OPTIMIST_2005-02-20 by ACU Optimist

OPTIMIST THE

SUNDAY February 20, 2005

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

Abilene Christian University

Vol. 93, No. 39 2 sections, 20 pages www.acuoptimist.com

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Clearing the bar:

Combining coffee, culture and Christianity:

Topping the charts:

Students Cory and Angie Aguilar balance marriage, school and sports. Page 1B

Dr. Jeff Childers and Dr. Bill Rankin will give presentations each night of Lectureship in the Bean Sprout connecting Christians and popular culture. Page 5A

See pictures of each of the 13 groups that participated in this year’s Sing Song. Pages 6A and 7A

87th Lectureship opens Topics to center around theme, being ‘Raised with Christ’ By SARAH CARLSON ARTS EDITOR

The 87th annual Bible Lectureship will open Sunday night with the first of seven keynote speakers, Billy Wilson of Glasgow, Scotland, in Moody Coliseum at 7 p.m. Lectureship’s theme is

“Since You Have Been Raised With Christ,” and Dr. Mark Love, director of Ministry Events, said after a theme is established by a committee, members brainstorm possible speakers and approach them almost a year in advance. He said the committee looks at who could best preach material related to the theme and is known for their preaching ability and being good with the text. Various factors are considered, such as the size of

churches the men preach at, their ethnic and social backgrounds, the variety of locations where the men are from as well as their age range. “It’s not just enough to be a good speaker,” Love said. “We want to know if these people are going to represent the text well.” The speakers are approached in about April the year before Lectureship. After

Keynote Speakers • Sunday 7 p.m. Billy Wilson, Glasgow, Scotland. • Monday 11 a.m. David Holmes, Malibu, Calif. • Monday 7 p.m. Harold Shank, Memphis, Tenn. • Tuesday 11 a.m. Prentice Meador, Dallas. • Tuesday 7 p.m. Billy Curl, Los Angeles. • Wednesday 11 a.m. Phil Ware, Abilene. • Wednesday 7 p.m. Randy Harris, Abilene.

See SPEAKERS Page 9A

Money promotes administrators Rich will become senior vice president, investments officer By TIFFANY TAYLOR PAGE 2 EDITOR

Jack Rich, executive vice president of the university, will become senior vice presi-

dent and chief investment officer Sept. 1. The change will result in promotions for several other administrators. Assistant vice president for University and Alumni Relations, Michelle Morris, will be promoted to vice president for University Relations. See CHANGE Page 8A

Forum to focus on ICOC relations

Saturday Night Fever

Another will center on overcoming racial distinctions in churches By JACI SCHNEIDER OPINION EDITOR

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

The men of Gamma Sigma Phi hold up their director, David Gilly (center), senior exercise science major from Abilene, on the stage in Moody Coliseum on Saturday after being named Sing Song’s overall winner for men’s social clubs. GSP, whose theme centered on John Travolta, has now won Sing Song four consecutive years.

Siggies, GSP win fourth consecutive STAFF REPORT

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Sigma Theta Chi sings its club song in Moody Coliseum Saturday night after winning the women’s social club overall category.

Inside the extra section

Women’s social club Sigma Theta Chi and men’s social club Gamma Sigma Phi each won their fourth consecutive Sing Song, and the freshman class won in the mixed-voices category. Judges rate the groups based on four criteria: originality, costumes, presentation and vocals. The Siggies swept all categories except presentation, in which they tied for first runner-up with Ko Jo Kai. GSP won in the presentation and vocals categories and received first runner-up in costumes

Building renamed for Packer, Onstead; Institute honors Halbert

• Complete sports coverage from this week’s action, pages 1B-3B.

By LORI BREDEMEYER

• The complete Lectureship schedule through Tuesday afternoon, pages 6B-7B.

Men’s Social Club

Women’s Social Club

1 - Freshman class

1 - Gamma Sigma Phi

1 - Sigma Theta Chi

2 - Senior class

2 - Galaxy

2 - Ko Jo Kai

3 - Sophomore class

3 - Frater Sodalis

3 - Alpha Kai Omega

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Freshmen celebrate after being named the top mixed-voices group of Sing Song on Saturday.

