Vol. 94, No. 40 1 section, 8 pages
WEDNESDAY March 1, 2006
www.acuoptimist.com
Fleeting ranking
Flipping out
Despite a 3-1 weekend record, the Wildcats fell to No. 2 in the nation this week, page 8
A coin toss will keep the women’s basketball team out of the conference tournament, page 8
Congress approves new constitution n If the student body approves of the new governing document later this semester, students living off campus will be represented by two new voting members on Congress. By JONATHAN SMITH Editor in Chief
In one of the longest and most lively Students’ Association meetings of the year, Congress approved a new ver-
sion of its constitution, which the entire student body now will have an opportunity to ratify in a special election later this semester. The three-hour meeting Feb. 22 produced a constitution that increases residential representation on Congress, removes the International Students Association liaison as a voting member and includes other minor changes through-
out the six-page document. To open the session, president Justin Scott explained to Congress the history of the ISA liaison, which was instituted four years ago, and its decision to do away with the position. “The reason that position was instituted was that ISA and SA wanted closer
cooperation between their groups,” Scott said. Scott said he still wanted cooperation between the groups; however, he recognized that because ISA is also one of the groups that requests money from Congress, giving them a specific seat on Congress — an opportunity not afforded to other
student groups — created a conflict of interest. “In the interest of equity, we decided we should take that [seat] away from ISA,” Scott said. Almost as soon as the new constitution was placed before Congress for discussion, members began making amendments ranging from See
Constitutional Congress The Students’ Association’s new constitution will go into effect if students approve it in a special election later this semester. Some changes in the new document include: • Two representatives for students living off campus. • International Students Association no longer has a specific voting seat. • Sophomores can officially run for vice president or treasurer
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Friends, family mourn Stevens during funeral
Wordly wisdom
n Ruth Stevens, wife of the university’s eighth president, John Stevens, died Feb. 18, and Dr. Royce Money said her funeral was a moving and appropriate tribute. By MALLORY SHERWOOD Managing Editor
Emerald McGowan/Staff Photographer
Carol Evans, English teacher, and Kathleen Norris talk about one of Norris’ poems that she read during the Centennial Speaker Series lecture Monday night in Hart Auditorium. Norris is a New York Times best-selling author of books such as The Cloister Walk and Dakota: A Spiritual Geography.
Friends, family, faculty and staff of ACU gathered Thursday at University Church of Christ to celebrate the life of Ruth Stevens, wife of Dr. John Stevens, the university’s eighth president. Ruth, who was 80 years old, died Feb. 18 at her home while in hospice care after nearly a year of declining health. Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, and Dr. Eddie Sharp, pulpit minister at UCC and instructor
of Bible, missions and ministry, were two of three men who spoke at Ruth’s funeral. They described her as strong, extremely talented and a volunteer extraordin a i r e — j u s t a few of her many attributes, Money said. M o n e y Stevens said the funeral was a moving and appropriate tribute to Ruth. “Her life was her eulogy,” he said. “All we did was remind people what Ruth was really like and that she was a woman of faith.” Money said it was an honor See
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Renowned author speaks on campus More students n Kathleen Norris, best-selling author of books like ‘The Cloister Walk,’ spoke about the power words can have and how they can be “wiser than we are.” By ANNA CARROLL Student Reporter
A New York Times bestselling author spent a day fulfilling her speaking engagements on campus Monday. Kathleen Norris, author of The Cloister Walk and Dakota: A Spiritual Geography among many others, spoke to groups of students and faculty throughout the day as a part of the Centennial Speaker Series. Norris concluded her day with a lecture titled, “To Say ‘God is Love’ is the Same as Saying ‘Eat Wheaties,’” in Hart Auditorium. She began her lecture by explaining the
title, which Thomas Merton, Catholic monk and writer, first used about 60 years ago when he said words were being reduced to the level of the commercial. Norris said writers like Merton help people see how words have been drained of their meanings. She illustrated this by sharing advertisements that use religious language to sell products. “It’s increasingly difficult for us to hold anything apart and say this is sacred and not for sale; this is reserved for our sacred space,” she said. Norris spoke about the marketing of products being used to make us see things as “keys to our identity.” She said Christians need to “allow things to become mere things again” and adopt an “I don’t care” attitude. Norris also addressed
the importance of having Christians in the field of marketing. “I think that having marketing majors who have a perspective on what’s godly and what’s not godly is more valuable than ever,” she said in response to a student’s question. Norris ended her lecture by reading poems to illustrate an idea that a professor once told her: “our words are wiser than we are.” Dr. Nancy Shankle, cochair of the academic sub committee of the Centennial steering committee, said Norris was asked to speak because of her accessibility and presence as a speaker. Shankle, chair of the department of English and professor of English, said the academic committee wanted to bring speakers like Norris to
declare majors n During the past four years, the number of students with undeclared majors has halved, which some say makes it easier for students to complete degrees in four years. By KELSI PEACE Staff Writer
Emerald McGowan/Staff Photographer
Renowned author Kathleen Norris speaks to the crowd Monday night in Hart Auditorium as part of the Centennial Speaker Series. campus to remind ourselves that we are an institution of Christian higher education. E-mail Carroll at: optimist@acu.edu
The number of undeclared students for this semester has encouraged faculty and staff who have been assisting students in selecting a major. In 2001, 293 students had not declared a major; this semester only 145 students are undeclared. This year’s statistics prove that last year’s 147 undeclared students was not an anomaly. The improvement is signifi-
Justice group aims to ‘give hope’ n International Justice Mission’s awareness week included a showing of ‘Hotel Rwanda’ Tuesday and ends with prayer around the GATA Fountain on Friday. By NATHAN DRISKELL Student Reporter
This week the International Justice Mission seeks to promote awareness of social injustice and raise funds during its first awareness week of the semester, themed “Give Hope.” IJM will have a booth set up in the Campus Center until Fri-
day for students to learn more about the group. It will also sell light blue bracelets that say “Hope” in eight languages, in keeping with the week’s theme. Spiritual Life Director Mark Lewis said he hopes this week will be a reminder of the injustices occurring in other parts of the world. “I am hoping that all who hear will be reminded of the truth of the degree of suffering that is taking place throughout the world, and that we as Christians are not given the luxury of ignoring it, but we are given the op-
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
portunity to do something about it,” Lewis said. The awareness week began Tuesday night with a screening of the movie Hotel Rwanda in Hart Auditorium. It will conclude with a time of intercessory prayer after Chapel on Friday around the GATA fountain, said Brandon Smith, special events coordinator for IJM and sophomore political science and international studies major from Overland Park, Kan. David Altuna, an IJM member and sophomore biochemistry major from Austin, said
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Spirited show
the reason most people don’t help the cause of IJM and other similar organizations is that they don’t know how. “I think the hardest thing is there’s not like starving children on our campus that they can walk up to and feed,” Altuna said. “I think students want to help; I think they don’t always know the best way to help.” Students can support IJM by buying a “hope” bracelet for $1. Lewis said that any contributions the group reSee
cant: declaring a major early in one’s college career increases the probability of graduating in four years, which in turn decreases student debt. In 2006, the four-year graduation rate is the highest on record: 37.3 percent. Dr. Charles Mattis, dean of the FirstMattis Year Program, said a Christian education is a costly investment. It is ACU’s responsibility, Mattis said, to help students make
Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer
Participators in the ACU cheerleaders’ Junior Cheerleading Camp perform during halftime of the women’s basketball game Saturday in Moody Coliseum.
Abilene Christian University
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:
Wednesday, March 1, 2006
01
Calendar & Events Wednesday
Hawaii Spring Break Campaign Fundraiser, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Weekend Campaign Sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
02
Thursday
Hawaii Spring Break Campaign Fundraiser, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Weekend Campaign Sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Announcements The Outdoor Club will host a bouldering night at Abilene High School where students can scale a short climbing wall and enjoy s’mores from 7-9 p.m. Thursday. Third Day and the David Crowder Band will be in concert Sunday at the Taylor County Coliseum. Tickets for a special student rate are available in the Campus Activities Board office from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact CAB at 674-2772 for more information. The ACU Flying Cats gymnastics team will meet from 4:30-5:30 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday in Gibson`s gymnastics room. Students of all levels of
experience may attend. Study Abroad is offering a free iPod drawing for students that turn in an application for the Fall semester of the Latin America Study Abroad program. There are still spots available in both locations. The deadline is March 31. E-mail at study_abroad@acu.edu for more information. Communities in Schools needs volunteers at various times throughout the day to spend time with kids at recess, lunch, or in the classroom at Fannin Elementary on Monday through Friday. For more information, contact the Volunteer Center and Service-Learning Center.
