Con tents Student Life 8 Academics 44 People 90 Athletics 178 Social Clubs 212 Organizations 232 Index 274
MEETING THE ChallEnge Editor-in-chief Sonya Sawyer Year 2000 Petit Jean Adviser Jim Miller Photographers Daniel Dubois Mark Kinonen Harding University Searcy, Arkansas Consultant Kay Gowen Volume 76
MEETING THE Chnllenge Although every student at Harding seeks his own personal goal and faces his own unique challenges, each of us has come to this University for the same reason. We are here to prepare for the rest of our lives; whether it be in the form of a career, a marriage or a closer walk with God, we have all come to Harding to meet the future. It is a daunting future, filled with difficult choices and disappointments. Yet Harding University's foundations of academic excellence and spritiual truth offer its students the power to meet these challenges successfully. Students find here an opportunity not only to establish ideals onwhich they can stand for the rest of their lives, but also to gain experience on which they can rely in their vocatIons. In aworld that values selfish ambition and material wealth, Harding provides students with examples of integrity, honesty and generosity. - Dwanye McDonald and DanJeune, juniors, Armand Erame, freshman, Stephanie Davis. sophomore, andJenni ferWilliams , junior, joke with each other in the parking lot afte r the fall All SportS Banquet. Many students grew close ro one anomer through participation in athletics. Dr. Dean Priest speaks during convocation , Aug. 24. The first day ofchapel was a celebration of Harding's goals for the new school year. 2 Opening .. ~
-. Jimmy Teigen, senior, and other campaigners play basketball with young Italian childreo during Harding's summer campaign to Italy. Campaigns challenged students to move outside of their comfort zones and share their fai th with others. Students head into the Benson auditorium for chapel. Everyday chapel services allowed students time w fellowship with one another and focus their minds on God. Photo by Danid Dubo il Beth Prost, freshman, looks up from eating a watermelon sl ice at the SA watermelon party, Aug. 25. This mixer was one of the first opportunities freshmen had to get to know one another. Opening 3
Tania Rojas, senior, chats with a fri end wh ile working behind [he Starbucks counter in the Student Cente r. Regena Bullard and Cherie Thompson, sophomores, take advantage of a beautiful day ro visit with each other on the front lawn. Many students rook breaks from their busy schedules to relax under trees or on swi ngs around campus. A Student Impact energy group visits the home of Fred Pres nall as part of a service project. The group did yardwork for Presnall. Friends si t down to rest and mingle at the tables in the Student Center. The Student Center served as the central meeting place on campus. 4 Opening
MEETING THE ChallEnge Teachers offer their time, their counsel and often their homes to students who need them.These men and women are not only pillars of the church but models ofthe Christianwork ethic as well, teaching students how to develop a successful career while maintaining Chrisitan ideals. A good work ethic i~ only part of Harding's education. The faculty strives to teach the skills, training and experience students need to compete well in their fields. Harding has made the founding ofsuccessful careers an honor-bound priority in its methods of educating students. Harding University is built on a clear vision of • Christ's mission and a firm understanding of the world's demands . It is this school's hope that, through teaching us to lean on God and look to the future, we might meet the challenge of the world and find our place in an eternal home. - Sonya Sawyer, editor Pho!o by Daniel Dubois Heather Irwin, junior, delivers flowers and balloons for the Etc. Gi ft Shop. Students often found pleasant surprises waiting for them at the front desks of their dorms . Opening 5
2000 Petit Jean Dedication: Clara Carroll Harding maintains a standard of excellence and spirituality that pervades evety aspect of this school. Nowhere are these qualities more evident than in the teachers on campus; they stimulate our minds and touch our hearts in their efforts to give students a solid academic and spiritual fo undation. Dr. Clara Carroll, assistant professor of education and director of professional field studies, is one of those teachers who has worked tirelessly to prepare student~ for their careers. "She is concerned about preparing us as teachers, for having families and for knowing how to budget our time," Erin Elliott, senior, said. "She's shown thafyou can do it all. " Carroll came to Harding as a full-time professor in 1997 and was soon appointed head of the student teaching program. She is the wife ofCharles Carroll and has two daughters. Before her employment at the University, Carroll worked as a kindergarten teacher as well as in several other teaching positions. Her extensive experience and enthusiasm for teaching are evident in her classes, according to Missy Suggs, senior. "She's really practical ," Suggs said. "She's had experience in the schools, so she knows what works. " A large part ofCarroll 's impact on her students comes from the sincerity she portrays. She motivates her students to succeed through her own honest effort. "She works hard to make evetybody happy," Christina Swinrlle, senior, said. "She inspires me to be a better teacher." "She wants the best for her students," Elliott said. "It's not just a job for her." Dr. Clara Carroll and Dr. Betty Watson, professor ofeducation. visit before chapel. Oct. 27. Carroll was one of the teachers who helped motivate srudents to come (0 chapel through her own anendance. Dr. Clara Carroll talks withJenny Behel, senior, during rhe School ofEducarion seminar, Ocr. 22. Carroll 's duries extended beyond the classroom seming into evaluati ng student teachers and partici pating in seminars (0 help education students bener understand their responsibilities. 6 Dedication
Dr. Clara Carroll and Jennifer Finefrock, senior. visit after the School ofEducation seminar, Oct 22. Part of Carroll's success as a teacher stemmed from her approachability and willingness to help her students. Dr. Clara Carroll visits with her husband, Charles Carroll, on the front lawn. Carroll was devoted not only to her teaching. but her family as well. i Dr. Clara Carroll and Kim Osborne, senior, laugh during a classroom exercise, Oct. 27. Many students expressed their appreciation for Carroll's enthusiasm and down ro eanh method of teaching. Dedication 7
