OF HARDING UNIVERSITY PETIT JEAN VOL. 95 ENROLLMENT: 5,122 915 EAST MARKET AVENUE 501 -279-4000 www.harding.edu
FOREWORD The collection of stories and photographs bound between th covers of this 95th volume of the Petit Jean aim to transcend time and preserve our memories of this year at Harding. While few real moments can be fully contained, photographed and printed in words, the stories found on these pages serve as a reminder of memories that become increasingly more valuable as time passes. As you turn the pages of this book, remember that you were a character who shaped the narrative of this year at Harding. by Megan Stroud
involved in we daily livesof students in the education on not was 2019 Petit Jean yearbook dedicated nominated campus ]in . . . 'II! students . I I St Sterling McMichael November 2018. photo by
DEDICATION RECIPIENT Assistant Professor ofEducation Lisa Bryant's greatest passion was ensuring that people with disabilities received the services they deserved. After beginning her college career at the University ofArkansas, Bryant graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with an undergraduate degree in special education and a master's degree in secondary leadership in I 997. She has been married to Bruce Bryant for 25 years and has two sons - seniors Mills and Haydn Bryant. Prior to her teaching career at Harding, Bryant was a special education teacher at Morrilton High School.Her community-based instruction class taught independent living skills to individuals with severe disabilities. She was promoted to special education director at Morrilton High Schoolafter 10 years ofsuccess in the classroom. After adjunct teaching for Harding in the summer. Bryant came to Harding full-time in 2012 and spent her time at Harding teaching education majors how to teach people with disabilities in regular education classrooms while also being involved with the football team as the academic coach, the College ofEducation service organization SALT (Scholars Advancing Learning and Teaching), Relay for Life and Bison Praying Moms. Megan Stroud: How did you decide you wanted to be a teacher, specificallya special education teacher? Lisa Bryant: Well I was born a reacher. My favorite toy as a child was my chalkboard and my little sisterwas alway my student. For a long time, I thought I wanted to teach kindergarten. I took a little hiatus from college, and I worked retail as a manager in St.Louis. On my off days, I would substitute teach because I till knew I wanted to reach. I got a phone call one morning and [was asked to subin a class] for kids withdisabilites. I had no idea what I wa walking into. I don't remember the name of anybody in the classroom but I remember it being the best day ever. I remember being soinspired. I believe that Godorder our steps. I think we end up where we're supposed to end up. I was in that classroom as a slap in the face to saythis is what you're supposedto do. At that point, no joke, within a week I was making plans to go back to school to the U of A. It was that day in that classroom with kids with disabilities that made me realize that I had no business with little knee-biter kindergarteners and that specialed was what I was supposedto do. MS: What are the biggest difference in reaching specialeducation and reaching future special educationteachers here at Harding? LB: I always wanted to reach in college. I just didn't know I wanted to do it this soon.When I first took my director job [in Morrilton], I missed being with kids, but whenever I wanted to I could leave my office and go hang out in a classroom. When we moved here I didn't know anybody in classrooms. It was really different, but I told myself that I, from this place,could exponentially make the lives of peoplewith disablilitiesbetter through the training of general edteachers and special edteacher than I could having eight to 15 kids with disabilities in a classroom in Morrilton by myself. I'm teaching people whowill hopefullygo the extra mile for kids with disabilites becausee of something they learned in my class. MS: If you had to pick a favorite, what is your favorite class that you teach at Harding? LB: [My law class is] probably the one that I'm the most passionate about because it's what most school districts do incorrectly. I like to empower futu re teacher to go and seewhere the law is and read it for themselves. But that's where I feel like I can instill the need for advocacy that a good special ed teacher has. And then my most fun class to me is the [Educating Studentwith Moderate to SevereDisabilities] class because I'm teaching people how I taught and doing those skillsthat are totally different than most students learn in high school. I got really attached to folks in class and soI hate when they leave. I love all of them. MS: What is the most important piece of advice that you arriveto instill in all of your students? LB: Two things. All students can learn. There's a quote that I use. 'All studentscan learn, just not on the sameday, not in the same way.' And the other is to do what you love and don't waste your time. Don't waste your time doing something that you don't love. If you don't love what yo·u're doing, find something else to do. If it's not teaching, if you don't love teaching, go do something else. Life's too shortand too precious not to do what you love. I love teachingI love bring with kids. MS: Whydo you think Lisa Bryant deserves this honor and how have you personally been impacted by her? NatalieFrederick, senior special education with lisensure major: Lisa Bryant challenges everyone to seeability. Ability in themselves and ability in others. Shedemands excellence. She never asks that you come to her perfect or pristine, but shelooks you in the eye, she seeswhat you cando, and shechallenges youto seeitc as well. If I had to describe LisaBryant in one word it would be 'advocate.' Shetaught me and my classmates to advocate for the rights of those with disabilities --- more importantly shetaught us to teach them to advocate for themselves. Shetaught us to fight when the fight doesn't seem fair. Shetaught us to speak up when the world is silent. Shetaught us to find strengths when it seems like only weakness abounds. Mrs. B reminded us to find humor in everyday put commas where the world put periods, and to always use our nice words. There are innumerable things I have learned and carried into the world because my life has been influenced by Lisa Bryant, but the most important is this: if I ever have a student who has to describe me in one word, I hope that word is 'advocate.' interview by Megan troud 5 I DEDICATION