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.
03
Friday
Purple Friday, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Campus Center Living Room.
04
Saturday
Service Saturday.
Volunteer Opportunities The City of Abilene Emergency Management needs 20 volunteers to act as victims in a simulated airport crash for a city/county wide exercise 8 a.m.-noon April 5. A professional will add injuries to the volunteers with makeup, the fire departments will rescue them and transport them to the hospital and then back to ACU. Contact the director of emergency management by March 15 to volunteer. For more information contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. Day Nursey of Abilene needs volunteers to set up, prepare, serve and clean during their 14th annual Mexican Dinner fundraising event from noon until 10 p.m. March 25, 2006. For more information, contact the Volunteer ServiceLearning Center. Meals on Wheels urgently needs drivers to deliver hot noon meals to 12-16 seniors and adults with disabilities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays. For more information, contact the Volunteer Service-Learning Center. Northern Oaks Rehab and Nursing needs volunteers to help with activities with the elderly such as bingo, dominoes, card and table
games, singing groups, playing piano, visits, or reading or to spend time with them anywhere from 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or evenings with coordination on weekdays. For more information, contact the Volunteer ServiceLearning Center. Abilene Hope Haven needs volunteers to play with children while assisting with childcare from 6:45-8:15 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays. For more information, contact the Volunteer Service-Learning Center. Achieve Enrichment Program needs volunteers to help middle school students with homework, supervise and assist with recreation and crafts and lead discussions in life skills groups from 3:30-6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For more information, contact the Volunteer ServiceLearning Center. Beltway Boys and Girls Club need volunteers to help children with homework, help with sports practice and help in the game room from 3-5:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays. For more information, contact the Volunteer Service-Learning Center.
Credited Chapels remaining:
26 42
Police Log (edited for space) Feb. 20 3:34 a.m. Escorted subject to his residence 4:40 a.m. Alarm at WPAC, was malfunction, alarm reset 8:14 a.m. Subject yelling inside the elevator at Campus Center, checked no one inside the elevator 2:30 p.m. Jumpstart at the University Church lot 5 p.m. Checked welfare on subject at Moody Coliseum, subject was escorted home 7 p.m. Escorted elderly female to vehicle from Campus Center to Moody 9:35 p.m. Alarm sounding at room in Barret, checked room, alarm set off by contractor 11:25 p.m. Escorted guest to hotel on Interstate 20 Feb. 21 9:47 a.m. Directed traffic at 2400 Campus Court, house fire 2 p.m. Assisted Abilene PD with suspicious subject on Independence Boulevard Noon Assisted with traffic control at Teague Boulevard 1:31 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at Edwards Hall 4:30 p.m. Fingerprinted two students for license applications 5:15 p.m. Skateboarders at Library lot, advised to skate elsewhere 5:18 p.m. Jumpstarted vehicle at Nelson lot 6:03 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at McDonald lot 6:05 p.m. Vehicle accident in Bible lot, no damage, no report Feb. 22 8:30 p.m. Gave access to Cullen to obtain equipment 9:30 p.m. Report of subjects asking for money off campus, checked area unable to locate 11:11 p.m. Escorted student from Campus Center to College Drive and Avenue D 11:25 p.m. Placed barricades at Sikes lot
Feb. 23 12:50 a.m. Escorted student from Nelson to Barret Hall 5 a.m. Escorted student from Barret to Nelson Hall 12:30 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at University Church lot 6 p.m. Student reporting damage to vehicle. Checked vehicle and was old damage, no report taken Feb. 24 1:03 a.m. Parking violation at Smith/ Adams lot 2:49 a.m. Report of suspicious subjects across the street from Nelson Hall, located WFF workers, all OK 3:44 a.m. Escorted subject from residence to the Business lot 3:20 p.m. Assisted vehicle that flooded out at Ambler Boulevard & Campus Court Road Feb. 25 12:06 a.m. Secured gate at Central Plant/Physical Resources. 12:20 a.m. Stand by at Third Rock Creamery reference to trouble with subject that occurred earlier 5:20 a.m. Assisted Abilene Police with incoherent subject off campus. Subject was transported to Hendricks Hospital 7:21 a.m. Checked suspicious vehicle at Nelson lot. Vehicle trunk would not lock, unable to contact owner 8:10 a.m. Criminal mischief to statue in mall area, was toilet papered Feb. 26 2:20 a.m. Loud party at 200 Patriot Commons, referred to Abilene Police 5:10 a.m. Escort from Barret Hall to Nelson Hall 7:21 a.m. Unlocked Campus Center 9:31 a.m. Checked Sing Song Warehouse, all secure 10:09 a.m. Leak outside of Foster Science, contacted maintenance 11:50 a.m. Unlocked vehicle at Sherrod lot 5:10 p.m. Assisted student with lights stuck on vehicle off campus
ACU Police would like students to keep the university community safe by reporting all suspicious activity to ACU Police immediately at 674-2305 or call 911.
Chapel explores God and careers n Students will hear ACU faculty and staff will share how spirituality impacts their career Wednesday at Chapel to help students make career choices. By MITCH HOLT Staff Reporter
An event designed to guide students with undeclared majors into making career choices from a spiritual approach will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the College of Business Administration Building Room 115 and will count as a Chapel credit for those who will attend. Three guest speakers will bring insight to the event: Joyce Dalzell, director of the non-profit organization FaithWorks; La Shae Grottis, director of the Office of Student Multicultural Enrichment at the university; and Mike Winegeart, assistant professor of marketing and director of business devel-
opment at Expat-Repat Services, Inc. Students who attend will have the chance to hear the career and spiritual stories of the guest speakers, said Wayne Miller, assistant director of Career and Academic Development. The event is a good opportunity for students to get a hindsight view of discerning their callings and to start figuring out how to listen for their own career and spiritual callings, he said. Joyce Dalzell, one of the guest speakers, said she hopes to provide reassurance and encouragement for those in the process of choosing a career. “I plan on speaking about knowing what your God-given talents and abilities are,” Dalzell said. “This is the first step in choosing a career to work toward.” Miller said the event will emphasize listening to God
when making career choices. “This Chapel event is another way for us to talk to students about listening for God’s voice and trying to understand what his plans for their future may be,” Miller said. “This Chapel event will shed a little insight in how to put their plans together.” The students will be able to hear the guest speakers talk for the first 30 minutes, and the last half of the event will be a chance for students to ask the speakers questions and hear their responses. “Choosing a career is a puzzle,” Miller said. “Our personalities, gifts, interests, passions and values are all clues to what has made us for.”
