VENTURE PETIT JEAN 2013-2014 HARDING UNIVERSITY ENROLLMENT: 6,295 915 EAST MARKET AVENUE SEARCY, AR 72149 50 l -279-4000 WWW.HARDING.EDU VOL. 90
TABLE OF CONTENTS STUDENT LIFE 8 I~ INTERNATIONAL 32 t<fa > SOCIAL CLUBS 52 ACADEMICS 80 I /"i { ( ;r. { ~fl<':J' PEOPLE 110
LEADERSHIP 188 ( { f 'l ORGANIZATIONS 218 ATHLETICS 268 ! rt dh {< (/ l / Ul /1 INDEX 298
VENTURE Noun: Verb: an exciting, risky or daring undertaking synonyms: adventure, initiative, endeavor, plunge to take a risk in the hope of gaining advantage synonyms: set out, go, travel, journey
w LL I Iz w 0 IEvery year, freshmen pack their bags, make the drive to Searcy, Ark., and say goodbye to their parents, all in search of the college experience. They quickly realize that college is not what happens in the classroom. College begins with the overwhelming friend explosion during Impact. College happens in the hours spent sweating through Spring Sing rehearsal or in the all-nighter in the dorm after curfew. College is the bonds built through a mission trip to Honduras or the midnight run to Waffle House. College is about leaving our comfort zones: auditioning for the musical, losing your voice as a Rhodes Rowdie, leading singing in chapel. College is making memories, building relationships and trying new things. And unlike any other time in our lives, college is an everyday adventure. oWt:1-£~ Student Life Editor
RETURN TO VICTORY Traditions were an important element of university life. Whether they were quirky or meaningful, they unified faculty and staff, students and alumni. For Harding, Spring Sing was one of those traditions. For the first time since 2003, men's social club Chi Sigma Alpha and women's social club Regina, joined by women's social clubs Sigma Phi Mu and OEGE, left the stage as victors. Their show "Resistance is Feudal" won the John H. Ryan Sweepstakes, the highest award. A combination of elements including costumes, choreography and props was required to impress the Spring Sing judges. According to junior Chi Sigs Spring Sing director Clayton Seaman, the most memorable aspect was the giant papier-mache dragon that appeared at the end of their show. The dragon arrived in Searcy just in time for the show. The massive prop required six people to operate it during performances on stage. "Everyone in the audience and every member of the cast will have their own 'wow factor' that they took away from the show,'' Seaman said. "For me, it was seeing the dragon come to life on stage. It had a presence on stage that will be hard to match by future shows." The 15-foot-tall monster was moved to Searcy in five pieces all the way from Newnan, Ga., where senior Regina member Victoria Mcintosh created it with her family. Members of the "Resistance is Feudal" show looked forward to the dragon all semester and were impressed with its construction. "We were all so excited to see [the dragon] because our directors had been telling us all semester about what it would look like," senior show member Jill Baber said. "The dragon ended up exceeding our expectations, and we all thought it was really unique." While some clubs had long been Spring Sing participants, other clubs were new to the festivities. For Sigma Phi Mu, a club created in 2012, the 2013 show was its first Spring Sing experience. Joining with Chi Sigma Alpha, OEGE and Regina, they also won their first sweepstakes. Junior Sigma Phi Mu Spring Sing director Megan Read said she did not let the novelty of the experience affect her too much. "My excitement for getting to help and be a part of Sig Phi's first show far outweighed my worry," Read said. "I knew that being new we had to come in with a bang and leave an impression." It was a big year for "Resistance is Feudal." As the winners, the clubs were able to present their $2,000 award to Searcy Children's Home. The show members had $3,000 of their Spring Sing budget left over after the show. According to senior Regina Spring Sing director Sabrina Cole, they could have done anything with this money- paid for functions or future dues - but instead, they added it to their contribution to Searcy Children's Home. Chi Sigma Alpha, Regina, Sigma Phi Mu and OEGE proved that they were formidable Spring Sing participants, but they also demonstrated what Spring Sing was all about: having fun, creating relationships and giving back to the community. Jared Dryden
Junior Andrew Cause cheers in the finale of the Chi Sigma Alpha, Regina, Sigma Phi Mu, OEGE and friends show on March 30. "Resistance is Feudal" took home the grand prize of $2,000 for the Searcy Children's Home. Ashe/ Parsons Sophomores Joe Gafford and Michael Tyree look in horror at their "camp crushes," sophomores Amber Combs and Erin O'Halloran. This was Omega Phi's first time in a Spring Sing show. Ashe! Parsons In the Zeta Rho, TNT and friends show, sophomores Emily Coleman, Hannah Perry, Rachel Anzalone and Jace Davis carry sophomore Brett Taylor while singing about being on "Cloud 9." The "bad to the bone" bikers transformed into dancing, baking and singing friends throughout the show. Ashe! Parsons l l
LARGER THAN LIFE Stldnf!S~ 600-800 HOURS put in by director and producer 14 0 differe.nt 60 songs 1n 24o~HOSTS& ~HOSTESSES spent working on Spring Sing 10,000-11,000 people attend Spring Sing each year people on 1 2 a stage at o ce:
In "The Wild, Wild West," sophomores Bren Grymes and Jordan Landis square dance. " Doing Spring Sing with Ju Go Ju and Kojies was an exciting experience," Grymes said. "I loved the friendships I made, the fast-paced choreography and the high energy." Ashel Parsons Following tradition, the Spring Sing hosts and hostesses sing "United We Stand" before the show's finale. "Spring Sing is about being a part of something that is bigger than yourself," junior Lindsey Sloan said. Ashel Parsons 13
