OPTIMIST THE
FRIDAY December 3, 2004
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
Abilene Christian University
Vol. 93, No. 28 1 section, 12 pages www.acuoptimist.com
Serving the ACU community since 1912
West Texas wonderland:
The road to replacement:
Back to the basics:
Abilene offers several Christmas-themed activities during December. Pages 6-7
The Department of English is seeking a substitute for Dr. Jonathan Wade, who is moving to North Carolina after this semester. Page 3
The young team will work on turnovers, consistency before conference play. Page 12
SA clearly defines administrative officer roles Officers can now receive paycheck instead of scholarship By JONATHAN SMITH EDITOR IN CHIEF
The Students’ Association twice voted to amend its bylaws and approved guidelines for a student leadership scholarship Wednesday in one of
Congress’ most productive meetings of the semester. After executive officers prepared members for a potentially marathon meeting, Congress — in near unanimous agreement on most of the measures — bypassed lengthy debate and moved quickly to votes. The need to amend SA’s bylaws arose when executive treasurer Tyler Cosgrove
sought to appoint Rep. Keith Robinson, Mabee Business Building, as chief financial officer — one of the administrative officer positions — after Jeremy Gudgel resigned earlier this semester. However, SA’s constitution and bylaws prohibit members of Congress from seeking more than one office in the same academic year, even if
they resign their first position. “According to our bylaws and constitution, Congress cannot appoint Keith as the chief financial officer,” said Elizabeth Alvarez, chief development officer. Alvarez said amending the bylaws to specifically lay out the job descriptions for each administrative officer, something that was never done
when Congress created those positions two years ago, could allow Robinson to resign his position as representative and be appointed as CFO. Freshman Sen. Brandon Smith presented the amendment to the bylaws, laying out the positions of administrative officers that would allow current members of Congress to resign and fill an open position. Most of these rules were
‘What child is this’
written when the positions were created two years ago, but Congress ran out of time before adding them to the bylaws. This year’s administrative officers have been operating under these rules already. An amendment to the bylaws takes a two-thirds vote of SA, and Congress surpassed that mark by two with a 37-1 vote. See SA Page 4
Campus Center to receive upgrade Hilton, Living rooms to have $40,000 renovation this month By EMILY CHASTAIN STUDENT REPORTER
scoring system will spread vocals across all three shows while shifting more focus to quality of costumes and presentation. “More people used to come on Saturday night thinking they would see the best show, but it’s not going to necessarily be a better show anymore,” Massey said. Groups will also be judged according to crowd reacMassey tion. “The entertainment value of a group should definitely be considered,” Massey said. Massey said another change
This year, students will not be the only ones getting new things for Christmas. The Campus Center is scheduled to receive a bit of a facelift over the holiday break. Remodeling and improvements to the Campus Center will occur in the Hilton Room and in the Living Room, said Joel Swedlund, Campus Center manager. Plans for the remodeling include replacing the carpet and drapes in both Swedlund rooms, changing the doors and removing the paneling in the Hilton Room, adding additional lights in both rooms and putting new features in the Living Room. Swedlund said the last time basic improvements, like replacing the carpet and drapes, happened was either in 1993 or 1994. “It’s been about 11 or 12 years since the last remodel, and those rooms get constant use,” Swedlund said. “There’s a lot of wear and tear over time.” Kevin Watson, associate vice president for administrative services, said in an e-mail that the other major changes are the first since the building’s construction in the 1960s. In addition to creating a new partition for storing tables and chairs in the Living Room, an art gallery will also appear. Swedlund said a railing will be added around the room with space on the wall as a location for art students to display their work.
See SING SONG Page 4
See CENTER Page 4
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Students in the Abilene Christian School’s elementary choir perform a Christmas song during Chapel on Wednesday in Moody Coliseum. Seniors from Abilene Christian High School led singing during the annual Chapel during the first week of December.
Director selects Sing Song production staff Massey says vocals will be judged every night of competition By DEE TRAVIS ARTS EDITOR
Twenty students have been selected for the production staff for Sing Song 2005, and several changes are in store for the February show, including the addition of Hispanos Unidos and International Students Association to the mixed voices category. Only 20 students applied for production staff, so all were able to receive positions, said Kendall Massey, director of student productions. “It’s a really good group this year,” Massey said. “Everyone who interviewed for a position
is qualified to do something.” pated in Sing Song before, I “The title of the category Massey said the 2005 pro- feel blessed to have received that classes compete in has duction staff is bigger than last this opportunity to play such a always been mixed voices,” year’s because he noticed areas vital role,” Smith said. Massey said. “When I was in last year’s show that needed Massey said one big change here, the Big Purple competed improvements. He said the to the 2005 show will be the in mixed voices every year and show will run smoother when addition of acts by Hispanos usually won.” responsibility Massey is spread said the big“Changes in the scoring will force groups among more gest change to people. Sing Song will to sing equally well all three shows.” “The more be a revamppeople involing of the Kendall Massey, director of student productions ved, the betscoring syster,” Massey tem. said. “I guess you could say Unidos, a student organization “Changes in the scoring that I’m in favor of big govern- that hopes to foster apprecia- will force groups to sing equalment.” tion of Hispanic culture, and ly well all three shows; the acts Lauren Smith, junior hu- the International Students will be better from top to botman communication major Association. tom, and every group will from Kerrville, said in an eThese groups will compete have a shot to win,” Massey mail that she’s excited about in the same category as the said. working as downstage manag- classes, and Massey said a catIn the past, vocals have er on production staff. egory solely for class competi- only been judged on Saturday “Because I have not partici- tion never existed. night, but Massey said the new
Grant goes to reading clinic $100,000 will go toward buying new equipment, software By JACI SCHNEIDER OPINION EDITOR
The U.S. Department of Education awarded a $100,000 grant to ACU’s Reading Clinic Nov. 20 as part of a spending bill approved by Congress. The university’s Department of Education worked with the Office of Development to secure the grant, said Dr. Pat Simpson, director
of the Reading Clinic and professor of English. “It’s been in the works for more than one year,” Simpson said. “We put our heads together and thought of all positives we bring to the community and looked at our very specific needs.” Dr. Colleen Durrington, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said in an e-mail that they asked for the funding to enhance the clinic with new equipment and software. “This will help us better prepare our ACU students preparing to be teachers, as well as serve the community
by assisting K-12 students who have difficulties reading,” Durrington said. Simpson said the current assessment tools will be enhanced, which will help prepare students to teach special education and reading. “We’ll broaden our repertoire of assessment tools,” she said, adding that new technology will be included. “We will use it to do what we do now even better.” The summer Reading Clinic has existed at ACU for about 30 years, Durrington See CLINIC Page 4
Final Exam Schedule (Dec. 6-10) Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
8-10 a.m.
ENGL 103, 106, 107, 111/112 ACCT 210/211
1:30 p.m. TR
8 a.m. MWF
COMS 111
10 a.m.-noon
8 a.m. TR
CHEM 133/134 MATH 120/130
Noon MWF
10 a.m. MWF
Noon-2 p.m.
3 p.m. TR
HIST 221/222
9 a.m. MWF
Noon TR
2-4 p.m.
1 p.m. MWF
9:30 p.m. TR
2 p.m. MWF
4-6 p.m.
3 p.m. MWF
4 p.m. MWF
4:30 p.m. TR
Exam Time
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Monday
6/6:30 p.m. M
6/6:30 p.m. T
6/6:30 p.m. R
CAMPUS
DAY
Friday, December 3, 2004
Calendar&Events 3
Friday
Last Day of Classes. Camp Deer Run information, Campus Center tables, all day.
International Students Association farewell party, noon-2 p.m., University Park Club House. Alpha Kai Omega Christmas social.
Sigma Theta Chi Christmas social. Tri Kappa Gamma Christmas social.
The Village, 6:30 and 9 p.m., Cullen Auditorium.
5
Sunday
Maria Christina Yanez senior recital, 8 p.m., Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.
Ko Jo Kai Christmas social.
4
Tri Kappa Gamma mixer, 7-10 p.m., Hilton Room.
Saturday
Choir concert with Abilene Philharmonic, 8 p.m., Abilene Civic Center.
6
Dead Day.
Wednesday
Final exams.
Wilderness Trek, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Campus Life division breakfast, 710 a.m., Living Room.
Faculty Women’s meeting, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Faculty-Staff Dining Room. Malagasy students meeting, 3-4 p.m., Living Room.
7
9
Thursday
Final Exams. Wilson Christmas Concert, 8 p.m., Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.
Tuesday
Final exams. Wilderness Trek, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Monday
8
Professional Development Day for student teachers, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Hilton Room.
GATA Christmas social.
Survival Kit handouts, 7-11 a.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Travis Branam senior recital, 8 p.m., Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.
Survival Kit handouts, 7-11 a.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
10
Friday
Final exams. ACU Ambassadors’ Christmas Dinner, 6-8 p.m., Hilton Room.
The price has dropped from $650 to $580, and fund-raising opportunities will be available. For more information contact Emily Vaughn at eev00a@acu.edu or at 672-7530. Campaigner positions are still open for the Mexico City Spring Break Campaign. The group will work with missionaries in the area to help them encourage local churches and participate in evangelistic outreach in the city. For more information, contact Ernesto Villarreal at ebv02a-
@acu.edu. The counseling center needs a graphic design student to volunteer creative talents and services to assist with designing bulletin boards. The boards will function in the residence halls to provide educational information on different topics for students. Interested students can contact Steve Rowlands at Ext. 2876 or e-mail him at rowlandss@acu.edu. Volunteers are needed for
Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:
71 0
Midnight Breakfast offers prizes, karaoke Students can eat while enjoying new karaoke machine, drawings By LUKE HARRIS STUDENT REPORTER
Students have a chance to win prizes and participate in karaoke in the Bean from 10:30 p.m. to midnight Monday at Midnight Breakfast. “It is the worst karaoke you have ever heard, but the kids always have a great time and they are always so thankful that it just makes the whole night fun,” said Janna Hanner, copresident with her husband Mark of Wildcat Parents, who put on the event. Samantha Adkins, coordina-
every 15 minutes and at midnight, one student will receive a grand prize of $100. Hanner said the prizes consist of gift certificates, items from the Campus Store, such as sweatshirts and hats, and different board games. She said she has been helping out with Midnight Breakfast for three years and it is always a great time. She and her husband are helping out with the entire evening, including gathering the volunteers and the prizes. While it may seem like a lot of work Hanner says, “it’s a blast.” Adkins said Midnight Breakfast has been around for at least five years and she kept the format the same last year. This year, students will have a chance to use a new karaoke
“It is the worst karaoke you’ve ever heard, but the kids always have a great time.” Janna Hanner, co-president of Wildcat Parents.