Student Life / Diversity brings a welcome challenge \X7e are as diverse as snowflakes, each having our differences, yet having similar characteristics. \X7e come from around the world and bring a plethora of cultures and ideas with us. However, each of us has a goal set before liS, a mountain to climb. \X7e come ro Harding with intentions of getting a college degree, but more importantly, to establish a closer and deeper relationship with our Lord. Above: Susan Shird , senior, places her shoebox for the "Rudolph to Romania" proj ect on the Benson stage. This was one of many service projects students were involved in during the year. Left: Missy Allindes, sophomore, sketches a picture while sicting on the front lawn. Strangely enough, the diversity that separates us is ultimately the tie that binds us together from now through eternity. "We can reach the summit if we rely on God and use the relationships he has given us on this earth. " As we begin our climb, we often run into rough spots. Our bodies become fatigued, our minds grow weary and we may begin to slip, but before we know it, our friends are there to pull us up. This is what Harding is all about. During our years at Harding, we are involved in a number of activities. \X7hether it be a cleanup effort after a natural disaster, a smiling face to a visitor or a listening ear to someone in need, people see us as unique. No matter what we do or where we go, our love for one another and love for Christ always shines through. People see Jesus in us. Soon, often before we know it, we have reached the pinnacle. Our climb has been completed. However, there is always another mountain ahead. It is important to remember we will always have people to help us climb these mountains, no matter their height. \X7e can reach the summit ifwe rely on God and use the relationships he has given us on this earth. But remember, never petition God to go with you, rather, find out where He is going and travel with Him. By keeping this as the focus of our lives, no climb will ever be too great a challenge. - Eric Barnes, student life editor Student Life 9
Spring Sing Deborah Bills. senior, introduces the next club act during Saturday night 's performance. Bills and her husband, Pat, are only rhe second married couple to ever serve as Spring Sing host and hostess together. Pat Bills, senior, performs his solo, "These Puc Laughing Maners" during Friday night 's show. In sp ite of the "ComedyT onighr" theme, Bi ll 'sselec~ rion took a mo re serious look at the funny side of life. Hostess Erin Rembleski, sophomo re, performs the comedic tune, "Here's Your Sign ." This was n ot only Rembleski 's first year as a hostess, bur her first year to participate in Spring Si ng. qjeauticians am Spring Sing '99 Purple-haired grannies . Tan-obsessed teenagers. Singing children. Swing-dancing thugs . Where is the one place these different people gather? The ) u Go) u, Ko )0 Kai and fri ends beauty salon for their 1999 Spring Sing show, "Just Cunin' Up." The show took the audience through a day in the li fe ofa beaucician and featured a variety ofcustomers who might wander through a beauty salon during a typ ical day. The show took advantage ofSpring Sing's "Comedy T onight" cherne and spoofed many different aspects of a beauty shop. "They took an idea, took every cliche and brought it to the stage in a visual fashion ," Steve Frye, Spring Si ng director, said. The upbeat show helped)u Go )u, Ko)o Kai and friends capture the 1999 Spring Si ng trophy, propelling the group from last place the previous year to a first place finish that included raking top honors in each category (The most recent sweep at Spring Sing occurred in 1996 with the Chi Omega Pi, TNT and Zeta Rho show, "Waiters and Waitresses") . The "Just Cutrin' Up" cast included purple- haired grannies, who hobbled on stage with walking canes before breaking into a fast-paced dance. Blistered tanning bed victims were the next customers to wander through followed by a barbershop quartet, beauty school dropouts, children and final ly, thugs who were transformed into swing dancers after spending time in the salon. Jordan Smith, sophomore, said interacting with the audience was one of the best aspects of performing in the award winning show. " It was cool dancing. You knew the people in the crowd woul d go crazy," said Smith , who lea rned to swing dance for the show. " Ie was great just knowing 10 Student Life that they were scream ing for what we were doing. " The five co-directors spent the entire school year planning each detai l of the show, includi ng writing lyrics, find ing mus ic, choosing costumes and choreograph ing the show. The months of preparation culminated the week before Spring Sing as the co-directors finalized last minuce details. "It's amazing how much work goes into the show," said co-d irector SarahAdkins, who remembers devocing more than 12 hours a day to the show in preparation for the five performances. "All the work was worth it, rhough. It was so rewarding to see all the ideas we had in September turn into an award-winning show." Practices for dancers and small parts began immediately after students returned from Christmas break, and over the next three months, the show slowly began to take shape. "I was surprised how well it came together in the end. Everything just clicked. It was a real group effort," Rachel Goad, freshman, said. Much of the success of the show was credited to the variety of small parts that kept the show entertaining. "The variety of the show helped ro keep the audience on their roes," said Amy Powers, who played agranny in the show. T he unique aspects of the show earned "Just Cuctin ' Up" first place in each of the four judged categories - choreography, music, original ity and Costumes. "I expected the show to do well, but not fi rst place in every category," Ri ley said. "I will neve r forget the excitement we experienced that night." "I neve r imagi ned we would sweep." Adkins said. "As they were calling Out the last award, it hi t me - we had just swep t Spring Si ng." - Sarah Terty Ma rcus Neely, senior and second year host, takes o n me role of a jeste r in his solo. Neely, who is known for his outs tanding act ing abilities, gave Sp ring Sing audiences the laughs [hey were looking for.