After walking hours through the jungle to get to school, students of the Santa Marta school talk to sophomore Lauren Noblitt. Students on the Panama mission trip taught the students Christian songs and put on a Vacation Bible School. Virginia "Vivi" Vitalone Senior Brittani Malec laughs with a boy in El Zorrilla, Mexico. Students on the City of Children campaign spent a day at a school in El Zorrilla handing out snacks and playing with the children. Courtesy of Taylor Carrell Freshman Beau Owens gives his sister, junior Randi Owens, a piggy-back ride at the Ganderbrook Christian Camp in Maine on March 12. "The spring break campaign was an awesome experience to share with my sister because it gave us a chance to bond as brother and sister and brother and sister in Christ," Beau said. Courtesy of Emily Hale
LOVING THE CITY OF CHILDREN For the second year in a row, students spent their spring break at the City of Children children's home in Ensenada, Mexico. Forty-nine students led by seniors Hector Felix and Morgan Sitzes spent their spring break with children, cooking for them, caring for them, playing with them and pouring into them spiritually. "The joy seen in the kids' faces makes everything worth it," Felix said. "Simplicity is found at the City of Children." During the school day, students worked in the community or on projects at the children's home. In the afternoons, they spent two and a half hours with the children, playing soccer, tag and volleyball, making friendship bracelets and teaching dance fitness classes. In the evening, students shared dinner with a different age group and spent time teaching the kids about Jesus. They put on a Vacation Bible School with skits and activities for the younger children and taught deeper lessons to the teens. The kids were abandoned or abused before arriving at the City of Children. Regardless of age, they were welcomed into the children's home where they were fed, cared for and given a safe place to call home. "Just looking into their sweet little smiling faces, it made me sick thinking that these very children were beaten, abused and left to fend for themselves on the streets,'' senior Briana Midgley said. "I came to know and love these children deeply. They are so hungry for love and so eager to give it back." The students on the trip learned to rely on one another for support and encouragement throughout the week. They were split into groups of six and encouraged to share their joys and struggles with one another at night. They also told their favorite moments of the day and prayed together. Senior Skylar Howard, who had never gone on a mission trip before, said the sadness and sweetness of the children broke the Harding students' hearts. "Being surrounded in a city like that, and each of us having our hearts melted, we really had to be there for each other," Howard said. "There were many days where we would cry together." While the students loved on the kids at the City of Children, they also encouraged one another with their faith and willingness to serve, according to Felix. "I am constantly humbled by the serving hearts of the students on our trip," Felix said. "There is something about serving together that strengthens the bonds of relationship. By the end of the week, the students have grown closer to each other, but most importantly they have grown closer to God." The lives of the students who went on the mission trip were forever impacted by the kids at the City of Children. Many of the students went on other mission trips or back to the City of Children after their spring break experience, taking an active role in the body of Christ. "We just want to be the vessels for Christ's love to these kids,'' Felix said. "Since we have experienced his love in our lives, we cannot help to show love to these kids." Abby Lloyd 15
SEEKING A SUMMER OF SERVICE I n the summer, 16 students went on a10-week traveling missions internship to Peru and Bolivia. While in South America, the students attended a language immersion school where they furthered their knowledge of Spanish and gained experience in mission tools, including teaching, preaching, researching, partnering and campaigning. Bill Richardson, director of advanced ministry training, led the trip. Richardson said that although this was the first traveling internship Harding had conducted, it was a huge success. Students attended language school, trained with missionaries on a daily basis, and learned the demands of mission work in a foreign country. "If you are going to be a church planter and make a long-lasting difference, you will probably need as much training as a good surgeon," Richardson said. "This internship is the link between the classroom and actually living and working in the field. It is still academic, but they are in a real world environment with actual missionaries and doing mission work." Justin Sims, a senior Spanish and missions major, co-led the group. Sims said that one of the most memorable experiences was living with a Bolivian host family for four weeks in Cochabamba, Bolivia, while in immersion school. The students shared meals and family outings with their hosts, who quickly became friends. Sims said he also learned how to be content and comfortable in a culture other than his own. "The trip challenged me because it opened my eyes to a part of the world that is highly neglected by North American Christians," Sims said. "These places just seem to be overlooked because the people there are perceived to be Christians, but really they are not." Rebecca Thompson, a senior international business major, also said that learning about the culture of Peru and Bolivia was enlightening. Students were able to see churches being established by American missionaries and Bolivian nationals and to experience the environment of cities with a minimal church presence. Thompson said she grew immensely during the 10-week trip. "It was the first time I was actually able to see myself growing," Thompson said. "My group members and I grew with each other, in the Spanish language and in our spiritual walks." According to Richardson, God blessed him with an excellent group, and he believed that every student was better prepared for their futures due to their summer internships. "I think their improved confidence levels are the main takeaway from all of this," Richardson said. "They learned how to get the job done and communicate with others. As a result from this internship, I think they are one step closer to the mission field." Kristin Baldwin
