The Optimist Print Edition: 03.30.11

acuoptimist.com

Optimist the

Clean Sweep, page 8

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Vol. 99, No. 46

1 section, 8 pages

STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Clubs to eliminate physical activities in pledging Calisthenics is defined as systematic rhythmic bodily exercises Editor in Chief performed, usually without appaPledging will look a little dif- ratus, according to Webster’s Dicferent next fall. Administrators tionary and the ACU Anti-Hazing eliminated the use of calisthen- Policy and Philosophy.

“The changes that they have ics as an approved pledging activity and shortened pledging to come up with will give us a system that focuses more and more five weeks from six weeks.

Linda Bailey

on building people up to develop bonds of brotherhood as opposed to any other direction or method to achieve the same goal,” said Tom Craig, director of student productions.

The changes were a result of several months of evaluations and discussions between the Board of

Trustees, the legal office and the President’s Cabinet, Craig said.

“The pledging process at ACU is actually a constantly changing process in the sense that it’s constantly reviewed; it’s constantly evaluated; it’s constantly looked at to be improved,” Craig said. “With that, several

entities have looked at our existing pledging process and made some improvements on it to bring it more in line with what is consistent with anti-hazing laws and what is normal and acceptable in other universities.” see PLEDGES page 4

CRIME

ACUPD arrests campus prowler Christina Burch Page 2 Editor

TANNER FREEMAN // Staff Photographer

Lawson Soward, Caitlin Bradford and Lucas Wright of Hazel & Jack accept their award for best picture during ACU’s FilmFest Awards Show Friday.

Hazel & Jack take FilmFest Silent drama takes home host of awards and $1,000 prize Christina Burch, Page 2 Editor

Movie lovers, enthusiasts and participants filled the seats of Abilene’s historical Paramount Theatre for ACU’s FilmFest Awards Show Friday.

The annual night of film celebrated the independent cinematic efforts of ACU students. This year’s competition, entitled “Identity,” was comprised of 10 film submissions in areas such as drama, documentary and even animation.

The big winner of the night was Hazel and Jack, a film that won 10 awards: Best Picture, Best Drama, Best Writer, Best Director, Best Producer, Best Technical Director, Best Art Design, Best Sound Design, Best Actor and Best Actress.

Director and editor of Hazel and Jack, Lawson Soward, senior electronic media major from Colleyville, said the film took more than a month to complete, and that he was happy to have the entire crew honored.

“It was crazy,” Soward said. “We thought the film might win a couple of awards but not that many. It’s something we’re really proud of.”

Watch each video entered in this year’s FilmFest competition and an Optimist video of the event on our website:

acuoptimist.com FilmFest also featured live musical performances from students who wrote or performed in the submitted films.

The evening was hosted by Ben Miller, junior art major from The Woodlands, and Carrie Tansey, senior special education major from North Richland Hills. The pair kicked-off the night with a comedic video that had the audience roaring.

For many students, participating in FilmFest is nothing new. Soward said his film would not have been as successful as it was if he had not entered the contest last year.

“Industry experts critique your work and give you advice,” Soward said. “And just the caliber of the judges and their feedback makes the admis-

sion fee totally worth it.”

He said he believes the school has many students talented in film, and encourages any interested students to partake in next year’s FilmFest.

“Just enter, work on a film and do all you can to make it your best,” Soward said. “Or at least go because it’s great to watch people’s movies who are in the process of learning and others who are already great at it.”

Other winners of the night included The Reunion for Best Independent Film, James Leddy Boots for Best Documentary and Smile for People’s Choice Award.

Trevor Cochlin, senior biblical text major from Belton, helped create the zombie film The Reunion.

“Everyone likes movies, and to watch movies that your friends have made makes it an even better experience,” Cochlin said.

After a lengthy investigation and a surveillance stake-out, the ACU Police Department identified and arrested a man prowling vehicles in the parking lot of the Williams Performing Arts Center at 10:10 p.m. on March 15.

After observing a pattern of similar vehicle burglaries on March 13 and March 14, the ACU Police Department and Chief of Police Jimmy Ellison set up a subsequent investigation.

“Based on that pattern, we reviewed hours and hours of digital surveillance media and were able to identify a possible suspect vehicle from the video,” Ellison said.

The next night, eight officers positioned themselves on various parking lots around campus.

As an investigative tool, surveillance consists of officers observing the suspect nearby without interference until the suspect gives officers proof or reason to act on their suspicions.

“We decided to roll the dice and see if he would come back a third night,” Ellison said. “So we set up a surveillance and actually observed

contact Burch at see THEFT page 4

clb10b@acu.edu

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FESTIVAL

Economist addresses researchers son University and author of the book The Price of Managing Editor Everything: A Parable of Economist Russ Roberts Possibility and Prosperity, urged the more than 80 discussed economist Adam students who participat- Smith’s idea that people deed in the ACU Undergrad- sire to be loved and be loveuate Research Festival to ly. He urged participants to strive for excellence in evaluate themselves to ensure they see themselves as their academic pursuits.

Roberts, professor of others see them.

“We need to pull away economics at George Ma-

Jeff Craig

“We lie to ourselves about our strengths and weaknesses,” Roberts said.

“In research and academic life we have the same problem. That is the nature of the kitchen that is academic research. Some of it is great and changes the world.

Other is not so great.” see EVENT page 4

website

inside news Dr. Liz Rosenberg, novelist, poet and children’s book author, will speak on campus courtesy of the Shinnery Review. page 4

the veil of self-dilution and see ourselves as others see us,” Roberts said.

“We have flaws we don’t want others to notice.”

Roberts said the field of academic research lends itself to the veiling of weaknesses. He urged students to recognize and consider their own biases when conducting research.

sports The Wildcat baseball team keeps its post season alive with a sweep of Northeastern State this weekend. page 8

JOZIE SANDS // Online Editor

Economist Russ Roberts encourages participants of ACU’s Undergraduate Research Festival on Monday to strive for excellence in academic pursuits.

weather QR code The ACU Locavore Club will conduct an event featuring Joel Salatin. The event’s purpose is to show students and ACU the benefits of locally-grown food systems.

