2006 04 05

Vol. 94, No. 47 1 section, 10 pages

WEDNESDAY April 5, 2006

www.acuoptimist.com

Field Day

Casting ballots

Brick by brick

The men and women combined to bring home 17 awards, page 10

Students’ Association officer elections begin April 11, page 4

Habitat for Humanity sells bricks, T-shirts, page 5

Burford Center almost complete

Stepping to the beat

n Five departments will join to form the new College of Education and Human Services, although only the Department of Education will move to Burford Center.

By DANI LINTHICUM Opinion Editor

Construction continues to move forward on the Burford Center, and administrators say that it is on schedule to be completed by July 15.

When the construction is complete, the renovated building will house the Department of Education—split into two departments: curriculum and instruction and graduate studies in education.

Dr. Colleen Durrington, dean of the College of Arts See

COLLEGE page 8

Two vye for dean position n Dr. Donnie Snider and Dr. Malesa Breeding remain in the selection process for dean of the new College of Education and Health Services, which opens next fall.

By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor

Two candidates are in the interview process to be Dean of the new College of Education and Health Services, which will open next fall and become the university’s second largest college.

Dr. Donnie Snider, associate professor of education, and Dr. MaLesa Breeding, chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, both applied for the position and were chosen as finalists.

Dr. Jerry Whitworth, chair of the Department of Education, was also a finalist for the position, but withdrew See

BURFORD page 8

Upcoming Optimist Schedule • No paper will be printed Friday because the staff will be competing in the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association in San Antonio.

• A paper will be printed April 12.

• No paper will be printed April 14 because of Good Friday.

• The Optimist will return to its normal printing schedule April 19.

ANNA CARROLL/Staff Photographer

Meghan Dailey, sophomore biochemistry major from Boerne, and Camari Carter, freshman political science major from Los Angeles, perform their “Not So Desperate Housewives” routine at the Saturday night Shades performance of “Remote Control.”

Shades pulls off show n Members of Shades and solo acts performed Friday and Saturday nights in Cullen during the annual Shades performance.

By MORGAN WILLIAMS Student Reporter

The ACU step dance group Shades performed Friday and Saturday nights in Cullen Auditorium.

The show’s theme was “Remote Control,” and it followed a television show pattern. The theme allowed the group to include commercial breaks in between acts and fastforward and rewind of particular parts of the show.

The women of Shades called their performance “No So Desperate Housewives,” playing off the popular television show, and the men’s act centered around the VH1 show “I love the ’90s.”

Brandon Jones, senior graphic design major

“I loved the women of Shades. They have worked so hard, and it paid off this weekend.”

Brandon Jones, senior graphic design major from Tyler

from Tyler and member of Shades, said he loved the women’s act.

“They have worked so hard, and it paid off big time this weekend,” Jones said.

Shades is a multicultural group that choreographs dances, including simultaneous clapping and stomping. The weekend’s performances consisted of singing, dancing, poetry, stepping and rapping.

A group called Images, which mocks Shades by acting out chants, dancing and doing their own version of stepping, filled one act of the show.

Jones said he enjoyed the entire show, and as an officer, he began preparing for the performance in September.

The show was supposed to debut in November, but the group had some problems finding a location for practices.

Members were not able to come together and practice as a group until October, and one month isn’t enough time to prepare for a show, Jones said.

Brian Escochea, freshman electronic media major from San Antonio and member of Shades, said the group is made up of great people.

“They have kept me motivated thus far to keep up the hard work that goes into preparing for a performance,” he said.

ANNA CARROLL/Staff Photographer

E-mail Williams at: optimist@acu.edu

Shannon Bailey, senior management major from Corsicana performs during the Shades performance titled, “Remote Control.”

Housing options still available for students n Realtors suggest students begin looking for houses for the fall by driving around neighborhoods near campus and talking to May graduates.

By TAKISHA KNIGHT and AARON BALLARD Staff Writers

As students inch past the halfway mark of the semester, local realtors and housing directors advise them to begin the househunting process early.

Steve Stovall, vice president of Senter Realtors, said students should begin looking early.

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

“Things around ACU don’t come around very often, so it’s good to start looking now,” Stovall said.

Stovall said sometimes parents will buy houses for their college-aged children so they can live there without paying rent, and they can earn their money back by selling it or renting it out once their children graduate.

“It’s really a good investment,” he said.

For students who are looking into renting a house, Stovall said the best time to look is around June.

“The best way to look is to drive down the streets of

ACU,” he said.

Jen Harrison, sophomore integrated marketing communication major from Memphis, found this process an easy way to find a house.

Harrison and her roommates began searching in February by driving around the neighborhoods close to campus. Once they found the house they wanted, they called the number on the sign and set up a time to fill out the paperwork.

“We found a house we liked within just a few weeks,” Harrison said. “But we spent a lot of time looking around because we

thought it was fun.”

Another method Stovall recommends is asking friends about their houses if they already live off-campus.

Sometimes they move into new places or lose roommates, which gives students more options.

Finally, he suggests contacting a real estate office.

All real estate offices have qualified professionals with the lists of available residencies.

He said students should pay attention to the maintenance of off-campus housing and proximity.

“If buying, a student is

Abilene Christian University

not going to want to put a lot of work into it,” he said.

However, students might be able to get a deal on their rent for painting their apartment or rent house, but they must make an agreement with the landlord first. The landlord might consider paying for the paint or deducing the painting expenses from rent costs.

Stovall also recommends students talk to tenants before renting an apartment to be sure that the landlord takes care of the buildings and are dependable for the See

OPTIONS page 8

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Wednesday, April 5, 2006

05

Calendar & Events Wednesday

ACU Rodeo sign-up, 11:30 a.m.5 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.

Habitat for Humanity sign-up, 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Campus Center tables.

Cody Veteto prayer chain sign-up, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.

Students’ Association meeting, 5 p.m., Onstead Packer Biblical Studies Building Room 114.

06

Thursday

Of Mice and Men, 8 p.m., Fulks Theatre.

Of Mice and Men, 8 p.m., Fulks Theatre.

08

Saturday

Of Mice and Men, 8 p.m., Fulks Theatre.

Last day to withdraw from a class.

Texas Literary Meet, 7 a.m.-11:45 p.m., Hilton Room.

Chai Cafe: ISA Coffee Hour, 910:45 p.m., Living Room.

Habitat for Humanity sign-up, 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Campus Center tables.

Habitat for Humanity sign-up, 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Campus Center tables.

ACU Rodeo sign-up, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center ticket window.

Centennial Speaker Robin Roberts, 7 p.m., Teague Special Events Center.

Cody Veteto prayer chain sign-up, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.

Cody Veteto prayer chain sign-up, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.

Cody Veteto prayer chain sign-up, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.

Clinic for $10. Students could take 2-3 weeks to develop an immunity. Medical Clinic hours are 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. For more information, call 674-2625.

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.

The deadline is March 31. E-mail study_abroad@acu.edu for more information.

About This Page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities.

Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@acu.edu or to the Page 2 Editor, ACU Box 27892, Abilene, TX 79699.

Friday

Texas Literary Meet, 3-10:45 p.m., Hilton Room.

Announcements Robin Roberts, co-host for ABC’s Good Morning America and former sportscaster for ESPN, will speak at 7 p.m. on Saturday at a dinner in Teague Special Events Center. The event is part of ACU’s Centennial Speaker Series. For more details or to buy tickets call 674-2622.

ACU Medical Clinic reports an increase in influenza among the student body. Flu vaccine are available in the ACU Medical

07

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.

Texas Literary Meet, 8 a.m.-noon, Hilton Room.

Volunteer Opportunities Fannin Elementary School needs volunteers to read a book to a class on Friday anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information, contact the Volunteer and ServiceLearning Center.

Students can sign up to carry a flag in The Parade of Flags during Opening Assembly on Aug. 28. The Opening Assembly of 2006 marks the 101st official opening of another fall semester at ACU. Current students and employees for the Fall 2006 semester who want to participate can contact the office of University Events at 674-2632 or send a message to UniversityEvents@acu. edu. Applicants must include their name, e-mail address and which flag they prefer. Flags are assigned on first-come basis.

Day Nursery of Abilene needs volunteers to set up, prepare, serve and clean during its 14th annual Mexican Dinner fundraising event from noon until 1 p.m. Saturday. For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center.

Taste of Abilene 2006 needs volunteers from 4:30-9:30 p.m.

on Tuesday 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 afterward. Volunteers will be able to sample food from 20 booths of participating restaurants. For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout.

