OPTIMIST_2005-02-18 by ACU Optimist

OPTIMIST THE

Swan Song FRIDAY

February 18, 2005

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

Abilene Christian University

Vol. 93, No. 38 2 sections, 22 pages www.acuoptimist.com

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Climbing the charts:

Work zone ahead:

‘Rock around the clock’:

See pictures of the six Sing Song hosts and hostesses performing in the show. Pages 6A and 7A

Although construction on Barret Hall is several weeks behind schedule, administrators say it should still be completed by Aug. 1. Page 12A

About 35 children will participate in this year’s Sing Song children’s chorus. Page 4A

Singing their

After three years, seniors prepare for last shot in spotlight

University cites Leeson with award

Pulitzer-winning photographer chosen as Outstanding Alumnus of Year By LORI BREDEMEYER MANAGING EDITOR

John Best doesn’t give himself credit for helping David Leeson win a Pulitzer Prize in photography. But he does credit Leeson with giving him his first gray hairs. Leeson, class of 1978, worked under Best at the Abilene ReporterNews in the early 1980s and will be honored Sunday by the Alumni Association as the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year at a luncheon at the Abilene Civic Center. Best, instructor of journalism and mass communication, will lead Leeson the benediction at the luncheon. He was chief photographer part of the time Leeson was staff photographer at the Reporter-News, and he said even 25 years ago Leeson was a driven photographer who worried him sometimes. “David was young, and he had already started covering and trying to do things that pushed the envelope,” Best said. “I was concerned about his See LEESON Page 5

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Members of the senior class perform their hillbilly-themed act during Wednesday’s dress rehearsal of Sing Song. This weekend will represent the last time many of the seniors will perform on the Sing Song stage, where some have been performing every year since they were freshmen. By MALLORY SHERWOOD FEATURES EDITOR

They began as silly freshman. They competed fiercely with their clubs. Some became hosts, and others worked behind the scenes. Now they are saying goodbye. Six seniors, who have been involved in Sing Song for four years, are looking back on the experiences they’ve shared along the way. “It’s been an amazing experience,” said Ben Lazcano, senior youth and family ministry major from The Colony. “I’ve created a bond between friends and with brothers in club that you really can’t find in any other activity.” Lazcano began participating in Sing Song as a freshman in the class act. Since then, he has played a large role in helping the members of Gamma Sigma Phi to victory as a bass leader. This year, his club is setting a new goal: winning four years straight. Although they are looking to win, Lazcano said the triumph means less to him than the fellowship.

Inside the extra section Look inside this issue for an extra section with more news about Sing Song and Lectureship. It features: • Complete sports coverage from men’s and women’s basketball to baseball and softball, pages 1B-3B. • Information on the Freshman Ushers’ group participating in Sing Song with an ’80s theme, page 4B. • An article about this year’s Sing Song dance team and the numbers it will perform, page 5B. • A in-depth story about Dr. Mark Tucker, dean of Brown Library and information resources, page 6B. • A list of this year’s Sing Song judges and their judging criteria, page 10B.

“The actual event means nothing to me; it’s the community it requires, and what it means for the group to come together,” he said. “We are achieving something here that is greater than the win. To do this is not about merit or who is better, but to win, it really says something about the dynamics of your group.”

This year the seniors in GSP are stepping up to show more leadership, Lazcano said. “That is what it takes when you have a group with 40 sophomores,” he said. “We have such a young crowd dominating our group, so it takes a mature group of seniors to step up and be leaders to them.” Amanda Harris, senior hu-

“As goofy as the show concept is, it really unites each class that has passed through ACU.” Jeffrey Rasco, Sing Song co-chair and senior management major from Abilene

For Lazcano, the best memory was learning to come from behind. “In 2003, we were the Beatles, and we had lost the first two shows. Then we came back and won the overall on Saturday,” Lazcano said. “It tested what we were made of. We realized that we were the underdog, and we found out what it takes to be the best club on campus in Sing Song that year.” Now as a senior, he takes his role as a leader seriously.

man development and family studies major from Cedar Hill and assistant upstage manager has seen every side of Sing Song and said she loves it. She has worked behind the scenes and knows what it takes to perform with class and club acts. Her favorite memory of Sing Song was when she performed with her club, Alpha Kai Omega, for the first time. “It is different than participating with your class act

because you are part of a legacy,” Harris said. “You really get to bond and just goof off. You get to look stupid, but you know that everyone else looks stupid right along with you.” Harris said she is sad this is her last year to participate in Sing Song. Instead of focusing on it, she is excited to see how she meets the challenge of working on production staff and performing in two groups. She said she knows Sing Song is much more than students performing just to win. “As part of the production staff, we really get to see people using God’s gifts,” Harris said. “It is never about one person, but about using the talents we have been given to produce a show with fellow Christians.” David Gilly, Gamma Sigma Phi Sing Song director and exercise science major from Abilene, said he also loves Sing Song. Gilly led GSP to its win the past year, and he said he participates because of his love for music and because most of his friends participate. See SENIORS Page 5

Trustee board will discuss school’s future Centennial Campaign, student tuition, budget will be on members’ docket By JACI SCHNEIDER OPINION EDITOR

Fifty-four Board of Trustees will meet Friday and Saturday to make decisions about student tuition, the university’s budget and long range plans for the university. The re-election of Dr. Royce Money, president of the University, is also on the agenda for the annual meeting, said Dr. Gaston Welborn, vice president and general counsel to the university. “It’s the time in which the officers of the Board are elected, and the president is technically re-elected,” Welborn said. Don Crisp, chair of the Board of Trustees, said in an e-mail the Board of Trustees is the governing Welborn body of the university. It is responsible for hiring the president, setting policy, providing long-range guidance and giving feedback about academics, fund raising and campus construction, he said. See BOARD Page 5

Biblical Studies Building renamed Name change in honor of late trustee members: Packer, Onstead By SARAH CARLSON ARTS EDITOR

The Biblical Studies Building will be officially renamed the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building this weekend in honor of the late Lynn Packer and Robert Onstead. Both Onstead and Packer were Board of Trustees members and co-chaired a campaign in the mid ’80s to build a new Biblical Studies Building. In

seven months, the two men had raised $13 million. Packer died in 2001, and Onstead died in August. After Onstead died, Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, said he began discussions with Don Crisp, chair of the Board of Trustees, about ways to honor the contributions of the two men. “Mr. Crisp and I decided this would be an appropriate way to honor these two men who were very instrumental in us being able to have this fine facility,” Money said. See BIBLE Page 5

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Kenneth Russell, employee of FASTSIGNS of Abilene, works on the entrance of the Biblical Studies Building on Monday, the weekend before the building is officially renamed in honor of the late Lynn Packer and Robert Onstead, who were both trustees of the university.

CAMPUS

DAY

Friday, February 18, 2005

Calendar&Events Sing Song, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Moody Coliseum.

Friday

Fair Trade involvement meeting, 6:30 p.m., Mezamiz Deux. Frater Sodalis raffle fund-raiser, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. The Mousetrap, dinner at 6:45 p.m. and performance at 8 p.m., Williams Performing Arts Center. Sing Song, Coliseum.

p.m.,

Moody

Spring break preview weekend, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday

Spring preview weekend, 8 a.m.5 p.m. Hall of Fame lunch, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Hilton Room. Will-call tickets for Hall of Fame dinner, 7 a.m.-11 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.

The Mousetrap, dinner at 6:45 p.m. and performance at 8 p.m., Williams Performing Arts Center.

Sunday

Prayer meeting, 5-6 p.m., Hilton Room. Spring Break Campaign leaders meeting, 7-9 p.m., Campus Center Faculty Staff Dining Room. Hall of Fame lunch, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Hilton Room.

Monday

Friends of ACU Library Dinner, 58 p.m., Hilton Room. Missions breakfast, 6:30-9 a.m., Hilton Room. World Bible School reception, 811 p.m., Hilton Room.

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.

Tuesday

Wednesday

Herald of Truth breakfast, 6:30-9 a.m., Hilton Room.

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Social Clubs meeting, 810:45 p.m., Living Room.

National Campus Ministries breakfast, 6:30-9 a.m., Living Room.

Peer leader interviews, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Hilton Room.

Cascade College Reception, 8-11 p.m., Living Room.

Cycling Club sign-ups, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center.

Volunteer Opportunities The Noah Project needs volunteers to provide services for victims of family violence in the evenings from 6-10 p.m. Training is required and is provided Tuesday and Thursday. For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. Healing Hands International is in need of volunteers to help repair donated bicycles before they are shipped to Zambia. Tools and parts are fur-

nished. For more information, contact the Volunteer and ServiceLearning Center. Auditions for the two ACU plays in the summer Abilene Shakespeare Festival are coming up. Julius Caesar auditions are Monday from 7-11 p.m., and Twelfth Night auditions are Tuesday from 7-11 p.m. in Fulks Theatre. Scripts are available at www-tech.mit.edu/Shakespeare and www.theplays.org.

Announcements This is the last week to change your meal plan. If changes need to be made, please contact Team 55 at Ext. 5555 by Friday or at the Team 55 office located in Zellner Hall Room 120. Thistle and Harp smallgroup Chapel meets every Thursday at the Williams Performing Arts Center in Room 213. Come celebrate, worship and fellowship with the Celtic Society of ACU. An Inch of Rope will be performed by Eric Harrell, assistant professor of theatre, and Nathan

Jerkins, senior theatre major from Nashville, Tenn. Performances will be Sunday and Tuesday at 8:45 p.m. in the Williams Performing Arts Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Culp Theatre. Admission is free. The Junior Cheerleading Clinic is scheduled for Feb. 26 from 8:30 a.m.-11:30a.m. Participants, kindergarten through fifth grade, will perform during halftime at the Wildcat basketball games Saturday night. Before Wednesday, the cost is $18. After this date, the clinic fee is $20. To register, contact Trish Mosley at 692-8075.

Chapel Check-Up Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:

29 42

Friday, February 18, 2005

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CAMPUS NEWS

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Friday, February 18, 2005

Weekend busy for recruiting Office of Admissions plans events, activities for prospective students

tion and a welcome assembly, followed by a devotional in Hart Auditorium at 10:15 a.m. led by Steven Moore, assistant professor of English. “We try to get students to By DANIÈLE NTAHONKIRIYE come to Purple Friday; they are STUDENT REPORTER smaller, and it’s easier to get personal attention, particularly for the students who have alumni About 250 students and in their family and who are their families will visit campus already coming to Sing Song,” this weekend for spring preview she said. weekend, and the Office of AdEtheredge said about 55 permissions is planning a number cent of students who visit the of activities for them. campus comM a t h i s plete a college Kennington, campus tour “It’s just a really great time for them to come and application. “We have a c o o rd i n a t o r check out academic, spiritual and social life.” good percentand sophoage that do go more ChrisGretchen Etheredge, enrollment services representative ahead and detian ministry cide to come major from to ACU after San Antonio Each of the four colleges will the visits,” she said. said they are encouraging high Etheredge encouraged pohave a reception for prospective school students to visit. “If someone calls and wants students and families, and the tential students to attend the to have a daily visit during that visitors will be able to interact events. “If you are shy, it might not week, we would present the with deans and professors, said be the day for you, but if you are opportunity to go to a spring Etheredge. “It’s just a really great time outgoing and you want to be preview because it’s going to be for them to come and check out where everybody else is, it’s a huge,” Kennington said. “It gives students the chance academic, spiritual and social good time to visit,” she said. to see a lot of campus life activ- life,” Etheredge said. On Saturday, activities will ities, how students are engaging E-mail Ntahonkiriye at: optimist@acu.edu one another, and that is why we begin at 8:30 a.m. with registraencourage them to come to the spring preview,” Kennington said. Gretchen Etheredge, enrollment services representative, said visitors who come to campus Friday will have a whole day of opportunities. On Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., visitors can attend registration, breakfast, a welcome assembly, campus tour, Chapel, residence hall tour, lunch at The Bean and a financial aid info session.

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

A group of girls in the Sing Song children’s chorus dance and sing with the hosts and hostesses to ‘Rock Around the Clock,’ ‘The Twist’ and ‘Land of a Thousand Dances’ during the dress rehearsal Wednesday night in Moody Coliseum.

