Harding University 915 East Market Avenue Searcy, AR 72149 501-429-4000 www.harding.edu Enrollment: 4,621 Harding University Petit Jean Volume 97 INVITATION 2021
2 FOREWARD FOREWORD FOREWARD Close up! COVID-19 tests were administered on Harding’s campus beginning in fall 2020. Nurses and community members worked to provide a safe environment. | photo courtesy of Audrey Jackson
3 OPENING FOREWORD The year 2020 came as an invitation addressed to each of us. Another semester, a fresh year, an unspoiled decade. As a community, we tore at the envelope for a peek at our future, hopeful that it might hold something special. But if we had seen the world as it was going to be: separated, sick and scared, perhaps we would have rejected the invitation altogether. Spring 2020 turned to summer without warning. Classes went online, relationships were distanced and plans were canceled. It was unprecedented, and a fear of the unknown passed through each of us as COVID-19 spread across the globe. But we were not discouraged. We accepted the challenges, for we know that they are invitations to grow stronger. We endured the discomfort, for we recognize that it is an invitation to change for the better. We spread good news and smiled under masks, for we believe that hope is an invitation to victory. As students, our college experience begins with an inkling of who we’re going to be, but there is an element of surprise that follows and a series of invitations that we choose to accept. Classrooms and coursework invite us into an environment of learners. Churches and chapel invite us into a congregation of faith. Peers and professors invite us into a circle of conversation. Harding University invites us into a community of mission. We are living in a time of uncertainty. The world is not as it was, nor will it remain as it is forever. But we are here now. These challenges are our challenges, and these victories are our victories. We are the recipients of an invitation to make this time our own, and together we will step into the future, looking forward to a celebration. This is the invitation: it’s yours and it’s mine. We are all invited. Holly Tubbs Editor-in-Chief OPE ING
4 DEDICATION Kyle Huggins, Joanna Davis, Darcy Sanford and Jessica Davis walk and talk on the front lawn. Students wore masks between classes to promote health and safety amid COVID-19. | photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery DAILY LIFE
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6 OPENING TABLE OF CONTENTS
7 TABLE OF CONTENTS Student Life People Social Clubs Athletics International Leadership Academics Organizations 13 COVID-19 15 Juneteenth 23 Spring Sing 27 Homecoming Parade 111 Jackson Duncan 117 Toni Montez 135 Allie Booth 170 Chase Preston 57 Changes Due to COVID-19 59 Knights Country Album 61 PTP BLM 71 Club Photos 213 No Fall Ball 217 Baseball 225 Cheerleading 239 Men’s Basketball 39 HUG 41 HULA 43 Fall Changes 47 HIZ 189 McLarty 191 COVID-19 Task Force 199 Dorm Moms 209 Burks 92 Creating Space 95 New Leadership 97 Integrative Studies 101 Student Research 249 Botham Jean Memorial 255 Intramural Sports 257 McInteer Art Contest 274 Pivot 8 108 50 210 34 182 80 246
8 Folio Copy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began implementing public health screenings for coronavirus at U.S. airports, including San Francisco (SFO), New York City (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX). Wuhan Municipal Health Commission reported 27 cases of “viral pneumonia.” President Donald J. Trump impeached under inquiry of foreign interference in the 2020 presidential election. January 17, 2020 January 15, 2020 December 31, 2019 TIMELINE
9 Folio Copy Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, commented on the risk of coronavirus to Americans. “We don’t want the American public to be worried about this because their risk is low,” Fauci said. “On the other hand, we are taking this very seriously.” First coronavirus case confirmed in the U.S. In many ways, we get to choose how our time at Harding is shaped, and the 2020-21 school year was no exception. Although masks hid the comfort of a smile and six feet of distance kept us apart , students were resilient. Our lives were altered, and it was not always for the better, but the experience granted us the opportunity to grow as a community that invites everyone to be a part of the solution. Jaxon Nash Student Life Editor STUDENT LIFE January 21, 2020 January 240, 2020 2021 STUDENT LIFE
10 STUDENT LIFE A look at the new normal. . . Senior Macey Vaught takes notes behind a Plexiglass buffer. Students were seated six feet apart in classes to limit the spread of COVID-19. | photo by Jeff Montgomery STUDENT LIFE
11 NEW NORMAL NEW NORMAL
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13 COVID-19 A key practices sign bearing instructions for a healthy semester stands in the American Heritage Lobby. COVID-19 directives were posted around campus in fall 2020. | photo by Stanley Morales MASKS ON Students and staff follow COVID-19 guidelines. story by Kaitlyn Cooper The threat of COVID-19 reached the United States in February 2020. While the virus became more prevalent throughout the country, many were unaware of the effect it would have on Harding’s campus. The cancellation and subsequent return of International Programs and spring break mission trips were the first Harding events affected by the pandemic. Shortly after, as students and faculty enjoyed spring break 2020, University administration sent an email on March 19 announcing the immediate need to transition to online classes. The cancellation of on-ground education left many to deal with feelings of shock, uncertainty and disappointment. Sophomore Madison Stevens reflected on her reaction to the news. “The first initial reaction was ‘Yay, I don’t have to go back to school,’ but that definitely didn’t last long,” Stevens said. “In six hours I was like, ‘Oh no, that means I don’t get to come back and see my friends.’ There’s a lot of things I didn’t get to do, but I understand why, so I tried not to be too disappointed about it.” Exacerbating these feelings was the unpredictable nature of online classes. For many, online coursework was a difficult adjustment. Students and faculty modified their schedules, teaching and learning styles and modes of communication to create the ideal experience. Despite the unfavorable situation, Harding finished the spring 2020 semester. Instructor of education Allison Parker highlighted the benefit of such an experience. “In some ways, even though it took us away from each other, it unified us in purpose as far as trying to complete our mission for the semester, even without being together,” Parker said. Throughout summer 2020, University administration sent emails prefacing the regulations students and staff were required to uphold to ensure a safe fall 2020 semester on campus. These regulations included the requirement of social distancing and wearing of face masks, the cancellation of Fall Break, a switch from in-person to virtual chapel, frequent self-screening, changes to classroom layouts and remote studies after Thanksgiving break. These changes sparked anxiousness in some students, but most were prepared to adhere to such guidelines if it meant being together on campus. “This is one of those things where it’s a new experience for everybody, and so everyone is just doing the best that they can,” Stevens said. “It’s hard to find fault in that.” Once the fall 2020 semester began, it took time for students to fully adjust and accept the changes Harding enforced. Despite these changes, faculty and staff made efforts to maintain the essence of a community of mission. “We’ve had to utilize every opportunity to maintain relationships,” Assistant VP of Student Life and Dean of Students Zach Neal said. “We still interact with groups, but with the necessity to wear face coverings and distance, it’s made it to where we also need to maximize Zoom meetings, sending out cards, reaching out with text and emailing. If anything, it’s increased our emphasis on the many different ways we can stay connected.” Wear it proudly! Students wear masks while walking between classes. COVID-19 guidelines were enforced in fall 2020 to reduce the spread of the virus. | photo by Stanley Morales
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15 JUNETEENTH JUNETEENTH Students, faculty and community commemorate the abolition of slavery. In 1862, the Emancipation Proclamation declared that those forced into the bonds of enslavement would be set free as of Jan. 1 of the following year. The news slowly spread across the South ,and two years later, it reached the ears of slaves and slave owners in Galveston, Texas. The celebration known as Juneteenth, or ‘Freedom Day,’ carried the history of Black cultures that were passed down through each generation. On June 19, 2020, Harding University hosted a Juneteenth memorial on the Front Lawn. Many professors helped plan the event, but professor of Bible Jason Darden introduced the idea. Head women’s soccer coach Gregory Harris read the Emancipation Proclamation and said a prayer over the audience. He recalled the oppression that stretched through generations of Black men and women to today. “Today, we gather to remember our predecessors who suffered oppression under the painful, dehumanizing and evil system of a new world slave trade,” Harris said. “For centuries, men and women were abused, violated and murdered. They were beaten, but not broken. They were knocked down, but they continued to rise.” Darden originally pitched the Juneteenth memorial idea to Monte Cox, dean of the College of Bible and Ministry, to gather faculty members who wanted to participate in the event. Cox encouraged Darden to make the memorial a Harding event and invite everyone in the Searcy area to attend and learn about the holiday. Word spread throughout Searcy and over 100 people attended with lawn chairs and blankets to hear Darden speak. Darden shared his family’s close ties with the historical holiday. He said for as long as he could remember, his family gathered together in honor of the holiday to eat gumbo. His grandmother cooked as they listened to stories of deliverance and perseverance from his grandfather. “It was a celebration of how far we’ve come,” Darden said. “They were happy times for us. I think of family when I think of Juneteenth.” Darden’s great grandmother, great aunt and cousin were sold into slavery in 1836 from West Africa and brought to Galveston, Texas. Darden’s ancestors were sold as slaves and worked under a man named William J. Darden. After years of forced labor, Darden’s family heard of their sudden liberty but had nowhere to go. They traveled to California, where his family remained. After the event, many faculty and staff admitted to Darden that they did not know about Juneteenth before the University held the memorial. Tiffany Byers, director of Multicultural Student Services, spoke to that unawareness and shed some light on the history behind Juneteenth. She spoke of hope, tribulation and heartache. “Juneteenth is not about race; it is about liberty,” Byers said. Darden believed the Juneteenth memorial was a step in the right direction, but that Harding had further to go. He emphasized that the holiday was a memorial, not a celebration. Amid police brutality against Black communities, Darden felt that a memorial was more appropriate than a celebration. “Bringing awareness is extremely important to me. I believe ignorance produces fear and fear produces hate,” Darden said. “As long as I’m at Harding, I have an obligation to bring awareness to the plight of the African diaspora in America.” story by Katelyn Allen Be aware. Instructor of Bible and Ministry Jason Darden gives a speech at the Juneteenth ceremony on June 19, 2020. The speech was given to raise awareness to the oppression African Americans faced throughout history. | photo by Madison Meyer Assistant Dean of Students Marcus Thomas leads songs at the Juneteenth ceremony on the Front Lawn, June 19, 2020. Dean Thomas was well- known for his song-leading skills on campus and at West Pleasure Church of Christ. | photo by Madison Meyer Briana Cunningham addresses the crowd at the Juneteenth ceremony. Speakers urged listeners to be mindful of history. | photo by Madison Meyer