Combined Commencement, 7:30 p.m., Moody Coliseum.
Volunteer Opportunities 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 more information. Campaigner spots are still available for the Portland, Ore., Spring Break Campaign. The campaign will work with the Portland Urban Ministry Project.
Chapel Check-Up
the annual West Texas Rehab Phonathon on Jan. 12-14 from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Abilene Civic Center. Volunteers will need to participate in a brief training session, and dinner will be provided. Prizes will be available for volunteers. The proceeds from this event will be used to help disabled children and adults. For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center.
tor of Alumni Programs, is in charge of Midnight Breakfast and said it should be a great experience for students. Adkins said while the Midnight Breakfast is usually held on the Tuesday of exams week, this year it will be changed to Dead Day. The Wildcat Parents will serve a meal to students that will cost each student one meal plan. Prizes will be handed out
machine with all kinds of different music, but nothing that will offend anyone at the breakfast. “We recently bought a new CD for the machine,” Adkins said, “and we, of course, have the Christmas CD with all the holiday songs, but we screen the music to make sure that it is appropriate for the event.” E-mail Harris at: optimist@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.
CAMPUS NEWS
Friday, December 3, 2004
Page 3
Be sure to get my good side
Forensics focuses on fun el with us.” Gary agreed and said the entire team exhibits leadership. “We have a strong bunch of freshman coming up,” Gary said. “They have a real deBy MALLORY SHERWOOD STAFF WRITER sire to compete and to do well. There is a strong sense of camaraderie on the team, For most, it would be and that is more important about the trophy, the bragthan winning a bunch of troging rights or the sense of phies on my team.” pride. Another member feels the Not in Abilene. bonds they have made as a For ACU’s nationally team. ranked forensic team, this is “There are so many people what it all from so many different backcomes down grounds that possess entirely to: team camadifferent abilities,” said Branraderie, feldon Lemley, sophomore politlowship and ical science major from Abifriendship. lene and two-year member of The forenthe forensic team. “Some of sic team might the people have only been in not have adAlvarez the program a few months vanced to naand already are showing tionals in Lincoln-Douglas amazing results. I believe that debate at the tournament in each person brings a lot of Minneapolis, Minn., two things to the team.” weeks ago, but next semester, Each contribution somethe team plans to work hard one brings to the team is conto get seven or eight members sidered their gift, Alvarez to nationals. Right now, the said. members have learned a more “The important thing to important lesson about being remember is that it isn’t about a team. you,” Al“We talked varez said. about where “Trophies don’t matter to us; it’s about being “It’s a gift. we saw God a team that is the most fun.” Tr o p h i e s at this tourdon’t matter nament for a Elizabeth Alvarez, forensic team captain to us; it’s devotional, about being and a lot of a team that team members said that it was the team Kentucky, which is perhaps is the most fun.” It’s not about winning or dynamic that made them see the most prestigious debate trophies but the students’ God,” said Elizabeth Alvarez, school in the nation.” The next competition will character development, Gary senior political science major from McAllen and forensic be in January at Columbia said. “We want to do the best College in Nebraska, and Alteam captain. It is this team dynamic varez said she is anxious to we can and use the talents that often separates them see how well the freshmen and abilities God has give and new members continue each of us,” Gary said. from their competition. “Sometimes that means that “A lot of times on debate to do. “People need to know that you’ll win, and sometimes teams, you have inner-team competition,” Alvarez said. the freshman especially do a you won’t. It’s about develop“They all want to be the cap- really good job representing ing skills that you will use far tain, the best debater or want ACU around the country and outside the competitive someone else’s partner. It how hard they really work,” world, skills that further the doesn’t happen to our team Alvarez said. “Our team of kingdom.” because we are all friends novice players, who are outside of the debate world.” upperclassmen, performed At the Minneapolis tour- great at this tournament. E-mail Sherwood at: nament, the team faced some They earned the right to travmes02e@acu.edu
Debate team works to qualify for nationals next semester
of the best debate schools in the nation and felt the tension debate teams often experience. “It was any eye-opening experience for how stiff the competition gets,” Alvarez said. “They’re not Southerners, and it was a different kind of culture. We were competing against top-10 debate schools in the country all at the same place. They weren’t too terribly happy to see another team that could take their trophy.” ACU proved to be tough competition but didn’t advance to the finals. “The team played well and competed to the best of their ability,” said Sally Gary, assistant professor of communication and director of forensics. She also said of all the members, Alvarez and her partner, Josh Massingill, sophomore political science major from Abilene, made it the furthest, to the top 16 teams. “We would have liked to go further,” Massingill said in an e-mail. “I take comfort in knowing we beat teams like Notre Dame and Western
EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer
Lynne Kramar, sophomore art major from Datchet, England, figure draws Thursday in the Don H. Morris Center.
English seeks new professor Wade’s departure leaves department searching for substitute
“It’s a shame to lose him; on the other hand, it’s a shame to hold back a gifted person.” Dr. Chris Willerton, director of the Honors Program
By SARAH CARLSON COPY EDITOR
A job advertisement has been placed in the December issue of the Christian Chronicle, and a search committee has been formed to find a replacement for Dr. Jonathan Wade, assistant professor of English and assistant director of the Honors Program. Wade is leaving at the end of the semester and moving to Cullowhee, N.C., to serve as center fellow at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching. “Hopefully, we’ll find the right person to hire and have them placed next semester,” said Dr. Nancy Shankle, chair of the Department of English. Wade’s English classes for the spring were canceled, and a replacement professor was found for his Honors class.
Shankle said neither of the English classes Wade was to teach next semester were required for students graduating in May. Stephanie Smith, administrative coordinator for the Honors Program, will take on part of Wade’s duties as assistant director, mainly the advising of upperclassmen, said Dr. Chris Willerton, director of the Honors Program. “We will not look at getting a new assistant director until and if we become and Honors College,” Willerton said. He said the person hired will likely teach Honors humanities and might not be an English professor. Willerton said they will be looking for the best possible person to fill Wade’s shoes. “Replacing talented people
is just part of the game,” Willerton said. “It’s just a periodic hardship that every university goes through. We’ve coped pretty well for this short notice. We have time to hunt for good people.” A farewell reception for Wade will be Friday from 23:30 p.m. in Chambers Hall Room 315. Shankle said Wade’s wife and children will attend, and the reception is a chance for students and faculty to say goodbye and thank him for his time spent at ACU. “We’ll miss him,” Willerton said. “It’s a shame to lose him; on the other hand, it’s a shame to hold back a gifted person.” E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu
FROM THE FRONT PAGE/NEWS
Page 4
Clinic: 150 children tutored every year
Friday, December 3, 2004
SA: Congress passes scholarship guidelines
Easy does it
Continued from Page 1 Continued from Page 1 said. The after-school clinic began in 1986. Throughout each semester, senior education majors tutor students individually for four hours a week in the Reading Clinic, Simpson said. More than 150 children from Abilene Simpson and towns within a 50-mile radius of Abilene receive tutoring and reading help each year, Simpson said. During the school year, undergraduate students serve as tutors. In the summer, graduate students spe-
cializing in reading and special education work in the clinic. Simpson said the grant money is not being spent yet because the grant writers are waiting to find out what restrictions came with the money. They asked for more money than they received, so they’re unsure if they get to decide exactly how the money is spent, Simpson said. However the clinic normally runs on funds provided by tuition money, so the $100,000 will help significantly. “This will really be an enhancement,” Simpson said. E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu
Sing Song: Massey plans to use screen Continued from Page 1 he hopes to implement is the addition of a video screen that would hang behind the groups while they perform. “We don’t have the money or time to bring in real backdrops for the acts, but this would give groups the option of creMassey ating them digitally,” Massey said. Massey said that groups would not be required to make a digital backdrop; it would just serve as another option. “We want everybody to be able to use their talents,”
With the bylaws amended, Congress accepted Robinson’s resignation as a representative, and the executive offices can now appoint him as CFO. Congress also amended the bylaws in a unanimous vote to give executive and administrative officers the option of receiving a scholarship or paycheck as compensation for their work. Congressional bylaws specifically stated officers would receive a scholarship for their position. However, officers who already had full-tuition scholarships could only use that to repay loans and had no flexibility in how they wanted to use their pay. Rep. Jeremy Pond, Mabee Hall, said this amendment would give the officers needed flexibility in how they could use their compensation. Once amended, officers now have the option to receive their compensation as a semesterly paycheck.
Massey said. He said his own experiences of performing in Sing Song as a host and also in group acts help him know what needs restructuring. “It’s past time for us to give students the ability to change and grow and make acts different and better,” Massey said. Massey said Sing Song is ultimately about community. “If club members don’t know people in ISA, for example, now they have a chance to meet them,” Massey said. “The acts are fun, but what makes Sing Song great is when we come together as a group and learn to work with each other.” E-mail Travis at: dxt02a@acu.edu
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Danielle Rhoades, sophomore graphic design major from Overland Park, Kan., smoothes out the rough edges on her bronze sculpture outside of the Don H. Morris Center on Wednesday.
