The Optimist Print Edition: 02.18.11

acuoptimist.com

Optimist the

Show Hosts, page 3B

Friday, February 18, 2011

Vol. 99, No. 37

2 section, 16 pages

photo illustration by JOZIE SANDS // Online Editor

Galaxy, Alpha Kai Omega, Pi Kappa, GATA and Gamma Sigma Phi perform in 2011 Sing Song.

Playing Favorites Seventeen Sing Song acts hit the stage to perform ACU’s favorite tunes

A

flock of harmonious ducks, a batch of cookies, a brigade of singing soldiers and a band of marionettes make up some of the 17 upstage acts intent on dazzling audiences at ACU Sing Song 2011.

The 55th performance of the ACU tradition is one of the largest in university history. Tom Craig, director of student productions, said this year’s performance promises to be not only big, but also excellent.

“I’m very excited about what the clubs and classes have put together,” Craig said. “I think this is one of our better years.”

Story by Jeff Craig, Managing Editor Craig said the quality of acts performing this year is better than he can remember. He said there is no act that stands far above the others in quality or performance.

“From a competition standpoint, there is no real clear frontrunner,” Craig said.

Sing Song has been performed on campus every year since 1956, and nearly one-third of the student body participates each year. For some students, Sing Song has become a yearly tradition.

Whitney Herrington, graduate student from Weatherford, participated in Sing Song as an undergraduate with the women’s social club GATA. She said she excited to participate in the graduate school act, which tells the story of the video game character Mario and his quest to save a kidnapped princess.

“It’s an awesome experience. It’s great having big performances with everyone coming into town,” Herrington said. see SHOW page 8A

CONNECTED SUMMIT

SING SONG

Tent furnishes makeshift backstage Apple founder to visit campus Linda Bailey Editor in Chief

The double gyms utilized in previous years to contain Sing Song acts before they hit the Moody Coliseum stage have been rendered inaccessible because of construction on the Royce and Pam Money Recreation and Wellness Center – but the show will go on.

Instead of housing the participants in double gyms this year, Tom Craig, director of student productions, said the acts will rotate between Cullen Auditorium and a large tent erected outside on the north side of Moody.

Most acts will start the show in the tent, then move to Cullen Auditorium to warm up before performing in Moody. The tent never will contain all the Sing Song acts at once, Craig said.

While the rotation differs from previous years, Craig said he was confident that practice will make perfect.

“With a little bit of practice, it will run like clockwork,” Craig said.

STACY ACTON // Staff Photographer

Freshman biology major Carly Henderson paints black lines above the eyes of her act members in the staging tent for the Sing Song dress rehearsal on Wednesday.

And according to Wednesday’s dress the indoor gyms.

“Well, I wish they had floors. My rehearsal, it did. Craig commended the acts on getting where they needed to allergies are acting up because of the grass, so I guess I’m not fond of go in a timely manner.

The outside tent, however, does not provide the same luxuries as see TENT page 8A

website

inside editor’s faves Before watching Sing Song 2011: Faves, read what to look for during each of the club and class acts. page 3A-4A

More than 800 people spanning nine countries Editor in Chief already have registered for Innovators in education, the event, which features industry and policy from speakers such as Steve around the globe will trav- Wozniak, co-founder of el to Abilene next week- Apple; Adrian Sannier, end to discuss the future Pearson eCollege vice of education and mobile president of product; and technology during ACU’s Karen Cator, U.S. Department of Education director Connected Summit.

“It’s a gathering of edu- of educational technology.

Wozniak will have an cators, policy makers and corporations coming to- onstage conversation led gether to explore how mo- by Bill Rankin, director of bility is interacting with mobile learning research, education and specific at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, thinking about how the Feb. 28, in Moody Colifuture of books and edu- seum. The event also will cational learning materials feature a performance plays out in a mobiley con- by the Rocketboys, an Abilenenected world,” said George Austin-based, Saltsman, executive director of the Adams Center. see MOBILE page 8A

Linda Bailey

opinion Last fall’s implementation of Cornerstone has proven to be a failure and should be addressed before this fall. page 4B

weather videos Find archived Optimist Sing Song videos from years past on our website, www. acuoptimist.com.

Abilene Christian University

Fri.

Sat.

Sun.

81° 55°

76° 58°

80° 49°

2

Campus Friday, February 18, 2011

ACU Police Tip of the Week

Day

Expect parking congestion and traffic delays during Sing Song weekend. Plan accordingly and arrive early.

Police Log Edited for space

Sunday, Feb. 13 Tuesday, Feb. 8 9:13 a.m. The ACU Police 1:40 a.m. The ACU department received a Police department rereport of a woman hav- ceived a noise coming a seizure in the 800 plaint in the 1000 block block of EN 16 Street. of Campus Court. An ofMetrocare transported ficer searched the area the woman to Hendrick but was unable to find the noise violation.

Center.

A logMedical of the ACU Police De8:22 p.m. Someone re- 5:17 p.m. The ACU partment’s daily activities will ported the smell of natu- Police department rebe printed on this page of ral gas in the Don H. Mor- ceived a report from a the Optimist.

The Police first Police woman of her stolen biris Center. ACU Log officers will appear Friday. found a gas leak cycle from the west side on the outside of the west of A.B. Barret Hall. side of the building by the pottery bins. An officer Tuesday, Feb. 15 evacuated the building 1:15 a.m. The ACU Pountil Physical Resources lice department assistand the Fire Department ed the Abilene Police department with a call found the leak. of marijuana use in the 1000 block of Musken Road. Officers made Friday, Feb. 11 1:25 p.m. The Walmart one arrest for possesLoss Prevention de- sion of marijuana and partment requested as- issued six citations for sistance from the ACU minors in possession of Police department in ap- alcohol. prehending a shoplifter.

The officers detained the Report all suspicious acman until the Abilene Po- tivity to the ACU Police Department at 674-2305. lice department arrived.

calendar & events

18

Friday

19

11 a.m. Praise Day led by alumnus Sam Souder in Moody Coliseum 12 p.m. Softball Southeastern Oklahoma Crossover Tournament vs. Washburn University in Durant 3 p.m. Baseball vs. East Central Oklahoma University

4 p.m. Softball Southeastern Oklahoma Crossover Tournament vs. Henderson State University in Durant 7:30 p.m. Eurydice in Fulks Theatre 8 p.m. Sing Song in Moody Coliseum 9:30 p.m. Eurydice talkback in Fulks Theatre

Saturday

20

10 a.m. Softball Southeastern Oklahoma Crossover Tournament vs. Southern Arkansas University in Durant

12 p.m. Softball Southeastern Oklahoma Crossover Tournament vs.

University of NebraskaOmaha in Durant 1 p.m. Baseball vs. East Central Oklahoma University 2 p.m. Sing Song in Moody Coliseum 7 p.m. Women’s basketball at Eastern New Mexico University

Sunday

12 p.m. Softall Southeastern Oklahoma Crossover tournament vs.

University of Central Missouri

21

Monday

Presidents’ Day 11 a.m. Chapel in Moody Coliseum

2 p.m. “Viva Flamenco!” concert featuring Ron Radford at the Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall 4 p.m. Softball Southeastern Oklahoma Crossover Tournament vs. Newman University

Weekly Stats Feb. 8-15

7:30 p.m. Eurydice in Fulks Theatre 2 3 6 1

8 p.m. Sing Song in Moody Coliseum 9 p.m. Men’s basketball at Eastern New Mexico University

2 9 18 1 1

911 Calls 1 Accidents 1 Alarms 6 Attempt to Locate 2 Boot/Unboot 1 Vehicles Building Lock/ 3 Unlocks Check Buildings 13 Criminal Mischief 1 Direct Traffic

Disturbance Found Property Investigation Follow ups Lost Property Medical Emergency Motorist Assist: Inflate Tire Motorist Assist: Jumpstart Motorist Assist: Other

7 Motorist Assist: Unlocks 2 Noise Violations 3 Parking Violations 1 Random Patrol 1 Stand By 4 Suspicious Activities 1 Terroristic Threat 2 Thefts (Non Vehicle) 3 Traffic Stops

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Chapel Checkup 24 49

Credited Chapels remaining

Credited Chapels to date

announcements GRE Prep Course Students interested in registering for the GRE prep course need to sign up

by Feb. 18. The course is designed to help students learn test-taking strategies for the computer-adaptive GRE General Test. Students can become familiar with the exam and identify study needs through lab practice tests. Sessions are Mondays, 6:30-9 p.m., Feb. 21-March 28. For more information, visit www. acu.edu/pce.

Online Summer Courses Registration opens Feb. 23 for online summer courses. Students can choose from 15 courses, and each course is three weeks long. For more information, visit www. acu.edu/summeronline.

Civil Rights Tour Students can receive academic credit during Summer Session I by joining the ACU Freedom Ride on May 15-21. The seven-day, 1,800-mile guided bus tour will visit significant sites of the American Civil Rights Movement. Registration begins Feb. 23. For more information, contact Dr. Richard Beck at beckr@ acu.edu, Dr. Jennifer Dillman at jennifer.dillman@ acu.edu, Dr. David Dillman at dillmand@acu.edu or an academic adviser.

Career Expo Current students and alumni have the opportunity to meet with employers from a variety of industries about potential full-time positions and internship opportunities from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Feb. 24, at the Abilene Civic Center. The event offers résumé reviews and mock interviews. Professional attire is required.

All-school Chapel The Chapel Office encourages students to participate in “Bring Your Professor to Chapel Day” and invite their professors to Chapel as a part of the campuswide effort to attend Chapel every Monday.

ACU Connected Summit 2011 Steve Wozniak, cofounder of Apple, Inc., and the Rocketboys will be at the ACU Connected Summit at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 28, in Moody Coliseum. Admission is free for all students, faculty and staff with a current ACU ID card.

Upward Bound Summer Advisers Students interested in helping disadvantaged high school students can apply to become an Upward Bound summer adviser from May 29-July 8. Advisers will receive free room and board plus $925.

For more information, call 674-2529 or 674-2713.

Springboard Ideas Challenge The mini-business plan competition offers students the opportunity to get a business up and running and the chance to win cash prizes.

Students must register at www.acu.edu/springboard

by March 4 to compete.

Viva Flamenco! The Spanish Flamenco concert will feature Ronald Radford at 2 p.m. on Feb. 20 at the Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for regular admission.

FCA The ACU chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes meets at 9 p.m. every Thursday in the Campus Center Living Room.

ACUltimate The university’s ultimate frisbee club meets at 6 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Interested students can contact Kyle Thaxton at krt06d@acu.edu.

D!SCOVERY The Career Center is sponsoring a five-week workshop to help students decide, confirm or narrow their major and career choices.

For more information, contact the Career Center at 674-2473 or visit www. acu.edu/careercenter.

