2005 09 07

WEDNESDAY

September 7, 2005

Optimist the

Vol. 94, No. 6 1 section, 10 pages www.acuoptimist.com

Stumbling block

Business down under

Setting up shop

Wildcats lose season opener on Saturday 49-37, page 10

International business class offered in Australia during Christmas, page 4

The university markets Centennial merchandise, page 8

Hurricane victims remembered n Students from the New Orleans area struggle with being away from friends and family and watching news coverage on television.

By BRIAN SCHMIDT Chief Photographer

Shannon Williamson’s home in New Orleans is under more than 15 feet of water, and her family is living in a hotel in Baton Rouge, La., but she knows she is just one of millions of Americans affected by Hurricane Katrina.

She is one of the several victims of the hurricane who are in Abilene, struggling to get their lives back, hundreds of miles away from home, or what was home.

Some are from the New Orleans area, the city with some of the most severe damage, which was mostly caused by flooding. A large portion of the city is still under water, which is essentially turning into toxic waste with the combination of chemicals, oil and gas, and human waste, and can’t be drained for at least a month because the pumps have been damaged, according to CNN.com.

As students from the New Orleans area struggle with the destruction throughout most of the city, they slowly receive more information about the conditions of their homes, neighborhoods and location of their families.

Williamson, sophomore biology major, said her family, which lives in the upper Ninth Ward in eastern New Orleans, the city’s hardest hit section, evacuated before the hurricane arrived.

“The estimate is that my house is under 15 to 20 feet of water,” she said. “I can’t stop watching the news; I can’t really focus at all.

n With limited spaces available for pledges in larger social clubs, the administration and officers are making efforts to generate more interest in other clubs.

By TIFFANY TAYLOR Features Editor

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

See

HURRICANE page 7

Amy Simpson, junior theatre major from Denver, and Mei Cher Ng, junior communication major from Penang, Malaysia, worship during Tuesday’s Chapel, which was dedicated to reflection about those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Special Chapel relief collection exceeds $5,000

By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor

The university community raised $5,001.18 in Chapel on Tuesday to be given to relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and more than 300 evacuees are expected to arrive in Abilene during the next few days.

The empty Wal-Mart store on Judge Ely Boulevard is

Centennial speakers To help celebrate the centennial year, the university will bring in eight speakers throughout the year. Speakers this semester include: • Lester Holt, MSNBC anchor, 7 p.m. Sept. 22., Abilene Civic Center.

• Dr. Kenneth Elzinga, University of Virginia economics professor, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26., Hart Auditorium.

• Pat Summerall, NFL broadcaster for CBS, 11:45 a.m. Nov. 8., Teague Special Events Center.

Women asked to look at small clubs

being cleaned out and prepared to initially house the refugees while they can be screened for health, psychological and spiritual issues, if they have children and a basic of record of who they are and where they are from, said Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of Campus Life.

Already, more than 100 students have been selected as

captains to lead teams of 20 people to work in shifts in helping the city and the university prepare for the evacuees. Those interested in joining a team can contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout.

Barnard said he was not See

COLLECTION page 7

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Maher Saab, junior political science major from Abilene, collects donations from students after Chapel on Tuesday.

Women’s social clubs have united this year to support the smaller women’s club struggling to attract new rushees.

Larger social clubs, such as Sigma Theta Chi and Ko Jo Kai, have begun encouraging women to give every club a chance, said Meg Goggin, senior history major form Fort Worth and President of Ko Jo Kai. “This year we’re doing a lot more. We’re trying to even the playing field,” Goggin said.

“We’re trying to encourage girls to look at every club.”

Invitations, which were given Thursday to women rushees, included a sheet of paper inviting women to an event in the Living Room. The event, which featured a representative from each club, was meant for women who needed to make decisions after not receiving an invitation from their favorite social club.

“The purpose and idea behind that was, even if you didn’t get your first choice, come and see other people who didn’t get their first choice and maybe you’ll like what these other clubs have to offer,” said Mike Spell, advisor of social clubs.

Smaller clubs offer opportunities for more community and leadership possibilities, Spell said.

“Not every club wants to be huge and monstrous,” Spell said.

Spell said he wanted women to attend, realize some of their friends were unhappy with their invitations and decide to make club a fun experience by joining with one of these friends.

However, no women attended the event. Although he could only speculate, Spell said the women may have found the Living Room too public of a place. In addition, the event was held only five hours after women received their first invitation, leaving See

CLUBS page 7

University invites eight Centennial speakers n Lester Holt, anchorman for MSNBC, will begin the speaker series 7 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Abilene Civic Center, and students can purchase tickets for $10.

By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor

The Centennial Speaker series, which consists of eight professionals who will come to campus to speak about their respective careers and lives, is an opportunity to bring a variety of perspectives to campus during the “mile-

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

stone” celebration said Amber Peck, director of Alumni Relations, in an e-mail.

“They will talk about their unique experiences in their realms of expertise and provide opportunities for us to broaden our horizons,” Peck said. “A variety of speakers also provides opportunities for people from the community to join us.”

Lester Holt, MSNBC anchor, will inaugurate the series at 7 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Abilene Civic Center. Holt has covered major news events rang-

ing from Operation Iraqi Freedom, the war in Afghanistan and served as the lead daytime anchor on MSNBC for the 2000 presidential election. Holt earned the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism award in 1990 for his Peck work on “48 Hours: No Place Like Home.”

Holt is a member of the Manhattan Church of Christ and

utilizes his faith in the media, Peck said.

The President’s Council on the Centennial and members of the Special Events Task Force initially brainstormed possible speakers, Peck said, narrowing their preferences while Alumni Relations began contacting booking agents to check for availability and fees.

The council chose speakers for various reasons, Peck said, depending on who interested the team, who was available and who was affordable.

“We wanted to bring in

Abilene Christian University

people with something interesting or valuable to share,” Peck said.

Pat Summerall, NFL broadcaster for CBS, is third in the series and is someone whom a Board of Trustees member knew, Peck said. She said the member recommended Summerall, saying he had a great story, including a major struggle with alcohol and a liver transplant, and the member could help arrange to bring him to campus. Summerall See

SPEAKERS page 7

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Campus

Day

Wednesday, September 7, 2005

07

Calendar & Events Wednesday

Herald of Truth Katrina Relief Project, 6-9 p.m.

Seekers of the Word Auditions, Bible 130, 9 p.m.

08

Thursday

Herald of Truth Katrina Relief Project, 6-9 p.m.

09

Friday

ACU Fall Dinner Theatre’s A Grand Night for Singing, Fulks Theatre.

Herald of Truth Katrina Relief Project, 6-9 p.m.

10

Saturday

ACU Fall Dinner Theatre’s A Grand Night for Singing, Fulks Theatre.

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.

Announcements

As part of the Campus Court construction project, all vehicles parked on either curb of Campus Court from EN16 to Ambler need to be removed immediately.

Effective today, there will be no curb parking along Campus Court for approximately two weeks.

Collegiate Cards are now available in the S.A. office in the Bean Sprout. Students can use the card to get discounts at Abilene businesses.

Overeaters Anonymous will meet Saturday at 10 p.m. and Monday at 6 p.m. at Shades of Hope on Buffalo Gap. For more information, contact Katie at 5725303.

The ACU Counseling Center would like to have volunteers help take down old materials and hang new materials on the bulletin boards located in the residence halls. Materials will be provided and this would need to be done six times during the year, about every two months. Contact the Volunteer Service-Learning center for more information.

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 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.

International Rescue Com­ mittee needs volunteers to mentor refugee families who have recently moved to Abilene. For more information, contact Debi Wheeler at 6755643 Ext. 12.

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:

11 59

RAs fill SLAs’ void in residence halls

By TAKISHA KNIGHT Page 2 Editor

The Spiritual Life Assistants program is on a oneyear hiatus, but students in residence halls can still find guidance with resident assistants, Dr. Mimi Barnard, director of Residence Life Education and Housing said in an e-mail.