Jaren Page, sophomore, entertains the crowd with her animated face and choreographical skills. Page, who is nOt in a club, helped direct Zeta Rho, TNT and Chi Omega Pi in "Summer Daze." Members of "JuSt Cu ttin ' Up" re· ceive the John H . Ryan Sweepstakes Award. The Ju Go Ju, Ko Jo Kai and friends show made a cl ean sweep, win· ning every judged category. Jonathan Root, fres hman , plays a black knight in "Chivalry Isn't Dead. " Chi Sigma Alpha and Regina social cl ubs made up the show's cast, taking second place overal l. Hosts, Hostesses. Ensemble and club show representatives fmish Spring Sing '99with the "Laughtrax" megamix. This year's show marked the 26th anniver· sary ofSpring Sing. the last of the 20th century. Spring Sing 11
Russ Burchman, board oftrustees member, gives the commencement address at graduation. Graduates and othe rs in attendance liste ned attentively as Burcham spoke on entering the work force. President David Burks. Dr. Dean Priest and Dr. Neale Pryor file into the Ganus Athletic Center for the May graduat ion ceremonies. Graduation was held in the Ganus instead of the Benson Auditorium because of the large number of graduating students. 12 Student Life A smile crosses the face of Karie Fage r, senior, as she sings "Cl imb EveryMountain" during graduation ceremonies in May. It has becomeaHardingtradition for a student to sing the tune at graduation and convocation ceremonies each year. Dean Priest. assistant vice president for academics, shakes the hand of a graduating sen io r as he presents him with a d egree. Ma ny students anxiously awaited the moment their name was called to walk across the stage and receive their degree.
Graduation Governor M ike Huckabee addresses graduates during commencement ceremonies last May. Huckabee was a frequenrspeaker at Hardingevents dur ing the year and has close ties to the University. $rom note taking to notegiving: C{(ecentJIarding graduates take on teaching positions For many, graduation means leaving Harding and building a life elsewhe re. For o thers, it means remaining at H arding to become a professor. April Palmer came co Harding the first t ime for the Honors Symposium during her junior year in high school. Now, fi ve years and a college educati on later, she is beginning her first semester as an associate insuucro r of chem istry. Frank McCown , associate instructor of compurer sciences, has been on Hard ing's facul ryonlythreeyears, bur is now conside red by some to be one of the more seaso'ned, younger faculty members. Both of these inst ructo rs, along with several other new facul ty members, have a unique relationship with Harding as both recent graduates and now teachers. For the most pan, Harding students graduate and leave their school and fr iends behind. But for the few who choose to remain at H arding and become membe rs of the faculty, they find their lives as students and their roles as instructors blend , yet divide into different paths. For some, the transition from student to faculty member is a great challenge, and can be very intimidating. Some say their hea rts are still students, while it feels their responsibilities are equal to those of a [enured professor. "I have had to macure, become a surrogate fatherfigure , to be [he mentor," McCown said. "I have never had to play that ro le until I began teaching." McCown also spoke of smaller areas of concern , such as how hewas now to be addressed in cl ass and how he was to enforce d iscipline. All were things he had never though t of before. Yet he believes he can sti ll be "one of the guys" while holding the responsibilities given to him by the university. Being a student and being a professor both have thei r difficult sides. "A student is more interested in making the grade. Students think in academ ic steps," Palmer said . "As a faculty member, you are more d riven by getting everythi ng done - even the litde things - and by thinking ahead. " Classroom preparation takes on a whole new meaning once one has crossed over from being a student to an InStruCtor. "Preparing for a 50 minu te lecture takes so many hours outside the classroom," Palmer said. "At times it can be a li tde intimidating." However, Palmer said she has a positive att irude about the stresses of being an instructor. "No one is really ready for great change," Palmer said. "Change comes when God is ready for change, and can only be taken one step at a time." "You must love your students, love to teach and always be able to relate to your studems," McCown said. He also believes that by stayi ng "one of the guys" he will be able to relate to hi sstudems, and in turn they will respect him as an instructor. "By being young, respect has to be ea rned because the students don't know me from Adam," Palmer said. "I have to rise to the challenge. I have to meet the chall enge. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, yet it is a who le lot of fun. tOo." - David Hill, Shauna Lee Graduation 13
Dorm Life EmilyClevenger, junior and SearcyHall resident, serves freshly baked cookies (0 Jenny Jones. junior. Searcy Hall provided female students with apartment ' style livi ng. Each apartment contai ns a kitchen area, living room and bathroom with twO sinks. The dorm also provides washers and drye rs on each floor , which made doing laundry easier and more acces ible. 9rom OnE dormitory to another, groups Of girls stick together Dorm life is an integral part of the college experience, especially at Harding where housing rules and regulations serve to bond smdems. Many students value the togetherness that the 11 p.m. weekday curfew and midnight weekend curfew provide and use the time ro discuss the daywith friends. "We don' t get (0 see each other that much during the day, so we talk at curfew," Keeley Hutchison. junior. said. "You know everyone is goi ng to be there. We sir our in rhe hal l and ralk. " Hutchison lived with 20 ofher closest friends on the first floor of Kendall Hall fot the second year in a row. Livingwith your best friends has its advantages, accotding to Hutchison. "We all met the second semester of our freshman year and thought it would be fun to live together," Hutchison said. "It 's the friendship factor. It 's nice to always have a fr iend around. " During their sophomore year, the girls initiated weekly prayer meetings and birthday parties fo r each girl. T hey also organized ahall function to Memphis for a hockey game and dinner at Rendezvous. As freshmen, the gi rl soriginallywanted to get rooms in Stephens Hall , but when spacing became limited, they opted to