Abilene Christian University

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Campus Wednesday, March 30, 2011

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calendar & events Wednesday

Justice Week continues 11 a.m. Chapel in Moody Coliseum with alumnus Brantley Starr, former volunteer with International Justice Mission 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Justice Fair in the Campus Center

31

Thursday

Friday

11 a.m. Chapel in Moody Coliseum with Jessica Jackley, founder of Kiva

11 a.m. Small Group Chapels in various locations around campus

02

2 p.m.Workshop with Dr. Liz Rosenberg in the Campus Center Living Room

11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Justice Fair in the Campus Center 4:30 p.m. “Just Food” Fair featuring Joel Salatin in Moody Coliseum

6-8 p.m. Chick-fil-A fundraiser for the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and the Make-aWish Foundation

01

5 p.m. Chapel Forum in Moody Coliseum with Joel Salatin from Food, Inc. 8 p.m. Poetry reading and book signing with Dr. Liz Rosenberg, poet, novelist and children’s book author

6:30 p.m. “Cancelled” senior arts show at the Shore Art Gallery 7:30 p.m. Wishing Well concert and free potluck sponsored by the Locavore Club in the Campus Center

Saturday

9 a.m. Celebration of Service at various service locations 9 a.m. Student Dietetic Association 5k at Red Bud Park 7:30 p.m. Charis Omega Dance Show in Cullen Auditorium 7 p.m. Putting on the Ritz Freshman Formal at the Windsor Hotel

7:30 p.m. Charis Omega Dance Show in Cullen Auditorium

about this page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@ jmcnetwork.com.

To ensure an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days in advance. The Optimist may edit items for space and style.

Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed on this page in a timely manner.

Chapel Checkup 47 26

Credited Chapels to date

Credited Chapels remaining

READ THE OPTIMIST ON YOUR iPad . iPhone . iPod volunteer opportunities

follow us on Twitter: @acuoptimist // become a fan on Facebook: The Optimist

announcements Online Summer Courses Registration for online summer courses now is open.

Students can choose from 15 courses, and each course is three weeks long. For more information, visit www.acu. edu/summeronline.

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 campus-wide effort to attend Chapel every Monday.

Relay for Life The American Cancer Society is organizing Relay for Life to raise funds for cancer research and to honor and celebrate the lives of cancer survivors and fighters. The event is from 7 p.m.-7 a.m.

on April 29-30 at Elmer Gray Stadium. To sign up with an Abilene team, click on the Relay for Life myACU log-in ad or visit www. relayforlife.com.

Just People, Inc. needs volunteers from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. for the Abilene Kite Festival on April 16 at Red Bud Park.

Volunteers can help facilitate safety measures and assist festival participants. For more information, contact Justina Thompson at 6722118 or email jthompson@ justpeopleinc.org.

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

Abilene Hope Haven is seeking volunteers for childcare any night, Monday-Thursday from 6:45-8:15 p.m. For more information, contact Kathy Reppart at 677-4673.

Upward Bound Summer Advisers Students interested in helping disadvantaged high school students can apply now 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.

Abilene Youth Sports Authority needs volunteers April 16 and April 17 for a basketball tournament they will host at Abilene High School and Cooper High School. Students can help sell tickets and assist in the concession stand 8 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Contact Katie Miller at 692-2972 or email khowerton@abileneysa.org.

The Ben Richey Boys Ranch is seeking volunteers for its upcoming Annual Clay Shoot on April 30th. Volunteers will be pullers at stations, help with registration or coordinate raffle ticket sales.

Training will be given for both shifts at 8:30 a.m.12:00 p.m. or 11:30 a.m.5:00 p.m. T-shirts and free dinner are included for volunteers. Contact Patty Dunn at 665-4058 for more information.

Meals on Wheels Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to seniors and adults with disabilities. Routes are available 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Monday-Friday. Volunteers must be at least 18, with a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and a desire to serve.

Training is provided.

Students may be exempted from one Chapel per week if delivery time conf licts with Chapel.

Contact Samantha Barker at 672-5050.

Windcrest Alzheimer’s Care Center needs volunteers to clean out and organize closets any day Sunday-Friday at any time during the day. Contact Chris Stephenson to arrange a time at 6921533 or clstephenson@ sears-methodist.com.

International Rescue Committee Students can work with refugees who recently moved to the United States, teaching English, helping with homework and mentoring. Volunteer times are f lexible. Call Daina Juryka-Owen at 675-5643 ext.

16 to make an appointment. For more information on the International Rescue Committee, visit www.theirc.org.

The Dyess Youth Center needs help with a Ping Pong Exhibition from 4-6 p.m. every Friday. Volunteers will preside over tournaments and help with an exhibition for the students. Transportation will not be provided, and volunteers cannot have any sexual assault charges or charges pending. For more information, contact Sheri Frisby at 696-4797, or email sheri.frisby@dyess.af.mil.

CAMPUS NEWS

March 30, 2011

KACU

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

John Best, director of broadcast operations, sits in the studio at KACU.

House bill could affect campus radio station Samantha Sutherland Contributing Reporter

A new House bill aiming to cut federal funding for public radio stations may have devastating effects for ACU-owned public radio station, KACU. The new bill would seek control over how money given to public radio stations across the nation by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is spent.

It also prohibits public radio stations from buying any programming from a national source, like National Public Radio, with the funding they do receive from the CPB. It would create an estimated job loss of roughly 9,000 people, John Best, director of broadcast operations at KACU, said.

“If it were to pass like it is right now, it would be a devastating blow to public radio and public television all over

the United States,” Best said.

KACU runs on an average of $450,000 a year. It spends about $100,000 per year of that cost on programming alone, Best said.

ACU provides a quarter of KACU’s funding, Best said.

The Abilene community provides half through underwriting and memberships and CPB is responsible for the remaining quarter.

Best said that losing so much of its funding would definitely cause KACU to have to cut its programming.

