student life [page 10] people leadership academics organizations social clubs athletics index [page 48] [page 134] [page 162] [page 194] [page 242] [page 260] [page 288]
MOLDING A MASTERPIECE [petit jean 2008] [harding university] [searcy, ark.] [volume 84] editor in chief: katie ulliman assistant editor: alex smith copy editor: jennifer harris head photographer: jonathan lindsay layout editor & cover design: lauren roberts advisor: jeremy d. beauchamp [Jonathan Lindsay]
2 [opening] Christ moldedinto
[opening] 3 [Jeff Montgomery] [Jonathan Lindsay]
refineddaily
[opening] 5 [Craig Rainbolt] [Chelsea Roberson] shapingour minds, bodies andspirits
[Courtesy of William Ellis] [Chris Hamilton] reworkedby trials
a [opening] 7 masterpiece
Sitting at his office desk, Associate Professor of Bible Dr. Shawn Daggett reads in his spare time Sept. 22. Daggett kept a landscape picture of Italy in his office to remind himof his travels there. [Jonathan Lindsay] In the streets of Prato, Italy, Dr. Shawn Daggett passes out flyers to invite families to an activity day in the park in June of 2004. Daggett was in Italy as part of acampaignwith 10 Harding students. [Courtesy of Shawn Daggett]
[dedication] 9 After working on the mission field in Italy for 10 years, Associate Professor of Bible Dr. Shawn Daggett and his family of five were asked to move from their home and their daughters’ birthplace and travel to Arkansas to begin another type of mission work as a professor at Harding. Upon arriving, at the insistence of Dr.Carl Mitchell, a professor of Bible and special assistant to the president, Daggett joined in sponsorship of the European Vision organization, a missions group focused on spreading the Word to European countries.Mitchell thought this organization would be the perfect outlet for Daggett to share with students about his own personal struggles for the faith and aid them on their own missionary journeys. “At the time, mission work was focused mainly on receptive areas,” Daggett said. “We wanted to lift up the cause of worldwide missions, not just one particular area over another. The whole world is God’s mission field.” After teaching at Harding for four years,Daggett and his family moved to Boston where he completed his doctorate degree and worked with a church in Natick, Mass. “God brought that old church to life,”Daggett said.“It was almost like being on the mission field again, and it was good for the kids.” Daggett and his family returned to Searcy where he went on to teach a variety of courses including Missionary Anthropology, Missionary Practicum and the Gospel of John. Daggett said he also used to teach a course that was no longer offered at Harding, a Bible 100 course for international students. “I had a special love for that class,” Daggett said. “I like reading the Bible with those who never have.” In classes like the Gospel of John, Daggett said he liked his students to come away with a first-hand experience of Christ. “In the classroom, I like to maintain high academic standards to prepare students for real life,”Daggett said.“I want students face to face with Jesus to create stronger faith.” Daggett had similar goals for the outcome of his missionary-based courses. “In missionary classes, I want students to accept God’s reach on the one hand, strong truth, and on another hand, extend that grace to the world,” Daggett said. “It’s receiving and giving — grace and truth.” Daggett said his teaching styles were unique in the fact that he liked to change topics or activities every 10-20 minutes. In his Missionary Anthropology classes, Daggett said that recreating real-life missionary scenarios had a big impact on students.His use of film clips, having students take quizzes with their opposite hands and playing cultural games made his classes not only interesting but eye opening for his students. “I have students take quizzes with their left hand on the days I talk about culture shock,”Daggett said. “They realize by the end of the lecture the parallel between that and culture shock. It’s taking something so simple and easy that now requires extra thought.” But shock value was not the main lesson Daggett wanted his students to come away from class with. “My goal is for them to have a much deeper devotional life by the end of my class,” Daggett said. And most students who had Daggett as their professor said they felt that they came away from their classes with more than just a binder full of notes. “I learned a greater appreciation for my own culture by learning about other cultures,”senior Matt Perring said.“What makes sense in one culture doesn’t always mean the same thing in another.” Perring said that he enjoyed the way Daggett brought his lessons together as well. “He was unique in his teaching in that every class flowed with the previous class, and they all had such a strong point at the end of them,” Perring said. “Every day constantly built on his overall theme of understanding the world missionary view, and he was motivated about this topic.” Perring and other students also enjoyed Daggett’s candor outside of the classroom. “He’ll offer you a cup of espresso from the machine he has in his office,” Perring said. “And he will talk about his amazing missionary travels to Italy. It’s incredible to listen to him.” Daggett said one of the most enriching experiences he had while at Harding was the mentoring group he had participated in since 2003. “There are five to six guys who meet early in the morning to pray, memorize [scriptures] and share with each other,”Daggett said. “I like to share books that are the most meaningful to me.” Daggett said he hoped to travel to Zambia in the fall of 2008 with his wife and two daughters, as both of his sons were in school or working. Daggett said he enjoyed participating in the Harding University in Florence overseas program in fall 2000 and would love to be able to take another group. Daggett also said he wanted to lead another summer campaign group through his leadership roles in the Global Outreach organization. [Katie Ulliman] Shawn Daggett Lifetime dedication to missions near and far Dr. Shawn Daggett stands withDr. Monte Cox, associate dean ofBible,ashegiveshis LivingWorld Religion students instructions about removing their shoes and not taking pictures once inside of the Hindu temple inChicagoonOct.20. “Mywife,Donna,and I were blessed to be invited todriveon this trip,” Daggett said. “Having lived just outside of Boston for three years, we love the city atmosphere as well as being with the students on the trip.” [Jonathan Lindsay]