room in Kendall where more rooms were available together. The girls had (0 make another housing decision last year after only a few girls were able to secure rooms in Searcy Hall. Rarher rhan splir rhe group, rhe girls forfeired rheir space in the uppercl assman dorm and opted to spend 14 Student Life another year in Kendall with their friends. "Some of us could have been in Searcy Hall, but it was more important to stay with friends," Hutchison sa id. "The people who gor into Searcy Hall decided ir wasn' t worth it, so we decided to live together in Kendal l agai n. " The group is now passing the tradition (0 a new group of Kendal l residents. "When we saw that they were able to room together, we knew we could do it," said Hope Huckeba, sophomore. Huckeba is a Resident Assistant on the third floor of Kendall and lives wirh 30 of her closest fri ends. Rooming around your fri ends makes sense, according to Huckeba. "J uSt having that support close by, I know someone's always goi ng to be here," Huckeba said. "Plus, there's open closets everywhere." While neither of the groups know how permanent their livi ng arrangement will be, they did say they would stay together as long as possi ble. "It is just a priority for all of us to be together," Huckeba sa id. Although ir is very tough to keep a hall togerher through the years, it is a great way to establish a famil ylike relationship with friends and make memories that will last a lifetime. "God has real ly blessed me by putting rhese girls in my life," Jaren Page, junior, said. "No matter where we are or what we are doing, we have a great time. " - Sarah T erry • t •
Kate Copeland, junior, works (he front desk of Searcy Hall. Many female students chose to work the from desk of their dorm to earn extra money. Working the desk also provided an opportune time for workers to catch up on their studies. Amy Sauls, sophomore, collects items to move into her dorm room. Although moving in might not be the mOSt exciting aspect of dorm life, it is an act studenrs must perform several times during their college career. Eric Hanes and Brad Bigelow, sophomo res, hang Out in their Keller dorm room afte r a full day of classes. DormitO ries provided students with a haven of rest and a place to talk with friends afrer a busy day. T im Pell, sen io r, does computer design work in his Harding Village Apartment , last fall . Pen, along with 63 other male students, wa s granred t he priveleged housing because of a lack of space in the five men's dormitOries on campus. Dorm Life 15
-- :> , J Pho!o by Mark Kinonen Katie Taylor, mail room assistant, helps Tim Hampton, senior, in getting a package from UPS. The mail room was one of the most popular spots for students to visit on campus every day. Heather Gunter, junior, ass ists a student with a purchase in the Gifts Etc. Shop. The store enabled stud ents to purchase stuffed animals, candy. balloons, flowers and other gift items with cash or declining balance (DeB). 16 Student Life Jay Simpson, financial aid officer, discusses the duties of the day with Alison C lements, sophomore student wo rker. The Fina ncial Aid office, located in the American H eritage building, worked with students to process loans, grants and scholarships. Pacty Barren, d irector of residence life, speaks with Jeff Petty, junio r, about living arrangements for (he fall semes~ ter. The Office of Residence Life, l o~ cared in rhe student cenrer, worked d iligendy to provide studen ts with suit~ able living situations.
Campus Support -' "Ph~b;"""k Killoncn Vickie Walton, Heritage Inn manager, and Tim Dawson, employee, discuss reservations for the Lectureship speakers with Amy O'Guin, secretary for the Institute for Church and Family. The Heritage Inn provided hotel accommodations for visitors to Harding's campus, ranging from American Studies speakers to parents of students. Lauren Moze, junior, wai ts patiently as Freda Martin, head cashier of the Business Office, processes a check for her. Along with taking care of hilling and other financial matters for the University, the Business Office. which is located in the Administration building, provided a banking service to many students by cashing out-of-state checks. Mailroom dElivers new director; students to see additional changes Chapel is over. The students have been dismissed. Everyone is leaving the Benson and is headed in one primary direction - the Student Center to check their mailbox. For many students, checking their mailbox was sometimes the highlight of their day. Letters from home or from a fri end can often be the icing on top of the student cupcake. "Mail can really pick you up if you ' re having a bad day," Mike Mosher, sophomore, said. "It 's thegratification that someone is thinking about you. ir makes you feel very special," Mary Baughn, sophomore, said. Digging deeper and looking behi nd rhe scenes ofrhe mail room, we find who and what makes the mail process work. Numerous changes have recently taken place in the Harding Post Office beginning last January with the hiring ofa new Postal Services Director, Toby N ickles. N ickles spent four years as the director of the Heritage Center before moving to Indonesia. She sa id she is hi ghl y sar isfied wi rh rh e Administration 's effor ts to improve the current mail system. "The admin istration has been very supportive in the upgrading ofour system," N ickles said. "I'm extremely pleased wirh rhe foresightedness of the school in making the advancements necessary to service the students and the faculty. " Vast advancements have also taken place within the mailing center, according to Nickles. The mailing center is where Harding "mass mails" brochures and newspapers to alumni, students and contacts interested in the many services that the University provides. Advancements include an abundance of software and machinery wh ich imp rove workmansh ip and lessens time that it takes to produce postal materials. In order to benefit students, further expansion ofthe mail room is expected in the near future. One might ask, "How will this benefit Harding Students?" More room means more mailboxes and more mailboxes means less box mates. Often during the day the Student Center mailroom area gets crowded with students checking their mail. The extra boxes will not only help solve the traffic problems created by the present mai lroom area, butwill also prevent students from having to share a box with another student. "1 think the expansion of the mailroom is an excellent idea," said Casey Neese, sophomore. "There is definitely toO much of a traffic problem with the way the set up is now. The addition of more boxes could only help in decreasi ng congestion. " Whether the students received a simple letter from home, a birthday present from a friend or a package from the United Parcel Service (UPS), the mail room staff worked hard to get the job done quickly and effectively. Thanks to Nickles and the other mail roomworkers, mail was delivered and some students were pleased to find their mailbox filled with more than just air. -Shauna Lee -Alan Seim Campus Support 17