See FORUMS Page 9A

School remembers trustees

Look inside this issue for an extra section with more news about Lectureship. It features:

• A feature on Carrise Berryhill, special services librarian, page 5B.

and originality. The freshmen received first runner-up in costumes and won the other three categories. This year, winners received platinum records as their awards, continuing with the “Off the Charts” theme. The Bob Hunter Award was given to Demetrius Collins, class of 2004, and Josh Fore, freshman integrated communication major from Fort Worth. Tiffany Talley, senior human communication major from Baton Rouge, La., won the Jeannette Lipford Award. The freshman class won the Innovation Award.

Sing Song results Mixed Voices

Two ongoing forums at this year’s Bible Lectureship will address hot issues among Churches of Christ. One forum, “Continuing Conversations with the International Churches of Christ,” will begin at 3:15 p.m. Monday through Wednesday in Room 114 of the OnsteadPacker Biblical Studies Building. The main Love focus of the forum will be to continue an atmosphere of reconciliation between International Churches of Christ and mainline Churches of Christ, said Dr. Jack Reese, dean of the College of Biblical Studies and a speaker at the forum. “We will try to address the real differences and the areas we have in common,” Reese said. “There are real differences between our fellowships, and no one wants to wallpaper over those.” Dr. Mark Love, director of Ministry Events, said this year’s forum will follow up on what has happened in the past year. Last year, the forum had to be moved from University Church of Christ to Moody Coliseum because of the high interest in the topic. “Last year we broke the pressure bubble,” Love said.

MANAGING EDITOR

Former Board of Trustees members H. Lynn Packer and Robert Onstead and missionary Jo Ann Halbert were remembered in dedication ceremonies Saturday as the Biblical Studies Building and the Institute for Missions and Evangelism were renamed their honor.

Family and friends and members of the administration and faculty gathered in the Hall of Servants at 12:30 p.m. to officially rename the building the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building, and at 3:30 p.m. they gathered again to rename the institute the Jo Ann Walling Halbert Institute for Missions. Onstead and Packer cochaired a major fund-raising campaign to construct the building, and Halbert was a missionary in Sydney, Australia, and was a board member of the Missions Resource Network,

according to a press releases. Packer died October 13, 2001, Onstead on Aug. 3, 2004, and Halbert on Dec. 29, 2003. Speakers at the first event included Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, Dr. Jack Reese, dean of the College of Biblical Studies, Don Crisp, chair of the Board of Trustees, and Dr. Ian Fair, former dean of the College, who all spoke of how influential the two men were to the university. Money said during the cereSee CEREMONY Page 9A

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Barbara Packer and Kay Onstead visit Saturday afternoon after the ceremony to officially rename the Biblical Studies Building after their late husbands, H. Lynn Packer and Robert Onstead.

CAMPUS

DAY

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

29 42

Sunday, February 20, 2005

Calendar&Events Sunday

Hall of Fame lunch, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Hilton Room. Prayer meeting, 5-6 p.m., Hilton Room. Spring Break Campaign leaders meeting, 7-9 p.m., Campus Center Faculty Staff Dining Room. Alumnus of the Year, 12:15 p.m., Teague Special Events Center. Rochester College Reception, 8-11 p.m., Hilton Room. See Lectureship Schedule.

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

Service Saturday sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.

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

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

See Lectureship Schedule.

Spring Break Campaign Seek and Follow bake sale, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Campus Center.

Tuesday

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

Twelfth Night auditions, 7-11 p.m., Fulks Theatre.

Premarital Counseling, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Living Room.

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

Wildcat Kids movie, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Hilton Room.

See Lectureship Schedule.

Student African American Brotherhood meeting, 6-7 p.m., Living Room

Wednesday

Monday

Friends of ACU Library dinner, 5-8 p.m., Hilton Room. World Bible School reception, 8-11 p.m., Hilton Room. See Lectureship Schedule.

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Social Clubs meeting, 8-10:45 p.m., Living Room.

Living

Service Saturday sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows Dyess Gospel Music Festival, 6:30-9 p.m.

Saturday

Morris Hall tea party, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Living Room.

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

Fellowship of Christian Athletes party, 9 p.m.-10:45 p.m., Living Room.

Skywarn weather training, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Hilton Room

Service Action Leadership Team sign-ups, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center.

