acuoptimist.com
Optimist the
Parents of the Year, page 3
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Vol. 99, No. 10
1 section, 8 pages
STUDENT LIFE
Pledge Allegiance
Faculty kiss pigs to raise money Christina Burch
Contributing Reporter
Men’s club, Gamma Sigma Phi, was down from 46 pledges to 37 pledges this year. President of GSP, Bryan Elrod, senior marketing major from Missouri City, said he couldn’t be happier with the 37 who decided to pledge. “It’s not about numbers,” Elrod said. “It’s about the quality of guys we’re taking, and just how involved they’re going to be and how much they are going to make club a big deal in their life.” Westbrook said an increase in pledges is not the only change to pledging this year. Some changes have also been made to the pledging process.
Students control the fate of several faculty members in the Alpha Kai Omega “Kiss a Pig” fundraiser starting on Thursday. Students can place money in the jar of the faculty member they’d most like to see kiss a pig. The jars will be in the McGlothlin Campus Center from Thursday until Oct. 1. The money will be tallied, and the faculty member with most will have to pucker up with the barnyard animal on Oct. 2 in the campus mall area next to the GATA fountain. The potential pigkissers include Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university; Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president and dean for Student Life; Dr. Richard Beck, chair of Department of Psychology; and Mark Lewis, assistant dean for Spiritual Life and Chapel programs in Student Life. Each faculty member will have their pictures displayed on the collection jars. “We wanted to get people from all areas of campus to get involved, so we encouraged big names to volunteer,” said Alpha Kai Omega president Michelle Nix, senior family studies major from Austin. Vice president of Alpha Kai Omega Vanessa Butler, senior art major from Longview, came up with the idea for this year’s fundraiser.
see BIDS page 4
see FUNDRAISER page 4
GRANT STEPHEN // Staff Photographer
Cason McInturff, senior animal science major from Nashville, right, talks to his brother Colton McInturff, sophomore animal science major from Nashville, left, at the beginning of a Galaxy pledging activity on the front lawn of the Mabee Business Building at the start of Bid Night.
Social Clubs initiate pledges, adjust to changes on Bid Night
S
STAFF REPORT
iblings supporting watermelons, Slavs lugging milk jugs and NuNus wearing colorful costumes flooded campus along with eight other social clubs, as club members put 350 pledges through Bid Night on Friday. The number of pledges increased for most clubs this year and pledging overall increased 36 percent for female clubs and 30 percent for male clubs. Women’s clubs have 213 pledges and men’s clubs have 137, up from the 160 women and 107 males who pledged last year. Mauri Westbrook, director of student organizations, said the reason for the
increase could be attributed to more women deciding to pledge the smaller clubs. She also said this year’s sophomore class is larger than previous years, which could also have been a factor in the large amount of pledges. The women’s social club, GATA, has 37 pledges this year, up from 5 pledges last year. GATA President Bonnie Kellum, senior psychology major from Allen, said the club found a great group of girls this year who are excited about pledging. “Last year we were much smaller, so we’ve been really advertising that it is our big year to come back, and we’re well on our way to that,” Kellum said.
HEALTH
STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Health clinic offers flu shots SA allocates funds Laura Gasvoda
Contributing Reporter
Flu season is here, and the ACU Medical Clinic is working hard to vaccinate students, faculty and staff. Each year students are encouraged to get the shot; especially those living in residence halls on campus, as diseases spread quickly in close quarters. A special incentive will be offered this year. “Residence Life and the Medical Clinic are partnering to offer $500 towards a residence hall party for the residence hall that has the highest percentage of students vaccinated with the current flu shot,” says Dr. El-
len Little, physician and director of the Medical Clinic. The shots are available in the clinic, located on the ground floor of McKinzie Hall and in the Campus Center after Chapel on Thursday, Sept. 23. “The flu shot is $15 and can be charged to the student’s Banner account,” said Dr. Little. “If the student carries health insurance, a receipt can be obtained from the medical clinic and filed for reimbursement.” Also, students who get the shot off-campus can bring a record of their vaccination, and it will be entered into the computer for the competition. The last day of the competition is Nov. 19th.
Jeff Craig
Managing Editor
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Dr. Jeff Arrington, associate dean of Student Life, receives his flu shot from Julie Danley, R.N. in the ACU Medical Clinic Tuesday Sept. 21 in preparation for flu season. “I haven’t had the flu in Even with incentives, not everyone is interested in get- like 10 years. I’d rather risk ting the shot. Freshman Dy- getting the flu maybe once lan Brugman said he does not plan to get the flu shot. see FLU page 4
website
inside news The band, Kansas, will play alongside the Hardin-Simmons University Orchestra on Saturday. page 3
to student groups
sports The ACU Wildcat football team won its first home game against the East Central Tigers on Saturday. page 7
The Students’ Association voted to allocate nearly $38,000 to 40 student organizations across campus Sept. 15. The groups requested a combined total of more than $71,000 from SA, whose fall budget consists of $90,000 in revenue. In addition to funds allocated for student organizations, the remainder of the SA budget is set aside for SA officer salaries and operational expenses. The total budget for all SA executive officer salaries in the fall
2010 budget is $17,280, and all other SA officer salaries total $6,480. SA will spend $3,661 on operational expenses and $1,375 on Collegiate Cards. The remainder of the budget went to student development expenses, class allocations and the congressional budget. SA Treasurer Chris Shim, senior finance major from Lawrenceville, Ga., said changes were made this summer to ensure more funds could be allocated to clubs. “We sat down and looked at expenses from see BUDGET page 4
weather video Watch social club members and pledges participate in traditional Bid Night activities.
Wed.
Thurs.
Fri.
