2006 03 08

Vol. 94, No. 42 1 section, 8 pages

WEDNESDAY March 8, 2006

www.acuoptimist.com

Strong showing

STAR performance

Boston bound

The Wildcats complete a four-game sweep to remain ranked No. 2, page 8

The Student Trading and Research group earns about $50,000 on investments, page 4

Fifteen individuals and four relay teams qualify for nationals, page 8

Break plans Storm before the calm range from rest to work “I have two midterms, two tests that are not midterms and a paper due in the same week. I don’t know how I’m going to get through this.”

Jennifer Moore, junior biochemistry major from Waco

n Spring Break Campaigns, trips with family and friends, rest and work highlight students’ plans as some prepare to leave town while others will stay in town for vacation.

By CAMILLE PAINTER Student Reporter

Just a few days remain until students get to put away their books and take out their suitcases.

As diversity exists on campus, it also exists in spring break destinations and activities. Some students plan to leave the country, while others plan to travel the country.

Philip Ellis, sophomore business major from Tyler, said he plans to drive to Tennessee with eight friends.

They expect to go camping, fishing, hiking and rappelling when they get there.

“I’ve never been rappelling before,” Ellis said, “so I’m looking forward to doing that.”

In a non-scientific survey taken of 100 students on campus, 19 percent said they plan to go somewhere with friends; 10 percent plan to travel with family.

Ellis, who has traveled to Illinois with big groups of friends each summer for the past five years, said traveling with groups is good because it builds friendships and strengthens bonds.

The survey results returned that 57 percent of stuSee

SPRING page 7

Sophomore halls to begin sign-ups n A computer program will randomly assign rooms to students who signed up to live in a certain residence hall, and the process will be staggered over several days.

By JACI SCHNEIDER Copy Editor

Sophomore residence hall sign-ups will begin March 20 for Barret Hall and March 28 for all other halls.

If freshmen want to live in a Living and Learning Community in Barret Hall next year, they must submit their applications by 5 p.m. the Monday after returning from spring break. Bar-

ret will house women in pods A and B and men in pods C and D, said Dr. Mimi Barnard, director of Residence Life Education and Housing, in an e-mail. The setup of the hall will be much like Adams and Smith halls, with men on one side and women on the other.

Students will choose a group of six to eight students to live with in a LLC in Barret. The groups must share a common bond and must decide on a theme, mission and a goal before applying. The members will also chose a group capSee

HALLS page 7

University events boost city economy Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer

Courtney Flow, freshman nutrition major from Nashville, Tenn., studies Tuesday in Beauchamp Amphitheater for a psychology midterm. During this eighth week of the semester right before spring break, many students have midterm exams, regular tests and projects due in their classes.

Students prepare for midterms before vacation

By LISA SRIOBCHOEY Student Reporter

Midterm exams and assignments have put many students under pressure during the several weeks before spring break.

More than 70 percent of students have midterm exams this semester, with an

average of two exams each, according to a non-scientific survey of 50 students.

Most students who already had midterm exams said they were well prepared for them. Still, many others whose exams are scheduled for the rest of this week do not feel prepared for the exams yet,

including Jonathan Fowler, freshman political science major from Richardson.

“Time constraint is the biggest problem for me,” Fowler said. “There are just too many things to do, and when I do have time, I can’t really focus.”

To make the problem worse, most classes tend

to have midterm exams, regular exams or assignments due during this part of the semester, making these several weeks crazy for some.

Jennifer Moore, junior biochemistry major from Waco, has many tests to See

MIDTERMS page 7

n Sing Song and Lectureship visitors brought in almost $400,000 to Abilene’s economy, and graduation weekend in May will sell out many hotels across town.

By DANI LINTHICUM Opinion Editor

Alumni, parents and prospective students investigating ACU flooded on to campus for Sing Song and Lectureship, and their presence influenced Abilene as well.

Sing Song and Lectureship combined to impact Abilene economically by $394,000,

said Nanci Liles, executive director of the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, in an e-mail.

Liles said an estimated 1,000 out-of-town visitors spent the night for an average of four days, and during that time, spent $98.50 per day.

While this is one of the largest events Abilene hosts, both the State High School Rodeo Finals and 4-H Horse Show generate more income for the city because the contestants are in town for eight See

CITY page 7

Learning Commons to open March 20 n The redesigned main level of Brown Library will feature a Starbucks coffee shop and group-work areas to encourage students to come to the library.

By RACHEL WILSON Student Reporter

Students talking in louder than a whisper, sipping coffee and nibbling on a snack.

Once taboo in a school library, these actions will become the

norm on March 20.

The remodeled main level of the library, now called the Learning Commons, will open the Monday after spring break.

Mark Tucker, dean of Library Information and Resources, has been a part of the planning for the Learning Commons and is responsible for explaining the plans to those outside the library.

The newly designed area of the library will be different

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

in that it will attract students, Tucker said.

Because of the advances in technology and being able to access research online, the traditional need for a library is no longer relevant, Tucker said. Therefore, the committee to redesign the library had to rethink its public spaces.

The new definition of this public space is Learning Commons, Tucker said. A great

deal of research went into planning this cutting-edge learning facility. The dean of the Library at Texas Christian University, Robert Seal, was ACU’s consultant for creating the space.

A few years ago, Seal was at his campus library on a Friday night and it was empty.

Later, he went to the Barnes and Noble down the street, See

COMMONS page 7

Emerald McGowan/Staff Photographer

The new Learning Commons, which should open March 20, will have groupwork areas built around computer desks and a Starbucks coffee shop.

Abilene Christian University

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:

Wednesday, March 8, 2006

08

Calendar & Events Wednesday

09

Thursday

Collegiate Orchestra Concerto, 8 p.m., Paramount Theatre.

ISA Chai Cafe, 9:45-10:45 p.m., Campus Center Living Room.

GSP Bike Ride information, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows/tables.

GSP Bike Ride information, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows/tables.

Announcements Robin Roberts, co-host for ABC’s Good Morning America and former sportscaster for ESPN, will speak at 7 p.m. on April 8 at a dinner in Teague Special Events Center. The event is part of ACU’s Centennial Speaker Series.

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 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.

The Grace Museum is partnering with ACU to produce a state-of-the-art literature/podcast collaboration titled “Works on Paper: A Creative Writing LitCast.”

The collaboration is a 12-part series written by the Advanced Creative Writing Class based on the painting “The News” by Jack Bookbinder.

Students access the works online at www.thegracemuseum.org/ musecast.

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.

10

Friday

GSP Bike Ride information, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows/tables.

11

Saturday

Spring Break.

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 its 14th annual Mexican Dinner fundraising event from noon until 10 p.m. March 25.

For more information, contact the Volunteer Service-Learning 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, cards 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 Service-Learning Center.

Abilene Hope Haven needs volunteers to play with children while assisting with childcare from 6:45-8:15 p.m.

Mondays through Thursdays.

For more information, contact the Volunteer Service-Learning Center.

Taste of Abilene 2006 needs volunteers from 4:309:30 p.m. on April 4 at the Taylor County Expo Center.

Volunteers will help with the set up at 4:30 p.m., assist participants during the event and help clean up afterwards.

Volunteers will be able to sample food from the 20 booths of participating restaurants.

For more information contact the Volunteer and ServiceLearning Center in the Bean Sprout.

Credited Chapels remaining:

31 37

Police Log (edited for space) Feb. 27 10 a.m. Monitored Sherrod lot 5:35 p.m. Criminal mischief, vehicle damaged on ACU Drive North 6:30 p.m. Report of vehicle accident in Sikes lot. Vehicles were gone upon arrival, no report made 11:50 p.m. Gave access to Campus Center for ATM use Feb. 28 12:42 a.m. Checked field house at Abilene Christian Schools and secured door 12:45 a.m. Assisted Abilene Police Department with traffic stop at 2400 Campus Court 1:07 a.m. Report of suspicious vehicle at Hillcrest Church of Christ.

Unable to contact owner, employee of church locked the vehicle 7 a.m. Report of female asking for money at Sherrod Apartments.

Contacted female and advised to leave property 7:30 p.m. Monitored basketball game at Moody Coliseum 8:30 p.m. Unlocked station for shuttle driver March 1 12:38 a.m. Minor vehicle accident, 1600 Ave. D, handled by Abilene PD 11 a.m. Contacted student in reference to found wallet at Barret lot Noon Student reporting possible criminal mischief to vehicle .