Service Saturday sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.

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

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.

Presidential Scholarship interviews, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Hilton Room.

Thursday

Art Show, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Room.

Friday

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.

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 small-group 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. Students are invited Thursday at 7 p.m. to Cullen Auditorium to hear DUI: A Powerful Lesson, a Chapel forum. Come and learn how a spring break trip turned into a nightmare for guest speaker, Mark Sterner and three of his fraternity

brothers. Mark will share his story of what happens when alcohol and driving mix and friends die. The speaker wants students to honor God with their decisions. A phishing e-mail is being sent to employees and Credit Union members addressed "Dear University Credit Union Member." The e-mail needs to be deleted without opening the fake Web page because it is phishing for private information. However, there has been no breach of security or confidentiality within the ACU Credit Union. For more information, call the Credit Union at Ext. 2486. A single mother who works a night shift needs a very dependable person to stay with her 10-year-old daughter during the night. The daughter has an oxygen tank and an apnea monitor, but usually requires little to no care during the night. The hours are from 9:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. The job will pay $100 every two weeks. If you are interested, call 677-6593 after 3:30 p.m. 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.

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 furnished. For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. Service Saturday is on Feb. 26. Sign ups will continue through Friday for this semester`s first Service Saturday. You can sign up from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. in the ticket win-

dows. Join fellow students in serving at a variety of locations in the Abilene community. For additional information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. The next weekend campaign will be Friday through Sunday. Activities will include Bible study, cook-out lunch, sports, games and arts and crafts. Sign up Monday through Wednesday in Campus Center or contact: Cory Smith at cls02b@acu.edu.

The West Texas Girl Scout Council is looking for volunteers to help with an after school program. No Girl Scout experience is necessary, just a desire to make a difference in the life of a child. The program involves spending one hour a week working with girls at an after school program facility in Abilene. For more information, please contact Lauren Smith at 670-0432. or las02b@acu.edu

Sunday, February 20, 2005

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 3A

Weekend boosts commerce Sing Song, Lectureship visitors help Abilene’s businesses, economy

“Every year we have people who make reservations a year in advance.” Diana Rodriguez, front desk worker at the Best Western Mall South

By LAURA STORK STAFF WRITER

Sing Song and Bible Lectureship bring in visitors and an increase in business for many local restaurants and hotels. Combined, Sing Song and Lectureship generate about $686,000 for the city, said Nanci Liles, executive director of the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau. This equals about $98 per person per day. “The amount of money these events bring in vary slightly every year but are usually pretty stable,” said Liles, who collects this information through surveys taken by convention delegates or people who come to Abilene for the events. David Hollon, general manager of Towne Crier Steak House, said his restaurant notices and welcomes the increase of business during Sing

Song and Lectureship. For Towne Crier, business begins picking up Thursday evening and remains steady throughout the weekend, primarily during the evenings. Hollon said he enjoys the business Sing Song and Lectureship bring, which is about 15 percent to 25 percent more than a normal business day would attract. But with the increase in business comes a longer wait for customers. “I think anytime you have more crowds of people, you’ll have some impatient people who won’t want to wait,” Hollon said. “It’s nothing out of the ordinary that wouldn’t be associated with having to wait to get a seat.” Carl Pyron, Joe Allen’s Pit Bar-B-Que manager, said although his restaurant becomes packed with guests,

he enjoys the business they bring. Bruce Dunaway, general manager of Lytle Land & Cattle Co., said he agrees and enjoys the extra business, but the restaurant’s flow only increases about 5 percent. Diana Rodriguez, front desk worker at the Best Western Mall South, said when Sing Song comes, the hotel will be completely full. “Every year we have people who make reservations a year in advance,” Rodriguez said. Although February is a slower month, Rodriguez said Sing Song will pick up the business. “As of right now, all of the rooms are sold out,” Rodriguez said.

