- - Theta Beta Kappa members Yvette Ellis, Diana Presson and Amanda Smart take time after classes to catch up on each other's lives. Club members enjoyed spending time together outside of club activites. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. Josh Dorrough looks through an OEGE scrapbook during Open House. Many clubs elected historians to create scrapbooks that preserved their club's history. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. Delta Chi Delta members Jason Pitt, Joe Sallee, Adam Lett, Dana Maddox and Rick Blair give their club sponsor, Leroy Baugus, a lift downstairs after a club meeting. Club members were always ready to provide that extra support to help others overcome their obstacles. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. 232 Social Clubs Clu6 ttzadltlons "!fozmez tzaditio11s disappeaz fzom campus Although the club system at Harding has held onto some of its traditional activities , others have fallen into antiquity. Sandy Smith Propst, former Ju Go Ju president and member of the class of 1966, said that the highlight of club activities for her was "decorating of the May pole in the springtime." May Fete, which was highlighted by the decorating of the May pole, was an event organized by Ju Go Ju. It was held during Spring Sing weekend and it involved each of the women's social clubs. Springing from a pagan fertility rite practiced in the Greek culture thousands of years ago, the activity had added a formal touch to the traditional celebrations at Harding. That tradition died sometime during the last decade. Until three years ago, a major event for all clubs was Pledge Week. Although it was similar in nature to the existing induction week, it held some unique characteristics not seen on campus any longer. On Thursday ofPledgeWeek, most clubs required their pledges to wear a silly costume to class. Cutie pie imitators, date queens, dynamite sticks and princesses were seen bustling to class in full garb. The purpose of all of the silliness was for the pledges to show commitment to their respective clubs. Jeff Hardin, Delta Chi Delta alumnus from the class of1996, said, "Doing all of the crazy stuff really made pledging more meaningful and increased my commitment to my club." Traditions are something that people cherish and remember. They help secure memories and conjure up nostalgic thoughts. And, in the club system at Harding, the traditions most remembered have indeed remained the same. "The tradition I remember most is when, at the end ofour meetings, our club would circle up and sing our club song. It was really special because, all around the room, there were people whom I shared special friendships with and with whom I knew I would always feel like family," Emily Waite Smith said. - Allison Rector
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