OPTIMIST THE
WEDNESDAY November 10, 2004
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
Abilene Christian University
Vol. 93, No. 23 1 section, 10 pages www.acuoptimist.com
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Big tent revival:
Signing up for spring service:
Set for the kill:
Love and Care Ministries began its Tent Revival series Sunday. Page 5
More than 400 students signed up to participate in a Spring Break Campaign in March, and 100 more are expected to join. Page 7
The volleyball team begins play for the conference title Friday. Page 10
Congress sponsors veterans’ reception
FilmFest Premiere Night nears Paramount Theatre to house showcase of films on Friday By DEE TRAVIS ARTS EDITOR
ACU’s first film festival, titled FilmFest, will take place Friday at the Paramount Theatre and will feature 20
films made by 86 students. “FilmFest has allowed students to apply their gifts in unique ways,” said Doug Darby, multimedia coordinator for the Adams Center for Teaching Excellence and organizing chair of FilmFest. The theme for the festival is “Light,” and Darby said the theme leaves room for broad interpretation.
“Not only does the theme allow for a variety of different ideas, but it’s also tied to the creation and our faith,” Darby said. Darby said the theme is broad because he hoped to draw a wide range of students. He also said the contest rules were designed to not isolate anyone. “We wanted everyone to be
in able to participate FilmFest,” Darby said, “not just [journalism and mass communication] students with video experience.” Darby said one way this was accomplished was by requiring all films to be created using iMovie, a user-friendly video editing program. See FILMFEST Page 8
Students will have opportunity to thank those in military
Seniors to vote on gift options
By APRIL WARD PAGE 2 EDITOR
Many remembered Hamilton and what she meant to them. “She always had a big smile; always happy,” said Shannon Bailey, senior business management major from Corsicana. “Tiffany was so giving and volunteered for about anything that needed done. She loved to sing and had a great heart.” Students in Free Enter-
In honor of student veterans and those currently serving in the military, the Pope Fellows are conducting a reception Thursday for Veterans Day. Sponsored by the Students’ Association, the reception will be a time for students to thank and honor students who serve or have served in any branch of the military. Mel Hailey, chair of the Political Science Department, came up with the idea for the reception, and SA vice president Melanie Booker, junior political science major from Sugar Land, did much of the planning for the event and searched to find out which students had served in the military. “Putting the list of students with military service together was very difficult,” she said. “I went through the registrar’s office, the Political Science Department and talked to a few people I know.” She said the student body was called upon for help as well. “Dean Barnard’s office sent out a mass e-mail to all ACU undergraduate and graduate students asking if they were military personnel,” Booker said. “If they were, we asked them to send us their name, mailing address and the capacity they served in.” By the time the list was completed, 50 students were found, and invitations were sent to each of them. While the reception will honor the military veterans, the entire student body is welcome to attend. Booker said many leaders on campus and in Abilene will attend the event. “We sent out invitations to
See RUN Page 8
See VETERANS Page 8
Light poles, jogging track, scholarship fund among choices By JULIA REID ONLINE EDITOR
Seniors have the opportunity to vote for their class gift until the end of the day Wednesday. All seniors received an e-mail last week from the senior senators asking them to vote on the class gift. Throughout the semester, seniors have submitted ideas for the senior class gift. Ideas also came from unfinished campus projects. The senior senators have taken those suggestions and have narrowed them down to three choices. The gift Seniors have could buy three options to five light choose from: poles that would be • Five light placed in poles to place around campus the darker a r e a s • Help pay for around the jogging campus. track The poles would each • The Charles have a Trevathan plaque statEndowed ing that it Scholarship was a part Fund of the class gift. The gift could also go to help pay for a lighted jogging track, which is a part of the Centennial Campaign. The third option is to donate the money to the Charles Trevathan Endowed Scholarship Fund. Kristi Thaxton, Development Programs manager, has been helping the senior senators plan the class gift. Thaxton works with the Senior Experience Program, which gives seniors the opportunity to give back to ACU through their class gift. Through the program, seniors who donate $100 or more to the class gift get their name engraved on a brick on the Alumni Walk, located between the Campus Center and the Biblical Studies Building. “[Seniors] should have a voice in their contributions.” Thaxton said. Jeffrey Rasco, senior business management major from Abilene and a senior class senators, said it lets seniors show their appreciation for ACU. “It’s a chance for seniors to give back to the campus in a small way,” Rasco said. “It’s a chance to leave it better than they found it.”
Senior gift
E-mail Reid at: optimist@acu.edu
EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer
Runners begin the Tiffany Hamilton 5K Run, which led them around parts of campus and through Will Hair Park on Saturday. Thirtyone students and Abilene residents participated in the run, and about 40 more donated money to the cause.
Students run for Hamilton family About 70 participate in cause by running, donating money By MALLORY SHERWOOD STAFF WRITER
Thirty-one students and members of the community gathered at Elmer Gray Stadium on Saturday morning to remember and to participate in the Tiffany Hamilton
5K Run in honor of former ACU student Tiffany Hamilton, who died Sept. 3, 2003, after a long battle with pneumonia. This is the second year for the race and may be the last, said project co-leader Jessica Sjolander, senior marketing major from Mt. Vernon, Wash. Sjolander, who had hoped around 200 people would participate this year, said only about 70 people participated
or donated money. Many friends were there to support her though. “Tiffany was a good friend of ours,” said Thurmond Metters, senior psychology major from Houston and member of The Group, which sang before and after the race in memory of Hamilton. “We would do anything to support her and her family. She was a great girl; real giving and spirited.”
Justice tells chief concerns Texas Supreme Court chief justice speaks at Chapel, luncheon
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson speaks during Chapel in Moody Coliseum on Monday. Jefferson also spoke to faculty and staff at a luncheon and to the Lynay student group.
with students and people in the Abilene community. “I love visiting with students just to let them know of the possibilities with their lives,” Jefferson said. “I’m no different from any of them. If you prepare yourself, you’ll be given the opportunity to succeed.” Wallace and Rhonda Jefferson said they never thought they would end up where they are today. “You never imagine your life
Court in 2001. In Chapel he spoke about his great-great-great-grandfather, Shedrick Willis, who was a slave owned by a district court judge By JACI SCHNEIDER in Waco. As the first black perOPINION EDITOR son to serve as chief over the Chief Justice Wallace Texas Supreme Court, Jefferson Jefferson of the Texas Supreme said the story shows the strides Court and his wife, Rhonda our nation has taken. Lewis Jefferson, visited campus “It’s a great story for our state Monday. and the nation in that in a very Chief Justice Jefferson spoke short span of time in world hisin Chapel, met with faculty and tory, you can go from slave to community memleader of the third bers in a luncheon branch of governand met with ment in the state “If you prepare yourself, you’ll be Lynay on Monday of Texas,” Jeffergiven the opportunity to succeed.” afternoon. son said. Rhonda JefJefferson said Wallace Jefferson, chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court ferson graduated he wants students from ACU in to know that the 1988, so when decisions they Jefferson was appointed to chief like this,” Rhonda Jefferson said. make today can affect the rest of justice, Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice “God has a plan for your life. I’m their lives. He addressed Lynay president of the university, invit- just so grateful.” on strategies for success in life. ed him to visit campus. Wallace Jefferson graduated “It’s nothing beyond the “It’s just an opportunity for from James Madison College at basics,” he said. “Study hard, get people here in Abilene to get to Michigan State University and the best grades possible, don’t be know him and hear from him from the University of Texas satisfied with mediocre results. and get to see that he has a School of Law. He began his “It begins to open doors connection with ACU,” own law firm in San Antonio McCaleb said. before Gov. Rick Perry appointE-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu Jefferson said he’s glad to talk ed him to the Texas Supreme
CAMPUS
DAY
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Calendar&Events
10
Wednesday
Campus Life breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., Living Room. FilmFest tickets, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Service Action Leadership Team Angel Tree project, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Servant Leadership reception, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Hilton Rom. Culture Show ticket sales, noon-4 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
11
Thursday
Veterans Day.
Service Action Leadership Team Angel Tree project, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Reservations Only, 6-7:30 p.m.
Culture Show ticket sales, noon-4 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
International Students Association Culture Show, 7 p.m., Cullen Auditorium.
Veterans Day reception, 1-3 p.m., Living Room.
13
International Students Association Food Festival, 4-10:50 p.m., Hilton Room.
12
Friday
Service Action Leadership Team Angel Tree project, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Culture Show ticket sales, noon-4 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
FilmFest Premiere, 6:30 p.m., Paramount Theater.
