FRIDAY
Optimist the
August 26, 2005
Vol. 94, No. 3 1 section, 10 pages www.acuoptimist.com
Starting to settle
New faces
Sunshine state bound
The football team’s starters take shape as their first game approaches, page 10
Three academic departments added new faculty members this semester, page 3
The volleyball team plays Friday in Florida at Tampa University, page 10
Officials delay changes in pledging rules n Pledging activities will be scrutinized more closely this fall to reduce risk management and safety issues as future rule changes are considered. By JONATHAN SMITH Editor in Chief
Pledging rules for this year won’t change significantly after all, after a summer of discussions between Campus Life and university
Invested money showing returns n After increasing $75 million during the past three years, the university’s endowment pushed past the $200 million mark for the first time last week. By JONATHAN SMITH Editor in Chief
For the first time in its history, the university’s endowment climbed above $200 million last week after a $4 million gift came through, said Jack Rich, executive vice president of the university. After a strong year for donations to the university and investment returns, Rich estimates the endowment will have grown about 14 percent this year, about double what the university estimates to be average returns on an investment portfolio. Last week, Phil Schubert, vice president for finance, said strong investments helped the university’s total net worth increase to $234 million, which takes into account the endowment, the university’s operating budget and other gifts to the school. However, very little of the funds in the endowment go toward the university’s regular operating costs. In most situations, less than 5 percent of the endowment is used in the university’s operating budget, which now provides an additional $9 million to $10 million per year. The rest of the money is invested to collect returns—returns that have been strong during the See ENDOWMENT page 8
officials and social club advisers and officers. Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of Campus Life, said, however, that risk management will be more highly scrutinized as the university tries to reduce safety and hazing concerns in the pledging process. “We’re looking through a different lens,” Barnard said. “We’re looking at risk
management more closely.” Much of the concern was raised after the university brought in Rick Barnes, speaker for a nationwide Barnard program that sends people around the country to address issues
such as hazing, to address club leaders and review each club’s pledging proposals. Barnard said some of the concerns raised included: the extremely physical nature of pledging, particularly with men’s clubs, sleep deprivation that comes from Bid Night lasting all night and the use of blindfolds, among other examples. After hearing Barnes and
having discussions with other administrators, Barnard said the general concensus in the spring was, “We need some pretty significant changes.” With summer quickly approaching when many clubs plan pledging events for the fall, Barnard said club officers wanted to know about possible changes. On Monday of finals week in May,
they were given a draft of possible changes. Although those changes were not finalized, Barnard said the list “created a furor.” Frater Sodalis president Mac Leavell, senior youth and family ministry major from Abilene, said the list of possible changes—which included items like no calSee PLEDGING page 8
Taking stock of the past n With the task of documenting the university’s Centennial collection, Becky Estrella spends her days in a house full of 100 years of ACU’s history. By TIFFANY TAYLOR Features Editor
Becky Estrella spends her days in the attic, playing with old school sweaters and reading other people’s mail. Of course, as curator of the university’s centennial artifact collection, Estrella is paid to sift through 100 years of school history that departments and alumni have sent her way. Estrella works in the “attic,” which is what she and her two assistants have named the house on Avenue E that used to be a children’s facility. Now, thousands of university artifacts lay in the house waiting to be sorted. As curator, Estrella’s job is to appraise, document and decide the destination of each piece. But for Estrella, this is anything but “just a job.” “When I get collections from people, I feel like I know those people,” Estrella said. “We talk about them just like we talk about our friends.” Such enthusiasm for historical artifacts and her extensive training in public history prompted the Centennial Collection Task Force Committee and the administration to choose Estrella for the position. “She is just so excited with evidence of our historical past,” said Dr. Charles Marler, professor emeritus of journalism and mass communication and chair of the task force. The university has since
Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer
Bethany Allen, junior history major from Abilene, assists Becky Estrella, Centennial curator, in organizing a display outside the president’s office in the Administration Building of items from almost each of the presidents in the university’s history. placed Estrella in an old child development center, complete with rusty front yard swing set, close to campus to complete her work.
Sifting through the past She walks past rooms full of trophies the university has accumulated over the years, brought to the attic in order to organize and take stock, to get to the largest room in the house, where the main collection of artifacts wait; some, such as the white metal antique clothing iron, are large enough to sit on the floor, while the smaller items are organized on shelves. Wrapped in tissue paper, Estrella’s favorite item, a wooden jewelry box handmade by a young
man in his woodworking class at the university, sits on her desk. Pulling away the tissue paper, Estrella explained why she still can not bring herself to put the item on display. “It’s just a jewelry box,” Estrella said, “It’s just something that was made in 1971. Who cares? Well, I do. “He gave this to his fiancé for Christmas, they were married in February, I think, 1972, and he died three years later. And his wife sent this to us—and I just think this is the most sentimental thing for a person to send,” Estrella said. She can’t bring herself to add the jewelry box, which still plays music, to a glass case because she doesn’t want people to see
Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer
Becky Estrella, Centennial curator, sorts through items inside a jewelry box, which is part of the Centennial collection. the wooden box without understanding its significance. However, Estrella said eventually she would probably rotate the contents of the display cases and add the jewelry box. Part of her job is to decide what is
appropriate to include in the displays, although not all decisions have been as difficult as her favorite artifact. Glass cases around campus will usually inSee ESTRELLA page 8
Theatre puts on one ‘Grand Night’ n A Grand Night for Singing, the fall dinner show that features songs from 30 classic shows, opened Thursday and continues for the next three weekends. By MALLORY SHERWOOD Managing Editor
Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer
Ben Jeffrey, senior theatre major from Kansas City, Mo., and Sunday Ibok, senior theatre major from Abilene, perform during the final dress rehearsal of A Grand Night for Singing on Wednesday.
