Celebrating a giant: Tributes to Dr. Ganus

"He could laugh at himself. While fishing in Alaska, he stayed with us in our small camper. We marveled at a man of his importance sitting in his pajamas eating breakfast with two former students." —Connie Webb (’68)

"Dr. Ganus — one of my heroes of faith. This man was a Jesus follower first. He also was an inspirational leader and humble servant while experiencing great success, generous with his kindness and his money. He went to bat for kingdom work in Uganda like no other, and we were blessed with his presence there several times. Directly related to our work, the Source Café couldn’t have happened without his time, interest and generosity. In the middle of so much change he experienced in his lifetime, he was a model for loving and serving all, especially when all didn’t agree — a rare thing in our world today. Dr. Ganus indeed played a great game of life, and I — and this world — am so much better for it." —Clint Davis (’93)

"Anchors Aweigh, Dr. Ganus … #SubT16" —Derek Glover (’09), Sept. 9 Facebook post

"Very few things in my life have been more humbling than feeling the presence of Dr. Ganus and knowing how much he loved the young men that played for the Bisons. He loved us so well! What an incredible, incredible ambassador for the Lord this giant of a man was. In one of our very last conversations, he sat in his wheelchair in the Huckeba Fieldhouse and watched young Ben Chism run with joy across the new turf. Dr. Ganus longingly said, ‘What I would give to be able to run like that again.’ I am confident that Dr. Ganus is running today like he has never run before. Praise God for the great victory, what a celebration must be going on in heaven today! Dr. G, we love you so much and can’t wait to see you again!!" —Paul Simmons (’95), Bisons head football coach, Sept. 10 Facebook post

"A gentle, Christian giant walked among us, touching lives in positive ways. A servant of Christ and humanity. He met me in the Bahamas at the Caribbean Lectureship, which he attended regularly. He made it possible for me to attend Harding and was always there for me and my family." —David Henry (’93)

"One of my vivid memories is of Dr. Ganus playing softball in the faculty-student intramural games with his white T-shirt and his old-fashioned ball glove. We loved being out there with him. I also remember how he would take a chapel period, from time to time, to tell stories of Harding people long past — he brought the heritage alive! More recently I would run into him during my yearly trips to Uganda. I’d show up in Jinja feeling like I’d accomplished something, and there he’d be, 90 years old and still traveling to Africa. What an amazing man and servant of the kingdom!" —Gary Selby (’80)

"Dr. Ganus was a remarkable man. He possessed a unique combination of humility, confidence, optimism, graciousness, wisdom, joy and vision … all informed by the spirit of Jesus. The result was an incredible life that touched and inspired thousands of lives … including mine." —Randy Lillard (’74)

"He is the iconic image I have of leadership, kindness and stability, indicative of Harding. He left a majestic imprint in the landscape that will always be Harding for me." —Kendra Johnson (’80)

"One year ago, I saw Dr. Ganus and asked him if he had any more big trips planned. He said yes, so I asked where he was going. Dr. Ganus smiled and said, ‘Heaven.’ Well, I know he arrived." —Ron Copeland, former faculty/staff

"When I was a freshman attending chapel in the administration building (slightly before Benson Auditorium was built, and we had first and second chapel), most freshmen were assigned to the balcony. Dr. Ganus called me out for reading the newspaper during chapel service — it was Friday before a home football game, and I was a Bison football player wearing my jersey that day. At the conclusion of chapel, Dr. Ganus said (publicly), 'Number 54, come and see me as soon as we dismiss.' I was at the foot of the stage within 30 seconds and scared to death. He let me down easy, but it was a lesson of accountability I remember to this very day, and I’m 60 years old now. I thank God for the Harding influence in my life, personified by Dr. Ganus, a truly great man." —Kevin Stamp (’83)