16 VIRTUAL GRADUATION DIPLOMAS AT A DISTANCE Social distancing regulations force spring 2020 graduation to go online. On Saturday, Aug. 15 at 11 a.m. CDT, Harding University spring and summer graduates gathered around television screens and computers to watch their 2020 graduation commencement. As COVID-19 forced the graduation ceremony online, Harding University took care to ensure the spring and summer graduates felt loved from a distance by being interactive through social media and highlighting the graduates. Additionally, the University posted many details of the virtual commencement ceremony, which encouraged the Harding community to support the graduates by watching the online event in August. “We wanted to do something very special for the graduating class of students because they were the first students to ever have a virtual graduation at Harding,” said Vice President for University Communications and Enrollment Jana Rucker. “We wanted to acknowledge that it was hard but also the appreciation with what they were able to do because they were also the first graduating class to have a virtual semester like that. We wanted to recognize their perseverance. We wanted to be intimate and intentional.” Over the summer, faculty and volunteers spent hours preparing graduation celebration packages in the McInteer Bible and World Missions Center building. Upon finishing these packages, Harding University mailed them to the 900 graduates in honor of their diligence towards finishing their degrees. “My favorite part was just how special they made it,” Kyle Raney, a spring 2020 graduate said. “Because they did go above and beyond, and they didn’t have to do as much as they did for us. We got a box in the mail that had a yearbook in it and graduation programs, some confetti and merchandise and a little alumni sticker and whatever else, so that was really sweet.” Along with care packages and mail delivered diplomas, Harding University engaged graduates through their social media accounts by encouraging the students to post with the caption #HUgrad20 and #BisonsTogether. This engagement helped students feel a sense of community despite being spread out across the world. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it,” said Dr. Marty Spears, Associate professor of mathematics and provost, about the virtual graduation ceremony. “So, we just tried things to make it meaningful because there’s nothing like being together.” story by Sophia Toth Alumna Kylie Jones poses for her graduation photo at Harding University on May 12, 2020. Jones was a member of women’s social club Delta Gamma Rho while attending Harding. | photo by Chantel Ceaser
17 STUDENT LIFE Alumna Briley Feringa smiles at her virtual graduation on May 12, 2020. Feringa was a catcher for the Lady Bison softball team. | photo courtesy of Briley Ferringa Walk across the living room! Alumnus Carson Gentry poses next to his graduation photo on May 12, 2020. Gentry was a member of the Harding Student Association while attending Harding. | photo courtesy of Carlee Gentry Alumna Abby Austin stands in her cap and gown with her parents on May 12, 2020. Austin was a member of women’s social club Delta Nu while attending Harding. | photo courtesy of Abby Austin
18 STUDENT LIFE Freshman Orientation looked different in fall 2020 for more than just returning students. Since March of 2020, Dean of the University College Kevin Kehl and Assistant Director of irst Year Experience Caitlin Denton had been a part of the task force to figure out how they were going to make Bison Bound and Stampede happen. “Our first thing we knew for sure, coming into the job, was that Bison Bound would look different,” junior Co-Director Everett Kirkman said. “It ended up being all online, so we prepared different videos and then filmed them all.” In the midst of planning with Bison Bound and Stampede Co-Director Ethan Brazell, Kirkman and the COVID-19 task force were unsure of what to plan for since circumstances were continually changing. “There were several challenges early on about feeling comfortable with making a final decision about what it was going to look like,” Kehl said. “The final version did not happen until the day of the printing of the schedule.” When Stampede began at the end of the summer and freshmen moved in, the co-directors were prepared to use their newly designed system in which all of the Energy Groups, which went on to become their Bible classes, were split into four color groups to ensure social distancing. “One of the evening activities, Disney Channel Games, involved the color groups competing with one another in shifts,” Denton said. “It was such a clever idea, considering that they were in color groups,” The second event, Lawnapalooza, was an outdoor event at Harding Park where students ate dinner and listened to live music performed by Harding cohorts. “It was very chill and just a really good and easy way to end the week,” Denton said. Through the stress of making new plans to ensure for protection against COVID-19, Kirkman and Brazell emphasized to the Energy Group Leaders and freshmen the importance of embracing the reality of the situation rather than talking about how hard and different it was. story by Selby Bailey Yates First Year Experience redesigns freshman orientation to comply with regulations. STAMPEDE I M P A C T makes an AMPEDE
19 STUDENT LIFE Eyes closed, mask on! Freshman McKenna Vaught participates in hypnotism on the George S. Benson Auditorium stage. Students were convinced that the Barney toy could talk. | photo by Madison Meyer Students participate in hypnosis in the George S. Benson Auditorium. The show was a freshman orientation tradition. | photo by Madison Meyer Students move in groups to Stampede activities. Bison Bound and Stampede activities were held in various places on campus in August 2020. | photo by Madison Meyer
20 STUDENT LIFE Turn up the volume! Seniors Alyson White, Julie Goddard and Hannah Shea White attended an online church service. Most churches held multiple livestream services. | photo by Chantel Ceaser