Saturday
Into the Streets/Service Saturday, all day. International Students Association Culture Show, 7 p.m., Cullen Auditorium.
14
Sunday
Jenny Yates senior recital, 2 p.m., Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.
15
Monday
Prickly Pear pictures, 8 p.m.-5 p.m., Living Room. Service Action Leadership Team Angel Tree project, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Opera Theater’s Marriage of Figaro ticket sales, 7:30-10:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
16
Tuesday
Campus Store book sale, all day, Campus Center tables. Prickly Pear pictures, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Living Room. ACU Class Ring Ceremony, 7 p.m., Chapel on the Hill.
Volunteer Opportunities Hendrick Home for Children needs volunteers to set up tables, serve lunch and clear tables after its fashion show Monday from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center for more information. Wesley Court, a new retirement living center in Abilene, needs volunteers Friday through Nov. 17 to assist elderly residents with various tasks as they move into the facility. Volunteers are needed from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through
Friday and occasionally on Saturdays. Contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center for more information. Volunteers are needed to participate in the Intercollegiate College Community Celebration on Saturday. Students will meet at the Abilene City Hall before leaving to help at various service locations around town. Tickets will be available in the Campus Center ticket windows Wednesday through Friday.
The Cooper High School Speech and Debate Team is looking for judges for their tournament Friday and Saturday. No prior experience needed in debate to judge. There will be free food, door prizes and many opportunities for volunteer hours. Contact Carolyn Thomas at 690-3464 for more information or to sign up. The Virginia Beach Spring Break Campaign needs campaigners.The group will work in the inner city with the homeless and
impoverished community. Email Jordan Swim at jas02f@acu.edu or Jordan Wesley at jew02h@acu.edu for information. Campaigner spots are still available for the Portland, Oregon Spring Break Campaign. The campaign will work with the Portland Urban Ministry Project. The price has dropped from $650 to $580 and fund-raising opportunities will be available. For more information please contact Emily Vaughn at eev00a@acu.edu or at 672-7530.
Chapel Check-Up Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:
57 14
Beta Gamma Sigma earns top rating Business honor society named exemplary by national association BY LAUREN WARE STAFF WRITER
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) named COBA’s honor society, Beta Gamma Sigma, as an exemplary chapter only a year after it was chartered. To receive the exemplary title, the honor society had to have at least 70 percent of eligible students place membership in the chapter. “Our goal is to be an exemplary chapter every year,” Terry Pope, faculty advisor for Beta Gamma Sigma, said. “It wasn’t a surprise because we did a good job telling people about it. More than being surprised we were pleased we reached that goal.” Juniors in the top seven percent of their class and seniors
in the top 10 percent of their class were eligible to become members. Pope made sure eligible students knew about the honor society by sending out letters last spring. “It explained everything and invited us to apply,” said Bryan Brokaw, senior marketing major from Abilene and Beta Gamma Sigma member. “It’s kind of an honor to be even asked to do it because you’ve worked that hard to be in the top 10 percent and you kind of want to reward yourself.” The exemplary rating allows COBA to award a $1,000 scholarship to an honor society member. Only 52 of 417 Beta Gamma Sigma chapters were named exemplary. “Its kind of a networking tool,” Brokaw said. “It looks great on your resume.” E-mail Ware at: lew03d@acu.edu
Correction In Friday’s issue on the front page story “Four more years,” Dr. Caron Gentry is misidentified
in the pullout quotation. Gentry is an associate professor of political science.
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.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
CAMPUS NEWS
Page 3
Gathering to focus on service
Gettin’ in the groove
Students from three universities to convene for celebration
“We want to have fun and build a bridge between us while we serve the community.” Jessica Foust, senior biology major from New Braunfels
By BRIAN SCHMIDT STUDENT REPORTER
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Chris Brannan (left), senior music education major from Abilene, Jeffrey Rasco, senior management major from Abilene, and Dr. Allen Teel, professor of percussion and world music, of the steel drum band give a brief performance outside of Chapel on Monday.
Task force to analyze morale Team to assess campus work environment after budget cuts, retirements By CHRISTY GOWER FEATURES EDITOR
Perkins, task force co-chair, said that has been an important issue. “We are aware that there are adjustments or possible bad feelings about that,” said Perkins, associate professor of psychology. Another tangible issue is that of workload. After the retirements last year, Shankle said many departments were left short-handed at a time of record enrollment. “There have been reductions across the board, but much of the work has remained the same,” she said. She said the intangible issues revolve around a feeling of being valued, appreciated and trusted. “They want to feel that the work they do is important and that somebody recognizes how important that is,” Shankle said. “When you go through a year like we went through last year, when we had a really scary situation with our budget … when you have to face saying goodbye to your colleagues because they’re retiring or leaving the university, when you have to face the fact that you worked as hard as you knew how to work, and you did not get that little bit of salary raise that year, those inevitably affect morale,” she said.
Task force members • Suzanne Allmon, director of Human Resources • Neal Coates, assistant professor of political science • Sally Gary, instructor of communication • Dr. Jackie Halstead, assistant professor of marriage and family therapy • Amber Peck, director of Alumni Relations • Dr. Scott Perkins, associate professor of psychology • Klint Pleasant, men’s basketball coach • Mary Reyes, administrative assistant for Phil Schubert • Phil Schubert, vice president for finance • Dr. Nancy Shankle, chair of the Department of English • Dr. Jonathan Stewart, associate professor of accounting and finance • Anthony Williams, Campus Store manager
Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, formed the Quality of Life Task Force this year to analyze the state of morale of faculty and staff members and how to increase morale on campus. “I’m trying to create a participative climate among our ACU family, and that means staying in touch with what’s really going on,” Money said. “One of the difficulties I’ve faced in this position, particularly over a long period of time, is the danger of getting out of touch. Pulling this group together is an attempt to bridge that gap, or I hope to prevent issues from coming up.” He said that the assessment and recommendations are needtionship,” she said. “When you ed after a hard year for the have a morale problem, it is so budget and economy. easy to break into factions, have “Any time a system this large an us-verses-them attitude.” goes through that kind of tranThe 12-member team has six sition, it’s important to gauge faculty members and six staff where we are on the other side, members who cover all academonce we get through that transiic and operations areas, Shankle tion, how we’re doing,” Money said. said. “We’re interested in quali“It’s a great committee to ty of life issues, and that encomwork with,” she passes a said. “Everybody b r o a d spectrum “Everyone has been ... very eager to make this a on the committee has been very of items.” D r . problem-solving situation and not a gripe session.” forthright in saying, ‘These are the Nancy Dr. Nancy Shankle, task force co-chair and chair of the English Department things I’ve obShankle, served in my area.’ task force Everyone has been co-chair, Perkins said the areas the very honest, very open and very said Money is being proactive in task force is looking at fall eager to make this a problemforming the group. “Dr. Money is being very under the umbrella of steward- solving situation and not a gripe session.” proactive in putting this com- ship. Money said the task force “In most cases, we think of mittee together so that by pulling faculty and staff mem- stewardship as a use of financial will give him an update on its bers from all representative resources, but in this sense, findings in February, but its areas that we can communicate, stewardship means how ACU work will most likely continue that we can talk about the prob- values its faculty and staff,” he beyond that meeting. He said this is the first of its kind in at lems, that we can be very proac- said. He said the group plans to least his term as president over tive,” said Shankle, chair of the send a survey to faculty and the past 13 years. Department of English. “It’s an interesting experiShe said she sees the purpose staff members toward the end of as analyzing issues that influ- the semester that addresses ment,” Money said. “It sounds good to me, and I think this ence faculty and staff members, these issues. Shankle said years like last kind of thing flourishes best in a both the tangible and intangible year can easily strain relation- climate of mutual trust and issues. The tangible issues are those ships between faculty and staff respect, and I want us to do all of salary and workload. Because members and the administra- we can to maintain that.” of the budget cuts, faculty and tion. “It’s certainly our goal to staff members did not receive E-mail Gower at: cng02a@acu.edu raises this year, and Scott have a positive working rela-
The Intercollegiate Community Celebration will assemble students from McMurry and Hardin-Simmons universities and ACU to serve the community Saturday. In the past, the ICC was called Into the Streets and involved mostly ACU participants. To bring together the three schools and create unity, the name was changed this year to better emphasize the intercollegiate element, said Jessica Foust, senior biology major from New Braunfels and SALT committee chair for the event. “We’ve always had trouble getting the other schools involved,” Foust said. “This is really the first year that we’ve had all three schools come together working from the beginning of the semester to plan it from scratch.” Foust said although the
focus of the event is service, it also serves another purpose. “The purpose is to bring students together, just to get to know each other and create unity among the universities,” Foust said. “We want to have fun and build a bridge between us while we serve the community and show the community that we care, as well as the glory of God.” Tyler Sheldon, from McMurry’s student government’s intercollegiate committee, is helping organize McMurry’s side of the event and said that bringing students together from the three universities will accomplish more than the effort of just one. “We want to intermingle and combine our forces in order to do something good for the community,” said Sheldon, sophomore political science major from Dripping Springs. “We think that we will have the
best turnout, the biggest effect if all three universities work together. More people get more done.” Each university will prepare a site that will not be exclusive to students of that university. The group from ACU organized its service project at the Carver Neighborhood, HSU has a neighborhood near its campus where students have previously done service projects and McMurry has a Habitat for Humanity house, Foust said. She said she is expecting around 150 students to show up for ICC. The event is planned to begin in the morning at City Hall where students will gather together before splitting up to go to the service sites to work through early afternoon. E-mail Schmidt at: optimist@acu.edu
Spells welcome newborn son Campus administrators adjust to change with birth of baby By APRIL WARD PAGE 2 EDITOR
Mike and Amanda Spell have a new addition to their family. Amanda, coordinator of student organizations and activities, and Mike, adviser of social clubs and director of judicial affairs, became parents of a baby boy, Jacob Lewis Spell, on Oct. 27 at Hendrick Medical Center. “He’s doing really well, and he’s been perfectly healthy,” Amanda said. “We’re very thankful for that.” Because Jacob is the couple’s first child, Mike said they are adjusting to their new role as
parents and are getting used to a new routine. “Any time there’s a change in your life, you go through a period of adjustment,” he said. “We’re just beginning that. We’re mainly working on trying to get sleep. We’re working on getting him into a schedule as well, and that’s not always the easiest thing to do.” Amanda will take the rest of the semester off, but she said she plans to come back at the beginning of next semester. “I should definitely be back by January,” she said. “I’ll still be working full time.” While Mike took a few days off before the baby was born, he has already resumed his work schedule. Amanda said the ACU community has been very encouraging since Jacob was born.
