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Wednesday, May 6, 2009 :: Vol. 97, No. 55 :: 1 section, 16 pages :: www.acuoptimist.com
Inside This Issue:
Pg. 3
Pg. 4
Local businesses prepare for an exodus of students
Pg. 16 Bringing it home: Wildcat Baseball claims LSC title
What’s in a name: A comprehensive list of graduating seniors
Pg. 13
Before I go: Parting words from graduating, ‘Optimist’ staff
One Giant Leap Willis to address attendees, students By Lizzy Spano Arts Editor
Graduation can be an intimidating step into the real world, as well as an exciting beginning to life after college. At this semester’s Commencement, Dr. John Willis will speak to graduating seniors. He plans to encourage them and celebrate with Willis them as they take an important step toward their futures. Willis, who serves as an elder at Highland Church of Christ, has been a professor of Bible at ACU since 1971 and is the Burton Coffman Chair of Biblical Studies. In addition to teaching, he has written several Bible commentaries for ACU’s Living Word commentaries and traveled to numerous countries across the world. Students on campus who had Willis as their professor know he remembers each of them by name, and he always welcomes them to his home, said Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, provost. To select Willis as the Commencement speaker, graduating seniors nominated faculty members, who were then reviewed by the provost’s office. The office discussed each nominee and made a recommendation to VanRheenen, who contacted Willis to see if he was willing to speak. “It is quite an honor to be selected,” VanRheenen said. Willis said he was honored and thankful he was chosen by students to speak. He said he has given thought and time to preparing a speech for Commencement that will have a positive impact on graduating students. “I’m hoping and praying it’s going to be an encouragement to all that are graduating,” he said. See
Willis page 14
Emily Smith :: contributing photographer
A group of graduates revel in graduation bliss during their commencement ceremony in 2008.
Commencement to bless, commission graduates By Katie Gager Student Reporter
Emily Smith :: contributing photographer A graduating senior joins in the singing of the school song at commencement in 2008.
At Commencement Saturday, 560 undergraduate and 115 graduate students will walk the stage of Moody Coliseum as one of the larger graduating classes for the undergraduate program and the largest for the graduate program, said Bart Herridge, registrar and director of academic records.
Graduation will be divided into two ceremonies. The first will begin at 11 a.m. for graduates of the College of Biblical Studies, College of Business Administration, College of Education and Human Services and the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing. The second ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. for the graduates of the College of See
Graduates page 14
International students anticipate life after ACU By Ryan Elam Student Reporter
Emily Smith :: contributing photographer Students eye the stage during commencement in 2008.
Some international seniors look back on their past with nostalgia, but impending decisions regarding their future do not let them drift too far from reality. Quyen Do, senior biochemistry major from Hanoi, Vietnam, chose ACU because of some family ties to the university. She said Steven Gist, admissions representative for international students, was persistent in getting her to ACU.
“Steven Gist was very friendly and encouraging to me,” Do said. “We had a hard time, but he never gave up on me.” She said she loves ACU, and the school has prepared her for life ahead. “Being in the biochemistry department is probably the biggest blessing to me; the professors and staff are very loving and they make me feel at home,” Do said. “The knowledge I gained here prepares me well for what I want to do.” Some of Do’s favorite memories from her time at ACU were made on a medical mission trip she took to Nias, Indonesia. She is also a member of the
A Cappella Chorus, an extracurricular that fulfills more than just singing. “Being a member not only enhances my love for music but also teaches me a lot about professionalism,” Do said. Do will pursue a job in the medical field as a doctor or researcher. In the fall, she will attend the University of Texas at Dallas to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry. Adeniyi Adebesin, senior biochemistry major from Lagos, Nigeria, said he chose ACU because the university’s chemistry department was recommended to him. See
International page 14
Mobile initiative completes first year, prepares for fall By Colter Hettich Editor in Chief
The inaugural year of ACU’s Mobile Learning Initiative draws to a close this week as faculty members assess the success of the effort to date. The first two semesters allowed initiative leaders to ob-
serve students’ reactions to owning a multi-faceted mobile device and allowed freshmen to familiarize themselves with the technology. George Saltsman, director of educational technology for the Adams Center for Teaching and Learning, said the difficult steps of distributing the devices
and tailoring an infrastructure able to support the expanded network are past. “Our first year focus was just getting the stuff deployed,” Saltsman said. “Next year we’re going to have classes where everyone in the class has iPhones, so there will be a renewed emphasis.”
Administrators hope that research done throughout the year by the Mobile Learning Initiative research fellows will reveal specific areas and strategies they should pursue. Scott Perkins, director of research in the Office for Research and Sponsored Programs, assisted faculty members through
the grant application process and kept track of this year’s fellows’ research. “While the primary goals of the program remain the same, our expectation and interest in academic utilization is greater this time around,” Perkins said. Several new tools for the classroom, such as a class log,
ACU WEATHER
are being explored. A greater percentage of students with mobile devices will make classroom implementation much easier. Perkins said they hope to have “loaner” iPod Touches available in some classes for students without a device. E-mail Hettich at: clh05d@acu.edu
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Campus Day Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Wednesday
1 p.m. ACU NCAA II Golf South Central Regionals will be held at The Meadows Golf Course in Allendale, Mich. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Textbook buyback will take place in the Campus Store.
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
1 p.m. NCAA Division II Tennis South Central Regionals for for men and women will take place in Abilene.
1 p.m. Track and Field will compete in the LSC Championships in Kingsville.
Noon ACU Track and Field will participate in the LSC Championship meet in Kingsville.
1 p.m. ACU softball NCAA II South Central Regionals held in Southeastern OK.
1 p.m. Softball NCAA II South Central Regionals will take place at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Volunteer Opportunities Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteers to deliver meals to some of the homebound members of the community. The commitment is once a week. Volunteers will pick up the meals from the Meals on Wheels building and deliver them to people around Abilene. It takes one hour each week. Call Mitzi McAndrew at 672-5050 to volunteer. The Christian Service Center needs volunteers to file requests in the donation center, sort and organize donations and occasionally pick up donated items. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon or from 2-4 p.m. For more information, call Roberta Brown at 673-7531 or go to www.uccabilene. org/ministries/csc.htm. Abilene Hope Haven needs volunteers to provide childcare while parents are in a class. Volunteers are needed Monday through Thursday from 6:45-8:15 p.m. For more information, contact Christine Spillers at 437-0611.
Communities in Schools at Fannin Elementary School needs volunteers for one to two hours beginning at 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Volunteers will give extra help to students in an after-school tutoring class. For more information, call Joe Cunningham at 675-7008. The Center for Contemporary Arts needs volunteers to give free art lessons to kids, while providing the opportunity to learn about art through the ArtReach program. Volunteers do not have to be artists and are needed Monday through Friday from 1-5 p.m. For more information, call Katherine Trotter at 677-8389 or e-mail katherine@center-arts.com The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature needs volunteers to greet patrons, assist with art activities, sell books and make visitors feel welcome. Volunteers are needed Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. For more information, contact Debby Lillick at 673-4586.
Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:
73
Credited Chapels remaining:
00
Noah Project, a center for victims of family violence, needs volunteers to answer its hotline from 6-10 p.m. Training will be provided and after completing training, volunteers can sign up for time slots. The Ben Richey Boys Ranch needs volunteers for its Clay Break Classic at Abilene Clay Sports on May 2 from 12:45-3:15 p.m. or 2:45-5:15 p.m. Volunteers will set up shoot stations and organize a dinner and auction. For more information, call Jama Stacy at 338-3547. The Salvation Army needs volunteers Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to sort and hang clothes, take donations, organize shelves and mark items. Open-toe shoes are restricted. For more information, contact Cecilia Barahona at 6771408 or send an e-mail to cecilia_ barahona@uss.salvationarmy.org.
Police Log Monday, April 27
Noon ACU NCAA Division II Tennis South Central Regionals for men and women will be held in Abilene.
8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Textbook buyback will take place at the Campus Store.
The ACUPD wishes everyone a safe summer break.
Edited for space
Calendar and Events
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ACU Police Tip of the Week
St. John’s Episcopal School needs volunteers to help with its carnival fundraiser Saturday from 4-7:30 p.m. Volunteers will serve food and organize game booths. For more information, go to the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center’s Web site at www.acu.edu/vslc. Global Samaritan Resources needs volunteers to sort through clothing and repack boxes. Volunteers are needed any time Monday through Thursday. For more information, contact David Catalina at 676-9991. Find volunteer opportunities by visiting the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center’s Web site at www.acu. edu/vslc and clicking on Volunteer Opportunities. For more information or to sign up to help, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout.
The Holliday Hills Neighborhood needs volunteers for its cleanup day Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in West Abilene. For more information, contact Robert Lily at 864-8439.
3:20 p.m. Police investigated a hit-and-run at 1600 Campus Ct. 4:50 p.m. Police escorted a female from the Marriage & Family Building to her vehicle. 8:13 p.m. Police conducted a tour of Chapel of the Hill. 8:16 p.m. Police assisted the Abilene PD in reference to a wanted subject at 600 EN 22nd. 8:35 p.m. Police responded to a medical emergency at the Teague Building.
Tuesday, April 28 11:03 a.m. Police issued a traffic stop at EN 16th and College for an expired inspection sticker. 5:40 p.m. Police identified and released subjects soliciting money at 1800 Campus Ct. 7:50 p.m. Police attempted to locate subjects with ski masks throwing water balloons, but subjects were gone upon arrival.
Wednesday, April 29 12:16 a.m. Police were unable to locate a suspicious subject reported at Barret Hall. 7:36 am Police responded to a report of a female soliciting money at Sherrod. Subject was released upon location at EN 10th and Cockrell. 1:00 p.m. Police investigated a theft at Brown Library. 5:30 p.m. Police issued a criminal trespass warning at 1100 Cypress upon locating a previous solicitor.
Thursday, April 30 1:21 a.m Police jumpstarted a vehicle at Mabee parking lot. 2:00 a.m. Police observed a student hanging out of the third floor window at Gardner Hall and cautioned her. 9:24 a.m. Police moved transients from under bridge at Ambler/I-20 for mowers to mow grass. 10:15 a.m. Police investigated a theft of cash at the Volunteer Service Learning Center.
10:20 a.m. Police were alerted to a suspicious message left on a KACU phone related to an earlier prowler call. 1:39 p.m. Police assisted Abilene PD with the arrest of a subject at EN 10th & Washington. 7:33 p.m. Police assisted Abilene PD with a shoplifter at CVS Pharmacy 900 N. Judge Ely.
Friday, May 1 12:49 a.m. Police contacted a driver spinning tires in Big Purple parking lot and issued a verbal warning. 10:49 p.m. Police responded to information regarding a theft at the COBA offices. 11:10 a.m. Police assisted a student motorist whose vehicle was stuck on curb-stop in Morris Parking Lot 6:30 p.m. Police responded to report of subjects soliciting at 900 EN 12th; they contacted the magazine saleswoman and all was OK.
Saturday, May 2 1:24 a.m. Police conducted a traffic stop at 2300 Campus Court for speeding. 2:00 a.m. Police assisted Abilene PD with a disturbance at the Grove Apartments. 1:40 p.m. Police gave a visitor directions to the Campus Center.
