Centennial Guide

Inspired Purpose

Nearly a century ago our founders dreamed of establishing a school that was distinctly Christian. They believed so fully in the Lord and in their mission that they were willing to make extraordinary sacrifices to establish this institution and give it a robust future. One hundred years later we are enjoying the harvest of their dedicated labor.

This year, as we celebrate their legacy, we also want to consider how we can bring their dreams into Harding’s second century. This guide to our Centennial Celebration outlines many of the significant events throughout the year. Each of these is an opportunity to visit campus, reconnect with the Harding family and help us design a contemporary expression of our historic mission.

I want to hear your stories and visions for Harding’s future. Who were those friends and mentors who believed more in your potential than you did at the time? Think about the people who made this place a home for you hundreds of miles away from where you grew up. Remember those who connected you to the internship or job or church that changed your life. How can you share that same kind of blessing with students today?

Let’s gather our collective dreams to make an immense difference in the lives of a new generation of young people who are determined to change the world.

Join us as we celebrate our centennial and boldly envision the next 100 years.

Centennial Kickoff

Founders Day is a celebration of the administration, faculty, staff and students — the people who made this University possible. Because students are the heart of the institution, Sept. 7 , honors the first day of classes when Harding welcomed students to the campus in Morrilton, Arkansas, marking the official beginning of a century of Christian education.

Leon Sanderson (’54) leads the Alma Mater — for which his father, L.O. Sanderson (’28), wrote the music — at a special chapel service during the 75th anniversary celebration in 1998. Joining him on stage are President David B. Burks; Chancellor Clifton L. Ganus Jr.; Kenneth Davis Jr.; and Carroll Trent (’35).

Top photo: The administration building on Harding’s original campus in Morrilton, Arkansas, included an auditorium, a basement gym, classrooms, laboratories and offices.

Opposite page: President Williams stands in front of Harding’s original campus administration building in Morrilton, Arkansas in 2023.

Please join us for a barbecue lunch and a communitywide worship service Sept. 7, 2023 , as we kick off our Centennial Celebration.

Scan for a video about Founders Day 2023.

Contributors to Against the Grain , published as part of the 75th anniversary celebration in 1998, sign copies for faculty, staff, students and alumni. The book celebrated the eternal commitment to the mission of Harding.

100th Annual Lectureship

Since 1924, Harding has hosted an annual Bible Lectureship designed to serve the church through biblical teaching, encouragement and fellowship. For many years, it took place during Thanksgiving week as most students could not afford to travel home for the holiday. Before Harding returned to intercollegiate football, this special event also served as homecoming when alumni gathered to encourage each other and reminisce. Now, it takes place during the last week of September and continues to honor Harding’s historic mission.

The centennial Lectureship introduces a new format designed to deliver a more interactive and valuable experience for everyone. A track-based approach has been tailored to offer targeted information and advice to those serving in each area.

< 1939 Burning of the Mortgage

During the 15th annual Lectureship, the Harding family gathered on the front lawn to watch as President Emeritus J.N. Armstrong dropped the school’s paid mortgage into a bonfire, signaling the completion of the $68,000 debt.

Lectureship

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS + WORSHIP LEADER

Please join us for the 100th annual Lectureship, Sept. 24-27, 2023 . Taken from Colossians 1:28, the theme is “ Inspired Purpose: Everyone Mature in Christ .” In a culture where identity is a big question for many, we remain committed to grounding our identity in Christ. More than 21 different workshops will be

offered by experts in their fields, and special times of worship and fellowship will be a blessing to all who attend. Purchase your $25 ticket at hardingtickets. com , and visit harding.edu/lectureship for more information including the full schedule.

Scan for a video about Lectureship 2023.

Jason Darden (’05) Dr. Steve Cloer (’02)

Dr. Jeremy Flowers Brian Mashburn (’90) Keith Lancaster

AmericanStudies

In 1952, The Bison announced the School of American Studies, a new experience that would train tomorrow’s leaders by engaging with American history, politics, government, business and economics. Through a variety of programs, students have been challenged to explore the ideas that help shape the United States. The Distinguished Lecture Series has brought presidents, heads of state, business executives, thought leaders, academics and many others to Harding, providing exceptional experiences for students and the wider community.