Verbal disagreement between two students. No report made 4:31 p.m. Report of skateboarders at Edwards Hall, unable to locate March 2 12:23 a.m. Assisted Abilene PD with intoxicated driver, Highway 351 12:55 a.m. Escort from Nelson to Barret Hall 3:09 a.m. Parking violation at Mabee/Edwards lot 5:03 a.m. Escort from Barret to Nelson Hall 10:37 a.m. Parking violation at Adams lot 1:46 a.m. Report of fire at Smith/

Adams. Was a small fire on outside deck. Handled by Abilene Fire Department 4:05 p.m. Fingerprinted student at the station 11:32 a.m. Unlocked vehicle at Library lot March 3 12:30 a.m. Checked field house at Abilene Christian Schools and secured door 2:21 a.m. Report of two suspicious subject letting air out of vehicle at University Park lot, checked area and unable to locate subjects 10:14 a.m. Report of someone breaking into a vehicle in the parking lot of Mabee/Edwards, subject was a locksmith, all OK 10:25 a.m. Parking violation at Bible lot 1:30 p.m. Unlocked vehicle in Administration lot 5:08 p.m. Fingerprinted student at the station 9:47 p.m. Disturbance between two high school cheering squads playing at Moody Coliseum. Subjects were escorted to their buses 10:02 p.m. Locked Bible building March 4 3:55 a.m. Four subjects arrested for public intoxication at University Park Apartments 6:55 a.m. Unlocked business building 8 a.m. Unlocked Bible building 10:30 p.m. Gave access to computer lab at Foster Science March 5 1:20 a.m. Unlocked vehicle at Administration lot 3 a.m. Students contacted for alcohol violation in Big Purple lot 7 a.m. Unlocked Campus Center 2:30 p.m. Walk through of the Campus Center 8 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at Smith/ Adams lot 10:30 p.m. Traffic violation at Nelson lot, moped driving on grass

Wednesday, March 8, 2006

Page 3

CAMPUS NEWS

Lending a helping hand

Commencement looms for seniors n About 500 seniors plan to graduate May 13 and are required to attend a special Chapel on Wednesday to learn about the ceremony.

By DANNY GAMBERO Student Reporter

emerald mcgowan/Staff Photographer

Darby Hewitt, sophomore physics major from Waco, and Mei Cher Ng, junior family studies major from Malaysia, clear and bag leaves from a pathway while participating in Service Saturday.

Graduation is less than two months away, and 498 seniors are scurrying to take care of all their requirements.

Applications for graduation were to be turned in by October. Everyone who will graduate in May should be taking all the courses remaining on their degree plans.

Graduation will be May 13, and all seniors graduating must attend a few events before that date.

One of them is Senior Chapel on Wednesday. In that Chapel, students will learn about the ceremony and

what goes on; they will be told about the senior celebration, and they will find out about the rehearsal.

On graduation day, two ceremonies will take place.

The morning ceremony is for the College of Biblical Studies, the College of Business Administration and

preparation, many students are ready for May 13, including Kerri Sanders, history major from Abilene.

“I’m excited that I’m finally going to be done with school, with homework and with the stresses that school brings,” Sanders said.

Sanders is taking 15

“I don’t have anything set up or planned for my future, which is [almost] frightening.”

Kerri Sanders, senior history major from Abilene

Patty Shelton Hanks School of Nursing. The afternoon ceremony is for the College of Arts and Sciences.

The day before graduation, the seniors must attend rehearsal.

Even with the stress that comes with graduation

hours to finish her senior year and would someday like to do historical restoration of old buildings. After graduation she said she will probably try to go into massage therapy to earn enough money to pay for graduate school.

“I don’t have anything set up or planned for my future, which is [almost] frightening, just because it’s unknown,” Sanders said.

Sanders isn’t the only student worried about what is to come after school.

Dustin Sims, marketing and management major from Redwood City, Calif., said he isn’t ready for graduation.

Sims said he wants to open up a comic book store sometime in his life, but for the summer, he might intern at Freeman Motor in Portland, Ore. “My friend Marshall lives in Oregon and works for Freeman Motors,” Sims said, “so he gave me a recommendation, and hopefully it will all work out.”

E-mail Gambero at: optimist@acu.edu

Organization aims to mix ministry, nature in parks n Students interviewed Monday for positions at 30 national parks to work various positions while representing the life and love of Christ to the park visitors.

By KELSI PEACE Staff Writer

Students eager to spend their summer enjoying nature and ministry were given the opportunity Monday to interview for a position with “A Christian Ministry in National Parks.”

Applicants were able to select three preferences from among 30 national parks in the United States that participate. Placement is dependent on previous work experience and job availability.

According to the ministry’s Web site, students will serve as desk clerks, housekeepers, bellhops, store clerks, tour guides or waitstaff. Their oth-

er task is more subtle: they are to show Christ to everyone they encounter, and as part of this expectation, help lead a Sunday worship service for park visitors.

Many outdoor experiences are available: hiking, biking, swimming, fishing and climbing are among the experiences students can expect.

About 250 college students participate in the program each summer. Sarah Rollins, a national representative, said students who participate love the outdoors and are usually considering a career in ministry.

“Often, a summer leading services will either point a person toward full-time ministry or show them that they do not desire to pursue that form of ministry,” Rollins said.

A Christian Ministry in the National Parks is a unique

opportunity for ministry because of the diversity national parks draw, Rollins said.

“You become the go-to person for faith questions from people who don’t know God, and you are given the gift to

a single highway and access only by bus, Isom said.

Participants in the Conservation Association work as volunteers and do not lead a worship service. They are often granted a stipend and

“You become the go-to person for faith questions from people who don’t even know God.” Sarah Rollins, national representative for A Christian Ministry in the National Parks

love those who have never been loved by Christians before,” Rollins said.

Jordan Isom, senior English major from Tuscola, spent last summer at Denali National Park through the Student Conservation Association.

Located in Alaska, Denali National Park boasts relatively untouched wilderness, with

can apply for a scholarship to support their volunteer work.

Students apply online and complete a phone interview for a position. Positions include interpretive ranger, trail clearing crew, and wilderness technology team.

All staff members spend the first two weeks training and learning park procedures.

Isom worked as an interpretive ranger, where she presented park history dressed as a pioneer from Texas. The job allowed her to use her researching and writing skills as well as interact with visitors.

The highlight of her tasks was her interaction with the sled dogs, Isom said.

The dogs, used in the winter to transport the rangers to and from the park, entertain visitors with the dogsled demonstration.

Isom “adopted” Lupin, one of the sled dogs, to walk daily.

Isom also worked in the visitor center, where she enjoyed the personal interaction.

“In the park system, people are coming from all over … no one was similar,” Isom said.

The community created among the students in the park was memorable to Isom

Working in National Parks For more information, visit www.sca-inc.org or www. acmp.com.

as well. She shared a cabin with one other girl and attended a church 30 miles away. Members of the congregation drove her to church every Sunday.

Isom has applied for a part time position this summer in Denali.

“I love it,” Isom said. “It’s just like a second home.”

For more information on working in a national park, visit www.sca-inc.org or www. acmp.com.

E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu

Page 4

Wednesday, March 8, 2006

CAMPUS NEWS

Taking a ride around the block

Speakers stress relationships n Two internationally and nationally known marriage and relationship specialists from Pepperdine University spoke to students this weekend.

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Blake Browder, sophomore elementary education major from Denton, rides an exercise bike in the Campus Center on Monday. Browder and other members of Gamma Sigma Phi rode the bike to raise money and awareness of their spring break bicycle trip to Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. The money goes towards research for osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic bone disorder.

students.

The couple used various teaching methods to engage students in their presentations.

During a marriage retreat at Oakwood Trails, the Lowes split the crowd into small groups to brainstorm strategies for maintaining a marriage while in college. The crowd of 27 couples, seven couples more than the intended audience, left armed with fundamental relationship skills.

The couple explained the importance of commitment, outside perspectives and companionship.

about an argument the couple had that caused a breech in the relationship for days.

Lowe said because he had to prove that he was right in the disagreement, and went to great lengths to do so, he humiliated

By TAKSIHA KNIGHT his wife in front of her parents, Page 2 Editor and they had a relational probDr. Dennis Lowe and Dr. lem to work out.