86° 71°
88° 70°
87° 69°
2
Campus Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Day
calendar & events
22
23
Wednesday
11a.m. Summit Theme Conversation in Moody Coliseum with speaker Charlton Taylor
Thursday
11 a.m. Small Group Chapels meet in various locations around campus
24
Friday
11:30 a.m. Burn Room demonstration in the Mall area
25
Saturday
6 pm. Home football game against Tarleton State University
4 p.m. Home soccer game against Midwestern State University
3 p.m. Summit Featured Guest Shane Claiborne in Moody Coliseum
follow us on Twitter: @acuoptimist // become a fan on Facebook: The Optimist
volunteer opportunities
Disability Resources, Inc. needs volunteers from 10 a.m. until dusk Monday Saturday and 1p.m. until dusk Sundays Sept. 29 - Oct. 31 to help with its annual Pumpkin Patch. Volunteers
The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@ jmcnetwork.com. To ensure an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days in advance. The Optimist may edit items for space and style. Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.
Chapel Checkup 31 68
Credited Chapels to date
Credited Chapels remaining
announcements
7 p.m. Summit Theme Conversation in Moody Coliseum with speaker Eddie Sharp
The Optimist Club is looking for volunteers for their annual Big Country Balloon Fest hot air balloon event Sept. 24 - Sept. 26 at Redbud Park off Buffalo Gap Road (behind Southern Hills Church of Christ). Volunteers are needed for four-hour shifts to help with many fun activities. Contact Patsy Williams at 325-6955654 or e-mail bcballoonfest@afo.net.
about this page
will help sell pumpkins, read at story time in the children’s area, and assist with children’s games. Contact Jo Ann Wilson at 325-677-6825, ext. 2003 or e-mail joannwilson66@sbcglobal.com. ACU Homecoming Help is needed on Oct. 8, to line the streets from ACU to Shotwell Stadium with streamers, the carnival 4 p.m. -8 p.m. (2 hour shifts), and the spirit shop during the Homecoming game on Oct. 9. During the carnival volunteers will assist with face painting, inflatables, children’s game stations, and other activities. Contact Kelsey Chrane at kdc05b@acu.edu
Jane Long Elementary School wants volunteers for their Fall Festival 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on Oct. 14 to help with decorations, air castles, cake walk, food booths, etc. Contact Nina Leija at 325-671-4920, ext. 8937 or e-mail nina.leija@ abileneisd.org. The Dyess Youth Center needs help with a Ping Pong Exhibition from 4 p.m.-6 p.m every Friday. Volunteers would preside over tournaments and do an exhibition for the students. Transportation will not be provided, nor can the volunteer have any sexual assault charges or
charges pending. For more information, please contact Sheri Frisby at 325-6964797 or email sheri.frisby-@ dyess.af.mil. The Dyess Youth Center needs volunteers from 4 p.m. -6 p.m. every Monday - Friday to assist students with homework in the areas of math, science, English and history. Transportation will not be provided, nor can the volunteer have any sexual assault charges or charges pending. For more information, please contact Sheri Frisby at 325-6964797 or email Sheri. frisby-@dyess.af.mil
Meningitis shots are now available in the ACU clinic located in McKinzie Hall. Call (325) 674-2151 for more information. FCA meets at 9 p.m. every Thursday in the living room of the McGlothlin Campus Center. Summit, ACU’s fall lectureship conference, is Sept. 19-22. Students may receive up to 10 chapel credits for attending various speaking events. Table Tennis Club is looking for new members who will enjoy casual and ranked matches. For more information, contact Benjamin Hayes at bph08a@acu.edu. Crystal Jarell and Eric Schmidt will preform a concert at 8 p.m. Sept. 24 in the Recital Hall of the Williams Preforming Arts Center.
Titanic, the fall homecomming musical put on by the theatre department, will show at 8 p.m. on Oct. 8-9 and 2 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Abilene Civic Center. For ticketing information, call 325-647-2787 or visit acu.edu/theatre. ACUltimate, the university’s ultimate frisbee club is meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Interested students can contact Kyle Thaxton at krt06d@acu.edu. Samuel Cook will preform a concert at 8 p.m. Sept. 30 in the Recital Hall of the Williams Preforming Arts Center. Red Dirt Adventure Challenge duathlon race will be held by the ACU Outdoor Club on Oct. 2nd. For more info and registration details,visit www.acuoutdoorclub.org.
CAMPUS NEWS
September 22, 2010
Page 3
LOCAL
Classic rock group Kansas to perform at HSU Matthew Woodrow Opinions Page Editor
The rock band, Kansas, will play classic hits alongside the Hardin-Simmons Orchestra at 8 p.m. in Behrens Auditorium on Saturday. In 2009 Kansas teamed up with the Washburn University Orchestra to produce the “There’s Know Place Like Home” CD/ DVD. After it’s success, Kansas was inspired to continue performing with
college orchestras across the country. Kansas drummer, Phil Ehart, was overwhelmed by the reaction from universities to participate. “We immediately discovered that most schools have no money for their music programs,” Ehart said in a press release. “We then thought of performing the shows as fundraisers, helping to raise funding for the school’s music programs.” Charles Robinson, a se-
nior music education from Fort Worth, is the principal second violinist at HSU and also serves as an orchestral manager. He and the other members of the orchestra are excited not only to be playing with a famous rock band, but also to learn a style that they are not used to playing. “We’ve been listening to a lot of Kansas to practice learning the style of their music,” Robinson said. “It’s a different experience and
SUMMIT
a new perspective. The rehearsals are different than normal rehearsing, but there’s lots of positive energy. No one’s been a part of something like this before.” Associate Professor of Violin Peter Isaacson is preparing the orchestra to perform with Kansas. “We just got the music on Aug. 28, so it’s been a pretty short turn around, just a month to rehearse,” Isaacson said. “We’re performing about 15 songs, including a lot of big
hits like “Point of No Return”, “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry on my Wayward Son.” While Isaacson is getting the HSU students ready, Larry Baird will be conducting Kansas and the full orchestra. Isaacson said Baird is responsible for orchestrating Kansas’ music. He said Baird originally arranged Kansas’ hits for big names like the London Symphony Orchestra, but now Kansas is doing more philanthropic work with schools.