Thursday was a night of love, food, music and dancing as 10 theatre majors began the year’s first production with “A Grand Night for Singing,” a dinner theatre celebrating the emotions of
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
love in relationships. The fall dinner theatre, directed and choreographed by Dawne Swearingen, associate professor of theatre, is a Rogers and Hammerstein production with 30 classic shows represented through song. Swearingen said the cast will perform popular songs familiar to the audience from plays such as Oklahoma!, The King & I, Pipe Dream, The Sound of Music and Carousel.
The show was first produced in 1994 in New York and is not a typical performance, Swearingen said. “Those who come will get to enjoy a cabaret evening with the cast standing next to the piano singing familiar songs,” Swearingen said. “There is not a lot of costume and stage work that had to be done.” She said she chose five men and five women, twice as many as normally per-
Abilene Christian University
forms the play because she wanted to give the students more learning opportunities. Swearingen, a 1995 graduate of the Theatre Department, arrived in July to begin directing the production as a guest director and ended up landing a position in the Theatre Department. She taught for a short time at Baylor University and See THEATRE page 8
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Campus Friday, August 26, 2005
26
Day
Calendar & Events Friday
Last day to register for classes. Last day to withdraw from classes with 100 percent refund. Students’ Association petitions due, 4 p.m., SA office.
27
Saturday
2005 Fall Dinner Theatre: A Grand Night For Singing, Fulks Theatre. Higher Ground Student Leadership Conference, 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m., Highland Church of Christ.
Announcements Applications for the Service Action Leadership Team, S.A.L.T., are available in the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center located in the Bean Sprout. A typist is needed for a hearing-impaired student. Good listening and typing skills are necessary, but no tools are needed because the student has a computer. Help is needed on Mondays at noon, Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m. and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. For more information, contact Mattia Bray at Ext. 2554.
Freshman Follies tickets are now available online for students and members of the community at www.freshmanfollies.com. The women’s synchronized swimming club is looking for members. No previous experience is needed if the student can swim 200 yards. Members will be swimming a routine to music. For more information, contact clm02e@acu.edu. The Family Fun Event will take place Tuesday from 68:30 p.m. in the Teague Special Events Center. Those interested in attending should call Ext. 4808.
About This Page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@acu.edu or to the Page 2 Editor, ACU Box 27892, Abilene, TX 79699.
To ensure that an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style. Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.
28
Sunday
Women’s Social Club Tea, 12 - 6 p.m., Hilton Room ACU Theatre’s The World Stage: Witnesses, Culp Theatre. Nine O’clock Devotional Service, 9 p.m., University Church of Christ.
29
Monday
Freshman Follies directors’ meeting, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Hilton Room. Spiritual Life Core interest meeting, 7-8:30 p.m., Living Room.
30
Tuesday
Shades Step Squad interest meeting, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Hilton Room. Women for ACU luncheon, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Hilton Room. Integrated Marketing Communication Organization interest meeting, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Living Room.
31
Wednesday
Big Brothers/ Big Sisters informational meeting, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Hilton Room.
Volunteer Opportunities Focus Inc. needs volunteers to supervise court ordered visits and safe child exchange for families in Abilene. Training is provided. Volunteers work Thursdays and Saturdays. For more information, call Jan Brokaw at Ext. 2803. The Abilene Zoo has openings for volunteers to assist on weekends with special events. Volunteers are also needed to help clean and feed animals, assist the zookeeper and assist with educational classes. For more information, contact Will Burch at 676-6487. Volunteers are needed to help with Abilene’s annual hot air Balloon Fest Sept. 23-25. A variety of jobs are available in a two-hour shift schedule from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout.
Volunteers are needed to help with donations and data entry, as well as counseling women in crisis pregnancy. Training is required for counseling. Three-hour shifts are held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, contact Holly Whitehead at 672-6415. Healing Hands International needs volunteers to sort clothing, organize school supplies, help with general office organization and load containers. For more information, call David Caalina at 676-9991. Parents of Children with Down Syndrome is seeking volunteers to help with child care during support group meetings. Meetings are 6:45-8:15 p.m. Wednesdays at the Women`s Center of Abilene Regional Medical Center. For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout.
Chapel Check-Up Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:
04 66
CAMPUS NEWS
Friday, August 26, 2005
Departments hire faculty, staff n Three academic departments have hired a total of four new faculty members and two temporary staff due to professors moving or taking time off. By MITCH HOLT Opinion Editor
The English, sociology and theatre departments have made several faculty and staff changes this semester, adding new professors and replacing ones who left for various reasons. The Sociology and Social Work Department added one professor this semester, and one more will join the faculty next semester, said Dr. David Gotcher, interim chair of the department. Jennifer Dillman will be a professor of sociology here while finishing her doctorate at the University
of North Texas. Dillman replaces Amanda Carol, who left the university to begin her course work at Texas Women’s University. In the spring semester, the Sociology and Social Work Department will add Dr. Paul Ammons to direct the master of Social Work Program. He is currently at the University of Georgia. The Theatre Department is undergoing some faculty changes as well. Dawne Swearingen has replaced Dr. Eric Harrell and is a professor of movement and acting classes in the department. Sandy Freeman, previously a staff member in the department, has become a faculty member and is teaching costuming and makeup classes. Dr. Nancy Shankle, chair
of the English Department, said that three new professors were added to the department this fall. Joe Stephenson, who is finishing up his doctorate from the University of Connecticut, has been appointed to be a professor of English and the Honors Program. Stephenson has also worked as a professor in London and at a Christian university in Kiev, Ukraine, and is currently writing his dissertation on topics relating to Shakespeare. “[Stevenson] is a great addition to the department because of his versatility and knowledge of Shakespeare,” Shankle said. The English Department was in need of someone who could teach poetry and Shakespeare, and she said he is a
good match. Stevenson is a replacement for Dr. Jonathan Wade, who recently took an education position in North Carolina. Two more professors in the English Department have been hired temporarily while other professors are taking time off. Jonne Akens is a professor of developmental writing and has a master’s degree in English, and Gary Willis is teaching freshman English, sophomore literature and classes relating to business writing, Shankle said. “We’ve chosen each of these professors because they are well-rounded, capable professors,” Shankle said. E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu
Page 3
Church shopping
Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer
Angela Bearden, Southern Hills Church of Christ representative, talks with freshmen Kelsey Hess, education major from Decatur, and Erica Eason, biology major from Cedar Park, during the church fair in the Campus Center on Wednesday.
