From the PRESIDENT

If you spent much time at all with Dr. Robert D. “Bob” Hunter, chances are he documented it photographically, often with a disposable camera in the era before smartphones.

So it’s fitting that in this issue of ACU Today, you’ll find images of the man known as “Smiling Bob,” representing just a handful of the many places, people and events he inspired and influenced in his 94 years (pages 2-7). Throughout our history, God has sent extraordinary people like Bob to shape and mold ACU.

Over a similarly impactful life, longtime ACU trustee Dr. Ray McGlothlin Jr. (’49) served as a leader, benefactor and friend to many before his death in June at age 95 (page 63). Ray, like many who came before him, devoted his time and energy to making ACU the place it is today. When people like Bob and Ray pass away, we find an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate where we’ve been, where we’re going, and the people who journey alongside us. Our history and their personal legacies are intertwined.

In this issue, as ACU Today editor Ron Hadfield (’79) reflects on 40 years of involvement with this flagship university publication, stories of even more people who have been instruments of God’s work are highlighted. This issue will be Ron’s last as editor as he transitions to a role of editor emeritus, senior writer and university historian, and we’d be remiss to neglect honoring his legacy of excellence in telling the stories of students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. His generosity of time, dedication to ACU’s mission and immense talent have been and continue to be instrumental in the advancement of this university. His behind-the-scenes retrospective on pages 18-29 highlights significant stories he’s told over the years.

Other informative content in this issue about ACU people and news:

• Dr. Tony Roach Sr. (’79 M.S.), longtime Abilene preacher, author and evangelist, received the Dale and Rita Brown Outlive Your Life Award for his many years of church leadership and service in racial reconciliation (pages 16-17).

• We can’t wait to have a campus full of alumni returning home in October, rekindling relationships and rediscovering new adventures to be experienced at ACU! With food, fellowship, worship, NCAA Division I football, the parade, the musical and kids’ activities, there’s something for everyone during Homecoming, Oct. 12-15 (pages 30-31).

• An innovative educational partnership between ACU and the Texas Rangers Baseball Club recently made several of its customized online courses available to the general public (page 43).

With such generous philanthropy, faithful leaders who have guided us with wisdom, the many members of our community who quietly offer love and service in the name of Jesus, and our continued rise as a Christ-centered national research university, Abilene Christian has much to be thankful for and much to look forward to. It’s an exciting time in our history! 

ACU Today is published twice a year by the Division of Marketing and Strategic Communications at Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas.

STAFF

Editor: Ron Hadfield (’79)

Assistant Editors: Wendy (Waller ’01) Kilmer, Robin (Ward ’82) Saylor

Production Manager: Amber (Gilbert ’99) Bunton

Contributing Writers This Issue: Dr. Cheryl Mann Bacon (’76), Craig Fisher (’92), Katie Noah Gibson (’06), Lance Fleming (’92), Dr. Landon Saunders (L.H.D. ’23), Jonathan Smith (’06)

Contributing Photographers This Issue: Suzanne Allmon (’79), Steve Butman, Scott Delony (’06), Gerald Ewing, Jeremy Enlow, Riley Fisher (’22), Rendi (Young ’83) Hahn, Kamryn Kelley, Kim Leeson, Lionsgate, Susanna (Drehsel ’05) Lubanga, Tammy (Gililland ’14) Marcelain, Zack Massey, Matt Maxwell (’07), Tim Nelson, Clark Potts (’53), Gary Rhodes (’07), Samuel Sharpe, Dave Swearingen, Tennessee Titans, Gordon Trice, Cade White (’88), Paul White (’68)

Contributing Graphic Designers/Illustrators

This Issue: Rosemary Gutierrez (’07), Holly Harrell, Todd Mullins

Editorial Assistants: Vicki (Warner ’83) Britten, Sharon (McDaniel ’79) Fox

Advisory Committee

Administration: Suzanne Allmon (’79), Will Beasley (’11), Kevin Campbell (’00), Dr. Robert Rhodes, Anthony Williams

Advancement: Samantha (Bickett ’01) Adkins, Rendi (Young ’83) Hahn, Dan Macaluso, Jim Orr, J.D. (’86)

Alumni Relations: Taylor Fender (’19), Craig Fisher (’92), April Young (’16)

Marketing and Strategic Communications: Blair Schroeder

Student Life: Tamara (Boyer ’03) Long

Ex-officio: Dr. Phil Schubert (’91)

Correspondence

ACU Today: hadfieldr@acu.edu

ACU Alumni Association: alumni@acu.edu

Record Changes: ACU Box 29132, Abilene, Texas 79699-9132, 325-674-2620

On The Web

Abilene Christian University: acu.edu

Address changes and EXperiences: acu.edu/alumni

ACU Advancement Office (Exceptional Fund, Gift Records): acu.edu/give

ACU Alumni Website: acu.edu/alumni

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