246 Online at TheLink.Harding.edu Searcy, Ark., 72149 A HARDING UNIVERSITY STUDENT PUBLICATION THE 1925 2024 NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2A OPINIONS . . . . . . . . . . 3&4A SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1B COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . 2B FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . 3B LIFESTYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . 4B BISON YEAR IN REVIEW @HUStudentPubs Facebook: Harding University Student Publications Sept. 6, 2024 Vol. 100, No. 2 @HUStudentPubs Facebook: Harding University Student Publications Harding celebrates Founders Week Following the University’s Centennial festivities, which began September 2023, members of the Harding community gathered together in recent days to celebrate Founders Week. Also known as Harding’s 100th birthday, the celebration let participants reflect and connect with others. Whether it was opening the time capsule, or a 15-foot birthday cake on the front lawn, students, faculty and staff found ways to reach into the past. Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Heather Kemper said the week served as a time of observance and gratitude for the men and women who shaped Harding’s history. NIC FRARACCIO editor-in-chief Left: The Harding 100th birthday cake rests on the front lawn. The University celebrated its 100th birthday during Founders Day. Right: President Mike Williams and Executive Vice President Jean-Noel Thompson hold the 1979 time capsule at the Olen Hendrix building dig site. Harding buried the new time capsule Thursday, which will be opened in 2074. NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2A OPINIONS . . . . . . . . . . 3&4A SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1B COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . 2B FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . 3B LIFESTYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . 4B Graphic by BEN EVANS Photos by ABIGAIL CALLICOAT and Jeff Montgomery “It’s been a really special time for us to reflect on the people that founded Harding, and paved the way for us to be here today,” Kemper said. Student Government Association Vice President Reed Wilson said the observance lets students “illuminate”important memories and experiences. “I hope that this gives light to the fact that we should all be really thankful that we are here,” Wilson said. “In addition to making change for the better.” Events ranged from special guests, performances and Bison sports around campus to commemorate the centennial year. The University invited alumni and multigeneration students to speak in chapel. On Thursday morning, students also got to glimpse inside the time capsule buried in 1979 by Harding’s third president, Dr. Clifton L. Ganus. Kemper said the chapel programs are a significant part of the University-wide celebration. “I am hoping that this week’s chapel will highlight that you are an important part of Harding’s next 100 years,”Kemper said.“You are here at this very pivotal time.” Belles and Beaux, the Thundering Herd marching band and the Harding cheerleading squad performed at various locations throughout the week. Sophomore cheerleader Ella George said the “community is different than anything” she has ever seen. “It is very exciting being a part of something bigger than yourself,” George said. “This is what I love about cheering on the Bisons.” Harding hosted two soccer matches on the athletic fields Thursday afternoon against Union at the Stephens Soccer Complex. To close out the 100th birthday, the defending national champion Bisons football team opened the 2024 season against Southern Nazarene University at First Security Stadium. Following the victory, fans enjoyed a fireworks show to end the night. As Family Weekend and Homecoming approach on the calendar, Harding students are trying to seize the opportunity for fellowship and connection. Wilson said it is a great time to be involved with the community. “I would just say cherish every moment that you are here,”Wilson said. “Be thankful that you’re here and be excited.” Online at TheLink.Harding.edu Searcy, Ark., 72149 2024 Story, photo and graphic from The Bison Sept. 6, 2024; Vol. 100, No. 2. Organizations
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