Optimist the
Vol. 98, No.1
Welcome Week in photos
PAGE 6 1 section, 12 pages
Monday, August 24, 2009
acuoptimist.com
BREAKING NEWS, VIDEOS, PHOTOS, DISCUSSION AND EXCLUSIVE CONTENT iPHONE
Mobile initiative faces second year Chelsea Hackney Copy Editor One year later, ACU’s mobile initiative is still going strong, according to a document released Friday that reported overwhelmingly favorable responses from students, faculty and staff.
“It was successful beyond our wildest imagination,” said Kevin Roberts, associate vice president of operations. More than 85 percent of the faculty reported that ACU should continue the program, and more than 90 percent of students rated
it “good” or “very good,” he said. “I loved it,” said Kate Wasemiller, sophomore Roberts speech pathology major from Abilene. Students could use the devices
in class to check grades and email papers or questions, she said. “Over 90 percent of students reported using it at least once a week in all their classes,” Roberts said. However, students could not use them in the classroom all the time.
STUDENT LIFE
“Some of my classes were too big to all get on the Internet,” said Anna Bouchelle, sophomore social work major from Amarillo. “There were not many classes where we were able to use it.” This problem can be chalked up to the lack of
purely freshman classes and the fact that professors are learning to use these devices along with the students. “It takes a while,” Roberts said. “It’s like, how do you plan to use a computer in your class? Well, there are see MOBILE page 10
ADMINISTRATION
Search committee meets for first time
Colter Hettich
“This is a very important time for the university,” Crisp said. “I was honored Abilene Christian Univer- to accept.” Crisp said the first meetsity embarked on its first presidential search in 19 ing would, at the least, years Thursday when the give members a chance to presidential search advi- meet one another. Beyond sory committee met for the personal introductions, he hoped to reach a general first time. Don Crisp, chair of the consensus on where the committee, received a call committee should begin. Getting a feel for whatthe from C.E. Cornutt, chair of the Board of Trustees, ear- university’s constituents, lier this year asking him to including students, want is a top priority for the comserve as committee chair. mittee, Crisp said. Faculty, staff, students and alumni QUICK FACTS will have the opportunity The purpose committee of the to voice their opinions Board of Trustees nominated the through an online survey, members; the Board as a whole according to acu.edu. then approved them: Crisp said the commitn Don Crisp, Chair tee will compile a report University Council and hopes to make it availn Dr. Billy Curl able to the public “within a Board of Trustees few weeks.” n Dr. Colleen Durrington Board of Trustees Dr. Royce Money, presin Berto Guerra dent of the university, anBoard of Trustees nounced his resignation n Janice Massey, M.D. from the office of presiBoard of Trustees n James Orr, J.D. dent on May 16. The new Board of Trustees president, whom Money n Dr. Barry Packer said should be selected and Board of Trustees announced by mid-spring, n Gary Thornton, J.D. University Council will officially take the reins n Dr. Jeff Childers on May 31. Faculty The 15-member search n Dr. Tracy Shilcutt committee will not work Faculty n Dr. Rusty Towell alone. The university hired Faculty Academic Search, Inc., to n Bart Herridge assist and advise commitStaff tee members throughout n Craig Fisher Alumnus the process. Editor in Chief
HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer
Entering freshmen get tangled up in a massive game of Twister that almost completely covered Moody Coliseum’s floor.
Students let loose, bond at Welcome Week Chelsea Hackney Copy Editor Deafening noise filled Moody Coliseum Tuesday as nearly 800 students crowded onto a giant Twister board to take part in a longstanding Welcome Week tradition. The number is not surprising, considering ACU is taking in more than 1000 freshmen this year, said Wade Huggins, Welcome Week student director and senior Biblical text major from Abilene. The “world’s largest game of Twister” was not the only event planned for this horde of new students. This year’s Welcome Week began Monday and continued until Saturday night, culminating in the annual Freshman Talent Show. Many of the scheduled activities are Welcome
Week traditions, but the student directors decided to do something a little different this time, adding two new events. One of the surprises was a general-education session dubbed ACU Mythbusters. The purpose of the course, Huggins said, was to dispel some of the rumors about classes at ACU. As part of the event, Dr. Brian Cavitt, associate professor of chemistry, and Randy Harris, instructor of Bible, missions and ministry, demonstrated what a college course is like. “We wanted to show students that class at ACU doesn’t have to be what it looked like in high school,” Huggins said. “It’s not just lecture.” The other new event was the Fun Run, a 5K marathon that took place Saturday. It also included a
separate, shorter race with a prize awarded for the most creative mode of transportation. “Hopefully, it becomes a cool tradition,” Huggins said. “We’re excited. We’ve been working, working, working, not seeing any students, and now we get to see them all excited and having fun.” The First Year Program and the student directors planned the events, but the success of Welcome Week depended heavily on willing upperclassmen to volunteer as peer leaders and mentors. “Welcome Week starts the year. If it’s not fun, the rest of the year won’t be fun,” said Tyler Allen, junior biology and business major from San Antonio and peer mentor see WELCOME page 10
Charles Gaines Student n Dr. Gary McCaleb Vice President n
contact Hettich at
clh05d@acu.edu
STUDENT LIFE
Spiritual growth, development top goals for ’09-10 school year Sondra Rodriguez Managing Editor University administrators expect the 2009-10 school year to be one of challenges, development and growth. Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president and dean for Student Life, said the faculty and staff established partnerships intended to further develop students academically, spiritually and socially. “There’s an incredible zeal right now among our faculty and staff about
how to best engage our students in learning, growth and development,” Thompson said. “Lots of folks are working together to form partnerships that will benefit students in tremendous ways.” The 2009-10 school year will be the first with Dr. Jeanine Varner as provost, and Thompson said he anticipates a collaborative spirit between academic departments, Student Life and campus organizations. Students are also anticipating new academic challenges influenced by Var-
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ence, was also an area of emphasis this summer, I want folks to be compelled to think about how they Thompson said. Staff impact the people around them and how that shapes members attended what Thompson referred to as them as a young man or woman of God. a “call to spiritual convicJEAN-NOEL THOMPSON tion” that convinced him Vice president for Student Life and dean of students that staff members, regardless of title, have the ner’s decisions as provost. Jordan Smith, sophomore said he hopes to get into potential to influence the Renee Liffland, fresh- English major from San the specifics of his major lives of students. “I think there was a fanman occupational therapy Diego, Calif., said between this year. “I’m looking for a chal- tastic synergy in that room. major from Pawling, N.Y., great professors and chalsaid she plans to focus and lenging courses, he and a lenge,” he said. “ACU is a We left pumped up, excited group of friends hope to good environment to fa- and waiting for you all to do well in classes. cilitate that challenge and get back here,” he said. “I’m “I want to work hard,” get a 4.0 this year. hoping to see much more Adam Browning, senior growth.” she said. “I’m excited to Spiritual growth, in and business management get started.” Returning students like major from San Antonio, beyond the Chapel experisee GOALS page 10
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AD KIOSK OPENS for business. Get the rules for posting flyers, and find out what else changed on campus during the summer. Page 7
Online WILDCAT FOOTBALL gears up for the opening game. Find out this year’s weapons on offense, and who is vying for the starting QB position. Page 12
VIDEO
DISCUSSION
PHOTOS
Will students use the ad kiosk? Disc Golf
Visit acuoptimist.com to see what the ACU community is saying.