The SLA program began in 2002 to offer peer counseling and mentoring for hall residents, but this year, the program has been postponed to make room for students.

“The resident assistants, assistant directors, and residence directors have always, even with the SLA program, been responsible for serving as spiritual mentors and leaders for their residents,” Barnard said.

Leslie Toombs, senior psychology major from Lewisville, was an SLA for two years, in Nelson and Sikes halls.

Toombs said being an SLA was not just a good way to serve others, but it was an experience that changed her life.

“The experience was not easy at all times. There were situations that arose that were difficult to handle, but I found that the experience was very rewarding. I am not the same person before being a part of the SLA program and I have friendships with women that will last a lifetime,” she said.

“I feel the presence of the SLA program created a different atmosphere in the dorm and that is what separates us from other private and public universities.”

Toombs said many times she wished she could have been a full-time SLA. “With any work for God’s kingdom, you are on the front lines, and it is hard; but seeing other’s spiritual lives grow is a battle I would fight willingly everyday.”

Though the SLA program is absent this year, some of the former SLAs have applied to be RAs, Barnard said.

Barnard said she hopes the program will return to campus next year.

E-mail Knight at: tnk03a@acu.edu

Volunteer Opportunities The Center for Contemporary Arts needs volunteers to greet patrons, answer phone calls and help with gallery set-up and clean-up. For more information, contact the Volunteer ServiceLearning Center.

The Herald of Truth has urgent need for volunteers to help assemble 10,000 relief bundles and help to load a truck that will go to Louisiana to aid Hurricane Katrina victims Sept.

7-9 at 6-9 p.m. Volunteers will load the truck Sept. 9 and 10 from 9-10 p.m. For more information, contact the Volunteer ServiceLearning Center.

Volunteers are needed to help with the March of Dimes

golf tournament fundraiser from Sept. 20-25 at Fairway Oaks Country Club.

Big Country Balloon Fest needs volunteers to man ticket booths, silent auction, and the children’s area September 2325 from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. in twohour shifts. For more information, contact Julie Young at 665-6307.

Parents of Children with Down Syndrome is seeking vol­unteers to help with child care during support group meetings. Meetings are 6:458:15 p.m. Wednesdays at the Women`s Center of Abilene Re­ gional Medical Center. For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in

the Bean Sprout.

Healing Hands International needs volunteers to help local churches prepare, gather and sort clothing for impoverished children on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 2-4:30 p.m. For more information, contact David Catalina at 677-9991.

American Heart Associations needs help running a golf tournament on Sept. 20-25. For more information, contact Jennifer Woodard at 672-0566.

Christian Ministries of Abilene needs volunt­eers ­ to paint their waiting area on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday.

For more information, call Camila Becton at 673-1234.

CAMPUS NEWS

Wednesday, September 7, 2005

Page 3

Sept. 16 last day for FilmFest sign-up

Feel the burn

n Students have less than two weeks to continue signing up to participate in the campus-wide film competition, FilmFest.

By MITCH HOLT Opinion

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Members of the Abilene Fire Department douse the flames outside of Moody Coliseum during the Burn Room demonstration after Chapel on Tuesday.

Online course enrollment doubles n The Summer Online Program offered students two new courses available in June, July or both months for credit in English, business or communication.

By AARON BALLARD Staff Writer

A total of 255 students completed the Summer Online Program this year, compared to the 135 who participated last year. Students had two more courses to choose from, which helped the enrollment nearly double.

“It seems that the students really like the flexibility and convenience of taking classes online during the summer,” said Dr. Gary Tucker, director

of Distance Education.

The two new classes, Fun­ damentals of Communica­ tion and Business and Profes­ sional Writing, supplemented the two from last summer, Message of the Old Tes­ tament and Major British Writers I. “We did not have as many stu­ dents in Co­m­­­ mu­n­­ication as Tucker we had hoped for, but the class was still very successful,” Tucker said. “How­ ever, the Business and Profes­ sional Writing course was ex­ ceptionally successful.”

Students could choose from three different online terms: one in June, a second in July, and a third, slowerpaced term that spanned both months. The first June ses­ sion was the most popular, Tucker said. The convenience that these three options pro­ vided added to the appeal of taking online courses during the summer.

In addition, the summer online courses are appealing because they are flexible and allow students to work when­ ever and wherever they want, Tucker said. The courses are academically equivalent to those taken on campus, and they show up on your tran­ script and are billed just like

any other course.

Every year, it is up to the director of Distance Educa­ tion to decide which courses will be offered that summer.

“We try to find courses that best meet the needs of summer students,” Tucker said. “We look at different types of data, but eventu­ ally the director of Distance Education makes the decision about which courses will be offered.”

Three more courses are slated for the summer of 2006: Principles of Macroeconomics, Christianity in Culture, and Educational Psychology.

E-mail Ballard at: optimist@acu.edu

editor

Students who want to shoot a film can sign up for FilmFest in the Campus Center until noon Sept. 16, and those who sign up will not simply shoot a movie; they will be expected to attend workshops and tu­ torials prior their filming sessions to get ideas ap­ proved and learn how to participate in the event.

FilmFest, found­ed in the fall of 2004, brings students together in a creative film mak­ ing com­ petition, coming to a close with an awards ceremo­ Darby ny where students can view all the films.

Doug Darby, executive director of FilmFest and creative director at the Adams Center for Teach­ ing Excellence, said that upon completion of the workshop, the production phase will begin.

FilmFest participants must have ideas approved before they begin produc­ ing because it will ensure that all entries are eligible for the competition.

Sept. 19-23, the first week of FilmFest, will be designated for preproduc­ tion and shooting, and the editing lab will be available beginning Sept. 24.

“FilmFest is not just for JMC majors and movie

buffs,” Darby said. “The in­ tent of this event is to give everyone an opportunity to express their faith and in­ sights in a new way.”

Darby also said through FilmFest, students will have a unique experience that encourages handson teamwork, technology and a chance to slide their ideas and imagination in front of alumni and in­ dustry professionals. This will provide participants access to feedback and networking to which they wouldn’t have had access before FilmFest began last year.

Assisting Darby as stu­ dent co-chairs are Robyn King and Matt Maxwell and staff member Jona­ than Johnson. Darby said that without these dedi­ cated students, FilmFest wouldn’t happen.

“FilmFest is a melting pot of many diverse opin­ ions, cultures and talents pertaining to film,” said Robyn King, co-chair and senior marketing and man­ agement major from New­ ark. “It’s a film exposition in which ACU students can present and market their talents in front of other students and faculty with similar interests.”

King said FilmFest is for anyone and everyone in­ terested in film.

“FilmFest is the result of a lot of prayer and hard work,” Darby said. “Re­ gardless of your discipline or professional goals, hav­ ing an understanding for visual communication will enhance your ability to compete and excel in the world.”

E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 4

Wednesday, September 7, 2005

RAs re-experience curfew n Resident assistants live in residence halls in community with underclassmen, building relationships while maintaining discipline.

By KELLINE LINTON Student Reporter

The light ahead was yellow, and the campus was at least 10 minutes away.

“Hurry, hurry! Go, go!”

Christie Smith urged her friend. With five minutes left before 10 p.m., it looked like she might not make curfew tonight.

Smith, junior missions major from Allen, has a weekday curfew that begins at 10 p.m. At the age of 21, Christie is several years past the 11:30 p.m. freshman curfew but willingly gives up a late night out for her unique job—the residence assistant.

The RAs on campus are generally upperclassmen stu­­dents who live in underclassmen residence halls, usually two per floor for each hall. These students receive free board and a monthly salary.

“RAs are here to put the smackdown and to enforce the rules,” said Ashley Durham, sophomore management major Salem, Ore., and Nelson Hall RA.

“It’s hard not to step on people’s toes,” Smith said, RA in Sikes Hall. “You want to enforce the rules, but you also want to be there for them and build their trust.”