21 LOCAL CHURCHES WELCOME TO WORSHIP Local churches offer virtual and socially distanced services to encourage student attendance. Local churches had to account for over 4,000 students who came back for the fall 2020 semester. In an effort to engage students safely, churches got creative with their meetings. In addition to live streaming Sunday service, Downtown Church of Christ created a third service at 11:00 a.m. for university students and staff to attend in person. Senior Austin Varner said the seating was arranged to ensure social distancing, masks were required and they were monitored as they left to limit close contact. “I imagine limiting the exposure to the Downtown members who live and work in Searcy year-round benefits the larger Searcy community by limiting mutual contacts if there were to be a campus outbreak of the virus,” Varner said. Varner was thankful for an opportunity to worship in a public setting. “The first service for students on Sunday was the first time I had worshiped in real life since March, and I loved every moment of it,” Varner said. “It was really powerful to be back with so many believers in the same room, and it reminded me to take inventory of all the little things we would miss if they were suddenly gone.” Highway Church of Christ added a second service at 10:30 a.m. in a separate building. They requested that college students and their families attend the new service, while local members were asked to attend the 8 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. services. Senior Matt Hipshire said the congregation abided by Arkansas recommendations to wear masks and practice social distancing. “Highway is doing a great job of making us feel comfortable with our masks on while we worship,” Hipshire said. Fellowship Bible Church retained their three services and asked the congregation to register online before attending a service. They asked the congregation to wear masks, keep socially distant and stay home if sick or in contact with someone who was. Worship and College Pastor Abby Dingus said Fellowship continued Sanctuary, a student-led worship night, and started a new gathering for undergraduate and graduate students called Whole Life Equip on Sunday nights following the same guidelines. “We kept asking ourselves how we could best take care of one another and love our neighbors as ourselves,” Dingus said. “We know not everyone likes wearing masks, but we think it is one of the most loving things we can do during these COVID days.” story by Darcy Sanford The sign outside College Church of Christ reminds attendees to wear a m tried to follow COVID-19 guidelines. | photo by Chantel Ceaser
22 SPRING SING Harding moves 2020’s Spring Sing to 2021. In March 2020, campus was abuzz with excitement and anticipation for the Spring Sing show “Once Upon a Time.” When COVID-19 reached the U.S. and the world was put on hold, that excitement had to be delayed as well. A year later, students and faculty wanted to revive “Once Upon a Time,” while embracing the changes necessary to make it happen. From that, 2021’s “Twice Upon a Time” was born, and with it came a slew of new challenges and joys. From the perspective of the performances, one of the biggest changes was the incorporation of new performers into an existing show. Thanks to club week being pushed to spring semester, new pledge classes helped compensate for the loss of members due to graduation and scheduling conflicts. “With the new members, my show is roughly the same size as last year,” sophomore Jeana Wilsom said. “It’s the same length and we’re doing all of the same songs.” With show sizes remaining the same, every group had to follow COVID-19 guidelines to ensure safety in large group settings. “Doing rehearsals in a COVID world is, well, I wouldn’t say more stressful than normal, but it is tedious,” Omega Phi and Delta Gamma Rho spring sing director Valentino Warren II said. “Everyone is so used to connecting and getting close to each other,” Warren II said. “Trying to maintain social distance when everyone is so relationally close to each other is difficult, and that is the aspect that everybody looks forward to in Spring Sing.” To make sure social distancing was encouraged and enforced, every show assigned at least one member to be a COVID-19 officer, whose job was to keep the director and members safe. “Trying to maintain a good, steady pace while also making sure everyone is socially distanced and taking breaks is very hard as a choreographer, so the COVID officers are there to keep me on track,” Warren II said. “Usually we break every 15-20 minutes, and the COVID officer keeps up with that, as well as enforces social distancing.” While the rules may have affected the closeness that Spring Sing is known for, students were still glad to be involved. “They come in with a smile, they put in the work, and they’re having fun,” Warren II said. “Once you begin working together, the whole process is going to be so much more fun.” “I’m still having a great time, and I think other people are too,” Wilsom agreed. As club shows navigated a new process, the Spring Sing ensemble and the Harding Jazz Band adapted as well. “We try to do rehearsals in sections, rather than having all of the ensemble in one room all the time,” ensemble director and Spring Sing coordinator Dottie Frye said. “We’ve always rotated groups around, but we especially did this year to be safe.” Significant changes to the choreography were made to help with social distancing as well, and the audience capacity was extremely limited. “It’s nice to have a giant audience, but it’s obviously not safe right now,” senior ensemble member Nick Stevenson said. “I’m actually less nervous because there’s less people in the audience.” The Jazz Band, an ensemble that has been a part of the rich tradition of Spring Sing since its inception, was not physically present in “Twice Upon a Time.” “We’re not going to be playing in person; we’re doing the tracks and then recording them,” sophomore band member Braydon Letsinger said. “We’re playing songs that are associated with story and imagination, magic and mystery, to complement the theme of Twice Upon a Time.” Through all the changes, one thing remained the same, and that was the talent and hard work of everyone involved. “The talent that we have all came from God,” Frye said. “We didn’t do anything to deserve it, so it is our responsibility to use it the best we can to glorify Him, entertain others, and build each other up. So as for the rehearsal process, lets make it positive. Lets make it fun. Let’s grow, and then we have something to share with an audience.” story by Zach Bishop T W I C EUPON A S P R I N G S I N G