student [ ] Everyone we meet leaves their mark; everything we do shapes who we are. Whether it is singing on a stage, cheering on our team or sharing God’s love in a foreign country, we are products of our experiences. God works all around us, providing opportunities for us to learn and grow. We areeverchanginig works of art, shifting with every fresh adventure. JoAnna Dockery- Student Life Editor [Courtesy of Mark Riley]
life 11
balancing act 12 [student life] The average college student had a lot on his or her mind. Between schoolwork, extra-curricular activities and jobs, finding time to breathe was hard. But for four Harding students, the balancing scales had one more very big responsibility placed on them. When then junior Jillian Shackelford, senior Travis Wisely and sophomores Elizabeth Harrell and DavidWalton were selected as the 2007 Spring Sing hosts and hostesses, they gladly accepted the extra responsibilities. The honor of being a Spring Sing host or hostess was one known by few students. However, the commitment that had to be made in order to make the show a success was seen by the audience. The hosts’ time and energy had to be put into the production which meant everything from early Saturday morning rehearsals to late night study sessions throughout the semester. Balancing school, friends, Spring Sing and any other activities could take a toll on a host or hostess’s semester. However, those involved felt the lifelong friendships that were formed made it worth all the work. “Rehearsals are chock full of my best friends,” Wisely said. “I get to sweat, sing and steal the show with some of my favorite people in the world. Jokes abound, we work hard and rehearsal is over in no time.” Although rehearsals were tedious and frustrating at times, the end result and the cheers from audience members made students return to their hosting roles every year. Any student had the chance to participate in Spring Sing. The production was not just the clubs’ show, the directors’, the hosts’ or the ensembles’. It was an accumulation of all of them in a high energy, fun-filled show. Dottie Frye, director of Spring Sing, pushed the performers to their fullest potential. For the hosts, having the choreography and songs rehearsed continuously could be draining;however, Frye knew what she was doing. She knew that the more practice all of her team had, the better the show would turn out. She was not only their director, but also their advisor, comforter, mom, friend and teacher, too. “The best thing she does for all of us, though, is keep us focused on God,” Harrell said. “At the end of every rehearsal we all circle up and have prayer requests, and one of the guys prays. My favorite thing she says after every prayer before we leave is ‘know you are loved.’” Spring Sing was more than four days of performing. It was a semester of making lifelong friendships and memories to carry with those who participated past the final curtain call. “That first moment at the beginning of every show, every solo, every finale,” Wisely said. “Those are the moments.” [Marissa Shepard] Hosts and hostesses prioritize work and play simultaneously
Dancing to “Rama Lama”, senior Jillian Shacke l f o r d and juniors David Walton and Elizabeth Harrell perform with the ensemble cast April 5, 2007. Spring Sing 2007 “Camaraderie” was dedicatedtoHarding’s president of 20 years, Dr. David Burks. [Chelsea Roberson] Showing off their best Spring Sing faces, senior J. Cliff Ganus and sophomore Julie Lowery perform in “Candy Shop” on April 5, 2007. Ganus portrayed the “CandyMan” for JuGoJu, KoJo Kaiandfriendsand was also part of theensemblecast. [Chelsea Roberson] [spring sing] 13 Commanding his crew, senior Daniel Wade searches for stolen gold April 6, 2007 in the show “Confessions of an Overworked Pirate.” Gamma Sigma Phi, Iota Chi, Pi Theta Phi and friends won the Spirit Award which was voted on by each club Spring Sing director. [Chelsea Roberson] Playingthesaxophone, senior Ryan Locke per forms his solo during Jersey Night, April 1, 2007. “It is just so fun to be center stage and have such a large crowd to be enjoying our show,” Locke said. [Chelsea Roberson]
Freshmen, transfer students, energy group leaders and others on campus for Student Impact sit on the front lawn during the Candle Light Devo on Aug. 19. The message of the devotional was for students to be lights to the world. [Jonathan Lindsay] Freshman Eric Ramsey holds his “baby” in the Benson Auditorium during Student Impact on Aug. 18. Ramsey, along with several other students, was hypnotized and convinced that he gave birth to “Jerry.” [Chris Hamilton] 14 [student life] Freshman Meg Watson moves her belongings into Cathcart Dormwith her mom’s help Aug. 16. Freshmen and transfer students were allowed into their dorms early to set up in time for Student Impact. [Chris Hamilton] Freshmen Andrew Hadley and Alex Groves enjoy the roast pig during the Student Impact luau Aug. 17 in the GAC. The luau gave incoming students a chance to relax and mingle. [Chris Hamilton]
For many, the first day of school came too soon. If they were asked to come back a week early, not only would they flat out refuse, but they might also laugh uncontrollably. At Harding, it was a different story. Not only did freshmen show up early, but numerous upperclassmen joined them to make their experience that much better. Five days before classes began, incoming freshman and transfer students moved into their dorm rooms in preparation for Student Impact.With the help of upperclassmen, the students were able to become settled into their new living environment without the stress of classes. For transfer sophomore Meredith McCoy, Student Impact was a great chance to become familiar with Harding’s campus. “I was just hoping to become more acquainted with school,” McCoy said. “I had never really visited before so I didn’t know where anything was on campus.” But more than just getting to know the campus, Student Impact allowed new students to develop friendships lasting throughout their college experience. McCoy had already experienced one year of college at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas, so becoming comfortable with the college lifestyle was not as much of a main concern as making friends was. Energy groups, which were made up of incoming students, were a great way for McCoy and others to develop relationships. With these energy groups, the students participated in all of the activities of the week. “It was such a great way to meet people,” she said. But before the new students ever stepped foot on campus, there was another group of students awaiting their arrival. Student Impact leaders were primarily made up of returning Harding students who were willing to spend their time making the new students feel comfortable on campus. Junior Rachal Blake was one of the many Student Impact leaders. She and some of her friends led an energy group, which was provided for new students to bond and learn their way around campus. “My freshman year, I had really good energy group leaders, and we had a lot of fun,”Blake said.