Kids to ‘rock around the clock’ Mash potato, alligator among dances children will perform at show

Not all students involved in annual campuswide show By MITCH HOLT STAFF WRITER

Although hundreds of students will participate in Sing Song this weekend, many who don’t are glad to avoid the hype of the production. The nonparticipants spend time focusing on school, working, playing or doing absolutely nothing. “Sing Song is a lot like pledging,” said Aaron Bell, junior communication major from Van. “Some of your friends just

disappear for a month at a time.” Bell said he probably will not go to the show because not enough of his friends are in the production. Other students are trying to avoid the stress that comes with being involved in Sing Song. “I’m not participating in Sing Song simply because I wouldn’t enjoy it,” said Jason Cunningham, sophomore international studies major from Chantilly, Va. “All of the practices leading up to it would take up all of my time, and the overall result doesn’t seem very appealing to me. “The appeal of not having anything extra on your agenda

is too much to turn down,” he said, adding he would probably wonder at each practice why he was standing on stage waving his arms around with a lot of other students doing the same thing. Students who do not participate in Sing Song rarely see the show in a negative light, but many just prefer to distance themselves from the production, Bell said. “Hey, if they enjoy it, then why not participate?” he said. “I’m having more fun waving my arms around to my own beat,” Cunningham said. E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu

Emily Quile, second-grade participant in the Sing Song children’s chorus

By DANIÈLE NTAHONKIRIYE STUDENT REPORTER

Some abstain from Sing Song

“It’s something good because you get to sing a song and move your body.”

This year’s Sing Song children’s chorus will feature about 35 children who will do the mash potato and the alligator as they perform Land of a Thousand Dances, The Twist and Rock Around the Clock with the hosts and hostesses. “We had a two-year-old at the beginning, but now we have children from anywhere from four to 12 years old,” said Amanda Devenau, assistant director of the Sing Song children’s chorus and sophomore children’s ministry major from Coppell. The children have been practicing for four weeks, and Devenau said they are ready to show their talents. “It’s very rewarding, and it’s kind of crazy to put everything together,” she said. “Getting the kids to work together as a

group is a lot of fun.” Brittany Moore, assistant director of the children’s chorus and sophomore Christian ministry major from Farmers Branch, said the children in the chorus have to be old enough to understand the instructions. She said many of the children who are performing this year have been involved in Sing Song in previous years. “The kids have been working really hard with all their hearts,” Moore said. “Everyone will be proud of them, and they will be looking cute in their costumes.” Kim Quile, switchboard operator and mother of a children’s chorus participant, Emily Quile, said it has been exciting for her to see all the children and watch how experienced the children’s directors are.

“They are going 50 million different directions, and they can still captivate their attention,” Quile said. “I think it makes it even personal for me because I didn’t go to ACU, but my husband did,” she said. “When we lived here 10 years ago, our older two were in Sing Song with Kendall Massey when he was a host, and now our youngest one will be in the Sing Song while he’s in charge of it.” Emily Quile is in the second grade at Abilene Christian School, and she said she is inviting other kids to see Sing Song. “It’s something good because you get to sing a song and move your body,” Emily said.

E-mail Ntahonkiriye at: optimist@acu.edu

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Friday, February 18, 2005

Page 5A

Seniors: Sing Song end bittersweet Bible: Widows also to be honored Continued from Page 1 Sing Song host this year. Curry, senior marketing major from Sugar Land, spends “It gives me something to more than 60 hours a week do,” Gilly said. “If you aren’t in working on Sing Song as proSing Song, then you really don’t duction assistant in the Sing have a life until it is over Song Office and as host, and he because so many of your said he has enjoyed working friends are going to be involved with the other hosts and the that there will be nothing to hostesses. do.” This year will be different Gilly said last year’s win was for Curry, who has a more visihis best memory of Sing Song, ble role than in past years. He and he is hoping to experience has participated in the class and it again. club acts and has worked be“It was my first year to hind the scenes in the office. direct, and it was the third year For his last for GSP to call on stage, win in a row,” will be Gilly said. “It is the continuity thread that alumni can share Curry supported by “We were in ... it really brings back a flood of memories.” friends and standing up family from there on the Jeffrey Rasco, senior business management major from Abilene home. He stage with all said 15 memof the lights bers of his on and all of the alumni who had come back ager, said she feels mixed emo- family and more than 30 memfor the last performance who tions when she reflects on her bers of his church will come this weekend to watch him and were in GSP came up on the experiences with Sing Song. “It is really bittersweet for the others perform. stage and we sang our club Instead of participating in me,” said Klick, senior broadsong. “It was just an incredible cast journalism major from the production next year, Curry feeling to sing with all of these Fort Worth. “It is kind of weird will be able to watch. “It’ll be sad to not be inpeople we didn’t really know that it is the last one and that volved in it next year, but I’m but who we’re connected with.” next year I won’t be here. Klick said one of her best not emotionally attached like For Jeffrey Rasco, Sing Song co-chair, Sing Song has been memories was as a Freshman some people are,” he said. “I am excited for next year’s group. It one of the most enjoyable times Usher. “We were just new to the will be the 50th anniversary and he’s had at ACU. “I will always look back at scene, and we really didn’t an incredible show.” Sing Song as one of my fondest know what was going on. We memories,” said Rasco, senior spent so much time laughing business management major and messing up and laughing from Abilene. “As goofy as the some more.” E-mail Sherwood at: Senior Darren Curry is a show concept is, it really unites mes02e@acu.edu

Continued from Page 1

each class that has passed through ACU in the 49 years it has been in production. “It is the continuity thread that alumni can share in. Everyone associated with ACU knows of Sing Song or has participated somehow, and it really brings back a flood of memories.” Rasco said looking back on Sing Song when he graduates will be sad, but right now he is having fun working with all of the groups involved. Rachel Klick, upstage man-

Board: Trustees to discuss future Continued from Page 1 This weekend, Crisp said the Board will spend much of its time looking toward ACU’s future, since the Centennial Vision is coming to a close. “The entire ACU community is providing feedback on a new vision,” Crisp said. “The Board’s ideas and suggestions will be combined with those ideas from the campus VISTA teams and other ACU groups, as the vision for the next five to

10 years is developed.” Members of the Board will meet in their committees throughout the day Friday, Welborn said. They will then report to the full Board on Friday evening and Saturday morning. Part of the meeting will also include the election of officers and the appointment of new members. The Centennial Campaign also will be a big topic of this weekend’s meeting, Crisp said. Money will lead a discussion

about the Centennial Celebration, and the Public Relations and Development committee will present on the topic. “The Board is very excited about the 100-year celebration of ACU,” Crisp said. Welborn said decisions made in the meeting will be announced Saturday afternoon or Sunday.

E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu

He said they had the idea to rename the Biblical Studies Building in August after Onstead’s death, and the Board of Trustees approved it in October. The widows of Onstead and

Packer, Kay and Barbara, respectively, will also be honored when the building is officially renamed this weekend. Dr. Jack Reese, dean of the College of Biblical Studies, agreed regarding Packer and Onstead’s influence on the

university. “These are obviously people of such profound importance to this college and this building,” Reese said. E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu

Leeson: Friends to speak at luncheon where they come from and forget the people that they know, safety even in ’81, long before he but David’s not like that, and I would ever go around the world appreciate that quality in him.” and be in places that were really Leeson said he recognizes dangerous.” that Abilene and ACU helped Leeson worked at the Reporhim become the person and photographer he is today. ter-News from 1977-1982 and “It [ACU] provides you with has worked as a senior staff phoa good foundation of not just tographer at the Dallas Morning ethics but ethics from a News since 1984. He was an Christian viewpoint,” he said. embedded journalist during the “... I think that the role that the war in Iraq, and his photos taken university provided was a firm during that time earned him the foundation to start a career on Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News the right path.” Photography, which he shared Best said Leeson called him with fellow Morning News phoafter the Pulitzer was awarded to tographer Cheryl Diaz Meyer in thank him for his guidance in 2004. developing his photography Although Leeson has won a skills and helping begin to build Pulitzer and several other prestithat foundation. gious journalism awards, he said “I don’t take any real credit being honored as Alumnus of for David,” Best said, “other than the Year is just as gratifying. I was able to “It’s chom a y b e sen by peo“We all knew he would eventually win the Pulitzer channel a ple who few things probably know you because we knew David wouldn’t stop until he did win it.” and guide him a little better than Gerald Ewing, David Leeson’s former co-worker at the Abilene Reporter-News bit, but the anyone else raw talent who could was evident, ever choose you for an award,” he said. with Leeson at the Reporter- even in those early stages.” As Leeson was growing “It’s also important to me News beginning in the late ’70s, because these are the people also will speak at the luncheon. through those early stages and who helped form me, who He said he has kept in touch making friends, Ewing said he placed their trust in me and con- with Leeson and thinks it’s about made an impression on his cofidence in me and gave of their time he was honored for his suc- workers. “We all knew he would evenlives to hopefully send me off so cess. “I think this award is long tually win the Pulitzer because I would be a success in life,” he said. “To me, it’s very gratifying overdue; he should have won for we knew that David wouldn’t to know that I was able to hope- his first Gulf War coverage—he stop until he did win it,” he said. fully perform up to the standards had some fantastic stuff,” he “And I’ve got news for everyone: His career is not over. This may that I’m sure they were holding said. Hadfield said he also thinks be really the beginning for him.” for me.” The luncheon will be at 12:15 Linda Giddens, president of it’s the right time to honor Leep.m. at the Civic Center, and the Alumni Association, said son. “He loves ACU, and I know tickets are $15 and can be purLeeson’s recent success helped the Alumni Advisory Board he speaks highly of his educa- chased through the Alumni choose him for the Alumnus of tion when he’s around other peo- Relations Office at Ext. 2622. the Year award. ple,” Hadfield said. “It’d be real “Usually they’re [alumni] rec- easy for an alum who’s highly E-mail Bredemeyer at: ommended by an alum or a successful like that to forget lmb00g@acu.edu Continued from Page 1

teacher who has personal knowledge of them,” she said. “Several people knew of the quality and standards that he upheld, and it just seemed to be the right time to honor him.” Ron Hadfield, editor of ACU Today and former classmate of Leeson’s, will speak at the luncheon. He said the two have remained friends through the years, and he has enjoyed following Leeson’s career and occasionally being able to watch him work. “When he sees something, he just works really hard to nail it down and get the image that he wants,” Hadfield said. “There’s a purpose to his photographs; he will shoot them because there’s something that he knows you’ll see in that photograph.” Gerald Ewing, who worked

Climbing the charts Sing Song Hosts and Hostesses

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Friday, February 18, 2005

Sing Song Hosts and Hostesses

Hosts, Hostesses go ‘Off the Charts’ for 49th Sing Song

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Darren Curry senior marketing major from Sugar Land

Ben Jeffrey junior theatre major from Kansas City, Mo.

Nate Lollar junior biblical text major from Tucson, Ariz. Jeffrey, Whited and Curry execute a synchronized dance move during the first song of Sing Song in dress rehearsal Wednesday while dance team members perform behind them.

Sing Song hostesses Lara Seibert (front row), Kelci Young and Holly Whited and hosts Darren Curry, Nate Lollar and Ben Jeffrey perform ‘R-O-C-K in the U.S.A.’ during the first act in the Sing Song dress rehearsal on Wednesday in Moody Coliseum. The six performers have been working and practicing diligently the past few weeks in preparation for this weekend.

Lara Seibert junior theatre major from Grapevine

Hosts Lollar and Jeffrey channel the Blues Brothers in their rendition of ‘Soul Man.’

Hostesses Seibert and Whited dance to the tune of ‘Waterloo’ during Sing Song dress rehearsal Wednesday night in Moody Coliseum.

Holly Whited

Photos by:

Brian Schmidt Chief Photographer

junior vocal performance major from Dallas

Design by:

Jonathan Smith Editor in Chief

Kelci Young Hostesses Young, Seibert and Whited dance during the 1980s Medley, while members of the dance team perform in the background during the dress rehearsal of Sing Song on Wednesday. Freshman Ushers also performed during this act.

Hostesses Whited, Young and Seibert each perform a different tune during The Supremes Medley. This year’s show included several medleys for the hosts and hostesses.

junior integrated marketing communication major from Spring Hill, Tenn.

