Associated Women for Harding Begins
On January 12, 1965, 28 women from Searcy, Newport and Little Rock held a meeting on Harding’s campus to discuss the idea of forming a women’s organization to support Christian education at Harding. Dr. Clifton Ganus Jr., Vice President of Harding at the time, sparked this meeting after he was inspired by the women’s group at Oklahoma Christian University. These women met with Dr. George Benson and invited two women from Oklahoma Christian University to speak about their women’s group. The ladies voted to establish the organization and plans were made for a constitution and the selection of officers.
Associated Women for Harding was officially organized on February 4, 1965. Dr. Ganus, newly appointed liaison to the organization, chaired the meeting that took place on Harding’s campus. Mae Anne Tucker was appointed president of the group of 120 women. The meeting also established their constitution where their mission is clearly stated. It wasn’t long before other AWH chapters were established across the country.
Through the years, the AWH has grown and spread its influence across the nation. They formed the National Council of Associated Women for Harding in 1980 to provide guidance for this growing organization. While some changes have been made, most notably the name change to Women for Harding in 2014, the group has stayed faithful to its mission.
Supporting Harding College in All Her Needs
From its origin, AWH relied on the administration to provide a list of items the college needed and they would decide which to purchase. These items ranged from department supplies to furnishing lobbies on campus. AWH furnished several dorm lobbies as well as the Hammon Student Center and landscaped new campus buildings. Eventually, their main project became providing need-based scholarships. AWH first began giving out scholarships in 1992 to 22 students. That number has risen through the years, peaking with 96 students in 2019.
One of the biggest projects AWH completed that has changed the campus footprint is the First Ladies Garden. The garden features five separate gardens that honor the first ladies of Harding. A Legacy Wall of Honor celebrates other women of Harding as well. The garden includes an outdoor classroom and secret garden. The funding for this project began with Liz Howell’s idea to invite 100 women to donate $1,000. Within a month, they had reached their goal. Liz then began to reach out to other Harding women to fund various pieces of the garden such as the fountain and the tower.
Making Their Mark
From hat shows to email campaigns, the Associated Women for Harding established many successful fundraisers through the years. Many of them continue to this day.
Another popular AWH fundraiser was the “brick-by-brick” campaign. Bricks were sold and inscribed with a name or message to a loved one that would then be installed on a campus walkway. These bricks were first placed in the area between the Benson Auditorium and the McInteer building. Other brick fundraisers were developed for the wavy brick pathway intersecting the front lawn and spanning from the American Studies building to the Olen Hendrix building, for the sidewalks around the Bell Tower, and for the updated Lily Pool fountain in front of the Anthony and Wright Administration Building.
One of the first established and most lasting of these fundraisers are the famous AWH cookbooks. Developed in 1965, the first volume, Favorite Recipes of Associated Women for Harding, contains recipes from members of all the AWH chapters. Due to the success of the first volume, the group released a second volume in 1974, a third in 1999, and finally, A Taste of Harding in 2009. They continue to be a popular gift to this day.
Establishing Traditions
The Tour of Homes remains a popular event for the Women of Harding. Developed in the early 80s, this event involves visiting select homes at Christmastime to enjoy the holiday decorations. Each year four or five homes are included in the tour for visitors to enjoy and engage in the holiday spirit.
AWH’s long-standing tradition of fundraising events began with the hat show in 1965. Their events have developed over the years to include craft fairs, pie auctions, Christmas home tours, and every kid’s favorite, Princess and Superhero parties.
More recently, AWH established a new tradition with their Princess and Superhero party. Families from the community are invited to spend the morning getting to meet and make crafts with their favorite princesses and superheroes. AWH scholarship recipients play a large role in the fundraiser. These students get to be the princesses and superheroes for the day.
Preserving Harding History
The idea to create the AWH House to showcase and preserve Harding’s history came from Jan Burt, the first National Council president. A house on the corner of Grand and Center Street was given to the organization to use. Formerly the home of Mr. and Mrs. J.N. Armstrong, the house became known as the AWH House.
The house was used to display Harding history while also serving as a bed and breakfast. In 2005, the home of Harding history moved to the Brackett Library. The Harding History Room was located at the front of the library and had many items on display, from Dr. Benson’s dictaphone to club jerseys. Moving the displays to the library made Harding’s history more available to the public. A final move, in 2007, brought Harding’s history to its current location at the History House.
A Worthy Woman
Liz’s legacy can also be seen in the continuous display and preservation of Harding’s history. She coordinated the opening of the Harding History room in the Brackett Library in 2005 and its eventual move to the Harding History House in 2007.
Women for Harding brings together like-minded, selfless women who dedicate much of their lives to supporting Harding. Liz Howell exemplifies these women who have made this organization so successful.
Liz first joined the organization as a member in 1987. She became Executive Director of AWH in 2001 when the organization came under the Alumni Office. She served as President of the National Council from 2008-2009.
Throughout her time with Women for Harding, Liz spearheaded many projects, including the Christmas Tour of Homes, the Fall Craft Fair, and the First Ladies Garden. Her successful funding strategy for the garden came from the idea that every family has a first lady. That vision came to life with the Legacy Wall of Honor.
“Harding changes lives because of the gospel and Jesus and the importance of Christian education.”
Liz Howell
A Lasting Legacy
The legacy of the Associated Women for
Harding is a combination of service and
honor. The organization was established as
a means for women to support and
encourage Christian education while
helping them socialize and become familiar
with the Harding community. It has
developed into a successful support system
for Harding and her students. From
providing needed funds to preserving
Harding’s history, AWH’s service to
Harding is wide-ranging and constant.
Beyond their service to the university, the
organization has developed an environment
that fosters and promotes Christian service.
Through their awards and projects, like the
First Ladies Garden, AWH honors those who
serve as examples of true Christian servants.
AWH’s lasting legacy is a testament to the
women and men who understood the value of
women’s involvement.
Harding University History Exhibits 