Optimist
acuoptimist.com
the
End of a Season, page 7
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Vol. 99, No. 27
1 section, 8 pages
CAMPUS
University revises employee driving policy 2011. The only students affected by the changes are Managing Editor those who are employed A new employee driving by the university. Mike Murphy, director policy that will go in effect next year will require regular of risk management, said a training of university drivers. university-wide risk assessThe Office of Risk Man- ment was conducted in Deagement revised the driv- cember 2009, and a myriad ing policy for university of topics were discussed, employees, effective Jan. 1, including policies on driv-
Jeff Craig
ing. He said the driver policy, which was last revised in 2003, was updated to improve safety and meet insurer’s requirements. “We looked at the driving policies of TCU, UNT and other public and private universities out there and realized that our insurance carrier stipulates a lot of
things,” Murphy said. “Obviously they want to minimize claims, and so a lot of policy changes came from what they stipulate.” Murphy said the biggest change in the new driver policy involves training for what the university considers routine drivers, who the new pol-
icy describes as an “employee who is authorized to operate a vehicle on a routine or regular basis (daily, weekly or regularly scheduled) to conduct university business.” Murphy said those employees would now be required to undergo a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check.
Employees who routinely drive university vehicles or rental cars will also have to undergo online training. Murphy said he believes the new policies are actually less restrictive when it comes to driving university vehicles. He said the see INSURANCE page 4
STUDENT LIFE
Dorms share flu shot contest victory
Off the Leash Camp Barkeley gives Abilene dogs a place to run free
Laura Gasvoda Staff Writer
Nelson and McDonald residence halls have tied to win this year’s flu shot competition sponsored by the ACU Medical Clinic. The clinic challenged all freshman and sophomore dorms to compete and offered a prize for the dorm with the highest percentage of residents vaccinated for the flu. The winning dorm received $500 in prize money for the celebration of their choice. Dr. Ellen Little, director of the ACU Medical Clinic, considers the competition a success and plans to host it again next year. “It is a good way to get people motivated,” Little said. McDonald dorm won last year’s competition as well. Although McDonald is the smallest women’s residence hall on campus, it managed to have a high percentage of residents get the shot both years. This year the dorm reached a total of 38 percent of residents vaccinated to tie Nelson for the win. Lindsey Adams, freshman Youth and Family Ministry major from Mesquite and resident of Nelson Hall,
photos by MEAGAN HERNANDEZ // Staff Photographer
Above: Mobi enjoys the open spaces at the newly-opened Camp Barkeley. Right: A painted fire hydrant, donated by Abilene firefighters, adorns Abilene’s first and only dog park.
L
Story by Matthew Woodrow
ocal dogs ran free as Camp Barkeley celebrated its grand opening Saturday. Camp Barkeley consists of two fenced-in areas designed for dog owners to come and unleash their pets to have fun, exercise, and socialize with other dogs. Larger dogs have two acres to run around in, while canines less than 30 pounds have one acre. Bryan and Amanda McDermott have brought their short-hair German pointer, Sube, to the park five times in the last week because of the joy they witness in their pet as she has room to run freely.
“Our yards pretty big, but this is so much better,” Amanda said. “You can tell she’s excited. As soon as we pull up she starts whimpering. For her, its two acres of pure happiness.” The McDermott’s even went and bought a “Chuckit” ball launcher that allows them to play fetch across nearly the whole two acres. While Sube likes to play by herself, Mark Christy’s two dogs enjoy playing around with the other dogs there. “My dogs are supposed to run over twenty miles a day, so this is great. They love hanging out with the other dogs; they’re very social,” see WOOF page 4
see CLINIC page 4
PHYSICS
Department of Physics joins national education coalition Christianna Lewis Senior Reporter
One of Dr. Jess Dowdy’s goals upon entering ACU as a new associate professor of physics this fall was to see ACU’s Department of Physics become a hub for training physics teachers. “It’s already one of the best physics departments in the world,” Dowdy said. “Why can’t it become one
of the best places to train a physics teacher?” The first step in fulfilling this goal was for the Department of Physics to become a member of Physics Teacher Education Coalition, which accepted ACU’s application in early November, Dowdy said. According to its website, the PTEC is comprised of 175 learning institutions engaged in improving ed-
said. He said the PTEC community will help ACU recognize challenges in educating physics teachers and develop ways to overcome them. The PTEC also offers grants to institutions developing new training programs for science teachers. Dowdy applied for one of the grants in early November and expects to hear back from the PTEC
website
inside feature Find out where in the world Dr. Royce and Pam Money have been since becoming chancellor of the university. page 5
ucation for physics teachers. It provides a network for institutions to work together in creating better programs and methods for training science educators, Dowdy said. ACU offered physics majors a teaching track for the first time this year and has just begun informing students on the opportunities in the field of physics education, Dowdy
sports Read a recap of the last Wildcat football game of the season against the University of Central Missouri. page 8
any day, he said. This grant would aid ACU’s involvement in meeting the nationwide need for physics teachers, said Dr. Rusty Towell, department chair and professor of physics. Nationally, only one-third of high school teachers who teach physics have a degree in physics, Towell said. The need for physics teachers will only increase,
Dowdy said. The growth rate of high school teachers teaching physics from 2005-2009 was lower than the growth rate of students taking physics, according to the November newsletter for the American Institute of Physics. Schools in Texas will require even more physics teachers than in other see PTEC page 4
weather photo gallery View pictures from the entire Wildcat football season on our website, acuoptimist.com.
