Senior Stats Everything you ever wanted to know about the class of 2013 vol. 101, no. 56 vol. 100, no. 37 may SECTION, 18 PAGES wednesday, friday, 8, 2013 february 117,SECTION, 2012 142 PAGES
Page 13
YEAR IN REVIEW A look back at the greatness and heartbreaks of 2012-13
stephen reyes staff Photographer
It’s been a bittersweet year at ACU. The fall semester began with a bang as ACU rejoined Division I after almost 40 years in D-II. Things took a dangerous turn in September when two sophomores were hospitalized in the same week from separate incidents. Then there were those Twitter accounts that quickly shut down after insulting ACU students. We saw students and faculty from the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences triumph in the memory of grief when they returned to Medina Children’s Home in October. We came together in support of Rex Fleming’s inspring and courageous fight against cancer, and we grieved with his family and friends after he died. Now, we cherish the memories and rejoice in the effect his legacy has had, like in the $12 thousand the Flemings raised for their charity last week. Before we reached that point though, our hearts were broken again in the tragic death of Lindsey Smith in January. We remember her sweet spirit, grateful for the time we had with her and the impact she had on us. We celebrated Homecoming and Sing Song, where we witnessed Trojans’ first win and the senior class’ sweep. Within months of the D-I move, athletics unveiled the new Wildcat logo. The sports teams finished out their final LSC seasons, including the women’s basketball and tennis teams’ conference championships. We witnessed victories, like when senior Brittany Partridge received the Marshall Scholarship. The administration underwent a good deal of transition, which isn’t over yet. And we prayed in the hard times, like when we read the news reports about tragedies from around the country, such as in Boston or the Sandy Hook shooting. But we end the school year on a bright note: graduation. We will soon send 538 of our classmates and friends into the workforce, hoping only the best for them in their lives after college. – Mark Smith All Photos by Mandy Lambright except bottom left, by Adrian Patenaude
mandy lambright chief Photographer above photos by mandy lambright chief Photographer
graduation
Ceremonies to honor 508 seniors diplomas during two graduation ceremonies. page 2 editor The first ceremony at 11 a.m. will honor 267 underFive hundred eight stu- graduates and 51 graduates dents will walk across the from the College of Arts stage in Moody Coliseum and Sciences. The second on Saturday to receive their ceremony, which starts at 3
linsey thut
p.m., will honor 241 undergraduates and 64 graduate students from the College of Biblical Studies, College of Business Administration, College of Education and Human Services, and Patty Hanks Shelton School
of Nursing. Graduating students and escorts are instructed to arrive at their assigned locations 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. Bethany Morgan, senior Ad/PR major from Nocona
and is graduating in the 11 a.m, ceremony, said she is excited to start her career. “I am so ready to graduate,” Morgan said. “I can’t wait to go live out my dreams.” The featured speaker
at both ceremonies will be Elise Mitchell (’83), owner of Mitchell Communications Group in Fayetteville, Ark. A reception for students see graduates page 8
students’ association This is the final issue of the Optimist of the school year. Look for the Optimist in the fall, distributed after Chapel every Wednesday and Friday. Until then, check out our website at acuoptimist.com.
Elected officers assume positions 2012-13 SA president Rebecca Dial hands over the presidency to Dylan Benac
SA officers, Student Congress members, friends, and faculty advisers of SA attended the ceremony known as the Changing of the Guard. Recently hired cabinet members in the positions of Chief Communications Ofmadeline orr ficer, Chief Financial Officer managing editor and administrative assistant were also announced. The 2012-2013 Student’s as- The CCO is Emily Pybus, a sociation cabinet formally junior graphic design major handed over the reigns to from North Richland Hills. the newly elected officers at The CFO is Victoria Garza, the Fairway Oaks Country a junior speech pathology Club on Thursday night. major from Corpus Christi.
The administrative assistant is Robert Hull, a junior piano performance major from Ripon, Calif. The evening began with dinner and was followed by Congressmen Superlatives and cabinet pass downs. Each exiting officer spoke about a faculty mentor and awarded that faculty member with a plaque of gratitude. Emily O’Rear, sophomore communications major from Huntsville, resee SA page 13
mandy lambright chief photographer Dylan Benac, 2013-14 SA president, embraces Rebecca Dial, who served as president this past year, at the Changing of the Guard.
inside NEWS
VIDEO
PHOTOS
For news from around campus, turn to:
See the Students’ Association’s Changing of the Guard ceremony at: acuoptimist.com
See more shots of Finals Week festivies at:
Pages 6, 8 and 12
Abilene Christian University
GRADUATION
To see the entire list of all the 2013 graduates, turn to: acuoptimist.com Pages 2, 4-5, 7, 9-11
WEdnesday 05.o8.13
08 Wednesday
09
All day - Golf NCAA Division 2 Super Regional
thursday
All day - Tennis NCAA Nationals @ Suprise, AZ
10
All day - Tennis NCAA Nationals @ Suprise, AZ
friday
All day - Softball regional Tournament
All day - Tennis NCAA Nationals @ Suprise, AZ
11
saturday
All day - Tennis NCAA Nationals @ Suprise, AZ All day - Softball Regional Tournament
All day - Softball Regional Tournament
All day - Track - Oliver Jackson Twilight
2
7:30 p.m. Key City Winds @ Heavenly Rest
Graduation Commencement 11:00 am and 3:00pm
Chapel checkup
Around Abilene May 8
May 9
May 10
May 11
6:30 p.m. The Key City Squares will sponsor a square dancing workshop at the Wagon Wheel in Tye. Beginning lessons will be 7:30-9:30 p.m.
7:30 a.m. The 2013 Western Heritage Classic will open at the Taylor County Expo Center. Events include trade shows, rodeos, and a parade in downtown Abilene at 6:30 p.m.
6 p.m. A dance will begin at 7 p.m. at the Desdemona Activity center. Johnny Johnson and the Memor-Makers will perform. Concessions open at 6 p.m. Admission will be $5.
9 a.m. A fundraiser for Loaves and Fishes and Bridges to Home will begin at 9 a.m. There will be live music, a fun house, and free hot dogs. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
DONE
5 p.m. The Art Walk will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown historic Abilene.
@acuoptimist The Optimist optimist@acu.edu
Police Log
Undergraduates 2013
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Grant Seth Lawrence Emilee Ann Shamblin (B.S., Environmental Sci(B.S., Animal Science) ence) Hawley Coleman
Asja Leznina Amara Grace Childers (B.F.A., Art) (B.S., Biology) Magna Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude Tallinn, Estonia Abilene
Chen Liu (B.S., Biology) Wuhan, China
Elizabeth Grace Medlicott Emily Ruth Crain (B.S., Biology) (B.S., Biology) Denton Ashley Taylor Beddingfield Summa Cum Laude (B.F.A., Art) Odessa Lindsey Kay Meredith Nocona Emily Grace Adams Colton Marcus McInturff Chase Martin (B.S., Biology) (B.S., Environmental Sci(B.S., Animal Science) (B.F.A., Art) Zachary Nathan Davis Cum Laude Julianne Avette Brannan ence) Cum Laude The Colony (B.S., Biology) Hallsville (B.F.A., Art) Roanoke, Va. Franklin, Tenn. Magna Cum Laude Magna Cum Laude Emily McCommas Aurora, Colo. Zackquill Jennings MorAbilene Jacob R. Bills Samantha Elizabeth (B.F.A., Art) gan (B.S., Agribusiness) Priestle Kingwood Samuel Oziegbe Ewalefo (B.S., Biology) Kelcie Marie Broom Lubbock (B.S., Animal Science) (B.S., Biology) Cum Laude (B.A., Art) Summa Cum Laude Mallory Nicole Ming Magna Cum Laude Keller Cum Laude Kyle Bridges San Antonio (B.F.A., Art) Las Vegas, Nev. Richardson (B.S., Agribusiness) Cum Laude Honors Thesis: Molecular Aubrey Grace Palmer Marble Falls Wiepie Rojas Salado Systematics of the Class (B.S., Biology) Amanda Cantu (B.S., Environmental SciOphiuoridea Using 165 Magna Cum Laude (B.F.A., Art) Melinda Ann Brown ence) Chad Ryan Moore rDNA Abilene Abilene (B.S., Environmental SciSumma Cum Laude (B.S., Interior Design and ence) Waxahachie A.A., Pre-Architecture) Jocelyn Abigail Mattye Blaine Daniel Smith Jennifer Colleen CrawMagna Cum Laude Honors Thesis: “Gardening Abilene Groves (B.S., Biology) ford San Antonio with Grace:� The Effective- (B.A., Art) (B.S., Biology) Summa Cum Laude ness of a Community GarAnna Kathleen Pinson Lubbock Keller Abilene Erika L. Carley den at Building Community (B.F.A., Art) (B.S., Agribusiness) Cookeville, Tenn. Melissa Anne Hale Marissa Ann Stewart Jillian LeAnn Dowdy Auburn, Calif. Samantha Annette Saldivar (B.S., Interior Design) (B.A., Biology) (B.S., Biology) (B.S., Environmental SciAmy Pyer Houston Cum Laude Cum Laude Kathleen Eleanor Henence) (B.S., Interior Design) Lamesa Mount Pleasant derson Cum Laude Sugar Land Hailey Horton (B.S., Environmental SciSan Angelo (B.A., Biology) Ryan Spencer Threadgill Tara Brianne Holland ence) Honors Thesis: BioreDavid Ian Singer Summa Cum Laude (B.S., Biology) (B.S., Interior Design) Rockport mediation of a Tallgrass (B.F.A., Art) Rockwall Magna Cum Laude Cum Laude Prairie Revisited Pflugerville Plano Alpharetta, Ga. Anna Jo Jennifer Skorusa (B.A., Biology) Chemistry and BioMorgan Michelle Hudson (B.F.A., Art) Kyungnam, Korea (B.S., Interior Design and chemistry A.A., Pre-Architecture) Lewisville Kande Elaine Jones Abilene Austin Joel Anderson (B.S., Biology) (B.S., Biochemistry) Biology Kilgore Keith Jernigan Magna Cum Laude (B.F.A., Art) Briana Rose Burton Flower Mound Jandi Lee Knox Waco (B.S., Biology) (B.S., Biology) Magna Cum Laude Carlsbad, N.M. Abilene
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Tiffany Lutz (B.S., Animal Science) Zelienople, Pa.