Emily Scott-Lowe equipped stu“Even in the research that has dents with relationship skills been done about what makes a last weekend and in Chapel on long-term successful marriage, Monday. it shows that the top two inThe two nationally and intergredients are commitment and nationally known marriage and companionship,” Lowe said. relationship specialists from The couple also recommends Pepperdine University visited listening and consulting family campus for the and friends first time in five about relayears Saturday. tionships.

“Research shows relationship does better with They taught Lowe said friends’ and family support.” students about that somemaintaining and times a reDr. Dennis Lowe, nationally and internationally known marriage specialist building healthy lationship relationships feels good with parents, but still friends, roomneeds outmates and significant others “When you have a long-term side insights. as an answer to some student view of a relationship, then you “Research shows relationconcerns. are motivated to put time into ship does better with friends’ “What we’re finding is that it because you’re thinking, ‘if and family support,” Lowe there are a lot of college students I’m going to be married to him said. saying that they didn’t have the or her for the next 60 years, I Finally, the couple agrees best models growing up about want it to go well,’” Scott-Lowe that companionship is essenrelationships and how to have said. tial. good relationships,” Lowe said.

She reiterated a point she “If something happens to “They really want to have good and her husband made in Cha- me, she’s the first person I relationships themselves, but pel on Monday: want to tell about what hapthey don’t really know how to “You have to hold up the pened and I’m the first one go about doing it.” mirror and look at yourself,” she wants to tell about what With 30 years of marriage she said. happened,” Lowe said. and two sons, the couple has a Lowe illustrated this concept E-mail Knight at: tnk03a@acu.edu wealth of wisdom to share with in Chapel on Monday in a story

STAR shoots above $300,000 in investments this semester n STAR, a student investment group, reached the $300,000 mark in current investments this week, increasing ACU’s endowment by $50,000.

By NATHAN STRAUSS Student Reporter

Last week ACU’s studentmanaged investment fund, STAR, reached the $300,000 mark in the worth of its current investments.

STAR, which stands for Student Trading and Re-

search, has been managing a portion of ACU’s endowment since 1999, said Mike Beman, president of STAR. Keith Robinson, senior finance major from Indianapolis, is the portfolio investment manager.

“Originally, it was professors and a couple of other donors that privately funded the money that STAR was going to manage, but ACU asked that the donors pull out, so that all the money we managed was ACU’s

money,” Robinson said.

STAR has 13 student members, overseen by Dr. Terry Pope, associate dean and associate professor of finance; Dr. Jack Griggs, professor of finance; and Dr. Jonathan Stewart, associate professor of finance.

The group owns stock in companies such as American Eagle, O’Reilly Automotive and Toyota. Robinson said STAR was up three percent in its investments on March 1, hitting $300,780,

before dropping back down to $300,200 the next day.

At its inception in 1999, the group was given a $15,000 portion of the endowment to manage. Since then, STAR’s investments have steadily grown; the group began the school year in charge of $250,000, an amount that has grown about $50,000 since.

On Monday, STAR’s investments had dropped slightly to $298,000, a little more than a one percent

drop from Thursday.

While STAR was primarily organized to give students real-world investment experience, Robinson said it also helps the university by growing the endowment, which he estimated is at about $200 million. The ACU endowment helps pay salaries, as well as paying for a portion of students’ tuition and scholarships.

“When we pay $20,000 a year—or whatever it is to go to ACU—we are only paying

for 60 or 70 percent of what the actual cost is to keep the university running, and the rest comes from the endowment,” Robinson said.

Since STAR began, its percentage growth has consistently exceeded the average growth of the S&P 500, which includes such companies as Exxon and General Electric.

E-mail Strauss at: optimist@acu.edu

Flying Cats gymnastics team begins spring search for new members n Since Sing Song, numbers have dropped for the gymnastics team on campus, which inspired members to place ads on campus, said adviser Ben Zickefoose.

By COURTNEE HEMBREE Student Reporter

With Sing Song finished and leaving students with more time on their hands, and with others trying to find a way to get in shape, Flying Cats might be an option for those looking for something new.

Flying Cats is the campus gymnastics team, but students don’t have to be experienced to participate, said Ben Zickefoose, assistant professor of exercise science and health.

“You don’t have to have a background, but since you’ll spend a lot of time holding yourself upside down, you need to be able to handle your body weight.

It also helps to have some flexibility,” said Zickefoose, also the adviser of Flying Cats.

The only requirement is that members must be ACU stu-

dents, attend practices regularly, prepare to participate in performance and purchase a $10 T-shirt.

Most of the students tend to be freshmen and sophomores, because students are more likely to drop out after joining social clubs, Zickefoose said.

But several upperclassmen and a graduate student also participate.

Flying Cats normally has anywhere from 10-20 students participating, but because of Sing Song only 5-7 have been

regularly attending practice this semester, Zickefoose said. With enrollment down and their first performance coming up, Kelly Sargent, a first-year Christian ministry graduate student from Mesquite, is attempting to increase awareness and participation in the group and posted an announcement on my.ACU. “We wanted to create student awareness, so that as many people who want to can participate and benefit from all that we do,” Sargent said.

Flying Cats often performs

on campus, but its members also perform for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Abilene, and in three weeks they will perform at Dyess Elementary School for the 5th graders’ “Just Say No” program.

“We’re encouraging the kids to stay healthy while getting to show off what we can do,” Sargent said.

Sargent said she has been a part of Flying Cats since her sophomore year because she enjoys the performance aspect in addition to the stress relief it

can provide.

“So many of your extra-curricular activities can take up so much time, but the Flying Cats is only a couple hours a week,” Sargent said. “And it’s a great stress reliever. It’s been a blessing to me,” Those interested in learning more about the Flying Cats can go to practice at 4:15 – 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in Gibson Health and P.E. Center’s Gymnastics Gym, Room 325.

E-mail Hembree at: optimist@acu.edu

Wednesday, March 8, 2006

Page 5

CAMPUS NEWS

Bike riders bake for service n Members of the group the Night Riders are raising funds for the Christian Service Center by selling baked goods Thursday in the Campus Center.

By CAMILLE PAINTER Student Reporter

The Night Riders’ Small Group Chapel is planning a bake sale, which will take place Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Campus Center, to raise money for the Christian Service Center. Cupcakes, cookies and other items will be sold at a table.

Mitch Holt, junior journalism major from Memphis, Tenn., is the student who got the plans cooking for the sale.

“The bake sale will draw the student body in to benefit the Abilene community, but give them something awesome to eat at the same time,” Holt said.

The bake sale’s goal is to raise money for the Christian Service Center, which is an organization that “serves

people in society who have fallen through the cracks,” Holt said.

Jim Clark, director of Christian Service Center, said it is not just an agency.

“We minister very openly about Christ, that we do this in Jesus’ name; that God has called us to do this for the poor,” Clark said.

Holt said the group plans to deliver all the money earned in the sale to Christian Service Center in a cash donation.

“After Mitch sent out the e-mail, I got like 10 e-mails back immediately saying ‘Let’s do it,’” said Stephanie Kelsey, junior English major from Ruidoso, N.M., who also played a part in putting the sale together.

Holt said the bake sale is just the beginning.

“We hope the bake sale will build a relationship between our group and the Christian Care Center,” Holt said. He also said in the future they will aim to do more manual labor service around Abilene.

Members of the Night Riders’ Small Group Chapel are not the only people allowed to help in the service projects this group plans.

“We don’t want anyone to be tied down,” Holt said.

“Many times people want to serve, but there is too much being demanded of them. If people want to do a specific activity, they can just show up for that activity; no minimum service hours involved.”

Kelsey said a “bike-athon” is on the agenda for later in the spring, and she is working through obstacles to make that fundraiser come together in April.

“We’re really hoping that it does happen especially since it’s the ‘bike-a-thon,’ which is something that we’re known for,” Kelsey said. “It’s kind of quirky, like a quirky gimmick, but it would be really fun anyways, and we’d like to get everyone involved.”

E-mail Painter at: optimist@acu.edu

Boys Ranch benefits from telethon n The “Tribute to Youth” telethon Saturday night on KTAB-TV raised more than $36,000 for Ben Richey Boys Ranch, which has two locations in Abilene and Albany.

By ERIC GENTRY Student Reporter

KTAB-TV news raised more than $36,600 during a telethon Saturday to benefit Ben Richey Boys Ranch.

The fifth annual “Tribute to Youth” telethon that was broadcast live for two hours Saturday night showcased entertainment from around Abilene while six phone lines were manned to take donations.

