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Spring SiNG 2014
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Student life
After a 14-year hiatus, Knights competes in Spring Sing 2014 as
American soldiers in the Revolutionary War. “Winning was cool,
but it wasn’t the best part,” sophomore Nathan Dickerson said.
“Winning isn’t what I’ll remember; I’ll remember my friends and
how we made something special and unique together.”
Photo by Jeff Montgomery
The Show Heard ‘Round the world
For the first time since the inaugural Spring Sing performance overall winners.
in 1974, the men’s social club Knights swept all four categories “We don’t know until just before we walk out and announce
in 2014. Following an underwhelming performance in 2000,
Knights made a pact never to participate again, but after a it who’s won,” Stockstill said.
14-year hiatus, they summoned up the courage to take the On April 19, following a standing ovation from the audience,
stage with their American Revolution-themed “Show Heard
‘Round the World.” Knights not only placed first in all four categories but won the
spirit award as well. These combined victories earned the club
“We took a vote in the fall, and I was really scared that all my the coveted John H. Ryan Sweepstakes award.
hopes and dreams were about to be dashed,” senior Harrison
Waldron, the show’s director, said. “It was a unanimous vote, “It has happened before, but not very often,” Stockstill said.
and everyone was all for it.” “It’s usually because they deserve it. They really understood
what it took to put together a complete show, and they got
Determined to redeem the club, Waldron worked on the everything right. I’m real proud of them.”
theme, music and lyrics long before many other clubs, and
with help from his club members, he turned in the show’s vocal Frye, a professor of theatre, admired Knights not only for
track before Thanksgiving break 2013. By spring break, Knights their stellar performance but also for their strong work ethic.
had choreographed approximately 95 percent of their routine.
“In any activity, whether it’s the arts or whether it’s sports
According to Spring Sing producer Cindee Stockstill, she or whether it’s academics, it’s really the process that’s more
and Spring Sing director Dr. Steven Frye met weekly with club important than the product,” Frye said. “If you get the process
directors to help them craft their shows. Nine judges attended right, the product takes care of itself, and in this one they had
all three Spring Sing performances, critiquing them based the process right.”
on four areas: music, staging, visuals, and entertainment.
On Saturday night, they tallied the points to determine the Knights decided not to participate in future Spring Sing
shows, content with the knowledge that they had secured
their redemption.
By Nakisha Milton
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Student life
6 8 9 1. Members of Knights, the John H. Ryan
Sweepstakes winners, strike a final pose
during the Saturday night performance of their
“Show Heard ‘Round the World.” Knights also
performed their show the following Monday
in both chapels.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery
2. Junior Bren Grymes launches into the air
in a cheerleading stunt during the Ju Go Ju,
Ko Jo Kai, Sigma Nu Epsilon and friends show
on April 19. “It’s All Greek to Me” included
over 120 participants from five different clubs.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery
3. Delta Gamma Rho, Chi Omega Pi, Zeta Pi
Zeta, Omega Phi and friends explore the town
of New Orleans as tourists. They performed
their show, “Let the Good Times Roll,” in
support of the Sunshine School.
Photo by Henry Gonzalez
4. Sophomore Emma Reese, dressed as a
monster, awakens to scare the younger children
on the other side of the closet door. In the
end, monsters and children became friends
in Pi Theta Phi, Delta Nu, Gamma Sigma Phi
and friends’ “Freckles and Fur.”
Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery
5. Graduate student Adam Bellcock attempts
to break out of jail in Regina, Chi Sigma Alpha,
OEGE and Sigma Phi Mu’s “Just a Bunch of
Cell-Outs.” The show performed in support
of the Searcy Children’s Home.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery
6. Sophomore Alyssa Abraham prepares
to take on the dinosaurs of the prehistoric
era. Led by seven directors from Alpha Tau
Epsilon, Chi Kappa Rho, Delta Chi Delta,
GATA, Omega Lambda Chi and friends, 50
cavemen and cavewomen worked to survive
the “Prehistoric Peril.”
Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery
7. Junior Meredith Sanders sings about
the daily routine of beauty school, hoping to
become a hair stylist one day. It was the first
year for Iota Chi, Phi Kappa Delta, Shantih
and friends to perform together in “A Whole
New Do.”
Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery
8. The lawn gnomes of suburbia welcome
the joys of spring in “There’s Gnome Place
7 Like Home.” The gnomes of Zeta Rho, TNT
and friends fought off bunnies, birds and bees
from their precious garden throughout their
seven-minute show.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery
9. Junior Jonathan Andrew, a Spring Sing
host, belts out the final notes of his feature,
“Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat!” Joined
by his four fellow hosts and hostesses, Andrew
performed in six numbers throughout the show.
Photo by Matt Dobson
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Spring SiNG 2014
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Spring sing
Spring Break Campaigns
Traveling the World to Serve
For many college students, spring break someone may have will be used,” Norwood as a place where I would like to go do some
consisted of trips to the beach, visits with said. “There is construction work that can be type of mission work,” Acuff said. “They were
family and a respite from schoolwork. For done or just spending time with the kids. All looking for a leader to lead this last trip, and
some, however, spring break meant having spiritual gifts will be put into use.” so I got the chance to lead the group.”
a free week to travel around the world in
service to others. Seniors Jacob Norwood, Slatton attended a trip to Ensenada, Mexico, According to Acuff, the group focused on
Rachel Slatton and Sam Acuff each went where the students worked with The City of finding opportunities for service and trying
on separate campaign trips during spring Children, a refuge where troubled youths to understand God better. They built three
break 2014. Norwood joined a campaign to of Mexico found a safe, nurturing, Christian houses, worked in the city dump, helped build
Jinotega, Nicaragua. environment. Slatton chose this specific trip the local community center and provided food
because she had gone five times already and for the community. Acuff explained that this
“Originally I was asked by a friend who formed great relationships with the children trip owed its success to the effectiveness of
had gone before and really enjoyed it but at the orphanage. their service and ministry.
ended up not being able to go on the trip,”
Norwood said. “I have been to Spanish- “I think this is one of the more popular trips “The major impact we leave them with is
speaking countries before, so it seemed like to go on because it is just easier to connect that they know we are Christians, and they
a good fit.” with children,” Slatton said. “Even if you are also know we are trying to work with them
not a kid person, these children are just so to help,” Acuff said. “That is a big impact to
On this campaign, students worked on loving that once you experience that, it is have when you are trying to reach someone
houses and gave the community filters for hard to not keep going back.” who is not a Christian.”
clean drinking water. According to Norwood,
Nicaragua proved to be a great service location Acuff led a group to Santa Ana, Honduras. By providing for their needs, these spring
by accommodating the diverse talents of This was his third time going on the spring break missions participants pointed people
their mission team. break mission trip but his first time holding on foreign soil toward the ultimate provider:
a position of leadership. Jesus Christ.
“There is a lot to do, so that any gift that
“Honduras has already been on my radar By Megan Smith
Did youknow? 1. Senior Leah Baker colors pictures with children
at the Freeport Church of Christ. Baker and her group
276 students participated in spring break mission trips, traveling served the congregation in Freeport, Bahamas, during
to nine different states and nine countries around the world. spring break. Photo courtesy of Alexander Jamerison
United States: 89 2. Students pose after “Spring Fling” activities in St.
Punta Gorda, Belize: 12 Louis, Missouri. The group hosted the event at North City
Ensenada, Mexico: 47 Church of Christ for children in the community and played
Tabacundo, Ecuador: 12 games with the kids. Photo courtesy of Dane Roper
Freeport, Bahamas: 10
Santa Ana, Honduras: 28 3. Sophomore Aundrey Flewellen hoists a little girl
Panama City, Panama: 13 onto his shoulders after church service at the Freeport
Clarendon, Jamaica: 20 Church of Christ. “Though we did not have long to work,
Jinotega, Nicaragua: 25 we certainly planted seeds that are still blossoming for
his kingdom today,” Flewellen said.
14
Photo courtesy of Alexander Jamerison
Student life 4. Alumna Diana Kirby visits with a group of young
girls on her trip to Nicaragua. Kirby and her group worked
through the Misión Para Cristo in La Cal.
Photo courtesy of Jacob Hardin
5. Junior Christi Jenzyck tutors a boy on her spring
break mission trip to St. Louis, Missouri. Her group helped
with the West Central Church of Christ’s weekly tutoring
sessions. Photo courtesy of Dane Roper
6. Junior Rachel Miller spends time with young
children in La Cal, Nicaragua, on her spring break mission
trip. “All we did was love God and love people,” Miller
said. “It’s just amazing how much joy interacting in that
mindset can bring to us and to the Nicaraguans.”
Photo courtesy of Jacob Hardin
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Student life
Summer Campaigns
Gaining Insight into other cultures
In the summer, 48 students embarked on traveling internships According to Garvine, Turkey presented a particular challenge
that lasted from six to 11 weeks and were scattered abroad in for missions because its Muslim culture was closed off from
18 different locations. Many students also set out on short-term Jesus. Nevertheless, students were eager to embrace such a
mission trips ranging from one to two weeks. While in these challenge. The interns shared testimonies and worked closely
different locations, students gained insight by being immersed with the youth group, coming into direct contact with a foreign
in the culture and language. The students actively involved spiritual culture.
themselves in their education by performing mission work in
foreign lands and partnering with each other to further God’s “I shared pieces of myself, and they shared pieces with me,”
kingdom. Garvine said. “I went as a learner to learn from the missionary.”
Gary Jackson, director of summer mission internships, Senior Meghan Ramsey, a communication sciences and disorders
encouraged students to pray for an opportunity from God in major, went on a two-week mission trip to Jinotega, Nicaragua,
the process of choosing a service location. Students began the with 11 Harding students and Andrew Baker, the director of the
application and decision-making process as early as the first Mitchell Center for Leadership and Ministry. Ramsey said the
few weeks of the fall semester. With a map on his wall, Jackson mission team connected to children in the area by facilitating
pointed to all of the different locations students had previously various sports camps and activities.
interned. According to Jackson, no particular trip was most
popular since the number of students going on each trip varied “It was really awesome to get to watch athletes from Harding
every summer. run basketball and baseball camps during the day,” Ramsey
said. “Seeing the joy on kids’ faces when they were affirmed
“The bigger mission statement is that I really believe that God and encouraged by the guys that led the camps was such a
has us here … to partner with Him and to raise up and fulfill the cool experience.”
prayer that Jesus said we should be having: that God would
raise up workers for the kingdom,” Jackson said. Besides running these camps, the students visited homes
and the prison in Jinotega, and they built water filters for areas
Senior Brittany Garvine, a social work and leadership and without clean water.
ministry double major, interned along with two other students
in Antalya, Turkey, for eight weeks. “I would encourage students to go on mission trips during
the summer,” Ramsey said. “Not only did I get the opportunity
“I’ve always been interested in missions, but I’ve let my fears to learn about serving others and build relationships with people
cripple me,” Garvine said. “I didn’t want to do that anymore, so in Nicaragua, but I also got to build relationships with other
I decided to go, and I wanted to try a harder culture.” Harding students.”