This event is partnered with D’Addario & Company to help provide musical scholarships for the HSU music program and improve the versatility of student musicians. Tickets are available in the Van Ellis Theatre Lobby on the HSU campus for $38.50-$48.50. They may also be purchased online at www. hstux.edu/events/kansas. contact Woodrow at
mrw08a@acu.edu
ALUMNI
Man on a Mission
Mission leaders named 2010 Parents of the Year Alia Barnes
Contributing Reporter
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Author and civil rights activist John M. Perkins speaks to a Cornerstone class during Summit on Monday. Perkins is the coauthor of this years freshman reading Follow me to Freedom.
Dr. David M. (’82) and Laurie (’81) Vanderpool of Brentwood, Tenn., were honored last Friday in Chapel as ACU Parents of the Year. The Vanderpools founded Mobile Medical Disaster Relief in 2005, a non-profit organization that builds and sustains hospitals and medical clinics. MMDR provides medicine and other medical equipment, such as prosthetics, to 15 countries around the world. The Vanderpools were nominated by their son, David S. Vanderpool (’10). He is also the MMDR international projects manager. “Their greatest achievement is certainly their lives. They model Christian love and service better than anyone else I know or have witnessed,” said David S. Vanderpool. “The greatest thing I have learned from my parents is a selfless love.” The couple was selected from a pool of 30 other candidates; each were nominated electronically last spring by students. The First-Year Program and the Alumni Association then narrowed nominees to two or three finalists. “The Vanderpools have a long history of support for ACU, both financially and in volunteering their time,”
STACY ACTON // Staff Photographer
Dr. David and Laurie Vanderpool are honored during Chapel. said Samantha Adkins, senior alumni relations officer. “They open up their home near Nashville to host parties for prospective students.” After David M. Vanderpool graduated from ACU with a bachelor’s degree in biology, he received his medical degree from the Texas Tech University School of Medicine in 1987. David M. Vanderpool is a member of the American Society of General Surgeons. Laurie Vanderpool is a current member of the ACU Alumni advisory board and regularly organizes trips to Mozambique, Honduras and Haiti. As soon as the 2010 earthquake in Haiti occurred, the Vanderpool family worked to
distribute medical supplies, administer vaccinations and set up a field hospital. The Vanderpools are not only ACU Parents of the Year, they have also been nominated to receive the People Magazine Reader’s Choice Hero award for their efforts in Haiti. Voting for the Reader’s Choice Hero award ends Oct. 8. “They serve at all times, caring for others ahead of themselves, all the while doing so with the love and the joy of the Lord within them. They are beautiful role models,” David S. Vanderpool said. contact Barnes at
optimist@jmcnetwork.com
LOCAL
Book festival promotes local reading, literacy Elizabeth Weiss
Contributing Reporter
The West Texas Book and Music Festival visits Abilene this week and will stay here through Friday, Sept. 24. Featured authors include Mike Cox, Paulette Jiles, Scott Zesch, and many more. Some featured musicians include The Geezer Brothers, Tony Barker Band, and Catclaw Creek. Two ACU professors will be in attendance-Karen Witemeyer, university testing center coordinator and Benny P. Gallaway, a professor emeritus in the history department. Witemeyer is a Christian fiction writer and has written two books – Head in the Clouds and A Tailor-Made Bride – both having done very well. Gallaway is the author of The Ragged Rebel: A Common Soldier in W.H. Parsons’ Texas Cavalry. This festival began 10 years ago and was started by Glen Dromgoole and Jane Jones as a takeoff from an event the friends of the Abilene Public Library support group started in the 1950s. In the 1980s, they
started hosting a dinner once a year to honor the many local authors that had been published in the past twelve months. Their mission was to support authors and promote reading. As the years went on, the event started dying and was not well attended. The festival was created to promote reading and literacy, and Dromgoole and Jones thought it was a fun activity, however, neither of them had ever been to a book festival. They began going around to different festivals to figure out what they wanted to do at their event in Abilene. As the years passed, they honored other Texas authors, not just those from Abilene. Music later became an interest in the festival and was added about five years ago when the organizers decided that writing poetry and lyrics is just as creative as writing a book. Many people participate in the festival, and the organizers make sure that the programs appeal to various age groups to make everyone feel welcome. They will have many Hall of Texas au-
thors and brown bag lunches Wednesday through Friday this week at noon. It is a great enironment to ask authors questions about their books and themselves. Several free events will take place this week, and everyone is encouraged to come out and support these great authors and musicians. “Our newest event is our Gospel Music Concert that will take place on Saturday at 3pm and will feature the bands Catclaw Creek and Cornerstone,” said Janis Test, who is in charge of public relations for the event. “For students it is an interesting event to see your professors out of the classroom. There is a also a sports session for all the athletes and fans out there, including a chance to meet football star Roger Staubach and the “godfather of poker” and HardinSimmons University graduate, Doyle Brunson.” For more information go online to www.abilenetx.com/apl or call 325676-6025. contact Weiss at
optimist@jmcnetwork.com
FROM THE FRONT
Page 4
September 22, 2010
STUDENT LIFE
Bids: Clubs adjust to new pledging rules Continued from page 1
‘‘ ’’
In previous years, pledging occurred in two phases. In the first phase, pledges learned about the history and traditions of the club, and Westbrook said pledges and members were in separate groups. In the second phase, the club brought the two groups together, creating unity for the whole club. In theory, Westbrook said this was a great idea, but in practice it was hard to distinguish between the phases. She said clubs thought pledging would
We are in a position where we’re able to make changes because we are smaller, so it’s good. BRANDON FRY// junior accounting major from Ballinger
be more effective if they could intertwine the goals from both phases into one phase, developing a system that works for the club. Because Student Life is allowing clubs to sequence their events, Westbrook said they also wanted to recognize that pledging is a significant commitment for pledges. They decided to reduce the number of hours a week pledges are
required to participate in club activities from 15 hours to 12 hours. Westbrook also said clubs must give pledges one day off of required pledging activities per week. Student Life made the changes last spring with input from club officers and advisers. Westbrook said the changes were based on the idea of the club choosing the values they would
like to portray, then choosing the activities that represent those values. “So, maybe the value that they want to portray in an activity is unity, but they start thinking about the value, then they develop the activity around the value,” Westbrook said. She said another new goal for pledging is for members to be more encouraging and inviting as the pledges learn and grow into membership. Westbrook said clubs have known of all the changes since the spring, so they have had plenty of time to reevaluate their pledging activities.