Sunday, May 3 12:20 a.m. Police spoke with a resident at 600 EN 23rd regarding a noise complaint and the resident was cooperative. 12:22 a.m. Police responded to a noise complaint of a loud party at 500 EN 20th; the resident was cooperative.
Always report suspicious activity to ACUPD at 674-2305 or 674-2911.
Announcements The Food Bank is collecting nonperishable, unopened food items to help the needy in Abilene. Donation boxes are located in dormitory lobbies. Americorps is offering a $4,725 education award to cover student loans or pay for more schooling plus living allowance, loan forbearance and health coverage in exchange for a year of service in the ACU VISTA program. Applications for the 20092010 year are due at www.texascampuscompact.org by Sunday. For more information, speak with staff at the Volunteer Service Learning Center in the Campus Center.
bon footprint. Place donations in the green and orange boxes outside the Campus Store, in Brown Library and in the Honors Office, located in the Hardin Administration Building, Room 201. For more information, contact the Honors Office at 674-2728. The ACU Alumni Association is accepting nominations for Parent of the Year until May 29. To nominate, fill out the form at http://www.acu.edu/alumni/wildcatparents/POY_Form.html. The Campus Store is selling copies of Randy Harris’ new book entitled God Work.
Distance learning is now available for summer courses. For more information on classes offered and how to register, go to www.acu.edu/academics/summeronline.
Peace and Social Justice Studies will be offered as a new minor in the fall of 2009. For more information, call David Dillman at 674-2095 or e-mail him at dillmand@acu.edu.
The Honors College is hosting Book Drives for Better Lives to raise money for global literacy and reduce our car
Textbook Reserve services are available through the Campus Store. The deadline to apply for this free
service is July 31. Sign up online at http://www.campusstore.acu.edu. Study Abroad offices are now accepting applications for the Spring 2010 semester in Leipzig, Germany. The World Famous Bean will have no late-night dining this week. We Proudly Brew Starbucks Coffee in the Brown Library Learning Commons will be closed Saturday. Western Heritage Classic will conduct its 25th annual celebration at the Taylor County Expo Center Thursday through Saturday and will feature a parade, dancing and a ranch rodeo. To purchase tickets, call 325-6774376. Visit the Web Site at http://www.westernheritageclassic.com for more information. Paramount Theater Film Series will present the melodrama Now, Voyager Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m and again at 7:30 p.m. Betty
Davis will be the featured performer. Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for students, military and children. To purchase tickets, call the Box Office at 325-676-9620 or visit their Web Site at http://www.paramountabilene.org. Benefit golf tournament for the Regional Crime Victim Crisis Center will begin noon on Friday at the Shady Oaks Golf Course. For more information, contact Mike Wolfe at 674-1247 or visit the Web Site at http://www.regionalcrime.org. Mother’s Day at the Gap will take place at the Buffalo Gap Historic Village from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at 133 N. William in Buffalo Gap. Admission is free for mothers.. Visit the Web Site at http://www.buffalogap.com for more information. Rain…the Beatles Experience will be presented at the Abilene Civic Center at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Admission is $40. To purchase tickets,
CAMPUS NEWS
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
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Seniors at career crossroads Businesses lose student employees contemplate graduate school By Chelsea Hackney Copy Editor
By Katie Gager Student Reporter Looking for a job may seem overwhelming and sometimes frightening to a graduating senior. Because of the increased lack of jobs within the last five months, many students are turning toward graduate school as an alternative. Whether students begin the job search or choose to attend graduate school, ACU has several opportunities and programs that will aid students in their future decisions. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate has risen to 8.5 percent from 8.1 percent in March 2009, with an estimated 5.1 million jobs lost since the recession began in December 2007. “Many students don’t pay attention to economic news,” said Daniel Orozco, Career Center associate director. “When graduation sneaks up on them, so does the economic downturn.” Because of this, students are surprised when they begin looking for a job and think no jobs are available. In order to better facilitate the job search and have success in looking for jobs, Orozco encourages students to expand their horizons by doing two things: looking in new locations and targeting smaller companies. “If you look in locations other than where you originally planned to live and seek out the small companies that support the larger well-known companies, you will find more opportunities to gain experience and then move up,” he said.
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Many students don’t pay attention to economic news. When graduation sneaks up on them, so does the economic downturn. :: Daniel Orozco, Career Center associate director.
The ACU Career Center provides an invaluable resource for students when it comes to searching for a future job, Orozco said. Students have the opportunity to meet with career counselors and receive guidance in the areas of job search process and resume and portfolio building, as well as networking and interviewing practice. “We seek to make them successful life-long job seekers,” he said. “I encourage every student to take full advantage of every resource available here on campus while they are students.” For many students, entering the world of careers is not an option; some seek to gain a further understanding in their field of study. The ACU Graduate Program is ready and available to help students prepare for their futures in graduate studies. Despite the economic downturn, the Graduate Program has seen no drop in the enrollment numbers for its on-campus program and an increase in the newly created online program. The online program has just completed its first year and now has more than 300 students enrolled. Director of Graduate Admissions William Horn said he believes the Graduate Program is on the front edge of a new trend.
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“I don’t believe that our graduates in May fully understand the job market they are going to enter upon graduation,” Horn said. “And I think we are going to start seeing more movement towards graduate school this summer than ever before.” For many degrees in graduate studies, it can take as little as 18 months to graduate with a master’s degree. A master’s degree in accounting and social work, as well as the Global IT Leadership program, can take only 12 months to 15 months to complete. “I think what’s going to happen at ACU is that more people are going to understand the value of making this investment sooner than later,” Horn said. “Going out into the work force and coming back, now more than ever, is going to be a lot more difficult.” Whether students are interested in graduate school or beginning the job search, both can find help in the ACU Career Center and the Graduate Program. The Career Center can be found in the Hunter Welcome Center and is available for career guidance.
E-mail Gager at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu
As the semester ends, many student workers are exchanging neatly rolled silverware and alphabetically ordered DVDs for more permanent job positions. They are headed for internships and professions that can give them an edge at school and in the job market. “I chose to do an internship, first of all, because I was offered one,” said Katlyn Haney, junior marketing major from San Antonio. “Also, I could get class credit for it, and it came highly suggested by the business department.” Unfortunately, for Pam Wheeler, the scheduling manager at the local Cracker Barrel on Highway 351, this means a lot of empty staff positions. Local businesses in “college towns” are always aware their workforce is subject to change at any moment, and they plan accordingly. At Cracker Barrel,
where college students make up nearly a quarter of the staff, managers are careful to hire people who are not likely to miss work frequently. “We have to ask the right questions upon hiring people to make sure we get what we need,” Wheeler said. “If people are always gone, we can’t run our business.” For some employed students, this means less vacation time. “Taking off a week or two is easy, but months are almost impossible,” Wheeler said. To pick up the slack, businesses hire part-time or temporary workers. Often, native Abilenians returning home for the summer exchange places with college students leaving Abilene. Hastings, located on South 14th Street, is one business that benefits from these “transfers.” Employees who work for the company in another city can continue working at the Abilene location while they are here, said
Tink Murphree, assistant manager of Hastings. “Hastings is really good about keeping people in the company,” she said. And although not everyone calls Abilene home, some students choose to stay and work during the summer, and not just because of housing leases, summer school or empty wallets. “I’m married, so I’d be staying in Abilene anyway,” said Megan MacDonald, senior music education major from Kingston, Wash. “But that seems to be the case with a lot of seniors, even if they aren’t married. Abilene is their home now, at least for a while.” MacDonald, who works in the Brown Library, said that they have plenty of employees for the summer. Student workers are not allowed to work more than 25 hours a week, so campus employers work doubly hard to fill all of their open staff positions. E-mail Hackney at: ceh05c@acu.edu
GRADUATION
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2008-09
Graduates College of Arts and Sciences Communication Travis Dwain Carpenter Clyde Jorge Daniel Garcia CancĂşn, Mexico Dana Gayle Hooker San Antonio Amanda Clay Humphreys Lancaster Shepherd Mukelabai Mbumwae Organizational and Human Resource Development Kalomo, Zambia Keren Miriam Pounds Kingsville
English Heather Michelle Brown Victoria Oksana Heohdzhayeva Ternopil, Ukraine Jennifer Leigh Nissen-Gross Macomb, Ill. Erin Utley Voss San Antonio
Psychology Stuart P. Cook Counseling Psychology Keller Sheila Lyndsey Garner School Psychology Round Rock Mallory Carta Haile School Psychology Weatherford
Patricia A. Quaiyyim Organizational and Human Resource Development Michigan City, Ind.
Brooke Ashley Holland Clinical Psychology Alpharetta, Ga.
Hortense Hasina Raharinomenjanahary Antananarivo, Madagascar
Kacee A. Junco Clinical Psychology Katy
Melinda L. Rowland San Marcos
Gregory Allan Miller Counseling Psychology Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Lyudmyla Shandruk Ternopil, Ukraine
Conflict Resolution Annie M. Dutton Round Rock Cheryl L. Jones Big Lake Deborah Susan Jackson Abilene
Aaron S. Moss School Psychology Overland Park Rachel Diane Smith Clinical Psychology Round Rock Audria Elise Woodard Houston
Sociology and Family Studies McKenzee Y. L. Cheng Gerontology Taipei, Taiwan
Doctor of Ministry Bert Alexander Plano Shane Peyton Alexander Waco
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Christian Ministry Buchanan, Liberia Matthew Bryan Morgan Christian Ministry Fort Worth Alan Randal Motes Christian Ministry Arlington Lindsey Diann Motes Christian Ministry Aurora, Colo. David W. Nelson Christian Ministry Tauranga, New Zealand Jerry Wayne Nelson Cleburne
Coppell Mark Acree Duncan Colleyville Jamie Lynn Hall Vernon Brady Max Harper Duncanville Lindsey Ryan Lipham Aspermont Nicolas Martinez San Antonio Stephen Charles McCain Oak Hill, Va. Dustin Kent McWilliams Haltom City
Stanley Neal Helton Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Dennis Alexandrovich Podryadchikov Sosnogorsk, Komi, Russia
Anthony Edward Melendez Coupland
Jerry Alan Neill Ridgeland, Miss.
Peter H. Rice Edmond, Okla.
David Tyler Mynes Walkersville, Md.
Jerry Bob Shields Colorado City
Benjamin Joseph Ries Bellingham, Wash.
Thomas Jonathan Payne Abilene
James Edward Walters New Testament Dothan, Ala.
