-Sho/llwn~f'!/ American Studies Program Former President Gerald Ford Captivates Regional Attention It's not just Harding's finest or Arkansas' best; it ranks at or near the top of the nation. It's the American Studies Program, the University's prestigious slate of speakers and activities for those in the fields of accounting, business, economics, history and political science. Definitely a major highlight of the American Studies Pro· gram to date was the ap· pearance on campus of former President Gerald R. Ford in the spring of 1981. Upon arrival, Ford fielded questions from the media at a press conference held in the American Heritage Center Trophy Room. Then, after dinner, the former national leader addressed an overflowing crowd in the Benson Auditorium. Immediately following his speech, Ford 's son, Steve, spoke briefly. A reception in honor of Ford capped off the evening. The presence of Ford at Har· ding added further credibility to the already nationally recogniz· ed program. During the 1981-82 academic year, the program continued it's reputa· tion for excellence through visiting speakers, seminars and tours. This year's group of speakers took a back seat to none of its predecessors. From the mo· ment Commissioner Roy Orr took the stage until Congressman Jack Kemp left it , students heard often from great men who have stepped to the forefront in our land. Orr, a man appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the post of administrator for the Department of Labor, led off the fall agenda of the American Studies Program admirably. .Next on the Harding scene was noted workshop speaker Norvel J . "Brick" Brickell from Memphis. Brickell has spoken in many of the world's major cities in the past 20 years and _ Chrislophf'r Thomp$OIl has been called "one of the top motivational speakers in America today." On October 5, George "Bucky" Walters brought his minuteman mind and colonial garb before the program's attentive audience. He explained life u'nder the George Washington reqime. Wal-Mart Vice President Don Soderquist ended the im· press ive fall string with a speech slanted to the future businessmen sitting in the Harding seats. After the Christmas break, Charles "Tremendous" Jones and Joe Batten provided a onetwo punch which left the aspiring students in a positive frame of mind. On February 23 Marva Collins came for a visit. The widely acclaimed educator arrived in connection with Black History Month. Presidential economic advisor Arthur Laffer disclosed his views on supply-side economics to the American Studies participants. April 6 was the day J. Gary Shansby talked to a sizeable UniverSity gathering. Shansby, president of "Shaklee Terraces," spoke from the background of an experienced executive officer. Rounding out the spring program was Congressman Jack Kemp from New York. Although much of the program 's renown came from its reputed guests, Harding students also gained from trips specifically planned to interest and enlighten them. In the spring, for instance, one group traveled to Washington, D. C. and saw our government in action up close. ~ American Studies· 91
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