By Taylor Gleaves
1. Juniors Austin Yates, Zach Abney, Jace Davis 4. Senior Carly Trulock visits with members of the
and Casey Weeks spend some of their free time church in Suva, Fiji. “It was really awesome to see our
exploring Jinja, Uganda, where they worked with new friends open up to us, one on one, and share their
Kibo Group International. “We learned about healthy, story as we developed eternal freindships,” Trulock
sustainable solutions to the problems plaguing East said. Photo courtesy of Carly Trulock
Africa,” Yates said. “Most of all, we learned how to
love others and be loved.” 5. Senior Aubrey Hitt laughs with a child that she
helped care for at the Namwianga Mission in Zambia.
Photo courtesy of Austin Yates Hitt returned to the Havens, a safe place for newborns
2. In Suva, Fiji, senior Molly Stapleton works to 5-year-olds, for the first time since spending the fall
of 2012 at Harding University in Zambia.
alongside members of the church where she worked
on roof repair. Stapleton and the rest of her group Photo courtesy of Holly Sullivan
discussed their faith with young Christians in the area.
Photo courtesy of Carly Trulock
3. Senior Holly Sullivan spends an afternoon with
Vera, a child from the Havens. Every Sunday, Sullivan
had the opportunity to give special attention to children
staying at the homes.
Photo courtesy of Holly Sullivan
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summer campaigns
2014 1. Sophomore Katherine Howell fills a backpack
with school supplies on Aug. 16 for children in the Searcy
area. Seniors Harrison and Hayley Waldron, Impact co-
directors, encouraged incoming freshmen and transfers
at Summer Stampede to bring the supplies to Impact for
the project. Photo by Amanda Floyd
2. At Throm, “throwback prom,” freshmen Audra
Shumaker and Trey Davis strike a pose after winning the
best-dressed award on Aug. 15. They each received $10
Starbucks gift cards for their creative ensembles.
Photo by Janae Callicoat
3. Freshmen Natalie Whitlock, Hudson Ritter and
Corbin Capps react to one of many strange requests
from Dale K during his performance on Aug. 16. It was
the hypnotist’s fifth year entertaining freshmen at Impact.
Photo by Amanda Floyd
IMPACTCome Together
18 Freshman Zach Slomers lip synchs Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking
Ball” at the first-ever Harding Spectacular on Aug. 15.
Student life Slomers volunteered to perform the song as a part of
the talent show. Photo by DJ Lawson
11 2 3
“ As a freshman you’re kind “
of tense, and I thought
it was a good time for
everybody to loosen up a
little bit and enjoy being
at Harding.
-micah woods
The fall semester of 2014 began with would see every day. Woods said. “I thought it was a good time
students across the country making their way While some aspects of Impact remained for everybody to loosen up a little bit and
to Searcy for Impact, an orientation weekend enjoy being at Harding.”
for incoming freshmen and transfers. New practical, others aimed to entertain. Hayley
students came with nerves, bravado and Waldron said her favorite part of the weekend As always, themed dinners served as
butterflies, entering the Benson Auditorium was “the interlude,” a massive group routine entertainment for energy group leaders
to wild applause from their “energy group” that all of Impact could do simultaneously. and incoming students alike. “Throm” — or
leaders welcoming them to Harding. However, “throwback prom” — took place on the front
Impact 2014 was slightly different from past One major addition to Impact 2014 was lawn, featuring puffy-sleeved dresses, pumped
years. the Harding Spectacular, a talent and game up kicks and songs from the ‘80s that stirred
show featuring students both new and old. up line dances. The following night, Impact
Newlywed seniors Harrison and Hayley Freshman McKenna Crabtree impressed her attendees filled up the cafeteria for “Denim
Waldron, Impact co-directors, spent the entire new peers by yodeling and playing guitar. and a Movie” where the attire ranged from
summer planning a distinctive weekend with She was named the winner of the Spectacular ‘90s glam to cowboy rugged. The crowd
a few twists. They aimed to make Impact by crowd vote and received a gift card for watched “Heavyweights” over corndogs and
events impossible to miss. Themed “Come $200 to the Harding Bookstore. mashed potatoes.
Together,” the festivities encouraged the
incoming students to participate in their college “I’m glad I did it,” Crabtree said. “It’s Coming together for a weekend of Impact
experience as a community. By sending out helped me to make friends because people created a great starting point for new Harding
promotional and informational videos, the already know me, so they just come up and students to begin adapting to campus life,
Waldrons helped registrants prepare for the start talking.” and it gave returning students an opportunity
weekend. They also assigned energy groups to reconnect. Impact 2014 was truly a
by Bible class enrollment, so students had a The show also included singer-songwriter groundbreaking year of new traditions and
head start on meeting the classmates they senior Micah Woods, who delivered his new additions to the student body.
contribution to the show by breaking out in
dance before performing an original song. By Chloe Savage
“As a freshman you’re kind of tense,”
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impact
shrek fionaprincess
Through weeks of long rehearsals and hours of prosthetic Senior theatre education major Dustyn Stokes took on the role
application, junior James Morgan went green to play Shrek, a of the fiery Princess Fiona. Stokes began acting when she was 4
grumpy ogre learning how to love and how to be a friend. Morgan, years old.
who began acting in elementary school, said his love for the
imagination drew him to the hobby. By 2014, her performance resume included being a 2014 Spring
Sing hostess and acting in three other Homecoming musicals:
“I guess I’ve kind of had, like, this incessant need to play “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
pretend,” Morgan said. “I just love the idea of playing a hero, Dreamcoat” and “Pirates?! A Pillaging of Gilbert and Sullivan.”
or sometimes a villain, or just something that’s completely out of Fiona, Stokes’s first lead role, proved challenging because of the
who you really are.” character’s complex personality. All at once, Fiona was feisty,
down-to-earth and hiding her secret life as an ogre.
According to Morgan, “Shrek,” even more than other theatrical
productions, provided a doorway into that childlike world of make- “I’ve had to really focus on differentiating between three different
believe. He hoped that audiences were able to share in the same types of character within one character,” Stokes said.
magic he and his cast-mates experienced.
Working with the set’s revolving turntable also provided new
Morgan faced several challenges during production, including experiences for Stokes, but it was nothing that she could not
a battle with vocal cord nodules, which kept him from singing for overcome.
an entire week. However, he left his “Shrek” journey proud to have
participated in something bigger than himself. “It’s one of the best sets we’ve ever had. It’s incredible,” Stokes
said. “It is definitely a challenge, but a great challenge.”
“To have an opportunity to just stand there in front of 4,000
people a night and take them away from whatever they’re frustrated While practices tended to run long at times, Stokes said
or stressed out about is such a beautiful thing,” Morgan said. that working on “Shrek The Musical” taught her “patience and
endurance, but also gratitude.”
By Melissa Hite
By Nakisha Milton
Junior James Morgan channels his inner ogre during a showing of “Shrek The Senior Dustyn Stokes performs with arms spread wide as she takes on the role
Musical” on Nov. 1. Morgan performed in the musical with thick prosthetics and of Princess Fiona. A 2014 Spring Sing hostess, Stokes had performed in three
heavy makeup, applied fresh for each performance and dress rehearsal. homecoming musicals before being cast in a lead role for “Shrek The Musical.”
Photo courtesy of Abby Tran
Photo courtesy of Abby Tran
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Student life
donkey floardrquaad
Junior theatre major Jonathan Andrew starred as Donkey, an iconic Armed with two layers of kneepads and a costume full of color,
character known for his obnoxious yet lovable personality. Hoping junior Jesse Hixson took on the role of Lord Farquaad. In bringing
to break into a new kind of role, Andrew originally auditioned for a well-known animated character to the stage, Hixson faced many
the part of Shrek. However, he came to love playing the character unique challenges associated with overcoming the preconceptions
of Donkey, who was “very loyal and … very good at knowing how of his audience, but he said those challenges made him grow as
other people are feeling.” an actor.
According to Andrew, Donkey exemplified the show’s theme Hixson said that even though Lord Farquaad was “outlandish,”
of acceptance in the face of alienation and awkwardness. He said he did not have trouble slipping into the character.
Donkey accepted all the other characters without regard for their
appearance or actions. “I have a tendency in day-to-day life to kind of play characters
— like when I’m telling jokes, I will sometimes slip into different
Andrew began performing in eighth grade and continued to voices,” Hixson said. “When I got the role and started going over
advance his acting career in high school. In his collegiate career, the lines, I felt like I had done that character a lot just messing
Andrew participated in plays and musicals, joined the improvisational around.”
children’s theatre troupe Pied Pipers and worked with multiple
theatre groups during summer breaks. While the film version served as inspiration, Hixson hoped to
create his own interpretation of Lord Farquaad.
“Acting is a way to share with people,” Andrew said. “I see it
as a ministry more than anything. It is a dark field — very worldly. “I think, to an extent, we are making sure we are being reminiscent
There are a lot of people that don’t know the truth and don’t know of those characters, but we are not at all trying to copy them,”
God. I see that as an opportunity to share with people the message Hixson said. “I hope people will walk away from the show thinking
by the way I interact with cast-mates or co-workers.” that it was like the movie, but it also had better qualities and made
them love the story more.”
By Tin Nguyen
By Rachel Brackins
Junior Jonathan Andrew belts a note during the Nov. 1 performance of “Shrek Junior Jesse Hixson shows the loud personality that his character Lord Farquaad
The Musical.” Andrew added his role as Donkey in the musical to an acting resume is known for. Hixson amplified aspects of his own personality in a role that required
that began when he was in the eighth grade. him to perform the entire musical on his knees. Photo courtesy of Abby Tran
Photo courtesy of Abby Tran 21
shrek the musical
Tuesday, Oct. 28 – To released their EP titled “Life
celebrate the “It’s Festive” Was Simple” in August. After
part of I Heart HU Week, The performing for a crowd of
Hunts impress the audience over 600 students in the
with their unique blend Administration Auditorium,
of harmony and stringed the siblings posed for pictures
instruments. The seven and signed autographs in the
brothers and sisters from lobby. Photo by Grant Schol
Chesapeake, Virginia, recently
OCTOBER 28
OCTOBER 30
Thursday, Oct. 30 – At the they were asked to donate a
chili and queso cook-off, juniors pair of socks as a part of Kid
Anna Britton, Brittney Firquain and President’s Socktober challenge.
Kristen Rose hold up their crockpot The Socktober movement aimed
filled with queso. Participating to recruit two million people to
in the “It Gives” day during I help the homeless population
Heart HU Week, the women won of America. Over 100 students
second place in the cook-off while donated socks and voted for
junior Kelsey Allen came in first their favorite recipes. The socks
for her queso recipe. As students were given to Hope Cottage, a
arrived at the cook-off in front of women’s shelter in Searcy.
the Administration Auditorium, Photo by Owen Brown
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Student life
Friday, Oct. 31 – Sophomore played top-40 hits with his own
Elyse Beshirs enjoys the festivities unique spin as confetti fell over
at the block party in Legacy several hundred attendees.