CAMPUS NEWS
Page 4
Friday, August 26, 2005
Web site receives year-long changes
Getting all dolled up
n Current and prospective students, parents and guests enjoy the renovation of the university’s Web site, which changed the look and made things easier to find . By JACI SCHNEIDER Copy Editor
Brian Schmidt/Chief photographer
Lara Seibert, senior theatre major from Grapevine, and Annika Johansson, senior theatre major from Amarillo, put the finishing touches on makeup and hair before the final dress rehearsal of “A Grand Night for Singing” on Wednesday evening.
Like many parts of campus, the university’s Web site underwent major renovations this summer. After several months of planning, the new Web site went live Aug. 5, said Paul Bryan, the designer of the site. Carmen Foster, Webmaster for the university, was in charge of the project and said planning for the redesign began a year ago. Foster said the main goal of the redesign was to make the site more appealing to future students and their parents. In a survey given to parents of students participating in August Passport, 60 percent of them preferred to look at the Web site first to find information. “We really wanted to become more of an inter-
esting site that was more user-friendly,” she said. “Improving the usability and the look and feel of it was our main target.” Foster said a Web strategy team, made up of seven people from different departments and offices on campus, came up with guidelines and directions for implementing the university’s mission and marketing strategy on the site. Foster said a lot of research went into the site’s planning. “There’s a lot to building a Web site,” she said. People had to work on the content of the site, making sure it was clear and userfriendly, and some terminology has changed from the old site to make information clearer. Foster said their research showed that prospective students wanted to see pictures of other students who they might relate to, so the Web design includes more pictures of students and people’s faces. “We had a lot of informa-
tion to show on the front page, and we wanted to show as much as possible without cluttering it up,” Bryan said. Although the university home page and admissions information is new, the redesign is still in progress. “It’s going to be a process to move everything over,” Foster said. Academic departments, campus offices, alumni information and athletics are not yet finished, but should be in about six months to a year. Foster said the redesign is a long process, but it allows departments to update their information and take advantage of the research the Web strategy team did. And the long process is worth it because Foster said people viewed about 18.2 million pages on the site in 2004. “I love the way people have responded to it,” Foster said. “I’d love to have feedback from anybody.” E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu
August 26, 2005
ArtsFriday
Page 5
Optimist
Carell grows up in first leading role By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor
The 40-Year-Old Virgin PPP (out of 4) Starring: Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, Seth Rogan; Directed by Judd Apatow Rated R (for pervasive sexual content, language and some drug use) “The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what we share with someone else when we’re uncool.” - Almost Famous Andy Stitzer, the title character in The 40-YearOld Virgin, played by The Daily Show’s and Anchorman’s Steve Carell, is a middle-aged loner working in the stock room of a electronic media store, content to spend his nights playing video games, singing kara-
oke in his living room and admiring his hundreds of collectible action figures, all sealed in their original packaging. And yes, you guessed it—he’s a virgin. Needing an additional player for their in-store poker game one night, Andy’s co-workers David (Rudd), Jay (Malco) and Cal (Rogen) reluctantly invite him to join. Throughout the evening, Andy tries to play it cool, making random jokes to fit in and pretending to know what sex is like, but his new friends aren’t fooled. Once they discover his virginity, their new mission in life is to relieve him of it. With this basic and predictable premise, one would expect this film, lumped into the category of sex comedy amid the likes of the American Pie series, to be nothing more than crude, distasteful
and immoral. Fortunately, co-writer (with Carell) and director Judd Apatow, creator of the short-lived but highly acclaimed TV show Freaks and Geeks, instills heart into his creation and produces a sweet tale of love and growth, despite some of its raunchiness. Romance enters Andy’s life when a customer, Trish (Keener, Being John Malkovich), gives him her number. His friends discourage him from calling her, but once he does, he soon finds happiness and a person who not only appreciates his eccentricities but has some of her own. Andy and Trish’s romance is touching and withstands believable obstacles, when, for example, Trish turns out to be not only a mother but a grandmother. After their first date, Andy and Trish
decide to take things slow, making a pact to not have sex until their 20th date, all the while Trish is still clueless of Andy’s virginity. The time spent together and with her children brings the two together and demonstrates the importance of building a relationship outside of the physical. When Trish’s teenage daughter, Marla, wants to start taking birth control, Trish steps in and refuses, stating that it’s probably time for the family to start going to church. Andy takes Marla to a clinic to learn more information and sticks up for her when her peers discover her own virginity. She guesses Andy is in the same boat, and the example of abstinence that is being set by him and her mom makes an impression. Even at age 40, Andy is still growing up. He’s been
Photo courtesy of WWW.ROTTENTOMATOES.COM
Andy Stitzer (Carell, left) laughs with Trish (Keener) while out to dinner in The 40-Year-Old Virgin, now in theatres. hermetically sealed inside his childhood just as his collectible action figures are in their boxes. His dorkiness has nothing to do with his virginity but really his fear of experiencing new things. He’s pure of heart, and his character is almost opposite of his three friends; even though they are more experienced than him, they have significantly more problems
and heartaches. The film isn’t perfect and should not be seen by those easily offended by sexual situations and humor, or on, heaven forbid, a first date. Nevertheless, The 40-YearOld Virgin is crude, touching and hilarious, and so far one of the funniest comedies of the year. E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu
ViewsFriday Optimist
Page 6
August 26, 2005
Represent well or stay out of office
The issue:
It is easy for people to turn in a petition to run for SA without fully knowing what the respective job description entails.
