@acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist
OPTIMIST A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912
Volume CVIII, Issue IV Campus News The theatre department’s new dance major brings in talent, Balogh, and the clinic is offering free care through online program. The theatre department begins preparations for busy season............Page 2
Friday September 14, 2018 Sports Both the men’s and women’s tennis teams take the road for tournaments and football prepares to take on the HBU Huskies, who share the same record with the Wildcats...............................................................Page 6
RUSHING Week two of rushing begins Monday with Trojans, DT, Frats and Galaxy.
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Opinion Read why it’s still too soon for 9/11 jokes, as well as the importance of treasuring the years sharing a tight room with a stranger. The Editorial Board has hope in SGA if they address issues.......Page 4
REMEMBERING.
On Sept. 11, 2001, Dr. Royce Money addressed an oblivious student body about terrorist attacks that had occured just hours before. Money, president at the time, recalls the events of the day.
When he reached Hardin Simmons for an early-morning meeting, Dr. Royce Money, then ACU president, sat in his car digesting the news. At 8:46 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 struck floors 93-96 of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. “I don’t think we ever got out of the car,” Money said. “We decided the best thing would be for me to be on campus.” Gradually, news spread and Money was made aware of the second plane crash at 9:03 a.m.; United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into floors 75-85 of the South Tower of the World Trade Center. At 9:37, American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the western facade of the Pentagon. Money prepared to address to the student body during chapel. Most students had not yet heard of the events. “I’ll never forget that day in chapel,” Money said. “You could hear gasps and oxygen leaving the room because a lot of it you could hardly believe.” Afterward, counseling was made available and the daily routine was cancelled to fill the fearful silence with prayer. “It was somber. Quieter. The number one topic of conversation,” Money said. Col. Jim Holmans, Dr. Money’s executive assistant at the time, worked at the Pentagon from 1995 until 1997 in one of the sections the plane crashed into four years later. Throughout the following days, Money did a lot of walking around campus. From office to office and building to building, he said if it was anything he learned about leadership, it was that visible presence is important, especially when the campus was still trying to understand the implications of what was going on. On the second or third day, Money said they began to get specific prayer requests. In an attempt to continue awareness, the chapel schedule was adjusted to allow speakers to deal with the types of issues that came up, and how individuals and communities could learn how to handle the emotions. In the beginning of October of 2001, the international office received an envelope with white powder in it. Because the nation was on edge, Money said the person opening the letter believed it to be anthrax. Out of fear and urgency, they called 911. “We had to wait more than 24 hours to tell if it was anthrax or not,” Money said. “The whole campus was suspended with all of these national reporters, it was pretty scary. Had that not come on the heels of SEE REMEMBERING PAGE 3
Photo and story by LAUREN FRANCO| EDITOR IN CHIEF