The Volunteer and ServiceLearning Center has received a request for drivers and baby sitters for a family from Burundi currently living in Abilene. Students who periodically can help in either of these areas can contact Susan Moellinger at abileneed@capitalsenior.com or call at 793-1144.

Abilene Preservation League needs volunteers for its Abilene Founder’s Day fundraiser at 9 a.m.6 p.m. on Saturday. Volunteers will either operate cash registers to sell concert and activity tickets for the children’s area or help set up the day before. The event will take place near North 1st and Cedar streets. For more information contact Sherri Abee at 672-6787.

Credited Chapels remaining:

49 21

Women celebrate talent on campus n Several women on campus sang, danced and exhibited their own art on Thursday as part of Visions of Grace, a Women’s History Month celebration.

people aware of talent that might not necessarily be recognized on campus,” she said.

The women performed various acts such as singing and dancing. Two of them

By SHERRI SNYDER displayed their artwork as Student Reporter well.

The Office of Student MulMarcie Rodriguez, junior ticultural Enrichment con- graphic design major from ducted its second annual Vi- Snyder, sang Thursday evesions of Grace performance ning and said the show went Thursday evewell, although ning as part of the audience Women’s Hiswas smaller tory Month. than last year.

“The purpose is The event Last year about to make people was free for 40 people ataware of talent anyone to tended the attend, alshow. But Rodrithat might not though only guez said there necessarily be women perwasn’t enough recognized on formed. advertisement campus.”

Noel Cofor this year’s thren, junior show, which atNoel Cothren, junior art education art education tracted about major from Albuquerque major from 25 people.

Albuquerque, The smaller works as stuaudience didn’t dent adviser affect the womfor the Multicultural Enrich- en’s performances. ment Center and worked “It wasn’t disappointing with other students to plan because it was just cool to do the event. She said the per- an event like that,” Rodriguez formance allows others to see said. the talent women on campus possess.

“The purpose is to make E-mail Snyder at: optimist@acu.edu

Wednesday, April 5, 2006

CAMPUS NEWS

Karaoke strikes chord with CAB n Students can participate Monday in the Karaoke Night, which the Campus Activities Board decided to organize after students requested such an event.

By WHITNEY MANN Student Reporter

ACU’s first official Karaoke Night will be Monday in the Bean Sprout from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The Bean Sprout will serve food as usual, so people can get what they want and watch.

Students will be able to watch or participate for free.

The Campus Activities Board, which also plans concerts, free nights out and movies in Cullen, will put on the event.

CAB has learned through surveys in past years that students want to have a karaoke event, said Amanda Spell, coordinator of Student organizations and Campus Activities.

Because of the students’ recommendations for a kara-

oke-type event, CAB decided to go for it, Spell said.

“We are excited about this night and think it will be lots of fun,” Spell said.

Members of CAB expect a large crowd on Monday because so many students have requested the event.

Valerie Hanneken, sophomore integrated marketing communication major from Garland, said she thinks Karaoke Night is a great idea.

Hanneken first noticed the Karaoke Night on the calendar CAB gives out.

“I cannot imagine an event like this not going well,” Hanneken said.

Hanneken noticed in the past that karaoke had been a big hit on the ACU campus when students performed at Midnight Breakfast, which takes place at the end of every semester during finals week and usually includes student karaoke sessions.

E-mail Mann at: optimist@acu.edu

Students sought to lead campaigns n The Weekend Campaigns ministry is looking for people to coordinate and organize next year’s events, which take teams to nearby locations to serve others.

H.E.B. Foundation Web site, the goal for this foundation is to provide a place conducive to healthy Christian character development.

Weekend Campaigns is about helping people who

By MICHELLE JIMENEZ help others, Smith said.

Student Reporter “It’s not just about the Weekend Campaigns, an hours you work.” Smith said. organization made up of “It’s about the sacrifice you students who dedicate some make for the work.” of their weekends to helpSmith said working on the ing others and spreading trail was “hot and sweaty.” the love of Christ through“A lot of it was just workout towns in Texas, is seek- ing on your hands and knees ing out new leaders for the the whole way up the mounupcoming year. tain, is what it seems like,” Cory Smith, who has been Smith said. “That’s hard an official campaign leader work.” for a year, said current leadLesley Larsen, sophomore ers don’t look for specific psychology major from Britqualities when choosing new ish Columbia, went on the leaders, instead they look at H.E.B. campaign for the secthe person’s attitude. ond year.

“When you’re looking “I feel like we got a lot for somebody to take over, done,” Larsen said. “It was it’s enthusia lot of asm — somework, but I “You get to take Jesus one that’s couldn’t see to people and allow passionate how [camp about this,” directors] other people just to said Smith, know the power of God could do it by senior secthemselves within themselves.” ondary eduand run the cation major camp at the Tim Pittman, sophomore from Temsame time.” sociology major from Azle ple. “It’s not She said always that she enjoys they’re organized or that going on the campaign bethey’re a good speaker — it’s cause it is “good seeing some how they act on a cam- of God’s creation in Texas. paign.”

God has created a beautiful Smith said he prefers peo- place to do good works for ple who have experience with people all over the world.” weekend campaigns because Tim Pittman, sophomore experience makes the cam- sociology major from Azle, paigns run more smoothly. also attended this weekend Leaders are responsible campaign and is up for a leadfor planning the trip, pre- ership position next year. paring the budget, renting “You get to take Jesus to vans, choosing locations people and allow other peoand contacting people from ple just to know the power the sites. of God within themselves,” “You don’t realize how Pittman said. much planning goes into it The next weekend cambehind the scenes,” Smith paign is to Arlington on April said.

28-30. Participants will be On the latest campaign, working with the organizastudents spent their week- tion “Mission Arlington.” end at the H.E.B. Foundation For more information about helping repair one of its hik- Weekend Campaigns, stuing trails. dents can attend its Small The H.E.B. Foundation is Group Chapel, which is held a private operating founda- in the Bean Sprout every tion that provides free camp- Thursday. ing facilities for qualified church and community-service groups. According to the E-mail Jimenez at: optimist@acu.edu

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Wednesday, April 5, 2006

CAMPUS NEWS

SA elections begin Tuesday

Party on, Wayne.

n Students running for the role of Students’ Association president, vice president or treasurer will speak in Chapel on Tuesday before voting begins immediately after.

“If you’re interested in something that reaches a lot of people and something that makes a big impact, [SA] is the place to do that.”

Justin Scott, senior political science major from Whitehouse

By MITCH HOLT Staff Writer

emerald mcgowan/Staff Photographer

Joseph Fore, vocalist and guitar player, and Elijah Felding, rhythm guitarist, compete with the band Everthorn in the Battle of the Bands on Saturday in the Bean Sprout.

Burrito company to open Friday n The Amarillo-based store will provide a chance for customers to build their own burrito, listen to Christian music and enjoy a free wireless Internet connection.

By ERIC GENTRY Student Reporter

“Big burritos fast” is the idea behind Sharky’s Burrito Company, which opens Friday next to United Supermarkets on Judge Ely Boulevard. Free sopapillas will be given with each burrito order.

Co-owners Randall Young and Brent Epps decided to open the burrito-building restaurant after they were approached by United, which wants the new restaurant to attract college-aged people

into the supermarket.

“It’s just going to be a place people can hang out anytime of day,” Epps said.

“With Internet access, burritos and coffee next door, we really think young people will be attracted to it.”

Customers can build a burrito with six ounces of steak or chicken and include toppings such as bell peppers, onions, lettuce, tomatoes and items from a salsa bar. Burritos range in price from $4.25 for a veggie burrito to the sixounce steak burrito for $6.75.

Epps said people can also buy a children’s burrito without being 12 years or younger.

Sharky’s originated in Amarillo two years ago and now serves between 300 and 400

burritos a day.

The Abilene location shares a dining space with United’s coffee shop and will seat 95 people. Only Christian music will be played in the restaurant, and it will be open every day but Sunday.

“We are both born-again Christians, and that’s important to us,” Young said.

Both co-managers will work as managers at Sharky’s, and Young has already moved to Abilene to begin work as general manager.

“The store has done real well in Amarillo,” Epps said. “We’re expecting great things here.”

E-mail Gentry at: optimist@acu.edu

Students planning to run for Students’ Association executive officer positions must turn in their petitions by 5 p.m. Wednesday and will participate in debates Monday and Chapel speeches Tuesday.

Elections are April 11-12 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with runoff elections April 13, if necessary.