E-mail Holt at: optimist@acu.edu
Wednesday, March 1, 2006
San Antonio plays host to musicians n Students who attended the 2006 Texas Music Educators Association in San Antonio last week listened to band, orchestra and choral groups. By JAYME SMITH Staff Writer
Many Music Department faculty and students traveled back to Abilene on Feb. 18 after attending the 2006 Texas Music Educators Association convention in San Antonio. The convention ran four days, beginning Feb. 15. Although the university had performed at the annual TMEA convention seven times since 1974, including last year’s wind ensemble act, none of ACU’s music groups were featured in this year’s statewide conference. Micah Bland, freshman music major from Denton, said the university does not usually send a big group unless it is performing “Two other guys and I just drove down there from Abilene on that Friday,” Bland said. “It
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was my fourth time attending the convention.” TMEA “consists of nearly 9,000 music educators and is the largest organization of its kind,” according to the ACU Web site, and “is one of the largest music conferences in the world.” “The conference was designed to showcase exceptional band, orchestra and choral groups,” Bland said. “These
featured a variety of activities. All-state ensembles, such as men, women and mixed choir, 4A and 5A bands and the Philharmonic Orchestra performed. “These groups are made up of high school students from around the state who also go through a long audition process; some began to learn the music in July of 2005,” Bland said. “It is considered a great
“I got to hear good musicians and learned that there are many people in the same field as me that I will be working with,” John Green, freshman instrumental music education major from Cedar Hill
groups come from all around the state ranging from elementary school through college. “They are selected through an audition process after teachers send in music recordings, and a committee decides on the best groups.” TMEA’s annual convention
honor to conduct a Texas allstate group.” Anyone could attend the conference; the concerts were free, but the different classes, seminars or exhibit areas required a convention registration, Bland said. The admission fee was $20 for
‘Once upon a time...’
college students. Some students left the convention with a better understanding of their future in music, including James Green, freshman instrumental music education major from Cedar Hill. “I got to hear good musicians and learned that there are many people in the same field as me that I will be working with,” Green said. “It is going to deeply impact my relationship with other directors across the state.” The best part of the music conference Green said, was getting to shop and test out new instruments. “There’s a big part where members of the music industry try to sell their products— mostly instruments,” Green said. “Literally thousands were open to people there to play on for free—testing out the products. “Basically, if it’s music, and you can think of it— it’s going to be there.” E-mail Smith at: jls04j@acu.edu
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Heather Smith, English graduate student from Abilene, works on a short story on the benches in Kojie park outside the Campus Center on Tuesday.
Stevens: Community mourns loss of an ACU first lady Continued from page 1 to be asked by the family to speak at her funeral, while it was both easy and hard. “Her life really speaks for itself, so it was easy to talk about who she was and what she did,” he said. “Its hard because in doing so, we’ve lost a dear friend. It was hard to see my friend, Dr. Stevens, mourning his lifelong friend.” Money said he and his wife, Pam, had been close to the Stevens since John was president. He became friends with the Stevens when he was still in college and then became closer after John retired. “Ruth was a role model to
Pam of what a president’s wife should look like,” Money said, “and they were constant encouragers to us both.” Sharp said he and his family have always respected the Stevens. “You can’t be president of ACU unless you have a wife that is ready, willing and able because it’s a two-person Money team,” he said. “That is exactly what Ruth was. “She was a great president’s wife because she was for him, for the school, for
students and for always making things better and better.” The team effort the Stevens used during John’s presidency continued after he retired and joined the History Department’s staff as a professor. “His teaching was a team effort, too,” Money said. “She attended all his lectures that first year and wrote and graded his tests after she saw the kind of tests he wrote. They were a great team, and he was one of our most popular professors ever.” In addition to the speeches of Money, Sharp and Dr. Milton Fletcher, a family friend, Money said he was
Students learn about forgiveness n Healthy Relationships Week began Feb. 22 with Everett Worthington speaking on the topic of forgiveness, something he said is timelier now than ever. By ERIC GENTRY Student Reporter
More than 100 people attended a class that took place last Wednesday and Thursday as a part of Healthy Relationships Week. Dr. Everett Worthington, professor and chair of the Department of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University, spoke both Wednesday and Thursday on his specialty: forgiveness, a topic he said is timelier now than ever in relationships. “Relationships today are ending at a rate beyond any which we had comprehension of in the past,” he said. “That’s why forgiveness is essential.” After writing 17 books
primarily about forgiveness, Worthington said he prepared for his lecture by reading all of the research done in the past seven years on forgiveness. He concluded that relationships fail or succeed on their members’ ability to repair damage done by the other party. “Are you just going to ruminate about it or are you going to lower your emotional arousal?” Worthington said about people’s responses to emotional wounds. “The people who have trouble lowering that emotional arousal are the one’s who get divorced.” Worthington went on to say that constant strain and refusal to forgive others can cause health problems, including high blood pressure and cardiovascular risks. Another focus of the lecture was that even beyond marital relationships, Christians are called to forgive because all are forgiven by God.
“God has given me so many gifts, and when he does, I want to pass those on,” Worthington said. “One of those gifts is forgiveness and because of that, I want to give it to others.” Steve Rowlands, director of the University Counseling Center, attended both days’ lectures and said no one is better than Worthington to speak on the topic of forgiveness. “He really has combined all the latest research on forgiveness,” Rowlands said. “Usually only 70 people will come to these things, but he brought in over 100.” Healthy Relationships Week, which ends Monday, is put on by the counseling center, the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy and the Department of Sociology and Social Work and Spiritual Life. E-mail Gentry at: optimist@acu.edu
able to read a letter from Dr. William Teague, the university’s ninth president. Money said the letter was a tribute to Ruth’s life and a recollection of who she was. He said the Teague and Stevens families had been close friends for many years. Sharp also read a letter from Joe Baisden, a member of the Board of Trustees who was another close friend of the Stevens family. The A Cappella Chorus sang, “Shall We Gather at the River,” one of Ruth’s favorite hymns, as well. Ruth was a teacher, musician, supporter of the arts and much more, Money said. He said she was instru-
mental in cataloging the library, archiving presidential documents and all issues of the Optimist, too. She was buried at ElliotHamil cemetery, beside Dr. Charles Trevathan, a professor of sociology and social work who died Oct. 12, 2004, after suffering an apparent heart attack. Money said the community lost an important figure in ACU’s history with Ruth’s death. “Between the two of them, more than 50 years span their contact with ACU, not including when they were students,” he said. “She was a great first lady of ACU.” E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu
“You can’t be president unless you have a wife that is ready, willing and able .... She was a great president’s wife because she was for him, for the school, for students and for always making things better and better.” Dr. Eddie Sharp, pulpit minister of University Church of Christ and instructor of Bible, missions and ministry
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Wednesday, March 1, 2006
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Society inducts new members n Juniors and seniors with a grade point average of 3.75 or higher were inducted into the ACU chapter of Alpha Chi National College Honor Society on Tuesday. By ATSUMI SHIBATA Student Reporter
The ACU chapter of Alpha Chi National College Honor Society conducted its annual ceremony Tuesday, certifying inducted students as new members of the nationwide organization. Most students were unable to attend the ceremony, and only 13 were present to receive recognition pins, light candles and pledge to uphold the ideals of scholarship. To be inducted, students must be a junior or senior with a grade point average of 3.75 or higher. Those who met this requirement received invitations to become members. Every year, the university invites about 215 students who fulfill this requirement of the organization, and about 100 of them accept. Once they decide to accept, they pay one-time dues of $45, and this money is used for scholarship funds. Students paid the dues at the ceremony, and their families and friends were invited to attend.
“I’ve been to lawyers’ and doctors’ offices, and they were proudly displaying their certification.” Dr. Carley Dodd, sponsor of the ACU chapter of Alpha Chi Honor Society
Alpha Chi National College Honor Society has more than 300 chapters across the country and in Puerto Rico. Its purpose is “to promote academic excellence and exemplary character” and “to honor those who achieve such distinction,” according to the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society Web site. This achievement will be on their transcript, but it is not the only benefit, said Dr. Carley Dodd, professor of communication and a sponsor and former member of the ACU Alpha Chi Honor Society. “It is a prestigious thing,” he said. “I’ve been to lawyers’ and doctors’ offices, and they were proudly displaying their certification.” One of the students inducted this year, Amy Connell, senior international studies major from Marietta, Ga., called this achievement an honor. “I’ve always worked hard and tried to do as best as I could,” she said. “So it’s an honor to be nominated to something like this.” Connell has maintained a 4.0
GPA throughout her academic career. She was eligible last year and wanted to join, but she said she forgot to apply. This year, she was ready to go and was inducted Tuesday. According to its Web site, the symbolic colors, emerald green and sapphire blue, represent victory and truth. Rachel Smith, senior political science major from Abilene, became a member of Alpha Chi National College Honor Society her junior year. “People of integrity and people whom you can trust and who work hard — I think victory and truth come out of these,” she said Smith and Connell expect to graduate in May. All members of Alpha Chi National College Honor Society will wear gold cords with their graduation robes and receive special recognition of their achievement at their graduation. Students who have questions about the Alpha Chi can contact Dodd at 647-2293. E-mail Shibata at: optimist@acu.edu
Abilenians take a walk on the art side n ArtWalk, a city tradition offering music, children’s activities and art, is from 5 to 8:30 p.m. the second Thursday of every month downtown. By RACHEL WINSTON Student Reporter
ArtWalk has been an Abilene tradition since 1993 and offers live music, children’s activities and art. Marianne Wood, curator of education for the Center for Contemporary Arts, is in charge of this year’s ArtWalk, “ArtWalk is one of the best mini art festivals in the state, maybe even in the nation,” Woods said. ArtWalk is a celebration of artwork in downtown Abilene from 5 to 8:30 p.m. the second Thursday of every month. ArtWalk is a free event that aims to appeal to every age group. The Abilene Public Library will sponsor special children’s activities, including a new “wonderland story
So, you want to graduate, do you?