“Being an energy group leader was a chance to answer any questions or settle any fears the new students might have had.” But Student Impact was lead by many more people than just energy group leaders.With over 10 months of preparation, directors seniors Jaime Brown and Matthew Perring spent countless hours preparing for Student Impact 2007. From recruiting workers, to finding entertainment and local sponsorship, Brown and Perring worked hard in hopes that Student Impact would be a success.With more than 850 students who participated, Perring was confident in that success. According to him, the environment Student Impact created was unlike any other experience on campus. More than anything, Perring wanted the freshmen and transfer students to see how great Harding could be. “It’s just great to be involved and make an impact,” Perring said. [Hannah Ware] making an impact [student impact] 15 Newcomers begin a “fresh” semester
Homecoming gave students and alumni the rare opportunity to look back on Harding’s past while, at the same time, look forward to Harding’s future. One aspect of Harding life that cultivated a great deal of memories was social club life. Some clubs used homecoming to bring together several generations of their members. Women’s social clubs Ju Go Ju, Delta Gamma Rho and Regina all had milestone anniversaries held during homecoming weekends. For Ju Go Ju, 2005 marked their 80th year as a club. “Since one of JuGo Ju’s sayings is ‘Always,always act like a lady,’we had a tea party where all of the former members and current members were encouraged to wear hats and a classy outfit,” senior Erin Starnes said. The current members were able to chat with women who had been in Ju Go Ju more than 50 years ago. “The crazy thing was [that] we were all just like them,” Starnes said. “It was so refreshing to know the kind of women who made up Ju Go Ju back then were so similar to us.” Delta Gamma Rho also celebrated turning “sweet 16”in 2006 with a come and go reception showcasing old function T-shirts and scrapbooks. “The turnout was great,”May 2007 graduate andDeltaGammaRho alumna Katie Dear said.“We got to meet some of the founding members of the club. We also got to meet quite a few of our old beaux.That was pretty cool, too, because they all were still very proud to be a part of Delta Gamma Rho.” For Regina,2007marked their 60th anniversary which they celebratedwith a brunch for all of their former members during homecoming weekend. “It was really cool to talk to them,”said senior Taylor Binkley, who served as special activities director for Regina.“We got to hear how they used to sing the club song, and then they got to hear how we sing it now.We also learned how they did club week and their functions differently.” All of the clubs’members were touched by seeing their club’s past. “It is one thing to go through pledge week andmemorize facts and names,” Dear said, “but to really understand who built the foundation of something that you cherish so much puts a whole new perspective on things.” Although years separated these club sisters, they all still felt connected through their clubs. “There is a bond in sisterhood that I never experienced before college,one that transcends all ages and places of origin,” Starnes said. “The fact that we had never met any of these ladies before yet still had a connection with them is what made this anniversary celebration so inspiring to us.” The returning club members were also happy to see their club still holding true to the standards that they had set years ago. “I received a lot of RSVP e-mails from the alumni that all said how excited they were about coming,” Binkley said. “They really enjoyed seeing how the club is doing now.” The anniversaries held left the current members looking forward to the day when they would return to see how their club had grown. “Looking back on Ju Go Ju’s history gave me a sense of purple pride,” Starnes said. “It made me really want to devote my energy to the club while at Harding, so in 20 years when they celebrate their 100th anniversary, I can come back and see Ju Go Ju still thriving with Godly women.” [Jennifer Harris] old and new Social clubs create and participate in homecoming traditions 16 [student life]
The Bison cheerleaders perform a lifting stunt during the homecoming football game Nov. 3. The Bisons won the game against Arkansas Tech 62-55. [Chris Hamilton] Junior Stephen Ellebygets the crowd yelling at the homecoming football game Nov. 3. Elleby ran the Bison flag across the track whenever Harding scored a touchdown. [Chris Hamilton] Members of GATA sophomore Megan Rooney, freshman Jessica Heitmann andsophomoreKatie Wade conversewith a former member at the social club fair Nov. 3 in the Ganus Athletic Center. The fair brought together current and former club members. [Chris Hamilton] [homecoming] 17 Senior Dusty Hanes rocks the stage on Nov. 3 during the guitar solo competitionat theBisonBash. Hanes and senior CarsonMedders tied for first place, both winning $50. [Chris Hamilton]
Junior CarmenMardan and freshman Tara Thomashold animals in the petting zoo on the GAC lawn during the pre-football game tailgate party Nov. 3. Puppies, pot-bellied pigs, goats, rabbits and other animals were crowd favorites. [Chris Hamilton] A blazing fire located behind the GACdraws students in at the Bison Bash on Nov. 2. The Bash featured s’mores and hot chocolate, a guitar solo contest, a car bash and a chance for students to mingle. [Chris Hamilton] 18 [student life]
The Wicked Witch of the West, played by sophomore Haley Jane Witt, jeers at the audience with her broom during the homecomingmusical “TheWizard of Oz” on Nov. 1. The matinee show was performed for elementary school students in Searcy. [Chris Hamilton] Bison football playersbreak from a huddle at the homecoming football game against Arkansas Tech on Nov. 3. The Bisons went on to score six touchdowns for a 62-55 victory. [Craig Rainbolt] Junior TroyMarrsswings a sledge hammer at a car at the Bison Bash on Nov. 2. The car was spray painted with the name of the opposing football team, the Arkansas Tech Wonderboys. [Chris Hamilton] [homecoming] 19
