March 13, 2026 Vol. 101, No. 12
NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2A OPINIONS . . . . . . . . . . 3&4A SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1B COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . 2B FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . 3B LIFESTYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . 4B
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Bush returns for off-the-record ASI talk
Photo by REESE MALLET
Harding President Mike Williams interviews former U.S. President George W. Bush on the Benson Auditorium stage March 10. The talk was part of the ASI Distinguished Lecture Series. ELI DEAN sports editor George Walker Bush was quoted in The Bison newspaper after an event on Harding University’s campus for his father’s presidential campaign on Oct. 14, 1988. Thirty-eight years later, the same man, now a former president, spoke at Harding again March 10 on a variety of topics. The program was hosted by the American Studies Institute, and one of the first things that Harding President Mike Williams mentioned was Bush’s appearance in the newspaper and his quote, which was a joke about his father. Readers now, however, will not see any quotes from Bush or anyone who was on stage in this story. Readers will not find anything related to specifics of the discussion itself. The Bison, HU16 (which has previously recorded ASI lectures) and other media outlets were instructed not to quote or record the former U.S. president during his talk, deeming the program “off the record.” In fact, the event began with a recorded message over the loudspeakers that said the event was “closed to the media” and that no “photography, recording or note-taking” was allowed.
Despite that, The Bison will report on the story while respecting the desires of the Bush team and ASI, believing that a former U.S. President visiting Harding’s campus needs to be documented for future generations, just like Bush was in 1988. Student workers outside of Benson Auditorium were asking those in line if they had any “note-taking materials” with them. Freshman Jonah Hoffman attended the event for a class assignment and said he was confused at the requirement from ASI that prevented him from taking notes. “It was pretty frustrating,” Hoffman said. “Especially with a former president, I don’t think they should ever be in a position other than talking to someone face to face where it shouldn’t be allowed to spread what they said. What good is freedom if you don’t have the ability to exercise it?” At 6:15 p.m., one line had reached behind the Olen Hendrix building while the other line reached the back end of the Pryor-England Center for Science and Engineering, and the increasingly long lines split into four when people got to the Benson steps. One smaller line was designated for those with mobility
issues and other disabilities, but eventually, the line opened up to the general public when it reached all the way to the library. Soon, though, there was trouble for those tasked with traffic control, as there was only one metal detector at that entrance, and people began migrating to that line. Tickets began to be scanned outside the Benson at around 6:25, which got people to their seats faster. Senior Caden Haustein was a student worker at the event, and he said that student workers coordinated with the Secret Service, the Searcy Police Department and Arkansas state troopers to keep the flow of traffic outside steady and make sure that everyone got inside before the doors were closed at 6:45 p.m. “As an officer with ASI, I was handing out wristbands and programs to make sure that we could keep track of who had gone through security,” Haustein said. “We really wanted a clean flow of traffic and that everything was controlled.” As for the program itself, former President Bush made audience members laugh from the start. It set the tone for the “off-the-record” conversation that took place. Haustein said
he was inspired by how humble the former president was about his role as president. “I was struck by how humble and how funny he was,” Haustein said. “I wasn’t really expecting that, and I didn’t really know how much they would be able to get into politics or how much he would be able to say, but I was surprised by how much he was willing to comment on the situation today.” For junior Grace Manuel, she said she had a positive experience at the program and felt like it was a good time for her and those around her. “He is a hoot and a half,” Manuel said. “I thought he did very well at discussing all of the topics that were presented to him in a very mature and president-like manner. It represented our country very well, and I think across the board it was very fair in a lot of his notions that he made, at least in my opinion.” This was the second time former President Bush spoke at Harding as a part of the ASI Distinguished Lecture Series. He previously spoke in 2010.
Emma Claire Smith. The organization’s goal is to equip students with spiritual tools, create opportunities for learning and foster a supportive community as they transition to life beyond campus. Senior Emma Claire Smith spoke about what Thresholds is wanting to achieve. “This organization is about helping people live spirit-centered lives and giving them tools for the next steps after college,” Smith said. While the program is generating interest, the inclusion of the “Men” pillar has drawn attention and sparked discussion on social media. Smith emphasized that the goal is to promote partnership, not hierarchy. “Women don’t exist without men, and men don’t exist without women,” Smith said. “We want to show that we can support each
other in faith and in life without putting one above the other.” Dr. Donny Lee, dean of the College of Education and liaison for the “Men” pillar, said the initiative is designed to provide opportunities for men and women to work together while supporting Women of Faith. “This program gives students a chance to support each other and develop spiritually,” Lee said. “It’s about equipping men and women to live out their faith while preparing for life beyond graduation.” Regarding the conversations that have emerged around the “Men” pillar, Lee emphasized understanding the purpose of Thresholds. “Some questions and discussions are natural when something new is introduced,” Lee said. “What’s important is that the people
take the time to see the intention behind the program and how it’s meant to build up the community, not divide it.” Students are showing curiosity and interest as Thresholds begin to take shape. Sophomore Lillyan Pena brought up how it has potential and the work still ahead. “I like the idea of Thresholds,” Pena said. “It has the potential to be a great program, and be able to explain their mission clearer as they move forward.” Thresholds’ organizers plan to continue developing programs, retreats, and seminars around its five pillars. Through these initiatives, the student leaders hope to cultivate a campus organization where faith, growth and support intersect, offering students a space to navigate life’s transitions with guidance and community.
Thresholds mentors students for post-graduation MAKAYLA MALOTTE guest writer
A new student-led organization called “Thresholds” has officially launched at Harding University. It aims to prepare students for the next phases of life through faith-based guidance. Developed under the Women of Faith program, the initiative introduces five pillars of the program: Voice, Relationships, Professional, Spiritual and Men as a framework for personal and spiritual growth. The idea for Thresholds originated with the Women of Faith advisory board chair, Lisa Williams, who assembled a team of student leaders, including Ella Tappe, Maddie Burrough, Cole Matthews, Max Thweatt, Myles Day, Evelyn Hammett and
In this issue GAC Champions, 1B
Photo by REESE MALLET
The Women of Faith advisory board chair, Lisa Williams speaks to student body in chapel March 2. The chapel talk was dedicated to introducing the new “Thresholds” organization to students.