ARTSFRIDAY OPTIMIST

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The Box Office Figures are for the weekend of February 11-13 and are in millions. Total grosses in parenthesis. 1 Hitch—$43.1 (new) 2 Boogeyman—$10.2 ($32.8) 3 Are We There Yet?—$8.2 ($61.3) 4 Million Dollar Baby—$7.4 ($44.9) 5 Pooh’s Heffalump Movie— $5.8 (new) 6 The Wedding Date—$5.5 ($19.4) 7 Hide and Seek—$5.4 ($43.4) 8 The Aviator—$4.7 ($82.3) 9 Sideways—$4.5 ($52.8) 10 Meet the Fockers—$3.5 ($269.9)

Today’s Movies Constantine (R) — starring Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz, Max Baker, Djimon Hounsou; directed by Francis Lawrence. Constantine (Reeves) was born with the ability to distinguish half-breed angels and demons on earth. But, tormented with this role, he took his own life only to be cast back on earth. Now as an unlikely hero, he is trying to send the demons back to Hell.

February 18, 2005

Cheadle’s performance powerful in ‘Rwanda’ By SARAH CARLSON ARTS EDITOR

Hotel Rwanda PPPP

Starring Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo, Nick Nolte, Joaquin Phoenix; directed by Terry George Rated PG-13 (violence, disturbing images and brief strong language) In 1994, millions of Tutsis were slaughtered at the hands of Hutus in Rwanda, a small country north of Burundi and to the east of the Congo in Africa. Shocking images were transmitted across the world, bringing little aid from other countries as Africans in Rwanda feared for their lives and watched as their neighbors were killed in the street. Terry George beautifully captures the emotions of those living in Rwanda in Hotel Rwanda, one of the best films of 2004 that was robbed of an Oscar nod for Best Picture. The film focuses on one man, Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle), a Hutu and hotel manager married to a Tutsi, Tatiana (Sophie Okonedo). Paul is a successful businessman with the mentality that almost everything can be

Ratings Key

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Excellent Good Fair Poor

bought at a price, and family is the most important thing he needs to worry about. We see him doing favors for important people, storing them up so one day they can return his favors. He doesn’t have a strong opinion about the Hutu-Tutsi conflict; he just wants to manage his hotel and provide for his family the best way he knows how, Unfortunately, a civil war breaks out between the two groups, and Paul sees firsthand the terrors that occur. He doesn’t listen to his brother-in-law’s pleas to leave the country and soon sees his own neighbors being attacked by radical Hutus. Because he is a powerful man, his neighbors flock to his house seeking shelter and guidance. Paul eventually brings everyone to his hotel, taking in orphans and those now homeless into the rooms and works with United Nations officials (Nick Nolte) to provide policemen and protection.

Eventually, Paul learns it is not just his immediate family that deserves protection but all his fellow countrymen because they are human and all deserve a certain quality of life. The film is rather tastefully done considering its brutal subject matter, yet remains hard to watch because of disturbing and heartbreaking images of Rwandans suffering. Joaquin Phoenix has a bit role as Jack, a cameraman documenting the crisis at the hotel. At first, he is hungry for the story and shows little sympathy to the situation. Soon, he goes against the wishes of the reporter he is with and leaves the hotel to film the conflict. He returns with a pale and stricken expression on his face. Paul sees Jack’s footage of slaughtered children in the streets and thinks it will help to have the images shown around the world. He asks Jack how people could not respond after seeing such horrors, to which Jack says Americans will see the footage, say it is horrible and then go right on and eat their dinners. Cheadle, who usually plays a supporting role, is excellent as Paul and deserving of his Oscar nomination for Best Actor, as is

Photo courtesy of WWW.ROTTENTOMATOES.COM

Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle, right) and his wife Tatiana (Sophie Okonedo, center) watch as their Tutsi neighbors are beaten by Hutu rebels in ‘Hotel Rwanda,’ nominated for three Academy Awards. Okonedo with her nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Their relationship as husband and wife holds the story together. Despite its heavy subject matter, Hotel Rwanda remains a testament to the human spirit

and the idea that one person can make a difference. It has taken 10 years for this film to be made and this story to be told, and it has been well worth the wait. E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu

ARTSFRIDAY OPTIMIST

February 18, 2005

Game of cat and mouse creates trap Agatha Christie’s mystery entertaining, not memorable By SARAH CARLSON ARTS EDITOR

ACU’s Winter Dinner Theatre, The Mousetrap, provides a couple of hours of entertainment and curiosity, if nothing more. The stage is set at Monkswell Manor, a guest house outside of London recently opened by Giles and Mollie Ralston (Matt Worthington and Juliette Miller), a young married couple not as sure about their marriage as they had thought. The guests, who begin arriving in the late afternoon, trying to beat a snow storm, are: Christopher Wren (Jay Reese), a whimsical young man who claims to be an architect, gushes over the furniture in the house and becomes attached to Mollie; Mrs. Boyle (Amanda McGee), an old spinster who critiques everything about the house and annoys everyone she meets; Major Metcalf (Josh Martin), a retired major and upstanding guy who helps out where he can; Miss Casewell

Ticket Info Tickets for The Mousetrap can be purchased by calling Ext. 2787 and the WPAC box office is open 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Dinner, dessert and show tickets are $25, show-only tickets are $12. Half-price rush seats are available after 6 p.m. performance day with a show-only ticket.

(Meredith Brown), a peculiar young woman who dresses like a man and is quick to defend herself even when she’s not being accused of anything; and Mr. Paravicini (Ryan Massie), a foreigner who shows up unexpectedly after his car is stuck in the snow. The guests go about their business, not questioning each other too much and mainly trying to avoid Mrs. Boyle, who insists on telling Mollie everything she is doing wrong in running her guest house. A main topic of conversation is a murder that occurred in London that afternoon, and the guests’ nerves are heightened when the police call and say they are sending Sergeant Trotter to the house to ask questions. Trotter arrives and

interviews each guest in regard to the London murder because the address of the manor was found on the same piece of paper with the address of the person killed in the city, which was left at the crime scene. After the questioning, the guests wander to various parts of the house, only to be reunited again in a few minutes after a woman’s scream is heard— someone has been murdered. Intermission began with the audience asking each other who they think the killer is, and the rest of the play is spent discovering the murderer and their motive. New to the world of Agatha Christie, I approached The Mousetrap with curiosity and the desire for a good mystery. I’ve heard great things about the author and her ability to keep the reader/audience guessing along the way, and because of this play’s overwhelming success, I assumed it would be a real nail-biter. Unfortunately for me, one of the only things I can conclude about the play is that it is entertaining and nothing more. Those looking for a quasithriller will find it here but will ultimately leave the theatre not

caring about any of the characters and not analyzing the plot. The play originated in postWorld War II London and offered a chance of escape to the city’s residents, which it still provides today. However, watching it felt like I was watching a high school production. Not to discredit the actors or director, but mainly the plot itself. Those who performed it worked with the material as best they could. Massie and Reese steal the show, both being the most comfortable in their characters and the best comic relief, not to mention the main ones who are able to pick an accent and stick with it. McGee also performs well as the incredibly impertinent Mrs. Boyle. You can’t stand the character which is a credit to McGee’s performance. The set and lighting design are quite creative and add a spark of mystery when suspicions rise and the murder takes place. Despite its flaws, The Mousetrap is worth your attention and can provide a needed break from the stress of the semester. E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu

Page 9A

VIEWSFRIDAY OPTIMIST

Page 10A

North Korea discussions need balance

The issue: North Korea announced it has nuclear weapons, and it has dropped out of multilateral talks.

Our view: The United States cannot give in to all of North Korea’s demands, but it also cannot alienate the nation.

The solution: The nations involved need to not give up on negotiations but should find a balance between flexibility and stubborn resolve.

February 18, 2005

Last week, North Korea publicly announced for the first time that it has manufactured nuclear weapons. On Wednesday, CIA Director Porter Goss testified that North Korea’s nuclear capability has increased since 2002 when President Bush labeled the country part of the Axis of Evil, and U.S intelligence suggested the communist nation had enough plutonium for one or two nuclear weapons. North Korea has shut down six-nation, or multilateral, talks about its nuclear program and

Car wrecks leave lasting impression

Daniel Barcroft

In My Words

senior Jamie I can still see the two long September, skid marks on the road where Cromwell struck former ACU the car screeched to a stop out- student Ugochucwu Anyanwu’s side my apartment. As I was car from behind, killing him. Between each of these fatal getting ready to go to church wrecks through the past few last Sunday, I years, the Optimist also has heard the reported on several incidents sound of slam- that have left students in the ming brakes hospital, recovering from a and tires trying myriad of injuries. to grab the Last November, at least four road, then the students were involved in nonLori’s Story distinct sound fatal wrecks during the of car hitting Thanksgiving holidays. And Lori car. the most recent wreck to affect Bredemeyer I looked out the ACU community happened my window and saw that one last month when a vehicle cardriver had pulled out of an rying an adult and seven chilintersection, probably didn’t see dren from Highland Church of the other car coming, and Christ flipped, killing one boy and seriously injuring the othbroadsided it. It rattled me because I drive ers. Those skid marks on the down that road and pass that road outside my intersection apartment are a every day. It It seems as though reminder to me could have been car wrecks cause me in that car. of how easily Even though no circumstances one was serious- more deaths at ACU in our lives can ly injured, I felt than anything else. change. Others lucky to have have been left been running a with scars, pins little bit late to and screws, and church. grief for lost loved ones. I tried to put the incident I’ve interviewed Jimmy out of my mind as my friends Ellison, chief of the ACU Police and I drove to church. But as I Department, several times was driving down Judge Ely to about wrecks and how to drive go grocery shopping later, I safely. He always tells me the passed another wreck. same things each time, many of I’m not sure what happened which might have helped prebecause I had to keep moving vent the recent ACU-related forward and try not to rear-end crashes. the car in front of me as we all He always says that to strained to see what was going reduce the possibility of being on. But I’m pretty sure I did see involved in a wreck, students one or two student standing should get plenty of sleep outside the cars. before beginning a trip, be alert I felt paranoid the rest of the and don’t speed when they’re day, like I was jinxed and would driving, and always wear a seatbe the next to have a collision. belt. It seems as though car Spring break, warmer wrecks cause more deaths at weather and an increase in trafACU than anything else. My fic are approaching, and more freshman year, five students people will be out and about on from Nigeria were killed on the streets. their way back to campus durStudents should remember ing Easter. The next year, that life isn’t indestructible. Robbie Sommerwerck died Taking precautions and paying after a truck broadsided his car attention while driving can on Loop 322. help prevent another tragedy. Just this year, junior Cheryl Halbert was killed in August when she lost control of her Respond to Bredemeyer at: lmb00g@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu vehicle and hit a tree, and in

No such thing as a free large pizza To quote Stewie from the wonderfully ingenious show Family Guy, “The outrages that have occurred here today will not soon be forgotten; I will not be forgetting … these … outrages.” Well, actually, I won’t be forgetting the outrage that Gray occurred TuesMatters day. And my Warren Gray outrage was much worse than what Stewie was maligned with. According to an American Dairy Association survey, 3 billion pizzas are sold in the United States each year. That breaks down to about 8,219,178 pizzas a day. I accounted for two of those on Tuesday. That is when the outrage ensued. Domino’s Pizza’s newest big deal is that on Tuesdays when you buy one large pizza, you

problem. China, South Korea and Japan have urged the United States to remain flexible, although the United States has said it does not wish to reward North Korea for complicating the situation. Regardless, continued talks are better than an uneasy standoff. The United States needs to find a proper balance between stubborn resolve and flexibility in its dealings with North Korea. Doing so might not only facilitate continued talks between North Korea and the United States, but also with North Korea and the world.

and North has insisted that Giving in to its demand at every turn will only South Korea, its demands to make the nation more anxious to use that power. Japan, Russia meet with the and China. NuUnited States clear weapons one-on-one be Although the United States not only are a threat to America granted — something the Bush administration has rejected. needs to do all it can, this is also but to any country near North The United States should do not the time to concede to every Korea. Those nations deserve to be involved in any such talks. all it can to assist in talking demand North Korea makes. These multilateral talks have down North Korea. Right now, North Korea is Whether right or wrong, exercising its newfound power occurred three times, and a North Korea has singled out of fear. Giving in to its demands fourth meeting was scheduled America as its reason for manu- at every turn will only make the for last September, but North facturing nuclear weapons, so nation more anxious to use that Korea pulled out after it decided the United States should under- power and maybe more willing the United States had a hostile position toward its communist stand that its role in this situa- one day to use a bomb. tion is more complicated than The goal should be for multi- government. All sides involved do not yet being just one of many con- lateral talks — discussions that cerned parties. include the United States, agree with how to approach this

Here I’d been living in Abilene for more than two years and had not taken advantage of this offer. get one free. That’s an extra pizza. For free. Or so they’d have you believe. I called Domino’s on Tuesday and inquired as to whether they participated in this amazing once-in-a-lifetime, or it least once-in-a-weektime, extravaganza. The person at Domino’s said, and I quote, “For take-out we have buy-one-get-one-free every day.” Wow. I was speechless. Here I’d been living in Abilene for more than two years and had not taken advantage of this offer. Words cannot describe how I felt. So, I am forced to borrow a word from Will Ferrell on Saturday Night Live when he, too, found that no word in the English language could adequately harness just how stupendous something was.