Park. The “It’s a Celebration” CAB decided to host the block
day of I Heart HU Week offered party after receiving great
hot chocolate, s’mores and feedback from the previous
fire pits in front of Starbucks fall’s block party.
beginning at 10:30 p.m. The Photo by Kazuhiro Fujisawa
deejay, alumnus Stephen Sawyer,
OCTOBER 31
november 1
Saturday, Nov 1 – “Shrek and massive dragon puppet
The Musical” cast members in the spring, continuing set
sing about the story of their construction until the weeks
life in the final performance of before the musical opened.
the Homecoming musical on Throughout the show, the
Nov. 1. The cast included over audience watched as Shrek the
40 students taking on roles as ogre made unlikely friends and
classic fairy-tale characters. encouraged the kingdom of
The set crew began work on Duloc to let their “freak flag fly.”
the show’s revolving turntable Photo courtesy of Abby Tran
23
homecoming timeline
Andy Andy Grammer serenades the audience in the Benson Auditorium
on Sept. 12. “I thought this was great timing and that he would
grammEr be a great start to the fall semester,” Logan Light, director of
Campus Life, said. Photo by DJ Lawson
In the fall, Harding’s Campus Activities Board hosted
singer-songwriter Andy Grammer for an evening of high-
energy music and entertainment. CAB promoted this
event in a number of ways, hanging posters and flyers all
around campus, even on the backs of chapel seats. CAB
also made announcements in chapel and on the new
CABtv YouTube channel, and played Grammer’s music at
the CAB booth in the student center. Director of campus
life Logan Light said that the Alice 107.7 and B98.5 radio
stations offered ticket giveaways to promote the event to
the Searcy community.
“There is a process to bringing in any form of entertainment
to campus,” junior CAB employee Phoebe Cunningham said.
“We work with a management team, who’s like a middle
man. They work with us and the musician in the industry.”
While CAB had long considered Grammer as a possible
act, scheduling conflicts prevented the performance until
September of 2014.
“When his first album came out and ‘Keep Your Head
Up’ was a big song, he’s someone I thought would do
really well at Harding,” Light said. “But we could not fit
him in schedule-wise.”
Light described Grammer as “very laid-back, but very
engaging,” and said that an artist like him could dominate
the stage with his personality alone. Cunningham agreed
that Grammer’s sound and style appealed to Harding’s
demographic.
“In the past we have been successful with that genre
of music,” Cunningham said. “It is popular right now, and
it’s easily transferred through different groups of people
and their interests.”
Students who attended the concert considered it a
successful start to the CAB concert season.
“When talking to my friends, even people who did not
really listen to his music beforehand seemed to take away
a good impression of the show,” senior Jake Owens said.
The CAB office worked hard to present fun and entertaining
musicians, giving students an enjoyable weekend event
during which they could step away from business as usual,
if only for an evening.
“The fall is really busy,” Light said. “There are lots of
people trying to divide your attention. We just want to
provide a fun night for people and some really good music.”
The concert drew a large crowd, selling more than 1,500
seats in the Benson Auditorium. Senior Austin McCoy, a
CAB staff member, said that Grammer’s show saw better
attendance than the other Benson concerts he remembered.
Overall, Grammer’s poised, comfortable energy made for
a memorable night.
By Alexa Stover
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Student life
25
cab
#instaCAB
In the fall, the Rock House, Campus about doing something along these
Activities Board, Student Association and lines,” Keim said. “There have been
office of Alumni and Parent Relations other efforts in the past, but nothing
collaborated to host a series of activities organized on this level.”
called Big Events Week. According to
SA president senior Philip Habegger Habegger said each organization led
the events, hosted during Club Week, activities on their designated night of
promoted campus-wide involvement, the week. On Sunday, the Rock House
especially for those not participating provided dinner, volleyball games
in clubs. and s’mores; on Monday, CAB held a
board game tournament; on Tuesday,
“Really, kind of separately, we all the SA put together a pumpkin carving
came up with the idea,” Habegger said. and movie night; and on Thursday, Liz
“Then the Rock House kind of pulled it Howell, director of Alumni and Parent
together.” Relations, hosted a dinner and karaoke
night at her house. Wednesday was left
Senior Logan Keim, who served on the open for various student devotionals.
Big Events Week planning committee,
said brainstorming began about a month Freshman Caleb Brackney especially
into the semester. enjoyed the karaoke night that Howell
hosted. According to Brackney, the
“A lot of these groups had thought
26
Student life
awkwardness from the karaoke fostered Brackney said that while Impact at
stronger connections between students. the beginning of the school year helped
He found that Big Events Week showed students make acquaintances, Big Events
those who had not been accepted into Week helped them strengthen already-
their club of choice that they could build formed friendships. Habegger said it
relationships in other ways. succeeded in these goals, and with so
many organizations coordinating the
“I feel like Harding kind of builds events, he expected Big Events Week
[clubs] up so much,” Brackney said. “But would remain a tradition for years to
in the end, you don’t have to be in a club come.
to have fun at Harding. You don’t have
to have [big club sisters or brothers] or “It’s always a little bit difficult when
jerseys to feel like you’re special.” you collaborate with different agencies,
but I really think it went smoothly,”
Keim said that the week was meant to Habeggar said.
provide an alternative to club activities but
remained open to anyone who wanted to The week’s events served as a reminder
attend, club members included. Whether to all students to get involved on campus
students were already in a club or totally outside of clubs, because college life
removed from the process, all were included myriad possibilities.
welcome to the big events of the week.
By Daniel Casella
27
CAB Events
Junior Luke Smith prepares Alaskan dumplings for
customers on Nov. 12. Smith was the first employee hired
when Slader’s Alaskan Dumpling Company opened in
January 2014. Photo by DJ Lawson
Senior Aubrey Hitt, freshman Jonah Turner, sophomore Lyndsey
Harrell and freshman Elizabeth Woodruff gather around a table with
friends at Sonic on Nov. 13. Happy Hour, from 2 to 4 p.m., was a popular
time for students to meet friends to hang out. Photo by DJ Lawson
Sophomore Mark Anklam drives to Nashville, Tennessee, Students meet at the home of Ann Harrington, professor of
on a road trip in September. Students drove all over the English, on Nov. 12 for a Wednesday night home Bible study.
United States to get home for breaks or to visit other Faculty, staff, alumni and current students opened their homes
students’ homes. Photo courtesy of Abby Tran each week to host Bible studies and to build friendships with
students during their time at Harding. Photo by Kazuhiro Fujisawa
28
Student life
on the clock
Several students maintained Harding said that the business allowed him to reach popular hangout for Harding students.
connections by working at small businesses out to people in the community. Senior Kylee Coble, also a SADCo staff
opened by alumni. Senior Parker Burgess
worked at Beyond Boundaries Outdoor Junior Luke Smith began working at Slader’s member, enjoyed working for a business that
and Adventure, an outdoor recreation store Alaskan Dumpling Company when 2013 alumnus brought a unique flavor to Searcy.
opened by alumnus Blake Norman in 2013 Slader Marshall opened for business in January
as he pursued his major in global economic 2014. The restaurant served only one item: “The place has a really cool atmosphere,”
development. He was later hired as a purchasing Alaskan-style dumplings, a version of Russian Coble said. “It’s just something that is really
and inventory manager for the store. Burgess “Pel’meni.” Promoted through word of mouth unique to Searcy and unique to anywhere
and social media, SADCo took its place as a because it’s from Alaska.”
By Tania Salgado
off the clock
To entertain themselves, students attended Sonic’s popularity stemmed from its low-pressure combination, a Route 44 vanilla Dr. Pepper.
sporting events, went on late-night Walmart environment and its inexpensive menu. She For Wallis, a unique Sonic memory was made
runs and took spontaneous trips to Little Rock. said the drive-in helped her cheer up friends when a friend of his showed up in a bunny
Yet Sonic, America’s favorite drive-in, became after a bad day and even meet new people. costume to ask a girl to a function. He said he
Searcy’s central hangout among a stiff field loved the spontaneity of a Sonic run.
of competition for students’ free time. At “It’s just a run to Sonic,” Thomas said. “I
three locations in Searcy, students enjoyed think it has definitely changed my Harding “Harding students are known for being
trips during Happy Hour with friends, making experience because I’m a lot more comfortable resourceful — for making their own fun,”
memories and unique soft drink combinations. asking people to get to know them better.” Wallis said. “I feel like Sonic is a place that
really makes that possible.”
According to sophomore Taylor Thomas, Senior Colby Wallis said he went to Sonic
at least five times a week for his favorite drink By Taylor Gleaves
on the road
For many Harding students, road trips national parks and even went skydiving. Senior Emma Keith took a shorter road trip
provided opportunities to build stronger “There is something special about doing with seniors Shannon Burke and Clint Peyton to
relationships both with friends and with Winterfest in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, stopping
God. Over spring break, junior Luke Smith things spur of the moment and connecting along the way in Nashville and Memphis. Keith
and seniors Ben Hansen, Philip Habegger, with someone,” Hansen said. loved the experience because it allowed her
Kyle Nossaman and Austin Messer drove 27 to form new memories.
consecutive hours to Utah, bonding through The road trip also offered an opportunity to
the experience. According to Hansen, the trip unplug from the world and build faith together. “I think everyone should take a road trip
was mostly spontaneous; though the group in college, especially with people you don’t
originally planned to go hiking in Utah, they “We read through the book of Hosea know very well,” Keith said. “It is such a great
extended their trip to include five different throughout our trip,” Hansen said. “It was way to form new relationships.”
unique to be the one group at the campground
that was quietly reading at the campfire instead By Megan Smith
of being rowdy on spring break.”
on the path
Bogged down by the stress of the school home Bible study for 11 consecutive years each other spiritually.”
week, many students found a source of peace with his wife Lori, her sister Terri Rine, and Participating students were also thankful
at their Wednesday night Bible studies. These Terri’s husband Dennis Rine, a Harding teacher for the community their home Bible studies
devotionals, led by professors, students or and counselor. Sansom emphasized the value provided.
church members in Searcy, provided a time to of Wednesday night devotionals in forging “It’s a different feel than just going into
rest and refocus on their spiritual lives. Though strong, Christ-centered connections between a church building,” senior Tyler Samuel,
each Bible study had a slightly different focus, students and faculty. who began attending the Sansom and Rine
all had one trait in common: fellowship. devotional in 2011, said. “It’s a lot more like
“One of the biggest things is to form deep a family.”
Dr. Mel Sansom, Harding’s vice president relationships built on spiritual things,” Sansom
of finance and chief financial officer, led a said. “That’s why we’re here — to build up By Layton Moore 29
daily life
athlete
of the year
Lara Couch
Female intramural athlete of the year
senior Lara Couch stands on the mound at the
intramural softball fields on Jan. 27.
