OPTIMIST
THE Vol. 95, No. 5
IN THIS ISSUE CAMPUS
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1 section, 10 pages
By MICHELLE JIMENEZ ARTS EDITOR
More than nine events will take place this weekend to celebrate the university’s birthday, page 5
Youthful worship
Hillcrest Church of Christ now offers a collegestudent-only worship service Sunday mornings, page 3
September 8, 2006
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www.acuoptimist.com
New building to honor Stevens Elections begin Tuesday for SA positions n Although no plans have been set, a social science building will be built in the near future in honor of Dr. John C. Stevens and his late wife, Ruth.
Party of the century
FRIDAY
The university will add a social science building to its campus in honor of Dr. John C. Stevens and late wife Marian ‘Ruth’
Rambo Stevens. Although no designs have been created, administrators said they have committed to making this project a reality. Matters such as fundraising and location factor into the final decision of when the building will be built. The Bob and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center also needs to be finished
before the social science building can be built. Jim Holmans, executive assistant to the president, said the Board of Trustees felt it was the right time to announce this decision. “The Board of Trustees wanted to take this opportunity to make known its appreciation and deep thanks to the Stevens family for their many years of service,” Holmans said.
Dr. Stevens has served the ACU community for 58 years, and when he heard of the plans to have a building named in honor of him and his wife, he said it was a complete surprise to him. “I’m glad to have my name on it,” Stevens said. “I hope it serves a lot people.” Stevens first began his See
BUILDING page 9
Saving a life drop by drop
n Nearly 75 congress seats and class senator positions are available this year, including representatives for residence halls and academic buildings. By MALLORY SCHLABACH EDITOR IN CHIEF
Elections for Students’ Association senator positions and congress seats begin Tuesday in the Campus Center. Those interested in reaching out to the student body and solving problems turned in petitions Wednesday afternoon so they could begin campaigning, said Jordan Williams, vice president of SA. Students can occupy nearly 75 congress seats and class senator positions this year, including five class senator representatives from the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes; residence hall representatives from halls like Barret, Gardner and Morris; and academic building representatives
Wet ‘n wild fun
Smith-Adams Residence Hall welcomes students to participate in its Backyard Bash on Saturday, page 5
See
ARTS Caffeine craze
SA page 9
Christian rock band to perform Saturday
Monks Coffee Shop recently opened in downtown Abilene, offering students a new locale open later than 9 p.m., page 7
SPORTS
n Caedmon’s Call, a Christian awardwinning band, will perform during the university’s Centennial Birthday Bash on Saturday evening at Elmer Gray Stadium. By DENTON JOSEY
KATIE GAGER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
PAGE 2 EDITOR
Anna Roemtke, junior exercise science major from Huntsville, gives blood Tuesday in the Campus Center Parking Lot.
Taking a swing
The Wildcat tennis team kicks off its season Friday at the ACU Wal-Mart Invitational Open, page 10
WEATHER WEEKEND FORECAST Friday mostly sunny
HIGH 86
LOW 67
Saturday mostly sunny
HIGH 86
LOW 66
Sunday scattered t-storms
HIGH 84
LOW 66
Malagasy students return home n After living and attending school in Abilene for more than two years, the students from Madagascar returned home to their families this summer. By MALLORY SCHLABACH EDITOR IN CHIEF
Twenty-four students traveled home—a place they haven’t been in two years—this summer. For Laza Razafimanjato, the two-and-a-halfmonth visit to Madagascar was an incredible, yet apprehensive experience.
“It was weird because I didn’t know what to expect from my family or what they would look like,” said Razafimanjato, junior interior design major from Antananarivo, Madagascar. “I just wanted to know what their reactions were to me after two years.” When the group of students arrived at the airport at 5 a.m. in capital city Antananarivo, it was greeted at the gate by family and friends. “They were really happy to see me, and my mom and dad cried,” Razafimanjato said.
Razafimanjato said he spent his summer relaxing and hanging out with family and friends. “I didn’t work or do any internships like many did,” he said. “I just wanted to spend time with my family and friends because I missed them.” Others spent time working and traveling. Rotsy Rasamimanana traveled along the coasts of Madagascar and spent several weeks interning at a See
Caedmon’s Call, Dove Award-winning Christian band, will perform Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Elmer Gray Stadium as part of the band’s Emancipation Tour, marking the fourth time the band has played at ACU. Jennifer Ellison, Centennial activities coordinator, said in an e-mail Caedmon’s Call was invited to play because the band appeals to students, faculty and staff. “We wanted to end our Centennial year with a bang, so having a fireworks show seemed like a great way to accomplish that,” Ellison said. “It just made sense to have a concert before the fireworks and do the whole celebration outdoors.” The concert is being promoted as a laid back atmosphere where people
MALAGASY page 9
See
CAEDMON page 9
University to celebrate 100th birthday with nine-foot cake n The Centennial Task Force will conclude the year-long celebration of the university’s birthday with nine events this weekend, beginning Friday night. By KELSI PEACE FEATURES EDITOR
A birthday cake nearly nine feet tall will sit in the Gata Fountain Saturday in honor of ACU’s Centennial. Samantha Adkins, coordinator for alumni relations,
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
said the cake will have three two-foot layers and a crown resting on top. Although the Centennial Task Force originally considered making the giant cake edible, Adkins said, “To be as grand as we wanted it to be, it wouldn’t be realistic.” Instead, Physical Resources built the cake with wood, and the Office of Alumni Relations painted it. ACU alumnus Kristi Dominguez designed the cake using
ACU’s colors—purple, white and red—and each layer will feature a different design, from stripes to a harlequin pattern. The cake is square and fits inside the Gata Fountain. A carnival will also take place in the mall area from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., said Jama Cadle, coordinator of alumni relations. The presentation of the cake will take place during the carnival at 4:30 p.m. Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, will present
Abilene Christian University
a brief greeting, and Taylor County will present ACU with a proclamation, Adkins said. All alumni, faculty, staff, students and Abilene residents, have been invited to attend the event, Adkins said. “We don’t have candles to blow out, but we have a fun little ending,” she said. A focus group of students helped to determine what events should be at the carnival. Eleven “extreme games,”
such as dodgeball, a climbing wall, inflatables, a Velcro wall and laser tag, will be available as well as a beanbag toss for children. Wristbands for access to games cost $3. “I’m comparing this to Homecoming, and I would love to sell 300 wristbands for the carnival,” Cadle said. The Wildcat cheerleaders will also be available at the carnival to take pictures with See
CELEBRATE page 9
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:
Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Friday, September 8, 2006
Police Tip of the Week If you walk, jog or bike at night, go with a friend, carry a cell phone and use a well-lighted area like the new Lunsford Trail around the campus. Use caution around all street or driveway crossings.
Police Log Edited for space Saturday 09/02/2006 17:40 pm Locked Sherrod 01:23 am Report of subjects caus- 17:52 pm Traffic stop at EN 18th ing damage to vehicle at Big Purple & Campus Court for disregarding Lot. Contacted students wrapping stop sign vehicle in cellophane. Advised. 20:10 pm Theft report at Edwards 10:55 am Found wallet on main Hall, case #06-138 campus, left message for owner 11:05 am Unlocked Administration Sunday 09/03/2006 Building 00:00 am Report of loud party at 11:37 am Refueled vehicle 500 EN 20th contacted resident, 12:41 pm Released weapon to party was breaking up subject at the Station 12:55 pm 03:50 am Report of loud party at Report of telephone harassment at 500 EN 20th, contacted resident, 1800 ave F party broke up 13:20 pm Released found wallet to 04:10 am Assisted Abilene PD with owner traffic stop at 600 EN 20th 13:50 pm Assisted Taylor County 07:15 am Unlocked Campus CenSheriffs Office with locating student ter 15:00 pm Patrol of trailer parked 09:00 am Fire alarm at University near Powell Fitness Center Park Apartments building 800, 16:00 pm Jumpstart vehicle at checked all rooms, no sign of Bennett Lot smoke or fire 16:21 pm Cut lock for RD at Sikes 18:30 pm Unlocked Bible Building Hall 21:30 pm Jumpstart vehicle at 500 17:24 pm Locked Bible Building EN 16th
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Calendar & Events Friday
8 p.m. ‘Abilene 1906’ Paramount Theater This musical comedy, created by Dr. Jack Boyd (‘55) and Dr. Ed George (‘61), tells the story of Abilene’s relationship with ACU as it was becoming a reality as Childers Classical Institute.