After Chapel on Friday, students will head down to the Students’ Association office to hand over their petitions to run for class senator or academic building representative. Before handing over the required signatures, however, those students need think hard about the eightmonth commitment that sitting on Congress represents. To freshmen and candidates who have yet to participate in SA, Congress is not what many experienced in a high school student council. SA does not sit in its meetings deciding how to decorate for prom or
Our view:
The Optimist suggest that each person who wants to run for office this fall re-examine his or her perspective of the desired position.
The solution:
Talk to someone who has had the job or one similar to the one for which you would like to run. It’s better to be mistaken now than later and be stuck with a job that you don’t want. This pre-awareness will prevent this from happening.
planning the To candidates, Congress is not what many ex- gress needed next social to be at all of perienced in a high school student council. event. the meetings This year, or simply inCongress likely will have to be truly a part of Con- teracting among their conabout $200,000 of the stu- gress. stituents. The answer is that dents’ money to spend on This means students who both are important to learn their behalf, and almost know they plan to study about opportunities to serve none of that will be spent by abroad in the spring should the students and to follow SA planning social events. consider whether or not they through with them. Those interested in event will be doing their constituEffective members of Conplanning can join the Cam- ents a service by filling a seat gress who can influence pospus Activities Board. on Congress thousands of itive change for the students SA has the opportunity to miles away. who are out there. create real change on camAnd candidates need to Last year alone, members pus through student-led ini- be willing to spend several of Congress saw The WB teletiatives and projects that stu- hours Wednesday evenings vision station added to camdents actually care about. to participate entirely in pus cable and the parking However, the most effec- Congress’ weekly meetings. lot of Sikes Hall connected tive members will need to Much discussion occurred with the Williams Performbe among their constituents last year about whether ef- ing Arts Center lot to make and at the weekly meetings fective members of Con- traffic flow more smoothly.
Let Loose
Robertson speaks, disgraces church
Cole Williams
Gas prices increase, take a bus Driving around town, one can’t help but notice the rising prices of gasoline every few days. The rumor of boycotting gas stations lingers in the air, as does the possibility of people driving less when prices Face the hit $3. PricFacts es aren’t Mallory getting any Sherwood cheaper. In fact, they have almost reached the all-time high we hit in the 1980s when prices were inflated. People need to learn to be more energy conscious, less dependent on vehicles and more dependent on mass transportation or the feet God gave them. According to howstuffworks.com, Americans use 65 billion gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel each year. This amount is targeted to increase 2.6
People need to learn to be more energyconscious and less dependent on vehicles. percent each year. Even if gas prices remain where they are today, the cost of those billions of gallons is higher than my TI-83 plus calculator is able to calculate. In addition to using 65 billion gallons of gasoline per year, Americans also drive 2.5 trillion miles per year, which is equivalent to 14,000 round trips to the sun. This is driving twice as much as we did 20 years ago. Many might be surprised to learn that the United States is actually the second largest producer of gas in the world with Texas being the leading producer in the states, yet we still import half of the crude oil needed to supply all of the drivers today. That is a lot of gas coming into this country to be used on vehicles. This past week I paid
“I brought my motorcycle to school to help me with the increasing gas expenses.”
In Your Words How have increasing gas prices affected your life recently?
$2.49 at the Citgo station off of Highway 80 and filled up my car for $30. I never thought I would say that $2.49 is a good price for gasoline. At an average of $2.49 a gallon, Texas gas prices are average compared to prices at the pump around the country. As of Wednesday, California still had the highest price at $2.72 per gallon, and the Rocky Mountain region had the lowest at $2.44 per gallon. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, prices rise due to many factors such as weather, world events and wars. In light of a strong hurricane season near the Gulf Coast, a war in Iraq and terrorist attacks in London, this makes sense. Prices also rise because of the sheer volume of corporations involved to get crude oil to its usable
Brady Broyles
Freshman environmental science major from Muleshoe
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 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
form. In addition to paying for the oil to be dug up half way across the world, consumers also pay for the distribution across the country and the transportation overseas for the crude oil to arrive. As if that isn’t enough, consumers also pay 50 cents per gallon in taxes. Overwhelmed with the math involved so far? Check out Abilene’s Web site at www.abilenetx. com/CityLink for the nearest bus route near you. CityLink offers 12 routes around town and one is specifically for ACU. Not the bus type? Check out the neighborhoods surrounding you and get a break on your health as well as a break on your wallet by walking to the grocery store, pharmacy, school, park and about 50 other places nearby. Anyone up for a stroll?
