IMPACT A week before classes started, .300 upperclassmen volunteered to cut their summer vacations short to come back to do something special. More than 700 new students arrived for Student Impact, and those newcomers needed help unloading cars and becoming accustomed to life at Harding. Student Impact was a program designed to help new students get to know their fellow classmates. Energy Groups, where freshmen and transfers divided into small units, provided a time for developing friendships and learning more about each other through devotionals, games and fellowship. "Energy Groups were awesomer11 freshman Lisa Gilstrap exdaimed. ' 'Ours was a group of 10 people that became really close. 11 But Impact didn't just happen. Planning started more than 10 months before the first new student stepped foot on campus. Monica Chapman and Steven Yates, along with help from the steering committee, co-directed the program. They were responsible for arranging all the activities that ranged from theme dinners and service projects to the Gil Eagles hypnosis show and the Water War. But all the work was worthwhile. Impact had a positive effect on everyone involved. "Impact showed the spirit of Harding, 11 said Tamera Phillips, "it reminded me of why I chose to come here. 11 It was one of Harding's more enlightening experiences.+ ENERGIZING. A Student Impact energy group shares together on the front lawn. Energy groups were an excellent way for freshmen to learn the ropes from upper classmen. 272 STUDENT LIFE -Scott Baine JUST CHATTIN ' . Bridget Rhymes, Joe Fora and Carrie Blodgett take time from their busy Impact schedules to discuss upcoming events. Upperclass volunteers were what made Student Impact work.
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