Only one thing is constantin the social club cycle... !Jt S tllNtllfS Chtl11~l11~ Since 1926, Harding students have participated in social clubs. Though many changes have taken place, social clubs are still a vital part of the Harding experience. The roles of social clubs have changed, though their purpose is sti ll the same. The earliest clubs took part in an annual drama presentation, while today's clubs are involved in banquets, hay rides, theme parties, service projects, Spring Sing, club sports and Homecomingactivities. Throughout Harding's history, social clubs have served their purpose well- to provide social interaction. The number ofclubs has roller coasted almost as much as the personalities of the clubs themselves . In 1974, Harding's 50th anniversary, 43 clubs existed. Now, 25 years later, the number has dropped to 28. Harding now hosts 14 women's clubs and 14 men's clubs. Ju Go Ju, the oldest survivingwomen's club, was established during the 1926-1927 school year. Theoldestmen'sclub still in existence, Sub T-16, was formed during the 1929-1930 school year. Galaxy, chartered in 1947, recently dissolved in the 1998 spring semester, while Omega Sigma began this fall with six members. As clubs come and go, so do the stereotypes each club carries. The cycle of clubs, though not scientifically proven, seems to hold true. Big clubs become small clubs and small become big as each pledge class adds its own unique quali ties . The selection of a new pledge class becomes important not only for the present, but also for the future of the club. Size, character, personality, reputation and activities all affect the stabilityof a club and one pledge class can bring in many changes, especially for a small club where the pledges might outnumber the members. "The possibility of one pledge class totally changing a club isn't always exciting," said Trisha Case, vice president of Sigma Phi Mu. "We justwant some good girls who want to stay active and be a part of us. " The social club process is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the students. One significant change for this yea r's social clubs involved the women's small club reception. After bids were delivered, the four small women's clubs hosted a joint welcome reception. This reception allowed friends to join a small club together, although they may have received bids from separate small clubs. Mandy Emberson, vice president of Theta Beta Kappa, said, "This encouraged girls to participate in a club even though they might not have gotten a bid from their first choice large club." This addition to the pledging process also benefits the small clubs themselves. According to freshman Renae Stewart, a member of OEGE, "The reception will help the smaller clubs get larger, especially those whose numbers are dwindling. Hopefully, it will build up both clubs and friendships that are already established." - Emily Haas Brown Sub T-16membersMicah Johnson, Ty Pope, JustinMelton andAdam Goddard wear their club jerseys proudly around campus. Sub T-16 is the oldest men's club still in existence at Harding. • 184 SOCIAL CLUBS
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