“The people we work with have definitely been very supportive,” she said. “People have come to the house, and they even came to see us at the hospital.” While Amanda plans to be back to work by next semester, she said the baby is keeping them very busy in the meantime. “We’ve been changing a lot of diapers,” she said. “About all babies do at this point is eat, sleep and poop.” Still, she said becoming a parent has been a wonderful experience. “Life has definitely changed forever, but it’s changed in a very good way,” she said. “Jacob is an absolute joy.” E-mail Ward at: alw02b@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS
Page 4
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Alpha Phi Omega prepares to recruit ACU students Service Fraternity will come to campus to expand pledge class By ANDY JEFFREY STUDENT REPORTER
Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity, is looking for ACU students to pledge their fraternity this fall. They will have an induction ceremony at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Brown Library
auditorium, where anyone wishing to pledge may attend. “We are looking for servants,” said Cole Robertson, APO alumnus and current sponsor. “We hope to have members that want to provide service to their community while developing lifelong friendships and leadership skills.” Pledging fees are $25, and Sunday dress is required for the ceremony. APO members and pledges from McMurry University
conducted a meeting in the Living Room of the Campus Center on Oct. 25. Only two ACU students attended the meeting, but APO members are still optimistic about their chances of continuing APO on campus “APO has been a part of the ACU campus for many years, but recently the membership has dwindled down, and presently there are no active ACU members of APO,” Robertson said. “We feel that there is enough interest at
ACU to get this organization to thrive once again.” Kelley Saddler, president of McMurry’s APO chapter, said pledging Alpha Phi Omega is different than pledging a social club. Pledges are only required to wear a pledge pin and complete 37 hours of service within an eight-week period, Saddler said. “The 37 hours is really not that hard to complete,” said Saddler. APO at McMurry plans many volunteer service op-
Students race toward research Students prepare for marathon to benefit cancer research By JULIA REID STUDENT REPORTER
A team of seven runners is training and raising funds for a 26.3-mile marathon on Jan. 9 to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The team consists of three ACU students, three alumni and one faculty member. They are running in honor of Rebecca Lawson, a 23-yearold native of Abilene and a good friend of several of the runners. She was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year and has been receiving chemotherapy treatments. La Shae Sloan, director of Student Multicultural Enrichment and Student Services, is among those training for the marathon. Sloan said she became interested in August when she first heard of the team that was planning to run in honor of Lawson. “They just made it sound exciting,” Sloan said. “I wanted
Participants • LaQuiera Gantt, senior marketing major from Haggrstown, Maryland • Camille Jackson, senior human development and family studies major from Abilene • Courtney Jackson, class of 2002 • CaSaundra Johnson, class of 2002 • La Shea Sloan, director of student multicultural enrichment and student services • Kim Roach, class of 2002 • Shi Williams, senior business major from San Antonio
to do it to challenge myself to do something different.” To raise money for the society, the runners have designated spots around campus for students to donate their change to the cause. In addition, they are planning a babysitting night for parents, a date night for those who want a chance to get out and a three-on-three basketball tournament within the next month. According to its Web site, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health organization.
It helps fund blood cancer research and provides support for patients and their families. Along with fund raising, the team has been training with the society’s Team in Training since the first week of September. Team in Training helps people train for whole or half marathons, triathlons or 100-mile bike rides to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In Abilene, the Team in Training group has about 40 people who are training for various events to benefit the society. Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday they go on short runs, which range from three to five miles. On Saturdays they go on long runs, which increase by a mile every week until they reach 20 miles. Sloan said she has never been a runner. “It wasn’t something that I was interested in before now, and I really thought I hated running,” Sloan said. “But now I’m beginning to enjoy it.” E-mail Reid at: optimist@acu.edu
portunities for its members. Already this year, they have had activities with the Boy Scouts and the Boys and Girls Club of Abilene. The McMurry chapter has 22 members and took a pledge class of 9 this semester. “It’s been really interesting,” said Kait Jackson, an APO pledge and McMurry student. “I have met people that I would have never met otherwise. ACU still has a charter from APO, but if there is no
pledge class taken this year, starting a chapter at ACU in the future would be much more difficult, Robertson said. “We are hoping to jumpstart the membership and get it back before the charter is declared null and void,” he said. More information about APO can be found at www.apo.org. E-mail Jeffrey at: optimist@acu.edu
United we stand
PAUL BRYAN/Contributing Photographer
Members of the praise team for “One Nite 2 Unite” bow their heads as a video is projected behind them. The event brought students from local schools together for a time of worship, praise and unity.
Degree audits soon to be online Students will soon be able to view their transcripts on myACU By TODD MROZEK STUDENT REPORTER
Degree audits will be available online starting next spring, said Kathy Redman, degree audit specialist for the registrar’s office. “We’re still putting the pieces together,” Redman said. “It’s quite a process, but it should be ready by 2005.” Redman said in addition to the online degree audit, there will be a “what-if scenario” that allows students to prompt the system to give information if they were to choose various majors or minors.
“If an English major wants to see what it would take to switch to business, they’ll just key that in, and the information will be there,” Redman said. She said a tutorial will also be available to assist students on how they can navigate through the online degree audit. The process started in 2002 when the new computer system was implemented. Since then, Redman has been working with academic advisers to iron out the details and prepare the degree audits for students to access online. Melissa Dalzell, academic adviser for the College of Business Administration, said it was important that the loose ends of the process be put
together before allowing students to access it. “We don’t want to create more chaos,” Dalzell said. “This can take a big load off academic advisers, but if it’s not ready, we’ll end up having more students coming into our offices with questions.” Adam Black, senior communication major from Houston, said he is looking forward to online access for his degree-audit. “It would be nice to not have to always rely on my adviser,” Black said. “If I knew I could stay on top of where I stand with graduation by just checking things out online, that would be a huge help.” E-mail Mrozek at: optimist@acu.edu
FOCUSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST
November 10, 2004
Page 5
Reviving the Spirit of Service STORY BY CHRISTY GOWER
People from all walks of life gather each year to praise and worship with Love and Care Ministries for Tent Revival.
PHOTOS BY PAUL BRYAN
John Bargalski worships at the Tent Revival sponsored by Love and Care Ministries. Later, he said, “My God is my life; he saved me from going to Hell. I like this church because you can come as you are.”