8 STUDENT LIFE 10 Remembering the Original "Mr. Spring Sing" 24 Crowning Cloris 30 Botham Shem Jean: A Life Remembered 32 INTERNATIONAL 34 Leaving Larin America 36 Tourguides Turned Tourists 40 Santorini Sandstorm 50 SOCIAL CLUBS 52 Door Closed on Visitation 60 Out of the Blue 72 50 Years and Counting 82 ACADEMICS 84 The Start of Something New 98 Around the World in 40 Days 102 Leapin' Lizards 110 PEOPLE 112 Big Heart, Bigger Faith 132 The Land of the Rising Sun l 74 A Light in a Dark Place 184 LEADERSHIP 186 The Making of McLarty 204 Keeping Campus Working for 54 Years 208 Life in the Clouds 214 ATHLETICS 218 Runs in the Family 230 Lucky Number Seven 234 On Course for Success 250 ORGANIZATIONS 256 The Legacy of Lewis 266 NewsKids on the Block 282 Staying Rooted 298 CLOSING 300 Be the Revolution 304 Memorial 310 Editor's Note 7 I TABLE OF CONTENTS
STUDENT LIFE At the heart of campus, the George S. Benson Auditorium served as a hub for events like chapel, SpringSing, concerts and lectures that enhanced students' everyday lives. illustration by Morgan May Over the course of the year, students across campus shared experiences and created deep bonds with their peers. Moments like celebrating after a Spring Singwin, becoming a part of Searcy's flourishing city-life and even mourning loss brought students together. These individual moments of campus life became memories that connected us and formed the larger Harding story. Jacob McAlister student life editor
STUDENT LIFE I INTERNATIONAL I SOCIAL CLUBS I ACADEMICS I PEOPLE I LEADERSHIP I ATHLETICS I ORGANIZATIONS
STUDENT LIFE I INTERNATIONAL I SOCIAL CLUBS I ACADEMICS I PEOPLE I LEADERSHIP I ATHLETICS I ORGANIZATIONS Spring Sing 2018 honored the legacy of John H. Ryan, the show's original producer for 32 years. H arding's Spring Sing began in 1974 when two students approached Dr. John H. Ryan, or "Jack," as he was known to many, with the idea of a campus-wide musical extravaganza that involved clubs and healthy competition. Ryan excitedly joined the students in making the event happen. Little did he know that 45 years later Spring Singwould be a staple annual event on the Harding calendar. During the 2018 Spring Sing show, Harding honored Ryan after his death just one month prior to the show. He was an integral part of making Spring Sing happen for over 30 years before his retirement in 2006. "He was 'Mr. Spring Sing' before I was ever 'Mr. Spring Sing,'" Dr. Steven Frye, director of Spring Sing since 1995, said. Ryan remained the Spring Sing producer until 1995 when Cindee Stockstill was named producer, and Ryan moved to executive producer. "I grew up listening to [Ryan] on the radio becau e he would do the narration part of the Harding Hymns radio program that played just before my dad would speakon the radio," Stockstillsaid. "I grew up listening to Jack Ryan read scripture on the radio, and then, to be 12 able to get to work with him personally for that many years, it was just amazing." Ryan was honored for his leadership in numerous Spring Sing shows when the final award was renamed the John H. Ryan Sweepstakes Award in 1998 after the 25th SpringSing. The renaming of the award was a complete surprise to Ryan. "It was pretty cool because it totally caught him off guard, and we were just grinning," Dottie Frye, director of the hosts, hostesses and ensemble, said. "For the first time in his life, he was speechless." There were a lot of changes since the first show: Spring Sing moved from the Administration Auditorium to the George S. Benson Auditorium, club shows were grouped together rather than being individualized and giving to charities added a philanthropic aspect co the competitive nature of the show. Though many aspects of Spring Sing changed, Ryan had a profound and lasting impact on the production. "He was an amazing influence on my life," Steven Frye said. "I can't minimize the impact that he had on me as a per on. There are very few true mentors that you call on in life, and he was certainly one of those." story by Kayla Meeler
13 I PRI G I SophomoresKaci Mason, Reid Pace and Faith Sibert celebrate freedom from the reign oftheir oppressive Martian mayor in Ju Go Ju,Ko Jo Kai, SubT-16 andfriends' show, "Houston, We Have a Problem," in the George S. Benson Auditorium on March 27, 2018. The show placed first for the John H. Ryan Sweepstakes Award and received $2,000 to donate to the Sunshine School. I photo by Sterling McMichael SophomoreElise Smithand seniors Kaylan Griffin, Jessica Mitchell and Emory Rockwellpresent the Tablet ofAhkmenrah during Chi Omega Pi, Zeta Pi Zeta, Shantih,Iota Chi and friends' "Night at the Museum" themed show in the Benson Auditorium on March 27, 2018. The showfeatured museum exhibits that came to life through visual effects including a life-sized dinosaur. I photo by Sterling McMichael Sophomore Courtney Mann Leads the soprano section ofDelta Gamma Rho, Omega Phi andfriends' show, "Cutloose: The Barbershop Tunes," in the Benson Auditorium on March 27, 2018. Thestudents participating in the show were split intofour groups by voice part and wore colors to differentiate the groups from each other on stage. I photo by Sterling McMichael Junior Emily Jacobs, sophomore Jamica Gaither and senior Maleah Brown act as students at a strict private school in Delta Nu andfriends' show, "The Nuns Are Back in Town," in the Benson Auditorium on March 27, 2 01 8. The showfollowed a group ofunruly students who were forced by a group ofnuns to clean up their attitudes. I photo by SterlingMcMichael
TUDE T LIFE I I TERNATIONAL I SOCIAL CLUBS I ACADEMIC I PEOPLE I LEADER HIP I ATHLETICS I ORGANIZATIO S The market in the mission training village at Harding University Tahkodah (HUT) readies students to interact with local vendors in a variety ofcountries. Since 2000, the staffand volunteers at HUT helped university students and other groups strengthen their ability to serve in various domestic and international environments. I photo by Lindsey Webb Senior Allie Anderson practicesfilling a water well with a hose during a simulation at HUT on May 11, 2018. Students gained valuable experience during the 2018 intersession course that prepared 40 studentsfor different summer campaigns. I photo courtesy of Julia Hensley SophomoreChristi Chambless carries water buckets at HUT on May 11, 2018, to preparefor a semester in Zambia. Chambless, along with the other members ofthefoll 2018 Harding University in Zambia (HIZ) group, spent two weeks at HUT to experience simulations ofpotentialsituations in Zambia. I photo courtesy of Julia Hensley 14