CAMPUS NEWS

February 18, 2011

Page 3A

SING SONG

New dance teams step into Sing Song spotlight Bailey Neal

Page Designer

As DVDs, YouTube videos and newspaper clippings evidence, Sing Song has changed over the years. Props have gotten bigger, costumes have become more elaborate, and the line between what is considered “dancing” and what is permissible as “choreography” has blurred.

Making history, two new ACU dance companies, Omega and Sanctify, are set to perform several routines in their own styles during this year’s Sing Song production.

Both dance teams sped up audition processes and got straight to business when it came time to prepare for Sing Song.

Kelcie Broom, sophomore art major from Richardson and member of Omega Dance Company, ACU’s jazzcontemporary revue, said since Omega’s auditions the first weekend after classes began, the company has practiced multiple times a week.

Kirby Wilkerson, freshman elementary education major from Abilene and a member of Sanctify, said her company also conducted auditions for the team just before Sing Song practices began.

A part of Sanctify since its origins at her family’s dance studio, Dance Discovery, Wilkerson described the company as a core-hip hop group. She said the group’s practices have intensified as Sing Song looms nearer.

“As of lately, it’s been extremely crammed. We’ve had three-hour practices, and if we go to Moody and it doesn’t look good, we go to the studio,” Wilkerson said. “We’re all

DANIEL GOMEZ // Staff Photographer

Omega Dance Company rehearses Wednesday in Moody. fatigued, but coming down to crunch time, we’ve been practicing nonstop, just cleaning and tightening.

Wilkerson said rest won’t come until after Sing Song’s last performance Saturday night.

“There’s always something we can fix,” she said, “the bar can never be raised high enough.”

Wilkerson said her team is anxious to perform their dances in Sing Song, knowing hip hop isn’t traditionally a part of the show.

“There’s so much more to hip hop dancing than gyrating and pelvic thrusting,” she said. “We wanted to showcase how we praise our Father, and we just want to show the university and alumni that hip hop dancing isn’t as negative as society makes it out to be.”

The teams agree and hope the audience perceives the performances as another way of praising God and using the skills with which he has blessed them.

“Being a hip hop company doesn’t limit us, we are versatile as well,” Wilkerson said.

“So Sing Song is the perfect opportunity for us to show our God-given talents, because we do want Sanctify to

grow and get more members, and here we can show that we are a good, dedicated and Godly group.”

Sarah Boleslawski, junior communications major from Spring and a founding member of Omega, said spectators usually are shocked at the skill level of the dancers, so she’s excited for her company’s chance to prove itself in front of such a significant audience.

“It’s just another chance for us to glorify God and show the gifts he’s given us,” she said.

Although the two companies share a stage at this year’s Sing Song production, along with ACU dance staples Shades and Swing Cats, Wilkerson said she doesn’t anticipate a competitive atmosphere.

“Some people assumed we would butt heads, but we are all friends. We bond through moving our bodies and through music, so its been nice to see them every day and give each other feedback to help all the other groups’ performances,” Boleslawski said. “There’s so much culture in dance. We have four different dance groups.

Sanctify, Shades, Swing Cats

DANIEL GOMEZ // Staff Photographer

Members of Sanctify Dance Company toss Kirby Wilkerson as part of their Sing Song performance. and Omega all have different styles. It’s great, because different dancers have different talents.”

Broom, who said she grew closer to many of her fellow company dancers through

the audition process and Sing Song experience, believes the coherence of the groups will help communicate their shared message.

“I am so excited about our dynamic,” she said. “Our pur-

pose is to create community and glorify God through our dance and that’s definitely what we do.” contact Neal at

bmn07a@acu.edu

February 18, 2011

February 18, 2011

REVIEW

mixed voices GRADUATE CLASS

IEH

[Color Your Life for IEH] The

FRESHMAN

[Hide your Coins! Hide your Stars!]

JUNIOR

[There’s a Purring Deep Within Me]

]

eHarmony’s Got Nothing on Us!

The freshman class’s act pits the Oreo against all other snack treats while managing to incorporate their costumes into some pretty creative choreography. Keep a close eye on the different varieties of Oreos running across the stage at the beginning of the act.

Directors: Andrea Haugen, graduate student from Tomball; and, Belinda Floyd, graduate student from Abilene Pictured: Stephanie Witt, graduate student from Euless

Director: Rebekah Hernandez, junior psychology major from San Antonio Pictured: Jessica Moore, junior speech pathology major from McAllen.

[Shot Through the Heart ...

[Oreos: Milk’s Favorite Cookie!]

In their first appearance on the Sing Song stage, the graduate class will give the audience a sense of nostalgia for Mario and his friends.

Keep an eye on the set change and inventive song transitions between pipes.

International Students Association, Essence of Ebony and Hispanos Unidos color the stage in their Crayola-inspired act. By working their costume change into their lyrics, they keep the audience guessing what will come next.

SOPHOMORE

Love is in the air, and spelled out across the stage in the sophomore’s Cupid act.

Stunning vocals hold the act together as the storyline plays out on the right side of the stage.

[Man, I Feel Like a Ninja!]

Timid turtles transform into Kung Fu fighting ninjas during the senior’s throwback Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle act. Afterthe green ooze leaks over the turtles, look closely for a costume change to distinguish between the four turtle personalities.

KOWABUNGA DUDE.

MEE-OW, juniors.

This hilarious act is all about cats and comedy.

Prepare to fall out of your seat laughing at the middle scene, portraying cats dying to the hums of Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel.” Take a few seconds to watch the jumbo screen for close ups of deliberately dramatic acting.

Director: Nick Tatum, sophomore vocal performance major from Plano Pictured: Lindsey Odle, sophomore elementary education major from Dallas.

Director: Jonathan Bryant, freshman music education major from San Antonio Pictured: Emily Schuster, freshman animal science major from Red Oak

SENIOR

Director: Julie Niell, junior advertising/public relations major from Irving Pictured: Walker Nikolaus, junior engineering physics major from Nashville, Tenn.

Directors: Rachel Jinkerson, senior psychology major from Abilene; and Lyndsey Womack, senior youth and family ministry major from Longview Pictured: Kylie Hunt, senior biology major from Abilene.

men’s voices TROJANS

SUB T-16

[No Strings Attached]

PI KAPPA

[The Great Big Wrecking Ball Medley!]

Director: Matt Bowman, sophomore vocal education major from Brookhaven, Miss.

Pictured: Kevin Riley, junior execise science major from San Antonio

[The Show Heard ’Round the World]

[Potatoes O’Brien]

Sub T-16’s construction-worker act doesn’t disappoint.

Obvious jabs at campus construction and Sub T-16’s unique style provide a refreshing break from the typical act.

You can’t miss the director dressed as a wrecking ball, but don’t overlook the Bob-the-Builder looka-like who makes an appearance later in the act.

Pinnochio is front and center in the Trojan act – noses and all. Keep a look out for outstanding harmonies to classic songs and a cameo by Jimminy Cricket as these puppets morph into real boys.

GAMMA SIGMA PHI

What Pi Kappa lacks in size, they make up for in hilarity.

Listen for their ability to work clever leprechaun clichés into popular songs, as the men of Pi Kappa prove they are ready to be back in competition.

Director: Michael McCully, senior advertising/public relations major from Fort Worth Pictured: Clint Holmes, senior youth and family ministry major from Dallas

Everyone loves a man in uniform, and Galaxy’s act is no exception. Their ornately simple costumes and clean set make their act take off.

Pay attention to subtle air travel references along with jokes about Sky Mall.

Director: Colin Barnard, senior political science major from Washington D.C. Pictured: Carson Henly, junior biochemistry major from Colleyville.

women’s voices ALPHA CHI OMEGA

[Don’t get your Feathers Ruffled] With their prop changes, ornate costumes and insane choreography during “Toxic,” the Alpha Chi Ducks could be a crowd favorite. Keep an ear out for the farm-to-ACU story line and clever lyrics – they are guaranteed to “quack” you up.

Director: Arielle Collier, junior vocal performance major from Mesquite Pictured: Kelsi Wicks, junior animal science major from Tyler

DELTA THETA

[It’s a Berry Sweet Life] These Strawberry Shortcakes offer an act all about the life of a berry in a world of sweets.

Listen for their fitting rendition of Strawberry Fields by the Beatles.

[Living in a TV Land World! ... in Technicolor!]

“I Love Lucy” fans will be saying I love GATA after this performance.

The women of GATA stand out on stage in bright red wigs and royal blue dresses.

Pay attention to their clever black and white introduction.

Frater Sodalis takes the audience back in time to when the Power Rangers fought crime and ruled the TV. Make sure to listen for their insightful incorporation of old-school Power Ranger references into new-age pop songs.

Director: Grant Stephen, junior advertising/public relations major from Houston Jeff Cawyer, junior finance major from Carrollton Pictured: Daniel Greenberg, junior accounting/ finance major from Dallas.

KO JO KAI

[Once you Pop, the Fun Don’t Stop] The microwave’s on, and the Kojie corn is popping. The symmetry of their costumes paired with precise choreography and loud vocals make their act pop.

Make sure keep a close eye on their interactive props, lining the stage throughout the act.

Director: Gavin Lane, sophomore biology major from Temple Pictured: Micheal Maeker, junior biology major from Lubbock

SIGMA THETA CHI

[Siggie Piggies. That’ll do pig... That’ll do.]

Moody turns bright pink when Siggies hit the stage.

Their mudsplotched costumes pop almost as much as the clever, porcine puns in their lyrics. Keep an eye out for a costume change that will light up the stage.

FAVES

Directors: Emily Boyd, junior fine arts major from Garland; and Chelsea Bayer, sophomore elementary education major from Carrollton Pictured: Mallory Ming, sophomore graphic design major from Salado.

Hundreds of students will take the Sing Song stage this weekend. Before you get lost in all the meows, kowabungas and cannons, check out these tips to find the paramount parts of each act.

editor’s

GATA

[Go, Go Frater Rangers]

[Flying These Days is Risky Business]

The men of Gamma Sigma Phi are preparing for battle. Keep your ears out for multiple historical references and keep your eyes out for smooth costume changes, interactive sets and precise choreography.

Director: Luke Burnam, junior vocal music education major from Mesquite Pictured: Daniel Gutierrez, accounting/finance major from Pauma Valley

FRATER SODALIS

GALAXY

Director: Bonnie Kellum, senior psychology major from Allen Pictured: Morgan Hallmark, junior art major from Garland.

Directors: Rachel Webb, senior marketing major from Beaumont; and Lauren Ash, junior exercise science major from Sugar Land Pictured: Krista Barnett, senior speech pathology major from Stephenville.

Directors: Cami Yoder, senior music education major from Longview; and Courtney Yoder, senior education major from Longview Pictured: Chelsea Gaulden, junior family studies major from Keller.