23 STUDENT LIFE Senior Marisa Pesina learns choreography for Spring Sing ensemble. Participants resumed practicing in January 2021. | photo by Chantel Ceaser Emily Whitehorn and Carley Keller bond during Spring Sing practice. Clear masks were worn to allow for singing exercises. | photo by Chantel Ceaser All together now! Women’s social club Pi Theta Phi and men’s social clubs Gamma Sigma Phi and Theta practice for 2021 Spring Sing in the George S. Benson Auditorium. Participants were required to follow COVID-19 guidelines. | photo courtesy of Connor Newsom
24 CAB EVENTS LUCK has NOTHING to do with it CAB gives students an opportunity to show off their trivia and bingo skills. In fall 2020, the Campus Activities Board (CAB) hosted a trivia tournament to encourage student involvement on campus. Over 100 people signed up to participate in the tournament, and there was a $500 cash prize for the winning team. Director of Campus Life Logan Light found the tournament was positively received upon its announcement. “I think the idea was received very well,” Light said. “We had a lot of people show interest and sign up their teams, so that was a good sign. Also, a prize of $500 doesn’t hurt.” Due to COVID-19 safety measures, large social gatherings were uncommon in fall 2020. As a result, the sight of over 100 sociallydistanced individuals in one place was unique and refreshing. “I was shocked when I walked into the College Church auditorium to see so many people,” junior Ethan Brazell said. “They were all following safety guidelines, but this was the largest gathering of students I had seen this semester. The prize money really got people talking about it on campus. Five hundred dollars was enough cash to get everyone really competitive, so the atmosphere was really great.” CAB previously held events on campus each semester, including concerts, movie nights and game nights. This tournament was inspired by a successful Harry Potter themed trivia night that CAB previously hosted. “It has been so fun to have this trivia tournament,” CAB Student Director Abby Stinnett said. “We’ve had a good turnout, and it’s fun to see how excited the teams get and be able to have an event that connects students with each other.” The trivia tournament provided students an opportunity to end the semester with a fun night around friends, and it was received with positive feedback. “The trivia rounds were much more challenging and exciting than I anticipated when I signed up,” senior Mike Zeringue said. “Trivia night was a great opportunity to get out of the house and enjoy time with our friends. I signed up for the event because my esteemed pal Alexander Keller and I were coming hot off of a win at the Slader’s Trivia Night, and we were feeling extra cocky.” Zeringue said the cocky attitude paid off as his team won the tournament and took home the grand prize. “While the competition was exciting, I never had any doubt that we were going to walk away with the grand prize,” Zeringue said. “I’m just glad my team was able to enjoy a couple of competitive nights thanks to CAB.” story by Ellie Shelton Jolene? Junior Kayla Cesone and senior Alyson White guesses Dolly Parton in CAB trivia. CAB planned activities under COVID-19 guidelines| photo by Chantel Ceaser
25 STUDENT LIFE CAB activities, including bingo and trivia, take place in the Hammon Student Center. COVID-19 precautions did not halt all forms of competition in fall 2020.| photo by Madison Meyer
26 STUDENT LIFE The homecoming parade returns amidst COVID-19 regulations. The office of alumni and parent relations made homecoming weekend virtual for the first time in history. A weekend traditionally filled with in-person reunions transitioned online in fall 2020. In-person events remained for students to attend safely, and were live-streamed for the Harding community. Heather Kemper, director of alumni and parent relations, knew Harding needed a uniting event in the time of uncertainty. While researching the class of 1970 in preparation for their 50th reunion party, the homecoming parade drew her attention. She decided 2020 was the perfect opportunity to resurrect this tradition, since other homecoming weekend activities were canceled. “Since we were not having the other on-campus activities, it was a good opportunity for us to give it a try,” Kemper said. Kemper was in charge of the parade alongside Shelbi Bridges, event and project director in the office of alumni and parent relations. “We were looking for something to bring students together and bring the Harding community together that would be safe, something that’s fun and people can get involved in and show their school spirit, but can also stand six feet apart while they do it,” Bridges said. Ju Go Ju float building director sophomore Gabi Gonzalez was excited to be involved in the float construction process. She said although traditions like tailgates were canceled, this experience provided opportunities to stay connected with friends safely. “I think this semester has been harder than ever to make friends or continue with existing friendships,” Gonzalez said. “I think this has been a good goal for a lot of clubs and organizations on campus to work towards together because it has kept us communicating with one another.” Kemper said that although uncertainties and restrictions resulting from COVID-19 made organizing activities on campus difficult in 2020, she hoped this experience gave students something to look forward to. “In a semester where there’s a lot of disappointments, hopefully this is something that brings joy and makes us reflect on the simple things, and that we can find excitement and creativity, and that helps us as a student body,” Kemper said. story by Ava Galyean FLOAT on HOME
27 HOMECOMING PARADE Wave to the queen! Senior Chantel Ceaser waves to the crowd as she passes in the parade. Ceaser was voted 2020 Homecoming Queen. | photo by Stanley Morales Sophomore Gillian Campos rides on her scooter in the parade. Students dressed up to show support for their organizations during the celebration. | photo by Stanley Morales Members of the Lady Bison softball team walk alongside their float. Many University sports teams built floats and participated in the parade. | photo by Stanley Morales Freshman JP Rutherford and sophomore Thibault Waeles pose for a photo as they pass by. Masks were worn during the celebration to comply with COVID-19 guidelines. | photo by Stanley Morales