E-mail Stork at: las00f@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 4A

Sunday, February 20, 2005

Worship from around the world available at Lectureship Groups to perform in Moody, Teague, Chapel on the Hill By CIANA HARDWICK STUDENT REPORTER

Students and visitors can experience uplifting worship and Christian entertainment at Bible Lectureship this year when singing groups come to campus to worship and perform. The a cappella singing groups have come from ACU, Nashville, Tenn., Los Angeles and Africa, and groups will perform in Moody Coliseum, the Teague Special Events Center and Chapel on the Hill. Evening lectures will include a time of worship led by the ZOE Group, a worship group of nine singers led by the Young Alumnus of the Year, Brandon Scott Thomas. ZOE Group will also lead the late night praise on

Monday, immediately following the evening lecture. This will be ZOE Group's third year at Lectureship, and Thomas said he is excited about it. “Every year you’re there, you build a little more rapport with people, so we’re looking forward to coming back to minister with people we know and meet new people coming in,” he said. Besides leading ZOE Group, Thomas also is the worship minister at Otter Creek Church of Christ in Nashville, Tenn. He said the ZOE Group is “really a worship group; the point isn't just to be a singing group.” The group sings at churches, events and conferences with original music and popular worship songs. A second singing group from Southern Hills Church of Christ, called H.I.P., which stands for High Impact Praise,

will lead at 6:15 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in Moody Coliseum. Jonathan Ross, senior psychology and missions major from Abilene, leads the singers. This is H.I.P.’s second year at Lectureship, and Ross said he is “pumped about it.” The group of 13 has been practicing extra to prepare and learn new songs, but Ross said they mostly “just try to have fun and praise God and let others come along with us.” On Sunday and Tuesday, the Metropolitan Praise and Worship Team from Los Angeles will lead the late night praise in Moody Coliseum after the evening lecture. The group will also appear every afternoon with its minister, Fate Hagood III, in Chapel on the Hill at 2 p.m. Singing groups also can be found in the Teague Special Events Center, which will feature more than 100 exhibits

Sing, baby sing

and have pie and coffee for sale provided by the Women for ACU. The singing group Escape will perform at noon and 4 p.m. Monday in Teague Escape consists of four men, three of whom are from ACU. Ben Lazcano, senior youth and family ministry major from Dallas, joined Escape three years ago, two years after it began. This is Escape's second year at Lectureship. Lazcano said last year went well, but that “it was a little disappointing because it seemed like not a lot of people knew about it.” He said he hopes this year will have a better turnout. Escape has performed throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Tennessee and Louisiana and usually charges about $300 to $500 per show. The group will play at Lectureship for free so Escape can obtain some exposure, Lazcano said.

This could be Escape’s last big event in Abilene because several of the members are graduating or getting married. Lazcano will do both in the spring, and the founder of Escape, Brian Roe, graduated in December and also will soon get married. Liberty, an ACU singing group of three women, will also perform in Teague at noon and 4 p.m. Tuesday. Its members are Kelci Young, junior integrated marketing and communication major from Spring Hill, Tenn., Jenna Lucado, junior integrated marketing and communication major from San Antonio and Shaylee Busch, sophomore interior design major from Cedar Park. For cultural enrichment, Lectureship visitors can attend the performances of the Zambian Vocal Group, a seven-man singing group from Zambia. The Zambian Vocal Group will

sing at 6:15 p.m Sunday. in Moody Coliseum and Wednesday at noon in Teague. The group has traveled and sung across the United States since its members were brought to the states in 1993 by a missionary who had visited Zambia and noticed the group’s talent. The group’s Web site, www.zambianvocalgroup.com, describes the group’s sound as “a unique combination of traditional African rhythms, vocal percussion and complex vocal harmonies, all of which are focused on a worshipful foundation that uplifts and proclaims the name of Jesus Christ.” The group is currently working toward raising $48,000 to build an orphanage in Zambia.

E-mail Hardwick at: optimist@acu.edu

‘Faith@Work Movement’ begins Monday Five speakers discuss Christian roles at work in a forum this week

“I think it’s so easy to think of religion as one thing and business as something totally different.” Dr. Mark Hamilton, assistant professor of theology

By RACHEL LAU PAGE EDITOR

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Members of Frater Sodalis sing a club song to some of the women in GATA, Frats’ sister club, near the GATA fountain outside of the Campus Center after Chapel on Friday.