Art and Design
Evan Daniel Marks (B.F.A., Art) Escondido, Calif.
continued on page 4
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Graduation
Wednesday 05.08.13
Hillary Lee Eichelberger (B.S., Chemistry) (B.S., Biochemistry) Abilene Gabrielle Ruth Brown Summa Cum Laude (B.S., Biochemistry) Houston Nathan C. Hurley Magna Cum Laude Honors Thesis: A Dif(B.S., Biochemistry, Lubbock ferential Diagnosis of Chemistry and Physics) Honors Thesis: HealthVictorian Novels: Illness Magna Cum Laude care in Guatemala and the and Identity in Nineteenth Murray, Utah United States Century British Literature Hannah May Johnston Alexander Michael ClenChloe Cae French (B.S., Chemistry and dening (B.S., Biochemistry) Chemistry-Teaching) (B.S., Biochemistry) Cum Laude Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude Palestine Fort Worth Pampa continued from page 2
Charles Jacob Holt John Luke Covalt (B.S., Biochemistry) (B.S., Biochemistry) Magna Idalou Cum Laude Pampa
Ayrea Hurley
4
(B.S., Biochemistry) (B.S., Composite Interdis- (B.A., International StudSumma Cum Laude ciplinary) ies) McKinney North Richland Hills Magna Cum Laude Honors Thesis: AddressShallowater ing Health Inequalities: Candace McDaniel Lessons from Cuba and (B.S., Composite Interdis- Wilson William White Costa Rica ciplinary) (B.A., History) Coppell Ozona Luke Sorrell (B.S., Biochemistry) Madison Carroll Van Journalism and Mass Magna Cum Laude Hoose Communication Coppell (B.S., Composite Interdisciplinary) Catrina Bailey Trevor Jordan Wait Colleyville (B.S., Electronic Media) (B.S., Biochemistry) Moreno Valley, Calif. William Travis King Summa Cum Laude Graeme Edward Williams (B.S., Biochemistry) White Oak (B.S., Composite Interdis- Marcus Gerald Bowen Summa Cum Laude ciplinary) (B.S., Electronic Media) Lubbock Joseph Gregory Wilbanks Murphy North Richland Hills (B.S., Biochemistry) Zachary A. Kroeger Magna Cum Laude Engineering and Caitlin Bradford (B.S., Biochemistry) Sachse Physics (B.S., Electronic Media) Summa Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude Tempe, Ariz. Katherine Ann Wood (B.S., William Spenser Lynn Cedar Rapids, Iowa Biochemistry) (B.S., Physics) Li Hsing J. Loh Cum Laude White Oak Carly Gail Branscum (B.S., Biochemistry) Austin (B.S., Advertising/Public Summa Cum Laude Travis Ken Schuetze Relations) San Antonio Timothy Christian (B.S., Physics) Fort Worth Zalewski Corpus Christi Jacob Lowry (B.S., Biochemistry) Emily Beth Coalson (B.S., Biochemistry) Magna Cum Laude History (B.S., Advertising/Public Cum Laude Dripping Springs Relations) Fort Worth Kalynne Gelee Allen Austin Communication (B.S., Social StudiesTeaching) Julie Anne Coppedge Laurel Blackmon Magna Cum Laude (B.S.,Advertising/Public (B.S., Communication) New Braunfels Relations) Summa Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude Arlington Bradley Boshers Amarillo (B.A., History) Krystal Amanda Fogle Summa Cum Laude Taylor Rose Edwards (B.S., Communication) Brentwood, Tenn. (B.S., Advertising/Public Summa Cum Laude Relations) Cedar Park Jonathan Steven Carroll Cum Laude Honors Thesis: Painting (B.A., History) Houston the Town Red: A Study in Early the Art of Communication Sarah Jean Fatheree and Persuasion with the Michelle Elizabeth Cornell (B.S., Advertising/Public Red Thread Movement (B.S., Social StudiesRelations) Teaching) Wethersfield, Conn. Alexandra Jane Foster Summa Cum Laude (B.S., Communication) Duarte, Calif. Leigh Marie Foith Summa Cum Laude (B.S., Advertising/Public Lubbock Benjamin Fincher Relations) (B.A., International StudMagna Cum Laude Daniel Joe Graves ies) Plano (B.S., Communication) Lubbock Magna Cum Laude Allison Nicole Gilbert Bulverde Hunter Harrison (B.S., Advertising/Public (B.S., Social StudiesRelations) Jacob Anderson Groves Teaching) Houston (B.S., Communication) San Antonio Lubbock Zane Goggans Amanda Ann Henson (B.S., Journalism) Emily Anne Hart (B.A., History) Arlington (B.S., Communication) Abilene Fort Worth John Edward Isaacs Eli Robert Hoover (B.S., Journalism) Darwin Johnson (B.A., History) Canadian (B.S., Communication) Grapevine Dallas Morgan Craig Johnson Marissa Marolf Kascidee Nicole Kemp (B.S., Electronic Media) Kat Kessler (B.S., History-Teaching) Rowlett (B.S., Communication) Abernathy Missouri City, Mo. Hannah Elizabeth Kelley Christopher Lee Marshall (B.S., Advertising/Public Elias Foster Klar (B.S., Composite Interdis- Relations) (B.S., Communication) ciplinary) Cum Laude Juda, Wis. Cum Laude Richardson Kermit Brandon David McKee Sarah Kelly (B.S., Communication) Jacob M. Pousland (B.S., Advertising/Public Phoenix, Ariz. (B.A., History) Relations) Austin San Antonio Jaime DeAnn Metscher (B.A., Communication) Caroline Lindsay Reeves Lesley Taylor Langston Cum Laude (B.A., History) (B.S., Convergence JourAustin Carrollton nalism) Lubbock Kaci Carinn Millay Chandler Raymond (B.S., Communication) Simpson Kendall E. Lawrence Magna Cum Laude (B.S., Social Studies(B.S., Advertising/Public Houston Teaching) Relations) Sugar Land Temple Alexandra Lee Stirling (B.S., Communication) Amber RenÊ Stephen Michael McKissick Littleton, Colo. (B.S., Social Studies(B.S., Advertising/Public Teaching) Relations) Composite Summa Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude Interdisciplinary Keller Boerne Honors Thesis: Brown Mpembe Brigitte Ebengo v. Board of Education Bethany Eileen Morgan (B.S., Composite Interdis- From Past to Present; The (B.S., Advertising/Public ciplinary) Supreme Court’s Evolving Relations) Abilene View on School Segrega- Nocona tion John Payton Giacomarro
Julie Kathryn Tarter
continued on page 5
5
Graduation
wednesday 05.08.13
continued from page 4
Hutton Allan Brown Meghan Rebecca Nathan Theodore Kristen Willis Shelby Gail Hall (B.A., English) Reynolds Hamilton (B.M., Music Teaching, (B.A., Political Science) Katherine Elizabeth Cum Laude (B.A., English) (B.M, Piano Performance) Voice-All Level) Magna Cum Laude Morrical Midland Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude Cum Laude Ovilla (B.S., Advertising/Public Colorado Springs, Colo. Abilene Snyder Relations) Megan Lee Claycomb Jordan Herman Wylie (B.A., English and Ellen Christine Smith Whitney Anne Johnson Political Science (B.A., Political Science) Political Science) (B.A., English-Teaching) (B.M., Music Teaching, Grapevine Corinne Alyssa Morris Summa Cum Laude Instrument-All Level) Garrett Lee Beach (B.S., Electronic Media) Summa Cum Laude McKinney College Station Coppell (B.A., Political Science) Rebekah E. Singleton Abilene Magna Cum Laude (B.A., Political Science) Natasha Ann Dosa Katy Joan Smith Laura Nolte Van Alstyne Magna Cum Laude Jocelyn D. Nederhoff (B.A., English) (B.A., English) (B.A., Music) Austin (B.S., Advertising/Public Throckmorton Magna Cum Laude Abilene Daniel Joseph Borrego Relations) Aledo (B.A., Political Science) Thomas Stephen Wyatt Summa Cum Laude Hillary Lee Eichelberger Kailey Anne Rhoden Van Horn (B.A., Political Science) Albuquerque, N.M (B.A., English) Hannah Michelle Wagner (B.A., Music) Dallas Summa Cum Laude (B.A., English) Magna Cum Laude Ashley Danielle Close Amanda Ouedraogo Houston Cum Laude Sunnyvale (B.A., Political Science) Professional and (B.S., Advertising/Public Honors Thesis: A DifCentennial, Colo. Magna Cum Laude Continuing Education Relations) ferential Diagnosis of Joe Rush Lexington, S.C. Antony, France Victorian Novels: Illness David White (B.A., Music) Jo Ann Travis Evans and Identity in Nineteenth (B.A., English) Trophy Club Rebecca Ann Dial (B.A.S., Applied Studies) Chelsea Michelle Pattillo Century British Literature Sweeny (B.A., Political Science) Angleton (B.S., Advertising/Public Timothy Lee Savage Summa Cum Laude Relations) Christopher Fields Mathematics (B.A., Music) Lexington, S.C. Chestina Ray Gloyna Tyler (B.A., English) Cum Laude (B.A.S., Applied Studies) Flower