SERVE NATIONS HUT's mission training village prepared students for Global Outreach summer campaigns. The Harding University Tahkodah (HUT) mission training village was a resource available for Harding students co preparefor mission campaigns in rhe U.S. and abroad. HUT was a piece of property owned and operated by Harding University in the Ozark Mountains in Floral, Arkansas, with small villages that resembled different places in the world, such as Guatemala, Cambodia or Africa. Dr. Shawn Daggett, professor of Bible and Ministry and director of the Center for World Missions, said the idea of the training village was a dream of mission teachers in the late 1990s, especially Dr. Monce Cox, professor and dean of the College of Bible and Ministry, who was the director of the Center for World Missions at the time. Daggett said Cox received the permissions, property and funding from the advising council of the Center for World Missions and from other donors. According to Oneal Tankersley, missionary-in-residence and director of HUT, the training village worked by providing experiential learning. Austin Nightengale, assistant manager of HUT, said the main thing they did was put students into the realities people faced daily or on a regular basis around the world. "There is no way to fully prepare somebody for the things he or she will experience overseas," Nightengalesaid. "The idea of HUT is that at least it will give you a little bit of familiarization with some of the common elements of over eas service and traveling." Daggett said students were a part of the training village by taking the development ministry course (BMIS 388), which was held during intersession. Tankersley said they taught rhe students unique thingssuch as how make a garden and take care of animals. He also said they worked with a lot of volunteers who made up the HUT family. "One of the things that means a lot to us is that people who [go] through our course want to volunteer the next year and train other students," Tankersley said. "That just fills my heart with joy." Junior social work major Virginia Davison, a volunteer at HUT since spring 2017, went on a mission campaign to Nepailn summer 2017 and Zambia in fall 2017 after taking the BMIS 388 course the same summer.Davison said the lessons she learned at HUT helped her deal with someof the situations she encountered and the things she had to do on the mission field. "We did the same exact gardening we did at HUT in Zambia, and that was a whole special thing for all of us because we all had this deep connection with HUT," Davison said. "When overwe saw it there, we felt we were at home. It really helped us to process a lot of the things we went through." Daggett said the training provided at HUT was not for any specific majors and the lessons learned would always be useful. "This is not a training for short-term missions but for a life in the mission of God," Daggett aid. 'We see short-term missons as justshort learning experiences fo r a life of missions because the mission never ends." story by Yovani Arismendiz 15 I SUMMER CAMPAIGNS
STUDENTLIF I INTERNATIONAL I SOCIALC UB I ACADEMICS I PEOPLE I LEADERSHIP I ATHLETICS I ORGANIZATIONS MAKING .AN 16
Impact co-directors and University Communications and Marketing brought fresh ideas to re-brand new-student orientation. S ophomore psychology major Lindsey Bender and junior public relations major Luke Humphrey co-led the 2018 summer Bison Bound --- formerly known as Stampede --- and Impact. Assistant Professor and Dean of the Center for StudentSuccess Dr. Kevin Kehl oversaw summer orientation and served as the advisor for Bender and Humphrey. Vice President for University Communication and Enrollment Jana Rucker and Kehl worked together on the transition from Stampede co Bison Bound. "It was time to do some re-branding and branding cohesion co unify our messaging and communication," Kehl said. The Stampede to Bison Bound name change was about communicating to freshmen that they were bound for something, bound for Harding, their home for the next four years. "There was some sense in which Stampede communicated chaos, or 'hurry up and gee here and run through,' and it served a purpose," Kehl said. "It was good, but we were really wanting to communicate belonging. You'll see the [message] that you belong at Harding, that goes along with our community of mission." Bison Bound was more than just a name change. An entire re-design involving graphics and print material followed. Every department participated in helping create brand cohesion due to new policies put in place by university communications. The programs for Bison Bound were also changed inside and out. Co-directors Bender and Humphrey made plans co better connect students during the summer orientation sessions. While the summer sessions covered more administrative work, like creating freshman schedules, Bender and Humphrey wanted to create a space where students could intermingle, create friendships and potentially find a roommate. "In the past, we've done a pizza parry in the student center; we have pizza, there's music, people mingle [and] that's it," Bender said. "I feel like I just got my pizza and left when I was a freshman. So, something Luke and I wanted to implement was meeting people without the pressure of meeting people." A roommate mixer was created in the pit of the student center to help students who had not found a roommate and to encourage those who would be future roommates to get to know each other. "There were a lot of times when I would go up to people and they would be like 'I just met a potential roommate,"' Bender said. "So, I've heard a lot of good things about it or a lot of success stories I guess." The co-directors' duties were not limited co only Bison Bound but also included Impact. Impact allowed both Bender and Humphrey to take on more responsibilities and be more involved. "We tried to add our own aspect to Impact," Humphrey said. "For example, lnflateaganza, we kind of kicked that one to the curb. Instead, we had a [Student Association (SA)] tailgate where we partnered with the [SA] and [senior SA President] Hallie Hite." The service project, which traditionally happened opposite Inflaceaganza, made an attempt at popping the "Harding bubble" by getting students more involved with the Searcycommunity. "The service project started off at the trailer park behind College Church," Humphrey said. "And we just kind of helped out around there, picking up trash and doing any kind of maintenance they needed. From there, it just kind of escalated, and it turned into more of a community outreach thing." Successes from the summer were noticed at the administrative level. "Luke and Lindsey both were creative, cook initiative [and] were great at leading a team of volunteers," Kehl said. "I would say that they were outstanding. When you take initiative and combine that with creativity and including other people, it's just a winning combination." story by Erin Slomers New students and energy group leaders, includingjunior Casey Montgomery, enjoy a camping-themed cookout at the Gin Creek fire pits on Aug. 18, 2018. During Impact, students dressed up for two themed dinners --- camping and thrift prom --- as a way to encourage the development ofrelationships between new and current students. I photo by Sterling McMichael Freshman Cabot Boyd works to remove weeds and tree stumps during the Impact service project behind College Church of Christ on Aug. 18, 2018. Various projects were completed that exposed the needs ofWhite County to students during the day ofservice organized to help promote community well-being. I photo by Sterling McMichael 17 I BISON BOUND & IMPACT
