educational 217 The L.C. Sears Collegiate Seminar Series, sponsored by Harding’s Honors College and named after Harding’s first academic dean, began its third year of seminars in the fall of 2008. The series, which began in 2005, hosted a variety of speakers from many different backgrounds addressing a number of topics and issues. Past speakers included nationally prominent Jewish leader Rabi Eliot Gertel, art historian Dr. David Rosand and nationally prominent Muslim Dr. Nabil Bayakly. The series most recently hosted 2002 Harding graduate Holly Root, who in her short yet very successful career as a publishing agent represented authors whose books made the New York Times best-seller list. According to the Dean of the Honors College Dr. Jeff Hopper, honors students helped select anywhere from three to six speakers a year based on relevant topics they thought would be beneficial to the student body. “The student director proposes a speaker, and unless there is a problem with that selection, we run with it,” Hopper said. “Because we have had several different student directors, I try to help maintain continuity by suggesting balance.” Hopper said his favorite speaker so far was Root because she encouraged students by showing them how much success could be achieved in such a short time after graduation. Junior Sky Vanderburg was involved in the Honors Collegiate Seminar for the past two years and also served as Student Director from January 2008 to May 2009. Vanderburg explained that the series either featured a speaker or a set of ideas. Vanderburg said he took suggestions from his fellow students and then tried to select a speaker and a topic that would spark the most dialogue. “The most rewarding part of this role by far is its effect on the students in an individual sense,” Vanderburg said. “As a Christian university, Harding is educating and training students to engage their world, not just a culture of the familiar. We cannot seclude ourselves in academic or spiritual towers and expect to remain relevant or effective in the face of real challenges.” Vanderburg went on to say he felt the opening of hearts and minds was the goal and purpose of the L.C. Sears seminars. In her first year of involvement, sophomore Kelsey Sherrod, assistant student director, helped come up with ideas for possible topics and speakers. “I aid the director and arrange the series in cases where the director is unable to organize the entire event,” Sherrod said. “[We look for] speakers who are relatable with expertise, experience or scholarly credentials. We also look for individuals who have a story to tell or who have an inclination towards a timely, relevant issue.” The Honors College continued to sponsor speakers throughout the spring semester. In its short time of existence, the L.C. Sears Collegiate Seminar Series exposed students, faculty and the local community to the opportunity to inform and challenge themselves by listening to a diverse range of speakers with many different backgrounds. Zach Welch C h o i c e Junior Alyssa Copeland looks at the new inductee list of Kappa Delta Pi on Dec. 2 in the Thornton Education Center. Students were inducted into the honor society for education every semester based on their high grades. Nick Michael Students Propose Speakers For Honors College Student council for Exceptional Children Row 1: S. Parker, L. Young, K. Carlon, L. Wagar, L. Nicholas, S. Stewart, E. Poe, C. Collins. Row 2: L. Smith, E. Hauptli, J. Birus, S. Anthony, O. Hawkins, C. Field, M. Link, K. Bills.
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