“The Faith@Work Movement,” a Bible Lectureship forum meant to help Christians integrate their faith with their jobs, will take place Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 3:15 p.m. The forum is a part of a new Lectureship track called “Marketplace Faith,” which addresses the growing movement of the need for Christian evangelism in the workplace. “I think it’s so easy to think of religion as one thing and business as something totally different,” said Dr. Mark Hamilton, assistant professor of theology. He is one of five speakers at the forum. According to the Lectureship program, the speakers will confront questions about a Christian’s service

to God in the workplace and the professional ethics of faith. The other four speakers are Monty Lynn, chair of the department of management sciences; Eddie Sharp, adjunct professor in Bible, missions and ministry and minister at University Church of Christ; and alumni businessmen Ed Bonneau and Grant Boone. Hamilton Hamilton said an example of one of the issues discussed would be: “A man is offered a promotion, but it means spending, instead of 20 weeks, 40 weeks away from home. He has a wife and children. What do you do?” The “Marketplace Faith”

track also will feature a breakfast series called “Spirituality@ Work,” which will be hosted by local churches to encourage professionals to exercise evangelism and ministry in their workplace. These forums are geared toward professionals and church ministers and leaders. “The Faith@Work Movement” forum will be in the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building Room 130. The breakfast series will be at 6:30 a.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in various local churches. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the ticket windows in the Campus Center. E-mail Lau at: rhl02a@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

Sunday, February 20, 2005

Pop culture to be focus of Coffee House Discussions to center around connecting with nonbelievers By TIFFANY TAYLOR PAGE 2 EDITOR

The Gospel and Culture Coffee House, a two-year-old series designed to prepare Christians to use popular culture to connect with nonbelievers, will be Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 8 p.m. in the Bean Sprout. Lights will be dimmed, a band will play, coffee and desserts will be available, and a speaker will discuss how Christian values can be found in popular culture. The Coffee House is a part of Bible Lectureship but is not centered on teaching the Bible to those who attend; instead, it focuses on preparing Christians to start their own coffeehouselike program at their home church, said Dr. Jeff Childers, assistant professor of Bible, missions and ministry and a Sunday night speaker at the event. “In a post-Christian world, we feel the need to begin conversations with non-Christians on their territory,” Childers said. He said Christians shouldn’t assume anything about the amount of knowledge people

have about the Gospels. Childers will present “The Gospel and The Passion of the Christ” on Sunday night with his friend and colleague Dr. Bill Rankin, assistant professor of English. Dr. Mark Love, director of ministry events, asked Childers and Rankin to discuss the use of The Passion of the Christ to begin conversations with unbelievers, including the idea that Christians overestimate the movie’s power. “It’s someRankin thing he wanted to have done since [The Passion] had such a big impact on the popular culture,” Childers said. He added most non-ChristChilders ians who saw the movie didn’t like it, meaning it might take more than buying a movie ticket for a Christian to convey the message. The two professors, who saw the movie together when it first came to theatres, will share speaking time and alternate between showing clips from

Page 5A

‘Look at this stuff; isn’t it neat?’

“I think it’s really important for Christians to be in conversations and communion with their culture.” Dr. Bill Rankin, assistant professor of English

The Passion of the Christ and asking the audience to answer questions at tables. “I think it’s really important for Christians to be in conversation and communion with their culture,” Rankin said, adding that he wants Christians to look at The Passion of the Christ from a different perspective and realize the film tells the story of Christ using piety, inducing a more emotional response from Christians. “We are not going to be showing anything that would garner an R-rating,” Childers said. However, he said the discussion will include some of the violent parts of the movie. Judging by the atmosphere in the Bean Sprout during Coffee House presentations, Childers said he thought the crowd would be younger, including youth ministers and local high school students. Childers estimated 300 people attended his presentation about Lord of the Rings last year. Last year, Lex Hunt, Bean Sprout supervisor, said chairs had to brought down from upstairs.

“I don’t know if they’re compensating for that this year. I think they were expecting 100 to 120 people,” Hunt said. “Stuff ran out; they had upped the amount of food they had ordered, but it still ran out.” Love, who introduced the idea of the Coffee House for Lectureship after using the method successfully at his former church in Portland, Ore., will present “The Gospel and the World of Nick Hornby” on Tuesday night. Wednesday’s Coffee House is called “A Model Evangelistic Presentation.” Those attending will see a mock use of the Coffee House evangelistic approach, Childers said. He said Love wants to create a scenario where the idea of bringing people together by common cultural bonds is shown in action. Greg Stevenson was scheduled to present “The Gospel and Joan of Arcadia” on Monday, but a death in his family has kept him from attending Lectureship this year. E-mail Taylor at: tat04a@acu.edu

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Stephanie Fleet, freshman accounting major from Brownwood, browses a selection of bracelets Friday at the tables set up by At the Cross Gifts, a gift store in San Antonio. The tables were in the Campus Center this week.