E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu
Pat Robertson, televan- only comments from the gelist and anchor of his government and the White own show The 700 Club House, which shares much (700 what?) backed away of its same conservative Wednesday and evangelical base with from his Robertson, didn’t have helpful for- much to say about his aceign policy tions. The Department of advice to State called Robertson’s assassinate comments inappropriate. V e n e z u - You think? One can only elan presi- imagine what this country dent Hugo would do if a prominent I am the Chavez, a broadcaster and so-called enemy man with religious leader overseas close ties called for the assassinaSarah to Fidel tion of one of our leaders. Carlson Castro and But, alas, the Bush White a belief that President House was quick to turn Bush wants him killed. the other way, leaving “If he thinks we’re try- many in the media and ing to assassinate him, I blogs to wonder if Rob think that we really ought ertson is a valid source to go ahead and do it,” and if Christians enjoy Robertbeing assoson, 75, ciated with After Sept. 11, he told his the likes of viewers him. agreed that the on MonRobertattacks were God’s day. “It’s a son, a prespunishment for whole lot idential c h e a p e r homosexuals, liberals, c a n d i d a t e and feminists. than startin 1988, is ing a war. not new to We have the sayingthe ability to take him out, ridiculous-things-on-teleand I think the time has vision-but-somehow-getcome that we exercise that ting-away-with-it world. ability.” After the terrorist attacks Well, Pat, we don’t do on Sept. 11, 2001, he that anymore. Executive agreed with fellow sleazeorders by presidents Ger- ball Jerry Falwell on The ald Ford and Ronald Rea- 700 Club that the attacks gan banned political as- were God’s punishment sassinations decades ago. for homosexuals, liberals On Tuesday, Roberts and feminists. backtracked and attemptAs the dust begins to ed clarification of his clear and most are left comments, claiming he wondering what the 700 didn’t say to “assassinate” stands for, one thing is Chavez and reiterated the certain: what shreds of phrase “take him out,” credibility Robertson which leaves quite a few might have had left are non-fatal options to take now obliterated. Bush out a dictator, such as kid- would do best to distance napping. himself from the far right, But, once realizing that or at least their outspofilm doesn’t lie, Robertson ken and, frankly, ungodly, apologized Wednesday spokespersons. for suggesting we assassinate a foreign head of E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu state. And, of course, the
“I’ve had to resort to a more primitive means of transportation.”
Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
Newsroom: (325) 674-2439
Sports desk: (325) 674-2684
Josh “Moose” Fore
Chris Field
Senior Christian ministry major from College Station
Junior biology major from Midland
Optimist
“I haven’t even driven my truck in three days.”
“My wife and I sold our SUV to buy a Volkswagon Jetta.”
Keiko Dowler
the
The student body needs motivated members on Congress. Don’t take a seat away from one of them by running some witty campaign if you don’t intend to represent your constituents. Many prospective candidates reading this now know all of this and are prepared to sacrifice their time to advocate for students’ needs. By all means, go about getting your signatures and turning your petitions in to gain candidacy. We need you on Congress. But if you can’t faithfully represent your constituents fully for the next eight months, stick to signing others’ petitions.
Sophomore integrated marketing communication major from Fort Worth
Editorial and Management Board Jonathan Smith
Mitch Holt
Editor in Chief
Opinion Editor
Mallory Sherwood
Brian Schmidt
Managing Editor
Chief Photographer
Jaci Schneider
Jared Fields
Copy Editor
Sports Editor
Photo department: (325) 674-2499
Advertising office: (325) 674-2463
Sarah Carlson
Christi Stark
Arts Editor
Advertising Manager
Tiffany Taylor
Kenneth Pybus
Features Editor
Adviser
Subscriptions ($40/academic year): (325) 674-2296.
Online: www.acuoptimist.com
Friday, August 26, 2005
CAMPUS NEWS
Network offers bands place to go n Students should be able to enjoy their weekend by listening to local and campus bands at various locations on campus when the ACU Band Network begins. By JACI SCHNEIDER Copy Editor
Students might soon have more options for their Friday nights on campus. Developers of the ACU Band Network hope to begin showcasing local bands on campus every weekend. Jordan Williams, sophomore business management major from Longview, came up with the idea of ABN last year during a meeting with Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of Campus Life, and Layne Rouse, former president of Students’ Association. “We were talking about centennial additions to the campus center ... and the conversation popped up about bands needing places to play,” Williams said. The network will include musicians, singers and
songwritgraphic “There are a lot of talented musicians on campus who ers from design should be given the opportunity to play” the universtudents Jennifer Fuentes, senior graphic design major from Abilene sity, and could deby joining sign lothe netgos, and work, they will have oppor- ers, songwriters and mu- ABN could partner with tunities to play off campus sicians on campus who other clubs. Last semesmore often. should be given opportuni- ter, she said she worked “It’s been my baby for ties to play, and hopefully with the International Justhe past while,” Williams ABN will do that.” tice Mission to put on the said. Williams said he knows Jam for Justice concert, Williams said he spent about at least 13 bands an event which benefitted part of the summer devel- who are interested in the both organizations. oping more contacts and network now. Although neither Fuenbands for the network. “They’re really excited tes nor Williams is sure of Eventually, he said he about it,” he said. when the first ABN event wants a band to play evHe said he eventually will take place, Fuentes said ery weekend on campus, wants to make ABN a char- another JamFest will be on whether in the Bean Sprout tered organization so it campus during Homecomor in the Hardwood Cafe. can go in front of the ap- ing. Jennifer Fuentes, senior propriations committee of Fuentes said she is very graphic design major from SA to get funds. excited about ABN and Abilene, has also been in“No one really has great thinks Williams is a good volved in getting ABN up sound equipment or light- person to get the network and running. She said Wil- ing,” Williams said. Both going. liams asked her to help be- are aspects of making con“There is a desire in the cause of her involvement certs more enjoyable for younger community in with JamFest last year. audiences. Abilene to see that there’s “ABN is not just for Fuentes said she wants things going on,” she said. those who are music ma- ABN to involve students “Hopefully ABN will bring jors,” Fuentes said. “There from different departare a lot of talented sing- ments on campus. She said E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu
Page 7
All in a day’s work
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
A construction worker powerwashes the side of University Church of Christ on Avenue E on Thursday afternoon.