"Moments that spring to mind are of Dr. Ganus and Dr. Joe Pryor coming out of the stands and taking a joyous victory lap with the whole team in Arkadelphia when we won the University’s first conference track title in 1981, and then the day in his office a year and a half later when he told me — I was $1,000 short of being able to register for my last semester at Harding — about ‘this scholarship for exactly $1,000’ that was for a student who exactly fit my profile. ‘What do I need to do to qualify?’ I queried. ‘Just ask me’ was his reply. I can still feel the relief and the gratitude that flooded through me in that moment to this day. I know in my heart that there was no such scholarship and that he wrote that tuition check himself from his private endowment ‘for students in need.’ He was a great man who lived out his principles. He made an imprint on my soul. I thank God for Clifton L. Ganus, Jr. May he rest in peace with the Lord he served his whole life." —Gene Billingsley (’83)

"I could not have had a better boss. He was always helpful, kind and patient for the 46 years I served as his secretary." —Edwina Pace, former staff

"I had always noticed Dr. Ganus’ hands. They were mighty, strong and gentle. It was an honor having my bachelor’s degree handed to me by Dr. Ganus. He represents Harding at its finest." —April Wilson (’87)

"Dr. Ganus was my president. I’m so grateful. He was such a delight and a comfort and a wonder to hear speak, not just the melodious sound of his kind voice but the careful wording of challenging and encouraging admonitions. John and I flew on a small plane with Dr. Ganus to perform at a recruiting event, and he was so gracious, so eager, to make us comfortable — and of course interested in our families, our studies, our lives. I can see him teaching us how to pop our ears by holding our nose and blowing out our cheeks. I accidentally called his home more than once, trying to reach his son, and he could not have been more generous with me, chuckling as he gently informed me I might have the wrong number, then asking me about my life. Ganus family, I’m so happy for you that you had him. I’m so glad the Harding family had him. Now the Lord has him." —Alice Griffith (’89)

"My sophomore year I was working at Whistle Stop BBQ, and I would see Dr. Ganus and his wife come in and just admire them from afar after all the incredible things I had heard about them. Our Zeta Rho 'Palgrims and Friendians' function was coming up soon, and I thought, what better way to get to know a new pal?! I worked up the courage to ask Dr. Ganus. He joyfully accepted on the condition that his wife approved, and a few weeks later we met at their house where he awaited us with the best pilgrim costume we’d ever seen. My friends, Kalyn and Nate, and I sat in awe as he shared stories and wisdom during the car ride and participated in an awesome night with all of us. I will forever hold close to my heart those moments and how willing he was to spend his night off with a bunch of crazy Zeta Rho girls in a barn in Nowhere, Arkansas, just because a student had asked. This was one of my absolute favorite memories from Harding, and I’m honored to have been able to share it with Dr. Ganus." —Harlee Stutesman (’16)

"I’ll never forget a few years ago when he stopped by Student Publications to be featured in the yearbook distribution video. A former Petit Jean editor-in-chief himself, Dr. Ganus stood in the office after the shoot telling the current staff about his days as an editor. He told us he had each of his 1943 Petit Jean staff sign a dollar bill, and then he proceeded to take that same dollar bill out of his wallet to let us all look at it. To know that his days in Student Publications meant so much to him and that his staff was so cherished that he carried their names in his wallet every day was one of the most memorable experiences I have had at Harding." —Katie Ramirez (’08), Sept. 9 Facebook post

"I was the sports editor for the Harding Bison and used my nickname, Buzz, in all my stories because that is what everyone knew me by. At graduation I was announced by my given name which is Donald Ball. Imagine my surprise when Dr. Ganus shook my hand and said, 'We love you Buzz.' I thought, 'Wow, he took time out to read my stuff and remembered who I was.' And many years later while visiting the campus we saw Dr. Ganus, and he instantly knew who I was and called me by name. A remarkable and inspirational man and one whom I'm glad was part of my life." —Buzz Ball ('78)

"When I was a student at Harding, I lived in old married apartments. My walk to chapel everyday took me through Dr. Ganus' neighborhood. On several occasions he would offer me a ride to chapel. He dropped me off at the door! What an awesome memory I have of a truly serving and humble man of God!" —Lisa Cunningham ('92)