on stage Weekends usually posed the same predicament for Harding students: what to do.While some ventured to Little Rock in search of entertainment, others stayed in Searcy looking for something to do. The Campus Activities Board (CAB) came to the rescue of these students and provided big city entertainment at the low price of $5 or “free with the Pass.” On September 6, Five Times August and Mat Kearney took over the Benson Auditorium, allowing students to go to a concert on campus. “I thought that the concert was decent,” senior Nicholas May said. “It’s nice when you don’t have to drive to Little Rock or Memphis, and those are close comparatively speaking, to go to a concert.” The unusualness of listening to a concert in the same format as one would listen to chapel gave Harding concerts their own unique feeling. “There is an atmosphere about Harding concerts that you certainly can’t get anywhere else,”May said. “It probably comes knowing that earlier that day we were all in there listening to Dr. Burks make chapel announcements while we slouched in our orange chairs uncomfortably but focused.” While great reviews were given to both bands,FiveTimes August stole the show,according to students.FiveTimes August,solely made up of singer and musician Brad Skistimas, really impressed the students with his music. According to junior Coleman Yoakum, Five Times August was “better perceived than Mat Kearney, and he sold more merchandise.” Many students echoed Yoakum’s opinion of Five Times August. “I absolutely loved Five Times August,” freshman Lacey Blair. “My roommate did, too. She even bought the CD.” Although Kearney was well received, sophomore Marisa Smith preferred Five Times August’s simpler approach. “I liked Mat Kearney’s mellow, drawling voice, but the rest of the band overpowered him a bit,” Smith said. “That’s probably why I enjoyed Five Times August more; the simplicity in having just the man and his guitar on stage made for a pleasant, easy-listening performance.” However, Mat Kearney was still a big hit. Some students were familiar with his music because several of his songs had been played on episodes of the TV show Grey’s Anatomy, as was pointed out by Kearney before he sang. Some students were starstruck by the visiting musician. May took Kearney’s water bottle from the Benson stage and put it up for sale, while former student Daniel Hoeck waited in the Heritage Lobby and cornered Kearney as he was going up stairs to take a shower. Thanks to the CAB, students were able to experience the excitement of a concert from the comfort of their own orange chapel seats. [Jodi Jordan] 20 [student life] CAB concert brings music to the Benson auditorium
Rocking the stageat Battle of the Bands onMarch 30, 2007, alumnus AdamYoung and 2006 alumnus David Condolora performwith their band, Goodbye Design. The performance attracted many students to Warehouse 2156 on Race Street. [Chelsea Roberson] Ponderingwhichanswer to choose, senior Katie Anderson and junior CorwinBrowncompete in the Apples to Apples Tournament in the student center Nov. 13. The game consisted of matching up nouns andadjectives tomake the best answer. [Jonathan Lindsay] [campus activities] 21 After waiting patiently, freshmanMicahCanterburyexamines his Spiderman balloon creation Sept. 22 in the student center. A balloon artist entertained students for hours, creating various figures. [Chris Hamilton] Performer Sara Bareilles sings soulfully into the microphone on Nov. 30 in the BensonAuditorium. This was Bareilles’, who was VH1’s November Artist YouOughtaKnow, first concert as the headlining band. [Jonathan Lindsay]
Rhodes Rowdy senior Matt Perring scans the crowd at Midnight Madness on Oct. 15. “Getting the crowd pumped up and being with friends is awesome; there is truly not another experience like it on campus,” Perring said. [Chris Hamilton] 22 [student life] Waiting in line, students get their tickets for the CAB sponsored movie Spiderman 3 on Aug. 31 in the Benson lobby. The Campus Activities Board hosted 10 movies during the fall semester that covered a wide variety of genres. [Jonathan Lindsay]
Chatting in the student center, seniors Jen Riley and Cara Guglielmon decorate flip flops with fabric, ribbons and glitter Aug. 20. The Campus Activities Board provided the supplies and gave students a fun, start-of-school activity. [Jonathan Lindsay] [campus activities] 23 In the spotlight, Valerie Vigoda sings while playing her electric violin on the Administration Auditorium stage Nov. 26. Vigoda was one of three musicians that made up the rock band-musical theater fusion group GrooveLily. [Chris Hamilton] With a look of surprise, Mortimer Brewster, played by sophomore Ben Adams, responds to Abby Brewster, played by junior Morgan Scharff, in “Arsenic and Old Lace,” by Joseph Kesselring on Oct. 11. The play featured two elderly sisters who poisoned lonely gentlemen. [Jonathan Lindsay]
International students freshmen Jin Ting, Baizhou Teng, Nanhu Wang,WeiLi,Haifeng Liang,QianChenand Kun Luo stand at the edge of the stage waiting to perform in a skit about the MoonFestivalAug.22. The festival included authentic Chinese cuisine, musical numbers and skits. [Chris Hamilton] Juniors Lupita Ramirez and Lucy Velasquez, senior ElisaGarcia and sophomore Tadeo Sequeira stand by their flag at the annual IBS barbecue May 4. The barbecue was held at Professor of Business Dr. Bud Hebert’s house each year to recruit new members. [Courtesy of Guadalupe Ramirez] 24 [student life] Freshman Bradley Wolhuter stands in front of mountainattheKwaZulu Natal game reserve in his native country South Africa on September 3, 2006. Wolhuter came to Hardingtostudybusiness administration. [Courtesy of Bradley Wolhuter] While at the Balito Beach, freshman Bradley Wolhuter stops to look out across the ocean in October of 2006. Wolhutersaidhe liked to walk along the warmbeach. [Courtesy of Bradley Wolhuter]