Talent Show
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Campus Day
About This Page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to jmcnetwork@acu.edu.
Monday, August 24, 2009
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CALENDAR AND EVENTS
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MONDAY
First day of class 11 a.m. Opening Chapel will take place in Moody Coliseum. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Coffee with the Congressman will take place in Radford Auditorium at McMurry University.
TUESDAY
5:30-7 p.m. Welcome to Abilene will take place in the Hunter Welcome Center. 6 p.m. A planetarium show will take place at the Morgan Jones Planetarium. The event costs $3 for adults and $2 for children. For more information, call 6771444.
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WEDNESDAY
9:30 a.m.- noon A food handlers course will take place at the Taylor County Extension Office. For more information, call 672-6048.
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THURSDAY
7-9 p.m. ACU’s 2009 season-opening football game against Northwest Missouri State will take place at Shotwell Stadium. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Lettice and Lovage will be performed in Fulks Theatre. For more information or to buy tickets, call 674-2787.
To ensure that 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.
Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:
01 70
Announcements The ACU Clinic will not give excuse notes for missed classes, Chapel or exams due to a clinic visit. A mandatory social club information meeting will take place in Hart Auditorium Aug. 27. Those interested in pledging a social club this fall must attend, or pick up information in McKinzie Room 121. Welcome to Abilene event for new students will take place Aug. 25 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Hunter Welcome Center. Freshmen and transfers are welcomed for an introduction to life in Abilene.
Lettice & Lovage, the fall comedy, will be presented Aug. 27-29 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Fulks Theater. Call 674-ARTS or secure tickets online at www.acu.edu/theatre. Flag football registration will take place Aug. 26 to Sept. 2. Information and papers are available online at www.acu.edu/ intramurals or at Bennett Gymnasium. For more information, call 674-2555. Official Opening Day Ceremonies will take place in Moody Coliseum Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. to noon.
There will be a speech and debate team informational meeting for interested students at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 25 in the Sherrod Building Room 211. For information contact Dena Counts, 428-6699 or dena.counts@acu. edu. Students willing to volunteer at Summit Sept. 20-23 can visit www.acu. edu/summit under the “Work Upportunities” tab to submit an application form. To join the Students’ Association, pick up a petition Aug. 25 at noon in the SA office located in the basement of the Campus Center.
JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer
Students try to stay on their feet during the world’s largest game of Twister during Welcome Week.
Campus News
Page 4
August 24, 2009
CAMPUS
Incoming students share light at devotional Laura Acuff Features Editor Hundreds of candles lit a winding walk from Moody Coliseum to the Beauchamp Amphitheater as the freshman class of 2013 and transfer students experienced Welcome Week’s traditional Candlelight Devotional Tuesday night. ACU alumni, faculty and families lined the sidewalks and sang over the new students on their way to the devotional, where Dr. Bob Strader, adjunct profes-
What better way to welcome new students than to literally surround them on this walk and sing over them? AMANDA BUCHANAN Senior psychology major from Lubbock
sor of Bible and associate director of ACU Leadership Camps, delivered a message on finding direction and purpose in the college experience. As the students reached the Tower of Light, their candles, too, were lit. Students lit each other’s candles, sharing and spreading lights from the outer
edges all the way to the center of the fully packed amphitheater. “It’s just an awesome experience,” said Amanda Buchanan, senior psychology major and steering committee member from Lubbock. “Other than being an incredible sight, what better way to welcome
new students than to literally surround them on this walk and sing over them?” Stefanie Nicholas, math education major from Allen, said she knew about Candlelight Devotional from friends who already attend ACU, but was still surprised by the actual experience.
