Tributes to Dr. Ganus

Very few things in my life have been more humbling than feeling the presence of Dr. Ganus and knowing how much he loved the young men that played for the Bisons. He loved us so well! What an incredible, incredible ambassador for the Lord this giant of a man was. In one of our very last conversations, he sat in his wheelchair in the Huckeba Fieldhouse and watched young Ben Chism run with joy across the new turf. Dr. Ganus longingly said, ‘What I would give to be able to run like that again.’ I am confident that Dr. Ganus is running today like he has never run before. Praise God for the great victory, what a celebration must be going on in heaven today! Dr. G, we love you so much and can’t wait to see you again!!”

—Paul Simmons (’95), Bisons head football coach, Sept. 10 Facebook post



I had always noticed Dr. Ganus’ hands. They were mighty, strong and gentle. It was an honor having my bachelor’s degree handed to me by Dr. Ganus. He represents Harding at its finest.”

—April Wilson (’87)



My sophomore year I was working at Whistle Stop BBQ, and I would see Dr. Ganus and his wife come in and just admire them from afar after all the incredible things I had heard about them. Our Zeta Rho “Palgrims and Friendians” function was coming up soon, and I thought, what better way to get to know a new pal?! I worked up the courage to ask Dr. Ganus. He joyfully accepted on the condition that his wife approved, and a few weeks later we met at their house where he awaited us with the best pilgrim costume we’d ever seen. My friends, Kalyn and Nate, and I sat in awe as he shared stories and wisdom during the car ride and participated in an awesome night with all of us. I will forever hold close to my heart those moments and how willing he was to spend his night off with a bunch of crazy Zeta Rho girls in a barn in Nowhere, Arkansas, just because a student had asked. This was one of my absolute favorite memories from Harding, and I’m honored to have been able to share it with Dr. Ganus.”

—Harlee Stutesman (’16)