Mound Tyler Reese Johnson Abilene Gabriel Michael Anthony Abilene Matthew Sewell (B.S., MathematicsElorreaga (B.S., Electronic Media) Katy Marie Goetz Teaching, Middle School) Dean Willis (B.A., Political Science) Casaundra Nichol Jones Gainesville (B.A., English-Teaching) Carrollton (B.M., Vocal Performance) San Antonio Washington Magna Cum Laude Cum Laude (B.A.S., Applied Studies) Mark David Smith Haslet Gregory Kyle Lammons Pago Pago, US-AS Abilene (B.S., Convergence (B.S., Mathematics) Journalism) continued on page 7 Kylie Michelle Hanna San Antonio Cum Laude (B.A., English) Powhatan, Va. Vancouver, Wash. Stefanie Marie Nicholas (B.S., MathematicsKenneth Chase Stannard Hannah Beth Davis Teaching) (B.S., Electronic Media) Ketteman Summa Cum Laude Fort Worth (B.A., English-Teaching) Allen Temple Jennifer N. Tashjian Jared Alan Ohrmundt (B.S., Electronic Media) Heather Rae Kregel (B.S., MathematicsAbilene (B.A., English) Teaching, Middle School) Magna Cum Laude Hurst Hailey Rebecca Tyler Thompson Honors Thesis: Physicians Misty Dawn Preast (B.S., Advertising/Public in the Literature of Arthur (B.S., Mathematics-TeachRelations) Conan Doyle and Robert ing, Middle School) Magna Cum Laude Louis Stevenson: Portray- Tyler Allen ing the Icons of Changing Times David Reynolds John Thompson (B.S., Mathematics) (B.S., Electronic Media) Luke Morgan Summa Cum Laude North Richland Hills (B.A., English and History) Austin Magna Cum Laude Ben W. Warton Kimberly Anne Rodriguez (B.S., Journalism) Abilene Honors Thesis: (B.S., MathematicsSouthlake Reevaluating the “Renais- Teaching) sance Man�: Origins and Cum Laude Brittany Nicole Williams (B.S., Journalism) Continuities of Humanism San Antonio in American Education Rockwall Amanda Ruth Sheldon Whitney Noel (B.S., MathematicsLanguage and (B.A., English) Teaching) Literature Elgin, Okla. Summa Cum Laude Colorado Springs, Colo. Veronica Bermudez Honors Thesis: An Intro(B.A., Spanish-Teaching) Kimberly B. Pamplin (B.A., English) duction to Fractals Kaufman Summa Cum Laude Manassas, Va. Music Caitlin Bradford (B.A., Spanish) Luke Dylan Ramsey Shalesia Shavelle Brown Summa Cum Laude (B.A., English) (B.A., Music) Cedar Rapids, Iowa Colorado Springs, Colo. Longview
optimist@acu.edu
The Optimist
@acuoptimist
ACUOPTIMIST.com
campus news
WEdnesday 05.08.13
6
FINALS
FESTIVITIES Students de-stress from the pressures of Finals Week on Dead Day mandy lambright chief photographer
curtis christian staff photographer
deanna romero staff photographer
deanna romero staff photographer
summer events
ACU to meet up at Rangers game margo herrera student reporter The ACU Alumni Association will again be hosting an ACU night at a Texas Rangers game. It’s called “Meet us at the ballpark” and will take place June 10 at 7 p.m. The Rangers will be playing against the Cleveland Indians. According to the ACU website, last year more than 800 members of the ACU community attended the game. Once again, the ACU Alumni Association is offering a huge discount on tickets for the All You Can Eat Porch. The ACU website said tickets are $25 each and children age 2 and under are free. Regular tickets for the All You Can Eat Porch cost $47. The ticket price includes as many hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, popcorn and grilled chicken sandwiches as you can eat
and all the soft drinks or water you can drink before the 8th inning. Members attending the game will be sitting in sections 248 and 249 of the All You Can Eat Porch in the right corner, closest to the first base and center field gates and parking lots A, C and D south and east of the ballpark. Parking in ballpark lots is $15 and is not included in the ticket price. The gates open at 5 p.m. and tickets will be mailed about a week before the game. Samantha Adkins, senior Alumni Relations officer, is helping with the event. “This gathering is so much fun for everyone,” Adkins said. “It’s a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new ones and enjoy being with other ACU alumni.” Adkins said this is the second year they’ve been in the All You Can Eat Section. Before that, the Alumni As-
sociation used the Museum section as the venue. She said this year ACU has the opportunity to throw out the first pitch. “We’re still working on who that VIP will be,” Adkins said. “It will be a notable alum.” Mark Lavendar, a former employee, had the idea about this event back in 2004. Kaila Daley, sophomore nursing major from Boerne, went to the game last year and already has her tickets for this year’s game. “The Rangers are my favorite baseball team,” Daley said. “So combining them with ACU is a dream come true, plus it’s a great deal on the tickets.” The registration deadline to purchase tickets is June 3 at 11:55 p.m.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
7
Graduation
wednesday 05.08.13
continued from page 5 Robert T. Lilly (B.A.S., Applied Studies) New York, N.Y. Stacy L. Seguin (B.A.S., Applied Studies) Abilene Juan Valdez (B.A.S., Applied Studies) Abilene Jennifer Lynn Villanueva (B.A.S., Applied Studies) Abilene
Psychology
Kevin Lamont Johnson (B.S., Psychology) Midland
Logan Lewis Cole (B.S., Family Studies) Abilene
Katherine Yarbrough (B.S., Family Studies) Fort Worth
Nicholas S. Palmieri (B.F.A., Theatre) Amarillo
Victoria S. Jones (B.S., Psychology) Dallas
Brittany Dawn Ellis (B.S., Family Studies) Haslet
Suzanne Zeller (B.S., Family Studies) Abilene
Brynn Dianne Smith (B.F.A., Theatre) Fort Worth
Megan Taylor Keaveny (B.S., Psychology) Colleyville
James Elswood Seth Ian Womack (B.S., Composite Interdis- Theatre (B.F.A., Theatre) ciplinary) Justin San Antonio Katherine Elizabeth Bendel COLLEGE OF BIBLICAL Bryan Scott Evans (B.F.A., Theatre) STUDIES (B.S., Family Studies) Summa Cum Laude Houston Abilene
Jayne Ruth Killeen (B.S., Psychology) Lubbock Gavin Michael Lane (B.S., Psychology) Belton
Briana S. Love Lauren Delores Atkinson (B.S., Psychology) (B.S., Psychology) Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude North Richland Hills Saint Louis, M.O Chanan Longfellow Behrendt (B.S., Psychology) Sherman
Melissa Lozano (B.S., Psychology) Arlington Casey Elizabeth Malone (B.S., Psychology) Southlake
Hillary Danielle Ivanhoe (B.S., Family Studies) Magna Cum Laude Midland Carley Anne Kelley (B.S., Family Studies) Boerne William Chance Kilpatrick (B.S., Family Studies) Abilene
Hannah Elizabeth Browning (B.F.A., Theatre) Summa Cum Laude Mesquite Amanda Aniza Jarufe (B.F.A., Theatre) Cum Laude Coppell
Ashley R. Markgraf (B.F.A., Theatre) Aaron Richard Lambrix Cum Laude (B.S., Sociology-Criminal Boerne Justice) Lakeway
Emily Anne Bibb (B.S., Psychology) Magna Cum Laude Kevin L. Mimms Abilene (B.S., Psychology) Magna Cum Laude Morgan Mask Bobby Brown Fairview (B.S., Family Studies) (B.S., Psychology) Crockett Orange County, Calif. Alexandra Faythe Sheffield (B.S., Psychology) Prentis LaTavis McCarty Brittney Deanne Bryan (B.S., Sociology-Criminal (B.S., Psychology) Irving Justice) Clyde James Tashjian Houston (B.S., Psychology) Whitney Caroline Calhoun Tucker Riley Mueck (B.S., Composite Interdis- Abilene (B.S., Family Studies) Sumciplinary) Grant Williams ma Cum Laude Mansfield (B.S., Psychology) Robinson Waco Cady Jean Carlile Catherine Narvaez (B.S., Psychology) (B.S., Sociology) Magna Cum Laude Lincoln Lyle Woods B.S., Psychology) San Antonio Denton Summa Cum Laude Boerne Sarah Heather Nasi Elizabeth Alejandra (B.S., Family Studies) Chavez Sociology and Family Fort Worth (B.S., Psychology) San Antonio
Studies
Lucas Daniel Alderete Claire Elise Coburn (B.S., Family Studies) (B.S., Psychology) Taylor Cum Laude Abilene Bianca Marie Alexis (B.S., Family Studies) Elizabeth Claire Ellery Dallas (B.S., Psychology)
Lauren Ashley Peters (B.S., Family Studies) Magna Cum Laude Arlington James K. Roland (B.S., Sociology) Maple Valley, Wash.
Summa Cum Laude Prentice Courtland AshTanner Reed Schroeder San Angelo ford (B.S., Sociology-Criminal (B.S., Family Studies) Justice) Elizabeth Elston Magna Cum Laude Keller (B.S., Psychology) Abilene Magna Cum Laude Ashton Patrice Singleton Shallowater Trisha Ann Ashford (B.S., Family Studies) (B.S., Family Studies) Lancaster Courtney Rene Garner (B.S., Psychology) Abilene Ashley Nicole Stroup San Antonio Cathrine Elizabeth Baird (B.S., Family Studies) (B.S., Family Studies) Summa Cum Laude Georgiann Goodwin Magna Cum Laude Fort Worth (B.S., Psychology) Austin Magna Cum Laude Nicholas Tatum Magnolia Erica Nicole Billingsley (B.S., Family Studies) Sum(B.S., Family Studies) ma Cum Laude Annelise Hernandez Plano, Texas (B.S., Psychology) Leander El Paso Stephanie Nicole Heron (B.S., Psychology) Upland, Calif. Kelsey Elizabeth Hilton (B.S., Psychology) Colorado Springs, Colo. Connor James Hoell (B.S., Psychology) Coram, N.Y. Madison Nicole Hudson (B.S., Psychology) Abilene Alexa Marie Jarpe (B.S., Psychology) Lubbock
Brent William Bray (B.S., Victoria Lea Tyson Sociology-Criminal Jus(B.S., Family Studies) tice) Abilene Yucaipa, Calif. Zachary Thomas Vines Matthew James Brown (B.S., Family Studies) (B.S., Sociology-Criminal Cum Laude Justice) Abilene Austin Tyler R. Watson Chelsea Lynne Brumley (B.S., Sociology-Criminal (B.S., Family Studies) Justice) Abilene Burleson Kelsey M. Byroad (B.S., Family Studies) Flower Mound Leah Raye Cameron (B.S., Family Studies) Houston
Seth T. Wilson (B.S., Sociology-Criminal Justice) Abilene Desmond Anthony Woodberry (B.S., Family Studies) Midland
Bible, Missions and Ministry Colton Dale Akers (B.S., Composite Interdisciplinary) Buena Vista, Colo. Joshua Seth Bouchelle (B.A., Missions and Biblical Text) Summa Cum Laude Amarillo continued on page 9
Campus news
wednesday 05.08.13
8
faculty
Senate elects 2013-14 officers, members the chair elect, which is a three year post. online managing editor “The Faculty Senate is the elected body of teachers After a week-long elec- at ACU who gather together tion, new members were and ask questions an give welcomed into the Faculty advice and help the adminSenate April 25 during the istration oversee campus senate’s last meeting of the through a concept called semester. ‘Shared Governance,’” Dr. Neal Coates, chair of Coates said. the Department of PolitiCoates served as the cal Science, said there were chair elect for the 2012three openings on the Sen- 13 academic year and will ate and one officer position, serve as the chair for next
melany cox
year’s senate. He said the Faculty Senate Constitution requires members to be full-time faculty members at the rank of assistant or above. Officers are required to have served on the senate four years and must have tenure. Coates said this year’s senate worked with the provost, Dr. Robert Rhodes, to advise him on matters of significance to the faculty and university at large.
He said the senate also spoke with administration regarding how a new science facility would be shaped, communicated with the Board of Trustees, expressed concerns about OpenClass and tuition costs for students and salaries for faculty and staff. Dr. Rodney Ashlock, assistant professor of Bible, served as the chair this year. He will serve next year’s senate as the past chair.
“One of the primary responsibilities is to run elections,” he said. “For instance, a department might decide that a particular program is no longer relevant. So if we need to drop a program or something like that, the faculty votes on that issue, and so somebody has to run the election.” Coates and Ashlock said the goal for next year’s senate is to continue the discussion about faculty
salaries and appointments. Coates said the questions of a new science facility and how campus will operate in a time of lean budgets are important to next year’s senate. For a complete list of those serving in the faculty senate, visit www.acuoptimist.com contact cox at mkc09b@acu.edu
graduate school
New grad programs to be based in Dallas Family Therapy with an emphasis in Medical Family copy editor Therapy, and a Post-Baccalaureate Dietetic InternACU is expanding its Christ- ship. centered community to Each program will chalDallas with two new gradu- lenge students to think ate programs, both of which critically about the world will begin in 2014. while they work alongside The programs include CitySquare to meet the a Master in Marriage and needs of the clientele. This
brittany jackson
location and opportunity will provide a hands-on and vvtransformative educational experience to those who participate. Graduates will seek a licensure as a valid “Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist” in Texas and other states, and may choose to pursue a licensure as a “Licensed Professional Counselor”. The MFT term begins in Fall 2014 with part-time and full-time student tracks. The full-time student will finish the degree in two years, whereas the part-time student will complete it in three years. It is a 60-hour program with courses being offered faceto-face in Dallas, as well as through live video conferencing for students in Abilene and Dallas. The coursework will include the traditional MFT curriculum in addition to an emphasis on illness and disability across the lifespan, collaboration with healthcare systems and medical doctors. In conjunction with the Research Methods in Medical Family Therapy course, students will be required to complete a group research project. Dr. Jaime Goff, associate professor and chair of the department of marriage
and family studies, was one of the instigators behind the program’s creation. She is confident in the purpose and outcome of the program’s establishment. “All of us, the faculty in the department, are really excited. The opportunities are so amazing with CitySquare, and also being in a large, urban area like the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex,” Goff said. “Its going to offer so many opportunities for students for internships, networking . . .It’s a different, unique context of living and working in an urban area that is especially characterized by poverty, which will provide wonderful experiences that will be marketable in seeking employment after graduation.” Any student is welcome to apply. There is no required undergraduate major or undergraduate prerequisites. Though, students with backgrounds in psychology, family studies, sociology, social work and ministry are most suited. Applicants will be invited to ACU at CitySquare in Dallas for an on-site interview. The second program is a Post-Baccalaureate Dietetic Internship, accepting only 15 applicants. It is a nine
credit-hour graduate-level certification program for students who have completed the Didactic Program in Dietetics requirements in an accredited program. This program is to begin in June 2014, and the courses are to be completed over an 11-month span. Online coursework begins in June, with internship rotations starting in September. This Dietetic Internship is the first and only one in the nation to focus on “community and poverty”. Brandon Lemley, director of graduate marketing, has learned a lot about the programs while helping launch their announcement on May 2. “It’s typical for students to do these types of internships at a food bank or a large school district, but its bot usual to have a university and non-profit partnership with a place like CitySquare,” Lemely said. “We can put students that care at the front lines and allow those who are passionate to learn about poverty, what creates poverty and how to address it.” Students will acquire marketable experience through clinical rotations and their direct involvement with urban poverty.
Throughout their involvement in CitySquare, students will be required to develop a community program based on the needs of the clientele they encounter. Applicants must go through an online matching process at https://portal.dicas.com, complete an application by Feb. 14, 2014, submit transcripts, maintain a grade point average of 3.2 and a minimum grade of B in Didactic Program in Dietetics courses and supporting courses including the sciences, statistics and management and submit two letters of recommendation. Both programs have yet to be accredited, seeing as the process will take several years after the curriculum has been established. However, the accreditation for MFT will be retroactive once it’s confirmed, meaning that students from the non-accredited program in the past will receive accreditation based off their previous participation. Also, a license in MFT can be obtained without accreditation. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
cuts
Intramurals, SRWC offices to merge jocelyn nederhoff student reporter Three staff members in the office of intramural sports and Student Recreation and Wellness Center will not be returning next semester because of budget cuts. The Rec Center will work closely with the intramural sports program this next school year, leading to stronger programs and lower costs for the university. “Intramurals merging with the Rec Center just made sense,” said Dr. Jan Meyer, interim dean of Student Life. “It is a natural fit, and the staff from both offices work well together.” Because both offices promote physical activity and wellness, working together will help the two groups achieve this goal more effectively. Kenli Edwards, director of intramural sports, believes collaboration and ideas between the two parties will create stronger programs. “Right now, we are talking about what is going to benefit the students the most, because that is what the Rec Center is for, and what intramurals are for,” she said. Edwards will work with Joel Swedland, executive di-
“
“There was an administrative position in the intramural office and the same postion in the Rec Center. We did not need the postion, we had to cut one.”
rector of the SRWC, and Dr. Kerri Hart, assistant director of the SRWC, along with the rest of the SRWC staff. “Joel, Kerri and I all work together well and know it’s going to be an easy transition,” Edwards said. The merge led to two positions being cut – the assistant director of intramurals and administrative coordinator for intramurals. The plan is to merge the coordinator position with the identical position in the Rec Center. However, neither of the two people in the current positions are able to fill the merged position. Meyer asked that the names of those whose positions will be cut remain unpublished, though their names and positions are available on the ACU website. The cuts were needed because of budget cuts and the same positions existing at both the SRWC and intramural sports, Meyer said. “There was an adminis-
Jan Meyer Interim dean of student life
trative position in the intramural office and the same administrative position in the Rec Center,” she said. “We did not need to support two of the same position, so we had to cut one.” Neither current administrator at the SRWC or intramurals was able to take the administrative position for next year. That position will be an opportunity for a new candidate. “The challenge about any eliminated position is that it is often painful,” Meyers said. “But it often provides an opportunity for someone else somewhere.” Many of the intramural sports will continue to use the SRWC, namely the indoor intramurals requiring those facilities: waterball, volleyball and basketball. At this time, no new sports have been added to intramural program, Edwards contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
ACUOPTIMIST.com
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9
Graduation
wednesday 05.08.13
Emily Regan Fleming (B.B.A., Accounting) Keller
Management Sciences
Anthony R. Smith II Alan Hilligoss (B.B.A., Marketing) (B.S., Information Caston Lee Benjamin Justin E. Andrews Magna Cum Laude Technology) Boyd III (B.B.A., Management) Dallas Summa Cum Laude (B.A., Biblical Text) Siyun Gao Fort Worth SeungChan Oh Benbrook La Marque (B.B.A., Finance) (B.B.A.,Marketing) Elle Walker Whitaker Guangzhou, Guangdong, Jace Wayne Avery Seoul, South Korea (B.B.A., Management) Clement Hong Wai Ho Caitlin Hanisco China (B.B.A., Management) Summa Cum Laude (B.S., Computer Science) (B.A., Ministry to Children Tuscola Ethan Olson Allen Cum Laude & Families) Alyse Katherine Goldsmith (B.B.A., Management) Beijing, China Magna Cum Laude (B.B.A., Accounting) John Brandon Beale Summa Cum Laude Jared Christopher White Memphis, Tenn. Katy (B.B.A., Management) Abilene (B.B.A., Maeketing) Brandyn O’Brien Lee Abilene Georgetown (B.S., Information TechJoshua Caleb Hardcastle Samantha Nicole Greer Hannah Brynn Ostertag nology) (B.A., Youth and Family (B.B.A., Accounting) Amanda Minnes Becker (B.B.A., Management) Jiamian Wu Westwego, La. Ministry) Merkel (B.B.A., Management) Summa Cum Laude (B.B.A., Management and Abilene Magna Cum Laude Clifton, Va. Marketing) Andrew William McClellan Joshua Matthew Hall San Antonio Honors Thesis: The Abilene (B.S., Computer Science) Holly Leanne Howard (B.B.A., Accounting) Launch of Connections Georgetown (B.A., Ministry to Children Carrollton John J. Blass Café, a Subsidiary of Wild- School of Information & Families) (B.B.A., Management) cat Ventures: An Analysis Technology and Andrew Robert Rowlett Jeremy Richard Hluchan Arlington of the First Student-Run Computing McConnell (B.B.A., Accounting and Enterprise at Abilene (B.S., Computer Science) Trevor Jacobson Finance) Heath Daniel Bracken Christian University Jacob Michael Ackerman Cum Laude (B.A., Biblical Text) Grapevine (B.B.A., Marketing) (B.S., Computer Science) Houston Summa Cum Laude Salado Rachael Piccin Magna Cum Laude North Richland Hills Michael David Holeman (B.B.A., Management) San Antonio Riley Patrick Nipper (B.B.A., Accounting and Baylee Brown Flower Mound Honors Thesis: Applica(B.S., Information William Earl Pike II Finance) (B.B.A., Marketing) tion of Classroom Topics Technology) (B.A., Biblical Text) Spring Denton Trenton Lee Powers in a Vocational Setting San Antonio Newnan, Ga. (B.B.A., Management) Kara Elizabeth Knott Pierce Kiley Carpenter Clovis, Calif. Amanda Kaye Greenlee Michael Ortiz Wesley Collin Racca (B.B.A., Accounting) (B.B.A., Management) (B.S., Computer Science) (B.S., Information (B.A., Christian Ministry College Station Cum Laude Stephen James Prather Cum Laude Technology) and Youth and Family Abilene (B.B.A., Management) Bowie Monahans Ministry) Flay Patrick Louden Atlanta, Ga. Cum Laude (B.B.A., Finance) Jeremy Keith Carroll Tsunami Sarid Hernandez Odessa Cum Laude (B.B.A., Marketing) Sarah Danielle Ratliff (B.S., Information continued on page 10 Houston Abilene (B.B.A., Marketing) Technology) Wesley Craig Rasbury Lake Kiowa Abilene (B.A., Youth and Family Siqi Luan Carey Danielle Cox Ministry) (B.B.A., Accounting and (B.B.A., Marketing) Sandratra Mamilala RazafSumma Cum Laude Finance) Cum Laude injoelina Wentzville, Mo. Guangzhou, Guangdong, Amarillo (B.B.A., Management) China Toamasina, Madagascar Brady Lloyd Robinson Yongshi Deng (B.A., Youth and Family Brandon Dean Mackin (B.B.A., Management) Mireya Reyes Ministry) (B.B.A., Accounting) Guangzhou, Guangdong, (B.B.A., Marketing) Powell, Ohio Magna Cum Laude China Monahans Abilene John Royse Thomas Carroll Dyer Bryan Rodriguez Solano (B.A., Youth and Family Jeremy Lee Magers (B.B.A., Marketing) (B.B.A., Information SysMinistry) (B.B.A., Accounting) Carrollton tems) San Antonio Lubbock San Jose, Costa Rica Tanner Lee Estes Madison Lynn Short Barton Mahaffey (B.B.A., Management) John Patrick Rodvold (B.A., Vocational Missions) (B.B.A., Finance) Austin (B.B.A., Information Summa Cum Laude Fort Worth Systems) Dripping Springs Lauren Michelle Fink Magna Cum Laude Sarah Miller (B.B.A., Marketing) Colorado Springs, Colo. Kristian Glynn Travis (B.B.A., Accounting) Grapevine (B.A., Youth and Family Cum Laude Wendell Matthew Ministry) Irving Timothy Michael Fuentes Scurlock Boston, Mass. (B.B.A., Management) (B.B.A., Information Michael Austin Moore Monahans Systems) Marriage and Family (B.B.A., Accounting and Denver, Colo. Studies Finance) Nikolaus Gardner McKinney (B.B.A., Management) Ethan Hamilton Shepherd Joshua Alan Marshall Magna Cum Laude (B.B.A., Management) (B.S., Family Studies) Elliott Compton Nolan Georgetown Abilene Vernon (B.B.A., Accounting) North Richland Hills Maitland Albert Warren COLLEGE Griffith OF BUSINESS Nicholas Lee Nolan (B.B.A., Management) ADMINISTRATION (B.B.A., Accounting) Fort Worth North Richland Hills Accounting and Finance Jennifer Marie Guerrero Ryan Taylor Owens (B.B.A., Marketing) Tongying An (B.B.A., Accounting) Abilene (B.B.A., Accounting) Grapevine Taiyuan, Shanxi, China Hans Hach Andrew Foster Ponton (B.B.A., Management) Mark Arrington (B.B.A., Accounting) Culiacán, Mexico (B.B.A., Finance and Man- San Antonio agement) Margaret M. Harley Abilene Randel Andrew Rix (B.B.A., Management and (B.B.A., Finance) Marketing) Jeremy Scott Atkinson Cum Laude Magna Cum Laude (B.B.A., Accounting) Burleson Columbia, Md. Keller Karyn Elizabeth Roznovak Robynne Harris Joseph Daniel Austin (B.B.A., Accounting) (B.B.A., Management and (B.B.A., Accounting) Taylor Marketing) Cum Laude Cum Laude Houston Ricardo C. Salazar III Katy Honors Thesis: The Inter- (B.B.A., Finance) nal Revenue Service’s Re- Needville Korey Houston Hart lationship with Religious (B.B.A., Marketing) Freedom Stephani Michel Sanchez Magna Cum Laude (B.B.A., Accounting) Houston Brandon Michael Summa Cum Laude Avedikian Cypress Stephanie Hatch (B.B.A., Accounting) (B.B.A., Management and Summa Cum Laude Samuel Tucker Shelton Marketing) Fresno, Calif. (B.B.A., Finance) Scottsdale, Ariz. Cum Laude Garrett Beckler Beasley Colleyville Lindzie Ann Henry (B.B.A., Accounting and (B.B.A., Management) Marketing) Dashonerique Dominique Anchorage, Ark. McKinney Simms (B.B.A., Accounting) Bobby Kyle Holden Zhengde Cai Austin (B.B.A., Marketing) (B.B.A., Accounting and Frisco Finance) Adam Branson Teague Guangzhou, China (B.B.A., Finance and Anna Rebeca Ingram Marketing) (B.B.A., Management) Seth Carstens Cum Laude Fortaleza, Brazil (B.B.A., Finance) Jacksboro College Station Emily Kathryn Jones James Tripp (B.B.A., Management) Guran Chen (B.B.A., Accounting) Magna Cum Laude (B.B.A., Accounting) Irving Cedar Park Shanghai, China Nikoli Ellis Tritch Simon David Arthur Jordan Kyle Cortez (B.B.A., Finance) Jowett (B.B.A., Accounting) Clovis, Calif. (B.B.A., Management) Flower Mound Magna Cum Laude Sara Ann Vaughn Round Rock Rebecca Ann Dial (B.B.A., Finance) (B.B.A., Finance) Summa Cum Laude Kyung Chae Kim Summa Cum Laude Huntsville (B.B.A., Management) Lexington, S.C. Seoul, Korea Zhi Xiao Kyle David Dickerson (B.B.A., Finance) Ryan Luckie (B.B.A., Accounting and Abilene (B.B.A., Management) Finance) Pflugerville Anson Kyle Lee Yarbrough (B.B.A., Accounting and Michael James McLemore Jessica Elise Eller Finance) (B.B.A., Management and (B.B.A., Finance) Cum Laude Marketing) Magna Cum Laude San Angelo Boerne Denison Honors Thesis: Financial Junhan Zhang Ashton Skye Mileger Wellness in the Context of (B.B.A., Accounting) (B.B.A., Management) a Christian Lifestyle Zhengzhou, Henan, China Fairview continued from page 7
Emily Ann Miller (B.B.A., Management) Fort Worth
graduation continued from page 9 Parker Wade Petty (B.S., Information Technology) White Deer
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES Communication Sciences and Disorders
Joseph William Quigley (B.S., Computer Science) Guatemala City, Guatemala
Bailey L. Blackburn (B.S., Communication Disorders) Abilene
Thomas David Scroggins (B.S., Computer Science) Magna Cum Laude Hallsville
Anna Caroline Brinkman (B.S., Communication Disorders and Psychology) Cum Laude Abilene
Anthea Melissa Casella (B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude Spring Rebecca Joy Clay (B.S., Communication Disorders) Magna Cum Laude Salt Lake City, Utah Rebekah Ann Cooke (B.S., Communication Disorders) Magna Cum Laude Midland
wednesday 05.08.13
Daniella Marie Herrera Nathan Daniel Healy (B.S., Communication (B.S., Exercise Science) Disorders) Magna Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude Plano Bedford Shelby Helms Elizabeth Kay Johnston (B.S., Exercise Science) (B.S., Communication Keller Disorders) Abilene Chase Delane Jordan (B.S., Exercise Science) Robyn Renée Kemp Mansfield (B.S., Communication Disorders) Chelsea D. Lemieux Magna Cum Laude (B.S., Exercise Science) San Antonio Abilene
Macy Leigh McArthur Xavier Strong Megan Elizabeth Goodson (B.S., Communication (B.S., Information (B.S., Communication Disorders) Technology) Chelsey Nicole Disorders) Magna Cum Laude Wiesbaden, Germany Brumbaugh Summa Cum Laude Richardson (B.S., Communication Crandall Conor W. Terry Disorders) Bailey Elizabeth McMath (B.S., Information Summa Cum Laude Krysta Nicole Grimm (B.S., Communication Technology) Lewisville (B.S., Communication Disorders) Round Rock Disorders) Magna Cum Laude Genise Burnett Cum Laude Missouri City Zachary Turner Wulf (B.S., Communication Colorado Springs, Co. (B.S., Information Disorders) Heather Brianne Newton Technology) North Valley Stream, N.Y. Kayne Ainsley Haley (B.S., Communication Cum Laude (B.S., Communication Disorders) Houston Carli Marie Capps Disorders) Cum Laude (B.S., Communication Magna Cum Laude Round Rock Disorders) Houston Aledo Julie Elizabeth Reeger (B.S., Communication Disorders) Lubbock Kelsey LeighAnn Roberts (B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude Coppell Perla Patricia Rodriguez (B.S., Communication Disorders) Abilene Briana Maria Sastre (B.S., Communication Disorders) Carrollton Shelby Shipley (B.S., Communication Disorders) Brownwood Mary Elizabeth Shive (B.S., Communication Disorders) Cum Laude North Richland Hills Paige Brianne Snodgrass (B.S., Communication Disorders) Magna Cum Laude Seminole Emily Gail Taylor (B.S., Communication Disorders) Cum Laude Maypearl
Carly Michelle McClung (B.S., Nutrition) Grants Pass, Ore. Morgan Elizabeth McDonald (B.S., Exercise Science) Waxahachie Lauren Mary Mesaros (B.S., Nutrition) Cum Laude Lee’s Summit, Miss. Austin Michael Montgomery (B.S., Exercise Science) Keller Nicole Elizabeth Priest (B.S., Exercise Science) Cum Laude McAllen, Texas Kelsie Real (B.S., Nutrition) San Antonio Layne Sharp (B.S., Exercise and Sport Science) Olathe, KS Audrey Smith (B.S., Nutrition) Cum Laude Waco Anedrea Turner (B.S., Exercise Science) Wills Point Isaac Nathaniel Wright (B.S., Physical Education Teacher Education) Abilene
School of Social Work Jennifer Carpenter (B.S., Social Work) Magna Cum Laude Fort Worth L’nae Nichole Carstens (B.S., Social Work) Summa Cum Laude Austin Kimberly Marie Chaffee (B.S., Social Work) Abilene
Emily Alayne Vickery (B.S., Communication Disorders) Temple
Hunter Brandon Clinton (B.S., Social Work) Keller
Mallory Taylor Watson (B.S., Communication Disorders) Fort Worth
Nick Croissant (B.S., Social Work) Magna Cum Laude Glenwood Springs, Co.
Stephanie Michele Williams (B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude Quanah
Breanna Charisse Finney (B.S., Social Work) Escondido, Calif.
Ali Elizabeth Wren (B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude Arlington
Kinesiology and Nutrition Ashley Marie Arthur (B.S., Exercise Science) Haymarket, Va. Kelly Colleen Baskin (B.S., Exercise Science) Cum Laude San Antonio Bailee Lynn Briggs (B.S., Nutrition) Summa Cum Laude Alvarado Bryan Cleveland (B.S., Exercise Science) Quinlan Clint Coulter (B.S., Exercise Science) Celina Elton Edward Crochran II (B.S., Exercise Science) San Antonio Erin Nicole Gilliland (B.S., Exercise Science) Midland James Kenneth Grantham II (B.S., Exercise Science) North Port, Fla. Phillip Michael Hall (B.S., Physical Education) Edmond, Okla.
Rebekah Brianne Hahn (B.S., Social Work) Abilene Lauren Land (B.S., Social Work) Summa Cum Laude Prosper
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Benjamin Wiese (B.S., Sociology) San Antonio Yuxiang Wong (B.S., Social Work) Singapore, Singapore
Teacher Education Jennifer Michele Baran (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Cedar Park Justine Barchus (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies High School) Phoenix, Ariz. Rachel Bec (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Austin Deborah Renee Brokaw (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Abilene Amanda Brooke Jinkerson Carpenter (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Summa Cum Laude Abilene Ariel Blythe Coalson (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Summa Cum Laude Bronte Alexandra Noel Cockerham (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Glen Rose Whitney Loren Pinson Gibbs (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Magna Cum Laude Colleyville Kaitlyn Howell (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Summa Cum Laude Rockwall Chase Robert Inman (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Georgetown Jessica Low (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Spring Jacqueline Maxwell (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Abilene Kristen Faye-Lynett Mays (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Cum Laude Chickasha, Okla. Kendyl Kathleen McEachran (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Magna Cum Laude Albuquerque, N.M. Ashlin Brooke McGahey (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Coppell Olivia Claire Noland (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Summa Cum Laude Flower Mound
Emily Mae Phillips Terra New (B.S., Interdisciplinary (B.S., Social Work) Studies Elementary) Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude Snyder Colleyville Hannah Brynn Ostertag (B.S., Sociology) Summa Cum Laude Clifton, Va. Honors Thesis: The Launch of Connections Café, a Subsidiary of Wildcat Ventures: An Analysis of the First Student-Run Enterprise at Abilene Christian University Alexandra Jean Reed (B.S., Social Work) Summa Cum Laude Sanger Masci Lashaun Sledge (B.S., Social Work) Chickasha, Okla. Brittany Nicole Taraba (B.S., Sociology) Summa Cum Laude Houston Lindsey Rebecca Turk (B.S., Social Work) Madison, Miss. Brittany Michelle Vaughn (B.S., Social Work) Richardson
Laura Quilé (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Trophy Club Courtney Ellen Rice (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Magna Cum Laude Spring Mariah Lynn Schultz (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Cum Laude Rowlett Eden Brooke Thomas (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Haskell Hannah Elizabeth Thompson (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Magna Cum Laude Midland Jayme Micheal Tomlinson (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary) Cum Laude Lindale continued on page 11
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graduation
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Ashley Ilamae Ballard Holly Lynne Handley Jessi Rey McKee (B.S.N., Nursing) Summa (B.S.N., Nursing) (B.S.N., Nursing) Paige Linae Wallner Cum Laude Spring Colorado Springs, Colo. (B.S., All-Level Special Plano Education) Shelby Danielle Harbach Erica Lynn Melick (B.S.N., Magna Cum Laude Brett K. Billings (B.S.N., Nursing) Nursing) Cum Laude Arlington Heights, Ill. (B.S.N., Nursing) Colorado Springs, Colo. Oklahoma City, Okla. Melissa Samantha Faughn Word Laura Lee Howard (B.S.N., Desarea Nicole Murray (B.S., All-Level Special Diane Budzyn Nursing) (B.S.N., Nursing) Education) (B.S.N., Nursing) Hermitage, Tenn. Arlington Cum Laude Gilbert, Ariz. Vancouver, Wash. Sarah Irene Jernigan Hayley Kathryn Payne Laci Linda Butler (B.S.N., Nursing) Magna (B.S.N., Nursing) PATTY HANKS (B.S.N., Nursing) Cum Laude Waco SHELTON SCHOOL Cum Laude Los Alamos, N.M. OF NURSING Sunnyvale Amber Brooke Phipps Rachel Elizabeth Johnson (B.S.N., Nursing) Nursing Anna Jennine Chastain (B.S.N., Nursing) Hallsville (B.S.N., Nursing) Birmingham, Ala. Edidiong Hilary Akpan Coppell Sarah Ann Sandusky (B.S.N., Nursing) Stephen Michael Land (B.S.N., Nursing) Ikorodu, Nigeria Megan Elise Cullers (B.S.N., Nursing) Roscoe (B.S.N., Nursing) Dallas Caitlin Erin Bailey (B.S.N., Hungerford Chelsea Elizabeth Sergio Nursing) Alexa Nichole Lopez (B.S.N., Nursing) Magna Hurst Jasmine C. Ferguson (B.S.N., Nursing) Cum Laude (B.S.N., Nursing) San Antonio Springfield, Va. Cum Laude Campbell, Calif. continued from page 9
Students’ Association
Part-time students could vote in future SA elections Josh Garcia Special Contributor Part-time students may be able to vote in future Students’ Association elections. In the final SA meeting of the semester, Executive President Rebecca Dial introduced two bills to Congress. The first bill sought to make two changes to the SA constitution, allowing for part-time students to vote and for freshmen to run for academic or building positions in Congress. Part-time students have never been allowed to vote in SA elections, though the congressional bylaws indicate that they are considered to be SA constituents. Additionally, though it has not been practiced in recent years, freshmen are not officially allowed to run for any position but representative residence halls in
Congress. Dial, senior political science and finance major from Lexington, SC, said the Students’ Association is supposed to represent all ACU students. “We do think that those part-time students should have a voice in elections,” Dial said. The bill was passed unanimously by Congress, but, as a constitutional amendment, will need to be approved by a vote from the student body. Dial’s second bill was an amendment to the bylaws dealing with how executive and administrative officers are paid. Previously, officers have been paid an hourly wage and lump sum at the end of the semester, which bumped heads with scholarship money. Dial’s bill would allow for officers to complete hours and receive payment like other student workers. The salary
Absent Members: Brad Hall, Mabee Hall representative Emily Dosa, Gardner Hall representative Elizabeth Cansino, Rec Center representative Alex Falcon, Hardin Administration representative total will remain the same. Congress also passed Dial’s second bill unanimously. Wednesday’s meeting was Dial’s last as SA president. The new president is Dylan Benac, junior political science major from Beorne.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Intramurals
Student winners celebrate in Bennett Brock Niederhofer student reporter Students gathered for the intramural sports closing ceremonies Tuesday night in Bennett Gymnasium. The women of Sigma Theta Chi were the first place winners of the overall women’s intramural points while the men of Galaxy were the first place winners of the overall men’s intramural points. The festivities were led by Suzanne Zeller and Colby Hatchett, two student employees in the intramural sports office. “We’re going to be giving out awards for Mr. and Ms. ACU intramurals, best sportsmanship, biggest
injury, most fun team to watch, most upset about no fun league, most likely to start an intramural league after college, most likely to come back for rivalry week after graduation and coach of the year,” said Suzanne Zeller, senior family studies major from Abilene. The intramural staff also gave out most valuable player awards for both male and female flag football, volleyball, waterball, basketball and soccer. But the party didn’t stop with the awards. The intramural staff gave away door prizes including cups, t-shirts and other ACU intramural gear. There was even an “open” banana split bar. A slide show with pic-
tures of students competing in various intramural sports that have been taken over the course of the semester was displayed on the gym wall. “We just really want everyone to come out and have fun,” said Zeller. The festivities closed a successful year of intramurals with the announcement of overall intramural points winners, and gave many students a reason to celebrate.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Adriana Cezanne Soniat (B.S.N., Nursing) Magna Cum Laude Rowlett Kimberly Wilson (B.S.N., Nursing) Cum Laude Abilene
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Kristen Lauren Zwerner (B.S.N., Nursing) Magna Cum Laude Carrollton
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Key to Degree Abbreviations A.A. – Associate in Arts B.A.S. – Bachelor of Applied Studies B.A. – Bachelor of Arts B.B.A. – Bachelor of Business Administration
B.F.A. – Bachelor of Fine Arts B.M. – Bachelor of Music B.S. – Bachelor of Science B.S.N. – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
news
wednesday 05.08.13
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graduation
Twelve grads to receive special awards gabi powell features editor Saturday’s commencement will grant seniors the reward for four years of academic achievement. For a few students, graduate awards will be given in addition to recognize their accomplishments beyond the diploma. Two weeks before graduation, The Student Life Committee meets to review the award nominations submitted by faculty and staff.