Brandon Fry, junior accounting major from Ballinger and president of Frater Sodalis, said the changes haven’t affected them very much. “Honestly, I think it’s been good for us,” Fry said. “We are in a position where we’re able to make those changes because we are smaller, so it’s good. They are all for good reasons, so we’re more than happy to do it, and we’re just having a good time.” Westbrook said all pledging rules could be found in the Student Organization Handbook.
quick facts The number of pledges for 2010 increased from 2009. Here are the total number of new pledges each club received. Women’s Clubs Sigma Theta Chi, 53 n Ko Jo Kai, 53 n Alpha Kai Omega, 47 n GATA, 37 n Delta Theta, 23 n
n n n n
contact Staff at
optimist@jmcnetwork.com
n n
Men’s Clubs Galaxy, 48 Gamma Sigma Phi, 37 Trojans, 25 Frater Sodalis, 13 Pi Kappa, 8 Sub T-16, 6
STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Budget: SA increases funds for student groups cuts made to operational expenses and Collegiate Cards. The Chinese Students last year,” Shim said. “We and Scholars Association looked and streamlined received the largest allocaour resources so we could tion, receiving $3,240 after have more resources for requesting $4,469. International Students Association student groups.” Shim said funds allocat- and Hispanos Unidos reed this year represented a ceived the second and third $2,500 increase from the fall highest allocations, respec2009 budget. He said the ex- tively, in the budget propostra funds were generated by al. The largest funds request Continued from page 1
came from Wildcat Hockey. The club requested $9,050 and was allocated $1,900. Shim said this year’s budgetary process was an improvement over past years’ budget allocations. He said the reasons for improvement could be attributed to better communication between SA and student groups. “We did the best we could. I met with every
single student group, and a whole lot of one-on-one meetings were conducted,” Shim said. In addition to more personal meetings, Shim said SA worked to be more open with student groups in general. “We had two mass general meetings with all student groups to give them an idea of what the bud-
geting process would look like,” Shim said. “We went out of our way to invite those student groups to the SA congress meeting on Sept. 15. Their coming out and explaining what they do was huge. I can start the conversation, and the student leader could go more in-depth.” SA President Samuel Palomares, senior com-
munications major from Abilene, agreed with Shim. “In recent years, congress would debate among themselves without knowing what is going on,” Palomares said. “ Their physical presence helped a lot. It helped when the club representatives spoke up.” contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
LOCAL
STUDENT LIFE
Fundraiser: Social club Area charity hosts luncheon raises funds for children Continued from page 1
‘‘ ’’
“The pledges host a fundraiser every year, so we thought we’d have a little more fun with it this year,” Butler said. In addition to club funding, Alpha Kai Omega plans to donate a portion of the proceeds to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Club members accept all donations and hope to receive support from ACU students and faculty. “Our main goal is to be more involved in the community, and it’s a great step towards that,” Butler said. ACU Senior Vice President Emeritus Bob Hunter agrees.
Our main goal is to be more involved in the community. VANESSA BUTLER // senior art major from Longview
“I hope students will continue the ACU experience of volunteering and learning to help others for the rest of their lives,” Hunter said. After the money in each jar is tallied, and the winning faculty member is announced, Alpha Kai Omega officers plan to photograph and film the smooch. Thompson is among the potential swine smoochers.
“I was the unfortunate one in a similar fundraiser at Grove City College and had to wear a full-body bunny costume all day around campus,” Jean-Noel Thompson said. “Not sure what it’s like kissing a pig, yet hope I don’t get the chance to find out.” contact Burch at
optimist@jmcnetwork.com
HEALTH
Flu: Clinic offers vaccines Continued from page 1
every few years than get the shot and be dependent on it. My family has just never done it,” Brugman said. Freshman Jaymee Myller does plan to get the shot. “I haven’t gotten my flu shot yet, but I’m definitely planning on getting one. Living in a dorm, where sickness can spread so quickly, it’s better to safe than sorry,” Myller said. Julie Danley, R.N. at the Medical Clinic said, “Sometimes people are wary of getting the shot because they believe they can actu-
ally become infected. This is not true. Within about 24 hours, any immune system response will be gone. Any reaction you may feel is your body building resistance.” The vaccination will prevent three of the most common strains of the flu virus, including the swine flu. Danley said there has not been a significant number of swine flu cases yet this year on the ACU campus, but getting the shot is still recommended. It will protect recipients for a full year. Other preventive measures Danley recommends are washing
your hands regularly and coughing or sneezing into the crook or your arm instead of your hands. contact Gasvoda at
optimist@jmcnetwork.com
Meagan Hernandez Contributing Reporter
Yellow and black will swarm the Abilene Civic Center on Thursday for The Alliance for Women and Children’s “Dream to Bee” luncheon. The Alliance, one of Abilene’s oldest women’s organizations, will conduct the annual luncheon as a fundraiser to raise money for its activities and programs. “We are a wonderful organization that exists to empower women and children,” Susan Robinson, President of the Board of Directors for the Alliance said. This year’s luncheon will feature Mamie McCullough, Ph.D., internationally known motivational speaker. McCullough, also known as the “I Can” lady, worked with Christian author and speaker Zig Ziglar as an educational director for ten years before creating her own company, Mamie McCullough and Associates, in 1989. “Mamie McCullough is a hoot,” Robinson said, “She has local ties; she
actually went to Howard Payne University in Brownwood.” The luncheon is usually titled, “Empowering Women with Tools to Dream”, but with McCullough’s visit, the theme was changed to “Dream to Bee”. “The bumblebee is one of Mamie’s symbols, so we decided to incorporate that with our dream theme,” Robinson said. McCullough says that the bumblebee inspires her because of its ability to fly. Ergonomically, the insect’s body shape and size should inhibit flight. The bumblebee is unaware of this, and flies anyway. Attendees are encouraged to wear yellow and black to go along with the new theme. The organization expects around 400 women to gather for the event. One woman planning to attend is Myra Dean, development director for KACU Abilene Public Radio. “I would like to support the underprivileged women and children. Alliance serves a real niche in our community by helping the under-
privileged.” Dean said. Besides the annual luncheon, the Alliance for Women and Children offers other ways for the women of Abilene to get involved. The organization is currently selling A-cards, discount cards that save shoppers 20% at participating Abilene retailers from Oct. 22 through Oct. 31. The money raised through donations and fundraisers is used to support the Alliance’s services and programs. Some of the services offered include providing after school childcare, self-esteem programs for middle school girls, breast and cervical cancer screenings to medically overlooked women and health education to all citizens of Abilene and the surrounding areas. Those interested in donating or getting involved with the Alliance for Women and Children can contact their office at (325) 677-5321. A-cards are $40 and can be purchased at www.allianceforwomenandchildren.org. contact Hernandez at
optimist@jmcnetwork.com
September 22, 2010
Focus
Page 5
Nova Colton McInturff, sophomore animal science major from Nashville, does push-ups with his fellow pledges on Bid Night for men’s social club Galaxy. DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Squig Megan Goodson, sophomore journalism major from Crandall, sits blindfolded with fellow pledges in attempt to learn more about them.
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Above: Sibling Jason Gonzalez, sophomore nursing major from McAllen, participates in Gamma Sigma Phi’s first pledging activity in Beauchamp Amphitheater. Pledges are required to hold watermelons over their heads or in a squat position, as members encourage them to push through. Pledges are also given breaks throughout the event. Below: Kudos perform Sing Song routines at the Amphitheater for current and former Alpha Kai Omega club members.
Opening Bids
Bid night, the first official night of pledging, brings pledges closer together through various events and traditions MEAGAN HERNANDEZ // Staff Photographer
Left: Ko Jo Kai’s NuNus hold hands and yell chants, as members teach them more about their club’s traditions.
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
GATA’s Flames and members are serenaded around the GATA fountain by members of Frater Sodalis, their brother club. GATA’s current pledge class has more than tripled this year.
Opinion
Page 6
EDITORIAL
September 22, 2010
Recess benefits children and adults Many who attended elementary school around the late ’90s will remember the popular Disney animated series, Recess. The show revolved around the exploits and adventures of six fourth-graders who, during their daily free time, battled savage kindergartners, sneaked into the forbidden teachers’ lounge and tried to avoid the Ashleys and their evil schemes. Sadly, for many schoolchildren around the country, recess will be nothing more than a sad reminder of a school-time tradition that has fallen to the wayside. For the past few years a disturbing trend has spread across the country
as many school districts are choosing to eliminate recess altogether. Too few adults seem to understand the value of recess and the many benefits it can bring. A 1993 study sponsored by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement revealed that allowing recess every day has enormous benefits. Exercise during free time helps release built-up energy and allows students to better concentrate when they return to the classroom. Unstructured playtime also allows students to interact with each other – them to develop social skills, communication skills and a better understanding of how to co-
operate with one another without adults. To eliminate recess would be to eliminate a very important part of the day. While many adults might argue that recess is an important part of a child’s day, many do not appreciate its importance after elementary school. It would be silly to argue that for half an hour each day, ACU students should be given the opportunity to run around and play, but there are certainly principles of recess that carry over into adult life. Free time is an essential part of being healthy. While staying on top of your commitments is certainly important, keeping
a nonstop pace, morning till night, can bring on serious health consequences. According to a recent study by Ohio State University, a stressful lifestyle can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and autoimmune diseases, including Type 2 diabetes. Taking time off from your busy schedule to interact with others is also an important component of healthy living. Joining a health club, getting involved in an activity such as jogging or swimming with others or simply spending time with friends are each contributors to emotional health.
By Morgan Davis
The Funny Funnies
the issue
Schools are taking away recess, and other break times, from elementary students.
our take
Taking a respite in a busy day can increase productivity and is part of a healthy lifestyle. While none of us are in preschool anymore, the importance of nap time cannot be overstated. Getting the proper amount of rest, 7-8 hours each night, makes an enormous difference on the quality of a person’s day. Taking a 20minute power nap during the day can also increase your alertness, your productivity and improve your mood. While several years may have passed since many of
us longed for the recess bell, the lessons of childhood carry on into our adult lives. Taking time out each day to exercise, be with friends or to simply burn off steam is as important now as it was when nap time was a mandated activity. We hope more adults will come to understand these values, and recess will remain an important part of everyone’s day. contact the Optimist at
jmcnetwork@acu.edu
COLUMN
Goodwill hunt relaxes student Your Average Jo
on the rack. It will wait there for the next college girl with a little Gaga in her to see the potential fashion statement. The knickknack section always has a surprise if you are willing to look hard enough. Whether it is the perfect coffee mug hiding behind a cluster of ceramic kittens, or a souvenir in the shape of a miniature bathtub that reads “We had a tub of fun in Las Vegas” that offers a quick laugh and makes the trip worth it.
By Jozie Sands
letter to the editor
Young Republicans allocated too little funds I am, first of all, thankful and that the members of the Young grateful to the members of the Republicans are denied funding Students’ Association for grant- for several fairly ambitious and ing the Young Republicans a potentially great events simply budget. However, I am upset because the College Democrats and disappointed with the deci- are not requesting as much, or sion of the Executive Treasurer because the events they hold and Congress as a whole. are funded by the Taylor County The ACU Young Republi- Democratic Party. cans requested $700 for their We are getting support from I liked candlelight devo because it was cool to see budget this semester, but we the Taylor County Republican all of the and listen the speaker. were onlylights granted $100.toWe Party, but not monetary support. TYLER PINKERT were told that since the College We want to be more selfFreshman business management major from Red Oak Democrats were only granted sustaining and not have to de$65 for one interest meeting, pend on the county party. We I liked the service project. I got to know a lot of and we asked for $700 for two are planning other events that peopleand and amy group and I had a blast. events t-shirt fundraiser, will require no funding and one that there was too much of a that (hopefully) will not require disparity in funding. much from the Appropriations We appreciate the fact that Committee. ACU has a policy of not showWe were told that the College ing favoritism to any particular Democrats were rebuilding and political persuasion, but I do have a new president, yet we are not think that it is right or fair also rebuilding; and we are still
trying to be a vibrant student organization. Let me make this plainly clear, there is no animosity or bitterness towards the College Democrats from myself or any member of the Young Republicans. We gladly offer any help that we can give and look forward to working with them on a few joint projects. Our contention is with SA. We believe in common sense and feel that it was not rightly applied to our request. Our mission is to do what is right regardless of the situation. We will do our best to be a vibrant active group on campus and look forward to serving and informing the ACU community about how we can be Christians, conservatives and Republicans all at the same time.
Aaron Escobedo senior history major from Abilene President of the ACU Young Republicans
editorial and letter policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print
letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
Optimist the
Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
newsroom (325) 674-2439
sports desk (325) 674-2684
Despite a huge art project, a research proposal deadline and a severe lack of sleep, I devoted my Saturday to a tour of A b i l e n e’s Goodwill stores. It’s the people, the junk, Sands the grime and the occasional treasure that make Goodwill the retreat that it is. The window display boasts The aromas of mismatched outfits and dusty many households guitars along meld into the with a stack of scent of age, three-ring binders meant to alcreating the lude to the backtrademark to-school goodies Goodwill funk. inside. The aromas of many households meld with the scent of age, Shoes, toys and furnicreating the trademark ture are always a gamble. Goodwill funk. All of these sections natuIt’s easy to pick the rally have bigger grosscollege students out of factor than clothing. But the crowd. They tear if the level of cool is high through racks of clothes enough, measures can be feverishly, looking for taken to ensure proper a treasure. They throw decontamination. hangers aside without That’s the glory of a second glance, deter- Goodwill. It’s the great mined to find the article finds, bitter disappointof clothing that will al- ments and the change of low them to answer their scenery. The chance that friends’ envious looks you will run into a profeswith “Goodwill – $2.35.” sor drops considerably, These treasure-hunt- taking away much of the ers pause only to hold up pressure to act like an adult gaudy, oversize sweaters who might need a letter of and holler across the store recommendation someto a friend, “You could to- time down the road. Goodtally pull this off with leg- will is one of those places gings and those heels that where a twenty-something look like Lady Gaga’s.” can act like a kid. And after a quick All that for only $2.35. brainstorm session, the sweater is either tossed contact Sands at jgs07a@acu.edu in the cart or shoved back
editorial & management board Linda Bailey Matthew Woodrow Juliana Kocsis
Alan Cherry
Kenneth Pybus
Editor in Chief
Opinions Page Editor
Copy Editor
Page 2 Editor
Faculty Adviser
Jeff Craig
Brandon Tripp
Hannah Barnes Morgan Davis
Cade White
Managing Editor Sports Media Director
Features Editor
Jozie Sands Kelsi Williamson
Carter DeJarnatt
Cara Lee Cranford
Online Editor
Copy Editor
Advertising
Arts Editor
photo department (325) 674-2499
advertising office (325) 674-2463
Cartoonist
multimedia desk (325) 674-2463
Faculty Adviser
subscriptions ($40/year) (325) 674-2296
FROM SPORTS
September 22, 2010
Page 7
FOOTBALL
Blowout: Offense puts Tigers away in first half Continued from page 8
was ejected for throwing a punch during a scuffle down the field with an ECU receiver. Withrow and the receiver were rolling around on the ground during the play when Withrow swung and struck the helmet of the Tigers receiver.
TENNIS
‘‘ ’’
ACU added a field goal early in the third quarter I just took advantage of before resorting to the run my opportunity. Coach game for the remainder of told me this morning I the contest. had to step up. Mitchell Gale was imDARRELL CANTU_HARKLESS // freshman running back pressive again completing 23 of his 32 passes for 263 “I though Mitchell did a yards and a career high five yards of offense on just 78 touchdowns. The Wildcats plays, recording an average good job of operating the offense,” said head coach amassed a season high 559 of 7.2 yards per play.
Upset: Tournament win biggest in Wildcat history Continued from page 8
Racquet Club Collegiate Invitational.. Her road to victory was a difficult one. Mongin had to beat six NCAA Division I opponents to win the championship. She beat players from Penn State, Pepperdine, Texas-Arlington, Texas A&M, Rice and Tulsa. “I knew I was going to be playing against very competitive players,” Mongin said. “But I knew I could beat them if I played my best.”
In her championship match, Mongin won with ease 6-1, 6-4. She became the first unseeded player in the tournament’s fiveyear history to win the championship. “Mongin continues to improve everytime she steps on the court,” said Jones. Mongin’s win was a big step for the Wildcat program. “It was possibly the biggest tournament win in ACU’s tennis history,” Coach Hutton Jones said. “Everyone played against great
competition this past weekend and I think we are a better team because of it.” The Wildcats are only three weeks into their season and have already enjoyed a significant amount of success. The women’s team stays here in Abilene next weekend for the ITA South Central Regional, while the men will travel to Waco for the Baylor Invitational. contact Johnston at
jdj09a@acu.edu
Chris Thomsen. Running back Charcandrick West saw his first action in front of the ACU crowd, West joined the team just five weeks ago, and showed off his blazing speed getting nine carries that went for 110 yards. “It was good, we got to see all our running backs
tonight with Darryl out,” Thomsen said. “That will help us out depth wise as the season goes on.” The Wildcats will be back at home next Saturday when rival Tarleton State comes to town. contact Tripp at
bjt07a@acu.edu
VOLLEYBALL
Assassins: ’Cats coast Continued from page 8
‘‘ ’’
Moronu also put up 30 assists to pace the Wildcats. So far this year Moronu has an astounding 354 assists, which is almost 10 a set. Throughout the match the Wildcats won five service aces, but none resonated louder than Jordan Schilling’s ace to win the final point of the match and put the Wildcats in first place of the Lone Star Conference. The word Coach Mock used to describe her girls was “assassins.” “It’s not just win,” said Coach Mock. “It’s win in
It’s not just win. It’s win in the very best fashion you possibly can. KELLEN MOCK // head coach of women’s volleyball
the very best fashion you possibly can.” The Wildcats will go for win number nine in their young season against Texas Women’s on Thursday in Denton. They also have a match on Saturday at Texas A&M Commerce. The Wildcats will finally come back to
the comfortable confines of Moody Coliseum for a four-game home stand beginning Oct. 5th. The Wildcats will play eight of their last 13 conference games at home.
contact Gwin at
agg07a@acu.edu
SOCCER
Heartbreaker: ACU plays well despite loss Continued from page 8
Princess Haley. ACU would bounce back, though, and control the rest of the half. Freshman standout Andrea Carpenter would tie the game in the 20th minute at 1–1. Carpenter’s goal was her sixth of the season. ACU would add another
goal in the 31st minute to take the lead. Ashley Holton buried the ball in the net off a corner kick setup by Katherine Garner. “In the first half we came out and showed that we were better than them. It was a real big boost for our team and shows us we can play with anyone,” se-
nior midfielder Courtney Wilson said. “In the second half we came out and played scared and just tried to hold on defensively. For me, even though we lost, it really gives me confidence in this team for the season.” ACU was clinging to a one goal lead when Jessica Giblin
tied the game up at 2–2 for the Moccasins in the 83rd minute. The score would remain tied until overtime. Alvarado would then put the kickoff past London that would eventually clinch the victory 3–2. London finished the game with three saves as she picked up her first loss as a starter.
“We went up against a talented team and stacked up really well. It shows us the level that we are on and what we are capable of doing,” Wilson said. “The girls just need to realize we have to play focused for 90 minutes. If we are taking away anything from this it is just a
solid reminder we have to play the whole game.” ACU returned to action Tuesday at Texas–Permian Basin, however, results were not in time for publication.
contact Cantrell at
jrc07f@acu.edu
Page 8
Standings FOOTBALL Team
Div.
Ovrl.
ACU Angelo St. MSU Tarleton TAMU-K WTAMU UIW ENMU E. Central
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
3-0 2-0 3-0 0-3 3-0 2-1 1-2 1-2 0-3
VOLLEYBALL Team
Div.
ACU 2-0 WTAMU 2-0 Angelo St.. 1-1 TAMU-K 1-1 MSU 1-1 Tarleton St. 0-2
Ovrl. 8-2 6-4 4-6 3-7 6-5 9-2
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
4-1-0 3-2-1 5-1-0 3-1-1 4-2-0 4-1-1 2-4-0 3-1-1
Briefs n The
women’s soccer team beat the University of Texas Permian Basin 3-0 behind second half goals by Katherine Garner, Julie Coppedge and Andrea Carpenter. The win pushes the Wildcat’s record to 5-1
n In
the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) poll, released Monday, the Wildcats received 14 votes but fell just outside the top 25, in 28th place.
Player Profile n Neely Borger may be
the newest addition to the starting lineup to the Wildcats volleyball team, but she is by no means an ordinary freshman. Borger helped her AmaBorger rilllo High team become the first ever Texas 5A four-peat champions in volleyball. Teammate and fellow freshman Madelyn Robinett was on those state championship teams also. She isn’t the first ACU athlete in her family, either. Her mom, Callie, played basketball in a Wildcats uniform from 1981-84.
FOOTBALL
Sports
Gale sets mark as ACU throttles ECU Brandon Tripp Sports Director
The Wildcats gave the home fans a show in their home opener for 2010, dominating East Central University 47-7. Despite being blown out in the end, the Tigers came out firing. Just one minute into the game quarterback Tyler Vanderzee found a wide-open Tyra Waits for the 70-yard touchdown. The score was the third touchdown allowed by the ACU defense of over 30 yards. The Wildcats answered quickly in just three min-
utes on a nine-yard leaping touchdown catch by Edmund Gates to tie the game at seven apiece. With that touchdown Gates needs just one touchdown catch to move into ninth all-time in ACU history for touchdown receptions. On the ensuing East Central drive the ACU defense made up for the earlier touchdown when David Lamour intercepted the pass from Vanderzee. It took just two plays for the Wildcats to score. This time it was Gale to Darrell Cantu-Harkless, as Gale was falling down, for
the 35-yard score. CantuHarkless, who started in place of Daryl Richardson, finished the game with 55 yards rushing and another 90 yards through the air to go along with two touchdowns. “I just took advantage of my opportunity,” said Cantu-Harkless. “Coach told me this morning I had to step up.” After a Morgan Lineberry field goal and an ECU punt, Mitchell Gale led the ACU offense back out on the field for a fiveplay 51-yard drive that ended in a connection
Knox caught four passes for a team-high 86 yards in the Bears’ win over Dallas on Sunday. Knox snagged a 58yard bomb in the first quarter from quarterback Jay Cutler which set up a touchdown later in the drive. Danieal Manning had seven total tackles in the effort a well.
Towards the end of the first half it was ACU up 37-7 on a 34-yard CantuHarkless touchdown. The Tigers were backed up deep in their own 12-yard line when Vanderzee missed the snap from center Chad Roark. It rolled into the end zone where defensive end Bryson Lewis pounced on it to put the Wildcats up 44-7 heading into the half. The touchdown by Lewis was the first touchdown of the season by the defense. Late in the second half ACU corner Caleb Withrow see BLOWOUT page 4
Victorious Wildcats dig home court Austin Gwin
Assistant Sports Editor
Some say home is where the heart is. For the ACU volleyball team home is where wins are. The Wildcats won in dominating fashion Saturday, blanking the Tarleton State TexAnns 3-0. The victory increased their win streak to seven. Head Coach Kellen Mock had only two words to say about the way her team is playing: “We’re good.” It was the ’Cats home opener, and they fed off a noisy crowd at Moody Coliseum, winning the three games by scores of 25-18, 25-21, and 25-8. ACU was efficient at the net with an average hitting percentage of .283 while holding Tarleton to just .034. “It was so nice having so many supporters there,” said Mock. “It was probably the biggest crowd I have seen since the 2004-2005 seasons.” The coaches weren’t the only ones who appreciated all the ACU support. “It was great having so many fans there,” said senior Jennie Hutt. “The whole team wants to thank everyone for the support they showed.”
GRANT STEPHEN // Staff Photographer
Kalynne Allen (6) and Shawna Hines (7) go up for a block in the game against Tarleton Sate, Saturday. The Wildcats won the match in dominating fashion 3-0. Allen had four kills in the match while Hines added eight. ACU will play again Thursday in Denton. The Wildcats’ ability to get to the ball that was the difference between the teams in the game. Throughout the game, it seemed as if ACU had two more girls on the court, as the ’Cats rarely let a ball fall to the ground untouched.
The momentum built up through the first two games and came to a head in the third and final game when the Wildcats held Tarleton to a season low of 8 points. It is the first time all year the Wildcats have held an opponent to a single-digit point total.
SOCCER
It was a true team effort from the ladies in purple with only junior Jennie Hutt getting into double digits for kills with 10. Shawna Hines and Jordan Schilling added eight apiece while Neely Borger, Ijeoma Moronu and Kalynne Allen each had four.
Sports Reporter
MEGAN HERNANDEZ // Staff Photographer
Andrea Carpenter fights for a ball Saturday. Carpenter leads the team in goals this season with six.
Overtime goal dooms ’Cats Assistant Sports Editor
The Wildcats upset bid of 12th-ranked Florida Southern came just short as ACU lost in overtime, 3-2. The heartbreaking loss drops the Wildcats to 4-1 on the season. A goal on the opening kickoff in overtime by
see ASSASSINS page 4
Mongin upsets Div. I athletes Jeff Johnston
Ryan Cantrell
“Ij is doing an amazing job of moving the ball around,” said Mock. “That is part of the reason we are getting so many kills as a team – cause so many people are contributing.”
TENNIS
n Bernard
n Johnny
from Gale to fullback Emery Dudensing. Dudensing caught his third and fourth touchdowns of the season and of his career in the game. On the Tigers first possession of the second quarter, Vanderzee completed another pass to the ACU defense this time it was Darien Williams grabbing his second interception of the season. Gale found Dudensing again on a one yard score to put the Wildcats up big 30-7, Morgan Lineberry clanked the extra point off the left post.
VOLLEYBALL
Ex-Factor Scott had five carries for 17 yards and had a 60-yard kick return that set up a Bengals touchdown in a 15-10 win against the Ravens.
September 22, 2010
the Moccasins ultimately doomed the Wildcats. Adi Alvarado launched a ball that just knuckled past goalkeeper Elliot London to seal the victory for Florida Southern. “We played well in the first half, and we had plenty of opportunities to score,” head coach Casey Wilson said. “I felt we fell out of our game plan in the
second half, which led to us running more and getting tired. If we would have maintained our game plan, we could have kept them out from getting back into the game.” Florida Southern jumped out early in the first half, scoring in the sixth minute on a goal by see HEARTBREAKER page 4
The men’s and women’s tennis teams finished their third tournaments of the season this past weekend. Some of the men and women traveled to Midland for their tournament. The rest of the women traveled to Memphis while the remaining men made their way to Corpus Christi. The men at Corpus Christi weren’t able to finish their tournament due to rain. The rest of the Wildcats were more fortunate and finished both tournaments, each with numerous players performing well. Freshmen Micah Hermsdorf and Emily Conrad both reached the finals in their singles flights at the Memphis Invitational. Hermsdorf won her flight in just two sets, 6-3, 6-3. Conrad
lost her flight in a tough three-set match 1-6, 6-4, 6-1. Senior Natalie Friend also reached the final in her flight, but like Conrad, lost an intense threeset match, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5. The Racquet Club Collegiate Invitational in Midland brought much success to the Wildcats. Senior Bryan Joiner and junior Eldad Campbell were both able to defeat NCAA Division I opponents in their first rounds of play before being knocked out in the second round. Campbell beat a player from University of Texas at Arlington 6-4, 6-2. Joiner beat a player from Texas Tech in an intense match 6-3, 6-7, 11-9. Sophomore Julia Mongin topped all Wildcat performances of the weekend with a win in the singles championship at the see UPSET page 4