a different perspective [international students] 25 Land of opportunity for international student Freshman BradleyWolhuter,originally from Empangeni,a town in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, made his home in Searcy. As a Caucasian living in South Africa, Wolhuter belonged to a minority group.In the United States,people were surprised whenWolhuter told them he was from South Africa. “I live near the city,so there are people of every race and religion there,”Wolhuter said. “We call it the ‘Rainbow Nation’. I see more cultures there. America is sort of the same with the diversity.” SouthAfrica had 11 official languages,English being the most prevalent.Wolhuter spoke English, Afrikaans and enough Zulu to carry on a conversation. Growing up in South Africa, Wolhuter spent a lot of time body surfing at the beach,which was only 10 minutes from his house and hanging out with friends and with the church youth group known as the Geni Gangsters. Wolhuter also played cricket for Kwa-Zulu Natal. Wolhuter said that one of the main differences between American and South African culture was that the culture there was not as focused on the media. “When I hang out with friends,we don’t go to the movies,”Wolhuter said.“We do something socially constructive.We will also go to the game reserve or the beach.” In 1980 a group of missionaries from a congregation in Texas went to South Africa and started a church.Wolhuter grew up in this Church of Christ where his dad was an elder. Starting in 2005,three a cappella groups went to Empangeni,andWolhuter had the opportunity to talk with them about church and college.In 2006,Wolhuter came to the U.S. with his father to tour colleges. When a singing tour came through his city in South Africa, he decided to come back to America with them. Wolhuter was surprised that he was not very homesick after he left to attend school since he talked to his parents only once a day on the phone. “America is my favorite country,”Wolhuter said.“The people are great,and there is a lot of Christianity.Why would I not want to live in my favorite country?” He enjoyed learning the different things about his new culture. Wolhuter said his favorite thing about America was free refills at restaurants.Wolhuter also loved how young people could be and still obtain a driver’s license. In his home state, the legal driving age was 18.Wolhuter left South Africa when he was 17, so he still did not have a driver’s license when he came to the States. Wolhuter began studying business in order to fulfill his goal of getting an MBA. With this degree, he did not know exactly what he wanted to do, but he knew that he wanted to help the people of South Africa, whether through the church or prison ministry. “In America,the education is bigger and more important,”Wolhuter said.“I have more opportunities here. I have been made to feel welcome.” [Michelle Greer]
devoted to a cause 26 [student life] Students become creative to fund campaigns Traditionally, during a school’s spring break, students would travel to various locations like to Florida for the beach, Colorado to ski or to an exotic island on a cruise.A large number of students fromHarding, however, spent their spring breaks quite differently. This group of spring break campaigners went all over the United States, into Canada and even to Central America.These students and faculty sponsors traveled to cities to conduct vacation Bible schools, build houses and get God’s message out to everyone they met along the way. To make this kind of servitude possible, however, students had to raise funds to pay for their transportation, meals and other costs which would be incurred during the trip. To raise the funds, groups held car washes while many other groups used the restaurant resources found in Searcy, mainly Pizza Pro. “They are pretty accommodating”, Student Director of Spring Break Missions senior Nicholas May said. “You have to have a pretty good reason to bus tables, but it seems that they are really interested in our business as students.” May, along with being the student director, also went on a campaign to Nicaragua in the spring of 2007.The group goal was around $24,000, the main expense being the transportation to the Central American country. May said that what they could not raise though, the Spring Break Missions office came up with. Other groups used letter writing as their main form of fundraising. “We tried to first make up a list of people to send letters to,” senior Hayley Todd said.“We had to raise $800, so we had to have a lot of contacts to send letters to.” Todd said that when they were lacking in people to write to, the Spring Break office again came to their aid.Their group of six individuals traveled to Poughkeepsie, New York for their Spring Break mission. “Sometimes we had enough contacts, but then if we didn’t, we talked to Nate Copeland, assistant to the president, for church contacts,” Todd said. Todd said that her group stayedwith individuals from the churchwhen they arrived in New York, so their biggest expense was for transportation. “After our group went down to six people, we decided to drive instead of fly,”Todd said. “That cut our cost down in half.” Even though the stress of fundraising was weighing down on them, students like senior Rachel Kincheloe,who attended the Nicaragua campaign, still kept their main goal in mind. “It was good to get away from Harding and remind myself that not everyone is a Christian and that not everyone is wealthy,” Kincheloe said. “It was amazing to see how hungry many of these kids were for attention of any kind, they weren’t asking much, just someone to play with them.” [Jacob Spillman and Katie Ulliman]
Playing beach football in Long Beach, Miss., students interact with the local youthgroup March 15, 2007. “I grew to love these people; I still keep in touch with them,” junior Ashton Reely said. [Courtesy of Nina Heffington] Campaign leaders junior Ben Freeman and senior Ryan Locke get pied March 15, 2007 at vacation Bible school in Port Colborne, Canada. The kids were able to pie the leaders if they brought friends to VBS. [Courtesy of Erin Younger] [spring break campaigns] 27 Coloring pictures about David and Goliath, juniors Vanessa Borhseim and Jacob Smith entertain children in Valera March 16, 2007. The campaign headed to Maracaiblo, Venezuela to work with kids. [Courtesy of Katie Meiners] Sophomore Jonathan Steinswings a childMarch 13, 2007 at a child care facility in Orlando, FL. The group not only played with the children, but taught lessons and helped feed the toddlers. [Courtesy of Tiffany Glover] Sophomores Joshua Brown and Braden Binkley dig a ditch for a member of the Long Beach Church March 15, 2007. During the week the group helped the Mississippi community with relief efforts of Hurricane Katrina. [Courtesy of Nina Heffington] Listening to instructions, sophomore Cory Lee helps put together a play house March 12, 2007 in Orlando, Fla. The group was building a play area for children who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. [Courtesy of Tiffany Glover]