Marie Thomas, residence director of Nelson, said a RA’s “first and foremost job is ministry. They are spiritual role models, and are meant to build a community and to curate a family environment.”

The residence assistants this year went through a week-long training session, including two days at Camp Butman, where they discovered their strengths.

“We built friendships, and relationships grew,” said Kristin Gravley, sophomore nursing major from Overton and Nelson RA. “Camp taught us that we are all different; our strengths are all different. Being an RA is not an individual job.

You have to lean upon your staff mates.”

The main duration of RA training focused on potential scenarios ranging from the signs of homesickness to the possibility of suicide.

In severe cases like alcohol and suicide, each RA has been trained to notify their residence director.

RDs host the Monday business meetings and Wednesday

spiritual meetings and give out the usual RA assignments—curfew check, event advertisement and a once-aweek shift at the lobby work desk.

“I enjoy being an RA because you’re living in the hall, right in the middle,” Durham said. “You are here for everybody; you have the 411 on everybody. Girls look up to you because they think you are more mature than them, yet you’re only one year older.”

A residence assistant is a full time job. Their curfew is at 10 p.m. on weeknights, and their door must be open from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Each RA can only check out for a maximum of three weekends per semester with prior notice given for each.

Former Nelson RA Amy Stoll, junior nursing major from Tucson, Ariz., said that it’s nice not having a curfew, but it’s fun to see her girls still around campus.

The majority of RA’s said they feel the worth of the experience.

“You get to build personal relationships with the girls on your hall,” Durham said, “and these relationships far outweigh the difficulties of the job.”

E-mail Linton at: krl04b@acu.edu

Faculty opt for sabbaticals n The Provost approved pro­ fessors from various de­part­ ments to take a semester off for research projects related to their fields of study.

By DANIEL JOHNSON Staff Writer

The university faculty will be without six of its professors throughout the 2005-06 school year, as they pursue various endeavors on a university-funded sabbatical.

Sabbatical, or Faculty Renewal Leave, is a program offered by the university that gives faculty the opportunity to take one or two semesters off to work on outside research and projects.

After a Faculty Committee reviewed the proposals and recommended them to University Provost, Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, professors Al Haley, assistant professor of English; Dr. Waymon Hinson, chair of the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy; and Dr. Cynthia Roper, assistant professor

of communication, were approved for faculty renewal leave during fall 2005. Debbie Williams, assistant professor of English; Dr. Dickie Hill, professor of exercise science and health; and Dr. Tom Lee, associate professor of biology, will take their sabbaticals during the spring of 2006.

In the fall, Roper said she plans to collect data on two separate projects, The Communication Apprehension and World View on Culture Shock, and Media Equity Theory and the Effects of Televised Debates on Perceptions of Candidates.

Roper said she has tried and successfully completed projects such as these in the past during regular semesters and is glad she will not be overwhelmed this semester with research and writing in addition to her regular class preparation.

The Communication Department, which deals with faculty on assignment on an ongoing basis, is deal-

ing with the challenges of Roper’s absence.

“Because of each person’s specialization, we will be unable to offer certain classes this semester, but so far we have been able to absorb the loss,” said Dr. Joe Cardot, chair of the Communication Department. “Most of all though, we will miss her input on departmental decisions this semester.”

In the spring, Hill said he plans on researching the obesity rates for elementary-aged children in the Abilene Independent School District. By using and studying the Body Mass Index, Hill said he plans to research the current levels of obesity in Abilene’s elementary children.

“I plan on accomplishing some research activities, refresh myself, and come back a stronger teacher.”

Hill said.

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

Something smells good

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Jacob Martin, Alumni Relations officer, barbecues hamburgers on Mrs. Baird’s traveling “Ultimate Smoker and Grill” along with other volunteers and staff from the Alumni Office for the pre-game party before the Wildcat’s football season opener against the University of Central Oklahoma at Shotwell Stadium on Saturday.

Business class travels down under n Students have the opportunity to study abroad, learn about different cultures, in Australia during the Christmas break for an international business course.

By MALLORY SHERWOOD Managing Editor

Any students up for a ripper adventure and a squizz at the other side of the world can apply to take Dr. Ian Shepherd’s international business class during Christmas break in Sydney, Australia, for three credit hours.

Shepherd, associate professor of business, will take 15 students back to his homeland the day after Christmas for a two-week adventure and a look at the other side of the world to experience business in a new culture.

“It offers a different perspective for students because an Australian guy is actually going to take a group of students to Australia,” Shepherd said. “I lived there for 30 years and I have a unique perspective on business.”

The university is a member of the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad, a consortium of 24 colleges and universities across the country that propose short-term classes to be offered abroad for students of all classifications.

Dr. John Timmerman, associate professor of business, introduced the CCSA to the university when he began to work here six years ago.

“It is a big opportunity for students,” Timmerman said.

“You can pick any class from this program and ACU will reward you credit for it.”

He said he introduced the program for students and for teachers who are interested in traveling, but whose department can’t spare them a whole semester. He said this program offers students and teachers to travel during Christmas, after commencement or during

the summer.

The Study Abroad Program offers students the ability to study abroad for a semester, but the business study abroad program has more flexibility and is the alternative for people who can’t afford to be gone the whole semester, can’t afford the time or don’t want to miss events on campus, Timmerman said.

More than 30 students have participated in the CCSA from the business department and eight students have completed internships abroad through the program.

Students who attend through the CCSA will be able to travel to an English-speaking country, so they don’t have to be fluent in any other language. Timmerman also said students will attend with some people that they know, but that one-third of the students who attend will be from colleges across the country.

According to the CCSA brochure, students will learn about global strategy, international trade, international marketing, cross-cultural management issues, global supply chain and international business trends during this course. They will also be able to study Australian companies as well as branches of American business overseas.

The Australian International Business class costs $5,240, and it includes the deposit, round-trip airfare, tuition, accommodations, breakfast and program excursions including flying in between Sydney and Cairns.

Shepherd said not to be alarmed at the price because it is a great deal on airfare.

“You’re traveling as far across the world as you can go and back, during the busiest tourist season we have,” Shepherd said.

Students will also experience summer at Christmastime.

“One of the beauties of going to Australia at Christmas

is that it is summer, so one of the things they’ll do is go snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef while the rest of us are shivering somewhere,” Tim­­merman said.

Shepherd said students may also have the opportunity to visit the Sydney Opera House, Ford Australia, Hewson Australia, a management training facility that trains senior executives in Australia, home visits to host families in Australia to see how life is different from the American experience and an Aussie barbecue at his old home place.

Students may experience unique cultural opportunities, but they’ll also experience unique business opportunities, too, Timmerman said.

“Australia has laws like we do, but they may be a bit different,” Timmerman said.

“Unless you’ve experienced it, it’s like eating the food in a different culture. It is all the same ingredients, but it tastes completely different.”

He said students enjoy the class because instead of professors lecturing to them, they are teaching at the scenes of the Stock Exchange or the Trade Center.

“People are experiencing and breathing the air of the culture while learning about it,” Timmerman said.

Most people who attend the international business class will be business majors since the class is required, Timmerman said, but students don’t have to be a business major. He said any student who has taken economic courses can apply.

Applications are available in the College of Business Administration or from either Timmerman or Shepherd. The deadline is Oct. 3 for interested students and at that time they must deposit $200. Scholarships may be available to students who apply.

E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

Wednesday, September 7, 2005

Heading down a slippery slope

Page 5

CareerLink helps students n Online tools helps link students with alumni, build a résumé , look for employment or an internship or get a better understanding of their career choice.

By DENTON JOSEY Staff Writer

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Freshmen Jason Raper, chemistry major from Fort. Worth, and Jon Vermaire, business major from San Marcos, Calif., race down the hill behind Adams and Smith Halls on a makeshift Slip ‘N Slide during the Backyard Bash on Saturday.