International Studies HUE & HUG JIuggers'describe life infithens Li fe at Harding University in G reece (HUG) possesses a different flavor than life o n the Searcy campus. W h ile the camaraderie between scucienrs and professo rs remains the same, the sights, sounds and smells that surround H uggers (name for H UG smdems) afe comp letely diffetent. H ere in G reece, the sky is lit by a sil ky, Medi terranean sun , the food is laced with olive oil and (he beautiful Agean Sea is only a few meters away. Perhaps the most striking difference between HUG and home is found in dorm life. Stat ioned at the Congo Palace Hotel in the Athens suburb ofGlyfada, students are constantly surrounded by a whirlwind of activity. No longer is campus life unleashed on sprawling green lawns and aged brick buildings, but instead it is contained within the hotel. At al l hours of the day, HUG's single computer is occupied by students anxious for a states ide connection . Elsewhere in the hotel, Huggers wash their laund ry in their bathtubs with on ly a box of Tide and the stomp ing motion of their own fee t to simulate the machines back home. Ac meal times, the group is served three-course di nners by wai te rs who eclipse the self-serv ice and the pink conveyor belt of the Aramark cafeteria. O ther hotel guests add a global flavor to dorm life. They are the Walton Scholars of the HUG gtoup, whose language fi lls the hallway. Huggers have heard, in a single day, English spoken by Assembly of God missionaries on retreat, Russian spoken by a visit ing volleybal l team, Mandarin spoken by Chinese photographers and a mind-boggling mixture ofall major languages, which is spoken by the Greek cleaning lad ies on their daily rounds. Like do rm life, G reek town life is unique as well. Tiny Greek scooters and cars race constantly to and fro 18 Student Life on Georgiou Avenue, which is located in front of the hotel. Street-corner cafes outnumber fas t-food restaurants, offering such local treats as souvlaki, baklahva and gyros . Such ordinary aspects of daily living may t rivialize the "fo reignness" of H UG. Be assured , however, that the student experience here is unique simply because it is so confined. Imagine living wi thout the distan t waves of hello that one finds on Harding's sidewalks. In Glyfada. there are no happy reunions with rarely seen friends because the fo rty students eat, sleep and study under one roof. Soli tude comes only during the few hours of sleep each n ight, and it ends each morn ing with a roommate's "Iong-time- no-see" grin. Fortunately, such close proximi ty does not breed claustrophobia, but instead fosters deep friendships that are cul t ivated by the spi rit of Ch rist. Huggers worship together each day, whether it be in chapel or at the Chu rch of Ch rist in Athens. Finally, HUG is special because it helps students learn unusual ski lls. They learn to sleep while sitting in uncomfortable tour buses. They learn to listen inten tly to a tour guide, scribble coherent notes and take pictures fo r the folks back home, all while walking to the next site. Most importantly, living in G reece for th ree months broadens both the mi nd and the heart. W ithout the recognized cultural cues to guide daily life, H uggers can and must live more deeply and fu lly than they do at home. Upon returning home. HUG studentsare canned by theMedi terranean sun and tend to smell ofolive oil. However, their souls have been strengthened , for they have a greater knowledge of God, the Bible, rhe world and themselves . - Hobby Chap in and Erica Lee Harding Un iversity in Greece (HUG) studenrs gather underneath a pavill ion before beginning one of their many tours. HUG is the second m OSt popular International Studies location, juSt behind Hardi ng University in Florence (H UF), with students having to sign up several years in advance to insure a place.
Harding University in England (HUE) students enjoy the performance of a Shakespeare play in the Globe Theatre. This was just one of the opportunities students had to visit historical sites and gain abetter understandingofpast eventS during their semester in London. Students occupy the London Under~ ground, otherwise known as "The Tube." Subways and trains, although they often ran behind schedule and were crowded, provided a large amount of the transportation used by HUE students during thei r travels. Hannah Rhodes and Wh itney Leach, juniors, walk along the road on the way to see someancient ruins. HardingUniversity in Greece (HUG) provided Students with the chance to see numerous historical cities and sites, many ofwhich are included in the Bible. Robyn Sandl in, senior, takes on the enemies with her sword. Hard ing University in England (HUE), wh ich is offered during the fa ll semester of odd years, placed students in London, England and exposed them to a variety of cultural experiences including visiting museums, seeing musicals and touring the homes of the Royal Family. PhOfO by Hobby Ch~pin International Studies 19
20 Prince Kar, who is from Liberia, West Africa, takes a break from his job at the Student Center Burger King. Many internat ional students held jobs during the year to support themselves, and in some cases, their families back home. A group of Latin American students gather on the front lawn during the Student Associat ion 's (S.A.) Watermelon Pa rcy, Aug. 25. Many international students got involved and participated in campus act ivities duri ng the year. which helped close the cultural distances between them and American students. Student Life Albert Tabut and Jerry Maritim, seniors. take first and second place at a cross COUnt ry meet, October 9. The rwo international students were active in cross COUnt ry and track during thei r years at Hardingand were instrumental in the teams' success. Federico Porras, senior, busts a move during Spring Sing Ensemble auditions in November. Porras. who is the designated leader of the international Students. has been involved in many cl ubs and activities during his four years at Harding.
