Physical Science Faculty Active In Research Projects Although only 11 students completed majors in the Physical Science Department during 1981, the department played a significant role for majors in health-related fields, engineering, home economics, and biology. Realizing the need for students to be well prepared in techniques as well as in theoretical knowledge , the department installed a new infra-red spectrophotometer and recommended the purchase of minicomputers that could tie into the large academic computer for more sophisticated work. For the spring semester, members of the department, assisted by members of the Biology and Mathematics Departments, taught a course for senior majors that emphasized the harmony between natural science and the Bible and studied the apparent problems that exist. Professor -Maurice Lawson, who joined the Harding faculty as physics teacher in the fall of 1954, made plans to retire at the end of the current school year after 28 years of dedicated service. His successor, Dr. Lambert Murray, completed the second year of a two-year research apPOintment as a phYSicist at the Oak Ridge Na· tional ,Laboratory, enhancing his background for teaching at Harding. !£<\ With its stated desire to help prepare all interested students for a dental aptitude test and professional career, the Pre Dental Club spent its year acquainting prospective dentists and hygenists with information regarding future schooling and work opportunities. Following a decision to reorganize after the first semester, John Thee was elected president to work with sponsor Jack Wood Sears in order to increase program excellence. The Harding dental preparation has long been known for its outstanding achievements. Sears estimated the University has placed 60·80% of her students in dental school, with 100% efficiency last year. In fact , Harding alumni are now located in such prestigious dental schools as the University of Texas , University of Tennessee and Indiana University. In speaking of his goals for the club, Sears said, "I'd like to give the members experience in the office besides that of being a patient. " "I believe membership in the Pre Dental Club helps our students when it comes recom ' mendation time," he added. ~ The Spelunkers of 1981·82, more officially known as the CenArk Student Grotto of the Nati.onal Speleological SOciety, spent plenty of time getting practical experience by exploring the wild caves of Arkansas. The club of 20 members averDon England, PhD Prof., Chemistry Maurice Lawson, MS Prof., Physics James Mackey, PhD Prof., Physics Joseph Pryor, PhD Prof., Physical Science Clifford Sharp, MST Assoc. Prof" Earth Science Carroll Smith, PhD Prof.. Chemistry W. D. WIlliams , PhD Prof.. Chemistry, Cnairman Edmond Wilson, PhD Prof. , Chemistry - John Radcliffe aged one caving trip every two weeks during the semesters and alsQ.took part in special repell. ing ' and ascending days at Bee Rock and other bluffs in the area. Spelunkers. which was composed of students in all majors from nursing to math, stressed physical conditioning and safety throughout the year. Sponsor Carroll Smith and president Dewayne Agin worked together in order to take every possible precaution and therefore insure an injury-free outing. This year's membership visited near-by caves Alexander, Blowing Springs and Gunner. These and others provided difficult manuevers for the experienced cavers and also in · cluded relatively simple paths for the interested beginners to follow. Secretary Brian Morgan, who has been in the group for eight years, talked of the club's benefits, "A lot of people get to do something they never thought they could or ever would want to do," he said. "There's a challenge in facing the unknown and an enjoyment in coming out pretty good. Caving relieves tensions and gets you in better shape too." ~ J, HANDS ON experience is the besl teacher as Paula Siler and Sara Sliesmier discouer as lhey disecl a rat. 2. PRE DENTAL CLUB. Fronl row: Torrey, Abney, Keener, Hall. Back row: Webb, Thee, Hambrice, Wesljohn, Skidmore, Campbell. 3. PRE MED CLUB. Fronl row: Seay, Wright, Pirtle, Pickhardl , Graham, Crews , Brown, Smith. Back row: Pittman, Rivas, Shirley, Womack, Martin , McKinzie, Stidman, Burkell, Browning, 4. SPELUNKERS. Agin, Smith·sponsor, Heaton, Jones, Carter, Horsman. Physica l Science· 79
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