Photo by DJ Lawson
30
Student life
2014 alumnus Jacob Hardin, male intramural
athlete of the year, shoots a basketball during
free play in the Ganus Athletic Center on
Nov. 13. Photo by DJ Lawson
Jacob Hardin
During a special chapel presentation in our games with the other teams and What I was looking for — the only
the spring, senior Lara Couch and 2014 often led the prayer,” freshman Lindy recognition I like — is having my picture
alumnus Jacob Hardin were recognized Leggett said. “It was always about … up because [it] is up there, and you can
as the Intramural Athletes of the Year. spiritually uplifting each other — it wasn’t see the guys that have been up there
just about sports.” from 1969. … It is nice to have a mark
The committee who selected the somewhere for something you did, and
recipients of the award based their Hardin, a dedicated athlete, played I am proud of what I did.”
decision on several criteria, including intramurals during each of his four years
the number of activities in which the at Harding. Over the course of his college Hardin also encouraged his teammates
athletes participated and their overall career he participated in approximately on the field. Junior Andrew Mauldin, one
performance in those activities. 300 individual and team sports events. He of Hardin’s friends, said they met while
said that though he did not play sports playing intramural softball.
Couch participated in all the intramural before attending college, he discovered
activities, but she especially loved playing they were a good way to relieve stress. “I remember that he always plays
softball and volleyball as a team captain hard and is a great sport whether we win
in both sports. For four consecutive Hardin said he had tried in his or lose,” Mauldin said. “I have learned
years, her volleyball team took home freshman and junior years to earn a from him to always keep a smile on my
the intramural trophy. letter jacket. During his freshman year, face whether I make a good play or
he was disqualified for missing an event; bad play, because it is not the end of
“I was my own self-motivator,” Couch as a junior, he received the Spirit Award the world if I mess up.”
said. “Seeing the excitement on my but not the jacket. He did not give up,
teammates’ faces was motivation enough however, deciding to try again his senior For both athletes, the relationships
to continue playing intramural sports.” year, and he won not only the jacket made through intramural sports meant
but also the recognition for standout more than the recognition they received.
As captain, Couch made sure her athlete of the year.
team competed well but also had fun. “Intramurals is … an opportunity for
Most importantly, she kept a spiritual “I didn’t do it for the recognition,” me to meet new people and take on a
focus on and off the court. Hardin said. “I did it just to know that I leadership role and hopefully mentor
could do it. It is not that big of a deal. others,” Couch said.
“She always was … the first to
encourage us to all pray together after By Tania Salgado and Nakisha Milton
31
intramurals
1
TOP 10 3
1 Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland
Sophomore Stephanie Stanfield, HUE, Fall 2014
2 Climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower
Sophomore Sarah Eldridge, HIP, Spring 2014
3 Riding bikes around Easter Island
Junior Titus Dauck, HULA, Spring 2014
4 Bungee jumping in the Corinth Canal
Senior Summer Gibson, HUG, Summer 2014
5 Visiting the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris
Junior Brett Taylor, HUG, Spring 2014
6 Rafting the Zambezi River
Sophomore Lane Hull, HIZ, Fall 2014
7 Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef
Freshman Jacob McCall, HUA, Fall 2014
8 Riding elephants in India
Sophomore Claire Patton, HUA, Fall 2014
9 Staying overnight in a medieval castle overlooking
the Casentino region of Italy
Graduate student Leighton Teague, HUF, Summer
2014
10 Swimming in the Blue Grotto at Capri
Sophomore Reed Siler, HUF, Fall 2014
34
INTERNATIONAL
5
9
2 4 8
10
7
6
BUCKET LIST ?WHAT’S ON YOUR
35
BUCKET LIST
HULAHarding
University
LATIN
AMERICA
At the end of February, a new set of the semester went on, I got to know a lot catalyst for connection.
students began a South American adventure: of people and ended up making a lot of “All of our strengths which were in
a semester at Harding University in Latin new friends out of it by the end.”
America. Along with four faculty members, different areas played into each of our
the group of 23 students flew from the United The HULA group’s first trip took them weaknesses which were also in different
States to Santiago, Chile, to see what a to Patagonia and the Lake Regions in areas,” junior social work major Elise
different part of the world had to offer. All Southern Chile. This excursion changed Quinn said. “We were able to challenge
were excited to meet HULA administrators many students’ impressions about the trip each other and make each other grow.
Tom and Pam Hook and start the semester. and their companions. Being in each other’s At the beginning ... I didn’t know if being
company for long periods of time helped different would be a good thing, [but] in
As with every international trip, the the students get to know one another. the end being different was the best thing
“HULAgans” of 2014 encountered some our group could have been.”
rough patches as they began their budding “In Patagonia there were lots of bus rides,”
friendships. While everyone kept an open junior Spanish and pre-pharmacy double The unusual friends that made up the
mind about the new set of friends, they major Lauren Heffington said. “The best spring HULA group were full of different
initially wondered whether the gaps between part about that was getting to sit by new perspectives and dreams. Through their
them could be bridged. people every single time. I think Patagonia unlikely but rewarding friendships, they
was the perfect first trip.” not only adjusted well to life in Chile,
“I wasn’t sure about the group at all,” but they also drew closer as brothers and
junior Spanish and leadership and ministry Though the group could have seen their sisters in Christ.
double major Titus Dauck said. “[But] as differences as barriers to friendship, they
instead chose to use their diversity as a By Andrea DeCamp
36
International
12 3
45 6
1. Juniors Caleb Rowan and Lauren Heffington 2. HULA students pile into a raft to go on a white 3. Senior Alex Traughber relaxes in a hammock
take a selfie in front of the Easter Island heads on April water rafting adventure. The raft went down the Lake after a day of activities in Chile. The hammock hung
7. The giant statues, called “moai,” were created by Region of Chile near Volcano Osorno. outside of a restaurant that the group visited that
the Rapa Nui people. Photo courtesy of Erin Davis evening. Photo courtesy of Erin Davis
Photo courtesy of Catherine Wamack
4. Juniors David Pencarinha, Catherine Wamack 5. Junior Molly Helton celebrates a day full of 6. Sophomore Tanner Main performs a back flip in
and Jacob Baker pretend to eat huge chunks of salt front of the moai on Easter Island. The group spent the
while hiking around the Atacama Desert. Students exploration in Patagonia. The group went white water afternoon wandering around the island, looking at the
were in Salar de Atacama, outside of San Pedro de rafting earlier in the day. Photo courtesy of Erin Davis 887 statues. Photo courtesy of Catherine Wamack
Atacama. Photo courtesy of Jackson Petty
Tom and pam hook
HULA Director Q & A
1. How long have you been the directors of Harding University in Latin America?
12 years
2. What have you both crossed off your bucket list while living in Latin America?
Pam: Easter Island, the Amazon Jungle — I was afraid of that one at first, and
now I love it — Machu Picchu; the climb ... I only did it once, but Tom has done
it many times.
Tom: The activities done, especially ziplining over canyons and white water rafting.
3.What is something that you have learned about yourselves while at HULA?
Pam: That we never cease to learn something from every new group of HULAgans.
Photo courtesy of Sydni Sansom
37
hula
12 3
1. Tyler Knight, husband of HUE director Lauren 3. Sophomore Kelsey Neuhold climbs to the top 5. Sophomore Kristin Melville snaps a picture while
Knight, delivers a lesson about the history of the Jesus of the Vatnajökull Glacier on a group trip to Iceland on at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, England. Blenheim
College of Oxford. Founded in 1571, the Jesus College Sept. 8. The Vatnajökull Glacier was the largest and most Palace was the birthplace of Winston Churchill in 1874.
enrolled approximately 500 students. voluminous Icelandic glacier that they visited.
Photo courtesy of Noah Darnell
Photo courtesy of Noah Darnell Photo courtesy of Kristin Melville 6. The students of the 2014 HUE program pose
2. HUE students enjoy a day in Regent’s Park in 4. The HUE group walks around the Radcliffe Camera
in front of Blenheim Palace. The palace was the main
London. One of the Royal Parks of London, it was home in Oxford, England, on Oct. 15. Besides their group trip residence of the dukes of Marlborough.
to Regent’s University London and the London Zoo. to Oxford, the students also traveled to Cambridge,
Dublin and Paris. Photo courtesy of Noah Darnell Photo courtesy of Noah Darnell
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Stanfield
lauren knight “
HUE Director Q & A
1. How long have you been the director of Harding University in England?
Since August 2010
2. What have you crossed off your bucket list while living in England?
Working with Harding has allowed me to see so many amazing things with our
students. From the 2012 Olympic Games, the Diamond Jubilee and the Royal
Wedding and so much more — not only do we get to see great sites, but the
events we get to be a part of are pretty amazing.
3. What has been your favorite tradition at HUE?
We are always rethinking the program and keeping it fresh, but some of the
things we could never replace are Moo-Moo’s Milkshakes in Oxford, dinner at
the Elephant House in Edinburgh and our big Thanksgiving dinner each fall.
4. What have you learned about yourself while at HUE?
Since working with HUE, I’ve been told I walk exceptionally fast and that living
with the English weather makes you tough.
Photo courtesy of Noah Darnell
38
International
45 6
HA fUirstehanHeUdnnaigvraecldcraoisnunitngdytWhen I think of my semester incenter of London. to spot one from the coast of the other.
After seeing the cathedral and grabbing England, and London in particular,
England, I find it really hard to pick out
one particular trip that captures how a bite to eat in a café, we got onto our bus became a home away from home for
amazing the whole semester was. I could to head to Dover. We spent most of our me. The city never ceased to amaze me;
mention the elegance of Buckingham time at Dover within the famous Dover it seemed there was always something
Palace, the wild majesty of our week in castle, which was also the site of tunnels new going on. There always seemed to
Iceland or even our numerous excursions used during World War II. It was an odd be a park to explore, a market to visit, a
to the marketplaces in London, but one experience going from a tunnel filled with festival to experience or a play to attend.
day trip does seem to stand out in my 1940s technology to the much older stone Being in an English speaking country
mind: a trip to Canterbury and Dover. walls of an authentic castle. We found that made it much easier to really live life the
sort of dualism throughout the whole of London way.
Canterbury was a very English sort of England; ancient sites were surrounded
town. There were little cafés all down by urban centers or even had entrances I love the city, and I love that I made
the main streets with people sitting out to the Tube nearby. It wasn’t what I was such good friends while at HUE. I would
on the sidewalk having afternoon tea. expecting when I pictured England. I go back to London in a heartbeat. God
The main attraction of the town was the thought it would mostly be green fields works his magic in that country. I made
cathedral, and it was beautiful. The soaring and crumbling castles. However, the castle new friends, visited wonderful places,
walls leading up to a finely crafted ceiling at Dover was nowhere near crumbling, and experienced church services that no
seemed like a perfect place for the light we were able to see this very well when service in the States could quite be like
filtering through the stained glass above we went to the top of the structure and and fell in love with a city I began calling
another home. HUE wasn’t just a semester
“our heads. In Kansas, where I’m from, they of crumbling castles and stuffy ballrooms;
didn’t have buildings like that. In fact, even got a view of the English Channel with it was a semester of adventure, history
living in London was a huge change for the thin dark line of France against the and a certain degree of mystery.
me. I was from a good-sized town, but horizon. It didn’t strike us how far France
it was nowhere near the bustling urban and England really were until we tried By William Telgren
39
HUE
1. Junior Kristen Betts rides a donkey to the top of 3
the cliffs in Santorini, Greece. Given the choice between
riding a cable car or donkeys, her group chose the donkeys.