International Students International student Erastos Evdoxiadis. junior, searches the Imernet in the Bracken Library. Evcloxiadis, who is from Greece, and other international students rook fu ll advantageofthe technological resources available at theUn iversity {O stay in contact with family members back home. Several international srudentsgatherat a table during the World Missions Fair held in the Mclnteer Rotunda. The event drew large numbers of international students who wanted to find out more information on mission efforrs targeted towards their home nation. Jfarding: a horne awayfrom horne "There's no place like home! There's no place like home! " While Dorothy may have had a good point, many international students on campus have found Harding to be an acceptable, temporary substitute for the place mey call home. With over 40 different countries represented in the 1999-2000 school year, many foreign students have been faced with challenges wh ile adapting [Q the American culture. Sonya Krautschneider, an elementary education major from Australia, is one such student. She said the hardest part of her transition from Australia was the initial steps of gett ing to Harding. '!<Jautschneider was first introduced to Harding through summer campaigns to Australia. "My family hosted campaigners every year and they were an encouragement to us all. Since high school, it has been mydream to come to Harding," Krautschneider said. "1 didn't know how I was go ing to get here, but I prayed that if it be in His will , God would make it possible. " Krautschneider recal ls one instance when she had the opportunity to discuss Harding with President David Burks. "I talked with him when he led the campaign to Australia." Krautschneider said. "I told him that my desire was co come to Harding and wanted to know if it would be a possi bility. " With a lot of prayer and help in looking for funds, Krautschneider was able to make the move to Harding. Upon her arrival, she noted several cultural differences that proposed challenges ro her life. "The Americans do things to the extreme. From banquets to sport ing events, they go all out," Krautschneider said. "Australians seem to be much more laid back about things like that." Robin Vick, freshman , began his career at Harding this fall. Simi lar to Krautschneider, Vick was introduced ro Harding through summer campaigns to his home congregation in Stirling, Scodand. "The campaigners have been coming ro my church for seve ral years," Vick said. "They said nothing but good things about Harding and 1 knew it was where 1 wanted to be. " Other than the "extreme heat" of the South, Vick said he enjoyed hi s first year living in the United States. "My only problem is having to deal with me language differences. There are things that are okay to say at home that I can't say here," Vick said. "That can become a problem ifI am not careful." Aside from the language itself, Vick has learned the speed of his speech seems to be a litde fast for most Americans. "I have had to slow down so that people can understand what 1 am saying through my . thick Scottish accent," he said. Vick said he loves Harding and wishes to remain open to his future plans and goals. ''I'll see in four years where God wants me ro go, " he said. "I can see myselfgoing back to Europe, but 1will let God lead me way. " Unfortunately for these international students, the dream that they can click their ruby red slippers three times and be magically whisked back to their home country is JUSt that - a dream. Granted, there is no place like home. However, the atmosphere and people that make Harding what it is provide students from allover the world with a suitable home away from home. - Bryan Jobe International Students 21
International Studies HUF Spending a semester abroad Jfl behind the scenes look at the sights, sounds ofJIV$ Harding Universiry in Florence, Iraly (HUF) is undoub tedly the best college semester a student could ever hope to have. Nightly in the boys' room, during the fall semester, Ethan Tanksley, sophomore, can be seen raising his arms high above his head and screaming, "This is the greatest night of my li fe!" This is a ritual that is gene rally repeated by chose around him in a rather barbaric and pre-Neanderthal SOrt of way, all involved completely oblivious ro the ridiculousness of the si tuation and aware only that they are in the most beautiful city in the world for three months. T he group is given numerous guided (Ours of the city and its museums and is al lowed ro go into town virtually every day ro enjoy the beauty of Florence. This. mixed with a few days of class. is worth sixteen hours of credit (Owards graduation. No one worries about laundry or food because everything is taken care ofbyAnna and Renata. who are better CO the H UF participants than most parents are ro their own ch ildren. And if one has a quest ion about anyming ar all, Robbi e and Mona Shackelford, rhe direcrors of HUF, are always happy ro help. Their son, Jonathan. blends right in with the students. spending many a night in the boys' room. However. nOt every day is spent in Florence. The group travels to the major rowns ofTuscany. Rome and Cinque T erre. a group of five small rowns sandwiched between the Alps and the Ligurian Sea. O ctober brings a trip to Naples and Pompeii. and November promises an extens ive rour of Greece. Mixed between all of this are twO weeks of free travel anywhere in Europe. When all the rouring and time in Florence is done. 22 Student Life the students are always happy ro return to the villa. their home. "The villa is my home away from Harding. which is my home away from home. which makes the villa my home away from my home away from home." Matt Roberts. sophomore. said. "This place is really neat." Many. even though they love the HUF experience. find it [Q be a li t tl e unusual. The students are in a different country for th ree monthswith no preliminary knowledge of language or cusroms. However. the months of planning. working and looki ng forwa rd to HUF finally materialize with no disappointments for 30 students who are nothing less than lucky to find themselves in this situation. Of course. the program still keeps the Harding atmosphere alive. Whether singing songs in an old church. worshiping with local Ital ians. singing out across the Mediterranean or JUSt having a regular chapel service. God is an ever-present reality. The magnificence of it all is that God is only enhanced by the surrounding of such a magnificent culture. Each student takes advantage ofevery second of the semester. dreading the day they leave. and loving every day he is at HUF. No one wiU leave Europe without plans to return in the futu re - the sooner the better. Every student would subscribe ro junior Matt Smelrzer's philosophywhen he says, "HUF is defin irely the greatest invention ofthe century- except maybe for Einsrein 's Theory of Relariviry. Oh yeah, I like rhe microwave. roo. " He continues. "I think everyone should come here for a semester and experience the greatness of Europe and the villa." - Justi n Burron Participants in the fall semeste r' s Harding Universicyin Florence (HUF) program gather at (he Piazzale Michelangelo, which overlooks the city of Florence. HUF students had (he opportuniry to frequently visi t the city as well as Havel around Europe using the Eurai l pass.
