Clu6 ttza.duw11 Clu6s keep Lmpotzta11t ttzaclitio11s o~ the past Tradition is defined as something that is inherited, established or customary. It is thought of as the handing down of beliefs and customs by instruction or by example from one generation to the next. The social club system at Harding began in 1926, and through the years it has experienced many changes, the most drastic being the recent implementation of the club selection process. Although things seem much different now than they were a few years ago, the core concepts of the clubs at Harding really haven't changed at all. Students and alumni both name making close friends as the number one asset ofbeing a member ofa club. Shantih alumna Amy Johnson Tyler (1993) said, "When I look back on my college days, the friends that I made in Shantih are the ones I always want to see again; they are still some of my closest friends. " With a new system in place, many clubs not only added new traditions , but also kept some of their favorite rituals of the past. Hayrides were, and still are, a major function for both men's and women' s clubs. Devotionals continue to be a vital part of many club activities. Emily Waite Smith, Zeta Rho alumna and member of the class of 1986, said, "The deep spiritual relationships that I developed with girls in my club, because of devos or prayer groups or other events, will always be a part of me. " Another long-standing tradition throughout the years has been the competition between clubs . While athletics are the greatest source of club rivalry, SpringSing and various competitions during football games also inspire club pride. Carrie Dye, senior member of Tri Kappa, said, "I think that club sports really help in creating an opportunity to get to know girls in other clubs better. I have played intramural games with some of the same girls through the past few years and it has made the competitive nature of sports a lot more fun." Cliff Clark, former Sigma Tau Sigma president and graduate ofthe class of 1967, said, "Playing club sports really brought us closer together because we were working toward a common goal." Alpha Tau member Tyson Ledgerwood entertains the crowd at a GATA reception. Brother and sister clubs often held joint mixers and devotionals during the club induction process. Photo by Brian Hendricks. Tessa S exton spends time getting to know several freshman at a club mixer. Mixers allowed freshmen to meet upperclassmen in various clubs. Photo by Aaron Gill ihan. Tri Kappa member Alyssa Carter congratulates her club sister, Holly Ainsworth, during a ring ceremony. Ring ceremonies were a favorite tradition among the women's social clubs. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. Social Clubs 231
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