Center: Remodeling job to cost $40,000 Continued from Page 1 “I think overall it’s going to look really nice compared to what we have now,” Swedlund said. “It’ll be a pretty dramatic change.” Work on the rooms is set to begin on the Monday following finals week. Swedlund said everything will ideally be finished by Jan. 5 or 6, but certainly no later than the first day of classes. Money for the remodeling
is provided by the deferred maintenance fund, a fund responsible for various campus improvements, Swedlund said. Watson said the cost of remodeling both rooms together is more than $40,000. “I think it’ll speak for itself when it’s done,” Swedlund said. E-mail Chastain at: optimist@acu.edu
Congress also revisited and unanimously passed guidelines for a student leadership scholarship tabled at Nov. 17’s meeting. At the last meeting before Thanksgiving, members could not agree if the requirements for the scholarship should specify that the candidate never have been arrested. Some felt Congress should set high standards for those it gives money to, although others thought this requirement would be too limiting for otherwise-qualified candidates. Junior Sen. Sarah Carlson presented the amended version of the guidelines that now state applicants must not have been convicted of a felony or class A misdemeanor, instead of just being arrested. The scholarship committee was also specifically given the right to have some freedom in considering if an applicant met the guidelines. E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu
Store buying back books next week Students can receive money for textbooks at The Campus Store By TODD MROZEK STUDENT REPORTER
Students can sell back their textbooks to The Campus Store Monday through Dec. 10 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. “Come early if you want the best chance to have the book bought back,” said Tim Evans, The Campus Store manager. “We have a quota to meet, and if a student comes on the last day, there’s a good chance we’ve already met the required number of books.” Evans said books sent back to
the wholesaler are bought at very low prices. He said students receive 50 percent on the new or used price on books bought for resale use, and they can expect to receive up to 35 percent for books that will be sent back to the wholesaler. “The key words are ‘up to’,” Evans said. “We give back what the wholesaler gives us.” Krystal Scott, campus store assistant text and media manager, said students should be prepared for long lines. “Be patient,” Scott said. “Everyone wants to get money back for their books, and it’s just a very busy time.” E-mail Mrozek at: optimist@acu.edu
Rosa’s thrives through rain Wet, cold opening day does not keep patrons from Mexican food
“People stayed out in line in the rain; we had to go buy umbrellas so that they wouldn’t get so wet.” Joe Luera, district manager of Rosa’s Cafe
By ANDY JEFFREY STUDENT REPORTER
The weather was cold and wet, but nothing could put a damper on the opening of Rosa’s Café on Southwest Drive across from the Wal-Mart Supercenter. The doors to Abilene’s newest Mexican café opened for business Nov. 12. Despite heavy rains and cool temperatures, customers waited in lines that stretched outside and around the building. “The turnout was better than we could have ever expected,” said Joe Luera, district manager of Rosa’s Café. “The people of Abilene are fantastic. People stayed out in line in the rain; we had to go buy umbrellas so that they wouldn’t get so wet.” Since its opening, he said Rosa’s has continued to be busy, but a long line should not discourage those wanting to stop in for the freshly prepared tortillas and Mexican cuisine. “I waited in a line that went out the door, but it moved very quickly, and the customer service was great,” said Scott
Brooks, junior finance major from Coppell, who recently visited Rosa’s. “The wait wasn’t bad, but even if it had been, I would have still waited to eat me some Rosa’s.” Even with a line that often stretches out the door, Luera said the wait is still normally only five to 10 minutes. “The lines are sometimes long, but the customers are learning the menu, and things are speeding up,” Luera said. Another possible attraction students can look forward to at Rosa’s is discounts or coupons for college students. “We do not have a college discount at the moment, but we are working on that right now for the college kids,” said Luera. Stephanie Daniel, sophomore sociology major from Fort Worth, said the lack of a college discount won’t keep her from eating at Rosa’s. “You can eat there for $5 without a discount,” Daniel said. ACU students are not only
excited about the new Rosa’s on the South side of town, but also the Rosa’s that is under construction on Judge Ely Boulevard. A sign in front of the old Luby’s cafeteria across the street from United Supermarkets shows that a Rosa’s Café is coming soon. “It will be cool to have a nice place to go that is so close to campus,” Daniel said. The location promises to offer the same great food and service, but the building will be a little different, Luera said. “The Judge Ely location will be a little bigger than the other Abilene location with a banquet facility built into it for parties and special events,” Luera said. “We also are going to try to incorporate the Luby’s building with its stain-glass windows into the Rosa’s theme.” The projected date for the opening of the Judge Ely Boulevard location is set for the beginning of April 2005. E-mail Jeffrey at: optimist@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS
Wednesday, December 3, 2004
Page 5
‘Shinnery Review’ currently accepting all submissions Works of poetry, prose, art needed for spring publication By BRIAN SCHMIDT STUDENT REPORTER
The Shinnery Review, ACU’s literary magazine, is accepting submissions until Dec. 10 and will sponsor Slithy Tove, its fall poetry reading, Thursday. The magazine, published annually in the spring semester, has three categories: poetry, prose and art. The magazine also includes photographs, drawings and fiction or non-fiction stories, said Andy Smith,
co-editor and junior graphic design major from Abilene. Slithy Tove will be open mike in Sewell Theatre from 7:309:30 p.m. and will include live music and free refreshments, said Al Haley, adviser for The Shinnery Review and associate professor English. Both undergraduate and graduate students can submit pieces to the publication either by placing them in a drop-box in the English Department in Chambers Hall or through The Shinnery Review’s Web site, www.acu.edu/shinnery. Kayla Anderson, editor in chief of The Shinnery Review, said the magazine provides a way for students to display their
talents and express their thoughts and ideology. “The purpose is to provide a forum for different views where students can express their ideas,” said Anderson, sophomore English major from Waco. “We also want to increase appreciation of the arts and of student work.” She said the publication is a good way for students to get their work published and to gain exposure and experience. The magazine also gives students a reason to write in ways completely different from writing for their classes, said Haley, writer in residence. “The Shinnery Review gives a voice to creativity,” Haley said.
In memory of Charles
“Students have to write a lot for just being college students; we provide a way for them to write things from the heart.” Pieces submitted for the publication, which has no encompassing theme, can be about virtually anything except explicit. In the past, the magazine even had controversial pieces, Smith said. Anderson said the submissions “can be about anything; we are looking more at quality than theme.” The staff constantly desires more submissions because even though it will have to work harder, it will end up with a better, maybe bigger, final publication that could reach out to
By KELLY DENNIS STAFF WRITER
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
All invited to Christmas festival Senior Citizens invite everyone to attend festival, silent auction By DANIELE NTAHONKIRIYE STUDENT REPORTER
The Rose Park Senior Citizen Activity Center is inviting families and college students to attend a Family Holiday Festival and a silent auction on Friday at Rose Park. Anita Vigil, recreation supervisor for the center, said that the festival will be a family holiday for all ages. Vigil also said the center wants to encourage families to bring their children to socialize with the elderly. Roma Howard, retired teacher and frequent visitor at the center, said the presence of the college students at the festi-
val will benefit the older population who don’t often get to interact with the younger generation. “It’s great fun to talk with the older people,” Howard said. “They enjoy telling very interesting tales.” Vigil said that the festival, which has taken place for the past 10 or 15 years, is a fundraiser for the Center that helps provide better equipment for exercise and other activities that the seniors citizens may need. Howard said she particularly enjoys the exercise room where she walks on the treadmill and attends workout classes. The Family Holiday Festival will offer a dinner of fried shrimp, fish, hushpuppies, fries and cole slaw served 5:30-6:30 p.m. Desserts such as cake, cookies and cheesecake will be
for sale and the cost for the dinner is $5. Students can make reservations by calling 7345301 or pick up a ticket by Wednesday. In addition to the dinner, the festival will have many games and activities such as a Christmas cakewalk, holiday bingo, basketball shootout, ring toss, fishing booth, bean bag toss and 3-ball pool. Tickets are 25 cents each. Pictures can be made with Santa with only 4 tickets. There will also be live entertainment throughout the evening featuring Wagon Wheel squares, Rose Park line dancers and the seniors strutters. The silent auction is open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. E-mail Ntahonkiriye at: optimist@acu.edu
icated, the members come to meetings and everyone takes their part of the overall task and gets it done.” Haley said the magazine has experienced improvement in the amount and quality of submissions because the staff has found ways to better publicize the magazine. “For many years there was a declining number of submissions, so the staff decided to begin advertising and found more ways, including more poetry readings, to get the publication’s name out there,” he said. E-mail Schmidt at: optimist@acu.edu
SALT projects helped community Acts of student service bring Thanksgiving, Christmas to Abilene
Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, unveils and presents the plaque for the Charles Trevathan Endowed Scholarship Award to Phyllis Trevathan during Chapel on Wednesday.
more readers, Anderson said. The goal for the publication, she said, is to “have a diverse end product with different styles of art and poetry.” Smith said the publication also serves a great purpose for the staff of about 15 students, providing an opportunity for experience with literary and artistic pieces as well as putting together a publication. The Shinnery Review, which changed its name in the early ‘90s from The Pickwicker, has undergone many changes in its history since its creation in the early 1930s, Haley said. “There used to be no staff; it was uncontrolled chaos,” he said. “The staff now is very ded-
During the month of November, the Service Action Leadership Team organized the Thanksgiving Meal Drive and the Christmas Angel Tree Project to serve the Abilene community for the holidays. Wade Holmes, senior marketing and management major from Arlington, served as committee chair for the Thanksgiving Meal Drive. “We asked Taylor Elementary for names of 50 families that were in need of a Thanksgiving meal,” Holmes said. The school sent a letter to some of the students’ families asking whether they would like to receive a free Thanksgiving dinner and provided Holmes with a list of names of the 52 families that responded. Holmes said he targeted U100 classes, asking each to raise $45, the cost to feed one family. Members of SALT also e-mailed the faculty asking for donations and collected money in the Campus Center from students,
said Tara Studer, senior biology major from Seymour and cochair of SALT. “Every year we wonder whether we are going to get enough money,” Studer said. “Last year we got more than our goal. But this year, I was blown away by how much we got. The change adds up; we had about $400 in quarters.” Overall, the efforts raised $2,858.20, enough to feed 64 families. H-E-B Groceries provided the meals and donated four, providing the drive with 68 meals total. SALT took the 16 extra meals to families whose names were given to SALT by the United Way, Holmes said. Students delivered the meals to the families Nov. 22. “I feel much relief knowing that 68 families were able to enjoy a large, and hopefully satisfying, Thanksgiving meal,” Holmes said. “It was an excellent experience to meet some of the family members that would get to enjoy the meals that I helped raise money for.” Studer said one of the families she delivered a meal to had three children and lived in a hotel room. “Just to see people who live a rough life and give them something they wouldn’t get otherwise is uplifting and makes you
all the more thankful when you go home and have a family to go home to and a Thanksgiving meal to share with you family.” Also during the week before Thanksgiving, SALT launched the Angel Tree Project for children in Wildcat and Treadaway Kids. Amanda Scott, senior interior design major from Conroe, said she sent forms to the children’s homes to get their names and important information such as their ages, genders and clothing sizes. The children also received toys. Students signed up in the Campus Center to provide 77 children ages 5-14 with the Christmas gifts. More than one person could purchase gifts for a child; each child received between $20 and $40 worth in gifts. The gifts were due Nov. 19th to the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. Wildcat Kid and Treadaway Kid mentors picked up the gifts Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and will deliver them to their partners, Scott said. “We wanted to help as many of these children have some gifts from Christmas that they might not otherwise receive,” Scott said. E-mail Dennis at: kmd03a@acu.edu
FocusFriday
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FocusFriday
December 3, 2004
Christmas
Multicultural traditions exhibited at museum By HAYLEY JONES STUDENT REPORTER
inAbilene
A view of the Texas frontier at Christmastime has been brought to life in downtown Abilene. A new exhibit at the Frontier Texas! museum features Christmas traditions from different ethnic cultures found in West Texas and will be on display until January. “This exhibit shows the influence of various cultures on Christmas, shedding light on things that happened 100 years ago [that] are traditions that still go on today,” said Kay Wetteman, programming and sales manager of Frontier Texas!. The traditions and representations of cultures in the exhibit include German, African American, Hispanic, Native American and pioneer, all of which have a history in West Texas, Wetteman said. “You can learn the history of ‘Las Posadas,’ the Hispanic tradition that has been continuously celebrated for over 300 years, the contributions of the German culture, Christmas on a frontier fort and even the history and photos of Anson’s Cowboy Christmas Ball dating back to 1885,” Wetteman said. The exhibit will be free to the public and the entrance is through the Frontier Texas! General Store, filled with Texas-themed books and gifts, perfect for Christmastime, said Jeff Salmon, executive director of Frontier Texas!. “We hope that people will come from around the region to enjoy a bit of Christmas history and holiday
Fictional story follows man’s life By LUKE HARRIS STUDENT REPORTER
The Buffalo Gap Historic Village is spreading Christmas cheer Dec. 11 with Christmas at the Gap from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Christmas at the Gap is the fictitious story of a farmer, Fredrick Shaw, in the late 1800s and follows his life throughout the years, said Justin Frazier, site manager of Buffalo Gap Historic Village and head of Christmas at the Gap. Frazier said the story will cover the man’s birth, falling in love, having a family, going to war and losing his farm, and it is loosely based on the film It’s A Wonderful Life. “It’s an experience in a
tumultuous period in our history with many similarities to what we are going through now,” Frazier said. Frazier said this is his first year to be involved with Christmas at the Gap, but the program has been going on for four years. Frazier moved to the area in February of last year, but said he knows the show has attracted a large crowd in years past. “It’s fun for the whole family, and it is something that everyone should go to,” said Lu Christopher, receptionist for the Abilene Chamber of Commerce tourism board. The event will be like a tour through Fredrick Shaw’s life, said Frazier, and will have different sites act out
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different moments in Shaw’s life. The first tour is to start at 5:30 p.m., and each tour will last about a half an hour with the last one starting at 9 p.m. The Village will close at 4 p.m., one hour earlier than its normal 5 p.m. closing time, on Dec. 11 to prepare for the show. The show is open to all who are interested, and the prices are vary with age, Frazier said. Adults will pay $8, while children under twelve years old will pay $3, students; seniors and military personnel will pay $7. Members of the Buffalo Gap Historic Village will pay only $6.