“It sounded pretty cool,” Nichols said. “I had just seen pictures of it. They didn’t tell me what really happens. I didn’t know what we were going to do, like the walking through everyone.” One of the most photographed events on ACU’s campus and a highlight of the Welcome Week experience, Candlelight Devotional attracts members of the ACU community every year who hope to bless new students and share the experiences they had at their own Candlelight
Devotionals in the past. Nichols said the ritual helped her feel like a part of the ACU community, and she believes she will likely return to offer the same experience to successive years of new students. “I really loved it,” Nichols said. “It was cool just being invited and seeing all the friends that I’d made that were upperclassmen waving and smiling at you, welcoming you in.” contact Acuff at
lka06a@acu.edu
TECHNOLOGY
myACU Web site upgraded for stability, speed Colter Hettich Editor in Chief The summer break provides faculty and staff with valuable time every year for maintenance and changes, and the department of Web Integration and Programming and the Adams Center for Learning and Teaching took advantage of the threemonth lull. High-profile ventures, such as the Mobile Learning Initiative, received due at-
tention, but other, less glamorous projects were tended to as well. The Blackboard and Webfiles tabs on myACU received several adjustments to improve functionality. James Langford, director of Web Integration and Programming, said many of the changes were subtle. “Webfiles is not a Google product,” Langford said. “We wanted it all to look like one big system, so we have patterned myACU after Google.”
Feedback from faculty and student focus groups sponsored two years ago by the Adams Center had a direct impact on this year’s improvements. The buttons at the top of the Webfiles interface were modified, a group folder was added for professors and teacher’s assistants to more easily communicate with students and a trashcan was created in each class folder to make it easier for users to locate deleted files.
In addition to improving myACU’s Webfiles, the Web Integration and Programming department upgraded Blackboard. Blackboard changes will be even harder to spot. Hab Adkins, manager of programming and support in Web Integration and Programming, said the upgrade “fixed a few known bugs, but for the most part it will look and operate as it did during the spring and summer.” Mobile technology
has encroached on territory once dominated by platforms like Blackboard. Students now can receive immediate announcements and assignments on the go. Langford acknowledged that ACU’s mobile learning technology offers many of the same services, but said Blackboard still has a few unique ones to offer. “We have got such a history with Blackboard; most teachers on campus have used it at one
time or another,” Langford said. “In addition to just having a lot of course materials in place, it does things like quizzes and grade books.” Blackboard did not add any noteworthy features, but this summer’s upgrade increased the platform’s stability and speed.
contact Hettich at
clh05d@acu.edu
Campus News
August 24, 2009
Page 5
CONSTRUCTION
Kiosk, bike racks among summer projects Lizzy Spano
QUICK FACTS
Arts Editor Although students enjoying the freedom of summer might have imagined campus as empty and deserted over break, the university, in fact, has been buzzing with construction projects, some of which will continue into the school year. The Physical Resources department and others who oversee campus renovations constantly review the needs and requests of students and faculty and continue to make change where necessary, said Dr. JeanNoel Thompson, vice president and dean for student life. This includes minor and significant construction and renovation in residence halls, campus grounds and office space. “We need to look aesthetically at the uni-
Posters must be submitted to the Campus Center information desk or the Student Life office. Approved flyers will be posted the following business day. n Flyers must be no larger than 8” 1/2 x 11”. n Students may submit up to three flyers. n Priority will be given to students promoting events. n
versity,” said Thompson. “We are constantly looking for ways to enhance the physical environment and yet do something that’s practical and useful for students. That’s been the focus all along.” Among these projects are purple bike racks, as well as signs to direct students and visitors. The advertising kiosk outside the Campus Center has been completed, and the finishing touches have been put on the Brown Library Atrium’s kitchen, which will be used to conduct student and faculty events. Dec-
orating initiatives have also been launched to improve the physical appearance of campus. “When people visit this campus, they can see the marks of our purpose and our promise,” said Thompson. “Walk in various buildings and you’ll see many more pictures of our students. Anywhere you look you will witness… the life and vibrancy of our campus—and that’s our students in action.” Construction of the recreation center is also a goal at this time. The university hopes to re-
ceive approval and begin construction at the beginning of the spring semester, Thompson said. “We’re meeting in November, and during that particular board meeting we will talk about the recreation and wellness center,” said Thompson. “By end of this month, all design and construction documents will be done. We’re in the position to get that one out of the gate as soon as possible; it’s going to literally transform this campus with access to recreation opportunities.” To improve the ap-
STUDENT LIFE
ISA futbol game invites world cultures Lizzy Spano Arts Editor International students kicked their freshman year into gear Thursday with the “Futbol on the Lawn” soccer game, one of many Welcome Week activities designed to welcome multicultural students to ACU. The soccer game, played on the lawn of the Zona Luce Building, provided a way for new international and ESL students to have some fun and enjoy a game they are familiar with, said Lindsey Fleming, senior social work major from Beamsville, Ontario.
“Welcome Week is completely different when you’re working with the international students,” Fleming said. “As the week has progressed, they have gotten really excited about being here,” said Mark Foster, senior information technology major from Abilene. Foster said there was a good turnout for the soccer game, and both new and current students participated. This activity was one of many during Welcome Week, including the freshman talent show and mentor group Olympics, which the students enjoyed with other mentor groups.
Mark Yum, freshman from Hong Kong, who participated in many of these events, said he has enjoyed his first week in Abilene and Welcome Week, especially the candlelight devotional. Laura Blake, coordinator of the International Students Association, also takes part in helping international students adjust at ACU. Blake begins corresponding with international students as soon as they have been admitted to ACU. “Welcome Week helps new students learn a lot about ACU,” said Blake. “I’ve had amazing student volunteers who have
really gotten involved with the new students this year, and that makes a world of difference.” Blake said all ACU students can help in making new and international students feel welcome. “Be friendly,” said Blake. “Don’t be afraid to talk to international students. They are great, they have most of the same thoughts and feelings that you have, and they have really cool things to share about their cultures and experiences.”
