2005 12 02

Vol. 94, No. 28 1 section, 8 pages

FRIDAY

December 2, 2005

www.acuoptimist.com

Sporting a new team

Finding refuge

Prideful adaptation

The university will begin a women’s soccer program in 2007, page 8

Two students from Louisiana universities reflect on their semester at ACU, page 3

The retelling of Pride and Prejudice brings new life to the story, page 5

Delta Theta waiting for reactivation

‘Running to win’

n The women’s social club has recruited two new advisers, elected new offices and has completed its self-study trying to become an active club again.

By MALLORY SHERWOOD Managing Editor

University officials have yet to decide the immediate future of women’s social club Delta Theta.

The club was deactivated in October after the club’s advisers resigned, prompting the administration to require memBarnard bers to conduct a self-study of the club to evaluate its mission and purpose before reactivating the group.

Lindsey Jessup, DT president and senior human communication studies major from Bakersfield, Calif., said the club turned in its selfstudy before Thanksgiving and is awaiting a response by Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of

Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer

Dr. Mel Hailey, chair of the Political Science Department, announces his intention Thursday to run for the Texas House of Representatives next year.

Hailey first Democrat to enter contest for open House seat

By JACI SCHNEIDER Copy Editor

Dr. Mel Hailey, chair of the Political Science Department, will run with the chance to keep a 29-year ACU political tradition alive.

Hailey, a Democrat, will campaign to fill the vacancy of Texas District 71 representative, which will be left by Republican Rep. Bob Hunter.

“I’m running to fill some awfully big shoes,” Hailey said in his announcement speech Thursday in downtown Abilene.

Hunter served as state representative for nearly 20 years and is vice president emeritus of the university.

Hailey’s campaign is a departmental affair, with Dr. David Dillman, professor of political science, serving as

his campaign manager. Dr. Neal Coates, professor of political science, is acting as Hailey’s assistant treasurer.

Dr. Thomas Kim, president of McMurry University, is his treasurer.

Dr. Gary Thompson, who served as representative for

fully prepared in every way, in terms of knowledge of government, temperament, character and integrity, to assume the responsibilities of representing the greatest people in Texas,” Thompson said.

In Hailey’s speech, he ad-

“He’s a traditional West Texas Democrat. He brings to the table a lot of leadership ability.”

Dr. David Dillman, professor of political science and campaign manager for Hailey

four terms before Hunter and is a former Political Science chair, introduced Hailey. Thompson, a Republican, said he would not cross partisan lines to support many people, but Hailey is one of those people.

“Mel Hailey, I believe, is

dressed the issues on which he will base his campaign.

“I am running because our children deserve better,” Hailey said. “The last legislative session was dominated by one thing — education … and nothing was done.”

Hailey also touched on

the state budget; he said he does not want to be part of a budget process that begins by cutting human services.

He also said the government can be used for good.

“Government is not the answer to every problem,” Hailey said. “But it can be a partner in solving problems and enhancing our common life together without becoming our nanny.”

Hailey emphasized he is “running to win,” even though he is a Democrat running in a typically conservative district.

“We’re a conservative area out here, and Bob Hunter has served us well,” Hailey said. “This is a district where people vote conservative, but a district See

HOUSE page 7

campus life, and Mike Spell, director of social clubs.

“We’ve had to look back at our club’s history to find out what they did when it started, what went wrong in the past, and how they fixed it,” Jessup said. “We have so many cool traditions even from the first year the club started that we are anxious to begin again.”

Jessup said all members participated in interviewing DT alumni, researching the history of the club, which began in 1925, and completing a confidential survey on how they viewed their club and what changes should be made.

Barnard said in an e-mail the club is heading in the right direction.

“Overall, they need to reevaluate their mission and purpose and their goals in light of their mission and purpose,” Barnard said. “As is true for all organizations, such self-assessment is necessary and important so that the ideals and dreams of the organization will continue to be affirmed.”

See

DT page 7

Congress debates student fee hike n Treasurer Tyler Cosgrove said inflation and an increase in student groups asking for money led to the need to raise SA’s portion of the student activity fee by $10.

By TIFFANY TAYLOR Features Editor

Congress will vote next semester on whether to support an increase in the portion of student fees that fund the Students’ Association.

Students enrolled in at least nine hours are required to pay $45 per semester in student fees, and $25 of that amount is distributed to SA. SA treasurer Tyler Cosgrove asked Congress during its Wednesday meeting to support a $10 increase in SA’s segment of the student activity fee, the first increase since 2000.

Inflation has contributed to the need for SA to increase student fees, Cosgrove said; his research has shown $25 worth of goods five years ago

now costs $30.

Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of Campus Life, agreed with Cosgrove when speaking to Congress on Wednesday, saying that a raise in the student activity fee to SA is needed.

“If we don’t have an incremental increase to go with things like inflation, then we wait until six years,” Barnard said. “Then we get a raise that seems like a lot of money because it’s all coming at one time.”

An increase in fees would also compensate for the scholarship money each of the executive and administrative officers receives for their work in SA. The scholarship is based on tuition, which has increased by about 7 percent each year.

Finally, Cosgrove said he supports raising student fees because student groups are asking for more financial support each year. While orSee

SA page 7

MSNBC anchor discusses faith, media n After canceling his trip to Abilene in September to cover Hurricane Rita, Lester Holt spoke Thursday as the third guest in the Centennial Speaker Series.