At the statue of the Virgin of Socavon in Oruro, Bolivia, senior Hector Mejia plays the guitar with locals. Students spent three days in Oruro interviewing preachers and community leaders for urban research. Mackenzie Lee On a foggy morning in La Paz, Bolivia, junior Jacob Robertson holds Ruth "Tuti" Lopez. Robertson said that on the day he met Tuti, "She wouldn't leave my side. Every day after that, I loved her like my own." Courtesy of Heather Gould Seniors Philip Habegger and Carter Lowe watch as senior Justin Sims cradles a baby alligator. The group spent a national Bolivian holiday at an exotic animal zoo in the Chaparri Jungle. Courtesy of Heather Gould 7
At the Impact Silly Olympicson Aug.17, freshmen Andrew Eller and Cort Richardson race each other to get their bean bag to the finish. The Silly Olympics was a new addition to Impact that brought out competitive spirits among freshmen. Matt Dobson Freshmen Sarah Roe, Nikki Onyeama, Markus Kessler and seniors Stuart Haley and Michael Kessler laugh at hypnotized students on stage on Aug. 17. The hypnotist was the most highly anticipated night of Impact, full of shock and laughter from the audience and the participants. Matt Dobson Cheered on by fellow students, sophomore Matt Erwin busts a move at the Impact cookout at Harding Park on Aug. 17. For the Thrift Shop Time Machine dinner, students dressed in a variety of styles and colors. Jerry Eberly
STARTING FRESH IN THE FALL For the fifth time since Harding's establishment in 1924, a new president welcomed the freshman class into the fall semester. After Dr. David Burks' retirement, Dr. Bruce Mclarty began his role June 1. Two months later, 1,261 freshmen and transfer students joined the Harding campus for the fall semester. Many of these students participated in Impact, a three-day orientation led by Harding upperclassmen, who welcomed the incoming class with games and events the weekend before the beginning of classes. Seniors Lily Armstrong and Jared Dryden worked as co-directors for Impact. They spent the whole summer planning Impact, and once it started, they worked behind the scenes to make sure everything went smoothly. "We tried to make many opportunities for people to meet each other in different size settings," Armstrong said. "We wanted the freshmen to get to know each other and start to build relationships." Mclarty was deeply involved in Impact. Armstrong mentioned that Mclarty's involvement impressed the freshmen and made them feel welcome. Mclarty was intentional about spending time with the new students and demonstrating that he was their friend as well as their president. He hosted a cookout in his backyard, where he introduced himself and gave every single freshman a pair of Harding sunglasses. "[Mclarty] was trying very hard to meet the freshman class and emphasized that this was their freshman year together," Armstrong said. " He made a great effort in reaching out to them and to be at all the events." Freshman Nathan Carmichael participated in many Impact events, meeting new freshmen and energy group leaders daily. For Carmichael, Mclarty's admission that he was as new as the freshmen was reassuring. It made the new students feel like they knew the school president. "It's special to realize that Dr. Mclarty is learning as I am learning, and that whenever I am struggling, he is probably struggling with new things as much as I am," Carmichael said. " It's kind of a connection." Senior Reid Belew, an energy group leader for Impact, said that Mclarty's ability to relate to people was rooted in his ministry background. Mclarty had strong communication skills and used them in person and through social media to establish his dedication to the school and involvement with the students. "His social media presence is going really well," Belew said. "His greatest strength is probably being able to relate to people ... I think he strives to be seen like someone who is with usinstead of someone who is leading us, even though, at the end, he is. His enthusiasm is what drives him." Mclarty knew the challenges of being in a new position. He had passed through several initiation stages, from college freshman, to new pastor, to new professor, to new president. For Mclarty, Impact was a fresh start and a chance to make personal connections with new students on campus. Virginia "Vivi" Vitalone
AN HONOR TO CHERISH Every year during Homecoming week, various clubs and organizations nominated a female representative for Homecoming Queen. Having a Homecoming Queen had been a tradition at Harding since 1958. Senior Emily Owens, the nominee for Pi Theta Phi, was crowned Homecoming Queen at halftime during the football game Oct. 3. Owens said she did not expect to receive the honor, but that it was a great experience. "I feel so conceited even thinking about winning," Owens said. "It's really just humbling to think that people chose me, and I realize it's just a way for me to praise God for using me as an instrument at Harding." Assistant to the President for Alumni and Parent Relations Liz Howell and cheerleading coach Kellee Blickenstaff started coordinating the Homecoming Queen festivities in 1998. The process transformed over the 15 years they were in charge. In previous years, the football team nominated the queen nominees, and each class also chose one representative. In an effort to get more participation and create more excitement, Howell and Blickenstaff changed the process so that each social club and a few other organizations each nominated one girl to put on the ballot. It did not have to be a senior, but it most often was. Once the social clubs and organizations decided on their nominee, they contacted Howell, who then compiled a list and made sure every club and organization was represented. Once the final ballot was made by Howell and Blickenstaff, the nominees were sent a letter to tell them what was going to happen, when things would happen and what they were expected to wear during the whole process. On the Monday before