SING SONG

Page 6A

SING SONG

Sunday, February 20, 2005

Page 7A

“Lather, Rinse, Repeat” by Alpha Kai Omega

“Uncharted Waters” by GATA

“Singing Salesman” by Galaxy

Sing Song 2005 presents

“The Hills Are Alive” by Sigma Theta Chi

“Blue Brothers” by Frater Sodalis

Off the Charts “Sesame Street Sing-A-Longs: Brought To You By the Letter K” by Sub T-16

“Bulls, Bears and Jail Bars” by Delta Theta

“I’ve Got Chills ... They’re Travoltaplyin’” by Gamma Sigma Phi

“Baked, Fried and Ko Jo Kai-ed” by Ko Jo Kai

“Houston, We Have a Problem” by the sophomore class

Featuring ACU’s greatest hits from: Gamma Sigma Phi — Frater Sodalis — Galaxy “Senior Chapel on the Hillbillies: O Banjo Where Art Thou?” by the senior class

Sub T-16

—

Ko Jo Kai

—

Sigma Theta Chi

Photos by

Brian Schmidt

Delta Theta — Alpha Kai Omega — GATA Seniors — Juniors — Sophomores — Freshmen

Design by “Behind the Music: Sing Song” by the junior class

“I’m a Piano Man” by the freshman class

Jonathan Smith

CAMPUS NEWS/FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Page 8A

Businesses plan for visitors The Campus Store, The Bean prepare for large numbers By MITCH HOLT STAFF WRITER

Two businesses on campus, The Campus Store and Dining Services, are preparing for the hundreds of visitors who come to campus during Sing Song and Bible Lectureship. Cory Bourg, director of ARAMARK, said employees are stepping up in light of the recent loss of the catering manager, who left in January. “The biggest difference is in catering,” Bourg said in an email. “The majority of the Lectureship events are for

guests on campus; it is a chance for people to have large events on campus and avoid leaving and having to deal with restaurants, parking and time issues.” Bourg said The Bean receives the biggest increase in traffic. Students stay on campus more during these events, so more meal plans are used, and cash use also increases. Former students often come back and want to eat in The Bean to see how much it has changed, so the staff is well adjusted to accommodate the influx of visitors, Bourg said. The Campus Store sees an increase in store traffic beginning Friday and lasting through Lectureship, said Lorie Stewart, administrative assistant in the store.

Sunday, February 20, 2005

Left hand on red, right foot on blue

“Alumni, parents and prospective students come into the store to purchase items like decals, hats and clothes,” she said. Stewart said once Sing Song is over, the Lectureship crowds shop in the store mainly for books. “This year we will be having several authors at the store to sign books on Monday and Tuesday,” said Stewart. The Campus Store also offered a 15 percent discount coupon for ACU apparel that was located in the Friday Sing Song program booklet. Stewart said the coupons were only valid Saturday. E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu

Change: Officials to gain new roles Continued from Page 1A Morris will be only the second female vice president ACU’s history. Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, and Rich began discussing the change about a year or two ago, Rich said. Rich said the university’s investment needs have become more complex in recent years, which is why Money decided to appoint a full-time investment manager. “It’s something that I have been training and preparing for for some time,” Rich said, adding that he enjoys change. Rich said he looks forward to increasing the endowment, which is used for scholarships and the operating budget. “Mr. Rich has expertise in the area of investments and money management, and therefore, we want to utilize those skills,” Money said. Money said he is confident leaders will step up in Rich’s absence, and the transition will go smoothly. “I have a lot of confidence in them, so I don’t think we’ll miss a beat. I don’t think we’ll see