“When you think about it, it’s really not that big of a deal for us to give up some of our air time to help someone out,” said Amanda Campbell, director of operations for KTAB.

Together, the two Ben Richey Boys Ranch locations, one in Abilene and one in Albany, house 23 boys who come from poverty and dysfunctional families, said Kerry Fortune, president of Ben Richey Boys Ranch.

Every year, the KTAB telethon serves as a major fundraiser for the Boys Ranch, usually raising between $25,000 and $30,000. Fortune said the money goes directly into the general operating fund for the ranch and helps purchase food, clothing and other necessities for the boys.

“KTAB really provides us with an outstanding source of people we can share our story with,” Fortune said. “It’s also a really great opportunity for KTAB, and shows they care and want to be involved with their community.”

Entertainment for the night

included Red, Rhythm and Blue, a singing group from Cooper High School, and dancers from Dance Discovery Studio. During the segment, individual boys from the ranch shared their personal stories.

“People were able to see that the money they have given in the past is paying off,” Fortune said.

However, the telethon doesn’t come together easily for those at KTAB, Campbell said.

“To be honest, when I first look at it, I think, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I have to do this again’ because it is so daunting,” she said. “But when it’s over with, and you look back on it, it’s a satisfying feeling to know that you sacrificed your time and helped someone so much.”

E-mail Gentry at: optimist@acu.edu

Some petition for new Bean hours n Members of the Students’ Association are working to have the Bean open for dinner on Sunday nights, replacing its open hours Sunday mornings.

By LUKE HARRIS Staff Writer

More than 800 students signed a petition circulated

by Students’ Association representatives asking for the Bean to open on Sunday nights instead of Sunday mornings.

The Bean currently opens for breakfast on Sunday mornings but not for dinner in the evening, leaving students on campus with sparse meal choices.

Maher Saab, junior political science major from Abilene and Administration Building Rep., came up with the idea during the Christ-

mas break. Saab said he was disappointed that the only place to eat on Sundays on campus was Pizza Hut, and he noticed there was almost always a large crowd in line for the food. After speaking with Corey Bourg, director of ARAMARK Food Service, Saab learned that the Bean workers had Sunday evening off, and Saab decided to ask if that time could be switched to Sunday morning instead.

Other students agreed with Saab that the change in Bean hours would be positive. Russ Guild, senior psychology major from DeSoto, said he would have loved to have the Bean be open Sunday nights earlier in his college career.

“When I was a freshman, I didn’t have a car, so the only place I could go was on campus, and all that was open

was Pizza Hut,” Guild said.

“It would have helped a lot if the Bean had been available to me.”

When Saab presented his ideas to SA, Congress responded positively to the idea, Saab said. So the representatives took petitions around campus to get signatures.

“I just really wanted to do something that would better the campus,” Saab said.

Saab also recently met with Anthony Williams, director of retail and purchasing.

“We not only want to meet your expectations, but exceed them,” Williams said.

Williams told Saab that he was very impressed with the student response to the petition and would take it into consideration.

E-mail Harris at: optimist@acu.edu

Cooling off

anna carroll/Staff Photographer

Hailey Jones, freshman nursing major from Southlake, talks with Erin Chappell, freshman elementary education major from Southlake, at Third Rock Creamery, which helped raise funds for the Libby, Mont., Spring Break Campaign.

Donations aid Montana campaigners n Third Rock Creamery helped the 13 students traveling to Libby, Mont., on a Spring Break Campaign raise extra funds to cover the cost of their trip.

By ASHLEY TARRANT Student Reporter

Filling stomachs with ice cream isn’t all Third Rock Creamery did a few weeks ago. The local ice cream shop also helped students going on the Libby, Mont., Spring Break Campaign raise money through donations.

The students going on this campaign had to raise money on their own through personalized letters. However, for one day, Third Rock Creamery employees asked their customers if they would like to donate money to help the students going on the campaign. If a customer wanted to donate, 30 percent of that purchase went to the students going

to Libby.

Third Rock raised a total of $250 for the students’ campaign, said Robert Lord, owner of Third Rock Creamery.

Tim Connors, leader of the campaign, contacted Lord to see if he would help them raise money through his store.

Lord said he wanted to help out a group going on a mission trip because he is a Christian.

“I loved being able to help them,” he said, “and I wish I could have helped them out more.”

The 13 students going to Libby will do manual labor in a local school district for their campaign. They will spend time with children from a local youth group, while trying to encourage their friends to come to church.

About 12 teenagers attend the Libby youth group, but campaigners will also

work with students in grades six through 12 at the local school.

Connors, junior missions major from Abilene, said Libby does not have a big Christian population.

“The youth kids feel cool because big city kids are coming to hang out with them,” he said. “We want to show them that Christians can be cool in the way they dress, act and speak.”

Not only will the campaigners hang out with the students, they will also spend some time with the elderly and mentally handicapped.

The students going on this campaign will also work with Head Start, a child-focused program with the overall goal of preparing young children in lowincome families for school.

E-mail Tarrant at: optimist@acu.edu

Page 6

March 8, 2006

Spring Break Campaigns carry on tradition The Issue:

Spring Break Campaigns are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year.

Our view:

SBCs are a powerful way to share God’s love throughout the world.

The solution:

Make a difference this spring break.

Change the world for the better.

ACU Students have impacted more than 100 different locations throughout the United States and the world through Spring Break Campaigns in the past three years.

Each year, about 500 students participate, making these campaigns one of the most popular activities on campus.

ACU Spring Break Campaigns represent an active response to the Great Commission and benefit communities around the nation and globe, students and the university.

In 1976, a student committee developed the idea of sending students out for service during spring break. Steve Green and Max Lucado both class of 1977, led the first SBC to Iowa in 1977. This began a

celebrated tradiOur tion — a tradition now requiring a lottery system for sign-ups because of such high interest and student involvement.

SBCs represent one of the most simple and undervalued aspects of Christian ministry — the drive to serve others through kind acts and open hearts. Our lives are our platform for ministry and worship to God. We don’t need to be preached at or given a Sunday school lesson to reap the benefits of ministry. Campaigns provide a huge outlet for service and the construction of a vibrant community of believers.

Katie Noah, senior English major from Midland, went on

for students to meet each other and share experiences that go beyond Welcome Week or involvement in on-campus activities.

Through campaigns, students are given the chance to form spiritual relationships with like-minded peers working for the same goals. The situations that students are typically exposed to during campaigns carry a level of intensity and focus that require strong, lasting relationships — ones that are built and nurtured before, during and after the campaigns.

Many students say the campaigns have drastically changed the way they view the world and their role in it as

lives are our platform for ministry and worship to God. a SBC to Boston last year.

“It is good for students to get out the Bible Belt and see how church is done when there isn’t a church on every corner,” she said. “Sometimes we get so insulated in Abilene and have the ability to slip in and out of churches. People in other parts of the country have to work really hard to be at church, and cherish the time they spend together.

Campaigns allow students and our university to be connected to so many places and does incredible things to promote the community of God.” Beyond serving others, campaigns provide an opportunity

Let Loose

Cole Williams

Weird is wonderful: Be yourself What is it that holds you back? What keeps you from doing what you really want to do, from saying what you want to say?

For most of us, it’s fear of embarrassment rejection, or of not being accepted.

But which The Mouth of is worse, beMadness ing made fun Cole Williams of for being different, or forever holding in who you really are and living how others want you to?

All my life I’ve heard people say, “Be true to yourself, do what you want.” It took years for me to come out of my shell and be comfortable enough to be myself. Since then, my life has been fun,

Most of us actually look up to the people who aren’t afraid to be different. entertaining, and most importantly, honest.

Think about what a stifling time high school is for most of us. High school can be a compressed place of conformity, anxiety and social Darwinism.

Remember all the things you wanted to do in back then: the cheerleader you wanted to ask out but were too embarrassed, the people you wanted to be friends with but couldn’t because they weren’t in your “group,” or the things you wanted to say but were afraid to. Well, I did them all, or most of them, and I did something almost unthinkable: I enjoyed high school.

I still have a lust for life.

And yes, I’m still almost always afraid to take a chance and be different, I’ve learned not to be afraid to confront that fear.

What about you?

Why aren’t you living life the way you want to? Are you afraid?

Don’t worry; most of us are.