Petitions were available March 29 in the SA office and the students needed at least 300 signatures from enrolled students to become executive office candidates Justin Scott, president of SA and senior political science major from Whitehouse, said petitions are required from candidates to encourage accountability because gaining so many signatures tests a student’s commitment and enhances his or her legitimacy.

Erin Dimas, chief development officer for SA, agreed.

“This formalized commitment to running shows a given person’s intent with the race, and it also really benefits a person’s cam-

paign,” Dimas said.

A special meeting for candidates took place Tuesday in the SA office. At the meeting, candidates were introduced to campaign rules and procedures, and their Chapel speeches were reviewed for content purposes.

On Monday night, executive officer debates will take place in a not-yetdetermined location.

During these debates, candidates will be asked questions and will give speeches pertaining to the role they wish to perform.

Monday, students will be able to vote early in the freshman residence halls from 10:30 p.m. to midnight.

Executive officer candidates will speak in Chapel Tuesday before schoolwide voting begins. Candidates will present speeches that briefly tell why they should be elected for their desired positions.

SA voted last week to move class senator elec-

tions, which typically occurred in the spring, to the first four weeks of the fall, and a date for the elections has not yet been set.

Several requirements are demanded of candidates before they can run for any executive office: a student can’t be on any type of probation, except Chapel probation; must have a grade point average of 2.5; and must have been a student at ACU for at least two years.

To run for vice president, candidates must be at least sophomores at the time of the election, and to run for president, they must be juniors at the time of the election.

“There are a number of ways you can make a difference at ACU,” Scott said.

“If you’re interested in something that reaches a lot of people and something that makes a big impact, [SA] is the place to do that.”

E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu

Veteto prayer chain reaches ACU n Students continued a twoweek prayer vigil for Cody Veteto, freshman journalism major from Tulsa, Okla., who was injured in a skiing accident in February.

By KELSI PEACE Student Reporter

In a gesture of Christian community, Gaye Ribble began a prayer chain for Cody Veteto at Lakewood Church of Christ in Lakewood, Colo., that is now being continued at ACU. The ACU prayer chain began Sunday and will continue until Saturday, concluding a two-week period of constant prayer for the Vetetos.

The original prayer chain began at the Veteto’s home church, Park Plaza Church of Christ, in Tulsa, Okla., and lasted 48 hours.

When Ribble heard Veteto’s story, she decided to take action and initiated a 36-hour prayer chain at Lakewood Church of Christ. The chain expanded when Veteto’s father, Ken Veteto, posted information on the Veteto’s blog instructing people to contact Ribble to join the chain.

Ribble then contacted the Spiritual Life Core to oversee a prayer chain at ACU. The Spiritual Life Core responded by printing pictures of Veteto, blog updates and information, along with pro-

viding sign-up sheets and pens for the booth.

Ribble said she estimates about 700 different people are praying for the Veteto’s, and ACU’s prayer chain should increase numbers to about 1,500.

Of the participants in the prayer chains, Ribble said about 300 people know Veteto personally.

“To me, the story is just how this Christian family comes together,” Ribble said. “It doesn’t matter if you know people or not.”

Participants have responded positively, said Ribble, who receives e-mails in the middle of the night when a prayer slot concludes, reporting the blessing the prayer time was. Riddle said many people across the country have had their belief in prayer restored.

Veteto should return to Tulsa for rehab Wednesday, which Ribble and other participants in the prayer chain see as a direct result of their constant prayer.

“We definitely, without any question in our mind, see a direct correlation,” Ribble said.

At ACU, many of Veteto’s friends have taken a time slot, said Ryan Jones, Veteto’s roommate and freshman Bible, missions and ministry major from Tulsa.

“I know that everyone is pretty busy since it is towards the end of the semester, but I think that overall participation has been good,” Jones said in an email. “Everyone who takes time out of their schedule is doing a great thing for the entire situation.”

Ashley Carr, student adviser for the Spiritual Life Core and sophomore psychology major from Abilene, said on Sunday only six slots remained empty. However, Friday and Saturday remain relatively open.

Carr said faculty and staff have also signed up for a 15-minute slot.

ACU students are not the only representatives of ACU who are participating, Ribble said.

Parents who have heard about Veteto’s situation from their students have contacted Ribble to participate in the prayer chain, as well as ACU alumni who are living in various places across the country.

ACU alumni at Pepperdine University have participated in the prayer chain with many people in Oklahoma.

Students who would like to sign up for a prayer slot can do so in the Campus Center throughout the week.

E-mail Peace at: optimist@acu.edu

Wednesday, April 5, 2006

Page 5

CAMPUS NEWS

City to sponsor spring cleaning chance for residents n Residents can bring their trash and recyclable items to the City Recycling Center on Thursday through Saturday and will not have to pay fees on most large items.

By RACHEL WINSTON Student Reporter

City officials and community members hope to clean up Abilene with an event called Spring Clean, which gives residents an alternative to dumping trash in an ally or on the roadside.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday, Abilene residents will bring their trash and recyclable items to the City Recycling Center in hopes of uncluttering their homes and neighborhoods.

Bill Brock, recycling coordinator, said Spring Clean attracts many residents every year.

“Saturday there will be folks lined up out to the main highway,” Brock said. “Three hundred tons were brought

“This is a chance for the city of Abilene to come together to beautify our city.”

Pam Percival, information coordinator for the city of Abilene

in last year alone.”

Brock said Spring Clean allows people to recycle or discard the majority of their trash for free, unlike if they dump the trash at the landfill. The only items that require fees are tires, computers and TV sets.

Brock said the event is

paid for by the landfill and garbage bills from the community of Abilene. So it is only open to the residents of Abilene. Brock said items in good condition will be given to Goodwill or Salvation Army.

Spring Clean is the last in a series of events designed

to clean up the community in a proper and successful way, said Pam Percival, information coordinator for the city of Abilene. Residents of Abilene are encouraged to bring their household hazardous chemicals to Spring Clean for proper disposal. Percival said such disposal is important to prevent the water supply from being contaminated.

“This is a chance for the city of Abilene to come together to beautify our city,”

Percival said.

Spring Clean accepts all kinds of items, including old cell phones, refrigerators, couches and computers.

“Spring Clean is an on-going thing that we have found very popular,” Brock said.

Brock said students can participate in Spring Clean.

“The event is just in time to get rid of some unneeded items before leaving for summer break,” Brock said.

E-mail Winston at: optimist@acu.edu

Habitat fundraising brick by brick n The university’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity is raising money in the Campus Center this week to help fund the chapter’s fees and the local organization.

By JARED FIELDS Sports Editor

Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer

Michelle Feliciano, sophomore marketing and management major from Palmdale, Calif., and Kristen Ruhl, sophomore biochemistry major from Fairhope, Ala., sign a brick they purchased Tuesday for the Habitat for Humanity fundraiser.

The ACU chapter of Habitat for Humanity is selling Tshirts and bricks in the Campus Center this week to raise money for its organization.

The week is part of Habitat for Humanity’s national Act! Speak! Build! Week.

Members of the group will be in the Campus Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Friday.

Sales of T-shirts and bricks go to the local Habitat for Humanity and dues for membership. A brick costs $1 to sponsor, and Tshirts cost $7. The shirts are green and read, “Mo Sweat, Mo Jesus.”

Carla Williamson, president for ACU’s Habitat for Humanity, said the Acme Brick Company donated 300 bricks, and she said she

hopes they all will be sold.

Money raised from brick sales goes to the local Habitat for Humanity to be used by the organization. Proceeds from T-shirt sales go toward paying the chapter fee and international tithe to remain an official chapter.

Williamson, a sophomore elementary education major from Whitehouse, said the project is for more than raising money for the organization.

“We’re trying to get the organization started again,”

Williamson said. “The group is looking at building involvement, so next year we hope to have more volunteers and events.”

Along with selling bricks and shirts, the group is having a service Saturday this weekend. Sign-up sheets are at the group’s table in the Campus Center, but Williamson said the group can take only about 15 people, and spots are filling fast.

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

Students, faculty look for Earth Day awareness to grow n Groups on campus will focus on different projects, such as collecting items like old cell phones and batteries to show students the importance of recycling electronics.

By ATSUMI SHIBATA Student Reporter

On April 19, students will honor Earth Day through environmental awareness presentations in the Campus Center.

Earth Day, celebrated April 22, is an international secular holiday founded in 1970 to demonstrate environmental

problems, according to the Earth Day Information Center.