Dr. Cheryl Bacon, JMC department chair and professor, said that the current debate is not just about money. Republicans in the House argue that NPR programming is more liberal than conservative.

NPR currently receives only 2 percent of its funding from the federal government. Out of the entire federal budget, only a small fraction of a percent

funds public broadcasting, Bacon said.

“The thing that’s very frightening,” Bacon said, “is any time either party, or people who subscribe to any political viewpoint, choose to use political power to squelch the voices that are different than their own; I think that is a negative thing.”

Bacon said the Republicans in the House may not understand that a vast majority of the stories covered by CPB are not political stories. It covers the arts and all kinds of events around the world that are not necessarily liberal or conservative.

“KACU is a really important part of this community,” Bacon said, “It would be very unfortunate if an ideological debate in Washington shut that down.” contact Sutherland at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Page 3

FROM THE FRONT

Page 4

March 30, 2011

SOCIAL CLUBS

CAMPUS

Event to feature Pledges: Clubs react to changes poetry reading Continued from page 1

Bailey Griffith Copy Editor

Dr. Liz Rosenberg, novelist, poet and children’s book author, will visit ACU on Thursday and Friday for a poetry reading and a workshop.

The Shinnery Review, ACU’s student-run arts and literary magazine, is hosting the events which will be free and open the public. The reading will be at Chapel on the Hill on Thursday at 8 p.m.

Some of Rosenberg’s most noted works include Monster Mama, a children’s novel; Seventeen, a young adult prose poetry novel; and Home Repair, an adult fiction novel.

Bethany Bradshaw, senior English major from Henderson and Shinnery Review coeditor, said she found Rosenberg’s work in her poetry anthology.

“I recognized her name and was like, ‘Let’s bring her in,’” Bradshaw said. “She’s so versatile. We thought that would appeal to a broad range of students.”

Because of time constraints, Bradshaw said they asked Rosenberg to read mostly poetry and a few selections of prose.

“Everyone should come,” Bradshaw said. “It would be awesome if we packed out Chapel on the Hill. It’ll definitely be worth it.”

Friday’s workshop begins at 2 p.m. in the Campus Center Living Room.

“It’s going to be pretty casual so people can come and ask her questions,” Bradshaw said.

Bradshaw said Rosenberg will talk about her ability to write in a multitude of literary styles. The audience then will be free to ask questions on any other topics they may be interested in.

Tanner Hadfield, senior English major from Abilene, said he would like to see not only the ACU community, but the surrounding Abilene community, take advantage of the event.

Hadfield said there hasn’t been an event like this during his time at ACU. “I hope people just find some inspiration for creative work or find help for creative things that they’re already working on,” Hadfield said.

Both Hadfield and Bradshaw were especially appreciative of Rosenberg’s children’s books.

“There are just these gorgeous illustrations,” Bradshaw said. “They’re really fun and whimsical.”

Hadfield said he hopes the reading and the workshop will spark discussion among the community about literature and art and why they enjoy those specific things.

Rosenberg is coming from New York to visit Abilene for the event. She earned her doctorate in comparative literature at the State University of New York at Binghamton where she now serves as a professor of English and creative writing.

contact Griffith at

bng10a@acu.edu

‘‘ ’’

Craig said he gave an overview of the changes to each acting club president and future fall president and will meet with each club individually to evaluate every pledging activity to see if it falls in line with the new guidelines.

“For some of our groups, it’s just a few modifications.

For other groups it’s largescale transformation,” Craig said. “The good thing is, we will brainstorm with each of our groups to help them come up with something that falls within the guidelines and really create something that works for them.”

Alpha Kai Omega President Kelsi Wicks, junior animal science

For some of our groups, it’s just a few modifications. For other groups it’s large-scale transformation.

TOM CRAIG // director of student productions.

major from Tyler, said quite a few of the Alpha Kai pledging activities involved physical activity and one in particular would need to change completely, but club officers have already started brainstorming.

“The hardest part will be coming up with something that is just as unifying,” Wicks said.

“I know from my pledging experience, that the activities that included physical activity were

where our pledge class bonded the most.”

Gamma Sigma Phi also uses physical activity as part of their pledging, but upcoming GSP President-elect Houston Beasley, junior accounting major from McKinney, said GSP will do their best to maintain traditions while falling in line with new rules.

“It’s no sense in sitting and thinking about what could have been,” Beasley said. “It is what it is. You

have to run with it and that’s what we’re doing.”

Although pledging activities may take some restructuring, Wicks said she thinks often the meaning of physical activity gets lost through the years, and the changes will allow clubs to reevaluate meaning behind pledging activities.

“I think that it will be a good thing because I think we’ll be more respected on campus and it will give every officer team an opportunity to reformat their pledging and come up with activities that represent values of their club as a whole,” Wicks said. contact Bailey at

ljb07a@acu.edu

STUDENTS

Event: Economist speaks to students Continued from page 1

Roberts implored young researchers to prove biases false, seek council and look in the mirror.

He told students to avoid situations that would ultimately encourage them to be dishonest.

“See yourself as a work in progress. Try to be a better person, thinker and scholar,” Roberts said.

Robert’s remarks were followed by a ceremony to recognize 14 awardwinning presentations.

Students worked with mentors to submit a pa-

per or poster presentation. Many also gave oral presentations.

Dr. Lauren Lemley, assistant professor of communication and member of the steering committee for judging and contest at the Festival, said the event gave students an opportunity to display talents they have learned in their classes.

“It gives them opportunities to take what they learn in the classroom and extend it,” Lemley said.

Dr. Autumn Sutherlin, associate professor of chemistry and biochem-

istry and member of the steering committee for judging and contest, said this year’s contest featured extensive variety and was well attended by faculty and staff. She said many faculty members judged the contest, including Dr. Phil Schubert, president, and Dr. Jeanine Varner, provost.

“There was a lot of variety and better attendance, so the rooms were often standing room only,” Sutherlin said.

“We also had better participation from faculty mentors from a wide variety of departments.”