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Saturday
1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Centennial Birthday Celebration The dedication of Jacob’s Dream Sculpture, Campus Open House, ACU Century book signing, WACU building reception, outdoor birthday carnival, Centennial Birthday Cake Ceremony, Caedmon’s Call concert, Abilene 1906, and fireworks.
Announcements Volunteers are needed to work four-hour shifts for childcare during Lectureship. Sunday, Sept. 17, to Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., 1:30 to 5 p.m. or 6:30 to 9 p.m. For more information please contact Dianna Evatt at 325- 675-5642. Meals on Wheels - Drivers are needed as soon as possible one day a week to deliver hot meals to
seniors and adults with disabilities. For more information please contact Mitzi McAndrew at 325-672-5050. Alzheimer’s Association needs volunteers to help with set-up and tear-down of Memory Walk on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 6 a.m. to noon at Nelson Park. For more information please contact Libby Connally at 325-672-5839.
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Monday
11 a.m. Second Century Convocation 2 p.m. Symposium with Dr. Mark Schwehn, professor of humanities at Valparaiso University. Topic is Christian higher education will be discussed.
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Tuesday
Last day to withdraw from classes with 80 percent refund.
Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are needed at Lee Elementary School on Thursday afternoons from 3:15 to 4 p.m. to help with the Scrabble Club. Third, fourth and fifth graders use their spelling words to play the game of Scrabble, and volunteers will assist them. For additional information contact the Volunteer Center in the Bean Sprout. The Old Town Abilene Neighborhood Association needs volunteers on Saturday, beginning in the morning to help with its second annual neighborhood
clean-up. There will be a variety of clean-up tasks, and some residents may need assistance with their property. If you are interested in helping with this opportunity, contact the Volunteer Center in the Bean Sprout. There is an immediate need for a trans-typist to assist a hearing impaired student. This will involve attending class with her and taking notes on her laptop. If you can assist with this need please contact Mattia Bray at 325674-2554 as soon as possible.
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 at jdj03e@acu.edu.
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.
CAMPUS NEWS
Friday, September 8, 2006
brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Lauren Hatfield, freshman undeclared major from Spring, and Alicia Buddin, graduate student in accounting from Dallas, talk with Big Brothers Big Sisters representative Jennifer Walker, during the Service Expo in the Campus Center on Wednesday.
Service Expo gathers volunteers n Various organizations participated in and recognized ACU’s Service Expo as a helpful opportunity to inform and recruit student volunteers. By NATHAN STRAUS Staff Writer
From Tuesday to Thursday, the Campus Center was packed with tables and people seeking volunteers for various Abilene organizations. These organizations use ACU’s Service Expo to reach out to students looking for a chance to make a difference through service. One such group is the Alzheimer’s Association. Libby Connally, regional director of the association, said her display was meant to inform and recruit students for the association and its upcoming Memory Walk. “The association has gone to Service Expos for several years,” Connally said. “The expo is a wonderful opportunity for us to get volunteers.” Connally also said this year was her second time
to attend the ACU Service Expo, and the walk is the one annual fundraiser the association hosts. A captain and four other walkers are recruited to raise money in a walkathon at Nelson Park each year. “There are over 4.5 million people with Alzheimer’s disease,” Connally said. “And that number is expected to explode by the year 2030.” Connally said the projected number for about 25 years from now is close to 16 million. Another organization to visit the Service Expo was Treadaway Kids. Zack Robinson, senior marketing and finance major from Poplar Bluff, Mo., said Treadaway Kids is a group affiliated with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of West Central Texas, a program that matches two college students with three kids from Abilene. Robinson said every Thursday at 5:30 p.m., the group goes to University Church and does an activity like football or
basketball. “The Service Expo helps us get a lot of our volunteers,” Robinson said. The Food Bank of Abilene also visited the expo. “The expo is very important. Social clubs come by and find out where they can volunteer at, and groups can go to different organizations,” Janice Serrault, salvage and volunteer coordinator, said. Serrault also said most volunteers the food bank receives do a lot of food sorting. “We rely on volunteers,” Serrault said. “Most colleges are good about it.” Nancy Coburn, director of the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center, said the first ACU Service Expo was in 1999. Coburn also said there was no way of knowing how many students volunteered for the different visiting organizations, but that more seem to volunteer every year.
E-mail Straus at: nrs02a@acu.edu
Hillcrest offers university-only service n Students can be involved with various areas of services at Hillcrest, and about 100 students have attended each week since services began in August. By KELSI PEACE Features Editor
Hillcrest Church of Christ now offers a worship service intended only for college students on Sunday mornings at 10:15, and each week a different speaker from ACU presents a message. Hillcrest offers several other college-oriented classes throughout the week. Kim Conley, University Ministry Team member at Hillcrest, said about 100 students have attended each week since services began Aug. 27. By bringing in speakers the students are familiar with and offering a later service, Conley said Hillcrest hopes to involve more students. “We just wanted to be able to get [students] in the door first, and then
try to minister to them,” she said. Jeremy Davis, junior missions major from Chattanooga, Tenn., is the university intern at Hillcrest this year, and he said the services have been relevant to students’ lives. “I think it’s met a lot of people where they are,” said Conley. Students serve at the university service, and Davis said he is working toward having an all-student worship band. Because the program is new, Davis said, there are many areas in which students can get plugged in. Students can help with worship, teach Bible school and join small group studies. “We encourage each [student] that wants to be part of Hillcrest to choose some areas of service,” Conley said. A group of “prayer warriors” gathers Monday afternoons to pray for students who fill out prayer
cards on Sundays because organizers don’t take any prayer requests lightly, she said. Students are also invited to attend Song and Supper at 6 p.m., Mondays, to sing praise songs and enjoy a free meal. Hillcrest offers a Wednesday night service aimed at college students, although some high school students attend as well, Conley said. Davis oversees the Wednesday service, University Time of Praise, in the auditorium and also opens Hillcrest’s gym to university students Thursdays at 7 p.m. This feature began Thursday. “If you’re searching for somewhere to get involved, this is definitely the place you can do it,” Davis said. Hillcrest is located at 650 E. Ambler Ave., and the university service takes place in the chapel. E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu
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CAMPUS NEWS
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Friday, September 8, 2006
New online course requires iPod n Graduate students enrolled in the online Conflict Theory and Communication course will experience modern technology with graphics and videos this fall. By MICHELLE JIMENEZ Arts Editor
Apple iPods are required for all graduate students enrolled in the online course Conflict Theory and Communication. ACU’s Distance Education program has teamed up with iTunes U to provide graduate students the ease and flexibility of working online, said Gary Tucker, director of the Distance Education program.
This is the first time ACU has incorporated iPods into its curriculum, and Tucker said this was a new concept for online courses at ACU. “A lot of times you think of online courses as being text, but these courses are very immersed in modern technology—a lot of graphics, a lot of videos, a lot of interaction,” Tucker said. The iPod gives us this capability of being able to bring those students into this type of interaction.” Doug Darby, creative and media specialist, is a part of the Distance Education program and has
enabled the new element for the course. “One of the things that we are doing that distinguishes this as an online program is we are delivering our content in a mobile format through iTunes U,” Darby said ACU’s affiliation with iTunes U is currently limited to the Distance Education program, but Darby said that possibly by spring there will be a campus-wide implementation of it. iTunes U allows the delivery of video and audio content onto an iPod and allowing users flexible but
secure access from any computer. Conflict Theory and Communication is a required course to attain a master’s degree in Leadership of Learning and Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation. This is the first time ACU has offered a complete master’s degree online. For more information about online degree programs and iTunes U, search ACU’s http://worldwide.acu.edu.