"I had the privilege of getting to know Dr. Ganus through my husband Swaid Swaid. Today we feel the pain of the absence of a giant of a man. His greatness is attributed to his dedication to fervently serve the Lord. I will remember him as being in a hurry. He exuded a sense of urgency and wasted no time demonstrating love and support for others. We were fortunate to be on his schedule around the holidays. He and Louise drove fast to visit friends, share freshly caught salmon from Alaska, and gifts from Africa. While with us, he and Louise were completely present and in the moment. Our young boys loved to hear him tell amazing ministry stories from around the world while Louise confirmed everything in her sweet and gentle way. He made a lifelong impression on our whole family and baptized our sons Christian and Cason only one year ago. I praise the Lord for crossing the paths of Dr. Ganus and Dr. Swaid Swaid. Their friendship began and grew over the last 50 years. May the peace of Christ comfort all those who mourn his passing." —Christy Swaid

"The year that I went to work for Harding in 1984, working for Herman Spurlock as secretary, Dr. Ganus called me on my birthday to wish me a happy birthday. After I retired in 2010, I was surprised when he kept calling wishing me happy birthday right up until he died. I'm sure going to miss those calls." —Phylliss Wright, former faculty/staff

"Dr. Ganus loved the Bisons. He always wanted to know the guys names on our team, where they were from, what position they played, etc. He always greeted me with a smile and said my name. He had the ability to unite all types of people, and his voice was one of comfort. I remember him always sitting right behind the bench for our basketball games and often coming up to us after the game win or lose. I remember his voice being in the background of several motivational videos for a number of our sports teams. I listened to them this morning and was overwhelmed with emotion listening to his voice. He drove to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, in the sleet and snow just to watch both teams play in the conference tournament. He often came to Midnight Madness no matter how late it was. He would always come hang out at practice, one day showing up in his flip flops. The entire team thought that was awesome. The memory I will remember the most is about a week ago when he and his wife both showed up to 5 p.m. church service at the College Church. He was confined to his wheelchair/bed, but felt the need to come be with the Lord's people, no matter how he felt. Remembering his life has motivated me to want to be in heaven, make a difference in student's lives like he did, and encourage, love, serve other people like he did. A great man that I will never forget." —Will Francis ('17)

"Just after I came back to Harding in 2008, I was walking near the library and Dr. Ganus was walking toward me. It made me a little nervous because I held him in such I esteem and had only known him as a student and was now newly on the faculty. The closer he got, the more I wondered what, if anything, I should say besides hello. When we got to each other he said, 'Hello Rich, I'm glad you're here,' and he kept on walking. I don't think my feet touched the ground the rest of my walk to the Mabee Building and from that instant on, I felt like I really did belong at Harding." —Rich Brown ('88)

"At age 92 Dr. Ganus 'captained' his ski boat 700 miles down the White and Mississippi Rivers providing my dad, Lathan Garnett, and me with a memory of a life time. We camped three nights on the banks of the Mississippi with Dr. Ganus and his son Cliff III before finally landing in New Orleans where he treated us all to a seafood dinner at one of his favorite restaurants. What a man and what an adventure!" —Phil Garnett ('81)

"Dr. Ganus was a great leader and yet so gentle and considerate of each individual he met. He remembered special things about many people. I will so miss getting that birthday call in a few days. May his legacy live on through his wonderful family and each life he touched all these years." —Beverly Austin ('68)

"I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Cliff Ganus. He was my father's best friend growing up in New Orleans, and they were close friends from about age 10 until my fathers death six years ago. He was responsible for my father becoming a Christian, and he encouraged him to go to college at Harding. Those two commitments changed my fathers' life in more ways than I can count. Their friendship had may facets. They were drawn close because of childhood friendships and their love for Harding and Lipscomb, but their strongest bond was their intense love for God. I have many memories of Uncle Cliff and Aunt Louise being in our home and telling stories of growing up together, college days and the struggles of helping Harding and Lipscomb grow as educational institutions but still maintaining their primary focus of being schools whose focus was to serve God and to send Christian young men and women into the worlds work force. He was a remarkable man who not only stayed active in his spiritual life and love for Harding but also was an athlete loving to compete with the students in intramurals, and I know he was at every athletic event he could attend. I will remember him as a Godly man with a great love for his fellow man and an intense devotion to Harding. He became an ambassador for Christ and Harding through out the world. I would imagine the number of sermons, Bible classes, weddings and funerals he did would be innumerable. I know how proud of his family he was. Every time we were together all you had to do was ask how about the family and his face would light up and you would hear glowing reports about everyone. In my heart I will always remember a larger than life man with massive hands, an infectious smile, a kind loving heart, and an intense love for God, family and Harding. He will be missed by many but he is now home with his Father waiting for us to join him. I am proud that I called him my friend. I loved him, and I will miss him. My deepest sympathy and love goes out to his dear wife, Louise, his children and the rest of the family. I love you all, and you are and will remain in my prayers." —Ron Swang

