Editor note

Bringing history home to Harding

June 04, 2018

When my daughter was in fourth grade at Westside Elementary in Searcy, she completed a project on living first ladies. She wrote each one and received from Laura Bush a personal letter written on White House stationery.

In 2002 I received a card from her mother-in-law, Barbara Bush, thanking me for sending her a copy of this magazine with her picture on the cover after she spoke in the American Studies Institute Distinguished Lecture Series.

Her handwritten note was heartfelt and genuine, stating “I really enjoyed my visit to Harding. The spirit at your school was strong and gave me great hope for the future.” She went on to say “Your university is building this strong love of God, country and family.”

Barbara died the day following Laura’s speech at Harding April 16. Both women showed such poise and dignity, and Harding is fortunate to have had both of them and their husbands speak at the University.

Enjoy, and let us know what you think.

Tom Buterbaugh, editor/designer

Categories: Editor note