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29 VIRTUAL CHAPEL Computer CAMARADERIE As students left for spring break 2020, neither students nor faculty could have predicted how the events of the summer would affect the following semester. One of Harding’s most beloved traditions, chapel, would soon be experienced through a screen rather than a physical communal experience among students and faculty. As students adjusted to the reality of the fall 2020 semester’s changes, they also had to shuffle through the mixed emotions of having a virtual chapel. Senior Tyler Roth was disappointed when chapel moved to a virtual format. However, Roth tried to maintain a positive outlook by using the extra time to focus on meaningful relationships. “It was always such a pleasure to gather with my closest friends each and every day to build community inside the Benson Auditorium,” Roth said. “Moving online feels like I’mmissing out on the full Harding experience, but on the flip side, moving chapel online has made my daily schedule much more flexible and allows me to dedicate more time in other areas such as building personal relationships with my professors, spending extra time with my teammates and maybe even fitting in an occasional nap.” Sophomore Kamie Provence also understood the need for a virtual chapel, although she wished circumstances were different. “Considering the circumstances, virtual chapel is not ideal because it loses the aspect of worshipping as a student body, but it still continues the tradition,” Provence said. “The new virtual chapel is a safe alternative with the circumstances we have encountered this semester and is very convenient for everyone to be in attendance.” In previous years, chapel was held for two different services, 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. For fall 2020 there were plans to combine the two services into one so the entire student body would have the chance to worship together. Junior Joey Lawhorn expressed his disappointment when he learned that returning to one assembly in the fall was no longer an option. “I was really looking forward to having one large chapel,” Lawhorn said. “Chapel is obviously one of Harding’s big features, and I wish we could do it all together, but having a virtual chapel is better than nothing.” story by Maryn McAfee The production of chapel is monitored behind the scenes in the HU16 office. Virtual chapel gave students live news experience. | photo by Stanley Morales Students and staff participate in the first semester of virtual chapel. Lights, camera, action! Sophomore Madison Meyer assists the production of chapel behind the scenes in the HU16 office as Dr. Jesse Robertson addresses viewers. Virtual chapel involved many students and faculty. | photo by Stanley Morales
30 STUDENT LIFE The Market stands open as the on-campus shop for students and staff. The store was previously called “The P.O.D.” | photo by Stanley Morales The Brackett Library now has the popular Midnight Oil Coffeehouse . Midnight Oil was founded in 1997 and remained popular among students . | photo by Stanley Morales Tu Taco replaces Taco Bell as the Mexican cuisine in the Student Ceneter. The vendor was chosen by popular vote of the students. | photo by Stanley Morales
31 CHARTWELLS CHARTing A NEW COURSE Chartwells replaces Aramark as campus food provider in fall 2020. In fall 2020, Harding’s campus was introduced to many changes, and food was no exception. After 30 years of service, Harding cut ties with Aramark food service to begin working with Chartwells to provide food on campus. Though some dining locations remained unchanged, others were redesigned, relocated or replaced altogether. Among the changes to the dining experience was the transformation of the Charles White Dining Hall into the Range Food Hall. Due to COVID-19, the cafeteria was altered to encourage social distancing. Further changes were made in the Hammon Student Center, where Taco Bell was replaced with Tu Taco, and The P.O.D. became The Market. “Harding expressed the need for innovative programming,” Director of Dining Derek Good said. “Now we have The Range Food Hall, we do concessions and we have all the retail areas.” In addition to the updated cafeteria and student center, Chartwells partnered with local businesses. Slader’s Alaskan Dumpling Company was allowed to park their food truck outside of the Ganus Activities Complex. Slader’s employee and Harding senior Brielle Hetherington reflected on the importance of bringing the Searcy community together with Harding students. “I think having a SADCo. food truck on Harding’s campus is just one of many small ways to unify the Harding community with the greater Searcy community,” Hetherington said. “Slader’s has been story by Mitch Friesenborg Hungry eyes! The Range Food Hall staff serves food in fall 2020. The company redesigned the dining hall during the summer 2020 to encourage social distancing. | photo by Stanley Morales such a staple for Harding students since its conception, so to have Chartwells recognize that is really cool.” Another local business established a presence on campus. Replacing Java City in the Brackett Library was Midnight Oil Coffeehouse. The move came after Midnight Oil’s management approached Chartwells for a business opportunity. “When Chartwells came in, we had done a lot of research and saw that it might be successful pairing,” manager of Midnight Oil’s brickand-mortar location Eric Mount said. “We had looked at adding a second location, and we thought this made a lot of sense to try it out on campus where there was familiarity with students.” Associate professor and librarian Lisa Fuller felt the same way. She believed Midnight Oil’s presence on campus would be positive for students. “We were really excited about it,” Fuller said. “Midnight Oil has a strong history with Harding students, and they support some of the mission programs that mean a lot to us, so we were thankful that we would have a way to facilitate that support.”
