56 Social Clubs First and Finest Women’s social club Jo Go Ju reflects on 100 years of tradition, growth and community. Founded in 1925, women’s social club Ju Go Ju was the oldest club in Harding’s history and also one of the largest on campus. The club’s name originated from a Japanese saying meaning “friends always friends.” Many events were held to celebrate the club’s 100-year anniversary, one of which was the Homecoming alumni breakfast. Ju Go Ju’s recruitment theme for the school year was “Ju Go Ju Through the Generations.” Senior Carlie Shelton, the club’s president in their centennial year, spoke about her opportunity to serve. “I feel honored because I look up to so many girls in the club, and the fact that they chose me to represent them humbles me and definitely makes me want to work hard,” Shelton said. “I think of the verse [that says] ‘iron sharpening iron’ just like friends sharpen each other. That’s definitely what I’ve seen in Ju Go Ju.” Following along with the theme of “Ju Go Ju Through the Generations,” several students looked to family members a part of the club in years past. Senior Karlie Hite shared her experience of growing up with her mom as an alumna and previous sponsor in addition to her sister who was also an alumna. “I grew up going to the cafeteria during Club Week and seeing all of the members in their little outfits and coming to get them to sign their books,” Hite said. Ju Go Ju alumna and sponsor Savannah Daigle reflected on the differences between the present-day aspects of the club and those when she pledged in 2013. She was thankful for the opportunity to create lasting bonds that followed her throughout her life. “As a sponsor, Ju Go Ju has blessed me again,” Daigle said. “I am blessed by the other sponsors, who are Godly wives and mothers. I am blessed by the relationships with the current members as well. It’s encouraging to stay connected to college life and see young women who want to draw closer to God and encourage other young women to be the best versions of themselves.” One thing that remained true from the start of Ju Go Ju was their motto that worked to connect members of past and present. Written by Addie Echols CUTIE PIES Posing in front of the JGJ letters, club officers hold club president senior Carlie Shelton in the air. The theme “Decades” was chosen for recruitment to celebrate a rich history of friendship and tradition for the women of the club. Photo Courtesy of Wesley Lamberson
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