James A. Harding Legacy Society

From its founding in 1924, Harding University has relied on the support of individuals who believed in the institution’s Christian mission. For nearly a century, donor investments have enabled Harding students to receive a quality, affordable and faith-based education.

The James A. Harding Legacy Society was created to recognize and thank individuals and couples who have invested in Harding’s future through an estate or planned gift. Legacy Society members are vital partners whose generosity sustains a legacy of giving that directly impacts Harding's ability to develop future leaders of the world who will serve God in their homes, churches, workplaces and communities.

The program is named for James A. Harding (1848-1922), who was a pioneer in establishing colleges affiliated with the Church of Christ. Along with David Lipscomb, Harding helped found and served as the first president of Nashville Bible College in 1891, which later became Lipscomb University. He later founded Potter Bible College in Kentucky. Harding College (now Harding University) was named in his honor when it was founded in 1924 upon the merger of Harper College and Arkansas Bible College in Morrilton, Arkansas. His son-in-law, J.N. Armstrong, was Harding College’s first president.

What is the James A. Harding Legacy Society?

• An estate gift is one of the most powerful ways to support Harding and its mission and students. Estate gifts assist the University in its long-range planning.
• The James A. Harding Legacy Society provides a way for the University to express its gratitude to all those who include Harding in their gift planning
• When you inform us that you have included Harding in your estate plans, whether through a bequest, trust, insurance policy, retirement plan, annuity or other method, you qualify immediately for membership in the James A. Harding Legacy Society.

What are the benefits of membership?

• A personal invitation each year to the James A. Harding Legacy Society reception
• Recognition in University publications
• A certificate of membership and a small gift of thanks
• Your name is included on a display in the Burks American Heritage Center lobby
• Complimentary newsletters on financial, retirement and estate planning issues
• Knowing that students have been blessed through your provision for Harding’s future
• You provide an example to others of how they also could support Harding students

How do I become a James A. Harding Legacy Society member?

• You become a member of the James A. Harding Legacy Society by informing Harding University that you have made a provision for the University in your estate plan. You can do this by completing the Estate Gift Confirmation Form.

Gift plans that confer membership eligibility include:

• Bequest (Will)
• Charitable gift annuity
• Charitable lead trust
• Charitable remainder trust
• Life estate
• Living trust
• Life insurance policy
• IRA, annuity or qualified pension plan

Harding University Federal Tax ID Number: 71-0236896