Dr. Jim Cooke, professor of the agricultural and environmental science, began the university’s Earth Day project in 1992.

“Earth Day is attempt to get people to focus on the importance of our environments or surroundings and try to encourage people to take a better care of it,” Cooke said.

Cooke began this Earth Day project for one of his Environmental and Technological Science course.

“We want to increase awareness of environmental stewardship on campus,” Cooke said.

About 90 students divided into 24 groups, are taking the course and have been participating in the project since the beginning of the semester.

Each group has chosen a topic that relates to an environmental problem and works together to create a project or presentation to raise awareness about the issue.

Patty Bailey, sophomore education major from Borger,

W-Club plans night with Money n Women of the university are invited to meet in the Gardner Hall lobby to spend an evening with Pam Money, wife of Dr. Royce Money, president of the university.

By COURTNEE HEMBREE Student Reporter

All freshman women are invited to Gardner lobby for “Cookies, Games & Money” 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

The W-Club, a women’s honor society comprised of nominated upper classmen, is sponsoring a devotional that includes decorating cookies, playing games and special guest speaker Pam Money, wife of Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, said Nicole Moore, junior art major from Essex Junction, Vt. April Ward, a senior integrated marketing communication major from Big Spring, said Pam Money is

an amazing woman.

“Freshman women need an opportunity to both meet and really get to know her,” Ward said.

Last year Dr. Money went to the freshman men’s residence hall and spent the evening playing games with them, so the W-Club thought that making cookies and having a devotional with Pam Money would be a fun thing for women to do, said Ward, who is president of the W-Club.

The W-Club is about creating opportunities for the women on campus to have fun and more importantly grow in the Lord, said Moore, who is in charge of the evening. A freshman women’s night seemed to be a great way to do both, she said.

Although the evening was generated for freshman women, any ACU women wanting to come are welcome, but

men are not invited, Moore said. If upper-class women show a large interest in this devotional then the W-Club will consider doing one for them also.

The evening will begin with the women decorating sugar cookies with lots of icing and sprinkles, followed by the devotional, which Money will lead, and afterwards the women will play games like Catch Phrase and Taboo, Moore said.

Freshman women will all receive e-mails, and the W-Club will put up flyers around campus, to give the women more information about the plans for the evening, Ward said.

The W-Club wants to make this an annual event, and have Money speak every year so each freshman class have get a chance to meet her.

E-mail Hembree at: optimist@acu.edu

and Jane Yoon, junior graphic design major from Yonkers, N.Y., along with two other group members, chose “How to recycle electric products” as their project theme.

The team wants to show students the importance of taking care of the technological waste in today’s society, Bailey said.

At the Earth Day event in the Campus Center, the group plans to collect old cell phones and batteries to recycle them. Bailey and Yoon said they want other students

to come see what they have learned through this project.

“You make a lot of difference,” Yoon said. “Just me, just you. If everyone thought in that way, it would make a big difference.”

Students can start making a difference in the little things, such as not using paper towels to dry their hands or other wasteful habits, Bailey said.

“Just like we are called to share the Gospel,” Bailey said, “if we know something is right, we need to tell people.”

Cooke agreed that sharing

knowledge about these important issues is vital.

“Earth Day is a secular celebration,” Cooke said, “but on our campus, it takes on a spiritual aspect as well. I don’t think we can separate them.”

He said our environment is God’s creation and gift to us.

“The way we treat God’s creation shows how we feel about God, how we think God is important, and how we respect God,” Cooke said.

E-mail Shibata at: optimist@acu.edu

Page 6

April 5, 2006

Nostalgia springs forth from season The Issue:

Spring is in the air, flowers are blooming, and nostalgia is running rampant.

Our view:

We like spring, too. Break out the sun tan lotion and procrastinate like a champ.

The solution:

Who needs a solution to spring?

But while you’re soaking up the sunshine, read the Optimist.

Sunday sprung forward with 90-degree temperatures in Abilene, and cold weather disappeared from the forecast with the hour we lost. The Editorial Board, joined by many students, rejoices that spring has arrived.

Spring brings cool mornings and warm afternoons, rolling thunder and spring showers, and windy but sunny days. But the weather isn’t the only aspect of spring to enjoy. With the warm weather comes Cajun Cones, Major League Baseball and tanning oil.

We are excited to dust off our ceiling fans, pry open our windows and let the warm

breezes circuteams to take Spring speaks of Saturdays spent at the park, late through our the pennant backyard barbecues, and salsa made from homes, even if we and win the scratch with fresh tomatoes. did have to do a World Series. little extra cleanFans show up ing to get that in droves to fresh spring feel. We look for- afternoon with the scent of sit in the sunshine, buy overward to late night walks, when thunderstorms mixed with priced hot dogs and cheer on the air is comfortable and life wildflowers breezing through their favorite team. seems grand. Even the thought our open windows. We love When the weather begins to of finals looming in the not- cruising down the highway warm, even the stoics become so-distant future isn’t enough during roadtrips seeing blue- poets and fools in love, emto dampen the euphoria of bonnets and buttercups flash bracing the breezy nights for spring — at least not yet. by the windows, reminding us stargazing adventures. Strict Spring speaks of Saturdays of our childhood photo shoots professors suddenly rememspent at the park, backyard and Texas pride. ber their childhoods filled with barbecues and salsa made from In the spring, baseball over- mountain laurel and grape Koolscratch with fresh tomatoes. powers even the most cynical aid. And stressed-out students We like nothing better than fans with excitement and pos- manage to make time for sundriving to Sonic on a spring sibility. Potential exists for all ning themselves by the pool.

Let Loose

Cajun Cones — the sweet, icy concoctions define the culture at ACU, a signal of springtime, of blossoming flowers and romances, and a notice to all that finals approach rapidly, and the semester will soon screech Much Ado to a halt.

A sign anabout n o uncing Something opening day Jaci beckons and Schneider teases students, as they hope the springy blue sky will stay clear, so the stand really will open.

Students line up with more students, and they all stare at the painted wooden sign listing their favorite flavors: strawberry, pink lemonade, pickle juice, Ninja Turtle and “I don’t know but it’s good.”

Students divide into two categories: the try something new-ers, and the stuck in a rut–ers. Each group believes the other is a sacrilegious threat to their own

While savoring the over-powering sweetness, students easily forget about their looming finals and 10-page papers. snow cone ideals.

Freshmen love Cajun Cones because they can walk the few blocks there easily from Gardner and Mabee halls, and it’s a fun, cheap date, especially for those boys who have no clue where to take a girl on a date.

Cajun Cone connoisseurs can easily spot freshmen because many of them have never experienced the culinary delight of a Cajun Cone.

They stand by the wooden sign debating whether to order strawberry or mango, never dreaming the glorious possibilities of flavor combinations, or realizing that, at $1.25 each, they can afford to savor the treat day after day.

Students order their cones and watch the worker pour sugary, syrupy goodness on to a scoop of crumbled ice.

They grasp the Styrofoam cups with glee, even with the sticky rivers running down them.

In Your Words What is your favorite thing about springtime?

Then they chat and enjoy the sunshine, as the snow cones transform their teeth and mouths into brilliant shades of primary colors.

The rivers of syrup pour down onto their yellow Live Strong bracelets, down on to their Gap jeans and on to their flip flops, making their toes stick together.

While savoring the overpowering sweetness, students easily forget about their looming finals and 10-page papers. They forget their summer plans have crashed in shambles.

Right now the sun beats down, the cars whiz past, and friends burst with nostalgic stories and belly laughs.

Cajun Cones rates as guiltfree procrastination because they fill students’ bodies with sugary super powers, allowing them to stay awake into the wee hours, to cram even more facts into their already supersaturated brains.

Sometimes it seems their brains, like the shaved ice, will stop absorbing new facts, and the excess will pour out of their heads in brightly colored streams, down their tired bodies, onto laptop computers, and into a sticky puddle on the floor.

Friday afternoon, after finishing their final exams, students will emerge from classrooms in a stupor, wondering how they made it through the week on a total of 10 hours of sleep.

They will vow with golden intentions to study more diligently next time, but they know deep down inside that as soon as that Cajun Cones stand appears, their willpower and motivation will vanish with a swoosh.

Because the essence of college convinces you and your friends to do everything except what you really should.

College is about enjoying the sweetness while it lasts, before the ice melts, the flavor fades, and the fun disappears.

E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu

“Change the world.” are doomed to failure.