Frontier Texas! Frontier Texas! is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Regular admission is charged for those who wish to go through the Century of Adventure exhibit (Adults: $8, Seniors 60 and over: $6, Military: $6, Students/Teachers: $5, Children 3-12 years: $4 and Children under 3 are free). The museum is located at 625 North First Street downtown. Phone (325) 437-2800 or visit www.frontiertexas.com for more information.
shopping at the General Store,” Salmon said. This will be the first temporary exhibit since the museum opened last April. “The biggest part of putting this exhibit together was getting it done right; we are very concerned with historical accuracy,” Wetteman said. An example of this quest for accuracy is the authentic cedar tree, which will be decorated with a variety of ornaments that would have been on a tree from approximately the 1850s1880s, like homemade popcorn strings and solid white candy canes, Wetteman said. In addition, a sampling of antique toys will be on display from the collections of Abilene residents Mr. B.A. Honey and Mary Ann Ray. E-mail Jones at: optimist@acu.edu
E-mail Harris at: optimist@acu.edu
Choirs sing at ArtWalk By ELIZABETH NEWMAN STUDENT REPORTER
Church features Jesus in drama By JULIA REID STUDENT REPORTER
Wylie Baptist Church will present a narration-driven drama about Christ’s coming to Earth Dec. 10-12. The Living Christmas Tree is a 22-year tradition at Wylie Baptist Church and features the worship choir, orchestra and drama team. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 and 5 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12 at the Wylie Baptist Church Worship Center. Tickets are free and can be picked up at the church. This year, the drama and narration are new, and the
music has a fresher sound, said Dave Purkey, who has been the music director at Wylie Baptist Church since 2000. “It brings a message of peace,” he said. “We turn it around at the end and ask, ‘What does this mean to me?’” He said people of all ages at Wylie Baptist Church help remind people in the Abilene area about the Christmas story. The Living Christmas Tree is a church-wide effort, featuring everyone from infants playing baby Jesus to senior adults singing in the choir, which is arranged on a
25-foot Christmas tree set bought last year. The show also has a computerized lights display and special effects to create a winter scene. While Purkey said students will enjoy the music and drama, he said the lights display itself is worth coming out to see. Last year, about 3,000 people attended The Living Christmas Tree. “It’s a way we can help folks come and celebrate the season,” Purkey said. E-mail Reid at: optimist@acu.edu
Christmas lights brighten school campus By SUSAN SPIVEY STUDENT REPORTER
The 14th annual Christmas Lane, a drive-through display of Christmas lights at Abilene State School, will open Tuesday and run until Dec. 24. More than 75 churches, organizations, businesses and families set up lighted displays for the attraction, said Barbara Reid, community relations director for Abilene State School. The attraction is open from 6 to 10 p.m. every night at the Abilene State School campus at 2501 Maple. Drivers can tune their radios to a Christmas Lane radio station and listen to holiday music as they drive through,
she said. “You will immediately see it at nighttime,” Reid said. “Be prepared to drive through and enjoy it.” Christmas Lane also features Quanna’s Winter Wonderland, an indoor display of animated holiday figures. Visitors can go inside to enjoy hot chocolate and popcorn as they look at the display, Reid said. Visitors also can have their pictures taken with Santa Claus for $3, or talk to elves at Santa’s workshop at the North Pole for free, Reid said. Reid said she expects about 10,000 people to come to Christmas Lane, adding that some visitors drive through
twice or come back more than one night. Reid offered one big incentive for college students to show up: “It’s free.” Donations, however, are welcome. Each organization pays to set up its own display, but donations to Abilene State School’s Volunteer Services Council pay for additions and to improve lighting, Reid said. Christmas Lane started 14 years ago with only seven displays, Reid said, but this year the campus will be full.
E-mail Spivey at: optimist@acu.edu
Abilene’s monthly ArtWalk will be Dec. 9 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. and will feature art exhibits and singing performances at various downtown specialty shops, museums and restaurants. The free arts event takes place on the second Thursday of each month, and this month the event has the holiday theme “A Caroling We Will Go.” “It is a great opportunity, and it’s something to do in Abilene,” said Katie Bockstahler, freshman exercise science major from Rocklind, Calif., who attended ArtWalk for the first time last month. “There are different cultures, photography…and walking downtown there were a lot of other places we found to go.” To go with this month’s caroling theme, ArtWalk will feature performances by a choir from St. Vincent’s Pallotti Catholic Church and Abilene Memory Men, a barbershop-style music group. Other groups will include Sweet Adelines Quartet, a choral music group with four-part harmony, and the Mount Zion Baptist Church choir. The groups will perform at various locations downtown and then end with performances beginning at 7 p.m. at the Abilene Public Library. The Center for Contemporary Arts will have three exhibits including “White Noise,” a holiday exhibit by the CCA’s artist members, and an exhibit titled “Welcome to the Fun,” with artwork by the CCA’s new artist members. The CCA will also feature a photography exhibit by the Texas Photographic Society, an organization of professional and amateur photographers.
Jeff Combs, freshman graphic design major from Mesquite, has attended ArtWalk the past three months as part of his major’s requirements to attend six art showings every semester. “I love looking at all the artwork, and they get new stuff every time I’m out there,” Combs said. “You get to meet some of the artists, and you get a lot of ideas from it.” The Abilene City Hall will showcase photographs taken by elementary school children, and Texas Tech at Abilene will feature artwork by elementary, junior high and high school students. Also, the exhibits at the Grace Museum and the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature will be open, and both places will have free art activities for children. The Paramount Theatre will show Nicholas Nickelby, a 2002 film adapted from the Charles Dickens novel, at 7:30 p.m. on the night of ArtWalk. Five restaurants along with four specialty shops will be open, and some will feature art exhibits and musical performances. “It’s a lot of fun, and it’s not just art,” Combs said. “There’s music, special bands and booths; it’s an entertaining time for you to enjoy yourself, and it’s fun to look at the artwork too, if you’re an art lover.” E-mail Newman at: optimist@acu.edu
VIEWSFRIDAY OPTIMIST
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December 3, 2004
Thursday Chapels create conundrum
The issue: Chapel coordinators are still trying to find a solution for Thursday Chapel.
Our view: Although we understand why an emphasis is being placed on small-group Chapels, students should not be forced to find a smallgroup to attend.
The solution: Chapel should continue to be conducted in Moody Coliseum on Thursdays. Coordinators can rope off sections so it does not seem so empty.
Although plans for next semester’s Thursday Chapels are not definite, coordinators have at least talked about conducting one special Chapel either in Chapel on the Hill or in Cullen Auditorium for those students not attending a small-group Chapel. Originally, three communityformation Chapels were to be implemented this semester instead of one Chapel in Moody Coliseum, but because of the large number of students attending Chapel in Moody on Thursdays, the idea was postponed. Because locations like Chapel on the Hill and Cullen might not hold those that regularly attend Thursday Chapel in Moody, Dr.
Wayne Barnard students always said under this Small-group Chapels should not be forced upon the have a place to possible scenario go. entire student body. once the main In order to location was unify the smalfilled, students ler crowd in coming in later would have to students know they always can Moody on Thursdays, sections find a small-group Chapel if they attend Chapel needs to be avail- should be roped off and a desigwished to received credit. able every day of the week. Cha- nated seating area made mandaAlthough it is important to pel needs to be available for tory so all students can sit and emphasize unity and the signifi- every one, and limitations such worship together, instead of cance of meeting in smaller as finding a small-group Chapel, 1,000 people spread across a colgroups to worship, which can be which many students do not iseum that seats 4,600. opportunities to develop rela- want to participate in, should Currently, students have 43 tionships, small-group Chapels not determine whether they small-group Chapels to choose should not be forced upon the receive the 55 credits the univer- from, almost half of which are entire student body. Under this sity requires they obtain. limited to those who are mempossibility, if students arrive at Moody is associated with bers in the club or organization Chapel on Thursday and can’t Chapel in students’ minds and is conducting the Chapel. The othfind a seat, they have to find a a common place students walk er 24 are open to all, but they are group to join or not receive to every weekday at 10:50 a.m. still specific student groups. StuChapel credit. Having a constant Chapel in dents would not want to attend a One common place where Moody is the best way to ensure Chapel for an organization they
are not involved in. Most students would end up picking a random small group to attend just to receive Chapel credit. This would in no way be beneficial either to the student or the rest of the group. If Chapel leaders wish to try this option, more small groups need to be formed that would reach a wider range of students. Chapel has been debated on this campus since its creation, and no one answer of how to run things will ever satisfy everyone. However, in choosing how to conduct Thursday Chapels next semester, leaders should make sure all students always have a Chapel they know they can attend.