By ATSUMI SHIBATA Page Designer
Faculty and staff can participate in a wellness program to understand and encourage the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Abundant Life Program began three years ago for faculty and staff to promote “wellness for the mind, body and spirit at ACU.” Now that the jogging trail is complete, the program focuses on walking with pedometers, devices used to count a person’s number of steps. “The good thing about walking is it’s cheap,” said Kerri Hart, professor of exercise science. “It’s just a simple way to become active.” Last year 275 faculty members, staff members and spouses participated in
this program, and Hart said she expects as many people to sign up this year. A few years ago, a survey found out more than 60 percent of ACU faculty members were considered to be obese. “It’s been very good to raise faculty and staff wellness and health,” Hart said. “I don’t think we can be good servants if we are not as healthy as we could be.” She said people are encouraged to walk 10,000 steps a day, and pedometers are good encouragers to start being more active and help them to see the accurate number of steps. To enroll in the Abundant Life Program, people have to go through a screening every year. “You might see 100 faculty wearing pedometers this year,” said Deonna Shake, instructor of exercise science. This year they are planning to provide pedometers to the first 100 screening
applicants. Pedometers are also spreading among students in Lifetime and Wellness classes. “Pedometers are a simple way to show students how active they are,” Shake said. Students are not required to participate, but applicants can sign up for pedometers for $12. Shake and her daughter tried an online-based walking program, Woman Challenge, this summer. They recorded steps every day using pedometers to see how far they could go across America, converting steps into distance. Shake said she walked from Hawaii to Alaska—virtually. She said several other online walking programs like this exist, and will be fun for students to participate in. Both groups, Abundant Life and Lifetime and Wellness classes, focus not only on physical wellness but also various dimensions of wellness, including spiritual
Schedule of Events Abilene 1906 n Friday, Sept. 8, 8 p.m.
n Saturday, Sept. 9, 8 p.m. n Sunday, Sept. 10, 2 p.m. n This musical comedy, created by two alumni, Dr. Jack Boyd (‘55) and Dr. Ed George (‘61), tells the story of Abilene when ACU was about to become a reality in the form of Childers Classical Institute. Purchase tickets online at www.acu.edu/abilene1906 or call the ACU Alumni Relations Office at 800-373-4220 or 325-6742622.
Dedication of Jacob’s Dream Sculpture n 1 p.m., southeast lawn of the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies
E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu
Pedometers used in wellness program n More than 275 individuals on campus are expected to wear pedometers this year to keep track of the number of steps they take during each day.
Centennial birthday Bash
wellness. Faculty and students in both groups will use the same book, Walking with God, to learn more about the connection between physical and spiritual wellness. Dickie Hill, author of the book and professor in the Exercise Science Department, said he wants to tell readers how important God considers your physical body. “Our body does not belong to us,” he said. “ It belongs to God.” Hill said a few churches also use his book to be healthy so they can be good servants to God. “Dr. Hill did a great job putting together this book,” Shake said. “Walking is a great idea to try to tell where you are in your walk with God and also what you do to take care of the body God gave you physically. Our gift to God can be also how we take care of our bodies.” E-mail Shibata at: axs03d@acu.edu
Building n Join the ACU community in a dedication ceremony for Jacob’s Dream, the sculpture created by Jack Maxwell, associate professor of art and chair of the department, to commemorate the $26.5 million gift from the Grace Woodward Foundation.
Campus Open House n 1 p.m., ACU Campus n Visitors of ACU can take a tour of the various buildings, take
the Centennial walking tour, enjoy Starbucks coffee in the Library Learning Commons and see clips of ACU history in the Centennial Theatre.
Book Signing for The ACU Century n 2 p.m., Hall of Servants, Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies
Building n Meet university administrators, presidents, faculty and staff, Wildcat sports heroes and alumni who made significant contributions to ACU’s first 100 years and get their autographs on pages about their feats in The ACU Century.
WACU Building Reception n 3 p.m., WACU Museum n Meet the families, supporters and champions for whom many of
the building on campus are named.
Outdoor Birthday Carnival n 4-6:30 p.m., ACU mall area n Play games, win prizes, bounce on inflatables and eat carnival
food.
Centennial Birthday Celebration Cake Ceremony n 4:30 p.m., GATA Fountain n Join ACU President Royce Money and Willie the Wildcat as they
blow out candles on the nine-foot cake at GATA fountain.
Centennial Concert n 7:30 p.m., Elmer Gray Stadium n Enjoy a concert by Dove Award-winning Christian band
Caedmon’s Call. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and $5 for children 10 and younger. Purchase tickets online at www.acu.edu/alumni_rsvp.
Centennial Grand Finale n 9 p.m., Elmer Gray Stadium n End the night with fireworks to complete the Centennial
Celebration.
Friday, September 8, 2006
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CENTENNIAL
‘Jacob’s Dream’ gift Centennial shares 9/11 anniversary day set for dedication row cross-shaped passage. Each element of the piece of art represents a different spiritual element—the four angels represent the four corners or four directions of the earth and the three overlapping By MITCH HOLT circles near the sculpture Copy Editor represent the father, son and Holy Spirit. Jacob’s Dream, a 7,000 The Grace L. Woodward pound, 32-foot sculpture Memorial Endowment that depicts the Genesis Trust was started by Bob 28 story of Jacob’s dream Woodward in 1998 in honwill be dedicated to the or of his mother who was university Saturday at a Bible professor at ACU 1 p.m. on the southeast for more than 50 years. lawn of the Onstead-Pack- The $26.5 million gift to er Biblical Studies Build- the university’s College of ing commemorating the Biblical Studies is one of $26.5 million gift from the the 10 largest gifts in the Grace L. Woodward Memo- history of Texas higher rial Endowment Trust and education. the end of the university’s The Woodward family Centennial year. has a history of using its Jack Maxwell, chair financial resources to fund of the Department of Art churches, universities and and Design children’s and creator homes, of the sculpa n d “As an artist, my ture, said he Grace’s intention was to create late hushopes the a place that stirs the statue can be b a n d used by ACU Harley, heart and the soul.” students, started faculty and Jack Maxwell, creator of ‘Jacob’s Dream’ the Harley visitors for Woodward spiritual inFoundaspiration. tion at “The entire area is ACU in 1939. designed to encourage “Mrs. Grace Woodward physical, mental and spiri- was a humble Christian tual interaction as visitors servant who touched many explore the site from vari- lives as a Bible teacher for ous perspectives,” Max- more than 50 years,” said well said. “As an artist, my Dr. Royce Money, presiintention was to create a dent of the university. “We place that stirs the heart will strive to instill her and the soul.” humble, Christ-like spirit The sculpture and in every student whose life surrounding area will in- she touches through her clude four eight-foot tall magnificent gift.” bronze angels, surrounding Leuder’s Limestone boulders inscribed with words from the Bible, a baptismal pool and a narE-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu
n The sculpture, a $26.5 million gift from the Grace L. Woodward Memorial Endowment Trust, is one of the top-10 largest gifts in Texas higher education history.
n A reflection room to honor the 5-year anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, will be available to students, staff and faculty on Monday beginning at 8 a.m. By MITCH HOLT Copy Editor
Sept. 11, 2001, glued many students’ eyes to the television and forced students to realize that something could happen at any moment as they watched the first and second towers of the World Trade Center tumble to the ground, said Dr. Wayne Barnard, university dean of spiritual formation. “I remember walking into the Campus Center and into the McKinzie Hall lobby, and people were frozen in front of the televisions,” Barnard said. “I remember when the first tower collapsed; it was an overwhelming sense of amazement that something like that could happen.” Five years after the Sept. 11 attacks on the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and a com-
n Pulitzer Prize winner David Leeson is just one of many ACU contributors who will be signing the ‘ACU Century’ in the Bible building on Saturday. By LAUREN SUTTON Opinion Editor
The ACU Century is an award-winning, hardcover book that, through photos, written achievements and anecdotes, documents the history and heritage of ACU. Noted presidents, alumni, faculty and individuals who have made significant
ANNA carroll FILE PHOTO
Bash offers free music, food By SARA SNELSON Staff Writer
Saturday is the third annual fall Backyard Bash and will take place behind Adams and Smith Residence Hall. The event will begin at noon and continue throughout the day. Everyone is invited to attend this free event. The bash began three years ago when a group of RAs decided it would be fun to have a large slip ‘n slide on the hill behind the residence hall.