But I’ve learned that most of the time the fears we have, of being made fun of, having our feelings hurt or not being accepted, and they’re usually unfounded.

Let’s encourage each other to be brave enough to do what is right, and forget our fears about what others may say.

Most of us actually look up to the people who aren’t afraid to be different. And

hey, if someone isn’t going to accept you because you’re not behaving the way they want, do you really want their acceptance? Wouldn’t you rather have the comfort and assurance that you’ve been true to yourself?

I’ve gotten a lot of wisdom from my dad and grandfather, and one thing that sticks with me is this: When you die, no one else goes down in that hole with you. So, when you die, and you’re lowered into your grave, are you going to regret that you just kind of slumped into it, or are you going to be proud that climbed the impossible mountains, slid down and flew into the hole, living life to the fullest and not caring about the consequences or what people thought?

E-mail Williams at: cww02b@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu

Christians.

Through Spring Break Campaigns, students can get a rare glimpse of ministry opportunities around the country and even the world, and bring those experiences back to enrich the lives of others at ACU. Spring Break Campaigns are celebrating their 30th year next week, and with that anniversary comes the recognition of the influence these ministries have on students, those they are ministering to and the university community.

ACU has long had a commitment to changing the world, and SBCs are a unique chance to do so in a tangible way.

E-mail the Optimist at: optimist@acu.edu

Compassion hits home in Tyrone For the third time, I signed call people at all hours of the his little black book — well tech- day. He might call some of the nically, it was a yellow index numbers, but he does it becard this time; but nonethe- cause he knows the people at less, I knew ACU care. he would Tyrone is 19 years old and slide it into mentally handicapped, alhis notebook though not severely. He often when I fin- wears a referee-type shirt, or ished writ- anything with ACU written on ing my cell it, and a whistle around his phone num- neck that he likes to swing ber. around.

Face the It didn’t Tyrone has a goofy and inFacts seem to mat- fectious smile with his tongue Mallory ter that I sticking out, and he’ll befriend Sherwood had already anyone who will make eye conwritten my tact with him. number twice, but since he Despite his often charming was persistent, I agreed to do and friendly nature, Tyrone is it again — but alone. Abandoned by begrudgingly. his mother when he I know I wasn’t turned 18, Tyrone My eyes were the only one to has no one to turn to opened Sunday receive the honand nowhere to go. when I saw that or; Tyrone had I don’t know what made a path he does every day, what I mistook around Highbut I do know he for creepiness land Church of finds comfort on our was instead a Christ’s college campus, in the gensubtle cry Bible class Sunerous students who for help. day. I was only share their love and the middle of anything they have. the pack.

He knows the I had seen him on campus CityLink busing system well often this semester and I knew enough to get to and from he didn’t attend ACU. wherever it is he stays, and Most people would recog- he often finds rides, food and nize Tyrone by the little black shelter from students, faculty book he carries that overflows and staff. with names and numbers of My eyes were opened Sunanyone he passes. day when I saw that what I I was immediately wary of mistook for creepiness was inhis book. Why would he want stead a subtle cry for help. names and numbers of anyI just hope that maybe next one on campus? Why does he time, I can learn to see past my appear on campus every day? own prejudices and fears and Am I the only one who found give a helping hand. Maybe this strange? next time Tyrone will find my Strange as it may be, I real- name and call. ized Sunday that he isn’t collecting names because he’s E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu some kind of stalker who will

Instead of complaining, give 18:38 Chapel a chance I was shocked Friday to open the Optimist to one of the most contemptuous and disrespectful opinions I have ever read.

The article on 18:38 Chapel only served to strengthen my suspicion of the coldhearted, narrow-minded, intellectual snobbery that exists on campus.

To attack a fellow student

in such a reproachful and mean way is inexcusable.

Not only has Thursday’s chapel been helpful to those struggling with the issue of sexuality in relationships, but is enjoyable to those of us capable of enough respect and self-control to remain seated, despite the occasional time constraint violation.

Re: 18:38 Chapel fails truthful purpose The Optimist, March 3.

Student argues for 18:38 Chapels

The young man who has enough guts to stand in front of his peers and admit

his struggles and questions should be commended for his fortitude, not ridiculed by self-righteous scathers who sit and mutter in their seats, waiting for the lunch bell.

Dry scripture is restated in forums routinely on campus. A shift away from the legalism and rules dwelled upon is refreshing and ap-

preciated. I would rather discuss sin and struggles with warm-hearted, repentant servants than sit and listen to the latest rendition of Biblical facts.

Until a better plan beyond merely “scrapping” it can be offered, perhaps the best idea for betterment is to get up, walk to the microphone and get involved.

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

It’s your university, change it. But don’t further irreverence and unrest through idle actions and a hateful tongue.

Laura Smith junior journalism major from Uvalde

Editorial and Management Board Jonathan Smith

Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Newsroom: (325) 674-2439

Sports desk: (325) 674-2684

Editor in Chief

Dani Linthicum

Jared Fields

Christi Stark

Mallory Sherwood

Opinion Editor

Sports Editor

Advertising Manager

Managing Editor

Brian Schmidt

Sarah Carlson

Kenneth Pybus

Jaci Schneider

Chief Photographer

Arts Editor

Adviser

Copy Editor

Photo department: (325) 674-2499

Advertising office: (325) 674-2463

Subscriptions ($40/academic year): (325) 674-2296.

Online: www.acuoptimist.com

Page 6

March 29, 2006

Dialogue necessary for understanding faith The Issue:

Discussion with Soulforce Equality Ride members went well Monday, despite fears from students and administrators about ACU community reactions.

Our view:

This kind of dialogue is an important part of students’ growth at ACU as students, people and Christians.

The solution:

We should not leave such vital discussion up to visiting groups. These are important topics that have profound impact on our lives, and such open discussion should be encouraged.

Perhaps have the words discussion and dialogue have not been used so regularly during one week as they were leading up to Monday. But for all the buildup and concern about the conversations with the visiting gay rights activist group Soulforce, the university received exactly what it said it wanted out Monday’s forums: dialogue.

Students had the opportunity to talk in groups and individually with others their age who struggled with and have come to accept their homosexuality.

Many of them have reconciled their homosexuality with their belief in God. Students here do not often have the opportunity to sit down and talk freely with a person who holds such beliefs on campus.

Students did not have complete control about topics discussed Monday as many of the forums were moderated by administrators about specific areas of homosexuality.

Some students That’s not to say the discussion on campus was not carry inapproexpressed fruspriate signs. good. It simply underscores the fact that we need tration that MonInstead, those more of it on campus. day night’s open who wished to forum regarding participate had sexuality in the peaceful conmedia dealt so much with the pus about homosexuality need versations with the members of film Brokeback Mountain and to focus on the theological Soulforce. not about other issues involv- questions raised among stuIf we can treat an outside ing homosexuality. dents by Monday’s visit. group that disagrees with many That’s not to say the discusStudents proved Monday Christians’ views on homosexusion on campus was not good. It they can handle a difficult sub- ality with such respect, surely simply underscores the fact that ject even when they are con- we can treat those within the we need more of it on campus. fronted with it by people who university with respect during Discussion Monday tended bring a different point of view. future discussions about hoto focus on personal stories That was in question soon af- mosexuality. of the Soulforce members, ter the announcement in JanuMembers of Soulforce hoped and it shied away from larger ary of Soulforce’s intent to come ACU students could learn theological discussions about here. When Dr. Royce Money, something from them during what the Bible says about ho- president of the university, an- the day’s activities, and ACU mosexuality. However, hearing nounced the university could administrators hoped members the stories and testimonies of have Soulforce members arrest- of Soulforce could learn somethe Soulforce members likely ed for coming on to campus, a thing from them. Both groups raised theological questions smattering of students cheered succeeded in that. among students about why and clapped at that notion.

By cooperating with each many Christians condemn hoBut Monday passed without other and meeting face to mosexuality and how members any major incident. Students face, both groups could move of Soulforce could justify it. didn’t openly protest the ar- past stereotypes of each other.

Future discussions on cam- rival of Soulforce. They didn’t Members of Soulforce could see

Let Loose

Battling sleep deprivation, stress and nerves, I followed members of Soulforce’s Equality Ride around Monday, talking one-on-one with several of the riders and attending various forums.

Each hour brought with it more unanswered questions swimming I Am the in my mind, Enemy and when Sarah Carlson occasionally asked how my day was going, I probably unnerved several faculty and administrators when I relayed my ensuing existential breakdown to them before moving to the next event.