Homecoming, an email was sent out to students listing all the nominees' names. Students were sent an online survey to vote for the queen. Chapel on the Thursday before Homecoming was a chance for the student body to meet the nominees, who dressed up in formal apparel and were introduced in front of the whole student body. Each girl walked onto stage and had their biography read. At that time, the top three nominees were announced. "It's very exciting when the top three are announced in chapel," Howell said. "Then we do not tell anyone who the queen is until that day, so it's very exciting." Senior Sara Bobo was the nominee for the organization Bisons for Christ. Bobo, a member of the committee that organized Bisons for Christ, was nominated by her boss and other faculty who were on the committee and was honored to be one of the three finalists. "I never would have thought that I would have that many friends to actually care about it enough to want me to be Homecoming Queen," Bobo said. "It was really neat to feel loved by people." Owens was crowned by the former Homecoming Queen 2013 alumna Heather Gould during the game on Saturday. "I am honored to represent the school and the people I've grown to love so dearly," Owens said. "I hope my life continues to be a witness to the Lord's powerful work in the people of Harding." Kristin Baldwin
Representing Pi Theta Phi, Homecoming Queen senior Emily Owens beams as she receives her crown from President Bruce Mclarty while herfather proudly cheers her on Oct. 26. "Standing next to my dad was the most meaningful part of my Homecoming experience," Owens said. "He is the one who encouraged me to come to Harding, so I was incredibly proud to be able to share this with him." Matt Dobson Sophomore Nathan Alexander plays "Raiders March" from "Indiana Jones" on the trumpet during the marching band's halftime performance on Oct. 26. The Thundering Herd also featured songs from "Star Wars," "Rocky" and "Gladiator." Matt Dobson Avoiding a tackle, junior runningback Romorious Westbrook runs the ball towards the end zone Oct. 26. The Bisons lost to the fifth ranked Reddies 30-45 despite managing 369 rushing yards. Matt Dobson
President Bruce Mclarty joins General Stanley, senior Blake Hunter, and the rest of the cast of "Pirates!'! A Pillaging of Gilbert and Sullivan" for the finale of the show. Mclarty surprised the audience by revealing himself as the Master of Divinity and announcing that the Pirates of Penzance were actually noblemen. Janae Callicoat The Pirate King, sophomore James Morgan, sings "I am a Pirate King" to his fellow pirates. "The musical was a lot of work but well worth the effort," Morgan said. "I learned how talented the student body is because the whole cast was so great." Janae Callicoat The daughters of General Stanley look upon Frederick, senior Nate White, in disgust when they realize he is a lowly pirate. "Working with the girls was so much fun because we were all so different, but we formed a special daughter bond during rehearsal times," senior Leighton Teague said. Janae Callicoat
TAKING THE STAGE H omecoming weekend was full offamiliarfaces, long-awaited reunions and celebrations of Harding's heritage. The Bison football team hosted the Henderson State University Reddies, while the Benson Auditorium stage hosted orphaned pirates, the daughters of a modern major general and a master of divinity. The Music and Theatre Departments presented "Pirates!?! A Pillaging of Gilbert & Sullivan" as the annual Homecoming musical, directed by Robin Miller, chair of the Department of Theatre, and produced by Producer of Theatre Cindee Stockstill. Miller asked Professor of English Dr. Michael Claxton and 2011 alumnus Jordan Dollins to reimagine the well-known musical "Pirates of Penzance." According to Claxton, the request was an honor, and the task was important to a successful production. "Gilbert and Sullivan's original play is brilliant as it is, but it is also almost 140 years old," Claxton said. "The script is loaded with language that is unfamiliar today, as well as references that were aimed at a contemporary crowd. We wanted to modernize some of the language." Sophomore James Morgan, junior Tayler Robinson and junior Brittany Stewart played lead roles in the Homecoming musical, the Pirate King, Ruth and Mabel respectively. Never having performed in a major Harding production before, these three actors had to step up to a bar that was set very high. Morgan knew his lead role would help set the tone for the production. "I realized that one person's attitude can affect any number of people," Morgan said. "Being in the position I was in, eyes were automatically on me most of the time. However, the mood of rehearsals was very reliant on every person's decision to be happy, have good energy and encompass a good attitude." With a limited background in high school and summer theater, Morgan was honored to have a lead role in a production specifically written and designed for the Harding community. "I was also very humbled by the fact that I was in such a new territory,'' Morgan said. "This was a much bigger stage than I had ever been on, and I was grateful for the opportunity. Dr. Claxton and Jordan Dollins sold me on the operetta itself. It was a very fun comedic play, and it had great music. They made the show a lot more memorable." Robinson, an art major, played the lead role of Ruth in the musical. Though Robinson did not originally intend to try out for the musical, her two music major roommates encouraged her to audition. To her surprise, Robinson received the role and felt blessed to be included in the Pirates cast. Claxton added that he was honored to work with the talented staff that persevered through late nights and was creative with the material. "Working with the cast was one of the most gratifying parts of the whole process for me," Claxton said. "At every rehearsal, I got more and more excited about the show as I watched the wonderfully creative things the cast was doing. And for a theater novice like me, it was an honor to watch these pros do what they do." Mallory Johnson ?