Scrumtrelesent. This offer, in the words of Ferrell — scrumtrelesent. So I ordered my pizzas, two pepperoni, and eagerly awaited with unbridle glee for the Domino’s “customer service representative” to tell me just how little I would be paying for these two pizzas. It is at this point that you should know that one take-out large pizza at Domino’s on North First Street costs $6.99, tax not included. Anyway, back to her response. “That will be $13.47 sir, and we’ll have it ready for you in about 20 minutes.” Unbridled glee, meet unyielding despair. Before I had time to gather my thoughts and inhibitions, she hung up. An American, on average, consumes 23 pounds of pizza a year. Together, Americans eat

about 1,000 acres of pizza a day, or 350 slices per second. Pizza is the fourth most craved food in America, behind only cheese, chocolate and ice cream. I’ve seen pizzas that contain cheese and chocolate, although not at the same time, so those two don’t really even count. With these astronomical numbers, I believe we deserve, nay, we are entitled to answers to the questions we may have regarding this edible substance. So I called; I got answers. Turns out the $6.99 price is already a “special” price, and a very good one I might add. But in order to receive the buy-oneget-one-free deal, you must pay $12.99 per pizza. So really, it’s just a dollar off, but they don’t tell you that when you order, now do they? With my own little mystery solved, I can once again quote adorable Stewie. “Victory is mine!” Respond to Gray at: weg02a@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu

In Your Words What are you looking forward to most about this weekend? “Being on stage and the performance.”

“The junior act beating all the classes because we’re an awesome act.”

“Definitely the GSP act.”

“Saturday night when we find out who won it all and the next morning, waking up and knowing I don’t have Sing Song.

“Performing on stage for the first time.”

Deanna Meredith

Elizabeth Russell

Matt Wert

Ashley Lewis

Sarah Eligado

junior psychology major from Houston

freshman undeclared major from College Station

junior criminal justice major from Chantilly, Va.

junior elementary education major from Houston

freshman nursing major from San Jose, Calif.

Editorial and letter policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist Editorial Board and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist, its Editorial Board or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors

or to refuse to print letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or less. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu

OPTIMIST THE

The Optimist Editorial Board

Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Abilene Christian University

Editor in Chief

Opinion Editor

Arts Editor

Faculty Adviser

Jonathan Smith

Jaci Schneider

Sarah Carlson

Dr. Cheryl Bacon

Managing Editor

Copy Editor

Chief Photographer

Ad Manager

Lori Bredemeyer

Tiffany Williams

Brian Schmidt

Christi Stark

Optimist contact information Newsroom: (325) 674-2439

Sports desk: (325) 674-2684

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Advertising office: (325) 674-2463

Subscriptions ($45/academic year): (325) 674-2296

Online: www.acuoptimist.com

VIEWSFRIDAY OPTIMIST

February 18, 2005

Varsity women’s soccer should be added

The issue: Administrators and the Athletic Department are considering adding varsity women’s soccer or golf.

Our view: Leadership should act quickly to create a team to end the disparity between genders in athletics.

The solution: The department needs to take steps to begin a women’s soccer team as soon as possible and not close the option of adding golf.

Page 11A

ACU’s football roster lists the names of 90 men; the women’s volleyball team’s roster lists 13 names. Notice any disparity? The baseball team has 28 players, the softball team 20. The men’s golf team has nine players. No women’s team exists. The administration and the Athletic Department have been talking for several years about the possibility of adding a women’s varsity sport to ACU’s lineup. Now is the time for the university to act. According to Title IX of the

cer, its addition would still be welcome to campus. Adding women’s golf and soccer would not only provide more gender equality on campus, it also would draw more prospective students. Jared Mosley, athletics director, and Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice president of the university, said in Wednesday’s issue of the Optimist that they have received phone calls from students asking about these sports. Many students make their college decisions based on what the school can offer, and ACU should offer more women’s sports.

ships they Education Life isn’t fair, but in this case, administrators receive. With Amendment have the power to even the score. more men of 1972, any able to pareducational ticipate in institution that receives any federal fund- up for club soccer this spring. sports, more men receive scholing must provide equal oppor- However, only eight have been arships. Life isn’t fair, but in tunities for males and females able to commit to the team. The this case, administrators have to participate in athletics. interest in women’s soccer is the power to even the score. Obviously, the administra- evident, but without an official They should act quickly and at tion can’t snap its fingers and team, scholarships and school least take steps to hire a coach add a sport; however, for ACU support, students might find it and begin recruiting by next to enter its centennial year with difficult to devote time to ath- year. If women’s soccer does such an inequality in athletics letic activities. would be unacceptable. Varsity athletics provides become a varsity sport, that Women’s soccer would be a opportunities for students to doesn’t mean administrators great addition to campus. Susan attend ACU. Many athletes should give up on women’s Hardcastle in the Intramural would not be able to attend golf. Although golf might not Office said 25 women signed without the athletic scholar- draw as much interest as soc-

World playing ‘blame U.S.’ game

Daniel Barcroft

In My Words

North Korea’s desire for power. North Korea’s communist government would love nothing more than the ability to hold the international community hostage in order to have its demands met. To suggest that its nuclear weapons are meant simply for protection from the United States seems like a feeble attempt by North Korea to mask its true intentions. More disturbing than the country’s assertion, this week a group of three lawyers said it would file suit against Thailand’s government, the French hotel chain Accor and—you many in South East Asia’s guessed it—the U.S. governtsunami and for forcing North ment for the deaths of 12 Korea’s communist government Austrians and Germans in the Dec. 26 tsunami. to create nuclear weapons. Herwig Hassalacher, one of At least that is what some the lawyers filing want me to suit, said U.S. think — some lawyers, experts ... U.S. authorities authorities did not give enough and foreign did not give sufficient warning about leaders. Blaming warning about the the impending tsunami. America is the impending tsunami “We have evigame, and at dence they did stake is a not warn us, chance to dip into the United States’ treasure even though they knew a quarchest or the opportunity to at ter of an hour later about the least pass the blame for some strength and location of the quake,” Hassalacher said. tragic event. And there you have it. The When North Korea announced last week that it did have cause of at least 12 out of nuclear weapons, everyone 290,000 deaths from the tsunawanted to know why Korea mi was U.S. negligence. I have no way of knowing continued its nuclear weapons programs when the entire inter- what the Hawaii-based tsunanational community desired it mi warning center knew on Dec. 26, but it seems to be an to cease. Korea’s answer: President insult to the forces of nature to place blame on U.S. authorities. Bush made us do it. America has become an easy In a statement released by the North Korean Foreign target in this age where someMinistry, North Korea said it one is always to blame and has “manufactured nukes for someone must pay when things self-defense to cope with the go wrong. We have power. We Bush administration's evermore have money. And as long as we undisguised policy to isolate do, someone will desire to have a piece of that. and stifle” its government. In the end, I don’t feel like North Korea’s assertion is absurd to begin with. Nuclear extending one apology for my threat certainly did not deter country—at least not for any of President Bush from invading these accusations. Tragedies happen. Greedy Iraq; it actually encouraged the men desire more power. And invasion. More ridiculous than that, every once in a while, America however, is the notion that has nothing to do with it. President Bush is somehow more responsible for North Respond to Smith at: Korea’s nuclear program than jvs02a@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu

If I only read a few news stories here and there, I would use this space to apologize for my country. Apologize for the mess created in Iraq. Apologize for the growing threat of global warming because of carbon dioxide Ask the emissions. And most reQuestion cently, I’d apolJonathan ogize for the Smith deaths of so

Christians need to rise up in defense “Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.” Proverbs 28:5 “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” Proverbs 29:7 “Learn to do right! Seek jusI am the tice, encourage the oppressed. Enemy the Sarah Carlson Defend cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:17 The Bible is filled with passages such as these, demanding justice and calling those who love God to seek it out. Often we forget these, or do not take them seriously enough. As I sat watching the movie Hotel Rwanda recently, I was reminded of a column I read in Sojourners magazine. As the author, Brian McLaren, thought about the film, he couldn’t help but think of its importance to

Christians should be at the forefront of efforts to stop injustice in the world. Christianity and how this is the type of movie that should be promoted in churches, not The Passion of the Christ. “If we really had the mind and heart of Christ, this is the movie we would be urging people in our churches to see,” McLaren wrote. Often, Christians are so focused on another’s salvation and their eternal needs that they forget to see their physical needs. We are called to defend those who are defenseless, helping those who cannot help themselves, etc. Hotel Rwanda shows the horrors of genocide between the Hutus and the Tutsis. Nearly a million people were slaughtered in the massacre, a tragedy allowed to happen because not enough was done by the United Nations or other foreigners. People failed to intervene out of fear or lack of caring enough,

and millions suffered for it. One person, Gary Haugen, worked at the U.S. Department of Justice and traveled to Rwanda to direct the United Nation’s genocide investigation in the country. He was so affected by what he saw he went on to create the International Justice Mission, a Christian organization that uses law enforcement professionals to rescue victims of injustice throughout the world. In his book, The Good News about Injustice, he writes of his experience sifting through mass gravesites in Rwanda, concluding that the bodies were not simply “lifeless clods on the dust heap of a fallen world.” They were all created in the image of God and had at one time been cried over by their mothers. His team would not be able to count all the bodies in the graves, but their creator had

numbered even the hairs on their heads. Christians should be at the forefront of efforts to stop injustice in the world. Our responsibility is to care for much more than our own country and communities. Hotel Rwanda is a movie that should be discussed in churches and communities as a powerful testament to the power to fight evil in the world and the necessity for good people to not stand idly by while destruction runs rampant. While it might seem impossible to combat the injustices in the world, such as forced prostitution, slavery and female genital mutilation, the power to fight evil comes when you acknowledge its existence and recognize the suffering others endure. When you put a name and a face to the child sold into prostitution in a Cambodian brothel, you give her a last shred of dignity. This is both our calling and responsibility. Respond to Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu

In Your Words Are you planning to go to Sing Song? Why or why not? “No, because I’m going home.”

“Yes, because so much of the student body is in it, and it’s going to be fun and awesome.”

“I’m in Sing Song actually because I just pledged, and I’m kind of being forced to, but I think it will be fun.”

“Well, I’m going to be helping out with video production, so I’ll actually be involved in it.”

“I would if I could, but I’m working. I wanted to be in it, but I found out too late.”