any change except steady improvement,” Money said. Rich encouraged those in leadership positions to take responsibility for their department, and he trusts in their competence, he said. “I felt they didn’t really need my help anymore; they were more than capable, and we were deciding to make changes in investments,” Rich said. Morris said she will work to keep the same standards Rich set. She is currently in charge of marketing, and she works closely with Alumni Relations. “We will continue to have those areas, but we’re adding Enrollment Management, so our division will continue to have those other responsibilities,” Morris said. “Plus, we’ll have the responsibility of recruiting.” She said Money feels the departments’ current relationship is so close that a partnership is natural. “Last year we had a record enrollment because this partnership has been going on for some time,” she said. Although changes will not be drastic, Morris said becoming a vice president is a big stage

in her life. “I think when you begin your career, sometimes you look out ahead, and you think, ‘Someday I might be something,’” Morris said. “You may know you’re ready for it when you are called to do that, and you don’t realize the excitement of it but the responsibility of it.” As a result of the changes in Rich’s division, Tim Johnston will be promoted from assistant to associate vice president of Marketing Strategies. According to a university press release, the Information Services area led by Dr. K.B. Massingill, assistant vice president for Information Services and chief information officer, will move into the Finance and Administrative Services Division, effective this spring. Phil Schubert is the vice president who leads that division. Also, Administrative Services, led by Kevin Watson, will become part of Schubert’s division, but that change will not be effective until the fall of 2005 in order to allow various building projects to be completed. E-mail Taylor at: tat04a@acu.edu

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Freshmen Hannah Orozco, speech pathology major from College Station, Landon Sheets, undeclared major from Muleshoe, and Zach Smith, communication major from San Antonio, play Twister in the single gym of Gibson Health and Physical Education Center while waiting to perform during Friday’s Sing Song. Orozco and Smith participated in the freshman class act, and Sheets was a Freshman Usher.

Lectureship not just for adults Officials say students should attend classes, integrate faith By NATHAN STRAUS STUDENT REPORTER

Dr. Mark Love, director of Ministry Events, said he wants students to attend Bible Lectureship classes that will benefit their faith. He said some classes are geared toward students, and students should enhance their faith by attending them. “One of ACU’s goals is to integrate faith and learning,” Love said. “It happens at Lectureship.” He encourages students to search for and attend any Lectureship class that interests them. “The broad ranges benefit anyone who would hear them,” he said. During Lectureship, classes of specific and general

interest are offered. Love said 120 of the best speakers and teachers in the Churches of Christ have been called on to teach at Lectureship, and they have had a lot of time to prepare their valuable lessons. Darrin Cowger, pulpit minister at Gunnison Church of Christ, will teach a class titled “Common Sense Christianity: Nonsense Versus Common Sense.” The focus of the class is to teach Christians to stop debating about things like tradition and to dig down to the true goal of Christianity: evangelism. He wants people who attend to realize the most important thing about Christianity is what brought Christians to Christ in the first place. “The church needs to be a kingdom invading the culture,” Cowger said, “and not the culture invading the kingdom.”

Christians should have an influence on the world and not fall to the temptations that plague humankind, he said. “Overcoming Overcommitment: When is Enough Enough?” is another class that might interest students. The class teaches how to refine elements of a burdensome, busy schedule. The “It’s Getting Better All the Time: Technology, Progress and the End of the World” series tells how technology affects the future and addresses what a near-perfect human future would mean for Christianity. “We want Lectureship to be thought of as something that would not only benefit preachers, but everyone in every aspect of their life,” Love said. E-mail Straus at: optimist@acu.edu

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Sunday, February 20, 2005

Page 9A

Ceremony: Contributors honored Speakers: First address Sunday Continued from Page 1A