“This years event will have two 150-foot slip ‘n slides, two mud pits, volleyball, football, ultimate frisbee and food,” said Michelle Lessly, assistant director for Adams. “Live music will begin at 4 p.m., featuring students from ACU and HSU. These students include Marcie Rodriguez, Emily Hobbs, Trevor Dowdy, Pavlin and the Chase Gaseway Band,” said Smith Hall Assistant director, Jeremy Webb. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served to everyone who attends. This bash will be a great way to get to know other students who live on and off campus, said Brad Grimm, sophomore management
think Centennial festivities will take away from the attention the student body gives to reflecting on the Sept. 11 attacks. “Because there are so many other kinds of celebratory events on campus that day, I think there’s going to be some tension,” he said. “But five years is a significant time. I can’t believe it’s been five years. People’s hearts will be focused.” In addition to a moment of tribute in the convocation ceremony, Barnard plans to facilitate a room similar to one he put together right after the bombings took place. The room will be a quiet place for students to reflect on the event. Barnard will use a slide show he put together about five years ago in which music and images converge to tell the story of 9/11. “We got a lot of positive feedback about the room,” he said. “It was great to have a quiet place to go and think, and the images in the slide show helped transport people back there. It made it more real for them.” Barnard said the reflec-
tion room will probably open about 8 a.m. Monday if he is able to reserve the room for the day. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to reflect on the five-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 events.
Remembering 9/11 After being hit by commercial airplanes at 8:46 a.m. and 9:02 a.m., the World Trade Center towers burned for nearly an hour before collapsing. n Total fatalities from the attack: 2,819 n 343 firefighters and paramedics were killed. n 1,402 WTC employees died in tower one; 614 WTC employees died in tower two. n FEMA spent $970 million on the emergency. n 9/11 charities received $1.4 billion in donations. Information courtesy of www.newyorkmetro.com
E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu
University contributors to sign ‘Century’
About 500 students attended last year’s Backyard Bash, where they enjoyed 150-foot slip ‘n slides, free food and fellowship with other students on the lawn behind Adams and Smith Residence Hall.
n The Backyard Bash behind Adams and Smith hall gives students a chance to mingle, slip ‘n slide, play games and listen to music by ACU and HSU students.
mercial plane over Pennsylvania, the university is left with the dilemma of balancing Centennial festivities with commemoration for the attacks. ACU’s Second Century Convocation, a celebration and kick-off for the university’s second century of Christian higher education, will take place during Chapel on the five-year anniversary of the attacks on the U.S. Chapel planners intend to have a moment of tribute during Monday’s Chapel, a segment that will be introduced by Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, provost of the university. “I believe that we as a nation will remember 911 for years to come,” VanRheenen said. “The devastation of the World Trade Center and the loss of life have been etched on the minds of this generation much like Pearl Harbor was for our grandparents.” Barnard said he thinks there will be some tension between those who want to celebrate ACU’s history and future and those who want to reflect on the five-year 9/11 anniversary, but he doesn’t
major from Conroe. “The music is awesome, the food is really good and the slip ‘n slide will be the best thing since sliced bread,” Grimm said. Briana Ribble, sophomore education major from Arvada, Colo., did not attend the event last year but she said she heard how enjoyable it was. “There were 500 students who attended the bash last year, and we hope to have more students this year come to this now-annual, campus-wide event,” Lessly said.
E-mail Snelson at: sas04b@acu.edu
contributions to the university will be signing the ACU Century Saturday. ACU will host the book signing from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hall of Servants in the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building. “I think people who see the list of people giving signatures will come because there are one or two whom they would like to have sign their book,” said Liz Rotenberry, assistant professor of exercise science. While the book signing is open for everyone in the ACU community, mostly
alumni, faculty and staff will show up for the event, said Bill Rankin, associate English professor. “It will be interesting to see who shows up,” Rankin said. Rotenberry said she hopes students will browse through the book and go the book signing. Students can connect and identify with different people featured in the Century book, she said. “I always think it’s engaging to look at the strange facts and events that have happened in the past,” Rankin said. “There is no
small amount of those in the book. It’s an interesting book to see how things have changed throughout the years.” Several people signing the ACU Century include Pulitzer Prize winner David Leeson; former ACU presidents John C. Stevens and William Teague; Royce Money, ACU president; renown athlete Gilbert Tuhabonye; and a variety of professors. Students can purchase the ACU Century in the Campus Center Store. E-mail Sutton at: les03c@acu.edu
Page 6
The issue:
The Centennial Birthday Celebration falls on the fifth anniversary of 9/11, leaving students and faculty with potential conflicting emotions.
Our view:
The university has given minimal attention to the anniversary of 9/11 in the midst of the Centennial Celebration.
The solution:
Approach this day with humility. Enjoy ACU’s 100th birthday but reflect on the memorial of the Sept. 11, attack.
Friday, September 8, 2006
Past tragedies, future celebrations bring reflection The past year has been a Centennial Celebration we’ll never forget, but the past five years have been some of the most uncertain years in our country’s history. Sept. 11, 2001, changed the course of U.S. history, and we intend to remember what happened. The university’s 100-year mark has been appropriately celebrated, but we would be lying if we said we weren’t ready for it to be over, and what a way to end the 100th year of Christian higher education than a birthday celebration and a second century kick-off. The coming week’s events—the Centennial Birthday Celebration this weekend and the Second Century Con-
Don’t look away, we need you now “Never Again.” country to be with someone That message, in four dif- I care for. But when people ferent languages, stands on die because of disasters on a sign in front of a memo- the other side of the world, rial to vic- I just think about what a tims of the shame it is; I question God’s genocide in sovereignty and plans, but I Rwanda. don’t buy a plane ticket and Recently, go help people rebuild and I finished recover. Paul RuseHere’s the point: I’m s a b a g i n a ’ s not out to guilt everyone, autobiogra- including myself into rephy. sponding to crises all over Four Word P a u l the world by direct action. Letter Pt. Two is better I applaud those that do. But Denton known as maybe we need to develop a the guy Don mindset that cares more for Josey C h e a d l e community and action. played in the movie Hotel I don’t think this means Rwanda. A hellish geno- a Christian in Africa needs cide took over Rowanda in to come comfort me when I 1994, and the whole nation get a broken heart or when of was greatly affected. my car breaks down. That’s Hundreds of thousands of more of a love the people people died. around me should supBut Rusesabagina saved ply. But unless I do what I thousands. The entire world can for people outside of w a t c h e d my group of without actfriends, outing; Europe side of ACU or It is hard to care for Abilene, I think and the United States ig- people when they are I’m missing out nored what on life. abstractions. was happenWe’re given ing in Rwana lot here at da when they ACU, so I reckcould have on we should helped. share what we Something I read in the have, even with people far book really stuck with me. away. “A sad truth of human Maybe that looks like nature is that it is hard to sending money to Africa, care for people when they maybe it looks like going are abstractions, hard to there personally. Maybe care when it is not you or it looks like remembering somebody close to you. Un- 9/11 with reverence, maybe less the world community it looks like going to Louican stop finding ways to siana to finish cleaning up. dither in the face of this Or maybe it is just flipping monstrous threat to hu- through this paper and seemanity, those words Never ing where there are local Again will persist in being needs. one of the most abused We need to learn to care. phrases in the English lan- Until we do, tragedies like guage and one of the great- the ones in Rwanda and the est lies of our time.” ongoing tragedy of people How true that is to me. saying they follow Jesus, I’m a lot better, as most of but not acting like him, will us are, at caring for some- continue. one I know. I’ll skip classes to talk with a friend that E-mail Josey at: jdj03e@.edu, optimist@acu.edu needs me; I’ll fly across