Daniel Barcroft
In My Words
Macaroni: fun for whole family It’s that nice time right battle of wits and digestive between Thanksgiving and tracts over that creamy dish Christmas when you’ve just (spiced with just a little bit had the family get-togethers, of pepper) for years. When and you’re we all gather around for the counting on pre-meal prayer, they make they’re gathering more coming. sure Get-togethers around as close to the side with family dishes as possible. They eye (either yours each other suspiciously aor someone cross the room to make sure else’s) are the nobody makes a run for it. It order of the seems paranoid, but I supNo Pun for day, and one pose it’s only a matter of thing that just time before one of them Barcroft about always really does decide to make a Daniel means is break for it and take the whole bowl. food. Barcroft Everything else they help For some of us, family gatherings truly themselves to is strategically are something to look for- rearranged on the plate to ward to. The chance to visit make room for the cheesy with these particular people delicacy. After all, there are plenty of rolls, is a rare opportuand the corn nity to treasure. Meals were will still be For others of us, for secwhen we think meant for shar- there onds. But the about Uncle macaroni has Clem, we’re not ing, and the to be protected so sure. But just when more people you from the forces we think we’d can get feasting of the other generation. rather be home the better the It’s like a watching the apgood game of propriate Charlie feasting is. chess with a Brown or Mupfriend. There’s pet holiday speno animosity, cial, it’s time to eat, and the pecan pie makes but only friendly competition. There’s a great deal of it all worth the trouble. Food brings people to- respect for the opponent’s gether. Meals were meant for ambition and technique. But sharing, and the more peo- the one with the most macaple you can get feasting, the roni in their tummy at the better a feast it is. But we all end still wins, and somehow have that one dish for which between the two of them, it’s all bets are off. When that a clear and very real victory. scrumptious bowl or casse- They’re brought together by role dish makes its way past this priority none of the rest your place at the table, you of us quite understand. Or maybe we do. I’d don’t feel bad about shoveling as much as you can onto explain further, but I have your plate because you to go now because my sister know you may never see it is making a move for the again. It’s also Cousin Jim’s Green Rice Casserole, and favorite, and he takes his there’s no way I’m gonna let her have the last of it. share. When the Barcrofts get together, that dish is Granny’s Macaroni and Cheese. My younger brother and E-mail Barcroft at: aunt have been locked in a optimist@acu.edu or dwb99a@acu.edu
New editor loses weight, gains insight Fifteen weeks as editor of the Optimist has taught me more than how to complete a front page from start to finish in less than three hours on deadline. When applying and interviewing for this job last semester, the newspaper adviser told me to Ask the be ready beQuestion cause I did not even know Jonathan what would be Smith in store for me. Some lessons I learned early: why no one else applied for this job, and why even the skinniest editor in chief will lose weight while on the job. Those are lessons I taught myself, but some of the most important lessons I could never have learned sitting in my dark hole of an office.
Many readers are just as satisfied to see a story about a group they are involved in. thing on the front page, it does not suddenly become allimportant. Many readers are just as likely to be interested in what I decide should go on page seven. Maybe the hardest lesson I am still coming to terms with is that many of the things I spend most of my time doing each deadline are never noticed — nor do I expect them to be. I don’t think I have ever heard anyone outside the Don Morris Center tell me, “That was a really great reverse-six flow on your front page today,” or “You really should have used ‘begin’ instead of ‘start’ in that headline.” I continue to pay attention to those details because they are part of what makes the
They have come from listening to the hundreds, even thousands, of readers who read the Optimist twice a week. I have learned that I can rarely predict what will inspire readers to write in or respond to about the Optimist. Stories, editorials and pictures run every week that I think will have someone up in arms about the newspaper or university. Without fail, days will pass and the paper will receive no responses about those. More often than not, response will come from the story or opinion I never dreamed would offend anyone. That has taught me that just because we write an editorial about it or I stick some-
Optimist one of the best university newspapers in the state. Judges notice that, other journalists notice that and I think many readers do notice it at least on some level. Even more basic than that, though, I’ve seen that many readers are just as satisfied to see a simple story about a group they are involved in as I am when I design a solid front page. Both are important aspects of the paper; one is just easy to forget about when I’m out chasing the big story or sitting in my office typing. Twenty-eight issues down; 26 to go. I really have no idea what will be in store for my second semester as editor, but thank you, readers, for helping make me at least that much more prepared for it.
E-mail Smith at: optimist@acu.edu or jvs02a@acu.edu
In Your Words What’s your overall opinion of how this semester went? “It’s been a really good semester because I’m living off campus, and my classes haven’t been too stressful.”
“It was very stressful; not because of classes but life in general.”
“I enjoyed it, and I’m ready for Christmas.”
“It’s been great man — It’s been my favorite semester.”
“It was a good semester, but it was my first, so I don’t know, compared to the rest it could be downright crappy.”
Amber Larson
Therez Ephraim
Brandon Berger
Michael Winters
junior business management major from Houston
Joey Halbert
senior psychology major from Bronx, New York
freshman youth and family ministry major from Houston
freshman political science major from Los Cruces, N.M.
junior political science major from Austin
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 fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@jmc.acu.edu
OPTIMIST THE
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Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Abilene Christian University
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ARTSFRIDAY OPTIMIST
December 3, 2004
The Box Office Figures are for the weekend of November 26-28 and are in millions. Total grosses in parentheses. 1 National Treasure—$32.2 ($87.3) 2 The Incredibles—$23.6 ($214) 3 Christmas with the Kranks—$21.6 (30.8) 4 The Polar Express—$19.4 ($81.5) 5 The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie— $17.8 ($58.8) 6 Alexander—$13.7 ($21.8) 7 Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason—$6.23 ($32) 8 Finding Neverland—$4.67 ($7.75) 9 Ray—$3.98 ($65.1) 10 After the Sunset—$3.1 ($24.3)
New York Times Best-Selling Fiction Novels Numbers indicate: current position, last week’s position and total weeks on the list. 1/2/88 Dan Brown, The Da Vinci Code 2/1/2 James Patterson, London Bridges 3/6/61 Mitch Albom, The Five People You Meet In Heaven 4/3/2 Tom Wolfe, I am Charlotte Simmons 5/4/4 David Baldacci, Hour Game 6/5/3 Janet Evanovich, Metro Girl 7/-/1 Mark Winegardner, The Godfather Returns 8/7/2 Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark, The Christmas Thief 9/8/4 Danielle Steel, Echoes 10/9/9 Philip Roth, The Plot Against America
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas From the classics to the absurd, these are my favorite Christmas films By DEE TRAVIS ARTS EDITOR
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. For one month, the western world is focused on the big four: love, kindness, giftgiving and more food. The Christmas season also brings with it a barrage of books, plays, music and of course, Christmas movies. You know you’re dealing with a serious holiday if it calls for a month’s worth of movies. The major dilemma comes in sorting through the rough to pull out the diamonds. What constitutes a great Christmas movie is highly subjective because they’re all a little cheesy in their own right. The great ones have something extra, though. The best Christmas movies just seem to have something ... ok, now it’s my turn to be cheesy ... magical about them. What follows is a rundown of recommendations; the films I simply can’t afford to miss between Thanksgiving and December 25th.
Christmas Vacation Undeniably the guilty pleasure of the holiday season, Christmas Vacation is just plain funny. As much as I would love to say that I’ve risen above it, the story of how extended family drive each other to insanity and back when gathered under the same roof will always be funny because viewers can plug in their own relatives (as if Chevy Chase draining an entire neighborhood of electricity to maintain his several thousand Christmas lights isn’t funny enough).
Holiday Inn A lesser-known Christmas flick, Holiday Inn stars Bing
Crosby and Fred Astaire singing and dancing to a host of original songs by Irving Berlin (what else do you need to know?). The film incorporates songs about all the holidays, so it’s not solely a Christmas film, but Christmas plays the most vital role in the story. Its most noteworthy contribution: Holiday Inn gave the world one of the most beloved Christmas carols ever written, White Christmas.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas Let’s not even discuss the live-action version. The wonderful 1966 animated short captures the heart and soul of Dr. Seuss’ story through charming animation and narrative. The legendary Boris Karloff narrates the story and gives voice to the Grinch, and the film’s infamous song (You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch) gets funnier year by year. The Grinch has garlic in his soul? Classic.
It’s A Wonderful Life One of the greatest films ever made, Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life, has actually very little to do with Christmas. The holiday doesn’t really turn up until the last half hour, but it’s worth the wait. The story of how George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) learns what his life is all about is one of the most heartwarming stories the movies have to offer. Side note: the film also features one of the greatest of all villains, Mr. Potter, played by Lionel Barrymore.
Love Actually Founded on the idea that Christmas is a time to be with the people you love, Love Actually is the ultimate feel-good movie. The film features a large cast of characters and somehow makes you care about all of them. It’s a hilarious, fun and even touching tale of what the holidays are about. P.S. Love
Photo courtesy of WWW.MOVIEFORUM.COM
George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) embraces his wife (Donna Reed) and daughter (Karolyn Grimes) in the closing moments of “It’s A Wonderful Life,” easily the most popular Christmas film ever made. Actually is rated R for language and sexuality, so it’s definitely not for everyone (you know who you are).
Miracle on 34th Street This 1947 film scores high on the originality meter. The idea that Macy’s department store could somehow accidentally hire the real Santa Claus is a pretty clever concept. It’s a fun, completely unique Christmas movie that’s not to be missed. Two side notes: First, the movie features a charming performance by an adorable 8-year old Natalie Wood. Second, the film contains an absurd error. In a scene between Santa and Maureen O’Hara, Santa tells her that the vice president under John Quincy Adams was Daniel D. Thompkins. But he wasn’t. How does something like that make it into a screenplay?
The Muppet Christmas Carol I think The Muppet Christmas Carol brings out the kid in everybody. This unconvention-
Today’s Movies Closer—starring Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Clive Owens, Julia Roberts; directed by Mike Nichols Director Mike Nichols (The Graduate) presents this film about how two couples are drawn together by an adulterous series of chance encounters.