Abilene Christian University
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Campus Wednesday, December 1, 2010
01
about this page
Day
calendar & events
Wednesday
11 a.m. Abilene Christian Schools Elementary Choir Christmas Presentation in Moody Coliseum
02
Thursday
11 a.m. Small Group Chapels meet around campus
03 04 Friday
11 a.m. Praise Day and Senior Blessing in Moody Coliseum
5 p.m. Super Consumption Challenge
Saturday
2 p.m. Home Women’s basketball game against Texas A&M-Commerce 4 p.m. Home Basketball game against Texas A&MCommerce
8 p.m. ACU Band Concert
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announcements Christmas Vespers Concert The ACU Department of Music presents the Christmas Vespers Concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at the First Baptist Church of Abilene. For more information call (325) 674-2199, or visit www.acu.edu/music. IEH Sing Song Students who wish to join the IEH Sing Song act may attend an informational meeting at 8 p.m. Nov. 18 in Bible Building Room 115. Students do not have to be a part of one of the multicultral groups on campus; any student may join the act. Dallas White Rock Marathon Students wishing to run the Dallas White Rock Marathon or Half-Marathon can sign up with ACU to receive a $20 rebate, a free ACU running shirt and a free pre-race party. Register to run the race at www. runtherock.com. To participate with ACU visit www.acu.edu/whiterock
may register for the University Chorale (MPEV 202-01) with their advisers. The course meets from 1 to 1:50 p.m. MWF. Contact Dr. Sean Pullen at sean.pullen@acu.edu or call (325) 674-2108 for more information.
must be submitted digitally to summit@acu.edu by Feb 15, 2011. The winner will receive $100 and his or her artwork will be used during Summit. For more information contact the Ministry Events Office at (325) 674-3750.
Big Purple Band Concert The Big Purple will perform in concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 2 in Cullen Auditorium. For more information call (325) 647-22199.
ACUltimate, the university’s ultimate frisbee club, meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Interested students can contact Kyle Thaxton at krt06d@acu.edu.
Ghana Benefit Concert The College of Biblical Studies is presenting a benefit concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 to raise money to complete a school building in Ghana. For more information, e-mail Dr. Jerry Taylor at taylor@ bible.acu.edu.
Super Consumption Challenge ACU’s American Marketing Association is having an end-of the-semester eating contest at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 2 in the Campus Center. There are five rounds in all. There will be multiple prizes, dorm and faculty contests.
FCA, the ACU chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, meets at 9 p.m. every Thursday in the Living Room of the Campus Center.
Career Expo Current students and alumni have the opportunity to meet with employers from a variety of industries about potential full-time positions and internship opportunities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Abilene Civic Center. The event offers resume reviews and mock interviews. Professional attire is required.
ACU Choirs The ACU choral department is looking for students to join the University Chorale for the spring semester. Men are especially encouraged to join. Interested students
Summit Art Contest ACU students can submit original artwork: photography, drawings, paintings or other creations to visually communicate the theme of next fall’s Summit. Submissions
Rock, Paper, Scissors Craft Fair The art department is having a craft fair from 7-10 p.m. Dec. 3 in Shore Art Gallery. There will be live music, crafts and baked goods for sale as well as free tea and cocoa. Edwards Hall Christmas Party Residence Life is hosting a Christmas party at 8 p.m. on Dec. 2, in Edwards Hall. There will be a baking contest, free pictures with Santa Clause, free Monk’s coffee and a preformance by the musical group Light Parade.
The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@ jmcnetwork.com. To ensure an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days in advance. The Optimist may edit items for space and style. Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed on this page in a timely manner.
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volunteer opportunities Windcrest Alzheimer’s Care Center needs volunteers Nov. 29 to Dec. 3 to help pull out Christmas decorations and decorate the facility for the upcoming holiday season. E-mail Chris Stephenson at CLStephenson@ Sears-Methodist.com or call 325-692-1533 to arrange a day and time to volunteer. Ortiz Elementary School Library would like volunteers Monday-Friday to help check in and shelve books, and help with some special projects. Contact Nancy Hartline at 325-671-4945. The Dyess Youth Center needs help with a Ping Pong Exhibition from 4 to 6 p.m. every Friday. Volunteers will preside over tournaments and help with an exhibition for the students. Transportation will not be provided, nor can volunteers have any sexual assault charges or charges pending. For more information, contact Sheri Frisby at (325) 696-4797 or e-mail sheri. frisby-@dyess.af.mil. Mesa Spring Healthcare Center needs volunteers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. any day of the week to help with fun activities for the residents, including playing instruments, calling bingo and sitting and talking with them. All help is appreciated. Contact Laura Reynolds at (325)692-8080 or lgreynolds@sears-methodist.com. The Center for Contemporary Arts needs a gallery as-
sistant to help with exhibit setup and preparation, as well as an administrative assistant. The work can be done any time 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday - Friday. Call (325) 677-8389 or e-mail info@center-arts.com for more information. The Dyess Youth Center needs volunteers from 4 to 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 volunteers have any sexual assault charges or charges pending. For more information, contact Sheri Frisby at 696-4797 or e-mail Sheri. frisby-@dyess.af.mil. Aimee’s Art Studio is seeking volunteers from 9-10 a.m. or 1:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesday to assist with homeschool fine arts classes. No formal art skills or training is required. The studio is a five minute walk from ACU’s campus. For more information, contact Aimee Williams at (325)672-9633. The Oakridge Church of Christ needs volunteers from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 20 to organize grocery goods into boxes and deliver them to families. Volunteers need a vehicle and driver’s license, or may come with someone who does. The event will take place at 3250 Beltway South. E-mail Emerald Lemmons at emeraldlemmons@ gmail.com if you would like to help. Contact him ahead of time so they know how
many people to expect. Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to deliver noon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities. Routes are available 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday - Friday. Volunteers must be at least 18, with a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and a desire to serve. Training is provided. Students may be exempted from one Chapel per week if delivery time conflicts with Chapel. Contact Elizabeth Rodgers at erodgers@mealsonwheelsplus.com. The Christian Service Center needs volunteers interested in business or design to put together an informational brochure. The work could be done any weekday afternoon before the end of November. Contact Jim Clark at 673-7531 or jclark@cscabilene.org for more information. The annual West Central Texas H-E-B Feast of Sharing will be held from 4 - 8 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the Abilene Civic Center. Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles during this event which serves approximately 8,000 people. Volunteers are also invited to enjoy dinner. The volunteer form has a deadline date of Nov. 23, but they are still in need of many volunteers. For more information or to sign up, visit http://unitedwayabilene.org/2010/11/ feast-of-sharing/.