STUDENTLIFE I INTERNATIONAL I SOCIALCLUBS I ACADEMICS I PEOPLE I LEADERSHIP I ATHLETICS I ORGANIZATIONS 18
The on-going revitalization of downtown Searcy, Arkansas, created a place for student life to expand outside Harding's campus. On Nov. 15, 2018, at 7he Soda Jerk, senior graphic design major Marley Cole scoops Loblolly ice cream into a homemade cone. The Soda Jerk served a variety ofhandcrafted sodas and Loblolly ice cream to Searcy natives and visitors beginningJuly 15, 2018. 7he local business grew from a concept to a brick and mortar store by partnering with students like Cole, who lead the brand development including the creation ofthe logo, menus, business cards and letterhead. I photo by Sterling McMichael Junioradvertising major Meredith Palmer, one ofmany students involved in painting a small-scale muralfor the Searcy community to enjoy, reflects on her work in Art Alley on Nov. 13, 2018. Think Creative Idea Studio maintained "Art Alley," a narrow strip located behind the square in downtown Searcy that allowed community members to paint small sections ofthe alley walls beginningfall 2018. Art Alley was designed to promote community involvement with beautification ofthe downtown area. I photo by Sterling McMichael Seniormusic major Jackson Russell works at Savor + Sipamong a number ofother university students on Nov. 12, 2018. Savor + Sip brought a unique food offering to the Searcyrestaurant scene beginning Feb. 1, 2018. The creperie and coffee shop created by long-time Searcy resident Amelia Brackettfeatured a diverse menu ofsavory and sweet crepes. I photo by Sterling McMichael 19
STUDENTLIFE I INTERNATIONAL I SOCIALCLUBS I ACADEMICS I PEOPLE I LEADERSHIP I ATHLETICS I ORGANIZATIIONS Twenty-three cancer survivors are greeted with love and support from members ofthe Harding community as they complete the "Survivor Walk" around the Front Lawn during Relay for Life on Oct. 5, 2018. The event was designed to honor those who battled cancer and raised funds for cancer research. I photo courtesy of Kyle Raney Towards the beginning ofRelay for Life, students pass by the Student Association tent on Oct. 5, 20I 8. The SA hosted a "Texas vs. the World" competition which raised money for the event by giving students the option to vote for Texas or the world via donations. I photo by Sterling McMichael The Front Lawn is full of tents sponsored by social clubs and organizations across campus on Oct. 5, 20I 8. Each group chose a different decade and decorated their tent based on the time periods. I photo by Sterling McMichael 20
RECORD-BREAKING Relay for Life raised awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society. S tudents stayed up all night at the Relay for Life event and raised a record-breaking total of $26,057.47 for the American Cancer Society in fall 2018. The event took place Friday night through Saturday morning on Oct. 5-6, 2018. Along with extra money raised, there was a heightened focus on music and a new dynamic between social clubs and potential new members. "We wanted to change things up and keep the night interesting so people would come out of their tents and have a good time," Lisa Bryant, assistant professor of education and "We couldn't be more thankful for their willingness to participate in this event," senior Relay for Life Co-Director Abbie Lippincott said. The 2018 year was unique with regards to the dynamic between social clubs and their potential new members because the event happened before fourth-round invitations came out. In the past, Relay for Life took place between visitation invitations and Club Week, meaning the new members could sign up with their clubs, but in 2018, freshmen signed up to participate in the event through their peer guides. The event organizers believed Relay for Life advisor, said. In 2017, the Relay for Life event raised$ 16,100, and in 2018, the event organizers wanted to raise the goal to $20,000. By Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, the event had already raised over$ 14,000. The Harding Relay for Life event was mainly for students, but the coordinators wanted to reach out and have more participation from the Searcy community, "I want that image of cancer survivors walking with their family members and everyone applauding them to be remembered because it provides hope..." "standing strong through the decades" was a perfect theme and aligned with the goal of the American Cancer Society. The night began by honoring those who had been affected by cancer and everyone who had contributed to the success of the event. - Lisa Bryant "I love Relay for Life because if people aren't going through a cancer trial, they forget it's happening, so to have an event on campus recognizing cancer exists that students can be a part of is really important," senior Bailey Patterson said. "Having a personal struggle to cope with can be really hard when you're far from home, so it's nice to have an outlet that honors the struggle you're going through." and, according to Bryant, they accomplished that goal. "We have lots of sponsors --- the book store donated for the silent auction, Unity Hospital donated $15,000 and First Community Bank donated over $4,000," Bryant said. "This is one of the few community events going on in Searcy right now so more businesses are becoming involved." Live music performances included Belles & Beaux, sophomore performer Olivia Nutt, Hemmed in Hollow, Good News Singers, junior performer Dara Niemi and Diamond A. A total ofsix live bands performed free of charge, allowing all proceeds to go directly to the American Cancer Society. According to Lippincott, the survivor lap had grown in numbers annually, and in 2018, 23 survivors participated. "I want that image of cancer survivors walking with their family members and everyone applauding them to be remembered because it provides hope, and for a lot of people, myself included, it's a way to feel like we're fighting back because we've lost people that we love," Bryant said. story by Kendra Christopher 21 I RELAY FOR LIFE