FINDING NEW TALENT The Campus Activities Board took a new approach to bringing bands to campus. In the fall, CAB sought out bands that were on the rise and introduced them to the student body. Whereas CAB had previously brought such popular acts as NeedtoBreathe, The Avett Brothers and Phillip Phillips, they began introducing the student body to bands like Green River Ordinance, The Lone Bellow and the local band Four West. "College is a time and place for learning, and this makes smaller or up-andcoming bands an appropriate fit," CAB co-director junior Bradley Cain said. Finding a band before it was in the spotlight could be a challenge. CAB watched music reports from organizations such as NPR, Relevant magazine and Spin magazine and conducted surveys to find bands students might be interested in hearing. Lesser-known bands provided unique environments and interactions with audiences. Smaller crowds typically attended the concerts, which were often held in the more intimate Administration Auditorium. The environment allowed for a close interaction between the crowds and performers. "Harding offers a welcoming environment to visitors," Cain said. "This allows for a relationship between the performer and the audience that is more unique than simply showing up to a venue for a concert and leaving after the show. Bands that come to Harding enjoy the 'meet and greet' after the show." Junior Cara Speegle attended The Lone Bellow concert Sept. 17 and said thoroughly enjoyed listening to the energetic group. "A pretty good turnout showed up, and probably every one of them had their jaw to the floor after the first song," Speegle said. "The Lone Bellow brings such a presence to the stage. Their passion for the music they make was palpable. The concert was held in the [Administration] Auditorium, which was appropriate for the size of the audience. This provided a cozy atmosphere and nearness to the band." Speegle said she appreciated CAB's initiative in helping smaller bands build their fan base and students expand their musical tastes. Sophomore Austin Yates also liked the intimacy that lesser-known bands brought to campus. "Often times, the less popular bands perform better live and do a better job of connecting with the students," Yates said. "I would rather have more frequent up-and-coming bands with maybe one big band each year." More than anything, CAB placed a priority on the quality of the music over big-name bands, doing extensive research before choosing performers. "If CAB brings a band to campus, I want the students to know that the show will be good," Logan Light, director of campus life said. "It shouldn't be a risk to the student. No student should wonder, 'Is this band going to put on a good show?' Rather, my goal with CAB is to show that it can bring talented musicians who put on great shows." Reid Belew
2012 alumnus Keith Symanowitz of Keef & Co. opens for The Lone Bellow on Sept. 17. The CAB concert was part of an effort to introduce students to the next big names in the music industry. Matt Dobson CampusActivities Board Director Logan Light gives students instructions for a one-on-one basketball game at Midnight Madness on Oct. 15. CAB hosted several games and gave away Starbucks and iTunes gift cards. Matt Dobson Arkansas native Kris Allen sings at the third annual Burksy Awards April 14. CAB kept the American Idol's performance a secret until the night of the event. Ashel Parsons
Dave Barnes sings to the crowd in the Administration Auditorium at his Oct. 25 concert Homecoming weekend. After the free Dave Barnes concert, CAB hosted a block party with music, s'mores and hot chocolate at Legacy Park on the final day of I Heart HU Week with Friday's theme: It Rocks. Jerry Eberly Junior Michaela Harris glides across the front lawn on a zip line Oct. 24. The zip line was installed on the northwest corner of the front lawn during the Fall Fest on Thursday as a part of It's Festive day. Matt Dobson In front of the David B. Burks American Heritage Building, freshmen Clara Armstrong and Aubrey Weiss admire Mount Mclarty Oct. 22. Mount Mclarty was unveiled on the front lawn on Tuesday, It Leaves a Legacy day. Matt Dobson
CREATING A WEEK TO CELEBRATE During the week leading up to Homecoming, the Campus Activities Board held I Heart HU week as a time to appreciate what students loved most about Harding. There was a theme for every weekday. Harding was connected; Harding left a legacy; Harding gave; Harding was festive; and Harding rocked. I Heart HU Week was a celebration of those essential elements of Harding. "The purpose of I Heart HU week was to get the students excited," CAB worker senior Benji Holder said. "We wanted to create events that the students wanted to come to and told their friends about, since Homecoming week was such a big week on campus." On Monday, CAB connected with students by giving out 300 chicken biscuits after chapel. They also hosted a website launch party as a way to draw more attention to hardingcab.com. CAB raised a monument called Mount Mclarty on the front lawn Tuesday to represent Harding's presidential legacy. Modeled after Mount Rushmore, Mount Mclarty bore the likenesses of all five Harding presidents: J.N. Armstrong, George S. Benson, Clifton L. Ganus, David B. Burks and Bruce D. Mclarty. Wednesday celebrated Harding's generous spirit. The evening activities were hosted by Good Spread, a non-profit company that produced packets of all-natural peanut butter mixed with organic honey; with the profits from each sale, a package of Good Spread was sent to children around the world. They partnered with the Secret Sisters, a folk singing duo, to put on Good Spread and Jam on the front lawn. There was also a peanut butter cookie baking competition. Junior Natalie Heyen won the baking competition and received a $100 Amazon gift card as a prize. Sophomore Mauri Logan said that this night was the highlight of the week for her. "I loved the PB and Jam concert," Logan said. "It was a great time to just eat outside on a beautiful night and socialize with people. On top of that, the Secret Sisters were incredible. I Heart HU week is a great way to really notice how wonderful Harding is and how much our school has to offer." CAB held a Fall Fest on Thursday on the front lawn, selling turkey legs and butterbeer and hosting a myriad of games. The main attraction was a zip line that stretched across the front lawn. On Friday, CAB presented Dave Barnes in the Administration Auditorium followed by a block party in Legacy Park. Senior CAB intern Holly Bohnett started planning for this week during the first few weeks of school as a part of her public relations internship with CAB. She was able to combine her love for event planning with her passion for design through creating the week's promotion posters. Bohnett said that CAB made a bigger deal out of this week than in the past. The events were bigger and better overall. "The purpose of I Heart HU week was to have a stress-free week in the middle of the semester to remind everyone why we love Harding, to bring everyone together and to encourage everyone to get involved in the events," Bohnett said. Marianna Woodruff