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 6A

February 18, 2011

SING SONG

Judges assemble from varied backgrounds Jeff Craig

Managing Editor

JOZIE SANDS // Online Editor

Members of the men’s social club Sub T-16 perform in Moody Coliseum on Wednesday. Their act is titled “The Great Big Wrecking Ball Medley.”

A panel of 30 judges has been selected to adjudicate this year’s Sing Song competition, but as always, they will remain unnamed until the night of the show.

Tom Craig, director of student productions, said this year’s panel of judges was diverse and unique. It will be comprised of three groups: Faculty and staff, alumni and community.

“We have a broad spectrum of judges from three different spectrums,” Craig said. “We have a broad mix to represent many opinions.”

A panel of seven judges will judge a different criterion for each show. Friday evening’s judges will rank the acts based on appearance. Saturday afternoon’s panel will rank the performances based on originality, and Saturday evening’s acts will be judged based on the level of entertainment provided. Every show

will have three additional vocal judges.

“There is no real set criteria for judges because we want a group that represents the diversity of our audience,” Craig said.

“We want them to have the same perspective as people watching.”

Craig said the alumni pool of judges would consist of students who played a big role in Sing Song 10, 20 and 30 years ago. He said the alumni judges are former club or class act directors, production team members or hosts and hostesses.

“They know the show from the inside out,” Craig said. “Judges who have been involved in Sing Song in the past have a keen knowledge of how to create a Sing Song act like no other.”

Craig said they look for unique capabilities in all of their judges and especially try to bring in those with musical history.

“We look for different backgrounds with our

judges,” Craig said. “We look for string musical judges. Some come from the entertainment industry. Others come from vocal education.”

Dr. John Delony, assistant dean for residence life and education, judged vocals for Sing Song two years ago. Delony said judging forced him to view each act with a critical eye.

“The whole process was fun to see. It was great getting to see it from start to finish,” Delony said.

“Watching the show with a critical eye really allows you to catch the nuances of each act. It really allows you to stay involved.”

Delony said he enjoyed the opportunity to judge Sing Song and hopes to have a chance to judge again in the future.

“I hope to get to do it again; it gives you a new perspective,” Delony said.

contact Craig at

jrc07d@acu.edu

CHAPEL

Near-record highs to greet Sing Song guests Jeff Craig

Managing Editor

Visitors to Sing Song will be greeted with wellabove-average temperatures and sunny skies in Abilene this weekend.

Mike Johnson, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Angelo, said an area of low pressure stationed over Colorado has caused

southwesterly winds to blow into the area, bringing near-record-high temperatures.

“We’ve seen a pattern shift,” Johnson said. “Earlier in the month, we had a really cold pattern, and now we’re seeing an extremely warm pattern.”

High temperatures climbed into the lower 80s on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and tem-

peratures are expected to remain in the mid-to-upper 70s through the rest of the weekend.

“Our temperatures over the last few days have been on the order 20 degrees above normal,” Johnson said. “The normal temperature for Abilene this time of year is 61 degrees.”

Johnson said temperatures are likely to remain above normal for the fore-

seeable future. He said there is a slight chance a cold front could move through the area on Sunday or late next week, but uncertainty remains with both fronts.

Winds are forecasted to be light this weekend, but Johnson said warm, dry temperatures present an elevated risk for wildfires.

“The big concern with this pattern is fire danger,”

Johnson said. “We saw humidity levels drop into the single digits across the Big Country last week, and dry conditions are favorable for fires.”

Humidity levels are expected to rise to between 40 and 50 percent by Saturday, with a slight chance of rain that evening.

Dan Antwine, junior accounting major from Maypearl, said he is en-

joying the warm weather this weekend, and he said he is glad the weather is not cold.

“I really like this warm weather, especially considering we are in the tent,” Antwine said. “It may get a little hot in there, but it is definitely better than being cold. contact Craig at

jrc07d@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

February 18, 2011

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Trustees host annual meeting Jeff Craig

Managing Editor

The Board of Trustees will gather in Abilene this weekend for its annual Sing Song meeting to discuss the budget and key university business.

Slade Sullivan, general counsel to the university, serves as secretary to the Board of Trustees. He said Sing Song weekend offers a good opportunity to meet, with many board members already in town.

“It used to be the weekend before Lectureship, so a lot of members were traveling to Abilene anyway,” Sullivan said. “So it’s a good opportunity to capitalize on people being in town.”

The audit committee will meet at 7:30 a.m. on Friday morning, with the remainder of the meeting commencing at 10 a.m.

‘‘ ’’

“Their role is to engage the external auditor that engages the university financial statements every year,” Sullivan said.

“They monitor oversight and accounting to make sure things are happening the way they should be.”

Sullivan said most of the business to be discussed at this year’s meetings is fairly routine. He said the board will vote approve the fiscal year 2012 budget, elect new members to the Board of Trustees and meet with the president and provost.

“It’s a combination of plannery sessions and committee meetings where the board breaks up into smaller groups to observe what’s going on in the university,” Sullivan said.

The board will participate in a “topping off” ceremony at 11:40 a.m. on Friday. They

Page 7A

Beautiful Day

But I’m walking into this meeting with a great deal of comfort, and little angst.

BARRY PACKER // chairman of the Board of Trustees

will help lay the highest beam for the new Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center and tour the new AT&T Learning Studio in the Brown Library immediately after.

Barry Packer, chairman of the Board of Trustees, said he is not anticipating any controversial decisions to be made at this week’s meeting.

“There are really no controversial issues that are coming up,” Packer said. “There are a lot of routine things, but I’m walking into this meeting with a great deal of comfort and very little angst.”

Packer said the big issue to be discussed at the meetings was university

accreditation. He said the university will undergo the accreditation process this spring.

“The university goes through this every 10 years, and we’ll have the people who are involved with that come to campus later this spring, so it’s important that the board is aware of that process,” Packer said. “So we are going to have a report that brings the board up to date.”

Packer said the board also will honor retiring members and vote on new members.

contact Bailey at

ljb07a@acu.edu

STACY ACTON // Staff Photographer contact Craig at

jrc07d@acu.edu

Abby Boyd, freshman elementary education major from Austin, plays her guitar outside Gardner Hall on Tuesday.

SING SONG

Clubs choose charities to receive winner earnings Laura Gasvoda Staff Reporter

Every year, Sing Song provides an opportunity for clubs and organizations to compete with each other for a coveted place in ACU history, but more recently, it also provides an opportunity for winning organizations to use their success to donate thousands of dollars to charities or causes of their choice.

This year, the benefits of winning will be twofold, including a chance to have the organizations’ name engraved on the “Sing Song cup,” as Tom Craig, director of

student productions, refers to the trophy, and the opportunity to donate a minimum of $1,000 to a charity or cause.

Last years’ winners were the first to have their names forever commemorated not only on Sing Song programs for years to come, but on the Sing Song cup as well.

The trophy eventually will be displayed in a custom built case in the Campus Center, Craig said.

On Saturday night, a winner will be chosen for each of the three categories: women’s, men’s and mixed voices.

Each of the three overall winners will each receive a mini-

mum of $1,000 to donate, Craig said. Some of the prize money already has been donated, and the remainder will come from audience collections during the shows. Craig said offering prize money helps bring deeper meaning to Sing Song.

“One of the things prize money has helped us realize,” Craig said, “is how to do good with what God has given us.”

Each of the acts has selected potential recipients for their prize money. Last year, the winners all agreed to donate the funds collectively to the Bazillion family. This year, the causes vary, many based

on programs with which the organizations’ members already are connected.

For example, sophomores have chosen to benefit Samantha Bahl, a former member of the sophomore class from Abilene, who is battling cancer and has been forced to drop out of school at ACU. Juniors, Trojans and Kojies also have chosen to donate potential winnings to the Bahl family.

Freshmen have selected Love and Care Ministries, as several members currently volunteer there. The men of Frater Sodalis and women of GATA have cho-

sen Jeremiah’s Hope, an orphanage in Ukraine with which Frat Marcus Womble and GATA president Bonnie Kellum both have been personally involved.

Pi Kappa will donate to ICAN, Interested Citizens of Abilene North, Sub T-16 chose Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the men of Galaxy will donate to the Kirk Goodwin Run. The women of Alpha Kai Omega will donate funds to LOVE146, an organization that works to end child sex slavery. Director Arielle Collier said her pledge class partnered with LOVE146, and

members still are connected to the effort.

Other acts include International Students Association, benefiting Enter Hope; the senior class, benefiting Mission Lazarus; the graduate students, benefiting Pregnancy Resources of Abilene; the women of Delta Theta, benefiting Red Thread Movement; the men of Gamma Sigma Pi benefitting the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation; and the women of Sigma Theta Chi, who have yet to choose a charity. contact Gasvoda at

lag08a@acu.edu

FROM THE FRONT

Page 8A

February 18, 2011

SING SONG

Show: Sing Song features 17 upstage acts Continued from page 1

JOZIE SANDS // Online Editor

DeMarco Howard and the dance group SHADES perform in Moody Coliseum on Wednesday.

Ben Rude, senior interdisciplinary studies major from Spokane, Wash., has participated in Sing Song for three years, all with the men’s social club Gamma Sigma Phi. Rude said he has enjoyed his experiences with Sing Song as a chance to connect. Rude and his group from GSP will be performing as Revolutionary War soldiers.

“It’s been oddly great,” Rude said. “There is so much stress and pressure, but it’s all worth it in the end. I wouldn’t trade that experience.

For other students, Sing Song is a chance to get better involved in the ACU community. Ryan Patterson, part of the freshman class performance. He said Sing Song has served as a great social

TECHNOLOGY

‘‘ ’’

opportunity and a chance to meet new friends.

“It’s been amazing so far.

I’ve been meeting people that I would have never had a chance to meet otherwise,” said Patterson, freshman pre-physical therapy major from Austin. “When it’s all done it’ll be awesome.

I think we have a good performance, our songs are really well-done.”

Linley Riediger, senior biochemistry major from Abilene, is performing in Sing Song for the first time.

She said she is glad she has taken the time to participate before she graduates. She is performing in the senior act, dressed as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.

“I was really busy earlier in school, but now I’m really sad I never did it before,” Riediger said. “Having never

We always have a lot of fun with it, the whole thing has been a blast.

LAURA QUILE // junior elementary education major from Trophy Club

done it before, it’s totally worth the time.”

The groups may all have different costumes acts, but they all have one thing in common – stress. but Laura Quile, junior elementary education major from Trophy Club, said the stress is well worth it once the performers get on stage.

“We always have a lot of fun with it, the whole thing has been a blast,” Quile said.

“I know people get stressed out, but when you get to it, it’s all worth it.”

Quile will perform with the women’s social club Ko Jo Kai. The women start their

performance as kernels but burst into popcorn as the show progresses.

Three Sing Song performances are scheduled, all in Moody Coliseum. Friday’s show will start at 8 p.m., and tickets are $16. Two shows are scheduled for Saturday.

