CL :i: (f) a: w 0 <t: w __J 0 a, In October 2016, Harding's Board of Trustees added alumna Errica Rivera to their committee. Rivera came to Harding as a freshman in fall 1986, and she was soon involved in campus groups such as Good ews Singers and the Harding Chorus. Rivera also participated twice in Spring Sing as a hostess, and she helped to establish the African-American Alumni Association after she graduated. When Rivera learned her name had been submitted to be added to the Board of Trustees; she felt honored, yet admitted that the whole experience of her nomination and vetting process was surreal. "I remember seeing the 'suits' on campus as a student and looking at the prestigious pictures on the wall, but never once had I imagined being one of Jthem]," Rivera said. "It is such an honor to be counted among those called upon to serve our beloved alma mater in this capacity." Roy Reaves, chairman of the Board of Trustees, knew that Rivera's nomination was well deserved. "Errica was an outstanding student while at Harding," Reaves said. "She has been very successful in [her career], and her family is well respected and thought of very [highly]. She has proven herself to be a dedicated Christian who loves Harding. She [is] energetic [and a] critical thinker looking for new opportunities for Harding to expand and to serve." The addition of Rivera to the board allowed for new perspectives to be represented at their meetings. Rivera, as a woman and an African-American, noted that diversity in positions of leadership was essential. "I believe diversity is extremely important among board members and elsewhere in our society," Rivera said. "You miss out on so much knowledge when you only view a situation or issue from one perspective. In my humble opinion, diversity is not only necessary, it is [critical]." President Dr. Bruce McLarty agreed that diversity and repre entation was a key component for the board. "It's very important," McLarty said. "We realize that we have to take steps forward, especially as it relates to women. We were down to one female board member, so Errica then became our second, and we're still looking for aclditional female board members." Rivera was thrilled with her experience on the board and felt very encouraged to be an active participant. She believed her personal perspectives were respected and heard. "The grear thing about this board is that individual thought and perspective is both welcomed and encouraged," Rivera said. "[I] was encouraged - better yet expecte<l - to actively participate and contribute from day one. I appreciate that." I Errica Rivera values the importance of having diversity among people and a variety of perspectives within the Board of Trustees. Rivera stayed connected with the university through starting the Atr,can l\merican Alumni Association and was honored to serve on the board.// Photo by Evan Swearingen
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