MAKING NEW OUT OF USED Thrift store shopping was a trend that seemed to be taking over the campus. For some, it was about the thrill of a bargain. For others, it was about the excitement of the hunt. For all, it was a unique experience that provided entertainment and inexpensive finds. Searcy boasted an impressive number of thrift stores. Local churches founded some of the stores, including The Sharing Shoppe supported by Downtown Church of Christ and New Hope founded by College Church of Christ. Other stores were run solely for humanitarian causes, including Barkin' Barn, which supported the Searcy Humane Society. Hope Restored raised money for Hope Cottage, a shelter for women and children in White County who were the victims of domestic abuse. Though students enjoyed stopping by local thrift stores, their motives were all different. Sophomore Mauri Logan, who began shopping at thrift stores in middle school, said she enjoyed visiting Goodwill to see what kinds of inexpensive clothing they had in stock. "I always skim the clothes and see if there is anything that has potential to be cute, because their clothes are cheap," Logan said. "You would be surprised at some of the stuff you find." Sophomore Lauren Heffington found more at thrift stores than just clothing. She said that one of her favorite purchases included a crocheted wall piece. She also purchased a bike priced at $15, a steep discount from the typical $100 brand-new bike. "Goodwill will always be my main store," Heffington said. Heffington also agreed with Logan when she said that clothing was a prominent reason students shopped at thrift stores. Outside of the crazy social club function attire, students started to realize they could find attractive clothing at discounted prices. Since clothing trends such as plaid flannel shirts and oversized T-shirts permeated campus, students chose to shop at thrift stores to save money. For senior Breana Josephson, thrift shopping was a way to avoid those trends. She said that normal commercial stores could be limiting at times because they only carried mainstream styles. "The top benefit to thrifting is the unique purchase opportunity," Josephson said. "While it would not be hard to find items in a thrift store that are currently being sold elsewhere, I try to steer away from these things and find the 'much loved' garments and household items with years of stories. If I'm going to attempt to not look like everyone else, thrifting is going to be my best bet." While thrift store shopping sometimes required a little extra effort, the work always paid off. Students supported local business, saved money and found clothes to fit their individual styles. Mackenzie Lee
' I ~ Senior Kayla Sheehan shops for deals at Goodwill Oct. 11. Students shopped at local thrift stores including Barkin' Barn, Thackerland and Goodwill to find old clothes to reuse as well as goofy function outfits. Matt Dobson In their Legacy apartment, seniors Abby Miller and Sarah Kennedy make cookie dough on Oct. 21. Legacy apartments were priority housing for junior and senior girls as well as married couples. Matt Dobson At the Highlighter Run on March 23, 2013 alumnus Derek Cressy runs through a cloud of pink. The Highlighter Run was hosted by the Office of Advancement as part of Harding's "Say Thanks Day," and all of the proceeds went to student scholarships. Ashel Parsons
At the men's intramural skills competition on Sept. 17, sophomore Jordan Fontenot kicks a football for the punt competition. Seniors James Sutherland and Jacob Hardin tied for the kick distance record at 160 feet. Matt Dobson Junior Jess Tribby takes off for the timed softball base run at the men's intramural skills competition Sept. 17. Senior Grant Harris held the record for the fastest base run at 11.8 seconds. Matt Dobson Junior Adam Knoske moves a goal post at the intramural fields Oct. 8. Knoske was the student director for intramural sports and spent 20-30 hours at the fields each week setting up for games. Jerry Eberly pe' least '
WORKING FOR INTRAMURAL SPORTS Many students on campus participated in club and intramural sports. On any given night, students could be found on the fields playing football and spread across volleyball courts in the Ganus Athletic Center, focusing on the game ahead of them and little else. But there was a group of students working behind the scenes. They were responsible for refereeing games, setting up equipment and booking space for games. Junior Adam Knoske was a part of the team of students ensuring intramural sports ran smoothly. Knoske played football, basketball and baseball in high school, so he was familiar with sport culture and loved the atmosphere. lntramurals offered an opportunity to be involved in sports in college. Knoske was friends with Assistant Professor and Director of Men's lntramurals Jim Gowen and graduate student Chase Gentry, who also worked with men's intramural sports. Additionally, Knoske's brother worked with intramural sports, and the three men helped him get the job. According to Knoske, the job was a rewarding way to be involved with sports in college. He had the opportunity to be around sports and build relationships with a variety of people. "The reward is getting to know people around Harding,'' Knoske said. "A lot of ... relationships are born through sports for guys. I meet a lot of good people and have made a lot of great friends and memories working." Knoske's duties included setting up and closing down the fields with the proper equipment and ensuring other workers arrived on time and knew what games they were to referee. He refereed some games and answered questions when Gentry and Gowen were unavailable. He also managed a group of several student workers. According to senior Reed Teel, who began working with Knoske in the spring of 20131 Knoske set a good example for the people he worked with and energized them to do their jobs well. "Adam has a very good work ethic," Teel said. "He is always the first one there and the last one to leave. He is an excellent example of someone you want to work for." Freshman Locke Adair began working with Knoske in the fall and also appreciated Knoske's attitude at work. "Adam is a very relaxed guy, but when it comes to work, he will get what needs to be done, done," Adair said. "He also wants to make sure everyone else is enjoying their time working there. I have learned [by] working with him that having a good time and working is possible." For Knoske, working with men's intramural sports was both enjoyable and a learning experience. It taught him responsibility, but it also helped him build relationships and spend time in an environment he loved. "The challenge of the job is that we have to be out late every night and balance that with schoolwork," Knoske said. "The fun parts are just getting to hang around with close friends and work around sports." Mallory Pratt