Katie Lynn Persyn San Antonio
Graduate School of Theology Zachary Cloer Alexander Austin Clinton Ray Askins College Station Geoffrey Alan Carroll Abilene J. Michael Coghlin Calgary, Canada Jonathan Andrew Gann Rogersville, Ala. Heather Marie Gorman New Testament Findlay, Ohio
College of Business Administration Accounting Aaron Gore Ballard Plano Adam Baran Cedar Park Joslyn Denise Becker San Antonio Wilson Taylor Brooks North Richland Hills
Katherine Eileen Gould Christian Ministry Denton
Brad Chapman Mesquite
J. Garpue Lieway
Casey Lynn Cope
Michael Austin Richmond Santa Maria, Calif. Dee Ann Shepherd Abilene Stephanie Kaye Simon Brownwood Candace Lee Stillwagoner Sulphur Springs Derek James Straker Vancouver, Wash. Seth Allen Thompson Amarillo Qi Wang Bejjing, China
College of Education and Human Services
Communication Sciences and Disorders Elizabeth Ann Barnes Abilene Britni Dawn Brannon McKinney Heather Brooke Edmondson Abilene Valerie Brooke Johnson Kemp Briana Jan Litton Tyler Carrie Jane Pruski Three Rivers Lyndi Leigh Roden Cleburne Jillian Hope Thomas Haskell Kristal Vickers Bridge City Rebecca Marie Waldrop Grandville
Graduate Studies in Education Maria G. Rojas Fernandez Higher Education Dallas Michele Haynes Garrison Higher Education Abilene Brandon William Jones Higher Education Tyler Brandi R. Jones Leadership of Learning Conroe Richard Warren Kincaid III Leadership of Learning Plano
GRADUATION
Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Kyle Evan Pinson Higher Education Colleyville Kelly D’Ann Sargent Higher Education Mesquite Calee Marie Varner Higher Education Amarillo
School of Social Work Kristina Kay Akers Abilene Kathleen Ann Barr Ooltewah, Tenn. Hilary Marsh Blackketter Midland Karen Lynn Wieser Clemmer Abilene Stephanie Nicole Daniel Birmingham, Ala. MiaomiaoHuang Jinan, Shandong, China LaShay Denise McDanel Stephenville Lauren Scoggins Mitchell Cedar Park Melanie Louise Schlett Iola Whitney Michelle Sheets Colorado Springs, Colo.
LaGrange Jordan Elizabeth Wesley Amarillo Daniel Benjamin Witt Peyton, Colo.
Liberal Arts Kevin Keith Claypool Jr. Collinsville, Ill. Patricia J. Riggs Abilene
College of Biblical Studies Bible, Missions and Ministry Anthony Chase Barnett Composite Interdisciplinary Azle Joel Allen Brown Biblical Text Summa Cum Laude Ridgefield, Wash. Jordan Taylor Bunch Composite Interdisciplinary Sunnyvale Devin Grant Calhoun Composite Interdisciplinary Mansfield
Leslie Elizabeth Stickland Hurst
Amie Lynn Kolley Campbell Composite Interdisciplinary Magna Cum Laude Oldsmar, Fla.
Coby Layne Thornton
Benjamin Perry Covington
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2008-09
Undergraduates Biblical Text Magna Cum Laude Abilene
Coy A. Greathouse Youth and Family Ministry Alvin
Jason Scott Creed Youth and Family Ministry Greensboro, N.C.
Caroline Hare Youth and Family Ministry Nashville, Tenn.
Cason J. Dickson Christian Ministry Normal, Ill.
Whitney E. Loveland Herrington Vocational Missions Cum Laude Weatherford
Markus Drehsel Youth and Family Ministry Summa Cum Laude Heidelberg, Germany Brittney Lauren Fischer Youth and Family Ministry Plano Courtney L. Flow Youth and Family Ministry Nashville, Tenn. Eric Scott Gentry Biblical Text Summa Cum Laude DeSoto
Henry P. Holub Youth and Family Ministry Graham James Edward Howell Youth and Family Ministry Manga Cum Laude El Paso Tommy Glenn Johnson Youth and Family Ministry Cum Laude Waco Matthew Thomas Lambro Composite Interdisciplinary
Cum Laude Grapevine Kimberly Ann Leedy Vocational Missions The Woodlands Whitney Erin Leininger Composite Interdisciplinary San Antonio Bradon Jack Lewis Composite Interdisciplinary Abilene Jacob A. Lollar Biblical Text Cum Laude Tucson, Ariz. Cynthia Marie Michaud Youth and Family Ministry Manga Cum Laude Abilene Anna Harriette Peters Ministry to Children and Families Houston, Texas
Amanda Jo Pittman Christian Ministry Summa Cum Laude Arlington Caitlyn N. Shepard Youth and Family Ministry Magna Cum Laude San Antonio, Texas Mason O. Shirley Composite Interdisciplinary Cum Laude Corpus Christi Cole R. Smith Youth and Family Ministry Summa Cum Laude Temple Leslie C. Spainhower Youth and Family Ministry Magna Cum Laude Antioch, Calif. David Brett Walker Youth and Family Ministry Irving, Texas Kyle Wilson Youth and Family MinistryAustin Ezra Witt Youth and Family Ministry Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
GRADUATION
Page 6 Kyle Wilson Youth and Family Ministry Summa Cum Laude Austin Ezra Witt Youth and Family Ministry Broken Arrow, Okla.
College of Business Administration Accounting and Finance John Austin Anderson Accounting Dickinson Michael Paul Andruchek Accounting Highland Village Timothy William Applewhite Accounting and Finance Cum Laude San Antonio Lanna Marie Armstrong Accounting Magna Cum Laude Dallas John Mark Atchley Accounting and Finance Magna Cum Laude Grapevine Lance K. Baggett Accounting and Finance Houston Jordan Thomas Bell Accounting Brock Alanna Joy Blair Accounting Magna Cum Laude Colorado Springs, Colo. Whitney Susan Brand Accounting Shawnee, Okla.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Timothy Laurence Brooks Accounting and Finance Friendswood
Caroline Paige Green Finance San Antonio
Jeffrey Barnett McDuff Accounting Fishers, Ind.
Candi Rose Trevino Finance and Management Fort Worth
Taren Lea Bullock Marketing Fort Worth
Aundi Camille Brown Accounting Magna Cum Laude Wichita Falls
Garrett Greggory Gunchick Accounting Cum Laude Abilene
Kevin J. McKinney Accounting and Finance Summa Cum Laude Missouri City
Chiemeziem Felix Uhegbu Accounting and Finance Port-Harcourt, Nigeria
Michael Caleb Clower Management Benjamin
Trevor W. Brunt Accounting and Finance Magna Cum Laude Longview
Andrew Walling Harmon Finance Magna Cum Laude Aledo
Jenna Suzann Messer Accounting Seymour
Onyekachi Peace Uhegbu Accounting and Finance Port-Harcourt, Riverstate, Nigeria
Sean Michael Colvin Management Mesquite
Thomas Hamilton Brunton Accounting Lutterworth, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
Spencer Blane Hemphill Accounting Summa Cum Laude Longview
Kyle Aaron Byrd Finance Wichita Falls
Tabitha A. Hill Accounting Abilene
Travis A. Catalani Finance Magna Cum Laude San Antonio
Kara Allyssa Jenkins Accounting Summa Cum Laude Kaufman
Angela Rachel Darden Accounting Summa Cum Laude Midland
Chad Frederick Johnson Accounting and Finance Plano
Richard Bryan Day Accounting and Finance Magna Cum Laude Lubbock Alan James DeZonia Accounting and Finance Cum Laude Ames, Iowa Adam Dare Dittemore Finance Everett, Wash. Lana Lynn Dozier Accounting Happy Kendall L. Ferrell Accounting Weatherford Eric Michel Gibson Finance Forney Philip S. Goff Accounting Abilene
Allyson Rebekah Keker Accounting and Management Abilene Kevan Reid Kirksey Accounting and Finance Tyler Samuel Chase Kiser Finance Abilene Dustin Koctar Finance Magna Cum Laude Houston Brad Magers Accounting and Finance Lubbock Blaine Thomas Martin Accounting Magna Cum Laude Fresno, Calif. Lauren A. Martindale Accounting Keller
Ben Mitchell Finance Alpharetta, Georgia Kyle Joseph Moore Accounting and Finance Double Oak Stephen Edward Moore Accounting Cum Laude North Richland Hills Elise M. Padgett Accounting and Financ Summa Cum Laude Spring Jessica Pulley Accounting Grand Prairie
Cole Lester Watts Accounting Abilene
Alicia Michelle Copes Management and Marketing Summa Cum Laude Boerne Haley Dale Dilling Marketing Summa Cum Laude Vero Beach, Fla.
Dustin Lane Williamson Finance Fort Worth
Andrew J. Donovan Management The Woodlands
Garrett Harlow Winder Accounting Aledo
Benjamin Power DuBose Management Magna Cum Laude Fort Worth
Management Services
Joshua M. Rambo Finance Cum Laude Lake Jackson
Wendell Dwayne Conner Management Abilene
AreTina LaShay Williams Accounting Midland
Rachel A. Wood Accounting Abilene
Stephen Ryan Quidley Accounting and Finance Summa Cum Laude New Braunfels
Michael Averyt Rix Accounting Summa Cum Laude Burleson
Judd Jody Walker Finance and Accounting Summa Cum Laude New Braunfels
John Minor Alexander Management Abilene
Chessi Nicole Brehm Management Grover Beach, Calif.
Jonathan L. Smith Accounting Terrell
Faith Brodie Marketing Salado
James Ryan Stephen Finance Summa Cum Laude Spring
Sarah Lindsey Brooks Marketing Cum Laude Bartlett, Tenn.
Taylor E. Sturgis Finance Plano
Robby D. Brown Marketing Frisco
Andrew Michael Duge Marketing Magna Cum Laude Corpus Christi Christopher Todd Fishback Management Brownwood Patrick Christoph Hanauer Management Magna Cum Laude Aachen, Germany Mary Elizabeth Haralson Management Arlington Tyler Scott Harden Management Missouri City
GRADUATION
Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Courtney Elyse Patterson Management and Marketing Cum Laude Orlando, Fla.
Lana Kathleen Stillwell Management and Marketing Cum Laude Abilene
Kristina Elizabeth Heavin Marketing Lexington, Ky.
Rachel Perry Marketing Highlands Ranch, Colo.
Matthew Patrick Sullivan Management Summa Cum Laude Abilene
Joel Herold Management Fredericksburg, Va.
Phillip Gregory Poarch Management Cum Laude Green Cove Springs, Fla.
Nathan W. Hathorn Management Magna Cum Laude Abilene
Elaina Bowles Hodges Marketing Raleigh, N.C.
Jackson Duke Potter Management Edmond, Okla.
Joel Andrew Howard Management Cum Laude Dallas
Phillip Alford Powers Information Systems Houston
Cameron Noelle Kirkpatrick Management Bakersfield, Calif.
Jeremy C. Richmond Marketing Santa Maria, Calif.
Aimee Luallin Marketing Cum Laude Centennial, Colo.