Julie Davis

David Hoisington

John Kincaid

Lisa Lynch

Jeffrey Sparks

senior exercise science major from Memphis, Tenn.

sophomore communication major from Waco

sophomore communication major from Abilene

sophomore elementary education major from Dumas

freshman psychology major from Abilene

OPTIMIST THE

The Optimist Editorial Board

Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Abilene Christian University

Editor in Chief

Opinion Editor

Arts Editor

Faculty Adviser

Jonathan Smith

Jaci Schneider

Sarah Carlson

Dr. Cheryl Bacon

Managing Editor

Copy Editor

Chief Photographer

Ad Manager

Lori Bredemeyer

Tiffany Williams

Brian Schmidt

Christi Stark

Optimist contact information Newsroom: (325) 674-2439

Sports desk: (325) 674-2684

Photo department: (325) 674-2499

Advertising office: (325) 674-2463

Subscriptions ($45/academic year): (325) 674-2296

Online: www.acuoptimist.com

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 12A

Friday, February 18, 2005

Interest high for Black History show More than 800 people attended production in Cullen Auditorium By VALERIE HANNEKEN STAFF WRITER

Last Friday and Saturday the students performed Alae: The Roots are Deeper Still in Cullen Auditorium. Students worked to perform the show, which depicted black culture. The cast included Essence of Ebony members and student volunteers who wanted to be a part of the show. Cullen Auditorium was filled with a much younger age group than usual for the Friday performance. “The first night was a community night, and we invited nonprofit organizations to come with children,” said La

Shae Sloan, Essence of Ebony advisor and director of Student Services and Multicultural Enrichment. “We also invited ACU Big Brothers Big Sisters to bring their kids and attend for free.” The cast members and production staff wanted to reach out to the community and involve children and students in the performance. Local Abilene schools were invited to watch the show as well. The cast and directors wanted an audience of all ages. “Approximately 800 people attended Alae last weekend, and [ticket sale revenue] was close to $1,200,” Sloan said. Kimberly Roach, who graduated in 2003, helped as an assistant director for the production. Roach worked on past Black History shows

‘Glitzy’ dinner to thank sponsors on Saturday International students, more than 100 flags at dinner for donors By TIFFANY TAYLOR PAGE 2 EDITOR

The President’s Circle Dinner, an event for donors who gave $1,000 or more during the past school term, will be conducted Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. An estimated 650 donors will attend the reception, which begins at 4 p.m. The main event will include a short speech by Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, and a 30-minute film about international alumni and students. The film, created by Martin Perry of Phillips Production, in cooperation with Ron Hadfield, director of creative services, focuses on ACU's continued goal to influence the world, said Barbara Hejl, director of stewardship and coordinator of the dinner. This year, the filmmakers traveled to Madagascar to film the new ACU students before leaving their country. “They wanted it to be a special dinner to bring together the donors to the university for the

purpose of thanking them for their partnership,” Hejl said. Although Glenda Knight, director of university events, said this event isn't a black tie event, she did say a little bit of “glitz” is involved. This year’s theme is “Celebrating the Influence of ACU Throughout the World,” an emphasis on the evangelistic part of ACU's mission statement, Knight said. “We try to make this our topnotch event of the year. We do our best without being frivolous,” Hejl said. “Everything we spend, we consider the budgeting implications.” More than 100 flags will decorate the room, and international students will attend the hourlong reception, wearing their country's traditional dress. “The flags that we’re using represent all the ACU alumni, either where they have done mission work or where they are living,” Knight said. Hejl said the committee planning the dinner asked ARAMARK, the caterer, to plan foods that reflected cultures all over the world. E-mail Taylor at: tat04a@acu.edu

when she attended ACU and volunteered to help with the show this year. Casaundra Johnston and Courtney Jackson, both class of 2002, were two other assistant directors who helped organized this year’s production. “I think that the show went well, and I was really proud of the cast,” Roach said. Besides the evident audience approval, participants and directors felt accomplished with the turnout of the show, she said. “I thought both nights were excellent,” Sloan said., “and the students who participated had fun.” E-mail Hanneken at: vlh03a@acu.edu

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Alae, played by LaQuiera Gantt, senior marketing major from Hagerstown, Md., talks to her friend before leaving to meet her father for the first time during the Black History production, “Alae: The roots are deeper still,” in Cullen Auditorium on Saturday.

Tri Kappa Gamma, Trojans not in Sing Song Lack of members influences clubs’ ability to participate By MALLORY SHERWOOD FEATURES EDITOR

They haven’t felt the glow of the stage lights or waited in costumes in a small gym for Sing Song to begin in seven years and they won’t again this year. Social clubs Trojans and Tri Kappa Gamma cannot participate in Sing Song this year because they don’t have the required 35 interested members. TKG, a women’s social club, actually has more than enough members needed to participate but was unable to this year because the club is re-chartering this semester. TKG member Erin Dimas, sophomore agribusiness major from Sacramento, Calif., is one of more than 30 women who pledged this semester. “We didn’t feel that we had time to plan and undertake a Sing Song act while we were still trying to get to know each other,” Dimas said. Membership grew by 300 percent this semester when TKG decided to recharter. Now the group has 44 members,

which gives members hope for next year’s competition. “We’ve already talked about doing Sing Song next year to get us back out there and into the scene of the alumni, so they and all of the clubs can see that we are still here,” Dimas said. She also said the members are excited to finally be visible again on campus, and TKG is just coming out of its lull, a phase that all clubs eventually go through.

said. “We are definitely going to be involved next year in Sing Song though.” Trojans plan to be involved in Sing Song next year as well, but the club cannot this year because it doesn’t have enough members. Trojans have about 20 members, said Joshua Swarb, vice president of Trojans and senior biology pre-vet major from Monahans. “We wanted to petition the

“We realized we wouldn’t make much of a show with our numbers this year.” Joshua Swarb, vice president of Trojans, senior biology major from Monahans

Members of TKG will take homemade treats to freshman participating in the freshmen class act during practice this week. Mariah Angeny, president of TKG and senior accounting major from Deary, Idaho. TKG plans to use brownies and cookies as encouragement to the underclassmen, as well as a marketing tool to get the club’s name out, Angeny said. “We are trying to define ourselves again, so we are just taking everything as it comes,” she

minimum numbers policy to see if we could still participate, but looking at our members, many are not active, and those who are active are seniors who are really busy and couldn’t contribute much,” Swarb said. “We realized we wouldn’t make much of a show with our numbers this year.” He also said they needed to advertise their club more heavily in the fall, like the other clubs do. Trojans also aren’t participating this year because the mem-

bers feel they often are overlooked, said Jeffrey Thigpen, president of Trojans and senior business management major from Troy. “We don’t have enough members to participate, but we also didn’t receive proper notification about Sing Song meetings, events or anything going on with the production of Sing Song like other groups participating,” Thigpen said. He said because the group was kicked off campus several years ago, it had been labeled as a bad club and been overlooked as a whole on campus, which contributed to its small number. This year, members of Trojans are going to help with security for the second year in a row. They hope to increase their membership next fall so they can participate in Sing Song. “We want to be as active in as many things on campus that we can, but obviously, our numbers limit what we can be involved with,” Swarb said. “Until we have the numbers, we’ll remain an invisible club on campus.” E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu

New residence hall built after 25 years A.B. Barret Hall’s completion expected to be on schedule By MALLORY SHERWOOD FEATURES EDITOR

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Two construction workers from Tittle Luther Partnership, a construction company building the new hall, work on the steel frame of A.B. Barret Hall on Thursday afternoon.

Steel beams loom in the sky, rising from big dirt holes in the ground; cars haphazardly park around the construction site. Workers in yellow hardhats flood what once was a student parking lot. The construction continues. As expected, construction on the new residence hall, A.B. Barret Hall, located across Campus Court from Brown Library, should be completed by Aug. 1. The three-story residence hall is several weeks behind schedule but should still be completed on time, said Jack Rich, executive vice president of the university. Contractors and subcontractors working at different speeds is one factor that contributes to the schedule, he said. ACU has hired as many as 25 different companies to construct the residence hall. The $6.5 million, 43,000 square-foot hall will differ

from other buildings on campus. “It’s pretty unique,” Rich said. “It won’t be like any of our other halls.” Rich said the residence hall is divided into four sections called pods that extend three floors high. Eight rooms open into a commons area on each floor, in each of the four pods. There are no hallways between the four pods, so residents will have to go outside

“I suggested we put a classroom in the facility, and as we know that students love to hang out and drink coffee, we thought a coffee house concept would be very valuable.” The construction of Barret Hall began after housing became a problem last fall with the large incoming freshman class. Eighteen freshman women lived in Sikes Hall, a sophomore residence hall, this year.

“The timeline is very, very tight. Everything has to go just right for us to make it.” Kevin Watson, chief administrative services officer

to get into each different pod. The residence hall will also contain a classroom environment and include a coffee house, said Dr. Mimi Barnard, director of Residence Life Education and Housing, in an e-mail. “The spaces that would have been hallways in a traditional corridor building, such as Nelson or Mabee, were reconfigured for the 22 smaller lobby spaces in Barret Hall,” Barnard said.

“We had a housing issue last fall with not enough places for everyone,” said Kevin Watson, chief administrative services officer, in an email. “We anticipate another good number in the fall, so we decided it was time to proceed with the building.” The residence hall will house 165 students, including residence directors and assistants. Barnard said she expects sophomores to live in Barret

Hall in the fall based on enrollment projections. The residence hall will be the first housing construction completed for underclassmen in more than 25 years, Watson said. University Park Apartments, for upperclassmen, was completed in 1994, and Smith and Adams hall’s were completed in 1978. In the future, more construction will occur on campus, Rich said. In correlation with the Centennial Campaign, a new building will be built across from Williams Performing Arts Center. As for now, completion of the residence hall by August comes first, and the university will move forward with longrange plans when funding is there, Watson said. “We are not ahead of schedule,” he said. “The timeline is very, very tight. Everything has to go just right for us to make it.”

E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu

SPORTSFRIDAY OPTIMIST

Page 1B

Wildcats upset No. 8 ASU on the road

LSC South Standings current through 02-16-05

Men’s Basketball Team A&M-Commerce Midwestern State A&M-Kingsville West Texas A&M Angelo State E. New Mexico ACU

Div. 6-2 6-2 5-3 5-3 4-5 2-6 1-8

Tot. 19-4 14-9 14-9 11-12 11-13 9-14 8-16

Women’s Basketball Team Angelo State ACU West Texas A&M A&M-Commerce Midwestern State Texas Woman’s E. New Mexico A&M-Kingsville

Div. 8-2 7-3 7-3 7-3 4-6 3-7 3-7 1-9

Tot. 20-3 16-7 16-7 12-11 9-14 10-12 9-14 5-18

ACU moves to second place in LSC with win over Rambelles By WARREN GRAY SPORTS WRITER

Alex Guiton was just too good to take off the floor Tuesday night. Guiton scored a career-high 27 points Tuesday as the ACU women’s basketball team topped Angelo State 75-66 in overtime in San Angelo. The freshman guard played

the entire 45 minutes of the game, hit six 3-pointers and committed just one turnover. Guiton was left open when ASU defenders double teamed more experienced players, and she took advantage of it, head coach Shawna Lavender said. “She did a great job of taking the ball to the basket and taking care of the ball.” The Rambelles entered the game as the No. 8 team in the nation and No. 3 in the south central region. Conversely, the Wildcats entered on the heels of one of their worst losses of

the season, an 85-60 home setback to West Texas A&M. But those factors didn’t stop the Wildcats from taking a season sweep against Angelo State, the first time that has happened since the 1999-2000 season. The key for the Wildcats, as it has been all season, was turnovers. ACU committed just 15 of them, down from 33 in their previous game. “Offensively I was pretty happy with how we played,” Lavender said. “We executed and were patient.” Although most of the offen-

sive execution could be contributed to Guiton’s play, Stephanie Riles came up with perhaps the biggest play of the game. With less than 10 seconds to play in regulation and the score tied, ASU’s Courtney Nowlin drove to the hole, spun and looked to give the Rambelles the win. But Riles would have none of it and blocked the shot. “I knew I didn’t want to foul her,” said Riles, who added that the referees had been in her ear all night about getting into players with her body.

Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

“Basically, I knew what she was going to do. I knew the girl was going to spin; she does it all the time.” The defensive stand kept the Wildcats alive, and although they failed to score on their final possession, they were spurred on in the extra session by Riles’ hustle. “They had momentum, and then Steph came up with a big defensive stop and came down with the ball,” Lavender said. Lavender said it was hustle See CATS Page 3B

Five to join ACU Sports Hall of Fame

Baseball Team E. New Mexico ACU West Texas A&M Tarleton State Angelo State A&M-Kingsville

February 18, 2005

Tot. 3-1 4-2 2-1 1-1 1-3 0-3

Individuals to be honored, inducted on Saturday By LAURA STORK STAFF WRITER

Softball Team Texas Woman’s Angelo State A&M-Kingsville ACU Tarleton State E. New Mexico

Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Tot. 2-0 8-1 8-2 6-4 5-4 3-4

Scores Tuesday Women’s basketball ACU 75, Angelo State 66 Softball ACU 9, Panhandle State 1 ACU 5, Panhandle State 0 BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Upcoming events in Wildcat sports... (home events in italics) Friday, February 18 SB: Diamond Dame Classic, 1 p.m. BSB: Cameron, 2 p.m. Saturday, February 19 SB: Diamond Dame Classic, 1 p.m. BSB: Cameron, 12 p.m. TK: Sooner Invitational, Norman Okla. MB: Texas A&M Kingsville, 4 p.m. Sunday, February 20 BSB: Cameron, 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 22 SB: St. Edward's, 5 p.m.

Junior leftfielder Claudia Stephens slides safely into third with a steal behind Panhadle State’s third basemen Jennifer Costeldia in the bottom of the first inning of the Wildcats’ 5-0 win in game two of a doubleheader against Panhandle State on Wednesday. Stephens then scored on an error by Lady Aggie catcher Jessica Sheridan. She finished the game with two runs on two hits.