By MALLORY SHERWOOD Managing Editor

Lester Holt, MSNBC anchor, has traveled to Somalia, Iraq, New Orleans and Galveston.

He recently has interviewed such celebrities as Jennifer Anniston and Peter, Paul and Mary. But Thursday he arrived

in Abilene to speak to more than 450 people about his faith in the media industry.

Holt, the third guest in the Centennial Speaker Series, had to postpone his original speaking engagement scheduled for Sept. 22 after he was delayed in Galveston while covering Hurricane Rita.

Despite the two-month delay, Jennifer Ellison, Centennial activities coordinator, said tickets were sold out, and more attended Thursday than were expected in Sep-

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

tember for the reception that began at 6 p.m. and dinner that followed in the Teague Special Events Center.

He spoke about difficult questions people don’t want to ask, why his Christian viewpoint of the world is important, and how religion affects every part of society.

“We have always been surrounded by people of faith and religion in our society,” Holt said. “Journalists can’t ignore it anymore. You look at everything from abortion,

social issues, gay marriage, the debate in the Catholic Church and gay rights. Everywhere you look, religion plays in the fabric of our lives.”

Holt, a member of Manhattan Church of Christ and reporter for 26 years, said he, like most people, has difficulty juggling faith, family and his job. He said his life is often dictated by the next story that arises.

Holt said religion is often a See

HOLT page 7

Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer

Lester Holt, MSNBC anchor, answers audience questions as part of the Centennial Speaker Series on Thursday in the Teague Special Events Center.

Abilene Christian University

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:

Friday, December 2, 2005

02

Calendar & Events Friday

One day sale of Casting Crowns concert tickets, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Bean Sprout, Room 20.

Survival Kit sale, Campus Center ticket windows.

03

Saturday

Pops Concert with Philharmonic, 8 p.m., Civic Center.

04

Sunday

Collegiate Orchestra Concert, 8 p.m., Behrens Chapel Auditorium at Hardin-Simmons University Campus.

05

Volunteer Opportunities

Monday

Dead Day. Midnight Breakfast, 10:30 p.m.midnight, Bean.

Survival Kit hand out, Campus Center ticket windows.

Student Athletic Adviser Committee information booth, Campus Center tables.

06

Tuesday

Finals Week.

Survival Kit sale, Campus Center ticket windows.

Student Athletic Adviser Committee information booth, Campus Center tables.

On Tuesday, volunteers will host about 5,000 Abilene guests at H-E-B’s Feast of Sharing at the Civic Center from 3 p.m.-7 p.m., which includes live entertainment, children’s activities and social

services info. For more information call Ext. 0211.

On December 25, Salvation Army will provide lunch at noon at 1726 Butternut St. Call 677-1408 for more information.

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.

Credited Chapels remaining:

70 00

Friday, December 2, 2005

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 3

Victims of Katrina attend ACU this fall n Two students displaced by Hurricane Katrina from New Orleans University and Tulane University arrived in September to finish the fall semester.

By KAYLA ANDERSON Student Reporter

Freshman Jackie Johnson only had five shirts, two pairs of shorts and two pairs of shoes when she moved into Gardner Hall two weeks later than most freshmen.

Johnson, exercise science major from Fort Worth, is one of two students who transferred to ACU from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast.

Johnson wanted to attend ACU from the beginning. She applied and was accepted; however, the University of New Orleans offered her a full athletic scholarship, so she decided to go there instead. She had only been at UNO two weeks when

Hurricane Katrina struck.

While she was leaving New Orleans, Johnson remembered ACU when she saw her old acceptance letter.

“I had kept my ACU acceptance letter,” Johnson said. “I don’t know why. I just couldn’t throw it away. When I evacuated, I still had it.”

Johnson said she was unsure where she should go to school and said God kept telling her, “Go where you are the safest.”

She said she thought that God was telling her to go to ACU. Johnson called her admissions counselor, who reopened her file, and within a few days, Johnson was in Abilene.

Because Johnson had to leave most of her belongings in New Orleans, Anna Berry, Johnson’s admissions counselor, and other ACU employees helped arrange clothing and food for Johnson.

“On the ACU campus and in the city of Abilene, everyone

was so willing to help anyone affected by the hurricane,” Berry said.

Cody Hill, senior biology major from Slidell, La., also transferred to ACU after Hurricane Katrina. He was a student at Tulane University.

“Both of my parents went to ACU; my aunt and uncle went here; my cousin goes here.

“I figured it was a chance for me to go and see what they were so into,” Hill said.

Hill’s hometown of Slidell, which is about 30 miles northeast of New Orleans, sustained heavy damage from the hurricane and subsequent storm surge.

Although his parents have returned to their home in Slidell, Hill has not been back since the hurricane.

“It’s weird knowing that things are really bad at home and not being able to be there,” he said.

Hill plans to return to Tulane

when it reopens Jan. 17. He will graduate either in May or December 2006, and he said he hopes to attend medical school at Tulane.

He said although he is disappointed at missing out on part of his senior year, he has enjoyed the more laid-back atmosphere of Abilene because it has given him a chance to work on his medical school applications.

Hill said he thinks the professors at ACU care more about students than professors at other schools.