Scan this QR code to find a list of all award winners

David Kempe, junior chemistry major from Tulsa, Okla., was among the students participating in the Festival. His team worked with heavy metal compounds, proven to kill cancer cells in cultures. His team used microwaves to synthesize the compounds.

contact Craig at

jrc07d@acu.edu

CRIME

Theft: Students encouraged to report suspicious activity Continued from page 1

him leaving home and coming to campus in the same vehicle.”

Ellison said the suspect remained on campus and wandered multiple residence hall parking lots for over an hour. Officers decided to step in when they believed he was attempting to break into a vehicle, Ellison said. The man was in possession of a glove and wide nylon strap with

a heavy ratchet buckle, possibly used to break vehicle windows.

“He was acting so suspiciously and so nervously, and no one reported him,” Ellison. “There were a lot of people out that night especially on the Lunsford Trail, and I was a little disappointed that we didn’t receive any calls on him.”

After fleeing on foot, the man was apprehended for evading detention, and was booked in the Taylor

County Jail. The punishment for a Class A Misdemeanor is up to one year in county jail and charges possibly reaching $2,000.

The man was also issued a criminal trespass warning, which bans him from ever coming back to campus in the future.

Two officers from the Abilene Police Department also assisted the ACU Police Department in detaining the individual.

“The Abilene Police Department was in pursuit of the suspect for other offenses, so the information exchange is a positive thing about our partnership,” Ellison said.

Ellison said he continues to urge students and faculty to report all suspicious activity.

“Every incident that we can log and track helps build our database of trends and patterns,” Ellison said.

As a result of the suspect’s arrest, officers were able to recover property from several previous vehicle thefts.

Ellison said that he was proud of his surveillance officers for their work reviewing the video and executing a successful surveillance of the suspect.

“Students should be aware that their ACU Police Department is working 24/7 and behind the scenes,” Ellison said.

“We’re not just taking reports. We are actually investigating and working with those reports through completion.” contact Burch at

clb10b@acu.edu

Opinion

March 30, 2011

Page 7

EDITORIAL

ACU should stress graduate preparations ACU’s Undergraduate Research Festival marks a vital move toward preparing upperclassmen for possible graduate school endeavors in Abilene and beyond. But with little of ACU student research making a splash on the national academic scene, this step marks merely the first step in a long trek toward distinction.

Some applications for graduate programs request notations of research only if presented at national conventions or if published in journals. And certain fields recommend professional experience before applying to graduate school.

Regardless of the field or program, simply submitting an application rarely is enough.

Students interested in graduate school should be prepping their resumes from their freshman year.

Although ACU represents an outstanding teaching institution, finding research in which to participate that actually registers on the national scale can be a challenge.

Additionally, those interested in graduate school should remember the value of networking: An application follow-up email expressing shared interest in a professor’s past and ongo-

ing research projects can go a long way toward setting aside one applicant from 200 others at larger schools.

And all of this information represents the tip of the academic iceberg of what should be readily available and communicated to ACU students.

Whether the Career Center already offers such informative resources, students largely seem unaware, and ignorance leads to haphazard applications that may or may not be noticed, much less marked for the scholarship, fellowship or assistantship required by many students for attendance.

Just as resources like the Mobile Learning Initiative, the AT&T Learning Studio and the Royce and Pam Money Recreation and Wellness Center all contribute to the quality of the ACU experience and, therefore, add to the integrity of ACU graduates’ degrees, increased enrollment in graduate school by ACU grads also indirectly would benefit the university and its attendees.

Students meet with advisers, take internship classes and, largely, are shepherded through their undergraduate experience. But when it comes

By Morgan Davis

The Funny Funnies

the issue

Across the nation it is getting harder for students to get accepted into graduate programs.

our take

ACU needs to offer more research opportunities for students and emphasize furthering education beyond a bachelors. to graduate school applications, a lack of information and advising throws students to the wolves.

An increase in students continuing to graduate programs would ref lect well on ACU and its graduates, so the university would only be helping itself by helping its students on this front.

Whether through more deliberate advising, classes focused as much

on continuing education as internships or forums and informational sessions, departments and administration should take cues from the step taken by the ACU Undergraduate Research Festival and begin more pointedly preparing students for the graduate school application process. contact the Optimist at

jmcnetwork@acu.edu

COLUMN

GOP campaigns need resolution Homeskool Validictorian

Without a solid frontrunner, the Republican primary may turn into a political bloodbath, as former allies transform into bitter rivals. For Republican voters, a variety of candidates may seem like a good thing.

However, as GOP voters consider multiple candidates, the Democratic Party can pounce on a prime opportunity. They can paint themselves as a party of stability, united on its platform.

The Republican National Convention must ensure a long, drawnout campaign does not derail their attempt to retake the presidency in the next election.

By Jeff Craig

COLUMN

Photos display dishonest picture Barbarossa

By Matthew Woodrow In the past two weeks I have had photographers come to three of my classes to take pictures of me.

OK, maybe not me specifically, but they were there and they were taking pictures for Woodrow marketing purposes and the university’s website.

I found that many people have an adverse reaction to the thought of their picture being taken, while others sit up straighter and look more studious in the hopes that they would be found worthy of getting a snap shot chosen for the final product.

I’m one of the latter, but this time I wouldn’t mind not making the cut.

In one of my classes I had

on a massive fanny-pack filled with sound equipment and holding a boom mike over my unshaven head, the picture of nerdy-ness.

In another class, everyone at the table I was at happened to be absent, making me look like a complete loser sitting by myself. I can just see 15 years down the road pointing out those pictures to my children saying, “Look at how awesome your dad was in college.” This then will be followed by said children asking their mother what she was thinking.

There is a saying – “Photos never lie.” (This theory was later disproved with the invention of Photoshop.) Regardless of whether I like the image of me in those pictures, that is who I am and what I was doing.

Having spent some time with both cameras

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

and video cameras, I know the importance of setting up a shot, looking for angles and sometimes even staging a little. But that is completely different than some of the things I saw those photographers doing on campus last week.

