Written by Abby Kellett
Although it’s not Feb. 16, the Student Association declared Nov. 5 President’s Day — or, more precisely, “Burksday.”
Thursday was President David Burks’ half birthday. Born on May 13, 1943, Burks is celebrating the cross of another milestone: turning 66-and-a-half years old.
The surprise celebration was planned by the SA and has been in the works for months under a very low profile.
“We didn’t even announce it to the SA; it wasn’t really talked about,” SA member Jennifer Gibson said. “We talked to his assistant, Nate, first to see if it could happen. Then Nate scheduled some things for him to do that day that would make Dr. Burks think his day was completely filled, but really, he’s just celebrating his birthday.”
The declaration of Burksday was made this morning in both university chapel sessions while Burks sat behind the podium, completely unaware of the planned announcement. The declaration included a slideshow of pictures chronicling various stages of the president’s life and was completed with a cake glowing with candles, which Burks blew out after the audience sang “Happy Birthday.”
“His real birthday is right around finals week, so we wanted to be able to celebrate Dr. Burks’ birthday as a student body, so we settled on his half birthday,” Gibson said.
The celebration will continue throughout the day with the sale of 1,500 Burksday T-shirts in the student center for $5 each, and a party in Burks’ honor at six. Many students seem to be having a positive reaction to Burksday. More than half the t-shirts had already been sold at 2 p.m., and several students were still talking about the new Harding festivity.
“To me, it’s pretty exciting. I think it’s a nice idea to recognize the fact the he is such an influential part of this university,” senior Michael Brooker said. “We have a president we basically get to see every day, mostly; it’s only fitting that since America has a President’s day, so should Harding.”
After another moment of thought, Brooker added, “Besides, who doesn’t want a T Shirt with Burk’s profile on it?”
Burks seemed just as pleased with the idea in 10 a.m. chapel. After blowing out the candles, he approached the microphone and said, “I’ve had some time to think about this since the 9 o’clock chapel, and I decided I like having a half birthday. Today, my half birthday makes me a 33-year-old.”
For more information, visit the CAB office in the Student Center or call 501-279-4331. Half-birthday cards can be sent to:
Dr. Burks
HU Box 12256
915 E. Market
Searcy, AR 72149