“I think the teachers are better here,” Hill said. “I’m used to people who are all into their research and don’t really care about their students. It’s kind of like you’re a headache to them; you’re an hour out of their day that they have to go teach a class.”

Photo illustration by GARY RHODES/Contributing Photographer

E-mail Anderson at: optimist@acu.edu

Jackie Johnson, freshman exercise science major from Fort Worth, transferred to ACU after Hurricane Katrina closed the University of New Orleans.

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 4

Friday, December 2, 2005

Parade tradition continues n Nearly 100 floats including singing groups, marching bands, churches, Boy and Girl Scouts and other organizations participated in Tuesday’s annual event.

By LAUREN HART Student Reporter

Santa Claus waved and smiled to Abilene children and adults, as he went by on his festive white carriage Tuesday night, where millions of outdoor Christmas lights blanketed downtown Abilene.

The Abilene community gathered downtown Tuesday to begin holiday traditions like the 15th annual Abilene Christmas Lights Parade and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Civic Center.

The celebration ended with something new — a laser lights show.

At 6:30 p.m., the Christ­mas Lights Parade, sponsored by television station KTXS, began at the Grace Museum and ended about 45 minutes later at the Civic Center on Pine Street.

In this year’s parade, David Caldwell, KTXS parade coordinator, said Santa Claus was the grand marshal. In the past, old St. Nick has been seen traveling on other vehicles other than a carriage.

“The last few years, Santa rode on a fire truck,” Caldwell said. “He was having trouble getting in and out. He’s just so big. So this year, we put him on a carriage.”

“The parade helps us to get into the spirit of Christmas,” Caldwell said.

The parade had nearly 100 float entries, including singing groups, marching bands, dance groups, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, horses, the ballet theatre Nutcracker performers, cheerleaders and many other organizations.

“Some of our churches have the best entries, I think,” Caldwell said.

Floats varied in size and décor, but one thing was consistent: the lights, which were the signature tradition and requirement for participants.

Kevin Christian, a Republican running for District 71 Representative and parade participant, said his float was a “West Texas hayride for supporters and their children.”

“I’ve seen the parade for years, and I am excited to be a part of this tradition with my

Jackie Rutledge, the current KTXS manager, for all of her leadership in starting this tradition.

“If any one person is the originator of the parade, it would have to be her,” Caldwell said.

The parade was live on KTXS for the first 30 minutes to viewers from home.

After the parade concluded, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place at the Civic Center at 7:30 p.m.

Abilene Mayor Norm Archibald had the honor of lighting the giant, decorated Christmas tree. Refreshments and entertainment followed.

Abilene High School Pure Gold singers, Cooper and Abilene high schools joint orchestra, and Beemers Gymnastics performed for the community.

“This is a fun ceremony to invite “The parade helps us get into the comthe spirit of Christmas.” munity to kick off the David Caldwell, KTXS parade coordinator holidays,” said Pam Percival, infriends and their children,” formation coordinator for the Christian said. city of Abilene.

“This is a wonderful comOfficials estimate between munity event and a great 5,000 and 10,000 Abilene resopportunity for kids to ex- idents come out to join these perience the joy of giving,” festivities. Last year 8,000 Christian said. people attended.

Christian and his float par“It’s a great benefit to our ticipants sang Christmas car- city,” Percival said. ols while sitting on hay and Shops and businesses handing out candy canes to downtown stayed open until the community.

9 p.m. for extended hours of Caldwell has helped with holiday shopping. the parade organization since The night’s celebration its beginning. He said in the concluded with a laser first year, only 11 floats par- lights show at 8:15 p.m. in ticipated and now they have the north parking lot of the grown 10 times that initial Civic Center. amount.

Caldwell acknowledged E-mail Hart at: optimist@acu.edu

December 2, 2005 Box Office Figures for the weekend of November 25-27, in millions. Total grosses in parenthesis.

1. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire — $54.7 ($201) 2. Walk the Line — $19.2 ($54) 3. Yours, Mine, & Ours — $17.5 ($24.3) 4. Chicken Little — $12.6 ($118.4) 5. Rent — $10 ($17.1) 6. Just Friends — $9.2 ($13.2) 7. Pride and Prejudice — $7.2 ($16) 8. Derailed — $4.6 ($29.3) 9. In the Mix — $4.4 ($6.1) 10. Ice Harvest— $3.7 ($5)

Today’s Movies Aeon Flux (PG13) — starring Charlize Theron, Marton Csokas, Johnny Lee Miller; directed by Karyn Kusama.

Set 400 years in the future, Aeon (Theron) is a top underground operative at war with the totalitarian regime governing society, which appears perfect but may be the result of a perfect lie.

Next Week’s Movies The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (PG) — starring Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent; directed

by Andrew Adamson Film adaptation of the first installment of C.S. Lewis’ beloved series.

Page 5

No ‘Prejudice’ against great adaptation

By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor

An enduring love story, Pride and Prejudice has been retold on screen almost a dozen times, whether in a literal adaptation like the BBC’s excellent 1995 TV version or with a modern take on the classic, as in Bridget Jones’s Diary, both of which star Colin Firth as the proud Mr. Darcy.

