Searcy Connections

Friday, Aug. 21, 2026

Our annual celebration of the first week of classes welcomes students back to campus with food, activities, entertainment and a local business vendor fair designed to introduce new students to everything Searcy has to offer.

Sept. 18-20, 2026

Thousands of parents and family members visit campus for a weekend of activities, athletics and time with their students.

Nov. 5-8, 2026 

One of Harding's largest alumni weekends, Homecoming welcomes graduates from around the country back to Searcy for celebrations, athletic events and reunions.

April 8-11, 2027

Harding's signature spring tradition attracts thousands of visitors over multiple performances and is one of the largest annual events in the community.

Before every home football game, Campus Life hosts tailgate festivities that bring together students, alumni, families and community members. Businesses interested in sponsoring giveaways, providing promotional items, offering product samples or partnering with tailgate activities are encouraged to reach out throughout the season.

Campus Life also promotes engagement among students for sports like volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball and more. No matter which game you love, we look forward to partnering with you!

• Sponsoring campus events or student giveaways

• Providing gift cards, prizes or promotional items

• Offering student discounts or exclusive promotions

• Participating in vendor fairs

• Hosting pop-up experiences or product sampling

• Advertising employment opportunities

• Collaborating on new student initiatives

Have another idea? We'd love to hear it! Some of our best partnerships have started with a simple conversation.

One of our newest initiatives, Searcy Connections, encourages students to explore local businesses and community attractions while rewarding them for discovering everything Searcy has to offer.

Using the Flare app, students join the Searcy Connections group and earn points by checking in at participating locations throughout the community.

How It Works

Participating businesses are listed in the Flare app as locations where students can check in. We encourage businesses to display a small QR code near the register so students can easily check in after making a purchase. (If corporate policies prevent displaying a QR code, we're happy to work with you on an alternative solution.)

Students earn points based on where they visit:

• 1 Point – Free community destinations such as the White County Library, Berryhill Park and other public attractions.

• 2 Points – Participating local businesses after making a purchase.

• 4 Points – Featured community events such as Beats & Eats, the White County Fair and other special events.

Each month, participating students are entered into prize drawings for gift cards to local Searcy businesses — rewarding them for supporting the community while helping them discover new favorites.

Participating is simple: businesses simply opt into the program and agree to display a QR code (or an approved alternative). Campus Life manages everything else.

The Center for Career Connections

The Center for Career Connections helps employers find Harding students and graduates seeking part-time jobs, internships and full-time careers. If your business is hiring, they are your best resource for reaching talented future employees.

cpe@harding.edu

Waldron Center for Entrepreneurship

The Waldron Center supports students pursuing entrepreneurship, self-employment, small businesses and creative ventures. Local business owners can make a lasting impact by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, guest speaking or sharing practical business experience with the next generation of entrepreneurs.

huwaldroncenter@harding.edu