Harvard professor, bestselling author and “The Atlantic” columnist Arthur Brooks speaks to ASI students March 31, 2022. As part of the Distinguished Lecture Series, he also gave a presentation that evening titled “The Science of Happiness.”

< Dr. Clifton L. Ganus Jr. was the first director of American Studies, beginning a 70-year tradition of inspiring lives of leadership by promoting a better understanding of the Constitution, capitalism, free enterprise, and the intersection of faith and civic life.

The University will host a special lineup of speakers during the Centennial Celebration who will continue to honor the ideals the American Studies Institute has always valued. Visit harding.edu/asi for more information as this year’s presentations are announced.

Scan for a video about the American Studies Institute.

Academic Events

Harding alumni have built successful careers in a variety of fields, and many will return to campus this fall to celebrate 100 years of Christian education at Harding. Inspired by Faith and Business, an annual event hosted by the Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration, each academic college will honor outstanding alumni

in their respective disciplines. They will provide presentations kicking off Homecoming festivities Thursday and Friday, Nov. 2 and 3, 2023. Join us in celebrating their distinguished accomplishments and learn more about how they are living out their inspired purpose.

2023 HOMECOMING ALUMNI AWARDS

Scan for a video about centennial academic events.

College of Allied Health

College of Business Administration

College of Arts and Sciences

Michelle

College of Arts and Sciences

Keith

College of Bible and Ministry

Leonardo

College of Education

Dr.

College of Nursing

Jordan

College of Pharmacy

Distinguished Alumna of the Year

Sylvia Rose (’75)

Young Alumnus of the Year Det. Sgt. Jeff Mathes (’10)

Botham Jean Inspiration Award Terry Davis (’93)

Yarbrough (’06)

Perry (’89)

J. Goff (’99)

Mike Hernandez (Ed.D. ’15)

Gilbert (’81)

Lt. Cmdr. Samuel Hubler (Pharm.D. ’12)

Young Alumnus of the Year Det. Ryan Cagle (’15)

Travis DeSisso (’08)

Jeff Tennyson (’84)

Homecoming

Harding has always valued community , gathering for food and fellowship on many different occasions each year. When intercollegiate football returned in 1959, the school celebrated its first traditional Homecoming. For more than 60 years, this has been a special time to remember and reconnect while honoring alumni and looking forward to a bright future.

< Football co-captains Jim Citty (’61) and Billy Joe Thrasher (’61) honor Harding’s first Homecoming queen, Carolyn Barton (’60) Ayers, with mums in 1959.

Top

Melody Perkins (’77) Manlove, Zane Howard (’82) and Michael Pullara (’77) perform in the 1974 Homecoming musical “To Walk Upon a Rainbow.” As a part of the 50th anniversary celebration, the original Harding production told the story of the school’s history.

Photo: Briana Cunningham (’98), Sammie Berry (’79), Vicky Valentine-Phillips (’00), Abby Stone (’00) and Naomi Valentine (’05)enjoy fellowship at the Homecoming tailgate.

Come home to Harding on Nov. 2-4, 2023

Weekend festivities include the musical “Mary Poppins,” the dedication of the new Holland-Waller Center, an All Social Club Reunion in addition to other class and club reunions, the Heritage Circle and Black & Gold banquets, the tailgate and football game and many other opportunities to reconnect and make new memories.

Scan for a video about Homecoming 2023.

Spring Sing

Spring Sing began in 1974 when Jerry Palmer (’78) and Kathy McKinney (’75) Peters created an opportunity for the student body to participate in the 50th anniversary celebration. Their idea of a variety show in which social clubs could compete emceed by hosts and hostesses began a tradition at Harding that, as they hoped, has continued to grow and has become an important part of the Harding experience.

We invite you to visit campus March 28-30, 2024, for the centennial Spring Sing celebration! The theme will be “Golden,” celebrating all the bright stars who have reflected the light of Christ on the Spring Sing stage — on Harding’s campus and across the world for a whole century.

Celebrating 75 years of Spring Sing in 1998, Jerry Palmer (‘78) and Kathy McKinney (‘75) Peters present John H. Ryan, the first director of Spring Sing, with the sweepstakes award now named in his honor. Ryan’s mentorship of current director Dr. Steve Frye created a foundation for the incredible experience we share annually.

Scan for a video about Spring Sing 2024: “Golden.”

