faith, family and ducks November 27, Willie and Korie Robertson, the stars of A&E's reality TV show "Duck Dynasty," drew approximately 4,000 people to campus to hear them speak. The event, planned six months in advance, was free and open to the public, so the crowd included both students and members of the local community. Some drove from as far away as Maryland to attend the event. The crowd filled the Benson Auditorium as well as the Reynolds Recital Hall, where a screen was set up to stream the presentation. "People were lined up outside the Benson hours before the doors opened, and [there was] camo everywhere," sophomore Dallis Bailey said. "Everyone was so excited to be there, and you could hear 'Duck Dynasty' quotes all over the auditorium." The Louisiana-based Willie Robertson was the CEOs of Duck Commander, a duck call company that began as a modest, independent business but grew into a multi-million dollar enterprise that dominated the duck call industry. The 2012 show "Duck Dynasty" focused on Wille and his wife Korie's integration of faith, family and business. The Robertsons also attended Harding, which added to their popularity on campus. Korie graduated in 1995, but Willie finished his undergraduate degree at the University of Louisiana at Memphis in 1995. Dr. Bryan Burks, dean of the college of business administration, introduced the Robertsons by marvelling at the way they included their beliefs in their show. "They have a wonderful time, and at the end of each show, Willie always brings a moral to the story," Burks said. 'They talk about the importance of family, and, so many times, it's about Christian morals." From the beginning, the Robertsons focused their presentation on the importance 'of their faith. "I want you to give the applause to God Almighty because you and 4.4 million others said 'yes, you can pray on TV, have a positive show and family values,"' Willie said. The Robertsons delivered a personable presentation that encouraged the audience. They spoke about faith, family and ducks, which Korie said was the family motto. Though pop culture was not friendly toward Christianity, Willie and Korie agreed that they could not have a show about their family or their business without including their faith. Bailey and Roberts agreed the innocent humor and the Christian foundation accounted for the popularity of the show. 'They are so popular because it is a good, clean and hilarious show," Bailey said. "Their lifestyle seems so carefree and fun. They aren't afraid to truly be who they are. They're unique." After they finished speaking, Willie and Korie signed copies of their autobiography "The Duck Commander Family: How Faith, Family, and Ducks Built a Dynasty." Their presentation encouraged people to live out their faith in whatever situation they were in. "I walked away with an appreciation for how they integrate their faith into all aspects of their life and strive to constantly show Christ to those whom they come in contact with, whether that's in Hollywood or at Harding University," Roberts said. Mallory Pratt "I thought it was so cool to see that they really are the same people you see on TV on Wednesday nights, I enjoyed how down to earth and humble they were even though they are so famous. They give all of the glory to God," sophomore Hillary Farrer said. 30 I Student Life
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==