Plans change, but graduation RentAin.s tM SAnte Graduation - it's something that takes place at Harding at the same time and place every year. This year's ceremony was held May 13, 2000, in the Ganus Athletic Center with guest speaker Jim Bill McInteer. While the graduation ceremony does not change, students' plans often do. Graduate student Arma Fink has changed her plans significantly since her freshman year. She began her college career wanting to be an accountant, but instead willobtainamaster'sdegree in secondary school administration in December 200!. "I never thought I would go to graduate school," Fink said. "I did not want to teach. I really wanted to beanaccountant." Fink'scurrent plans are to teach high school math and be a curriculum director. She said that graduation came too fast. "Senior year came and I thought, 'Wait, I need another year,'" Fink said. "Now that I have graduated Iappredate Harding more. It taught me lessons I never knew I needed to learn." Graduate student Becky Pratt always knew she wanted to teach, but she did not plan on going to graduate school. "I figured I would be engaged or married by now," Pratt said. "My future plans are all up in the air. I could go teach, do more graduate work or do mission work. I really like that I have so many options." Instructor James Benge graduated in May and began teaching English at Harding in August. Teaching never crossed his mind, but when the position came open, he took it. Benge said he enjoys teaching. "Ifeltreadyto graduate, but now I feel more responsibility." he said. Alumna Sarah Dennis decided to go to physical therapy school at Belmont University. She hopes to work with pediatrics in missions. Dennis believes Harding has prepared her for life educationally and spiritually. "lam ready to apply the things I learned to life. I feel more grounded than a lot of people I know," Our plans never stay the same. New doors open, and some shut. But while plans change, thankfully graduation will stay the same. - Jody Knight Senior Leah Romine receives an award from Dr. Tom Alexander, dean of the College of Bible and Religion, during the May graduation ceremony. Along with the awarding of diplomas, special awards were given during the commencement ceremony. Photo by Mark Kinonen. Dr. Larry Long, dean of the Honors College, presents senior Jennifer Burton with her plaque for graduating with distinction from the Honors College. Students must take several hours of honors and contract courses as well as present an honors capstone project to earn the distinction. Photo by Jeff Montgomery. Graduation a ~S"t"'u""d"'e"n""-t'~L"-'i~fe---------''2J
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