HARDINGSPRING 2017

70 YEARS OF SERVICE

HARDING MAGAZINE’S 25th YEAR What’s Inside SPRING 2017 | VOLUME 25 | NUMBER 2 Check out our new WEBSITE: www.harding.edu/mag

12 Departments 16

2 VIEWPOINT 30 CONNECTIONS It has been an eventful senior year for 30 | PROFILE the president and class of 2017. Don Eudaly, ’78 31 | PROFILE 3 YOUR WORDS Bethany Halford, ’07; and Readers share their favorite moments Amanda Jerkins, ’01 from Spring Sing. 33 | TRIBUTE 22 4 ONE MOMENT Evan Ulrey, ’46 Secret garden beautifies campus. 34 | TRIBUTE Joe Hacker, ’55 ON THE COVER Features 35 | TRIBUTE At the faculty and staff Betty Ann Watson, ’64 recognition dinner April 21, President Bruce McLarty presents Chan- 16 22 cellor Emeritus Clifton HALL OF FAME GROWS TO 100 A PLACE AT THE TABLE 6 AROUND CAMPUS Distinguished chair named, Ruby Bridges L. Ganus Jr. with his The addition of 16 new honorees in February brings Shelby Dias travels to Ohio to see how Mac Sandlin and American Studies speaker, and other unprecedented 70-year the Athletic Hall of Fame to 100 members. his family find community while he pursues his doctorate. happenings around the University 36 END NOTE service pin. Ganus was For Lee Thornton, his swimming letter honored in March with jacket was an act of grace. the Distinguished Chair of History and Political 18 26 PHOTO BY SCOTT HUCK Science. See page 6. FIRST LADIES GARDEN PARTY FELLOW FRESHMEN PHOTO BY ASHEL PARSONS The three living first ladies share their take on the role President Bruce McLarty and the senior class of 2017 share 12 SPORTS at a tea party in the garden that honors them. many memories going from freshmen to seniors together. The Lady Bisons make it all the way to the NCAA Division II basketball Final Four. PHOTOS BY JEFF MONTGOMERY JEFF BY PHOTOS Viewpoint Your Words

Senior status HARDING What is your favorite memory from Spring Sing? SPRING 2017 | VOLUME 25 | NUMBER 2 By BRUCE D. McLARTY, president Q