What began with five people in a backyard has grown to a congregation of about 230 people with a large ministry in Abilene serving the poor and homeless. One of the events of Love and Care Ministries is its Tent Revival, which began Sunday at 6 p.m. and continues each evening through Wednesday at South Fifth and Sycamore streets. The Tent Revival begins with praise and worship, followed by a speaker. Pastor Mark Hewitt said more than 2,000 people attend on average. “We have a lot of different ministries that will take place after that,” Hewitt said. The ministry provides dinner for any who want or need it and various services, including foot washing and flu shots, if available. Another service provided is haircuts. Hewitt said barbers gave about 550 haircuts last year, and three
barbers were at the revival until about 10 p.m. Monday. He said students who want to go are more than welcome. “If we have a lot of volunteers, you can come and worship and love on the poor,” he said. This is the ninth year the Tent Revival has taken place, usually around this time of the year. “Mark’s been there when I needed him, so I do what I can to help Mark around Love and Care [Ministries],” said Virgil Brister, a 40-year-old man who brought his two children to the event. Love and Care Ministries is an inner-city street ministry that began almost 10 years ago. Hewitt said about 65 percent of all its ministry is on the street and includes everything from medical help to ministering to children. “We do it to serve the poor and homeless and bring spiritual food to their hearts,” Hewitt said.
Flu shots were given to those considered at high risk, like those over 65 years old.
Volunteers give free haircuts to the poor and homeless who attended the revival Monday night. The haircuts are one of the ministries offered by Love and Care Ministries through Wednesday night at South Fifth and Sycamore streets.
ACU students pray over a woman who came to the front at the Tent Revival on Monday night. Students interested in volunteering can arrive at 6 p.m. and help pass out clothing or visit with other people there.
Cesar and his family were one of the many families who sought help at the tent Monday night. At the event, Love and Care Ministries passes out clothing as one of the ministries offered. Pastor Mark Hewitt said they gave away almost 10,000 articles of clothing last year.
VIEWSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST
Page 4
The issue: The Texas Board of Education approved new sexual education textbooks, which all address abstinence with little or no reference to safe sex.
Our view: Although abstinence should be the primary goal in sex-ed, safe sex should not be ignored by schools.
The solution: Textbooks should include information about safe sex without condoning premarital sex.
November 10, 2004
Textbooks shouldn’t abstain from safe sex The Texas Board of Education approved four new sexual education textbooks Friday, all preaching abstinence as the best form of birth control with only one mentioning contraceptives. Texas is the second-largest market for textbooks in the United States, so the board’s decision will help determine what publishers market nationwide. Now that they are approved, the textbooks could be in Texas classrooms by August 2005, where they could be a standard text for about 10 years.
Although it is ple “get some noble that the rest and don’t One book tells students to get plenty of rest so Board of Edudo it” will solve they can have a clear head about sex. cation desires to the problem of emphasize the teen pregnancy. teachings of abOf course abstinence, it is dangerous to head about sex and choose absti- stinence should be recommendignore the teachings of safe sex nence. ed to teenagers, and for some altogether. To ignore contracepThe National Campaign to students, the classroom might tives as an option is ignorant Prevent Teen Pregnancy ranks be the only place they hear that and dangerous. Texas as having the second- kind of teaching. Many kids now According to an article on highest teenage birth rate be- grow up in an environment msnbc.com, two of the books hind California, with a total of where it is OK to have sex before vaguely refer to “barrier protec- 80,050 girls ages 15 to 19 out of marriage, and a reality of life is tion” but never explain what the the United States’ 821,810 girls that many people are going to term precisely means. A the same ages. Totals are from have sex no matter what their parents, pastors or professors CNN.com article said that one the year 2000. book tells students to get plenty With statistics like these, tell them. The Centers for Disease Conof rest so they can have a clear people should not think a sim-
Daniel Barcroft
In My Words
Abilene lost ally, faithful friend My connections and admiSeveral people have asked me this week if I’m in mourn- ration for Charlie extended ing. None of my family mem- through several areas, and so I bers or friends or pets has died, felt particularly betrayed this but I, and most year when the Texas Farm of West Texas, Bureau endorsed his opponent, have failed in Randy Neugebauer. This is the battle. My for- same Farm Bureau that almer congress- lowed me to meet Charlie for man, Charlie the first time 10 years ago. It’s Stenholm, lost also the same Farm Bureau his bid for re- that my family has been a member of for at least 25 years election. G r o w i n g and that I supported through Lori’s story up in Winters, participation in scholarship Lori a small, rural programs and contests. And it’s Bredemeyer town about 40 the same Farm Bureau that miles from Abilene, I didn’t awarded Charlie its highest know any other congressman. honor, the meritorious service award, a year and a Charlie has been half ago. They let in office for 26 me down. They enyears — longer than my parents I hardly knew the dorsed the wrong candidate. have even been candidates runRedistricting married. I felt several ning for Congress stripped me of my connections to there, but I knew opportunity to vote for Charlie. AbiCharlie. He’s a whom I would lene joined Lubcotton and wheat bock in District 19 farmer, just like have voted in redistricting last my dad, so I alyear, but I’m still ways knew he unfor here. registered in Winderstood the hardters, which was ships of being a farmer and supporting a farm shoved into District 11 with family. His hometown is Stam- San Angelo. I hardly knew the ford, a small, West Texas town candidates running for Connear Abilene that’s just like gress there, but I knew whom mine. He’s also a member of I would have voted for here. District 19 made a clear the Lutheran church, as is my statement last week when 58 family. I met Charlie when I was percent voted to elect Neug11. My family, sponsored by ebauer. But something else is the Texas Farm Bureau, trav- clear. West Texas has lost a eled to Washington, D.C., and strong congressman, a faithful was able to go to his office friend and an ally in governand meet and visit with him. ment who really understood His staff took a picture of my the people in his district. Although I might never see family with him, and he sent a signed copy to our house. Ten or hear of Charlie again, his years later, that picture still relentless dedication, confihangs on the wall in our liv- dent leadership and support of my family and community will ing room. I’ve seen Charlie several remain with me. times since then at Chamber of Commerce events and city gatherings and even last summer at my former pastor’s 50th E-mail Bredemeyer at: optimist@acu.edu or lmb00g@acu.edu wedding anniversary.
Time for women to ‘Get Out the Date’ This time of year affords great opportunities for Americans. We get to make choices that can affect not only our lives right now, but potentially for the foreseeable future. And women can rejoice in a special way, since it’s just within the last century No Pun for that social stigmas have been Barcroft lifted to give Daniel them a choice. Barcroft I’m speaking, of course, of Sadie Hawkins Day (or Sadies Week, at ACU). For a week, “girls ask the guys,” as the brilliant-butoverused song says. For years I’ve written columns bemoaning the fact that we’ve lost the true meaning of the holiday; that we’re not taking our roles in this grand tradition seriously enough. But Sadies has
You’re looking at guys who are, for better or worse, in the middle of Girl Central. already begun. The time for campaigning is over. Now it’s time to Get Out the Date. This is the most serious part of the process, ladies. You have to be proactive and gather a wide base of supporters. When you have girls asking the guys out, and you factor in ACU’s fabled 3-to-1 ratio (seriously, check Aesop’s … I’m sure it’s in there), simple math tells you that you’re going to have problems. This could be a very close race for those who are serious contenders. There simply aren’t enough guys to go around. Some of us are taken (sorry, ladies) and I’m sure I don’t have to tell you ladies that some of us are just better catches than others (sorry, guys). How are you going to decide? Rock, paper,
scissors? Rioting in the dorm parking lots? We don’t have the time to call lawyers in for recounts; we’re already a few days in. Gals, you have to be alert in your campaigns. You can’t waver or flip-flop between your stances on such issues as what is the best date restaurant, or the role, if any, of holding hands. These are the kinds of things that your constituents care about. You also can’t afford to appear unsure or nervous when presenting these views to your undecideds. And you’re not just campaigning against one or two others … you’re up against everyone else in the race for the date. You thought there was a large percentage of undecideds in the presidential race? You’re
looking at guys who are, for better or worse, in the middle of Girl Central. We’re bombarded with a range of choices every day. If you find yourself in a tight race, you are going to have to be more alert and more active. If you’re especially daring, you may even be able to pull off a victory against an incumbent, but I’m not sure your target’s current girlfriend would appreciate that. This is serious business. This week, it’s up to you to take ACU in the direction you feel is best. Or, at least one ACU guy. And never fear, ladies: We guys will get back to our campaigns after it’s over. Well, many of us will. I’m already taken, but you can rest assured that if I hadn’t already cast my vote, I’d be out there with everyone else, asking for yours. Respond to Barcroft at: optimist@acu.edu or dwb99a@acu.edu
Presidential article biased, incomplete I enjoyed my time working on the Optimist staff. I spent two years as a paid staff writer and wrote plenty of news stories and opinion pieces. I never grew tired of defending the Optimist to its detractors on campus. Whenever someone would complain about the paper’s lack of quality or biased nature, I demanded evidence. Show me the offensive news, I’d say to them, point out to me the yellow journalism, and I’ll personally apologize and do what I can to fix the problem. No one ever came up with anything. And when the Optimist was judged to be the best college paper in the state last year,
beating out heavyweights like UT and Texas A&M, I was even more pleased of the way I’d spent so many hours working on the paper. So you can imagine how disappointed I was to read Jaci Schneider’s story about President Bush’s re-election. Her sampling of sources seemed arbitrary at best and downright lazy at worst. It reads like Schneider forgot to ask her only faculty source for explanation about the nation’s divided nature, and Schneider’s student sources offered such penetrating observations as preferring one party to control the Presidency and Congress so
there isn’t “so much political stuff to go through.” Helpful. Could no student or faculty member be reached to voice a moderate or even, dare I dream, Democratic opinion? I’m sure a member of ACU’s political minority would have been happy to speak out, and such journalistic bipartisanship could have done wonders for the Optimist’s credibility. Although I also disagreed with that day’s editorial, at least I knew it to be protected by the disclaimer that the editorial is an opinion piece, reflective of
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
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
In Your Words
“No. I went to freshman social though. What’s Sadies Week?”