House of Flying Daggers— starring Ziyi Zhang; directed by Yimou Zhang. Hot off the success of Hero, director Yimou Zhang now embarks upon another romantic martial arts film. Zhang plays a police deputy that investigates a mysterious warrior faction.
Century Theatre Movie Times •Christmas with the Kranks— (11:30), (12:50), (1:50), (3:10), (4:10), (5:35), 6:30, 7:50, 8:50, 10:10 •Friday Night Lights—(11:55), (2:35), (5:15), 8:00, 10:35 •The Grudge—7:15, 9:30 •The Incredibles — (11:20), (12:10), (1:00), (2:00), (2:50), (3:40), (4:40), (5:30), 6:20, 7:20, 8:10, 9:00, 10:00
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•The Polar Express—(12:05), (1:10), (2:20), (3:30), (4:45), (5:50) 7:05, 8:15, 9:25, 10:30 •Saw—(12:00), (2:15), (4:50), 7:10, 9:35 •The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie — (11:15), (12:15), (1:25), (2:25), (3:35), (4:35), (5:45), 7:55. 10:05 •What the Bleep Do We Know!?—(11:50), (2:30), (5:05), 7:40, 10:15
al adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas novel is surprisingly true to the original literature. It magically blends people and puppets (to the point that you stop differentiating between the two and just enjoy the story) and features a pitch-perfect performance by Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge. It’s an absolute must.
The Santa Clause I know, I know; it stars Tim Allen. The Santa Clause is hardly a classic, but it does receive my praise for going all-out with a delightfully absurd idea. Santa Claus falls off a roof, thereby subjecting Tim Allen to the Santa Clause: a legal document which forces him into the role of the kindly old elf. It’s silly, it’s ridiculous, but come on; it’s fun.
Scrooge This 1970 British musical is one of the best adaptations of Dickens’ novel on several counts. Albert Finney stars in the title role and gives what I consider to be the greatest por-
trayal of Ebenezer Scrooge ever put on film. He gets all the little things right, from the constant scowl on his face to the strange sound of his voice. The songs are charming and memorable, but it’s ultimately the fact that the film was made in Britain that sets it apart; there’s a mysterious authenticity in every frame that no other version of A Christmas Carol can match.
White Christmas
Working off the success of Holiday Inn, Irving Berlin awarded his song, White Christmas, it’s own film. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye star as two old wartime buddies who find themselves in all kinds of hilarious trouble, alongside Rosemary Clooney (George’s aunt). The film is a classic, not only because of its humor and entertainment value, but primarily because of who’s in it; White Christmas is the kind of movie that could never be made again. E-mail Travis at: dxt02a@acu.edu
Top-Selling Albums I Am David—starring Ben Tibber, James Caviezel; directed by Paul Feig After becoming separated from his family at a young age, a Bulgarian refugee embarks upon a journey across Western Europe in hopes of finding his mother.
Numbers indicate: current position, last week’s position and total weeks on the chart. 1/-/1 U2, How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb 2/1/3 Eminem, Encore
Christmas honorable mentions A few other popular favorites: •A Christmas Carol George C. Scott)
(1984,
•A Christmas Story (1983) •Elf (2003, Will Ferrell) •Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (animated, 1964)
3/5/3 Greatest Hits, Shania Twain 4/2/3 Destiny’s Child, Destiny Fulfilled 5/7/3 Toby Keith, Greatest Hits 2 6/8/4 Various Artists, Now 17 7/-/1 Gwen Stefani,
Love, Angel, Music, Baby 8/-/1 Fantasia, Free Yourself 9/6/2 Snoop Dogg, R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece 10/3/3 Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz, Crank Juice
GRADUATION
Page 10
Friday, December 3, 2004
December 2004 graduates University Studies Bachelor of Applied Studies Alexander, Daniel S., Clyde
Brown, Justin Andrew (Biochemistry, Molecular), Dallas
Godfrey, Janine Marie (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary), Abilene
Mathews, Erin Nicole (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary), Houston
Stepp, Katie Michelle (Interdisciplinary Studies, Middle School), Cleburne
Ackbar, Jasmine Amina-KimDavis (Art), Okinawa, Japan
Brown, Tara Ashley (Interdisciplinary Studies, Middle School), Amarillo
Guerrero, Jarryd D. (Electronic Media), Abilene
McCoy, Christina M. (Communication), Corpus Christi
Stiger, Lauren Genon (Fashion Merchandising), Fort Worth
Bobbitt, Chris A. (Theatre), Tyler
Bryant, Jamie Marie Ensch (Exercise Science), Nashville, Tenn.
Haley, Rachael Lynn (Integrated Marketing Communication), Grapevine
McMillan, Christy Brook (Interdisciplinary Studies, Secondary), Snyder
Tapia, Nora Elizabeth (Psychology), La Puente, Calif.
Brainard, Nathan R. (Theatre), Burleson
Bryant, Jennifer Sue (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary), Azle
Hang, Lena (Biology), Abilene
Meador, Kara Lois (BiologyTeaching), Arlington
Wagner, Haley Beth (Spanish), Longmont, Colo.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Arrazola, Misty D., Abilene Bowen, Sandra A. Kleinpeter, Hawley Colley, Scot Alan, Wichita Falls Goza, Jeff C., Abilene
Elling, Kimberly L. (Art), Brownwood
Graves. Jana Lea, Austin Guynes, Judy Lyn , Ozona
Fultz, Gabriella D. (Theatre), Houston
Hines, Malcolm Andrew, Abilene
Martin, Ryan Eugene (Theatre), Baytown
Rodgers, Michael Alan, Abilene
Perry, Candice N. (Art), Hobbs, N.M.
Rodgers, Sharon L., Abilene Rodriguez, Angelita B., Merkel Swearengin, Ernest E., Hale Center Thomas, Elizabeth Ann, Snyder Thomasson, Cara Dawn Wilks, Merkel
Setliff, Naomi Lea (Art), Lubbock
Bachelor of Music Branam, Travis David (Music Teaching, Voice-All Level), Canyon Country, Calif.
Webster, Elizabeth L., Lubbock
Chumley, Keegan Nicole (Music Teaching, Voice-All Level), Gatesville
Welch, Trudy Gail Moore, Abilene
Webb, Lindsey Jean (Vocal Performance), College Station
College of Arts and Sciences
Wilson, Kasey Lee (Music Teaching, Voice-All Level), San Antonio
Bachelor of Arts
Yañez, Maria Cristina L. (Vocal Performance), Humble
Carson, Jaelle Helen (English), Sanborn, N.Y.
Bachelor of Science
Burgess, Krystal M. (Communication Disorders), Houston Burns, Michael Francis (Composite Interdisciplinary), Abilene Byers, Glenn Alan (Composite Interdisciplinary), Abilene Carlson, Chelsey Xan (Agribusiness), Abilene Cole, Kelli Brooke (Exercise Science), Coleman, Jessica Lee (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary), Van Alstyne Collins, Demetrius Ray (Exercise Science), Odessa Conder, Tara Lyna (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary), Amarillo Cotton, Ben D. (Communication), Farmington, N.M. Crusoe, Rebekah Danielle (Fashion Merchandising), Memphis, Tenn.
Hare, Josh S. (Interdisciplinary Studies, Middle School), Abilene Harper, Kelly Corene (Interior Design), Duncanville Hartline, Haylee Brook (Biology), Amarillo Hehn, Robert Jacob (Computer Science), Abilene Hernandez, Angie (SociologyCriminal Justice), Abilene
Nave, Marisa Jane Holland (Social Studies-Teaching), Denver City
Jackson, Allison Kaye (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary), Cypress
Nelson, Keely Eileen (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary), Dallas
Jackson, Jennifer Nicole (Exercise and Sport Science), Spring
Ngaru, Sharon Brenda T. (Industrial Psychology), Harare, Zimbabwe
Jendral, Daniel Francis (Communication), Steamboat Springs, Colo.
DeBrine, Jennelle Elizabeth (Biology), Arlington
Jolley, Amber Lynn (Psychology), Houston
Fletcher, Chelsie Nichole (History), Midland
Anthony, Jennifer Loraine McMichael (Journalism), New Braunfels
Dickerson, Rein Moss (Biology), Mineral Wells
Jones, Robert J. (Electronic Media), Abilene
Foster, Mary Elizabeth (History), Abilene
Arango, Abigail (Exercise Science), Houston
Downey, Alexia Anne (Psychology), Abilene
Kaiser, Mark S. (Social Work), Columbus, Ohio
Jenkins, Jonathan Stephen (Political Science), Euless
Barnard, Kelly Renee (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary), Colleyville
Doyle, Meredith Paige (Exercise and Sport Science), Sulphur Springs
Kelly, Jennifer L. (Integrated Marketing Communication), Amarillo
Draine, Arzell Christopher (Communication), Houston
Kelly, Joanna Lindsey (Communication), Merkel
Pruett, Jason D. (History), Abilene Pruiett, Cheryl Erin (Spanish), Austin Shaner, Zachary D. (Composite Interdisciplinary), Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Tolleson, Shara Lynette (Biology), Fairview Velasquez, Aracely Elizabeth (History), Houston Vickers, Charles Eric (Composite Interdisciplinary), Abilene
Benfer, Kimberly Lynne (Psychology), Abilene Blanton, Chelsea Taylor (Interior Design), Nashville, Tenn. Bodwell, Ruth Anne (Food, Nutrition and Dietetics), Georgetown Bricker, Erin Michelle (Communication Disorders), Pearland Brown, Carisse Kay (Exercise Science), Lewisville
Eckley, Katie Rochelle (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary), Cottonwood, Calif. Ethington, Jennifer Lee (Electronic Media), Kingwood Flippin, Marla Elizabeth (Electronic Media), League City Flowers, Morgan Michele (Interior Design), Coppell Gallagher, Amanda M. (Integrated Marketing Communication), North Pole, Alaska Glaze, Shirley Nicole (Psychology), Avondale, Ariz.
Moore, Timothy Joe (Physical Education), Roby
Ingram, Shaye Lynne (Communication Disorders), Fort Stockton
Alpers, Amy Michelle (Psychology), Abilene
Beasley, Erynn Brooke (Family Studies), Edmond, Okla.