T IS HARD TO BELIEVE I am complet- EDITOR/DESIGNER Drum solo in the early The … wait for it … ing the fourth year of my presidency. Tom Buterbaugh, ’78 1980s. The drummer was camaraderie. I think of it as my senior year, having on a pedestal that lifted STEPHEN PETERS, ’00 COPY EDITOR/WRITER begun my first year with the freshman Jennifer Hannigan, ’08 up. Fantastic! Spring, Texas studentsI in 2013. This senior class of 2017 is A JOAN MILLER, ’97 the one I began with, and they will always WRITERS Bedford, Texas I love how, even though Shelby Dias, ’15 we are competing have a special place in my heart. See page 26. Hannah Owens, ’11 After Sept. 11, the hosts, against each other, we I am sure my fellow seniors can identify hostesses and ensemble realize it’s all fun, and with what a ride this year has been, filled with SPORTS WRITER singing “United We our unity is in Christ. I Scott Goode, ’97 accomplishments, challenges and blessings. Stand.” I was working on get chills every time I Our athletic teams have taken us to new PHOTOGRAPHER crew backstage, and it hear everyone singing heights this year with the football team hav- Jeff Montgomery, ’91 was a showstopper! “United We Stand.” ing its first undefeated regular season and JENA FRITZ ENCIZO, ’06 AMY PEURIFOY, ’96 going as far as the national quarterfinals. Our CONTRIBUTORS Shannon Hills, Arkansas Wylie, Texas Joanna Crisco, ’97 Lady Bison basketball team won its first Cen- Savanna DiStefano, student writer My favorite memory My favorite memory tral Region tournament and advanced to the Pat Garner, ’71 Final Four. The Rhodes-Reaves Field House Allan Isom, ’60 is every year when the from Spring Sing back in show ends on Saturday the 80s is the applause literally rocked as the women beat the num- Cheri Smith, ’84 Lee Thornton, ’78 night. I love when all the Tofebt and Fraters got for ber one seed for the regional title. Our Lady clubs pack the Benson our clockwork with our Bison softball team has already delivered an Celebrating our chancellor emeritus, Dr. PRESIDENT awaiting the Sweepstakes glow-in-the-dark hands historic winning streak with 27 wins. Clifton L. Ganus Jr., who turned 95 on April Bruce D. McLarty, ’78 Award. After the winner as part of the show “On Another highlight of the year has to be 7, ranks as another highlight. His family gave is announced, the win- the Radio.” We were a VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY our first campus read program. Eric Metaxas, him a most appropriate honor on March COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING ners rush the stage in small group, but we were the author of the chosen biography Amazing 21 by establishing the Clifton L. Ganus Jr. Jana Rucker excitement, and the hosts proud of our show and Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Distinguished Chair in History and Politi- and hostesses start sing- took our performance Harding is published three times Campaign to End Slavery, came to campus as cal Science. See page 6. This endowment a year by the Office of University ing “United We Stand.” seriously. I will always be part of the American Studies Distinguished provides the resources for dreams, and his Communications and Marketing It is always so moving to me because we are all joined a group for Spring Sing. I fell in love glad I decided to participate in Spring Sing! Lecture Series in early January, and I was family hopes it will trigger others to do for alumni, faculty, staff, parents family during that moment, and I remember with the girls as well as the whole experience. DONNA SLACK ITSON, ’83 and friends of the University. the excitement [you] feel when you win. It’s Spring Sing not only helped me figure what Montgomery, Alabama honored to be interviewed on his radio show likewise. That day this University just got Editorial offices are located on the just a special moment in time that only Harding club to join the following year, but it helped me in New York City in March. Having never better. As this Harding icon humbly accepted second floor of the David B. Burks American Heritage Building at students and alumni understand. find some of my lifelong friends as well as break My favorite memory of Spring Sing is jersey been to our campus before January, Metaxas the honor, he said, “I have been so blessed to 915 E. Market Ave., Searcy, Arkansas; JULIE TRACY, ’98 out of my shell. I fully grasped the “Harding ex- night — when we all we wear our club jerseys told his radio listeners, “I was astounded have a Harding family … It’s a journey that’s 501-279-4316; fax: 501-279-4154. Searcy, Arkansas perience” when I decided to be a part of Spring and run our shows — and everyone gets to to see what’s going on at Harding,” calling been great fun.” He concluded, “Harding is a Sing. The countless hours of practice and hard watch for the first time. POSTMASTER us “strongly Christian.” He said, “Harding great place. Keep it that way.” We plan to do Send address changes to Undoubtedly, it would have to be when I met work creates a bond like no other! Spring Sing KAYLIE RENEÉ ROSS, STUDENT was a surreal experience. It was an author’s just that in our community of mission. Harding University my (now, but then future) husband during line every year is one of my fondest memories of St. Charles, Illinois dream.” After we discussed why the Univer- I wish all the best to the class of 2017. May 915 E. Market Ave. tryouts for “Toys,” the 1990 Sweepstakes my Harding career. I wouldn’t trade my Spring Box 12234 Award winner!! Sing experiences for anything. NEXT ISSUE’S QUESTION: sity chose his book, Metaxas told how “Wil- God bless you in the journey we began togeth- Searcy, AR 72149-5615. berforce did what he did because of his faith er as you go forth as lights into the world. SHANNON BLACK ADAMS, ’94 RACHEL CLARK, ’14 What is the best way for Christians to be a PHOTO BY JEFF MONTGOMERY in Jesus Christ” and encouraged our students EMAIL Greenville, Mississippi Maumelle, Arkansas light to the world? [email protected] by saying they “can change God’s world Email your answer to this question to I wasn’t accepted into a club my freshman year. Knights’ “Show Heard Round the World” with [email protected] or write us at through their major. Ministry is whatever WEBSITE I didn’t let that keep me from participating in Harrison Waldron (’15) directing was one of my Harding magazine, 915 E. Market Ave., you are doing wherever you are.” www.harding.edu/mag Spring Sing. I remember my mom, a Harding very favorites! Box 12234, Searcy, AR 72149-5615. © 2017 Harding University grad, telling me how much fun it was and how LAURIE HODGES BISHOP, ’79 Your response could appear on this page in our much it impacted her. I took her advice and North Richland Hills, Texas fall issue. ILLUSTRATION BY RENEE REITHEL RENEE BY ILLUSTRATION

2 HARDING | SPRING 2017 SPRING 2017 | HARDING 3 ONE MOMENT

Daffodils surround a whimsical sculpture donated by Bob and Sandy Brackett in the secret garden, an ad- dition to the First Ladies Garden completed in 2016. PHOTO BY JEFF MONTGOMERY

4 HARDING | SPRING 2017 SPRING 2017 | HARDING 5 Around Campus Author and civil rights activist Ruby Bridges spoke Feb. 2.