We hear that all the time They’re trying to do the at ACU: in class, in Chapel, impossible. from teachers, from each You can’t change the other. Just world because you can’t go to www. change people. The decia c u . e d u , sion to change belongs to and look individuals alone. It’s not at the first your place to force them to thing you change. see.

Instead, inspire change.

But we Think of the people who’ve The Mouth of have to re- inspired the most positive m e m b e r change, people like Martin Madness how. You Luther King Jr., Mahatma Cole c a n n o t Ghandi and Mother Teresa.

Williams change the They knew they were imperworld, at fect people, and without beleast not by force. ing overbearing about their Think of all the people views, they inspired change who try, the people you by living the best they could, see on televicondemning sin sion and read but not fellow about in the You can’t change sinners, and trynews: the Miing to be good the world chael Moores, and hope people because you the Ann Coulwould follow can’t change ters, the idetheir example. ologists, the Think about people. The crusaders.

Soulforce’s visit. decision to Those peochange belongs A lot of us were ple’s ideas might afraid they’d be to individuals not be wrong, like the most psyalone. but I think their chotically radical tactics are. They activists we see on jam their messages down the news. Thankfully though, people’s throats, trying to they were common, sensible sledgehammer people into people. They were probably seeing their point of view, afraid of us acting like Chriscondemning and slandering tians that are often seen in all who dissent. How often the media, as the radical are they successful? When right, “God hates fags” types. someone comes down and But instead, both groups screams fire and brimstone, weren’t trying to force the how likely are you to listen to other to change, so we were their opinion? both able to hear each other’s You’re more likely to point of view and make inteloppose them simply be- ligent decisions. cause of their approach.

When you try and force Not only are they not change, often the results are very successful, but they violent and horrible: Sept. 11, don’t seem very happy. the impeachment of Bill ClinMost of the ones I see look ton, the Bay of Pigs and the angry, tired and bitter. Crusades. If you really want They see themselves as to change the world, stop righteous warriors fight- trying to force that change ing for the obvious good, to happen, and instead try unable to see the imper- and be a better person and fections in their approach. let that change in yourself inThese true believers are spire change in others. bitter because they can’t understand why their lifeE-mail Williams at: times of virtuous fighting cww02b@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu

“I love to walk barefoot in the grass.”

“When it’s getting green, there’s no way you can’t be happy.”

“Beautiful afternoons like this one.”

Chase Barnatt

Mike Miles

James Howell

freshman missions major from Azel

freshman youth and family ministry major from El Paso

freshman youth and family ministry major from Ann Arbor, Mich.

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

Changing minds takes gentleness

Cole Williams

Cajun Cones: crazy colors of college

Although summer seems far-off, spring reminds us that school will come to an end eventually, and we will be able to enjoy homework-free nights and weekends — a thought that keeps students going when life seems bleak.

So don those bright-colored cotton clothes, drive with the windows down, turn on your ceiling fan, watch a baseball game, lie by the pool, buy a Cajun Cone and flirt a little more. Embrace spring and all that comes with it.

Editorial and Management Board Jonathan Smith

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

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Dani Linthicum

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Christi Stark

Mallory Sherwood

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Online: www.acuoptimist.com

Wednesday, April 5, 2006

SALT prepares for citywide service n ACU for Abilene will be April 22, and students can sign up for worksites from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 17 - 21, in the Campus Center ticket windows.

By LISA SRIOBCHOEY Student Reporter

Students, faculty and staff will have a chance to serve ACU’s neighborhoods in the last planned service day of the semester April 22 as part of ACU for Abilene.

ACU for Abilene is an annual service day planned by the Service Action Leadership Team. This will be the

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CAMPUS NEWS

seventh ACU for Abilene.

More than 350 people volunteered last year, according to the SALT Web site.

The focus for this year’s ACU for Abilene is the neighborhoods surrounding the campus. Nancy Coburn, SALT adviser and director of Volunteer Service-Learning Center, said SALT decided last year to focus on the needs of the neighborhoods near campus.

“Many of the sites this year will be in this area,” Coburn said. “There will also be some projects in other neighborhoods with agencies such as Habitat for Humanity.”

Jordan Swim, senior Christian ministry major from Richardson and co-chair of ACU for Abilene, said he expects to have about 400 volunteers this year to work at 20 sites around Abilene. The service activities range from helping neighbors with yard work, working on a Habitat house and working with children.

“This will be a chance for students to come out, meet people and encourage the Abilene community,” Swim said.

Students can sign up for the event in the Campus Center ticket windows April

Check out my moves

17 - 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The service day begins at 8:30 a.m. between the Hardin Administration and Zona Luce buildings. All volunteers will meet on the lawn where music, Starbucks coffee and doughnuts will be provided before dispersing to their sites at 9:15 a.m.

Swim said ACU for Abilene will include free lunch, enough for 500 people, from 1 to 3 p.m. between Brown Library and the Campus Center for workers and people from the neighborhood.

E-mail Sriobchoey at: optimist@acu.edu

Clubs unite to remember GATA sponsor n Members of men’s social clubs gathered March 25 for a service project honoring the life of the late Cathy Leavell, mother of a former Frater Sodalis president.

By CAMILLE PAINTER Student Reporter

About 50 men from various social clubs met at 9 a.m.

March 25 to drive to Abilene State Park to clean the area in an act of social club unity.

Upon arrival, they split into groups of 10 to 15 people, some clearing out underbrush, some separating logs and some mowing and weed eating.

Cameron Hartsell, junior political science major from Gilmer and organizer of the

event, said it was meant to bring together men’s social clubs in an effort to serve others.

“One of the big arguments against social clubs is it divides people,” Hartsell said. “I’m a huge fan of competition, but there’s a time and place for that. And anytime a non-Christian group draws a distinction among Christians, I believe that’s where the administration is correct in getting angry with us.”

Shane Spencer, senior financial management major from White Oak and member of Gamma Sigma Phi, said he’s friends with many people in other clubs, but he can understand how there would

be a problem with unity among clubs.

“Sometimes, it’s easy to judge people in groups, but when you see people coming together for a new purpose, it gives you a new light on the subject. It gives you a better understanding for the clubs and what they’re about,” Spencer said.

Spencer said it was evident the men’s clubs were about coming together to serve during the day of service.

“It wasn’t like all the Galaxy guys went in one direction and all the GSP and Frats went in one direction,” Hartsell said. “It was a good bonding time — inter-social club bonding time.”

Spencer said members of

the different social clubs interacted well.

“When you get people out of the element of being at school and we’re all there for the same purpose, same level, same goal, it’s easy to mix,” Spencer said.

The purpose of the service project was to honor the life of Cathy Leavell, mother of a former Frats president and GATA sponsor, who died during spring break.

Hartsell said he knew the other clubs would like the opportunity to serve in honor of an ACU affiliate, and hopes this turns into an annual event.

E-mail Painter at: optimist@acu.edu

anna carroll/Staff Photographer

Jordan Sorenson, freshman English major from San Antonio, plays hacky sack with friends in front of the Beauchamp Amphitheater on Friday.

Wireless connections available in all residence halls beginning next fall n The updated technology will enable students with both laptop and desktop computers to have cordless Internet connections throughout their halls.

By MEGAN LOWE Student Reporter

Beginning in June, all residence halls will undergo construction to provide wireless Internet service to all residents.

This is the first step of a three-year plan to update all learning centers and other computer spaces, making the entire campus wireless.

The plan will cost $120,000 in the first year and $625,000 by the time it is finished in

three years, said Jim Trietsch, associate chief information officer.

After taking a look at schools such as Texas Christian and Oklahoma Christian University and other schools in this region, ACU found that few school were offering a wireless Internet service for students in residence halls.

So, ACU decided wireless Internet service could be used as a marketing tool to lure perspective students to ACU, said Arthur Brant, manager of Networking Services.

“If we provide wireless networking in our residence halls it will give us a competitive advantage over other schools,” Brant said.

One reason many others schools have not implemented the wireless system in their halls is because of the interruptions in service that can be caused by the use of microwave ovens, wireless telephones and the type of construction materials used to build the halls.

However, ACU decided these glitches were not significant enough to discount the convenience it would provide for students, Brant said.

With laptop sales on the rise,

many students are coming to school from wireless Internet homes where they are free to move about from one room to the next without the hassle of cords, Brant said.

The bulk of the construction this summer will consist of installing wireless access points in the centers of each residence hall to ensure each room has sufficient wireless coverage. This will allow students with wireless-enabled computers to travel about the

hall, from one friend’s room to the next, with continuing Internet capabilities.