thailand campaign English provides outreach to a cutlure Many students embarked on their various campaigns with specific goals in mind. Whether it was to build a house or serve a community in need,the teams all knew their mission.The plan was similar for a small group going toThailand, however,what they took from the campaign was completely unplanned. In the summer of 2007,senior Mary Greer and juniors Kacey Young and Jack Porter embarked on a campaign toThailand.They, along with 20 other interns, lived and worked in the city of Chiang Mai,Thailand for two months.Their main duties included working with the church in various outreach programs. “The outreach duties consisted of training every morning,” Porter said. “Our afternoons were taken up by English classes.” The team was also strongly encouraged to form relationships with the people around them. “Our jobs for the summer were to be a magnet and a bridge,”Greer said. “Basically to become friends with the students and then bridge them into the church so that [the] connection would not be lost after we left at the end of the summer.” They developed these friendships in a variety of ways. “We would began inviting them to other activities [like] hanging out at coffee shops, going to movies, going to the Night Bazaar, etc.” Porter said. They also led cell groups, which were equivalent to a small group Bible study.The girls created a prayer group for the women they came in contact with while Porter also developed strong bonds with the male interns. Along with developing relationships, the group developed a taste for Thai cuisine. “The food was amazing!”Greer said. “My favorites were the sticky rice with pork or chicken, koy soy and fried rice.” Porter, however, had a different view. “The food was a shock to me,”he said.“I took every chance I got to eat American food or at least something familiar.” The food was not the only obstacle the group had to face.The different culture setting proved to be tough as well. “Culture shock hit me terribly,” Porter said. Living in Thailand was a hard adjustment to make, but in the end the group learned what the true point of their mission was. The group’s reliance on God and desire to bring His people closer to Him was a great motivator throughout their time there. “There is a lot of spiritual warfare going on inThailand,”Greer said. “The devil attacked me like crazy, and it made me have to rely more on God and his strength to deliver me.” [Leigh Hutchinson and Jennifer Harris] 28 [student life]
During free time in Nepal, senior William Ellis, along with other climbers, watch the sun set on top of Thamserku in the Himalayas, one of the tallest mountains in the world, June 10. “The sights were amazing, but meeting the Nepali people and seeing the way they lived left more of an impression on me than the tallest mountains in the world,” Ellis said. [Courtesy of Mark Riley] FreshmanLaurenAdams plays with kids inGhana during the Village Of Hope campaign June 11. The group painted murals to encourage the children at the local church. [Courtesy of Daniel Adams] [summer campaigns] 29 Junior Kala Smith and senior KimBoatman sit in a gum tree in Toowoomba, Australia. Their group worked with a local congregation to spread the word about “Family Day,” a day of teaching, eating and fellowship. [Courtesy of Keith Cronk] Senior Mary Greer plays with Hill tribe children in Baw Kaew, Thailand in June. Her group used the Bible to teach English to students. [Courtesy of Mary Greer] Senior Heather Kellis climbs with children in Mali July 9. The group spent their time in Mali surveying the land and people to judge the country’s receptiveness to missionaries. [Courtesy of Lauren Greek] Junior Mary Margaret Lynnand senior Heather Kellis visit with children in Mali on July 9. The campaign consisted of 16 students who spent a few weeks in Togo, West Africa. [Courtesy of Lauren Greek]
Ready to score, flag football players hike the ball Oct. 3 on the intramural field. Instead of tackling, players had to pull a flag from the belt of the opposing team to rule them down. [Chris Hamilton] Scuffing the plate, sophomore T.J. Leonard becomes focused for his turn at bat on Oct. 3. Leonard participated not only in softball, but several other intramural sports as well. [Chris Hamilton] 30 [student life] Serving the volleyball, junior Gavin LaFave plays hard for his team, the Sharks on Oct. 31. “What I like about intramurals is the competition and forming the competitive bond with others,” LaFave said. [Chris Hamilton] Playing in the Ganus AthleticCenter, junior MattMcCormickgets readytoservetheball Nov. 13. McCormick servedas captain for his team, the Flames. [Chris Hamilton]
open to all Each year many Harding students participated in a number of sports offered through the university’s intramural program.The intramural program offered a variety of sports and healthy competition, but perhaps the most appealing aspect of intramural sports to many students was the fact that the program was open to everyone, regardless of experience or skill level. “Intramurals are nice because every level of person can play, whether they played in high school or not,” senior Cole Coubrough, an intramural assistant, said.“The program is fun because it is still competitive for people who have experience but is also enjoyable for those who don’t.” The intramural program provided students with the opportunity to participate in team sports, such as basketball, football, archery and the softball throw for distance, among many others.With such a broad range of sports for students to participate in, the intramural program was sure to offer any sports fan a place to compete and find their niche. Through participation in the intramural program, students also had the opportunity to receive a jacket based on points they earned throughout the year. Intramural teams were selected by reviewing forms that participants filled out prior to the season. Before each sport began, each participant was required to fill out a form that listed their years of experience in the sport, height and skill level, among other characteristics, in order to choose fair and balanced teams. According to Men’s Intramurals Director and Assistant Professor Jim Gowen, other important aspects of the intramural program included the opportunity it provided participants to stay in shape as well as the chance to form new relationships. “The physical fitness aspect of intramurals is very important,” Gowen said. “But the program also allows students to form friendships through competition. Intramural sports tend to mix a lot of people together who might not know each other, but by playing on the same team, they sometimes become good friends.” Gowen also said that the program hoped to continually improve and make a few changes in the future. “We’re adding new teams each year in order to make the program better,” Gowen said. “We’re also hoping to create a web page within the next year that would list game times and details. I think being on the internet will be more convenient for students than checking the board in the student center.” [Tyler Neese] [intramurals] 31 Intramural sports provide athletic opportunities for everyone