Cody Lee Robinette Management Brackettville
Sandy Natalie Marshall Management and Marketing Magna Cum Laude Chaguanas, Trinidad Deidre Brandon Montgomery Management Magna Cum Laude Irving Matthew Newhouser Marketing Summa Cum Laude Cypress
Kourtney DaLane Nichols Marketing Cum Laude Midland Marko Nikolic Management Victoria, Australia
Courtney Lea Robinson Marketing Manor Gabrielle Rojas Management Mineola
Kristopher Michael Sutton Management Abilene Laura Miles Touchette Marketing Magna Cum Laude St. Louis, Miss. Andrew Ryan Voiles Marketing Summa Cum Laude Leakey Valerie Jane Walker Management Cum Laude Sulphur Springs Sawyer C. Williams Management Coppell Travis Corey Winn Management and Marketing Cum Laude Fort Worth
Cody Russell Rollins Management Houston
Hunter Woolfolk Marketing San Antonio
Emilee Anne Schwanke Management Arlington
Callie Reagan Young Management Brady
Gaile Shelton Management Abilene Ibrahim Khalil Shuaib Management Houston
Kandice Kay Nitsch Marketing Abilene
Baron Smith Information Systems Summa Cum Laude Irving
Sydney Elizabeth North Marketing Bedford
Nolan Ray Spradlin Marketing Magnolia
School of Information Technology and Computing Christopher R. Booher Computer Science Austin Robert Ottis Butts Computer Science Lawrenceburg, Ky. Anthony R. Malloy Computer Science San Antonio
Page 7
College of Education and Human Services
Kylie Deanne Jennings Communication Disorders Magna Cum Laude North Richland Hills
Emily M. Arnold Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary Abilene
Communication and Sciences Disorders
Jamie Leigh Johnson Communication Disorders Summa Cum Laude Kaufman
Aubrey Elizabeth Ballard Interdisciplinary Studies Cum Laude Plano
Kalin Ledbetter Communication Disorders Grapevine
Stephanie Michele Ballard Interdisciplinary Studies Magna Cum Laude Duncanville
Bethany Renee Bruce Communication Disorders Cum Laude Rockwall Haley Elizabeth Bulls Communication Disorders Cum Laude Paris Stephanie Elaine Cobb Communication Disorders College Station Shealynn Brooke Davis Communication Disorders Rankin Jeremy Charles Dunford Communication Disorders Summa Cum Laude Houston Kellie Lyn Ethington Communication Disorders Summa Cum Laude Kingwood
Tanya Manriquez Lujan Communication Disorders Odessa Jacki Collins McCallie Communication Disorders Summa Cum Laude Perryton Shannon Dee Morgan Communication Disorders Summa Cum Laude Longview Jana Jo Pittenger Communication Disorders Summa Cum Laude Belton Sahara Rana Communication Disorders Kathmandu, Nepal
Laura Kay Busch Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary Liberty Hill Geraldine Cardenas Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary Abilene Megan Denise Cavitt Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary Summa Cum Laude Houston Sarah Megan Crowe Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary Houston
Suzanne Gatlin Fisher Communication Disorders Cum Laude Houston
Tiffany Paige Robbins Communication Disorders Mansfield
Matthew Silas Davis All-Level Special Education Cum Laude Meridian, Calif.
Deanne Galloway Communication Disorders Lancaster, Calif.
Carolina Rodriguez Communication Disorders Abilene
Samantha Marie Garcia Composite Interdisciplinary Anson
Miranda Monica Garcia Communication Disorders Summa Cum Laude Colorado City
Laura M. Webb Communication Disorders Austin
Abigail Grace Goldsmith Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary Cum Laude Abilene
Sarah Nicole Holway Communication Disorders Summa Cum Laude Memphis, Tenn. Kaylie Michael Huddleston Communication Disorders Magna Cum Laude College Station Meredith Ann Isenberg Communication Disorders Magna Cum Laude Garland
Justina JaRae Wheeler Communication Disorders Magna Cum Laude Alamogordo, N.M. Camilette Denise Yeagley Communication Disorder San Antonio
Curriculum and Instruction Hannah Eleece Anderson Interdisciplinary Studies Summa Cum Laude Waco
Jessica Johnson Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary Cum Laude The Colony Lauren Ashley Jones Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary Corpus Christi
GRADUATION
Page 8 Brandon Christian Kluzek Interdisciplinary Studies Abilene Mallory Taylor Knight Interdisciplinary Studies Magna Cum Laude Longview Kristen Emily Knott Interdisciplinary Studies Magna Cum Laude San Antonio Heather Lin Elston Lott Interdisciplinary Studies Cum Laude Abilene Katie L. Mack Interdisciplinary Studies, Middle School Boerne Megan Elizabeth Metcalf Interdisciplinary Studies Portland, Ore. Mallory Leigh Mitchen Interdisciplinary Studies Houston Marisa Diane MuĂąoz Interdisciplinary Studies Snyder Marissa Anne Murphy Interdisciplinary Studies Magna Cum Laude Abilene Casey Nicole Pittman Interdisciplinary Studies Clyde Leah Nicole Porter Interdisciplinary Studies Summa Cum Laude Mesquite Jennifer Elaine Rasco Interdisciplinary Studies Summa Cum Laude Abilene Jordan Kathryn Reese Interdisciplinary Studies Summa Cum Laude Abilene Lauren Michelle Rodda Interdisciplinary Studies
Magna Cum Laude Carrollton Caroline Elizabeth Scott Composite Interdisciplinary Abilene Kelsey Lynn Shaw Interdisciplinary Studies Magna Cum Laude Snyder Lindsey D. Smith Interdisciplinary Studies, Cum Laude Tyler Tiffany Nichole Thompson Steele Interdisciplinary Studies Cum Laude Garland Krystal Swanson Interdisciplinary Studies Magna Cum Laude Mansfield Erin Nicole Thornton Interdisciplinary Studies Magna Cum Laude San Antonio
Exercise Science and Health
Kelli Marie Clements Physical Education Amarillo
Callie Lynette Pavelka Exercise and Sport Science Keller
Rodney Curtis Freeman II Physical Education Houston
Christopher Andrew Pounds Exercise Science Angleton
Hayley Carol Garner Physical Education Summa Cum Laude Keller
Laura Christina Sarai Ruiz Exercise Science Mission
Jason Andrew Gilly Exercise and Sport Science Abilene Marissa M. Hilton Exercise and Sport Science Abilene Stephanie Renna Hodge Physical Education Abilene Melissa DeAnn Horn Nutrition Magna Cum Laude Abilene
Brianna Danae Allen Summa Cum Laude Abilene Michael Trey Allen Exercise and Sport Science Huntsville
Leisha Annedella Johnson Physical Education Round Rock
Michael Ray Breninger Exercise and Sport Science Fredericksburg, Va.
Whitney RenĂŠ Johnson Exercise Science Carrollton
Daniel Ryan Brown Exercise Science Magna Cum Laude Garland
Colby Ryan Livingston Physical Education Austin
Chancy J. Campbell Physical Education San Antonio
Nicholas Cory Moore Composite InterdisciplinarMagna Cum Laude Amarillo
Melinda Conley Exercise and Sport Science Cum Laude Abilene
Luzviminda Saad Hyde Summa Cum Laude Hampden, Maine
Thurman E. Brown Physical Education Dallas
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Joshua Randall Lovelady Exercise Science Abilene Jasmine Maranca Exercise Science Rowlett
Karissa Jean Smith Nutrition Austin Matthew Spotanski Exercise Science Loveland, Colo. Christopher Cary Wiman Physical Education Corinth Christopher Wren Physical Education Kaufman Emily R. Wren Magna Cum Laude Arlington
School of Social Work Sarah Marie Frazier Social Work Magna Cum Laude Bristow, Okla. Jessica M. Grice Composite Interdisciplinary Houston Christie Anita Jacks Social Work Spring Kristy K. McKissick Social Work Magna Cum Laude Boerne Sarah LaFawn McLean Social Work Summa Cum Laude Abilene
Katrina Rich Social Work McKinney
Abigayle Brooke Lowry Cum Laude Flower Mound
Jeremy Michael Tatum Social Work Cum Laude Garland
Kellye Michelle Machun Cum Laude North Richland Hills
Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing Nursing Jessica Ann Atchison Cum Laude Allen Kristopher Knox Bartee Abilene Amber Mae Brown Cum Laude Carrollton Shannon Lee Clark Summa Cum Laude Abilene Amy Belen Cullers Hatch, N.M.
Emily Lyn Nichols Cum Laude Whitefish, Mont. Jessica Brooke Patterson Cum Laude Winchester, Va. Katy Frances Reid Bridge City Katherine Jean Ritter Louise Brenton L. Robinson Nacogdoches Amber Lynnell Tate Magna Cum Laude Abilene
College of Arts and Sciences Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Desiree Daniels Belton Sara Jane Eligado San Jose, Calif. Mary Amelia Gill Cum Laude Plano Stephanie Violet Hale Tracy, Calif. Shuzhu He Cum Laude Shenzhen, China Hailey Cate Jones Magna Cum Laude Southlake Rachel Renea Jones Cum Laude Mansfield
Derrick Richard Bibb Animal Science Cum Laude Abilene Tymon Daniel Bloomer Environmental Science Houston Derrick Richard Bibb Animal Science Cum Laude Abilene Tymon Daniel Bloomer Environmental Science Houston
GRADUATION
Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Kanyon K. Brown Animal Science Welch Ted George Devries Agribusiness Dublin
Art and Design Eric Allen Archer Pre-Architecture Interior Design Cum Laude Fort Worth Leigh Michelle Bacon Interior Design Cum Laude Aberdeen, S.D. Megan Barnett Art Cum Laude Waco Aubrey B. Bonneau Art Farmers Branch Laura M. Brokaw Art Summa Cum Laude Pittsfield, Ill. Katherine Jean Buckel Art Magna Cum Laude Azle
Lauren Elizabeth Holifield Art Magna Cum Laude De Soto Sarah Lynne Johnson Art Grapevine Ashton Terrell Lloyd Art Cleburne Kelly Kercheval Mann Interior Design Cum Laude Houston Sara Caroline Mattis Art Abilene Garett Davis Mayfield Art Cum Laude Texico, N.M. Favi Rietti Interior Design Tegucigalpa, Honduras Lauren RenĂŠe Sanders Art Summa Cum Laude Spring Clinton Michael Sellers Art Manor
Shelby Bever Biology League City Tyler John Cochran Biology Cedar Park Melissa Nyasha Gazi Biology Harare, Zimbabwe Erin Kathleen Gray Composite Interdisciplinary Granbury Joshua R. Hilliard Biology Cum Laude Abilene Ryan Wayne Hunter Biology Summa Cum Laude Robinson Audrey Claire Lively Composite Interdisciplinary Magna Cum Laude Abilene Marcus Landon McLean Biology Magna Cum Laude Abilene Morgan Rae Miller Biology Magna Cum Laude Weatherford
Allen Lenwood Smith Art Summa Cum Laude Medford, Ore.
Sabra La’trice Mitchell Biology Magna Cum Laude Tyler
Lindsey Geiger Sobolik Art Summa Cum Laude Coppell
Katherine Annie Morin Biology Magna Cum Laude Greeley, Colo.
Jenny M. Tenbush Art Austin
Mary Wambui Mwangi Composite Interdisciplinary Abilene
Amy Beth Vanlandingham Art Arvada, Colo.
Morgan L. Patton Biology Garland
Kelsie Suzanne Dunn Interior Design Irving
Aleksandra Vucic Interior Design Magna Cum Laude Belgrade, Serbia
Kyle Daniel Pickens Biology Magna Cum Laude Garland
Kelsey Bryanne Evans Interior Design Cum Laude Gresham, Ore.
