Student Impact allows freshmen and transfers lo ... Branch Out Once again, as summer came to an end, students arrived on the Harding campus to participate in Student Impact. Designed specifically to familiarize entering freshman and transfers with the Harding environment, Impact gave new students the opportunity to develop friendships which will last throughout their college careers and beyond. Melody Roussos, a freshman fromAthens,Greece, said, "Student Impact was a good experience. I met many people with whom I will be good friends. There was not a boring moment during Impact. I was always doing something." Impact 95 activities were planned by codirectorsWendy Northcutt and B. J. Robertson, the steering committee, the summer Impact team and upperclassmen volunteers. Planned activities for the Impact students included assemblies to inform students of Harding's rules and regulations, social clubs and other general information. Focus on these issues was also given in the more informal setting of energy groups. These groups could be found on campus and around Searcy at places such as Dairy Queen and Frozen Delight. The energy groups gave the students a chance to get to know upperclassmen on a more intimate level. Freshman Steven Garner said, "The energy groups were great because they gave us an opportunity to meet people on a one-to-one basis." During Impact, students met in the Benson Auditorium for devotional thoughts and songs of praise, led by Terry Davis. "I liked the setup of Impact - the leaders, the skits and the devotionals, and Terry Davis," Roussos said. The Impact students were not the only ones enriched by the events; energy group leaders were also benefited by the activities. "It was worth coming back early. I met many freshmen. It was not at all like a classroom; it was a very laid-back atmosphere. This was something I wanted to do - I didn't have to be there. I learned that the leaders make a great impact. The leaders personify the upperclassmen. I would do it again." Danna Stokes said. Reflecting on Student Impact, Northcutt said, "Over all, things went as planned. It gave me a good feeling about the 1995 freshman class, and it was a good chance for everyone to bond. It was the best thing I have ever done." -Amy-Heather Brown Dr. David Burks and Terry Davis talk to students during a cookout at the Burks s home during Student Impact. The activity allowed students to meet friends and faculty. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. ''It was worth coming back early. I met many freshmen. !twas not at all like a classroom; it was a very laid-back atmosphere. !learned that the leaders makea great impact. The leaders personify the upperclassmen. I would do it again." - Danna Stokes
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