December 1, 2010
CAMPUS NEWS
Page 3
FROM THE FRONT
Page 4
December 1, 2010
PERFORMING ARTS
Music department prepares Christmas Vespers Meiqi Zhang
Contributing Reporting
The Department of Music will conduct its annual Christmas Vespers Concert at 8 p.m. on Sunday at First Baptist Church of Abilene. Admission to the concert is free, and it is open to the entire community. The theme of the concert is “Noel” and will feature traditional Christmas music, scripture readings, poems and liturgy. The ACU Orchestra, the A Cappella Chorus and the University Chorale
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will perform, joined by Wes Gomer, the organist at the Church of the Heavenly Rest. Dr. Steven Ward, director of bands and orchestra, said Christmas Vespers has become an annual tradition for the Abilene community. He said this year’s concert will also feature some special guests. This is the third year Christmas Vespers has been performed at First Baptist Church of Abilene, and Ward said the audience can expect a wonderful evening of mu-
I think the concert is a great way to get the community involved.
ARIELLE COLLIER // junior vocal performance major from Mesquite
sic, scripture and carols. “There will be a brass ensemble, and also performing is Wes Gomer, the organist for the Church of the Heavenly Rest of Abilene,” Ward said. “This is a really special annual tradition that the music department started about three years ago.”
Ward said a filming of the concert will also be aired locally on Channel 7, Abilene’s educational and government channel, throughout the Christmas season The A Cappella Chorus will perform six or seven pieces, some of which they will perform with the Uni-
versity Chorale. They will also perform a men’s and women’s piece. Arielle Collier, junior vocal performance major from Mesquite, said there are about 40 students in the A cappella Chorus and about 40 or 50 in the A Cappella Chorus. She has performed in Christmas Vespers the past two years. “I think the concert is a great way to get the community involved. Having it at First Baptist Church brings out more people as opposed
to having it on campus,” Collier said. “It is the most attended concert they give each year, and I love being in it.” Jill Nelson, senior music education major from Fort Worth, sings in the University Chorale. She said the concert is good for the community. “I love it so much, I can’t imagine doing any thing else,” Jill said. “ACU has a very good music department. It’s very rewarding to be part of it.” contact Zhang at
optimist@jmcnetwork.com
PERFORMING ARTS
Big Purple Marching Band to perform concert Keyi Zhou
Contributing Reporter
ACU’s Big Purple Marching Band is performing a concert, bringing the rhythm and rhyme of classical music to campus on Thursday beginning at 8 p.m. in Cullen Auditorium. The Big Purple is ACU’s marching band, which consists of 120 students of various majors. The band, established in the 1960s, gives this concert performance every year, in addition to performing at every
home football game. Thursday’s concert will mark the end of the marching band season this year. “I think it’s also the heartbeat and the spirit of the university,” said Jason Missal, Associate Director of Bands and Director of the Big Purple. The first song the Band will present is titled “Canzon Noni Toni,” a Renaissance piece written in 1597. Another piece of music, “Whip and Spur Galop,” was written in the early 20th century. It
is a quick-paced, circusstyle march. Other pieces include Salvation Is Created, a slow and lyrical piece originally written for choirs and based on a Russian hymn, and Tempered Steel, an exciting and rhythmic piece written for the contemporary wind ensemble. Members of The Big Purple practice five times a week, and Missal appreciates how dedicated the band members are. “These students are a tremendously gifted and
generous group of people who always have good attitudes and always work hard,” Missal said. “Besides playing music, the band as a whole is known for doing community service projects like helping with the highway maintenance; and they also raise money to buy gifts for kids during Christmas.” Clint Morgan, senior music education major from Baird, has been involved in The Big Purple since his freshman year. Now he plays trombone in
PHYSICS
the band, an instrument he has been playing for about 11 years. “The band is like a family for me,” Morgan said. “Joining the band is a great way to participate with other musicians, and it is a lot of fun to do it together. We practice every day from 12 to 12:45. It takes a lot of time to practice, but I enjoy it so much so I don’t mind.” Leanna Dickey, senior music education major from Abilene, plays trumpet in the band. She also
appreciates the family feel amongst members of The Big Purple. “I love the band; it’s like a big family,” Dickey said. “ Being in ACU’s band is really helping me overcome performance anxiety. I got shaky when performing in front of people, but being with a group like a family really helps me overcome it.” The concert is free of charge, and everyone is welcome to attend. contact Zhou at
optimist@jmcnetwork.com
LOCAL
PTEC: Physics professor Woof: Abilene community to apply for service grant donates funds for dog park Continued from page 1
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states because of a recent increase of required science credits for Texas high school graduates, Dowdy said. “Two out of three schools are going to need physics teachers,” Dowdy said. “If students become physics teachers, they can go work anywhere they want to.” Dowdy will also apply for a grant to support a road show he hopes to conduct in January, he said. The Road Show is a service project in which physics students will perform physics dem-
If students become physics teachers, they can work anywhere they want to. DR. JESS DOWDY // associate professor of physics
onstrations in a magicshow style for elementary school children. The show will allow students to learn how to excite children about physics through teaching as well as present an opportunity to give back to the community. “One of the reasons I came to ACU was to get
this going for students,” Dowdy said. “Physicists really do want people to study physics.” More information about PTEC can be found online at www.ptec.org.