The afternoon show starts a 2 p.m., and tickets are $18.

The night show and awards presentation starts at 8.p.m., and tickets are $24.

More information can be found online at www.acu. edu/singsong. contact Craig at

jrc07d@acu.edu

SING SONG

Mobile: Wozniak to speak Tent: Participants adapt to outdoor preparations Continued from page 1

originated band made up of recent ACU alumni.

General admission costs $10 but is free for anyone with an ACU I.D. and discounted to $5 for military personnel or any other student, faculty or staff member with a school or college I.D. During the three-day conference, Feb. 28-March 1, titled “Turning the Page: The Next Chapter for Education,” participants can choose from 77 sessions, featuring topics ranging from media and mobility to the future of books.

The conference started three years ago, after ACU announced it would give iP-

hones to incoming freshmen.

After receiving a multitude of calls and questions, Saltsman said he decided to open the conversation of mobile learning to anyone interested in the discussion.

“It’s our chance to bring in other people who are doing amazing things, and to hear what they’re doing and to share ideas and to really work together to see what this type of immerging education is looking like, and what’s working and what’s not and how we can work together to make it more efficient and more effective,” Saltsman said.

Most of the conference will be modeled after the TED talks’ concept of concise,

15-minute, planned talks in the speaker’s area of expertise, Saltsman said. A complete schedule of events can be found online at acu.edu/ connectedsummit.

Rankin said as part of the Apple’s Distinguished Educators program, he travels to conferences around the globe and said this year’s Connected Summit will be one of the best in the world.

“It turns out that a lot of people are familiar with what ACU’s been doing over the last few years,” Rankin said, “and so people are interested in seeing it in action.” contact Bailey at

ljb07a@acu.edu

and games as the gyms did, but he said he understands the tent,” said Linley Rie- the necessity of it.

“ACU is doing the best diger, senior biochemistry they can,” Barnard said. major from Abilene.

Other students also “It’s ok if we don’t have said they find the tent space to do all the little things. The Sing Song perinconvenient.

“I don’t like it. I feel formance is the most imlike a barn animal,” said portant part, and we still Whitney Herrington, have Moody for that.”

Craig said they also made graduate social work maadditional arrangements to jor from Weatherford.

Colin Barnard, senior the concourse to help store political science major from props, so they wouldn’t go Washington, D.C., and di- back and forth from the tent rector of the Gamma Sigma to the stage. While construcPhi act, said the tent doesn’t tion is presenting challengallow as much space for fun es for this year’s show, Craig Continued from page 1

View a photo set of Sing Song preparations, acts and performers.

acuoptimist.com said the wait will be worthwhile when construction is completed next year.

“It’s one of those years we’ll all have favorite stories when it’s done,” Craig said. “And we look forward to next year when we have new facilities to take advantage of.” contact Bailey at

ljb07a@acu.edu

Sports

Page 1B

Standings MEN’S BASKETBALL Team

Div.

Tarleton St. 8-1 MSU 6-3 WTAMU 6-4 ASU 6-4 UIW 5-5 ENMU 4-5 TAMU-K 3-7 ACU 1-10

Ovrl.

17-4 18-5 19-4 10-12 16-6 9-12 8-14 9-14

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Team Div. Ovrl.

Tarleton St.9-0 WTAMU 7-3 ACU 7-4 6-4 ASU MSU 4-5 UIW 3-7 ENMU 2-7 TAMU-K 1-9

19-2 14-9 10-13 13-9 8-13 7-15 4-17 3-19

Briefs

February 18, 2011

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Wildcats get final Word over Incarnate Mark Smith

Sports Reporter

ACU’s women’s basketball team is riding a threegame winning streak after defeating the Incarnate Word Cardinals 69-54 on Tuesday, leaving the Wildcats closer to clinching a playoff spot.

The Wildcats began the game well, using the front line’s height advantage and consistently getting the ball into the paint, a strategy that continued to

prove effective throughout the night.

Coming out of a 35-27 halftime lead, ACU began the second half cold and gave up five straight points before sparking a 12-2 run to regain control of the game.

Incarnate Word made another run later in the half, cutting the deficit to five points with seven minutes remaining. Sophomore Emily Miller then scored six straight points after coming off the bench

for sophomore center Kelsey Smith when she picked up her fourth foul.

“After they got within five, we just had to focus on playing our game and playing solid defense,” said senior guard Autumn Whitaker. “Every team’s going to go on runs, and we just had to make sure we came back with a run ourselves.”

Smith scored 22 points and also grabbed 10 DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

Shelby Shipley drives to the hoop in a game earlier this season.

see SMITH page 7B

FEATURE

Learning Leadership

n The

volleyball program has announced plans for its first Volleyball Alumni Weekend on April 16. An alumni match will take place after the completion of the 2011 Spring Volleyball Tournament.

Bryson Shake

our belts and more experience,” said senior pitcher and designated hitter Will Calhoun.

The Wildcats gave up 16 runs during and after the sixth inning, allowing

Since its founding in 1923, McMurry University has been a member of the American Southwest Conference, and since 1996, it has been a NCAA Division III member.

But that could change.

Dr. John Russell, McMurry University president, announced that the university’s board of trustees unanimously approved a plan to apply for the status of an NCAA Division II institution on December 17, 2010. The university currently is in the process of filling out the application papers to move to a Div. II classification, something that has been in the back of McMurry officials’ minds for more than a year, he said.

Academics serve as the chief motivation to seek reclassification, said McMurry Athletic Director Ron Holmes.

“Division II would offer many more opportunities for our students,” Holmes said.

“Academics should always be the main thing a university looks at when they’re considering a big decision like this, and we are doing that here.

Retention rates, graduation rates and academics should define a school, not athletics or anything else.”

ACU Director of Athletics Jared Mosley echoed the opinion that academics are the main function of a university and agreed that McMurry is headed in the right direction with this decision.

“The main thing you want to hang your hat on in a transition is putting yourself in the position to best help the university,” Mosley said.

The more than 100-page application is due by June 1 if the university hopes to get a response from the NCAA as soon as possible.

McMurry recently hired Cedric Dempsey, 19932002 NCAA president, to serve as a consultant for the university during the “tedious” application process, Holmes said.

“Cedric was the perfect fit for us during this time,” Holmes said. “His experience and resume speak for itself, and he will be a very valuable addition to our staff to help in this undertaking.”

Several current Div. III schools are interested in making the leap to Div. II status, said McMurry

see PITCHING page 7B

see LEAP page 7B

for the Lone Star Conference Basketball Championship now are available for purchase. The tournament will take place March 2-6 in Bartlesville, Okla. Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased through the ACU Department of Athletics online at www. lonestarconference.org.

Call 674-6853 for more information.

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

n Kelsey Smith, a

sophomore from Coppell, played a breakout game Tuesday as the ‘Cats won their third straight LSC South Divison game.

Smith Smith recorded a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds in a mere 25 minutes of play. Smith is averaging more than 13 points and 8 rebounds in her sophomore campain for the Wildcats. She was a two-time all-district player at Coppell High.

Upcoming n The men’s and women’s basketball teams will play at Eastern New Mexico on Saturday. The doubleheader will begin with the women playing at 3 p.m., followed by the men at 9 p.m. n The

softball team will travel to Durant, Okla. to play in the Southeastern Oklahoma Crossover Tourament this weekend.

n The

baseball team will host East Central on Friday at 4:05 p.m. and then play a double header Saturday starting at 1:05 p.m.

n The track and field

team will compete this weekend in Lincoln, Neb. at the Nebraska Tune-Up Meet.

School applies for jump to Div. II Assitant Sports Editor

n Tickets

Player Profile

ATHLETICS

Mack Lankford, a freshman point guard from Weatherford, runs out of the player-formed tunnel as her named is called before a game in Moody Coliseum earlier this year. Lankford leads the Lone Star Conference south in points per game at 18.

Young point guard Mack Lankford’s journey to the top

Of course, he did not improve his chances of winning by installing a half-court basketball court inside the family’s Weatherford house.

Austin Gwin Sports Editor Lankford was not just a one-sport athlete at It takes most aspiring basket- Weatherford High School. ball players at least until ado- She also played volleyball lescence to beat their dads in and softball, excelling in a game of one-on-one. But both. Those skills, howevMack Lankford can’t remem- er, didn’t translate nearly as well to the court as her ber a time she didn’t.

track skills. She received offers from Division I powerhouses like Stanford and Nebraska to run track but instead chose to play ball at ACU. “I was just drawn here, and it felt like the right fit from the beginning,” Lankford said. “Other schools recruited me, but ACU was always tops on my list.”

The Wildcats’ transition run-and-gun style

makes Lankford a weapon opposing teams have to watch out for.

With three 30-pluspoint games already this year, Lankford also leads the Lone Star Conference South division in scoring with around 18 points a game, all of it while playing point guard, a primarily distributing position. see MACK page 7B

BASEBALL

ACU pitching just a bit outside Brandon Tripp Sports Director

After a 1-2 opener, the Wildcats will look to rebound this weekend in a Lone Star Conference matchup with East Central University.

Six games into the year, the Tigers are 2-4 on the season and just 1-4 in the Lone Star Conference.

ECU was picked to finish last in the LSC Preseason Poll by the Sports Information Directors and coaches from all 13 competing universities as well as various members of the media.

East Central has struggled at the start of the young season with pitching, much like ACU. The Tigers come into the weekend Wildcat matchup with five pitchers with an ERA over 10.00 and 11 pitchers over 5.00. With a team ERA of 6.68, the East Central Tigers rank 10th in the LSC, just above ACU’s 11th place spot.

Last weekend, in their second LSC series with

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

Head Coach Britt Bonneau is out on the mound talking to his players. Bonneau has had to travel that path to the picthers mound frequently this season, as the Wildcat pitching has been weak.

Southeastern Oklahoma, the Tigers managed just 10 runs in three games while giving up 25. The Savage Storm are picked second in the LSC preseason poll to start the season and currently sit in first place atop the conference.

For the Wildcats to rebound from last week’s trip to Kingsville, ACU will need to find some steadier pitching, which lacked in the later innings last weekend.

“We just need to get some more games under

FROM SPORTS

Page 2B

February 18, 2011

FEATURE

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Mack: Point guard leads atypical style

Another loss heaps on misery

Continued from page 1b

“I am not your typical point guard because I score a lot,” Lankford said. “I feel pretty comfortable playing the point, and my coaches trust me with the ball.”

Lankford may be comfortable now, but even she will admit that at the beginning of the year, the college game felt foreign to her.

Her lack of basketball experience showed as the Wildcats, a team with only one senior, started off the season a dismal 3-9 in nonconference play. In conference games, however, Lankford and her team are 6-4 and in the playoff hunt.

Lankford credits much of her success to teammate Autumn Whitaker, a senior on the squad. Whitaker, also a guard, showed Lankford what it meant to be a leader on the court and to turn her talent and potential into helping the Wildcats “click.”