Although the convenience is more for students with wireless laptops, some desktop computers enabled for wireless connection will also be affected.

Others with desktop computers most likely will see no change in their Internet service provided in residence halls, Trietsch said.

“This is mostly for the students, they have been

asking for wireless services,” Trietsch said.

Ashley McElroy, sophomore communication sciences and disorders major from Uvalde, said she wishes the halls had been wireless sooner.

“I wish the residence halls had been wireless while I was living in them,” she said. “It would have saved me so much time and trouble.”

E-mail Lowe at: optimist@acu.edu

Page 8

Wednesday, April 5, 2006

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Options: UP apartments remain a choice for some Continued from page 1 tenants.

Some students, including Chris Ballard, sophomore biology major from Plano, have found the house-hunting process more difficult than they expected.

“Searching for a house is a time-consuming process,” Ballard said. “It is hard to find time to drive around, call on available houses and set up times to see inside.”

In addition, good houses are hard to come by, he said.

“There is a lot to consider when looking for a

house,” Ballard said. “Does it have the correct number of rooms? Is the rent something you are willing to pay?

Is it within a few blocks of campus? And do I even like the house?”

Although he began looking at the beginning of this semester, Ballard has run into considerable trouble along the way. Before spring break, he said he finally found a house he was happy with and secured a verbal agreement with the landlord. However, he came back from the break only to find out the house was no longer available. One of the exist-

ing roommates had decided to stay in Abilene for graduate school, and the landlord had given the house to her.

“So now, after spending nearly a month not searching, thinking I had already found a house, I am back to square one,” Ballard said.

“Hopefully I will be able to find a house before school ends so that I won’t have to spend the summer looking.”

For students who are considering living on campus, University Park Apartments are currently accepting leases.

Patricia Hail, University

Park Apartments director, said there are several benefits to living at University Park that off campus residencies do not offer.

“The one everyone is talking about the most is the proximity to campus,” she said.

Instead of searching for parking spaces every day, students have the advantage of parking near their homes. She said students can walk to class and eat on campus.

University Park might be more financially feasible compared to some houses, but more expensive than others.

Hail said students can pay $150 per month as rent until their financial aid comes in through the Financial Aid Deferment Plan. Also, each student is responsible for his or her own portion of the rent. No one is expected to pick up the slack if a roommate transfers or is late paying the rent.

The university has other plans for students considering University Park for housing.

“ACU is so committed to having upperclassmen stay at UP that they will include an ACU Housing Allowance that can save students up

to $44 per month on rent,” Hail said.

Students can earn a coupon for $100 off of the first month of rent if they turn in leases by the deadline.

University Park residents enjoy free DSL Internet, water and cable. However, students are responsible for their own electricity bills.

For more information, students can go online at www.campushousing.com/ acu.

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

Burford: Center brings light College: May deadline set Continued from page 1 Sciences, said in an e-mail that both parts of the department will be under the new College of Education and Human Services, which also will include the School of Social Work, TRIO programs, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and the Department of Exercise Science and Health.

The new college and the Department of Education will share the renovated Burford Center, but many of the entities within the college will stay in their current locations, Durrington said.

The remodeled building will include offices for college administrators and the Department of Education staff, five classrooms, three conference rooms and an expanded curriculum room.

“The Education Department has needed new facilities for some time, and we are very excited about the move to Burford,” Durrington said.

Jerry Whitworth, chair of the Department of Educa-

tion, said the renovations will create a state-of-the-art center for learning.

“We want our students to get the best education possible, and with the space and equipment we will acquire with the renovation, students will be even better prepared for their careers,” Whitworth said. “We will be able to incorporate and communicate with one another in ways that we never have before, because we will all be in one building together.”

According to a previous article in the Optimist, the Burford Center has been unused by students for the past three years, and crews began remodeling Burford in October to prepare it for its new use. As part of the remodeling, the building will be expanded to 18,500 square feet, and it will receive a new front and back façade.

Dr. Dana Hood, associate professor and director of Early Childhood and Elementary Programs, said she has recently met with the interior designer for the remodel,

and she thinks the building’s new look will be beautiful.

“We will have more space and will have all of our programs under one roof; we are very excited about this,” Hood said. “On a more personal note, I am looking forward to windows, and I am so excited to be out of the basement where I can see God’s sunlight every day.

That will be wonderful.”

Hood said she believes the move is a wonderful affirmation by the university for the mission of the Department of Education.

“It shows that they really believe in what we do. As one of the largest departments on campus the new building will provide us with a visible presence that will be of great benefit as we work to recruit high quality students who want to serve Christ as they work with children in schools,” Hood said. “I really believe in the ministry of teaching and am thankful that the administration supports that mission as well.”

E-mail Linthicum at: del01a@acu.edu

Continued from page 1 his name for consideration after accepting a job at Texas Woman’s University beginning this fall.

“Given the quality and quantity of the applicant pool for the position of Dean of CEHS, both within and outside the university, I was pleasantly surprised and humbled by the nomination,” Snider said in an e-mail.

Breeding said in an e-mail that she is honored to be a finalist for the position, especially to be in the company of Snider and Whitworth.

“As department chair, I have learned to love administration,” Breeding said. “It is a way to lead and serve and to have an even larger influence on preparing students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world.”

Breeding and Snider are now each going through a five-step interview process, participating in a presentation and question session on their vision and goals for the new college; a conversation time with faculty and staff

for in-depth questioning about the dean’s position; an interview with Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, provost of the university; an interview with Dr. Royce Money, president of the university; and a one-hour interview with the nomination committee.

The College of Education and Health Services will contain the departments of Education, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Exercise Science and Sociology and Social Work, as well as the new Higher Education Student Affairs degree, the Graduate Education program and TRIO services.

Snider has 20 years of public school administrative experience and 10 additional years in public school education, in total serving as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent.

He recently retired from public education but said he wanted to continue his career at a Christian university.

“My 20 years of public school administrative experience, if selected by the uni-

versity, could bring valuable experience to the new dean position,” Snider said.

He said that, to his knowledge, the nomination committee, headed by Dr. Carol Williams, dean of the Graduate School, will make a recommendation to VanRheenen and Money by May 10 at the latest. He said he does not know whether the decision will be made before then.

“I feel honored and humbled to be a finalist for such am important administrative position,” Snider said. “Whoever they select as the inaugural Dean for the College of Education and Human Services, it will bring a new day in the history of ACU. “Hopefully, the new college structure will provide new learning opportunities for students, new teaching opportunities for faculty and staff and move ACU forward with its mission of providing Christian leadership throughout the world.”

E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu

Wednesday, April 5, 2006

Track: Shows off for home crowd Continued from page 10 of big jumps anyway.

“I was proud of his mental toughness,” Hood said.

Senior Cory Aguilar cleared his first height of the season in the pole vault Saturday, winning the event with a vault of 16-8, a provisional mark. Cory’s wife Angie Aguilar won the women’s pole vault competition with a provisional vault of 12-1 ½.

Junior Marvin Bien-Aime wowed onlookers and competitors in the sprints, despite wind gusts that were barely above the legal limit for qualifying times. BienAime was edged out by a few milliseconds in the 100-meter dash by Reebok athlete and former Texas Tech star Tyree Gailes, as both runners posted blazing times of 10.26. Bien-Aime put on a late surge in the 200-meter dash, but it was not enough to overcome Howard Payne’s Greg Nixon. Nixon’s windaided time of 20.6 was barely faster than Bien-Aime’s time of 20.66.

Bien-Aime said he appreciated having the professional competition.

“I told Coach Hood that this year I want to run with the ‘big boys,’” Bien-Amie said. “I don’t want to run with anyone that’s not going to bring the best out in me.

And Having Tyree [Gailes] here really made me step my game up, because I know he’s not a pushover.”

Hood said that after Saturday’s performance, Bien-Aime seems to be “back on track” to do what he needs to do to qualify for the national meet.

“He looked world-class to me,” Hood said.

Bien-Aime said he will continue to improve his sprinting with hard work at practice.

“I’m real confident about my 100 meters this year,” Bien-Aime said. “I just have to work on a few technical prob-

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SPORTS JUMPS

lems that I have, and then the sky’s the limit.”

Sophomore Nicodemus Naimadu barely missed an automatic qualifying time in the 1,500-meter run, settling instead for a victory in the race and an improved time of 3:48.38. Hood said Naimadu told him he wanted to win the race in front of the home crowd to “show them how good we are.”