TUDE T LIFE I I TERNATIO AL I OCIAL CLUBS I ACADEMIC I PEOPLE I LEADER HIP I ATHLETICS I ORGANIZATIO S CAB GOES CAB brought music duo Maddie & Tae to the Benson stage for the fall 2018 concert. In fall 2018, country artists Maddie & Tae graced rhe George S. Benson Auditorium stage. Harding had not hosted country singers for several years, making this occasion a special one for students who enjoyed country music. Director of Cam pus Life Logan Light had been organizing concerts at Harding for even years. Light said the process of picking an artist usually involved researching music trends, what labels the artist were signed to, who their manager was and if they were budget friendly. There was a long process that was necessary to bring an artist to Harding. Light saidafter hearing requests for another country singer and researching potential guest artists, he decided on Maddie & Tae. "When we made an offer for them in the spring, they had been picked up by Universal [Music Group] not long before that and had written all of chis new stuff and had a new album coming out, so it was a great opportunity," Light said. "We want students to have first pick at the tickers, so we advertise on campus in chapel with slides and announcements. We advertise on Facebook, too, and on Insragram, we have contests for VIP ticket upgrades, soif you buy a ticket, you have a chance to get a meet and greet and get front row seats and get signed merchandise." 22 Light said he loved when he was able to see studentssharing the concert experience together. Whether they loved the performance or not, he said, they would remember the event. Juniors Valerie Laferney and Avery-Kiira Abney worked for the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and loved knowing rhe secrets behind the events, having the opportunity to help promote the event, and getting to help set up, attend and be a part of the experience. Laferney and Abney said this was their sixth or seventh time to help with a concert. "Whether or not you like country music, concert are always a fun time on campus" Laferney said. "Everyone is excitedto not have to travel to go to a concert to see someone perform, so walking out of your dorm and walking to the Benson or Admin to seeit is really cool." Abney agreed, saying that while country was not her first choice of music to listen to, she knew that concerts on campus were always a good time to bring students rogether. "If anything, this is just something different than who we normally bring in," Abney said. "Some people are super into [it] and buy, like, seven to 10 tickets and give them to friends and family to come and enjoy it. Ir's just so fun to see people so excited for what we have worked for, and being able to interact with lots of different people is what makes this job so fun, too." story by Anna Carr
23 I CAB EVENTS & CONCERTS
STUDENT LIFE I INTERNATIONAL I SOCIALCLUBS I ACADEMICS I PEOPLE I LEADERSHIP I ATHLETICS I ORGANIZATIONS CROWNING Senior Wanru Huang was named Homecoming queen during Harding's· 94th annual Homecoming football game. F or 94 years, the student body selected a Homecoming queen from multiple social clubs and organizations chat represented the diverse members of the student body, but there had not been an international student queened until fall 2018. When President Bruce McLartycrowned Huang, Ritchie stood nearby on the football field and saw Huang's grace and poise. She,along with Director of Multicultural Student Services Tiffany Byers, understood how much the title meant to Huang and other international students. On Oct. 20, 2018, for the first time in Harding's history, the studentt body selected an international student to serve in this capacity. During halftime of the 2018 Homecoming football game, senior accounting major Wanru Huang, also known as Cloris, was named Homecoming queen. "Cloris has huge aspirations and is so thankful for the welcoming she has had at Harding, and I think she 1s very representative of who we are "It makes those that are minorities here realize that there is a place for them," Byers said. "And there is a chance to have a very notable place here on campus. Cloris was very ecstatic when she won." Byers thought Huang embodied the university's values because of her desire to serve the university after being crowned the 2018 Homecoming queen. as a whole." Huang came to Harding from Shenyang, China, in fall 2015 with - Tiffany Byers little knowledge of what the university had to offer. "The only thing I knew is that it is a Christianuniversity," Huang said. "My parents thought a Christian school would be safer, ... and they had some really nice friends who are Christians, so that is why I came here." Huang joined women's social club Delea Nuduring her first semester at Harding to aid in her transition from Chinese culture to American culture. Senior biochemistry and molecular biology major and 2018 Homecoming Queen finalise Caroline Ritchie joined Delea Nuwith Huang and noticed her joyful and humble spirit. "I think she is one of the most warm-hearted people I have ever met," Ritchie said. "During the whole [Homecoming] process, she wanted to talk about me and make me feel important." President Bruce McLartycrowns senior WanruHuang, known to her friends as Cloris, as the 2018 Homecoming queen at First Security Stadium on Oct. 20, 2018. Huang was thefirst international student recognized with this honor. I photo by Sterling McMichael Huang celebrates with Assistant Professor ofBusiness Administration Ellis Sloan after receiving the title ofHomecoming queen at First Security Stadium on Oct. 20, 2018. Huang viewed Sloan as a life mentor after being in several ofhis classes. I photo by Sterling McMichael "She feels such a need to give back, and I think it's just so key to Harding's community of mission," Byers said. "Cloris has huge aspirations and is so thankful for the welcoming she has had at Harding, and I think she is very representative of who we are as a whole." Reflecting on the moment she heard her name called, Huang said she was shocked and could not believe the support and love shown to her by the student body. After receiving support from people throughout campus, Huang decided she wanted to actively seek ways to give to ochers. "I just feel like I've been given to by everyone else," Huang said. "Like all the people around me help me, and they've been kind to me. I think it's time for me to give it back.... I'm willing to do anything for Harding in any way I can help someone." story by Jacob McAlister 24
25 I HOMECOMING
