The Optimist 8 27 14

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Southland Spotlight ACU football kick off on national television Sports Page 8 vol. 103, no. 02

wednesday, august 26, 2014

1 SECTION, 8 PAGES

INSIDE NEWS Education Masters program closes because of lack of enrollment Page 7

Feature Four Welcome Week student directors have an exhausting yet rewarding week

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SEIZE THE

OPINION The Editorial Board discusses where your ALS Ice Bucket challenge money is going.

SELFIE

Page 6 emily teel Staff Photographer

Jennifer Haltom Doan, a 1986 graduate, takes a selfie in Moody Coliseum during her opening assembly Chapel speech.

SPORTS Collin Wieder gives the run down on what to expect in Georgia Page 8

Kent Brantly released from Emory Allison Brown managing editor

NEWS Parking challenges on the rise with construction Page 3

NEWS New school year means new faculty and new tenured faculty

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Dr. Kent Brantly was discharged from Emory University Hospital in Atlanta on August 21, less than a month after contracting a deadly disease, Brantly contracted the Ebola virus on July 23 while working for Samaritan’s Purse as a medical missionary in Liberia, one of the countries effected by the outbreak of this disease. He remained in Liberia for 9 days after his diagnosis be-

fore returning to America to receive treatment. On Aug. 2, Brantly arrived in brantly A t l a n t a at Emory University Hospital, making him the first person to ever set foot in America with the Ebola virus. Dr. Bruce Ribner, director of Emory’s Infectious Disease Unit, said Brantly’s arrival caused some anxiety and fear amongst other hospital patients. “But we can-

not let our fears dictate our actions,” Ribner said. “We must all care.” Ribner stated in last Thursday’s press conference that Brantly’s discharge poses no threat to public health. After Ribner spoke, Dr. Brantly gave a statement to the audience. “Today is a miraculous day,” he began. “I am thrilled to be alive, well, and reunited with my family.” He told a condensed version of his story, from the day his wife and children returned home, to the mo-

ment he awoke feeling under the weather, soon realizing that he might not return home. “I prayed that God would help me be faithful even in my illness,” Brantly said. “I prayed that in life or in death, God would be glorified.” Brantly was in the isolation unit of Emory for 3 weeks, where he received some of the best care wpossible. His condition improved and the hospital stated he was cured from Ebola last week. “I serve a faithful God

who answers prayers,” Brantly said. “God saved my life, a direct answer to thousands and thousands of prayers.” Brantly urged those listening and watching to keep praying for the people of west Africa and Liberia, because so many still are fighting the disease. He and his family are now spending time away together after over a month apart. contact brown at akb12b@acu.edu

Monk’s opens new location off Ambler

OPINION Allison Brown questions the power and purpose of social media Page 6

SPORTS Senior Nick Richardson looks to break ACU all-time sack record Page 8

NEWS Chapel office undergoes changes with new leadership Page 4

ONLINE VIDEO Watch a recap our the ACU tradition: Welcome Week Candlelight Devo

cited to extend our reach a bit,” Hendrix said. “We’re just going to continue to see what we can A second Monks Cof- do to have fun.” fee Shop will open relaSaw yer Teague, sophtively soon, aiming to omore information syscater more of a collegiate tems major from Double crowd. Oak, is especially lookThe new location ing forward to the new shares a store space with location’s closer proximBooks 2U and is at 1333 ity to campus. Ambler Ave., across the “It’s really great to street from Hardin Sim- have a coffee shop closmons University. er to campus,” he said. Jerr y Hendrix, own- “Now there’s another er of Monks and sev- place to rela x and reeral other businesses in charge.” Abilene, said he’s excited Hendrix also feels the about the new store’s lo- location is strategic givcation because it brings en its proximity to Henthe business closer to the drick Medical Center, collegiate community. one of Abilene’s largest “We love university centers of employment. students, and we’re ex- The combined traffic of

jonathan ward staff reporter

workers and students on the move should make the new Monks location, in Hendrix’s words, more of a “grab-and-go” shop. With the collegiate market in mind, Hendrix said he has many creative ideas for the new location, such as catered game-day events and music on the patio. Monks has been a cultural staple in Abilene since it opened in 2006, from its famous “Keep Abilene Boring” t-shirts to its unique social atmosphere. Monks also hosts an open-mic session ever y Thursday night, attracting acts such as Aaron Gillespie and the Civil Wars. “My first infatuation

was downtown,” Hendrix said. “I grew up in a small town and so I liked that. Because we’ve attracted the collegiate community, it just made sense to be closer to students.” W hile the new location is open for business, Hendrix still needs more workers to fill shifts. Since many upperclassmen and graduate students who worked at the shop last year have graduated and left Abilene, Hendrix said he’s looking for new hires. For more information or to apply, e-mail monksabilene @ gmail.com. contact ward at jtw12a@acu.edu

erika bolado Staff Photographer

Board backs Schubert despite divorce filings madeline orr editor in chief

The ACU Board of Trustees expressed support for President Phil Schubert in regard to challenges in their marriage and recent divorce proceedings between him and his wife, Jamie Schubert. In an email to faculty and staff, Dr. Barry Packer, Chairman of the Board of Read more at Trustees, said board memacuoptimist.com bers said they will contin-

ue to support Schubert in his role as president while ensuring ACU’s mission is being fulfilled and it’s heritage upheld. The matter was discussed in the board’s quarterly meeting on campus Friday and Saturday. “The trustees have agonized with the decision, praying fervently and investing significant time in dialogue,” Packer said in the email. He said the board has been in prayer for the

The trustees have agonized with the decision, praying fervently and investing significant time in dialogue.”

Schubert family, the ACU community and for themselves to have wisdom and discernment in reaching a decision regarding Dr. Schubert’s continued leadership of the university. “This is a highly per-

Abilene Christian University

dr. barry packer chairman of the acu board of trustees

sonal matter for the Schubert family and we want to respect their privacty. Our hope is that the ACU community will support the board’s decision while continuing to pray for Phil and Jamie and their children, as well

as for the trustees and our great university,” he said. Editor’s note: We recognize this is a highly personal issue, yet one that has a potentially significant impact on students, faculty and the university, and is therefore newsworthy. Our continued coverage will focus on the board’s conversations and not that of the President’s personal life. contact orr at mco10b@acu.edu


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