“She coaches me during practice and games,” Lankford said. “When she is out of the game, our team dynamic changes. She is a huge piece to our success.”

A perfect example of coaching on the court came in the last moments of ACU’s upset win last weekend against rival West Texas.

In the waning moments of the game Lankford, was shooting two critical free throws, having been off on her stroke all night, experiencing what she calls “free throw demons.”

So Whitaker, mirroring the movie Angels in the

Outfield, whispered in her ear, “Angels, Mack.” Lankford proceeded to sink both freebies, cementing a signature win for the ‘Cats.

Tuesday night, ACU defeated Incarnate Word for the Wildcats’ third straight conference victory. Lankford seemed off her game, scoring only 12 points, but she said it didn’t really matter as long as the game went the Wildcats’ way.

“A win’s a win,” she said.

One more win for the Wildcats almost assures them of a playoff spot and Lankford’s first trip to the LSC postseason tournament in Bartlesville.

Lankford’s parents will be in the stands, just as they are at all of her games.

When on the court, she looks for them cheering her on. It gives her a boost to see their support.

The point guard’s game is exciting and fun, just like her idol Steve Nash’s. And if Lankford’s career at ACU stays its current course, she may be remembered as one of ACU’s greatest point guards.

For now, though, Lankford has her mind on other, less important things, like watching Sing Song, cheering at intramural basketball games and hanging out with her friends on the team.

In fact, the only real difference between her and the rest of the ACU student body is that she still can’t quite remember when her dad beat her in one-on-one. contact Gwin at

agg07a@acu.edu

‘‘ ’’

mitting 23 turnovers in the game, while only recording five assists.

ACU never lead the game, as the Cardinals took the lead early and controlled throughout.

Tracy Robinson led the Cardinals and all scorers with 25 points, while Chris Johnson scored 14 for Incarnate Word.

One bright spot for the Wildcats was the return of Alex Richman to the lineup.

Richman had missed the last game because of injury but was able to return for the Wildcats on Tuesday night. Richman scored 11 points for the ‘Cats, while Giordan Cole led ACU with 13 points in the game.

The loss marks the Wildcats’ fall to 9-15 overall and 1-10 in the LSC South Division. The win for the Cardinals improves their record to 16-6 overall and 5-5 in Division play.

Ryan Cantrell

Sports Multimedia Editor

The Wildcats fell to the Cardinals of Incarnate Word Tuesday night in a 77-64 loss.

The ACU-hosted game was moved to McMurry University at Kimbrell Arena to accommodate Sing Song preparations in Moody Coliseum.

The Wildcats could not overcome a cold shooting night, as they went 25 of 73 from the floor, a mere 34.2 percent. The Cardinals hit 50 percent of their shots.

“One of our focus points going into the game was taking care of the ball, and we didn’t do a good job of that Tuesday night,” Head Coach Jason Copeland said. “We had 14 turnovers in the first half that killed us.”

The Wildcats struggled protecting the ball, com-

... at this point, you play for pride and play for each other. You have to play for fun and hopefully build something that can take into next season.

BEN WARTON // junior forward for men’s basketball

ACU has three games remaining this season, with post season ambitions out of reach at this point in conference play.

“We just got to try to keep your head up. And at this point, you play for pride and play for each other,” junior forward Ben Warton said. “You have to play for fun and hopefully build something that you can take into next season.”

The Wildcats will travel to Portales, N.M., this weekend to take on the Greyhounds of Eastern New Mexico. The Greyhounds enter Satur-

day’s matchup at 9-12 overall and 4-5 in the LSC South Division. ACU and ENMU will tip off at 9 p.m.

History won’t be on ACU’s side in this game. They have lost the last three times they have faced the Greyhounds, and haven’t won in New Mexico since 2008.

“We are going to play a really good New Mexico team,” Copeland said. “They are playing well, so we need to go out and defend well and take care of the ball.” contact Cantrell at

jrc07f@acu.edu

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Smith: Strong defense prevails

‘‘ ’’

the South Division, with a spot in the LSC postseaKelsey’s a major presence son tournament still on rebounds before foulon the floor. It’s hard for the table. ing out late in the game. people to score over her...

“We’re learning how to Freshman Guard Mack SHAWNA LAVENDER // Head Coach put teams away, and unLankford snatched second of women’s basketball derstanding that, in this on the team with 14 points ACU kept the Cardinals Word with 16 points and league, leading a game is and added four steals. never enough,” Lavender “Kelsey’s a major pres- to just 33 percent, shoot- 17 rebounds.

The game was played said. “Any time you have ence on the floor. It’s hard ing with an aggressive for people to score over defense that led to seven on McMurry’s campus as good inside-out combinaher, and she’s a tough steals and 20 Cardinal Sing Song preparations tion, I think it makes it hard matchup offensively,” turnovers. The Wildcats have tied up Moody Coli- for teams to match up.”

The next test for the ’Cats said Head Coach Shawna shot 5-11 from behind the seum, resulting in ACU Lavender. “Once she got arch and allowed the Car- losing some of its home- will be Eastern New Mexico on Saturday at 3 p.m. into foul trouble, we just dinals just 23 percent of court advantage.

The Wildcats now are needed someone to step their 3-point attempts.

Junior forward Chloe 7-4 in Lone Star Conferin and make some plays contact Smith at mds10a@acu.edu for us, and they did that.” Wallace led Incarnate ence and third place in Continued from page 1b

ATHLETICS

Leap: Change promises rivalry Continued from page 1b

‘‘ ’’

Sports Information Director Kyle Roberts. But the NCAA will accept only eight schools to do so, he said.

To be approved, McMurry must submit a stable financial plan, have approved facilities and a scholarship plan to the NCAA. In addition, the school will need to add an NCAA Compliance Assistant and a Director of Operations in order to be considered a sufficiently staffed Div. II school.

One of the biggest differences between Div. II and III schools is the fact that Div. II can offer athletic scholarships, while Div. III schools

We would love to compete against [McMurry] athletically.

JARED MOSLEY // ACU director of athletics

cannot, something that Veronica Snow, McMurry’s head women’s basketball coach, said will have a great impact on her program.

“Being able to offer scholarships would relieve lots of pressure for our players,” she said. “We have lots of athletes having to pay their way here, and I know it would be a blessing being able to take some of the financial burden off of some of our players and provide an incentive for them to play athletics at McMurry.”

With an accepted application, McMurry would complete a 2-3 year probationary period before being able to formally accept membership into a Division II conference.

But the university still will compete in the American Southwest Conference next year, regardless. McMurry officials already have begun looking at conferences to join and have received interest from the Heartland and Lone Star Conference.

If approved, ACU and McMurry presumably

would develop a rivalry and compete against each other, something ACU isn’t used to as the sole Div. II school in Abilene. Also, the community would shift its attention from the longstanding Hardin Simmons vs. McMurry rivalry to an ACU vs. McMurry one, something Mosley said he would love to see happen.

“I think it would be great if we had the chance to play [them],” Mosley said. “I know we would love to be able to compete against them athletically, and I know it would naturally spark into a rivalry in the Abilene community.“ contact Shake at

bxs09a@acu.edu

BASEBALL

Pitching: ‘Cats hope to improve losing record Continued from page 1b

‘‘ ’’

two Javelina comebacks, despite leads of eight and three runs respectively for ACU. “It’s important that we have a good weekend,” said Head Coach Britt Bonneau. “We need to get a few wins together and get some momentum.”

ACU also needs to maintain steadier batting this weekend.

Coach Bonneau’s team did manage to score 23 runs in its opening series, but many of those runs were the result of 14

We need to get a few wins together and get some momentum.

BRITT BONNEAU // Head Coach of ACU baseball

Kingsville errors. ACU is currently ranks 11th in batting average on the season; although, it has played the fewest games so far in the LSC this year.

The Wildcats are 14-2 against the East Central Tigers for the last four seasons, averaging more than 10 runs per game during that time.

“We have a lot of new guys,” Bonneau said. “They have to learn how to play with the pressure of being a great program.”

The games take place at Crutcher Scott Field on Friday at 4:05 p.m. and Saturday at 1:05 p.m. and 4:05 p.m. contact Tripp at

bjt07a@acu.edu

READ THE OPTIMIST WHEREVER YOU GO. For the iPhone and iPod, visit acuoptimist.com and add the Optimist to your home screen.

Download the iPad app from Apple’s App Store.

iPad . iPhone . iPod

February 18, 2011

Arts

Page 3B

Blake Rogers, junior musical theatre major from Athens; Jared Ohrmundt, senior math education major from Hurst; Peter Hargrave, junior musical theatre major from Pasadena, Calif.; Kat Bailey, senior musical theatre major from Sugarland; Callie Massey, senior music education major from Harker Heights; and Carlee Cagle, senior musical theatre from Arlington, sit together to rehearse.

Hosts and hostesses

prepare To wow Sandra Amstutz Arts Editor

ACU’s biggest week of the year is in full swing with six select students crooning at the heart of it all.

While the student body has been rehearsing club and class acts, this year’s Sing Song hosts and hostesses also have been at work for the past three months, preparing to perform before and after acts at this year’s production.

“We started back in December with a retreat,” said Carlee Cagle, senior musical theatre major from Arlington. “During that retreat, we learned about 18 songs in less than 48 hours. So we hit the ground running.”

Preparation, while still intense, may have come a little more naturally for this year’s group because four of the six are musical theatre majors who already were friends after studying and working in theatre together. A level of trust already existed between them, said Peter

Hargrave, junior musical theatre major from Pasadena, Calif..

“It is scary to start singing in front of people you don’t know that well,” Hargrave said.

“We didn’t have that awkwardness because the four of us have been singing together for a very long time.”

Cagle said the level of trust grew to include hostess Callie Massey, senior music education major from Harker Heights, and host Jared Ohrmundt, senior math education major from Hurst. Both come from lifelong musical backgrounds and immediately worked their way into the group dynamic.

As a music education major and member of a family singing group, Massey said she strives for vocal excellence. For her, Sing Song’s most foreign challenge is dancing.

“It has been absolutely terrifying. I thought that I would be safe with a math guy, but he can dance his butt off,” Massey said. “Singing is my forte, but I’m having fun with it all and trying my best.”

Photos by SANDRA AMSTUTZ // Arts Editor

Carlee Cagle belts out one of her many high notes at Sing Song’s Monday night rehearsal.

Rehearsals consume much of the team’s time, with the group meeting every weekday for an hour to perfect vocals and practicing routines in and out of the dance studio.

“Stress is definitely there, and it can be intimidating,” said Kat Bailey, senior musical theatre major from Sugar Land. “We just have to deal with it, pray about it and leave it on the stage.”

Several of the hosts feel honored to have the responsibility of being the face of Sing Song. Blake Rogers, junior musical theatre major from Athens, said he has attended Sing Song all his life and is excited to be an integral part of this ACU tradition.