Finally, after almost 200 years since Austen penned the classic, comes a fresh and vibrant film adaptation from Focus Features and director Joe Wright. The corset strings have been loosened, the women’s hair not pulled as tight and more scenes are set in the lush and brooding English countryside, all combined to bring a touch of authenticity to the film and breathe a little more humanity into the characters.

Devout Austenites needn’t worry; the story is still here, and everything is true to the time period, down to the silk damask curtains and societal worries. But, scenes are livelier and more believable, making the world of Jane Austen one anyone would want to visit.

Instead of sedate local dances, we’re treated to rousing dance halls filled with flushed women and men.

Keira Knightley stars as Elizabeth, the second eldest of five Bennett daughters all looking for love in early 19th century England. Knightley’s far too beautiful to be Elizabeth but still brings vivaciousness to the role, a quality usually missing in most period pieces.

The Bennett sisters have a loud and clueless mother (Brenda Blethyn), whose one concern is landing a husband for each of her daughters. Their father (Donald Sutherlin) brings more sanity to the household, along with Elizabeth, but still creates

Overview Pride & Prejudice PPPP Rated: PG (for some mild thematic elements) Starring: Keira Knightley, Matthew MacFadyen, Donald Sutherlin, Brenda Blethyn Directed by: Joe Wright Release Date: Nov. 23 (wide)

his own societal faux pas.

When we first meet the family at their modest house, Longbourn, they have learned that a young and wealthy new tenant is coming to a nearby house (read: mansion), Netherfield. All are giddy at the prospect of an eligible bachelor moving in next door and they meet the new tenant, Mr. Bingley, along with his sister and his friend Mr. Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen), at a local dance.

Bingley is warm, friendly and obliging. Darcy is removed, proud and refuses to dance with any of the young ladies at the dance — all country folk and beneath his own personal wealth. He slights Elizabeth and won’t dance with her, but Bingley takes a shine to her older sister, Jane (Rosamund Pike).

Elizabeth is at first thrown off by Darcy’s ill manners but stands up to him nonetheless, leaving a lasting impression on the misunderstood friend. MacFadyen brings a touch of normality to Darcy, going beyond demonstrating his pride and adding a touch of shyness and insecurity. Yes, he’s concerned about Elizabeth’s lack of fam-

Photo courtesy of www.rottentomatoes.com

Elizabeth Bennett (Keira Knightley, left) embraces Mr. Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen, right) in Focus Feature’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, now in theatres. ily connections and money, but he’s also just nervous when he’s around her.

A relationship of mixed signals, Darcy and Elizabeth spend most of the movie trying to interpret, albeit incorrectly, the other’s feelings, but their misunderstandings are soon resolved.

Pride & Prejudice’s beautiful score and cinematography demonstrate the art of high-brow filmmaking that can appeal to all types audiences. Knightley also shines and proves her chops as a strong leading lady.

Pride & Prejudice is one of the most romantic and enjoyable films of the year, the kind that leaves you smiling as you walk out of the theatre while wondering how soon you can return to see it again.

E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu

Page 6

December 2, 2005

Ignoring safety could ruin Christmas

The issue:

Christmas break will take students all over the world. The increased travel time means an increased risk of having an accident of some kind.

Our view:

In the excitement about the holidays, many will ignore or forget the issue of safety. They might forget that a split second of carelessness could result in serious injury or even death.

The solution:

Exercise extreme caution in every aspect of your travels and other Christmas activities.

Realize that life is precious and worth protecting.

During the coming week, students will travel home for Christmas break, leaving the whirlwind of finals behind them, whether their home is 100 or 1,000 miles away.

However, because of the worsening weather conditions throughout the country, students should take additional precautions while driving home to avoid car accidents, which took the lives of 3,620 drivers ages 15-20 in 2004.

Young drivers made up 13.5 percent of all 26,756 crashes where the driver was killed in 2004, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A maalcohol-related Students should make sure their bodies and jor factor crashes. cars are in good shape for a road trip. in these car In addiwrecks is tion to being speeding, against the and 30 percent of all fatal fore and take a break at a rest university’s Student Guide, crashes in 2004 were speed- stop along the way if feeling alcohol consumption can be ing-related crashes. Although even slightly drowsy. Turning dangerous and unhealthy. Stua student can’t control what the music up or drinking caf- dents should avoid drinking other drivers do on the road, feine does not alleviate sleepi- during the holidays, especially they can control their own ac- ness — only sleep can do that. when they will be driving. tions and help prevent wrecks Alcohol greatly increases In addition to students’ by not speeding. the likelihood of a car accident physical health, their cars’ Before leaving for the break, and not only claims the lives health should also be considstudents should make sure of those driving under the in- ered. Check the car’s fluids, their bodies, as well as their fluence but of the innocent belts and tires before hitting cars, are in good shape for a victims as well. Last year, 21 the road to help ensure safety road trip. percent of children under the on the highway. These simple To prepare for the journey, age of 14 who were killed in steps that take just a few minget enough rest the night be- car crashes were involved in utes can help prevent an acci-

Cole Williams

Let Loose

Traditions stick to those who let them

Understanding Christmas as child Sitting in the backseat of the car on Christmas morning outside the Lubbock Municipal Airport while my mom, sister and I dropped my dad off is one of my most vivid memories of childhood Christmases.

Most peoGuest ple might Column find their Jennifer dad leaving on ChristBass mas morning sad or lonely, but I definitely never was.