contact Spano at
eas07a@acu.edu
pearance of campus while still giving students the opportunity to advertise, an advertising kiosk was proposed last semester and completed by physical resources during finals week. Students can now advertise by submitting advertisements and posters to the Office of Student Life or the Campus Center information desk for approval. Poster guidelines can be found online under the Student Life tab. “There were some concerns about the general appearance of the campus,” said Joel Swedlund, Campus Center director. Swedlund said that previous methods of advertising, such as posting signs on doors and campus grounds, were thought to detract from the campus’ appearance. “We want the campus to be something
very inviting, not only to current students but to potential students. Future projects include renovating the basement of the Campus Center as a “Center for Christian Service and Leadership” that will focus on carrying out the university’s mission. Possibilities in the future include spaces for student groups to meet, study and coordinate events professionally. Regarding campus repairs, Thompson said the university tries to be proactive and consistent in renovation and construction, so that problems are avoided before they happen and the campus is improved as necessary.
contact Spano at
eas07a@acu.edu
Monday, August 24, 2009
Page 6
JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer
Page 7
LEFT: A group of students runs alongside Campus Court during the Fun Run 5K around Lunsford Walking Trail Saturday morning.
KELSI WILLIAMSON Staff Photographer
Meredith Wilson, freshman art and social work major from Burleson, guards the ball from Mandy Becker, freshman undecided major from San Antonio, in a Welcome Week basketball intramural game.
the
Community PASSING Campus converges to guide TORCH incoming students JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer
ABOVE: Freshmen gather in Beauchamp Amphitheater to worship by candlelight. This has been an official part of Welcome Week since 1986. RIGHT: Jon Davis, senior marketing major from Carrollton, sports an unusual outfit during Welcome Week’s annual Twister game Tuesday in Moody Coliseum.
HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer
A praise team leads the freshman class in song during the Candlelight Devotional in Beauchamp Amphitheater.
HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer
Campus News
Page 8
August 24, 2009
CHARITY
5K Fun Run promotes healthy lifestyle Kelsi Williamson Staff Photographer A busy week and a few drops of rain did not keep participants in the Welcome Week Fun Run from jogging with style. The Fun Run, which took place Saturday morning, was actually two races, a 5K run and a one-mile race. 29 runners participated in the 5K, and 25 took part in the shorter race. The run was added to Welcome Week this year in order to promote a healthy college lifestyle. “We want to make sure people start off college healthy,” said Eric Gumm, assistant director of the First Year Program and director of orientation. “We knew a lot of students like to run...and so we wanted to get them started by having fun.” Participants in the onemile run were encouraged
to showcase their creative talents by using alternative modes of non-motorized transportation to complete the race. Freshman Chase Martin from the Colony showed off his unicycle skills in a banana suit to create what he hoped was a prize-winning combination. Martin said that his motivation for racing was the free bike promised to the most creative means of transportation. “The bike is the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Martin. The bike prize, donated by BikeTown, was awarded to John Blackwell, freshman from Ft. Worth. for his Fled Flinstone depiction at Saturday night’s talent show. Martin didn’t let the stiff competition dampen his spirits. “We’re already winners, because we get free Tshirts,” Martin said. Freshman duo Amanda Jinkerson and Pierce
JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer
A group of students start the Fun Run 5K and one-mile race in front of Barret Hall on the Lunsford Trail Saturday morning. Carpenter from Abilene crossed the finish line of the one-mile race first, riding their two-seater bicycle, while Colter Lane, senior physics, mathematics and
education major from Kalispell, Mont., won the 5K with a time of 19 minutes and one second. Because this is the first year for the Fun Run, Wel-
“The key is that they’re come Week leadership was unsure what to ex- out here having fun,” pect. Gumm said the event Gumm said. would be evaluated to see if it should continue in folcontact Williamson at kkw07aw@acu.edu lowing years.
COMMUNITY
Local businesses look forward to students’ return Linda Bailey Opinion Page Editor More students returning to school mean more customers and part-time workers for businesses surrounding ACU. Gary Shifflett, store director of United Supermarket, said a lot of ACU students shop in the store, and he believes United sees an increase in customers when students return to school. Ginger Chandler, fieldmarketing manager for Rosa’s Cafe, said it is an exciting time when college students return for the fall semester.
“It’s great when they come back,” Chandler said. “It increases sales tremendously.” Rosa’s has many promotional offers throughout the year, but the real work begins when students come back to Abilene. Chandler said they are working on a promotion that will allow students to become “VIP members” at Rosa’s. Through this offer, students will receive text messages from Rosa’s that can be used for discounts and free food. “It’s a great advertising tool for us,” Chandler said. “It is a way to help
college students get some discounts on food and get some items free, too, because it is expensive when you go off to school.” Joe Spano, owner of Spano’s Italian Restaurant, said that his business is only one of many to benefit from the return of students. “Summer time is over, people are back from vacations and everybody is getting settled in,” said Spano. “It just seems like the pace of life in general seems to pick up a little in Abilene when school is in session.” Spano said he tries to target the college-age
normally do not have any It just seems like the pace of life in general problem finding people to work during the summer seems to pick up a little in Abilene when months, because college school is in session. students originally from Abilene return for the sumJoe Spano Owner of Spano’s Italian Restaurant in Abilene mer and fill in the gaps. Several businesses around Abilene hire colcrowd by giving them wait staff is made up en- lege workers and offer a 10 percent discount tirely of local college stu- discounts to students. when they present their dents during the year, but With these places targetduring the summer, em- ing the college populastudent I.D. Students not only shop ployees leave to be with tion, students have many at these establishments; their families and are un- opportunities to save and make money off-campus. they work there. Spano’s able to work. United also employs hires a large number of college students, some of many college students who work from the time during the fall and spring they arrive in Abilene as semesters who leave durfreshmen until they grad- ing summer break. Howcontact Bailey at uate. Spano said that the ever, Shifflett said they ljb07a@acu.edu
Opinion
August 24, 2009
EDITORIAL
Page 9
Editorial page promotes campus dialogue The Optimist is the source of community, national and international news for ACU students and the Abilene community. We strive to serve our readers by delivering unbiased, honest news to fill the pages in each week’s newspaper. The Opinion page is different, and readers should understand its purpose and the right of the Optimist staff that is protected by the First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law… abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.”