Moore, Marisa Lea (Communication), Abilene
Morrison, Roy Benjamin (Interdisciplinary Studies, Middle School), Abilene
Davis, Ryan W. (Electronic Media), Abilene
Kawinga, Muleya B. Kapaale (Biology), Kalomo, Zambia
Mitchen, Kathryn Lindsay (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary), Houston
Hurley, Matthew (Psychology), Abilene
Johnson, Laura Christine (Food, Nutrition and Dietetics), Big Spring
Elliott, Deborah Paige (English), Atlanta, Ga.
Mints, Marlena Nichole (Interdisciplinary Studies, Secondary), Dallas
Normand, Adam Vincent (Mathematics-Teaching), Johnson City Osowski, Erin Marie (Integrated Marketing Communication), Flower Mound Owens, Clint Ellis (Animal Science), Gilmer Paa, Adam William (Social Work), Carrollton Patterson, Clinton Jay (Interdisciplinary Studies, Middle School), Amarillo Pegues, Detra M. (Interdisciplinary Studies, Middle School), Longview
Kidd, Lacey Jay (Biology), Snyder
Pinner, Lauryn V. (Interdisciplinary Studies, Middle School), Fort Collins, Colo.
Kinard, Leila Kathryn (Communication Disorders), Abilene
Ponto, Olivella N. (Interior Design), Jakarta, Indonesia
Lacy, John-Thomas (Psychology), Watauga
Rasmussen, William Robert (Environmental Science), Tyler
Leach, Amber Dawn Bradshaw (Human Development and Family Studies), Abilene Lee, Billy Joel (Computer Science), Farmington, N.M. Lee, Kek Ching (Integrated Marketing Communication), Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia Lei, In Va (Interior Design), Macau, Macao, China Leverett, Danelle J. (Psychology), Amarillo Loehman, Megan Elizabeth (Communication Disorders), Monahans Lynn, Ebonee S. (Food, Nutrition and Dietetics), Fort Worth Lyshoj, Kirsten Jana (Composite Interdisciplinary), Dalzell, Ill. MacKenzie, Susan Azure (Computer Science), Fort Worth Mata, Frederick G. (Industrial Technology), Abilene
Rhodes, Maria Dolores (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary), Abilene Riley, Veronica Lauren (Psychology), Orland, Calif. Rischer, Alexia Danea (Communication), Arlington
Thompson, Dana Lindsey (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary), Mansfield Toney, James E. II (Social Studies-Teaching), Hawley Tooley, Shanna Nicole (Psychology), Canyon Traylor, Gloria DeHaven (Sociology), Dallas Tripp, Sabrina Annette (Exercise Science), Mesa, Ariz. Varley, Jessica A. (Agribusiness), Abilene Vickers, Venie Hannah Fulbright (Journalism), Kingsville Walker, Corry Douglas (Biochemistry, Molecular), De Soto Walker, Jennifer Reneé (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary), Irving Wallace, Emily Genean (Social Work), Colleyville Wallace, Sharon Lynn (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary), Abilene Williams, Johanna Marie (Biology), Trent Wilson, Michelle Lynn (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary), Amarillo Winn, Amanda Grace (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary), De Soto Witte, Cameron Lee (Psychology, SociologyCriminal Justice), Magnolia Woodard, Brandi Michelle (Communication Disorders), Abilene Workman, Brittany Nicole (Biology), Porterville, Calif. Zimmerman, Mark A. (Communication), Round Rock
College of Business Administration Bachelor of Business Administration Bell, Joshua J. (Accounting), Brock Benaglio, Michael A. (Management), Austin Blankenship, Clark E. (Management), Carrollton
Robinson, Gena Rene (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary), Rule
Blau, Lynsie Ruth (Management), Menard
Roe, Brian Presley (Journalism), Fort Worth
Boggs, Andress Lynn (Management), San Antonio
Rud, Ritchie D. (Social Work), Alexandria, Minn.
Booker, Michael Bradshaw (Accounting, Finance), Kailua, Hawaii
Sheets, Kara Lyndsay Brown (Composite Interdisciplinary), Red Oak
Bryant, Joe Aaron (Accounting, Finance), Fort Worth
Slimp, Kelli Anne (Broadcast Journalism), Winters
Callahan, Matthew Jordan (Finance), Ayer, Mass.
Smith, David Grant (Electronic Media), Sugar Land
Chesser, Clayton Thomas (Management), Plano Continued on Page 11
CAMPUS NEWS/GRADUATION
Friday, December 3, 2004
Snow skiing class offers flurry of fun Course offered at ACU for 30 years teaches skiing fundamentals By APRIL WARD PAGE 2 EDITOR
Jetting down mountain slopes, hanging out in the ski lodge, riding the ski lift with a group of close friends — it’s just another day of class. Dr. Curt Dickson, senior faculty in the Department of Exercise Science and Health, was in charge of ACU’s snow skiing classes for many years, and Lynn Luttrell, associate professor of exercise science and health, is Dickson currently leading the classes’ 30th year at ACU. Although Abilene wouldn’t seem like the ideal location to conduct a ski class, Dickson said the university considered adding the class after a review of the department’s classes. “One of the things the review said was that the exercise classes were static,” he said, “and there wasn’t a lot of innovation going on then.” Continued from Page 10 Clapp, Matthew M. (Marketing), Denver, Colo. Coleman, Taiteana Odella (Management), Dallas Cox, Anthony (Marketing), Baldwin, N.Y.
After finishing graduate area that you’re around your previous ski experience, school at Texas A&M, Dick- friends all day long, and they Dickson said the ski trip son had seen a few of these treat us exceptionally well” he offers everyone a chance to said. “Being further north, learn. “innovative” ideas. “The trip is a lot of fun, but “We basically had some there’s more consistency for it’s a class, and we expect traditional exercise classes better snow.” An advanced ski class them to be on the mountain like swimming, jogging and tennis, while Texas A&M had meets in the spring, and the by 9 a.m. and stay till 3 or 4 in unconventional classes like fall class meets eight times the afternoon,” he said. “They skiing, canoeing and back- during the school year to dis- work hard, but they enjoy t h e m packing,” he “The exercise classes were static, selves.” said. The facThe Exercise and there wasn’t a lot of innovation going on.” ulty has Science and Health Depart- Dr. Curt Dickson, senior faculty in the Department of Exercise Science and Health the opportunity to ment decided join the to add skiing; group as however, only one member of the faculty, cuss aspects of the trip, in- well. “It’s a family thing, and Cleddy Varner, had ever been cluding appropriate clothing, skiing before. He helped food preparation while at the most of the faculty in our deestablish connections and get lodge and basic ski tips. The partment have gone before, good rates and accommoda- trip takes place the week and we bring our families before school starts in Jan- since it’s our holiday, too,” he tions on the ski trip. said. “Varner was familiar with uary. For new or veteran skiers, About 120-140 students atski area, so it took us a year to get the thing planned, and off tend the yearly trip, and not Dickson said the class is a way we went,” Dickson said. “We everyone is a student in the to have fun while getting credit for an exercise science were the first university to class. “Of the people going this class. ever bring a P.E. ski class to “We learn a lot,” he said, year, only 80-85 are actually Red River.” Since the class was started, taking it for credit,” Dickson “but we have a lot of fun, too. Dickson said about 2,000 stu- said. “In any class that kids That’s why we have students dents have been on the trip. like it enough to want to go wanting to go every year.” For nearly all of those 30 again, you pick up a lot of tagyears, the class has chosen the alongs, including friends of Red River ski area as the des- those who have gone before E-mail Ward at: and had a good time.” tination. alw02b@acu.edu Although many have had “It’s a small enough ski Henley, Steve C. L. (Management), Albuquerque, N.M.
Miller, Kelly L. (Management, Marketing), San Antonio
Hinojosa, Veronika Nicole (Accounting), Alice
Pardue, Carolyn Elizabeth (Finance), Austin
Hudson, Brandon Scott (Marketing), Sugar Land
Pugh, Blake Hardin (Management), Garland
Huston, Chadwick Denton (Finance), Southlake
Purser, Jason Stone (Accounting), Amarillo
Cunningham, Sequoyah D. (Management, Marketing), Austin
Jividen, Minnie Reid (Accounting), Abilene
Ramirez, Daniel R. (Management), Abilene
Curlee, Dayna Marie (Accounting), Georgetown
Kern, Mike W. (Management), Huntsville
Reedy, M'chelle Leavell (Marketing), Abilene
Dumas, Rachel Elizabeth (Accounting), Sugar Land
King, Melissa Ellen (Management, Marketing), Coppell
Reeves, Kayla Brooke (Marketing), Abilene
Estrella, James Jared (Management), Clyde Gantt, LaQuiera S. (Marketing), Hagerstown, Md. Greenlee, Lauren Denise (Accounting), Abilene Griffin, Tami Renae (Marketing; Bachelor of Science, Fashion Merchandising), Saginaw Hamawaki, Yoshitaka (Accounting, Finance), Kagoshima, Japan Hanner, Hunter Ray (Marketing), Abilene
Lockridge, Michael Paul (Accounting, Finance, Marketing), San Antonio Loza, Marcy (Management), Abilene Mangenje, Tonderai (Management), Harare, Zimbabwe Maynard, Casey D. (Finance, Management), Gatesville McQueen, Daniel C. (Management, Marketing), Richwood Medrano, Nicholas Alfonso (Management), Euless
Scott, Arthur Nicholas IV (Accounting), Sugar Land Stokes, Robert Andrew (Accounting, Finance), Leander
Carr, Matthew Ethan Colt (Youth and Family Ministry), Johnson City
Wester, Chaz Dean (Management, Marketing), Oklahoma City, Okla.
Kaiser, Alice JoAnn Gonçalves (Vocational Missions), Itu, Brazil
Clark, Keith Robert (Christian Ministry), Abilene
White, Benjamine Stephen (Management), Richardson
Long, Kendra Alessandra (Youth and Family Ministry), Farmersville
Wiggins, Mark G. (Marketing), Lake Travis Williams, Schivon M. (Marketing), San Antonio Wilson, Isaac A. III (Marketing), San Antonio Wilson, Kendra L. (Management, Marketing), Fort Worth Wilson, Leah Ashley (Management), Abilene
Tchu, Pedro (Management), Macau, Macao, China
Bachelor of Arts
Vazquez, Rocio DelAlba (Management), Houston
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Nathan Thompson (left), sophomore finance major from Mineral Wells, and Nathan Ikel, sophomore agri-business major from Thomball, rake and gather leaves on the mall near the Center for Teaching Excellence Wednesday.
Hernandez, Victoria L. Buell (Ministry to Children and Families), Jefferson
College of Biblical Studies
Tucker, Elizabeth Lanae (Accounting), Georgetown
I think I found my watch...
