Jerry and Dianne Myhan were the directors of Harding University in Greece (HUG) program from 2003 to 2008, and now, 11 years later, have returned as interim directors.
“I have always loved Greece. From the first day I arrived in 2003, I have felt comfortable here,” Dianne said. “Those five years of working with HUG were really amazing, and it has been a wish of mine to be able to return for a semester to work here again. The awesome HUG staff are dear friends, and to be with them again is wonderful. There are also relationships with friends at church and in town that we are blessed to be able to renew. Really, this return has been a dream come true for me.”
Audra Pleasant, International Programs logistics administrator, said the Myhans were the directors when she studied abroad in Greece. International Programs was in the process of finding new HUG directors and decided to ask the Myhans if they could serve for one semester while they figured out who would be the next permanent directors. Pleasant said it was like going home for them since they have maintained their relationships with the staff in Greece.
“Renewing relationships with our Greek friends and HUG staff has been delightful and heartwarming,” Jerry said. “It is as if we never left. They have covered us with love and acceptance. These are friends for a lifetime.”
The Myhans served as faculty in Zambia for their first two years of retirement. Jeffrey Hopper, dean of International Programs, hires the directors for the programs and said he was thankful for the Myhans’ service.
“The Myhans have been real lifesavers to pitch in in two difficult situations; in Zambia and then pitched in for spring. They just slipped right in there [HUG],” Hopper said. “I can say that because I was there and can tell you as a direct observer that they are doing a fantastic job.”
The Myhans said they noticed changes over the years at the Artemis, where the students and faculty live, and in the country of Greece.
“Greece has undergone some difficult times in the years we have been away,” Dianne said. “Yet the Greece I experience on a day-to-day basis seems very much the same — the same warm people, amazing landmarks, incredible food. Porto Rafti has grown and seems busier this winter than was typical at this time of year.”