vocation on ing Room in In the bustle of pioneering into the next century, Monday—are the Campus we must not forget the 2,973 lives lost in New a solid means Center will York and the other 9/11 attacks. to bid farebe open at well to one 8 a.m., and century and a slide show greet the next. feel a preparation of mind is of pictures from Sept. 11 will However, in the bustle in order before the anniver- play all day in the room. Barof pioneering into the next sary on Monday. nard said the atmosphere will century, we must not forget Dr. Wayne Barnard, univer- be dark and contemplative, the 2,973 lives lost in New sity dean of spiritual forma- giving the ACU community a York and the other 9/11 at- tion, said it might seem like chance to visit the room to tacks—the most shattering the university is incredibly pray and reflect on the unforattacks in this country since wrapped up in the Centen- tunate events that took place its conception. nial and hasn’t given much five years ago at the PentaThe five-year anniversary thought to 9/11 commemora- gon, World Trade Center and is Monday, and ACU students, tion preparations, but that’s a plane over Pennsylvania. faculty and staff have talked not the case. Barnard has During Monday’s Second minimally about it. I’m sure some plans of his own in the Century Convocation, Dr. when it gets here, many from works to provide reflection Dwayne VanRheenen, provost the university’s student body time for students, faculty and of the university, will provide will reflect on the 2001 catas- staff. remarks about the tragedy trophe with humility, but we Monday morning, the Liv- and open a time of reflection
and silence for the entire assembly. Chapel attendees will have a chance on Monday to pay their respects to the normal people whose lives were taken during a not-so-normal day at work. Monday will be a bittersweet day, and rightly so. The ACU community is expected to rejoice in the celebratory events taking place during the day, but let us not get so wrapped up in it that we forget our past. For past tragedies can help us learn to cope with future tragedies. Let the overlapping commemorations demand a God-seeking humility from the ACU community. E-mail the Optimist at: optimist@acu.edu
Alex York
Lebensgefahr
Healing found through hope The terrifying images will forever be etched in our minds, and the panicstricken voices of reporters engraved in our ears. T w o commercial planes flew into the infamous towers and left the world more A State barren and of Mind vulnerable than it was Lauren the day beSutton fore. The memorable images, voices, and sorrowful expressions of people around me on this historic day soon made me aware of how little I understood the events unfolding before me. And, five years later, I still cannot fully grasp the impact Sept. 11 had on the world or on me. It didn’t significantly
I am comforted by the ways others have made small contributions that have had great lasting effects. change my day-to-day life. The commonality of my schedule continued as it always had, but an overwhelming hopelessness began to pervade my heart and mind in a way I had never experienced. I felt helpless to rectify the situation in any capacity and was unable to imagine how a society could work through an event with such huge repercussions. I couldn’t rationalize a way to take all the pain, despair and utter hopelessness I saw in the faces of people on television and attempt to move forward in my thinking or in my hope for them. But we all have inevitably moved forward throughout the course of the past five years. The questions that
flooded everyone’s mind the day New York City was attacked are unanswerable. I could never minimize or forget the events that took place on Sept. 11. I will never comprehend the justification of killing thousands of innocent civilians, no matter how “worthy” the cause. Still I don’t believe comprehending the terrorists’ actions can bring peace of mind. Rather, I have found that hope is the determining factor in healing. I can barely keep track of my own schedule, much less try to take on the world’s troubles. And while I am often disheartened at how little I can do in comparison to the needs of the world, I am comforted by the ways others have,
similarly, made small contributions that have had great lasting effects. I find hope in the hundreds of people who flew to New York to provide relief for its citizens. I find hope in ACU students who travel to the corners of the word to serve people with less of an opportunity. I have hope that I am a part of this contribution, and though I cannot take away the pain of Sept. 11, I can be part of the global effort to love the people around me and make a difference So remember the images, the voices and the way Sept. 11 stirred your heart. Mourn the deaths of the people who needlessly lost their lives on this tragic day. But more than that, remember that as time moves forward, we too can move forward in hope. E-mail Sutton at: les03c@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu
In Your Words
Make one prediction for ACU for the next 100 years. “There will be more instrumental music in Chapel.”
“They will have a good rec center.”
“We’ll have more construction and landscaping around campus.”
“We will have electronic books, and hard print will be a thing of the past.”
Kelley Hejl
Jordan Bunch
Stacy Bryan
Carson Dickson
sophomore exercise science major from Austin
sophomore Christian ministry and music major from Sunnyvale
freshman interior design major from Mesquite
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
junior Christian ministry major from Normal, Ill
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September 8, 2006 Local CoffeE Shops Coffee shops around town: n Starbucks Coffee: 4150 Buffalo Gap Rd 793-2197 n Java City: 1265 Ambler Ave. 671-2184 n Peets Coffee and Tea: 1095 Judge Ely Blvd. 677-8527 n Mezamiz Deux Coffeeshop: 3909 S. 7th St. 692-3831 n The Leaf: 202 Cypress St. 670-9955 n The Bean Counter: 3301 S. 14th St. 437-1858 n Monks: 233 Cypress St. 437-2984
Types of Coffees n Central and South America: light-body, high-acidity, sweet flavor n African: medium body, medium-acidity, wild flavors n Asian-Indonesian-Pacific: heavy body, low-acidity, earthy flavors
cOFFEE bENEFITS Studies have shown coffee can reduce the risk of the following: n colon cancer by about 25% n gallstones by 45% n cirrhosis of the liver by 80% n Parkinson’s disease by 50% to 80% Information found at www.coffeereview.com.
Page 7
Monks: vintage, tasty, brand new n Monks Coffeeshop had its first opening on Aug 10. Its grand opening is Sept. 8 with live music by Becky Middleton, Chase Gassaway and Philip Creamer. By MICHELLE JIMENEZ arts editor
Here’s my confession: I don’t like coffee. It stains your teeth. It’s addictive. It leaves an after taste. These things draw me farther and farther away from this highly regarded mixture of ground coffee beans and water. I’m one of the few people who have these negative feelings. And here I am, writing a review of the latest coffee shop to hit the streets of Abilene. Monks Coffeeshop is located at 233 Cypress St. in historic downtown Abilene. With faux tiger print ingrained across the floor, artwork and photography hanging on the walls and Rubik’s cubes sitting on tabletops, Monks is sure to make its mark among other Abilene coffee rivalries. The atmosphere of the place is what gives Monks its distinctive quality. It is comfortable, warm and inviting. Second-hand sofas beckon a sit and an intellectual discussion while sipping on your preferred coffee-esque drink or, if you’re like me, a fruit smoothie. The lighting gives off a pleasant glow. The tigerprint carpet left from the building’s former inhabitant, Whimsidoodle, is the one thing that may turn some customers off.
Jeff Bryant, manager of Monks, said people come into the coffee shop and mention they feel drunk because the carpet seems like it’s moving. Regardless, the carpet enhances the vibe of Monks, making it all the more unique. Another thing that will draw in wanderers is the small platform at the corner of the room that awaits use for Open Mic Night, which occurs every Thursday night. The platform will be used Friday night for live music during its grand opening. Starting at 8 p.m. musicians Philip Creamer, Becky Middleton and Chase Gassaway will each take the stage to perform their own music until midnight. The store will have one night of music per week once it gets in the swing of things, Bryant said.. As for the coffee, Monks brews coffee-type drinks, including Americanos, cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, espressos, mochas, caramel mochas and its very own tuxedo mochas. The store also serves fruit smoothies—mango, strawberry, tropical passion, very wild berry and pina colada— among other items. Beyond coffee and smoothies, one can purchase Abilene’s very own version of the “Keep Austin Weird” T-shirts, which read “Keep Abilene Boring.” Reasonable prices mixed with a great product, Monks may actually change my outlook on coffee.
E-mail Jimenez at: mmj04b@acu.edu
Brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Monks Coffeeshop provides a vintage feel, sporting art-covered walls and tables, second-hand couches and hanging spherical lights. Monks’ grand opening is Friday at 8 p.m.