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Page 8
Friday, August 26, 2005
Estrella: Curator sorts through university’s history Continued from page 1 clude pieces the general public may not have seen before, or, she admits, some pieces have been chosen because they are her personal favorites. “Anything that tells a unique story. There’s a 1966 clothing chart out of this catalogue. It’s the clothing chart to what you can wear to a football game or to church or to class, for
women,” Estrella said. “And women had to wear their gloves and hat to the football game with their skirt. It’s just so interesting.” At first, Estrella said she thought her job would keep her busy sorting through and cataloging all of the memorabilia sent in, but plans kept growing, until Estrella was advising Creative Services on what to include on a 16-foot mural now on display in the Hall
of Servants. “When I first started I thought, ‘OK, I’ll scan some photographs, and I’ll print them out, and we’ll just have these photographs that are just squares, and we’ll foam tape them to the wall,” Estrella said. After working part time with her, student workers have learned to appreciate the people who send in old postcards and scrapbooks. Cassie Lehm-
enn, sophomore integrated marketing communication major from Lubbock, said she didn’t think she could work for anyone else after her time with Estrella. “She’s taught me to appreciate the now. Very few people realize at the time that they’re on the verge of something historical,” Lehmenn said. So far, Estrella estimated she has accessioned more than 1,000 pieces, and
she said at least 1,000 artifacts remain to be sorted from the closure of the Family and Consumer Sciences Department alone. Even with the help of her student workers, Estrella said the project of accessing, archiving and displaying thousands of the university’s artifacts will take years. Estrella’s centennial contract, however, expires September 2006, and she has not decided what will
be her next step. Right now, she is just enjoying her lifelong passion of working hands on with history. “History is not just people, places of the past; it’s living and breathing. It’s real,” Estrella said. “And I really feel like if you don’t know the history of something, you don’t know the true story.” E-mail Taylor at: tat04a@acu.edu
Theatre: Show runs three weekends Pledging: Rule changes likely Continued from page 1
then moved to New York City, where she worked as a professional actress and director. “I have always wanted to teach theater and now was the right time for me,” Swearingen said. “I had been talking to Adam Hester about some day returning to teach here, and God just opened the doors for me.” Lara Seibert, senior theatre major from Grapevine, said this production is special to her in many ways. Besides performing with her best friends on stage, who are also seniors, Seibert said
she also gets to work with Swearingen for the first time. “It is neat for all of the seniors to get to work with Dawne for the first time,” Seibert said. “It is like the new and the old are working together.” One challenge the cast and new director had to overcome was learning the music and choreography to 30 different songs in four weeks, Swearingen said. “These students are extremely talented, their voices are glorious, and they learned the music quickly,” Swearingen said. Even though this will be Seibert’s ninth production
in her four years here, this is the first time she has a done a musical review with no dialogue, she said. “This is just about song and dance, and I am so excited,” Seibert said. “I’ve never just sang song after song without any dialogue, so this is a new experience for me.” She said that the music was like the cliché, and “all about love,” with songs reflecting the different stages of love from new couples, to marriage, to a parent’s love for a child—something everyone can relate to. Seibert said she encouraged students to come because it is a night of easy listening.
“It is a night of classic love songs, and it is so simple,” Seibert said. “You don’t have to think about anything, you just come and listen and relax. It’ll be an enjoyable evening.” The show takes place during the next three weekends. Other performance times are Aug. 26 & 27, Sept. 2 & 3 and Sept. 9 & 10. The dinner begins at 6:45 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $27 for dinner and the show and $15 for only the show, and they can be purchased at the box office at Ext. 2787.
E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu
Endowment: Investments yield return Continued from page 1 past few years. Rich said the university’s investment earnings rank among the top 5 percent of colleges and universities around the country. Another reason for the endowment’s growth, Rich said, has been gifts to the university, largely in part to
the $150 million Centennial Campaign that the university is currently in the middle of conducting. Rich said many donors specify where their gifts go, and unspecified large gifts typically go toward the endowment. During the past year, about $11 million of the endowment’s increase came from gift money.
During the past 11 years, the endowment has increased fourfold from about $50 million in 1994 to $200 million now. During the past three years alone, the endowment has grown by $75 million. Despitesignificantgrowth during the past three years, Rich said he could not know how the endowment would
fare this year. “It’s so dependent on the market and factors that are outside of our control, it’s very difficult to estimate,” Rich said. But Rich was sure about one fact: “You can never have too much endowment.” E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu
Continued from page 1 isthenics or blindfolds and members having to sit with pledges during Chapel—left many club officers feeling unprepared heading into the summer. Barnard said they all agreed to continue the discussion about possible changes into the summer. “Wisdom prevailed—collective wisdom—and the decision was made, ‘We need to back off. We need time for conversation.’” Barnard said after meetings with administrators and social club advisers, they made the decision to continue discussions and evaluations about the pledging process this year in preparation for changes for the next pledging season. In order to standardize the review process for pledging activities, Barnard said the main change that took place this year was the creation of a pledging proposal review. Each
proposed activity will be reviewed by Campus Life, and unapproved proposals will be returned to clubs for revision. The process allows clubs three potential opportunities to submit pledging proposals for approval. Leavell said he believes this process of approval will help clubs. “This way each club will hopefully be observed individually and then be told how to improve the process,” Leavell said. Barnard said club advisers have come to him already saying they realize parts of their pledging process that need to change and he hopes club officers will do the same thing—an idea that some clubs have already begun to embrace. “Frats has decided to go ahead and try to implement a few changes on our own so that if changes are made next year, there will be a smoother transition into those changes,” Leavell E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu
SPORTS JUMPS
Frida, August 26, 2005
Page 9
Golf: Top players return Continued from page 10 are senior Matt Samples and junior Kyle Byerly. Byerly finished 14th in last year’s NCAA Division II South Central Region tournament and Samples placed 22nd in the individ-
ual standings. Senior Carlos Alvarez of Venezuela, junior Zach Starns and sophomore Curtis Harris round out the returning five. With the mix of experience and youth, the Wildcats’ goals are still high. “Our ultimate goal is to
get to the national tournament,” Campbell said. “But our first goal is to get to the regional tournament—to be one of the top eight teams in the division—so we can get to regional.” E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu
Volleyball: Challenges ahead Continued from page 10
Brian Schmidt/chief Photographer
Chris Conklin (left) redshirt freshman fullback, gets a facemask full of fist from Jason Moorman freshman linebacker during lead blocking drills on Wednesday at the ACU practice field.
