LIMELIGHT. Harding alumnus David Slater performs Friday night to a packed Benson Auditorium. Slater returned to Searcy for a performance during Open House in the fall. - Photo by Bill Tripp. ROOMS AT THE INN. Harding parents check in at the renovated and refurnished Heritage Inn. The inn provided on-campus accommodations for Harding visitors. - Photo by Sharon Bowles. A Me111orable ... Visit Harding Opens Her Doors to Mom and Dad The third annual Open House weekend took place October 6-8 and proved to be another successful mission for Harding's Admission team. Approximately 800 people showed up to be a part of the event that combined both High School Days and Parents' Weekend into one jampacked weekend of entertainment and various informational sessions for both parents and prospective students. Both the Alumni Office and the Admissions Office joined forces to plan and implement the weekend's activities. Their collaboration paid off with an event that was bent for success from the word go. Assistant Director of Admissions Don Starks said that the purpose was to "highlight what Harding has to offer in services and opportunities for prospective students and alumni." Friday offered open classes for all those who wished to attend. That evening high school students and their parents were treated to dinner and a talent show featuring Harding students in the cafeteria banquet rooms. The day was capped off by a concert by Harding alumnus David Slater in the Benson Auditorium. The Time of Day opened up for Slater and put on a near flawless show. Saturday, as well, was filled with activity, including a continental breakfast for parents and a presentation of Harding's programs. Department heads spoke early Saturday morning in the Heritage Auditorium to parents and prospective students, to give them a brief description of various majors available and to increase interest for their respective departments. Campus tours were also available throughout the day led by students for anyone interested. That evening, the Bisons took on Arkansas Tech at the Alumni Field in which they beat the Wonderboys 17-11. After the game, the Student Association sponsored an allschool party featuring live music by the all-student band Johnny Cat. Over 400 students packed the Student Center to hear the post-modern band and to eat free food provided by the SA and catered by ARA. It was an energetic ending to a weekend that was filled with fun and good public relations for Harding. The weekend packed in many activities for the visitors to attend or participate in. Harding opened her doors and displayed her best, hoping to leave a desirable impression. The success of such weekends depends upon planning and implementation, and Harding's Admissions and Alumni offices worked overtime to assure the visitors the most enjoyable stay possible. The weekend past, Harding's growth was helped into the 1990's. - By Angie Haley and Randy Williams Open House 17
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==