Photo courtesy of Paige Whitman
2. Summer HUG students sit on the roof of a soup
kitchen in Athens, Greece. The soup kitchen, run by Global
Outreach, served Muslim refugees from other countries.
Photo courtesy of Paige Whitman
3. On Valentine’s Day, students strike silly poses at a
photo booth. Students at HUG put together a function to
celebrate the holiday. Photo courtesy of Schuylar Davis
4. Junior Danny Jackson admires a stained glass
window at St. Lydia’s Baptistery. The HUG spring semester
group visited the baptistery on a group trip to northern
Greece. Photo courtesy of Schuylar Davis
5. Seniors Paige Whitman and Summer Gibson
and HUG director Mike James model hats sold by
street vendors. The group was visiting the Biblical land
of Pergamum in present day Bergama, Turkey.
Photo courtesy of Joanna Nelson
6. Students gather and sing in the Tomb of Agamemnon
during a trip to the Peloponnese. “Our group loved to
sing hymns in places like this where the acoustics were
so well designed,” junior Brittney Firquain said.
Photo by Jeff Montgomery
12
More than 60 students traveled with the “It was a time that I needed,” Whitman “The way we were challenged won’t
Harding University in Greece 2014 program said. “God definitely used my accident to even be unique to our experience, but it
during the spring, summer and fall semesters. make me a stronger person.” happened very profoundly on this one day
Though central parts of the overall experience to just make us call on each other in a really
remained the same, the stories each HUG After five months of rehab before the trip, transformative way,” Eller said.
group shared differed. A few highlights from Whitman continued physical therapy while in
individuals who attended the program in Greece. The group’s strenuous walks proved Junior Sarah Hines, whose grandmother
2014 gave a glimpse of what made their difficult for her, but she said the struggle fell seriously ill during the trip, found comfort
own experiences unique. strengthened her physically and spiritually. in her HUG family, especially directors Mike
and Beth James.
For sophomore A.J. Eberly, who attended The summer group’s itinerary underwent
the program during the spring semester, the unexpected changes due to violent political “They helped us cope,” Hines said. “They
balance between the classes and the sites conflicts. Rather than going to Egypt, they kept in contact with us during free travel
visited gave new depth to the material. went to Turkey, and four days before their and everything. They wanted to make sure
Eberly was particularly amazed to find God’s scheduled departure for Israel, a bomb we were okay.”
presence throughout the travels. threat caused directors to divert the trip to
the Czech Republic instead. For many students, including Eller, the
“I just remember really experiencing best mementos from the trip were not
God’s beauty in many different ways,” “Turkey was still really cool because souvenirs or happy memories but the strong
Eberly said. “I saw God in the beauty of we got to see Ephesus and we got to see relationships formed while in Greece.
what I was seeing … but also I would say I Istanbul — so many places in Turkey that
saw God in the friendships I had with the are still Biblically relevant,” Whitman said. “I wanted to sit at the feet of Mount
people. I mean, that’s one of the best ways Olympus and take in everything it had to
to experience God.” According to junior Andrew Eller, another give me,” Eller said. “But now my favorite
experience bound the summer HUG group part of the experience was sitting at the
Senior Paige Whitman, who had originally together. In the middle of their trip, five feet of the people, who were mountains
planned on going abroad in the fall of 2013, group members learned of various troubling themselves, and taking in everything that
was forced to postpone her trip until summer incidents back home. As the group struggled they had to say.”
2014 because of a sudden injury. with being far from home in a time of need,
they learned to rely on each other for support. By Daniel Casella
40
International
45 HUG
Harding
University
GREECE
6
Mike and beth james
HUG Director Q & A
1. How long have you been the directors of Harding University in Greece?
5 years
2. What have you both crossed off your bucket list while living in Greece?
For anyone traveling to Greece, seeing the Athens Acropolis and the grandeur of ancient history
before your eyes. Walking through Athens, Thessalonica, Ephesus, Corinth, Philippi and many other
Biblical locations where Paul and other teachers of our faith walked. To climb Mount Sinai where
Moses saw the hand of God and led the Israelites from Egypt. To see each of these every semester
through the eyes of our wonderful HUG students.
Photo courtesy of Mike James 3. What are your favorite HUG traditions?
We have an end-of-year final banquet where everyone dresses in togas, and then jump in the pool
simultaneously. We want to remember each student. Each semester from an ocean, river or sea,
we picked a rock for each student. Beth picked out the girl rocks, and I got the guy rocks. When
we return to our home we will take these 500 or so rocks and create a garden or fountain that will
include each one of them.
41
hug
HUF
Harding In the summer, students embarked on a the Piazzale Michelangelo. The trip was
European adventure at Harding University particularly special for Mitchell because
University in Florence. Embracing the Italian culture, he proposed to senior Haley Shelton
these world travelers learned to appreciate while abroad.
Florence the easy-going lifestyle and the intentional
family time Italians hold so dear. The “One of my favorite things that happened
1. Junior McKenna Smith, junior Tory Mote and summer HUF group soaked in the Italian was that I got engaged over there, and I
senior Haley Shelton sip their first cappuccino at Caffé life by dining local, playing soccer with got to spend an entire summer with my
Mario during their summer in Italy. HUF director Robbie Italian friends and enjoying the Scanddici fiancée,” Mitchell said. “Just getting to
Shackelford took the group to his favorite coffee shop market. Some students even experienced experience all those new things with her
on their first tour of Scandicci. a little romance in the love-filled culture. was awesome.”
Photo courtesy of Hannah Kimbler
Junior Madison Kelly, who studied Mitchell said he learned some valuable
2. Junior Garrett Bender learns to cook gnocchi in Florence during the spring semester, lessons overseas. Since 40 people lived
at a culinary school in Florence. Bender and the group heard about Harding’s overseas programs in close quarters and traveled in crowded
learned how to make prosciutto-stuffed pork and chocolate early in high school. She quickly decided cities, patience and organization became
ganache as well. Photo courtesy of Toria Parrett Florence was the program for her. While valuable virtues. According to Mitchell,
she had long anticipated the trip, Kelly native Europeans often did their best to
3. Juniors Casey Weeks, Jordan Smith, Austin said that she began her journey with few help the students in spite of the language
Yates, Ali Harrelson and Michelle Ramsey rent bikes to expectations. She was free to experience barrier.
tour the city of Barcelona on independent travel. The everything without bias, and according to
group also traveled to Monaco and France during their her, the semester exceeded anything she Senior Bethany Nicholson also attended
independent group travel. could have imagined. HUF during the summer. Nicholson chose
Photo courtesy of Austin Yates the Florence program because it opened
“Amazing, amazing, amazing: the the door for her career in international
4. Junior Larkin Hatcher and Haley Hatcher, a junior opportunity of a lifetime for sure,” Kelly public relations. She saw a semester in
at Ouachita Baptist University, take a brisk ride through said. “People don’t just get to go and Florence as a productive head start toward
the mountains of Füssen, Germany. The sisters decided travel and live in this culture and get to her future profession.
to tour the town on bikes with their independent travel experience a new thing for three months
group. Photo courtesy of Hannah Kimbler at a time.” “I basically got to travel all over Europe
for three months with the greatest faculty
5. Juniors Illiana Gonzalez and Kevin Williams, Senior pre-med student Ryan Mitchell members, the greatest directors [and] the
sophomore Ashley Taylor and junior Andrew Pyle went to HUF during the summer. Mitchell greatest friends, and I made some of the
stop to capture a moment in Rome as they visit the said that while he had always planned best memories that I think I will have made
Circus Maximus. A student presented a lesson about to do an overseas program, his classes in my entire life,” Nicholson said. “I’ve
the chariot-racing stadium that had later been turned restricted his time during the regular learned more about myself and more about
into a park. Photo courtesy of Toria Parrett school year. Fortunately for Mitchell, HUF the world than I could have ever learned
offered a summer semester abroad, which from any classroom, from any job, from
6. Beneath the large dome of the Pantheon, junior allowed him to travel without interfering any lesson that’s ever been taught to me.
Caleb Miller and senior Weston Woodruff look up into the with his studies. HUF completely changed the way I look
opening of the dome. The spring HUF group ventured at things, the way I look at other people.
to Rome as a part of one of the program’s annual trips. According to Mitchell, the students It completely changed me.”
Photo courtesy of Toria Parrett saw numerous spectacular places in just
in the first week, including the Duomo and By Ashley Heastie
1
23
42
International
45 Photo courtesy of Reed Siler
robbie and mona
shackelford
HUF Director Q & A
1. How long have you been the directors of Harding
University in Florence?
25 years
2. What have you both crossed off your bucket list while
living in Florence?
Robbie: We never really had a bucket list, but we have had
the opportunity to walk through the Vasari Corridor several
times, walked around the entire balcony of the Cathedral,
climbed the tower and been on the balcony of the Palazzo
Vecchio, drifted down the Arno on a boat, enjoyed Gianni
Schicchi opera twice, enjoyed the fireworks from a villa near
Piazzale Michelangelo for the San Giovanni festivities, seen
many concerts and attended wonderful weddings and other
such festivities.
Mona: Seeing Michelangelo’s David, learning Italian, seeing
the Duomo and hearing the bells from Giotto’s Tower in the
early morning from my hotel room.
3. What are your favorite HUF traditions?
Robbie: Our final banquet and group trip to Rome.
Mona: We have many traditions at HUF. I love all of them.
One that I like to help with is our harvest of our olives. We
make it a big day and have everyone in the trees all over
the grounds with music. We have great food and lots of fun.
6
43
huf
HizHarding
in zambia
In the fall, a group of students studied abroad Chipego, the child she looked after.
with the Harding University in Zambia program, “Chipego and I spent the rest of our Halloween
an experience that taught them to see Africa
from the perspective of missionaries. Sophomore afternoon on the Haven One veranda singing and
Morgan Miller said that much of their work involved dancing,” Martin said. “Chipego loved to dance
taking care of children in an orphanage called and clap while I sang to him. I’d sing ‘Coonse
“the Havens.” Cindii,’ a Tonga children’s song about praising
the Lord, and he would giggle and clap and
“It’s an orphanage in a sense that a lot of the bounce around.”
kids no longer have parents, not so much in a
sense that they are looking to be adopted,” Junior Drew Howerton said that every day after
Miller said. classes, the students experienced their choice of
fieldwork in healthcare and missions. According
According to Miller, HIZ students at the Havens to Howerton, it was difficult to choose one job
aimed to give the children there a little extra over another.
love. The students assisted the “Aunties,” the
medical advocates for the children, by showing “We could go to the clinic with Ba Janice
the children extended personal attention. and Elaina [or] Dr. Mock when they were with
us,” Howerton said. “There, we would observe
“Depending on what time of day we were firsthand various kinds of health care in action
there, we were allowed to help with things like and maybe even get to help out.”
school or lunch time,” Miller said. “Our main
purpose was just to play and love on the kids — According to Howerton, no certain day stood
not because they necessarily needed it. They are out as a favorite because his favorite things
very, very loved.” happened almost every day.