We just adjusted a bit.

Presents came at different times, and we didn’t really eat a Christmas dinner.

At age nine I fully grasped the meaning of Christmas.

My dad was an athletic trainer for Texas Tech University, and the basketball team left every Christmas morning for a tournament up north.

So we revised our Christmas schedule.

Instead of opening presents Christmas Day, we opened them Christmas Eve and saved the glory of Santa’s visit for the morning.

That year a ridiculously

travel toothpaste to shove in his carry-on. It looked exactly like the one I had left for Santa, but I didn’t think anything of it at the time.

We dropped him off at the airport, and I remember seeing him sad.

I didn’t understand.

Christmas was all I could have asked for. Santa had visited, and we were about to head to my grandmother’s and grandaddy’s house for further spoiling and lunch.

But, something went off in my heart that I remember every Christmas holiday. The look in my dad’s eyes — a longing for the comfort and warmth of our family, not the unfamiliar seat on a 747 — hit me like the ton of bricks my granddaddy teased me about.

And it does every Christmas, but I still never feel cheated of happy childhood Christmases.

Who knew a third grader could understand the love and warmth of Christmas?

My dad’s Christmas sadness just confirmed his love for us. What greater gift can a little girl’s real Santa Claus give his daughter?

Christmas Eve, time to open the box, finally came and unveiled the roller skates. I could hardly contain myself. heavy box appeared under the tree for me. It showed up weeks before Christmas arrived, and I was absolutely dying to open it.

My granddaddy told me it contained bricks to put on my head to keep me from getting any taller.

Christmas Eve, the time to open the box, finally came and unveiled roller skates.

White roller skates with pink and purple stripes at the ankles and pink wheels. I hardly could contain myself.

You see, the Winter Olympics were that year, and I wanted more than anything to pull a triple axle the way Kristi Yamaguchi did. Before the roller skates came on to the scene, I would wear my white robe adorned with dancing bears and my gray kitty slippers and slip around the entry hall — spinning and smiling and waving to my imaginary crowd.

In my best Kristi Yamaguchi style, I skated around the kitchen and entry hall, even through the living room on the car-

pet, anything to use those skates on Christmas Eve. This year I also began to doubt the existence of Santa Claus. I was convinced that he existed, and over my tuna fish sandwich and KoolAid in the school cafeteria before Christmas break, I argued for his existence.

I promised myself to prove it. I informed my parents of this mission and in addition to milk and cookies, I set out carrots for the reindeer, a small cup of mouthwash and a toothbrush with travel toothpaste. If Santa existed he would surely be concerned about his dental hygiene.

The next morning, the toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash were gone, and in their place on the hearth stood presents. He lives.

The time for my dad to leave Christmas morning came, and as my sister and I scrambled to the car in our slippers, jammies and robes with new Skipper dolls and stuffed toys in tow, I noticed he grabbed a tube of

“I’m in the mood for some good home-cooking and family entertainment.”

In Your Words What do you want for Christmas this year?

Brittany Barnes

senior biology major from Altona, Ill.

E-mail Bass at: jlb00n@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu

My senior year of high dents. Last year was our first school, I tried recount- year in a house large enough ing the traditions my fam- to bear all the decorations ily followed, especially our without looking too cluttered, C h r i s t m a s and even then, every corner traditions. I bore reminders of Christmas. quickly reOn Christmas Eve, even afmembered ter my siblings and I learned the tradi- the truth about Santa, we left tions that milk and Christmas cookies made it my for the mythical man. Some f a v o r i t e years, the smell of sugar holiday. and flour lingered through My fam- Christmas morning. Santa Guest ily lives in still leaves gifts for us. My Column North Dal- sister and I always find a Christy las, near doll — Cabbage Patch dolls p l a c e s when we were younger and Gower where many collectable dolls as we grew neighborhoods pay others to older — waiting for a name deck their lawns with thou- and a hug. My brother insands of sparkling white and evitably receives a toy, like a multi-colored lights. model airplane or boat.

A couple days before At 21, I already have Christmas, my family would formed traditions of my own. drive around these neigh- For instance, Christmas truly borhoods. We would brave arrives only after I have seen the cold and roll down the Dr. Seuss’ cartoon version windows for of How the a better look Grinch Stole Music reminds me C h r i s t m a s . at the shapes and figures of all the traditions I My brother fidancing from have come to love. nally gave me the lights. my own copy Normally one year so I that night, we wouldn’t have chose a Christmas tree from to rely on the local Blockbustthe lots. The smell of Christ- er. Coworkers and friends mas always lifted my mood. inevitably give me looks days Of course, we had to select later when I unconsciously the largest, fullest, greenest hum “Welcome Christmas.” tree in the city. Sometimes we Other music I need infound the perfect tree at the cludes everything from the first location, but sometimes classic “White Christmas” we made several stops. and “Carol of the Bells” to the After finding the perfect children’s “Frosty the Snowtree, we pulled out the dusty man” and “Holly Jolly Christboxes from the attic and un- mas.” I panicked two years packed the ornaments and ago when I discovered my house decorations. We or- oldies station turned country. ganized the ornaments on Don’t get me wrong; I normalthe table according to type: ly listen to country music. But homemade and fragile orna- I can’t stand hearing Christments in the center so the mas music without the timecats couldn’t knock them off, less sounds of Nat King Cole, and older, cheaper ornaments Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Eva Cassidy — unless, of around the sides.