Football: Defensive breakdown Continued from page 10 the 300-pound mark. Defensively, the Wildcats return two of the best players at their respective positions in the nation. Senior Clayton Farrell and junior Danieal Manning have been named to several preseason all-America teams this summer after stellar seasons last fall. Manning will serve as one of the safeties for coach Thomsen’s defense, as well as returning kickoffs and punts. This year, Manning was named the LSC South Division Preseason Player of the Year and will lead the secondary with fellow safety, senior Jaime Bueno, senior Doug Barnett at cornerback and sophomore
Corey Jordan at the other corner position. The center of attention in Thomsen’s 3-4 defense is Farrell. After leading the LSC in tackles for loss last season, Farrell received preseason allAmerica recognition this year from Don Hansen’s Football Gazette. Clayton anchors a strong defensive front with senior defensive end Mark Malunowe and junior college transfer Alonzo Wynes at nose guard. The linebackers will be solid for the team with three starters returning from last year’s squad. Junior outside linebacker Brandon Henry was third on the team in tackles last year. Senior outside linebacker Matt Allen will also be a leader within
the group. On the inside, sophomore Cody Stutts returns after starting his freshman year. Marcus Brown is the new linebacker in the group. Brown is a junior who transferred from Blinn College. Danieal Manning will again highlight most special teams plays for the Wildcats. Manning led the nation in yards per return last year and scored two touchdowns. Senior Chase Fishback will again do the punting duties for the Cats. Fishback averaged 37.8 yards per punt, and had a long of 67 yards. Mark Trevino, a 2003 graduate of Abilene Cooper High School, will be the kicker for the team.
E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu
all good, but we really want to win that Metro match.” Before the Wildcats can play Metro State, they must play a couple of highly ranked teams. “I purposely set up this tournament because I felt like the team that we had this year can play at the national level,” Horn said. “I want my players to get the exposure of what it is to be a nationally ranked team.” The Wildcats will get that exposure, but that doesn’t mean that they are not experienced. Four seniors return from last year’s Lone Star Conference South Division championship team to take the team to a higher level. Senior Michelle Bernhardt, the LSC Preseason Player of the Year, Amanda Slate, last season’s LSC South Division MVP, and Lindsey Martin who was first team all-LSC South team last year, return for their senior season. “They are a great class of seniors, and that’s why we’ve got so much preseason recognition,” Horn said. “The amount of experience and knowledge they’ve gained are key.” Along with a talented
group of seniors, Horn said her freshmen are a great addition to the team. “We’ve had some injuries, but two that are OK are Laura Leone and Erin Curry,” Horn said. Leone and Curry are graduates from Arlington Lamar where they played together. “They’re competing for playing time and challenging my upper classmen,” Horn said. With the level of talent this year’s team has, the team’s goals are high. Last year the Wildcats were knocked out of the national tournament in the first round of the regional tournament. This year, the Cats look to take their game up one step. “We started to work up with our goals,” Horn said. “We want to be undefeated in our conference, host the conference tournament and then win our conference tournament and go to regionals. We want to make it to the finals of the regional tournament.” With such high goals and expectations, other teams will be gunning for the Wildcats during the season. “It’s something we’re going to enjoy instead of cower to,” Horn said. “We’re
going to have to be ready every single time we step on to the court because everyone’s going to be bringing their A-game to us.” The talent of the teams at this weekend’s tournament and long wait from the end of last year is more than enough motivation for the players. “We’ve been working hard the past couple of weeks,” Bernhardt said. “It’ll be exciting to go and see what we’ve got.” One person will not be with the team for the trip. Horn will stay here with her newborn daughter. Horn gave birth Monday and will stay behind for this trip. Assistant coach Sarah Carthel will be in charge of the Wildcats in Florida. Carthel graduated for West Texas A&M where she was a twotime NCAA Division II Player of the Year in 1997 and in 1999 as a senior. Horn said that she knows Carthel will do a great job and will try not to let her absence affect her. “It will be very difficult since I won’t be there,” Horn said. “Hopefully I’ll be busy with my family and won’t worry too much.” E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu
SportsFriday Optimist
Page 10
August 26, 2005
Players settling into spots n The Wildcats begin putting players into starting roles before the team’s first game Sept. 3 against LSC North Division favorite, Central Oklahoma. By JARED FIELDS Sports Editor
Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer
Redshirt freshman Billy Mallone throws a pass during practice Thursday. Mallone will start at quarterback for the Wildcat’s first game Sept. 3 at Shotwell Stadium against Central Oklahoma.
Football season kicks off next week for the Wildcats. The team has been practicing for almost a month in preparation for its first game against Central Oklahoma Sept. 3 at Shotwell Stadium. The Wildcats return nine seniors combined on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball this year, which will provide great leadership for a team that went 5-5 last season. However, with wins against two top teams last season, this year’s group knows how to
get the job done. The Wildcat offense last year ranked 118th in the nation in total offense. Players say that first-year head coach Chris Thomsen will open up the field more, which should help the offense put up some points and climb higher in the rankings. The quarterback position will determine much of the change as well. This year, Billy Mallone, a redshirt freshman transfer from Tulane, will make the calls for the Wildcats. Mallone had to prove himself in practice to get the job among fierce competition within the team. Although Mallone hasn’t played a down in college yet, Thomsen said he believes Mallone has what it takes to do the play calling
for the team this year. At tailback, Rashon Myles returns for his final year to carry the running responsibilities for the Wildcats. Last year Myles rushed for 865 yards with four touchdowns. Junior Craig Howard gets the nod at fullback this year. Howard came to ACU as a linebacker, but has made the switch in his time here. Even with limited experience at the position, the former linebacker should make a strong short-yardage back and blocker for Myles. On paper, the receiving core looks inexperienced, but closer inspection reveals otherwise. Although only a sophomore, Jerale Badon led the team in receiving yards last year with 521 yards on 40 catches.