Softball team wins doubleheader Women beat Lady Aggies, bring early record to 6-4 By JARED FIELDS SPORTS WRITER

Wednesday evening the Wildcat softball team hosted a doubleheader against Panhandle State. The Wildcats rallied behind superior pitching to win by scores of 9-1 and 5-0. Head coach Chantiel Wilson said she was pleased with her team’s play. “I thought that our pitching was very good, and our offense and defense did well, too,” Wilson said.

In the first game, Jennifer Leal allowed only three hits and one run, improving to 4-1 on the year. The bats went to work early for the Wildcats. Katie Bryan hit a two-run home run in the 1st inning to give the Cats a 2-1 lead. In the second, the offense put six runs on the board. Daisy Barcena had a two-run home run and Jade Wilson knocked in two runs with a double. The offense quieted down, and scored only one run before the game was over. Allison Crouse started on the mound for the Cats in the second game. Crouse threw a complete game and allowed only three hits in the game.

Once again the Wildcat bats put runs up early as they scored four runs in the first inning. Catcher Ashley Whittenburg had a two run single to lead the first inning rally. The Cats scored once more in the fourth off of a Katie Bryan single on their way to the shut out. “Everyone did their job, and everything came together on the field,” Wilson said. The sweep moved the Wildcats to a 6-4 overall record on the season. The Wildcats host the ACU Diamond Dame Classic this weekend at Wells Field. The Cats played two games Thursday.

Today the Wildcats play Nebraska-Kearney at 4:30 p.m., and on Saturday they play Fort Hays at 1 p.m. and SE Oklahoma State at 3:30 p.m. The weekend tournament will give the Cats a good early season challenge. “This weekend’s games are going to really test our team,” Wilson said. “Some of these teams are just starting, so they’re fresh. The SE Oklahoma State game will be tough because they always finish at the top of the standings at the end of the season.” E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

Three former coaches and two former athletes will be inducted into the ACU Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in the Campus Center Hilton Room. Wes Kittley, former head track and field coach; Dewitt Jones, former head football coach; K.Y. Owens, former assistant football coach; Greg Feasel, former all-America offensive lineman; and Dr. Camille Coates-Clark, former women’s track and field standout, will be recognized at the annual luncheon for their accomplishments at ACU. Jared Mosley, director of athletics, said the Lettermen’s Association, a group of athletes who have been awarded a letter in a sport at ACU, nominates those they feel deserve consideration for induction into the Hall of Fame. Then the Hall of Fame Committee looks at the nomination forms — accomplishments, achievements, etc.—to determine who will be inducted. “The difficult part for the committee is to narrow down because we have so many former student athletes who have accomplished a lot,” said Mosley, who added that this February’s inductees are very deserving of this honor. Kittley led the men and women track and field teams to 29 NCAA Division II national track and field championships, while Jones led ACU to its second NAIA Division I national See HALL Page 3B

Baxter: Icing on burnt cake In the midst of the struggle the men’s basketball team has endured this year, I have had no greater joy than watching the maturation of David Baxter in his two-year career at ACU. Dick Vitale has gone on and on about the ways Duke’s junior Kyle’s guard J.J. RedColumn ick has made Kyle Robarts the transformation from a spot shooter into a complete player. Redick has added the ability to shoot on the move, drive to the hole, improved his on-ball defense and emerged as a leader on the floor. The same can be said for Baxter. He’s added a midrange shooting attack to complement his long-range abilities, raised his assists-pergame average by nearly two, and he is averaging six points per game more than last year. He’s shattered Rodney Lee’s single-season record for most 3-point field goals, tied Corey Stone’s single-game record for threes in a game with eight pm Jan. 24 where he posted 44 points—good for second

most on ACU’s all-time single game bests. Baxter’s stats, however, are extraneous to the energy and leadership he’s provided for the Wildcats this year. My favorite David Baxter moments this year didn’t include his record-setting performance or a game where he dominated on the offensive end, but how he used his senior leadership to spark his team in moments when it wasn’t easy to lead. My top three David Baxter moments: 3. Feb. 12 vs. West Texas A&M, Moody Coliseum— After five straight losses, Baxter ran onto the floor for warm-ups with an unexpected energy, bobbing his head to the music as we’ve grown accustomed to seeing him do more than the past two seasons. It wasn’t anything extraordinary, but it just showed his never-say-die attitude and his efforts to boost the morale for the rest of the team. 2. Jan. 27 at Texas A&MCommerce, A&M-Commerce Field House—Facing the No. 9 team in the nation, the Wildcats were overmatched, but Baxter did what he could after a poor start and singlehandedly took on a couple

hundred Commerce students who began heckling him early. Instead of avoiding them or playing scared, he provoked them, coming out on the floor waving his arms as they “booed” and putting his hand behind his ear as if they weren’t making enough noise. The game ended in a blowout as ACU fell by 44 points, but Baxter showed he wasn’t afraid to play hard in a hostile environment. 1. Feb. 5 at West Texas A&M, WTAMU Events Center—The Wildcats played their best conference game of the season excluding the win against Angelo State on Jan. 24. The team played with more intensity than usual, moved well on defense, and led for much of the game before losing control with just during seven minutes left to play. Baxter fouled out with just a couple of minutes left to play when the game was virtually out of reach. Before Baxter left the court, however, he went around and slapped hands with his remaining four teammates on the floor, encouraging them for their much-improved performance and their revived competitiveness. See ROBARTS Page 2B

RACHEL LAU/Contributing Photographer

Lucky Hadebe stretches as he warms up for track practice on Wednesday. Twenty-two members of the track team will travel to Oklahoma this weekend to compete in the Sooner Indoor Invitational.

Qualifications key at Sooner meet Twenty-two to compete in Sooner Invitational to attempt to make cut By STEVE HOLT SPORTS WRITER

Twenty-two ACU track and field athletes will travel to Norman, Okla., this weekend to compete in the Sooner

Indoor Invitational, with the hopes of adding to the number of athletes and relays that have qualified for the indoor national meet. Head coach Jon Murray said he hopes all the athletes qualify this weekend so the teams can stay home from the scheduled Clemson Invitational the next weekend and focus on practicing for nationals.

Athletes looking to qualify at the Sooner Invitational Saturday will be long jumpers Tarrant Fuller and Vladyslav Gorbenko; sprinter Marvin Bien-Aime in the 60-meter dash; Bernard Manirakiza and Martin O’Kello in the 800 meters; and a handful of men’s pole vaulters. See TRACK Page 2B

SPORTS JUMPS

Page 2B

Friday, February 18, 2005

Track: Team is ready for nationals

Robarts: Player learns to lead in tough times Continued from Page 1B Baxter struggled Saturday as ACU played host to West Texas A&M; he was three of 18 from the field and one of 11 from 3point range. In the closing minutes when ACU was desperately trying to make a comeback and Baxter had fired numerous unsuccessful 3-point attempts, I heard a fan behind me say, “pass the ball David!” They also yelled, “play with your team David!” He was obviously having an off night, but if there has been anybody who’s played with the team this year, it’s been him. And if I were the coach and ever needed someone to help pull me out of a big hole and hit some big

threes down the stretch; even if he was 0 of 20 I’d choose David to shoot those shots without a doubt in my mind 100 times over. The clock will most likely run out on Baxter’s time as a Wildcat with a home game against Midwestern State on Feb. 26, and though the team’s records probably aren’t what he envisioned when he came to ACU in the Fall of 2003, I hope he leaves knowing that he showed what it meant to be a leader when it is the hardest to be one: in the midst of struggle.

Continued from Page 1B

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

E-mail Robarts at: kdr00c@acu.edu

Senior guard David Baxter gets physical with West Texas A&M guard Steve Jackson during ACU’s 83-97 loss to WTAMU in Canyon on Feb. 5.

Women’s athletes competing will include Jessica Blair in the triple jump; Brooklyn and Jessica Hunt in the 200-meter dash; Jessica Hunt in the 60meter dash; Addeh Mwamba in the 800 meters; Allison Tate in the 200-meter dash; and the women’s 4x400-meter relay team. With at least one meet remaining before the NCAA Division II Indoor National Championships in Boston, the total number of qualified athletes and relays is 32. E-mail Holt at: smh00a@acu.edu

Bring it home

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Wildcats starting shortstop Brennan Herrera, a senior transfer from the University of Oklahoma, throws to home during fielding drills in practice on Wednesday. They play a double-header on Saturday.

SPORTS JUMPS

Friday, February 18, 2005

Cats: Guiton aids win, scores career high 27 Continued from Page 1B plays like that that led to the win. After a back-and-forth game down the stretch, the Wildcats pulled away by hitting the glass, making defensive plays and diving for loose balls. “We just out-hustled them,” Lavender said. “The key was rebounding. We Guiton didn’t give up the offensive rebounds late, which we had been doing.” Riles would finish the night with 14 points and eight rebounds, and fellow Wildcat post Jamie Boles added 17 points and four boards and gave ACU a 64-62 lead with a jumper with 1:57 left in overtime. The win was especially big for ACU as they look to posi-

Page 3B

How high can you fly?

tion themselves for the Lone Star Conference Post-Season Tournament. At 16-7, 7-3 in LSC South Division play, the Wildcats sit at second place in the division, tied with WTAMU and Texas A&MCommerce. Continuing its road trip, ACU took on Texas Woman's on Thursday and will play Texas A&MKingsville on Saturday. Both games appear winnable on paper, TWU is 10-12, 3-7 while TAMUK is 518, 1-9, and the Wildcats will clinch a spot in the post-season tournament with one win in their final four games. But that’s not what this team is thinking about. “Our goal isn’t just to get the tournament, we’re playing for more than that,” Lavender said. E-mail Gray at: weg02a@acu.edu

Gotcha!

RACHEL LAU/Contributing Photographer

Freshman Allie Watts hurdles a barrier during Wednesday’s offseason volleyball practice on the football practice field. Both the volleyball team and the football team have begun offseason training to prepare for next season.

Hall: Former coaches, athletes to be honored Continued from Page 1B

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Wildcat junior shortstop Daisy Barcena fields a grounder into her glove during the 9-1 game one victory, as a part of the doubleheader sweep of Panhandle State on Wednesday.

championship in five seasons. Owens, who was also inducted into the HardinSimmons University Sports Hall of Fame in 1997, acquired an overall record of 55-36-2 and was the defensive coordinator for the Wildcats. Coates-Clark helped ACU win the Lone Star Conference titles from 1985-87 and NCAA Division II outdoor titles in 1985 and 1986. She also set a school record, which still stands, of 11.25 in 1987. Feasel was one of the most dominant offensive linemen in ACU football history, according to a press release. He was a first team all-Lone Star Conference selection in 1979, NAIA all-District IV and honorable mention Associated Press college division all-American. Feasel is joining his brother Grant Feasel in the Hall of Fame, which makes them the first pair of brothers inducted into the Hall. An additional induction will take place May 28, adding

five more members to the Hall of Fame, for the centennial celebration, said Lisa Murphy, executive assistant to the athletic director, who added this will be the only time two inductions will take place in one year. The May inductees include Ove Johansson, who still owns a world record for the longest field goal kicked in a game at 69 yards, Sylvia DyerBarnier and Don Conder, former national track and field standouts, Tom Teague, former football linebacker and Jon Bradley, former golfer. E-mail Stork at: las00f@acu.edu

Page 4B

CAMPUS NEWS

Friday, February 18, 2005

Freshmen to usher in ’80s Group to perform, distribute programs, help patrons find seats By DANIELLE LINTHICUM STAFF WRITER

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Freshman Ushers, dressed in their best ’80s attire, sing and dance during Sing Song dress rehearsal Wednesday night in Moody Coliseum. About 150 freshmen performed a medley of songs from the ’80s.

When students think of ushers at musical productions, they might envision tall men in dark suits and bow ties, solemnly directing audience members to their seats with whispered instructions and penlights. The ushers at Sing Song, however, are bright-eyed, giddy freshmen dressed up in their best 1980s-themed costumes, passing out programs and helping people in the spirit of ACU hospitality. “The freshman ushers’ main job is to help people find their seats,” said Kendall Massey, director of student productions. “But they do much more than that.” In keeping with this year’s

“Most of the costumes are pretty out there—lots of giant sleeves, side ponytails and neon.” Becky Hackler, freshman usher and undeclared major from Overland Park, Kan.