32 KENDALL DORM Women’s dorm Kendall Hall holds positive COVID-19 cases. In the summer of 2020, Harding designated women’s dorm Kendall Hall as a temporary residence for students who tested positive for COVID-19. “Kendall Hall is utilized for isolation, reserved for our students who have tested positive for COVID-19,” Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students Zach Neal said. “Students who are pending testing results or have been listed as a recent ‘close contact’ of an individual testing positive for COVID-19 are to quarantine in the Heritage Inn or in a residence hall room that allows for them to live privately. A temporary residence life coordinator was hired to live in Kendall and give support to the students there.” Kendall Hall provided a unique experience for those who had to isolate. “I think using Kendall as an isolation dorm was a really smart move,” sophomore Watkins Kelly said. “While some students went home, many of us couldn’t because it would risk exposure to our family, or some stayed just for the feeling of still, sort of, being on campus with everyone.” Even though residing in Kendall provided some benefits, isolation was not always easy for the students. “It was kind of fun at first, being able to have down time in Kendall Hall, but it got lonely fast,” junior Konrad Heyen said. “What got me through it was the support and encouragement from my friends. They would come see me outside the window, and we were able to socialize every day, so that was a blessing.” It was definitely an adjustment getting used to Kendall and living in quarantine, but the transition was smooth, and the administration was very helpful along the way, Kelly said. story by Maren Bonham Look at the window! Emily Stinnett counts down the days in isolation before returning to normal life with her peers. Many students reached out and interacted with their friends while confined in women’s dorm Kendall Hall. | photo courtesy Holden Montgomery QUARANTINED DORM Abby Foust sits at her window in Kendall dorm while quarantined Oct. 1, 2020. Students in isolation found creative ways to connect with the outside world. | photo courtesy of Holden Montgomery Quarantined students lean from their windows in Kendall dorm. Window conversations became commonplace in fall 2020 | photo courtest of Emma Bartch
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World Health Organization (WHO) announced the formal name for coronavirus as COVID-19. Trump administration declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency in the U.S. , quarantining Americans who had recently travelled to China. CDC officials reported that it was the first quarantine issued by the federal government in over 50 years. First death due to coronavirus reported in the U.S. February 11, 2020 February 6, 2020 January 31, 2020 34 TIMELINE
Harding University in Florence (HUF) announced the program’s early return home due to Italy’s lockdown. Italy locked down due to the spread of COVID-19. Since 1980, Harding students have traveled the world through various study abroad programs. These trips invited students to participate in foreign cultures and broaden their perspectives personally, socially and spiritually. Although fall 2020 saw the cancellation of international travel, students reflected on their expereinces abroad, and brought a positive perspective to the Searcy community. Jaxon Nash International Editor INTERNATIONAL February 23, 2020 February 26, 2020 2021 35 INTERNATIONAL
36 HUF HUF International Program cut short in spring 2020. Harding University’s Spring 2020 International Programs were deeply affected by COVID-19. All of the programs were brought home after the virus’ outbreak. The first of the international programs to be sent home was the Harding University in Florence program (HUF). Students in the HUF program had only been in Italy for three weeks when they got the news on Feb. 26 that they would be going back to the U.S. due to the danger of COVID-19. Executive Director of International Programs Audra Pleasant shared the amount of research she did monitoring COVID-19 in Italy and all the abroad programs. “I was constantly tracking the number of cases in Florence and the other locations we had students to see what the best decision would be,” Pleasant said. “We had to worry about not only students’ safety, but also the ability to travel because we didn’t want them to get stuck in the country.” Pleasant was sympathetic with the students and their experiences, and was hopeful about the future of Harding’s International Programs. “We were the first group to have to leave, and at the time, there were still so many unknowns about the virus, so it kind of felt unfair, in a way, that we had to be the ones to leave first,” junior Jewel Gilbert said. “I would have rather stayed in quarantine with my friends than go back and quarantine alone.” Gilbert shared her emotions toward the process, how fast it all happened and how they were mandated by the state to quarantine for 14 days once they got back to the United States. Gilbert also shared her experience seeing the changes she saw in Italy due to COVID-19. “When I left, my mom gave me masks and said ‘Here, you will need these,’ and I laughed and thought, ‘There’s no way I’ll need a mask.’ After we got there, I noticed more and more people wearing masks, and then toward the end, things started to shut down and schools weren’t allowing travel. That’s when I knew we would probably be going home.” Despite the students’ study abroad experience lasting only three weeks, they were still able to make memories with friends and faculty on the trip. “My favorite part of the trip was getting to climb the Duomo,” junior Jackson Newsom said. “It was such a cool experience and so breathtaking. We also got to climb it together, so it was a fun memory to do it as a group and take pictures and see how breathtaking it was.” Gilbert and Newsom both shared that some of their favorite memories were getting to be with all the people on their trip, which made it even harder to leave. However, they said they were thankful for the time they spent in Italy. story by Kally Byrd FAREWELL, FLORENCE
37 INTERNATIONAL When in Florence... Juniors Anna Grace Glenn, Ellie Shelton and Hannah Hood pose for a picture overlooking the city of Florence. Students were sent home early due to COVID-19. | photo courtesy of Ellie Shelton Tourists swim in glass pyramid while students roam. HUF students explored Florence and interacted with the community. | photo courtesy of Ellie Shelton The Ponte Alla Carraia is a popular bridge that sits on the River Arno in the city of Renaissance. The bridge was built in 1218 by an Italian architect named Ettore Fagiuoli. | photo courtesy of Anna Grace Glenn
38 INTERNATIONAL Pyramid in front of the pyramids! Students stack in front of the pyramids in Egypt. Harding students visited Egypt during their travels with the HUG program during the spring 2020 semester. | photo courtesy of Haylie Douglas HUG students Haylie Douglas, Ethan Ward, Lily Witt, Elizabeth Rush and Elise Harrison visit the Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona. Opportunities to travel to different countries made the shortened spring program enjoyable. | photo courtesy of Haylie Douglas
