Organizations Harding began in 1924with 11 organizations, the majority being literary societies and a few involvinga select group within specific majors. Today, Harding offers more than 70 organizations that cover a variety of common interests. Students in almost any major canjoin organizations that will help them gain a competitive edge within the career arena. Whether a student is a computer science or kinesiology major, he or she can get involved and gain experience that sometimes cannot be taught in a classroom or read from a book. Through workshops, seminars and guest speakers, students gain experience that will better prepare them for the professional world after college. The abundance of religious organizations on campus provides a plethora of activities from which students may choose. They can write a letter of encouragement to another student or they can perform skits and plays that spread the word of God to people outside of the Harding sphere. Several political groups on campus provide students with first-hand involvement in the American political system. Many students welcome the opportunity to volunteer on election campaigns and promote candidates. They can also find clubs in which they share a common heritage or learn more about various cultures throughout the world. Extracurricular meetings and occasional parties bring students together to form a common bond among members. Being a member of an organization at Harding can also be a fu lfilli ng experience. Tying directly in with Harding's motto of "Developing Christian Servants," most organizations perform service projects for the communities surrounding Searcy and throughout the world. These projects In 1924, the Harding Orchestra was formed, providing an outlet ofperformance for studentswith a loveofmusic. Today, seven instrumental groups orfera variety ofmusicalstyles (or various purposes throughout the year. • 240 ORGAN I ZAT IONS FOR THE RJTURE i . , range from singing at local nursing homes to gathering Christmas presents for chi ldren in other countries. Many times, when crisis situations arise, whether a natural disaster or a human tragedy, organizations band together to form a relief effort for the victims. From huge letters of encouragement with thousands of signatures to small groups providing flood relief, the presence ofHarding organizations makes an impression on people throughout the world. Although the college experience is all about charting one's future, Harding has a long history of providing groups that help develop character in their members. After all , students are not here just to prepare for the future; they are also working to leave a mark on the past. Elizabeth Bratton, Organizations Editor Photo hom 1925 Pelit Jean
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