In 2014 the men of Knights social club were directed by Harrison Waldron (’15) in “The Show Heard ’Round the World.” The show went on to sweep all the awards that year including the John H. Ryan Sweepstakes Award.

In 1974, Ko Jo Kai and Sub-T 16 win first place in the inaugural Spring Sing with “Sailing, Sailing.”

Total Solar Eclipse

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, completely blocking the light and making visible the sun’s corona or outer atmosphere. This rare and beautiful phenomenon will take place April 8, 2024 , and Searcy will be in the 115-mile wide path of totality. Continuing Harding’s relationship with NASA, which began in the 1960s, the University will host a variety of events to commemorate what is expected to be the mostwatched celestial event in history.

Mark your calendars now for April 2024, and join us in Searcy for the total solar eclipse Monday, April 8 , and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Music of the Spheres on Tuesday, April 9, in the Benson Auditorium. The concert will feature Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” as well as Ralph Vaughn Williams’ “Serenade to Music” in collaboration with the University’s combined chorus and alumni soloists.

Scan for a video about the total solar eclipse in April 2024.

Chair of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation Harry Olree and Director of Testing Bob Corbin conduct treadmill testing for NASA as part of Harding’s research and evaluation of astronauts in preparation for space flights in the 1960s. Students continue to conduct research funded by NASA grants in a variety of scientific fields today.

< Dr. Harry Olree and Bob Corbin, pictured here with NASA Chief Technologist Douglas Terrier and Dr. Ed Wilson, are honored for their research in astronaut fitness on NASA Day 2020.

Abigail Tran (’17) watches the partial solar eclipse on campus in 2017.

Our founders envisioned a Christcentered University that would make a profound difference in the world. Their resolute faith, keen sacrifice and enduring spirit have paved the way for us today. It is that legacy we remember and honor as we celebrate 100 years of Harding and look to a bold future.

Harding University’s Centennial Celebration will commence in September 2023, followed by a yearlong observance culminating on Harding’s 100th birthday in September 2024.

Mark your calendars and make plans to join us for these special events and more! We invite every member of the Harding nation to learn more about the history of Christian education, remember how this place has shaped your life and share those memories with the next generation.

This is our moment. We will inspire the future together.

Celebrating Our Centennial

2023 Founders Day Celebration

Sept. 7, 2023

Lectureship

Sept. 24-27, 2023

Homecoming

Nov. 2-4, 2023

Spring Sing

March 28-30, 2024

Total Solar Eclipse

April 8, 2024

Scan for an updated list of our centennial events.

2024 Founders Day Celebration

Sept. 7, 2024

Harding: 100 Years in Pictures

This centennial keepsake celebrates the spirit of Harding, which has always been the spirit of its people. Using Psalm 100 as the theme, the book shares, through more than 170 pictures, the past 100 years, demonstrating the spirit of faith that “continues through all generations.”

Highlighting many of the monumental moments from a century of Christian education and showcasing our beautiful campuses, the book captures the heart and essence of this place called Harding as it celebrates 100 years in the making.

Centennial Celebration

Sept. 7, 2024, the 100th anniversary of the first day Harding students attended classes, will be the culmination of a yearlong Centennial Celebration. On this day, the time capsule, which was buried in August 1979, will be opened, and a new one will be filled. This historic moment will be an important time of reflection and celebration and also an opportunity to look forward to the next century of Christian education at Harding.

On University Day, Aug. 27, 1979, President Clifton L. Ganus Jr. and Vice President for Finance Lott Tucker lower the time capsule into the ground commemorating Harding’s transition to University status. The time capsule was covered with three tons of concrete because Ganus was concerned that students would dig it up as a prank!

Make plans to join us for Founders Day 2024 festivities that will include the University’s 100th birthday celebration, opening of the time capsule, tailgating and the first Bison football game of the season.

Scan for a video about the Centennial Celebration.

< Buff the Bison greets football fans at a tailgate in Bison Park.

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915 E. Market Ave.

Searcy, AR 72149-5615

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Looking Back

O’Banion (’42) Benson listen to President Emeritus George S. Benson’s comments before the last meal served in Pattie Cobb Dining Hall on Jan. 31, 1988.

Leah Gentry (’65) and Dr. David B. Burks, Louise Nicholas (’42) and Dr. Clifton L. Ganus Jr., Dan (’73) and Keri Thompson(’81) Tullos, and Marguerite