Sophomore Kaylen Martin said her favorite day “What a blessing it is to live in such a way,”
in Zambia was Oct. 31, a day full of activities from Howerton said. “May we all surround ourselves
watching the sunset to eating s’mores. At the end daily with our favorite things and give God the
of the day, Martin spent time at the Havens with glory all day long.”
By Megan Smith
44
International
shawn and donna daggett
HIZ Director Q & A
1. How did you come to the decision to direct the HIZ program?
We were invited to direct HIZ in 2008 for the first time. We prayed for a season about the
invitation, interviewed the previous director to understand the commitment better and came
to the conclusion that God could use us in the role and that both students and our family
could benefit from the experience. We returned in 2010 and then in 2014.
2. What was your favorite tradition at HIZ?
On Monday evenings we had a family meeting. We sang, processed, shared stories and
prayer concerns, made plans and decisions and more. Themes ranged from modern Jewish
culture to Christmas in October. One evening the men honored the women and even wrote
a poem that complimented each of the women by name.
Photo courtesy of Shawn Daggett 3. What is one of the things that you learned about during your time at HIZ?
God is global. He is alive and well, loved, and worshipped, depended upon and faithful,
moving, stirring, shaping, disciplining, answering prayer, changing lives in thousands of
languages and in the most remote villages.
1. Freshman Lane Grissom and sophomore Alex 2. Sophomore Shelby Beckham makes faces with 3. Junior Michael Tyree, sophomores Hannah
Hudson ride an elephant during a trip to Livingstone, Katie, a child at the Havens, on Nov. 10. “In the few March and Mikayla Winland, and freshman Abigail
Zambia, on Sept. 13. Livingstone was the home of hours that we were there each day, it was beautiful to Adkins ride in an SUV during their group safari in
Victoria Falls, a 360-foot waterfall. see the way the kids were progressing thanks to the Tanzania on Sept. 29. HIZ students went on the safari
Photo courtesy of Alex Hudson love and care they received at the Havens,” Beckham during a break from their work at the Havens in Zambia.
said. Photo courtesy of Alex Hudson Photo courtesy of Brittney Garringer
4. During a day at the Havens, sophomore
Katie O’Brien plays with a child on the playground 5. Freshman Lane Grissom and sophomore Alex 6. Sophomore Kaitlin Uchida laughs with Virginia
on Nov. 4. The Havens provided a home to children Hudson jump off a platform at the Gorge Swing in and Owen, two residents of the Havens, on Nov. 10.
who came from struggling households during their Livingstone, Zambia, on Nov. 6. Many HIZ students HIZ students walked several miles every day to spend
early lives. Photo courtesy of Mary Kate Riffle crossed bungee jumping off their bucket list while time with the children. Photo courtesy of Alex Hudson
overseas. Photo courtesy of Alex Hudson
1 3
2
45 6
45
hiz
1. Sophomores Dave Taylor, Zeke Barnes, 1 2
Haven Crabtree and Jacob McCall explore the 3 4
Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, Australia, on Nov. 1. 6
Many HUA students were eager to scuba dive in
the world’s largest coral reef system.
Photo courtesy of Abby Smith
2. Sophomore Z’Ann Hardin poses while walking
along the Great Wall of China on Nov. 26. The wall
was measured to be more than 13,000 miles long.
Photo courtesy of Renee Wimpey
3. Sophomores Madeline Jones and Jacob
McCall ski and snowboard down a slope at the
Cardrona Alpine Resort in New Zealand on Oct.
17. HUA students spent half of their trip exploring
Australia and the other half exploring Asia.
Photo courtesy of Abby Smith
4. Sophomores Abby Smith, Lindsey Luter,
Rochelle Kellis, Madeline Jones, Haven Crabtree
and Sarah Kirkpatrick take in the sights at the Red
Fort in Delhi, India, on Nov. 18. India was the last
stop for HUA students during their three-month
excursion. Photo courtesy of Abby Smith
5. In Jaipur, India, at an elephant sanctuary,
HUA students pose in traditional Indian clothing on
Nov. 20. The students and HUA directors rode and
painted the elephants while at the sanctuary.
Photo courtesy of Renee Wimpey
6. Sophomore Sarah Kirkpatrick stands in front
of the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia,
on Sept. 15. Over seven million people visited the
Sydney Opera House in 2013.
Photo courtesy of Renee Wimpey
5
ray and pam little
HUA Director Q & A
1. How did you come to the decision to direct the HUA program?
Twenty years ago, our son, Rich, was Dr. David Burks’ assistant. Being an Australian,
he suggested to Dr. Burks the possibility of starting an overseas program in Australia.
Dr. Burks liked the idea but questioned who they could get to run the program.
Rich suggested me and the rest is history.
2. What was your favorite tradition at HUA?
My favorite tradition for HUA is having a group picture taken with the Sydney
Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background.
3. What is one of the things that you have learned during your time at HUA?
The top thing I have learned about myself as the director of HUA is my negotiation
skills when dealing with hotels and travel organizations.
Photo courtesy of Jacob McCall
46
International
(NO) “I decided to go on HUA right up to the reef and look at all The girls wanted their nails painted
because it would take me to countries the details.” and the boys wanted to wrestle with
that I would probably never get to our guys.”
go to in my life,” Sophomore Abby Students also worked with the
Smith said. “How can I pass up a trip S.N.A.C.K. program that fed mal- “All of the different cultures,
that visits the Sydney Opera House, nourished children of Cambodia in specifically the developing ones,
Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand the Mekong Delta, an experience that have shaped me more in the way
mountains, Angkor Wat, Taj Mahal, both Smith and Patton described as I see people and see God,” Smith
Great Wall of China and Terracotta life-changing. The group drove to said. “The world is smaller and he
Warriors?” a schoolhouse with a team of Cam- is bigger.”
bodian college kids who helped out
Harding University in Australia with the program. They interacted The semester left lasting impact
(HUA) took place every fall semester, with the children, sand and played on the students and served a clear
beginning with a three-week tour of soccer with them, as well as handed educational and missioned purpose
Australian sites. Outside the classroom, out highly nutritious meals and fun for many.
students spent days on a cattle ranch packages of coloring books and
in the outback and snorkeling in the colored pencils. “I would tell someone who is
Great Barrier Reef. The rest of the interested in this trip that there is no
trip took students to New Zealand, “Whenever we handed out sand- question; they have to go,” Patton
Cambodia, India, Singapore and wiches and milk for lunch, many of the said. “It is life changing.”
China. children would take some and give it
to the younger children before taking “Because of this trip, I want to
“I don’t even know which one some for themselves,” sophomore meet Harding students from other
is my favorite,” Smith said. “Scuba Claire Patton said. “They loved hav- countries and learn about their idea
diving the Great Barrier Reef was ing us there and just wanted to be of our culture and their experiences
absolutely stunning. I could swim around us and have us hold them. in America so far,” Smith said. “Go-
ing on HUA impact my entire life.”
By Chloe Savage
huaHarding
University
Australia
47
hua
Scott and cindy carrell
HIP Faculty Q & A
1. How did you come to the decision to travel with the HIP program?
We’ve always wanted to spend time in Paris getting to use our French, and HIP sounded like
the best way to do that!
2. What did you both cross off your bucket list while in Paris?
Our bucket list included visiting Paris markets, going to concerts in Paris, living in an apartment
in Paris. We did a lot of things outside of Paris that were on our bucket list too: walking on the
Normandy beaches, climbing up Mont St. Michel, experiencing Monet’s garden in Giverny,
seeing the Roman ruins in Province, etc.
3. What was your favorite tradition at HIP?
HIP traditions include sharing meals with our group at Lauren’s [director of Harding University in
England] apartment, going on a treasure hunt all over the city, drinking lots of coffee and eating
lots of baguette sandwiches.
1. Sophomore Sarah Eldridge takes a break from 2. Junior Jon Oden flips through documents inside 3. Sophomore Sarah Eldridge, senior Emilia Cline
touring the Château de Chaumont on March 5. HIP the Château de Chaumont. The French Ministry of Culture and alumna Beth Ann Brock discuss what they learned
students visited the 10th-century castle for several days classified the castle as a historical monument in 1840. within the walls of the château. Located in Loire Valley,
during the week. Photo courtesy of Ashel Parsons France, the castle became state-owned in 1938, making
Photo courtesy of Ashel Parsons it open to the public. Photo courtesy of Ashel Parsons
4. At the stables of the Château de Chaumont, 5. Senior Emilia Cline snaps a picture of the chapel
students pet a donkey while touring the grounds. HIP 6. Students of Harding University in Paris finish up
students later traveled outside the borders of France within the Château de Chaumont on March 6. The stained their tour of the Château de Chaumont with a group photo.
for several trips at the end of their semester abroad. glass windows within the chapel depicted the history of Lauren Knight, director of HUE and HIP, organized the
the Chaumont-Amboise family. trip for the students. Photo courtesy of Ashel Parsons
Photo courtesy of Ashel Parsons
Photo courtesy of Ashel Parsons
12 3
456
48
International
Harding
Hipin Paris
In the spring of even-numbered years, students For many, though, the international cuisine proved
of various majors studied abroad at Harding in Paris just as unforgettable as the historical and cultural
to delve into French language, culture and history. sights.
From the very beginning of the 2014 trip, the group
of eight students experienced the famous sites of “My favorite part of the HIP semester is tied
France from Paris outward. between my free travel into Spain and getting to
experience all the different flavors that France had
“We went around, and we just got to see all the to offer in terms of cuisine,” sophomore Caesar
culture and observe the people,” sophomore Sarah Swaby said. “For me, food was probably the most
Eldridge said. “We learned to ask for directions important and exciting change between the two
and worked on our language skills.” countries.”
According to Eldridge, the group visited landmarks Harding’s numerous campuses across the globe
for more than just tourism, often experiencing taught students as much about themselves as about
church services or devotionals in historic places. the world around them.
“The first Sunday we went to Notre Dame, just “In general, traveling makes you feel kind of
to see and experience a super famous church,” how insignificant you are compared to all the other
Eldridge said. “How they sang back and forth people in the world,” Eldridge said. “There are
and just seeing their culture in the church was so many different people with different customs,
really neat.” and the language blew me away, and just how
diverse everyone is just makes you think about
Constructed in 1163, Notre Dame was just one how different we are.”
of many historic sites the students visited on their
semester-long trip. Besides exploring the streets Like other study abroad experiences, HIP aimed
of Paris, the group also visited the historic sites of to expand student worldview and produce capable,
Normandy and Omaha Beach, where an American independent thinkers in Harding’s community of
cemetery provided a reminder of home. mission.