Monks Coffeeshop Menu ESPRESSO/COFFEE Brewed Coffee Latte Americano Breve Royal Breve Cappuccino Latte Macchiato Red Eye Cafe Au Lait Espresso Mocha White Mocha Caramel Mocha Tuxedo Mocha Vanilla Caramel
NON-COFFEE DRINKS Chai Latte Hot Chocolate White Hot Chocolate Numi Tea FRUIT SMOOTHIES Mango Very Wild Berry Tropical Passion Pina Colada Strawberry DRINKS Soda H20 Monster Energy
PASTRIES Snickerblitz Pie Reeses Pie Caramel Apple Granny Danishes Muffins Cinnamon Rolls Shop hours: Mon.-Thurs.: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.: 8 a.m.-midnight Saturday: noon-midnight
CAMPUS NEWS
Friday, September 8, 2006
Page 8
Club provides adventure n The Outdoor Club has grown since last year and provides various opportunities for events and service in and around the city of Abilene.
gan as a group of about 25 students who wanted to explore and learn about the environment and has grown to about 100 students throughout the course of a year. The club has three parts: meetings, outings and service projects. Different outings the Outdoor Club is planning this semester are a camping trip to Camp Eagle, a rock climbing trip to Enchanted Rock and a snowboarding trip in December.
tional Lands Day. Outdoor Club meetings take place monthly and involve things like rock climbing at Abilene High or cooking out. By LAUREN SUTTON The Outdoor Club startOpinion Editor ed the school year by setStudents who like the ting up a rock wall for outdoors now have an outfreshmen during Welcome let to enjoy extreme sports Week. and environmental service “I’m excited about the projects through the Outnew crew of freshman,” door Club. McElwain said. “They seem The Outdoor Club is a excited and promising.” group of adventurous, acAny student interested tive students who seek to in the club can become a understand God through member. the out“People doors and are intimiserve as an dated,” said “We live in Abilene, which isn’t a very active environLeah Gotmental re- resource. We take trips, which allow students to try tlich, junior new things, and people are always trying to push source for math major their limits. We’re good for that.” ACU, said from CopBeth McElpell. “There Beth McElwain, junior education major from Farmersville wain, junior are lots of education different major from students, Farmersand we ville. The Outdoor Club also work with what students “We live in Abilene, has a service component. like to do.” which isn’t a very active It works to be environGottlich said the Outresource,” McElwain said. mentally friendly, and door Club is a great group “We take trips, which allow each month it will serve of people, and it provides students to try new things, the community in some a way for students to meet and people are always try- way. people with similar intering to push their limits. Sept. 30, the club will ests. We’re good for that.” build a picnic table and The Outdoor Club be- clean a local park for NaE-mail Sutton at: les03c@acu.edu
Katie Gager STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Beth McElwain, junior education major from Farmersville, and Josh Gil, sophomore accounting major from Granbury, playing frisbee at the Outdoor Club meeting.
Wildcat Kids seek more participants Leadership retreat trains students n Students can still fill out applications online to participate in a voluntary mentoring program to spend time with elementary-age children. By NATHAN STRAUS Staff Writer
Wildcat Kids’ early registration period is over, but there is still time to join the mentoring program. Wildcat Kids will interview prospective employees Thursday and Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of West Central Texas Abilene headquarters. Applications can be filled out at www.bbbsabilene.org. Casey Thomas, Wildcat Kids committee member, said the program mentors under-privileged elementary age children. “Every student is eligible to be a mentor,” Thomas said. Thomas said although monthly activities are re-
quired, the mentor is encouraged to spend time with the kid as much as possible. Cortney Armstrong, head of the executive committee, said Wildcat Kids had 60 kids and 120 volunteers last year. Armstrong said he hopes the number will expand to at least 80 kids and 160 volunteers this year. “The program is about encouraging and uplifting,” Armstrong said. “Everyone can make a difference.” In the past, the program was exclusive to at-risk elementary school kids but has recently been redesigned to encompass all elementary-age children who wish to participate. Armstrong said the program has only recently switched to a more online-focused application process. Armstrong said he sees
potential members who are both patient with kids and excited about the opportunity to serve. “There are not a lot of required events,” Armstrong said. Armstrong also said the biggest thing he expected from new members is for them to show up to the monthly events and be enthusiastic. The Wildcat Kids program was started by the ACU Volunteer and Service-Learning program to help students receive required community service hours, Armstrong said. Recently, the program has become a branch of the larger Big Brothers and Big Sisters of West Central Texas program to receive more funding and opportunities to enrich the lives of the children of Abilene, Armstrong said.
E-mail Straus at: nrs02a@acu.edu
n The Higher Ground Leadership Conference provides information to participants to develop their leadership resources and skills. By ATSUMI SHIBATA Page Designer
Students, faculty and staff participated in an annual meeting, Higher Ground Leadership Conference, Saturday at Highland Church of Christ, to discuss the development of leadership skills. Higher Ground Leadership Conference equips leaders through information, skills and experiences that promote a leadership style emphasizing service, faith and love on campus and in communities throughout the world, according to the Leadership Development Web site. The conference is sponsored by the Office of Student Leadership Development for anyone interested in learning about
leadership development. “Many attend Higher Ground because they want to grow and develop their leadership resources and skills,” Jan Meyer, director of Student Leadership Development and executive director of Leadership Campus, said in an e-mail. Meyer said there are many advantages to this program. “It’s in Abilene, led by qualified professions, free to students and among peers who are also part of the rich resource of student leaders we have here at ACU,” she said. “Higher Ground is a great opportunity for students and mentors to meet, learn and grow together.” Most students who participated in this conference belong to student organizations, and some are required by their advisors to attend. Blake Bond, senior biology major from St. Louis, is co-chair of the Service
Action Leadership Team. Bond has been a member of SALT and participated in the conference three times since his sophomore year. He said he enjoyed listening to speakers and learning helpful information for student leadership. As he expects to graduate in May, Bond said he would like to support other future leaders of SALT. “Hopefully I’ll be able to spend time investing members of our organization so that they can become leaders in the future,” Bond said. “When we leave, they can continue to carry on our vision.” Bond said what he has learned through the conference can also be reflected in his future career. “I think it’s something that will stick with me and be very beneficial for my career and future lifestyle,” he said. E-mail Shibata at: axs03d@acu.edu
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Friday, September 8, 2006
Page 9
Caedmon: Birthday Bash to end with concert Celebrate: Continued from page 1 can bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers and sit on the grass in front of the stage if they want, Ellison said. “It’s going to be a great concert with a spectacular finale,” she said. “Who would want to miss fireworks?” Ellison said. “It’s going to be a fun atmosphere.” Caedmon’s Call formed in 1993 while the early members were in college in Houston. The band has garnered numerous No. 1 spots on the Christian music charts, including several Dove Awards, a prestigious Christian music award. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Cliff Young said the band is comprised of musicians who are Christians. “We never had a plan to be in this Christian music indus-
try,” Young said. “We’re musicians. Our priorities are in our relationships with Christ, glorifying him with our gift.” Young said in the beginning of the band’s career its audience was college students, but now their audience has grown up with them; however, Young said the group hasn’t grown up that much. “We act more like college kids more than married people with kids,” he said. The Emancipation Tour, the name referring to the band’s work with the Dalit people in India, will aim to spread awareness about the oppression in parts of Asia. “With this tour, they are trying to get awareness out about India and the oppression there,” said Cassie Buell, assistant manager for the band’s management company.