In one class the photographer gave an iPad to a student to mess around with so they could get pictures of him using it.

One of my friends had her BlackBerry taken away and given an iPhone to “text” on. Those photos are a misrepresentation of those students and I believe purposefully shot to make ACU seem more technologically integrated than we really are.

There are plenty of people on campus with iPhones and quite a few with iPads. Why couldn’t those photographers go and find one of them to take a picture of?

If ACU wants to hire photographers to show the world how integrated we are then get them to take accurate pictures. I can see prospective freshmen looking at those photos and wanting to come here and being faced with the reality that most students aren’t like those in the pictures.

ACU might not use those specific shots, and hopefully they won’t, but if I know of two specific examples there are probably more and I’m betting at least a couple will be used.

It would be different if those students got to keep the iPad and iPhone after the shot was taken, but giving students equipment that they don’t use on a normal basis for use on the website is tantamount to a lie.

Optimist the

Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

newsroom (325) 674-2439

sports desk (325) 674-2684

contact Woodrow at

mrw08a@acu.edu

For the Republican Party, an ominous case of déjà vu could be a threat to the party’s White House aspirations in 2012.

A Gallup poll released F r i d a y shows forCraig mer candidate and current talk show host Mike Huckabee is the top presidential choice among potential GOP voters for 2012. However, the Gallup poll, along with a poll from Politico, reveals a virtual tie The Republican among the National Convention GOP’s top contenders. must ensure a long, The polls drawn-out campaign place Huckadoes not derail their bee, Mitt Romney, Sarattempt to retake ah Palin and the presidency in the Newt Gingnext election. rich all within percentage points of Of course, the Repubeach other in the race.

The result is likely to be licans need a primary, a primary election that but they must ensure the pits Republican leaders candidates do not undermine the message of against each other.

Fighting among the the party in an attempt candidates in the 2008 at personal gain.

The Republican Party election may have played a role in dividing the seems to have the moRepublicans and their mentum after the 2010 voters, and if the party midterm election, but is smart, they will make they must be wary of this sure the same thing does potential primary danger.

In 2012, President not happen again.

The GOP has a com- Obama will be the GOP’s mon rallying cry for the chief nemesis, but in 2011, first time in years – small- its main threat is internal. er government. With a So when the primary beunified stance they have gins, voters and the party the ingredients necessary would be wise to make a to make a run at Presi- decision – quickly. dent Obama in 2012. But to do so, the GOP needs a contact Craig at unified leader. jrc07d@acu.edu

editorial & management board Linda Bailey

Matthew Woodrow Christina Burch

Laura Acuff

Kenneth Pybus

Editor in Chief

Opinions Page Editor

Page 2 Editor

Copy Editor

Faculty Adviser

Jeff Craig

Brandon Tripp

Hannah Barnes

Bailey Griffith

Cade White

Managing Editor Sports Media Director

Features Editor

Copy Editor

Faculty Adviser

Jozie Sands Sandra Amstutz

Daniel Gomez

Morgan Davis

Cara Lee Cranford

Online Editor

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Arts Editor

photo department (325) 674-2499

advertising office (325) 674-2463

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Focus

March 30, 2011

Page 8

ACU

GOES GREEN

by Laura Acuff

Students take steps toward living a environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Chapel swiping, class syllabi, curfew. Every year, freshmen at ACU embark on the challenging journey of navigating a college campus for the first time. Beyond making new friends — and just making it to class — college means determining identity, who we are and how students can make a difference in issues that matter.

For many students, life in a residence hall represents the first steps of independence out from under the familiar awnings of home. And whether by apathy or delib-

eration, students choose how their lifestyles will affect the environment.

Environmental issues are slowly pervading campus scenes across America. According to a 2008 article by U.S. News & World Report, “Fresh Greens: How Colleges Are Going Green,” colleges are making the effort to be more environmentally friendly.

Several universities, including New York University and St. Mary’s, have participated in contests with other universities to see which can purchase the greenest energy.

Others, like Yale and Brown, are including organic options in on-campus dining. Smith College even has conducted pre-orientation programs about how to minimize impact on the environment both on and off campus.

In an age concerned with melting glaciers and homeless polar bears, as newly independent citizens, students have the opportunity to build habits and practices that either hurt or help the “go green” movement. That opportunity comes in the form of both insignificant and distinct changes.

The Obvious When moving into a residence hall, green living probably is not the first thing on a student’s mind, said Lindsey Flemming, senior interdisciplinary major from Beamsville, Ontario, and Sikes Hall assistant director. But that doesn’t mean green living isn’t important.

“It’s one less thing to worry about,”

Flemming said. “Also having cable and everything included, they may think, ‘I really don’t have to be careful how much I use.’”

Flemming said although motivation to go green can be scarce in the residence hall environment, it’s worth the effort among the few to potentially inspire the hall as a whole.

Residence hall life, with its communal-style living and lack of utility bills for students, changes the appearance of a go-green effort, she said. Rather than cost efficiency, the focus shifts to a general sense of responsibility.

“It takes care of where we live. The less we waste, the less things are going to

rise in price, if you want to think about it that way. Also, a lot of our resources will be cleaner and better taken care of.”

Although dorm life raises unique challenges to green living, some of the same techniques our elementary school teachers taught us for greener living still apply, and most are as simple as flipping a switch.

1 2 3 Turn it off. From lights, to running water, to appliances, turning off what you are not using is common sense. Televisions, stereos and computers all can use electricity. Use power strips to turn off electronics, some of which drain energy even when turned off, according to an article on www. onlinedegreeprograms.com entitled “101 Ways to Go Green In Your Dorm Room.”

Recycle. Paper products, certain plastics and glass all can be recycled to reduce carbon footprints. It’s as easy as setting up sorting bins and dropping off recyclables at Walmart.

Make Walmart work for you. Save plastic bags to use as trash bags instead of paying for specifically tailored trash receptacle liners.