“It means a lot to be part of a legacy,” he said. “There are two theatre alums that have

done this that are on Broadway right now. It is so cool to be a part of something so big.”

All of the singers agree that they are ready and anxious to display their hard work and perform on opening night.

“We finally get to do what we have been preparing for,” Cagle said. “As my mom would say, ‘Do what you know.’ We have been preparing for months, so we know this stuff. We’ve just got to do it.”

Sing Song performances will take place in Moody Colosseum on Friday at 8:00 p.m. for $16, Saturday at 2:00 p.m. for $18 and at 8:00 p.m for $24. contact Amstutz at

sla07a@acu.edu

Page 4B

Opinion

February 18, 2011

EDITORIAL

Cornerstone implementation falls flat Cornerstone failed colossally last fall. CORE 110, spearhead of the new core curriculum, forced freshmen to suffer a class related neither to their majors nor to their interests or lives.

Students packed into Cullen Auditorium each Monday for Spotlight Series lectures by notable community members and esteemed ACU professors from a variety of fields.

Yet almost every week, regardless of the speaker’s background, freshmen complained of lectures reflecting the “Alien” theme too literally, with talk after talk focusing on illegal immigration.

Exceptions like Dr. Caron Gentry, Randy Harris and visiting speaker John Perkins, who co-authored

the common reading Follow Me to Freedom, provided rare breaths of fresh air.

As discussion of the Spotlight sessions carried into Wednesday and Friday classes, students complained of stilted discourse about issues that seemed relatively irrelevant to their lives and aspirations.

And their professors teaching the courses struggled as well.

Cornerstone instructors received a syllabus, dictating the content and assignments of the new class. But it was not sent until mid-summer, far too late for them to adequately address concerns or tailor it to their teaching style.

As a result, students were force fed an overly simplistic and minimally

compelling course about which neither they nor their professors were passionate or interested.

What’s more, clarifications on certain assignments failed to arrive until after the start of the semester, leaving professors regrettably unprepared to answer their students’ questions.

Some classes abandoned the prescribed curriculum early in the semester – to mixed reviews depending on the professor’s chosen alternative. Others stayed the course for the entire semester, leaving students and professors alike stressed and frustrated.

Although some freshmen can point out rare, redeeming qualities from single lectures or activi-

ties, many name relationships with their fellow students as Cornerstone’s only benefit.

Adding to the course’s failings, in replacing U100 with an abstract, conceptual course, ACU left its incoming freshmen unaware of the basics of college survival.

Key information covered in the previous freshman seminar course included such subjects as how to register, build a four-year plan and utilize university services like the counseling and writing centers.

Some professors made time in the course to cover this crucial information or allowed their peer leaders to instruct the students on these basic matters. HowBy Morgan Davis

The Funny Funnies

the issue

ACU’s new required core class was poorly handled, resulting in befuddled professors and bored students.

our take

Administration needs to start now, transforming Cornerstone for this fall into a useful, formative entry-level freshman course. ever, such information holes in the original syllabus unveiled an incomplete course.

At the end of the semester, course evaluations assessed menial matters, like whether the professor’s countenance was pleasant during lecture, leaving students wondering if the university truly wanted constructive criticism of the actual class.

If proponents of the new core curriculum want Cornerstone to usher in a transformed liberal arts education at ACU, they

have six more months revamp the course into the valuable “Christian perspective on liberal education as a foundation for life-long integration of faith, ideas, and action” it claims online.

As for last fall, the first significant implementation of core curriculum changes could not be described as “innovative, exceptional and real.” Rather, it seemed disorganized, hurried and misdirected. contact the Optimist at

jmcnetwork@acu.edu

COLUMN

Situational stress imparts lessons Little Linda

By Linda Bailey

COLUMN

Religion sways political elections Self Evaluation

By Ryan Self

We may have recently elected our first AfricanAmerican president, but we likely are far from electing someone outside the Christian faith to the Oval Office.

Legally, no religious Self litmus test qualifies the President of the United States. But in the minds of many, a man’s religion is an important factor in whether or not he wins the American public’s approval.

Few will forget the saga of Rev. Jeremiah Wright and the fallout that ensued after several tapes of him demonizing American society from the pulpit went public.

Many of Wright’s quotes are so offensive, they hardly need repeating.

But this was the man who married Barack Obama and baptized his two daughters. Surely, Obama was aware of Wright’s more extreme views, especially after attending Trinity United Church of Christ for nearly 20 years?

Voters were left with two possible conclusions about Obama after

viewing the tapes of his firebrand preacher: Either he sides with these views, which many deem racist, hateful and extremely offensive or, perhaps equally as heinous, he doesn’t attend this particular church as regularly as he claims.

As is ultimately revealed in Game Change, the latter was true.

Why would Obama misrepresent his religiosity? The same reason Bush wore his religiosity on his sleeve, Reagan used religious themes where appropriate and the Democrats have steadily been dialing up the religious rhetoric since their 2004 defeat; the same reason nearly every politician f launts his religiosity, regardless of how religious he or she may actually be: the American public holds those who subscribe to the JudeoChristian belief in higher esteem than others.

Obama’s predecessor never had any of these problems. Although Bush may have been viewed by many as one of the most avowedly Christian presidents in recent memory, he actually rarely attended church, according to Amy Sullivan of The New Republic.

Incidentally, Ronald Reagan, another man long admired by conser-

Legally, no religious litmus test qualifies the President of the United States. But in the minds of many, a man’s religion is an important factor in whether or not he wins the American public’s approval. vatives, never attended church during his presidency – ever. As a November 2008 article in TIME reveals, “Reagan didn’t go to church at all, citing the hassle of making a church set up security screening for parishioners.” This never seemed to be a concern for Reagan’s predecessor, Jimmy Carter, who actually taught Bible class during his presidency.

As far as church attendance goes, the man with the greatest record is one whom many conservative Christians view with extreme loathing: Bill Clinton. While is it understandable why Clinton, with his many scandals, public and private, would raise eyebrows among Evangelical voters, he has maintained a consistent record of attending church before, during and after his presidency, according to Beliefnet.

Evidently, politicians on both sides of the aisle are guilty of branding themselves as

more religious than they may actually may be. A man’s religiosity can be exaggerated in order to win over voters. He may even broadcast his membership to a particular church, although he may have little to do with that church on a regular basis, as was the case with President Obama.

While this litmus test toward a candidate’s religious affiliation exists entirely in the minds of voters, it does appear that a “religious test” contributes to a candidate’s ability to gain office. A candidate who runs for the highest office in the land can expect to have his church attendance questioned and his choice of religious affiliation put under scrutiny.

But as we have seen with many politicians who have resided in the Oval Office, appearances can be deceiving.

contact Self at

rcs06g@acu.edu

that semester I had three jobs and more stressful than finding out I was two hours short of graduating.

I wanted to quit. I wanted to walk away. But instead, I made myself take away some life lessons – and material for a column – from the experience.

First of all, I realized that restaurant staffs almost always are underappreciated, u n d e r- a c k n o w l e d g e d and underestimated. I was working hard – or at least it felt that way – but I didn’t have to take orders, serve food or bus tables. It’s easy to blame the help, and they can deserve criticism, but

Against my better judgment, I agreed to fill in as a hostess at a local Italian restaurant on Friday.

A good f r i e n d works at the establ ish ment and called me, explaining Bailey they were in a bind. The regular hostess couldn’t come in, and they couldn’t find anyone else to take her place.

Having never worked as a waitress – or in any restaurant other than a coffee shop – I I explained that I had was hesitant to no previous experience, accept the offer, but hearand she reassured me, ing the hint of saying, “Don’t worry. It’s desperation easy. Bring a book.” in her voice, I agreed. Before hanging up I explained that I had no everyone should thank previous experience, the good ones.

Secondly, by the time and she reassured me, saying, “Don’t worry. the ordeal was over, I knew I didn’t ever want It’s easy. Bring a book.”

What she failed to to do it again, but I knew mention was that it was I could if I had to. Anythe Friday before Valen- time you do something tine’s Day, and between for the first time, it will the romantic couples, present challenges, but the 20-person party and walking away is the the families looking for easy way out. Pushing a fun Friday night out through the trials of not on the town, the restau- knowing what to do and rant would soon turn the awkward, uncomfortable mistakes alinto a circus of people.

So, here I am, behind most always reveals an the hostess counter, eventual improvement.

Lastly, I decided evtrying to keep track of which tables seat two eryone should experiand which tables seat ence the joy and pain six, making sure each of serving others. It’s waiter and waitress re- not easy, and it’s cerceives an equal number tainly not always fun, of tables and trying to but it helps us appreciconvince Steven – party ate those who serve us of four – to just wait the and often lends a new extra 15 minutes for a perspective.

So, while I’m not table instead of leaving.

Needless to say, I planning on quitting didn’t have time for that this editor gig to become book I was encouraged a full-time hostess, the experience did teach to bring.

The three hours I spent me a few things, and I hostessing were three of got free coffee. And any the most stressful hours story that ends in free of my life. More stress- coffee is a good one. ful than putting together contact Bailey at several issues of the Optiljb07a@acu.edu mist, more stressful than

February 18, 2011

EDITORIAL

Past Opinions

Page 5B

After 50 years, Sing Song still dazzles Sing Song will razzle and dazzle audiences with its 50th show this weekend, allowing students to show off a wide range of talents.

Although the show began 50 years ago as a way for students to showcase their singing, the extravaganza now brings students of various disciplines and talents together.

A single act requires a director, choreographer, lyrics writer, costume designer, video creator, composer, dozens of students

willing to devote time to practice and someone with organization skills to bring all those students together.

And that’s just one act.

The show also includes six hosts and hostesses who prepare for months, training their voices and bodies, so they can be at peak performance level for three rehearsals and three shows in four days.

The university dance team, Shades Step Squad and Hispanos Unidos also work for weeks tun-

Looking Back An editorial from the Feb. 17, 2006, issue of the Optimist

ing their talents to their highest tier.

And Sing Song wouldn’t impress audiences with the same vitality and glamour without sound, lighting and video technicians and technology experts.

Three multitalented cochairs pull all these students together and work

with the director of Student Productions, Kendall Massey, to make Sing Song a truly professional show, worth of three full houses.

Anyone who says Sing Song is just about club rivalry and silly costumes is just plain wrong.

Although many students don’t participate in

Feb. 19, 1999

Cartoon by Jay Barton

the show, no other single event on campus brings together so many diverse groups of students working toward the same goal.

For one week, more than 1,000 students and many faculty and staff members share a common objective: surviving Sing Song.

Sing Song epitomizes tradition at the university.

Bob Hunter, vice president emeritus, created Sing Song to further the traditional image of Abilene Christian College as “the singing col-

lege.” Although the event doesn’t make much sense to people unfamiliar with it, the university is known for the yearly musical show.

