Ganus celebrates 50 years at Harding H e came to Harding in the fall of 1939, as a freshman studying business. Within three months, he'd changed his major to Bible and when he graduated, Clifton L. Ganus, Jr., received degrees in Bible and History. Two hours after graduation, Ganus began a new chapter in his life, as a college graduate and as a husband. It was 1943. The war had ended but its after-effects were all too evident. As editor of the 1942-43 Petit Jean, Ganus faced difficulty gathering supplies and getting the book printed. He was worried that the annuals would not arrive before everyone left for summer vacation in May of 1943. As it turned out, Ganus ended up signing yearbooks as he stood waiting to get married. Ganus still claims his years as a student were the most enjoyable of his life. It's been fifty years since his association with Harding began. Times, the campus, and Dr. Ganus have all changed. He's seen a 20-acre campus with 4 buildings blossom into 200-acres with 47 buildings. Ganus, who said he'd never teach, joined the faculty in 1946 as a History teacher. He taught until 1965 when he replaced Dr. George S. Benson as the fourth president. Looking back, Ganus remembers a turning point in the history of the school in the late 1960's. Student protests and demonstrations were raging throughout the country's schools. If ever the school was to fail, Ganus believes it OPEN HOUSE. Dr. David Burks, President, meets with Carter Lambert at the Parent's breakfast held during Open House. Lambert worked with F.A.C.T., the Future Alumni Communications Team. -Photo by Sharon Bowles. ATTENTION, PLEASE. Dr. David Burks, President, reads some very important ann.ouncements before the lectureship program begins. -Photo by Jeff Montgomery. Dr. Clifton L. Ganus, Jr. Chancellor CHANCELLOR would've been at that point. However, the campus hardly took notice of the rest of the country, and remained distinctively different. After serving for twenty-two years Ganus turned the presidency over to Dr. David B. Burks in 1987. Ganus describes the changing of Harding's presidents as a baton relay. Each carries the "baton" for a hundred meters then passes it on. The "baton" represents the basic principles and values of the university. Now in his third year as Harding's Chancellor, Ganus continues to strife to improve the quality of experience each student enjoys. He continues to recruit young people to come to Harding and is also in charge of the Walton Scholarship program. He said he had no problem turning the reins over to Dr. Burks. He 's still available and willing to help, but only when he's asked. Ganus doesn't want to be a "Monday morning quarterback," but he's happy to offer guidance when asked. Ganus predicts the administration will focus on improving its programs and staff. During this, his golden year with Harding, Ganus is still here to serve. "I want to help in any way I can, in any way I'm needed." - Melydia Clewell 259
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