Service-learning successfully n Honors students have option to complete a 15-20 hour service project for Honors credit, part of a new Service-Learning program that began last year.

By TAKISHA KNIGHT Page 2 Editor

Struggling to earn Honors credit is a thing of the past for Honors students since the Honors Program began Service-Learning.

Stephanie Smith, Honors Program advisor and administrative coordinator, said last year the program had more Honors students than could fit in Honors course.

To help students earn the credits necessary to fulfill their requirements, it began the HP Service Learning Program.

The Service-Learning Pro-

gram gives Honors students the option to complete a 1520 hour service project for Honors credit.

Students do not have to pay tuition fees for the courses, and will not receive grades, since it is not an actual class.

They are required to read several articles, keep reflective journals, and make comments about the progress of their projects.

Nancy Coburn, Director of Volunteer and ServiceLearning sets up service learning opportunities with local agencies that focus on children and education, the homeless, and the elderly.

Students choose a service option and are responsible for setting up their own jobs and schedules.

Dr. Chris Willerton, direc-

tor of Honors Program said service-learning is part of a national movement in honors programs.

In October, Willerton will be a panelists at a national Honors Program convention, where he will speak on the progress service-learning has made at the university.

Service-learning was implemented three semesters ago and has been successful, and of the estimated 450 Honors students at ACU, about 57 have been involved in service-learning. “[Students] do it to meet requirements, but they also do it because this generation is very hands-on,” Willerton said. “The current crop of college students doesn’t like to be confined to books.”

E-mail Knight at: tnk03a@acu.edu

Frantically looking for a job after graduation is a trend of the past.

CareerLink is a tool on campus to help students polish résumés, land internships, and find jobs; however, not many students know about the opportunities CareerLink provides.

After two years of operation, CareerLink has jumped from 400 employer contacts to 1336. But it is still trying to inform students, especially freshmen, about the opportunities available.

“Don’t wait for someone else—be proactive and use the tools ACU provides,” said Matt Boisvert, director of CareerLink. “The good news is these tools are free.”

With more than 1,700 students, faculty and alumni involved, CareerLink connects employers to ACU. “With this tool a student never has to leave their dorm,” Boisvert said. “They can go online 24/7.”

CareerLink is the online tool made available by the Career and Academic Development Department. Its goal is to connect students with resources to be able to find jobs, internships, or to simply get a better understanding of their career path.

CareerLink has 744 alumni

profiles that enable students to see what graduates have done with their degrees in nearly every field. It is for faculty as well, and some professors have made their classes create accounts.

“Most students are not aware that CareerLink is there or how it can help them,” said Dave Hogan, instructor of journalism and mass communication. “CareerLink has been very helpful to seniors in our class who can post résumés. It is an excellent resource.”

Companies such as Ernst and Young, FedEx, Kinkos, numerous school districts, BlueCross/BlueShield, the Dallas/Fort Worth airport, and Enterprise Rent-a-Car have seen as many as 1,400 student resumes in the last year alone, Boisvert said.

“Students that post their resume—it’s being viewed, it is being downloaded” Boisvert said. “If a student is looking for an employer that likes ACU grads, this is the place.”

Whatever major students are pursuing, CareerLink provides them with many options. Students can stay in Abilene for work or internships, or go to places like South Korea and Belgium, as one student has done.

“Fifty percent of internships become employment opportunities,” Boisvert said.

Jordan Redding, senior marketing major from Lawrence, Kan., signed up for CareerLink for one of his classes.

“CareerLink is a great way to get your résumé

out in the open, find a job, or meet a mentor to help guide you in your business career search. And it is an all-around good time.”

Students can go to www. acu.edu/careerlink and create a profile in less than 5 minutes. A social-club search feature even allows students to find alumni mentors who were in clubs as well.

“For students that don’t know what to do, they can see what alumni are doing,” Boisvert said.

Boisvert encourages students to create an account today. “The worst thing a student can do is wait until the day of graduation.” He adds, “CareerLink should start your freshman year.”

Additionally, CareerLink links students to The Vault, an online program that allows students to download free job descriptions in nearly every field possible. The Vault is “probably the most unused resource, yet the most valuable in addition to CareerLink,” said Boisvert.

Currently there are 52 internships available on CareerLink and 1505 jobs have been posted in the last year alone.

Boisvert also said students can still make appointments with him to be helped in person, “We’re here to serve students; CareerLink is just a way to see what is out there.

“We’re not quite as big as Facebook, but we’ll get there.”

E-mail Josey at: jdj03e@acu.edu

WACU scholarship available n Women of ACU look for students who are actively involved in campus activities, are at least a sophomore and have a grade point average of 3.0.

By EMERALD McGOWAN Student Reporter

For students who love the university and have a high grade point average, a scholarship could be available through the Women of ACU. The Women of ACU look for students who have at least sophomore standing, a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and are actively involved in extra-curricular activities. Female applicants can be of any major, male applicants must be biblical studies majors.

Students who meet these requirements could receive a scholarship of $1,000 per semester for one academic school year. They can possibly receive the scholarship a second year, if they maintain

the requirements.

Qualified students can obtain an application from their department chair, and applications for the 2006-07 school year will be accepted until January.

Jordon Isom, junior English major from Abilene, is a current recipient of the WACU scholarship.

“Knowing the benefit they are to the university, it’s an honor to be chosen for the scholarship and associated with the Women of ACU,” Isom said. “I feel truly blessed.”

“WACU is an organization established to benefit ACU in anyway that we can, said Marrisue Meyer, president of the Abilene chapter of WACU. “Our scholarships are just one way we accomplish this.” Meyer has served on the scholarship committee since it was established in 1972.

Scholarship money is

raised during the school year through a number of different WACU sponsored fundraisers. The main two fundraisers are an annual pie sale during Lectureship week and the sales of the centennial ornament series. Three different ornaments can be purchased in the Alumni Relations office, the WACU Museum or the Campus Store.

In addition to raising scholarship money, WACU runs a museum at the corner of East North 16th Street and Campus Court. The museum, also known as the Jennings House, is dedicated to telling the history of the university through a collection of personal artifacts, books and portraits belonging to people who have served the university. Museum hours are 1-6 p.m. on Thursdays and by special appointment. Admission is free.

E-mail McGowan at: optimist@acu.edu

ViewsWednesday Optimist

Page 6

Plenty of opportunities to serve refugees

The issue:

Evacuees from the disaster area of Hurricane Katrina across the Gulf Coast could be sent to Abilene any day this week. Some of them could be temporarily housed at University Park and Sherrod Apartments, and some students from the area are enrolling here.

Dropping a few dollar bills into a bucket outside of a supermarket or partaking in a special collection for disaster relief left some of our classmates’ unsatisfied in their desire to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Unfortunately for these eager people, the last week has left them with few alternatives aside from jumping in their cars to head for Louisiana.

But now, students and residents of Abilene have an option that does not require a full tank of $3-per-gallon gasoline: This city now waits on standby to receive as many as 500 evacuees who will need housing, clothing, food and other necessities.

Victims—once 700 miles away—could begin arriving any day this week to occupy onceabandoned buildings, temporary housing and, perhaps, empty University Park and

Our view:

Students and residents of Abilene now have this opportunity to directly minister to those hurt by this tragedy. Those wishing to help no longer have to drive several hours to find those affected­—they will be living among us.

Solution:

Students can join one of the more than 125 teams of 20 being organized to help prepare places for evacuees to stay as well as provide other aid. Besides continuing to give time and money, students can be aware of the evacuees living in the area and make an effort to befriend and minister to them.

Sherrod apartaside money to The next step belongs to residents of Abilene and ment units on students to welcome and minister to our new neighbors. donate to disasthis very camter relief. pus. Cisco ChrisGranted, some tian Camp likely will welcome help that effort. students do not have money more than 100 evacuees, who Even if students are able to set aside. Some might even will arrive Wednesday night at to volunteer their time, they say they do not have time to the earliest. must continue to donate offer. But all students can Suddenly, money and money through their church- be aware of measures this prayers are not the only aid es, the Red Cross and Salva- university could take to acstudents can provide. tion Army. commodate those seeking Students met with Dr. The university gave stu- refuge.