STUDENT LIFE I INTERNATIONAL I SOCIAL LUBS I ACADEMIC I PEOPLE I LEADER HIP I ATHLETICS I ORGANIZATION DOUBLE DOUBLE LEADING COUPLE Sophomores Max Ross and Allie Scott landed lead roles in the Homecoming musicaJ two years in a row. The two lead roles in the 2018 Homecoming musical were played by sophomores Max Ross and Allie Scott, who also played the leading roles in the 2017 Homecoming musical, "AnnieGet Your Gun." The 2018 production was a Broadway show called "Big Fish," which highlighted an estranged father-son relationship as the father begins to die of cancer. Ross played the father, Edward Bloom, while Scott played his wife, Sandra Bloom. In addition to the 2017 Homecoming musical, "Annie Get Your Gun," Ross also performed as a Spring ing host in 2018 while Scottwas in the ensemble. Both Ross and Scottwere chosen as twoof of the four Spring Sing2019 hosts and hostesses. Cindee Stockstill,producer of theatre, said the producers did not seek out the same leads again for "Big Fish," bur Ross and Scott left them no choice. "Sometimes we feel guilty about it, using the same two [leads]," Stockstill said. "But the basketball team and football team, they use the same starting lineup [for] several years because those people are good. These people are really quite good, and they want to be professional actors, so we're helping them hone their skills and getting them ready for what they want to do in a career." Ross said Edward Bloom in "Big Fish" was one of his bucket list roles for a long time because it was one of his favorite shows. "It's really special to me because we lost my grandfather to cancer last year," Ross said. "The role is difficult, and it pushes me to no end, but I think that last year, once we lost my grandfather, and once we knew this was the show we were doing, I think it bumped it up to a whole 'nother level of need to play the role." When Ross saw the official casting list after callbacks, Scott was the first person he called. "She started screaming," Ross said. "I screamed a lot because I was so happy. It was really cool that me and Allie were going to be co-leads again because it was just so much fun last year." Scott said she was behind the Hammon Student Center when Ross called with the news and she began dancing and jumping up and down in the parking lot. "I just think it's so cool that Harding gives us these opportunities to do these things," Scottsaid. "They very much expectus to be good leaders if they're going to castus in a lead. You have to display character that is strong and that they want to work with. The fact that they're trusting us with these positions over and over again isjust very, very cool." Stockstill said that Ross and Scottwould not always be right for every role, but she thought that they were the strongest pair for this production. "The fact that they are true triple threats is a blessing to our department and to our campus and community as they perform," Stockstillsaid. "They are just exceptional young people who are very talented, and they both give glory to God, which is what we want." story by Maleah Brown SophomoresMax Ross andAllie Scott perform the song, "Daffodils, "during the Homecoming musical in the George S. Benson Auditorium on Oct. 17, 2018. "Big Fish" told the story ofEdward Bloom's life through a series offlashbacks. I photo by Sterling McMichael Scott and Ross dance among the ensemble playing a variety of circus performers during one ofthe dance numbers in "Big Fish" on Oct. 17, 2018, in the George S. Benson Auditorium. The ensemble featured many ofthe cast members from the 2017 Homecoming musical. I photo by Sterling McMichael In Harding's performance of "Big Fish," Edward Bloom, played by Ross, and Sandra Bloom, played by Scott, share stories with their daughter-in-Law Josephine, played by freshman Olivia Dunn, and their son Will, played by senior Daniel Norwood on Oct. 20, 2018, in the George S. Benson Auditorium. 1he musicalfocused on the Lives ofthese four characters as they reflected on the life ofEdward Bloom. I photo by Sterling McMichael 27 I HOMECOMING MUSICAL
Since 1924, students attended daily chapel services to worship, build camaraderie and celebrate Harding's identity as a faith-based institution; in 2018, chapel continued to bring the Harding community together. Dr. Andrew Baker, assistant professor ofBible and director ofthe Mitchell Center, interviews Wayne andAlice Anne Keller during a chapelpresentation in the George S. Benson Auditorium on Sept. 28, 2018. Chapel attendees saw Baker present lessons, make announcements and participate on stage more than any other professor during fall 2018. I photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery PROFESSOR MOST OFTEN ON STAGE IN FALL 2018: ANDREW BAKER "For me, chapel is a community opportunity at Harding that you can't re-create. You have to be present to really engage what is there and so my hope for chapel is that whatever is happening is something related to our community that provides an opportunity for engagement for those who would so choose to do so." - Andrew Ba 28
STUDENT LIFE I INTERNATIONAL I SOCIAL CLUBS I ACADEMICS I PEOPLE I LEADERSHIP I ATHLETICS I ORGANIZATIONS 1924-1925 HARDING CATALOG: 0 ne of the chief characteristics of the school's work is the daily chapel exercises. The devotional service talks are intended to prepare students for dealing sanely with the problems oflife, to develop proper ideals oftrue manhood and womanhood and to impart a desire for accomplishing greater things. Every student is expected to attend chapel. We believe that the conscientious student will derive more from the chapel talks that any other course of study. "I love chapel because it allows me to take time out of my busy schedule to just sit and worship God. It's time when I don't have to worry about anything else. I feel it's important because we all gather as like-minded people for one purpose." -Camille Overman freshman TIME SPENT IN CHAPEL IN FALL 2018: 0 13 HRS. 1 DAV 13 HRS. 15 MIN. 55 Devo MIN. TIME PRAYING 1 HR. 50 MIN. 91 NUMBER OF PRAYERS TIME BIBLE READING 30 MIN. TIME SINGING 10 HRS. 11 MIN. ANNOUNCEMENT LENGTH 4 HRS. 8 MIN. Projectionsfor the amount oftime spent in chapelfor the semester were based on statistics gathered by junior Hannah Wise, assistant organizations editorfor the Petit Jean yearbook, using the available chapel programs archived by HU16 on The Link from Aug. 2 0, 2 018, through Oct. 31, 2018. data and interviews by Hannah Wise 29 I CHAPEL