And if our university is known for putting on a production that showcases the diverse talents of 1,200 students and allows them to glorify God with those talents, we can’t find anything wrong with that. contact the Optimist at

jmcnetwork@acu.edu

COLUMN

Workers enable stellar showing Some people don’t need bright lights to shine.

Looking Back They don’t need to be an important part of Taken from Small Talk, a the show. And they don’t column by Cindy Leeper from the Feb. 19, 1988, need to hear the cheers issue of the Optimist of the crowd to know they’ve done a job well.

These kinds of people understand the phrase, man the light boards and “behind the scenes.” run the cameras.

They do everything They’ll spend many grueling hours working in their power to make on a stage for thousands Sing Song a success. and never hear a single They spent weekends in a cold warehouse conthank you.

They’ll pound out structing and painting notes on a piano over the set and stage.

They painstakingly and over again until the singers get them right worked with strings of and never r e c e i v e applause when the songs are And when the lights performed. go up on opening They’ll night, they’ll sit back, struggle with yards take another sip of of fabric Mountain Dew and and boxes smile, because they of straight pins and know the work was never hear well worth the hours. their name mentioned among the likes of Calvin Klein or George Mar- lights in the coliseum to make them hit the stage ciano. in just the right spot.

But they don’t mind.

And when the lights These servants find satisfaction in successful- go up on opening night, ly achieving the challenge they’ll sit back, take another sip of Mountain placed before them.

The technical crew, Dew and smile, because the rehearsal pianists, they know the work was the costume makers, well worth the hours.

In the same respect, the choreographers and every other “behind the the choreographers and scene” type are greatly costumes don’t fit and needed. Sing Song could the movements are too not possibly exist with- difficult.

They’ve let us voice out them.

Members of the tech our opinions – somecrew have been staying times all at once – and up late nights for several many times changed weeks, building and pre- plans to make us happy.

Just as each participaring for this weekend.

And they do it all to pant has done his very make us look good. Most best to prepare for this of them aren’t even in show, these few have added their own spethe show.

They don’t get to wear cial touch to make it the cute costumes or paint best ever. their faces or have their picture made. Instead contact the Optimist at they sit up in the catwalks, jmcnetwork@acu.edu

COLUMN

Voices ring true throughout years Overheard during Sing Song and Lectureship week: Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck: “This is it, the night of nights. Here we’ll hit the height of heights – and oh what heights we’ll hit. On with the show, this is it!”

A member of the senior class putting on his makeup: “I’ve sung twice with club and three times with my class, and when I was a freshman I was an usher. I’ve enjoyed Sing Song, but I’ve enjoyed it about as much as I can stand.”

Sing Song coordinator John Duty during the final frantic hours before opening night: “How do you tie a hangman’s knot?”

An anonymous junior

Looking Back Taken from a column by Doug Mendenhall from the Feb. 19, 1982, issue of the Optimist

who was cut from singing with his class: “I coulda’ been somebody. I coulda’ been a contender.”

An anonymous spectator: “I understand Sub T-16 used Coach Sitton as its choreographer.”

Bery Lana, director of the Campus Police Department: “I know it’s crowded, and you may be unfamiliar with our campus, sir, but I really can’t let you park your car here. We have tennis classes that need the courts to play on.”

Ira North, well-known

gospel preacher from Nashville, Tenn.: “Ahm so haaaaaaaaaaaappy to be here.”

A man from a small Biblebelt town receiving directions from his wife as they travel to Abilene for their first Lectureship: “Don’t bother with the map, dear, I’m sure there’ll be a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.”

President William J. Teague at his inauguration: “If you thought we made some changes around here before, wait until you see what I have planned now that I’m official.”

A father eating Sunday dinner in the Bean with his son, who is a student: “I don’t see why you complain

so much about the food here. Look at this – raost beef, fried shrimp, baked potatoes, four scrumptious desserts…. If I ate like this at every meal, you wouldn’t hear me griping.”

An anonymous, tired maintenance worker setting up tabes and chairs for the eighth dinner of the day”: “I hope they take all the Lectureship theme to heart and become missionaries so we won’t have to do this again next year.”

The manager of a restaurant not far from campus: “2,300, $2,400, $2,500, $2,600, $2,700….” contact the Optimist at

jmcnetwork@acu.edu

past letter to the editor

Reader criticizes size of 1977 Sing Song I liked candlelight devo because it was cool to see the tocampus changed drastically Perhaps you would all offind the interesting lights andalisten the speaker. in the past 10 years, but Sing Song few observations by an almost-overTYLER PINKERT Freshman businessstudent, managementhas majortoo. fromThe Red Oak ’67 Sing Song, held in the-hill (age 29) graduate one of the few in ACU who actually Sewell auditorium, was comprised, as I Irecall, can rememberI before “Captain Kanliked the service project. got tolargely knowofa single lot of songs in contrast to the intricate medleys garoo” was on people the air. and my group and I had a blast.

During my undergraduate years prevalent this year.

The recent Sing Song evidenced here, 10 years ago, we had Chapel in Sewell Auditorium, the library a much greater expenditure of time was in Chambers Hall, we ate our and money than the ’67 producmeals in what is now the music tion. However I found myself bored building, and the student center and disappointed by this year’s perand bookstore were in one of those formance, whereas I recall really old wooden barracks similar to the enjoying the one in ’67.

Maybe I’m odd or something, but art buildings now in use.

Not only has the appearance of frankly, this year’s attempt to be so su-

per-professional, super-flashy, superBroadway turned me off completely.

If I had wanted such a slick show, I would have watched TV instead.

Somehow, amidst all the razzle dazzle and spotlights, something fresh and innocent was lost. I regret to see the passing of that certain something – perhaps it was still there under all the glitter. But just as a woman’s natural beauty can be cheapened by an injudicious use of makeup, so Sing Song’s charm is lost by trying to go the show biz route.

Yours, for a better (not necessarily bigger) Sing Song.

David Gibson, bible major from Abilene

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

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CAMPUS NEWS

Page 6B

Walking a thin line

STATE

State considers cuts to education grants Linda Bailey Editor in Chief

February 18, 2011

‘‘ ’’

Finding money for college is no easy task, and for students receiving Tuition Equalization Grants, things could get harder.

State budget cuts to education could significantly reduce the amount of money set aside for TEG, but administrators are doing everything they can to keep as much money in the statefunded grant as possible.

TEG gives Texas residents attending private Texas institutions up to $3,808 per school year or $5,712 in more serious circumstances.

ACU students collectively receive about $4 million in TEG funds per year.

A decrease in TEG funds could reduce that amount – but Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, is working to prevent cuts from happening.

Schubert has been talking with Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice president of the university and Suzanne Allmon, senior adviser to the president,

It’s a tough situation where there will be lots of cuts to the state budget.

SUZANNE ALLMON // senior adviser to the president

along with the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, Inc., to develop a plan to meet and talk with Texas legislators to express the importance of TEG for ACU and its students.

Schubert will travel to Austin on Tuesday with Kenneth Starr, president of Baylor University, and Dr. Dennis Ahlburg, president of Trinity University, to meet with key legislators to discuss TEG cuts.

“It’s a tough situation where there will be lots of cuts made to the state budget,” Allmon said. “It’s very early in the process. They just began mid-January, and so a lot will happen by the end of May, when it’s finalized. We don’t really know what that’s going to look like, but nonetheless, we feel like it’s important for Dr. Schubert and others to be actively making key legisla-

tors aware of the importance of TEG to ACU and other private institutions.”

During his visit to Austin, Allmon said Schubert will speak with 8-12 legislators about the importance of TEG to students and universities around Texas.

“We know that given the budget situation in Texas this year, it’s likely that it will be cut some,” Allmon said, “so we’re going to try to help them understand the need to keep it not much.”

Schubert said the university plans to wait for a definite outcome of TEG cuts before making plans to bridge any gap. He said the interest of the students, specifically in reducing the impact to students, is at the forefront of all TEG plans.

STACY ACTON // Staff Photographer

Blake Rudd (left), sophomore business major from Dallas; and Conner Strickland (right), sophomore vocational missions major from Austin, walk a tightrope on the campus mall area.

contact Bailey at

ljb07a@acu.edu

ADMINISTRATION

Schubert to attend President’s Circle Dinner president the chance to recognize all of the uniEditor in Chief versity’s donors, said SuDr. Phil Schubert will attend zanne Allmon, senior adhis first President’s Circle viser to the president.

“It’s really an opportuDinner as president of the university on Saturday from nity for the president to 5-7 p.m. in the Teague Spe- thank donors in person, with a nice dinner, while cial Events Center.

The dinner, a tradi- on campus,” Allmon said.

The President’s Office, tion since 1969, gives the Linda Bailey

University Events and the Advancement Office assembles the event, said Caroline Jeter, executive assistant to the vice president for advancement.

People donating $1,000 a year or more to the university – called President’s Circle members – and those in the Heritage society - people who have included ACU in their estate plans – are invited to come to the annual dinner, which always takes place during the weekend of Sing Song.

‘‘ ’’

Allmon said the schedule for the evening varies from year to year, but on Saturday, a member of the Board of Trustees will speak, and Schubert will speak about what it means to be “outliving your life” and show a video highlighting a few alumni who have been doing just that.

More than 450 people will attend the dinner from inside and outside the state, Jeter said.

A variety of attendees have been invited, in-

It’s such a long-standing tradition that people really look forward to...

SUZANNE ALLMON // senior adviser to the president

cluding first-time donors and first-time President’s Circle members, creating a fresh environment each year, Allmon said.

“It’s an annual event that people really love coming to,” Allmon said.

“It’s such a long-standing

tradition that people really look forward to, yet there’s always the freshness and newness of recent donors coming.”

contact Bailey at

ljb07a@acu.edu

CAMPUS

Anonymous donor to match monetary pledges up to $50K Christy Lewis

Senior Reporter

‘‘ ’’ We’re going to do everything we can to keep providing students with higher and higher quality of education.

Alumni and friends of ACU can double the impact of their gifts to the university until March 31. An anonymous donor RENDI HAHN // coordinator of has volunteered to match advancement campaigns 1:1 any gift or pledge up to $50,000.

“It’s one donor who has The gifts will go to- Fund, said Rendi Hahn, ward the Exceptional coordinator of advance- put this up,” Hahn said. ment campaigns. This “They have given to this fund fills the 20-30 per- university since 1973 and cent gap between money started by giving $15 to the raised in tuition and the Annual Fund.”

Part of the challenge university’s budget.

The Exceptional Fund is directed toward new was formally known alumni who have never as the Annual Fund. given before. Hahn said it Hahn said the name was has been an encouragechanged to better ref lect ment to see gifts donated the fund’s importance to by a broad range of indistudents and the univer- viduals, from alumni who still are paying off loans to sity as a whole.

“It helps us supply pro- older generations who have grams and scholarships given to ACU since 1966.