The Extra Mile

Colleen Ashley, 2010 ACU graduate, founded the ACU Environmental Society and served as its vice president in the spring of 2010.

“I think this is an initiative that’s going to have to come from the students,”

she said, citing student groups and SA resources as possible springboards for additional environmental efforts. If administration made living green easier — possibly by supplying more recycling bins around campus — or even offering

rewards for doing so, more students likely would join the effort, she speculated.

“I think students are more concerned about environmental issues than past generations. I also think we’re a lot lazier, so you know, I think the problem

is motivation,” she said. “At this point, there’s not enough motivation to outweigh the laziness.”

For those wanting to take green living a step further, options abound.

1 2 3 Reuse. Instead of investing in new furniture, peruse local garage sales and thrift stores for “fixer-uppers” or vintage finds. SALT’s annual stuff swap offers optimal possibilities for obtaining secondhand stuff, from clothes to furniture

Decorate green. Use magazine and newspaper cutouts or even quirky product labels to create wall décor instead of printing new photographs or purchasing posters.

Utilize nature. From compost to natural light, nature offers plenty of ways to avoid unnecessary electricity and resource expenditures, the only catch? We have to be paying attention.

True Stewardship As attendees of a Christian university, Dr. Jim Cooke said he would expect the general ACU population to show above average interest in the green movement.

For Cooke, professor of agriculture and environmental science, the issue comes down to Christian duty.

“We believe in a creator god, the god

of the Bible, and the Bible is replete with admonitions and theology that the creation is good, the creation is valuable, that God cares for the creation and that we as human beings have a responsibility to be stewards and caretakers of that which God has created,” he said.

In fulfilling this Christian duty, the ACU

campus may need to adopt some of the same practices as secular or state universities, Cooke said, like utilizing cleaner energy sources or installing more energy efficient technology. Although the end results may look the same, the inspiration to go green at ACU should come from a spiritual level as well as a political or humanitarian level.

“It may not look a lot different, but there certainly is a difference in the motivation behind it, so I think it is very much a part of our faith and our working out that faith, our journey, if you will, to bring glory and honor and praise to the Father, to the creator, through the way that we live.”

1 2 3 Consume compassionately. Buy fair trade instead of capitalizing on lower prices from sweatshops in India. Labels indicating “fair trade” mean the artisans who created the product will receive fair compensation for your purchase.

Going green can be as simple as taking advantage of natural light or turning off an appliance or as involved as sewing your own handbag. But the impact reaches everyone from neighbors to polar bears in the Arctic Circle. And as Ashley believes, it’s an impact that should reverberate out from Christian campuses like ACU’s.

Buy in bulk. Save on price per unit by buying products like paper towels, feminine products and some food in bulk. Microwaveable noodles, canned foods and frozen dinners, for instance, all may be purchased in quantity to save money.

“We, as Christians, are supposed to be stewards of the earth. So it makes sense that a Christian campus should be at least as environmentally conscious as others, because we should be taking care of God’s creation and looking after this world that He’s given us,” Ashley said. “I think it also can inspire some social conscious-

Do your homework. Research what you buy. Remember, a “non-choice” still carries consequences, so don’t let apathy determine your environmental impact.

ness and active involvement that is good for any university and any student body.”

With a little extra awareness and a little extra effort, Ashley hopes the green movement will inspire more social consciousness and involvement on ACU’s campus, which as she said, would be good for any university and any student body.”

FROM SPORTS

March 30, 2011

Page 7

FOOTBALL

Practice starts for conference champion ACU Mark Smith

Sports Reporter

Football is a year-round sport in the state of Texas.

The Wildcats are no different as spring practice started for the reigning Lone Star Conference champs this week.

The team will practice every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m. this week and next, and scrimmage Saturday at 10 a.m. The final scrimmage, the annual Purple-White Spring Game, will be April 9 at 10 a.m.

The team is looking forward to this season, when ACU has a legitimate shot at winning the school’s third conference championship in four years and making the playoffs for the sixth year in a row.

“There’s always something I can improve on; always something I can do better,” last year’s starting quarterback Mitchell Gale said. “One thing I am definitely working on is making a completion on every play. I don’t have to throw the ball 60 yards down the

field on every play. Sometimes we have to play the field-position game.”

Gale won the starting job last year, leading the team to the first 11-0 undefeated season in ACU history. His individual season was one of the best for a Wildcat quarterback, throwing for more than 3,500 yards and 38 touchdowns with only a handful of picks.

“Mitchell has really taken his leadership of this team to a different level,” Head Coach Chris

Thomsen said. “He’s done an outstanding job leading this team through the off-season and into spring training. He’ll be very critical to the success of this team next fall.”

The focus on the offensive side of the ball this year will be the position of wide receiver, as four receivers are no longer eligible to play college football. The offensive coaches have to find a way to replace 163 catches, 2,367 yards and 28 touchdowns from last season. The team

BASEBALL

also has to replace two offensive lineman.

“Wide receiver is our biggest question mark,” Thomsen said. “The entire group has the potential to be really good, but now they have to show it on the field.”

On the defensive side of the ball, lots of new faces will take the field for the ‘Cats next year. Replacements are needed for defensive tackle, the entire linebacking corps and cornerbacks. The rest of the defense is solid. The

trick for the coaches will be meshing the new talent with the more experienced defenders.

“We take pride in our team,” Gale said. “Every year we approach the season thinking that this season will be the best season.

Football’s a big deal here at ACU, and we have to be efficient and effective.”

The Wildcats will need to be both if they are going to repeat as champs. contact Smith at

mds10a@acu.edu

SOFTBALL

Sweep: Williams’ bat lifts ’Cats Errors: Wildcats hang on to 2nd Continued from page 8

In the first game of a doubleheader on Saturday, ACU fought back and forth with the Riverhawks who managed to stay even with the Wildcats through two innings. Starter Kris Carlson allowed four runs on just five hits in the first inning and a third.

Coach Bonneau turned to reliever Brent Bray in the second with two runners on base. Bray shut down Northeastern to the tune of one earned run in 3 2-3 innings on five hits. With the win, Bray moved to 2-1 on the season.