room,” a treasure hunt, and the magician Randy Naylor with his balloon animals, according to a press release from the Center for Contemporary Arts. Many downtown merchants will provide refreshments, including the Abilene Coffee Company, McKay’s Bakery, the Leaf and many more. A player of a Chapman stick, an instrument that is a cross between a bass and guitar, will perform live, and the Salvation Army will collect clothing for those who would like to contribute, Wood said. Although ArtWalk provides many other forms of entertainment, the main attraction is the art displayed throughout the shops and museums downtown. Artwork will be displayed in the Grace Museum, the Center for Contemporary Art and McKay’s Bakery, as well as other locations downtown. Artwork by local and fa-
mous artists will be for sale and on display throughout the evening, Wood said. Laurie Thornton, assistant director for the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, said the is NCCIL featuring a brand-new exhibit by artist Bryan Collier, called “Defining Moments.” The exhibit is mostly depictions of people portrayed through collage and watercolor. Collier creates depictions of famous people such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. This year the NCCIL will feature a Rosa Parks exhibit, designed in part by Collier, which includes a replicated bus and video designed to give visitors a glimpse into what the late Rosa Parks experienced many years ago. Thornton said the exhibit has only been available for a few weeks, and it will be exhibited until June.
E-mail Winston at: optimist@acu.edu
brian schmidt/Chief Photographer
Barton Herridge, assistant registrar, talks with a group of juniors Tuesday during a special Chapel in Hart Auditorium about steps they need to take to be prepared for graduation.
Café provides intercultural mingling n The International Students Association will sponsor Chai Café, a time for students to meet others from various cultural backgrounds while eating. By WHITNEY MANN Student Reporter
Students who need a break from studying and also enjoy free food have an option Thursday nights to hang out with other students on campus. Every other Thursday night at 9 p.m., the Chai Café, sponsored by the International Students Association, opens its doors in the Campus Center Living Room to any interested student. On most nights, the Chai Café usually lasts for two hours, but people usually come and go as they please, said Rachel Lau, junior photojournalism major from Penang, Malaysia. The event began seven years ago as a coffee hour and turned into a time of meeting people from different cultures, until it officially became known as the Chai Café. Lau, public relations
“The Chai Café is like a huge bowl of cultures being mixed in together.” Reid Overall, senior missions major from Abilene
officer for ISA, said she thinks the Chai Café is a good way to get connected with people. “College is about friendships and being involved; the Chai Café is not just for international students but for everybody,” Lau said. She said the number of people who attend on Thursdays usually varies between 40 to 50 people. Each Chai Café has a theme that ISA chooses on Mondays. ISA also provides a budget for food available at the Chai Café. The last Chai Café, which took place Feb. 23, had a Latin theme, and La Popular burritos were provided for attendees. “The organization wants to create a place where people can take a break and chill out,” Lau said. Stewart Stevens, senior intercultural communication and Christian ministry major from Ruston,
La., said the purpose of the café is to create fellowship between different cultures. “It is a relaxed environment where people can simply hang out,” Stevens said. Like Stevens, Reid Overall, senior missions major from Abilene, said he has been to the Chai Café and enjoyed it. Overall said he heard about it on campus and decided to tag along with some people. He said the Chai Café had a welcoming atmosphere, and he likely would return. He said he walked into the room not seeing very many faces he knew, but by the end of the night he had met many new people. “The Chai Café is like a huge bowl of cultures being mixed in together,” Overall said. ISA is planning the next Chai Café for March 9. E-mail Mann at: optimist@acu.edu
Wednesday, March 1, 2006
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It’s all Greek to me
Coffeehouse aims to stir discussion n A series of discussions in a coffeehouse format will tackle various contemporary issues and are sponsored by spiritual life coordinators in Campus Life.
“There is so much attention given to sexuality in our culture, it’s good for us as Christians to get together and talk about it from a God perspective.” Mark Lewis, spiritual life director
By TAKISHA KNIGHT Page 2 Editor
Dating and relationships have been the topic of much discussion on campus, especially since spiritual life coordinators planned coffeehouse discussions about the topics for this semester. The first coffeehouse this semester was Thursday. Mark Lewis, spiritual life and campus ministry director, and his wife, Gina Lewis, opened discussion with about 14 male students, and Mike and Amanda Spell met with female students. “There is so much attention given to the issue of sexuality in our culture, it’s good for us as Christians to get together and talk about it from a God perspective,” Mark Lewis said. Lewis said the topic was a continuation of a conversation he and his wife had with the 18:38 Thursday Chapel a couple of weeks earlier. Lewis said although he and his wife had time to answer some of the students’ questions in Chapel, 30 minutes was not enough time to entertain the majority of their questions.
Organizers from the coffeehouse pulled together about 10 questions from men to get the ball rolling on the dating and purity in question-and-answer format. “We wanted to answer questions that they had as opposed to having some prepared presentation,” he said. He said dating and relationships tend to be a common interest for the collegeage population, so spiritual life coordinators try to find different formats and ways to address the issue. “We try, at least once a year, to have a venue or event where this type of conversation can take place,” he said. One of the other ways is in having the weeklong event, Healthy Relationships Week, which is going on now. Through this week, students can learn about romantic and other types of relationships. Lewis said the coffeehouses simply offer a more intimate setting for small groups of students to ask questions and have open discussion. About 14 men attended the last coffeehouse, and Lewis said the spiritual life coordinators were hoping for 10-15
to attend because of the sensitivity of the topic. Should the groups have exceeded the number, they planned to break into smaller groups and have residence directors help tackle the subject. “I think what they appreciated most was that my wife was there to talk with them,” Lewis said. “To hear a godly woman’s insights on these issues was really good for them.” The idea for the coffeehouse discussions came about in the fall, when spiritual life coordinators expressed a desire to talk about contemporary issues in a way that would encourage students and spark their interest. “It’s to get them thinking as they’re preparing to launch out of here,” Lewis said. “Our graduates have a pretty bold mission from the university. Part of that is being aware of issues that are important to our culture and knowing how to engage people and to know God’s view.”
E-mail Knight at: tnk03a@acu.edu
Singers team with Philharmonic n A cappella singers from HardinSimmons, ACU and McMurry university choirs will perform with the Abilene Philharmonic at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Civic Center. By JORDAN SORENSON Staff Writer
Saturday, a joint effort collaborated by a cappella singers from Hardin-Simmons, Abilene Christian and McMurry university choirs will present a vocal performance accompanying the Abilene Philharmonic, a local concert hall orchestra that performs shows with local and worldrenowned talent. This event will feature about 200 individual artists performing simultaneously. Sixty of the artists are members of the Philharmonic orchestra, leaving the remaining number of vocal performers with the difficult task of matching the volume that the size of Philharmonic orchestra can create. With the musical selection separated into eight different voice parts and at various points in the music even 16, the need for sheer numbers in voices is critical, if each vocal harmony is to
be heard above the roar of the orchestra. Forty-six of these vocalists are students from ACU, who were selected by an audition process. Some students tried out for fun, but others joined for more objective motivations. Kristin Brown, freshmen vocal performance major from Athens, said she auditioned for the experience. “I figured it would be a wonderful experience, not only for my major, but also as a student of ACU in hoping to get to know Abilene a little better,” Brown said. “It’ll be a wonderful cultural experience.” Some of the music the Philharmonic concert will feature comes from an Italian classical piece called, “Pezzi Sacri,” which translates to “Four Sacred Songs.” In preparing for the performance, students from each school practiced the music within their own department; ACU students involved had their rehearsals for an hour each day. Because the actual performance will involve the choirs of all three schools combined, six rehearsals oc-
curred where all the choirs practiced together. This week, David Itkin, the director of Philharmonic, planned to lead a final set of rehearsals to provide finishing touches to the work each school had come together to accomplish. Dr. Michael Scarbrough, ACU’s director of choral activities, said the combination of school is a unique experience for the students. “Each of our universities are really kind of small to pull off this kind of thing, but collectively we can come together and share in this experience, and we enjoy working with each other,” Scarbrough said. “So, it’s a positive experience all around.” The concert will offer a unique mix of professional performers crossed with the young talent. The performance will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets range in price, and ticket information can be found at Philharmonic’s Web site at www.abilenephilharmonic.org.