Sing Song theme, “Off the Charts,” about 150 freshmen will perform a medley of songs from the 1980s. The ushers will perform their songs and choreography on the floor of Moody Coliseum, accompanied by the Sing Song hosts and hostesses. “They’ve been practicing a couple of hours every week,” Massey said. “They’re working pretty hard.” The ushers have been excited and enthusiastic workers, said Brittany Groves, the director of this year’s ushers. “They just picked up and went with it,” said Groves, sophomore graphic design major from Oklahoma City. “They’ve been great to work with.” In the past, freshmen ushers

designed and wore T-shirts as their uniform, but this year they were able to be more creative, Groves said. “Their costumes are awesome,” she said. “Everyone brought their own personality into it, and they are very ’80sstyle.” Freshman usher Becky Hackler, undeclared major from Overland Park, Kan., said she and other ushers had a lot of fun with their costumes. “Most of the costumes are pretty out there—lots of giant sleeves, side ponytails and neon,” Hackler said. “It’s more fun that way.” E-mail Linthicum at: del01a@acu.edu

Men to keep Sing Song safe Team in charge of security to help guard doors of Moody By LAURA STORK STAFF WRITER

For Jeremy Gudgel, Sing Song won’t be about what happens on stage but what happens backstage. As organizer of Sing Song security, Gudgel, sophomore environmental science major from Andrews, said he is in charge of rounding up 20 volunteer bouncers to guard all doors around the backstage entrances. Because it’s his first time to be in charge of security, Gudgel asked last year’s head of security, Jeff Thigpen, to not only help with the event but to supply 12 men. Thigpen, president of Trojans, said when Gudgel asked him to help, he and his club jumped at the opportunity.

“We are trying to be as visible as possible as a club,” said Thigpen, senior business management major from Troy. “It’s not always the most fun job, but because we are not in Sing Song, we want to help out how we can.” Although Gudgel is excited to run security this year, Thigpen said he doesn’t necessarily enjoy working security. “It’s difficult to deal with a lot of people participating in Sing Song,” Thigpen said. “They think we are difficult and don’t want to listen to us. We have to derive our own authority.” Gudgel and Thigpen both said they plan to ask friends whom they know they can trust to help with security. Thigpen said he is asking men from club who helped last year because he knows he will not have to worry about what they’ll be doing on the job. “I can trust them and won’t

have to keep my eye on them,” Thigpen said. With a few good men helping, Gudgel said he isn’t worried anything extreme will happen at the event. “I’ll lay down the law if I have to,” he said. “But it’s just Sing Song, and I don’t think anything bad will happen. No terrorist or anything like that.” Although Gudgel voluntarily will not be able to view the show, he said it will be fun to do the job. “This is something I am interested in,” Gudgel said. “I’m thinking of going into the military, and this would just be kind of cool to do. “I also wanted to be a part of Sing Song and the production staff,” said Gudgel, who will spend his weekend guarding doors wearing a yellow staff shirt. E-mail Stork at: las00f@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

Friday, February 18, 2005

Dance team opens Sing Song Group of nine women will perform in 49th annual production By SHAVONNE HERNDON STUDENT REPORTER

The Sing Song dance team will be the first to open the 49th annual Sing Song. Hard work, long nights and many practices soon will pay off, as the team will perform Friday and Saturday. According to a press release, this year’s theme is going back in time for a recap of some of the best musical entertainers from the last half century. “Our opening number will be Rocking in the USA and the closing number Dancin’ in the Streets,” said Heather Edmondson, sophomore speech pathology major from Abilene. Teri Wilkerson, the choreographer for the dance team, has

done a good job leading the team, said Amy Walker, sophomore nursing major from Portland, Ore. “Teri is a wonder woman. She just thinks up amazing choreography right on the spot,” Walker said. “Teri reminds us of how thankful we should be to God that we can move our bodies and use our talents. “For me, being on stage and dancing is my creative outlet. I love to watch people laugh and have fun at Sing Song. I love to entertain, and I think that most of the dance team would tell you the same thing.” ACU’s dance team will warm up the crowd and prepare them for the show ahead. “I think the numbers and choreography have great variety, and they will be crowd pleasers,” Edmondson said. Aside from Walker and Edmondson, the dance team includes Ashley Berres, fresh-

Page 5B

Struttin’ their stuff

man psychology major from Lakeville, Minn.; Elizabeth Billingsley, sophomore interdisciplinary major from Leander; Erin Wilson, sophomore English major from Austin; Shelby Skidmore, freshman business management major from Austin; Kathrine Skidmore, senior interdisciplinary major from Austin; Stephanie Fleet, freshman accounting major from Brownwood; and Brandi Patton, senior psychology major from Richland Hills. “All of us performed in Sing Song last year except the new freshmen, and we all look forward to performing again,” Edmondson said. “It is a fun bonding time between the dancers and hosts and hostesses, and we can’t wait to experience that again.” BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

E-mail Herndon at: optimist@acu.edu

Members of the Sing Song dance team perform during the number ‘Waterloo’ at the show’s dress rehearsal Wednesday night in Moody Coliseum. The team also will perform in the opening and closing numbers.

Hispanic students find ways to engage campus using their culture ISA, Hispanos Unidos provide opportunities to be involved, educate By EMILY CHASTAIN STUDENT REPORTER

In the early 1900s, a man people called Pancho Villa was the legendary “Robin Hood” of Mexico. Now, more than 100 years later, his descendant lives with the family name but in a slightly different location: ACU. Francisco Villa, freshman business management major from Mexico City, is the greatgrandson of Pancho Villa, a legendary revolutionary general the United States knows better as a bandit. Pancho Villa helped the poor and evaded the powerful, eventually helping to defeat the federal army in Mexico. Villa said having a famous person in his family tree has instilled in him a larger sense of nationalism for his country and people. “When I came here, I came here thinking how to bring Mexico here and take the U.S. back to Mexico—to have an impact on how the two countries relate,” Villa said. Villa, like many other Hispanics, takes his heritage seriously. “It’s shaped everything I think about,” Villa said. “It’s everything really.” Villa is one of 345 students at ACU who identifies them-

selves as Hispanic, and one of many who desires to find a balance between his culture and the one in which he now lives. According to the Office of Student Multicultural Enrichment, Hispanics make up about 7.2 percent of the student body. Nationally, Hispanic students accounted for about 7 percent of students enrolled in all four-year universities in 2000, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This means ACU’s numbers are fairly consistent with the national average. For some students and faculty, however, just having the numbers is not quite enough. “Many of them feel a sense of being tolerated on campus but not fully accepted and not fully included,” said LaShae Sloan, director of the Office of Student Multicultural Enrichment. “There’s still a barrier and a division. They don’t just want to be tolerated; they want to be a part of.” Villa said the efforts ACU puts forth to help Hispanic students feel more at home are probably in a transition stage right now. He said there’s still a lot to be done, but ACU has made a good first step by offering organizations such as Hispanos Unidos and the International Students Association. Hispanos Unidos, a student organization that strives for greater understanding and appreciation of the Hispanic

culture, hosts programs and events around campus designed to share the Hispanic way of life with other ACU students. Sloan said Hispanos Unidos is an organization that has been very important to the Hispanic students on campus because it “offers a support for students who want to be with other students who identify with their same culture.” ISA is another organization designed to meet the needs of international students and effectively integrate them into the community. It hosts events such as the Chai Café, a food festival and the culture show Ethnos. Diana Guiterrez, senior marketing and management major from Honduras and president of ISA, said organizations such as ISA and Hispanos Unidos are important for Hispanic students so they can “know that there are people like them who are away from home and who might not get to go home their whole careers while they’re here.” Guiterrez goes home most Christmas breaks and some summers. “I feel lucky that I get to go home as much as I do because I know people like one of my friends who hasn’t been home in four years,” Guiterrez said. Sloan said missing friends and family at home is one of the hardest parts for Hispanics studying at ACU. Community is not only important but nec-

essary for Hispanic students, she said. “That’s why groups like Hispanos Unidos have stayed around so long,” Sloan said. “There’s a need for that connection and community and being with people who think like you do in many ways and speak like you do and sing songs like you do and worship God in a way that you have.” Participation in family life is strongly encouraged in Hispanic households, Sloan said. Many Hispanic families are large, and unity helps contribute to identity. Villa, too, said community is a vital part of the Hispanic

way of life. “I think that the Hispanic community is pretty active here at ACU, but I think [ACU] could be doing more,” Villa said. “If you go to a bigger school, there’s so many of you that you’re not as different.” Sloan said many Hispanic students struggle with trying to share their culture while also fitting in with the other students. “I think for any student who is a minority or student of color there is a dichotomy—a dual life that you live, trying to be true to your own culture and background but

then also trying to integrate to the mainstream and sometimes having to give up one to be part of another,” Sloan said. For Villa, however, a smaller school gives him more of a chance to share his culture and develop a community of his own. “I like to be here. I reach through more people,” Villa said. “People are more interested in what you know and who you are. I can express myself and show them my country.” E-mail Chastain at: optimist@acu.edu

FOCUSFRIDAY OPTIMIST

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February 18, 2005

Keeping the ball

rolling Story by Jennifer Anthony Pictures by Emily Chastain Design by Mallory Sherwood Dr. Mark Tucker says he is having a ball. He said it to his career-long mentor, Dr. Edwin S. Gleaves, now Tennessee State Librarian and Archivist. He said it to Abilene Reporter-News reporter Loretta Fulton when she interviewed him a year ago about his new position as dean of library and information resources at ACU. And after a year at Brown Library, he still says it. But Tucker wasn’t always so sure. As a member of the library’s visiting committee from 1997-2000 and 2002, Tucker catalogued his first impression of ACU in 1997 as “too good to be true.” “I had trouble processing the spirit of ACU,” Tucker said. “The way people here are devoted to each other. I thought, ‘This is not real. What I’m seeing is a façade.’” But each year he returned with the visiting committee, Tucker found the same thing. “These people really do feel about each other like they say they do,” he said, a hint of marvel still in his voice. Tucker and his wife, Barbara, moved to Abilene with their 15-year-old part-cocker spaniel, Macy, to become a part of this spirit. He came with a trail of experience, including 24 years at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., the last 13 of which he spent directing the largest library in the university’s system. A new vision

Tucker stands alongside rows of books Thursday afternoon inside his haven and favorite place to work: Brown Library.

With the first year at ACU behind him, Tucker has formed concrete ideas about where he wants to lead Brown Library and the Abilene Library Consortium as chair of its administrative council. At many colleges and universities, the library plays a peripheral role in student studies. “It’s not part of the core of what it means to be a student,” Tucker said. He plans to change that at ACU. Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, university provost, said he and Tucker have spent hours discussing a vision for Brown Library. A faculty committee that began meeting this semester will form a concrete plan after analyzing a proposal, “The ACU Library for the 21st Century,”, by Tucker and librarians Carisse Berryhill and Melissa Johnson. Some of the features in the proposal include a commons area for coffee and conversation and computer workstations designed for teamwork. Plans also include offering printing and binding services and high-end computers for creating multimedia presentations. Filling the hole Tucker’s work during the past year has resonated well with campus faculty and staff. “Dr. Tucker is a fine scholar as well an administrator,” VanRheenen said. “He brings to the position many years of experience in higher education, having worked in a liberal arts college as well as a research university.” When searching for a replacement after Marsha Harper’s retirement in 2003, the Search and Review Committee narrowed applicants to two and recommended Tucker for the position. “Dwayne VanRheenen called me and asked for names” of possible applicants, Tucker said. “Then he said, ‘What I really want to know is, can I interest you in applying?’” Tucker called himself an easy sell. “I was ready for a change,” he said. “I was 57 when I came here. Generally, that’s a little late to make a decision on your last job.” In making that decision, Tucker sought advice from Dr. Edwin S. Gleaves, the Tennessee State librarian, who encouraged him to accept the offer.

