s-o ~C!.,W, i4-' s. Sigma Phi Mu Sigma Phi Mu became the newest Greek letters to join Harding's roster of social clubs in 2012. The club gave freshmen, such as Moriah Blankenship, the rare opportunity to be honored not only as a charter member but also as club co-vice president. "I was immediately impressed with all of the girls and what they were starting," Blankenship said. "I knew that I wanted to do something new and different during my college years, and this was my chance. It seemed unfamiliar and intimidating at first, but I truly think God wanted me at that first meeting." Blankenship also believed God guided her toward her officer role in the club. "I figured that if I was going to be a part of this new club, I would be involved as much as I could," Blankenship said. "I am really blessed to be the co-vice president with Ashley Russell." Russell, a junior who jumped to Sigma Phi Mu from Chi Omega Pi, had similar sentiments about working with Blankenship. "This first semester is going to be all about creating a firm foundation of relationships bet\-veen the girls that are in the charter," Russell said. "We want the girls to know we're a club that accepts them. We want to utilize whatever they have to offer and be there with open arms to help the girls find their place." Senior Kellum Tate was a driving force behind the creation of Sigma Phi Mu. Nine students attended the first meeting, where they decided to name the club after a former club of the same name that began in 1981 and disbanded in 2000. "We made the connection that some of our moms had been in the club and really loved it, so we thought, 'Why not bring back the name?" Tate said. With 28 girls currently in the club, they looked forward to the future, hoping to extend the bonds of sisterhood to girls from diverse backgrounds. "This club developed from friendships and not necessarily girls leaving established clubs to start a new club," Assitant Dean of Students Kara Abston said. "These are all new girls and new friendships, so they're experiencing this together for the first time, and that's exciting." For Blankenship, the club's heart for service was a major drawing factor. "I want Harding campus to know that Sigma Phi Mu is here to serve," Blankenship said. "We all come from different backgrounds, but our common goal is to grow spiritually and help one another." Lexi Stutzrnan/Sarah Eason Eric Whittington Amanda Wiles Caleb Wilkerson Savanna Wilkins Caleb Williams Tate Williams Tyler Williams Victoria Willis Amy Wilson Marianna Woodruff Hannah Wright Sarah Yates KyungYoon Leslie York Daniel Zimpfer People 2'1f .bd -
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