Michelle Ward Composite Interdisciplinary Magna Cum Laude Lynden, Wash.
Amanda Paige Ray Biology Cum Laude Abilene
Lindsey Michelle Ferguson Interior Design Sunnyvale
Kristopher Wade Wasemiller Composite Interdisciplinary Abilene
Abby Trejo Rice Biology Summa Cum Laude Ulysses, Kan.
Erica B. Findley Composite Interdisciplinary Cum Laude Bakersfield, Calif.
Jenny Brooke Whitlock Art Cum Laude Abilene
Kameron Cates Composite Interdisciplinary Shallowater Korie Lynn Darby Composite Interdisciplinary Magna Cum Laude Kingwood Sarah Emily Depmore Art Round Rock Sarah Ann Descamps Art Tahoka
Katharine Gallardo Interior Design Salem, Ore. Carolyn Ann Gallman Interior Design Richmond Kendra Jean Heard Art Farmers Branch
Fight for Fair Taxation
Biology
Savannah Olivia Smiley Art Liberty Hill
Daniel Patrick Bynum Art Austin
Page 9
Caleb Robert Robinson Biology Magna Cum Laude Katy
Alexander Conway York Art Summa Cum Laude Tyler
Mason Scott Singleton Biology Magna Cum Laude Austin
Jared Matthew Young Art Cum Laude Abilene
Grant Charles Starey Biology Cum Laude San Marcos Travis Edward Walding Biology
Heather Leiphart :: staff photographer
Abilenians gather to protest unjust taxation in front of the Post Office downtown. Cum Laude Abilene
Summa Cum Laude Lubbock
Douglas Billingsley Walton Biology Summa Cum Laude San Antonio
Ryan Murray Carstens Biochemistry and Chemistry Magna Cum Laude College Station
Emily Wilkinson Biology Sachse
Clayton Stewart Cleveland Biochemistry Abilene
Kyle Alan Willingham Biology Magna Cum Laude Abilene
Charrelle Monet Coates Biochemistry Summa Cum Laude Clarksville, Tenn.
Joel Thomas Wise Biology Abilene
Anne Briton Craddock Biochemistry Summa Cum Laude Memphis, Tenn.
Chemistry Adeniyi Michael Adebesin Biochemistry Summa Cum Laude Lagos, Nigeria Anthony Zachary Aven Biochemistry Tyler Adam Biesman Biochemistry Summa Cum Laude Lake Jackson Luke Edward Brown Biochemistry
Brenda Daniels Biochemistry Magna Cum Laude Bogota, Colombia Paul Enrico Sale Dimaano Biochemistry Cum Laude Abilene Quyen Ngoc Do Biochemistry Hanoi, Vietnam Jolene Dunbar Biochemistry Cum Laude
Kingston, Jamaica Christian Aaron Francis Biochemistry Brooklyn, N.Y. Ryan Markas Hudson Biochemistry Magna Cum Laude Abilene Hayden M. Huey Biochemistry Cum Laude Tulsa, Okla. Kara Danae Johnson Chemistry Summa Cum Laude New Braunfels Tanya Ashley Johnston Biochemistry Abilene William Hutton Jones Biochemistry Magna Cum Laude Abilene Alicia Keese Biochemistry Magna Cum Laude Corpus Christi Drew Scott Lowry Biochemistry Fort Worth
GRADUATION
Page 10 Megan Lyn Reynolds Biochemistry Summa Cum Laude Keller
Willard Bruce Powell IV English Magna Cum Laude Marshall, Va.
Sarah Elizabeth Sims Biochemistry Magna Cum Laude Abilene
Valerie Lynn Royse English Summa Cum Laude San Antonio
Michelle Lorine Tonkin Biochemistry Summa Cum Laude Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Jonathan Michael Snyder Magna Cum Laude Alamogordo, N.M.
Jordan Scott Free Summa Cum Laude Caldwell, Idaho Riley Cole Lambert Henrietta Emmalee Suzanne Langston Communication Summa Cum Laude Kaufman Brooke Teal Patterson Summa Cum Laude Austin Donovan Sylvester Plummer, Jr. Magna Cum Laude Mesquite Chelsea Noel Power Cum Laude Kingwood
Foreign Language Erin Andersen International Studies Magna Cum Laude Albany, N.Y. Caitlin Marie McDuff International Studies and Spanish Cum Laude Fishers, Ind. Amy Ellen Thiel International Studies Chowchilla, Calif.
History Paul David Arrington Social Studies- Teaching Abilene Benjamin Paul Hamilton Social Studies- Teaching Abilene
Jamie Lyn Spires Arlington
Lindsay Klar History Summa Cum Laude San Antonio
Jennifer Lindsay Reneigh Stephenson Longview
Lane Miller Composite Interdisciplinary Abilene
Adam G. Teer Sulphur Springs
English Danielle Elise Besch English Magna Cum Laude Wharton Brett Curbo Composite Interdisciplinary Hillsboro Joshua Britton Dennis English-Teaching Cum Laude Abilene Matthew D. Dumont, English Summa Cum Laude Houston Jessica Nicole George English Abilene Kayla Marie Whitton Leech English Tuscola Katherine Nicole Maxwell English-Teaching Summa Cum Laude College Station Elizabeth Ashley Poarch McVey English Cum Laude Jacksonville, Fla. Emily Michelle Monsees English and History Summa Cum Laude San Antonio
Let It Burn
Tanner Scott Anderson Journalism Rockwall Amber Anglin Integrated Marketing Communication Midland
Communication Casey Danielle Fischer Austin
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Brian Jeffrey Peacock Composite Interdisciplinary Littleton, Colo. Christopher Chase Pennington Social Studies- Teaching Cum Laude Springtown Briana Ribble Social Studies- Teaching Summa Cum Laude Arvada, Colo. Lauren Michelle Stark Social Studies- Teaching Cum Laude Fort Worth William Bradley Steele History Grand Prairie Keith Robert Taillon History Abilene Benjamin Andrew Thomas History, Teaching Frisco Luke Wayne Truxal History Denison
Journalism and Mass Communication Grant David Abston Journalism Cum Laude Rockwall
Katie Barrow Integrated Marketing Communication Colleyville Adriana Noemy Carrasquillo Electronic Media Dallas Emily Jane Cornelius Composite Interdisciplinary New Orleans, La. Brian J. Escochea Electronic Media Summa Cum Laude Wharton Michael Oliver Freeman Journalism Houston Katherine Mary Alice Gager Journalism Summa Cum Laude San Antonio Daniel Johnson-Kim Journalism Summa Cum Laude Abilene Erin Sarena Jordan Integrated Marketing Communication Albany, Ga. Kelly Megan Kearney Electronic Media Sonora Peter M. Koehn Electronic Media Magna Cum Laude Olathe, Kan. Kelline Renee Linton Journalism Summa Cum Laude Spring Nathan MacDonald Integrated Marketing Communication Hillsboro Krista Nicole Maenius Integrated Marketing Communication Boerne Monica Paige McCall Integrated Marketing Communication Crowley Elizabeth Ashley Poarch McVey Electronic Media Cum Laude Jacksonville, Fla. Scott Geoffrey Morrison Electronic Media Universal City Marilee Noel Motes Integrated Marketing Communication Arlington De Laina Rene Parker Electronic Media Phoenix, Arizona Christopher Pierson Integrated Marketing Communication Omaha, Neb. Emily Jean Pollastro Electronic Media Cum Laude
Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer
Students from Geoff Broderick’s sculpture classes pour molten iron into molds made from sand.
Liberty Hill Sara Michelle Potter Integrated Marketing Communication Summa Cum Laude Fort Worth Richard Price Schissler Electronic Media Spring Sara Ann Snelson Journalism Littleton, Colorado Camille Vandendriessche Journalism Antony, France Morgan Leigh Wilks Integrated Marketing Communication Fredericksburg Morgan Michelle Williams Integrated Marketing Communication Mesquite Jason Everett Zahodnik Electronic Media Summa Cum Laude San Antonio
Mathematics Megan Michelle Clark Mathematics- Teaching Middle School Arlington Ryan Lee James Cloninger Mathematics Cabot, Ark. Jessica Laura Davis Mathematics- Teaching Middle School Summa Cum Laude Eustace Bryce B. Eaton Mathematics, Teaching Escondido, California Elizabeth Ruth RenĂŠe Elford Mathematics- Teaching Middle School Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Greg A. Herrington Mathematics Abilene Carissa Joy Strawn Howard Mathematics Sachse
Ring of Fire
Samuel Kohl Jennings Mathematics Schertz Danielle Rene Sousares Mathematics, Teaching Cum Laude Austin
Music Evan Paul Anderson Music Teaching, Instrument, All Level Rockwall Lucas Robert Baty Music and English Cum Laude Orchard Park, N.Y. Kristin Ashley Brown Vocal Performance Summa Cum Laude Athens Luke Cummings Music Kerrville James Matthew Green Music Summa Cum Laude Cedar Hill Melanie Rebecca Shaffer Composite Interdisciplinary Summa Cum Laude Murphysboro, Ill. Dustin Scott Wilson Music Cum Laude Houston
Physics Philip Michael Bailey Physics Summa Cum Laude Richardson Daniel S. Jumper Engineering Physics Summa Cum Laude Richardson Takumi Matsumoto Engineering Physics Cum Laude Saitama, Japan Dillon Joel Thomas Physics Longview Alexander Reed White Physics Magna Cum Laude Fredericksburg, Va.
Political Science Caleb Dacus Archer Political Science Magna Cum Laude Southlake Juan Carlos Calvillo Political Science Acuna, Coahuila, Mexico Christopher G. Conklin Political Science Abilene Seth James Copeland Political Science Van Pharren Renee Crawford Political Science Odessa
Heather Leiphart :: staff photographer A helicopter helps fight a grass fire on March 5, south of Abilene on US 83. The grass fire burned 300 acres and destroyed two structures.