My sea of confusion probably mirrors many students’ with Soulforce’s visit producing more questions than answers.

Aside from our now-permanent red handprints from self-congratulatory pats on the back on how we handled the situation, the repercussions of this visit are far from over and the journey ahead for the university in regards to its discussions on sexuality remains unclear.

Our constant call was to love them as Christ loves us, but how can you love someone without really listening to them?

It’s easy for a group of straight Christians to come to a conclusion on homosexuality, but when you’re looking a gay man, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered person in the eye, you’re forced to reconsider the conclusions you’ve been taught to easily jump to.

The most telling conversations during the visit occurred in closed sessions, mainly from discussions had by small groups during meals or in invitation-only forums where students were allowed to ask Soulforce members anything. Yet, even these conversations were stilted to a degree, and upon reflection of the day’s events, neither ACU nor Soulforce truly engaged in an open dialogue with the other.

Yes, we were nice to them and cared for them. We opened our doors; provided ARAMARK meals, microphones and PowerPoint presentation capabilities; but were we fair to them? Our constant call was to love them as Christ loves us, but how can you love someone without re-

ally listening to them? Not hearing — listening.

We — ACU and Soulforce — each entered the arena with our minds made up. We knew where we stood, but avoided turning to scripture for fear of inciting a feud. Those planning the event feared overindoctrinating us, and a point-counterpoint battle about scripture would have served no purpose.

Still, the conversation about why we each believe what we do should have been had in a more public venue.

So we stood there, gazing at each other from across the confusing divide, mainly thankful that violence hadn’t erupted, but we damaged our chances of making headway on the topic of homosexuality by being intellectually dishonest.

When students mingled with the riders in the afternoon in the Hilton Room, many asked questions and listened to the personal stories of the 34 people traveling cross-country to make their point. To say the least, the sight of the vari-

ous clumps of talking students and Soulforce members was inspiring. But this much honesty could not be found during official meeting times when the university was speaking, constantly aware of the image it must maintain and the stances it dare not stray from.

The conversations must continue, and perhaps the administration will provide more opportunities for students to ask questions openly in a non-threatening environment.

A place we can productively delve into scripture, not use it as a trump card to stifle conversation.

Although it’s understandable this type of environment can’t occur with 4,000 people in a coliseum, more smallgroup gatherings and forums should be formed to address the issues brought to students’ attention because of Soulforce.

Surely there is a balance between yielding your time on the floor without yielding your position? We haven’t found it yet, but we stepped closer to it Monday. Now we just need to start walking.

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

Monday a lesbian I was in- many visible ways Christianity terviewing asked me: “Do you has come to represent anti-hothink I have to change? Am I mosexuality, family values and not OK the way I am?” conservative politics. I wanted I hadn’t to seriously study what the known this Bible and Christ say about howoman very mosexuality; I wanted to talk long, but the to smart people on all sides short time of the issue, so I could make I had spent an informed opinion, not one with her had based on other people’s views. already beBut I didn’t. And I just gun to chal- hoped I could get through life Much Ado lenge some without confronting the issue.

About of my ideas The topic of homosexuality, Something about homo- especially in Christian circles, Jaci sexuality. is so volatile it’s hard to disSchneider I wished cuss without fear of misunshe hadn’t derstanding and anger. I was asked me because I didn’t afraid that if I asked questions, know how to answer. I knew I would be somehow admitting what many that I didn’t believe people I looked the Bible, and I would up to would start to slide down Life isn’t black expect me to the slippery slope of and white — a answer, but I relativism. truth I always couldn’t lie.

My avoidance of admitted, but as the issue didn’t work The truth is, I didn’t know how I grow older, the though. And I’m to respond. And grey area grows grateful the confronI haven’t known wider and more tation came when for quite some it did — on a Chrisimportant. time. Sure, as a tian campus filled young teenager I with people willing thought I had all the answers, to engage in open discussion. most of them handed down I hope I can explore the arguto me from my family and ments and someday come to church with some of my own my own conclusion about what ideas thrown in there, too. But I believe and how I should antime and new experiences have swer questions like the one taught me that I am far from Pam asked me. I might never having any of the answers. have a definitive answer, and Life isn’t so simple as I once I’ll probably always have more thought it was. Life isn’t black questions, but I hope that I and white —a truth I always ad- will at least always be open to mitted, but it seems as I grow discussion and willing to learn older, the gray area grows wid- more about difficult topics. er and more important.

Monday, I didn’t know what I began college hoping to to tell Pam. So I told her the find the answers to life’s tough truth: that I didn’t know what questions. I hoped to sort out I thought, but I was glad she my theology, my doctrines and came and made me seriously my ethics. And I tried. I joined consider what I believe, what in discussions about social culture says, what the church justice, unity among believers, says and what the Bible says. politics, righteous wars and I hope the discussion will the existence of heaven and continue, and one day I can hell. But although the topic of respond to that challenging homosexuality came up from question with an informed time to time, I preferred to response based on more than avoid the subject. just what other people have Sure, I had questions, told me. doubts about things I had been E-mail Schneider at: told, and I wondered how in so jrs02a@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu

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

E-mail the Optimist at: optimist@acu.edu

Honesty brings questions, truth

Cole Williams

Visit rouses questions, not answers

there is more to Christianity than the extreme conservative viewpoint often portrayed in media. Students at ACU could talk to real people dealing with homosexuality. Instead of discussing the topic only theoretically as an issue, they could discuss it on a personal level.

If it took an outside group to jumpstart serious conversation on campus about homosexuality as well as other contemporary issues, then Soulforce’s visit Monday was worth it.

Now, the university must take up these contemporary issues and lead the discussions to prepare students for what they inevitably will face when they graduate.

We’ll be better students for it. We’ll be better people for it.

And we’ll be better Christians for it.

Editorial and Management Board Jonathan Smith

Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Newsroom: (325) 674-2439

Sports desk: (325) 674-2684

Editor in Chief

Dani Linthicum

Jared Fields

Christi Stark

Mallory Sherwood

Opinion Editor

Sports Editor

Advertising Manager

Managing Editor

Brian Schmidt

Sarah Carlson

Kenneth Pybus

Jaci Schneider

Chief Photographer

Arts Editor

Adviser

Copy Editor

Photo department: (325) 674-2499

Advertising office: (325) 674-2463

Subscriptions ($40/academic year): (325) 674-2296.

Online: www.acuoptimist.com

Wednesday, March 8, 2006

Page 7

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

City: Sing Song boosts business Continued from page 1

Emerald McGowan/Staff Photographer

The Learning Commons will open March 20. In addition to Starbucks, the Commons will also house Team 55, the Writing Center and a copy service station.

Commons: Starbucks opens soon Continued from page 1 which was packed with students studying. He concluded that both the library and Barnes and Noble had books, so the only difference was food. Seal first added a coffee shop to TCU’s library, and in the first year students attendance at the library went up 40 percent. The next year it went up 60 percent.

Seal later added community-learning tables, and the library became increasingly

successful, Tucker said.

This realization of the need for the new-millennium library is sweeping the nation’s college campuses, and the university is on the brink of this new development, Tucker said.

The new Learning Commons at ACU will be equipped with custom-made tables huddled around computers, specifically made for encouraging group work, comfortable, black leather chairs for study groups and

a Starbucks coffee shop.

Team 55 also plans to be stationed inside the library to assist students in any technical assistance they might need, as well as the Writing Center and a printing shop.

Tucker explained that students spend most of their learning time outside of the classroom. This facility will cater to all of students’ educational needs in one place, and perhaps most importantly, will facilitate group

study, which Tucker said he feels will be very beneficial to students.

“We want people to be connected for life,” Tucker said. He said he believes the new Learning Commons will help students do that.

“Students will be [at the Learning Commons] to work together and play together and reinforce why they came to ACU,” Tucker said.

E-mail Wilson at: optimist@acu.edu

Spring: Students’ locales vary during week off Continued from page 1 dents surveyed plan to travel outside of Texas.

Matt Pennington, freshman business management major from Aledo, plans to go to Georgia with his girlfriend, where he’ll meet her dad for the first time.

“I was nervous,” Pennington said, “but I have talked

to him on the phone a few times, so I’m pretty comfortable.”

Nine percent of students surveyed plan to stay in Abilene for spring break.

Most are staying for their jobs.