Wayne Barnard, dean of Cam- dents several organized opShould evacuees come to pus Life, Saturday to begin portunities to donate money Abilene, know that this uniforming teams of 20 to be during the past week—at versity has made available ready to prepare places for Saturday’s football game empty units in University evacuees. and during Tuesday’s Cha- Park and Sherrod apartments About 125 students re- pel service—but the money for temporary housing, and sponded to this call to be- need does not end even when enrollment has been offered come team leaders, and floodwaters subside. to students from four-year students still interested in Rebuilding New Orleans universities now closed in the participating should contact and the Gulf Coast will take disaster area. the Volunteer and Service- years, and church organizaKnow that people, who Learning Center. If evacuees tions, the Red Cross and Sal- days ago waded through come to Abilene, the city will vation Army will need contin- waist-deep water or sought need immediate assistance ued support to provide care refuge in their own attics preparing a temporary loca- to those affected. from floodwaters, could betion to house the people, and Create a habit for the next come neighbors to students these students will greatly several months by setting at this school. Know that and

Alumnus applauds student servants Like many in this country, over the past week I’ve been incredibly frustrated by the hurricane relief efforts I’ve seen broadcast over the news. I am an alumnus of ACU currently living in Minnesota, far removed from my parents who live in Gulfport where they had chosen to ride out Katrina. It wasn’t until late in the evening of Aug. 30, after two fitful days of anxiety that they located a neighbor with a cell phone to tell me that they were both fine—the house was flooded but still stands.

“Well, now the government will come in and get things moving,” I naively thought.

As we all know, the government moved at a snails’ pace while I stewed in Minnesota, picturing various scenarios on how I might get to Mississippi to help in the relief effort (assuming there was a rental car still left and roads clear enough to get through).

“Where are the troops? Where is my government?” I thought as I scanned the news over and over again. Then I saw it. A few minutes ago, NBC News showed a quick image of the Astrodome.

In the picture, an ACU student, identified by her T-shirt, was playing with a young African American child. I have to admit, tears came to my eyes.

In a news report filled with

looting reports, accusations of racism and government failure, a young Christian was demonstrating what it’s supposed to all be about—showing God’s love, being the first to offer a hand and sharing what you have with people who may or may not look like you. I remembered my own experiences at ACU—Spring Break Campaigns, Habitat for Humanity, Big Purple’s Christmas for Kids and other charitable efforts.

My heart swelled to see the “next generation” of my university doing what we do best.

While the rest of the nation clamored for action from someone else, my young brothers and sisters, like generations before them, were called “to lead and to serve,” and that is what you are still doing. God bless that campus, and God bless your efforts to shine his light as you carry the torch forward.

I’ve never been more proud to call ACU my alma mater.

Dr. Kenyon Williams Assistant professor of music Minnesota State University Moorhead, Minn.

“If everyone just gave a little bit, it would go a lot further.”

freshman exercise science major from Garland

“Even though we’re busy with classes, students can still help by just praying for the victims.”

Sarah Gomez

sophomore music major from Grand Prairie

“I think students should travel to Louisiana after everything settles to help rebuild it.”

sophomore music education major from Austin

Cole Williams

Let Loose

Response to university students’ willingness to help hurricane victims.

What should students do to help with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts?

Jeff Follins

realize the powerful opportunity for direct ministry that could literally come to students’ doorsteps.

Even this week, two students from currently uninhabitable Louisiana universities have already enrolled here.

Several more students—from schools like Tulane University, which canceled classes for the entire fall semester—likely will arrive within the next week.

Welcome these people.

Befriend these people. Love these people. They have been through more than most can comprehend.

The evacuees have weathered this hurricane and its aftermath, and now they have traveled more than 700 miles for refuge. They have done more than enough.

The next step belongs to residents of Abilene and students to welcome and minister to our new neighbors.

Your Voice

In Your Words

Rashida Williams

September 7, 2005

“Instead of students spending their money on Taco Tuesday, they should send cash to help the relief efforts.”

Zach Snyder

sophomore Christian ministry major from Houston

Katrina puts poverty center stage In any tragedy, the most affected are almost always the poor.

Of the 484,674 residents in the city limits of New Orleans, according to the 2000 U.S. Census, 23.7 percent of families, 43.4 percent of singleI am the mother famiEnemy lies and 27.9 Sarah Carlson percent of individuals live below the poverty level.

With such large percentages of the city living in less than desirable conditions, is it any wonder many have become desperate and turned to complete lawlessness to survive in the wake of Hurricane Katrina?

New Orleans citizens are not only mainly poor, they are mainly minorities—67.3 percent are black. Living in the inner city, many were without transportation and had no easily accessible means to evacuate before the hurricane hit, unlike more middle class to affluent citizens. Some could drive to Houston and check into the Marriott, but what

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

Serving as a voice for the voiceless is one of the most definitive Christian callings throughout scripture. about the elderly living in homes or in hospice care?

What about the single mother who normally walks to work while her children stay with a neighbor? The less fortunate, weak and disenfranchised always suffer the most.

Now, the weather can hardly be blamed for its destructive courses, and whether or not the government responded quickly enough with aid is not relevant here. The catastrophic outcome of Katrina has only reiterated the need to strengthen the fight against poverty.

In 2004, 37 million people in the United States were living in poverty, up 1.1 million from 2003, according to U.S. Census Bureau. Our country is fortunate in comparison with the rest of the world, where more than 1 billion people—1 in 6—are living in extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $1 a day.

More than 800 million go hungry each day, and more than 8 million die each year because they are too poor to stay alive, according to

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Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

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Net­Aid, a non-profit organization that aims to inspire and enable young people to fight global poverty.

Statistics such as these are staggering and help feed the opinion that a fight against something as broad as poverty cannot be won.

Fortunately, an increase in awareness on poverty has been building, thanks to groups such as the United Kingdom’s Make Poverty History and its U.S. version, the ONE campaign, both magnified this summer at the Live 8 concerts around the world prior to the G-8 summit in Scotland. Faithbased and non-profit groups from both sides of the political and religious spectrum worked together to increase knowledge about the problem of AIDS and poverty in Africa.

Relieving poverty-stricken nations and individuals takes more than cutting a check. Restructuring of education and court systems, increased access to sanitized water, improved awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS, the advance-

ment of women’s rights and more, are all needed to help fight that which causes millions of deaths worldwide each year. The ONE campaign calls for a 1 percent increase of the federal budget providing basic needs like health, education, clean water and food for the world’s poorest countries, as well as debt cancellation, trade reform and anti-corruption measures.

On an individual scale, by simply giving whatever you can whenever you can to those who need it most is the best way to fight poverty. Helping those who cannot help themselves and serving as a voice for the voiceless is one of the most definitive Christian callings echoed throughout scripture. Continued support for organizations that seek to advance this calling is imperative to the survival of the less fortunate.

To learn more about how you can help fight poverty, come to IJM Chapel this Thursday in AD 219 to hear a representative from the ONE campaign.

E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu

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Wednesday, September 7, 2005

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Page 7

Hurricane: Students coping with destruction at home Continued from page 1 “It’s difficult being completely helpless in a situation like this, but even if I was there, I know I would be completely helpless, but it’s hard because I can’t talk to my family. … It’s been hard on my classes and all around.”

The distress, multiplied by the factor of being so far away, can cause students to think about where they should be at a time like this.

Ben Beadle, freshman youth and family ministry and Biblical text major from New Orleans, said his family, which lived in the River Ridge suburb west of the city, evacuated to his grandparents’ house in Baton Rouge early Aug. 27, before the storm hit.

“The second I heard the bad reports about our house, … that our house was almost completely damaged, I was like ‘OK, I really don’t feel like I want to be here; I want to go home and see everyone,’” he said.