We decorated the tree course, it’s the Chipmunks. with multi-colored lights and Music makes Christmas ornaments, and last my dad real to me, reminding me of placed the crowning achieve- God’s first Christmas gift, rement — my mom’s porcelain minding me of the spirit of angel — on the tree top. the holiday. It reminds me of Our attention then turned all the traditions I have come to the house. My mom has to love. received countless angel and snowman decorations from E-mail Gower at: her elementary school stucng02a@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu

“I want the whole world to say ‘asparagus’ at the same time. Oh, it would be wonderful.”

“I want clothes and shoes and jewelry for Christmas.”

Josh Campbell

Amy Kay Edwards

junior business major from Van

sophomore biochemistry major from Stephenville

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

dent and save lives.

During the past several years, the ACU community has lost several students and friends to car accidents. Last fall, two students were killed in car accidents and at least four were involved in non-fatal crashes. In 2002, five students from Nigeria died in a car accident along 1-20 coming back to school from the Easter holiday.

The Optimist had the unfortunate duty to report these accidents, but if students continue to drive safely and take precautions for their safety, the university can avoid such tragedies and have a safe holiday season.

“I want an honorary Spanish degree from ACU.”

Daniel Kramer

senior Spanish major from San Diego

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CAMPUS NEWS

Friday, December 2, 2005

Page 7

SA: Fee increase could net $80,000 for Congress Continued from page 1 ganizations have asked for more than $100,000 during the past three semesters, information Cosgrove distributed to Congress showed SA funding to student groups ranged from only $35,000 to $47,000 per semester during the 2005 and 2006 fiscal years.

However, Cosgrove said the increase of about $80,000 a year in funding will not mean SA will fully fund any student organization.

Barnard expressed the same view when he spoke to Congress about the process and reasoning behind raising student fees.

“I don’t think that any student group should think they

are going to get 100 percent of funding from SA — I don’t think that’s right,” Barnard said, unless a new group needs the money to begin.

Groups that are not willing to spend time to fundraise or find another way to support their organization should not lean on SA as a crutch, Barnard said.

Although raising the amount

Continued from page 1

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E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu

fluence of student fees in the future. Congress should not vote to support an increase for only next semester, Cosgrove said; the student body should increase fees less dramatically every couple of years.

In years to come, Cosgrove said SA could stop increasing the student fees. Money from the endowment SA is begin-

ning this year will eventually be enough to fill the need, Cosgrove said.

SA also went into closed session for the first time in three years. SA can close sessions to members not on Congress when discussing subjects of sensitive nature.

E-mail Taylor at: tat04a@acu.edu

House: Hailey to campaign

DT: Club awaits decision He said without this analysis, leaders and members often forget about the people and traditions that were key in beginning the club.

Jessup said once the club found out about its deactivation, all officer position dissolved, and the club changed.

“We want to stop the ACU rumor mill from being negative to being positive,” Jessup said. “We’re known as a party group but in a negative connotation. We’re a unique group of girls who like to have fun in a positive way.

“We have 13 new officers with positive attitudes, helpful things to say, who are dedicated to keeping traditions that will continue to make DT something everyone can be proud of,” Jessup said.

The club has two new advisers, both DT alumni, who have fresh, new ideas. Jill Langford, class of 1977, and Katie Alford, class of 1996, have stepped forward to advise the social club as it takes a new step.

For now, club members await approval of administration, so they can plan for Sing Song, spring rushes and pledging next fall.

Barnard said he is in the middle of reviewing their study with respect to the needs of the club as an approved and recognized ACU organization.

“As with any club who has or will struggle with issues of purpose and mission as reflected in current practices,” Barnard said. “I believe Delta Theta has great potential as a club at ACU. “I encourage them to continue to seek the advice and counsel of alumni members, to seek a partnership with advisers, whose goal is to encourage the club toward the original purpose of Delta Theta, and to work closely within the ACU community to uphold the standards of a Christian women’s social club.”

of money students pay to attend the university might not seem in the students’ best interest, Barnard said the increase will improve the school as a whole.

Barnard said SA contributed to the university’s improvement by supporting student organizations, which foster student involvement.

Cosgrove spoke of the in-

Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer

Dr. Mel Hailey, chair of the Political Science Department, thanks his wife, Jan, for her support as he begins his campaign.

where people are individual thinkers.”

Dillman said Hailey’s values are traditional.

“He’s a traditional West Texas Democrat,” Dillman said. “He brings to the table a lot of leadership ability.”

Hailey is the only Democrat who has announced plans

to run for the position. ACU alumnus Kevin Christian, class of 2000, announced last month he is running as a Republican for the same race.

Dillman said having two university-related candidates shows the interest that former students and faculty have in the political process.

“It indicated the diversity among ACU folks,” Dillman

said. “What will emerge is a healthy debate on the issues from people who have the same religious backgrounds.”

If Hailey is elected, he will serve 140 days every other year in Austin. He said he has already spoken with university administrators to approve his absence if needed.

E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu

Holt: Journalist addresses religion in media Continued from page 1 difficult topic to cover, but he said someone has to open the dialogue.

“Religion has always been a difficult thing for journalists to cover because we are afraid to offend anyone,” Holt said. “We are finally feeling free to embrace these stories.