"I graduated in December '87, which was Dr. Burk's first graduating class. As a member of Sub T-16 I was disappointed that I would not get to give Dr. Ganus the Sub T handshake upon receiving my diploma. Around 25 years later my wife and I had picked our kids up from summer camp at Tahkodah and decided to wash their clothes on campus. While the clothes were being washed, we took a walk on the campus. I was fortunate to run into Dr. Ganus and introduce him to my children. It was a proud moment for me. After introducing my kids, who now attend Harding, I shared my graduation story with Dr. Ganus. He smiled and said 'Well, let's just do that right now!' I was thrilled and honored. I'll never forget that moment and will cherish the influence he provided for my faith and Harding experience. By the way, my son joined Sub T as well. Thank you Dr. Ganus, and Go Sub T Hey!" —Gene Paul ('87)

"The first time I spoke with Dr. Ganus personally, he walked into the soccer complex training room to meet me — me, a freshman athletic training major. This spiritual giant of a man wanted to make sure he knew me. We talked fondly about both being from Texas, and he shook my hand before he left. He embodied Jesus and His teaching. He was a wonderful servant and I am proud to be an alumni of Dr. Ganus' university. I will remember his voice and his presence walking across campus, and I will strive to serve as he served Jesus!" —Paige Daughety ('16)

"Sixty three years of knowing this man brings lots of special memories ... being in the Ganus home, going through high school and college with Cliff III, sitting in his American history class, attending the church history class he taught on Sunday mornings at College church, knowing him as a neighbor and friend. Several years ago College church began serving a Monday night meal called Caring & Sharing to homeless, downtrodden and anyone who needed help, and I have worked with the group who cooks and serves through the years. Dr. and Mrs. Ganus have come nearly every Monday night. They sit at the table and visit, and many times I've heard him say, 'Hi...I'm Cliff, and this is my wife Louise. We're glad you are here. Tell us about yourself,' and then he would listen. These people had no idea they were sitting with a college president, chancellor, world traveler and someone who had dined with many 'important' people. They just knew he cared. He treated them with dignity and respect. Seeing his genuine love of people — treating others as Jesus would — with kindness and gentleness has been a blessing!" —Deanna Brooks ('66)

"I grew up on the Harding campus as dad was a dorm manager in Grad and Allen halls. I also grew up at College church, and I never could wait to get my stick of Juicy Fruit gum after church. He always seemed to have it in his pocket. Back when I was in junior high school living in Grad, there used to sit a softball field in the area that is now the parking lot between Grad, the library and the Benson. Home plate was located down in the corner of that area where Grad and the library come close together. I remember watching Dr. Ganus, this beast of a man, batting lefty and knocking home run balls over the hedge in right field, over the cars parked beyond the hedge, over Blakeney street, and off the front facade of the Rhodes Field House. At that time, Dr. Ganus had to be in his 60s." —Dave Daughety ('04)

"Dr. Ganus will forever be an icon. He touched so many lives. Words do no justice to what a special person he was. He was like the encouraging grandfather to every Harding athlete. I have never met anyone like him; he was truly a blessing to have known." —John Turbeville ('92)

"On my first day at Harding College, my parents dropped me and my belongings off at 'New Dorm' (Sears), and, saying goodbye, I headed over to the old auditorium for orientation. I cried across campus and into the auditorium and sat by some boy who quickly found another seat so that he didn't have to deal with a bawling girl. And then Dr. Ganus took the stage. When I heard his deep fatherly voice, I immediately felt at home. I knew that I would be taken care of at Harding. He had a knack of making one feel known and important. Later, when two of my children attended Harding and played football and volleyball, he made a point to come talk to me and Stan about each of them, calling them by name and speaking of their accomplishments. The one who had me feel at home had made my children feel at home. I will always admire and love his great love for the students of Harding University." —Janelle Phipps ('79)