Beadle said he even considered leaving school and trying to find a flight to be with his family. He later

found out that the damage to his house was minimal— only a couple of trees fell on the garage and on his mother’s car.

Contacting friends and family from affected areas has been difficult because of the lack of cell phone service and electricity throughout much of the Gulf region.

Beadle said that although he was able to contact his parents after they left the city, he knows other students who couldn’t contact their families for days.

“I think I’m more worried about my friends than myself … because they mean the most to me,” he said. “I was just thinking about what I might be going through eventually, if I find out that one of them is dead. If I do, I was kind of thinking that for a couple of days I couldn’t live with myself, knowing that I’m so far away, and I couldn’t be there for them, and they died.”

Most living in New Orleans knew a strong hurricane could cause widespread devastation, but many were still unprepared for what happened.

“It’s kind of in the back of your mind, but you don’t think it can happen to you,” Williamson said. “I never thought the damage could be this bad. I never in my entire life would have thought that there would be 20 feet of water at my house, ever.”

you can’t understand why it’s happening, how a supposedly loving God could do this to you and stuff like that,” Williamson said. “Then you go to a point when you’re really sad and really hurt by everything. I’m still really sad, but I think I’ve moved

brian schmidt/chief photographer

Kirk Garrison, former minister at the Carrolton Avenue Church of Christ in New Orleans, tells hurricane victims’ stories in Chapel on Tuesday.

Students from New Orleans said the emotional and spiritual stages they have gone through in the time since the hurricane hit have been unbelievable.

“At first you’re really angry and upset at God, and

on to the point where I think that I know that God’s not left us behind. It’s still very upsetting [though].”

Beadle said there were times just after the hurricane hit, when he was hearing that his house was al-

most completely devastated, when he questioned God. He said it was especially hard because he knew he left things he cherished in the house.

Students weren’t left alone in their time of emotional and spiritual need.

“We’ve contacted all of our students from those areas, and we’re assessing what their needs are,” said Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of Campus Life. “Some have lost their homes, so we’re in contact with their families; we’re aware of their situations, and we are going to respond appropriately.

We’ve responded with spiritual nurturing and care; we’ll respond financially; we will do whatever we need to do to help them.”

The students from New Orleans said they are very grateful for everything the university’s students, faculty and staff have done for them, comforting them at a time when they needed it most.

“Its been absolutely phenomenal,” Beadle said. “I’ve got several e-mails from people saying ‘I’m praying for you. I hope everything’s

going well. I’m worried about you.’ … It was really hard, but they made it so much better.

“I think that’s why I’m kind of looking at it now and am like, ‘I’m so happy I’m at this college’ because I don’t think that any other college I would have gone to would have been like this,” he said. “They would have cared, but they wouldn’t have given me the support that I’ve had here.”

Beadle and Williams said they agree that they have been watching too much coverage of the disaster.

“It’s addicting because every time I watch the news, I just stare at it because I want to see if there’s someone I know. Like today I saw these three little kids that go to my church,” Williamson said. “I don’t think it’s healthy to watch the news that much, so I have cut down. I only allow myself to watch two hours a day, but it’s hard to focus on anything else.”

E-mail Schmidt at: bms02e@acu.edu

Collection: Students donate money for Katrina victims Continued from page 1 surprised at the response from students and community members to help in the relief effort.

“Students are always gripped by the kind of tragedy they see and want to help,” Barnard said. “That’s true of a lot of this age group but it’s certainly true of ACU students, so I’m not at all surprised.”

Students can continue to donate money by leaving cash or checks made out to ACU in the SA office, or by going online to www.acu.edu/hurricanekatrina, where a special donation page has been set up.

Melanie Booker, senior political science major from Sugarland and vice president of the Students’ Association, said the amount given in Chapel on Tuesday was more than what they collected in Chapel for the Haiti disaster relief in October 2004 and that she thought the turnout was fantastic, adding she’s been impressed with the university’s response to the hurricane.

Booker said it is important for students to remember that the relief efforts will last months and even years, so they should continue to donate and help when they can.

“This is going to be a long-

term need, and we shouldn’t just give this week and then forget about it,” Booker said.

“We need people to continue to give and volunteer throughout the semester and actually throughout the year.”

Tentative plans are already being made for Weekend Campaign trips and a week-long campaign the week after finals in December to cities in Texas with large amounts of refugees as well as New Orleans and areas in Mississippi and Alabama affected by the hurricane.

“We just want to be ready,” Barnard said. “We don’t know when they’ll be ready for us in New Orleans or even some of

Speakers: Holt first to speak Continued from page 1

turned to sports broadcasting after a career as a placekicker for the New York Giants, and is best known for his commentating alongside former Oakland Raiders coach John Madden. He will speak at 11:45 a.m. on Nov. 8 at the Teague Special Events Center.

The criteria speakers needed to have included being attractive to the ACU community and willing to abide by university standards and values while on campus; being talented at speaking to a large crowd; being accomplished in a field of study or

endeavor; being nationally or being internationally known; and an individual of integrity, Peck said.

Other speakers throughout the school year are Dr. Kenneth Elzinga, professor of economics at the University of Virginia, on Sept. 26; Kathleen Norris, an awardwinning poet, writer and author of several New York Times bestsellers, on Feb. 27; Dr. Stephen Carter, the William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Law at Yale University, on March 30; Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning, America,” on April 8; Dr. Jean Bethke Elshtain, a

political philosopher and the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Professor of Social and Political Ethics at the University of Chicago, on April 20; and John Maxwell, founder of INJOY Stewardship Services and New York Times bestselling author, on April 25.

Peck said students should take the opportunity to see and hear nationally known personalities, and some will have the opportunity to meet the speakers. Tickets for Lester Holt are $20, $10 for students, and will be available soon.

E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu

Clubs: Men not affected by numbers Continued from page 1 little time for frustrated rushees to decide, Spell said.

GATA pledge mom April Ward, senior integrated marketing communication major from Big Spring, said additional plans to encourage smallclub growth haven’t been made official. However, she said she thinks Sigma Theta Chi and Ko Jo Kai are sending

out less invitations this year to each rush, with the hopes of giving more women time to look at other clubs after not receiving an invitation.

With about 312 women registered to participate in rushes, Spell said not every woman can receive the invitation or bid of her choice. However, with only about 150 men rushing, numbers will not be a limiting factor for men’s clubs.

“I think there’s a little bit more competition from a women’s side, just because of sheer numbers,” Spell said.

With the reality that every girl cannot receive a bid this year, Ward said, “We’re trying to give all the girls the best chance possible to get in a club.”

E-mail Taylor at: tat04a@acu.edu

the other Southern cities with churches, but we want to be ready, so those [trips] could happen. Everything is a contingency plan just to be ready right now. If students want to do something beyond praying and raising money, and perhaps a clothing drive, this is something we can have organized and ready and go when we are needed.”

However, Barnard said students should not attempt to go to the affected areas for relief efforts yet because the areas are still unsafe and are not ready to receive extra volunteers. Students who have already made the trip are con-

nected with the area and have places to stay, so they are not in people’s way, Barnard said.

When churches are ready for outside physical help, then students will be able to mobilize, he said.

For now, the priority is preparing the displaced families seeking refuge in Abilene, Barnard said. ARAMARK has agreed to feed people for up to three months and churches citywide are collecting money to donate. Both Sherrod and University Park apartments can potentially be used to house evacuees, along with other places in the city.

“I think it’s going to be re-

ally intensive the first year,” Barnard said. “I think that the danger that happens is that people become somewhat complacent—it’s old news— and I think we forget. So one of the things that we need to do is to keep people remembering and understand that it’s just not going to go away—it’s that big.

“We’ll watch the cleanup in New Orleans over the next several years, but in addition to that, we’ve got families that are displaced, and that’s not just going to go away in a matter of weeks.”

