Dr. Clifton L. Ganus, Jr., became president of Harding in 1965. His administration was characterized by his inaugural goal, the "pursuit of excellence." The institution's goal was captured in the slogan, "educating for eternity," as all who directed the program of education continued to reinforce its commitment to its eternal mission. Dr. David B. Burks took office in 1987 as the fourth president of what had grown to be Harding University. His commitment to continuing the traditions of Harding were formulated in his administration's motto, "integrating faith, learning and living." Burks continued the growth of academic excellence and improved physical facilities which Ganus had built upon. When classes began in the fall of 1991, students from all over the world filtered onto a campus that differed greatly from the original Harding College of 1924. Building shad changed, course work had a new focus, and preparation for careers had increased. Harding had even grown from a sparse enrollment of 61 to a record-high of 3,391 students; but one key element remained the same - the inner fire that ignited the energies of those who gave themselves to the mission of ~ .r: E 0 .t: Harding University was c.. still engulfed in the concept of living and learning with eternity in view. The Harding heritage, like that of the Israelites in Deuteronomy 6:10-12, has made possible a quality education in a special Christian environment which today's students have inherited from those who went before them. We, too, have been given "flourishing cities we did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things we did not provide, wells we did not dig" that we, too, should "be careful that we do not forget the Lord No, we didn't start the fire, but the commitment to a unique kind of atmosphere for education at Harding has burned through time for nearly seven decades and kept the coals of the Cross alive for future generations to enjoy, to love, and to share. + - Kay Gowen TAKING A BREAK. Students gather on the front lawn by the Olen Hendrix building for class. Teachers often relocated to the sunshine when the spring weather enticed them out of doors.
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