Pholo by JWl in Bunon Anne Thomas helps several studenrs figure out the best places {O visit while spending their day in Florence. Thomas is a Harding graduate who was employed by the Universi[}' to assist in daily operations of the villa and the group's tours. Bob Co rbin . faculty sponsor. and a group of studenrs stand in front of the Duomo. The dome is the most famous landmark in Florence and is recognized around the world for its architectural magnificence and beau[}'. RobbieShackelford, director ofHarding University in Florence (HUF), hikes up the hill leading to the Piazzale Michelangelo with Erin Rembleski, junior, and Joy Madlaing, senior. Walking uphill was a common practice of HUF participants since Florence is located in the hills of Tuscany. Studenrs visit the San Lorenzo market located near the Duomo in Florence to buysouvenirs for loved ones back home. The market. wh ich is known for its flavo r of Florentine culture. became a favorite SpOt for Harding University in Florence (HUF) participants. Pho.o bY}U$lin Burton International Studies 23
24 Student Life Jessica Hutchison and Ryan Ritz go through the line at the dinner held for visiting high school students. The twO were visi ting from Garland, Texas and plan to attend Harding upon completion of high school next year. Jeff Smith, admissions officer, heats up the lanes as Chad Joice, admissions office r, looks on before visit ing students arrive for a night ofbowling. Whi le Smith has worked in Admissions for almost twO years, Joice is completing his first year of duties as well as attending graduate school. Terry Davis, assistant dean ofstudents, leads singi ng in chapel during Bison Daze, October 22-24. The Office of Admissions held several high school visitation weekends during the year in order to help recruit students for Harding. Glenn Dillard and Glen Metheny, admissions officers, watch movies and eat popcorn with visiting high school students. Prospective students got a taste of college life by attending numerous events and staying in the dorms with current Harding students.
High School Chad Joice and Glenn Dillard. admissions officers. have a conversation with two prospective students before a dinner in the Heritage Founders Room. Admissions officers traveled around the nacion to various churches, youth rallies and high schools du ri"ng me year to recruit students for Harding. Several prospective students si r around a cable and read a H arding catalog during a dinner held for visiting high school studenrs. During the dinner, the visito rs asked current students and admissions officers questions about Harding and colJege life in general. f3ison cf)aze keeps visitors bUBy Aside from [he many family members and alumn i that flooded the campus on Homecoming weekend. Oc(. 22-24, a significant portion of the visiting population consisted of prospective students. These students came from high schools across the nation to catch a glimpse of whac Harding is all abour. The admissions office worked to accommodate over 150 high school visitors to the campus during the weekend. The guests were given the option of attending campus activities arranged by the Admissions office and the Student Association (S.A.). Visitorswere taken on tours of the campus and were encouraged to attend classes of their choice. At night, the guests were treated to movies, a ticket to the musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," a dinner and several devotionals led by Harding students and campus groups. To aid in doing this, the Admissions office relied on the student body to provide housing for the guests, according to Chad Joice, admissions officer. "We called several students and asked them to keep someone for the weekend," he said. "The students were eager to open their dorm rooms to our visitors." Why were the Harding studems so will ing to house total strangers? Joice said it was because ofa wonderful spirit of hospitality. "I th ink thestudems here remember what it was like when they came to Harding for the first time, " Joice said. "They' re eage r to ensure that their guests are shown the same courtesy they were." Kelly Duncan, junior, echoed Joice's thoughts on the overwhelming generosity of the Harding studems. "!twasn'[[oo long ago that I was in their shoes ," she said. "The girls I stayed with made me feel right at home and we wanted to do the same thing for our visitOrs .., Some of the visitors said they were encouraged by the hospitality shown to them by the Harding studems. "It was amazing how kind the studems were to us," said Rebecca Lyle ofHealdwn, Okla. "They inviced us to go with them to differem activities and introduced us to many of the ir friends on campus and in the dorm. " While staying in a new place with new people can make someone feel rather uncomfortable, different measures were taken to prevent those feelings. "Our host gave us 'free reign of the refrigerator ' and the rest oftheir room," Lyle said. "Theywere very open with their time, possessions and space. That made the weekend much more enjoyable." With all of the activities planned for the weekend, it was easy for the visitors to stay busy during the day. However, it was the "after curfew" hours that seemed to have been the most memorable for some.ofthe prospective studen ts. "I remember my first visit to H arding as a high school student," Ted Bowsman, senior, said. "Thedays were filled with things to do, but after curfew the activities were limited to what we could do in the dorm." While curfew and location could provide an obstacle for those wishing to be emertained, Harding students foun d many activities that provided after hours fun and excitement. "There's nothing like cramming 50 guys imo one room, ordering several pizzas and laughing until 3 a.m.," Bowsman said. "That's pan ofche fun ofcollege and do rm life." - Bryan Jobe High School 25
Campaigns Members of me sp ring break campaign to Denver, Colo. gather in from" of the Hope Communi ties building. Sp ring break campaigns were very popular among Harding students. Campaigns n aveled within thestates to places such as NewYork, Chicago and Sr. Louis. There was also a spring break campaign to Jamaica. During these campaigns, students performed a variety of service oriented projects, went door knocking and conducted personal Bible smdies. Summer heat putsjfarding campaigners onfire for God Ab, summer break. For many college students it is perhaps the most relaxi ng and enjoyable three months of the entire year. But, for Burr Casey, senior, it was something entirely different. For six weeks from May to July, Casey forfeited the comforts of the United States in orderta sleep on a hard floor, make roommates ofchickens and bathe with the water from twO buckets while participating in the summer campaign to the Philippines. Casey was not alone. In fact , 300 H arding students participated in summer campaigns sponsored by the College Church of Christ and Campus M inistry. The 16 students who traveled to the Philippines, under the direction of Coach Ted Lloyd, faced a largely-unministered area. "Since this is the first year a campaign has gone to the Philippines, none of us really knew what to expect ," N icole Moreland, junior, said. Yet, even with a lack of experience in the area, the group baptized 14 people during their stay in the Philipines, and as of last August, were continuing