Garus-Oab made his lifetime debut in the 400-meter dash, finishing third overall with a strong provisional time of 47.08. Cockrell finished fourth in the same race with a provisional time of 47.18.

The men’s 4x100-meter relay improved its provisional qualifying time Saturday to 40.44, moving to the top of the Division II performance list.

Freshman Jessica Withrow had a monster day for the Wildcat women, posting provisional qualifying marks in three events. Withrow won the high jump competition with a provisional mark of 5-8, placed third in the long jump with a provisional mark of 19 feet, and posted a provisional time and secondplace finish in the 400-meter hurdles (1:03.01).

“You look at her, and she doesn’t look like a worldclass athlete,” Hood said of his freshman phenom. “She’s a tiny, petite little girl. But she’s tough as nails, and she’s starting to turn some heads because she can jump over her head.

“For four years, we’ve got a great athlete on our hands,” Hood added.

Freshman Kim Prather also had a phenomenal day Saturday, winning two events and running a leg on the winning sprint relay team. Prather posted a strong improved provisional time in the 100meter dash, an event in which teammate Jessica Hunt placed second in 11.68. Prather im-

Baseball: Bats come alive Saturday for 26 Continued from page 10

Gary rhodes/Contributing Photographer

Junior Brant Gilbert hands off to freshman Jordan Johnson, who solidified the Wildcat 4x100 meter relay victory at the Oliver Jackson Open. proved her provisional time in the 200-meter dash, winning the event in 24.25, the top Division II time this year.

Hunt also improved her time in the 200-meter dash with a 24.48 performance.

Azraa Rounds won the 400meter dash with a strong provisional time of 55.08 while Brooklyn Hunt improved her time in that event to 56.45, finishing second.

The Hunt sisters, Rounds and Prather comprised the 4x100-meter relay squad that won its race Saturday and improved its provisional qualifying time.

To no one’s surprise, middledistance stars Trina Cox and Olha Kryv’yak won their events on Saturday in quite dominant fashion. Cox ran away with the 3,000-meter steeplechase victory with a provisional qualifying time of 10:45.32, finishing more than a minute ahead of second-place finisher Hayley Garner of ACU (12:43.44). The junior Kryv’yak placed first in the 1,500-meter run with a time of 4:43.02 and also won the 3,000-meter run with a provisional time of 10:04.48.

Kryv’yak has already posted a strong provisional time in the 1,500-meter run this season.

Jessica Blair was a provisional qualifier in the triple jump, placing third with a mark of 38-4 ¾.

Wildcats hold the top Division II times or marks in seven women’s events and two men’s events. Fourteen women have qualified at least provisionally in 15 total events, while two relays and nine individuals have qualified in eight events.

Hood attributes the success this outdoor season to athletes who put in the work necessary to excel.

“I think their performances are just a testament to how hard they worked in the fall,” Hood said. “We had a great off season, and we really worked hard through indoor season.”

A handful of Wildcat athletes and relays will compete Thursday through Sunday in the 79th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays at Mike E. Myers Stadium in Austin. The Texas Relays feature the top collegiate and professional track and field talent in the world, and ACU has enjoyed its share of success at the prestigious meet since Wildcat runners began participating in 1930.

E-mail Holt at: smh00a@acu.edu

second home run in the top of the sixth, the only serious challenge from the Texans came in the form of a sevenrun rally in bottom of the sixth. Wells took charge once more in the eighth with his final home run to help the Wildcats extend their lead to 16-10. Despite two runs scored in the final inning of the game, the Wildcats held on to their lead and picked up their first win of the series. Senior pitcher Ben Maynard was awarded with the victory.

In the final game, the Wildcats’ impressive hitting once again became the winning factor. The team continued its pattern of early leads with five runs in the first two innings off doubles from both Matt McGuire and Zepeda.

Tarleton followed the next two innings with a five-run rally, tying the game at 5-5. A fifth inning three-run homer from McGuire put ACU on top once again. Not to be outdone, the Texans answered with two home runs of their own in the bottom fifth to come within

one run of the Wildcats. The scoring frenzy continued in the sixth with another ACU homer, this time from center fielder Chris Walsh and unearned run off a Tarleton error. Ruben Rivera pitched the final inning of the game, striking out three of the Tarleton line-up and retaining the lead for a victory.

“We just came out ready to hit, we loosened up at the plate and picked up 26 runs in one day,” Bonneau said.

ACU is tied for third with Tarleton and will be out of town again this weekend to take on Angelo State.

Bonneau said the Wildcats need to learn how to play all four games with the same mentality they displayed in the final two games against Tarleton to overcome a tough Angelo State squad.

“We’re really looking forward to the experience of playing them because right now Angelo State is the best in conference and it will be good to see where we stack up against them,” Bonneau said.

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

Tennis: Men face off against D-I powers Continued from page 10 Shorter College 5-4. Then, they beat Virginia Intermont College 5-2 in the quarterfinals. ACU lost to the eventual champion, the University of Auburn-Montgomery, 5-0 in the semifinals.

Last Wednesday, the Wildcats defeated Southeastern Oklahoma 8-1. Then Texas Christian, which is ranked 23rd in the Division I national polls, dropped ACU 7-0. The next day, Baylor University, one of the top ten teams in Division I, also beat the Wild-

cat men 7-0.

“We’re trying to get ready for the conference tournament,” Walker said. “We want to peak for conference play.

It’s important for us to do well in all of our matches.”

On March 25, Fila posted the latest Division II rankings. The ACU women remain ranked ninth in the nation. But the men fell from 13th to 17th.

This weekend, the Wildcat tennis teams are back in action as they host the ACU April Invitational.

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

Page 10

April 5, 2006 Standings BASEBALL

Team Div. Angelo St. 3-1 3-1 WTAMU ACU 2-2 Tarleton St. 2-2 TAMU-K 1-3 1-3 ENMU

Overall 24-11 18-17 27-9 13-25 26-8 19-19

‘Character wins’ for Cats at home n The men’s and women’s teams combined to win 17 events at the Oliver Jackson Open in Abilene, and 24 athletes or relay teams posted new or improved qualifying times.

SOFTBALL Team ACU ENMU

TX Woman’s Angelo St. TAMU-K

Tarleton St.

Div. 11-3 8-4 5-4 7-7 4-5 7-9

Overall 29-10 28-14 16-27 23-20 16-21 22-15

By STEVE HOLT Sports Writer

Scores Saturday

softball ACU 5, Eastern New Mexico 3 Eastern New Mexico 6, ACU 2 baseball ACU 16, Tarleton State 12 ACU 10, Tarleton State 7

Upcoming Schedule Wednesday Softball ACU vs. Midwestern State, 2 p.m. (DH)

Thursday track & Field ACU at Texas Relays, 10 a.m.

Friday softball ACU vs. West Texas A&M, 1 p.m. (DH) tennis ACU hosts ACU April Invitational. track & Field ACU at Texas Relays, 10 a.m. baseball ACU at Angelo State, 4 p.m.

(DH).

Saturday Softball ACU vs. West Texas A&M, 1 p.m. (DH) baseball ACU at Angelo State, 4 p.m., (DH)

• Home games listed in italics

Gary rhodes/Contributing Photographer

Freshman long jumper, high jumper and hurdler Jessica Withrow flies through the air on a long jump attempt Saturday at the Oliver Jackson Open, where she finished third with a jump of 19 feet, a provisional mark for nationals. Withrow also provisionally qualified for two other events, high jump and the 400-meter hurdles, finishing first and second, respectively.

For ACU head coach Don Hood, sophomore Shawna-Kaye Thompson’s performance in the 400-meter hurdles summed up Saturday’s Oliver Jackson Open for the Wildcats.

That morning, Hood said Thompson experienced pain in her back and elsewhere, but she decided to compete in her event anyway.

All that resulted was a personal best and provisional qualifying time in the 400-meter hurdles, a winning time of 1 minute, 2.23 seconds. The time was a personal best because Thompson had never competed in that event before.

Hood said performances like Thompson’s epitomized the second outdoor meet of the season, run in front of a home crowd at Elmer Gray Stadium.

“That just shows that a lot of our kids have a lot of character, and character wins,” said the first-year coach. “As long as we’ve got that kind of heart and can keep [the athletes] healthy, I think we’ve got a great chance to win [nationals].”

The ACU men and women looked like national champions Saturday, combining to win a total of 17 events.

Twenty-four athletes or relay teams also posted new or improved qualifying marks for the NCAA Division II Outdoor National Championships.