E-mail Sorenson at: jss05a@acu.edu
brian schmidt/Chief Photographer
Chris Cobb, sophomore finance major from Euless, right, helps Erin McClung, sophomore English major from Scottsdale, Ariz., left, with her homework Tuesday in the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building.
Res Life assesses housing quality n The office will send out surveys the first week of March to gauge student opinion about the quality of the residence halls and learning communities. By ASHLEY ROBINSON Student Reporter
During the first week of March, the office of Residence Life Education and Housing will send out student surveys assessing the quality of residence halls and living on campus. Enhancing the quality of residence life is an ongoing investment to provide students with comfortable living and memorable experiences while at school, said Dr. Mimi Barnard, director of RLEH. “There is a lot of research that goes into making housing decisions,” Barnard said. Part of that research is the housing surveys, which are sent out to students each year. “The purpose of the surveys,” Barnard said, “is to evaluate students’ perspectives on their living and studying experiences.” The university is also part of the Association of College and University Housing
Offices International, which conducts research on trends and housing statistics, Barnard said. Barnard has been working with Darren Curry, administrative coordinator of RLEH, on housing improvements. “One important addition to our office is the introduction of new software, the Residential Management Systems, which is being integrated as we speak,” Curry said. The software will help place students into residence halls and with compatible roommates. “It will greatly enhance the way we process student housing preferences,” Barnard said. Curry said the new software “will be faster, more efficient and beneficial to the process of matching students.” Another noticeable change is Barret Hall, which currently houses sophomore women, but Barnard said it will house both sophomore men and women in the fall. “It will not be coed,” she said. “The unique structure of the hall will allow both men and women to be housed in four separate pods, which
have no connecting hallways, much like the design of Smith and Adams [halls].” Barret Hall also has a coffee shop on the first floor for all students to use. In addition, the use and implementation of living and learning communities continues to grow each year, Barnard said. Living and learning communities are on the first floors of McDonald and McKinzie halls. In the fall, Barret Hall will become the newest addition to the living and learning communities, “allowing both sophomore men and women to create their own community groups,” Barnard said. The incoming class for the fall of 2006 is expected to be the same size as this past year, but could continue to grow in the years to come. “Future plans of expansion and growth are continuous, but there is no definite timeline,” Curry said. “As the student body grows so will their needs,” Barnard said, “and that is what we are continually working towards.”
E-mail Robinson at: optimist@acu.edu
Possibilities popping for OCAD n The Office of Career and Academic Development has a program called Popcorn and Possibilities, where students can discuss various topics. By KATHERINE FLANARY Student Reporter
For at least one hour a week, students can explore questions they may have about their talents, the various majors the university offers and their future plans. This one hour a week is called Popcorn and Possibilities and is made possible because of a collaborative effort by the University Counseling Center and Office of Career and Academic Development. Matt Boisvert, director of OCAD, said in an e-mail that Popcorn and Possibilities is a way for OCAD to assist stu-
dents with their situations, whether it be deciding between majors, starting and writing a résumé, or wanting to get connected with employers. “Our focus is to provide an informal way for students to come, relax and gather answers to their questions about identifying their God-given gifts, selecting a major, and preparing themselves for their career after they graduate,” Boisvert said. Steve Rowlands, director of the University Counseling Center, said in an e-mail that Popcorn and Possibilities is designed as a casual time to get together and talk about whatever is on students’ minds, whether it be personal, academic, career, relational, emotional, stress or anxiety. Popcorn and Possibilities has high expectations from
both the counseling center and OCAD. “We hope that students start to see that there are great services provided by our offices and that they have someone they can talk to,” Boisvert said. “We also hope that students walk away feeling more confident with their current stage of the career process. We use this time as a time to provide career advice and resources for ACU students.” Rowlands said Popcorn and Possibilities is a casual time to ask questions. Popcorn and Possibilities meets from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays, in the lower level of McKinzie Hall, and is open to all students. Popcorn and Possibilities began last semester. E-mail Flanary at: optimist@acu.edu
Page 6
The Issue:
The opinion page is in the Optimist for the purpose of expressing opinions of of the Editorial Board, staff members and the campus at large.
Our view:
Columnists are writing their points of view, and you can feel free to agree or disagree and let us know what you think.
The solution:
This is the campus sounding board. Feel free to sound off, and please don’t be offended when we do the same.
March 1, 2006
The sounding board of campus: the opinion page Welcome to the opinion page, the section of the Optimist — as in any newspaper — where staff members sound off about various issues, and readers write in to agree or disagree. Like always, we feel it our responsibility to inform some of our readers about the purpose of this page and its role in our paper. Various letters always roll in throughout the year, claiming we are biased or un-Christian for our views, and even cowardly for not signing our names at the end of our editorials. Although you’re entitled to your opinion just as much as we are to ours, please take a step back to understand the workings of articles, columns,
Before you are quick to dismiss the paper as editorials and the Optimist will not print reviews before being biased, remember that this page is here corrections or retractions writing off the based on he said-she said for one purpose: to present opinions. Optimist cominformation. pletely. The arts page is simiTo start, the editorial you dividual opinions and are not lar to the opinion page, preare reading now is an unsigned necessarily the opinions of senting the views of the arts opinion piece that is the opin- the paper, the Editorial Board editor and other contributing ion of the Editorial Board, or the university. Columns are writers about anything artsmade up of various editors not based solely on facts, can related. Reviews are based on of the paper. Names of board be serious or humorous, and the viewer’s opinion, so seemembers appear at the bot- our writers often use sarcasm ing opinion on the arts page is tom of this page each issue, or tongue-in-cheek phrasing natural. and one member will write to make a point. At times, news stories are the consensus opinion of the Obviously, columns should run on the arts page, but they board for the issue it has cho- not be seen as news articles, are designated with the same sen to discuss. Editorials are which are based on facts and format as news stories on unsigned because they reflect only present opinions through news pages. the opinion of the paper, not quotes and attributed comUnderstanding the differone person. ments from those who are in- ence in news and opinion, Columns are different. With terviewed. Corrections will be readers are welcome to write our name and picture gracing printed if the writer makes a letters to the editor voicing the pieces, columns are our in- factual error in his piece, but their own opinions about vari-
Let Loose
Cole Williams
Column damages club’s reputation I am writing in response to Sarah Carlson’s article entitled “Sing Song Gate ’06 creates scandal.” She was quoted as saying that Moonies were heard “swearing” after it was announced for the second time that we had lost. I completely understand that she was trying to display how emotions get out of hand at the end of Sing Song. I agree. However, I do not appreciate her reporting that we were swearing when she did
Re: Sing Song Gate ’06 creates scandal by Sarah Carlson, arts editor, printed in The Optimist, Feb. 21. not hear it herself. I was sitting with the rest of the Moonies, and I did not hear a single curse word. Therefore, I do not understand how anyone else who was not right beside us could have heard swearing. I realize this may not
seem too terribly significant, however this statement that we were swearing had some unwarranted consequences. For instance, with Lectureship going on all this week, many Moonies who were in the show had to explain to Galaxy alumni why we were allegedly “swearing.” Galaxy alumni questioned the character of the club that they participated in while here at ACU. This is extremely disap-
pointing because of the fact there was no swearing involved. Again, I understand that Sarah Carlson was trying to paint a picture of the emotions that take place during Sing Song. However, I think she could have used better discretion with her words. Thank you for your time. Chris Lee vice president of Galaxy senior biology major from Arlington
ous issues written about in our editorials, columns, articles and reviews. The First Amendment gives both parties the freedom to express their views, and each side should never take this unique and powerful opportunity for granted. We invite your responses to our opinion pieces and look forward to the debate that is stirred from our desire to either confront issues or simply entertain our readers. But before you are quick to dismiss the paper as being biased, remember that this page is here for one purpose: to present opinions.
