178SPRING STUDENT LIFE Warm Welcome Construction of a new Welcome Center takes place in the David B. Burks American Heritage Building. BEFORE THE START OF THE FALL 2021 SEMESTER, the David B. Burks American Heritage Auditorium closed to undergo major renovations. The remodeling of the auditorium and surrounding area moved the public safety, admissions and financial aid offices into temporary spaces in Kendall Hall until construction concluded. One aspect of the renovation was the inclusion of a new auditorium that could hold 75 people. Admissions counselors used this room when youth groups visited campus or to host larger information meetings like financial aid or housing. However, the focal point of this project was the creation of a new University Welcome Center. The offices of admissions, financial aid and alumni relations would be housed here to serve as a “landing spot” for campus visitors. David Hall, assistant vice president of enrollment services, spoke positively of this addition to campus. “[Harding has] never had a designated area for visitors to be welcomed, receive information or be connected with campus tours or appointments,” Hall said. The need for Harding’s own center became apparent for the success of future students and their visiting experience on campus. Scott Hannigan, senior director of admissions, shared that the Welcome Center was more relationship-oriented and served as a space for admissions counselors to sit one-on-one with their guest rather than an information space alone. “We firmly believe Harding is all about relationships, and that starts with admissions,” Hannigan said. Sophomore Jayda Lynn, a student worker in the office of admissions who helped with prospective students, thought the new Welcome Center was not only useful, but an indication of Harding’s hospitality as well. “A designated space solely devoted to welcoming [guests] will further display Harding’s hospitality and heart of community,” Lynn said. This display of Harding’s character played an important role in welcoming campus guests and continued to grow as it gained foot traffic. WRITTEN BY HANNAH HACKWORTH PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER The construction work begins on the new Welcome Center in the David B. Burks Heritage lobby. The new area will be for Harding guests to be welcomed onto campus. Photo by: Kaitlyn Cutshall
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