Being a college student involved many expenses. Harding students worked hard on and off campus to pay for tuition, gas and fun activities with friends.Many worked not just for the money but also because they enjoyed what they did. Sophomore Caitlin Easley worked at Maurices and loved her job. “I love helping customers throw an outfit together before a big event, the other associates I work with and the style of clothing that we sell,” Easley said. “Honestly, I have one of the best jobs!” According to Easley, the money she earned mostly went to bills, shopping, gas, music from iTunes and just getting by. “Being a college student is tough because it involves spending tons of money,” junior Lesley Pineda explained. According to Pineda, being a waitress at Ryan’s Steakhouse was very busy and stressful. “The money I earn helps to pay for gas and for any shopping I have to do,” Pineda said. Other Harding students found jobs on campus.Junior Andrea Sagredo, who worked as a lab attendant at the Brackett Library, said it was the most convenient job because she did not need a car to go to work. “It is a very relaxing job, and I have fun helping out people with anything I can,” Sagredo said. Sagredo’s job worked best for her because when no one needed assistance at the library, she used that free time to work on her art projects. Her money, like many students’, was spent on going out with friends. Sophomore Misha Apple worked in the Alpha Chi National Office. The thing she liked most about her job was the laid back atmosphere. “The ladies I work with make it an environment where I never wake up dreading going to the office,” Apple said. Apple also said she worked there because the office was on campus, so she did not have far to go, and they worked her hours around her class schedule. “I could not think of anywhere else that would be better for me to work,” Apple said. [Laura Navarro] the daily grind 32 [student life] Students work hard but enjoy time spent
Students pour out of the Benson for “muffin chapel” Sept. 20. A race to raise money for Bald Knob schools began in chapel and concluded with the light breakfast outside. [Chris Hamilton] Senior Sean Boehrigbalances on a tightrope on the front lawn April 17. Boehrig often set up the tightrope on sunny afternoons to perfect his skill. [Chelsea Roberson] [daily life] 33 Jumping high, senior Tad Dockery and freshman Andrew McLoy play Frisbee on the front lawn Sept. 14. “I like [playing Frisbee] because it’s exciting and fun in an unusual way,” Dockery said. [Jonathan Lindsay] JuniorClarissaChildress gives junior Jeremy Young a trim during PryorDormsopenhouse Sept. 18.Many students lookedforwardtoopen house, whenmembers of the opposite sex could visit in thedorms. [Jonathan Lindsay] Making a smoothie, freshman Nancy Fitzpatrick works in Freshens Smoothie in the student center Sept. 25. Many students added jobs to their already demanding class load. [Jonathan Lindsay] Junior Will Brown, sophomore Ben Groves and freshman Marcus Olds perform on Sept. 14. Students often showcased their insturmental prowess on the lawn. [Jonathan Lindsay]
fair weather White County Fair brings cheap, country fun For students looking for a cheap date, some fall entertainment or just a fun night in Searcy, the White County Fair provided an outlet to meet almost everyone’s needs. The fair,in its 72nd year,was held from September 10-15 at theWhite County fairgrounds.The festivities began onMonday morning with a parade that went down Race Street and was complete with the crowning of the White County Horse Queen. In the evening, the fair was packed with people of all ages, including many Harding students.Many students attended the fair onTuesday night, or Free Night, and made a cheap date of the evening. “I didn’t have homework, so I decided to go,” junior Joseph Falconberry said.“Once I got there,I had a great time.It was nice to be off campus.There are always unique people that go to fairs, so it was a fun experience.” The fair had attractions for all types.There was a petting zoo full of goats, sheep and cows,typical fair rides like the Ferris wheel and giant slide,vendor booths, arts and crafts competitions and games. Friday and Saturday evening were the big-ticket events: the rodeo and the demolition derby. Freshman Pam Osborne ventured to the fair for the first time to catch the demolition derby and the rodeo with her friends.Osborne said she had never been to a demolition derby before so the experience was new to her. “It was very exciting,”Osborne said.“I didn’t expect there to be girl drivers, so that was really fun!” The fair also boasted an array of carnival foods like cotton candy, corn dogs, funnel cakes and other assorted fried goods. Junior Nicole Shaffer tried some of the fried fair delicacies. “For the longest time,I didn’t want to try a deep fried Oreo,”Shaffer said, “but I tried one at my hometown fair and really liked them, so I decided to give the White County Fair’s a try.” Junior Kari Izard, an avid fair attendee, went to the fair on Saturday night. “My favorite thing was riding the swings,” Izard said. “I also went to the rodeo where I watched cattle roping.” Izard said she enjoyed the smaller atmosphere that the White County Fair boasted in comparison to other larger fairs she had attended and was glad to be able to see all of the attractions in one evening. The fairwas a greatway for students tominglewith the Searcy community and other surrounding areas and provided a fun distraction from homework. “I ate a whole dill pickle,”Falconberry said.“I won a yellow rubber duck, a blue stuffed dolphin and I got to ride the Ferris wheel with a pretty girl. It was a good night.” [Michelle Greer and Katie Ulliman] 34 [student life]