E-mail the Optimist at: optimist@acu.edu
Sing Song needs to focus on fun I appreciate what Sarah Carlson said in her column regarding Sing Song. The Sing Song culture has become too overbearing on students. I directed our club act (Pi Kappa) this year. Knowing that we would have approximately 20 participants, I told them we had two options: to have fun, grow stronger together, and put on a fun, entertaining show or obsess over perfection and try to win. I think it was obvious which route the club chose. I think many have drifted away from what should be the intended purpose of Sing Song: to put on a fun and entertaining show that brings the campus together. We have such a competitive attitude about the show that it has ceased to be a joy for many. I am sure most people could tell the purpose of our act was simply to entertain and have fun. We practiced much less than most acts and did not obsess over technical details and arm positions. What meant most to us (besides our fourth place finish) were the comments by the audience. We enjoyed hearing people who thought our show was “funny and entertaining.” I think that our competitive culture is only frustrated by the judging. It was not encouraging to see a few judges describe our act
Re: Sing Song Gate ’06 creates scandal by Sarah Carlson, arts editor, printed in The Optimist, Feb. 21. as having a “pitiful” sound or give us “1’s (the lowest possible rating) in each category. One judge said it looked like we had fun, but he could not judge on “fun.” I think it was obvious that a few judges could have cared less about the entertainment value of our act and were too focused on the technicalities of what a Sing Song act should look like. Though it did not bother us much, I think the judges tend to get in the way of what the show should be about. I would hope that Sing Song would eventually move away from the highly competitive nature that it has become, where parents and alumni are as heavily involved in producing the acts as the students. Maybe one day, there will be a Sing Song that is done completely by the students without the unhealthy levels of competition currently present, simply to let the students come together and entertain with their Godgiven talents. Daniel Gray Pi Kappa Sing Song director senior social work major from Collierville, Tenn.
Re-evaluate priorities to bring positive changes in world While sitting in Chapel on Feb. 14, watching the Invisible Children preview video and listening to their representative talk about the film and its cause, I found the whole situation a bit ironic. The whole point of the Invisible Children Tour is to make people aware of the situation in Uganda and gain moral and financial support from those they come in contact with. It came as no surprise to me that ACU was supporting this cause because come on, we are ACU, that’s what we do, support
good causes. That is when the irony began to sink in; how much do we, ACU as a whole, really support these causes? Do we only support them vocally and socially on the surface because it is what is expected, or do we really support them with our actions? The Invisible Children Tour just happened to come to ACU the week before Lectureship, ACU’s proudest and most exciting week. So I found myself watching a young college-aged male who dropped out of
Your Voice Student questions priorities with regard to how this campus community spends our time and money.
school for a semester to help support Invisible Children stand on the Sing Song stage and speak out about a corrupt government, a disgusting civil war, and young children being kidnaped and forced to fight in a war. He stood on the elaborate
stage asking for our support and our money to make a difference. I couldn’t help but wonder how much ACU spends each year on Sing Song. From the enormous sound system, all of the lighting, and a stage that takes up half of Moody’s gym floor, I am sure the amount is large. I also began to ponder how much good could be generated if that money went toward something like the Invisible Children movement. Now don’t get me wrong,
I’m not anti-Sing Song, and I understand the importance of tradition, but I think if we put things in perspective, Sing Song is quite insignificant. I’m not so naive to think that ACU would actually do away with Sing Song to support something like Invisible Children, because lets be honest, could ACU even exist without Sing Song? That was not my intentions of this letter to begin with, I just think we should re-evaluate our priorities. Perhaps cut back some of
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
the money that goes toward things like Sing Song and bringing high profile keynote speakers to Lectureship and transfer them to some sort of benefit or charity, whether it is Invisible Children or something else, I think ACU could do a lot of good with some of the money it has. I think it is time for us as a community to stop talking and start acting.
Josh Campbell junior business marketing major from Van
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Wednesday, March 1, 2006
Page 7
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
SA: Study Abroad representative amendment fails Continued from page 1 correcting grammatical mistakes to making more substantial changes. Senior Sen. A.J. Smith proposed an amendment, which Congress overwhelmingly passed 32-2 with one abstention, to add two seats to Congress to represent students living off campus. Smith said students living off campus have one less avenue of representation on Congress than other students. Currently, students can be represented on Congress by class senators, academic building representatives and residential representatives. The addition of the off-campus living representatives now guarantees each student has
three areas of representation. The most contentious amendment of the evening called for the addition of Study Abroad representatives. Proposed by junior Sen. Alaina Bearden, the amendment would have created specific seats on Congress for a representative from each Study Abroad location for a term of one semester. Students from each location would have elected one of their own for the seat who would remain in contact with SA officers by e-mail and could vote absentee on bills and resolutions. Although some members of Congress agreed the Study Abroad students should be represented, some said they thought giving one represen-
tative to approximately 15 to 30 students would be too much representation. Others disagreed with that premise. “Not every building here has the same amount of representation,” said senior Sen. Andrew Greenberg. “It doesn’t matter how many people are in a building or a residence hall. If it exists, they get representation.” Treasurer Tyler Cosgrove brought up the fact that SA does not receive a student activity fee from students studying abroad like it does from undergraduates on campus. He questioned whether a Study Abroad representative should vote on the use of funds that their constituents did not contribute to. “There is some reasoning
behind the thought that there needs to be representation,” Cosgrove said. “At the same time, we do make a lot of financial decisions that do they really have a right to vote in?” Executive officers initially ruled the amendment failed after a vote of 14-12 with seven abstentions. Chief development officer Erin Dimas said the seven abstentions counted in the total votes. With 43 total votes cast, the 14 yes votes did not constitute a majority. However, Foster Science Building Rep. Christopher Smith challenged the ruling, claiming abstentions should not count as any sort of vote. Upon further review of the voting rules, Dimas said she agreed with Smith and
that the amendment had passed 14-12. Members of Congress — especially those who had abstained in the initial vote — voted to reconsider the amendment because of the confusion about vote totals. Several members who had abstained said they assumed their abstentions would count in the vote totals. Minutes after initially abstaining, those members decided they had enough information to cast yes or no votes. The amendment failed 13-18. Although the amendment failed, the newly passed constitution does not prohibit the possibility of students being elected to represent those studying abroad. The
it’s something that I was going to bring up in the conference meeting just because I think it’s a crummy way for anybody to end their season.” Beating Texas A&M-Kingsville 87-64 Thursday, all the Wildcats had to do was win Saturday to take the fourth and final seed in the LSC South and go to the postseason. However, the Wildcats got off to a slow start against Texas Woman’s King and never held a lead in the game. “We came out and pretty much let Texas Woman’s control everything in the first 15 minutes of the game, and I was a little bit surprised by that,” Lavender said. “We came out so passive; I think we didn’t hit our first few shots, and then everyone got tense after that.” The Pioneers were ahead 36-15 with 3:37 remain-
ing in the first half, but freshman Kristee Davidson scored seven points in an 11-2 ACU run to finish the first half, and the Wildcats took some momentum into the locker room. That momentum carried into the second half as the Wildcats fought back to a one-point deficit with just under 14 minutes to play, but the Pioneers went on a run of their own to open up the lead to 50-43. The Wildcats came within three points of Texas WomDavidson an’s at the three-minute mark, but could never get over the hump and lost 72-60. In their final game, seniors Jamie Boles-Lord, Ashley King and Kierstan Barbee finished with 12, 11 and 10 points, respectively. Sophomore point guard Alex Guiton led the team with 12 points, and Davidson had 10 points in her 28 minutes off the bench. Some of the Wildcats’
offensive woes can be explained by their poor freethrow shooting. The team went 10-21 from the line and didn’t do any better from behind the 3-point arc, making just six of 26 shots. Lavender said she might have a solution to that for next season. “We missed a ton of free throws—again,” Lavender said. “I think next year I’m just not going to have the girls shoot them in practice, so maybe they won’t think about it.”