I <( z 0 I-- Some of us study abroad by leaving our <( home country and moving to Searcy, Ark., for four years, while others spend a semester at one of Harding University's seven overseas campuses. We bond over z tribal songs in Africa. We follow the footsteps of Jesus through the Mediterranean. We dive into the heart of the Renaissance period in Italy. We jump onto the Tube in London or out of an airplane in Australia. We surf down sand dunes in Chile. We find ourselves surrounded by new foods, w languages and people. We make the friends of a lifetime while taking every chance to make new memories. Whether we happen f I-- to be one of the 250 international students on Harding's campus or one of the 330 students who study abroad every school z year, we all leave Harding with a deeper understanding of the world. dUg:t-l~ International Editor
England native junior Pete Hunt was first introduced to Harding by a campaign group from the Adventures in Missions program led by Dr. Morris Ellis. Since then, Hunt had longed to surround himself with Christian people who could develop his faith. In 1996, when Hunt was 11, Ellis and his group worked with Churches of Christ in England and left a lasting impression. On another campaign trip several years later, Ellis returned and found Hunt actively working with the visiting Harding group. "They were good Christian people, and I needed them in my life," Hunt said. "Seeing Christ shine through the Harding students I met in the UK, I knew Harding wasn't like any other American university I'd seen in movies. I knew it was different. I didn't know anything else about Harding ... except the people." For several years after his first encounter, Harding students continued to campaign in England, and they reconfirmed Hunt's desire to attend a school he had never seen and knew nothing about. In 2005, Hunt attended AIM and had the chance to visit Harding. After training in Lubbock, Texas, Hunt traveled to Searcy for the World Missions Workshop. Hunt fell in love with the school. After spending time in Gosford, Australia, and Tulsa, Okla., and graduating from the AIM program, Hunt began applying for schools to attend. Harding was the first to reply. In 2011, after three years of raising support funding and at the age of 26, Hunt left his managerial position in Reading, England, moved to Searcy, Ark., and joined the Center for Advanced Ministry Training program in the College of Bible and Religion. "Peter is one of those poster children: he came, he saw, he conquered," Gary Gregg, associate director of CAMT, said. "Now he is going to go out there to serve, and he will conquer by serving." Since he was in America, Hunt had to adjust to social practices and language differences as well as deal with being far from his home and family. "I miss my family, but I have learned to make family here," Hunt said. "I'm thankful for how close CAMT is, and I've built relationships that will last a lifetime and then some." Hunt met his wife, graduate reading student Lisa, while at Harding, and they planned to eventually move back to England to work with the Churches of Christ there after Hunt gained ministry experience in America. "I am excited that Peter wants to go back to England," Gregg said. "That is what we want from our students. Our job is to train our students for whatever pathway God puts them on. I'd take 100 more like Peter. He is a true English gentleman. His gentility is a Christ-like characteristic." Though he knew little about this place so far from home, he took a leap of faith nad became one of the many Harding international students. "My dream had always been to come to Harding," Hunt said. " And I am living my dream." Grant Schol "God lead me through a 15-year journey from first meeting Harding students to arriving as a student myself." Junior Pete Hunt
Instructor Gary Jackson teaches the message of Christ in the sophomore Chinese Bible class, Creation and Kingdom, on Nov. 6. Jackson, a former missionary in China, was fluent in Chinese and taught a Chinese section of freshman and sophomore Bible classes. Jerry Eberly At the Jesus Project scavenger hunt Nov. 8, junior Josh Rojas prepares instructions before students split into groups for the night. Many international students were a part of Jesus Project, a group that raised money to buy school supplies for kids in El Salvador. Jerry Eberly In the Oglesby Preaching Studio, junior Pete Hunt delivers a sermon to his preaching class. After three years of fundraising to attend Harding, Hunt joined the Center for Advanced Ministry Training Program. Jerry Eberly 35
Beth James prepares chicken pot pie for HUG students at the Artemis Hotel Oct. 21. "Mrs. James likes to give us a taste of home by cooking our favorite American dishes," fall HUG student junior Linda Ferelle said. Courtesy of Linda Ferelle In the classroom of the Artemis Hotel, Dr. Mike James teaches a humanities course Oct. 21. At HUG, James took care of planning group trips and tours while Beth took on the role of HUG mom. Courtesy of Linda Ferelle Dr. Mike James and his wife Beth pause for a moment to take a picture in Santorini, Greece. Before the Jameses took over as HUG Directors in 2010, Mike James was the chairman of Harding's Communication Department. Courtesy of Mike James Tom Hook, Dir. HULA Pam Little, Dir. HUA Mike James, Dir. HUG Lauren Knight, Dir. HUE Roy Merrett, Coordinator HIZ Robbie Shackelford, Dir. HUF ' · .. , ;. i" . , : " id' . '\ "Y;· •, ~