to receive notice of ongoing conversions from the team's outreach work. According to Lloyd, the group's success was partially the result of Harding's outstanding reputation earned several decades ago. "George Benson was the first Christian missionary to the Philipines," he said. Although Benson only spent two years there, his outstanding work is still remembered in the Churches of Christ today. The 16 students arrived May 17, on the island of 26 Student Life Cebu where they spent four weeks ministering to small established Christian congregations in the area. In order to reach as many people as possible and pursue one-on-one Bible studies, the students were divided into groups of two or three. During the first four weeks spent in the Philippines, each group ministered to different areas, using a variety of methods. Moreland, along with group-parmer Dana Maling, senior, conducted visitations in the communities and helped organize and conduct a vacation Bible school for more rhan 70 local children. By the end ofthe team's six week stay, the group had covered a fraction of the nation 's few thousand islands and even extended thei r effort to Hong Kong. "This was a great campaign group," Lloyd said. "It was one of the best that I have ever been on." T he Philippines campaign was one of26 that scattered Harding students everywhere from No ttingham, England , to the French-speaking country of Togo in the continent ofAfrica. Student medical mission teams were also sent to the countries of Uganda and Kenya. Students involved in campaigns began raisingmoney, mainly through letter writing early in the fall semester. COStS to attend six week campaigns averaged $2,000 per person depending on housing arrangements and travel COSts. Moreland best summed up the purpose for each campaign experience, "The best part of the campaign for me was watching myself grow closer to God, and watching other people grow." - Elizabeth Smith
Members of the summer campaign to New Hampshire gather in fronc of the church sign for a picture. The goal of rnecampaignwas to win soulsforChris(, increase the outreach efforts of local congregatio ns and strengthen the church in New Hampshire. Dana Maling, senior, communicates with a young Filipino boy despite the language barrier. Several campaigns, in· eluding this one to the Philippines, provided students the opportunity to minister to persons of every age - even those who spoke a different language. President David Burks poses with members of the Scotland summer campaign team. The team spent sixweeks spreading the good news and evangelizing to [he Scottish people. Members of the New Zealand campaign tearn visit a waterfall. T he campaign fo· cused on helpingbuild thechurch through. our New Zealand . Campaigns 27
28 Pho{o by D~nid Dubois Judy Ki nonen, public relations writer, talks with Pat Lawrence, secretary. in the public relations office. In addit ion to working fuU·time for the Un iversity. Kinonen was also enrolled in several hours of classes. Cynthia Delahunt, senior, takes notes during her PrintAdvertising class. Along with a heavy class schedule, many non· craditional students held full or part· time jobs. Student Life Melissa Fail, senior, takes a minute to read through some study material due· ing a class break. With such a busy scheduJe, many nontradjtional students (Oak advantage of spare time (0 catch up on class work. Jenn ifer Hefty, sen ior, ri ngs up a customer in the Harding University BookStore. Many nontraditional students found it eas ier (0 hold jobs on campus, wh ich allowed them to work around class schedules.
NORuadUwnalStudenu Diane Perkins. sophomore, reads a book to her son before she begins her home· work for the evening. Balan cing school and familyproved co be a tough task fo r Perkins, a second year nursi ng student and mother of three. One woman, threefull-time jobs Some of America's most talented jugglers are not fo und under the big-top. They are students here on Harding's campus whose everyday rout ine consists of juggling fam ily, school and work. As the graduate programs expand and as more families depend on a fWo-salary income, adults, especially mothers, are coming back to school to get a degree. Diane Perkins, wife and mother of three sons, is one of Harding's nontraditional students. "I came back CO college after 18 years because I wanted to be able to suppOrt my family if something ever happened to my husband," Perkins said. Mter she graduated from high school, Perkins became a certified nurse's assistant and wo rked as an offi ce manager in pediatric clinics in both Tulsa and Dallas. H er love ofchildre n created a des ire to pursue a nursing degree at Hard ing. In a typical day, Pe rkins gets up early to get herself and her fam ily ready for school. H er three sons, ages II , 10 and three, attend different schools in the Searcy area. She drops them offand ison campus for an 8 a.m. class. H er classes end around 4 p.m. and then she either goes home o r to work at the Lightle House Inn. In the evenings, Perkins cooks d inner, tends to housework, and spends t ime wi th her sons. She hel ps with homework, plays games and gers them in bed by 8:45 p.m. At 9 p.m. she is able to study fo r her classes . "My study time is 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. in the morning. At 1 a.m. , I go to bed no matter what I haven't done ye t," Perkins said. "I know I have to have my sleep in order to make it through the week." In addition to her studies, Perkins has been involved in several theatrical performances on campus. One of her dreams is to be an actress on the silver screen. "When rehearsing for The Importance ofBeing Earnest, I would put my sons to bed at 8:30 p.m. and then go back to campus for 9 p.m. practice," she said. Working tOward a college degree nearly twO decades after high school graduation poses several challenges to nontraditional students, accord ing to Perkins. "I want to do well and be accepted JUSt li ke eve ryone else," she said. "Sometimes I think the students expect ce rtain things from me, as I doofthem. We can't always relate to each other because our lives are so diffe rent." The decision to come back to school requi red sacrifi ce and change for everyone in Perkins family. "My sons have to help out around the house more," Perkins said. "They are responsible for cleaning their own rooms and for helping with the dishes ." Acco rding to her son Aaron , 10, the hardest part of Mom go ing to school is coming home and not having her there. "We have to get up earlier and she is not home as much," he said. Caleb, 11 , agrees . "A fri end 's mom picks us up from school now. Mom does n' t get to see us as much as she used to. " Perkins strives diligently to make the mOments count, however. She is devoted to her famil y and takes time to play with and listen to them. "We don ' t get as much quanti ty t ime anymore, bu t we have much more quali ty time," she said. In spi te of the temporary sacrifice she is making, Perkins has no doubt that she has made the right choi ce about return ing to college. "It will all be worth it. This isn' t a was te," she said. "One of my motivations is to be an example fo r my sons. I want them to know that it's better late than never when it comes to getting an education. " - Rachel Wi lson Nontraditional Students 29
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