Sky Valenzuela made his first appearance on the mound as a Wildcat giving up no runs on no hits. He also struck out two Northeastern batters.

“Sky had pitched before and it seems like everyone is injured on our staff and so

we decided to get him some innings,” said Bonneau.

At the plate, first baseman Abe Williams torched the Riverhawks going two for four and driving in five runs for the Wildcats. After pulling ahead in the third inning on an RBI double by Oliver, who came in to score on a wild pitch in the same inning, the Wildcats stayed ahead of the Riverhawks for the rest of the game.

“We all just felt real comfortable at the plate and when the sticks get hot for us we can put up big numbers,” said Williams.

The Wildcats completed the sweep of Northeastern in the second game of the doubleheader. Cameron Bankston reached on a lead-off triple in the first inning and ACU used three innings of three runs or more to double up the Riverhawks 12-6.

Oliver drove in three

Continued from page 8

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

Pitcher Brent Bray winds up to throw a pitch last weekend. runs for the Wildcats while going three for four from the plate. Oliver’s lone out was the only time he failed to reach base during the doubleheader.

The Wildcats are scheduled for a make-up game this week against Delta State

COLUMN

NCAA: Brackets busted Continued from page 8

advancing to play Kansas who disposed of Richmond earlier.

At first I was watching the game thinking, I don’t really care who wins this game, I just want to see a close game. However, by the middle of the game I had fallen in love with the Rams and was hoping that Cinderella could keep dancing. In one of the closest games of the tournament, VCU pulled out a 72-71 OT victory over the Seminoles to advance to the Elite Eight against KU. This set up the kind of matchup that makes sports so great – the classic David against Goliath story.

The basketball powerhouse school against some small school in Virginia that

doesn’t even have a football program. On paper, KU was a much better team. They had better shooters, more size, better rebounding and they had only lost two games this whole season. Nobody told VCU that as they came out and jumped out all over Kansas. At halftime, they were somehow up 14 points against the Jayhawks. However, Kansas is still a good team and in the second half they came back, like everyone knew they would. KU started making shots and getting stops on the defensive end. The 14-point lead was now down to four points.

I started getting nervous; at this point I was completely sold out on VCU, like they were the only team I had ever loved. I wanted the Rams to beat the Jayhawks so badly

and it looked like it wasn’t going to happen.

Somehow the Rams held on. They made a few big shots and did not miss their free throws at the end of the game. The Rams took down KU, just as David had done Goliath. VCU became the highest seed to ever defeat a No. 1 seed. They also became the first team to win five games to make it to the Final Four. VCU went from the last four teams into the tournament to the final four left in it. I was fortunate enough to see it all live in San Antonio, and at the end of the game I had lost my voice yelling for the Rams. In the midst of everything, I had fallen in love with Cinderella. contact Cantrell at

jrc07f@acu.edu

on Wednesday. The first pitch will be at 2:05 p.m.

“Every game we play from here on out is big we can’t afford any big losses in series,” said Williams. contact Tripp at

bjt07a@acu.edu

hits on a double from Sarah Martinez, which scored Tuinei. A Valentina Nabayan single then scored Tuinei.

But the Cardinals mounted a comeback in the last four innings. Padilla would hit the first of her two home runs in the fourth, which tied the game at six.

Both offenses stalled in the seventh before Padilla would end the game on a solo home run.

“It’s definitely a great feeling to start a game like that. We just need to now focus on finishing games better and improving defensively,” freshman Kara Stutesman said.

ACU started off the doubleheader Friday on the right foot, as they trumped

UIW 6-3 in the first of the three-game series.

With the win, the Wildcats secured their eighth consecutive season of 20 plus wins.

The ACU bats were silent for five innings before coming alive in the sixth, scoring six runs on six hits to take a 6-3 lead and come out on top.

“That was a great win for us. It got us started off on the right foot in the series,” Reeves said.

However, ACU fell 9-3 in the ladder game. A UIW grand slam in the fifth put the Cardinals on top 5-3 before going on to the sixth and seventh while the Cardinals held ACU scoreless through the final four innings. contact Shake at

bxs09a@acu.edu

Sports

Page 8

Standings BASEBALL Team

Div.

SE OK St. 13-5 SW OK St. 15-6 Tarleton St. 15-6 UIW 15-6 Cameron 11-7 TAMU-K 12-9 WTAMU 10-8 ACU 10-8

Ovrl.

16-10 24-8 20-7 18-9 18-10 15-12 19-10 17-11

SOFTBALL Team

Div.

7-2 ASU ACU 6-3 Tarleton St. 5-4 5-4 UIW WTAMU 4-5 4-5 TWU TAMU-K 3-6 ENMU 2-7

Ovrl.

27-3 20-16 16-12 18-14 25-8 21-12 20-16 10-23

Briefs

GOLF

March 30, 2011

Carpenter shows resiliency among pros Austin Gwin Sports Editor

It wasn’t the end result Alex Carpenter was looking for, but it was an experience that he will carry for the rest of his ACU career.

Because of a win in last summer’s Southern Amateur Championship, Carpenter was invited to play in the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando, Fla. “Playing in front of those types of galleries

was an experience unlike anything I have ever been around,” Carpenter said.

“And I have got to say, it was pretty cool.”

His first round was playing out without much of a hitch, when disaster struck.

On the par five, fifth hole, Carpenter hit his tee shot into the water. Then, on his second try, he again found the water. On his third try, he actually parred the hole, but the four strokes he lost when his ball found the

water twice were too much to overcome.

He finished the round 10 over par, and was in need of a miracle to make the cut.

Carpenter returned to form in his second round shooting a three under par 69. It was a better round than even Phil Mickelson shot, but it still wasn’t good enough to push him above the cut line.

The experience though was far more important than any result. Before the

tournament, Carpenter got the chance to practice with Tour pros Rickie Fowler and Bubba Watson.

Carpenter was also invited to a Tour Bible study with Aaron Baddeley.