()velz$eaO v~ DEDICATION H arding University in Greece was a lifealtering experience under the guidance of directors Dr. Mike and Beth James. Both graduated from Harding, and the couple began to run the HUG program in the fall of 2010. "They are both leaders and are always encouraging," Dean of International Programs Dr. Jeff Hopper said. "They complement each other perfectly in the roles they are in." The Jameses helped students become accustomed to living overseas, but first they had to become accustomed to it themselves. Janis Ragsdale, administrator for International Programs, said that the Jameses quickly made strong relationships in the community of Porto Rafti, Greece, where the HUG program was located. "Within two weeks of being over in Greece, they (had] already established wonderful connections within the town of Porto Rafti," Ragsdale said. "They are part of the community and have kept a strong relationship with the church." The Jameses played a significant part in helping students overcome culture shock and making them feel at home in a foreign country. Sophomore Taylor Gleaves attended HUG in the spring of 2013 and said that the Jameses' kindness was one reason HUG was an excellent program. "They take us in as their own, they play [the role of] our parents and help us through anything we are going through," Gleaves said. "They help make the HUG program an experience of a lifetime." The HUG program allowed students to experience and see numerous sites of biblical significance in Greece, Israel and Egypt. Students also had the opportunity to experience various cultures during their weeks of independent travel. However, the students always returned to their temporary home in Porto Rafti, called the Artemis, where Mike and Beth always made them feel welcome with their hospitality and home cooked meals. "When the Jameses lived in Searcy, they had a keypad lock so students could get in anytime day or night," Hopper said. "They continue to help grow the HUG program in community and Christ because their hearts are just as open as their front door." The directors were affectionately called "Dr. J" and "Mama Beth" by HUG students and were loved not only by their students but also by staff back at Harding. "It is easy to love the Jameses," Hopper said. "I believe they are great program directors and are some of the best people I have ever worked with. There is no downside to their work at HUG." Mike and Beth dedicated everything to the HUG program. Their lives were wrapped up in student ministry, and HUG students saw their act of service as a powerful statement about godly living. "They are the sweetest people I know," Gleaves said. "They are able to shine Christ's light through everything that they do." Landis Tindell "[The Jameses] do a great job of making the Artemis feel like a home and HUG feel like a family." Senior Caroline Wallace 37
Adventures of every kind were found on the Harding University Latin America international program. As the students ventured across South America, they saw a mosaic of landscapes and foods. While they lived in Vina del Mar, Chile, they often visited a local market. Produce of every kind lined the rows of the bustling market. According to senior Kallie Savage, a pungent combination of fish, fresh lime and cilantro greeted the students as they approached the vendors every Wednesday and Saturday. The students said that the highlight of purchasing food from the market was the interaction they had with local farmers. The Chileans helped the students practice the Spanish they had learned in classes. "Each time I went to the market, I was able to communicate better and better," Savage said. "The seafood lady and I became especially good friends, and I would always go to her to buy salmon, shrimp and, one time when we were feeling spontaneous, shark." Savage said that preparing her own food with friends was a maturing experience. "I had to plan, shop, prepare and clean all of my meals, and I absolutely loved it," Savage said. "I felt more independent and experienced in the kitchen." Purchasing their foods in the market opened up opportunities to try unusual foods. On one specific occasion sophomores Nathan Foster and Drew Lee, junior Jacob Robertson and senior Gunnar Klemmer purchased ingredients for horsemeat tacos. After preparing the tacos, they ate with sophomore Avery Bromley and juniors Kristina Kiser and Kayla O'Connor. After the group casually ate supper, the guys revealed to the girls what they had just consumed. "It didn't surprise me at all that the [guys] would do something like that,'' Bromley said. "It actually wasn't that bad." In the Patagonia Lake Region, the students went to a "curanto" - "clambake" in English - in which they were able to help prepare the dinner with locals. The curanto included mussels, clams and "piure," a Chilean seafood. "The curanto was the worst and weirdest [experience], even though it had an awesome process and great appetizers," Robertson said. On the group's trip to Peru, HULA director Tom Hook surprised the group with a Peruvian delicacy: "cuy," commonly known as guinea pig. "The servers brought out an entire cuy cooked, de-haired and prepared to eat on a platter before they cut it up to serve," Foster said. While Foster said the dish was delicious though there was little meat and a lot of bones, Savage said she could not get over the eyes of the guinea pig that stared back at her. The group encountered new food everywhere, whether visiting local restaurants or shopping at the marketplace. Students learned food was as fundamental to culture as dress or language. Each new dish they tried in South America gave them another story to bring home, and each different flavor revealed more about the Chilean people and culture. Mackenzie Lee "I experienced more culture and beauty at HULA than many people will in a lifetime." Junior Shelbi Fowler
In front of the Torres del Paine, junior Jacob Robertson flips senior Kyle Nossaman. HULA students traveled to Chile, Argentina and Peru during their semester in Latin America. Kristina Kiser Junior Kayla O'Connor and senior Mariah Elkins laugh as they paddle down the Rio Petrohue in Puerto Varas, Chile. "White water rafting was particularly special for me because it was on my birthday," Elkins said. Kristina Kiser On a sunny day in San Pedro de Atacama, junior Kristina Kiser enjoys blokarting through the open desert landscape. The wind·propelled cart was difficult for students to drive; some even tipped over on their initial attempts. Courtesy of Kayla O'Connor 9
During an excursion on their way to Landmannalauger, Iceland, HUE students take photos of an inactive volcanic range while their driver checks the air pressure before the 1,000 meter drive down to sea level. Students got to ride in Super Jeeps designed for rough terrain during their time in Iceland. Courtesy of Kalvin Graham On their trip to Iceland, sophomore Stephanie Hoover and HUE Director Lauren Knight stack stones for good luck as part of an Icelandic tradition. The HUE students traveled through Iceland from Sept. 2-9 to see volcanoes, glaciers and waterfalls. Courtesy of Kalvin Graham Sophomores Janna Mix, Stephanie Hoover and faculty members Sherry Organ and Dr. Dennis Organ take pictures of a glacier in Iceland. The HUE group experienced the natural beauty of Iceland during a cruise through Glacier Lagoon. Courtesy of Kalvin Graham
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