Graduating seniors achieved their goals upon graduation G raduation was a time of mixed emotions, a time of achievement, and a time of great beginnings. Harding has been having graduations for 63 years. The first commencement ceremony was in 1926, Harding's second year at Morrilton. Dr. Benson, who was one of the six seniors during 1925, said that there was not a graduation ce remony that year because the school had not been accredited by the state of Arkansas. Since 1926 commencement ceremonies have grown to include 314 graduates in May, 139 in August, and 119 in December of 1988. Graduation was a time of many mixed feelings for both students and faculty members. Debbie French , senior, said, "Graduation is a happy time for the ones who are graduating. They are looking forward to experiencing the next stage in their lives. It is a sad time for those who are left behind." A'Lana Dean, sophomore, said "Graduation was a joyous time for those who spent years learning with Christian influence, about what they were to become. It was a bittersweet moment knowing that they are going separate ways and leaving those, who are dear , behind." Betty Ulrey , Associate Professor of English, said, "I have mixed emotions SERVICE . Chancellor Ganus presented Nokomis Yeldell the Distinguished Christian Service award during May graduation. Photo by Ken Bissel. 130 Keeping busy when one of our students graduates. I feel happy for the student but I feel sad for us." Graduation was an occasion for undergraduates to set goals for themselves and anticipate their future after receiving a degree. Kelly Fanning, senior, said, "It makes me really nervous to think that this time next year I will be out there somewhere in the working world , but at the same time, I am excited about starting my career." Graduation marks the conclusion of an educational accomplishment, but more importantly it is the commencement of the next phase in the lives of the graduates . -Jennifer R. Terry CONGRAT U LA T IO N S . Mick e y Atk ins on received his degree from Dr. Burks during May commencement exercises. - Photo by Ken Bissel
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