Enjoying the sunset, sophomoreCoryJumper relaxes on Sugarloaf Mountain on Sept. 29. Jumper and some of his friends climbed the mountain for the view. [Courtesy of Cory Jumper] Impersonating Elvis Presley, senior Andi McConnell shows off her skills in Memphis on Sept. 15. McConnell went with some friends on an impulse trip to explore the city. [Courtesy of Andi McConnell] Feeding a goat, junior Nathan Ramirez enjoys the White County Fair Sept. 15. Many Harding students went to the fair to enjoy the attractions. [Chris Hamilton] Enjoying a beautiful day at Heber Springs on Sept. 29, sophomores Witney Whitaker, Tim Lybrand and Jordan Pence get ready to head out on the lake. Thegroup rentedaboat for the day to go tubing on Greer’s Ferry Lake. [Courtesy of Cory Jumper] [weekend life] 35
Beneath a tree, senior Andrew Caldwell and junior Rebecca Hatfield relax with a friend from Texas A&M on April 15. The group was taking a break from walking aroundtheEdinburghZoo in Edinburgh, Scotland. [Courtesy of Jocelyn Jesus] Killing time, senior AndrewCaldwell jumps a fence in Dublin, Ireland on April 14. Caldwell visited the Dublin Castle during free travel before beginning the H2O semester. [Courtesy of Jocelyn Jesus] Senior Andrew Caldwell signsamuralforthesummer 2007HUF students. Sincehe was the only H2O student, Caldwell spent a lot of time at theVillawith theHarding University Florence group. [Courtesy of Elizabeth Harrell] 36 [student life] Wrapped in togas,senior AndrewCaldwell, junior Peter Snell, junior Jonathan Horne and Zeus, the Villa cat, emcee at theHUF endof semester banquet March 27. The banquet was called “Night atOlympus,”and featured silly awards for the students. [Courtesy of Lindsay Walle] Florence, Italy
Fresh H2o Opportunity to travel overseas twice entices student In the spring of 2007, Harding introduced a new overseas program for students who had already participated in one of the other overseas programs offered. Harding University Second Semester Overseas (H2O) allowed students to have a more relaxed semester abroad in Florence, Italy. Senior Andrew Caldwell was one of the first students to participate in H2O. “I am extremely grateful to my parents for allowing me to spend two semesters abroad in Florence, Italy,”Caldwell said.“I was able to take some courses online and an Italian class.” Caldwell lived in the Bible school that was run by Avanti Italia in Scandicci, Italy. Although he had been in Italy for months, he never was at a loss for what to do. “I never ran out of things to do in Florence,”Caldwell said. “I certainly never tired of visiting some of the world’s most famous museums multiple times. I also was able to spend a lot of time with the summer HUF group.” Since Caldwell had already experienced HUF, directors Robbie and Mona Shackelford used Caldwell to help get the summer group settled. “Robbie asked me to go with Tracy, the former assistant, to pick up the group,” Caldwell said. “I was able to see the whole experience from the other side. It wasn’t five months ago that I was in their shoes.Their faces were showing a mix of emotions that I related with quite well.” In addition to helping with the HUF students, Caldwell was also granted the opportunity of being a counselor at a Christian summer camp on Italy’s eastern coast. “I was a counselor for the younger ones,” Caldwell said. “My language skills were really put to the test right alongside my patience. I woke up one morning, about 3 o’clock in the morning to be exact, with an Italian child wiping his ‘toothpasty’ mouth all over my bed covers. I happened to be sleeping in them at the time. I responded better than I thought I would if I was ever in that situation.” “Toothpasty”mouth aside, Caldwell gained a lot from the experience. “The Italian teens and the adults that were running it were incredible,” Caldwell said. “They made me feel welcome, and they taught me many things.” Many students returned from their semester abroad with numerous stories and memories that lasted them a lifetime. For Caldwell, he was blessed to have that experience doubled. [Jodi Jordan and Jennifer Harris] [h2o] 37
HUE Students invade red carpet premier In the fall of 2007, students in Harding University England (HUE) were part of a crowd who experienced their 15 minutes of fame. Sophomore Lolli McCarty was part of that group. She had the opportunity to see Hollywood starlet Michelle Pfeiffer from a short distance and be an interviewee for the London press at the premiere of the movie “Stardust”, starring Pfeiffer and Claire Danes. As soon as class dismissed one day, the HUE students planned a mad dash to the Leicester Square, home to the OdeonTheater,which was the hottest location for big London film premieres. After hearing about the premiere, they decided to arrive just in time to get a glimpse of the red carpet events.They chose a perfect spot in front of the red carpet and waited for the next seven hours out in the freezing cold. “As time went by, we learned all the ins and outs of film premieres, from barricading the crowd, to red carpet, to set design and press briefing,” McCarty said. “They dressed it to look like some sort of magical fairyland place which made it even more exciting!” Eventually, the press arrived.This was when the students’nationality came into play. Film crews wanted interviews with the Americans unaccustomed to film premieres, something the London crowd experienced on countless occasions. According to McCarty, the press was strangely excited to talk to them. As for their ability to be interviewed by the inquisitive reporters, McCarty was not sure they were effective. “Needless to say,many of their probing questions were followed [on] our part by blank stares, unintelligible murmuring and raucous laughter,” McCarty said. “It was pretty embarrassing but funny to watch on the news later.” After many hours of waiting, the celebrities joined the scene. Finally, Pfeiffer joined them on the red carpet.McCarty said getting celebrities’ attention could be hard work.Magazine, newspaper and television crews were all wanting to get that great shot for the next edition. “The paparazzi immediately start taking pictures for magazines which [the stars] have to look pretty for, and then their attention is immediately captured by the press who want to interview them,”McCarty said. But this did stopMcCarty. She said she screamed, hollered and yelled Pfeiffer’s name until, after about 10 minutes and perhaps a sore throat, she got a response. Pfeiffer turned and waved for McCarty’s camera. Most students would agree Harding’s study abroad programs opened an endless number of opportunities like this for everyone… cameraready or not. “Probably one of my favorite things about the HUE program is that you get to live within walking distance of such an amazing opportunity,” McCarty said. Who knew overseas programs included red carpet and celebrity life? [Karol Figueroa] 38 [student life]
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