He even got a thumbs up from Arnold Palmer himself. After Carpenter hit his approach on 18 to within 15 feet, the legend whistled and said, “’Atta boy.”

“All the guys were really encouraging and complimentary of my game,”

Carpenter said. “After this week, it really proved to me that I have the game to play with those guys and I can’t wait to get out there and do it again.”

Carpenter is only the second ACU Wildcat to compete in a PGA Tour event. The first was Tour pro Jeev Milkha Singh, who was a national champion while at ACU. contact Gwin at

agg07a@acu.edu

BASEBALL

Rally ignites sweep

n The women’s soc-

cer team will scrimmage Wednesday at 5 p.m. against HardinSimmons at the ACU Soccer Pitch. This will be the team’s second scrimmage. The Wildcats beat the Cowgirls 4-2 last week. HSU won the Division III National Championship last year. n Former ACU vol-

leyball player Shawna Hines was awarded a $7,500 NCAA PostGraduate Scholarship last week by the NCAA. Hines was a two-time all-American and threetime LSC Defensive Player of the Year. To qualify for the scholarship, athletes must maintain a 3.2 GPA and be nominated by their institution’s faculty athletics representative.

Player Profile

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

Head Coach Britt Bonneau talks to his infield during a game last weekend. The Wildcats swept the Northeastern State University Riverhawks in a three-game series at Crutcher Scott Field. The ’Cats rallied to beat the Riverhawks in game one of the series and used that momentum to pick up three crucial conference wins.

Brandon Tripp Sports Director

Abe Williams, senior infielder from Ft. Worth, had an impressive weekend for the Wildcats.

Williams hit a three-run home Williams run on Saturday against Northeastern State in the final game and accumulated five RBIs in the effort.

In the series, Willams had 6 RBIs and three runs scored. His efforts played a large part in helping the struggling ’Cats sweep Northeastern State. He is hitting .302 on the season and is tied with Will Calhoun for the team lead with 24 RBIs. Williams is a transfer from Paris Junior College where he had 10 home runs and 70 RBIs for the Dragons while there.

Upcoming n The baseball team

will host Delta State on Wednesday at 1:05 p.m. in a doubleheader. The team will then travel to play Central Oklahoma. n Softball will travel to

San Angelo for the LSC Crossover Tournament Friday-Sunday. n The track and field

team will compete Saturday at the Bobby Lane Invitational.

The Wildcats were whitehot at the plate during a weekend sweep of the visiting Northeastern State Riverhawks.

ACU recorded doubledigit run totals in each of their three games scoring

13, 11 and 12 respectively after Coach Britt Bonneau switched around the defensive alignment for his ACU Wildcats.

“It was one of those weekends where we had to start making a move to at least try to get back into contention and get into the conference tournament,” said Bonneau.

In the first game Friday night, the Wildcats used a 10-run explosion in the final two innings to complete the ACU comeback from three down in the eighth.

Aaron Oliver, who moved to shortstop over the weekend, hit his first home run of the season to pull ACU within one run in the sev-

SOFTBALL

enth. Bryce Gerhardt put ACU in front later in the seventh with a two-run single that came with the bases loaded and two outs. Gerhardt went three for four on the night and knocked in five runs for the Wildcats.

“When Sky (Valenzuela) was down with a knee injury we thought AO (Oliver)

would give us more range over there so we made that move,” said Bonneau. “It’s worked out for us.”

Reliever Zach Sneed came on for the Wildcats in the seventh inning and earned the win after allowing just one earned run on three hits. see SWEEP page 7

COLUMN

Rams shock the basketball world Just a Bit Outside Ryan Cantrell

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

Shortstop Ashley Calles gets in position to field a groundball during a game last weekend.

Errors cost ’Cats series Bryson Shake

Assistant Sports Editor

An extra inning home run

by Incarnate Word’s Melanie Padilla propelled the Cardinals to victory in the rubber match of a three-game series over the Wildcats on Saturday at Wells Field. With that win, UIW also took the series from ACU. This marks the first time in Lone Star Conference play that the Wildcats (20-16, 6-3) have lost a se-

ries to a conference foe.

“That was definitely a hard game to swallow.

It’s no fun losing a game where we’re up five runs with four innings to play.

That shouldn’t happen, and it served as a learning experience for our girls.

There’s no excuse for falling apart like that,” Head Coach Bobby Reeves said.

ACU hit the gas pedal early, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first before extending it to 3-1 in

the third. The team then slammed on the accelerator in the third, giving them a 6-1 lead.

Melissa Mendoza led off the third with a single and moved into scoring position when she stole second. Tiana Tuinei would pick up her only RBI, scoring Mendoza on a single to left field. ACU would pick up their final two runs on back-to-back see ERRORS page 7

Not everyone was in love with VCU at this point though; many teams and Every year in sports there experts said that it was a is one team that surprises travesty that they got into everyone and makes an the NCAA tournament. i n c r e d i b l e They could not believe run. Every- that this small school from one always the Colonial Athletic Asfalls in love sociation was worthy of a with the tournament bid. This only u n d e r d o g . sparked the Rams as they Over the set out to shock the nation.

Cantrell w e e k e n d , VCU entered the tournathis year’s Cinderella story ment as a No. 11 seed and emerged as the Rams of upset Georgetown in the Virginia Commonwealth first round. VCU then won University made it to the its third game of the tourFinal Four after knocking nament knocking off No. 3 seed Purdue. With two off No.1 seed Kansas.

VCU was literally one big upsets, VCU would adof the last teams to make vance to the Sweet 16 in it into the NCAA tourna- San Antonio.

The Rams were not the ment field of 68. Since the Rams were one of the last only underdog in San Anfour teams in the tourna- tonio though as No. 10 ment, they had to play in Florida State and No. 12 the play-in game just to University of Richmond make it into the field of 64. made it to the Sweet 16 as No problem for the Rams well. VCU would have to as they knocked off USC play FSU with the winner to start what would be an see NCAA page 7 incredible run.