Walker, Ridglea Michelle (Accounting, Finance), San Antonio
Stringer, Philip James (Accounting), Grand Saline
Torvik, Joshua P. (Finance), Fort Worth
Page 11
Bland, Rance Gene (Vocational Missions), Lubbock Brinley, Andrew D. (Missions), Moscow, Russia Crain, Michael James (Youth and Family Ministry, History), Grapevine
Foster, Matthew T. (Youth and Family Ministry), Westminster, Colo.
Sanderson, John P. (Biblical Text), Keller
Jones, Charles Hanford (Youth and Family Ministry), Lewisville
Willis, Mark G. (Youth and Family Ministry), Indianapolis, Ind.
Lee, Matthew Shaun (Youth and Family Ministry), San Antonio
Bachelor of Science Blair, Cody Lale (Youth and Family Ministry), Abilene Brown, Logan Michael (Youth and Family Ministry), Fort Collins, Colo.
Mayfield, Kyle Wayne (Youth and Family Ministry), Texico, N.M. Wilson, Wesley Robert (Youth and Family Ministry), Abilene
SPORTSFRIDAY OPTIMIST
Page 12
December 3, 2004
Basketball teams prepare for thick of season Cats face regional Women’s Basketball opponents in two-game great and the next night you tourney this weekend don’t even know they’re on the
Men’s Basketball
Wildcats begin regular season 1-0 with strong second half
By WARREN GRAY SPORTS WRITER
By KYLE ROBARTS
The Wildcats women’s basketball team is off to a 3-2 start this season, and ACU head coach Shawna Lavender hopes that record will be even better by the time the spring semester rolls around. ACU will play five more games before classes begin in January, and Lavender is looking for five wins. “I like to think every game is winnable,” Lavender said. At least that’s the mindset she’s trying to instill in her players. “I think they expect to win every game, but we have to get to the point where we understand what it takes to win every game,” Lavender said.. “We’re so inconsistent right now, but with a young team, that’s something you expect a little bit.” The Wildcats have averaged 21 turnovers a game, a number that Lavender said needs to come down. “Turnovers are a big issue for us right now,” Lavender said. “We can force 25 turnovers, but if we’re turning the ball over 30 times it doesn’t do any good.” The team has eight more games before conference play begins to work on taking care of the ball and get more consistent efforts from all players. Many players have shown bright spots early in the season, but stringing quality games together has been the tough part. “One night somebody will be
SPORTS EDITOR
Most ACU students will be at home with family over the Christmas break, but the men’s basketball team will be hard at work as the team will play eight games before students return on Jan. 10. Before Thursday’s game with Tarleton State, the Wildcats had just come off of a 6867 victory over St. Edward’s in Austin. Hakim Rasul led the team with 32 points in the contest, and head coach Klint Pleasant said the team is beginning to realize what kind of weapon they have inside with the junior transfer. “The guards understand that if we feed him in the post he’s hard to guard,” Pleasant said. With Rasul helping anchor the inside game, the Wildcats will have a challenge ahead of them as the backcourt took a hit this week. Junior point guard Joe Carr suffered a high-ankle sprain in Monday’s game with St. Edward’s, and Pleasant said the training staff said not to count on him at least for this weekend. Carr started all three games thus far for ACU and leads the team in assists with 7.7 a game and is third on the team in scoring, averaging 9.7. Though Carr may be gone only temporarily, junior guard Dionte Gill left the team after Monday’s game with St. Edwards. “[Dionte] is choosing to move back to Arizona for personal reasons,” Pleasant said. “We left on great terms and we support his decision.” Gill averaged 25.3 minutes per game, and contributed 7.3 points per game and was third on the team with an average of 4.3 rebounds per game. Carr’s absence will leave the responsibilities of the point guard position to juniors Matt Sutherland and Gabe Lombard, and Pleasant said he is confident in the team’s depth at that position. “We’re going to miss Joe,” Sutherland said. “But that just provides the opportunity for other guys to step up and take responsibility.”
LSC South Standings current through 12-01-04
Men’s Basketball Team A&M-Commerce ACU Angelo State Midwestern State E. New Mexico A&M-Kingsville West Texas A&M
Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Tot. 4-1 2-1 4-2 3-2 2-2 1-1 2-2
Women’s Basketball Team Angelo State A&M-Commerce West Texas A&M ACU E. New Mexico Midwestern State A&M-Kingsville
Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Tot. 3-1 3-1 2-1 3-2 2-3 2-3 2-3
Upcoming events in Wildcat sports... (home events in italics) Saturday, December 4 MBB: Southwest Assemblies of God, 4 p.m. Thursday, December 9 MBB: Texas-Permian Basin, 7 p.m. Saturday, December 11 MBB: at Central Oklahoma, 2 p.m. WBB: at Central Oklahoma, 4 p.m. Monday, December 13 WBB: at Northeastern State, 6 p.m. MBB: at Northeastern State, 8 p.m.
court,” Lavender said. In five games this season, the Wildcats have had four different leading scorers, with junior guard Ashley King as the only player to do it more than once. Perhaps the best performance from one of those leading scorers this year was senior forward Stephanie Riles’ 40-point effort against Lincoln. “I really didn’t even notice it in the game,” Riles said of her scoring mark. “After the game, when they announced that I had 40, I was surprised.” The scoring outburst moved Riles up to the leading scorer on the team, averaging 15.3 points a game. King is averaging 13.8 a game, while Jamie Boles has put in just over 11 a game. “It’s great to have some different people that will step up and have some big games,” Lavender said. “But we have to get to the point where every night those same people are consistent with that.” Riles likes the direction the team is going, and the speed they’re going in. “I’m excited that we are pressing this year,” Riles said. “That’s the style I like to play, at a quicker pace.” But with an open court style, protecting the ball becomes even more critical. Riles said the passing needs to be better for those mistakes to be corrected. “Turnovers have killed us,” Riles said. “We just need to get mentally tougher.” E-mail Gray at: weg02a@acu.edu
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Junior forward Hakim Rasul goes up for the lay-in during the 86-80 victory over Wiley College on Nov. 20. Rasul leads the men’s basketball team in scoring with a 23.3 average. The Wildcats will next play a nonconference game Saturday against Southwest Assemblies of God in Moody Coliseum. As the team prepares for the next month, Sutherland said the team needs to rebound better and cut down on turnovers; his head coach echoed his opinions. “We still need to cut down on our unforced errors,” Pleasant said. “We need to rebound better; some games
we blocked out well, but didn’t pursue the ball and other games we pursued the ball well but didn’t block out.” Pleasant said that the team will use the break to continue improving as a team. “We’re going to take advantage of our practices and work at getting better so
when we start [Lone Star Conference] south play we’ll be feeling good about where we’re at as a team.”
E-mail Robarts at: kdr00c@acu.edu
Slate named first team all-region tournament Three Wildcats named to AVCA all-region squad FROM ACU SPORTS INFORMATION OFFICE ACU junior middle blocker Amanda Slate on Monday was named first team NCAA Division II all-Southwest Region by the American Volleyball Coaches' Association, the first Wildcat to ever earn that distinction. Slate, who led ACU to a 288 record in 2004 and the school's first appearance in the Southwest Region Tournament, was joined on the squad by teammates Michelle Bernhardt and Lindsey Martin, both of whom were named honorable mention. Slate, whose defensive prowess was a major force for the Wildcats during a historic 2004 season, was named the Lone Star Conference South Division Most Valuable Player earlier this month, the first Wildcat to ever earn that honor. Slate — whose power, 6-0 frame and intimidating presence in the middle were major reasons for the Wildcats' success—led ACU to several firsts this year: first LSC South Division title, first LSC volleyball championship and first NCAA Division II regional
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Junior guard Ashley King drives to the bucket in Nov. 15’s matchup against UTPB. King is averaging 13.8 ppg and 3.8 assists per game.
Jim Reese steps down as coach
Volleyball tournament berth. She finished the season with 413 kills, a team-best .321 hitting percentage and a teamhigh 116 total blocks. She was third in the LSC in hitting percentage, ninth in kills per game (3.41), third in total blocks and blocks per game (0.96) and third in service aces (0.50). She ranks eighth on ACU's alltime blocks list with 359, and she is just outside the top 10 in career kills with 1,057 entering her senior season in 2005. Bernhardt, a 5-9 junior outside hitter from Hereford, had another outstanding season for the Wildcats, leading them in kills with 538 to move into the top spot on ACU's all-time kills list with 1,584 and one year of eligibility left. She earned three LSC South Division Hitter of the Week honors on her way to earning first team all-LSC South Division honors for the second straight season. Bernhardt led the LSC in both kills and kills per game (4.45). Martin dished out 1,623 assists on the season, giving her 4,202 for her career, which is good for second on ACU's all-time list. She was named the LSC South Division Setter of the Week five times this year, and she led the LSC and is in the top10 in NCAA Division II volleyball in assists per game at 13.52.
Former Wildcat QB wants to return to high school coaching FROM ACU SPORTS INFORMATION OFFICE
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Junior middle blocker Amanda Slate finished her season with 413 kills, 116 blocks, 60 service aces and a .321 hitting percentage.
Citing a desire to return to the high school coaching ranks, ACU assistant football coach Jim Reese announced his resignation last month, ending a fiveyear run on the staff of head coach Gary Gaines. Reese joined Gaines at ACU when the latter was hired as the head coach in January 2000. The former record-setting Wildcat quarterback served as both the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for ACU. Reese came to ACU from Abilene High, where he was an offensive assistant for football and a highly successful head baseball coach. "I've really enjoyed my time at ACU, but my first love is and always has been high school athletics," Reese said. "I certainly appreciate Coach Gaines giving me the opportunity to coach at my alma mater, but I really wanted to get back to the high school level." Reese—who said he would
Football like to remain in Abilene and return to the Abilene Independent School District— coached a pair of all-Lone Star Conference South Division quarterbacks in Aaron Birdwell (second team in 2000) and Colby Freeman (honorable mention in 2002 and 2003). He also coached freshman wide receiver Jerale Badon last season, and Badon—who set ACU freshman receiving marks with 40 catches for 521 yards and three touchdowns — was named second team all-LSC South Division. Reese was also part of an ACU coaching staff that in 2002 directed the Wildcats to their first LSC South Division title, the school's first football championship of any kind since the 1977 team won the NAIA Division I national championship. ACU led the conference in passing yards per game in 2002 (238.1) and was second in total passing yards (2,381). "I appreciate Jim's contribution and service to our program and wish him nothing but the best in the future," Gaines said.