On April 14, a banquet took place above the cafeteria Thursday in honor of the graduating class of 2017. The purpose of the banquet was not only to celebrate the first successful year completed by the freshman class, but also the completion of Bruce McLarty’s first year as Harding’s president.
“The sole purpose of this evening is about class identity,” McLarty said. “It is all about remembering who is in this graduating class and whom we belong to. It is important to remember where we start and to celebrate the finish together.”
Along with chatting amongst themselves, students had the opportunity to take a quick photo alongside McLarty.
Once seated at a table, students answered questions on the back of their unique drink coasters. Each coaster had a thought -rovoking conversation starter for the table.
“It has been such a great year to be here at Harding,” freshman Kaitlin Osejo said. “I was so scared when I first came, but knowing that Dr. McLarty was a freshman too has helped so much.”
Kaylen Martin, a freshman nursing major, said she is so thankful for her first year with McLarty.
“Being a freshman with McLarty has been great,” Martin said. “He has spoiled us so much. He has definitely proved himself to me — I mean, cancelling class on those ice storm days when I had all of my anatomy tests was a tremendous gift.”
McLarty gave the final words to conclude the evening, speaking on the importance of growing together as a class, lifting one another up and sharing burdens. He urged the students to continue to leave their mark on the university, living as Christ did, and to be a shining light to those around them.
