Sept. 19, 2025 Vol. 101, No. 03
NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2A OPINIONS . . . . . . . . . . 3&4A SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1B COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . 2B FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . 3B LIFESTYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . 4B
@HUStudentPubs Facebook: Harding University Student Publications
In this issue McNair Fund Freeze, 2A
Ruwende debuts winning art Sixth annual winner presents art after contest name change
White County Fair, 2B
Photo by ELENA KALLENBACH
Sophomore Caledon Ruwende presents his winning “Trees in the Bible” art pieces. Ruwende crafted his artwork over the summer in his home country of Zimbabwe.
48 Hour Film Fest, 4B
Graphic by GRACE BROWN
MICHAEL WRYE beat reporter The College of Bible and Ministry announced the winner of their sixth annual art contest in chapel on Thursday, Sept. 4. The contest allows students from all majors and specialties to submit ideas for a series of pieces which center around a set theme. From there, winners are selected that then further develop and finish their final pieces over summer break. The theme for this year was “Trees in the Bible.” The winner, Caledon Ruwende, a sophomore from Zimbabwe, submitted a set of unique pieces that combine charcoal, paint and wood sculpture. His series consists of three pieces that depict the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, an olive tree and the Tree of Life. Ruwende came to Harding to join the track team last spring. After hearing about the contest in a chapel announcement and seeing the previous years winning pieces, he was immediately interested, but said he thought, “You know, maybe this is one of those things you just get initially excited about, but then you never do it.” But at the prompting of a friend, he asked associate professor of art, architecture and design Tessa Davidson for more information. He began the creative process promptly, using paper and clay borrowed from Davidson.
“Initially, the models were made of clay, but clay had a lot of disadvantages,” Ruwende said. “So I had to improvise, and I ended up using wood. And of course, wood is the perfect material, because the artwork was trees in the Bible. So I had to learn woodcarving from YouTube.” Over the summer, Ruwende painted the finished version of the 2D portion of the pieces at his home in Zimbabwe. But for shipping purposes, he had to complete the wood sculpture components once he got back to the States, with only two weeks to spare before the presentation. When asked what drew her to the pieces specifically during the judging process, Davidson said, “I loved the presence that they had, their strong use of line and movement, particularly when you look at that center piece and how he shows the tree. It almost looks like it’s moving and evolving. The way he uses the charcoal and the values, the darks and the lights; they just have a sense of presence. All of that, combined with the sculptural elements that are popping into your space. They just invite the viewer to come in closer and to look, and when you do, it’s very rewarding because the pieces are loaded with all of this thoughtful, intentional symbolism that you can find. And it invites you to contemplate the meaning behind each piece as it relates to Scripture.”
The faculty of the College of Bible and Ministry is officially changing the name of the contest to “The Maggie Samples Art Contest” in honor of alumna Maggie Samples, who died in a car accident over summer break. Samples was active in the College of Bible and Ministry, on the committee for the contest and contributed to the judging process and themes. “Maggie really exemplified the spirit of the art contest well,” Dr. Mac Sandlin, associate professor of Bible and ministry and Samples’ cousin, said. “She was always pushing new ideas and any time we got an art piece that was more daring she was just drawn to it and would really try to advocate for it. She was just that way in everything she was, from the way she dressed to the way she had her hair dyed. She was a light to this community and her family wanted to honor that.” Samples’s family is raising donations to provide a prize fund for contest winners. The College of Bible and Ministry art contest has always aimed to beautify the McInteer Building and campus at large, and will continue in that goal while honoring the memory of Maggie Samples.
Campus Life hosts sold-out Avery Anna concert ABBI CROCKER lifestyle editor On Saturday, Sept. 6, country-pop star Avery Anna delivered an unforgettable performance for Harding University students and local fans in a sold out show in the Anthony Wright Administration Auditorium seating 973. The night began with an energetic set by Deltona, a country rock group that got the crowd warmed up with covers of hits like “Handle on You” by Parker McCollum and “The Way I Talk” by Morgan Wallen. Anna quickly captivated the audience. Her raw talent and emotional delivery left viewers in awe, creating
a memorable and moving experience for all in attendance. Junior Chandler Donlin was impressed by the performance. “Avery Anna’s concert moved me in a way I didn’t expect,” Donlin said. “From the moment she stepped on stage, there was a sense of raw honesty in her voice that made it feel like she was singing to me, not just performing. There are many Avery Anna songs that I can apply to my life, and they especially hit hard when heard in person.” The connection Anna created with the audience only continued to grow as the night went on. She sang hit songs like “Rainin”, “Grave” and “Indigo.”
Freshman Riley Prince appreciated the lyrical quality. “Her music is relatable,” Prince said. “Her lyrics are vulnerable to her personal experiences and make her listeners feel like they are not alone in their struggles.” A very special moment followed after the concert had concluded. Anna stayed in the lobby to personally meet fans who wanted to greet her. Though it turned into a late night, she took photos, signed autographs and shared brief but meaningful conversations. Junior Landry Earnest was elated by the meet-and-greet. “I was freaking out because I had
listened to her music for so long and then I actually got to meet her and watch her show in the front row,” Earnest said. “She was so kind and so genuine and felt like a friend instantly. She was asking me questions about myself and just so easy to talk to.” Anna’s willingness to connect offstage reflected the same authenticity and warmth she brought to her performance. Students left the performance feeling inspired and connected to Anna’s music.
Photo by BRILEY KEMPER
Country-pop star Avery Anna performs in the Anthony Wright Administration Auditorium Sept. 6. The sold out performance opened with a set by Deltona, a country-rock group that performed covers.