contact Lewis at
cll09a@acu.edu
Continued from page 1
Christy said. “I’ve only seen one problem, and it lasted less than thirty seconds. Other than that they all get along very well.” The dog park was developed with the collaboration of the City of Abilene, the Parks People and Connecting Caring Communities. But Lydia Long, founder of the grass roots group, The Parks People, explained how the whole community came in and supported Camp Barkeley’s construction. “Over 200 donors contributed that we can name, and that doesn’t include
the people who walked up and gave us $20 at the mall,” Long said. “People would show up at and give us cookies and ask us to sell them at the next fundraiser. They didn’t even want a receipt. Everyone just wanted to help.” Even Abilene’s firefighter association helped out by donating two fire hydrants that were painted like dalmatians. The dog park has multiple accommodations for dogs and dog owners alike. Stands with plastic bags are stationed around the park for cleaning up after pets, and a water fountain stands in the middle of the fenced-
in area. The fountain has a normal stream for water, but can also be set to pour water into a basin on the ground for the animals. Those naming the park wanted the title to be as creative as Forth Woof in Fort Worth. They eventually decided to name it Camp Barkeley to honor the original Camp Barkeley WWII training camp, as well as Medal of Honor winner David Barkly and all the other troops. And just like the original camp, they even purposefully misspelled the name. contact Woodrow at
mrw08a@acu.edu
STUDENT LIFE
Clinic: McDonald, Nelson Halls win flu shot contest Continued from page 1
said she got the shot and is excited about the party. “Almost everyone on our hall got the shot, and I don’t know of anyone who actually got the flu,” Adams said. Little said many students have received the flu shot so far this year, and more students con-
CAMPUS
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tinue to come in for the shot each day. “Last year we had far more people than average receive the shot, and this year our numbers stayed high,” Little said. “About 1,200 received the shot last year and around 1,000 have come in for the shot this year.” There are many benefits for promoting flu
Almost everyone on our hall got the shot, and I don’t know of anyone who actually got the flu.
LINDSEY ADAMS // freshman youth and family ministry major from Mesquite
vaccinations among the student body, Little said. “It keeps students in school and healthy, it
keeps an epidemic from spreading on campus, and it prevents hospitalization and severe com-
plications in severe cases,” Little said. Julie Danley, R.N. at the ACU Medical Clinic, said the vaccination will prevent three of the most common strains of the flu virus, including the swine flu. There have not been a significant number of swine flu cases yet this year on the ACU campus, Danley said. But getting
the shot is still recommended. It will protect recipients for a full year. The shots are available in the clinic, located on the ground floor of McKinzie Hall. For more information on the flu shot contact the Medical Clinic at 674-2625. contact Gasvoda at
lag08a@acu.edu
Insurance: New policy requires more driver training Continued from page 1
old policy required drivers to be at least 25-years-old, but the new policy sets the minimum age at 21. “Under the new policy there is more training required of vehicle drivers. I don’t think it’s impractical or unreasonable,” Murphy said. “We feel the requirements are achievable and important.” Murphy said the new policy changes have no affect on students and the use of their personal vehicles. He said only students
employed by the university that drive regularly would be affected. The Office of Risk Management considers students to be employees if they are on university payroll or classified as workers by Human Resources. “The policy is only directed toward employees of the university,” Murphy said. “There was a discussion in Students’ Association that created some confusion like it affected all students, but only employees are affected by the new policy.”
Murphy said most of the other changes just provide clarification on procedures from the old driver policy. He said the new policy also creates more comprehensive guidelines for reporting traffic violations and accidents. Dr. Kim Pamplin, chair elect of the faculty senate and chair of the department of chemistry and biochemistry, said the new driver policy is fair and an improvement over earlier proposed changes. “I think it’s reasonable.
There were several concerns with earlier drafts, and I think the administration took a reasonable approach and realized the 21st Century classroom isn’t just four walls, and driving is an integral part of university life,” Pamplin said. Pamplin said some changes to the driver policy proposed earlier would have been too restrictive. He said one early proposal would have forbidden employees from transporting students in their personal vehicles. “We have teachers in
every department in every college throughout the university who have wonderful reasons for taking students out of the classroom to learn and see the world,” Pamplin said. Pamplin said the ideal driver policy for university employees would be free of restrictions. He said he believed the policy is reasonable but could be improved. “It’s not the best, but it’s a fair compromise,” Pamplin said. “In its current form I think its ok. Its something we can live with.”
Murphy said he believes the new driver policy created a happy medium that everyone can be pleased with. “The new policy is trying to help people make decisions in the best interest of the university,” Murphy said. “We feel this policy is comprehensive and a happy middle ground for everyone involved.” A copy of the policy can be found at acu.edu/campusoffices/riskmanagement. contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
December 1, 2010
Focus
Page 5
Illustration by MORGAN DAVIS // Story by KELSI WILLIAMSON
“I don’t spend a lot of time looking back, I like looking forward,” said ACU chancellor Dr. Royce Money. When Dr. Phil Schubert officially took over responsibilities as president of ACU on June 1, of this year, former president Royce Money transitioned into his new role as university chancellor. The new position has given Money and his wife, Pam, the opportunity to travel a bit. Here’s a look at where in the world the Money’s have been in the past few months and where they’re headed next.
The Moneys returned to West Texas soil on October 23. Since then, Royce Money said he has quickly settled into his new responsibilities. “My primary role as chancellor is fundraising and making new friends for the university and keeping in touch with old friends,” said Royce Money. Meanwhile, Pam Money has spent time catching up with friends and family. “It’s amazing how many people didn’t know where we were,” she said.
abilene
The Moneys share their experiences and excursions from the past year On Memorial Day weekend, the Moneys left for a two month trip to Vermont. “That was a kind of getaway and personal vacation time,” said Royce Money. The Moneys have spent time in Vermont at least every other year for the past 10 years. “We prefer mountains to oceans,” said Pam Money.
VERMONT The Moneys will extend their Study Abroad experience by visiting the newest ACU Study Abroad site in Leipzig, Germany at the end of March. Royce Money will teach a course on church survey, not far from where Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the church doors in Wittenburg, Germany. “That is the cradle of the Protestant Reformation,” said Royce Money. “It is a place filled with historical discoveries.” After joining the class trip to Turkey, the Moneys plan on returning to Abilene in the beginning of May.
leipzig
Story by Kelsi Williamson
The Moneys left for England on September 10, where they joined ACU Study Abroad students for a week-long tour in Northern England that tied into Royce Money’s three-week intensive course, Survey of Church History. Time in Oxford and class trips to Northern England and Spain allowed the Moneys to get to know the students. “Interacting with students was a highlight,” said Pam Money. “Royce and I love college students.”
OXFORD While thoughts of Africa have been mentioned for the future, nothing is set in stone, said Royce Money. But no matter where they go next, both Royce and Pam Money stress the importance of learning from an international experience. Together, they have visited around 25 countries in 46 years of marriage. “It’s very valuable to have experiences that are different than the ones you grew up with,” said Pam Money.
looking ahead
V
Opinion
Page 6
EDITORIAL
December 1, 2010
Students need snacks at Don Morris It is the nature of college students to pull all-nighters. Many students spend the night cramming for tests in their dorm rooms or working on group projects in the library – two locations in close proximity to food. However, a large population of students are forced to work long hours in buildings with equipment necessary for their work, but without easy access to food. ACU should eliminate this frustration by build-
ing a late-night café in one of those buildings, Don Morris. Don Morris houses the Department of Art and Design and the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. Most students in these departments don’t own a 21.5-inch iMac, a potter’s wheel or a gigantic light board. This forces them to complete assignments inside the walls of Don Morris. Students are required to finish multiple projects, papers and de-
signs, but have no access to food other than what they bring from home. Vending machines were ripped out of the building this semester, leaving students to fend for themselves after the campus center shuts its doors for the night. The Don Morris café could open its doors from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. and perhaps for the lunchtime rush from 11:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. How’s a student supposed to work long hours without any fuel? If a café
was built in the first floor, students from all majors could enjoy a late-night snack to keep energy up and create better projects. The next great sculpture, an award-winning design or an Pulitzer Prize-winning article could result from a simple bagel. Or, perhaps ACU could provide the building with a coffee cart. The cart could carry various types of coffee and pastries and travel from floor to floor, offering treats for students. This request might seem
the issue
Students in the Don Morris building often stay up late working on school projects but have limited access to food.
our take
ACU should provide either a café or a food cart in the Don Morris building for late night dining. self-serving, considering the Optimist newsroom is also located in Don Morris, but the café could serve students from all areas of campus. With an addition of a café in Don Morris, students would have another option to combat the after-Chapel lunch
contact the Optimist at
jmcnetwork@acu.edu
COLUMN
By Morgan Davis
The Funny Funnies
rush. Especially considering its proximity to Moody Coliseum. I know the phrase “starving artist” is popular for a reason, but it doesn’t have to be taken literally.
Blessings found despite the cold Barbarossa
By Matthew Woodrow
This Thanksgiving gave me ample time to think about what I was thankful for. I had to work on Black Friday at my job here in Abilene, so after a delicious Thanksgiving dinWoodrow ner with my Grandma, I made the drive back to the Big Country. My roommates and I discovered a couple of weeks ago as the first real cold front came in that we had a gas leak. So for obvious reasons we kept the gas off and have no Huddled over the way of heating our house oven, I was thankful until our for good food and landlady gets any source of heat– it fixed. So there even a stove burner. I am Friday night after work, huddled in a I was thankful for good sleeping bag, under a food and any source of comforter, under a quilt, heat– even a stove burner. Throughout all those wearing long underwear as the outside tempera- horrible experiences I ture dropped into the managed to live through this holiday weekend, I low twenties. It’s times like that where thought of how grateful I was that the worst of my your thankful for blankets. That next morning I troubles was being cold had to be at work by 7:30, for a couple hours a day. but getting out of my bed Central heating is unwas one of the hardest heard of in many parts of the world. Families things I’ve ever done. I’m not ashamed who have one blanket to admit that I was a and huddle together like wimp, but getting out sheep to remain warm my warm bed and en- through the night. So often we take for tering a house that (according to our in house granted what we have. thermometer) was 44 Blessed as we are, it ofdegrees made me shake ten takes a little bit of suffering to truly apprewith trepidation. Going through my ciate what we have most morning routine was of the time. Yes, I’m going to even worse. The cold tiles of the bathroom whine about how my floor nearly froze my world isn’t perfect, but at toes. And I’m sure you the same time, I’m glad. would appreciate it if I didn’t mention how cold contact Woodrow at mrw08a@acu.edu the toilet seat was.
letters to the editor
Christians need to love, despite judgment In the past two letters to the edi- born into? You are born into an tor, we have seen one pushing abusive home; your dad is an for rights for GLBTQ commu- alcoholic. You are born into a nity, and one saying they should sinful environment exposed to not be accepted. Let me pres- sin and a lifestyle that is natural ent the ‘in the middle’ approach to you. You live a life and have relationships on the outside I have come to take. Being homosexual is not sin- that are Godly, but on the inside ful. What is sinful is carrying your natural tendencies are still out those thoughts and living a there, abuse and alcohol. That is sometimes how homolife of sex outside of marriage. A point that was made in the sexuals are. They live a life that last letter, was that homosexu- is uncomfortable on the outside, als are not born that way. That being with the opposite sex, but issue is so much more than just they do if for acceptance. They are not acting out on their dea yes or no. What if people are born with sires, but they still have them. same-sex attraction? What They are trying to do right, but if they really couldn’t change aren’t. It’s a big dilemma we face their attraction for the same- as Christians, and we are called I liked candlelight devo because it was cool to see sex? What about sin that we are to love everyone.
all of the lights and TYLER listenPINKERT to the speaker.
Yet some homosexuals choose to live a life of celibacy. Is this wrong? Are they openly sinning? I believe this is the point I’m trying to make: homosexuality is not a sin, but acting out on the desires and having sex outside of marriage is. I pray that this entire world would be attracted to the opposite sex, but I believe it is so much more than just that. Is it a choice or not? That’s just too hard to tell, and I’m not in any position to answer that, but I do believe God put all people on this earth for a reason. We are to love others and be Christ to them. However a person may be, I will love them for who they are. God loves all of His creation, and I would hope that we as a Christian people do the same.
Joseph Austin, sophomore accounting major from Leakey
Freshman business management major from Red Oak
I liked the service project. I got to know a lotname of Season of Caring’s undermines spirit people and my group and I had a blast. Along with the beginning of the holiday season this year, Dr. Schubert has introduced a series of outreach opportunities called the “Season of Caring,” which is intended to become a yearly tradition. I’m sure that many lives will be touched through the combined efforts and outpouring of support into the
many opportunities this presents here on campus, and I have a great deal of respect for organizations like Love and Care Ministries which was partnered with our Mission Thanksgiving efforts last week. However, can we in Christ’s kingdom, where the first becomes last, the leaders are servants, and the powerful and
privileged are called to sacrifice that power and privilege, isolate our caring to one season? I’m convinced Jesus compels us to be a people of caring and an institution of caring. I believe that’s Dr. Schubert’s goal. Still, we’ve chosen an unfortunate name that, in my opinion, sends the opposite message.
Lawton Pybus, junior English major from Red Oak
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
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In times like that, your thankful for a warm shower. After work I went back to my house, and thankfully the sun had warmed it up into the fifties. So with jacket on I cooked my supper. Warm food in my belly was another blessing. Not wanting to spend any more time than I had to in my frigid house I went to the bookstore. Yes, it may be a little nerdy but I spent around four hours at Books-A-Million reading in one of those armchairs they have scattered around the store, then off to Walmart for some supper materials. Huddled over the oven,
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FROM SPORTS
December 1, 2010
Page 7
FOOTBALL
Upset: Defense torched for nine scores in loss Continued from page 8
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Darrell Cantu-Harkless gets thrown to the ground during Saturday’s 55-41 loss to the Central Missouri Mules. It was the Wildcats’ first loss and last game of the year.
‘‘ ’’
the end zone, pulling the Wildcats within 21. Johnson caught four passes for 88 yards and a score in his final game for ACU. With two timeouts remaining, the defense stepped up and held Central Missouri to a three-and-out, forcing the Mules to punt. The punt traveled just eight yards after ACU hurried the punt with pressure. And again in efficient fashion, Gale took just one play to find Raymond Radway on a 20-yard strike for the ACU score. A two-point conversion pulled the Wildcats within 14 heading into the half. Gale finished his record-setting season, completing 27 of 51 passes for 358 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. ACU pulled within four points of Central Missouri when Eric Czerniewski overthrew his intended receiver, and Drew Cuffee came up with the interception. Early in the third quarter Czerniewski found a wideopen Jamorris Warren for the 61-yard score, putting UCM back in front by seven.
They made enough plays to win the game, and we didn’t. MITCHELL GALE // sophomore quarterback for the Wildcats
“They made enough plays to win the game, and we didn’t,” said Gale. “We fell behind early, but just didn’t have enough at the end.” The Wildcats did manage one more touchdown when Gale found Edmund Gates for the 32-yard score, but it was too little too late. Gates would finish his storied ACU career with a six-catch 177-yard performance and a touchdown. After earning a bye week, the Wildcats came out flat and seemingly uninspired, allowing the Mules to jump to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. ACU might have had their toughest challenge of the season defensively, trying to contain one of the best one two three offensive punches in the country – Czerniewski, Warren, and running back Anthony Stewart. Gale was also unusually inaccurate, throwing behind a wide-open Raymond
Radway who failed to make the adjustment on the ball. His 27 completions against 51 attempts managed just a 52 percent completion percentage, well below his season average of 64 percent. Ultimately, the Wildcats fell behind too much too early, and the energy expended in the comeback did not leave enough in the tank. ACU finished the season as one of the nation’s top-ranked offensive units, showing vast improvement over a 2009 squad that struggled with offensive consistency. Mitchell Gale established himself as a potential all-American, putting up numbers that rival ACU greats such as Billy Malone and Rex Lamberti. With an 11-0 perfect regular season, this ACU team will go down as one of the best in Wildcat history. contact Tripp at
bjt07a@acu.edu
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Basics: Free throws add to woes Continued from page 8
half, showing the resiliency they have displayed all year. “That’s one thing I love about our girls, they are always competing and leaving it all on the court. They never let up, and that’s something I can’t coach,” head coach Shawna Lavender said.
Turnovers played an integral role in the game once again, as the Wildcats (0-4) committed 25 turnovers in the effort, and are averaging 29 per game, something that Lavender says is essential to cut down in order to win close games. “We’ve got to cut down on our turnovers. We had a
shot to win the game at the buzzer, but we wouldn’t have been in that position had we not committed 25 turnovers,” Lavender said. Free-throw shooting has also plagued the Wildcats, as they are shooting 64 percent as a team from the charity stripe this year. “Fundamentals are the
name of the game. Making free throws, not committing turnovers, and taking advantage of opportunities are all areas teams need to excel in in order to be successful. We need to be more fundamentally sound,” said Lavender. DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
contact Shake at
bxs09a@acu.edu
The Wildcats practice in Moody Coliseum earlier this year.
VOLLEYBALL
Success: Hines, Moronu named to all-Region This season, the Wild- the volleyball,” Moronu said. cats made their mark on “But I’ll miss the relationships Washburn. In the two the national landscape I formed just as much.” games, Schilling was all through the leadership of over the court with 29 kills their seniors. contact Gwin at “I’m really going to miss and 32 digs. agg07a@acu.edu Even with all of the talent that is leaving, the Wildcats’ future looks bright. Freshman Neely Borger quickly worked her way into the starting lineup and excelled next to Hines. Madelyn Robinett also saw plenty of court time this year and will be in the mix for a starting spot next season. Freshman setter Caley Johnson was thrown into the fire when Moronu was hurt in the tournament. Johnson gained valuable playing time, which can only help next year as she tries to fill Moronu’s shoes. Continued from page 8
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Ijeoma Moronu (5) and Jordan Schilling (11) celebrate with their teammates after scoring a point against West Texas A&M. The Wildcats were knocked out of the playoffs with a loss to Washburn.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Close: Two wins have come in final minute Continued from page 8
a key 8-0 run to grab a 57-50 lead. The Crusaders would battle back, cutting the score to 71–68 with 1:51 left in the game. However, neither team would score in the next few possessions, allowing Alex Richman to sink a free throw with four seconds left in the game to seal the victory for the Wildcats. ACU dominated the boards out-rebounding DCC 35–23 for the game. Giordan Cole led the Wildcats in scoring and rebounds with 16 points and
eight rebounds. Desmond Woodberry was also in double digits for the Wildcats, adding 11 points and five rebounds. Isaac Gonzalez led all scorers with 21 points in the game for the Crusaders. Gonzalez also added nine rebounds in a losing effort. The Wildcats will travel to Odessa on Wednesday to take on the Falcons of the University of Texas-Permian Basin. ACU enters the game with a 2 –1 record for the early season, while the Falcons are 1 –5. This will be the second time these teams
will match up this season, with ACU pulling out the first game 80–79 at home. “I think we have played pretty well. Our defense is not where it needs to be yet, but we are working out the kinks and hopefully can continue to improve,” junior Ben Warton said. “We have a big road game coming up. They just beat Angelo State, so they are a pretty good team.” The Wildcats and Falcons will tip off at 7 p.m. contact Cantrell at
jrc07f@acu.edu
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Page 8
Standings MEN’S BASKETBALL Team Div. Ovrl. UIW 0-0 WTAMU 0-0 Tarleton St. 0-0 MSU 0-0 ACU 0-0 ENMU 0-0 TAMU-K 0-0 Angelo St. 0-0
4-0 3-0 4-1 3-1 2-1 3-2 2-3 0-2
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Team Div. Ovrl. Tarleton St. 0-0 Angelo St. 0-0 WTAMU 0-0 ENMU 0-0 MSU 0-0 TAMU-K 0-0 UIW 0-0 ACU 0-0
3-0 2-1 2-1 1-2 1-2 1-4 0-1 0-4
Briefs
VOLLEYBALL
Sports
December 1, 2010
Regional win steps ACU up to next level Austin Gwin Sports Editor
Although the Wildcats’ season ended in a loss a little less than two weeks ago, the seniors can hold their heads high knowing they accomplished a goal that has been outside their grasp for three years: an NCAA tournament appearance. “I think the season was a success,” said senior Ijeoma Moronu. “Of course we would have wanted to win the conference title and
FOOTBALL
‘‘ ’’
gone farther into regionals, but you win some and you lose some.” The Wildcats advanced to NCAA Div. II Regional Tournament, and proved they belonged with an upset win over third-seeded Truman State. The Wildcats fell in the second round to secondseeded Washburn, but the statement was made that the ACU women’s volleyball is on the national map to stay. Two of the three seniors on the squad, Moronu and Shawna Hines, earned Dak-
stellar sets. She finished her career at ACU with 4,847 Of course this season blocks. It was Moronu who was a success ... you win fought off an ankle injury some, you lose some. in the win against Truman IjJEOMA MORONU // senior setter for in the regional tournament Wildcat volleyball and led the Wildcats to that tronics all-Region honors for ond player at ACU to finish upset victory. Jordan Schilling, an allher career with 600 or more their stellar play this year. Hines was a first-team blocks. Hines will be placed tournament selection at the selection at middle hit- on the all-American ballot as South Central regional tourter. She recorded over 100 she is looking to become the nament, is the third senior blocks for the fourth con- first two-time all-American on the Wildcats. She put up double-doubles in the win secutive year with 166. That in ACU volleyball history. Moronu, a second-team over Truman and the loss to was good enough for second nationally at 1.42 blocks per selection, has paced the see SUCCESS page 7 set. Hines is only the sec- Wildcats all year with her
Shotwell Shocker
n The
ACU golf team announced the addition of two golfers for next year’s team. Luke Campbell, brother of current ACU players Alex and Adam. Joining Carpenter is high school teammate Corbin Renner, who is three time all-state golfer in high school.
n Mitchell Gale was named one of the nine regional finalists for the Harlon Hill Award, the Division II equivalent to the Heisman Trophy. Offensive lineman Trevis Turner was also named one of the two regional finalists for the Gene Upshaw Award, given to the nation’s best offensive lineman.
Player Profile Mack Lankford, a freshman guard from Weatherford, is averaging 12.8 points and 4 rebounds per game so far this season for the Wildcats. She scored 21 Lankford points in the Cats’ 50-49 loss to St. Mary’s Tuesday night and 25 against UT-Permian Basin. Lankford attended Weatherford High School, where she was a four-sport varsity athlete for the Kangaroos. n
Upcoming n Cross
Country will run in the NCAA National Meet Saturday in Louisville, Ken.
n The men’s basketball team will play at UT-Permian Basin at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1. n The women’s basketball team will host Texas Woman’s at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2.
Ex-Factor n Johnny
Knox had 3 receptions for 68 yards and one touchdown in the Chicago Bears’ 31-26 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Wide receiver Raymond Radway lies on the ground in frustration after dropping a potential first down pass. Missed opportunities doomed the Wildcats to the 14-point loss. It is the third straight year that the Wildcats have been knocked out of the NCAA playoffs by a team from the MIAA.
Mules kick ACU out of playoff race
sity of Central Missouri, 5541, at Shotwell Stadium. “We were disappointed in the outcome, but Central Missouri played a great Brandon Tripp game,” said ACU head Sports Director coach Chris Thomsen. The Wildcats could not The ACU Wildcats saw their season come to an end over overcome an early deficit, the weekend, getting kicked falling behind 21-0 before from the playoffs by Univer- managing to put some
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Turnovers keep Wildcats winless Bryson Shake
Assistant Sports Editor
A last-second shot by Mack Lankford fell just short for the Wildcats as time expired in the Cats’ bid for their first win of the season against St. Mary’s Tuesday night, falling 50-49 in a non-conference nail-biter in San Antonio. In a back-and-forth game, Lankford, who had 21 points and seven rebounds, stole the ball from a St. Mary’s player and had a fast break opportunity and chance to win the game, but her shot was off the mark as the final buzzer sounded. Sophomore Cecilee Perez knocked down a jumper with 2:25 left, tying the game at 48. Kelsey Smith then hit one of two free throws to give ACU a onepoint lead with just over a
minute to play. But a turnover and foul by Renata Marquez sent St. Mary’s Nicole James to the charity stripe, where she sank both shots and secured the victory for the Lady Rattlers. Throughout the game the score changed with nearly every possession. Both teams led by seven in the first half, but a fastpaced second half saw both teams trail by no more than four points. “That was definitely a fun game to be a part of. There was never a dull moment, and we gave it our best shot in the effort. I felt like we played really well in the second half,” Lankford said. St. Mary’s led 30-28 at half time, but the Wildcats outscored the Lady Rattlers 21-20 in the second see BASICS page 7
points on the board. The Mules used just three minutes and 21 seconds on their first three scoring drives to put the Wildcats down early. ACU would get on the board capping a 10 play, 63-yard drive with a threeyard touchdown pass from Mitchell Gale to Ben Gibbs.
With 33 rushing yards on the drive, the Wildcats were able to exploit the Mules’ defense early in the second quarter. A bad snap on the extra-point attempt left the Wildcats with just six points after the touchdown. Central Missouri did not let up and scored two more times to dig ACU a 35-6
hole with just 1:35 remaining in the second quarter. That’s when the Wildcats woke up from their flat start. Just one play into their next drive, Gale found an open Kendrick Johnson who bounced off a defender and rumbled 58 yards to see UPSET page 7
MEN’S BASKETBALL
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Senior guard Preston Davis plays defense in a 72-68 win over the Dallas Christian Crusaders.
Second close win for ’Cats Thanksgiving, but anytime you get a win it’s a Sports Multimedia Editor good thing,” Coach Jason The Wildcats edged Dallas Copeland said. “HopeChristian 72 –68 at home fully it is a wake-up call last Monday night. ACU for us, because we are goimproved to 2–1 on the ing to have to play harder in order to compete with early season. “I didn’t think we teams in our league.” ACU struggled with played very well. I felt that we had some guys that shooting in the first half, were ready to go home for going 12–34 from the
Ryan Cantrell
field. However, ACU still managed to take a 36 –32 lead into the locker room at halftime. ACU would come out in the second half and shoot much better, going 13 –18 which allowed them to protect its fourpoint lead. ACU went on see CLOSE page 7