Playing at many Christian those things appeal to Chris- January. “I’m there whether colleges around the United tians. there’s music or not,” Young States, Young said he has seen “We’re professional autobi- said. “We would give both of schools that seem to be teach- ographers,” he said. “We write our hands and vocal cords to ing students see a revival to separate among the themselves Dalit in In“We never had a plan to be in this Christian music dia.” from the rest industry ... Our priorities are in our relationships of the world, Free tickand he does ets were givwith Christ, glorifying him with our gift.” not agree en away in Cliff Young, lead singer and rhythm guitarist of Caedmon’s Call with such the Campus teaching. Center, but “The goal for those of Christianthat missed ity is the exact opposite,” he where we are. Sometimes the opportunity, tickets can said. “It is to go into the world people relate, sometimes they still be purchased for $8 for and make a difference, be a take it as if we are talking to students, $10 for non-stulight.” them.” dents and $5 for children 10 Recognizing they are the Caedmon’s Call has been and under. band’s primary audience, rehearsing five older songs Tickets can be purchased in Young explains the band is they haven’t performed in two the Alumni Relations Office, marketed to Christians be- or three years for Saturday’s online at www.acu.edu/birthcause that is who is going to concert, Young said. day or at the Elmer Gray box buy their music. The band Young said the next Caed- office after 6 p.m. Saturday. tries to write about things that mon’s Call CD will be reare going on in their lives, and corded in Calcutta, India, in E-mail Josey at: jdj03e@acu.edu
Fountain to hold giant cake Continued from page 1 children at the event. Students are able to purchase carnival food with a meal plan, Cadle said, and an all-you-can-eat buffet will be in the Bean. For those who don’t have meal plans, the cost will be $6 for adults and $4 for children. “What I’d like to see more than anything is the students to participate,” Cadle said. “I want them to feel like this is for them, too.” E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu
SA: Students join to solve problems Building: Stevens honored by name Continued from page 1
like the Administration Building, the College of Business Administration and the Williams Performing Arts Center. “SA is a great way to get things done, to solve problems, and it gives students the opportunity to step into a leadership position on campus,” said Williams, junior accounting and finance major from Longview. “Students who want to represent their friends, dorm or class should run.” As of noon Wednesday, more than 30 petitions had already been turned in, with a majority of the candidates being freshmen. “We’ve had an overwhelm-
ing response come in with the petitions already,” Williams said, “particularly with the freshmen. They seem to really be on fire for this, this year, and we are excited for them to be part of our team.” Those who turned in petitions had to have at least 10 percent of their constituents sign a petition endorsing them to represent the class, building or residence hall in Congress, said SA president Maher Saab. Elections begin Tuesday and will continue through Wednesday. In the case of a tie or a position with no majority, run-off elections will take place Thursday after Chapel until 3:30 p.m., Williams said. Although many people
have turned in petitions already, many are running for the same class senator or residence hall representative seat, which leaves other seats open, Williams said. “The senator and dorm positions will be filled nicely,” he said. “What we really struggle to fill is academic building representatives.” Williams recommended that if any student misses the opportunity to turn in petitions and campaign, or if they lose the position they are running for but are still interested in SA, they should talk to Saab about representing another seat on Congress. Saab, senior political science major from Abilene, said something most students
don’t realize about SA is that every student on campus is part of this student body government. “Come down and talk to us about anything that bothers you—what you want to see changed or just talk,” he said. “This is your office. Come eat your candy, sit in your chairs, drink your cold water. We’re here to represent you.” Students running for class senator positions will give speeches at 7:15 p.m. Monday in the Hilton Room to explain to their constituents why they are running and what they intend to do in Congress.
E-mail Schlabach at: mes02e@acu.edu
Continued from page 1 career at ACU as an assistant professor of history in 1948. He then became dean of men in 1950 and afterwards the dean of students in 1952, and in 1960 he became the eighth president of ACU and chancellor in 1981. His time as president of ACU was marked by the growth of enrollment from 3,110 to 4,560 and the construction of Cullen Auditorium and Don H. Morris Center.
Stevens married Ruth on Dec. 16, 1948. They were married for 57 years before she died on Feb. 18, 2006. Ruth Stevens was an ACU alumnus, graduating with master’s degrees in business administration in 1945 and education in 1955. She was a member of the W Club and Alpha Chi National Honor Society during her time at ACU.
E-mail Jimenez at: mmj04b@acu.edu
Malagasy: All students on track to graduate on time Continued from page 1 local business. She said she first spent time at home with her family, then she traveled on the east and west coasts attending different events in the country, like July 4. “We were all invited to go to the presidential palace for Independence Day,” said Rasamimanana, junior business management major from Antananarivo. “It was an impressive white house but not like America’s White House.”
The beginning In August 2004, these students arrived after flying more than 24 hours to Abilene from an island country the size of California. Madagascar, home to 17 million people, is located off Africa’s eastern coastline in the Indian Ocean. In a deal with the president of the country, these students were selected to attend ACU for four years. After they finish school here, they will return to Madagascar for at least two years to
either work or continue their education. John Tyson, vice president of development, is the main reason these students attend the university. After a trip to Madagascar to meet with various business and government leaders, Tyson was invited to meet with the president, Marc Ravalomanana. “He asked me about the university, and I told him we were looking for students who wanted to come and study here,” Tyson said. “He said that is what he was looking, and he said he would send 22 students, but we were able to take 24.” Once a deal was settled, Tyson said they only had one month to advertise in Malagasy media that students would have the opportunity to study in the U.S. The government sent out messages that students could apply to ACU during May using the English, French and Malagasy languages. More than 1,000 applications were completed, so they began sorting and narrowing down through committees
and help from residents in Madagascar until 24 were chosen. Now, two years after they first set foot in Abilene, their transition has been phenomenal, Tyson said. “They’ve done extremely well,” Tyson said. “It’s remarkable to have a cohort group of students, it doesn’t matter where they are coming from, to matriculate through like these 24.” One of the main criteria for applicants was that they had received the equivalent of a high school diploma by 2003. “All 24 are back and ready for their junior year, all are in good academic standing and on pace to graduate on time,” he said. “That’s probably unprecedented. It’s been a tremendous challenge, and I’m very proud of them. “It takes a lot of courage to travel across the world to go to a university and study in a language that is not your first language or second language, but your third language.”
Making adjustments Razafimanjato and Rasa-
mimanana said they feel they’re adjusting well, although after more than two months at home, they’re rusty on English.
Razafimanjato said it was strange to see his friends again. “It was weird to me because we didn’t have the
submitted photo
The students from Madagascar pose with president Marc Ravalomannana before they came to Texas in fall 2004.
“I forgot English while I was at home because I only spoke French,” Razafimanjato said. “I guess it’s OK though, because after two years in America I was forgetting my French, too.” Language wasn’t their only barrier while at home.
same relationship,” he said. “I expected that we had the same relationship we had two years ago, but they all went on with their lives.” Rasamimanana agreed and said she too found it different to see her friends again. “They weren’t familiar
with American brand names and thought I was different for wearing American Eagle or Aeropostale,” she said. “All they know is Nike.” Despite differences in their homeland, both said it was nice to be home. “I want to continue my schooling after ACU, but I will always go back to Madagascar, it’s where I’m from,” Rasamimanana said. She said she wants to one day open her own exporting business to help balance out Madagascar’s trading habits. As for Razafimanjato, he wants to continue his education upon his graduation from ACU. And while Abilene may not be the tropical island they know and love, it’s a school they’ve come to enjoy. “We watch movies in Madagascar from Hollywood,” Rasamimanana said. “So I think things will be like that when I got here. But ACU is a Christian university, so it is different than what I see in the movies. But I like it this way.” E-mail Schlabach at: mes02e@acu.edu
Friday, September 8, 2006
ScoreBoard Standings FOOTBALL
Team
WTAMU MSU Angelo St. Tarleton St. TAMU-K ACU ENMU
Team
Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Overall 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-1 0-1 1-0 0-1
VOLLEYBALL Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
WTAMU Tarelton St. ACU ENMU TAMU-K Angelo St.
