Welcome Center conference room honors Ann Guffey

The Welcome Center on the first floor of the David B. Burks American Heritage Building officially opened April 14 for Spring Sing weekend. This inviting space extends hospitality to families of prospective students and visitors on campus and houses the offices of undergraduate admissions, alumni and parent relations, and financial aid.

The space includes the Ann Guffey Conference Room to be utilized for team meetings and financial aid advising with students and parents. One of the largest gifts dedicated to the Welcome Center project was given by anonymous donors who chose to honor Guffey for her faithful service in financial aid from 1977-2011. Devoted to the mission of Christian education, she helped thousands of students achieve their dreams.

“Ann Guffey was thoroughly committed to helping students,” said Jay Simpson (’83), senior associate director of financial aid services. “She would do anything possible to assist every student who came to her for help. With her characteristic southern charm, she endeared herself to the multitudes she served.”

Robin Starck (’84) credits Guffey with making his education possible. “I transferred to Harding my junior year from University of Wisconsin. At the end of my junior year, I was broke. I met with Ann that spring semester, and she was able to help me get access to more federal student aid, both grants and loans. She also contacted some of my professors and was able to get me a small scholarship, the only one I ever received. Additionally, she found a position for me as a resident assistant for intersession and the following school year. Without Ann’s help, I would not have been able to return to Harding to finish my degree.”

Starck is now following in Mrs. Guffey’s footsteps as a counselor, helping the next generation of Harding students secure aid for their education. “Ann always treated me like someone special,” he said. “Now I do my best to help students who want to come to Harding — or those like me who want to stay at Harding — pursue their dreams.”

Guffey’s legacy also continues as students are awarded funds each year from the Guffey-Musick Scholarship. Jane Musick was Guffey’s longtime friend and colleague.