Did you participate in Sadies Week? Why or why not?
YOUR VOICE
Scott Powers
Re:
freshman engineering physics major from Fresno, Calif.
The Optimist, Nov. 5. “Four more years” by Jaci Schneider, opinion editor
“No, because I’m poor, and ... I’m just poor.”
most of the staff. But to see such sadly biased writing on the front page was disappointing. I guess all those critics were on to something. Daniel Carlson Class of 2004
OPTIMIST
trol and Prevention said that by their senior year, 65 percent of high school students have had sexual intercourse, and one in five has had four or more sexual partners. This fact is astonishing and disturbing to us as Christians, but it is something we have to face. A balance needs to be made between the two extremes. Simply saying “don’t have sex” and hoping the majority of the students will follow your lead is naïve at best. Even if abstinence is the main teaching tool, safe sex needs to be mentioned as well. The safety of students everywhere depends on it.
THE
“No. I wasn’t asked. I had a lot of fun this weekend with the fellas.”
Kelly Sargent
Jonathan Reding
senior children’s ministry major from Dallas
junior Christian ministry major from Dallas
The Optimist Editorial Board
Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Abilene Christian University
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CAMPUS NEWS
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Page 7
Two professors co-author chapter in political book New book discusses role of ministers in American politics By ELIZABETH NEWMAN STUDENT REPORTER
A chapter co-authored by two ACU professors was released last month in a book titled Pulpit and Politics: Clergy in American Politics at the Advent of the Millennium. The chapter, by Dr. Mel Hailey, chair of the Department of Political Science, and Dr. Tim Coburn, professor of statistics and university statistician for the office of Inst-
itutional Research and Assessment, is based on the results of research conducted nationwide on the political activities of Church of Christ ministers. The chapter was part of a cooperative effort to survey the political beliefs and activities of clergy and ministers across 20 different communities of faith. The book, published by Baylor University Press, had a total of 26 contributors. Hailey was a part of a committee headed by Corwin Smidt, director of the Paul B. Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Mich., that organized the dis-
tribution of the duplicate surveys to clergy and ministers shortly after the 2000 presidential election. “We have all been surveying ministers, pastors, preachers from different communities of faith for years, but wouldn’t it be good if we all sent out a common survey to members of our particular communities of faith and then shared the data,” Hailey said. “We would have a database that cuts across denominational lines, and so the book is a result of that.” Each of the communities of faith represented selected clergy or ministers through a random sample and asked them
100 questions focusing on their political activities during the 2000 presidential election. “This was a look at our ministers and where they are politically speaking on various positions: how active they are in politics at the pulpit level and in their communities, their personal beliefs and feelings, and how they voted,” Coburn said. “Anything that could be perceived as political activity, we tried to look at.” Hailey and Coburn sent surveys to 1,500 Church of Christ ministers employed by churches with more than 50 members and received back 358 completed surveys. The sample was taken in a
By SUSAN SPIVEY STUDENT REPORTER
About 415 students signed up for Spring Break Campaigns last week, and the committee expects about 100 more to sign up by next semester, said Rachel Klick, senior broadcast journalism major from Fort Worth and secretary of the Spring Break Campaigns Committee. Depending on the number of open spots, students can sign up for campaigns until February, said Clay Rich, senior accounting and finance major from Abilene and chair of the committee. Students interested can call the committee office, also known as the War Room, at Ext. 6051 or visit http://www.acu.edu/campaigns. Some campaigns have already filled up, Rich said, but students who did not get to sign up for their first choice trip still have a chance. Except for the most popular locations, like Chicago, most of the students on the waiting lists will be called after others drop out,
Rich said. Many students drop out of campaigns because of the costs involved, Rich said. According to the SBC Web site, campaigns can cost from $300 to $1,200, and payments are due in advance in four installments, plus a $50 nonrefundable deposit. Individual campaigners are responsible for paying for their expenses in full, but they are encouraged to send letters to friends and churches for support. Rich said the committee provides a form letter for campaigners to use, and some groups try to raise their own funds through campaign fund raising. Rich said the committee encourages campaign leaders to build relationships with their groups while they are still in Abilene, and many SBC groups meet for small-group Chapel on Thursdays. “We request that all groups meet once a week starting next week,” Rich said. A devotional for all campaigners will be conducted at 8 p.m. Thursday in Chapel on the Hill. Campaigns have been planned for 32 locations around the United States and in different countries, and Rich said
more could be added. “We’re looking at some other possibilities,” he said. Several of this year’s destinations, including El Salvador, Miami, Oklahoma City and Mexico City, are new to ACU Spring Break Campaigns, Rich said. He said churches and other ministries sometimes call and request the committee to send campaigns to their areas. Also, individual campaign leaders can take groups to places where they have connections, he said. Other locations are longtime campaign destinations, such as Libby, Mont., where campaigners have gone for six years, Rich said. “We try keeping those relationships,” said Rich, a thirdtime campaign leader. Klick, also a third-time leader, will lead a group to Washington, D.C., this year. She said campaigns are lifechanging experiences. “I would tell new campaigners to expect to be stretched, to leave their comfort zones,” Klick said. “Even working with everyday teenagers, you’ll encounter things you don’t expect.” E-mail Spivey at: optimist@acu.edu
Serving food, serving God Restaurant owner offers interesting ministry through deli By DEE TRAVIS ARTS EDITOR
Ronnie Beene has a very unconventional ministry. He hasn’t made a life of preaching from a pulpit or spreading the gospel to other countries; Ronnie Beene makes and sells sandwiches. “We want to bring Jesus to the community and to the kids by showing them what he’s done for us,” Beene said. “We want to earn our business by being servants.” Beene owns a new restaurant, called simply, The Deli, located on Judge Ely Boulevard across from Sonic, where Di’Italia used to be. After road construction forced him out of business in Midland, Beene said he prayed for God to show him where to go, and God led him to Abilene. The Deli advertises that it
sells quality food at fast-food prices. “We don’t use lards, butters and greases,” Beene said. “We want to provide something healthy and beneficial.” Beene said he feels the food’s quality and freshness provide a much-desired alternative to fast-food corporations. “Big companies are taking more from the community than they’re putting back,” he said. “They’re demanding more and more, but they’re giving less and less.” Beene said he wants The Deli to be a throwback to better days. “I remember going into delis when I was a kid; you knew the local people, and they hugged your neck and thanked you for coming in,” Beene said. “We want to cater to the kids and make sure they understand how much we appreciate their business.” The walls of The Deli are decorated with photographs and artwork from the 1950s, and the speakers play ‘50s music. The Deli also has a bigscreen television, and Beene
said he plans on conducting special “all-you-can-eat” nights for sporting events. Beene said he gives the students who work for him an education, as well as pay. “I don’t believe in checklists for my employees,” he said. “I don’t just show them how to make a sandwich, but I also show them the financial aspects of the business.” Amber Stanaland, freshman education major at HardinSimmons University, has been working at The Deli since it opened Oct. 6. “I love working with Ronnie,” Stanaland said. “He’s such a great guy; he makes my job fun but also very challenging.” Beene said God comes first in his life and business, and he believes God will be the strength of both. “People say that we can’t provide the freshness and quality that we do for the low prices we charge,” Beene said. “But I say, with God’s help, anything’s possible.” E-mail Travis at: dxt02a@acu.edu
the same time period, so it gives good data to compare the clergy of different religious groups and how they act politically. “I think that we are at a time right now where the religious factor has been just about as important as any other time in our nation’s history,” Hailey said. “The more we understand how the clergy of different religious groups view politics, then we will have a better understanding of the American political landscape.”
