Freed-Hardeman University

Several Freed-Hardeman students answered the call to serve by traveling to nearby Selmer, Tennessee, after an EF-3 tornado devastated the community. The students brought prayers, supplies and assistance clearing debris and downed trees in early April. The storm that affected Selmer and the West Tennessee region was part of the severe weather system that caused record flooding from rainfall during the week of April 2 through April 7.

Several Freed-Hardeman University members of Xi Chi Delta spent their spring break spreading the gospel and encouraging the Church around the country. The club sent a total of 36 people to Taylorsville, North Carolina, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and Kayenta, Arizona. In North Carolina, the students worked with the Liledoun Road Church of Christ. One of the students on the trip, Isaac Amar said the congregation's excitement was inspiring. "Just by us being there made me want to serve them so much more. Their excitement was contagious, and it really inspired the team," Amar said. Students on the Massachusetts trip performed an outreach campaign to publicize the church throughout the area and completed several service projects "The experience made me appreciate how good God's people can be in encouraging each other, and how blessed we are to live in a place where our faith is such a common thing that can be openly acknowledged," Scott said. While in Arizona the group served with the Kayenta Church of Christ encouraging youth and completing service projects in the community. They provided blessing bags with food and encouraging notes to visitors of the local farmer's market. "As a group, we were able to learn so much from the kids and community about showing unconditional love to those around us," said Brenna Hobgood, a junior social work major.

Eighty-one members of the Chi Beta Chi Social Club participated in student-led mission trips to three different states and one foreign country - Sarchi, Costa Rica; Keizer, Oregon; Canyon Lake, Texas and Pleasant Hill, California. The students ministered to congregations in various communities and completed projects at church buildings. FHU student Mattie Barkley coordinated the Canyon Lake, Texas mission trip and praised the hard work of the team. "I have never seen a group of young adults work so hard, and I am so proud of them. I am so grateful that God put this opportunity in my life. He knew I needed this and put in my life the people who were best to do this with," Barkley said.

Freed Hardeman's Phi Kappa Alpha Social club brought a team of 57 students and chaperones to serve the Church in Chiriqui, Panama. The group taught nearly 900 kids in five local schools, more than 650 kids between two vacation Bible schools, and 151 people in Bible studies. Their efforts also yielded five restorations and one baptism. In addition to spreading the gospel, the group helped construction efforts on the church building in Boquete. During last year's campaign, members of PKA poured the floor for the building. This year, they were able to build on their progress by helping make a sidewalk and a building for classrooms. The group also held an area-wide "Youth Day" with lessons focused on being transformed by Jesus. One of the trip coordinators, Tyler Thomas, gave insight into the work it takes to plan a trip of this scale. "The planning process was a lot, but it was well worth it once we were on the trip. I was lucky to work alongside a team that worked so hard to make it happen," Thomas said. "Planning the travel, VBS, gospel meeting, teen class, breaking the people into groups, and making the schedule for the week. Seeing it all come to life was awesome! We took the good news of Jesus, and God took it from there," said Thomas, a senior bible major.

Freed-Hardeman University's chapter of Remote Area Medical (RAM) provided 458 patients in need with free dental care during a pop-up clinic at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry during Meharry Oral Health Day in early March. Twenty-one student volunteers helped to provide an estimated $127,532 in services at the one-day clinic in Nashville, Tennessee. The pop-up clinic set a record for the FHU RAM chapter for the most patients served in a single day. Members of the FHU chapter who attended include: Isaac Amar, Anna Jacobs, Lily Simpson, Addie O'Brian, Dylan Totty, Ben Wade, Matthew Goodin, Emma Guin, Asa Jopson, Ava Cox, Ella Embry, Emily Seibel, Jadyn Allen, Jeanne Seibel, Logan Summers, Luke Sullivan, Maddie Sullivan, Miriam Gallagher, Nina Thompson, Matthew Kuhl and Dan Chang. Chang, who is the RAM chapter president at FHU, said the Church of Christ in Green Hills, Charlotte Heights Church of Christ, Cameron Miller, and Jackson Stephens helped make the clinic possible. Miller, an FHU alumnus and admissions counselor, chaperoned the trip to Nashville and praised the students' work. "By going on the trip, the students showed great maturity. Many of them passed up club retreats to serve the community," Miller said. "The RAM employees complimented their attitudes and work ethic. It was a great chance to show the quality of FHU's spiritual and academic education."

Freed-Hardeman University's Homecoming events have wrapped up this month, but the proceeds from club fundraisers and activities will have a lasting impact in the communities they serve. Five social clubs selected nonprofits to raise money for during the week of Homecoming. Xi Chi Delta selected Regional Inter-Faith Association, Chi Beta Chi selected Eli's Block Party (a cancer research organization in Alabama), Phi Kappa Alpha selected the Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, Omega Chi selected the Brian Carver Missions Fund and Sigma Rho chose Eagles' Edge. The clubs also gathered thousands of cans during the "Can It Up" event, which challenged students to build a structure based on their unique theme with canned goods. The social clubs collected around 5,000 cans for donation. The structures were judged on detail, first impressions, design difficulty, can ingredients and if the cans represented the majority of the food pyramid. Additional construction rules stated cans could only be joined by tape or fishing line and the structures had to be self supporting only using plywood, cardboard, etc. The structures were displayed for students and homecoming guests to view.

Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month brought Freed-Hardeman University students together for an awareness event in the commons Sept. 27, 2022. Students were invited to openly attend on a come-and-go basis. During the evening, participants lit luminaries and listened to an original song by a local musician. Individuals also had the opportunity to speak privately with mental health counselors and on an open microphone for public sharing. "It really is nice to know that the FHU family cares about us students," said FHU student LeighAnne Dugger. "They make me feel as if I am at home here." The keynote speaker at the event was Director of the University Counseling Center Dr. Nathan Judd. He taught a valuable lesson on ways that students can help prevent suicide through lending a listening ear. "It's important, when someone brings a thought to you, not to panic," said Judd. "In the moment that the person is sitting right in front of you, before you take the next step, just listen." After Judd spoke, there was a musical performance by local songwriter Tosh Newman singing his original song, "Heaven Don't Need You Yet," for the people in attendance. The song's lyrics highlighted the importance of suicide prevention. Newman the song to deal with the loss of his friend who died by suicide. Professors Dr. Nadine McNeil and Dr. Chris Creecy organized the event to support the students and community. "We know that prevention is essential and suicide does not have to be a part of our lives," McNeil said. School leaders are looking forward to assisting students and surrounding them in love on campus. "This is our first event on the subject," said Creecy. "We hope to increase awareness through more events."

Freed-Hardeman University's Remote Area Medical (RAM) Chapter made a difference in the lives of approximately 101 individuals by providing services valued at nearly $60,000 during a pop-up dental clinic held Sept. 30 through Oct.1, 2022, at the National Guard Armory in Henderson. RAM, FHU's RAM Chapter and a group of campus and community partners organized resources to bring the pop-up clinic to the area. "The turnout was both a reassurance of my purpose in starting this planning for the clinic and of the need for Remote Area Medical's services in this area," said Cameron Kuhl, an FHU senior business analytics major and former RAM intern. RAM's mission is to alleviate suffering and leave patients in a better condition, according to Brad Hutchins, RAM clinic coordinator. "It takes a village to make all of this happen - from determining the type of care the clinic will offer to flying in our RAM volunteers from all over the country," Hutchins said. Saying that dental care is one of the most requested services, he added. "In some cases, patients have gone an extended amount of time without care." In Henderson, the clinic opened at 6 a.m. Friday. Half of the patients arrived the evening before to wait for the armory's parking lot gates to open at midnight. Each patient received a call ticket, which determined the order in which they were seen.

Dozens of student-led projects helped to spread God's love during the second annual Servants' Day held last month. Instead of academic classes for the day, students signed up for a service project either on campus or in the community. Students volunteered for a variety of projects that included repainting school playground equipment, playing games with Heritage Towers residents, visiting with the sick and shut-in, picking up roadside trash and helping local teachers in their classrooms. For many of the participating students, the day was inspiring and a reminder of God's commandment for individuals to use their gifts to serve others (1 Peter 4:10). "It has made my semester," Morgan Perkins, who helped at the special needs field day at Mid-South Youth Camp. "It was an experience that I will never forget. It was more than anything I could have imagined. This project showed me that showing love to others no matter what is important." FHU freshman Drew Bramblett wiped windows at Chester County Junior High. "Being at my old school cleaning windows made me feel nostalgic and like I was visiting an old friend," he said. Additional projects involved members of Chorale singing for senior citizens at Southern Oaks, students sorting donated clothing for "And You Clothed Me," a project which invites individuals to 'shop' for clothing without having to pay. The Lady Lions basketball team organized goods in a warehouse to benefit the Waverly residents impacted by flooding in 2021. Other groups wrote cards of support to senior citizens and FHU dining staff. "University Servants' Day is a blessing!" FHU President David R. Shannon said. "Many faculty and students from behavioral sciences painted at North Chester School. Phi Kappa Alpha hosted activities for Shiradon Kirk's special needs class. Sweet Jordan's and 139 Ministries participated in an informative panel. Dr. McLarty reminded us to see Jesus in everyone we serve. And the list could go on and on, involving hundreds of faculty and staff. I hope we lifted others up while glorifying God."

Freed-Hardeman University students spent a week mentoring young Christian leaders during Horizons this month on FHU's campus. Each summer more than 1,000 campers, 7th through 12th graders, attend Horizons to connect with fellow Christians, learn to lead and grow in their love for the Lord. The spiritual experience focuses on creating an encouraging environment to equip and challenge young church leaders. In addition to the traditional Horizons program, selected juniors and seniors who have attended Horizons for at least three years participated in the Horizons Mentoring Experience for enhanced leadership training. A staff of more than 150 counselors and teachers spent the week with the students. This year's theme was "Wonder." More than 30 FHU students served at this year's camp, including Emma Grace Owens. "I went multiple times as a camper so I was very excited to be a counselor. I loved being a counselor. I didn't realize how much campers were going to affect me. I miss them and love them so much. Horizons doesn't only change your life as a camper, but also as a counselor!"

