the college men. A big Christmas party with Santa and the works was held during the fall semester. Presents were given out, and a play on the 12 days of Christmas was performed. A few home economics majors took charge of the games (J.nd refreshments. During the spring, all of the partners gathers for the annual swimming party. This consisted in what one big buddy called "a lot of unorganized happiness." The program. has been proyen effective. Joe Aaron, a sophomore at Harding who only 10 years ago was a little buddy, said, "It gave me a male pattern to imitate. I got to do lots of traveling " with my big buddy through Florida, Kansas, Missouri and Tennessee. It was important because it showed me that someone older cared." Psi Chi, the national honor society for psychology, just finished its fourth year on Harding'S campus. Since its founding in 1976, the society has attempted to offer its members such advantages as national recognition, opportunities for professional growth, forums for obtaining information Robert McKelvaln, PhD - Asst. Prof. Lewis Moore, PhD - Assoc. Prof. and references which verify membership for graduate study of job applications. The club was sponsored by Dr. Walter Porter of the psychology department and stressed strict membership requirements to increase the level of achievement. Undergraduates who were initiated this year were required to rank in the top 35 percent of their class and be approved by a % affirmative vote of the entire membership. Melanie McMillen, a senior member of the society said, "The club did an exceptional job of acquainting students with the professional side of psychology. The trips to animal laboratories, regional meetings and state conventions gave us an inside look at the field. " The Harding Social Work Club, for both social work majors and others interested in the field, was geared toward learning and service. 'The fall semester found the club on field trips to the Conway Children's Colony, a home for training handicapped children, and the Morrilton Children's Home, which emphasizes foster care. Within the city, the club members took part in a Barriers Awareness Seminar. This was to inform the public of the hurdles handicapped persons must overcome. A child abuse program and work with a telephone service, Contact, also gave the group valuable experience. - Jimmy Allen Walter Porter, PhD - Prof. Q, -' Jack Thomas, PhD - Chairman, Prof.
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