Marvin Bien-Aime, junior exercise science major from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., said he’s staying in Abilene to

train for track and because he doesn’t have the money to go anywhere.

Robert Arellano, sophomore psychology major from Houston, is part of the 14 percent who said they will go home this break.

“I just like to get home and just relax,” Arellano said.

He could have gone to vis-

it cousins in Miami, but Arellano chose to go to Houston where he plans to help his parents run their business and be with his family.

Arellano went home last spring break and said there is nowhere else he’d rather go.

E-mail Painter at: optimist@acu.edu

Halls: Sign-up begins after spring break Continued from page 1 stone project to reflect their growth and development of the community and how they reach their goals. Each LLC will meet with a faculty or staff sponsor of their choice each month to make sure they stay on track with their projects and goals.

Although some students are excited for the opportunity to live in a Barret LLC, some prefer the more traditional halls.

Katy Gallardo, freshman interior design major from Salem, Ore., plans to sign up to live in Morris.

“I think I’m going to go ahead and sign up for Morris, so I can sign up with my two friends,” Gallardo said.

Students like Gallardo, who

do not want to live in Barret next semester, and those who do not get placed in the hall, can begin signing up for Morris and Edwards suites online March 28.

Sign-ups for Sikes and Morris doubles will be March 29, and Smith and Adams doubles will be March 30.

“The computer does a lottery for each of these assignment processes,” Barnard said.

“Then students are e-mailed if they were assigned to the hall requested, or if they need to try again the next day for their next choice.”

Barnard emphasized that students must request their roommates, or they will be assigned randomly.

“If a student does not par-

ticipate in the online process, he or she will be assigned on a random basis to all remaining spaces,” Barnard said.

Morris, Sikes and Adams halls will house sophomore women; Edwards and Smith halls will house sophomore men.

Barnard said she is curious to see how many students apply to live in Barret LLC; more than 300 women applied to live there last year.

“I’m excited about the potential that exists for using the living and learning concept with sophomore students who’ve already acclimated to university life, made friends, perhaps selected a major, etc.,” Barnard said.

E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu

Residence Hall sign-ups • Barret Learning Community: March 20 • Morris and Edwards suites: March 28 • Sikes and Morris doubles: March 29 • Smith and Adams doubles: March 30

Residence Hall arrangements • Morris, Sikes, Adams and Barret A & B halls will house sophomore women.

• Edwards, Smith and Barret C & D halls will house sophomore men.

days, Liles said. The Rodeo generates $1.1 million; 4-H generates $1.5 million.

Graduation weekend is another sold-out weekend because all three universities’ graduation ceremonies and the Western Heritage Classic are on the same weekend, Liles said.

“The city would benefit much more economically if these events were over separate weekends,” Liles said.

“Because Abilene is booked, people who would normally stay in the city will come in and go home or stay in a nearby town.”

Though businesses closest to ACU are most affected, the south side of Abilene also gets considerably busier, Liles said.

“Overall, the entire city benefits,” she said.

Mary Ann Whitten, owner and operator of the Whitten

Inn, said that she is very thankful for ACU and the business that it brings, not only during Sing Song and Lectureship, but during all ACU events.

“Any event at ACU, and we are a full house,” she said.

“We love ACU, and try to support them in any way that we can. If they ever need a sponsor or anything, we try to help out.”

Whitten has two locations in Abilene, and she said that it is wise to book reservations during ACU events a year in advance.

“Most people book for next year when they check out,” she said. “That’s what I would do.”

Business • Sing Song/Lectureship: nearly $400,000 • Rodeo: $1.1 million • 4-H: $1.5 million

E-mail Linthicum at: del01a@acu.edu

Midterms: Vacation brings tests, projects Continued from page 1 study for this week.

“I have two midterms, two tests that are not midterms and a paper due in the same week,” Moore said. “I don’t know how I’m going to get through this.”

However, not all students see midterm exams as a burden. Some even see their benefits.

“Midterms are very important, especially to the professors,” said Carrie Doss, sophomore vocal education major from Houston. “It gives our professors a chance to see if their teaching methods are working well or not. If they are, they can feel comfortable that their students are receiving the education they are paying for. If not, the professors can work on ways to improve their teaching style.”

Apart from using midterm exams to evaluate teaching effectiveness, many professors use midterm exam as a way to make

students go back and review materials they learned since the beginning of the semester.

Dr. Patricia Hernandez, professor of biology, uses this technique in one of her classes.

“In one class I teach, we have weekly exams,” Hernandez said. “Therefore, the midterm exam is an opportunity to integrate concepts from different chapters.”

However, for some other classes, a comprehensive midterm exam might not be necessary.

“We already cover a lot of material in each unit test so I don’t give midterm exams,” Cynthia Powell, professor of chemistry, said.

“In our field, materials are all built upon one another, so you have to remember all the materials in the first test for the second test anyway.”

E-mail Sriobchoey at: optimist@acu.edu

Page 8

March 8, 2006 Standings BASEBALL

Team Div. TAMU-K 0-0 ACU 0-0 ENMU 0-0 Angelo St. 0-0 Tarleton St. 0-0 0-0 WTAMU

Overall 14-1 17-2 16-4 12-6 6-14 4-12

SOFTBALL Team ACU TAMU-K

Tarleton St. ENMU Angelo St. TX Woman’s

Div. 3-1 1-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Overall 16-6 8-15 15-6 16-10 13-12 7-14

Scores Friday

Softball ACU 8, Texas A&M-Kingsville 5 ACU 6, Texas A&M-Kingsville 5 Baseball ACU 10, Northeastern State 4 ACU 3, Northeastern State 0

Saturday

Softball ACU 5, Texas A&M-Kingsville 3 Texas A&M-Kingsville 5, ACU 4 Baseball ACU 8, Northeastern State 7 ACU 8, Northeastern State 2

Wildcats learn championship fates n ACU qualified nine women, six men and four relay teams for the NCAA Division II Indoor National Championships after the final list was announced Monday.

By STEVE HOLT Sports Writer

The final list of qualifiers for the NCAA Division II Indoor National Championships was released Monday, and ACU has fewer athletes on it than in past seasons.

The national meet, which will be in Boston on Friday and Saturday, will feature a combined 15 men and women in individual events and all four relay teams. ACU will send nine individual women to the national championships to

Indoor Track & Field compete in nine events, as well as the distance medley and 4x400-meter relay teams.

Six Wildcat men qualified in eight events, along with both relay teams.

Head coach Don Hood said he was not too surprised by the list of qualifiers, but knows the Wildcats will have to step up in certain events to pull off a double win.

“We’re just not as spread over the same events,” Hood said. “We’re deeper in certain areas. We don’t have the field event depth than I wanted, so we’re going to recruit to fix that.”

Several athletes will compete in multiple non-relay

events. Sophomore ShawnaKaye Thompson and freshman Kim Prather will both run the 60-meter hurdles and the 200-meter dash, while Trina Cox and Olha Kryv’yak will double up in the mile and 5,000-meter run. On the men’s side, sophomore sensation Nicodemus Naimadu will run in both the mile and the 5,000-meter run, an event in which he set an indoor school record of 13:42.29 earlier this season. The only other multiple-event athlete on the men’s side is senior Yevgen Pashchenko, competing in both the triple jump and the long jump.

The other qualifiers for the women include: sophomore Keva Wilkins in the 400-meter

dash; freshman Azraa Rounds in the 400-meter dash; senior Brooklyn Hunt in the 400-meter dash; freshman Jessica Withrow in the high jump; and junior Angie Aguilar in the pole vault.

Additional men’s qualifiers include: junior Marvin Bien-Aime in the 200-meter dash; senior Delt Cockrell in the 400-meter dash; senior Montez Pride in the 400-meter dash; and junior Vladyslav Gorbenko in the triple jump.

A notable men’s athlete who was left off the qualifying list was senior Cory Aguilar, whose provisional mark in the pole vault was not high enough.

“Those would have been some good team points,” Hood said, “but I was more

n Despite a scare Saturday, the Wildcats pulled off a four-game sweep of Northeastern State and kept their No. 2 national ranking.

By DANIEL JOHNSON

Friday

Sports Writer

Baseball ACU at Southeastern Oklahoma State, 1 p.m. (DH) Softball ACU at St. Edward’s Tournament Indoor track ACU at NCAA Division II Championships, Boston

Saturday Baseball ACU at Southeastern Oklahoma State, noon (DH) Softball ACU at St. Edward’s Tournament Indoor track ACU at NCAA Division II Championships, Boston Men’s Tennis ACU at St. Mary’s, 9 a.m.