“There are people who that wouldn’t be possible just out of tuition,” Hahn really care about what said. “If things get cut, it happens here,” Hahn will impact the students. said. “I see gifts any where We’re going to do ev- from $900 to a dollar.”

Phil Boone, vice presierything we can to keep providing students with dent for advancement, higher and higher quality said if this challenge is met, the matching fund of education.”

Although the match- may be extended by other ing donor is anonymous, anonymous donors.

Boone also said the rate Hahn was able to specify that the donor is not an of staff and faculty who ACU alumnus or the rela- gave any size gift to the university significantly tive of one.

increased this school year from last school year’s rate. He said the campaign encouraging 100 percent of staff and faculty to participate in giving has been successful so far and will continue into this semester.

“We’ve had a tremendous improvement in overall participation of our faculty and staff,” Boone said. “If our current students have any ideas of how to increase our alumni participation rate, I’d be thrilled to hear them.”

Hahn said she hoped alumni returning to ACU this weekend would realize that any size gift will help future students to experience all that ACU offers.

Those interested in giving can do so on the ACU website. There is a maximum limit per gift of $2,500 in order for it to be matched, Hahn said.

“As people come back to Sing Song and think about the things they enjoyed as students, it’s important to think about the other traditions of this university,” Hahn said.

“Giving’s one of them.”

contact Lewis at

cll09a@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

February 18, 2011

Page 7B

ART

Art department plans spring break in New York Matthew Woodrow Opinion Page Editor

Spring break will take on a more metropolitan design for Ryan Feerer, Mike Wiggins and their 20 students this March.

Visiting professor Feerer and Wiggins, department chair of Art and Design and associate professor will take the 20 students to New York City to meet with a variety of designers, schools and studios during the holiday.

The trip was planned to allow aspiring graphic designers and visual artists to start networking and get talk with several big names of their field.

“We’ll get to talk to Milton Glaser, the designer of the ‘I Love NY’ logo and one of my mentors in grad school,” Feerer said. “He’s sometimes called the grandfather of design and helped pave the way of visual design today. He hates small talk, so getting this opportunity to talk to him is priceless in my opinion.”

Students also will be talking to Broadway advertisers, meeting Randy J. Hunt, design director of Etsy, an e-commerce website that specializes in homemade vintage items; the heads of Funny Garbage, a graphic design company; and many more.

“The majority of the

‘‘ ’’

20 we’re taking are seniors interested in being in New York long term,” Feerer said. “Many plan on trying to get interviews for graduate school while we’re there. This is a rare opportunity to be able to drop off portfolios and discuss them with designers in person about what they can work on or how to improve.”

Feerer graduated from ACU in 2005, then went to the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where he met and was taught by many of the people his students now will get to meet.

Feerer hopes this will be a biennial spring break trip for the department be-

Ready for Flight

This experience will show them what it’s really like to be a designer in the big city.

RYAN FEERER // visiting Art and Design professor

cause of the benefits and opportunities it provides.

“We don’t want to double seniors up with the senior trip we take, so I imagine we’re only going to go up to NYC every other year,” Feerer said. “I’d like to keep doing this as long as I’m at ACU, but nothing is sure yet. This experience will show them what it’s really like to be a designer in the big city.”

JOZIE SANDS // Online Editor

contact Optimist at

jmcnetwork@acu.edu

CONNECTED SUMMIT

Honors college to help coordinate conference cation director of educational technology.

Staff Reporter Carly Rochelle, junior biology major from MidThe 2011 Mobile Learning Connected Summit will lothian, is a student worker bring as many as 500 pro- at the Adams Center and fessionals from around the a member of the Honors world to Abilene this week. College. Rochelle has volIn order to manage unteered to work the conthe large number of visi- ference and said she looks tors expected to attend, forward to the opportunity.

“I am looking forward Michelle Davenport, administrative coordinator to meeting the internaat the Adams Center, said tional professionals and the center, which is con- interacting with them,” ducting the event, has Rochelle said.

Students’ duties on asked students from the Honors College to pro- Sunday will include helping with visitor check-in vide assistance.

Students will help as well as welcoming and guests check-in at ho- directing visitors in the tels around Abilene from hotel lobbies. On Monday, noon to midnight on Sun- students will check IDs at day and Monday at Moody Moody Coliseum to ensure Coliseum during the key- only registered Connected Summit participants, note presentation.

Apple co-founder Steve ticket holders and ACU Wozniak will serve as key- students, faculty and staff note speaker for the event, are admitted to Wozniak’s which also will feature keynote speech.

Professionals pay Adrian Sannier, Pearson eCollege vice president of $485-$585 to attend the conference. product, and Karen Cator, two-day U.S. Department of Edu- However, current ACU Laura Gasvoda

Zack Wheat, Swing Cats member from Farmington, N.M., flips Grace Hall, adjunct faculty, during Wednesday’s Sing Song performance.

Jordan Bell, sophomore graphic design major from Waco, is considering moving to New York in the future.

“I’ve wanted to go to New York for years, and now I’ve finally got a chance. I’ve only been up to the Northeast once and really liked it, so it should be interesting going back,” Bell said. “I’d like to maybe join a firm and live up there later,

and this is a great way I’ll get to meet some big graphic designers.”

The group will stay in New York City, visiting various studios throughout the day and exploring the city during the evenings.

“One of the things I’m looking forward to the most is just walking around and being a part of the culture,” Bell said. “I’ll get to meet new people and experience a culture completely different than Abilene’s.”

The trip will take place March 12-18, with travelers flying out of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

students, faculty and staff will be admitted to the Wozniak keynote speech 7:30 p.m. in Moody for free. Military personnel, students, faculty and staff from other colleges will be charged $5, and general admission for this event will be $10.

Kelsey Evans, administrative coordinator for the Honors College, said this is one of the first instances the Honors College has been sought out to help with an event like the mobile learning summit. The Honors College has made an effort promote its program and students around campus and make them available for opportunities such this, Evans said.

“We have really good and really involved students,” she said. “And we are being recognized on campus as a department that’s responsible.” contact Optimist at

jmcnetwork@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 8B

February 18, 2011

High-flying act

JOZIE SANDS // Online Editor

Sing Song Host Jared Ohrmundt, senior math education major from Hurst, performs during Sing Song practice in Moody Coliseum of Wednesday as an act performs in the background.

CAMPUS

Flamenco artist schedules ACU performance Nikki Mimms

Contributing Reporter

World-renowned flamenco guitarist Ronald Radford will be performing in an event made possible by a grant from the Mid-American Arts Alliance and the National Endowment for the Arts on Sunday. He also will be featured on KACU at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday.

“Young Audiences of Abilene is to be commended for their commitment to serving their community with this distinctive event,” said Mary Kennedy McCabe, Mid-America executive director. “Audiences in Abilene will have the opportunity to see the exciting work of Ronald Radford, many for the first time, and Mid-America Arts Alliance is proud to

help support this work and the Young Audiences of Abilene.”

Young Audiences of Abilene received a Regional Touring Program grant and is working with The Office of Multicultural Enrichment at ACU for the event.

This will be Radford’s first visit to Abilene. He is on tour, performing at school programs across the United States.

Radford has visited more than 15 countries to share his talents as a flamenco guitarist. Having learned under Flamenco masters like Andres Segovia and Pepe Romero, Radford discovered he has a talent for learning by ear and is the only individual to be awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to Spain in Flamenco guitar. Flamenco guitar is a Spanish oral tradition

passed from person to person among the gypsies.

While Radford performs in outreach school programs, his chief objective is to provide inspiration and motivation for young people to listen to their hearts and follow their dreams.

“Try to find your own path based on your own inner talents and own inner love and passion” is the gypsy wisdom he tries to convey through his performances.

Radford also said one of the keys to success is “the art of practice.”

“You will be good at whatever you practice,” he said.

Critics have described Radford’s playing as a “user-friendly” performance.

The guitarist said he hopes to inspire people to

“pursue their talent,” beyond just providing a model.

George Pendergrass, director of the Office of Multicultural Enrichment, believes the flamenco performance will be an “unforgettable experience”because the guitarist will share the culture of Spain with his audience.

“The experience of a flamenco guitarist is an exploration into Spanish culture that you don’t want to miss,” Pendergrass said.

For more information, contact Dr. Victoria Spangler, executive director of Young Audiences of Abilene, at 677-1161.

To read more about Ronald Radford, visit ronaldradford.com/bio_html.html. contact Mimms at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Courtesy of RONALD RADFORD

Flamenco artist Ronald Radford will perform on Sunday.

CAMPUS

Community fashion show searches for models verified yet, event coordinators say the auditions Contributing Reporter are likely to be conducted Casting for models for a on campus.

About 30 to 50 models benefit fashion show will begin Feb. 24. Although are wanted to participate the location has not been in the community fashion Marissa Ferguson

‘‘ ’’

show on April 30, which hopes to awareness and funds for the Red Thread Movement.

Preston Watson, junior advertising and public relations major from Virginia, said the show needs members of the community who want to help the cause.

“We’re looking for anybody interested in modeling and who is confident,” he said. “It’s really open to anyone. When they come, they’ll fill out an information sheet, and then we’ll contact those who we are going to use for the show.

We’re even looking for

...It’s a group of students who want to make a difference.

WHITNEY PUCKET // senior advertising and public relations major from Melbourne, Fla.

people out in the community to participate, even in high schools.”

Although partnerships for clothing designers still are being worked out, Watson said they have decided on an overall atmosphere for the event.

“We want it to feel formal,” Watson said. “For part of the show, we’re

going to be doing kind of a formal street style. And then for another segment, we’re going to show very formal, cocktail attire and suits for the guys.”

The decision to hold a benefit fashion show for the Red Thread Movement stemmed from the popularity of the little red bracelets’ sales around campus. Students began selling the bracelets, supplied by Eternal Threads, a local fair trade federation, which spurred a movement. Each bracelet was weaved together by women rescued from sex trafficking.

Whitney Puckett, advertising and public relation intern, said the decision to pair with Eternal Threads and the International Rescue Committee, as opposed to other causes, was prayerfully considered.

“Honestly, [sex traf-

ficking] is such a problem everywhere,” Puckett said.

“Not only does ACU have such strong ties with the Red Thread Movement, but it’s an issue that we see around the world, here in the United States, and we even see it here in Abilene.

We wanted to support a non-profit that would focus on an issue that is everywhere.”

Because the show will run completely by students, as opposed to an organization, anyone can get involved.

“This is the greatest part about fashion shows: It’s not really an organization through ACU; it’s a group of students who want to make a difference,” Puckett said. “Also, it’s for students who not only have a passion for fashion and non-profits, but also advertising, media planning, marketing and photography. It’s a group of us who want to use our talents for good, and we’re trying to create our own unique twist on the way we do that.” contact Ferguson at

mlf10a@acu.edu