COUNCIL REUNITES Founded in 1965 by Chancellor Emeritus Dr. Clifton L. Ganus, Jr., the President's Council celebrated its 50th anniversary as an organization this year. When it was first formed, the organization was called the President's Development Council, and it consisted of 65 men from around the state ofArkansas. Ganus appointed these men to help inform the Christian community about the university, its beliefs and its mission. Fifty years later, the organization had grown to 1,200 members who loved and supported Harding through financial aid, advice and leadership. Dr. Bill Hefley, Sr., a founding member ofthe Council, received special recognition during Homecoming weekend at a dinner on Friday, Oct. 23 and at the Council meeting on Saturday, Oct. 24, as part of the anniversary festivities. Hefley said he felt honored to be recognized by a Council he believed in so much. "When I was asked (to be a member), there was no question what my answer would be because I knew By Toria Pa1Tctt what Harding stood for," Hefley said. "It stands for all of the things that I love and believe in. I felt that 'yes' was the only answer I could give. I think 50 years has passed in a flash. The world so much needs this influence today, maybe more so than it ever has. My hope is that Harding will continue to grow, flourish, and have a tremendous influence not only in this c'ity, but all over the world." Emily Smith, director of the Harding Fund and advancement programs coordinator, was a chieforganizer for the dinner, meeting and tailgate held for Council members before the Homecoming football game. Smith said she received a lot of positive and appreciative feedback from those who attended the events and the founding members' families were truly touched. "People loved it," Smith said. "They were happy and joking about old times. It was a good time for people to get together and reminisce. They love to get together because they all share common faith and a common 20 STl' l>E7'T LIFE purpose, which is to ultimately help students come to school. It certainly made me feel more appreciative for those who signed up in 1965 to give and serve our school." Dr. Bryan Burks, named vice president of advancement in June of 2015, also played a role in the organization of the Homecoming weekend events. In his new role, Burks said he had restructuring plans for the President's Council moving fonvard. "I think we are at a stage now, after 50 years, that we are looking to restructure the President's Council to provide more opp01tunities for involvement, as well as the fundraising aspect," Burks said. "We made changes a few years ago to provide more financial opportunitie to be on the President's Council, so the giving side has already been restructured. What I would like to see us do is to restructure (the President's Council) so that people can be more involved beyond just their financial giving."
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