Homecoming gives students and alumni ... Pleasant Memories The 1995 Homecoming was filled with reunions, dinners, performances and many other special activities. Alumni were seen greeting one another with smiles, tears and hugs. They were often overheard asking one another, "What are you doing these days?" and "How's your family?" "Alumni seemed thrilled to be back at Harding, especially those who had not been here for a number of years," Doris Coward, director of alumni and parent relations, said. "Many seemed impressed with the changes made in the appearance of campus, while some appeared sad, probably because they were hoping to return to find the campus as they had left it. But deep down, I think they realized that change is necessary and inevitable," Coward said. One of the largest alumni gatherings occurred on Friday, when approximately 500 alumni attended the Black and Gold Banquet. The alumni dressed up and gathered to remember old times and people who had shared the Harding experience in the past. Dinner music was provided by a string quartet, led by Dr. Patricia Cox. Outstanding alumni were recognized by each school and college, and a distinguished alumnus was also honored. Another eventwhich attracted a large crowd was the Homecoming musical, The Secret Garden, based on the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Robin Miller, assistant professor of communication and director of the musical, said members of the audience seemed to enjoy the performance in varying degrees, from simple appreciation to great enthusiasm. Cast member Dana Simpson said the students involved in the musical put a lot of effort into it. 'We practiced anywhere from four to 10 hours each week, but that didn't include time spent building the set and performing other technical jobs. We really cared about presenting a quality production to the alumni and others who were present," Simpson said. On a smaller scale, alumni and current students witnessed musical performances by Harding's Concert Choir, University Chorus, University Singers and Belles and Beaux, as well as dramatic performances by Pied Pipers and Conquerors. Another Homecoming activity in which many students participatedwas the Social Club Fair. Each social club that was represented on the front lawn displayed its colors and paraphernalia as it welcomed alumni and current students. At the football game, the players, cheerleaders, and the coronation of Loren Kopf as the 1995 Homecoming queen at halftime seemed to give alumni and students, who filled the stands and cheered on the Bisons, "a strong sense of pride in their Harding heritage," according to S.A. President Ryan Sorrell. Through a variety of Homecoming activities, Harding gave its alumni several reasons to "come home" in 1995. - Michael Carter DavidWaller shows alumnus KellyMartin the Sub-T 16scrap book. Social club reunions allowedmembers and alumni to recall old times. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. Fall Fest "Alumni seemed thrilled to be back at Harding, especially those who hadnot been here fora number ofyears." - Doris Coward
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