Stephanie Michelle Jarvis Political Science Stamford Erin C. Kessler Political Science Summa Cum Laude Missouri City
Brian Leppla Political Science Magna Cum Laude Houston Nathaniel Mark McKenzie Political Science Albuquerque, N.M. Jefferson Blake Penfield Political Science Summa Cum Laude San Antonio Sarah Ann Pulis Political Science Summa Cum Laude Longview Madison Saniuk Political Science and Spanish Summa Cum Laude Arlington David Robert Schlottman Political Science Magna Cum Laude Spring Laura Charlotte Smith Political Science Summa Cum Laude College Station Matthew M. Stephens Political Science Cum Laude Livonia, Mich. Kim L. Tan Political Science Cum Laude Tinton Falls, N.J. Chanelle Marie Wactor Political Science, Spanish Magna Cum Laude Tucson, Ariz. Kathryn D. Whitworth Political Science Summa Cum Laude Houston
Professional and Continuing Education Phillip Andrew Arledge Applied Studies Abilene Vernon A. Baker Applied Studies Tahoka Deborah Anderson Boggs Applied Studies San Antonio Jere Margaret Wood Drake Applied Studies Cum Laude Clyde Tyree J. Fillingim Applied Studies Summa Cum Laude Abilene Brice Arnaud Fotso Simo Applied Studies Cameroon, Central Africa Lucy I. Hamilton Fullerton Applied Studies Irving Angelia Hope Greer Applied Studies Summa Cum Laude Abilene
GRADUATION
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
They Call the Thing Rodeo
Page 11
Sociology and Family Studies Lauren Baker Family Studies Marble Falls Nicholas David Bird Sociology-Criminal Justice Austin Whitney Paige Bradshaw Family Studies Cum Laude North Richland Hills Joshua Alan Butterfras Family Studies Houston
Dick Schissler :: student photographer
Seven-year-old Hunter Barnes and Dean Smith, freshman agribusiness major from Midland, watch various competitions, including double-mugging and goat dressing, during the ACU rodeo. Jeffrey Brian Jaworski Applied Studies Anchor Point, Alaska Tommy Ray Kidwell Applied Studies Summa Cum Laude Abilene Michael Shawn McAuliffe Applied Studies Abilene Karla Ann Middleton Applied Studies Abilene Shay Scott Ratliff Applied Studies Abilene Leashia Ann Eaton Ruelas Applied Studies Merkel
Psychology Stetson Kent Akers Psychology Buena Vista, Colo. Melissa Claire Barnett Psychology Katy Kenna Brianne Baskin Psychology San Antonio Katy E. Bruce Psychology Abilene Rachel Carol Campbell Psychology Cum Laude Sherman Cecilia Michelle Davis Psychology Arlington Jamelynn Michelle DeBrine Psychology Arlington Anna Elise DeJarnatt Psychology Jackson, Tenn.
Jonathan Wyatt Fincher Psychology Magna Cum Laude Lubbock Kristin Noelle Fowler Psychology Magna Cum Laude Dallas
Channing Marie Morris Psychology Eula Phillip T. Page Psychology Cum Laude Little Elm
Jeramy M. Garner Psychology Morgan
Christina Marie Perkins Psychology Magna Cum Laude Conroe
Serge Gasore Psychology Kigali, Rwanda
Matthew Pinckley Psychology Oak Park, Calif.
Matthew S. Gibbs Psychology Allen
Martin Bradley Pittman Psychology Magna Cum Laude Mineral Wells
Desiree Laurel Glaze Psychology Portland Ambrosia Rashea Grant Psychology Abilene Sarah Lynn Greene Psychology Colorado Springs, Colo. Andrea Denise Haugen Psychology Summa Cum Laude Spring Kelli Renee Haynes Psychology Cum Laude Tyler Meagan Marie Hoekstra Psychology Summa Cum Laude Richardson Afton S. Hubbard Psychology Houston Meredith Anne Johnson Psychology Dallas Paul L. Kerbow Psychology Uvalde Byron Rafael Martin Psychology Mesquite
Kaleigh Anne Regas Psychology Summa Cum Laude Sugar Land Stephanie J. Robles Psychology Mesquite Elizabeth Anne Sanford Psychology Cum Laude Colorado Springs, Colo. Thomas Keith Sheldon Psychology Magna Cum Laude Colorado Springs, Colo. Nicole Sherwood Psychology Saginaw Amanda Lauren Stacy Psychology Rowlett Sarah Tyne Stewart Psychology Cum Laude Lubbock Stephanie Nicole Trejo Psychology Robert Lee Mary Elizabeth Walrath Psychology Round Rock
Marci Conley Family Studies Summa Cum Laude Abilene Chase Walton Fickessen Sociology-Criminal Justice Austin Terra Cori Susan Henderson Sociology-Criminal Justice Abilene Eric D. Hughes Sociology-Criminal Justice Abilene Daniella Elisabeth Kohler Family Studies Helotes Sarah Rebekah Lang Family Studies Magna Cum Laude Abilene Paige Nicole Legan Family Studies Dallas Billy Don Malone Composite Interdisciplinary Abilene Jordan Leigh Martin Composite Interdisciplinary Abilene Shannon Nicole Martin Family Studies
New York, N.Y. Lois Elizabeth McCormack Sociology-Criminal Justice Summa Cum Laude Moran Kasey Lynn Morgan Family Studies Dallas Morgan G. Myrick Family Studies Odessa Sarah D. Novack Family Studies Lakin, Kans. Julie Elizabeth Rich Family Studies Abilene Jo Katherine Smith Sociology Magna Cum Laude Abilene Elizabeth Alberta Van Vleet Sociology-Criminal Justice Abilene Sybil Christene Vess Family Studies Summa Cum Laude Mesquite Jennifer Marie Ward Family Studies Calabasas, Calif. Brooke Nicole Zielke Family Studies Magna Cum Laude Medford, Ore.
Theatre Michelle Janeice Alexander Theatre Round Rock Seth Thomas Bazacas Theatre Summa Cum Laude Ocean City, N.J. Shae Elaine Candelaria Theatre Magna Cum Laude Mesquite
William Donald Christoferson Theatre Abilene Joseph Evan Clingan Theatre Houston Nicholas Alexander Graves Theatre Cum Laude Granbury Jenavene Hester Theatre Summa Cum Laude Abilene Terence Eugene Lindeke Theatre Summa Cum Laude Anchorage, Alaska Bonny Lynn O’Neill Theatre Cum Laude Abilene Ashley Maure Padovani Theatre Mansfield Jessica Brooke Patterson Theatre Magna Cum Laude Winchester, Va. Jasmin C’nel Richardson Theatre Magna Cum Laude Houston Elena Marie Stephenson Theatre Cum Laude Lansing, Kans. Laurel Anne Stowe Theatre Magna Cum Laude Nashville, Tenn. Alyssa Marie Vidos Theatre Waxahachie Rebekah R. Wheeler Theatre Summa Cum Laude Perkasie, Pa.
Page 12
GRADUATION
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
SeniorViews
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Page 13
Optimal college experience requires expanding horizons I hated my experience at ACU. But not in the way you may have immediately assumed. Sure, I grew to loathe several facets of ACU life during my four years here… like 8 a.m. classes, dorm visitation rules, pompThe Power of ous attitudes the Prattle from social club memBy Michael bers, curfews, Freeman required meal plans that cheated you out of
your money, professors who made their own class attendance policies, the lack of school spirit and mandatory Chapel credits. But I hated more the fact that I didn’t take full advantage of all the opportunities ACU offers. For example, I never seriously considered joining a social club, attended a Homecoming Musical performance, played in more than one intramural tournament, went on a Spring Break Campaign or even partook of the Midnight Breakfast in the “World Famous Bean” at the end of every semester.
The good outweighs the bad at ACU, and students should realize that and not shrink from the unique events and activities available on campus. During my first two years, my nose was buried in either a textbook or my pillow. Studying, while it can boost your GPA, does not provide funfilled nights with friends or new hands-on learning experiences. Sleeping does not offer those either, but I refrain from speaking negatively about sleep because it is just about the best thing God ever created — other than bacon and Monday Night Football.
The older I got, the more I ventured away from my comfort zone. And while my grades slipped, my understanding of how the world works grew by leaps and bounds. College is not about reaffirming what you think, but about learning how to think and discovering why you think the things you do. The most compelling and powerful lesson I learned while at ACU did not come from a textbook. It came when a professor began her class not by going into a lecture, but asking students for their personal effects. She asked for iPods, watches,
Ataraxia
Freshman year escapades inspire reflection
“
While scouring my brain for memories of my four years at Abilene Christian University, my freshman year water balloon excursions came up first.
dashboard clock to see if they were out past curfew. Splashes of laughter and water pounded the vehicle’s frame while one young man shined a floodlight in the baffled couple’s eyes. The red-faced Romeo swung open the door in a fury of four-letter words. We dashed back to the escape vehicle and sped away from Will Hair Park. A mix of adrenaline and smiles filled the SUV as my batch of friends my freshman year celebrated another successful Friday night. While scouring my brain for memories of my four
Letter to the Editor Intramural director resignation article displays obvious bias I think a different perspective should be given to this article, since it obviously gives one side of the story. As someone who has worked in the intramural office for two years, I have been around Danny Kittley and know him on a personal level that many of the people who have spoken nega-
tively about him do not. A lot of the time, people tend to feed off each other and let what other people are saying about the intramural office cloud their judgment. There were quotes in the article that baffle me, like the one about wanting games between social clubs to be more competitive. Unless
Editorial and letter policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy.
Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699
”
years at Abilene Christian University, my freshman year water balloon excursions came up first. I did not remember the hours spent sitting in a classroom. I did not recollect the late nights spent working in the newsroom. I did not even think of the heap of debt I accumulated to pay ACU’s tuition. With three and a half years of experience working on The Optimist staff, this makes sense. The monotony of everyday life seldom makes a good story. Instead, it is the unusual, embarrassing and inspiring — categorize my
you are hoping for deaths during the games, games between social clubs can’t get much more competitive. And how in the world is competitiveness between social clubs even remotely close to being the intramural office’s responsibility? Or the one about more games and more sports: unless there were multiple sports going on at the same time, more games in a season would not really work. Multiple seasons at once would mean hiring more referees, who would probably expect a paycheck, which would drive up the costs. So,
story how you wish — stories that resonate with people. When I walk across the commencement stage in Moody Coliseum on Saturday, I will be a step closer to the fruition of a dream I have not shut up about since moving to Abilene: leaving. I, like some of my fellow students, openly vocalize my distaste for Abilene. Barbecue is not my first choice, the last place you can find me on Sunday is in a church and futbol, not football, is my favorite sport. But regardless of these self-truths, I would not be who I am today without ACU. I owe this school’s brilliant faculty for my quality education and for helping me mature as a writer, designer, student and man. Thanks, ACU, and sorry about the water balloons. E-mail Johnson-Kim at: djj04a@acu.edu
Optimist Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
I don’t plan ahead. It is something that I just don’t do, because the world needs procrastinators (at least that’s what I tell myself). Now the job market is shaky, and according to many news networks, not only do we need to People Say I worry about Talk Too Much the economy, we By Tanner need to be Anderson concerned about pigs and their plans for world domination — thanks to their genetically enhanced flu. So now that we can’t even enjoy bacon, here are a few encouraging phrases for you: “The grass is always greener on the other side.” “The night is darkest just before the dawn.” “A blessing in disguise” “When a door closes, a window opens. “ Somewhere you’ve probably heard these popular phrases uttered to help boost the ole’ self esteem. Well, if you are like me, the grass you want to be on is awesome because yours is filled with fire ants. And who in their right mind would exit through a window? Unless it is to escape out of a burning building, which is a cruddy situation no matter how you spin it. So, here is another phrase that I’ve become fond of, thanks to the character Brian Shelby, from the movie Vanilla Sky: “Because without the bitter, baby, the sweet ain’t as sweet.” At times, I thought that life would be an easy transition from one stage to another. You go from kindergarten and make your journey to high school. Then, if you’re lucky, you go from high school to college.
I believe it is completely unfair to place the blame of intramural issues completely on Kittley, especially because some of the complaints are unrealistic and not completely thought through. I can’t fault anyone for having incomplete thoughts, not thinking rationally, or placing blame without doing research because I have been guilty of doing so in the past. I just wish that people would think through what they are saying before they make a public statement at the cost of someone else, especially since some of the bold statements were made by social club intramural di-
that doesn’t really work either, because of complaints about costs and fees being so expensive. Next, the quote about waterball and how it is greatly missed: although it might be missed, it didn’t make it on the schedule this year for legal reasons beyond the control of Kittley or the intramurals office. Lastly, the issue of the costs of intramurals: I believe it is completely irrelevant that in 1988 the cost of sports was $80, while today the cost is $275. Obviously the cost of sports is going to rise in 20 years.
the
E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu
Graduating senior predicts exciting, bittersweet future
By Jordan Blakey
The driver simultaneously switched the headlights off and cut the engine of his Toyota 4Runner. Squeezed between two friends in the backseat, I reached back to the trunk and dipped my hand into the mounIn Case You tain of waWondered ter balloons stacked inBy Daniel Johnson-Kim side a plastic tub. We passed around the watery weapons and quietly crept to our rendezvous point — a shrubbery some 20 feet away from two ACU lovebirds in the backseat of a parked sedan. The bombardment began before the couple had the chance to glance at the
further I delved into my career as a journalist. While I am not suggesting you take her advice, I am encouraging that you be open to new ideas. ACU provides many opportunities to challenge your mind while having fun at the same time. My biggest regret is not realizing that until my third year. Don’t leave ACU with any regrets, and try to learn and experience as much as possible. You only have four (or maybe five) years to do it.
wallets — and the students happily handed over their expensive belongings, assuming she would use them in her lesson. Instead, she collected her booty and tucked them away in her purse, saying “OK, these are mine now.” When the students tried to protest, she pointed out that they voluntarily gave her their possessions and not one student stopped to ask why she wanted them. “Always question authority,” she said. At the time, that was a new concept for me, and it turned out to be a valuable one the
Through those time periods, I was never really faced with any major obstacles because I’ve been fortunate, lucky and spoiled. Now things are looking a little murky on the job front, and I can honestly say that I have no idea what’s going to happen from here. It’s an odd and scary sensation and right now, I can’t help but smile. Because I know that currently things may be somewhat bitter, but for the most part, a gigantic portion of my life has been extremely sweet. Not only am I fortunate to walk out of here with a college degree, I have the coolest family ever. A mom who is loved by everyone, a father who you can’t help but admire and a twin brother who has all of the awesome Anderson traits. I also look back not only at my family, but also at the memories I’ve made. When every freshman on our 200 West hall complained about having an 11:30 p.m. curfew but used that time to link up and play two hours of Halo. Pledging Frater Sodalis, and how pumped I was when we got in right before fall break. I even wore that ridiculous jersey the day after we got in to club and wore it only one more time for Homecoming. Fellow Frats know the jersey I’m talking about. I’ll also remember 18th Street, Wednesday evening grill sessions and being lucky enough to room with some great guys, one of whom I’ve known since I was three. Now I’m graduating not only from school, but also from the ACU bubble that I’ve come to call home, and even though there may be a few bitter obstacles to overcome, I look forward to a new bittersweet life after ACU.
E-mail Anderson at: tsa04a@acu.edu
rectors who have only been in office for a matter of weeks and have had limited communication with Danny and/ or the intramural office. But that is unrealistic of me to expect, because the world today thrives on the bad and rarely reports the good.
Meggan Hill Junior Integrated marketing and communcations major from Sugar Land In response to the previously published article ‘Kittley resigns in reorganization of intramurals’
Editorial and Management Board Laura Acuff
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CAMPUS NEWS / FROM THE FRONT
Page 14
Administration reflects on past year By Michael Freeman Contributing Writer
“Eventful,” “exciting” and “extraordinary” are words ACU administrators used to describe the 200809 school year. Positive and negative news has emanated from the university during the last several months — more than Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, has ever seen. “I have seen more media attention given to ACU than I’ve ever seen in my 18 years,” Money said. “I think it’s been a very eventful year.” With the introduction of the Mobile Learning Initiative last fall, media publications from all over the world reported on the university’s new program. Lynne Bruton, director of public relations, said during some months ACU received more national attention than local attention. For example, 41 major national articles were published in March, compared to 28 local articles.
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I have seen more media attention given to ACU than I’ve ever seen in my 18 years. :: Royce Money, president of the university
“It’s been a very exciting year,” Bruton said. “We’ve gotten a lot of national and international recognition, as well as regional and local. Anytime my phone is ringing from reporters, it’s usually a really good thing.” Other headline-grabbing events included the U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of ACU as the “No. 1 School to Watch,” the drafting of two ACU football players to the NFL and the opening of the Hunter Welcome Center and renovation of the “World Famous Bean.” Academic excellence and awards also stood out this year, such as the accreditation of the College of Business Administration by the Association to Advance
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Collegiate Schools of Business — an honor shared by only five percent of business schools in the world. “We’re backing it up with substance,” Money said. “It’s not just PR.” But not all the news this past year has been glowing. In September, a noose was planted in the chair of former Students’ Association president Daniel Paul Watkins, an incident which has not yet been resolved. And in February, the NCAA punished the ACU track and field and football teams for violating several sanctions. ACU appealed some of the punishments, the results of which should be known before the beginning of the fall semester, Money said.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The Midas Touch
Despite the negative news, no significant increase in campus crime was recorded. “Overall, I’d say it’s been an average year as far as workload,” said Jimmy Ellison, chief of ACU police. But “average” could not describe the speakers who visited campus this past year. Dr. Shaun Casey, senior religious adviser for President Barack Obama; Lance Barrow, a 10time Emmy award-winning producer for CBS Sports; Joe Shirley, president of the Navajo Nation; Kasey Pipes, former speech writer for President George W. Bush; the popular variety radio show Prairie Home Companion; and the Google Bus all visited campus. “We’re just seeing a lot of people realizing what ACU is about,” Bruton said. “It’s just been an extraordinary year. I expect next year to be the same.” Jozie Sands :: chief photographer E-mail Freeman at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Chris Thomsen, ACU football head coach, celebrates with his team after winning the Lone Star Conference championship in November.
International: Students prepare Willis: Beloved professor of Bible to encourage grads for grad school, return home Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 Willis said his speech will be a supportive push for students to lift up their hearts and minds as they pursue a future in a culture that is often discouraging. He will speak from the Bible to encourage students to look back and remember the people and experiences that have brought them to their present situations, to look around and ponder the teachers, mentors and friends who supported them
and to look forward to the opportunities and challenges which lie before them. “We’ve been saying a lot in our society about the terrible economy we live in,” Willis said. “We have all kinds of problems: health problems, family problems; but by the faith of God, we need to lift up our hearts.” He said he enjoys teaching students throughout their college careers, although at the same time it is hard to see them leave. “It’s a mixed bag. It hurts
me to see them leave, yet that’s why we work with them,” Willis said. “They move on...I feel like we all grow together. I learn as much from them as they do from me.” Willis will speak at Saturday’s Commencement, which will have two ceremonies. The ceremonies will be at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
E-mail Spano at: eas07a@acu.edu
He considered transferring after his first year. “[Now] I know that coming to ACU was a good decision,” Adebesin said. “I have grown spiritually and have been surrounded by a loving and friendly community. My professors are excellent teachers, patient
with students and are good Christian models.” Some of Adebesin’s favorite activities at ACU include doing research at school during the summer, participating in the International Students’ Association culture show, playing intramural soccer and having dinner with his professors. Adebesin said he plans to attend the University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas to earn his Ph.D. in chemistry and eventually work in his father’s pharmaceutical production company. Commencement for graduating seniors is scheduled for Saturday.
E-mail Elam at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Graduates: Mixed emotion among seniors as Commencement nears Continued from page 1 Arts and Sciences. This year’s commencement speaker will be Dr. John Willis, professor of Old Testament. Doug Walton, senior biology major from San Antonio, said he is ready for graduation, but will miss the people he has grown to know at ACU. “ACU is a place I’m very comfortable at,” Walton said. “But I am excited to start a new chapter of my life.” Walton will be attending Texas A&M College of Medicine at College Station in the fall. He plans on celebrating graduation with his friends and family and looks forward to a time of relaxation this summer. Another graduating senior, Whitney Leininger, missions major from San Antonio, said she is ready but nervous for
life after ACU. “I’m excited and nervous because it’s a big step in your life and there are so many uncertainties after graduation,” she said. Leininger will be working with World Wide Witness and will spend her next two and a half months in Costa Rica working with a local church and attending a Spanish language school. “One of my biggest regrets of my time at ACU was not going to study abroad,” Leininger said. “If I had that chance again, I’d take it. Going to Costa Rica is a chance of a lifetime, and for me it will be an opportunity to study abroad.” She said she looks forward to celebrating graduation with not only her family, but all of her friends who are also graduating this semester. “I will miss the people at
ACU and my friends,” Leininger said. “It has been a time full of challenges, academically, spiritually and just everyday challenges, but it has also been fun and a huge time of growth. I can’t believe it’s already over.” Texas State Technical College planned to conduct its commencement in Moody Coliseum on Friday, but the ceremony has been cancelled because of the H1N1 influenza virus. ACU will go forward with its originally scheduled ceremony but urges attendees to take precautions provided by the Center for Disease Control, according to an e-mail sent to the ACU community by Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president for Student Life.
E-mail Gager at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu
SPORTS JUMPS
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Page 15
Success: Students should expect the best from athletics
Steve Camillucci slides safely back to first base after an attempted pick-off.
Jozie Sands :: chief photographer
Baseball: Wildcats win first LSC championship since 2002 Continued from page 16 The second game of the tournament was the precursor to the championship game for the Wildcats, as they beat Angelo State 7-1. Three inning-ending double plays and a tworun homer by Watten highlighted the game. Monday night’s matchup against Tarleton State may have been the most exciting game of the tournament. In a back-and-forth game in which no team had a lead of more than one run, the Wildcats were able to tie the game at 4-4 when left fielder Thomas Bumpass scored on a fielder’s choice in the seventh.
The game went into the ninth still tied at 4-4. After two singles and a walk, the bases were loaded, and Willie Uechi stepped to the plate. Uechi hit a single to score Hall and drive in the goahead run. Rutherford allowed no runs in the ninth, and ACU held on for a 5-4 win to advance to the championship. Vancil’s effort throughout the tournament was not overlooked by the LSC. After the championship game, Vancil took home the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award. “It’s not something you think about,” Vancil said. “I am happy I got it, but the thought never crossed my mind until I heard my name called.”
Five other Wildcats made the all-tournament team. Uechi, Latz, Rutherford, Watton, and Bumpass were all recognized for their skill in the four tournament games. Winning the tournament gives ACU the LSC’s automatic entry into the NCAA baseball tournament, which will be held next weekend. The location for those games will be announced Sunday night or Monday morning. “I expected to do very well in the tournament,” Vancil said. “I feel like our team is built for post-season play.”
Continued from page 16 and set an NCAA record for combined points. The team went on to earn an at-large bid to the regional tournament. Men and women’s tennis teams won their LSC championships and earned the right to host the regional tournament. The men’s cross country team won its 18th-straight LSC title, won the regional meet and placed fourth at nationals. The soccer team finished 9-7-2 and advanced to the LSC postseason tournament in just its second year of existence. The softball team won the LSC South regular-season title and advanced to the regional tournament; the baseball team won its first LSC title since 2002, earning an invite to the regional tournament. The track and field team featured two national champions at the Indoor Track and Field Championships, Camille Vandendriessche and Andrew McDowell. McDowell won the 60meter hurdles and Vandendriessche became the first male athlete to place more
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Perhaps one of the biggest headlines of the year was when the track and field and football programs were penalized for committing several NCAA violations.
than once at an indoor championship meet, as he won the heptathlon and the men placed third overall. Vandendriessche also became the first Wildcat to win the decathlon at the Texas Relays, while Linda Brivule had the best javelin throw ever by a female athlete in Division II. The Wildcats will compete in the LSC Championships May 7 and nationals May 21-23. Perhaps one of the biggest headlines of the year was when the track and field and football programs were penalized for committing several NCAA violations. The football program was forced to vacate all of its wins from the 2007 season as well as
E-mail Gwin at: agg07a@acu.edu
Softball: Championship slips away Continued from page 16 Southeastern Oklahoma State, No. 6, Missouri Western, and No. 7, Central Missouri. The regional will be a double elimination tournament. The winner of this
sub-regional will play the winner of the sub-regional hosted by Angelo State. The Wildcats will begin the tournament playing Missouri Western at noon Friday. “We have seen Southeastern before, and they are a
good team. We lost to them in extra innings,” Wilson said. “We just need to have error free ball and timely hitting.”
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all statistics during those wins. The program will be limited to no more than 60 official paid visits during the 2009-10 and 2010-11 academic years; the total number of track and field scholarships awarded were reduced to 10.5 from 12.6 during the 2008-09 and 2009-10 academic years, and the roster of any athletic team was limited to five international studentathletes during the 200910 and 2010-11 academic school years, both self-imposed sanctions. The university is in the process of appealing the ruling that would vacate the football program’s wins and records from the 2007 season. I could continue and rattle off numerous statistics and records, but it is easy to see the impact ACU athletics had on the university this year. I had the privilege of witnessing many great accomplishments in just one year, but I would hope this year’s performances carry over to next year and do what they did for me. Raise expectations.
Heather Leiphart :: staff photographer
E-mail Cantrell at: jrc07f@acu.edu
Amanda Clemons darts across the finish line during a 4x100 relay
E-mail Abston at: gda04b@acu.edu
SportsWednesday
Page 16
SCOREBOARD Standings
Cats Capture LSC Crown
Sporting successes promote optimism
Baseball Team
Div. 32-12 31-13 30-14 23-20 23-21 Tarleton St. 22-21-1 Central Okla. 22-22 SW Okla. 21-23 NE State 16-26-1 TAMU-K 15-29 WTAMU 13-29 East Central 13-31 Cameron Angelo St. ACU SE Okla. ENMU
Overall 42-15 43-18 43-17 27-26 28-28 27-30-1 27-28 30-25 21-31-1 20-35 20-33 14-38
Softball Team
Div. 15-3 14-4 9-8 8-10 8-10 TX Woman’s 6-12 ENMU 2-15 ACU Angelo St. WTAMU TAMU-K Tarleton St.
Overall 42-13 43-8 35-21 32-22 26-22 26-25 24-23
Scores Friday Softball Angelo State 8, ACU 3
Saturday Softball Angelo State 13, ACU 8
Baseball ACU 7, SE Oklahoma 2
Sunday Baseball ACU 7, Angelo State 1
Monday
Baseball
ACU 5, Tarleton State 4
Tuesday Baseball ACU 6, Angelo State 0
Upcoming Friday Track & Field LSC Conference Championship, TBA
Jozie Sands :: chief photographer
Players of the Wildcat baseball team hoist the trophy after winning the first Lone Star Conference championship since 2002.
Win over Angelo seals tournament sweep By Austin Gwin Assistant Sports Editor
The Wildcat baseball team won the Lone Star Conference championship in style yesterday, blanking rival Angelo State 6-0. ACU ran through the LSC tournament undefeated after winning all four of its games. ACU has played in the championship round the last three years but has failed to win. This year, however, the tables turned and the Wild-
cats won their first championship since 2002. The Wildcats scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back. Second baseman Chris Hall led off the game for the Wildcats with a double and scored after an RBI double by center fielder Jordan Schmitt. Schmitt’s double gave him the LSC all-time hits record. An RBI single by shortstop Willie Uechi knocked Schmitt home and gave the Wildcats their 2-0 cushion.
In the third and fourth, ACU was able to add three more runs to their lead. In the third, Brett Boschler hit a one-out RBI single, and designated hitter Cameron Watten hit a hard liner to third base in the fourth to add two more and make the ACU lead 5-0. Watten’s hit was originally ruled an error by the Angelo State third baseman, but after the game, the call was reversed and Watten was granted the two RBI. The Wildcats tallied one more insurance run in the bottom of the eighth when right
Softball ACU vs. Missouri Western
Men’s Tennis ACU vs. TBA
Women’s Tennis ACU vs. TBA
Saturday Track & Field Sooner Invitational, 11 a.m. Penn Relays Carnival, 1 p.m.
Baseball ACU at Tarleton State, 3 p.m. ACU at Tarleton State, 6 p.m.
Softball ACU vs. TBA Jozie Sands :: chief photographer :: Home games listed in italics
Briefs n ACU pitcher Preston Vancil pitched seven scoreless innings in the championVancil ship game to cap off a stellar LSC tournament, earning MVP honors. Vancil pitched 13 innings, surrendered six hits, two runs and had a 1.38 ERA for the tournament. n Six Wildcats were selected to the LSC all-tournament team. RHP Preston Vancil, OF Thomas Bumpass, RHP Brad Rutherford, OF Travis Latz, SS Wille Uechi and DH Cameron Watten all earned all-tournament honors.
Center fielder Thomas Bumpass hits a single during the championship game on Tuesday.
fielder Travis Latz singled Page Davis home. The RBI gave the game its final margin of 6-0. The Wildcats’ hot start to the game forced the Angelo Rams to make a pitching change only two outs into the game. The pitching change started a trend that saw five Angelo State pitchers take the mound. The story on the mound was quite the opposite for the ‘Cats. Starting pitcher Preston Vancil was spectacular, throwing seven shutout innings. Relief pitcher Kevin Justice threw a scoreless eighth, and closer Brad Rutherford did his job in the ninth to give the Wildcats a shutout. “Last year, it was really rough having to watch another team celebrate winning the tournament. It was amazing getting to be on the other side of that celebration this season,” said Vancil. Getting to the championship game was no easy task for the Wildcats. A 7-2 victory in the first round over Southeastern Oklahoma State moved the Wildcats into the winner’s bracket. In that game, Vancil pitched six innings, giving up only two hits and one run while striking out seven. See
May 6, 2009
Baseball page 15
Expectations. They seem to be the focus before any beginning. But as the 2008-09 school year comes to a close, I find it funny to look back at the expectations I had as sports editor entering the year. “Simple” and “routine” would be the Hot Sports two best words to describe my Opinions expectations, but I could By Grant not have been Abston more wrong. I have followed ACU sports throughout my college career, so I had general expectations for each sport and the way things might turn out during each semester. But after a long year of ups and downs, I was pleasantly surprised at the results for Abilene Christian University athletics. I might even go out on a limb and say I was the sports editor for the busiest, most public and most successful year for ACU athletics—take a look at a few highlights and see if you agree. The football team grabbed the most headlines and set the standard for ACU athletics for the entire year, and deservingly so. The team finished the regular season undefeated to claim its first outright Lone Star Conference championship since 1973, before being knocked out of the Division II quarterfinals against Northwest Missouri State. Along the way, the team was honored with a record 16 first-team all-LSC selections and 25 total all-LSC selections, featured the Harlon Hill winner in running back Bernard Scott, and graduated one of the best offensive trios in school history, which included Scott, wide receiver Johnny Knox and quarterback Billy Malone. The team grabbed national attention after Knox was drafted in the fifth round by the Chicago Bears in the NFL draft, and Scott was taken in the sixth round by the Cincinnati Bengals; three others (Joseph Thompson, Kendrick Holloway and Malone) earned invites to team tryouts after the draft. And who could forget the 9368 win over West Texas A&M in the playoffs that broke numerous college football records and was featured on ESPN? However, the football team was not the only one to grab headlines throughout the year. The women’s basketball team grabbed national attention after a 147-143 quadruple overtime win over Texas Woman’s; the game broke numerous ACU, LSC and NCAA records See
Success page 15
Cats lose championship game to Angelo State By Ryan Cantrell Assistant Sports Editor
Angelo State defeated the Wildcats 8-3 in extra innings Friday evening, and then took the series with a 13-5 victory to win the LSC championship Saturday. The Wildcats won the regular season LSC South title, but the Rambelles took the conference championship. ACU took the early lead in the third inning 2-1 in Friday’s evening game. In the fifth inning, Jacque Gregoire walked the number nine batter in the lineup. This set up Sandy James, who leads the Rambelles in RBI and home runs, as she launched a ball out for her 24th home run of the season. This gave the Rambelles a 3-2 lead. The Wild-
cats thought they had tied it when Jessica Shiery sent a ball to deep center field. It was going out when Kristin Frye reached over the wall and made a spectacular catch to rob Shiery of a home run. The Wildcats led off the next inning Wilson with a home run that would go over next to Nancy Sawyers to tie the game. After going into extra innings, the Rambelles’ bats came alive. The Rambelles hit three doubles and two singles in the eighth inning, scoring five on the Wildcats. ACU could not answer
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I think that we became over-confident and you cannot do that against a very good team in Angelo State. :: Chantiel Wilson, softball head coach
in the bottom of the eighth, and ASU won 8-3. “We played a good game through seven innings before they put up a lot of runs in the eighth,” Coach Chantiel Wilson said. “We needed to win in seven innings and not let the top of their lineup come back up and get to hit.” The Wildcats came out again early in the third, putting up five runs to take a 5-0 lead. The Rambelles
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scored one run in the bottom of the third, and then erupted in the fourth with six runs to take a 7-5 lead. The Wildcats got shut down offensively as they were held hitless in their final three at-bats. The Wildcats fell apart defensively in the bottom of the six. With two outs, they committed five errors and allowed six unearned runs, giving the Rambelles the run rule victory and the LSC title.
Amber Haywood got the win and improved to 17-4, while Britney Benedict was charged with the lose dropping to 5-5. “We got up early in the second game, and I think that we became over-confident, and you cannot do that against a very good team in Angelo State,” Wilson said. “We also had too many errors and mental mistakes that cost us in their two big innings.” Angelo State will also be the number one team in the regional and will be a host site. ACU will travel to Southeastern Oklahoma State as the number three seed in the regional, joined by No. 2 seed and host, See
Softball page 15