The Opinion page is where members of the staff have the opportunity to publish, that’s right, opinions about issues surrounding campus or the community. Pieces on this page should be read as one person or group’s views.
The page will appear in each issue and will contain an editorial, two columns, a cartoon by the Optimist’s own cartoonist, and reader feedback when possible. This includes letters to the editor, responses to dis-
We ask readers to keep an open mind ... the words printed in an editorial or column are our words, our thoughts and our beliefs.
cussion questions posted at www.acuoptimist.com or editorials written by readers. Editorials will reflect the opinions of the Optimist editorial board rather than an individual’s. For this reason, editorials are left unsigned but are open for comments and feedback from readers. Columns will attribute a name and photo of the author and the name of the column. Like editorials, readers can post comments to columns or to the author. We ask readers to
Ataraxia
By Jordan Blakey
THE ISSUE Here you will find a brief explanation of the issue.
OUR TAKE We will summarize our opinion here. keep an open mind. We ask readers to remember that whether you agree with the words printed in an editorial or column, they are our words, our thoughts and our beliefs. They are our opinions, and each of us is educated and mature enough to realize that one person’s opinion will probably be
different than another’s. However, rest assured that we will handle the freedom of the written word on the Opinion page with humility and respect. It is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to express our own opinions to our peers, and we will not abuse that right.
Meet the Board
Colter Hettich
Sondra Rodriguez
Editor in Chief Hometown: Abilene Major: Journalism Classification: Senior
Managing Editor Hometown: McKinney Major: Journalism Classification: Senior
Linda Bailey
Chelsea Hackney
COLUMN
New year calls for new perspective Bread and Tomato Colter Hettich
Only God knows the number of films and books based on one simple concept: Hettich the ability to know what is going to happen before it happens. The mere thought ignites our imagination, and questions spiral out of control: What if I could see the future? Could I win the lottery? Could I be an outlaw? How would they stop me? Would I be responsible for preventing tragedies? What if only ten people could see the future? Could we fight them? What if everyone could? How would we live?
What if we could only see 10 seconds ahead? Five? Then the reality of our shortsightedness turns us around and forces us to question the past: If I could have seen the future, would I still have said yes? If only he could have known what was going to happen, he never would have driven that fast. It amazes me how many important decisions seem to be made in the shortest amount of time — at least, it seems like an instant. Truth is, the most important decisions in our lives are not single choices but thousands of little ones. It is the reason time flies. We scurry across countless little choices to get to the big one, only to find the choice was made before we arrived.
Truth is, the most important decisions in our lives are not single choices but thousands of little ones. Willingly or unwillingly, we jump into this roulette wheel and must decide in four years who we really are, what we really believe and what we really want to do with the rest of our lives. But unlike the helpless, white ball that waits to be assigned a number and color, we have the ability to choose. Whether you have just begun your time at ACU or feel like you have already left, I challenge you: fight the tendency to let the spinning blur of circumstances choose for you. Almost every happening in this world
is beyond your control, but do not let it swallow you. The world is full of red twelves, black thirty-fives, and red nineteens who allowed themselves to be smacked around, settling wherever they land. We cannot see the future, so we must pay attention to what we can see: the present. Make good choices now, no matter how small, and you might find that the future does not look so grim.
contact Hettich at
clh05d@acu.edu
Opinion Editor Hometown: Borger Major: Journalism Classification: Junior
Copy Editor Hometown: Midlothian Major: Political Science Classification: Senior
Laura Acuff
Lizzy Spano
Features Editor Hometown: College Station Major: Journalism Classification: Junior
Arts Editor Hometown: Canton, Penn. Major: Journalism Classification: Junior
DISCUSSION: What did you think of Welcome Week? I liked candlelight devo because it was cool to see all of the lights and listen to the speaker.
I enjoyed the mentor group time. It is fun to know other people who are going to be in your classes.
TYLER PINKERT Freshman business management major from Red Oak
LAURA FOX Freshman speech pathology major from Salt Lake City, Utah
I liked the service project. I got to know a lot of people and my group and I had a blast.
Welcome week was awesome. I met so many people and having the upper classmen hang out with us was great.
AYREA TOWELL Freshman chemistry major from Abilene
D.J ACEVEDO Freshman youth and family ministry major from Tuscola
Editorial and Letter Policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing
Columnist Hometown: Lubbock Major: Advertising/ Public Relations Classification: Junior
personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
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From Front
Page 10
STUDENT LIFE
August 24, 2009
STUDENT LIFE
Goals: Campus leaders Welcome: first week focus on spirituality unites new students Continued from page 1
spiritual emphasis. Students also predict spiritual growth. “I want to be an example and grow closer to God through my personal relationships,” Smith said. Browning said he wants to focus on spending more time with God. “I anticipate another year of questioning, affirmation and hopefully growing close in a relational aspect,” he said. In addition to the spiritual growth of everyone on campus, Thompson said he anticipates social and personal growth through campus organizations and “perhaps
the best ResLife staff we’ve ever had,” he said. Those living in Residence Halls will see changes from prior years’ programs. Thompson said he couldn’t wait to see how the staff integrated these changes into the focus of the year. Smith said he hopes to challenge himself socially by setting a high standard for this year. “I expect this year to be twice as good as last year,” he said. “I expect to make a lot more friends, establish deeper connections within my department and serve and lead around school.” Browning, an assistant director in Smith-Adams Hall, said he expects an intense year working
with Residence Life. “This year will be full of new people and new faces,” he said. “There’s a lot to do.” Faculty, staff and students anticipate challenges during the 2009-10 school year, and Thompson said he hopes to address those challenges with students by encouraging them to ask the question: “Who am I becoming?” “I want folks to be compelled to think about how they impact the people around them and how that shapes them as a young man or woman of God.”