Continued from page 1
Women’s Basketball Stats • The women’s team lost Saturday 72-60 to Texas Woman’s • In their final game, seniors Jamie Boles-Lord, Ashley King, Kierstan Barbee finished with 12,11, and 10 points. • Sophomore point guard Alex Guiton led the team with 12 points and freshman Kristee Davidson scored 10 points.
E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu
E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu
IJM: Hope bracelets for sale
Wildcats: Defeat ends season Continued from page 8
constitution states each university-controlled housing facility can have at least one representative as a voting member of Congress. Because students live in university-controlled housing even while studying in Oxford, England, or Montevideo, Uruguay, future congresses could interpret “universitycontrolled housing” to include Study Abroad facilities. The new constitution represented the first of several updates in an effort by Congress to overhaul its governing documents. Congress next will turn its attention to its bylaws in hopes of drafting a new set to coincide with the new constitution.
Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer
Senior center Jamie Boles-Lord hits an inside jump-shot against the hard defense of Texas Woman’s defenders Ashley Browning and Jennifer Schilb during the 72-60 Wildcat loss in Moody Coliseum on Saturday. The loss created a tie for the fourth and final playoff spot, which the Wildcats lost out on by way of a coin flip.
ceives would be an immense help. “I think anything financially that can be done will be a blessing, because that money will go directly to helping people who are in an unjust situation,” Lewis said, adding that he hopes any contributions people make also serve to sow seeds in their heart to help similar causes later in life. Smith said IJM is planning a second, bigger awareness week for later in the semester, when Larry Martin, vice president of education for IJM, will visit campus to speak to the student body. ACU’s chapter of IJM began unofficially in April 1999, and was recognized as an official committee by the Students’ Association in 2000. ACU was the first college in the nation to organize a student chapter of International Justice Mission, Lewis said.
E-mail Driskell at: optimist@acu.edu
Numbers: Undeclared major students drops for sixth year Continued from page 1 decisions about their majors and careers. Ideally, Mattis said, students can identify a major before entering college with the help of Passport and career fairs; however, many students do not do this. Once at ACU, students possess many resources: the Office of Career and Academic Development, the Graduate Success Development Team, the Discovery Program, the Office of Admissions, the Registrar’s Office, University Seminar, department chairs, degree plan specialists, and academic advisors. Mattis said the sophomore
year is vital, which makes the end of students’ freshman year the targeted time for help. Those who have not declared a major are encouraged to enroll in the one-credit-hour Discovery Course, which offers additional career assessment. University Seminar also offers help to undecided students as they write the required career paper and research their interests. Before selecting a major, Mattis said, students must know themselves and know their goals. Mattis said he realizes this is no easy task. “Students are paralyzed by the enormity of the choice,” he said.
However, Mattis emphasized that “not all who wander are lost,” and said efforts made are intended to help students, not cause undeclared students discomfort. He said all types of students have difficulty selecting a major— whether the problem is because of multiple interests or perceived pressure. “We are offering students help to understand their calling and how they can best serve in the kingdom,” Mattis said. Students should not feel pressured to choose simply to make a decision. Students today do not face a different or more difficult challenge when declaring a major, Mattis said. The difference is
the likelihood that students today will change careers or employers several times. Mattis said he applauds the efforts made “across the board” to equip students to make decisions. While departments such as the OCAD and the First-Year Program offer assistance, involvement by department chairs helps students declare a major as well. Dr. Joe Cardot, chair of the Communication Department, said determining what is best for the student is the most important. Cardot said he would prefer that a student leave his department for a more suitable major than leave ACU or dislike a career.
“Work is too much work to hate it,” Cardot said. In the Communication Department, a promotional DVD is offered along with informational literature to interested students. Fundamentals of Communications, a required course, has a career day to help students explore options in the field. Dr. Nancy Shankle, chair of the English Department, meets with students considering an English major. “I describe the kinds of classes they will take, but I also tell them about career opportunities in English … once students know about their options, they can make better decisions about their major,” Shankle said.
Most departments attribute the success of helping students declare a major to the personal involvement of the faculty, including Dr. Glenn Pemberton, chair of the Bible, Missions, and Ministry Department. “In our department, whatever success has taken place in this area is due to the efforts of individual professors who work with students in the U-100 class and who formally and informally advise and mentor students,” Pemberton said. As students continue to declare a major at the beginning of their college careers, Mattis said, he hopes four-year graduation rates will also increase. E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu
Page 8
March 1, 2006 Standings
Men’s Basketball Team Tarleton St. WTAMU TAMU-K ENMU MSU ACU Angelo St.
Div. 11-1 9-3 8-4 6-6 5-7 3-9 0-12
Overall 22-5 20-7 18-9 12-15 16-11 8-19 8-19
Wildcats drop to No. 2 after loss to ECU n The Wildcats won three games of a four game series against East Central this weekend. However, the lone loss dropped ACU out of the top spot in the latest poll. By DANIEL JOHNSON
Women’s Basketball Team WTAMU Angelo St. Tarleton St. TX Woman’s ACU MSU
Div. 13-1 11-3 11-3 6-8 6-8 5-9
Overall 24-3 20-7 19-7 13-13 12-15 11-16
BASEBALL Team ACU ENMU Angelo St. TAMU-K WTAMU Tarleton St.
Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Overall 10-1 8-1 5-1 3-1 3-2 2-6
SOFTBALL Team Div. Tarleton St. 0-0 ACU 0-0 ENMU 0-0 TAMU-K 0-0 Angelo St. 0-0 0-0 WTAMU
Overall 7-2 10-4 8-4 4-4 4-7 4-7
Sports Writer
Despite three wins over East Central Oklahoma University in four games played last weekend, the Wildcats baseball team has fallen down a spot to No. 2 in the latest Division II poll behind Georgia College & State University. After falling to the East Central Tigers in an extrainning bout 5-4 on Friday’s first game, the Wildcats came back swinging to outscore the Tigers 9-3 in the second game, and 5-3 and 10-0 in Saturday’s games. “We really let them hang
Baseball around in the first game; we put ourselves in a position to win, but couldn’t get a final out in the seventh or anything offensively in the extra innings,” head coach Britt Bonneau said. “We took that first loss and really dominated the next three games; our guys adjusted and our pitchers threw three good games.” With three more wins, the No. 2 Wildcats increased their overall record to 132, as they head into a fourgame series against Northeastern State at home this weekend. Thanks to consistent pitching, the Wildcats split the games Friday and swept the Tigers on Saturday. Although senior pitcher Ben Maynard had seven
strikeouts and only allowed four runs in the first game, the Tigers rallied off of relief pitchers Jason Kennedy and Brandon Moore to score the winning run in the ninth. The Wildcats’ four runs Wells came off a two-run double from senior left fielder Johnny Zepeda in the first inning and an RBI each from freshman third basemen Trey Watten and freshman catcher Jordan Schmitt in the second and third innings. The Wildcats rallied behind unbeaten pitcher, junior Chris Wiman, to outscore the Tigers 9-3 in the second game Friday night. Wiman pitched a complete
game with seven strikeouts and two earned runs on three hits in seven innings to extend his record to 4-0. The good pitching continued through the third game of the series as junior pitcher Stephen Miller put up five strikeouts in five innings. After a 4-0 ACU lead in the fifth, the Tigers scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth off freshman pitcher Ryan Quidley. But an RBI single from junior Matt Maguire in the seventh and two strikeouts from senior Jason Kennedy saved the game, 5-3. In the final game, junior Brian Kennedy struck out four batters and allowed three hits in all seven innings. Designated hitter Joel Wells led a fifth inning explosion with a two-run homer, and Watten led the Wild-
Scores Men’s basketball Texas A&M-Kingsville 86, ACU 78 Women’s basketball ACU 87, Texas A&M-Kingsville 64
n The women’s tennis team returned from Colorado with three more team victories and a 11-2 record, with one loss to Colorado State University.