E-mail Newman at: optimist@acu.edu
“... and all that jazz”
Campaign sign-ups begin Students may now sign up to go on a Spring Break Campaign
way to ensure churches of all sizes and geographic locations were represented proportionately, Coburn said. After the survey data were put into a computer, Hailey and Coburn used software called The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences to compute and analyze the data “After we got our analysis done, we provided a complete set of that data back to the committee,” Coburn said. “Researchers for the next decade will be looking at the database to do research for future work.” Hailey said the research in the book is important because the surveys were all taken in
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
The ACU Jazz Ensemble performs in Cullen Auditorium on Thursday in one of several annual concerts. The ensemble includes both music majors and non-majors and performs various styles of music.
Honors Program raises bar Future students will have to do more to graduate with Honors By SALLY STEVENS STUDENT REPORTER
The larger number of students accepted this year into the Honors Program has called for administrators to buckle down on admission in the future. The requirements for the prospective students applying for the Honors Program next fall will now include a 500-750 word written response to an article chosen by the Honors Program, in addition to the ACT/SAT and GPA requirements. This addition to the admissions process will be added to make sure that the applicants admitted will fit in the program and are serious about doing it, said Stephanie Smith, administrative coordinator of the Honors Program.
“Honors is for students who want to think more deeply, to see relationships differently and who are excited about discussing new ideas,” Smith said. However, this fall, 194 freshmen were admitted into the program and it has created several problems, Smith said. Getting into honors classes is one problem students are having because of the limited number of honors classes available, said Smith. The Honors Department tried to alleviate these problems by increasing the offered colloquia from three to four this semester. They have also allowed more students into the Bible classes, doubling the normal 25 seats to 50. However, Dr. Chris Willerton, director of the Honors Program, said he wants to continue to try to improve the program to accommodate these students. “For the first semester it has gone very well, but we want it to go better,” Willerton said. Some teachers had to teach
overloads, the sections are too big and they even had to reassign one teacher out of his own field, Willerton said. He said the Honors Program should know by April if they will receive new teachers for the fall of 2005. The service learning class, which was added this semester, is one benefit that Willerton said they would have added anyway, but the numbers forced them to add sooner. The class allows honors students to serve the community through preparation, hands-on service, journals and discussions while receiving three hours credit toward Honors requirements and 15 volunteer service hours, Smith said. “We are excited about the service learning class,” Smith said, “but it is not the same as sitting in a class with 20 other students for discussion.”
E-mail Stevens at: optimist@acu.edu
Students take resourceful trip Human resources students plan to visit Sweetwater companies By TIFFANY TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
Twelve students in the Society for Human Resources Management will visit the human resources departments of two Sweetwater companies Nov. 17. SHRM has taken similar trips for the past 12 years. This year, students will visit and have a question-and-answer session with the HR directors of United States Gypsum Corporation, a manufacturer of building materials; and Ludlum’s Measurements, a maker of instrumentation that detects radioactive material. “We’re also going to have an opportunity to tour the plant to see the production side of it,” said Malcolm Coco, assistant professor of human
resources management and SHRM sponsor. Coco said he knows the HR directors at both facilities through his association with the Professional Society of Human Resource Management. “The club likes to give students an opportunity to see HR in action,” said Emily Petr, senior management major from Lawrence, Kan. “We learn something about being an HR director in a major firm.” She also said she hopes the society members will get to know each other better on the trip. Ashley Ketchersid, sophomore business management major from Bloomington, Ind., said she is looking forward to the trip. “It’s just a good experience to get to meet with HR professionals and get their advice about interviewing and applying for jobs in the HR field,” Ketchersid said. SHRM has several other events planned for the 2004-
2005 school year. The society will visit the local professional chapter, the Big Country Society for Human Resource Management, before they go to Sweetwater. They will also conduct a survey as a service project to determine what area of human resources the Big Country SHRM is most interested in. Petr said SHRM is also planning a Habitat for Humanity project to take place this fall. A videoconference between SHRM and Texas Women’s University is tentatively planned to take place this spring. In addition, Lianne Sterkle, President of the local professional chapter, will speak to the club. “It’s extremely important for students to understand the connection between the theory, what we learn in the classroom and the practical business world,” Coco said. E-mail Taylor at: tat04a@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS/FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Page 8
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Music to bring together former faculty members Boyd, George to work together on Centennial Celebration musical DEE TRAVIS ARTS EDITOR
An original musical production, Abilene, 1906, will tell the story of the city and help conclude ACU’s Centennial Celebration in September 2006. Retired ACU faculty members Jack Boyd and Ed George are collaborating to bring the musical to life. Boyd, former choral director, is writing the dialogue and lyrics, while George, former chair of the Music Department, is writing the music. “This is not just going to be
an ACU production,” Boyd said. “This show is going to be a gift to the Abilene community.” Boyd said one of the main aspects of the show will be its portrayal of Abilene 100 years ago. Abilene will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2006, so the opening scene of the second act will show Abilene celebrating its 25th anniversary as a city. “Most people have no idea what Abilene was like back then,” Boyd said. “There were approximately 8,000 people living there, so today that would be comparable to Eastland and much smaller than Sweetwater.” Boyd said 100 years ago, the city was receiving new technologies: there were new
recording devices, movies were just getting started and Abilene prided itself on having more than 50 telephones. “The story’s main conflict is
father’s harness factory. Boyd said working with George on the show involves give and take. “George can’t really start
“This show is going to be a gift to the Abilene community.” Jack Boyd, former ACU choral director
between the old and the new, the future and the past,” Boyd said. Boyd said the main characters of the musical are two students who have just graduated from high school. The boy wants to leave Abilene and get a degree, while the girl wants him to stay and work in her
work on the music until I’ve created an outline of the story, and then it’s a constant game of rearranging scenes and balancing the show,” Boyd said. George said that while many of the old songwriting teams wrote the tunes first and then added lyrics, he and Boyd reverse that process.
“It’s easier for us if the story is there first for the music to be put to,” George said. A variety of music was popular in West Texas in 1906, Boyd said, so the score will include a plethora of different styles. Because the production is focused on the city and not just ACU, the cast and crew of the musical will not consist of only ACU students. “We’re going into the community to find the best actors and musicians,” Boyd said. The show will have four performances at the Paramount Theatre Sept. 7-10 and will feature a 12-piece orchestra, choreography by Teri Wilkerson and professional lighting and design. “Ed and I have very high
standards,” Boyd said. “We’re not just going to throw something together.” Boyd and George worked on another show, Cedar Gap Homecoming, five years ago and both agree they work well together. “We’re good friends and old friends,” George said. “It’s always a pleasure to work with Boyd.” Boyd said he and George are known commodities within the Abilene community. “People know that whatever we do is going to be clean and funny,” Boyd said. “People usually come out to see those two elements together.”
E-mail Travis at: dxt02a@acu.edu
Veterans: Reception to recognize students Continued from Page 1 representative Bob Hunter and mayor Norm Archibald,” she said. “We sent an invitation to chancellor emeritus John C. Stephens. He served in World War II and carried the American flag in the liberation of France.” The reception will be at 1 p.m., and dress will be formal. Booker said many ACU students and members of the community wanted to be involved with the event. “One of Abilene High School’s art classes taught by Jill Maxwell (wife of Dr. Jack Maxwell, chair of the Department of Art and Design) prepared still life drawings for the event,”
Booker said. “The students drew pictures of different military uniforms, and she picked the best 30 or 35 to be on display.” The ACU brass ensemble
Jordan Isom, sophomore English major from Abilene, was asked to write a poem for the event after the teacher from her poetry class encouraged students to attempt it.
“We wanted to make a point of recognizing the students that have sacrificed and served their country.” Melanie Booker, junior political science major from Sugar Land
will perform, and thank you letters from Lynay students will be on display. Many ACU students were commissioned for original works and creative expressions of thanks, including poems and literary works.
