CLUB IDENTITY COMPARING THE OLDEST AND NEWEST MEN'S SOCIAL CLUBS ON CAMPUS ANCHORED IN TRADITION S ub-T 16, established in 1930, was one of the oldest men's clubs with one of the richest histories. Because the club was started shortly after World War I, several elements of the club reflected that historical element, including the club's name, logo and terminology. For example, the club's emblem was a submarine in front of a sun over the water, and the club president was called the "skipper." Sub-T 16 was deeply embedded in the history and culture of Harding. According to Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Sub-T 16 sponsor Steve Lake, the club significantly influenced the leadership of the university. For 50 consecutive years, at least one member of the university board of trustees was a Sub-T 16 alumnus. Also, five buildings on campus were named after club members, such as Cliff Ganus Jr., B.F. Rhodes, Evan Ulrey, Jim Citty and Jim Bill Mclnteer. "Recently we have been touting Sub-T's legacy and tradition," Lake said. "It is unmatched at Harding.Sub-Tis woven into the fabric of Harding more than any other club." Current skipper junior Jake Tansey was elected to the position his sophomore year and was honored to lead the diverse group of men. Because of its longevity, the club had a responsibility to set a godly example for other clubs, according to Tansey. "Due to our deep roots in Harding and our active alumni, I think there are expectations of what we must be: an example to all, that clubs are more than just sports and functions, but rather a community at Harding that grows closer to God," Tansey said. Tansey echoed 2013 alumnus and former skipper Bruce McMullen, saying that one of the core principles of the club was for the members to support and encourage one another. "One of the things that's important to the club is that we are always there for one another," Tansey said. "We all fall short in life, and it is vital to have someone to support you when you need it most." Sub-T 16 was determined to continue on as it always had, deeply connected to Harding's past and present with an eye to the future. "In the club, we strive to set an example as these men have set for us," senior Tyler Gentry said. "If we stick to our core principles and practices, I can guarantee we will be around for the life of Harding University." Jared Dryden ESTABLISHING A REPUTATION S ocial clubs were significant parts of student life, and students recognized the need for more men's social clubs on campus. Sigma Nu Epsilon vice president senior Sean Surber and 2013 alumnus Colton Beaver wanted to fill that need by creating men's social club Sigma Nu Epsilon, the newest club on campus. Sigma Nu Epsilon began with a conversation between Beaver and Assistant Dean of Students Kara Abston. Surber recruited potential members to join the club during the fall of 2012, and the club grew rapidly. "I just thought that there was a need for more men's clubs at Harding," Surber said. "My time at Harding has been great, and Harding has given me so much, so I asked myself, 'What can I do to give back?"' Sigma Nu Epsilon president senior Justin Stanley said one of the challenges for the new club on campus was recruiting club sponsors. Assistant Director of Admissions Marcus Thomas, one of the first sponsors for Sigma Nu Epsilon, was enthusiastic about his new role. "It is an honor to be able to say that I will be a part of the shaping of this new club," Thomas said. "Every club we have here on campus had a start and a first recruiting class, and I am looking forward to the new guys that will come in and shape this club forever." Sigma Nu Epsilon colors were navy blue, white and silver, and the club symbol was a lion, which represented bravery, courage and strength. The club verse was 1Corinthians16:13-14. By focusing on including men of strong character in the club, Sigma Nu Epsilon made its mission to be a club of integrity. "It's more on the lines of wanting to get the best guys for our club, no matter if that's five guys or 10," Stanley said. "We want, especially with this [induction] class coming up, to find a good quality type of guys who will benefit our club to grow even more." Sigma Nu Epsilon's officers charged their members to hold themselves to a high standard as "gentlemen of God." "We're very hard on our guys because we're training them to be the men they're supposed to be," Surber said. "We also really do this to make the other men's clubs step up. We're trying to change, and not just change ourselves, but change others." Kristina Kiser
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