ACU at St. Edward’s, 2:30 p.m.

Women’s Tennis ACU at St. Mary’s, 9 a.m.

ACU at St. Edward’s, 2 p.m.

Sunday Men’s Tennis ACU at Midwestern State, New Braunfels, 2 p.m.

Women’s Tennis ACU at Midwestern State, New Braunfels, 2 p.m.

• Home games listed in italics

Softball Stats Avg.

• Jessica Johnson .433 • Jade Wilson .388 • Jenna Daugherty .386 • Nicole Deel .375 • S. Borgeson .365 • Daisy Barcena .364 • Claudia Stephens .329 • Allison Crouse .311

Anna carroll/Staff Photographer

Second baseman Dane Marcouiller avoids the takeout slide by Northeastern State right fielder Hector Morales and finishes the double play on Mike McKey ending the top of the fifth inning of the first game Saturday. The Wildcats went on to win 8-7.

The Wildcat baseball team retained its No. 2 rank after outlasting Oklahoma’s Northeastern State in a four-game LSC Crossover Series last weekend.

Even though the team swept its opponents and improved its overall record to 17-2, this series against the 3-14 Redmen served as a test of the Wildcat’s weaknesses and helped expose areas that needed refining, said head coach Britt Bonneau.

“I think we showed that we still have some growing up to do,” Bonneau said.

“Thanks to miscommunication, not fielding routine plays and giving up errors, we let this team hang on longer than they should have.”

ACU began the weekend with a 10-4 bashing of Northeastern after solid performances on the mound from starter Ben Maynard and closer Jason Kennedy.

Maynard, with an ERA of 5.14 and 2-0 record, gave up one walk and struck out the Redmen five times in six innings.

Closer Jason Kennedy put the finishing touches on Maynard’s sound presentation, snatching three strikeouts for himself against the first three Northeastern batters in the final inning.

Following a one-run Northeastern lead at the top of the third, the Wildcats took charge offensively in Friday’s opening game and put up 10 runs in four innings. The Wildcats surprising offensive showing included a two-run home run to left field by outfielder Chris Walsh in the fifth inning.

Once Maynard and Kennedy hung up their pitching hats, sophomore right hander Chris Wiman took the mound for an astounding seven-inning triumph in the Wildcats second game of the night.

Wiman, who leads the wildcats with five wins, increased his ERA to 2.14 after posting seven strikeouts and allowing only one hit in the 3-0 victory. After a

Softball atop division standings n The Wildcats came short of a sweep of Texas A&M-Kingsville, losing the finale of the fourgame series 5-4, but improved their overall record to 16-6.

By ASHLEY MOORE Sports Writer

The women’s softball team defeated Texas A&MKingsville last weekend in Kingsville in three out of four games. The Javelinas won game four on Saturday afternoon to bring ACU’s record to 3-1 in the conference and 16-6 overall.

In the first game, the Wildcats came back from a 5-0 deficit to win 8-5. Jennifer Leal pitched the first six innings Friday and earned a win. Sarah Vidalin came in the seventh and finished out the game.

Kingsville started out strong, scoring all of their runs in the first three innings. Daisy Barcena hit a two-run double in the fourth.

Nicole Deel hit a fly ball to left field for an RBI that tied the game in the fifth inning, then hit a two-run home run for ACU’s final two points.

E-mail Holt at: smh00a@acu.edu

Baseball picks up sweep of Redmen

Upcoming Schedule

Player

disappointed for Cory.”

Members of the women’s 4x400-meter relay team include Brooklyn Hunt, Jessica Hunt, Rounds, and Prather. The women’s distance medley relay team includes Kryv’yak, Brooklyn Hunt, Vanessa Whittle, and Cox. The men’s 4x400-meter relay team includes Elton GarusOab, Pride, Jordan Johnson, and Cockrell. The distance medley relay team is comprised of Pride, Naimadu, David Chirchir, and Philip Birgen.

A complete preview of the 2006 NCAA Division II Indoor National Championships will appear in Friday’s Optimist.

Softball Deel and Samantha Borgeson drove in five of the eight total runs.

Pitching was a big factor in the three-game winning streak this weekend.

“We just kept moving our pitches around throughout each game,” said senior pitcher Jennifer Leal. “The batters never knew where our next pitch would be, so they couldn’t get in any kind of routine.”

The second game was a little closer with a 6-5 win for the Wildcats. Vidalin pitched the entire game, which gives her a 4-3 pitching record.

Borgeson hit a two RBI off a bunt in the third. But coach Chantiel Wilson said it was Daisy Barcena’s two-run homer in the fifth that capped the victory Friday evening.

Leal received her second win of the weekend in the 5-3 defeat against Kingsville. She has an 8-1 record for ACU pitching.

Jade Wilson, Jessica Johnson, Jenna Daugherty, and Claudia Stephens all had a hand in driving in runs to

win the third game of the series, Chantiel Wilson said.

It was Stephens’ two-out RBI triple that was key to adding another insurance run in the game. Daugherty ended the series with two home runs.

“We did not give up when we were behind,” Chantiel Wilson said. “We have been behind in games earlier in the year and fought our way back “Kingsville is a scrappy team and are tough to play at their home field. Our pitchers kept us in the game, and our line-up was able to do the rest,” Chantiel Wilson said.

The last game was a rally that the Wildcats couldn’t quite pull out in the extra inning. The Wildcats couldn’t get the breaks and ended with a 5-4 deficit, Chantiel Wilson said.

“We hit the ball well during the last game, but the Kingsville left fielder made some amazing catches, and we just seemed to hit the ball right at them for most of the game,” she said.

Deel doubled in the tying run in the top of the seventh.

But, the Wildcats fell short

in the bottom of the eighth.

They had a great pitching effort from Kristine Beristianos and Vidalin to keep them in the game.

The tough environment in Kingsville and the questionable calls by the umpires were part of the reason that the Wildcats faced such a challenge in the last game. The players didn’t let it bother them though and just played their game as best they could, Chantiel Wilson said.

“There wasn’t much stopping us in the first games.

Out intensity level was high, and we were ready for anything,” Leal said. “The main thing we need to work on is taking the lead first and not the opponents. We should be ahead so we don’t have to work so hard to come back from behind in every game.”

The Wildcats play a double header in San Antonio against Incarnate Word on Thursday.

They travel to Austin on Friday for the St. Edward’s tournament this weekend. The next home games are March 17.

E-mail Moore at: aem03e@acu.edu

Baseball pitcher’s duel the first four innings of the game, a line drive single to center field by second baseman Thomas Bumpass brought in catcher Jordan Schmitt and broke the deadlock between the teams. The Wildcats were given some breathing room in the sixth, after a tworun triple from Walsh. Wiman pitched the complete game, and his only hit came in the sixth.

“It’s always easier to pitch with the defense backing me up and the hitters coming through,” Wiman said. “Although the runs scored weren’t the highest we’ve posted, it was enough.”

The Wildcats followed their initial victories on Friday with an 8-7 extra inning battle in Saturday’s first game.

The Redmen drew first blood in the third, after capitalizing off two vital ACU errors and scoring five runs on starting pitcher Stephen Miller. The Wildcats came back swinging in the next two innings to tie the game at five runs apiece.

After tying again at seven in the seventh, the Redmen handed the game to the Wildcats in the eighth as Northeastern pitcher David Curlee walked in catcher Alec Sowards to end the game. Right hander Brandon Moore picked up the win after shutting down the Redmen offense in the seventh and eighth.

In the final game of the series, ACU fourth game starter Bryan Kennedy was unchallenged, and the Wildcat bats found their rhythm once again in the 8-2 victory. Kennedy scattered four strikeouts and seven hits in six innings and had another solid outing in his second win for the Wildcats. Bonneau said he is hopeful that Kennedy’s recent success will continue into conference and postseason play where a solid fourth pitcher is vital to success.

“We pitched well, and I think we proved that we can win the ugly games,” Bonneau said. “This weekend wasn’t pretty, but it was productive.”

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

Keep your eye on the ball

Emerald Mcgowan/Staff Photographer

Senior Casper Steenkamp returns a volley in a singles match against New Mexico Military Institute’s Samuel Ramoni on Saturday at the Eager Tennis Pavilion.