E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu

FocusWednesday Optimist

September 7, 2005

Page 8

Tokens of the Centennial Merchandise offers opportunity to own pieces of university history

A H

G

B

D

F

C E

By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor

If a category on ACU history ever appears on Jeopardy, Ron Hadfield and the team of workers in Creative Services could sweep it, daily doubles and all. As the production team worked on Dr. John’s perpetual calendar, which documents important events in ACU’s history, they joked about the idea of being on Jeopardy.

“None of us majored in history, but almost feel like we’ve now minored in it,” said Hadfield, director of Creative Services, in an e-mail.

The desktop perpetual calendar is one of the ideas generated by the Centennial’s Commissioned Items and Commemorative Works Task Force, of which Hadfield is chair.

This past year, the group brainstormed and decided upon items to be sold that will bear the Centennial logo, “Called to Faith and Excellence,” including drink coasters, a keychain, an ink pen, an etched presidential mug, a notepad, note cards and envelopes, an ornament and a travel drink tumbler.

Ken Stewart, graphic designer for Creative Services, said Creative Services worked with outside vendors to create the merchandise, some of which were designed and some which were already made and had the logo placed on them.

The biggest piece is the Centennial rocking chair, which is handcrafted with a lacquer finish and gold accents and logo. Stewart said the

Centennial Merchandise A. Notepad of 5.5” x 8.5” sheets featuring a photograph of ACU founder A.B. Barret. $3.49 B. The ACU Century includes 192 pages of pictures and interesting facts about the university’s 100 years of existence. $49.99 C. Thirteen-ounce purple glass mug with centennial logo etched on to one side. $12.99 D. Centennial rocking chair made in North Carolina and available in five different finishes. Dimensions are 40” x 24” x 18.5”. $250 E. Twist-action ball-point pen with rubberized grip and centennial logo. $4.99 F. Ceramic stone coasters with cork safety bottoms and custom wood holder. $14.99 G. Teardrop-shaped keychain with Centennial logo. $9.99 H. Dr. John’s Perpetual Calendar is a 366 page desktop calendar that includes important dates in ACU’s first 100 years. $15

idea behind the chair was to create a major item that people could keep in their homes. Prices for the items range from $3.49 to $25, while the rocking chair costs $250. Items can be purchased online at www.acu.edu or in The Campus Store.

Hadfield said sales of Centennial merchandise help finance the yearlong Centennial Celebration.

“We have tried to create useful, thoughtful products that remind everyone who we are, what we’re celebrating and why,” Hadfield said.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event and opportunity to be involved that we’ll never forget.”

Two merchandise pieces required research: The ACU Century, a 192page hardcover book detailing ACU’s

first century, and the perpetual calendar, worked on by Dr. John Stevens, chancellor emeritus, professor emeritus of history and former president of the university. Hadfield said his staff worked for months compiling images and information for The ACU Century and used much of the content gathered for the book for the calendar along with information from Steven’s book, No Ordinary University, library archives and the news archives in Creative Services’ offices.

“A calendar seemed like a good concept, but we fine-tuned the idea to what it is now a project to involve the university’s resident historian, Dr. Stevens, in a calendar that could be used over and over again, not

tossed at the end of the year,” Hadfield said. “We also wanted to find a way to honor his work researching and documenting ACU’s history.”

Collecting information for the calendar proved a more daunting task than had been anticipated, Hadfield said, considering the team was going through archives looking for significant events that occurred on each day of the year. Hadfield said Stevens worked for months compiling research for the calendar, along with his wife, Ruth, and his knowledge of the university’s history was invaluable to the projects. Research, photo archiving, graphic design and page layout all played a role in the projects with various Creative Services staff and student workers

pitching in, he said, not to mention at least a dozen proofreaders from across campus.

The ACU Century and Dr. John’s Perpetual Calendar complement each other well and are not repetitious, Hadfield said.

“They represent about as thorough a look back at the last 100 years as we could ever plan to do,” he said. “I think these two products will really put a ‘face’ on the Centennial and prove to be keepsakes looked at and use for years to come.”

Stewart said he enjoyed researching memorabilia for the projects and looking through photo archives, learning of the heritage of the university and choosing what should be represented in the book and calendar.

He said additional merchandise items are in the works, including a T-shirt, a button-down twill shirt with an embroidered logo and a coffee mug with a color logo, which should be available online in the next several weeks.

“I’m sure I’ll have some of it in my home some day,” Stewart said.

“This is a landmark event. I’ve only been here two years, and I feel really fortunate to have been here at this time in ACU’s history.

“Hopefully, some day, people 50, 75 years from now will look at these items and maybe put them in a book.”

E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu

Wednesday, September 7, 2005

SPORTS JUMPS

Page 9

Volleyball: Premier win Continued from page 10 kills, and defeated the Oilers in four games, 30-17, 30 -23, 26-30, 30-26, placing the Wildcats in the tournament championship game against the Central Missouri State Jennies.

“Our four seniors really stepped up and demonstrated that core leadership that we needed,” Horn said of her four seniors. “You

can’t teach that.”

The Cats eventually overpowered the seventh ranked team in the nation carried

by Bernhardt and Slate, who were later named to the AllTournament team, winning in five games 30-25, 31-33, 27-30, 30-24, 18-16, to take home the title. “ We’re definitely not 100 percent satisfied as far as our overall play goes, but we’re excited that we

won and hopefully we can build on this for the future,” Horn said.

The Wildcats will play two matches Saturday; the first against Wayland Baptist at 12:30 p.m., and then they will take on South Western Baptist at 5:30 p.m.

E-mail Harris: jhh03c@acu.edu

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Junior strong safety Danieal Manning changes directions to lose Bronchos defenders en route to a 78 yard touchdown on a kickoff return in the fourth quarter, bringing the Wildcats to within five points of the Bronchos.

Football: First game loss Continued from page 10

the drive. Malone and Spells hooked up for a school record tying 92-yard pass for a touchdown.

After a 22-yard field goal

by Mark Trevino put the Cats at 35-24, Malone hit Jerale Badon for a 12-yard touchdown pass. ACU went for the two-point conversion to get within field goal range of the Bronchos, but running back Rashon Myles’ attempt failed, and the score stayed at 35-30.

Then UCO’s 94-yard strike set off the chain of events that led to the Wildcats’ first loss of the season.

Malone finished the game with 294 yards and three touchdowns, despite his four interceptions. Malone’s hard fought loss on the field caught his coach’s attention.

“Malone played hard, competed, and wants to win,” coach Thomsen said.

Of Malone’s 294 yards, Spells accounted for 183 of those and two of the touch-

downs on just three catches.

Myles ran for 91 yards on 14 carries and no touchdowns.

Defensively, junior linebacker Marcus Brown led the effort for the Wildcats.

Brown had 13 total tackles with two coming for a loss.

The Wildcats’ next game will be Saturday against Northeastern State in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The next home game is 6 p.m.

Sept. 17, against Texas A&MCommerce.

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Senior middle blocker Amanda Slate and sophomore outside hitter Allie Watts block a kill from assistant coach Sarah Carthel during blocking drills at practice Tuesday in Moody Coliseum.

Tennis: Wal-Mart Open Continued from page 10

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Senior wide receiver Robb Spells hauls in the pass from quarterback Billy Malone and burns Bronchos cornerback Jenson Owens for a 92 yard touchdown, tying the longest ever for an ACU receiver, during the third quarter.

believes this tournament will give each of the Wildcats a chance to play in several matches.

And whether the players win or lose, they will get an idea of what areas need work.

This tournament is the

first of many tests that will take places this fall to help determine who will play which spots in the spring.

“Fall establishes where we are going to start in the spring,” Jones said, “This will help us to see where we are and what we need to work on.”

Jones said the Wildcats should fair well this weekend.

“I expect us to dominate this weekend, and us to be playing each other in the semi’s,” Jones said.