Lining up on the opposite side of Badon is senior Robert Spells and redshirt freshman Jonathan Ferguson. The offensive line will provide the protection its team needs this year. Four starters return along in addition to incoming freshman center Sam Collins from Denton Ryan High School. Collins won two Class 4A titles at Denton Ryan in 2002 and 2003 then lost to Southlake Carroll in the playoffs when his team moved up to the 5A ranks. The four returnees, seniors Charles Mock and Josh Lively, junior Cody Savage, and sophomore Nathan Young average a height of 6’4” and push See FOOTBALL page 9
Golf team adds five players to the roster n Head golf coach Mike Campbell added five new players to the team this season with one transfer. By JARED FIELDS Sports Editor
Brian Schmidt/Chief photographer
Allie Watts, sophomore outside hitter, lunges for the ball during practice Tuesday. The Wildcats’ first game is this weekend against Tampa University.
Team travels to Florida n The volleyball team begins the 2005 season Friday night in the Tampa Classic against nationally ranked Tampa University. By JARED FIELDS Sports Editor
This weekend, most students will celebrate the end of their first week of classes by relaxing and hanging out with friends. However, the volleyball team will be in Tampa, Fla., competing in its first tournament of the season. The women play two top 10 nationally ranked teams and another winning team from the Southwest Region. The Wildcats’ first game is at 7 p.m. CDT Friday against Tampa University, which is ranked ninth in the nation. At noon Saturday, the team plays seventh-ranked Central Missouri State, and at 7 p.m., plays regional opponent
Metropolitan State. Head coach Brek Horn and her players are focusing in on the Metro State match. One of the Wildcats’ goals is to go to the regional finals, and a victory against Metro State would prove them to be headed in the right direction. “The one that’s the most important is the Metro [State] match,” Horn said. “If I had to pick which one I wanted to win, and I could just pick one, I’d pick the Metro State match.” Horn’s players echo her desire and anticipation to play Metro State. “We play some pretty good teams in our region, and we need to go and be winning some matches,” senior Amanda Slate said. “They’re See VOLLEYBALL page 9
Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer
Senior middle blocker Amanda Slate passes the ball during passing drills Tuesday before the Wildcats first tournament this weekend in the Tampa Classic in Tampa, Fla.
Golf coach Mike Campbell signed 5 golfers this summer to add to his team for the 2005-06 season. Cian Daly, Patrick Hanauer, Matt Smith, Hilton Funk and Michael Andruchek are the new recruits who will compete for playing time this year. Campbell said he should have a good mix of players and talent this year. “We have leaders, and the new guys coming in are really going to help our squad over the fall semester,” Campbell said. “It’s going to be a battle to make the top five.” Daly is a transfer from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College where he was an all-region player last year. Daly is originally from Limerick, Ireland, before moving to the States to play golf. Hanauer is a freshman and a native of Belgium. Since 2000, he has been a member of the Belgian National Team and has played in three consecutive European Team Championships. Funk is from the Austin area, but has spent some time in South Africa where his parents are missionaries. Last year in high school, Funk finished 2nd in the 2A state tournament. Smith is a freshman from Sugar Land where he lettered all four years of high school, and Andruchek is a freshman from Flower Mound. Along with the new players, Campbell returns five players from last year’s squad. Among the five returning See GOLF page 9
Intramurals give students chance to compete n The intramural department offers several fall opportunities for students including softball, tennis, flag football, three-onthree basketball and waterball. By MITCH HOLT Opinion Editor
For students who like sports but aren’t on a varsity team, the university’s intramural program offers fall intramural sports leagues for exceptionally competitive students and for those who just like to play for fun. “Through intramurals,
students can participate in a championship league for the more competitive players, or a recreational league, if you prefer a more fun-centered atmosphere,” said Susan Hardcastle, administrative coordinator of the Intramural Sports Department. The first intramural event of the year will be a softball double-elimination tournament, which costs $35 per team. The sign-up deadline for the tournament is Friday, and games begin Monday.
Tennis, which costs $10 per person, and flag football, which is $225 per team, will be offered after the close of the softball tournament, and the signup deadline for each is Sept. 8. Students must sign up for the three-on-three basketball tournament by Nov. 4, and cost is $35 per team. The waterball sign-ups will end Nov. 10 and will cost $100 per team. Hardcastle said intramural sports are for any student or graduate student
Intramural Costs •Softball- $35 per team •Tennis- $10 per person •Flag football- $225 per team •3-3 Basketball- $35 per team •Waterball- $100 per team
who enjoys playing sports. “Get teams together in dorms, classes and clubs and bring team member names into the intramural sports office in Bennett Gymnasium along with team payments,” she said. “A great way to keep up
with what’s going on in intramurals from week to week is to look at the department bulletin board on the McGlothlin Campus Center side of the jogging track in Moody Coliseum and to watch myACU closely for announcements,” Hardcastle said. Intramurals are an enjoyable way for students to become physically active and to interact with students who have similar interests, she said. “Intramurals are the best thing that has ever
happened to me,” said Elliott Wood, junior psychology major from Nashville, Tenn. Steven Saffel, senior biology and pre-med major from Abilene, said intramurals provides a good opportunity to hang out and meet people. “From the people who work to the people who participate, we all have a great time,” Saffel said. “It’s a great way to stay out of trouble.” E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu