WEDNESDAY September 1, 2004
OPTIMIST THE
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
Abilene Christian University
Vol. 93, No. 4 1 section, 8 pages www.acuoptimist.com
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Cats win home opener:
Students supplied with service options:
Kicking off the season:
The volleyball team won its home opener Tuesday against Wayland Baptist. Page 8
The Volunteer and Service-Learning Center provides a centralized list of opportunities for students who want or need to serve. Page 4
As a four-year starter, Eben Nelson has solidified the Wildcats’ kicking game. Page 8
New Chapel format delayed Chapel still to meet in Moody on Thursday as small groups organize By APRIL WARD PAGE 2 EDITOR
Students can expect a variety of spiritual opportunities to choose from for small-group Chapel beginning next Thursday. Shane Hughes, coordinator of Chapel programs, said the three different community-for-
mation Chapels will begin next Thursday, which will be in Chapel on the Hill, Hart Auditorium and Teague Special Events Center. The one in Chapel on the Hill will be a special opportunity for worship led by volunteers from area churches. A series called “Digging Deeper” will be in Teague. The curriculum will be based on Dallas Willard’s book “Renovation of the Heart.” “We wanted to take a more intense look at Chapel curricu-
lum,” Hughes said. “The book focuses on the way your life interacts with God’s life—the way the human spirit is transformed into the image of God. The text shows how your soul can literally be formed into the image of Christ.” “Faith Stories” will be a series of different speakers sharing their personal accounts of the Christian walk. It will feature various faculty and staff members throughout the See CHAPEL Page 7
New Thursday Chapel format • A praise and worship Chapel, led by various volunteers from area churches, will meet in the Chapel on the Hill. • “Digging Deeper” will meet in Teague Special Events Center and will look at the book Renovation of the Heart. • “Faith Stories” will meet in Hart Auditorium, where a variety of speakers will give personal testimonies of their faith.
Residence hall squeeze leaves some displaced Some women placed in other housing could stay through semester By LORI BREDEMEYER MANAGING EDITOR
Some female students have advanced through housing faster than the normal ACU student because of overcrowding in freshman halls. Currently, 16 freshmen live in Sikes Hall, a sophomore residence hall, and 18 sophomores live in University Park Apartments, usually reserved for juniors and seniors. Dr. Mimi Barnard, director of Residence Life Education and Housing, said the freshmen probably will stay in Sikes unless rooms open for them after Christmas and they are willing to move. The sophomores will continue to reside in UP throughout the year. She said the women have
adapted well to the situation. “Ideally, everyone that comes to the campus gets settled immediately,” Barnard said. “We’re doing the best that we can given the options that we have.” The past few years men have had to triple in Mabee and Edwards halls, but this year that problem was alleviated when McDonald Hall was converted to a men’s hall. Barnard Barnard said it takes much planning to decide how to accommodate a surplus of students. “Really it’s like putting together a big puzzle, kind of a Rubik’s Cube,” she said. “Every move you make has a consequence.” See HOUSING Page 7
School selects parents of year BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
The Abilene Fire Department monitors the burn room demonstration as a crowd of students watches after Chapel on Tuesday. The example showed students a fire could completely engulf a typical residence hall room in about 90 seconds.
Officials send students fiery message Flames engulf mock residence hall room in less than two minutes
“It made me realize I should take away the 15 candles from my room.” Mandy Bizaillion, junior marketing major from Houston
By JACI SCHNEIDER OPINION EDITOR
Flames bursting from a mock residence hall room awed students as they exited Moody Coliseum after Chapel on Tuesday. The fiery demonstration served as a lesson to students on how fast fire travels, especially in messy residence hall rooms. “The Burn Room is a great way to offer students a lifesized object lesson regarding fire safety,” said Dr. Mimi
Barnard, director of Residence Life Education and Housing, in an e-mail. The lesson seemed to work as students gasped in amazement at how quickly flames spread and smoke billowed from the room. Layne Rouse, Students’ Association president, lit the match to start the blaze. Within five seconds, the smoke alarm began wailing, and gray fumes wafted through the room.
In a minute and a half, flames fully engulfed the inside of the small building, including the bed and all the bedding. After two minutes, the windows began shattering, and after three and a half minutes had elapsed, the Abilene Fire Department stepped in to squelch the blaze. “Two minutes is not a lot of time to get out,” said Todd Ormsby, director of Smith and Adams halls. “I think it’s
FocusWednesday For more pictures of the burn room demonstration, see the photo essay on page 5.
something all the students need to check out,” he said, adding that he does check for candles in his residence halls. After the demonstration, some students said they will think twice about lighting candles in their rooms or homes. “It left a really big impact on me,” said Mandy Bizaillion, junior marketing major See BURN Page 5
Panel chose winners from group of nine submitted essays By SARAH CARLSON COPY EDITOR
When flowers arrived at their Fort Worth home at the beginning of August, Suzy Jeffrey said her husband, Morton, thought there had been a mistake. The Jeffrey’s anniversary was Aug.1, and she said he thought the gift must have been belated. “I personally was proud that he remembered our anniversary was Aug 1,” said Suzy Jeffrey jokingly. The flowers were in fact sent to the Jeffreys to tell them they were chosen as ACU’s 2004 Parents of the Year. They will be awarded a plaque by Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, in Chapel on Sept. 24 with a reception in the Sowell Rotunda in the Biblical Studies Building immediately following.
Samantha Adkins, coordinator of alumni projects, said nine sets of parents were nominated in the spring through two-page essays submitted by their children, and every letter received was good. “All were wonderful letters,” Adkins said, “and we felt very blessed reading all of them.” A committee comprised of representatives from around campus read the essays and chose the winner. Members of the committee were Adkins; Jim Holmans, executive assistant to the president; La Shae Sloan, director of Student Multicultural Enrichment and Student Services; and Jana and Mark Hanner, co-presidents of Wildcat Parents. Andy Jeffrey, senior integrated marketing and communication major from Fort Worth, along with his two sisters and brother, all ACU alumni, nominated his parents. “They’ve done so much for See PARENTS Page 7
HSU opens off-campus coffee shop Hardin-Simmons partners with ARAMARK in venture By JACI SCHNEIDER OPINION EDITOR
Java City, a new coffee shop and restaurant, opened this summer on Ambler Avenue near Hardin-Simmons University. It is the first of its kind in the world, said Torick Banks, the location manager of Java City. The coffee shop is a joint project between Hardin-Simmons and ARAMARK, the university’s food service company. Students and community members can dine at the café, but ARAMARK provides the menu, which is full of specialty coffees, smoothies, salads,
sandwiches, croissants and more. Java City is ARAMARK’s signature coffee brand and cafe; about 2,800 franchises are in schools, hospitals and stadiums in the world, Banks said. However, Hardin-Simmons began the first off-campus operation. “It’s a real-life retail operation under the umbrella of ARAMARK,” Banks said. “The original idea came from students at Hardin-Simmons.” The grand opening of Java City was July 24, and Banks said that business has been great. “It’s a wonderful building and a nice place where students can hang out,” he said. The café also offers free wireless Internet and desktop computer access.
“It’s absolutely the place to be in Abilene,” Banks said. ACU receives dining service from ARAMARK and has five “brew” locations on campus, said Cory Bourg, director of ARAMARK food service at ACU, in an e-mail. The Fatted Café, Connections Café, the Jelly Bean, Smith and Adams halls and the Bagel Wagon serve Java City coffee, but not specialty coffees. They also serve Starbucks brew. Bourg said the university is looking at the possibility of putting a smaller version of Java City in the new residence hall. “I have been there,” Bourg said, “and like it a lot.” E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu
EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer
Java City, a joint venture between Hardin-Simmons University and ARAMARK, opened July 24 on Ambler Avenue near the HSU campus. Torick Banks, location manager of Java City, said the cafe is one of the first university-run coffee shops to be built off campus.
CAMPUS
Chapel Check-Up Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:
Wednesday, September 1, 2004
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Announcements
Calendar&Events Wednesday
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Friday
Faculty-Senate meeting, 7:15-8 a.m., Campus Center faculty-staff dining room.
Freshman Follies sign-ups, 10 a.m.2 p.m., Campus Center ticket window.
Study Abroad fair, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Campus Center.
Study Abroad fair, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Campus Center.
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Sunday
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Tuesday
Women’s Social Club Teas, 1-6 p.m., begin in Hart Auditorium.
Beyond the Wall poster sale, 7 a.m.4 p.m., Campus Center.
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Service Expo, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Campus Center.
Monday
Campus Activities Board Beach Bash sign-ups, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
FilmFest sign-ups, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center.
FilmFest sign-ups, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center.
Beyond the Wall poster sale, 7 a.m.4 p.m., Campus Center.
Students’ Association elections, 11 a.m.-3 p.m, Campus Center.
Free movie, Shrek 2 6:30 and 9 p.m., Cullen Auditorium.
Gamma Sigma Phi rush, 5 p.m., Will Hair Park.
Galaxy rush, 12 p.m., Gary’s Pizza on Judge Ely Boulevard.
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Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King, 7:30 p.m., Paramount Theatre. Seats $5.
Sigma Theta Chi rush, 5 p.m., Hilton Room.
Ko Jo Kai rush, 5 p.m., Beauchamp Amphitheater.
Trojans rush, 7 p.m., Sonic on Judge Ely Boulevard, volleyball court.
Frater Sodalis rush, 5 p.m., intramural field.
Thursday
Study Abroad fair, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Campus Center. Freshman Follies sign-ups, 10 a.m.2 p.m., Campus Center ticket window.
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Saturday
Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Paramount Theatre. Seats $5.
FilmFest sign-ups, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center.
Alpha Kai Omega, 7 p.m., COBA atrium. Trojans Rush, 7 p.m., Cal Young Park.
Delta Theta Rush, 7 p.m. Pi Kappa rush, 9 p.m., Cal Young Park. Tri Kappa Gamma rush, 9 p.m., Living Room.
GATA rush, 9 p.m., Living Room.
Volunteer Opportunities The counseling center needs a volunteer to copy edit the Dear Grace column that appears in the Optimist and possibly other documents. It takes about 30 minutes to an hour a week and can probably be done by e-mail. For more information, contact Helen Marshall at Ext. 2119 or by e-mail at marshallh@acu.edu. Day Nursery is seeking volunteers to work shifts at its food booth Sept. 10-18. Workers will be serving
food and drinks, but they will not be required to cook. Many different shifts are available during both day and evening hours. Visit the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout for more information. The Student Resources Office needs 20 volunteers to help with the faculty and staff event “Under the Big Top.” The event will take place in the Teague Special Events Center 5-8:30 p.m.
Thursday. For more information, contact the Volunteer and ServiceLearning Center in the Bean Sprout. Wildcat Kids is looking for volunteers. Applications can be picked up at the Volunteer and ServiceLearning Center in the Bean Sprout. Completed applications are due Sept. 10. Big Brothers Big Sisters needs male volunteers to participate in “Brother to Brother” Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. Volunteers
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will be matched with a little brother for sports, art projects, games and other activities. For more information, call 677-7839. The Salvation Army needs volunteers to help with a variety of holiday projects including Holiday Meals, the Holiday Food Drive and the Angel Tree Program. Volunteers are needed any time. For more information, call Shannon Bedford at 677-1408.
The Office of Student Multicultural Enrichment is hosting a Welcome/Welcome Back Reception Thursday at 8 p.m. in the Hilton Room. Students can meet cultural student advisers and learn about various cultural organizations on campus. Contact La Shae Sloan in McKinzie Hall Room 127 for more information. The Shinnery Review is conducting an interest meeting today at 5 p.m. in room 327 of the Administration Building. Students can discover how to be a part of ACU’s student-produced literary magazine. The Freshman Action Council is looking for freshmen to help plan and participate in different events for the freshman class. Applications are available in the Campus Activi-
ties Board office and are due Friday. Applications for the Service Action Leadership Team are available in the Volunteer and ServiceLearning Center. SALT’s purpose is to provide leadership opportunities for students in service and volunteer activities. Applications are due Friday. Help plan this year’s Homecoming tradition by signing up for Homecoming Steering Committee. Applications are available online at the ACU alumni Web site and are due Friday at 5 p.m. The ACU Cycling Club is seeking new members. Students may come to the club’s first informational meeting Thursday, Sept. 9 at 8 p.m. in the COBA atrium. For more information, e-mail Bobby Griffith at rlg04b@acu.edu.
About This Page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@jmc.acu.edu or to the Page 2 Editor, ACU Box 27892, Abilene, TX 79699.
To ensure that an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style. Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.
LOCAL NEWS
Wednesday, September 1, 2004
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Group multiplies meals New building allows Meals on Wheels to expand services
“Many times ... you might be the only human contact they have in the course of a day.” Rita Harrell, administrative coordinator of the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center
By EMILY CHASTAIN STUDENT REPORTER
Meals on Wheels really delivers. The organization, officially named Meals on Wheels Plus Inc., offers a hot noon meal hand-delivered by volunteers to homebound recipients five days a week. According to the mission statement, the purpose is to “enhance the quality of life for seniors and other eligible adults by providing nutritionally balanced meals and supportive services.” The group also distributes magazines and books to those who would like to read, and on Fridays, flowers donated by a local florist are given to each recipient. “We try to do more than just deliver meals to people,” said Betty Bradley, executive director of the organization. Bradley said she believes Meals on Wheels is helping clients because “with us tak-
ing food in, we know they have a good balanced meal at least once a day, and they’re not having to spend their small funds to get it.” With a new building completed this summer, Meals on Wheels now has the capacity for expansion. The building, 2.5 times larger than the previous building, served its first meal on June 15. The older structure was designed to serve a maximum of 600 people, but by the time Meals on Wheels moved into the new building, it was serving 800 people. Having a new facility will enable the organization to expand to accommodate about 2,000 homebound recipients, Bradley said. Meals on Wheels clients are not the only people who have found the organization rewarding. Rita Harrell, administrative coordinator of the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center,
said many ACU students have volunteered in the past and found the experience to be worthwhile, and Meals on Wheels can always use volunteers. Harrell said students can walk away knowing they did more than just deliver a hot meal. “It’s been great,” Harrell said. “Many times, to the people you deliver to, you might be the only human contact they have in the course of a day.” Harrell, who has volunEMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer teered numerous times herself, said the best way for stu- Guadalupe Tovar stands outside her home in Abilene on Monday while her daughter looks on in the backdents to volunteer is by con- ground. Tovar is a client of Meals on Wheels, an organization that delivers hot meals for the homebound. tacting Meals on Wheels directly at 672-5050 or visiting the new building located at 717 N. 10th St.
E-mail Chastain at: egc00a@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS
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Wednesday, September 1, 2004
Organizations offer volunteer roles to students Various campus groups allow students opportunity to serve By MONICA SMITH STAFF WRITER
ACU has many service and volunteer opportunities available for students to become involved in. Students looking for service opportunities can use the
Volunteer and Service-Learning Center to find service organizations on campus. Such organizations include: Service Action Leadership Team, Wildcat Kids, Treadaway Kids, Senior Buddies and Habitat for Humanity. SALT gives students opportunities for service. SALT facilitates service opportunities for ACU students through such activities as ACU for Abilene, Service Saturday, Encouragement Day and a Service Expo,
said Jenna Grime, junior English major from Archbold, Ohio, and publicity co-chair for SALT. Students interested in SALT have until the end of the week to submit their applications to the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. Wildcat Kids works to pair two college students with a school-aged child to attend an activity once a month. However, “it is encouraged
Circus event planned for faculty, staff ‘Big Top’ offers fellowship and fun to faculty members By LUKE HARRIS STUDENT REPORTER
“Under the Big Top,” an event for the ACU faculty, staff and their families to enjoy food, fellowship and face painting, will be conducted in the Teague Special Events Center on Thursday. Every year ACU sponsors an event for the ACU faculty and staff with a different theme, and this year, “Under the Big Top” has been chosen for a circustype atmosphere.
Donna Davis, employee services coordinator, said “Under the Big Top” will include games for adults and children alike. The Teague Center will be filled with different booths for face painting, free food and many different forms of entertainment. Davis has coordinated the September event for the past two years with the same theme, the “ACU County Fair.” Davis said the determination on whether to bring a certain theme back is the response of the faculty and staff and their families. She said the County Fair was a hit with its countrywestern atmosphere and pigkissing contest, which caused it to come back for another year.
that the college students meet with the child between activities,” said Nancy Coburn, director of the VSLC. About 100 kids and 200 college students are involved in Wildcat Kids. In Treadaway Kids, college students mentor and have a weekly Bible study with schoolaged children. In the past, the program has taken place at Hillcrest Church of Christ on Wednesday evenings before the regular church activities, but the
program may be relocating, Coburn said. Senior Buddies partners college students with residents at Christian Village, a retirement complex on North 19th Street. The volunteers play games with the residents and plan activities, such as a movie night. Habitat for Humanity raises money to help build or renovate a house for an underprivileged family. Students can go to the VSLC
to pick up an application for any of the organizations. To date, the number of students visiting the office has been average. “There has been a steady stream since last week, since Welcome Week,” Coburn said. “Many of the students will take an application and not turn it in, but we usually get good responses.” E-mail Smith at: mxs02a@acu.edu
Hooked on New Zealand
The attendance averages around 300 to 600 faculty and staff with their families, Davis said, depending on the night the event is conducted and how many classes interfere. “I really encourage everyone to come to socialize with the new employees and faculty,” Davis said. Wayne Barnard, dean of Campus Life, said he thinks the event improves every year and is becoming more interactive. “It’s really good for new staff to come and meet everyone and see that they are part of something bigger than themselves,” Barnard said. EYAKEM GULILAT/Staff Photographer
E-mail Harris at: optimist@acu.edu
Brent Hines, sophomore international relations and missions major from Belton gives a Maori fish hook from New Zealand to Kathleen Carmichael, sophomore psychology major from Austin.
September 1, 2004
FOCUSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST
Burn Room, burn Continued from Page 1 from Houston. “It made me realize that I should take away the 15 candles from my room. “I’m sure a lot of kids are watching this that will think twice,” she said. “I know I will.” Organizers said they hoped to spur that kind of attitude by the illustration of the ravages of fire. Chuck Estes, director of environmental heath and safety, said the purpose was to save a life. “If we don’t have an incident this year, then we saved a life,” he said. Tuesday’s fire demonstration was the second of its kind to happen on campus. Last year was the initiation of the Burn Room.
Page 5
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Residence directors donated all the furniture and clothing in the room, and the physical resources team scoured the city for additional items. The glass paint and sheet rock was all donated by local businesses, and the AFD uses the demonstration as a drill for training. The firemen filmed the crew battling the flames and will use it for their own personal needs, Estes said. The building will be reused year after year after Estes cleans it up. “If we can save one life, then all the effort and sweat was worth it,” he said. E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
PAUL BRYAN/Contributing Photographer
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
In a joint effort, the Abilene Fire Department, Physical Resources and Residence Life Education and Housing staged a fire in a mock residence hall room. It was full of items normally found in a room, such as a TV, stereo system and clothing. Flames fully engulfed the room in one and a half minutes. By the time firefighters put out the flames, the room was beyond recognition. The demonstration was conducted to show students how quickly a room can catch fire.
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
VIEWSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST
Page 6 The issue:
September 1, 2004
Five-star rating improved by student input
The five-star social club rating has been revised to include input from more sources.
Our view: The revision is good because it introduces more voices and points of view to the rating system
The solution: The five-star rating is much improved, but it continuously should be looked at and evaluated. The more relevant it is to students, the more seriously they will take it.
The five-star rating system for social clubs has been revised to allow club officers a say in their assessments. Under last year’s system, Campus Life officials had the only say in a club’s rating. We agree with the decision to include social club members in the five-star rating process and think it is a necessary step to improve the system. The original system, instated in the spring of 2002, had five areas in which a star could be earned, such as honoring the
u n i v e r s i t y ’s We believe mission, honoring the club’s own organizational mission and being in good standing with the Student Organizations office. The revised system still has five areas to be rated, but several items are included under each area to make the evaluation more in depth. For instance, the area of Service and Leadership includes specifics, such as the requirements of an average of three service hours per semester per member and at least 80 per-
Wal-Mart refugee cries for sanity
In Your Words Have you been following the political conventions? “What conventions? I can do three zillion pushups with out stopping.”
Amy Connel
Josh Harris
junior international studies major from Atlanta
junior Biblical text major from Parker “No, I don’t do politics and stuff like that.”
“Nope, it’s not interesting to me.”
Josh Smith
Jeff Sordahl
freshman business major from Austin
freshman youth ministry major from Maple Valley, Wash.
Editorial and letter policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist Editorial Board 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, its Editorial Board or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors
cent officer participation at ACU Leadership Development events. Officers can rank their club’s participation or strengths and weaknesses in these areas, and their evaluations help make the decision of the ratings. The five-star rating system is not perfect but has drastically improved from almost arbitrary to a more comprehensive assessment of each social club. Club members can be held
As an example, Gamma Sigma Phi was the only threestar club on campus last year but had one of the largest male pledge classes with 38 pledges. Its low rating obviously did not prevent it from having the largest pledge class or members from participating in club activities. Nevertheless, the revised system is a step in the right direction to a more accurate assessment of social clubs, which will perhaps prompt more prospective pledges to take the stars more seriously when they make their final decisions.
Daniel Barcroft
In My Words
As college students around lanes, counting the people in the country return to campus, each one. A mental note is one common thread unites us made. Making your way down all — frequent excursions to to lane 26 you notice that a Wal-Mart and couple of lanes have been opened in the middle, just to Target. Throughout keep you off-balance. Impatient these trips I refugees of the other, fuller have noticed lanes have already flooded an unyielding these. So the search continues. Finally arriving at the far trend once the shopping is end, you notice that, as usual, finished. With- there is little variation in the Gray out exception, length of the lines. Realizing these massive you have wasted valuable time, Matters stores include you begin to analyze the indiWarren Gray at least 30 chec- vidual shoppers. Looking in the kout lines each. However, it is baskets to determine who has extremely rare to witness more the most stuff is the easy part. than eight or nine functioning The tough part is locating the troublemakers, the ones who at the same time. question the This strange phenomenon forces the Figuring out the price of bananas, holding up the shopper to engage in shopping lane line indefinitely. a tactful and highly increasingscientific mission afphenomenon is Now ly frustrated, you ter the shopping has recognize that if been completed. The impossible. you had simply cause of this spectacle is unknown, but it is known got in a line at the beginning, that locating the right line to you would already be gone. As stand in is an art form few the realization that you alone cannot beat the system sinks in, appreciate. As shoppers make their way you reluctantly choose a lane. Minutes later the inquisitive to the front of the store to pay, you can see their expressions banana lady is seen leaving the and demeanors change. This is store. Enraged with your blano longer a relaxing stroll tantly slow line, you back out through Wal-Mart, but an exer- and make your way to the midcise in exiting the store while dle of the store. You have maintaining one’s sanity. Un- become one of the refugees. Figuring out the shopping doubtedly, the nine lanes will be divided evenly, lanes 1-4 and lane phenomenon is impossi26-30, making things even ble. So don’t try. Next time you more convenient for the shop- make that cross-town trip to per. At this point there must be Target, just pick a lane. You’ll a handful of employees in the save your sanity and ruin some break room eagerly waiting to lounging employee’s day in the laugh at the exploits of yet process. another troubled shopper as they watch on the security camera screens. The process starts off easy E-mail Gray at: optimist@acu.edu or weg02a@acu.edu enough. You scan the first few
“I watched the Democratic one this summer. I thought Clinton and Kerry had good speeches.”
accountable by the rating system, and it is a way to ensure club participation on campus and the upholding of ACU’s mission. However, we believe the rating offers little appeal to prospective club members; therefore it is not likely to be taken seriously by members. Students do not join clubs based on the ratings given to them by officials, but by whether they connect with club members and like the club’s purpose and activities.
that the system does not hinder a club’s level of appeal on campus.
or to refuse to print letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or less. 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@jmc.acu.edu
How to win on-campus decathlon The Olympics have ended, so Debates don’t escalate to the intensity of Greco- forming and planning now. Organizers of the competisome ardent fans now may find they have hours of free time with Roman wrestling matches, but some get close. tion want it to join the ranks of such traditions as Follies nothing to do. Several activities and Sing Song, and anyone are starting on campus, and a lot of of experience under him, this probably with ties to the university in the past 12 them mirror Olympic will be one of the cooler shows on cam- months can enter, which means students could be competing against their teachevents, so here are some pus this year. • The Students’ Association meets ers. The contest will probably become of the top things to do now that the games of each Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the Biblical intense, but instead of medals, winners the 28th Olympiad have Studies Building Room 114. The first will receive cool prize packages. • The Recreation Area has a new meeting is this week, and it’s a great time concluded. • Volleyball season to hear what the Student Congress is addition: automatic bowling scoring. Lori’s Story started last weekend, working on and what issues the group is For a fun Friday night, students can get and the team’s next dealing with. Debates don’t escalate to a group of friends together, divide into Lori home game is Tuesday the intensity of Greco-Roman wrestling teams and organize their own OlympicBredemeyer like games, with prizes of their choosagainst Lubbock Chris- matches, but some get close. tian University. The • Rushes start next week, so if you’re ing. The area also has pool tables, arcade spark and the drive of Olympic beach a fan of social clubs, now’s the time to games and an Xbox center. The Olympics are a far stretch for volleyball gold medalists Misty May and start planning how best to get into the Kerri Walsh can be seen in these group you want. If you’re not a fan, most of us who could never dream of women, who were ranked 28th in the now’s the time to start plotting the best jumping, diving or sprinting our way to nation in one preseason poll. way to avoid the swarming crowds of a medal. But, by being creative and get• This year’s Freshman Follies theme multicolor-skirted women or brick-car- ting involved in ACU activities, becomis “The A.C. Nothing’s Cooler,” and the rying men. Students will complete this ing champions on campus is within our production is kind of like a synchro- pledging marathon in October around reach. nized pentathlon, with five performanc- Homecoming. es slated for Sept. 24-25. With Kendall • The deadline for FilmFest entry E-mail Bredemeyer at: optimist@acu.edu or lmb00g@acu.edu Massey, a still-new director with a year forms is next week, so teams should be
Freshmen column cynical, unjustified As I was sitting down to dinner, I heard a loud shout of anger from behind me. “Can you believe this?” asked a girl. I left my friends to investigate the cause of this outbreak. This is when I discovered Sarah Carlson’s article. To my disgust, I finished reading this unwarranted column. The unbridled cynicism is not only un-Christian, but also uncalled for. Carlson’s assumption that all freshmen are rude and inconsiderate is unjustifiable. Is it possible that Carlson truly did hear a few curse words
during Chapel? Perhaps. Yet, she assumes that all upperclassmen are perfect just like herself. Those few words she “only hears on HBO” were a minor infraction at the least. On a side note, I find it hypocritical that Carlson quotes from the movie Almost Famous, a movie rated “R,” and still complains about those few choice words she was so shocked to hear. Yet, at the same time I would agree with her annoyance of cursing during worship. The frivolous claim that we pesky freshmen have invaded
OPTIMIST THE
“her” section is a joke. I’m sure we all know that this year’s freshman class is excessively large; we invade every section in Chapel. Thus I would ask Carlson to not feel ‘annoyed’ because there are new freshmen in every section, not just “hers.” Nevertheless, I am confidant that the class of 2008 will be able to overcome this petty contempt and continue to live a life worthy of the calling of Christ. To my fellow freshmen: Continue to raise the standard
YOUR VOICE Re: The Optimist, August 27. “Freshmen: don’t be too cool” by Sarah Carlson, copy editor
here at ACU. My only wish is that all classes will unite and work together as we approach ACU’s centennial. Brandon Smith freshman political science and missions major from Dallas
The Optimist Editorial Board
Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Abilene Christian University
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JUMPS
Wednesday, September 1, 2004
Chapel: Several groups to meet Continued from Page 1 semester, and it will be conducted in Hart Auditorium beginning next week. “The purpose of the series is allowing students to hear faith stories from staff and faculty — older Christians with experiences that merit sharing,” Hughes said. “Students will be able to hear many different perspectives on how the Christian life is journeyed.” Although some smallgroup Chapels will meet Thursday, the three community-formation Chapels were postponed in order to allow freshmen more time to find a small group they would like to join.
“Small-group Chapels offer lots of different opportunities for students to be connected,” he said. “Students need to learn to be involved in one another’s lives , loving and praying for each other, in small groups without the anonymity of Moody.” social clubs, Various Weekend Campaigns, the Integrated Marketing Communication Department, the International Students Association and the American Medical Students Association are among the groups conducting small-group Chapels of their own. Hughes said he encourages students to select one they enjoy, whether it’s a series or a student group.
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Praise the Lord
“Students should go to things they’re interested in and care about,” he said. “They can go with friends or go to places they think they might meet people they enjoy. What’s important is that they find a Chapel where they want to be involved.” Regardless of the Chapel students select, Hughes said the interpersonal experience is what is important. “Small-group Chapels are held so students can meet others face-to-face, see the face of Christ on one another and hear the word of God in an intimate setting.” E-mail Ward at: alw02b@acu.edu
Parents: Couple receives honor Continued from Page 1 me; I’m always looking for ways I can bless them and give them honor,” Jeffrey said. “I saw the flyer, and I just knew it was something my parents would be eligible for.” Jeffrey wrote of the love his parents have always shown him and his friends at ACU, as well as their spiritual guidance and encouragement. “They have always modeled God’s unconditional love for his children,” Jeffrey said in his letter. “At no point in my 21 years have I ever doubted their love.” Sam Jeffrey, ‘00, Becky (Jeffrey) Brooks, ‘96, and Kelly (Jeffrey) Vaughn, ‘92, wrote of being rocked to sleep as children to Oh, Dear Christian College and learning of the mission of ACU early
on in life. “The encouragement that I received from my parents taught me an incredible lesson that ACU would reinforce later on in life, that the only boundary to what I could accomplish in life was the extent to which I allow God to work through me,” Sam Jeffrey said in his letter. Suzy Jeffrey, ‘71, said it was not only an honor to be chosen as Parents of the Year, but a blessing to have all her children nominate her and her husband. “At first it was just an incredible honor just to hear about it,” Suzy Jeffrey said, “and then it was a couple of days later when we got to read what they had sent … and that was just a really humbling thing to read. If nothing else in life happens, just reading what they wrote
was an honor.” Parents do not have to be ACU alumni to be nominated for Parents of the Year, Adkins said. She said the parents need to demonstrate support for the children and the university, and that does not necessarily mean financially. Morton and Suzy Jeffery have attended Homecoming and Sing Song for decades, and Suzy Jeffrey said they plan to attend in the future after Andy Jeffrey graduates. “One of the joys of it is we now have five grandchildren and another one on the way,” Suzy Jeffrey said. “One of the joys would be coming and watching them in Freshman Follies and watching them in Sing Song.” E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu
PAUL BRYAN/Contributing Photographer
Students gathered in the University Park Apartments outdoor pavilion for a time of praise, prayer and fellowship Friday night.
Housing: Residents adjust well Continued from Page 1 Although the freshman women will not be in a hall surrounded by their peers, Barnard said they all are grouped together in one section of Sikes, and their resident assistant, Megan May, has helped them adjust to college life. “Their experience will not be identical to what happens in Gardner and Nelson, though we’re trying our best to emulate what happens in those halls,” she said. Rebecca Cates, residence director of Sikes Hall, said she e-mailed her staff during the
summer about the possibility of housing freshmen in the hall, and May, senior English major from Anaheim Hills, Calif., eagerly volunteered. “She said she really wanted to be considered for this position,” Cates said, “and I had already been thinking about her.” Cates said she tries to talk to the freshmen every day, and some of them enjoy being in a sophomore hall. “A lot of them really like it because they get bigger rooms and have private baths,” she said. “Every time I talk to them they seem to be doing really well.”
Barnard said she is nervous that the new residence hall, which is planned for the parking lot across from Brown Library and could be completed next fall, will not be ready in time, and she wants to be able help keep students and parents happy by having enough room for incoming freshmen. “We don’t have to build a new building. We can keep doing what we’re doing,” she said. “But we risk damaging our relationship with students.” E-mail Bredemeyer at: lmb00g@acu.edu
SPORTSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST
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Cats rely on kicker to Eben the score
LSC South Standings Football Team Div. 1. ACU 0-0 1. Midwestern State 0-0 1. A&M-Kingsville 0-0 1. W. Texas A&M 0-0 2. Angelo State 0-0 2. E. New Mexico 0-0 2. A&M-Commerce 0-0
Tot. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 0-1
Volleyball Team 1. West Texas A&M 2. Angelo State 3. E. New Mexico 4. Tarleton State 5. ACU 5. A&M-Kingsville
Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
September 1, 2004
Tot. 4-0 3-0 0-0 2-1 2-2 2-2
Scores Tuesday Volleyball ACU 3, Wayland Baptist 0
Briefs Olympic dreams end for former ACU track stars All good things must come to an end. For the former ACU Wildcats competing in the Olympic Games in Athens, the end came Aug. 23. Former allAmerica track and field athlete Delloreen EnnisLondon advanced to the semifinal heat of the 100meter hurdles but failed to qualify for the final, finishing fifth in 12.6 seconds. Ennis-London was fourth overall in the event at the Sydney Games. Former sprint star Nic Alexander advanced to Saturday night’s quarterfinals in the men’s 100-meter dash but was last in his heat with a time of 10.48. The Games ended there for Alexander, who represented his native Trinidad and Tobago for the second time in the Games. Namibia native and former ACU sprinter Christie VanWyk failed to advance past the first round of the 100-meter dash. ACU has been represented by multiple athletes in every Olympic Games since 1984, but the school’s greatest international success came a half-century ago, when Bobby Morrow brought home three gold medals in 1956 and Early Young was part of the 1960 gold medal-winning 1,600meter relay team.
After 2000 season, Nelson helped solidify shaky kicking game By KYLE ROBARTS SPORTS WRITER
Quarterbacks that pass for 2,500 yards and 25 touchdowns, linebackers that rack up 100 tackles and seven sacks, running backs that pick up 1,000 yards on the ground and score 12 touchdowns, and safeties who pick off nine balls a season are all accustomed to getting recognized. ACU faculty and the few students left who bore witness to the 2000 season know that there is more to the game than touchdowns and big plays on defense. ACU’s football team went 1-9 that year, and though the entire season cannot point the finger of blame at the kicking unit, it’s hard to forget the plethora of missed field goals and extrapoint attempts that plagued the team. The team lost six games by a total margin of eight Nelson points, most of which possibly could have been won or sent into overtime with a consistent kicking game. Since that time, ACU was fortunate enough to recruit a consistent placekicker: Eben Nelson. If Nelson were to have a perfect day on the football field, it would look something like this: “The game would be close,” Nelson said. “Both sides would be playing extremely well, and when it came down to the wire with the score tied, it would be my turn to put away the game. The opposing team would try to ice me by taking a couple of timeouts, and as my heart is racing, the snap comes, then the hold, and I nail it through to win the game with the home crowd behind me,” Nelson said. Ironically, his worst day on the field would be the same situation with a result that ended
in failure. Nelson has had his ups and downs as the Wildcat kicker, but head coach Gary Gaines couldn’t have asked for more out of Nelson thus far. “I think the most outstanding thing about Eben has been his consistency,” Gaines said. “He hasn’t been perfect, but the fact that he was able to come in and start for us as a freshman is nearly unheard of at this level.” Nelson’s sophomore season provided a peak-and-valley experience for him. Nelson returned to his hometown of Stephenville Sept. 21, 2002, as ACU took on Tarleton State. After a Brad Walton interception in the second quarter, Nelson was unable to connect on a 27-yard try, and the Wildcats ended up losing 12-9. Nelson redeemed himself in a big way the following game against Eastern New Mexico. At the time, the Greyhounds were ranked 25th in the nation, and they led ACU by a score of 19-17. Quarterback Colby Freeman scrambled for 31 yards with less than seven seconds to play. Freeman quickly spiked the ball, and with 4.4 seconds on the clock, Nelson rose to the occasion and nailed a 49-yarder that won the game and propelled the team to win five of its next six contests. “That game was the highlight of my time here so far; it was a great feeling because the [Greyhound] fans thought they had it won,” Nelson said. Nelson’s toughest year came last season as he hit a personal low 55 percent of his field goals (11-20) and missed four extra points. Even still, Nelson had his high points; his four field goals against Midwestern tied a school record as he hit from 42, 53, 42 and 34 yards to give ACU an 18-14 Homecoming victory. Speaking of records, Nelson is currently tied to be ACU’s alltime leader in points among kickers with 163, and he hasn’t even set foot on the field yet in 2004. With his first extra point this season, not only will he become the school’s all-time leading kicker, but he’ll also be second all-time on ACU’s scor-
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Senior placekicker Eben Nelson kicks a field goal in Aug. 31’s Purple and White scrimmage. Nelson, in his fourth year to start, has helped bring more consistency to the kicking game. ing list behind Wilburt Montgomery, who collected an unprecedented 458 points in his four-year career. Nelson enters his final year with the team with one simple goal: “When I walk on that field,” Nelson said, “I want to walk off with three points.” “I feel like I let the team down last year as an individual,” Nelson said. “But I’ve
apart, it would be hard to find a single player on the team that doesn’t appreciate what Nelson has done for the program. And as far as letting the team down, Nelson look at the 2000 season, and see how placekicking consistency has given the team opportunities for success. E-mail Robarts at: kdr00c@acu.edu
Wildcats win two, drop two in tourney Bernhardt named to all-tournament team; Wildcats finish at 2-2
— Steve Holt, sports writer
This week in Wildcat sports...
By BRIAN ROE SPORTS WRITER
(home events in italics) Friday • Volleyball vs. San Bernardino, 12:30 p.m. • Volleyball vs. Fort Hayes State, 5 p.m.
Saturday •Volleyball vs. Sonoma State, 10 a.m. • Volleyball vs. MinnesotaMankato, 5 p.m. • Football @ Central Oklahoma, 6 p.m.
always felt like a part of the team; I’ve never really felt like the ‘kicker.’ I’d give my teammates 110%, and I know that they’ll give me the same. I hope I can do better at coming through for them this year.” Even though graduate assistant and equipment manager Cody Farrell jokingly makes the special teams corps wear orange jerseys in practice to set them
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Amanda Slate, junior middle blocker, and Callie Delabano, sophomore outside hitter, jump up to block a shot from Wayland Baptist’s Ashlee Simpson, freshman outside hitter/middle blocker. The Wildcats, who play at home again Tuesday, won the match in three games by the scores of 30-17, 30-22 and 30-15.
Volleyball news and notes Home opener last night
Better this year
ACU defeated Wayland Baptist University in its first home match Tuesday. The Wildcats, winning their third game of the season, won 3 matches to none. “We haven’t played Wayland in more than a year, but I know they are competitive and I think they will challenge us,” head coach Brek Horn said. “It is our first home game so we are looking to gain some confidence.” The Wildcats will return home Tuesday to face-off against regional foe Lubbock Christian University. The match begins at 7 p.m.
Though the Wildcats were not thrilled with their 2-2 record in the Lady Buff Classic last weekend, the team is off to a better start than in 2003. ACU dropped three of four matches in its opening tournament last year. The Wildcats also started last season with a 0-3 record against regional opponents, which ultimately cost ACU a berth at the regional tournament. This year, the Wildcats defeated two of three regional foes, including nationally ranked Metro State. “We know it’s important to get off to a good start and play well against regional opponents,” Horn said. “We have to use the momentum from defeating a nationally ranked team.”
California next for Wildcats ACU flies to San Bernardino, Calif., Wednesday for the San Bernardino Tournament beginning Friday. The Wildcats will face the No. 7-ranked San Bernardino on Friday at 12:30 p.m. and No. 24 ranked Fort Hayes State on Friday at 5 p.m. ACU battles Sonoma State Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and nationally ranked Minnesota-Mankato State Saturday at 5 p.m. “Three of the four teams we are playing are nationally ranked, so we will have to play well to win,” Horn said. “Fort Hayes is a regional team, so it’s important we beat them to improve our regional standing.”
Injury update After an injury-free weekend in Canyon, freshman middle blocker Terah Brown remains the only injured ACU player. Brown, who had minor knee surgery before the season began, is expected to make a full recovery and return to the team in the next two weeks. Last season, the Wildcats were forced to deal with several injuries, including injuries to starting outside hitter Haylee Hartline and starting setter Lindsey Martin. — Brian Roe, sports writer
The No. 28-ranked Wildcat volleyball team entered the Lady Buff Classic in Canyon hungry for victory, but the team left the tournament sick to their stomachs after posting a 2-2 record at the two-day tournament. ACU dropped matches to Western New Mexico and Adams State, but the Wildcats rebounded by beating New Mexico Highlands and upsetting the No. 15-ranked Metro State, both in threestraight games. Bernhardt T h e Wildcats struggled with Western New Mexico in an opening match that lasted more than two hours. Junior outside hitter Michelle Bernhardt led ACU with 23 kills and 17 digs. Junior setter Lindsey Martin also played well, posting a game-high 64 assists. Senior middle blocker Sophia Kindred, junior right side hitter Ashlee Motola and junior middle blocker Amanda Slate all contributed by racking up double digits in kills. Freshmen outside hitters Callie Delabano and Abbie Lowry each had eight kills in their ACU debuts. Head coach Brek Horn said her team competed well in the opening match, but poor decisions were made at the wrong times. “It was a typical first match as far as up and down with inconsistent play,” Horn said. “In the end, we made some crucial
errors that cost us the match.” The Wildcats defeated New Mexico Highlands on Friday to gain their first win of the season. The lucky number 13 helped the ACU beat the Cowgirls. Senior libero Kellen Morrow chipped in 13 digs, while Lowry, Bernhardt and Slate each recorded 13 kills in the match. Martin again led the team with 41 assists. The third match provided a rude awakening for the Wildcats as Adams State stomped ACU in a three-game defeat. The match lasted only 70 minutes, and Adams State hit .298 compared with the dismal .169 for the Wildcats. “Saturday morning was the worst match of the weekend,” Horn said. “We lacked focus, we played a poor mental game and we lacked intensity. Early frustrations isolated the team, and we just shut down.” ACU beat the No. 15 team in the nation Saturday night, sweeping Metro State in three straight games in a match that lasted a shade over an hour. Bernhardt hit .424 and led the team with a game-high 17 kills. Lowry chipped in with 10 kills, and Martin setup 33 assists in the win. “We talked a lot about intensity after the morning loss to Adams State,” Horn said. “We had a mission, and we carried it out. Everyone was focused, and the play was just flowing. That’s the level we need for the rest of the season.” Bernhardt was honored for her performance by being named to the all-tournament team. She finished the fourgame tournament with 67 kills, 45 digs and a .276 hitting percentage. E-mail Roe at: bpr00a@acu.edu