“Mark had looked at a number of positions before then,” Gleaves said. “He and I had been serving together on the ACU library visiting committee for three years, so I know Mark had a good insight there in a way others may not have.” Finding his niche From his freshman year at Lipscomb University to today, Tucker has relied on Gleaves as a mentor and friend. Gleaves said he remembers Tucker as an apt freshman English major interested in books and literature, but said he didn’t know the role he would play in Tucker’s decision to study library science. “All the librarians at Lipscomb were women,” Tucker said. “I couldn’t figure out how you could work in a library and be a male.” Then he met Gleaves, who encouraged him to attend graduate school. Tucker earned a master’s degree in 1968 from the school of library science at George Peabody College, followed by an education specialist degree in library science in 1972. Tucker completed his education with a doctorate in library and information science from the University of Illinois in 1983. Through the years, certain characteristics have equipped Tucker for success, Gleaves said. “He’s always been able to approach things with a wry sense of humor, and it’s sort of helpful when you get into scholarship because it can be very, very demanding,” he said. VanRheenen, who has noticed similar traits, listed several adjectives that describe Tucker, including witty, reflective, insightful and articulate. But Tucker hastens to defer such praise. “God gives us gifts and talents to honor him,” Tucker said. “I do enjoy what I do. I think that’s part of God’s plan.” In other words, Tucker is still having a ball.

“I was ready for a change. I was 57 when I came here. Generally, that’s a little late to make a decision on your last job.” Mark Tucker, dean of Brown library and information

Left: Books from Tucker’s collection in his office; several of which are written by himself. Below: Tucker flips through a book on his desk entitled “Passages.”

Friday, February 18, 2005

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Calm before the storm

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Kendall Massey, director of student productions, speaks to Sing Song participants as part of a devotional before the first full dress rehearsal in Moody Coliseum on Wednesday.

Sing Song video a tedious task Production crew works long hours filming acts behind the scenes By MITCH HOLT STAFF WRITER

Behind Sing Song’s choreographed songs and club and class competitions, a video production crew works around the clock to provide professional video for the production. Much of the Sing Song video crew prefers being behind the scenes rather than being in the spotlight. Producer and director Scott Delony, junior electronic media major from Houston, said he loves filming Sing Song and playing such a big part in the show without people knowing he is there.

Delony said Sing Song is mostly about clubs and classes delivering their prepared routines. Many Sing Song participants who complain about the event’s late night preparation don’t realize the hard work of the production team. “For the Sing Song video, our job is critical,” Delony said. “If there was no production crew, there wouldn’t be a video.” “The equipment ACU provides for the video crew is advanced enough for what needs to be done,” he said. The crew would like newer and better equipment, but the school does a good job of keeping decent equipment around for Sing Song, he said. Michelle Ordener, senior electronic media major from Waco, said in the past she preferred being on the performance side of Sing Song, but

since she began helping with the technical side, she prefers her new task. Sing Song’s video technical crew works long hours before and after each show and practice. In reality, the technical crew’s job becomes more tedious than the tasks of the performers, Delony said. The technical crew will be working many hours to make this year’s Sing Song video a solid production, he said. “The show could be run without the video crew. As far as supplementing the show, we add that extra ‘wow’ factor by having the main action on the screens while the show is going on and performing several other important tasks.”

E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu

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Drama group seeks to spread Gospel Seekers of the Word plans Campaign, other performances By SHAVONNE HERNDON STUDENT REPORTER

Seekers of the Word, a student drama group, is gearing up for another productive semester. They plan to travel to Atlanta and Houston and volunteer in the Abilene area. “We love performing in town as well as out of town,” said Abby Loe, sophomore psychology major from Canyon. “We’re always open for new churches, retreats and other functions to perform at.” The group is taking a

Spring Break Campaign to Atlanta and a weekend trip to Houston. Locally, Seekers will be performing at Hope Church. At ACU the students will perform at the International Students’ Association Chapel, and tentative plans have been made to perform at Middleton Prison. They will also serve at living centers, drug rehabilitation facilities, AIDS clinics and church outreach programs. Their mission emphasizes that Seekers is a Christian ministry. Because the organization has a deep responsibility to Christ, they continually strive to make the Bible come to life through religious drama.

The group performs short skits, which cover a wide range of Christian issues. Under the guidance of Rodney Ashlock, instructor of Bible, missions and ministry, the 15 performers choreograph and write the skits. “Our skits are very adaptable and speak to the audience ,ranging from children, to youth, to prison inmates,” said Seekers president John Leedy, junior youth and family ministry major from Houston. “All of our skits are written and produced by Seekers.” “Each skit doesn’t bring you to a conclusion. We try to bring up questions that we feel every Christian should ask, and when people come to

Friday, February 18, 2005

Getting his groove on

us after a performance, it’s usually to let us know how they found their own answers,” said Donna Ragland, junior art illustration and business administration major from Fort Worth. Seekers receives feedback from the performances and brings different twists to their skits. “It’s always nice to hear that our skit has made kids think about God from a perspective they haven’t before,” said Loe. “Many people have told me how the skits have touched them and where they are in life at this moment because of it.” EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer

E-mail Herndon at: optimist@acu.edu

Justin Smith, freshman music major from Abilene, practices his saxophone in the Williams Performing Arts Center on Tuesday afternoon.

CAMPUS NEWS

Friday, February 18, 2005

EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer

Jennifer Walsh, senior marketing major from Keller, catches up on her business homework in Brown Library on Tuesday afternoon.

Police say ‘plenty of parking available’ Slight inconveniences expected because of Lectureship guests

open, Ellison said. “It may not be where students are used to parking or a front-row spot,” Ellison said. Any major university has problems with parking, Ellison said. ACU actually has less stringent rules and lighter fines than most universities. Ellison compared ACU’s parking frustrations to Texas A&M University, where fines are more than triple the price ACU

not inconvenience students much. Glenda Knight, director of university events, said while it can be frustrating to receive tickets for illegal parking, it is a By DANIELLE LINTHICUM necessity to keep the campus STAFF WRITER safe. “It’s a give- and-take situaWhen students’ lives are hection,” she said. “We try to allevitic, they often say they are busy ate as many headaches as possiand stressed enough without the ble.” addition of parking problems, Ellison said he wants to like getting remind stutickets for dents that parking illegal“It’s a give-and-take situation. We try to alleviate “ s e c o n d s ly. But the ACU mean lives” if as many headaches as possible.” police say they an emergency are doing all happens on Glenda Knight, director of university events that they can to campus. He alleviate stusaid it is his dents’ frustraand his coltion over inconvenient parking. charges for illegal parking. At leagues’ job as campus police to “Many students will come in A&M University, officials will ensure ambulances or other after getting a ticket and say they tow the offenders vehicle away, emergency services can be can’t find parking, so they had to unlike ACU. accessed if needed. park illegally,” said Jimmy “I can understand students’ “I have an open-door policy,” Ellison, chief of ACU police. frustration,” Ellison said. “But Ellison said. “You can feel free to “The truth is that the parking is we have to be prepared for an come down and talk to me any there, it’s just not always as close emergency, so we are trying to be time with your concerns or sugor convenient as you would fair and keep everybody safe.” gestions.” like.” With Sing Song and He also said students and Some students blame park- Lectureship coming up, many employees should remember to ing frustrations on the con- students are dreading the extra use caution and to be patient struction for A.B. Barret Hall, vehicles and busyness around with the guests. the new residence hall across campus; however, Ellison said from Brown Library. Parking the ACU police have a good patterns have been disrupted, events management system, and E-mail Linthicum at: but enough parking spaces are the extra guests on campus will del01a@acu.edu

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Friday, February 18, 2005

Judges work together to rate club, class acts Twenty will evaluate performances using new scoring system By TIFFANY TAYLOR PAGE 2 EDITOR

A patchwork of Sing Song alumni and music-savvy members of the community constitute the 20 judges who will decide which Sing Song acts receive awards this year and which do not. Sing Song judges are separated into four groups to judge vocals, presentation, costumes and originality; their combined scores decide who the overall winner of Sing Song will be. “Most of them think of it as a very big honor to be asked to judge Sing Song. We have judges flying in from as far as Nashville, Tenn.,” said Susanna Drehsel, senior political science

major from Heidelberg, Germany and manager of the Sing Song judges. She said the search for Sing Song judges began at the beginning of December and ended Jan. 31. “We looked through a lot of old Sing Song programs,” Drehsel said. In addition, she sent an email to the Alumni Office, Campus Life and University Events asking for suggestions, she said. Ted Starnes, former director of university events, said he was contacted in January about judging Sing Song. “I was pleased to be asked,” he said. “I have not been a judge for Sing Song in a long time.” Preferably, judges have a background in Sing Song and an understanding of vocals or have some other experience that could make them an informed judge, said Kendall Massey,

director of student productions. “One thing we do look for is variety; we try to keep an even male-to-female ratio,” Drehsel said. Between 35 and 40 people were contacted, and “if people weren’t able to make it, we just

“Most of them think of it as a very big honor to be asked to judge Sing Song.” Susanna Drehsel, Sing Song judges manager

called the next person on the list,” Drehsel said. “We keep a list of everyone who’s not able to do it so we can contact them in the future,” Drehsel said, giving Mayor Norm Archibald as an example of someone who has judged in the past but could not judge this year.

SBC looks to recruit more men Positions on mission trips still available to seven destinations By EMERALD MCGOWAN STUDENT REPORTER

Several Spring Break Campaigns still have openings available for students, especially for men. Campaigns still looking for campaigners are: Miami, Scotland, Toronto, Washington, D.C., Alaska, Portland and Chicago. The Chicago campaign is specifically looking for two male campaigners over 21 years old who could also help with driving on the trip. “We had a couple of guys drop at the last minute,” said Michael Reeves, senior psychology major from Portales, N.M., and co-leader of the Chicago campaign. “We still have enough drivers to go to Chicago, but we could use a

little extra padding.” Reeves said he has 14 women and six men signed up for the campaign so far, and he requested male campaigners in hopes of balancing that ratio. The Chicago campaign will focus on serving the homeless. Campaigners plan to work in homeless shelters, soup kitchens, women’s shelters and Inspiration Café, an organization set up to give homeless people a restaurantstyle meal that is served to them by volunteers. Campaigners will also take part in “cultural immersion night” in order to “get a feel for the street life of Chicago,” Reeves said. Clay Rich, senior accounting and finance major from Abilene and chair of Spring Break Campaigns, said planning for the campaigns is “going well, as expected. This being my third year, there hasn’t been any new problem

“It’s definitely been a fun experience getting to know them, e-mailing them,” she said. “I definitely feel like I know each of them personally.” Judges will be seated together on the landings opposite the stage in Moody Coliseum.

However, judges will not be allowed to discuss their choices until after their scoring sheets are taken. “They sit at different stations, and we collect them before they have a chance to talk,” Drehsel said. Although the scores are determined by the judges’ dis-

cretion, some rules exist, such as a time limit, which penalizes acts that take longer than three minutes. “The judges’ criteria is completely new this year,” Massey said. He has created what he said he believes to be a clearer, fairer scoring system. The new system makes every judge’s vote worth 5 percent of the total score. Nine people judge vocals, three for each night, and this category is worth 45 percent of the overall score. Four judges will score acts based on presentation, worth 20 percent of the overall score. Three judges score costumes, worth 15 percent of the overall score. Finally, four judges judge an act’s originality, worth 20 percent of the overall score. As in the past, the vocals winner will be announced at every show. The winner in originality will be announced at

Friday’s show. The winner of best costume will be awarded at the first Saturday show, and the winner of best presentation will be awarded at the second Saturday show, where the overall winners will be announced. Judges determining the best in originality are Amy Pybus, Mary Crumbliss, Kitty Wasemiller and Ted Starnes. Judges determining the best in vocals are Hagar Lawson, Drew Brown, Paul Mata, Peggy Stirman, Jeff Nelson, Jim Edmonds, Jason McArthur, Melissa Kirby and Larry Musick. Those judging costumes are Sharon Utley, Karen Randolph and Lacey Underwood. Sarah Bass, Lee Daniels, Jack Reese and Rob Thomas will judge presentation.

E-mail Taylor at: tat04a@acu.edu

Munching with Money

that I haven’t seen before.” But one problem Rich has faced is the lack of male campaigners, though Rich says the ratios are similar to previous years. “We tell our leaders to try to get a 50-50 ratio of men to women, but that will probably be very unrealistic just because that’s the nature of it,” he said. “Some of the more popular campaigns come close, but on the whole, men just aren’t as involved with Spring Break Campaigns as women.” Rich encouraged more students to get involved. “Spring Break Campaigns are a great way to meet new people, make new friends and gain lasting memories,” he said. “It’s going to be really exciting, and the Lord will work in wondrous ways.” BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

E-mail McGowan at: optimist@acu.edu

Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, dines and converses with Kenny McEntire (right), sophomore journalism major from Bedford, and other men in Smith Hall on Wednesday.