BOTHAM SHEM JEAN: life Botham Shem Jean, 2016 alumnus from Saint Lucia, was shot andkilled in his Dallas, Texas, on Sept.5, 2018. Many groups across campus were affected by the 26-year-old's death and celebrated his legacy of leadership. BLACK STUDENT ASSOCIATION The Black Student Association (BSA) asked the StudentAssociation · (SA) to join them in hosting a vigil for Botham Shem Jean on Sept. 10, 2018. After hearing about Jean's death, President of BSA junior Makayla Twigg decided to take action and plan a candlelight vigil. The weekly BSA meeting agenda was dropped to discuss Jean. "We spent the time talking about our frustrations and how we all felt about it," Twigg said. "We just had that time to let ourselvesfeel because I think we were trying not to be angry. Everyone was already looking at us like, 'So how you guys feel about it?' So wewere trying to hide it, and that was our time to let it out." Vice President of BSA sophomore Gabrielle Hood said the SA helped pread the word about the vigil through their influence on the tudenc body. "I was just really astonished at the turnout we got and how many people supported Botham." Hood said. "It was just nice to seethe whole Harding communityjust come together for him." The event was planned for the Harding community, but members of surrounding communities who were touched by Jean's passing traveled to Harding to participate in the vigil as well. At the conclusion of the event, students and community members chose to stay and continue the vigil, honoring Jean in song. Secretary of BSA sophomore Otis Idlebird led a prayer at the service. "I'mglad I could get involved and help [with] that," Idlebird said. "It brought everyone together. I think everyone could say everyone was closer in chis time of sorrow and mourning. Things like that just. .. gives me goosebumps." Twigg said the vigil was a time to worship, sing, pray and mourn. "He's still doing work even though he's not here," Twigg said. "He's still making such a difference in people's lives." story by Maleah Brown 30 ROCK HOUSE MINISTRIES & CHAPEL B otham Shem Jean often led singing in chapel and was an Original Rock House Ministry intern at College Church ofChrist during his time at Harding. Jean was described by many as soulful, positive and joyous. President Bruce Mclarty knew Jean well within Jean's first semester at school and saw that Jean had a gift to lead any type of song. McLartysaid he recognized deep feeling and emotion in the songs Jean led. "Though he was a very public figure, he was an unassuming person, which was a rare combination," McLarcy said. "Everyonecould feel comfortable in his presence, and that is a remarkable gift." Debbie Gentry, college and outreach coordinator for che Original Rock House Ministry, met Jean in fall 2011 when Jean began attending College Church of Christ. Gentry said she saw a gift within Jean and began involving him in Bible classes and student-led worship services. "Botham was heavily involved in Bisons for Christ," Gentry said. ''For four years, he took care of the assigning and input of projects and their leaders." Evan Graves, post-baccalaureate economics major, was Jean's friend and spent time with Jean at Wednesday night devotionals. "The thing about Botham is he had a lot of power in his voice," Graves said. "Singing was his calling." During Jean's memorial chapel on Sept. 11, 2018, McLarty recounted the story of when he asked Jean to lead the song "Master, the Tempest is Raging" during chapel in 2012. Jean did not know the song but called his grandmother in Saint Lucia to help him learn the tune and melody. The video ofJean leading the song was played during the memorial chapel and allowed all who were there to feel his presence and get a glimpse of who Jean was. "There will neverbe another Botham," Gentry said. "He loved deeply and everyone with a genuinekindness that is rare." story by Lexi Hoagland . .
SUB T-16 The unexpected passing of Botham ShemJean sentwaves of emotions across men's social club SubT-16 which Jean was a member of during his time at Harding. SeniorHunter Hoagland, member of SubT-16, knew this was a traumatic time for the whole Jean family and wanted to help in any way he could. A few hours after hearing the news of Jean's passing, he and the rest of the social club decided to organize an online fundraiser. All of the funds that were raised were given directly to the Jean family and were used for any expenses they had. "We raised our goal amount of $5,000within a couple of hours," Hoagland said. "People from all around the world donated, posting messages that they are praying for the family, and that they are sorry for the Harding community's loss." The fund raiser collected over $45,000for the Jean family. SubT-16 sponsor and Assistant Vice President of Advancement Steve Lake was close to Jean and said he was saddened by his passing. He knew the fundraiser would help the Jean family and was not surprised by the amount that was raised. "This story resonated with a lot of people outside the Harding family," Lake said."That's why people gave, because they felt for his family, and they felt they wantedto do something to make a difference." In fall 20 l 5, Jean served as vice president of the club and oversaw induction week activities. A portion of seniors that joined SubT-16 that year ran the Conquer the Gauntlet race in Little Rock Arkansas, on Sept.15, 2018. The group included senior Jase Thornton who said the race held special meaning because, after Jean's death, they chose to run in his honor. "Through struggle,he taught us to rely oneach other, and that was the only way we made it through the race," Thornton said. "Running for him was the least we could do after what he's done for us and for the world around him." story by Haley Hood Students gather on the steps in front ofthe George S. Benson Auditorium on Sept. 10, 2018, to mourn, pray and reflect on the life ofalumnus Botham ShemJean. The Black Student Association and the Student Association planned the candlelight vigil to bringgrieving students and community members together. I photo by Sterling McMichael Botham Shem Jean, 2016alumnus, volunteers with the Original Rock House, a ministry ofthe College Church ofChrist, on April 30, 2 014. Jeanspent many hours serving with this ministry and became known for his strong servant leadership. I photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery GOOD NEWS SINGERS After auditioning in spring2014, Botham ShemJean was chosen as a member of Good NewsSingers. The Good News Singerswere a 10-member a cappella singing group created with the purpose of bringing glory to God through musical arrangements, lyrics, harmonies and the message of Christ in song. "Botham was an energetic baritone who captivated audiences with his enthusiasm," Chuck Hicks, assistant professor of music and director of Belles & Beaux and GoodNews Singers, said. "He had the ability to be both humble and assertive simulcaneously." Harding's Good News Singersmade the trip to Dallas, Texas, for Jean's funeral to honor him and his family. Junior Justice Laws was a member of Good NewSingers in 2018 and sang at Jean's funeral alongside the nine other members. "Botham had such a big presence on campus" Laws said. "The way people spoke about him at his funeral was very much how I want people to speak at my funeral. The way he carried himself and the love he showedtoward everyone is something I want to emulate." Alumnus Tyler Samuelwas a member ofGood News Singer at the same time as Jean. "I was fortunate to have the opportunity to singwith Botham in the Good News Singers," Samuel said."He used his gift of singing to touch others, and I'mgraceful for the chance I had to get to know Botham. I was shocked when we learned that he had been taken away, but even in his abbreviated time on earth, he made an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed." Hicks reflected on his interactions with Jean and the impact he had. "Botham's love for God and conveying the messages of God in song will not soon be forgotten," Hicks said."His Christiancompassion was evident and will continue to be an example to the Good News Singers use our God-given talents to teach lead story by Jacob Broyles 31 I DAILY LIFE
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INTERNATIONAL Victoria Falls, the Parthenon, Big Ben, Easter Island, the Taj Mahal and the Duomo were significant landmarks representing six ofHarding's international programs based in Zambia, Greece, England, Latin America, Australasia and Italy. I illustration by Morgan May For many students, the choice to study abroad marked the beginning of a transformative experience that would forever change their stories. Students immersed themselves in different cultures across five continents to learn more about life, other people and themselves. This year, through six of Harding's seven study abroad programs, students expanded their cultural horizons and gained new perspectives that altered and shaped their narrative. Jacob McAlister international editor /
STUDENT LIFE I INTERNATIONAL I SOCIAL CLUBS I ACADEMICS I PEOPLE I LEADERSHIP I ATHLETICS I ORGANIZATIONS LEAVING ' Former Harding University in Latin America (HULA) director Tom Hook, pictured third from the right OIi the back row, led thestudents attending HULA spring 2018 on an excursion to the AtacamaDesert in Chile OIi May 7, 2018, where they were able to stargaze through powerful telescopes. Because of the lack of light pollution, the trip to the Atacama Desert,only a few miles from Bolivia was a tradition for HULA students before the program moved its base to Peru i11 spring 2019. I photo courtesyof Brianna Patterson 34
HULA directors Tom & Pam Hookserved their last semester as directors after 16 years and were replaced by missionaries Jeremy & Katie Daggett. W hen the Harding University in Latin America (HULA), program formed in 2002, Tom and Pam Hook decided to serve as directors. Spring 2018 was their last semester directing the HULA program, but the program was moved to Searcy. When he attended Harding, he returned to Italy through the Harding University in Florence (HUF) program. After graduating,he worked for Harding's international programs. left in the capable hands ofJeremy and Katie Daggett who took over as directors upon the Hooks' return to Searcy, Arkansas, in June 2018. Assistant Professor and Director of the Mitchell Center for Leadership and Ministry Dr. Andrew Baker taught a humanities course at HULA during spring 2018 in which he assigned the task of honoring the Hooks in their final few months as directors of HULA and residents of Chile. The class split into groups and created various gifts for the Hooks. One group made a photo album with pictures and quotes from past HULAstudents. Another group created a video after filming interviews and goodbyes from tour guides, friends and associates with whom the Hooks had formed relationships over the years. The Bakers and students pitched in some money and, with the help of the lnternational Programs office, were able topurchase a ticket for the Hooks' son, Kurt, to Av to Vina del Mar, Chile and surprise his parents during the end-of-semester festivities. "They just overwhelmed us with love," Pam Hook said. "It was such a surprise. I still cry." Jeremy and Katie Daggett took the postition of HULA directors as the Hooks stepped down. "Jeremy and Katie came down and spent about a week in Vina [del Mar' with us and went on our trip to Easter Island, so that gave them a chance to get to know some people at church and see kind of what we'redoing," Tom Hook said. "They're really well prepared for it; they'll make great replacements." The transition from the Hooks to the Daggettswas a natural once with Jeremy's international experience, Jeremy's family members were missionaries in Italy when he was growing up before they Katie Daggett had a different experience that brought her to mission work abroad: "Being a missionaryhad never really been on my radar growing up," Katie Daggett said."It wasn't until I went to Harding that I actuallymet real missionaries and then had the opportunity to travell, doing the [Harding University in Greece] program ... And then through Jeremy and his dream of wanting to be a missionary, as we started dating, then that became a joint dream." The Daggetts directed the Harding in Zambia (HIZ) program for one semester and taught as faculty at HUF for another semester. They served as missionaries for four yearsin Arequipa, Peru, before agreeing to serve as the newHULA directors. They worked with small house churches and partnered with nonprofits like the Christian Urban Development Association to help the community in Arequipa. Dean of International Programs JeffreyHopper said that the Daggetts emerged as a clear choice for the director positioi1. "They were the best qualified in just about every one of these categories: language skill, Harding mission, academic training, knowledge o( Harding's international programs, experience and a life consistant with Christian ideals," Hopper said. The HULA program split its time between Vina del Mar where the program was based in the past, and Arequipa where the Daggetts called home. "I think it'll be reallygood for students to learn what it's like to live in the city and what ir's like to fall in love with a city, to become a regular at a few places, to walk around a lot like you would if you lived in New York or somewhere in Europe." Jeremy Daggett said. .. "These are all things that are just part of our life now, and we're excited to share that." story by Maleah Brown 35 I HULA
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