"I think Dr. Ganus understood and appreciated Harding's mission and purpose and worked to achieve that better than maybe anyone else. We are blessed that he came our way! I basically grew up on the Harding campus and among other things as a boy watched the faculty softball and ragtag teams play against teams of college boys. They always won or at least it seemed so. Dr. Ganus was a star on those teams. He was amazing in softball — he batted left-handed and hit many towering home runs to right field over the hedge on the old softball field. I think a few may have hit against Rhodes Field House. So when I finally got to college, it was a thrill for me to get to play against the faculty team. We lost of course. I remember once in softball, I had made it to third. Dr. Joe was pitching, and Dr. Ganus was playing first. The batter for my team hit a slow roller to the pitcher, and Dr Joe picked it up and turned to throw to first, so I took off for home, but Dr. Ganus saw me and motioned to Dr. Joe who then turned, threw home and I was out. I so wanted to score on the faculty, but it was not to be. When I was a freshman, I pledged Sub T and during initiation night, we were out at a spot on the college farm. It was chilly, well cold. Dr. Ganus was the faculty sponsor. It was his last year to be so because he became Harding's president the next year. Anyway, toward the end of the initiation, Dr. Ganus slipped up behind me, took off his coat and put in over my shoulders. It sure felt good. He was a great man, and I loved him." —James Sears ('69)

"In discussing with him his selection as Harding's third president, I asked him if he felt that he was well prepared as an educator and part of the academic community. He minimized his academic credentials and said what he wanted to be known as was a minister of the gospel. I always appreciated his emphasis on the importance of preaching the gospel." —Robert Walker ('77)

"In the summer of 2011, I studied abroad in Greece. Dr. Ganus and Mrs. Louise came to visit that summer. They jumped right in and participated in all that we were doing — walking tours, meals and devotionals. I have four memories that stand out from that time. We had recently gone to Egypt and shared with Dr. Ganus about our travels and that we had been able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Giza. I thought this was pretty cool until Dr. Ganus shared that he had gotten to repel down it! Another night we were all sitting around and chatting when suddenly the bottom of Dr. Ganus' chair fell out, and he quickly sunk to the ground. Horrified we all jumped up to help, but he just laughed and said, 'I knew I shouldn't have had that second burger.' We laughed so hard. My third memory is of Dr. Ganus venturing out to Athens by himself. He wanted to go and no one else was able to attend with classes, but he didn't let that stop him. He took his map and headed out. I was so impressed with his adventurous and confident spirit! My last memory is of Dr. Ganus and Mrs. Louise so sweetly holding hands and walking around the historical sights. They had such a sweet love, and I loved watching them interact. His kind, generous and adventurous nature left an impression on me. I truly enjoyed their visit that summer!" —Laura Green ('11)

"Growing up as a 'faculty kid' I have such fond memories of Dr. Ganus. One in particular was when I was a part of HUF and we'd been in Italy for a month or so, loving all our experiences, but secretly longing for a little bit of home. Dr. Ganus came to visit and as a surprise, he had gathered notes, cassette tapes and any other form of communication he could get from our parents. He became our comforter, a connection to the things we cared most about in this life. He was like Santa Claus in the spring as he passed out everyone's parcels, so sweet and giddy with the task. I'd always loved him, but I loved him even more from that point on. He came to visit my mom five years ago as she began her journey home. They laughed about old stories of time well spent together in the Harding community. What a beautiful reflection of heaven. But Heaven better watch out. They're bound to stir up a little trouble together! What a beautiful life spent loving people and spreading the good news. You will be greatly missed Dr. Ganus! Well done good and faithful servant." —Melody Hogan ('86)

View a timeline of the life of Dr. Ganus at harding.edu/ganus . If you would like to share a tribute or memory of Dr. Ganus, you may share it at harding.edu/ganus or send to Harding University, 915 E. Market Ave., Box 12234, Searcy, AR 72149. Responses will be shared with the family. You can also donate to the Harding University C.L. and Louise Ganus Endowed Scholarship Fund .

Read the Fall 2019 Harding Magazine coverage of Dr. Ganus' celebration of life.