Freed-Hardeman University photography students inspired Jackson Christian Elementary and Early Learning Village students to consider a career in photography during the school's career week. FHU Assistant Professor of Art Jud Davis asked for student volunteers to serve at the career day booth. Four FHU students dressed up as popular characters for career day kids to select which who they wanted a photograph with. They also could take the opportunity to learn how to take photos. Freshman Madalyn Spicer dressed as Spider-Man, Bradi Mason was Anna from Disney's "Frozen," Anniston McCall was dressed as Elsa also from "Frozen" and Emily Golson dressed as a wizard. Additional FHU students who participated include Brooke Mefford, Micah Barber, Lexie Bell, Brooke Webb, Bradi Mason, Hannah Young and Robert Young, Jr. Brooke Webb and Lexi Bell, both photography majors, are former Jackson Christian students. There were 50 presenters during the Jackson Christian career day including City of Jackson Mayor Scott Conger, the local fire and police departments, Jackson Energy Authority, a hairdresser, banker, dentist and wedding planner. About 350 students attended the career day walk-through. Jackson Christian's fifth annual career day also included job interviews for fifth graders, a career day parade led by Mayor Conger, and three chapel speakers during career week.

Freed-Hardeman University's Social Work Students in Action professional club organized a campus-wide canned food drive donating more than 700 cans to benefit the Henderson Soup Kitchen in late February.

And You Clothed Me, a Freed-Hardeman University student-led nonprofit, held its first event in late January offering free clothing to individuals in need. The idea for the organization began when Casey Jackson was taking an honors course in Leadership Service and Philanthropy during the Spring 2020 semester. Jackson wrote a business plan for the organization after changing her major from nursing to education.

For the second consecutive year, Freed-Hardeman University Professor Matt Barker and his Small Group Communication class organized a 5K Run/Walk in mid-November raising $6,400 to benefit the Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse in Chester County. Student organizers applied for a Leaders Credit Union LEADS Grant, which provided them with $1,000 to help purchase event T-shirts and support their efforts leading up to the fundraiser. The event was sponsored by 25 businesses and individuals, and more than 120 people registered to participate. Following the run/walk, Barker and his students presented the donation to the local Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

Groups of students completed more than 40 community service projects during FHU's inaugural Servant's Day held in late September. Some of the service projects included assisting with a special needs talent show, serving several schools, praying for medical personnel, swabbing to save lives, helping out with construction and making improvements at the local animal shelter and many others. "University Servant's Day was magnificent and hopefully God received the Glory as we set out with our hearts and hands saying, 'Make me a servant; Lord, make me like you,'" FHU President David Shannon said.

The Inaugural Lucas Russo Benefit Tournament raised more than $4,300 to launch improvement projects for Russo Field. During the two-day tournament, three women's teams and eight men's teams played. The women's teams were made up of social club teams. The winning teams were Linda's Ladies and Phi Kappa Alpha's team The Bees. The team from Sigma Rho finished in second place. The winning men's team was from Tacos for Life and Doug's Dawgs, Chi Beta Chi's team, finished in second place. Other participating men's teams were Phi Kappa Alpha's alumni team and #LoveLikeLucas, a team organized by Richard Russo, Lucas' father. In a great act of sportsmanship, Tacos for Life gave Doug's Dawgs the championship trophy so that it would stay on FHU's campus. Tournament coordinators were Adam Cross, FHU's regional development director, and students Alexis Bradford and Chase Rowe. The Lucas Russo field was named in his honor following his death Nov. 9, 2020.

Freed-Hardeman University students in Matt Barker's communication class raised $1,500 for Henderson's Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse by selling face masks that resembled the lower mustached-half of FHU President David Shannon's face. Funding for the project came from a $1,000 LEADS grant from Leaders Credit Union. Barker divided his 22 students into four groups. One group originated the mask idea. It was their responsibility to design the mask and get them manufactured. Oliver's Screen Printing and Embroidery in Henderson produced the masks. A second group produced the winning video to secure the grant. According to Leaders, their video had the most likes and shares of any entry. This group also recorded videos promoting the fundraiser. The public relations/marketing group promoted the grant application through social media and in chapel announcements. The final group organized the sale of the masks, including choosing a location and scheduling workers. They also served as a liaison between the class and the Perkins Center. In total, the students sold 125 masks. "This fundraiser would not have been possible without the hard work of all the students in my class," Barker said. "I cannot say enough about how proud I am of what they were able to accomplish through this project. I think this project provided students with a glimpse of the impact they have not only at Freed-Hardeman University but in the local community as well."