“The first week we walked up the first two levels “I definitely took away global perspective,”
of the Eiffel Tower — 669 steps,” Eldridge said. “We sophomore Garrison Gerard said. “That’s basically
didn’t want to pay to take the elevators up, but it what everyone says, but it’s true. I feel equipped
was so worth it. We got to see it sparkle at night.” to travel and to live on my own. I spent two weeks
without any adult supervision traveling to five
Students reflected fondly on their small group different countries — America is easy now.”
travels to various parts of France, including a trip
to the Loire Valley, home of several historic castles. By Chloe Savage
49
hip
esther de
la cruz
When junior Esther De la Cruz heard the news that her
mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer, going to
college was the last thing on her mind. Though De la Cruz
was one of the most intelligent students in her graduating
class, she initially chose to forego college in order to
care for her ailing mother in their home of San Salvador,
El Salvador. Instead of admitting to the true reason she
intended to stay home, De la Cruz told her father that she
could not decide what to study yet.
“It wasn’t true,” De la Cruz said. “I really knew what
I wanted, but I just didn’t want my dad to spend all the
money because my mom was sick at the time.”
When De la Cruz found out about the Walton International
Scholarship Program, she saw it as an opportunity to study
at a university without putting her family in a financial
struggle. However, she continued to feel torn between
leaving home and staying to take care of her mother.
When her mother eventually found out, she consoled De
La Cruz and urged her not to feel guilty about accepting
the scholarship.
“My mom told me, ‘Esther, if you win that scholarship,
God is going to take care of me,’” De la Cruz said.
De la Cruz became one of 60 recipients of the Walton
Scholarship, which provided students from Central America
and Mexico with full-tuition scholarships. The objective of
the program was to promote democracy and free enterprise
in Latin America through education.
When De la Cruz arrived on campus, she took every
opportunity to get involved. She joined women’s social club
Zeta Rho her sophomore year and became involved with
Educating for Life, which helped fundraise for children in
Guatemala. She also maintained her interest in academics,
joining the International Business Society and Delta Mu
Delta, the business honors society.
Junior Lydia McReynolds, a fellow Zeta Rho member,
enjoyed getting to know De la Cruz, who went with
McReynolds to her home in Louisiana over fall break.
“Whenever she experienced my culture, we would talk
about hers as well and different things along the way,”
McReynolds said.
Adjunct professor Juan Meza, who taught De la Cruz
for both her freshman Bible classes, commented on her
warm demeanor and bubbly personality.
“She spoke all the time and was very relational with
others,” Meza said. “She smiled and was happy all the
time. She would laugh at everything.”
Throughout her time at college, De la Cruz learned to
value the people in her life. After her mother recovered
from cancer, she not only gained a new appreciation for her
family, but she also created more intentional relationships
with as many people as possible. De la Cruz wanted to
take advantage of the opportunity provided by the Walton
Scholarship Program.
“I’m not alone in this world,” De la Cruz said. “I say that
every person has something special that I don’t have, and
I want to learn from them.”
By Jackie Bacon Junior Esther De la Cruz moved from El Salvador to
Searcy, Arkansas, at the start of her freshman year as
a participant in the Walton International Scholarship
50 Program. Photo by Owen Brown
International
franz vargas
Junior Walton Scholar Franz Vargas came to Harding
from Coatepeque, Guatemala. He had recently begun his
English courses at school when a teacher informed him of
the Walton International Scholarship Program, which would
allow him to pursue his bachelor’s degree in the United
States. Vargas did not hesitate to apply. In 2013, he came
to Harding after completing a rigorous screening process.
Walmart founder Sam Walton and his wife, Helen,
launched the program to fund Latin American student
scholarships to three faith-based Arkansas universities
each year. Students from El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua,
Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Belize and Mexico were
invited to apply for these scholarships to attend Harding
University, John Brown University or University of the Ozarks.
“Four years ago I never thought I was going to be
able to hold a conversation with people from a different
country,” Vargas said. “Being with people from different
cultures and languages has been the best experience.”
The experience, according to Vargas, blessed not only
him but also the community of Walton Scholars the program
created at Harding. From the first day of Impact forward,
he began building a large group of friends both from
Latin American countries and from the U.S. After joining
the men’s social club TNT, Vargas added club sports and
functions to his schedule of Walton Scholar activities.
“Without Harding I would have never met them,” Vargas
said. “The environment that we live [in] on campus has
helped me to be more bonded to them every day.”
Junior Luis Chinchilla, a fellow Walton Scholar, appreciated
Vargas’ influence in his life as well. The two met during
their first Walton Scholars meeting and went on to become
good friends.
“He is one of the wisest mentors of my age I know,”
Chinchilla said. “God has blessed him with the power to
make everyone around him smile and fill their lives with
joy. He is a great support and leader.”
After his time at Harding, Vargas planned to return to
Guatemala. Dr. Nicky Boyd, director of international student
services, helped select Vargas as a Walton Scholar and
admired his drive to use his education for the betterment
of his homeland.
“I was impressed with Franz’ determination to return
home after his graduation and help his country,” Boyd
said. “I am convinced he will make a difference when he
goes home to Guatemala.”
Altogether, Vargas felt thankful not only for the relationships
he made at Harding but also for the comprehensive
education he received.
“Harding is making me a professional — it is equipping
me with the skills and tools that I need to succeed in my
country at the time I will go back,” Vargas said.
By Chloe Savage
Junior Franz Vargas became involved on campus 51
upon his arrival from Guatemala, joining men’s social
club TNT and the JESUS Project. International Students
Photo by Owen Brown
1
2
1. Junior David Ellis takes a swing during the Sub
T-16 car bash on Sept. 2. The car bash was an annual Sub
T-16 mixer tradition. Photo by DJ Lawson
2. Senior Maggie Thomas talks to freshman Shannon
Walker at Iota Chi’s second-round reception Sept. 11. The
club decked out in black and pink during their themed
reception, “We’re Tutu Excited to Meet You.” Photo
by DJ Lawson
3. Sophomore Becky O’Briant gets to know Zeta
Rho members during their open house Sept. 2. Zeta Rho
showed their club spirit to prospective members during
open house by wearing their jerseys and chanting the
Zeta Rho cheers. Photo by Amanda Floyd
4. Sophomores Chase Newburn and Kyle Hoyer
of Kyodai hold an axe during open house on Sept. 2.
Kyodai held an annual lumberjack reception where they
gave away an axe as a trophy. Photo by Amanda Floyd
5. Junior Sara Anne Gill and sophomore Marcie
Master, Ko Jo Kai members, talk with prospective club
members during open house Sept. 2. Open house was
one way for students to get to know the clubs better.
Photo by Amanda Floyd
6. Seniors Silas Heffley, Woody Weeks and Clint
Peyton fill their plates at TNT’s grill-out Sept. 17. The
club grilled burgers with prospective inductees during
their second-round mixer. Photo by Owen Brown
7. Shantih gets groovy on the Reynolds front lawn
during their second-round reception on Sept 15. Freshman
54 Stephanie Jordan fashioned the hippie look with boho
Social Clubs glasses and feather extensions. Photo by Amanda Floyd
47
36
5
Receptions
RecruitmenT in full swing
September was marked with enthusiasm different themes for our mixers, and also for most effort they can and really [tries] to be a
and eagerness as 31 social clubs geared up club week.” part of the club,” senior Woody Weeks, vice
to receive prospective members. The clubs president of men’s social club TNT, said. “At
hosted three mixers each, making for a total Coordinating plans and ideas could become the end, I hope that everybody has respect
of 93 individual receptions. cumbersome for these officers during the for each other and feels closer to each other
summer when they were not together. and feels like the whole club has bonded.”
“The receptions are really important because
those are some of the first interactions the “There were some times when it was more According to the 2014-2015 Social Club
girls have with older members in the club,” challenging, just ‘cause we were both really Handbook, social clubs were to be rooted
senior Chelsea Bradley, vice president of busy this summer, and it was hard to see what in Christian principles. Many of the officers
women’s social club Zeta Rho, said. “Those each other were trying to communicate,” entrusted with the club process included prayer
are their first memories of the club, and I Bradley said. “It was also hard to get motivated as a part of their planning and preparation.
think that’s why it is so important.” to plan because it was summer.” For all their own hard work, the officers knew
that a meaningful club experience took more
Every club dedicated at least one officer While challenges and difficulties filled than good ideas and organization.
position to planning and preparing for the the preparation process, officers completed
recruitment and induction processes. their work and submitted their plans to the “I have prayed for the seniors, who are
Office of Student Life by the beginning of the experiencing this for that last time, and that
“We probably started around June,” semester. All of their work and preparation they find fulfilment in it,” Bradley said. “I’ve
senior Laura Beth McKinley, vice president of came to fruition before their eyes as hundreds prayed that it is meaningful, specifically for
women’s social club Delta Gamma Rho, said. of prospective members met current members the girls coming into the club.”
“We have been calling different places on at the receptions.
campus, making reservations, also planning By Tin Nguyen
“I hope that every member ... puts forth the
55
Receptions
56
Social Clubs
Senior Paige McNeily cheers on a Pi Theta Phi softball team
at the intramural fields during their game Aug. 25. “We pride
ourselves in unity, which makes us passionate about not only
what the club stands for but each other,” senior PTP president
Natalie Smith said. Photo by Amanda Floyd
Pi Theta Phi
Celebrates 10 Years
In the spring, women’s club Pi Theta years, but I could still tell a difference Ganus said that PTP usually attracted
Phi celebrated 10 years of sisterhood on after because once you reach any kind of girls with hearts for missions and ministry; a
campus. To mark the occasion, the club milestone you just feel stronger,” Smith number of club alumni worked in ministry-
held an event entitled “A Decade of Pi” said. “You feel more unified.” related jobs. Former members were impressed
in March, the month it first received its with the club’s growth and renewed focus
charter in 2004. To reconnect with past members, PTP on mission work.
made a tenth-anniversary shirt and advertised
The anniversary celebration was open to it on the club’s Facebook page. They then In addition to celebrating the club’s
past and present PTP members, beaux and sold the anniversary shirts to club alumni beginning, PTP officers became more conscious
sponsors. Highlighting its 10-year theme, all over the country. of the legacy they were building as the year
the club split into groups and dressed in the continued. Junior Kelby Czerwonka, vice
styles of various decades. The party’s main Betsy Ganus, a sponsor and member of president of PTP, said she felt particularly
entertainment, a scavenger hunt, included PTP’s second class of inductees, said despite responsible for choosing new club members.
taking a group picture at the club-famous some changes, like the club’s rapid growth, After all, these inductees would determine
birthplace of PTP: the balcony of Pattie the heart of the club remained the same. the next 10 years of the club. Czerwonka
Cobb Hall. said she expected PTP to grow as a club
“After coming back as a sponsor, I felt that would continue to attract many leaders
Senior Natalie Smith, president of PTP, like the club was exactly the same as when and strive to serve God more than it had
said she gained new confidence in the club I had left as a student. It just had different in the past.
after the event. people now,” Ganus said. “It was weird to
me that I didn’t know any of them because By Daniel Casella
“I had only been in the club for a couple it felt so familiar to me.”