39 HUG TRIP 2020 CUT SHORT GOODBYE HUGS Harding University in Greece return home early in spring 2020. Harding University International Programs allowed students to travel the world during a semester of their choice. However, Harding University in Greece (HUG) was among the many trips cut short in spring 2020. The majority of time at HUG was spent in Porto Rafti, Greece, just outside of Athens. HUG students learned about Greek and biblical history, bringing the stories to life. Junior Jacqueline Whitaker said she chose to attend HUG because of her desire to visit the places in scripture. “I just didn’t really think about them being real,” Whitaker said. “It was really good for me to go there to see them, and know they’re real and get to bring that insight and depth into reading scripture and my faith.” HUG directors Megan and Daniel Adams explained that although the trip was cut short, they were blessed to experience most of what they planned. “We felt very fortunate that we got the trips that people really wanted to do,” Megan Adams said. “Although it was hard, they realize how lucky they were to have gotten as much of the semester in as they did.” Junior Eden Henderson said she learned valuable wisdom through the experience of leaving Greece and staying home for the remainder of her summer. “I learned a lot this summer about loving other people and what that looks like,” Henderson said. “Not just in my own little bubble, loving others when it’s uncomfortable, or when it’s different from what I’m used to. In that uncomfort, that’s where I grow.” Since May 2019, the Adamses served as the directors of HUG. They said the opportunity to live in Greece was appealing; however, their intentions for the international HUG trip were for the advancement of students’ minds and hearts to the world. “Students that do go overseas, they do begin to see and know these people, realizing they’re not that much different,” Daniel Adams said. “That is a common thread that God has put all through the world, and when we begin to see that, when we come back, it changes who we are here.” The Adamses hoped to return to Greece toward the end of 2020 in order to prepare for future students. “We are hopeful and optimistic that in January we will have students,” Daniel Adams said. “We will find out in the middle of October if hope is well-founded. I think at the very latest, next summer we should be good.” story by Sadie Thornton HUG
40 HULA GLUED HULA students quarantine together in Peru in spring 2020. On March 12, 2020, the group of students at Harding University in Latin America (HULA) were told that their trip would be cut short due to the looming COVID-19 pandemic. Instructor and Director of HULA Jeremy Daggett scheduled one last trip before the students would be sent home. “We spent a whirlwind weekend traveling to remote parts of southern Peru, an island community in the middle of Lake Titicaca at 13,000 feet above sea level, and even went through a pass at 16,000 feet, then to descend into the Colca Valley at 11,000 feet,” Daggett said. They arrived back in Arequipa five days later to a statewide order requiring all foreign travelers to leave within 24 hours or they would be quarantined for two weeks. As they boarded their plane to Lima on their trip back to the U.S., a fog descended around the plane. Junior Layne Pace said Arequipa was a desert climate, so the fact that there was fog at all was an unusual weather phenomenon. “We sat there for around four hours, and we began to doubt that we would make it out of Peru,” junior Peri Reagan said. “At that point, we were upset about the circumstances of having to leave; we didn’t realize the distress the rest of the world was in.” The state order kept the students in Peru over two weeks longer than they thought they would be after assuming they would be going home on March 16. “We never knew it would be for two weeks, though,” Reagan said. “The whole time we had our bags packed ready to leave again.” The group spent two weeks quarantined in Arequipa experiencing in-person classes while the main campus switched to online learning. “Through quarantine we played lots of games, baked plenty of desserts, ate some really good Peruvian food, studied, went to class and exercised.” “It was simple and very special,” Pace said. They were allowed back into the U.S. just over two weeks later while Peru remained under quarantine. “Here I’d like to tip my hat to Audra Pleasant and the team,” Daggett said. “They were phenomenal. Every step of the way they were considering all sorts of logistical possibilities, alternate planes, interfacing with the U.S. State Department and families of the students.” story by Kassidy Barden Pile on the dunes! HULA students gather on an ATV in Huacachina Village in Paracas, Peru. The natural oasis was formed by air and sand. | photo courtesy of Layne Pace to PERU
41 INTERNATIONAL Juniors Elaine Helpenstill, Grace Long and Layne Pace smile on Colca Canyon in Peru. The canyon stood 43.5 miles high and was formed by eroded volcanic rock . | photo courtesy of Layne Pace Students pause for a photo at the Santa Catalina Monastery in Arequipa, Peru. The monastery was used as a cathedral for Dominican nuns in 1579. | photo courtesy of Layne Pace Students pose with sand boards in the village of Huacachina in Paracas, Peru. They visited one of the few sandy oases in South America. | photo courtesy of Layne Pace
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43 PROGRAM CANCELLATIONS HARDING UNIVERSITY IN SEARCY nternational Programs face cancellations in fall 2020. For students planning to participate in fall 2020 International Programs, the semester was altered even more drastically than anticipated. “We did our best to defer programs as much as we could rather than just cancel them,” Executive Director of International Programs Audra Pleasant said. Plesant said the International Programs team was committed to make a decision for the spring 2021 programs on Oct. 21, and were hopeful that programs would be back up and running by fall 2021. Director of Harding University in Greece (HUG) Daniel Adams spent the fall 2020 semester on Harding’s main campus teaching art classes and getting to know more of his HUG students. “We’ve spent quite a bit of time on social media with all of our past groups from this past year,” Adams said. “Having been here in the States, we’ve been able to meet with past groups and future groups and visit with them face to face rather than just waiting for them to show up.” To keep busy through the fall semester, the HUG staff met and created projects to keep the housing at HUG, the Artemis, spotless for the next round of students, Adams said. Adams and his wife traveled back to Greece in November 2020 to help their staff prepare for the next round of students and receive their permanent resident ID cards. Sophomore Kayla Cesone, a nursing student passionate about healthcare missions, planned to attend Harding University in Zambia (HIZ). “HIZ getting canceled pushed me to actively look for opportunities to do [healthcare missions] here,” Cesone said. Having planned to go since her junior year of high school, Cesone said the change of plans warped the idea of her Harding experience, but she realized God was working for the better. “He was definitely working on me and let go of my plans and what I thought my life was going to look like,” Cesone said. “He definitely brought a lot of goodness in just being here in Searcy.” story by Selby Bailey Yates The International Programs office stands attached to the Honor’s House. Plans were made to send students abroad in future semesters. | photo by Madison Meyer
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