The Harding President’s Council will celebrate its 50th anniversary this weekend with the council meeting starting at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning. For the past 50 years, the council of over 1,200 alumni and friends has provided funds and service to the university. At this year’s annual Black and Gold banquet, members of the first council will be honored.
According to Advancement Program Coordinator Emily Smith, original members and family of the deceased members will be honored.
The council, although large now, started out small. The council began when Dr. Clifton L. Ganus sent out 65 letters to business owners, community leaders and friends of Harding in 1965.
“Through Dr. Ganus, we have grown to over 1,200 members of parents, friends and alumni,”Smith said.
According to Smith, Ganus dreamed to have a small council of members who would meet bi-annually to hear about theactivities of the university.
The goal of the council was to have members of the community become constituents that donate to the university, as well as spread the message of Harding in their own communities.
In a letter addressed to Dr. Bill Hefley, a doctor and active member at his church in Little Rock, Ganus personally asked Hefley to help build on his dream.
“I would like to have some 60 or 70 business and professional men in the church in Arkansas and surrounding territory which we serve who will work with me in the Development Council,” Ganus said in his letter. “We plan to make this a permanent type of organization and to keep the men informed as to what is taking place on campus. We hope this group will be helpful in creating a better image of Harding in the state.”
Hefley accepted the offer from Ganus, and has been an active member on the President’s Council ever since. He will be attending the President’s Council meeting this year.
Aside from the counsel meeting, the Presidents Council sets aside a portion of the donations to provide scholarships for current students. Senior Sophia Pickle will speak at this year’s council meeting, and said she is thankful for groups that provide funds for students who need them. Pickle said she feels humbled to be able to receive aid from those who donate. She also said she works hard because she recognizes the sacrifice that donors make that are providing for her scholarship.
The Vice President for Advancement Bryan Burks said he is so thankful for the group of men that have helped build Harding’s legacy into what it is today.
“Harding is honored to have such a strong group of supporters who believe in our mission and love our students,” Burks said. “We would not be where we are today without this special group called the President’s Council.”
For more information about becoming a member of the President’s Council, visit www.harding.edu/advancement/pres_council or call the Advancement Office at 501-279-4312.