57
Club feature
tnt Maintains tradition
Most social clubs on campus attempted they are really creative, and they are part
to create and maintain certain traditions of what makes the Blue Banquet such a
to pass down through generations. The special tradition. I know in the past we’ve
men’s social club TNT was among several had swords, guillotines and full couches
that succeeded in this endeavor. Tradition painted blue. Anything you can think of
permeated everything TNT did, most notably has probably been made into a blue gift.”
their spring formal, the Blue Banquet.
According to junior Austin Yates, the
According to senior Patrick Brimberry, members took pride in making the gifts,
TNT held the banquet every spring since and they looked forward to the reactions
the club’s formation in 1933, and they had of their dates.
booked the same venue for the occasion
since 1965. Brimberry said the venue, The “One of the things that makes Blue
Red Apple Inn, remained a fixture of the Banquet special is that at other functions
event. you show up, eat food and then you go
home,” Yates said. “Those are fun, but you
“Every year when we go in [The Red don’t really put any effort into them. At Blue
Apple Inn], they know exactly who we are, Banquet, every single person who goes
they know exactly what we’re doing, and has put effort into making it special. So,
they always make sure the place is reserved in a small way, the success of the banquet
for the whole day,” Brimberry said. “It’s a rides on you. People are invested in it, and
good relationship we have with the owners that’s what separates it from other formals.”
there, and they expect us every year.”
Everything about the Blue Banquet,
Though the recurring venue provided from the venue to the blue gifts, screamed
a familiar atmosphere, it did not define tradition. McNeal said that although some
the Blue Banquet. According to Brimberry, might find the repetition boring, the members
the members put a lot of time, effort and of TNT took pride in the custom.
thought into creating a surprise “blue gift”
for their dates. A blue gift could be any “TNT is such a traditional club,” McNeal
object as long as it was painted blue and said. “I think that because there is tradition,
white, the TNT club colors. the members feel like they are a part of
something bigger than themselves. They
“My wife and I always go early to look at know that people 20 years ago did the
the blue gifts,” TNT sponsor Travis McNeal, same things, and it is really neat to see
assistant professor of of behavioral science, the consistency.”
said. “They are funny; they are impressive;
By Rachel Brackins
58
Social Clubs
Junior Luke Smith paints senior Cole Harper’s face blue for 59
the TNT activities on Oct. 21. TNT members represented
their club not only with painted faces but also with many Club feature
“harks” throughout the week. Photo by Amanda Floyd
Sophomore Davis Nossaman pushes a tire while junior
Christopher Walker and freshman Mark Gonzalez cheer
for him during the Iron Man club activity on Oct. 20. TNT
competed with Sub T-16, Titans, Gamma Sigma Phi and
Knights on the intramural fields. Photo by Grant Schol
Freshman TNT member Jacob Meeks enjoys filling out his
Blue Book during the TNT and Zeta Rho cookout on Oct. 20.
“I like the purpose of the Blue Book because it helps you meet
people, and you’re able to keep them for the rest of your life,”
freshman TNT member Dakota Ellis said. Photo by Owen Brown
burning
In the spring, members of men’s social club Chi target and the circle gets smaller and smaller and
Sigma Alpha fought for the best vantage points smaller,” junior Aaron West said.
all over campus as the annual club-wide game
of “Assassins” claimed its victims. To begin play, The club designated “godfathers” — the ones
members received an identification card in their responsible for organizing and moderating the
mailbox with the name and face of their first target game — to make sure play remained fair, because
on it. They also received their weapon: a rubber club members became highly competitive. The
band that was used to “assassinate” the target by assassins went to great lengths to gain club glory
snapping him with it in the presence of only one and pride by winning the game.
witness. The assassins were organized in a circular
network, making everyone a target. When an “If you really want to stay alive, you have to
assassin claimed his victim, he then acquired that say goodbye to your social life,” West said. “So
victim’s target. you hole up in your room and don’t let anyone in
including your suitemates, but that’s not a fun way
“You slowly kill people off, and then you get their to live. If you’re a human being, you’re going to
die eventually.”
60
Social Clubs
rubber
2014 alumna Erica Beaman won the game in that you normally wouldn’t talk to in the club.”
the spring, becoming the first queen to ever win Above all else, Assassins reaffirmed the identity
Assassins. According to Beaman, winning required
patience and diligence. of the club. Members saw Assassins as a direct
reflection of the type of people that were in Chi
“It’s all about strategy. You have to stay in groups,” Sigma Alpha.
Beaman said. “It’s nerve-racking. It’s really terrifying
at all times. You never trust anybody.” “The thing about Chi Sigs is that we’re close-
knit,” freshman Chase Adair said. “We’re a large
While the game seemingly caused tension with club with a small-club atmosphere. While we have
broken alliances and co-conspirators, Assassins a lot of people in our club, we like making personal
served a much greater purpose for Chi Sigma Alpha. relationships between everybody in the club. I think
It helped club members grow closer to each other Chi Sig Assassins is just a way to show our fun side
in a unique way. and that we enjoy having a good time.”
“It definitely brings the whole club together,” By Dane Roper
Beaman said. “It gets you in contact with people
Chi Sigma Alpha members juniors Alex Williams and Aaron 61
West, senior Cody Adair and juniors Sarah Hughes, Austin Lanier
and Philip Baird reenact their Assassins battle Dec. 2. The club Club feature
competed in the epic competition each spring.
Photo by DJ Lawson
14
36
25
1. Sophomore Allie Anderson works on her club 5. Junior Pi Theta Phi member Kelsey Allen 9. Freshman Bethany Ferrari wraps a shoebox
book during the Shantih beaux-sponsor dinner on cheers from her wheelchair during all-club devo on during Iota Chi’s service project on Oct. 22. Iota Chi
Oct. 21. “It is important that we remind our beaux Oct. 20. PTP beaux senior Thomas Stafford, senior enjoyed wrapping gifts for Operation Christmas
and sponsors of our love with encouragement and Luke Smith and junior Jake Wells lifted Allen up Child and looked forward to working with the
support,” sophomore Shantih member Sarah Lape during their club cheer. Photo by DJ Lawson organization again.
said. Photo by Amanda Floyd
6. Senior Chi Sigma Alpha member Kaleb Photo by Amanda Floyd
2. Sophomore Shelby Underwood writes letters McLarty participates in his club activity “Whose 10. Seniors Gregg Downing and Gehrig
for Delta Nu’s service project on Oct. 21. Delta Nu Line Is It Anyway,” on Oct. 22. “It is one of my
sent encouraging letters to a children’s home in favorite nights, and everyone’s guts hurt from the Haberstock, beaux for Chi Omega Pi, show their
Panama. Photo by Owen Brown laughter by the time it’s done,” McLarty said. Photo club spirit on Oct. 20. Beaux and queens encouraged
by Amanda Floyd their clubs throughout the busy week. Photo by
3. Sophomore Omega Phi member Tyler Cox DJ Lawson
plays tug of war at the Messy Games on Oct. 23. 7. Zeta Pi Zeta members pose for a fun photo on
Senior Sigma Phi Mu member Lindsey Hendricks and the front lawn Oct. 22. ZPZ enjoyed a picnic dinner 11. Freshman Coleman Dennis holds a balloon
freshman Phi Kappa Delta member Carrie Stewart before a night of writing letters and team building. on his chest during a Beta Omega Chi team-building
helped Cox tug for the win. Photo by Owen Brown activity on Oct. 21. BOX members had to walk with a
Photo by Wesley Hargon balloon between each other without letting it drop.
4. Junior Katie Clement represents Delta Gamma 8. Junior Michael Crockett, a beau for Sigma
Rho by wearing face paint to their softball game and Photo by Amanda Floyd
all-club devo on Oct. 22. Clement loved showing Phi Mu, celebrates victory at the Messy Games on
her club pride and getting dressed up during club Oct. 23. Four clubs participated in the games during
week. Photo by Amanda Floyd club week: Phi Kappa Delta, Sigma Phi Mu, Omega
Phi and Sigma Nu Epsilon. Photo by Owen Brown
62
Social Clubs
7 9 11
10
8
new rules, new focus.
Though traditions played an important lot of stress because you would get back to week’s principal activity, the all-club devo,
part in the social club process, the mental, your dorm room and have seven different also experienced a change in focus. Rather
physical and spiritual state of club participants essays to write to get signatures. ... I loved than emphasizing differences, it became a
had to come first. At one time, club week and hated every minute of it.” time for clubs to rally together in support
activities often lasted all day, from 8 a.m. of one another.
to 10 p.m. However, beginning in 2011, According to Tish Elrod, a 27-year sponsor
clubs restricted that time to just five hours for the women’s social club Ko Jo Kai and “All-club devo has really brought things
between 5 and 10 p.m. to respect students’ clerk in the business office, the university had together — just watching the interaction
academic responsibilities. According to Dean tried multiple times before to communicate with the clubs, whether it’s cheering for the
of Students Zach Neal, the administration also anti-hazing rules, but these attempts “fizzled clubs as they do something, or clapping with
began to increase communication concerning out” each time. Elrod said at one time a review them, or joining in,” Elrod said. “I think that’s
Arkansas’ anti-hazing laws, meaning the clubs team comprised of faculty, staff, students something that’s important for clubs to break
had to renege on some traditions that did and deans questioned the officers of each down a lot of the barriers.”
not comply. club about their intentions during club week.
Neal highlighted the constructive nature of
Senior Cooper Riggs joined the men’s “It worked for a year or two,” Elrod said. the new club week. Students were students
social club Beta Omega Chi in 2010, the last “Then, because there was a few members most importantly, and restricting club activities
year before the new club week schedule was who went through [club week] the old way until after 5 p.m. allowed them to get the most
established. Riggs said that even though his and who had traditions they felt like they out of both the week and their education.
long days during club week were stressful needed to follow, it became hard to draw Club week was an extracurricular activity, but
and ridiculous at times, he enjoyed it. the line between hazing and traditions. I it also represented the kind of community
had the president and vice president of the that students formed at all times of the year.
“[Club week] used to be described as ‘the club sitting on my couch saying, ‘We’ve got
most fun you never want to have again,’” to change this tradition — what do we do?’ “What takes place during club week
Riggs said. “All the stuff you did was fun, I said, ‘You can start a new one.’” is really a reflection of the community of
but it was incredibly stressful. Since the mission seen on campus,” Neal said. “That is
physical stuff has always been a little taboo, By putting their new members’ well-being simply creating opportunities to experience
the older members would make you write first, social clubs filled the void created wholesome activities together and build
essays to earn their signatures. There was a by anti-hazing laws with new traditions, relationships.”
establishing a different kind of legacy. The
By Rachel Brackins
63
Club Week
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