II for the students II 132 II leadership President David Burks helps to prepare the renovated cafeteria Aug. 21 for Student Impact. After workers labored around the clock for several days, they were able to finish the cafeteria renovations in time for the new school year. (Photo by Jeff Montgomery) President David Burks speaks to freshman Lee Mitchell after chapel Aug. 27. Burks spoke on "Why Harding," as part of the "Whyn series in the fall semester. (Photo by Amy Beene) President David Burks gives the chapel announcements in the Benson Auditorium in September. Because there were two simultane– ous chapel services in the fall, Burks split his time equally presiding in both the Benson and Administration Auditorium chapel services. (Photo by Russell Keck) President Burks helps cafeteria dream When students returned to Har– ding this fall, they were greeted by friends, the chance to make new memories and the opportunity' to experience a new dining environ– ment on campus. During the swnmer break, the campus cafeteria under went a makeover. Students returning to campus early lent a hand to the remodel– ing process. Even President David Burks helped with the finishing touches of the $2.2 million project. "It was a real challenge, but at the last minute I helped clean," Burks said. "I commend the contractor. For the last few weeks, the workers worked 24-seven." Steve Ritter, director of food ser– vices, said Burks played a major role in the completion of the renovations. "[Burks] was very influential in the process of establishing a new dining service on campus," Ritter said. The renovation committee decided the changes would occur during swnmer break in order to have it ready for the school year. Burks said the toughest part of the renovation process was trying to have it completed in less than three months. Ritter was appreciative of Burks' cooperation during the renovation. " I don't think we would have been able to obtain approval from the consensus of our constituents without Dr. Burks," Ritter said. "We also would not have been able to build it in the tight time frame that we had." Burks said the new cafeteria was needed for the Harding campus, and the reaction to the new cafeteria was positive. "AlurruU, parents and board members are amazed at the differ– ence," Burks said. Burks said the new facility is one of the best in the country. "[The new cafeteria] is absolutely on the cutting edge of residential dining service," he said. "[t's right there with the best in the whole country." - Matt Price
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