contact Rodriguez at
sar06g@acu.edu
Continued from page 1
for the political science University 100. For students used to the college scene, Welcome Week was more about getting to know one another than the inner workings of the university. Alex Davis, senior psychology major from Denver, was the peer leader for a group of 16 transfer students. “They’ll answer each other’s questions,” Davis said. “It’s cool to see that cohesiveness.” That cohesiveness is exactly what drew incoming freshman Sarah Ratliff to ACU. “I went to a small high school, so I didn’t want to go somewhere huge and have 400 people in my class,” said Ratliff, an English major from Lake Kiowa. “I love the family atmosphere here, and it’s what I grew up with. It felt like home to me.” Feeling like home and actually being home are two different things, and many students already are finding creative
ways to stay in touch with family and friends. “I took two videos and a picture, and I’m going to put them on YouTube and send them to my family,” said Madison Dennis, freshman information systems major from New Braunfels. All that using his brand new iPhone, of course. Even though not all Welcome Week events are mandatory, most students showed up for the events and seemed to be benefitting from it. “I know my dorm, and not just the dorm but the people,” Dennis said. “I learned my way around after just two days.” Dennis is not alone in making friends. “When I think about Welcome Week, I think about what a blast we had,” Huggins said. “Some of my best friends I met during Welcome Week.”
contact Hackney at
ceh05c@acu.edu
iPHONE
Mobile: iPhone use to increase in the classroom Continued from page 1
a thousand different ways.” Mike Cope’s Bible class went beyond grades and papers. Students frequently took polls and used their devices to respond. “In a class with 300 students, receiving feedback is difficult,” said Cope, instructor in the Bible, missions and ministry department. “It’s also hard to know what’s connecting, what’s needed. The polls give an onthe-fly way to accomplish that—to some extent.” Faculty took classes all summer to learn how to better use the devices, a task that made easier
because more students will have access to a device, Roberts said. “The more saturation we have around campus, the greater impact there will be,” Roberts said. It is hard to say how professors, with a year under their belt, will use the devices in their class this year, but the new freshman class already has some ideas, although few involve schoolwork. “I use the Maps feature all the time,” said Taylor Schmidt, freshman youth and family ministry major from San Antonio. “I’m always getting lost.” The devices are useful in many ways for students far from home,
as well. “My mom added all these cool apps on it,” said Dana Defrees, freshman elementary education major from San Antonio. “USAA has this great app that lets you take a picture of a check and sends it straight to your bank account.” Whether the mobile initiative played a part in students’ decisions to enroll at ACU is difficult to say, but “the iPhone was a definite plus,” Schmidt said. While sophomores are toting the iPhone 3G, incoming freshman were given the option of an iPod Touch or the iPhone 3GS. With Apple releasing new devices
every year, the initiative has the potential to cause confusion in classes where students have three different devices, but faculty will take that into account, Roberts said. “The deal is anything used in class won’t use features of the 3GS,” he said. “We wanted to make sure, from an academic perspective, everything you need to do in your class you’ll be able to do on an iPod Touch.” Students still will receive a new handset every two years, so this year’s freshmen will get an upgrade their junior year. The plan right now is that graduating seniors will keep the device when they leave,
Roberts said. Of course, keeping the handset is less important than receiving it in the first place. Devices had to be distributed to every student before the first day of school, so that they could be used in class. Last year, students congregated at the Team 55 desk in the Brown Library during Welcome Week. “If you’ll remember, everyone came on that one day. It was exciting, but it was a little too exciting,” Roberts said, laughing. Instead, this year, after completing enrollment requirements, students could go online, choose their device and it was mailed directly to them. Most students
had them by the middle of May, Roberts said. “Late registers could go to the Learning Commons like last year, but we only handed out a couple hundred instead of 900,” he said. ACU’s success has encouraged several other schools to begin their own mobile initiatives. The university has given 95 presentations all over the world since the program’s launch. The recognition for the university has been staggering, and it can only improve, Roberts said. “We have every reason to believe that the success we realized last year will continue,” he said. contact Hackney at
ceh05c@acu.edu
From Sports
Monday, August 24, 2009
Page 11
INTRAMURALS
‘Fish’ing for Intramural Champions Brandon Tripp
Sports Media Director Tradition is sacred at ACU, and intramural sports are no exception. The intramural games organized during Welcome Week quickly indoctrinate freshmen and transfer students in the ritual. New students competed in flag football, basketball and volleyball as part of the Welcome Week program planned by the university. Not only did students have the chance to play the sports they love in a competitive environment,
but they also had the chance to meet other new students on their teams. Another great, though not obvious, opportunity for students to meet people was during sign-ups. Participants signed up on rosters as they registered for Welcome Week, giving them the chance to talk to students they might not have met otherwise. “I just met these guys this week,” said Patrick Casey, sophomore transfer student from Fort Collins, Colo. “They turned out to be a bunch of really good guys.” New students are not
the only ones who get something out of the games. New intramural director Kenli Edwards enjoyed them as well. “Its really great to get to meet all the new students, and to give them something fun to do as kind of an introduction to ACU,” said Edwards. “It’s also good to see the upperclassmen come to some of the games and welcome these students and get to know them.”
HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer
Contact Tripp at
bjt07a@acu.edu
Chelan Ewing, freshman undeclared major from Portland, Ore., dashes out of reach.
TRACK
Title: Vandendriessche marks record day Continued from page 12 “I was really proud of the effort the guys gave,” Coach Don Hood said. “We came into the meet as 20-25 point underdogs. Everyone competed really hard and scored what they were supposed to or better, which is incredible for a meet. I wish we could have done a little more to win it, but bottom
line, we just ran out of bullets.” Individual ACU athletes performed well, and some won national titles. Camille Vandendriessche made history in the decathlon, winning his third straight decathlon title. He became the first athlete in NCAA Division II history to win three straight multi-event championships, the third
to win three straight multievent titles and the fourth to win three multi-event titles in a career. Camille posted his personal best in the decathlon, scoring 7,674 points. “The biggest event on the first day was the long jump for me.” Camille Vandedriessche said. “I beat my record by a foot and that surprised me. The
second day, I was able to seal the deal with the pole vault, as I put a lot of distance between me and second place.” Vandedriessche was proud that his father was able to witness the event, but regretted that the team did not share his victory. “It doesn’t mean as much as it would have if the team would have won; that was
what was most important,” Vandedriessche said. Nick Jones put up an impressive performance to defend his title in discus. Jones was in second with his throw of 178-7, but launched a 182-1 for his final throw, claiming his second title in discus throw. Ramon Sparks upset NCAA Division II Male Field Athlete of the Year
Joe Kindred to win the National Championship in the triple jump. Linda Brivule defended her title in the women’s javelin throw. On her first attempt, she put up a throw of 162-10, which no one else could match, securing her second national title. contact Cantrell at
jrc07f@acu.edu
SPORTS
VOLLEYBALL
FOOTBALL
Volleyball: Cats ready
NCAA: Stars: Team reloads offense Ruling coming
Continued from page 12 “Although we made it to the finals of last year’s tournament, we can be even better this year,” commented head coach Kellen Mock. The seniors returning to the squad are Erin Curry, Lauren Leone and Michelle Bacon. The returning juniors and sophomores are Ijeoma Moronu, Shawna Hines, Jordan Schilling, Kelsie Edwards, Jennie Hutt,and Aubree Vick. Those nine returning players will be supported by four new freshmen, including Kalynne Allen, Jorden Silva, Heather Leyva and Kate Strahan. Leone returns to the team after missing all of last season because of an anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, tear. She is a three-time All-Conference player, and her return is more than welcome. “With Lauren coming back, we can move some other people back to their natural positions who were filling in for her in the middle. Jorden Schilling can go back to playing the outside where we need her. Our greatest strength this year is our experience, and with players like Shawna Hines and Ije Moronu, we can remain consistent,” said Mock. Hines was last year’s LSC Defensive Player of the Year and already has been chosen as preseason Defensive Player of the Year for 2009. Mock is focused on winning more games this season, most importantly,
Continued from page 12
JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer
Jordan Schilling goes up for a serve . games in which they are favored. “We are not happy with a 9-4 conference record; we lost to some teams last season that we should have beat. This year, we need to take care of our opponents who we have more talent than. Also, we need to win some games where the other team is better than us,” said Mock. In the first game of the NebraskaOmaha Showcase that takes place August 28-29, the Wildcats will face a Truman State team that reached the national semifinals last year. contact Gwin at
agg07a@acu.edu
from Oklahoma University. He has the starting spot and with his great speed and ability to run through tacklers, he should be a great fit in the offense. Richardson should see playing time in the backfield along with Reggie Brown, who transferred from Blinn College. Edmund Gates returns as the top receiver for the Wildcats. After being second to Knox last season, Gates will lead the recieving core as ACU enters the season. Chris Howard, a transfer from Angelo State, will back up Gates. Rutgers transfer Dennis Campbell and Kilgore Junior College transfer Kendrick Johnson will fill the remaining two starting spots. Terrell Woodall and Raymond Radway will serve as backups. The offensive line is returning three start-
ers, including Tony Washington. Washington has already been voted in as a preseason first team All-American. He is also ranked the No. 6 offensive tackle prospect in the nation, regardless of NCAA division, by former Dallas Cowboys vice president of personnel Gil Brandt. The Wildcats’ offense is loaded with talent, which will be heavily tested all season, starting with a game against Northwest Missouri State at Shotwell Stadium Thursday, August 27. “We have a lot of tools, we just need to find the right place for them,” Collums said. “It is a long season, and how we progress as a team will determine how we do offensively.”
contact Cantrell at
jrc07f@acu.edu
Continued from page 12
and the vacation of all the wins during the 2007 football season. The university decided to appeal the penalties which would erase all wins and stats from the 2007 season, including 15 school records and Bernard Scott’s Division II record for touchdowns and points scored in a single season. In an interview after the decision to appeal, Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, said that he felt the football penalties were “excessive” and “that the evidence presented did not match the severity of the penalties.”
contact Tripp at
bjt07a@acu.edu
Page 12
Standings FOOTBALL South
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
ACU ASU ENMU MSU TSU TAMU-K WTAMU
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
North UCO ECU NE State SE Okla. SW Okla. TAM-C
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
WOMEN’S SOCCER Team Div. Ovrl. ACU Angelo St. MSU WTAMU Central Okla. East Central ENMU NE St. TAMU-C TX Woman’s SW Okla.
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
FOOTBALL
Sports
August 24, 2009
Cats claw on without ’08 stars Ryan Cantrell Assistant Sports Editor The Wildcats are gearing up to defend a Lone Star Conference title and a perfect regular-season record from last year. With a lot of changes occurring on the team, pressure has been put on the offense to fill in the gaps of the highpowered machine that is the ACU offense. The offense has a huge gap to fill in the
position of quarterback. Billy Malone has graduated, leaving the job up to Zach Stewart and Clark Harrell. After recovering from shoulder surgery at the end of last season, Stewart worked hard to earn the starting position. Stewart got some game experience when Malone was hurt in a game against West Texas A&M last season. Stewart led the Wildcats to a 3717 victory over a Tarle-
ton State team, and then threw for 350 yards with three touchdowns in a 42-17 victory at Texas A&M-Kingsville. “It has been a long process rehab-ing my shoulder,” Stewart said. “I had my surgery on December 12 and every day since then, I have been in the training room for an hour and a half doing rehab trying to strengthen it back up. It is close to 100 percent now. It gets better every day.”
Harrell is listed second behind Stewart and is excelling because of his strong knowledge of the offense. Offensive coordinator Ken Collums said he feels good about the quarterback situation. “Both guys can go in and do well. I don’t feel that we are limited in any way with either of them on the field,” Collums said. “The offense is hard to learn, but they both know the of-
fense and have studied it enough to go out and perform well.” As running back, the Wildcats will be looking to replace the Harlon Hill Trophy winner and now Cincinnati Bengal, Bernard Scott. In his footsteps is his younger brother, Daryl Richardson, and sophomore transfer Justin Johnson. Johnson transferred to ACU in the off-season see STARS page 11
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. Ovrl. ACU ASU Cameron UCO ECU ENMU MSU SE Okla. SW Okla. TSU TAM-C TAM-K TWU WTAMU
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 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Upcoming THURSDAY
ZAK ZEINERT Contributing Photographer
Wildcat QB Zach Stewart looks to the sideline for a play call against Angelo State. Stewart is competing for the starting quarterback position this season.
SPORTS
NCAA violation appeal still pending Brandon Tripp Sports Media Director
Football ACU vs. NW Missouri St., 7 p.m.
FRIDAY Volleyball Truman State, 2:30 p.m. Nebraska-Omaha, 7 p.m.
Women’s Soccer ACU vs. Central, 5 p.m.
SATURDAY Volleyball North Alabama, 2 p.m. Minnesota-Mankato, 6 p.m.
SUNDAY Women’s Soccer ACU vs. St. Mary, 1 p.m.
Briefs
EX FACTORS n Knox: In a 27-20 preseason loss to Buffalo, Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox had two receptions for 22 yards and a kick return for 39 yards. He also made a tackle on a ball intercepted by the Bills. n Scott: In a 17-7 preseason loss to New Orleans, Cincinnati Bengals RB Bernard Scott had six carries for a team high 30 yards. Scott also had one reception for 12 yards. Scott will be competing for the backup running back position this season. Scott n Malone: Billy had a tryout with the Buffalo Bills, but instead decided to come back to ACU and take the position as tight end coach.
There is no word yet on whether or not the football team will be allowed to reclaim the victories won and stats accumulated during the recordsetting 2007 season. According to sports information director Lance Fleming, the university is not allowed to comment on the appeal until the Infraction Appeals Committee hands down its verdict. “We should hear something anytime be-
Evidence presented did not match the severity of the penalties. DR. ROYCE MONEY ACU President
tween the first day of classes, and the third or fourth week of school,” Fleming said. In February, ACU was informed that it would be punished for numerous minor infractions committed by the track and field and football teams. Extra benefits, paid visit violations and impermissible inducements violations, as well as a failure
by the head track and field coach to monitor, were some of the infractions listed, according to a report released by the NCAA. Many of the punishments handed down by the Division II Committee on Infractions were selfimposed by university officials. The university decided to reduce the number of track and field
scholarships from 12.6 to 10.5 for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 academic years. It was also decided that no athletic team would be allowed to have more than five international players on its roster until the 2011-12 school year. The Committee handed down penalties of its own. The penalties included a limit on the number of official paid visits, a requirement for members of the coaching staff to attend a NCAA regional rules seminar
QUICK FACTS NCAA Sanctions Track n Reduced scholarships from 12.6 to 10.5 for the 2008-09, and 2009-10 season n No more than five international athletes on the roster untill the 2011-12 season Football n Vacate wins from the 2007 season, making ACU’s record for that year 0-3 n Erase all stats accumulated over the 2007 season including 15 school records
see NCAA page 11
TRACK
VOLLEYBALL
Ryan Cantrell
Wildcats set for season opener
ACU fails to reclaim track title
Assistant Sports Editor
Austin Gwin Assistant Sports Editor
The 2009 NCAA Division II National Championship this summer brought the Wildcats’ seven-year title streak to an end. The men’s team took second in the team competition and the women sixth, making it the first time since 2001 that ACU did not win an indoor or outdoor national championship. The men’s track team held a close lead going into the final day of the meet, and it came down to the final event: the 4x400 relay. In four of the last eight years, the Wildcats and the St. Augustine Falcons have battled to the last event, but for the first time the Falcons ended on top. The win gave the Falcons the most points in the meet and the national title. The women’s team failed to register a single team point in the first three days, but they fought back on the final day and finished sixth. HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer
see TITLE page 11
Camille Vandedriessche, who won his third straight decathlon title, prepares to vault.
With another exciting ACU volleyball season ahead, the Wildcats will be looking to build on a surprising finish to last season. Last year, the Wildcats won 26 games and finished with a conference record of 9-4. In the Lone Star Conference tournament, however, the Wildcats surged to the championship game before losing to top LSC team, West Texas A&M. The 26 wins and
appearance at the LSC tournament final unfortunately were not enough to boost the Wildcats into the regional tournament. Confidence is high as the Wildcats enter the new season with elevated expectations. “Everyone associated with the team would be disappointed, I think, if we didn’t make it to the regional tournament this year. We are returning nine players, all of which had significant playing time last season.. lthough we did make
see VOLLEYBALL page 11