College of Education

CAEP accredited Her speech made me feel like I IN DECEMBER 2016, Cannon-Clary Col- should be more nice to people. Treat others how you want to be lege of Education became the first higher FORD, Harding Academy third grade treated, and even when they treat learning institution in Arkansas to re- you bad, you treat them better. ceive accreditation from the Council for JODIE, Indian Hills Elementary first grade the Accreditation of Educator Prepara- tion (CAEP), the single-specialized ac- creditor for educator preparation in the United States. “This recognition reflects a commit- ment from everyone in the College of Education, as well as our many profes- sional partners in the field, to further our mission of preparing excellent educators who are ready to teach with a strong skill set and an even more powerful mindset,” Dr. Donny Lee, dean, said. “We are grate- After the signing ceremony, ful that we can make a difference provid- Clifton L. Ganus Jr. is ing teachers, leaders and counselors for greeted warmly by his schools in Arkansas and literally all over oldest son, Cliff Ganus III. the world.” Although Harding is the first in Arkansas to complete the new CAEP standards accreditation process, the Distinguished Chair honors Ganus College of Education has been accredited IN MARCH, WITH DONATIONS from the Ganus honor will be awarded to candidates showcas- by the National Council Accreditation family, the University established the Clifton L. ing excellence in teaching and potential to make of Teacher Education every seven years Ganus Jr. Distinguished Chair of History and Po- a difference through use of the accompanying since 1961. litical Science in the College of Arts and Human- funds. The first appointment will be named in The CAEP Standards, adopted in Even though they were yelling at her, ities. The endowed chair will serve to enhance fall 2017. The endowed funds to be used by the 2013, reflect the voice from the education she acted calm and still went to school. the level of teaching and learning of history and chair will potentially cover research and publica- field on what makes a quality teacher. She also prayed for them. She can be an political science not only in the department but tions, travel expenses for field trips, equipment CAEP accreditation ensures that there is example to us that we can do the right also throughout the University. and materials, expenses of special seminars and solid evidence that graduates are compe- thing no matter what other people think. “Most people know Dr. Ganus as an adminis- conferences, and visiting lecturers in the history tent and caring and that staff are dedicat- JONATHAN, Harding Academy third grade trator for the University and an effective speaker and political science fields. ed to continuous program improvement. Her lecture was amazing. It almost made and preacher,” Senior Planned Gifts Officer “The concept of an endowed chair is really For students like junior Caitlin Har- me cry. I learned about how her experi- Don Kee said. “Generally, only former Harding neat because the financial gift recognizes the ris, a birth to kindergarten and special ence was challenging and sometimes students over age 70 know him as an outstand- honored individual and the faculty member who education major pursuing licensure, the lonely. From her speech, you learn how, ing history teacher and chairman of the history fills the position, and it continually supports the accreditation is recognition of the quality even when life brings you down, you can department. Dr. Ganus was a dedicated student mission of the college or department,” Provost teachers in the College of Education. persevere and get through it. and teacher and an accomplished historian.” Marty Spears said. “Our hope is to establish en- “Every professor I have ever had in No matter what your age, you can still AUSTIN, Greenbrier Middle School eighth grade Ganus joined the faculty as professor of his- dowed chairs in every college or department to the College of Education has gone above make an impact on the world. tory and chairman of the department of history honor supporting individuals and distinguished and beyond to help me succeed,” Harris LILLYN, Greenbrier Middle School seventh grade and social science in 1946. An archived letter faculty in that area. said. “My professors provide me with PHOTO BY JEFF MONTGOMERY from former student Bill Diles (’58) notes Ganus “Chancellor Emeritus Ganus is of course a so many opportunities to observe, plan was “knowledgeable, interesting, professional legend at Harding, and his career began as a his- and teach lessons. One of my favorite and left every indication that [he] had the best tory professor who had a reputation for making things is that our professors practice Ruby Bridges interest of the student at heart.” Ten years later history come to life. I believe this honor will be what they preach. They are truly experts Ganus was appointed as vice president, and he very special to Dr. Ganus because it acknowl- in their field, and they do everything inspires local students became Harding’s third president in 1965. edges and supports his beginning as a faculty they can to pass that knowledge on to

The distinguished chair appointment in his member at Harding.” their students.” MONTGOMERY JEFF BY PHOTO