Friday
Baseball East Central 5, ACU 7 (9) ACU 9, East Central 3 Softball ACU 12, Central Oklahoma 3
By MICHAEL FREEMAN Sports Writer
Saturday
Women’s basketball Texas Woman’s 72, ACU 60 Baseball ACU 5, East Central 3 ACU 10, East Central 0
Upcoming Schedule Wednesday
Friday Baseball ACU vs. Northeastern State, 4 p.m. (DH) Softball ACU at Texas A&M-Kingsville, 5 p.m. Men’s Tennis ACU vs. New Mexico Military, 2 p.m.
brian schmidt/Chief Photographer
Senior Kierstan Barbee steals the ball from Ashley Browning, leading to a fastbreak bucket by freshman Kristee Davidson late in the first half.
Out with a flick of the coin n A slow offensive start and a big first half deficit kept the Wildcats behind all game against Texas Woman’s in a 72-60 loss. By JARED FIELDS
Saturday Baseball ACU vs. Northeastern State, noon (DH) Softball ACU at Texas A&M-Kingsville, 5 p.m.
• Home games listed in italics
Poll NCAA Division II College Baseball Poll for Feb. 27 1. Georgia College & State 2. Abilene Christian 3. Cal State Chico 4. West Virginia State 5. West Alabama 6. Cal State Los Angeles 7. Central Missouri State 8. Tampa 9. Texas A&M-Kingsville 10. Emporia State 11. Armstrong Atlantic State 12. Franklin Pierce 13. Nova Southeastern 14. USC Aiken 15. Catawba 16. Francis Marion 17. Western Oregon 18. Columbus State 19. Valdosta State 20. Florida Southern 21. Shippensburg 22. St. Joseph’s (Ind.) 23. Kutztown 24. Northern Kentucky 25. West Florida 26. Wayne State (Neb.) 27. Mesa State 28. Erskine 29. Nebraska-Kearney 30. Cal State Stanislaus
E-mail Johnson at: djj004a@acu.edu
Women’s tennis hits Colorado
Thursday
Women’s Tennis ACU at Tarleton State, 2 p.m. Men’s Tennis ACU vs. Hardin-Simmons, 3 p.m.
cats with three RBI. Kennedy threw a complete game and filled the Wildcats’ need for a fourth starter. “Kennedy really did great, and he helped us fill that fourth starter spot we have been searching for,” Bonneau said. Although the Wildcats fell down a spot in the polls, Bonneau said he is still pleased with the team’s current ranking and optimistic about what such a high ranking will do to improve the team’s performance. “Anytime you are in the top ten you can’t help but feel good about it,” Bonneau said. “The pressure is good for us; it helps us figure out how good our team is. To play at ACU, you have to learn how to play ranked.”
Sports Editor
The Wildcats’ season came down to someone the team had not relied on all year — Sacagawea. The guide to Louis and Clark’s historic expedition showed her face late Saturday night, deciding which team advanced to the Lone Star Conference Tournament against the north No. 1 seed, Southwestern Oklahoma. Losing to Texas Woman’s 72-60 on Saturday, the two teams had a coin flip after all other tie-breaker methods produced more ties. ACU won the preliminary flip with the gold Sacagawea
Women’s Basketball dollar for the right to call the official toss, and head coach Shawna Lavender went with tails. “I was hoping I wouldn’t have to call it,” Lavender said. “When it came up heads, I thought, ‘well, chances are it’ll be tails next time.’” Instead, the coin landed heads up, and the Wildcats’ season ended. Lavender, assistant coaches and media listened over the telephone loudspeaker to hear the results of the flip from the LSC office. However ridiculous Lavender may think a coin flip is, she said her team should have never experienced it at all. “It should’ve never come to that with us,” Lavender said. “We should’ve won
Saturday and a couple of games during the year that we basically gave away.” The first two tiebreakers didn’t serve their purpose. If at the end of the season, two teams division records are tied, the head-to-head record is used. If that is equal, then the teams’ records against the division’s high seeds, then low seeds are used. In the case of Texas Woman’s and ACU, who posses 6-8 divisional records and identical tiebreaker records, a coin flip is the final means of selecting a playoff advancing team. “There’s got to be a better way to do it, which is something I hope they change for next year,” Lavender said. “It’s something I thought was bad all along, whether we won the flip or not; See
Wildcats page 7
Wildcats win one, rain cancels more n In a rain-shortened LSC Crossover Tournament, the Wildcats won their only game, a 12-3 victory Friday against Central Oklahoma in Irving. By ASHLEY MOORE Sports Writer
The women’s softball team defeated defending Lone Star Conference champion Central Oklahoma 123 last weekend in the LSC Crossover Tournament in Irving. Although originally scheduled to play four games Friday and Saturday, the Wildcat’s only played one after the final three were postponed because of rain. Senior Jennifer Leal pitched the entire six innings played, allowing six hits, while the Wildcats finished with no errors.
Softball The game was scoreless until the fourth inning when junior first baseman Jenna Daugherty’s single scored the first two runs of the game. Junior catcher Samantha Borgeson and junior third baseman Nicole Deel each scored one for the Wildcats. Central Oklahoma came back in the fifth with three runs, to gain a one-run lead for a short period of time. The UCO third baseman’s error to start the sixth on senior outfielder Jade Wilson’s ground ball began a 10-run rally. “We were starting to get locked in on UCO’s starting pitcher,” head coach Chantiel Wilson said about the end of the fifth inning. The sixth and final inning
sealed the win for the Wildcats. Jade Wilson hit a three RBI triple, and junior second baseman Allison Crouse had a two RBI double; both were huge factors in sealing the 10-run sixth inning to beat the defending LSC champions. “We knew what we had to do coming in to this game, and Leal we did it,” said sophomore pitcher Melanie Smith. “We were very focused as a team and played our game like we knew how to.” Daugherty, Wilson and Crouse were just a few of the many players that made a big difference offensively to complement a great pitch-
ing effort by Leal, Chantiel Wilson said. “This year the players have not once given up when we were down a run or two because we know we have the bats to keep us in every game,” Chantiel Wilson said. Winning this game brings the Wildcat record to 135 overall. The team begins conference play this weekend against Texas A&MKingsville. “We aren’t going to treat this game any different,” Smith said. “We’re going to stay focused and work on staying strong as a team.” ACU will play a doubleheader at 5 p.m. Friday in Kingsville and then at noon Saturday.
E-mail Moore at: aem03e@acu.edu
After several games on the road, the men’s and women’s tennis teams both added wins to their records. The women’s tennis team returned from a successful trip in Colorado this weekend. On Friday, the women swept both Colorado State UniversityPueblo and Metropolitan State 9-0. On Saturday, the Wildcats defeated the U.S. Air Force Academy 4-3, but, Colorado State University squeaked by ACU 4-3. After the trip, the women’s record improved to 11-2. Head coach Hutton Jones said he liked the results from this past weekend. “It was a good trip,” Jones said. “I think we are a tougher team than we were [before the trip].” After dominating their first two matches against Colorado State-Pueblo and Metropolitan State, the Wildcats faced two talented Division I universities, Colorado State and the Air Force. In the end, the women beat Air Force, but fell to Colorado State. After the match, Jon Messick, head coach of Colorado State, called ACU a “quality team.” The women took that comment into Stephenville Tuesday, when they took on Tarleton State University. Jones anticipated a close match with the regional rival. Tarleton State is ranked 19th in the Division II national polls. ACU is ranked ninth. From Feb. 15-18, the Wildcat men played two matches in California. ACU beat Sonoma State University 8-1, but lost to Azusa Pacific University 6-3. The Wildcats’ other match against Cal Poly Pomona University was cancelled because of rain. This week, the men play at home in scrimmage matches against Hardin-Simmons University and the New Mexico Military Institute. Jones said the team is preparing for the matchup with Cameron University on March 7 in Lawton, Okla. In the past two years, ACU has beaten Cameron three times by the same score of 5-4. E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu