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Optimist the
Freshmen get ‘Loud,’ see page 7
Friday, August 23, 2010
Vol. 99, No. 1
1 section, 14 pages
STUDENT LIFE
ACU welcomes large, high-scoring class Vice President for Enrollment Buck James said the Managing Editor 2010 freshmen class is one The 2010 freshmen class of the 10 largest in univeris one of the largest and sity history, with around highest achieving in uni- 1,000 students. James also said this versity history. The university will not year’s freshmen possess disclose official enrollment the distinction of having numbers until the 12th day the highest average ACT of classes, but Associate test score of any first-year
Jeff Craig
class in ACU history, with an average score of 24.7. He also said 19 percent of this year’s newcomers finished in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class. The theme of this year’s Welcome Week orientation was “Live Out Loud.” Dr. Eric Gumm, Director
of Orientation and head of Welcome Week, said the idea behind the theme was to emphasize the idea of what makes an ACU student unique. “As we look at what the world expects out of college students, it says live for yourself,” Gumm said. “We want students that
live a life that speaks to our faith.” Gumm said the intended purpose of Welcome Week is all about acclamation. His goal is for every student to be comfortable in their environment when the first day of school rolls around. “I want students to feel like they’ve had a real
A Family Affair
glimpse of what ACU is like so they are ready for all that the semester has to offer,” Gumm said. Five upperclassmen assisted Gumm in Welcome Week activities. Emily Bushnell, senior family studies major from New see FRESHMEN page 12
CORNERSTONE
Course stresses critical thinking Christianna Lewis Senior Reporter
This year’s freshmen will not be able to brush off the traditionally bare-bones “welcome to college life” class. A three-hour Cornerstone class has replaced the one-hour University Seminar (UNIV 100) as a part of ACU’s new interdisciplinary core curriculum. Cornerstone shifts the focus from simply providing students with fundamental learning skills, such as notetaking and study habits, to cultivating critical thinking and a multi-faceted worldview, said Dr. Kristina Campos, course developer and assistant professor of communication. “We kept hearing from students that UNIV 100 didn’t do all the things that they wanted it to do,” Campos said. “The idea was to create a three-hour course that was more rigorous and taught what we expect from a college scholar.” Unlike UNIV 100 that grouped students by majors, Cornerstone allows all majors to sign up for any of the 37 sections, Campos said. Cornerstone, the first
JOZIE SANDS // Online Editor
Dr. Phil Schubert leans over to chat with guests at the Inaugural Dinner, including Holt Lunsford, member of the Board of Trustees and tribute speaker. minder of all the people who’ve had wonderful experiences here, who still think about this Editor in Chief place everyday and want to do everything they can to make it great.” Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice president of the uniDr. Phil Schubert was the guest of honor at Saturday night’s Inaugural Dinner, but Schu- versity, was one of two tribute speakers durbert was quick to redirect the attention to the ing the Inaugural Dinner in the Robert D. and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center on Saturday entire university. “It’s certainly not about us,” Schubert, ACU’s night. Schubert focuses on home and family 11th president, said. “It’s about the university more than anything else, and he expands that and all that happens here, and it’s a great re-
Linda Bailey
Schubert, speakers put focus on family at inaugural dinner
see CURRICULUM page 4
see SCHUBERT page 4
CONSTRUCTION
Campus construction projects advance during summer Kelsi Williamson Arts Editor
Workers continue the ongoing efforts to complete the new heating and cooling system around the ACU campus Wednesday.
Construction throughout campus continues to progress on both the heating and cooling loop line and the Royce and Pam Money Student and Recreation Wellness Center. The ACU Student Recreation and Wellness Center blog reports that work on the new building over the summer was primarily structural. According
inside
website
DANIEL GOMEZ // chief photographer
news Overton Faubus, father of COBA, died Aug. 1. Faubus is remembered by his colleagues and family members. page 10
opinion Meet the members of the Editorial Board and learn the purpose and function of the opinion page. page 8
to the blog, construction during the first part of August has been concentrated on the completion of the basement as well as initial work on the future pool area. Once completed, the new Recreation Wellness Center will feature two new gymnasiums, a new weight area, leisure and lap pools, aerobics facilities and a climbing wall. Office and classroom spaces will also be includ-
ed in the 113,000 squarefoot building. “The Rec. Center project is still carrying roughly a 50-day delay,” according to the blog. However, this delay is expected to be recovered by mid 2011. Loop line construction is now concentrated outside the Don H. Morris Center as well as between Brown Library and Mabee Hall. The new pipes are a part of a $5 million project to install a new heat-
ing and cooling system on campus, set to be finished in September. Written updates along with web camera photographs of the recreation center construction can be accessed at blogs.acu. edu/srwc. Physical Resources Director Scot Colley was unavailable for comment on construction updates. contact Williamson at
kkw07a@acu.edu
weather video View a glimpse of the ins and outs of Welcome Week 2010 as freshmen and transfer students live out loud.
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Campus Monday, August 23, 2010
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calendar & events Monday
First Day of Class 10:30 a.m. Presidential Inaguration Chapel in Moody Coliseum.
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Tuesday
11:00 a.m. Welcome to ACU Chapel in Moody Coliseum with President Phil Schubert.
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Wednesday
11:00 a.m. “What is Chapel?” in Moody Coliseum with Mark Lewis and Dr. JeanNoel Thompson.
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Thursday
7:00-9:00 p.m. Welcome to Abilene! expo for freshmen and transfer students in Robert D. and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center.
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announcements
Welcome to Abilene! event for new students will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 27, in the Robert D. and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center. Freshmen and transfer students are invited to come and meet local churches, businesses and restaurants. Women’s Social Club Teas will meet from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29 in Hart Auditorium I Do! I Do!, the fall musical-comedy presented by the Theatre Department continues to run this weekend. Shows are at 7:30 p.m Thursday, Friday and Saturday. in Fulks
Theatre. Call 647-2787 or get tickets online at www.acu.edu/theatre. Friday is the last day to withdraw from classes with a 100% refund. It is also the last day to register for class. Flag football registration will take place from Aug. 26 to Sept 2. Information and registration papers are avaliable in Bennett Gymnasium or online at www.acu.edu/intramurals. Social Club pledging registration is now open to sophomores and transfer students with 24 or more credit hours. Registration will close at 5:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3. Intrested students must register online at www.acu.edu/campusoffices/studentorgs/socialclubs/index.html
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 before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style. Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.
7:30-9:30 p.m. I Do! I Do! fall musical-comedy in Fulks theatre. For more information or to buy tickets, call 674-2787.
Presidential Inagauration ceremonies will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon Aug. 23 in Moody Coliseum.
about this page
ACU Swing Cats, the ACU swing dance club will meet at 7 p.m. Sunday nights. For more information email Ellen at esc08a@acu.edu ACU Speech & Debate Team will have an interest meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 24 in room 216 of the Sherrod Building. Contact Dena Counts at dena.counts@ acu.edu for more information Free Movie “Karate Kid” will be shown at 8:00 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27 in Cullen Auditorium. The Service Expo will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept 1-2 in the Campus Ceter as a way for students to learn about service opertunities avaliable.
coming soon: Police Log A log of the ACU Police Department’s daily activities will be printed on this page of the Optimist. The first Police Log will appear Friday.
Chapel Checkup 01 92 Credited Chapels to date
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CAMPUS NEWS
August 23, 2010
FACULTY
University adds 24 new educators for 2010-11 Jeff Craig
Managing Editor
In addition to a large freshman class, ACU is welcoming 24 new faculty members for the 2010-11 school year, after adding 20 new faculty last year. Among the new faculty, 11 have doctoral degrees, and 17 of the new faculty earned at least one degree at ACU. Vice Provost Ken Cukrowski is excited about what the new faculty can bring to ACU. “They come with good academic preparation and excitement for teaching,” he said. Cukrowski said when hiring new faculty, the search committee looks for faculty who have excellent teaching and research skills, will contribute to their department, and possess strong collegial attributes. He said each of the 24 new staff members exhibit all of these qualities. The English Department added the most faculty of any of the departments, with four new members. Ryan Feerer, M.F.A., comes to ACU with a Master of Fine Arts in art and design, which is considered a terminal degree and the highest degree possible in that field. Chris Hutson, Ph.D., is distinguished as being the new faculty member with the most degrees. Hutson holds six degrees, four of which come from Yale University. Sarah Lee, Ph.D., a new assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry, will start teaching at ACU in Jan. 2011. Lee earned her bachelor’s degree in
quick facts The university added 24 new faculty members for the 2010-11 school year – 17 earned at least one degree at ACU. • Mitzi Adams, M.A. Teacher Education • Sara Blakeslee, Ph.D. Marriage and Family Therapy • Karen Cukrowski, M.S. English • Jessie Dowdy, Ed.D.
Physics
• Karan Duwe, M.Ed. Teacher Education • Jeremy Elliot, M.A. English • Kelly Elliot, Ph.D. History • Ryan Feerer, M.F.A. Art and Design • Olivia Hodges, M.Div. Bible, Missions and Ministry • William Horn, M.A. English • Chris Hutson, Ph.D. Bible, Missions and Ministry • Sarah Lee, Ph.D. Chemistry • Lauren Lemley, Ph.D. Communication • Andrew Little, J.D. Management Sciences • James Litton, J.D. Management Sciences • Heidi Nobles, M.A. English • Yann Opsitch, M.A.C.M. Foreign Languages • Wayne Paris, Ph. D. Social Work • Rick Piersall, M.A. Music • Bruce Scott, Ed.D Graduate Education • Alan Wages, M.S. Family Studies • J.D. Wallace, Ph.D. Communication • Heather Weidner, M.A. History • Jaclyn Woolf, M.A. Political Science biochemistry at ACU in 2005 and earned a doctorate in biochemistry and molecular biology at Colorado State University in 2010. William Horn M.A. is the only new faculty member to have earned all his degress from ACU. He has earned four degrees. Lauren Lemley, Ph.D., is one of several new faculty members who hold at least one degree from ACU. Lemley, who will serve as an associate professor in ACU’s Department of Communication,
said she is glad to return to the school where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. “The thing that’s most exciting is being back at ACU,” Lemley said. “So it’s really nice to be back working with people who taught me a lot. I enjoy being back in the ACU community.” She is also the new director of the ACU Speaking Center.
contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
Page 3
CAMPUS NEWS
Page 4
RANKINGS
ACU among most innovative Kelsi Williamson Arts Editor
Innovation and dedication at ACU have helped distinguish the university among the country’s most prominent colleges, according to U.S. News & World Report’s most recent national college rankings. The August World Report article awarded ACU “Best Up and Coming” college in the country’s 15-state Western region, which includes schools in Texas, California, Oklahoma and Arizona. College presidents, provosts and admissions deans nominated colleges in their ranking category for “making promising and innovative changes.” U.S. News & World Report then based their rankings on the responses to this peer university survey. “ACU is an innovative institution, and this says that people are noticing, particularly leaders at other colleges
and universities,” Provost Jeanine Varner said in an e-mail. The national report also placed ACU at No. 2 in the Western region for “Best Undergrad Teaching.” This award recognizes ACU faculty’s demonstration of unusual commitment, said Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university. Colin Barnard, senior political science major from Abilene, said he credited the faculty for the entirety of ACU’s climb in rankings. “During my time at ACU, the faculty has been extraordinary,” Barnard said. ACU moved up a spot in overall ranking to No. 19 in the Western region for “Best Regional Universities.” World Report calculates overall rankings according to numerous factors such as location, cost and availability of financial aid, graduation and retention rates, and university activities. “Moving up on the list from 20 to 19 is a great thing
as well, and we hope to continue to see that get stronger,” Schubert said. Forbes magazine also placed ACU in the top seven percent of U.S. higher education institutions this month. Although not the only measurement of progress and success, the improvements in national rankings are a serious indicator for actual university improvement, said Varner. Varner also said ACU is always considering ways to improve, paying specific attention right now to undergraduate research, faculty salaries and faculty development opportunities. “We never want to rest on our laurels,” she said. “We are always seeking to determine what our students need to know, and to find better and better ways to improve the learning process.”
contact Williamson at
kkw07a@acu.edu
August 23, 2010
CONSTRUCTION
Campus renovations limit parking spaces Bailey Neal
Page Designer
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There are a total of 4,291 parking spaces on campus. At the moment, many of these spaces are inaccessible because of two major construction projects on campus. Jimmy Ellison, chief of the ACU Police Department, has been dealing with the changing parking situation since construction began last semester. He has kept in contact with the university through periodic emails to students, faculty and staff describing how to navigate the available parking lots. “I think we will have more parking issues this year, due primarily to the loop line project and the Wellness Center project. And on top of those things, smaller projects are going to pop up as well,” Ellison said. In March, the ACU Police sent a mass e-mail regarding what were then minor parking changes caused by the beginning construction on the Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Since then, the parking situation has become more of a challenge as the loop line piping construction continues. “The loop line project is like a moving target we have to shoot at,” Ellison said. “Today it’s impacting parking lots A, B and C, but in a week, that’ll be finished and it’ll affect parking lots D, E and F,” Ellison said. Due to the nature of
While we want to be compassionate, we are going to need everyone’s compliance to make sure that the parking lots and traffic flow are safe for everyone.
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JIMMY ELLISON // Chief of Police, ACU Police Department
these projects, it is uncertain exactly how many parking spots will be available when classes start Monday. “We’ve got great numbers enrolled, a high percentage of students that bring vehicles to campus, and on top of that we have some great progress with construction on campus,” Ellison said. For several years, the ACU Police have given new and returning students a grace period of three days during which parking tickets will not be given, starting the first day of classes. This year they will continue the practice, but will not show any more lenience than normal regarding parking violations after Wednesday. “While we want to be compassionate, we are going to need everyone’s compliance to make sure that the parking lots and traffic flow are safe for everyone,” Ellison said. A big concern for the ACU Police is how congestion in the parking lots might affect an emergency situation. “These closures are going to require even increased enforcement to make sure that the parking
lots are safe. We have to be extremely careful that … people don’t park wherever they can find a spot. All of a sudden you’re dealing with a parking lot you can’t get in or out of. If we had an emergency on campus, we can’t get emergency vehicles in or out of campus,” Ellison said. While students are sure to become frustrated with fewer places to park, ACU Police are encouraging drivers to understand that everyone is feeling the same way about this temporary situation. “The bottom line is it’s going to be a challenge, and everyone will have to be patient, and everyone will have to be compliant to make this work,” Ellison said. “The biggest thing we’re trying to impress on everybody is that parking challenges occur on every university campus. This is not an ACU-only problem.” There are three types of parking lots on campus: exclusively student, faculty and staff only and all permit. All parking permits on the ACU campus are $25 per year.
contact Neal at
bmn07a@acu.edu
August 23, 2010
CAMPUS NEWS
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CAMPUS NEWS
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August 23, 2010
STUDENT LIFE
Freshmen display talents at the Paramount Theatre Hannah Barnes Features Editor
Daniel Gomez // Staff Photographer
Carly Henderson, freshman Biology major from Edmond, Okla., steps on stage in the spotlight of ACU’s Welcome Week Talent Show Saturday evening.
ACU students poured into the Paramount on Friday evening for the Welcome Week Talent Show. The talent show gave incoming students the chance to perform for ACU faculty, parents and fellow classmates. Emily Bushnell, senior elementary education major from New Braunfels, served as a student director for the activities committee for Welcome Week. She said this was the first year for the show to appear in downtown Abilene’s Paramount Theater. Previous years’ shows were in Moody Coliseum.
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“Having it at the Paramount definitely added a different feel,” Bushnell said. “It is more of a show venue.” The Welcome Week committee discussed whether the Paramount would have enough seating for the audience. “In Moody, nobody had ever done a headcount or worried about seating,” said Bushnell. “It was definitely something we considered.” Bushnell said the committee advised group leaders to arrive early for the show. “All were welcome until full, which is when we would have had to turn people away,” said Bushnell. Talent show performances ranged from singing to rapping. Kayleen Nelson, a freshman busi-
I grew up on music. Everyone in my family had huge talent. KAYLEEN NELSON // freshman business major from Lake
ness major from Lake Forest Calif., performed a beat-box routine. “I grew up on music. Everyone in my family had huge talent,” said Nelson. Nelson said she can play the drums along with many other percussion instruments. “I’ve always loved music, so I just picked up on it,” Nelson said. Dr. Eric Gumm, director of the first year program, said they had a great turnout with well over 1,000
people at the event. “Six-hundred people arrived 20 minutes before show time,” Gumm said. “I think that is a great testimony to how great [the show] would be.” Winners of the Welcome Week Olympics and Fun Run were also announced at the end of the show. Prizes were handed out accordingly. contact Barnes at
hab07a@acu.edu
STUDENT LIFE
Students set to receive replacement devices placement devices through ACU on Aug. 28. Online Editor All third-year students were required to order the The fall semester will mark replacement device through the first time all students Team 55 and a website crewill have ACU-issued mo- ated to guide students bile devices. Third-year stu- through the process. The dents will receive their re- Premiere website was creJozie Sands
ated by AT&T for ACU to allow students to order their new device through AT&T, whose contract with Apple prevents them from shipping phones in bulk to customers. The ordering process has been difficult, according to Kay Reeves, executive director of information technology. Team 55 did offer a live chat option, a video and written instructions to help students with the ordering process. “Many who called us had not used any of those instructions,” said Reeves. Cody Bowden, junior information systems major from Crowley, has completed part of the ordering process to receive his new device. Bowden said the ordering process was confus-
ing, and he had to contact Team 55 for help. “My friend told me to only use the written instructions, because the video was confusing,” Bowden said. Phones ordered by Aug. 20 are expected to be ready for distribution Aug. 28. To complete the trade-in process, third-year students should go to the Learning Commons with their student IDs. Stations will be available where students can activate phones, sync contacts and set up e-mail accounts. Technicians will be available to help. Students planning to switch from an iPhone to an iPod touch must wait until the end of their AT&T contract before switching their wireless plan. Once the phone is no longer in
service they can exchange their device. Last Thursday, ACU faculty and staff were invited to Cullen Auditorium to participate in a test of the network. Reeves said the network in Cullen Auditorium needs to be able to handle approximately 500 devices for the freshman Cornerstone classes. “More than 150 faculty and staff participated in the test,” Reeves said. “But most brought two or three mobile devices, such as laptops, iPads and iPhones.” Reeves said the test experienced quite a few problems. “The iPads seemed to work well, laptops connected all right, but iPhone users experienced more problems,” she said.
Students will return their original device when they receive the new one. Old iPhones will be sold to help pay for the new ones, and iTouches returned in good shape will be available for loan to part-time students. In order for the ACU wireless network to handle the growing number of mobile devices on campus, Reeves said ACU has requested to double the university’s bandwidth. The request is expected to be fulfilled by the end of September. More information on the Mobile Learning Initiative can be found online at www.acu.edu/technology/ mobilelearning.
contact Sands at
jgs07a@acu.edu
August 23, 2010
Focus
Page 7
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Dr. David Fraze, director of student ministries and senior high youth minister at Richland Hills Church of Christ, encourages students to take advantage of the opportunity offered to them as incoming freshmen. Moody Mornings encouraged and challenged attendees to live actively through Christ at ACU. Moody Mornings took place each morning of Welcome Week.
Let’s Get
LOUD GRANT STEPHEN // Staff Photographer
Students begin the Fun Run on the Lunsford trail Saturday morning. The event allowed students to dress in costume for the race around campus. Prizes were awarded for most creative mode of transportation.
New students enjoy various Welcome Week activities while getting to know each other
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Participants of Welcome Week’s photo scavenger hunt huddle together to discuss the list of items to find. This event took place immediately after the Mentor Group Olympics and Welcome Week pep rally in Elmer Gray Stadium on Friday.
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer JOZIE SANDS // Online Editor
Will Brooksbank, freshman psychology major from San Antonio, competes in the Texas-sized Twister game in Moody Coliseum, one of the opening events of Welcome Week Tuesday. Participants in the game competed on 192 Twister mats taped together on the basketball court.
Team building skills are exercised as incoming freshmen compete in the Mentor Group Olympics on Friday at Elmer Grey Stadium. In the relay, students competed in leap frog, the crab walk and a three-legged race.
Opinion
Page 8
EDITORIAL
August 23, 2010
Conversation stems from Editorials The Optimist strives to bring you truthful, factual and unbiased news in every issue. However, the Opinion page is different. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the freedom of speech, and the Opinion page exercises that freedom. This page is titled “Opinion,” and that is what you will find. The views expressed are those of individuals, not the university or the Optimist as a whole. Columns are intended to encourage conversation
among all readers, and especially ACU students. Several of the columns produced may be controversial, and while many will agree with the opinion, many will not. Not all columns will cover hot-button issues, but all are intended to be thought-provoking. A column is successful when the reader pauses to consider what has been brought to the table. We always encourage feedback on our columns. In addition to individual
columns, most issues will feature an editorial. Editorials represent the consensus views of the Optimist Editorial Board. Members come together and discuss topics ranging from international, domestic, state and local news – as well as issues here on campus. The members of the Editorial Board come from varied backgrounds and majors, bringing distinctive views and mindsets. Based on our own thoughts and gauging what we hear around the campus, we
attempt to reach an agreement. We do not claim to speak for the university or to be a general representation of every student’s thoughts. The editorial is left unsigned because it is not the viewpoint of one individual, but of several. Not everyone will agree with what they read, nor will the entire board always be in agreement. This editorial is intended to create discussion and debate. The cartoon, one of the most popular features of
The Funny Funnies
By Morgan Davis
the issue
This is where the editorial board briefly describes what is being discussed in the editorial.
our take
This is where we take a decisive stance on the above mentioned issue. this page, will often be tied to the editorial’s subject or address changes on campus and around the world. Feedback can and should be given in any media outlet, and print is no exception. Readers are encouraged to express
their views to the Optimist. Readers can voice their opinions by posting comments on stories or by writing letters to the editor at www.acuoptimist.com. contact the Optimist at
jmcnetwork@acu.edu
COLUMN
Faster society outpaces print Homeskool Valedictorian
While a world without paper editions seems to be a given, news will continue to adapt as it always has. Advertisements will increase online, and publishers will find new ways to make a profit. Online versions of the news will always exist, but its content will undoubtedly suffer as dollars from advertising and sales in the paper edition decrease. People are already complaining that newspapers are shrinking and the content is getting worse. As newspapers decline, so does a source of solid and credible information.
By Jeff Craig
Newspaper readership is declining at an alarming rate – and the ramifications are far more serious than you might think. A s t u d y released earlier Craig this year by the Audit Bureau of Circulations revealed overall newspaper circulation fell 8.7 percent between October 2009 and March 2010. Magazine readership is also in a state of free fall. Magazine Imagine a world circulation without newspapers. fell 2.3 perImagine a Black cent across the board in Friday without the first half advertising inserts, of 2010, with or a Sunday without Readers Digest posting Charlie Brown. a 25% decline in their readThe only way we ership, according to the can save the newspaWall Street Journal. The fall of news- per is to show that we paper and magazine value it by reading it. subscriptions circulation can and When should be attributed to rise, advertiser confione bad idea – why pay dence rises. Then evfor news when you can eryone wins because a well-funded paper has get it for free? We can access news better content. Every household on our computers, iPhones, iPads, and An- should subscribe to a droids. We can even local newspaper. Subget news from Fa- scriptions are often cebook and Twitter. less than $20 a month, News is always at our which is less than $1 per day for sports, lofingertips. We live in a “Kindle cal news, comics and World” that is moving all the coupons you at the speed of sound can cut. We are an informatowards a time when society. printed media will be tion-hungry obsolete, and an elec- But if the newspaper dies, a major source tronic age will rule. But imagine a world of information will die without newspapers. with it – and we will all Imagine a Black Friday starve just a little. without advertising inserts, or a Sunday withcontact Craig at out Charlie Brown. jrc07d@acu.edu
2010-11 Editorial Board
Jeff Craig
Linda Bailey
Managing Editor Junior from Granbury
Editor in Chief Senior from Borger
Kelsi Williamson
Arts Editor Senior from Albuquerque
Juliana Kocsis
Copy Editor Junior from Littleton, Colo.
Ryan Self
Columnist Senior from Lubbock
Brandon Tripp
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
Opinions Page Editor Junior from Arlington
Jozie Sands
Online Editor Junior from Perry, Okla.
Alan Cherry
Sports Director Senior from Irving
editorial and letter policy
Matthew Woodrow
Page 2 Editor Senior from Atlanta
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CAMPUS NEWS
August 23, 2010
Page 9
CAMPUS
Career Center aids in finding on-campus work Matthew Woodrow Opinions Page Editor
Students looking for work may have to look no further than ACU Hill. There are between 600 and 700 on-campus jobs available to students. Most on-campus jobs are only part-time, and they have a 20-hour per week cap in order to provide students time to fulfill academic expectations. The Career Center assists students in finding jobs, improving their résumés, and preparing students for success in getting and keeping a job. They also give students advice on developing good interview skills and establishing strong networks.
The Career Center is not in charge of hiring workers or providing jobs for students. Each of the departments on campus has its own job postings and hires based on individual needs. ARAMARK has a separate application and hiring process. One of the best ways to locate an on-campus job is to visit a specific department to see if it is hiring or has positions available. Each department hires independently of the others, so students can apply for positions that correspond to their majors. For example, Physical Resources hires students to help with lawn care and the upkeep of university grounds. Students can read, post and subscribe to classifieds on myacu.com by
‘‘ ’’
following the “Quicklinks” hyperlink. Subscriptions allow job searchers to receive e-mails and updates when new jobs are available. Students can even post specific descriptions of jobs they’re looking for. Rachel Elam, office manager of the Career Center, said finding an on-campus job can prove challenging given the limited number of available positions. “All jobs on campus are competitive, and being a part of a work-study program does not guarantee a position,” Elam said. Elam said even if students cannot find a job immediately, they should keep searching because positions open up. “My best advice is to act professional during the application process. It’s
My best advice is to act professional during the application process. It’s a huge seller. RACHEL ELAM // Career Center office manager
a huge seller,” Elam said. “It’s a tough game, 600 to 700 jobs and thousands of students. Just stay out there and hopefully you’ll get one.” Most on-campus jobs pay minimum wage, though some work is compensated by monthly stipends rather than on an hourly basis. ACU pays students via direct deposit, but it does
ECONOMY
Abilene unemployment rate falls slightly in July ployment numbers nationwide actually rose to 9.7 perManaging Editor cent, a modest increase from 9.6 percent in June, according The unemployment rate in to TWC. The McAllen-EdinburgAbilene fell to 6.8 percent in July, after sitting at 6.9 percent Mission metropolitan area for the month of June, accord- has the worst unemploying to Texas Workforce Com- ment rate in the state at 12.3 percent, while the best mision data released Friday. Statewide, unemployment job prospects can be found rates remained unchanged in Midland, where the unfrom June to July, holding employment rate is just 5.8 steady at 8.5 percent. Unem- percent. Jeff Craig
The TWC estimates Texas has added 168,900 jobs since the beginning of this year. The unemployment rate in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington stands at 8.5 percent, and the rate in Houston-SugarlandBaytown is 8.8 percent. Austin’s rate is 7.3 percent.
contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
ECONOMY
Schubert leads summer Commencement service Christy Lewis
Senior Reporter
‘‘ ’’
The Aug. 6 Commencement marked a new beginning in the lives of undergraduate and graduate students – and Dr. Phil Schubert, who presided in his first Commencement. Schubert said it was an honor to congratulate each of the graduates and be a part of a celebration that included so many families. “It was amazing to see the passion, the excitement, the looking forward to what God is going to do in their faces,” Schubert said. “It was a great reminder of the opportunities offered after so much time and commitment.” Provost Dr. Jeanine Varner said she was glad students have the opportunity to celebrate their graduation at the time they finish their degree plan, even if that celebration is for a smaller number of graduates. “The August Commencement is a fairly small number of students, especially compared to the May ceremony, but it’s always special,” Var-
It was a great reminder of the opportunity offered after so much time and commitment. DR. JEANINE VARNER // Provost
ner said. “It’s an exciting time that means a lot.” The August ceremony has always had a higher ratio of students receiving master’s degrees than the December or May ceremonies, said registrar Bart Herridge. The same was true this year, with 62 graduate students and 37 undergraduate students walking the stage in Moody Coliseum. However, only a fraction of undergraduate and graduate students who complete their degrees over the summer participate in Commencement, Herridge said. Though the number of students who earned undergraduate degrees is still being tallied, about 120 students completed their master’s degree, said Greg Kendall-Ball, degree tracking specialist. Jackie Hughes, ACU alumnus and educational mul-
timedia designer, walked the stage to receive her master’s degree in communication. She said it was exciting to have a front row seat at Schubert’s first Commencement. “I was actually really proud of him,” Hughes said. “I know change is hard sometimes … but I think Dr. Schubert’s going to do really well.” Hughes said a storm that thundered through the ceremony gave the event an extra jolt of excitement. Herridge described the timing of the storm as “God’s blessing.” “Literally, we had just gotten the last of the students in as it started raining,” Herridge said. “By the time the ceremony ended, the rain had pretty much stopped.” contact Lewis at
cll09a@acu.edu
not credit money directly to their ACU accounts. Students wanting to pay their school balance will have to do so manually. Lists of the academic departments and administrative offices where jobs are available, as well as ARAMARK’s home page, can be found on the Career Center website. The Career Center is located on the second floor
of the Hunter Welcome Center. The Career Center also offers a feature called CareerLink. The service works to connect ACU students to alumni and other employers. They also offer services for employers looking to hire college students or recent graduates. The Career Center helps organizations and companies establish a solid presence on campus. More information on the Career Center and oncampus jobs can be found at www.acu.edu/campusoffices/careercenter.
contact Woodrow at
mrw08a@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS
Page 10
August 23, 2010
FACULTY
Campus remembers father of COBA Jeff Craig
Managing Editor
During the summer, ACU lost the father of its College of Business Administration. Dr. A. Overton Faubus, who served as chair of the Department of Business and helped lead it to become its own college, died Aug. 1 in Abilene – he was 96. Faubus is credited with helping COBA achieve national prominence as a business school. Faubus was born July 3, 1914, in Fort Worth, but grew up in Waco. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Texas A&M University in 1939 and a Master
ing Alumni of the Year in 1972 and was awarded the Faculty and Staff Award in 1992. Faubus Fountain Lake on the ACU campus was named in his honor in 2009. He was married and widowed twice. He married his first wife Sybil Cochran in 1939, and the couple had two children, Ann Griggs and Dr. Don Faubus. The couple was married 51 years until her death in 1990. Faubus and his second wife Dee Yancy married in 1991, and remained together until her death in January 2010. His daughter Ann Griggs remembers her father as a patient man who had an uncanny ability to balance work and family life. “I remember patience, much patience,” Griggs said. “Daddy came to ACC in the 1950s and he worked hard. At one time he was teaching five different preparations. He was very busy, but never pushed my brother and me aside. My mother did not drive so he took us to everything. He was phenomenal.” She said her father was an outstanding educator and preacher, but his faith is what impressed her the most. “He had such a strong faith in God, and he was a strong member of the Church of Christ,” Griggs said. “That was very important to him. Everywhere we lived he was a minister or an elder.” Griggs said her father’s mind was sharp until his last days, but even in his last moments a commitment to a faith that carried him through life was shining brightly. “Communion was the last thing to touch his lips, it was very important to
‘‘ ’’ Be a Christian in all that you do. He was a Christian businessman and that’s what he taught. ANN GRIGGS // daughter of Overton Faubus.
of Business Administration in 1955. He earned a Ph.D. in accounting from the University of Arkansas in 1969. Faubus began teaching at ACU in 1952 as an assistant professor and became chair of the department in 1969. He retired in 1985 to become professor emeritus of accounting. Throughout his career and after his retirement, Faubus was honored for his service to ACU. He was named Outstand-
Courtesy of CREATIVE SERVICES
Dr. A. Overton Faubus stands in Mabee Business Building. Faubus died Aug. 1 at age 96. him and those who were there got to share it to him,” she said. “What else could I ask for, I’ve been so blessed.” Griggs said her father’s caregiver would often hear him reciting Bible verses through a monitor, and after his death Griggs and her brother found thousands of pages of handwritten sermon notes. Griggs said the greatest advice her dad ever gave her was simple. “Be a Christian in all that you do. He was a Christian businessman and that’s what he taught.” Dr. Rick Lytle, dean of the College of Business Administration, released a statement describing the impact
Faubus had on ACU. “All of his students looked up to him. He spoke as easily to them about life and living as he did about accounting,” Lytle said. “He had this humble, straightforward, simple approach to life, and was always able to cut to the heart of what was most important. He had a tremendous faith in God and in the ability of this institution to reach higher than we thought we could reach. We are losing a legend, a giant of a man on whose shoulders we stand.” contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS
August 23, 2010
ABILENE
Road repairs near completion as Taylor Elementary reopens Whitney Puckett
Contributing Reporter
Northeastern Abilene’s extreme makeover is coming to an end after almost three months of construction on Judge Ely Boulevard and a complete renovation of Taylor Elementary School. The city has been repaving roads throughout town since May, including Judge Ely Boulevard, ACU’s main entrance roadway. Cody Marshall, Abilene city engineer, is impressed with how soon the projects will end. “The only thing that really remains is putting the striping back down,” Marshall said. Marshall expects the city to finish the roadwork in the next couple of weeks. He says the construction will end a month earlier than expected, making the flow of transportation more convenient for those traveling on Judge Ely Boulevard. Workers began striping Thursday afternoon. Next up, as Taylor Elementary School begins its first
renovated school year, ACU students are encouraged to take caution when driving on Avenue F and EN 13th Street. The school-zone speed limit will take effect when the speed limit sign blinks yellow. Dave Adams, principal of Taylor Elementary, thinks the best way to avoid the after-school traffic is to continue on Avenue F. “Students need to know that EN 13th is a one-way street during peak rush hours,” Adams said. “Drivers can get stopped or stuck.” In the past, ACU students have joined the students at Taylor Elementary in programs such as Wildcat Kids, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Treadaway Kids. The ACU Department of Education also brings students to the classrooms for reading and tutoring, as does the ACU baseball team. Taylor Tucker, interior design major from San Antonio, helped mentor a student at Taylor Elementary through Big Brothers Big Sisters and enjoyed spending time with her “little.”
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
A worker lays reflectors on Judge Ely Boulevard on Thursday. Construction should be completed in the next few weeks. “It gave me the opportunity to have a little sister because I never had one,” Tucker said. “It gave me a great opportunity to create a relationship that I never would have had in my own family.” Students should also know that the intramural
fields on EN 13 Street are shared with Taylor Elementary during its school hours. ACU students are allowed to use the fields Monday through Friday beginning at 4 p.m. contact Puckett at
optimist@jmcnetwork.com
CONSTRUCTION
Freshmen cope with campus updates new students have had to take alternate routes and Assistant Sports Editor inconvenient side trips to get to class, dorms, Chapel, Freshmen settling in for the library, the McGlothlin their first week of classes, Campus Center and the are also dealing with cam- Hunter Welcome Center. ACU is undergoing pus construction. The new students have construction near Moody already been at ACU a week, Coliseum and between allowing time to familiarize the Sherrod Building and themselves with the school Brown Library, both of grounds. However, con- which are gated off. The struction has been a factor construction also has a in the freshmen’s acquain- small portion of the parktance with the campus. The ing lot behind the library Zane Goggans
gated off, as well as some parking by the OnsteadPacker Biblical Studies Building, adding to difficulties with move-in and Welcome Week. Some new students have no issue with the dirtdigging. Liz Lurz, freshman biochemistry major fromSan Antonio, is not bothered by the construction. “[The construction] is sort of frustrating, but not really. I just try to avoid it,” Lurz said.
Some freshmen are not so accepting of the new campus updates. Being in a new place with the mixture of frustrating detours has Josh Clarke, freshman information systems major from San Antonio, irritated with walking around school. “It gets annoying at times,” Clarke said, “It’s extra exercise to get to class.” contact Goggans at
zdg08b@acu.edu
Page 11
Page 12
FROM THE FRONT
August 23, 2010
INAUGARATION
Schubert: President gaining trust Continued from page 1
emphasis into the workplace, McCaleb said. “Phil has taken his deep dedication to family and home and applied it to the university as well,” McCaleb said. “The Baton has been safely passed and is in good hands to begin the next lap in the story of ACU.” Holt Lunsford, a Board of Trustees member and the second tribute speaker, encouraged the importance of combining vision with plans. Dr. Royce Money, university chancellor and 10th president of ACU, said the inaugural address is an important time for Schubert to state his visions and plans. “Inaugural events are always landmark occasions
because in an inaugural address, Dr. Schubert has the opportunity to map out strategies and cast his vision,” Money said. People outside the ACU community also noticed Schubert’s natural leadership abilities and love for ACU. Dr. Karen Weaver, a professor at Pennsylvania State University, met Schubert while they were completing their doctoral studies at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. “Penn State and Duke allowed him to see a broader picture of higher education and will assist him in positioning ACU for the 21st century,” Weaver said. Dr. Kathy Gaval of St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia also studied with Weaver and Schubert. She said they
became very close during their two years of studies. She described their relationship as an extended family. Gaval and Weaver traveled from Pennsylvania to support Schubert, and Gaval said his passion for ACU was evident during their time together. “We believe in Phil,” Gaval said. “We saw a real, heartfelt desire to lead ACU.” Chris Shim, senior finance major from Atlanta, Ga., and Student’s Association Treasurer also attended the Inaugural Dinner. He said he was excited to see what Schubert would do for the university. “I think Dr. Schubert is able to usher in a new era to ACU,” Shim said. “I feel like he’s going to take the University to a whole new level.” Shim also said it was exciting to hear Schubert’s
mentors shows such respect and support during the tribute speeches. He said he hopes to reflect what he heard in the night’s speeches in SA. McCaleb said he attended the last ACU presidential inauguration for Dr. Royce Money. He said Money’s and Schubert’s inaugurations were similar because both men are wellliked, and people have a natural inclination to want everything to go well for the leader and the university. “It’s funny what an inauguration does. It creates a new beginning, and I think it re-energizes everyone,” McCaleb said. “I think you can feel the energy in the room tonight. Nobody is leaving.” contact Bailey at
ljb07a@acu.edu
CORNERSTONE
Curriculum: New classes incorporate discussion Continued from page 1
of five new core classes, centers its discussion around “The Question of Truth,” which also serves as its subtitle. Debbie Williams, associate professor of English, said she was excited to teach Cornerstone this semester after years of teaching UNIV 100. She expects this class to allow students to examine challenging questions from many angles in a way a one-hour course could not. “The issue not addressed in UNIV 100 was a sense of why you’d have a liberal arts education and how all these disciplines work together,” Williams said. “How can you give an
account of what you believe as a Christian scholar unless you’ve had some exposure to the bigger questions like ‘What is truth’?” A prominent feature of this class is its Spotlight Speaker Series. A different ACU professor will present from a wide range of topics to students of all sections each Monday in Cullen Auditorium, Campos said. The individual sections, about 30 students in size, will break out on Wednesdays and Fridays. Dr. Vic McCracken, assistant professor of theology and ethics, will be putting together podcasts of Q-and-As with the spotlight speakers for sections to use in discussion. McCracken said the broad scope of these discussions will force profes-
sors to learn along with their students about subjects outside their expertise. Though he expects challenges along the way, McCracken looks forward to the opportunity for both professors and students to be pushed outside of their comfort zones. While students will have to be more engaged in Cornerstone than they were in UNIV 100, McCracken said they would not be overwhelmed. He believes freshmen are ready for the challenge. “Students today tend to be more boundary-breaking,” McCracken said. “If I were a freshmen, I’d love to take this class.”
contact Lewis at
cll09a@acu.edu
STUDENT LIFE
Freshmen: New students adjust to campus, classes Continued from page 1
‘‘ ’’
Braunfels, was one of Gumm’s student directors. She said coordinating Welcome Week was a worthy time commitment. “It’s a lot of hard work with a lot of behind the scenes work,” Bushnell said. “It’s been very rewarding.” For incoming freshmen, Welcome Week not only presents a chance to get adjusted ACU, but also a chance to meet new friends. “I’ve gotten to know a lot of friendly people, and I’m starting to know
It’s a lot of hard work with a lot of behind the scenes work.
EMILY BUSHNELL // student director for Welcome Week 2010
my way around campus better,” said Julia Pierce, freshman undecided major from Nashville. Welcome Week also allows new students to get acclimated with their Cornerstone instructors and classmates who will be with them through their first semester. “I really like how we got to know our Cornerstone instructors ahead of time, that’s
really helpful,” said JuliAnn Dowdy, freshman computer science major from Omaha. Students participated in the traditional Welcome Week activities including: Twister, Candlelight Devotional, the Mentor Group Olympics and Moody Morning. contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
FROM SPORTS
August 23, 2010
Page 13
GOLF
CONFERENCE
ACU: Golfers headed to LSC: Loss of teams gives conference opportunities Amateur championship Continued from page 14
‘‘ ’’
ACU Athletic Director Jared Mosley is not concerned with the planned departures. “I feel we have a strong conference coming out of this, and we have the opportunity to invest in some things that we couldn’t otherwise,” said Mosley. Mosley also said the schools left in the LSC are very solid from top to bottom. “The quality of the schools remaining is great, and that will only enhance the strength of this conference.” Mosley said. Of the 88 LSC championships handed out in the five major sports, football, volleyball, basketball, baseball, and
I feel we have a strong conference coming out of this. JARED MOSLEY // athletic director
softball, only 17 have been won by one of the five schools leaving since the 1995 expansion, eight of those by Central Oklahoma. The departure of the five teams leaves the conference with just 11 teams, only nine in football, which presents a difficulty for scheduling future games. Because of the relatively small number of schools participating in football, each school will have three “open” dates - dates in which pro-
grams are free to schedule any opponent. One of those dates will be at the end of season. “Finding games in the last week of the season is very difficult,” Mosley said. “That will be a challenge, but I think there are things that we will be able to do to alleviate that moving forward with some alliances with other conferences that have similar numbers.” contact Tripp at
bjt07a@acu.edu
Continued from page 14
We aren’t nervous, we are very confident,” said Carpenter. But Carpenter and Sheppard are not the only successful Wildcats of the summer months. Cyril Bouniol, reigning U.S. Division II national champion, competed in Finland at the European Amateur Championships. The French native finished strongly in seventh place. Head Coach Mike Campbell will not be travelling with his two players to the amateur tour-
ALUMNI
Hall: Omamo headlines 2010 class Continued from page 14
the Eager’s contributions to ACU’s sports programs. Bill Clayton was a dominant defensive tackle for the Wildcat football team from 1986-89. Clayton also excelled in the classroom, and he remains the only Wildcat ever to earn the GTE first team academic all-American three times in his stellar career. Clayton is the sixth leading tackler in ACU history and ranks seventh on the all-time sack list. He was voted to the LSC and ACU’s all-decade team for the 1980s. Jim Womack was a four-time letterman for the Wildcats and served
as captain of the 196263 ACU basketball team. While he was an excellent athlete, Womack’s real success came off the court. He is known for his pioneering research in working with the cattle genome. Womack has won countless awards and honors for his scientific work. He is currently a professor at Texas A&M University. In 2007 the ACU athletic department decided to put his name on an award given to an ACU graduate who demonstrated excellence on the court and in the classroom. Dale Jenkins was a world-class pole vaulter for the Wildcats and remains one of just six ath-
letes to win a Division II National Championship in the pole vault. Jenkins still holds the record for highest vault at an outdoor meet, with a height of 18 feet 8 inches at Cape Girardeau in 1984. Jenkins and the rest of the Wildcat outdoor track and field team won four straight national championships while he was at ACU. Randy Nicholson is the Lifetime Achievement Award winner this year. Nicholson is a former member of the Board of Trustees and founder of AutoGas Systems Inc., in Abilene. He has been a long-time supporter of ACU athletics since attending ACU in the 1950s. He pioneered the pay-at-
the-pump system that most gas stations use today. In 2007 he notched a spot on USA Today’s list of top 25 inventions in the last 25 years. “Randy has not just been a huge supporter of ACU athletics from a financial standpoint,” said Mosley. “He is on campus a lot, always showing his support for our programs.” The year’s class is the Hall of Fame’s 26th induction class and will mark its 25th anniversary. With these additions, the ACU Sports Hall of Fame will total 142 members.
contact Gwin at
agg07a@acu.edu
nament, but will stay in Abilene to be with the rest of the team. The ACU golf team will not only welcom back Sheppard and Carpenter this season, but the 2010 NCAA Division II National Champion, Cyril Bouniol. Bouniol was the only ACU golfer who qualified for the championship tournament. He was also named LSC Male Athlete of the Year in 2010 after his championship performance. Carpenter’s younger brother Adam also returns for his sophomore year. The Carpenter brothers together won five tourna-
ments in 2010-11. The ACU golf team is looking to win its second national title in the program’s history. The team, led by current professional golfer Jeev Milkah Singh, captured the 1993 NCAA Division II title. ACU head coach Mike Campbell is entering his ninth season of coaching the Wildcats. Campbell was a two-time all-American at ACU in 1990 and 1991and lead the Wildcats the national tournament in 2007.
contact Goggans at
zdg08b@acu.edu
Page 14
Standings FOOTBALL Team
Div.
Ovrl.
ACU MSU ENMU WTAMU Angelo St. TAMU-K Cen. Okla. SE Okla. TAMU-K
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
VOLLEYBALL Team
Div.
ACU 0-0 WTAMU 0-0 Tarleton St. 0-0 TAMU-K 0-0 ENMU 0-0 Angelo St. 0-0
Ovrl. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
WOMEN’S SOCCER Team Div. Ovrl. ACU Angelo St. MSU WTAMU Cen. Okla. E. Central ENMU NE St.
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Briefs n Johnny
Bailey, former Texas A&I running back (now known as Texas A&M Kingsville) died Aug. 20th at age 43. Bailey was a Lone Star Conference legend and the most decorated collegiate football player of all time.
n The
ACU volleyball team received 21 votes in the American Volleyball Coaches Association preseason poll.
n Welcome
Week intramural champions were crowned Friday. In women’s basketball, Team 3 won.The Chosen Ones won women’s football. In the Men’s division, Team 8 won basketball and Team 2 won football.
PLAYER PROFILE n Senior
Middle Blocker Shawna Hines begins the 2010 season, already laden with preseason honors. Hines has been named NCAA Division II allHines American, third team. She is also on the LSC all-Region first team, and was named the LSC Defensive Player of the Year. Hines led the nation in both total blocks (190) and blocks per set (1.58) last season.
Intramurals n Registration
for flag football will be Aug. 30 through Sept. 2. To register go to acu.edu/ campusoffices/ intramurals or go to Bennett Gymnasium.
CONFERENCE
Sports
August 23, 2008
Five Okla. schools withdraw from LSC Brandon Tripp Sports Director Five of the six Oklahomabased schools in the Lone Star Conference say they plan to withdraw membership from the LSC and head to other conferences. The announcements came in two waves. The first schools to send notification to LSC Commissioner Stan Wagnon, were East Central University,
Southeastern Oklahoma State and Southwestern Oklahoma State, which made their withdrawal formal in early July. Some believe all three institutions are working with other schools, rumored to be in Arkansas, to form a new Division II conference. Later in July, just two days before the LSC’s deadline to announce membership withdrawal, University of Central Oklahoma and Northeastern
Oklahoma State submitted intent to withdraw from the league. Both schools have received formal invitations from the MidAmerica Intercollegiate Athletic Association to join the conference. Cameron State will remain the only Oklahoma school in the conference. Although all five institutions have withdrawn from the league, they will not be released from membership until June 30, 2012,
according to a statement released by Wagnon. Not only are the schools denied release from membership until 2012, each school must continue to play all LSC scheduled games until that date. “Withdrawing members are obligated to play all approved LSC athletic competitions with other members up to the effective withdrawal date,” Wagnon’s statement read. “In the event of inability or refusal
to meet those obligations, the withdrawing member(s) shall pay a financial penalty, unless such competitions are waived or modified by written consent of the parties affected.” This represents the largest change in the conference landscape since 1995 when the LSC accepted four of the five Oklahoma schools now withdrawing.
see LSC page 13
ALUMNI
ACU inducts new class Austin Gwin
Assistant Sports Editor
A few more athletes will join the ranks of famous ACU athletes this fall. The ACU Hall of Fame will welcome six new members Oct. 8. Headlining this year’s class is women’s basketball star Caroline Omamo and former athletic director Cecil Eager. Other inductees include Bill Clayton, Jim Womack, Dale Jenkins, and Lifetime Achievement Award winner Randy Nicholson. “It is such an honor to be elected into the Hall of Fame,” said athletic director Jared Mosley. “These athletes were the best of the best while they were here, and they deserve this honor.” Omamo will be the 17th female student athlete inducted into the Hall of Fame. She posted huge numbers as a Wildcat. Omamo is the 10th leading scorer in ACU women’s basketball history and the seventh leading rebounder. She is also one of only six other Wildcat women to score at least 1400 points and pull down 900 boards in her ACU career. “She just had a certain presence own the court,” said Deonna Shake, former assistant basketball
Photo illustration by JOZIE SANDS // Online Editor
‘‘ ’’
Jim Womack, Dale Jenkins, Bill Clayton, Caroline Omamo, and Cecil Eager are five of the six inductees for the 2010 ACU Hall of Fame Class. The 2010 class will be inducted on Oct. 8 during the annual Hall of Fame Dinner. coach and current exercise science teacher. “She was imposing because she was so poised. Not only could she score but she could rebound any ball she could get to.” A three-time all-Lone Star Conference selection, Omamo also won the LSC MVP in the 1997-98 season. She was a two-time postseason LSC tournament MVP. She was a key player on an ACU team that won 49 straight games and
spent most of the 1995-96 season ranked #1 in the nation. Omamo played in 48 of the 49 games, the most of anyone on the team. “As a player, student and Christian, Caroline set the bar high for all the younger players to come after her,” said Shake. Cecil Eager was a leader off the courts for the Wildcats. After a very successful 12 years as ACU’s tennis coach, Eager was appointed athletic director in 1990.
These athletes were the best of the best while they were here. JARED MOSLEY // Athletic Director
Even though he only served five years in the position, he saw the Wildcats bring home nine national championships in three different sports: six in women’s track and field, two in men’s track and field, and one in
men’s golf. In August 2001 the new tennis pavilion was named the Cecil and Judy Eager Tennis Pavilion in honor of
see HALL page 13
GOLF
WELCOME WEEK
Burst pipe floods Bennett ’Cats to play in
U.S. Amateurs
Ryan Cantrell
Assistant Sports Editor
A water pipe burst last Thursday night, flooding Bennett Gym and threatening the cancellation of Welcome Week basketball. The gym was cleaned up and restored to a playable condition just in time for Welcome Week activities to begin. “I was out of town Friday, but Kenli came into the office Friday morning and found the gym flooded,”said Assistant Intramural Director Mark Jackson. Leaking water onto the gym’s floor, the pipe was located in the parking lot behind the intramural office in Bennett. When Intramural Director Kenli Edwards came into work Friday morning, the wood floor was covered in water and mud. “We used dehumidifiers to pull up over 200 gallons of water from the courts,” Edwards said. “They are still pulling water out of the gym, so 200 gallons and counting.” The university’s cleaning crew, WFF Facility Services, was called in to help clean
Zane Goggans
Assitant Sports Editor
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Freshmen Intramural Basketball was able to proceed despite a pipe burst that flooded Bennett Gymnasium late Thursday night. up the gym floor. They were able to mop and sweep the floor to remove the mud and standing water from the gym. “WFF mopped and swept until the floor was clean,” Edwards said. “ They did a great job and helped get the court ready for Welcome Week.” A-Town tech came in after WFF and set up tents and dehumidifiers to remove water from the court. The intramural staff was able to monitor the condition of the court and decided that
the court was safe enough to play on. Some of the boards had water spots on them, while others parts of the court were still slick. “At this time I do not know if it will be replaced,” Edwards said. “I hope for the students that it will be. Not only for their safety, but also just to have a better court to play on this year while the recreation center is under construction.” contact Cantrell at
jrc07f@acu.edu
Two Wildcat golfers, Alex Carpenter and Tyler Sheppard, have qualified for the U.S. Amateur Championship. Carpenter, now a sophomore, earned his spot at the U.S. Amateur by winning first place in eight out of 10 amateur tournaments. Among those wins was the Southern Amateur in Birmingham, Ala., which gave Carpenter the opportunity to compete at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, Fla., in late March. Carpenter maintained the momentum of his successful 2009-2010 season by continuing to compete in the summer. “We’ll do good,” Carpenter said. “Sheppard and I have been hitting in the wind all summer.” Sheppard earned his trip to the tournament by tying for third place with a 134 at The Wood-
lands Country Club near Houston, hitting 73-68. Michael Whitehead of Sugar Land won that tournament with 137. However, Sheppard nearly missed out on the U.S. Amateur altogether. Due to a rain delay and some miscommunication, Sheppard ended up having only 30 seconds to tee off. Despite the close call, he continued to play well at the tournament, granting him a trip to Washington. The tournament will take place Aug. 23-29 at Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place, Wash. Each match will be 18 holes except for the championship, which is a 36-hole event consisting of 312 players. After just two days of play, the number of contenders will be drastically reduced to 64. Advancing players are chosen by the lowest scores, but the ACU teammates are not worried. see ACU page 13