Our job is to break down barriers and help people under-

stand what people believe, why they believe, and why they act the way they do.”

Although Holt is known for his Christian beliefs in the media industry, a predominately secular field, he doesn’t view it as a challenge.

“I don’t look at it as a challenge,” he said. “I believe a reporter should be compassionate, should have respect for those he covers, and this

is compatible with this field.

These are all values that I’ve always embraced very easily.”

He also said his job has reminded him of important ideals in life.

“I see reporting as a very humbling job,” Holt said. “I see people at all facets of their lives, at their highs and lows, when people are rich and poor.

“When you see people who

seem to have lost everything, yet have everything, it is a very faith-affirming thing. I see these people and the material things around us and realize that ultimately, none of this matters.”

Dr. Cheryl Bacon, chair of the Journalism and Mass Communication Department, presented Holt with the Lamp award, a special award given occasionally to people who

affect the media world with their lives as Christians.

“I knew Lester was the person to receive this award as soon as I heard he was coming to the campus,” Bacon said. “You have done great things as a Christian working in mass media. You have truly been light and truth to society.”

E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu

Page 8

December 2, 2005 Standings

Men’s Basketball Team WTAMU TAMU-K Angelo St. Tarleton St. Midwestern ACU

Conf. Overall 0-0 5-0 0-0 3-0 0-0 4-1 0-0 4-1 0-0 3-1 0-0 1-3

Women’s soccer will begin in 2007 n Assistant softball coach Casey Wilson will be the head coach for the new women’s soccer team, which will begin playing for ACU in the fall of 2007.

By MITCH HOLT

women’s Basketball Team Angelo St

ENMU WTAMU Tarleton St. TX Woman’s ACU

Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Overall 4-0 4-0 4-0 3-0 3-0 2-2

Scores Tuesday

WoMen’s Basketball ACU 66, Incarnate Word 44

Wednesday

Men’s Basketball St. Edward’s 66, ACU 64

Opinion Editor

The university will even the number of men and women’s athletic teams at seven by beginning a women’s soccer program in fall 2007.

Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, announced Thursday that a women’s soccer team on campus is no longer a rumor but will become a reality in a year and a half.

Women’s Soccer The university’s budget committee finally approved the long-awaited concept after Jared Mosley, director of athletics told them the interest level was high enough for a new soccer program to be successful, according to a university news release.

The committee saw the appeal in building this program from scratch, Mosley said. It wanted to take a conservative approach to funding a new program.

The department considered adding several other sports, but soccer seemed like the best

choice. Mosley said soccer was chosen for several reasons: the interest level of students is seemingly higher for soccer; more competition exists; and it is a continuouslygrowing, world- popuMoney lar sport.

Mosley named the current assistant softball coach Casey Wilson as the women’s head soccer coach. He said he’s sure Wilson will make a good coach.

“Wilson has a background in soccer and an understanding

of how things work at ACU,” Mosley said. “He’s done a great job coaching softball, and he’ll be able to rely on his coaching and playing experience to help build a successful women’s soccer program.”

A university press release said Wilson was an exceptional club soccer player in high school and in 1989 played for the Western Regional Championship club team that finished with a 50-8 record.

From high school, he moved on to become a football placekicker at Santa Ana College and, eventually, Central Michigan University, where he set the school record for extra

point kicks in a single season.

After CMU, he played baseball at ACU for two seasons.

Wilson said that he is in the early stages of building a plan to put a women’s soccer team together, but he is fortunate to have 18 months to construct a team.

“We’ve got to get caught up pretty quickly with the teams and the talent level in the Lone Star Conference,” Wilson said. “I think there is a lot of untapped talent in the Big Country, and I’m looking forward to taking a look at a lot of those players.”

E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu

Seniors score another first

Upcoming Schedule Saturday

woMen’s basketball ACU at Texas A&M-Commerce, 2 p.m. men’s basketball ACU at Texas A&M-Commerce, 4 p.m.

Thursday

women’s basketball ACU vs. Central Oklahoma, 6 p.m. men’s basketball ACU vs. Central Oklahoma, 8 p.m.

• Home games listed in italics

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Senior outside hitter Michelle Bernhardt was honorable mention for AVCA all-American status. Bernhardt passed the 2,000 career kill mark this year.

Men’s team takes lastsecond loss

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Senior middle blocker Amanda Slate earned a spot on the AVCA second team for her stats this season.

Trio earns all-American honors from AVCA

n Last second shot by St. Edwards caps a 15-point comeback to beat the Wildcats 66-64 on Wednesday.

The team plays at Texas A&MCommerce on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Student Reporter

E-mail Holland at: optimist@acu.edu

Volleyball

At the end of the 2004 season, Amanda Slate asked head coach Brek Horn what it would take to be an all-American.

“You get your team to the national tournament and get some national recognition, that’s what will make the difference,” Horn and staff said to Slate.

A year later, the Wildcats just finished making their farthest NCAA Division II tournament run in team history and ranked No. 11 in the nation.

The team received national recognition, and so did Slate.

Slate, and fellow seniors Lindsey Martin and Michelle Bernhardt have earned allAmerican honors from the American Volleyball Coaches’ Association.

