Harding magazine

Dr. David B. Burks dismisses chapel for the last time as president of Harding University

It’s a phrase that many desire to have the chance to say. It’s the ultimate signal that concludes the only time of day Harding University students could all be in one place at one time. It’s become iconic. And Dr. David B. Burks has probably said it more than anyone.

In his final address to the student body in chapel as president of the University, Dr. Burks told students that he had been present in 4,402 of the 4,800 chapel ceremonies that took place during his presidency.

“Thank you for the way in which you have blessed my life,” Burks said. “You have made all of the difference. For your expressions of kindness, I am grateful beyond words.”

As Dr. Burks reflected on his last time in chapel, I reflected on mine.

On the morning of May 6, 2011, I woke up and headed to the Benson for my last day in chapel at Harding University. At the end of chapel, just like the previous three years I had experienced, Dr. Burks called for all of the graduating seniors to come up to the front of the Benson.

As I made my way down, I felt nothing. I wasn’t sad that my college days were ending. I wasn’t thinking about all of the professors I was going to miss. I wasn’t thinking about all of the friends I was never going to see again. I felt…typical. When I reached the front, I positioned myself in a corner in the back as the song leader began the song, and I was filled with a very unexpected feeling.

As the auditorium circulated the most beautiful sounds I have ever heard, tears began to run down my face. I found myself moved like never before at the words of “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” With their voices, hundreds of students were simultaneously surrounding us with blessings through wonderful music. When the song reached the incredible harmonic run of “amen,” I had chills and was overwhelmed with joy and thankfulness. Rather than singing, I reflected on my time at Harding and thanked God for the incredible things He did for me here.

Today, students were also singing to Dr. Burks in honor of his last chapel as president. I can only imagine the overwhelming feelings he must have had. He was such a huge part of my Harding experience, and I’m sure so many others would say the same. His words at the conclusion of chapel brought tears to my eyes.

“Grace and peace be with you. Go out and do great things,” he said. “And now, for the last time as president of Harding University, you are dismissed.”

Hannah Beall Owens, news director/writer

Louise Ganus (left), Harding first lady from 1965-1987, and Leah Burks (right), Harding first lady from 1987-2013, display the preliminary plan for the Harding First Ladies Garden, which will be located on campus on the north side of Park Avenue across from Keller dorm.

April 26 was a special day.

I rarely leave my office. The instances that I do are usually to get food or to get something off of the printer. But today enabled me to get out of my office and once again see how great it is to be at Harding.

The morning’s chapel ceremonies were dedicated to honoring Dr. Burks, who retires from his 26-year presidency June 1. Provost Larry Long spoke in chapel today about the legacy Dr. Burks is leaving behind and highlighted many things that were accomplished under his reign as president. Chapel ended with the announcement of a nearly 5,000-pound wooden bison being dedicated to Dr. Burks. If you haven’t seen it, you should make your way over to the Benson Auditorium lobby and check it out.

I also attended the AWH luncheon today, which honored Harding First Lady Leah Burks. Several things made this a special event to attend. In addition to Dean of the College of Business Administration Bryan Burks sharing some of his favorite memories of his mother, a scholarship was named in honor of Leah and an announcement of a Harding First Ladies Garden was made. Though I have never met Leah, it is very clear that she has had such a prominent role at Harding for many years. It was so neat to see hear stories of Leah’s involvement with AWH and how the organization has affected the lives of the students it serves.

After attending these events, I rushed back to my office each time to write and send out a news release. I found myself so excited to actually tell these stories. Harding is so great, and I just want other people to see that, too! I should definitely leave my office more often.

Hannah Beall, writer

Leah and David Burks receive the Presidential Medallion Collection at the spring President's Council meeting.

As I walked across the beautiful quadrangle this Friday afternoon, I was reminded of just how special Harding is on this day when we completed the pages of the spring magazine to go to the printer.

Our next magazine pays tribute to our outgoing president of 26 years, Dr. David B. Burks. One of only four presidents in an 89-year old institution, only Dr. Benson served longer in this pivotal role. When I came to work here 22 years ago, I barely knew who Dr. Burks was. He is a man I have come to greatly respect for his leadership.

As you will soon read, he has grown Harding in many ways during his presidency but most importantly, he has kept what matters most — the spiritual focus this University was founded upon.

Tonight the faculty and staff recognition dinner will be held. He and his wife, Leah, will receive well-deserved recognition. Also, eight faculty and four staff members will receive awards for doing their jobs in a distinguished manner. One of the perks of my job is that I am one of the few people who already know who they are due to my handling of the certificates so I will be one of the few not surprised as they are announced!

It will be a memorable evening giving honor to some of Harding’s finest. “Hail to thee, beloved Harding, alma mater, hail.”

 Tom Buterbaugh, editor/designer