Overall 5-2 2-3 3-5 3-6 2-8 1-7
Scores Friday
VOLLEYBALL
#7 Washburn 3, ACU 1 ACU 3, Metro St. (Colo.) 2
Saturday
VOLLEYBALL
#5 Minnesota-Duluth 3, ACU 0 #10 C. Missouri St. 3, ACU 1
Thursday
FOOTBALL
ACU 24, UCO 18
Upcoming Friday
Sports Friday
Wildcats clinch first opener in eight years n The ACU football team won its opening game against the University of Central Oklahoma after a game-winning fumble recovery in the fourth quarter. By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor
The Wildcats football team’s season opener appeared to be the same old story as the past seven season openers, when the University of Central Oklahoma completed a fourth down desperation pass and was nine yards away from a fourth quarter comeback. But head coach Chris Thomsen said “turnovers were the difference” in the 24-18 season-opening victory. The turnover that made the biggest difference in the Wildcats’ season opener was a sack and fumble recovery by defensive end Willis Hogan with 1:49 remaining in the game. The recovery sustained ACU’s first season-opening victory since 1998. “It’s good to get this off our backs,” Thomsen said. “I was an assistant when we won our last opener against Southwestern Oklahoma.” Hogan’s game-defining play came just after UCO completed a 27-yard fourth down pass to earn the first down with less than two minutes remaining. Before the nail-biting
brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Central Oklahoma quarterback Ryan O’Hara is sacked by Wildcat defensive end William Cones and linebacker Marcus Brown, who adds a forced fumble as he punches the ball loose for defensive end Willis Hogan to recover on ACU’s 9 yard line with 1:51 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to seal ACU’s 24-18 over the Bronchos on Thursday.
Football fourth quarter, ACU’s defense dominated the UCO offense throughout the game. ACU held the Bronchos to only 262 yards and prevented any first downs until the second quarter. UCO took an early threepoint lead with a field goal by Jason Dixon, but the Wildcats scored the first touchdown of the game after a 31-yard of-
n The ACU men’s and women’s tennis teams will host a tournament this weekend against area and local teams to kick off the 2006 fall season.
TENNIS
ACU Wal-Mart Invitational Open, 12 p.m.
Saturday
VOLLEYBALL
By MICHAEL FREEMAN
ACU vs. Missouri Southern, 11 a.m. ACU vs. Lubbock Christian, 5 p.m.
Online Editor
TENNIS
ACU Wal-Mart Invitational Open, 8 a.m.
Monday GOLF Charles Coody West Texas Intercollegiate Tournament, 8:30 a.m.
GOLF
Charles Coody West Texas Intercollegiate Tournament, 8:30 a.m.
n Home games listed in Italics
Intramural ROUND-UP Intramurals will begin Monday, Sept. 11, with flag football. Sign up deadlines n Flag football, Thursday, Deadline passed n Tennis tournament, Tuesday, Oct. 10 n Waterball, Thursday, Nov. 2 n Indoor soccer, TBD n 3 v. 3 basketball, TBD Sign-up fees n Flag football, $200 per team n Tennis, $10 per person n Waterball, $100 per team Start dates n Flag football, Monday n Tennis tournament, Oct. 6-8 n Waterball, TBA n Indoor soccer, TBA n 3 v. 3 basketball, TBA
COMING SOON Beginning Sept. 12, weekly intramural schedules and scores can be found at w w w. a c u o p t i m i s t . c o m
fensive drive sparked by a Patrick Ellison interception. Running back Chancy Campbell recorded the touchdown after ramming through the UCO offensive line, taking the lead 73 in the second quarter. ACU extended its lead to 14-3 late in the second quarter when quarterback Billy Malone connected three times with receiver Jarale Badon in the 87-yard drive. Badon finished the night with 108 yards
and six catches, including a 43-yarder. “I knew we needed to make a big play at the moment,” Badon said. “We had two or three big plays back to back that led to that score.” ACU continued its attack when running back Taber Minner broke through the defense on a draw play for a 74-yard touchdown early in the third quarter, extending the Wildcat lead 21-3. Minner and Camp-
bell combined for 176 yards on the night with a touchdown a piece. After scoring a touchdown late in the third quarter, UCO quarterback Ryan O’Hara seemed to be rallying his team for a fourth quarter comeback. But Hogan’s big play got it done for the Wildcats.
E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu
Tennis teams host tourney
VOLLEYBALL
ACU vs. Ouachita Baptist, 5 p.m.
Tuesday
Page 10
brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Freshman Luke Hawk returns a shot during practice on Sept. 6. Before recruited by ACU, Hawk won three-straight state singles championships at Clyde High School.
The ACU tennis teams start the 2006 season Friday at the Eager Tennis Pavilion. The ACU Wal-Mart Invitational Open will start at noon Friday and run until 9 p.m. The tournament will resume Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seven different schools will attend the annual ACU WalMart Invitational Open. The ACU men will compete against players from HardinSimmons, McMurry, Howard Payne, and Texas Southern universities and Collin County Community College. The Wildcat women will play against teams from HardinSimmons, McMurry, Cameron and Texas Southern universi-
Streak on the line n The ACU volleyball team will defend its home winning streak in the its final preseason tournament this weekend. By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor
Beating the Wildcat volleyball team at home is not an easy feat; no one has done it in 34 games. That winning streak will be on the line this weekend when ACU hosts the 2006 Wildcat Volleyball Classic, after two tough weekends on the road against nationally ranked teams. ACU will host its last tournament of the preseason before beginning conference play on Sept. 14 against Texas A&M Kingsville. “This weekend is an opportunity to play at home, and getting the home crowd involved gives you more confidence going into a match,” said head coach Kellen Mock The Wildcats are 35 this preseason after competing against na-
Volleyball tionally ranked teams for two consecutive weekends. ACU, who was ranked 20th at the start of the season, fell out of the top 25 poll this week after going 1-3 at the Premier Challenge in Denver. “We need a few confidence builder matches, and I think it would be good for us to go and play some teams that maybe aren’t in the top ten and see how we compare.” Mock said. Although the Wildcats are not facing nationally recognized teams like in previous tournaments, Mock said the teams competing in the tournament are still going to be tough matches. ACU will begin the tournament against Ouachita Baptist at 5 p.m. Friday before taking on Missouri Southern at 11 a.m. and Lubbock Christian at 5 p.m. Saturday. Conference rivals Angelo State will also participate in the tournament but will not play ACU.
In eight preseason games, junior outside hitter Abbie Lowry currently leads the team in kills with 126, while junior libero Liz Snoddy has the most digs with 100 and 3.03 per game. Mock will look to Lowry, Snoddy and the rest of her team to finish their preseason at 6-5 before moving on to the conference schedule. “I would like to win all three games this weekend,” said Mock. “We have a target on our back and we have to prove that we’re worth having that target.” The tournament’s first day of action will be Lubbock Christian against Ouachita Baptist at 1 p.m., followed by Anglo State against Missouri Southern at 3 p.m. ACU completes the days action against Ouachita Baptist at 5 p.m. All games will be played in Moody Coliseum
E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu
Tennis ties and North Central Texas College. The ACU Wal-Mart Invitational Open will be a tune-up tournament for the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Regional Championships set for later this month. “[The ACU Wal-Mart Invitational Open] is a good starter tournament,” head coach Hutton Jones said. The matches will be in a compass draw format, where the winning players will play other winners of the first round of matches, and the losing players will play other losing players. The compass draws include four flights of players. The first and fourth singles flights will take place at ACU. The second flight will be played at HardinSimmons and the third flight will be played at McMurry. All doubles flights will be played on campus at the Eager
Tennis Pavilion. In May, the NCAA Division II men’s tennis rankings were posted by the ITA. At that time, the doubles duo George Carstens and Casper Steenkamp were ranked 11th in the nation. But ACU is without Steenkamp, who graduated in May. Coach Jones said there will be a lot of experimentation when it comes to the Wildcats’ doubles team combinations. “We have two very deep and talented teams,” he said. “We want to have options in doubles going into the spring.” Despite uncertainty with doubles combinations, the ACU tennis teams are still confident going into the ACU Wal-Mart Invitational Open this weekend. “We want to win in all of our flights,” Jones said. “And we should win most flights, but we’ll see.” E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu
A different kind of beast
Courtesy of Creative Services
Former ACU all-American Danieal Manning went from Wildcat to Bear after being drafted 42nd by the Chicago Bears. Manning’s first opportunity to play in a NFL regular season game will be against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, at 3:15 p.m. Manning started in all four of Chicago’s preseason games and might start on Sunday.