HERE New students packed their bags early and headed to campus on Aug. 22 to attend Impact, an orientation program designed to assist new Harding students with their transition into college. In the past, Impact gave students the opportunity to tour campus and ask upperclassmen questions. This year, Impact director and Dean of the Center for Student Success Dr. Kevin Kehl focused on making intentional connections throughout the weekend. For the first time, Impact was mandatory for all new students. Organizers strategically placed students in energy groups with others in their Bible class to form relationships with people they would be around all semester. At least one of the upperclassmen energy group leaders in each group also served as a peer guide for that specific Bible class. "Come Monday, there are going to be a lot of new things, however the familiar people in your Bible class would not be one of those things," Kehl said. "We're all focused on the same thing: welcoming students." Senior Impact co-directors Nathan Enix and Paige Whitman started working with Kehl in early December 2014. Soon after, they chose the theme for 2015, "You Are Here." The purpose of the theme was to challenge students to think about their role at Harding, whether it be a student, a friend or a servant. "In the end, being responsible for the freshmen having friends on the first day of classes is a really, really cool thing," Whitman said. Both co-directors agreed the job was hard work. From stuffing folders to setting up tables and chairs, there was a lot of behindthe-scenes work necessary to make Impact happen. "Everybody sees the big things like Throm (a throwback prom event), but I made a ton of spreadsheets," Enix said. "I actually spent about three days straight uploading files to flash drives." As a part of relationship building, students attended two themed dinners, a hypnotist show, a talent show called HU Spectacular and a community service project. Impact leaders introduced to students to service projects throughout the Searcy community, including the Pizza Ministry. Several upperclassmen organized the outreach program to build relationships and bring pizza to local children every Monday. On Saturday morning of Impact weekend, the Impact participants gathered in the Benson auditorium in preparation to serve the Pizza Ministrx. When a collection plate was passed, students donated $1,500 to the community. "We wanted the new students to be aware ofservice opportunities around them and what it means to be fully present, not only with their classmates but in the community they live in," Kehl said. I \f Freshman Sterling A!cMiehael rides a mechcrnieul bull on the front lawn during Impactfestiuities on Aug. 22. The event. called Inflatagunza, included in.flotable slides, obstacle courses and a climbing wall for students to enjoy. I Photo h,J Beeca Riley
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