B. Sherrod Scholarship Recipients
Honor Man and Woman
tatum
coppedge
the awards from the list of potential students based on the criteria for each award. This year, 12 students will be commended for both their academic and character achievements. Ryan Threadgill, a senior biology from Plano and Scholarship recipiI’m just very blessed.” Sherrod ent, said he thinks taking opportunities within his major have played a helping hand in being a scholarbecca clay ship recipient. “Some of the most imb. sherrod scholarship recipient portant things I have done here are to TA both General Biology and PhysiolTina Fleet, associate vice ogy labs in the Biology depresident for Student Life, partment,” he said. “Both said the committee consists those labs provided me the of faculty, staff and student opportunity to get to know representatives who select the professors in the Biol-
“
becca clay
kande jones
ogy department better. The professors I have worked for have always been very supportive of my goals, and I think it was getting to know them better that led to the nomination.” For Threadgill, being nominated was an honor in itself. “My reaction was one of gratitude because medical school is expensive and scholarships like this help out a lot,” he said. “In the end, even just being nominated would have been an honor, because there are a ton of very smart people in my class going on to do great things in graduate school.” Becca Clay, senior speech pathology major
lindsey meredith
ryan threadgill
from Salt Lake City, is also a Sherrod Scholarship award winner. “I cracked up, don’t get me wrong, I was honored,” she said. “But I have a hard time seeing myself as someone who is nominated for stuff like that. Seeing as I was also nominated for Homecoming Queen is still really shocking to me. “I’m just very blessed”. Clay, Coppedge and Tatum are also candidates for Mr. and Ms. ACU. Those awards will be announced during Saturday’s commencement ceremonies.
contact Powell at gmp10b@acu.edu
Trustees Award Recipients
Caitlin Bradford
ashley close
samuel ewalefo
Adams Achievement Recipients
mark smith
read the optimist iPad iphone online ipod
katherine bendel
caston boyd
kande jones
Requirements for each award Honor Man and Woman: Character, a recognized example of the ideal student, scholarship (minimum GPA of 3.25).
Dean Adams Achievement: Character, cultural growth and development, and obstacles overcome by student.
B. Sherrod Scholarship: Overall contribution to the University. Scholarship to be used for graduate school.
Trustees Award: Character and outstanding achievement which has brought honor to ACU.
res life
Authorities shut down Mabee Hall party Kirsten Holeman staff reporter A smoke machine in one of the dorm rooms in Mabee Hall caused the fire alarm to go off on Thursday night. ACU Police responded to the incident. Jordan Bunch, area coordinator of Mabee Hall said, the smoke machine was in-
cluded in a party in one of the rooms. The ACU Police responded to the alarm at 9:30 p.m. Thursday night and showed up to Mabee Hall before the fire department. The ACU Police found no evidence of illicit drugs or alcoholic beverages in the dorm room with the smoke machine. “There wasn’t any kind of illegal activity going on
“
chine itself wasn’t the issue, it was the smoke. ACU is charged $250 every time the fire department is called. “It wasn’t that big of a deal except for the fact that jimmy ellison the fire department had to ACU police chief come out and we had to evacuate the building beother than the fire alarm There isn’t a rule against cause we thought there was being activated,” said Chief smoke machines in the a fire,” said Bunch. Ellison from the ACU Police dorm rooms, however, The residents who were Department. Bunch said the smoke ma- involved took responsibility
There wasn’t any kind of illegal activity going on other than the fire alarm being activiated.”
for their actions and wish to remain anonymous. The consequences for those involved remain unknown. The incident is still being processed through judicial affairs.
contact Holeman at keh09c@acu.edu
Students
Freshman creates business to share love for gymnastics in Houston. Her dad was business, first attending a competitive gymnast for classes themselves, then Houston Baptist and Uni- as assistant coaches for versity of Arizona and was their dad. The girls even Caroline Thompson, once ranked third in the directed their own smaller freshman accounting and nation. In 1984, just be- programs. management major from fore the Olympic trial, he “Coaching gymnasHouston, started her own suffered a career-ending tics here in Abilene just business here in Abilene utilizing what she grew up Overall fitness is obvious, but non-competitive gynnasaround: gymnastics. tics also improves overall coordination and flexibility.” Thompson Tumblers is a noncompetitive gymnastics program that teaches developmentally Caroline thompson appropriate gymnastics Freshman Accounting major from houston and gross motor skills to children ages 3-6 years old. shoulder injury. That year seemed like the natuBeing a freshman in a the men’s team received a ral thing for me to do,” different town limits most gold medal in gymnastics. Thompson said. students’ ability to get Naturally, it then became Caroline’s first program a job that works around the sport of choice and in Abilene was at Pioneer their school schedule. Caroline’s dad went into Drive Childcare DevelopCaroline Thompson grew coaching. He coached ment Center. Along with up in gymnastics class, competitively and judged her two assistant coaches, but the real reason for collegiately for several Whitney Pell and Allison bringing the business to years, but soon learned Lamberth, the girls taught Abilene was simple. that being a father and eight to twelve students “I need to make some competitive coach did not at a time in 30-minute money. I’m a college stu- add up. classes. dent,” Thompson said. Thompson Tumblers The program started Thompson Tumblers seemed to be the best so- off with a warm-up that is a family business that lution. Caroline and her always had a fun educaCaroline’s dad runs back sisters grew up with the tional theme, then the
Christina williamson student reporter
“
children were spilt into two smaller groups to work in stations. The girls bring in a lot of equipment that was scaled down in size for young children to be taught basic tumbling, beam, bar and vaulting skills, as well as basic gross motor skills. The current program Caroline is working on is a short four-week session. Next semester she plans to add full semester sessions, a new location and also offer more classes at Pioneer Drive. “All of these activities help the children develop in many different areas,” Thompson said. “Overall fitness is obvious, but non-competitive gymnastics also improves overall coordination and flexibility; it’s wonderful for building self-confidence.”
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
health
Tennis rackets are now available to students rackets. Stevens said, “I love playing tennis. I tried to come up and play and noticed we didn’t have any rackets. So I ACU students and members forced Kerri Hart, my boss, to of the Student Rec and Well- use part of the budget to purness Center are now able to chase the tennis rackets and rent tennis rackets from the tennis balls.” front desk. Brookelee Galle, junior Ad/PR Travis Stevens, supervisor major from Eula, works at the of the SWRC, came up with front desk of the SWRC. Galle the idea for providing tennis said, “We got requests at least
laura benson
student reporter
twice a week from members for tennis rackets … now that we have them, people come in daily to rent them.” The new rackets are Wilson brand tennis rackets. Stevens said, “They’re so nice, I want to steal them… but I won’t.” contact benson at leb10b@acu.edu
graduation
Graduates: Reception to follow cermonies in mall area continued from page 1 and their families will be hosted after each ceremony in the mall area outside of Moody. Holly Howard, senior children and family ministry major from Rowlett, said she will miss the traditions here at ACU.
“I love ACU, I would love to be a part of it forever,” Howard said. “I am sad to have my last classes and chapels.” There will be open seating at the ceremony, except for seats reserved for handicapped. The lower sections of U, A and B on the east side of Moody, as well
as J, K and M on the west side, will be available for handicapped. The lower half of Section L is reserved for guests requiring sign language interpretation.
contact thut at lct10a@acu.edu
13 STATS&FACTS
FEATURES
wednesday 05.08.13
Gender breakdown
ON THE CLASS OF 2013
508
Most common majors
seniors graduating Emily
The most common names from this graduating class
Amanda Foreign countries among 17 international students
Hannah John Sarah
12 10
205
Male
303
Female
40
ACCT
32
MKTG
32 30
PSYCH5 FAM
28
COMP
11
China
1
Estonia
1
France
1
Madagascar
1
Mexico
1
Republic of Korea
1
Singapore
9
California
11
Colorado
5
Oklahoma
8 6
States among 491 U.S. students
4 2
8
12
8
8
8
438 6
25
Top 5 departments for females
Summa Cum Laude
72
Texas Virginia
Top 5 departments for males
20 15
Magna Cum Laude
71
10
16 Cum Laude
58
18
18
19
ACCT
COMP
PSYC
MGMT
24 FAM
students’ association
SA: Next year’s staff names full cabinet
Photos by mandy lambright Top: The 2012-13 SA Cabinet. Bottom: Next year’s cabinet.
continued from page 1 ceived the Most Enthusiastic Congressman award. “The officers this past year were wonderful and each of them had a very special impact on my life each in different ways,” O’Rear said. Each of the exiting officers passed down their positions to the elected officers with a word of blessing and a gift that was symbolic of their new position. “SA has been my safe zone for four years and I’ve loved every minute of it,” said Rebecca Dial, the former SA president. “I’m looking forward to the work that Dylan and the new officers continue with Students’ Association.” Dial, senior polictial science and finance major from Lexington, S.C., passed down the President’s
Bible to the new president Dylan Benac, junior political science major from Borne. “This is an exciting time for our university. We’re going through a lot of changes,” Benac said. “Some of them will impact next year and some will impact the next 10-15 years. I am excited to play a small part in that.” Benac concluded the night with his thoughts
on the upcoming school year and a prayer, then the audience followed with a spontaneous singing of the hymn The Lord Bless You and Keep You. “I’m excited and grateful, and I am looking forward to whatever may come,” Benac said.
contact the orr at mco10b@acu.edu
5
16
14
14
13
ACCT
MGMT
FAM
PSYC
11 NURS
sports
WEDNESDAY 05.08.13
baseball
Wildcats shocked in ninth inning
14
standings men’s tennis
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
Cameron UIW ACU MSU
19-2 11-5 12-14 16-5
3-0 1-2 1-2 1-2
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
ACU MSU TSU UIW Casmeron TAMU-K
21-5 15-5 11-10 10-8 14-7 1-9
5-0 4-1 3-2 2-3 1-4 0-5
women’s tennis
baseball
Team
Div.
TSU TAMU-K ASU WTAMU ACU UIW ENMU Cameron
21-7 18-10 17-11 15-13 15-13 12-16 8-20 6-22
Ovrl. 32-14 35-15 33-17 29-19 28-22 26-24 21-27 12-33
softball
Team
mandy lambright chief Photographer
Outfielder Tyler Eage hits a ball in front of the plate against Angelo State at Crutcher Scott Field. ACU lost to Angelo State 4-3 last weekend.
matthew sloan sports director The ACU baseball team travelled to Canyon with hopes of winning the Lone Star Conference tournament, but ended up going 1-2 over the weekend and falling short. The Wildcats started off the tournament by playing Texas A&M Kingsville in the first round. The ACU offense got off to a hot start, scoring five unanswered runs to start the game. From there, ACU got into a shootout with the Javelinas and gave up a couple of big innings, falling short 9-8. “In the third inning they
gave up five runs and then in the fifth or sixth inning they put up a four spot,” head coach Britt Bonneau said. “The difference in that game was their reliever Cody Williams came in and put up a few zeros.” Third basemen Kyle Guisti was the player of the game for the Wildcats, getting three hits and two runs. Kyle Conwell also had three RBIs. The next day, ACU faced off against Incarnate Word in an elimination game and rose to the occasion with a 6-3 victory. Pitcher Ty Taylor (6-4) threw 130 pitches in 8.2 innings to keep ACU’s season alive. Taylor punched out
seven batters and only gave up two runs in the contest. Carter Hahn came in during the ninth inning and recorded a save. “We knew we needed pitchers to go deep into games if we wanted to win this tournament and Taylor went into the ninth inning,” Bonneau said. “He gave us a dominating performance and never gave the other team a chance.” ACU had multi-hit games from five players including Seth Spivey, Guisti, Tyler Eager, Chuck Dwarte and Ryan Luckie. ACU scored all six of their runs in the first three innings, but that was enough to conquer the Cardinals.
Sunday, the Wildcats faced off against the rival Angelo State Rams, but suffered a heart-breaking 4-3 loss. ACU went into the last inning trailing by one run when Eager scored on a pass ball with two outs in the top of the ninth. In the bottom of the inning, the Rams scored a run of their own to end ACU’s season. Eager had an outstanding game for ACU, getting three hits in the contest and scoring twice. The Wildcats season ends with a record 29-25, which is an improvement upon last season when ACU finished below .500.
“From the start of the fall and all the way through the spring, I thought our guys played hard every game,” Bonneau said. “Our pitching kept us in a lot of games when we were struggling swinging the bat and our defense was solid all year. That is why we were able to beat two or three top 15 teams in the nation. We wanted to make it to regionals and do some other things, but overall I think we had a really good season.”
contact isaacs at mes10b@acu.edu
track and field
ACU earns pair of 3rd place finishes Daniel zepeda sports editor The Wildcat’s men and women track and field teams both finished third in their last Lone Star Conference Championships over the weekend in Canyon. The third place finish snaps the ACU men’s nineteen year first place streak, as Angelo State took home first and West Texas edged out the Wildcats for second place by half a point. “It was an exciting weekend that brought the best out of everybody,” Head Coach Jarrod Cook said. “When all is said and done, I’m proud of all of the athletes. They all stepped up and did their
part to make everything happen for each other.” The team finished the competition with great performances and personal bests. Capturing first place freshman was Andrew Hudson in the discus, freshman Xavier King in the 1500m, sophomore Lexus Williams in the 100m hurdles, and the 4x400m relay of senior Shennae Steele, sophomore Karolyn Palmer, senior Ayesha Rumble and freshman Elea Diarra, which passed two teams at the finish line for a season best mark of 3:46.80. Hudson finished with a win in the discus and a third place finish in the hammer throw (166-11). King was fantastic in the 1500m, as he took home
first with a 3:58.61 time, third place in the 5,000m (15:23.63) and finished seventh in the 800m (1:59.21). In the 100m hurdles, Williams recorded a 13.8 second time to earn a first place finish as well. “The biggest thing among all our winners today was their high level of expectation of themselves and to continue the program’s legacy,” Cook said. “Their performances are a real testament to their mental strength and physical ability.” ACU also set LSC and stadium records over the weekend. Senior Shalaina Lakey recorded a championship record toss of 175 feet-09 inches (53.58 meters), which broke the previous record held
by Angelo State’s Adree Lakey since 2009 (1738/52.93m). Senior Baptiste Kerjean also set the new record in the hammer throw with a 209-10 throw. Senior Chloe Susset captured an unprecedented fourth straight steeplechase victory at the championships. She finished with a 10:54.05 time, which set a new West Texas Stadium record. A six-time conference champion, Susset won her first steeplechase title in 2010. She then won both the steeplechase and 1500m titles at the 2011 and 2012 meets. ACU’s 4x400m men’s team of sophomore Osei Allyene-Forte, junior Darian Hogg, senior Banjo
Jaiyesimi and senior Jordan Geary finished third behind Angelo and Tarleton State with a season best and NCAA provisional mark of 3:47.86. “Jordan is all heart and I can’t say enough good things about him,” Cook said. “He played a major role for us at the meet, and got us back in that last race along with Banjo. They all were incredible.” The team’s next event will be in Abilene at Elmer Gray Stadium. ACU will compete in the ACU Oliver Jackson Twilight on May 8.
contact isaacs at djz11a@acu.edu
softball
Buffs’ early runs too much for ‘Cats Jimmy Isbell SPORTS REPORTER The Abilene Christian softball team could not surmount a comeback after No. 8 West Texas A&M scored four runs in the first inning at the Lone Star Conference championship. The team left the LSC this past weekend for the last time losing 1-4. Senior starting pitcher Caitlyn Crain pitched perfect with five scoreless innings after the first, but the Wildcat offense could not get the timely hits they needed. “I tip my hat off to the team; they battled like they have all year never giving up, but we’re going to carry on and get better,” said head coach Bobby Reeves. The team got on base each inning throughout the game, but could not capitalize when the time was right. In the third and sixth ‘Cats had runners on third in scoring position, but could not place the ball in a gap to plate their chanc-
anna Winkfield, shortstop Sara Vaughn and two of the LSC’s best pitchers in Crain and Shelby Hall. “Caitlyn and Shelby both have done a great job. Caitlyn has come in throwing in some big time games and third in the conference in strikeouts. Shelby helped keep the ball on the ground all year for those easy outs as well,” said Reeves. “It’s going to be hard to replace those four, but we’re going to carry on and replace them as best we can.” The Wildcats announced four all-Lone Star Conference selections. The four are listed below: 1. Centerfielder Keanna Winkfield. 2. Designated hitter paige otway Staff Photographer Lyndi Smith. The softball team celebrates at home plate after a home run at home this season. 3. Shortstop Sara Vaughn, who also made es. ment. the Wildcats leave D-II and ACU’s all-academic team. Coach Reeves was “You know she gave up the LSC conference, but 4. Pitcher Caitlyn pleased with Crain’s ef- four runs in the first in- the ‘Cats will come back Crain. fort on the circle pitching ning, but settled down next year with some great of her last game as a Wild- and took care of the bat- recruits in attempt to recat, with four strikeouts ters the rest of the game,” place four seniors; leadoff contact isbel at including sending her last said Reeves. hitter and highest batting jri10a@acu.edu sixteen batters to retireIt’s an end of an era as average on the team in Ke-
TWU WTAMU ASU MSU UIW TSU ACU Cameron ENMU TAMU-K
Div. 21-6 20-7 19-8 18-9 14-13 13-14 12-15 10-17 6-21 2-25
Ovrl. 43-12 41-10 34-15 41-14 26-22 30-23 28-25 17-30 14-42 13-38
briefings The women’s basketball team signed three players for next year’s team. Chelsea Ngo 5’5” combo guard from Houston, Jessica Elkins is a 5’10” guard from Pasadena and Trei Torain is a 6’2” post player San Antonio. They will join five other players to make up the 2013 recruiting class for head coach Julie Goodnenough and her staff.
Who’s Hot Freshman runner Xavier King performed well in king the Lone Star Conference Championships over the weekend. King won the 1500m run with a blazing time of under four minutes. He followed that up with a third place finish in the 5,000m run. King also finished in seventh place in the 800m run, allowing him to score points for the Wildcats in all three of his track events. King is another in a great line of ACU 1500m runners, as the Wildcats have claimed first place in that event 26 times at the LSC championships since 1978, and King still has three more years to compete.
upcoming The golf team will be finishing up its regional tournament in Washington Wednesday. The Wildcats also played rounds Monday and Tuesday. The women’s tennis team will be in Arizona for the Round of 16 Wednesday. The track and field teams are hosting the ACU Oliver Jackson Twilight meet Wednesday all day long.