6 HARDING | SPRING 2017 SPRING 2017 | HARDING 7 Around Campus Around Campus

HEARD in CHAPEL BY THE CHOOSING A PATH In high school, senior Truett NUMBERS Keener from Millersburg, Pennsylvania, did not an- ticipate attending college. When he visited Harding’s MARCH 27, 2017 MARCH 14, 2017 HALL OF Everyday STUDENT campus in 2013, he discovered an environment and “When we will allow him, the road God chooses may “I believe firmly in my heart that it’s God who decides FAME career path he wanted to pursue. “I wanted to experi- be long — it may be winding. But nevertheless, wher- what it means to be made in the image of God.” SENIOR TRUETT KEENER’S EXPERIENCES ARE ence what it’s like living in a community where there ever he leads us, that road is always going to bring us Dr. Dennis Matlock (’96), chair of the PREPARING HIM FOR A CAREER IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE are a lot of Christians — a lot of believers and follow- nearer to him. God left us the answer key for every department of chemistry test that we take in this life. He gave us the correct 1989 ers of Jesus. After touring the campus and looking Year of first induction at all the different departments, I realized criminal response for every question we have to answer.” FEB. 20, 2017 justice is something that would be very consistent Dr. Mike Justus (’74), member of the “I challenge you to walk in love so that the kingdom with my interests down the road.” University’s board of trustees is expanded.” Tom Brandon, author 100 A PURPOSE Keener is majoring in criminal justice and MARCH 23, 2017 Total number of inductees plans to enroll in a police academy after graduation. He “I’m learning daily that I’m part of a bigger picture. As FEB. 13, 2017 said a career in law enforcement would provide him a college student, I’ve realized the world we live in is “Our culture wants to define your singleness as a about expectations. I’ve learned to be content where detriment, and that’s not what the Bible teaches. The with opportunities to positively influence his surround- ing community. “For me, I found that the purpose of I am. Instead of falling to my knees to give up, I fell to question for me is not, ‘Are you single? Have you got 5 our life is to live for the Lord, to surrender to him, my knees in prayer. Jesus can fix us in a way that no somebody?’ The question for me is ‘What are you do- Number of women added and to do and live as God would have us to live. With one can ever tell we were broken.” ing with your singleness?’” this year, the most in any my passion to reach out to people and to help people Heidi Abston, senior accounting major from Searcy Dr. Brian Simmons, professor of communication at induction class who are in need, it’s a career that I believe in, and it’s a Oklahoma Christian University career that I see a lot of need for more Christians.” MARCH 20, 2017 OCT. 28, 2016 “I believe in a God that is all powerful — all knowing. “There is a tug-of-war between the values of our cul- 15 OUTREACH During the fall 2016 semester, Keener The only problem is I don’t know. I don’t have all the ture and the values of our faith. Harding can prepare Total number of coaches interned at the White County Sheriff’s Office. He powers. I’m not going let any of this keep me from you to exercise the character you build here when you inducted including four worked with deputies, detectives, jailers and bailiffs having the faith that I have. I pray that you don’t let leave for the rest of your life.” in this year’s class and experienced various patrol calls and courtroom these struggles keep you away from who God is and Dr. Swaid N. Swaid (’73), neurosurgeon procedures. During his four years at the University, what he can do for you.” Keener has been active with several community Aris Ortiz, senior mathematics major from Ola, Arkansas outreach programs, spring break missions, and the 27 Student Association, and he has served as a resident Number of inductees assistant. “There is such a large population of incred- EVENTS associated with the ibly warm-hearted people here who really love Jesus football program, the and to me that has been the absolute highlight of most of any sport being here especially given that there is such JUNE 4-9 JUNE 10-15, 17-22 AND 24-29 stations, a market experience, training diversity in nationalities from all over the world.” National Leadership Forum Uplift in the discovery Bible study method, and classes on how to use all kinds Students in ninth through 12th grade A Christian camp on campus, Uplift of majors in God’s mission. 11 FRUITFUL EXPERIENCES From leading mission trips study the traditions and ideals upon provides classes and speakers for camp- www.harding.edu/gme Total number of to participating in student committees, Keener said which America was founded as a ers to grow spiritually as well as plenty his time at the University has prepared him for his part of National Leadership Forum. of time devoted to recreation and enter- induction classes SEPT. 24-27 future. “Every opportunity that we have, whether we During the weeklong program, they tainment. Campers stay in residence halls take it or not, we learn something from, and through develop leadership skills, hear from and eat in the campus cafeteria. Uplift Lectureship nationally known speakers, attend is open to students between seventh RIGHTEOUSNESS FROM GOD: THE that it betters us so that it broadens our horizons, ex- lectures, and part