This is the first year that any Wildcat player has been named all-American by the AVCA, and three of this year’s players received recognition after finishing the year with a 31-4 record and a trip to the NCAA regional final match.

Slate earned 2nd team honors at middle blocker, and Martin received 3rd team recognition at setter. Outside hitter Bernhardt received honor-

able mention.

“When it gets to that point, it’s based on numbers,” Horn said. “If they knew each of the girls and their work ethic, personality and the kind of human beings they are, then they’d all be first team.”

When Horn called to tell Martin she made third team, Martin said she couldn’t believe it.

“My mom said I were like, ‘shut up, no way!’” Martin said.

“I just had no clue, and it was definitely the most exciting individual thing for me.”

Placing three players on the all-American list does more than just highlight the players.

“It’s just another thing that adds to the standard that’s been set for everyone else,” Martin said about what the award means for other players. “It’s going to keep coming with the years to come.”

Horn said the awards help the team in recruiting wars as well.

“We can say that we have three all-Americans,” Horn said. “It also gives my returning players goals to work toward.”

Sports Editor

By BRIAN HOLLAND The men’s basketball team came one shot away from dousing their woes on the road this season but fell short 66-64 to St. Edwards on Monday night in Austin.

Chavon Farmer clinched the Hilltopper’s win by hitting the go-ahead jump shot with less than a second to go and handed ACU its third loss of the season.

The Wildcats led by six at the half and as much as 15 in the second half but once again was significantly out shot at the free-throw line.

“We got to get better at the mental aspect,” said head coach Jason Copeland. “The two things that killed us were that we missed free throws, and we didn’t take care of the ball.”

The Wildcats made 26 turnovers, with 13 of those coming from the three starting guards. The Hilltoppers spent the whole game pressuring the Wildcats’ back court, using a full-court manto-man trap, which helped them overcome the secondhalf, 15-point deficit.

However, turnovers weren’t the only thing plaguing the Wildcats, as they failed to convert in key opportunities at the free-throw line, missing 15 free throws throughout the contest.

In this three game losing streak, the Wildcats have averaged more than 10 misses per game and have only shot over 50 percent from the freethrow line once.

Copeland said he was pleased with his defense holding St. Edwards to just 66 points while giving away so many turnovers and said his team faced an active crowd.

“It’s always tougher playing on the road,” Copeland said. “Until we get better at the things we’re doing, we can’t worry about what other people are doing.”

By JARED FIELDS

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Senior setter Lindsey Martin earned a spot on the AVCA third team after breaking the 5,000 career assists mark earlier this season.

Horn said her players get to see such a high level of work every day.

“Before, I hadn’t had any allAmericans on our team, and so it’s just always this ‘thing’ out there,” Horn said.

Horn said the awards are special.

“I’m proud of them and proud of the fact that I get to be a part of it,” Horn said.

“They get to say, ‘I’m an allAmerican,’ and not many people get to do that.”

The next thing Horn wants to do is advance to the Elite Eight.

“Our next goal is to go to the national tournament,” Horn said. “We don’t want to have a dip in our progress because we’re losing four players.”

With the success of this season and the post-season accolades, Horn said her returning players are most interested in next season.

“I don’t think anybody’s satisfied,” Horn said. “We’ve sat around and talked about how well we did this year, but mainly what we’ve talked about is what we’re doing this spring and summer to get to that point next year.”

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

Wildcats clean up play with less turnovers in win n The Wildcats took care of business Tuesday night by beating Incarnate Word 66-44. Freshman Kristee Davidson led the team off the bench with 15 points.

By TIFFANY TAYLOR Features Editor

The women’s basketball team upped its record to an even 2-2 with a 66-44 win against Incarnate Word on Wednesday.

After winning and losing the lead several times during the first period, the Wildcats moved ahead in the middle of the first period and kept a healthy lead for the rest of the game.

The women also beat Incarnate Word in the St. Edward’s Classic on Nov. 18, but head coach Shawna Lavender said the team handled the ball bet-

Women’s Basketball ter during this game.

“We executed what we practiced the two days before,” Lavender said. “Something we wanted to do was force them out of the paint and make them take some off-balanced shots, and we did a great job of doing that.”

The Wildcats finished the game with 18 turnovers, more than half taking place in the second quarter.

Lavender said the Wildcats played a cleaner game, finishing with only 18 fouls. This is an improvement from past games, Lavender said, when lead players, such as senior center Jamie Boles-Lord have been pulled from the game to avoid fouling out. During the exhibition game with Lubbock Christian, the Wildcats

had 28 fouls.

“We had hardly no one in foul trouble last night. We kept them off the free-throw line for the most part and most of our girls stayed out of foul trouble,” Lavender said. “Our girls were more disciplined last night than in the games past.”

Along with Boles-Lord, forward Lacey Blau made 12 points of the game and freshman forward Kristee Davidson lead the team with 15 points.

Boles-Lord was able to get into a groove giving the team much-needed confidence before entering a stretch of games.

“It’s important for us not to lose any of that momentum going into Christmas break,” Lavender said

E-mail Taylor at: tat04a@acu.edu

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Stephanie Knudson, Alex Guiton, Aubrey Maxwell and Kristee Davidson scramble for a loose ball during drills in practice Thursday in Moody Coliseum. The Wildcats next game is Saturday at 2 p.m. at Texas A&M-Commerce.