Viewpoint: Senior status

It is hard to believe I am completing the fourth year of my presidency. I think of it as my senior year, having begun my first year with the freshman students in 2013. This senior class of 2017 is the one I began with, and they will always have a special place in my heart. See page 26.

I am sure my fellow seniors can identify with what a ride this year has been, filled with accomplishments, challenges and blessings.

Our athletic teams have taken us to new heights this year with the football team having its first undefeated regular season and going as far as the national quarterfinals. Our Lady Bison basketball team won its first Central Region tournament and advanced to the Final Four. The Rhodes-Reaves Field House literally rocked as the women beat the number one seed for the regional title. Our Lady Bison softball team has already delivered an historic winning streak with 27 wins.

Another highlight of the year has to be our first campus read program. Eric Metaxas, the author of the chosen biography Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery , came to campus as part of the American Studies Distinguished Lecture Series in early January, and I was honored to be interviewed on his radio show in New York City in March. Having never been to our campus before January, Metaxas told his radio listeners, “I was astounded to see what’s going on at Harding,” calling us “strongly Christian.” He said, “Harding was a surreal experience. It was an author’s dream.” After we discussed why the University chose his book, Metaxas told how “Wilberforce did what he did because of his faith in Jesus Christ” and encouraged our students by saying they “can change God’s world through their major. Ministry is whatever you are doing wherever you are.”

Celebrating our chancellor emeritus, Dr. Clifton L. Ganus Jr., who turned 95 on April 7, ranks as another highlight. His family gave him a most appropriate honor on March 21 by establishing the Clifton L. Ganus Jr. Distinguished Chair in History and Political Science. See page 6. This endowment provides the resources for dreams, and his family hopes it will trigger others to do likewise. That day this University just got better. As this Harding icon humbly accepted the honor, he said, “I have been so blessed to have a Harding family … It’s a journey that’s been great fun.” He concluded, “Harding is a great place. Keep it that way.” We plan to do just that in our community of mission.

I wish all the best to the class of 2017. May God bless you in the journey we began together as you go forth as lights into the world.