Two of the biggest wins on Saturday came from the men’s and women’s 4x400-meter relay teams. The men’s team — comprised of Brant Gilbert, Jordan

Track and Field Johnson, Elton Garus-Oab, and Delt Cockrell — came from behind to post its best time of the season, 3:09.44.

Gilbert, who had not run with the Wildcat relay, came from competing in several previous events to run a solid leadoff leg, before handing the baton to Texas Tech transfer Johnson, who ran a blistering 46.7-second leg. Garus-Oab then posted a 46.7, before giving it to senior anchor Delt Cockrell. Cockrell didn’t disappoint either, passing South Plains’ anchor on the final turn to complete a 46.6 leg for the victorious Wildcats.

Hood said Cockrell had a few words for his relay teammates before the race.

“He told the other guys, ‘Fellas, just get me close enough so I can win,’” Hood said. “He knows that when it comes down to it, there are few if any guys at this competition level that can outrun him when it counts. Anytime you have Delt in the race, you know you have a chance at winning.”

The women’s 4x400-meter relay team of Mary Mwangi, Brooklyn Hunt, Jessica Hunt and Azraa Rounds also won its race with a time of 3:46.62 “Anytime you win both mile relays, you go home feeling good,” Hood said. “Our girls ran a great race. They dominated; it was never in doubt.”

The only automatic qualifying mark of the day came from junior Yevgen Pashchenko in the triple jump, who jumped 52-2 ¾ to finish second in the competition. Hood said Pashchenko had trouble perfecting his approach on the runway because of the wind, but managed a couple See

TRACK page 9

Baseball explodes in final two to earn series split n Wildcats start slow at Tarleton State to begin LSC South play, dropping the first two games but come back strong to sweep the second double-header Saturday.

By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Writer

The ACU Wildcats baseball team carried their No. 6 preseason ranking and conference leading statistics into Stephenville last weekend, splitting a four game series with LSC rival Tarleton State and kicking off their regular season with a conference record of 2-2.

After finishing the pre-

Baseball season with a series of losses to Cameron University, the Wildcats were defeated once again in the first two games against Tarleton State. The Texans swept both games Friday with final scores of 4-2 and 8-5.

The Wildcats’ first loss was because of a failure to create scoring opportunities and a solid game from Tarleton pitcher Brian Babbitt. After a scoreless first three innings, the Texans capitalized off two Wildcat defensive errors and a wild pitch by Brian Kennedy

“We need ... to play hard this weekend against a topcaliber team to really see what type of team we have.”

Britt Bonneau, head baseball coach

for two runs. The Wildcats soon answered and tied in the sixth with an RBI single from left fielder Johnny Zepeda and an RBI double from designated hitter Joel Wells. The Texans recaptured the lead at the bottom of the sixth with two more runs, and the Wildcats failed to facilitate any kind of response in the final innings.

Following an offensive

drought in the latter half of game one, the Wildcats’ took an early lead in the second game only to be overtaken once more by a solid Tarleton State line-up 8-5.

ACU jumped ahead by three in the first inning after a rally of base hits ignited by a lead hit from center fielder Thomas Bumpass. After a Tarleton run in the second, last week’s LSC

By ASHLEY MOORE Sports Writer

The Wildcat softball team split a four-game series with Eastern New Mexico last weekend in Abilene.

This brings the team’s conference record to 11-3 and 29-10 overall, keeping it in first place in the LSC South Division.

ACU won the first game on Friday, 4-1. Samantha Borgeson scored two runs off two hits, including a home run in the second. Daisy Barcena and Amber Janowski, who pinch ran for Jenna Daugherty, also scored. Jennifer Leal pitched an error-free game and improved her record to 16-1.

The Wildcats barely fell short the next game 7-6.

ACU was up 6-4 until the very end of the game when the Zias scored three runs

n Sixth-ranked Columbus State represents the highest ranked team ACU’s women have beat in 10 years, and the men advanced to the finals of the tournament in Alabama.

Softball in the final inning. Sarah Vidalin pitched the first six innings, and Leal came in as relief during the seventh.

Daugherty had two RBI, and Allison Crouse scored on both of her hits.

“Our team doesn’t give up at all,” junior infielder Jenna Daugherty said. “If a team scores on us, we can usually always bounce right back.”

Although the Wildcats played a hard game, they couldn’t quite pull it out in the end.

The Wildcats began Saturday well, as they came back after a loss and won 5-1. On the mound, Leal didn’t permit any errors on her side and only allowed six hits.

All of the runs came in the first half of the game, including Jade Wilson’s double and a three-RBI home run by Nicole Deel in the third inning.

The team struggled with hitting and couldn’t get its bats going like it has the past

were in control of the game,” said Britt Bonneau, head coach.

“Our pitchers were not consistent on the mound, and our offense failed to counter.”

The Wildcat offense rediscovered its winning pattern of play on day two of the series, outdrawing the Texans in both games 16-12 and 10-7.

Wells was the star of Saturday’s first game with three home runs and five RBI. Wells’ first home run was the highlight of an ACU offensive attack that scored 12 runs in the first three innings. After Wells’ See

BASEBALL page 9

Women take down high-ranked team

Team maintains conference lead n Splitting this weekend’s four-game series left the Wildcats with an 11-3 LSC record, and the team will play a pair of doubleheaders this weekend.

South hitter of the week, Trey Watten, led off the inning with a home run. Watten’s homer and a sacrifice fly from catcher Jordan Schmitt extended the Wildcat lead to 5-1 in the top of the third. Tarleton rallied after that, with a five run comeback in the bottom of the third, pulling up 6-5. The ACU line-up ran dry once more at the plate for the remainder of the game and was unable to produce any scoring opportunities while the Texans extended their lead by two and successfully held the Wildcat bats at bay.

“It was disappointing to give up the lead, especially since we

By MICHAEL FREEMAN Sports Writer

Anna Carroll/Staff Photographer

Pitcher Melanie Smith winds up a pitch in a 6-2 loss to Eastern New Mexico on Saturday at home in Wells Field. The Wildcats split the four-game series. few weeks, said head coach Chantiel Wilson. The women were set to win at least three of the four games until three runs were given up, but she said she is positive the team will bounce back.

“We weren’t as strong with bats as we normally are,” Daugherty said. “We definitely came back a few times, but when our team is strong we are unstoppable.

We were just in a slump this weekend.”

The Wildcats dropped the last game 6-2. ACU was scoreless until the sixth inning when Crouse scored off Wilson’s double. Deel followed in the seventh with a single, which she

also scored off. Vidalin and Melanie Smith shared pitching duties. This loss brings Vidalin’s pitching record to 7-6.

The Wildcats had a tough weekend but still pulled out a couple of wins in the midst of some hitting difficulties.

“We did find a way to win the two games we did,” Wilson said. “We made some nice plays on defense, got some keys hits, and had good pitching when we needed it.”

The Wildcats will play a pair of double-headers Friday and Saturday against West Texas A&M in Canyon.

E-mail Moore at: aem03e@acu.edu

The Wildcat tennis teams returned from the Blue-Gray Small College Classic last weekend with historical semifinal finishes. Both teams fought their ways through the prestigious tournament in Montgomery, Ala., and in the end, the women improved their record to 20-4. And, the men now hold a record of 15-7.

“It was a great tournament,” said assistant coach John Walker.

The women began their tournament run against Berry College and ousted the Lady Vikings of Berry 8-1. Next, in the quarterfinal round, ACU defeated Columbus State University 5-4, which is ranked sixth in the Division II national polls.

ACU is ranked ninth.

“It was good to play [Columbus State],” Walker said. “We were ready for that match. The girls went out there with the at-

Tennis titude of having nothing to lose.

And they played really well.”

Players Holly Lindloff and Sarah Drummond played exceptionally well in the Columbus State match. Lindloff defeated the 23rd ranked singles player in the nation after a three-set battle. Drummond won her sixth spot match to clinch the monumental victory.

Columbus State is the highest ranked team ACU has beaten in the past ten years, said Hutton Jones, head coach of the tennis teams.

“I don’t feel like our girls got lucky; that win was well within our capability,” Jones said. “It shows that we’re better than we thought we’d be, even though our team is young.”

However, the women fell in the semifinals to Lindsey Wilson College 5-3. Lindsey Wilson ended up losing to the University of Auburn-Montgomery 5-0 in the finals.

The men also made a nice run for the finals in the BlueGray tournament. In their first match, the Wildcats fought off See

TENNIS page 9