More and more

The third verse of the alma mater proclaims, “Harding opens wide her portals, thus inviting all, who would tread the path of knowledge; heed then to her call.” We take this verse to heart.

Our theme for this year is “A culture of respect” taken from 1 Thessalonians 4:1: “Finally brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.” Going on to verse nine, we find, “Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.”

Respect is not the tenor of our times but something we want to strive to actively achieve at the University “more and more.” We want every student to know, as Student Association President Hallie Hite said at our opening session dinner, they have somebody in their corner. She told the faculty, “It matters for you to be here for us.”

We will strive to develop brotherly kindness more and more, just as you will read on page 19 alumni are putting into practice in Pontiac, Michigan, with the Micah 6 Project.

Many students coming to Harding experience a level of regard and rapport they have never felt before. With many of our students participating in international programs such as this summer’s global study of the art and architecture of worship (page 14), respect for other cultures around the globe is emphasized. May our community of mission, whether in Searcy or studying abroad, be known for its increasing culture of respect for others.