E-mail Hilton: bah02g@acu.edu

SportsWednesday Optimist

Page 10 Standings Football Team Angelo St. TAMU-K WTAMU Midwestern Tarleton St. ACU

Conf. Overall 0-0 2-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-1

September 7, 2005

Wildcat turnovers costly in debut n First-year head coach Chris Thomsen, a former player at ACU, lost his debut on the sidelines in a dramatic 49-37 loss to Central Oklahoma on Saturday night.

By JARED FIELDS

Volleyball

Sports Editor

Team Conf. Overall Tarleton St. 0-0 3-1 ACU

0-0 4-3 WTAMU 0-0 4-4 Angelo St. 0-0 2-6 TAMU-K 0-0 1-7 ENMU 0-0 0-2

Football season kicked off this weekend for first year head coach Chris Thomsen and the Wildcats, but after costly miscues and a botched punt return at game’s end, the Wildcats couldn’t pull out the win for Thomsen’s debut.

Junior Danieal Manning returned a kickoff and an interception for a touchdown, but the team’s mistakes led to Central Oklahoma’s 49-37 victory.

With just less then four minutes left in the game, ACU trailed 35-30 and punter Chase Fishback pinned UCO at the 12-yard line. A penalty put UCO back to the six yard line to begin their drive, and the Wildcats seemed poised to jump back into the game.

However, UCO’s first play was a 94-yard strike to a wide receiver down the sideline. The Bronchos’ touchdown silenced the crowd at Shotwell Stadium.

Manning took the UCO kick and returned it 78 yards to put the team back in the game and down by only five points. After letting the Bronchos get first down on their first play, ACU made a defensive stop and forced UCO to punt with 2:20 left on the game clock.

Manning settled under the punt near the UCO 10yard line and was hit as he caught the ball. The ball bounced into the endzone behind him where a number of UCO players fell on the pigskin for the game deciding touchdown.

“He has the green light,” coach Thomsen said. “He was just trying to make a play like he had been all day.”

The Wildcats had one more offensive series, but it was too little, too late for their 12-point deficit.

Scores Friday

volleyball ACU 3, Concordia-St. Paul 2 ACU 3, Regis 0

Saturday

volleyball ACU 3, Findlay 1 ACU 3, Cen. Missouri St. 2 football Central Oklahoma 49, ACU 37

Upcoming Schedule Friday

Tennis ACU Wal-Mart Open, 3:00 p.m.

Cross country ACU Classic, 6:00 p.m.

Saturday

football ACU at Northeastern St. 6:00 p.m. volleyball ACU vs. Wayland Baptist, 12:30 p.m.

ACU vs. Southwest Baptist, 5:30 p.m.

Tennis ACU Wal-Mart Open, Men: 10:00 a.m., Women: 11:00 a.m.

• Home games listed in italics

Statistics football

Receiving yards

Robb Spells Jerale Badon Andrew Hansen Jonathan Ferguson

183 50 29 20

Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer

Freshman quarterback Billy Malone flies through the air after being hit by Bronchos cornerback Bernard Moore at the end of a three-yard rush during ACU’s 49-37 season-opening loss to the University of Central Oklahoma at Shotwell Stadium on Saturday.

Football “Our guys played hard and fought the whole game,” Thomsen said. “We’ve got to get better at some areas real fast.”

The Wildcats’ got off to a slow start. UCO went up 140 in the first quarter off of a rushing touchdown, and an interception that led to another touchdown.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Billy Malone answered right away with a 75yard bomb to wide receiver Robb Spells on the first play of the drive to bring the Wildcats back within a touchdown.

On the next UCO possession, Danieal Manning intercepted a screen pass and ran it back 35-yards to tie the game and give the team some momentum.

In the second quarter, the Wildcats were driving into the red zone, but a pass intended for sophomore wide receiver Jerale Badon was picked off by UCO and led to a Bronchos touchdown.

Central Oklahoma scored once more before the half to take a 28-14 lead into halftime.

The Wildcats received the opening kickoff for the second half, but on the third play of the drive, Malone was intercepted for the fourth and final time in the game and the pass was ran back for a UCO touchdown that put the Wildcats down 35-14.

Just as the Wildcats’ had done all game, they answered on the first play of

See

Football page 9

Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer

Sophomore wide receiver Jerale Badon protects the ball as he tries to escape from defenders with the aid of senior tight end Nick Anthony after receiving a pass from quarterback Malone during ACU’s season opener Saturday.

Defense- Total tackles Marcus Brown Cody Stutts Clayton Farrell Jaime Bueno Alonzo Wines

13 11 7 5 5

Tennis begins season

volleyball Kills-Premier Challenge Michelle Bernhardt Amanda Slate Abbie Lowry Ashlee Motola Lauren Leone

84 69 63 50 10

at home

Briefs Three Wildcats given LSC weekly honors.

Seniors Michelle Bernhardt, Amanda Slate, and Lindsey Martin received LSC south division honors this week for their efforts in the Premier Challenge. Bernhardt earned LSC South Offensive Player of the Week, Slate received LSC South Defensive Player of the Week and Lindsey Martin was named the LSC South Setter of the week. Bernhardt made 84 kills in the four game tournament. Slate made 16 total blocks along with eight service aces in the weekend. Martin, who attained ACU’s career assist record last weekend, made 225 assists in her team’s championship run.

Manning earns another LSC honor Junior safety and return specialist Danieal Manning earned LSC South Special Teams Player of the Week after returning a kickoff for a 78-yard touchdown in the Wildcats’ 4937 loss Saturday. Manning had a long punt return of 59 yards, and returned an interception 35 yards for his second touchdown of the game.

n Men’s and women’s tennis opens the fall season at home in the Wal-Mart Open on Friday and Saturday with eight teams and a field of 64 singles players.

By BRADY HILTON Sports Writer

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Sophomore libero Liz Snoddy lunges for the ball during practice Tuesday as the Wildcats returned to Abilene after winning the Premier Challenge in Denver.

Volleyball wins in Colorado n The volleyball team beat two nationally ranked top-10 teams for the first time in coach Horn’s seven years as ACU won the Premier Challenge tournament.

By HUTTON HARRIS Sports Writer

After finishing with 288 record and winning their first LSC Division title in the program’s history, the volleyball team had high hopes for the start of this season.

Unfortunately, the team fell to 0-3 after losing matches to a trio of nationally ranked opponents in the Tampa Classic on Aug. 26-27.

Volleyball The Wildcats, however, bounced in a big way this weekend by winning the 2005 P r e m i e r Challenge at Regis University in Denver, Colo.

Slate “We didn’t play with our usual intensity or mental toughness in Tampa” seventh year head coach Brek Horn said, “We wanted to up that intensity this week during prac-

tice to prepare ourselves for next matches.”

The Wildcats won the first two matches on Friday over No. 6 Concordia-St. Paul in five games, 2330, 29-31, 30-23, 3024, 15-13, and later, tournament Bernhardt hosts Regis University in three games, 30-21, 3017, 30-25.

Senior, Michelle Bernhardt, who had 39 kills in the pair of victories led the

Wildcats, hit .267 in their first contest and an impressive .359 in their second match. Sophomore outside hitter Abbey Lowry and Senior middle blocker Amanda Slate rounded out the wins with 34 and 27 kills respectively.

“They performed solid all the way around,” Horn said.

The team came back against unranked Findlay on Saturday, led once again by seniors Bernhardt and Slate who combined for 35 See

Volleyball page 9

This weekend the tennis team will begin the fall season by hosting eight men’s teams and eight women’s teams to make up 64 singles for the Wall-Mart Open. Last year the Wildcats tennis teams ranked high in the division.

Last spring the men finished 21-10 and played in the Lone Star Conference championship, where they finished as the NCAA Division II Central Region runner-up; the women won the NCAA Division II Central Region title and advanced to the national tournament, where they finished eighth in the nation.

This weekend’s match will be a good test to see where the Wildcats are in respect to where they need to be. Head coach Hutton Jones said he See

Tennis page 9