“It’s a hard topic to write about because it involves so many big concepts and emotional aspects and service that people go into,” Isom said. “I don’t know if it captured all of that Veterans Day stands for, the service they
performed, and the patriotism, but it was a good challenge.” Booker said she believes the reception will have a good turnout because it is a chance to express gratitude for the students whp have served in the military. “We wanted to make a point of recognizing the students that have sacrificed and served their country,” Booker said. “This will be a time to tell them we appreciate what they have done and let them know we are proud of them.”
E-mail Ward at: alw02b@acu.edu
FilmFest: Films to premiere at Paramount Continued from Page 1 “We required that everyone use simple, ‘off the shelf’ software to prevent the technical aspects of the films from overshadowing the stories,” Darby said. “Story should always rule the day, and this helps the stories shine through without the technology getting in the way.” Darby said Massey that besides the students who entered films, about 30-40 students are helping in other ways.
“Students have volun- will be the top awards for the Pixar Animation. teered to be co-chairs or be on three film categories: enterKendall Massey, director of the marketing committee, and tainment, inspiration and student productions, is coorthey’ve been extremely help- information. Other awards dinating the awards show for ful,” DarFilmFest. by said. “This is so difDarby ferent from Sing “This helps the stories shine through without the Song or Freshsaid he decided man Follies betechnology getting in the way.” to concause we’re cretact the ating a show Doug Darby, organizing chair of FilmFest the Parafrom the ground mount up,” Massey said. Theatre “It’s a learning to get FilmFest on the big will be given for specific process; it’s always a chalscreen. achievements, such as best lenge doing something com“The Paramount just directing or best production pletely new.” seemed like the perfect place design. An award for the best Massey said he hopes to to hold the event,” Darby overall film will be given as see FilmFest grow considersaid. well. Winners will receive ably in the future. Nine awards will be given prizes, including several “I’m sure that it will get at FilmFest, three of which iPods, Apple’s digital music better each year,” Massey said, “and it has the potential player. Judges for the awards will to become one of the most include Nelson Coates, pro- entertaining aspects of camduction designer for films pus life.” including Kiss the Girls and Runaway Jury, and Robert E-mail Travis at: Gibb, storyboard artist for dxt02a@acu.edu
EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer
Nick Reeves from Hardin-Simmons University runs with his one-yearold daughter, Julianne, at the Tiffany Hamilton 5K Run on Saturday morning at Gray Stadium.
Run: SIFE raised $700 Continued from Page 1 prise, who sponsored the event because Hamilton had been a member, asked those that participated to donate $10 for either a shirt or to run. Despite the smaller turnout this year, SIFE raised more than $700 in Hamilton’s honor, Sjolander said. All proceeds will go to her family to help pay for hospital bills and school loans. SIFE began the race last year because it wanted to help give her family support,
Sjolander said. Hamilton had been hospitalized for several weeks, and because of fluid in her lungs, she required special equipment that raised her hospital bills. “We really wanted to continue the race to continue providing support for her family and for her memory,” Sjolander said. “A lot of people are still hurting over her death. It went really well though and was exactly what we had hoped for.” E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu
SPORTS JUMPS
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
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Upset: Team begins tourney with bye Continued from Page 10 South Division as the preseason player of the year. Bernhardt did not disappoint, finishing with more kills than anyone else in the entire LSC. “Michelle is just so tough,” Horn said. “She is the total team player.” Martin set the tone offensively for the Wildcats and led the LSC in assists per game. She averaged an 13.48 assists per game — almost one assist higher than anyone else in the LSC. “Lindsey makes our offense go,” Horn said. “Coach [Sarah] Carthel and I have really been at her all season to improve all aspects of her game, and she has.” Slate strikes fear in her opponents with her jump serve and her ferocity at the net. The junior finished fourth in the LSC in blocks with 18 solo blocks and 73 assisted blocks. Slate also finished second in the LSC with a .347 hitting percentage. “There are so many different things Amanda can do as far as serving, blocking and finishing a point,” Horn said. “When a game is going well for us, we have our blockers involved offensively, and Amanda is one of the keys to that.” The team is not made up of only those three players, however. Several other players have stepped into various roles through the course of the season. Freshmen outside hitters Abbie Lowry and Liz Snoddy have contributed to the team. Lowry has solidified her role as the second outside hit-
ter, finishing the season strong with 182 kills in 67 games. Snoddy has established herself as a regular defensive player on the back row adding 237 digs this season. Another surprise this season came from junior middle blocker Ashlee Motola. The third-year player improved statistically all season and finished third behind Bernhardt and Slate on the team in kills with 269. The Wildcats have also received production from other starters, including senior libero Kellen Morrow (a teamhigh 456 digs), senior middle blocker Sophia Kindred (206 kills), and sophomore setter and defensive player Malia Plumlee (282 digs). Overall, the Wildcats won with a balanced offensive and defensive game. ACU finished first — out of the 12 teams in the LSC — in kills, assists and opponent-hitting percentage. The team finished second in hitting percentage and service aces. The Wildcats will face off against the winner of the UCO-ENM match on Friday at 5 p.m. If ACU wins Friday, the team will advance to the LSC Championship game on Saturday at 7 p.m. The Southwestern Regional Tournament will take place Nov. 18. The location has not been determined, but the Wildcats are expected to get a regional bid after finishing the season in the top six regionally.
E-mail Gray at: weg02a@acu.edu
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Kristal Robeson brings the ball up the floor on Friday’s matchup with the Dallas Diesel. The Wildcats take on SMU in Dallas on Thursday.
Basketball: D-1 competition to begin Thursday Continued from Page 10 bench and shot 1-10. Lavender said most of the mistakes can be attributed to the fact that it was the teams first time to face outside competition. “You’re going to expect that not everybody’s going to be on the same page,” Lavender said. “You expect exhibition games to be a little rough, but you don’t expect to lose them.” Despite the loss, Lavender said there were plenty of bright spots in the game, and the team showed glimpses of its potential. Kristal Robeson and Jamie Boles had 16 points apiece to
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Barr finished with 12 points, including two from beyond the arc, and three steals. Harner contributed six points and two rebounds, and Lavender said she provided a nice spark off the bench. Each team displayed their depth in the game, as nine players logged double-digit minutes for each team. Lavender said Dallas Diesel was a very athletic club but didn’t look to push the ball very much. She said she thinks that came from a lack of conditioning, something she didn’t see as a problem for her team. “I was very pleased with our
stamina,” Lavender said. “It didn’t seem like we got tired.” The Wildcats return to action Thursday against Division I Southern Methodist University in the team’s first road game of the season. Lavender said it will be a good test, but that she will approach this exhibition match more as a regular season game. “We expect it to be a little more intense,” Lavender said. “Hopefully we’ve learned a lot this week.”
E-mail Robarts at: kdr00c@acu.edu
Cross Country: National meet next for runners Continued from Page 10 contend with the Mountaineers and Grizzlies at nationals. Naimadu, Manirakiza and O’Kello have shared leadership responsibilities this season. Manirakiza, who placed fourth at the 2003 Division II National Championships, began the season as the No. 1 runner for the Wildcats, before a minor knee injury kept him out of two midseason meets. O’Kello was the Lone Star Conference individual champion in Manirakiza’s absence, displaying his capability to be a front-runner. Naimadu, a freshman who has run behind both O’Kello and Manirakiza all
Sophomore outside hitter Callie Delabano spikes the ball in ACU’s four-game win over Incarnate Word. The volleyball team squares off against conference competition this weekend in Lawton, Okla.
lead the team, while Robeson, at 5-3, had in eight rebounds and Boles led the team with nine. “Kristal did a great job of pushing the ball; she shot the ball well too,” Lavender said. “(Boles) did a great job under the basket and on the boards.” The Wildcats also got key contributions from freshmen Ashlee Barr and Jaymie Harner. Lavender is expecting Barr to be a versatile player for the Wildcats this season, and the early returns support that. “We played her a little inside and some outside,” Lavender said. “She created a couple of mismatches.”
season, showed his gradual improvement Saturday, winning a region title in dominant form. “I think that’s a positive thing, instead of everyone fitting into their 1,2,3,4,5 runner slots,” Murray said. “We don’t have any injuries, and everyone’s running really well.” ACU junior Adeh Mwamba led a pack of three Wildcat women who placed in the top four and earned all-region honors, but the next finishers were 36th and 49th, dropping the team to a fourth-place finish overall. Mwamba has been the Wildcats’ No. 1 runner in every meet this season, claiming her first conference and regional titles
along the way. She completed the 6,000-meter race Saturday in 21:34.8, followed by Central Missouri State’s Kristin Anderson. Trina Cox placed third in 21:53.4, followed by Olha Kryv’yak, who crossed the line fourth in 22:05.5. “That was a close race. It came down to a few seconds, and they didn’t get it,” Murray said. “We were just a little short. I was real proud of how the girls
competed.” Central Missouri State and Truman State, which finished first and second, respectively will represent the region at the national meet. The national meet will be Nov. 20 in Evansville, Ind., and Murray said it’s shaping up to be a close battle. E-mail Holt at: smh00a@acu.edu
SPORTSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST
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November 10, 2004
Team finishes .500 with loss to Midwestern Lack of offense, ineffective defense doom Wildcat football By KYLE ROBARTS SPORTS EDITOR
ACU ended its peaks-andvalleys football season with a 29-19 loss to Midwestern State, just one week after knocking off the No. 2 team in the nation, Texas A&M-Kingsville. The team finished 5-5 overall and 3-3 in the LSC South Division. The team’s playoff hopes and its goal for the LSC South title officially ended with a Homecoming loss to Texas A&M-Commerce 37-17. The team’s road record this year, at 3-2, was better than its
Football home record of 2-3 and was highlighted with two wins over Tarleton State and Texas A&MKingsville. The win over Kingsville on Oct. 30 marked the second time that the Wildcats had defeated a top-10 team. On Sept. 18, Tarleton was ranked seventh in the nation, but ACU spoiled that ranking with a 31-14 victory. Saturday’s loss to the Indians of Midwestern kept the Wildcats from posting their third-straight 6-4 season. The running game that had been successful in the past few weeks, was non-existent, the passing game was disappointing, even though it accounted for both Wildcat
touchdowns, and the defense allowed too many big plays in the fourth quarter after leading 1914 going into the final period, said head coach Gary Gaines. “All the things we did well the week before didn’t happen this week,” Gaines said. The Wildcats rushed for 149 yards in last week’s upset of the Kingsville Javelinas, but this week’s game was a different story as ACU rushed for just 43 yards. Quarterback Greg Wiggins ended his ACU career with 209 passing yards and two touchdowns but was just 15 of 40 including 3 of 16 in the fourth quarter where he also threw the game’s only interception. Freshman Cody Stutts led the team in tackles for the sec-
ond consecutive week with 10 including a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss. Clayton Farrell ended a successful junior season at defensive end with nine tackles, a sack and three tackles for loss. At the end of the regular season he was the conference’s leader in tackles for loss with 18.5. The coaching staff will now focus on recruiting and the offseason program. Gaines said the team will hit the weight room until the semester’s end before beginning conditioning programs in the spring. Spring training dates haven’t been set for next semester, but the team is expected to begin sometime in March. E-mail Robarts at: kdr00c@acu.edu
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Linebackers Greg Yeldell and Brandon Henry gang up on Midwestern State receiver Andre Kelsick. The Wildcats finished 5-5 on the season with a 2-3 record at Shotwell Stadium.
Triple threat
Final LSC South Standings Football Team Div. 1. A&M-Kingsville 5-1 1. Midwestern State 5-1 3. E. New Mexico 4-2 4. ACU 3-3 5. A&M-Commerce 2-4 6. W. Texas A&M 1-5 6. Angelo State 1-5
Tot. 8-1 8-2 6-5 5-5 4-6 2-8 2-9
Volleyball Team 1. ACU 2. Angelo State 2. E. New Mexico 4. West Texas A&M 4. A&M-Kingsville 6. Tarleton State
Div. 9-1 7-3 7-3 3-7 3-7 1-9
Tot. 26-7 22-8 23-7 19-16 10-21 16-18
Scores Saturday Football: Midwestern State 29, ACU 19 Volleyball: ACU 3, St. Mary's 0
Friday Women’s Basketball: Dallas Diesel 77, ACU 72
Upcoming events in Wildcat sports... (home events in italics) Thursday, November 11 WBB: at SMU, 7 p.m. Friday, November 12 VB: at LSC Semifinals, 5 p.m. MBB: at Arkansas, 7 p.m. Saturday, November 13 VB: at LSC Championship, 7 p.m. MBB: at Western Kentucky, 7:30 p.m. Monday, November 15 WBB: Texas-Permian Basin, 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 16 MBB: Rhema Bible College, 7 p.m. Friday, November 19 WBB: at Incarnate Word, 2 p.m. MBB: Cameron, 8 p.m.
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Junior outside hitter Michelle Bernhardt (left), junior setter Lindsey Martin (middle), and junior middle blocker Amanda Slate (right) will help lead the Wildcats this weekend in Lawton, Okla., as they compete in the Lone Star Conference Post-Season Tournament. The team finished 27-7 in the regular season and a conference best 9-1 in South Division play.
Team looks to win conference tourney, advance to regionals By BRIAN ROE SPORTS WRITER
The Wildcats head into Lawton, Okla., on Thursday having won 11 of their last 12 matches. The LSC South Di-
Volleyball vision champions received a first-round bye and will not compete until Friday when the team will face the winner of the Eastern New MexicoCentral Oklahoma match. The Wildcats have played UCO once this season and won in a three-game sweep.
Eastern New Mexico handed ACU its one and only conference loss Oct. 21. The Wildcats beat EMU at home in a five-game battle in Moody Coliseum on Oct. 2. A trio of juniors has led the Wildcats to their 27-6 overall record this season. Junior outside hitter Michelle Bernhardt, junior middle blocker Amanda Slate and junior set-
Belated Diesel drills ‘flat’ Cats in opener 26 turnovers, poor shooting from key players aid in loss By WARREN GRAY SPORTS EDITOR
The women’s basketball team began its season Friday with a 77-72 loss to Dallas Diesel. The game was delayed more than an hour after its scheduled starting time at 8 p.m. because the opponent showed up late. The Wildcats then came out flat, but coach Shawna Lavender said she is not going to use the delayed start as an excuse. “You have to be ready to play no matter what happens,” Lavender said. Whatever the reason, Lavender said the team played without much intensity but still managed to hold a tenpoint lead late in the second half before Dallas Diesel took over. “We had some crucial turnovers at the end, and that
See BASKETBALL Page 9
can’t focus on just one or two players on this team because we have a lot of weapons that can beat you.” The most explosive of those weapons is likely Bernhardt. The junior was chosen by other coaches and sports information directors in the Lone Star Conference See UPSET Page 9
Men win regional title, advance to nationals Entire men’s team advances; some women move on
Women’s Basketball hurt us,” Lavender said, “and they hit some big shots.” Shanta Ramdhanny hit many big shots for Dallas Diesel, pouring in 40 points while nailing six three-pointers. “She probably could have kicked it in tonight,” Lavender said. Turnovers plagued both teams in each squads’ first outing of the season. Each team contributed 26 turnovers to the game total of 52. “That’s why we do these exhibition games,” Lavender said. “Everybody was a little excited and maybe didn’t know what to expect in the first game.” The Wildcats also got subpar shooting performances from some key players. Starters Ashley King and Stephanie Riles went 2-12 and 0-8 respectively, while Kierstan Barbee came off the
ter Lindsey Martin provide balance to the overall ACU attack. ACU head coach Brek Horn said an offensive focus this season has been to spread the ball around. “We feel like we have a lot of different weapons that can beat our opponents,” Horn said. “We wanted to show during the season that you
By STEVE HOLT SPORTS WRITER
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Junior guard Kierstan Barbee drives to the basket in the 77-72 loss to the Dallas Diesel Friday night in Moody Coliseum.
Make it four straight for the ACU men’s cross country team. The Wildcat men claimed their fourth consecutive Division II South Central Region Championship on Saturday in Joplin, Mo., advancing to the national championships with a perfect score of 15 points by placing ACU runners in the top five positions. The women’s team placed fourth and will not compete for a national title, but three Wildcat women will compete individually on Nov. 20. But the story of the day was the men’s team, led by region champion Nicodemus Naimadu, who covered the 10,000-meter course in 29:58.4. Defending region champion Bernard Manirakiza placed second in
Cr oss Countr y 30:52.0, followed by Martin O’Kello (31:02.9), Laurent Ngirakamaro (31:10.9), and Lucky Hadebe (31:42.8). ACU’s top six runners earned all-region honors for their performances Saturday. Head coach Jon Murray said Naimadu has been a bright spot out of many on the young Wildcat men’s team. “I saw him run in Kenya, so I knew he was going to be good,” he said. “I’ve always had high hopes for him.” Central Missouri State and Missouri Southern State also qualified from the men’s race, placing second and third, respectively. The ACU men are ranked No. 3 in the nation behind top-ranked Western State (Colo.) and No. 2 Adams State (Colo.), but will need to close the time gap between the first and fifth runners to See CROSS
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