tribute something to the university in her honor.” “Through their generosity,” mony that Packer and Onstead he said, “the Institute for Mishad a “pervasive and lasting sions received a large endowimpact” on ACU. ment that will ensure its contin“They wanted this building uation of motivating and eduto make a statement, and I think cating ACU students to prepare they’ve achieved that goal,” he for missions throughout the said. “… We hope for years to world.” come that students will be The money will help the inreminded of the power that stitute in its goal to train 200 comes when they surrender men and women to establish at their lives to Jesus Christ and to least four church-planting each other and live faithfully.” movements on The south each contiwing of the nent in the building that “We hope for years to come that students next decade, includes the will be reminded of the power that comes when Reese said. classrooms, facthey surrender their lives to Jesus Christ.” “We have ulty offices and been working Hall of Servants Dr. Royce Money, president of the university hard to find will be called donors for the Robert R. this,” he said. and Kay Onstead Wing. The north wing that dean of the Graduate School of “... Being able to have our misincludes Hart Auditorium and Theology, will be the new sions coordinators funded so Chapel on the Hill will be called Onstead Chair, taking Dr. David they can be here on the long the H. Lynn and Barbara Packer Wray’s place. Reese said this will haul, build a program, work allow Thompson to do “first- with our missions faculty and Wing. not have to spend their time Kay Onstead, Robert’s widow, rate academic research.” Speakers at the second dedi- raising money from churches— said she felt “very honored and proud,” although the men prob- cation included Money, Reese it’s a huge difference” Sonny Guild, director of the ably would not have allowed the and Lynn Anderson of San institute, said the endowment is dedication. Barbara Packer, Antonio. Halbert’s son John said dur- an answer to many prayers. Lynn’s widow, agreed. “It empowers the dream and “If they were here, they ing the ceremony that his mothwould have said ‘no way,’” she er, whom many called Momma vision we have at ACU,” he said. “For 18 months we’ve been said. “I’m in awe; it’s just over- Jo, would have been honored. “Momma Jo loved people, looking for an appropriate way whelming.” Dr. Jack Reese, dean of the and it really came out in the to honor someone and fulfill the College of Biblical Studies, said sense that she loved to share her vision for the institute, and Jo this is a good way to honor On- faith,” he said. “I think she’d be Ann Halbert was perfect for stead and Packer because of pleased that this is being named that.” their contributions to the uni- after her.” Money said in a press release versity. E-mail Bredemeyer at: “Those of us who go back to that her family wanted to conlmb00g@acu.edu the beginning of this building know the role they played in it,” he said, “and I’m just thrilled that the board decided to honor them. This is a significant occasion.” A new plaque on the south side of the Hall of Servants memorializes the two couples, and new signage has been placed on the exterior of both wings. Reese also announced that Dr. James Thompson, associate

Continued from Page 1A they accept, they are given a working title and text as well as a packet of materials detailing what is expected of them. Love said he wants the speakers to think about their topic and subject for a long time, and they are prayed for throughout the year. “We assign someone to pray for them every day,” Love said. “We want them to know we’re trying to support them in every way that we can.” The speakers are invited to Love’s house Sunday afternoon at the beginning of Lectureship for a time of prayer, and Love said this is usually his favorite

part of the event. He said he is excited about having new names on the list this year and said all are amazing speakers. Lectureship is a time when ACU brings about 120 of the best teachers and speakers in the Churches of Christ, Love said, and he wants students to be aware of the unique opportunity at their doorsteps. “Students may think it’s nothing new since they go to Chapel every day and attend Bible classes,” Love said. “In many ways, it is seen primarily as a Bible Department thing, but in the future that’s not going to be the case. “We don’t want Lectureship to be thought of as for ‘preach-

er types.’ This is for people who are interested in integrating faith in their everyday life.” This is one of the busiest times of year for Love, who said he is ready for the event to begin and is excited about all the activities planned and the possibilities of what Lectureship could be like in the future. “It takes so many people to pull off Lectureship,” Love said. “It’s three- to four-and-ahalf days of non-stop adrenaline when it hits. It’s amazing. I’m looking forward to it.”

E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu

Forums: Change to be discussed Continued from Page 1A He said the forums will focus on changes happening between congregations. “Did what we discussed last year make a difference?’ Love said. “Some churches have merged, and some haven’t done anything.” Along with Reese, speakers will be: Gregg Marutzsky of Carrollton, Chris Seidman of Farmer’s Branch, Robert Carillo of San Diego, Bruce Wadzeck of Princeton, N.J., and Mike Taliaferro of San Antonio. “This has been a really big

concern of ours,” Love said. “Dr. Money made a historic apology five years ago. “Since then it’s something we’ve wanted to have front and center to show conversation is still very active and vibrant,” Love said. Another forum, “Living Beyond Racial and Ethnic Distinctions: Keys to Successful Multiracial Congregations,” will be at the same time Monday through Wednesday in Hart Auditorium of the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building. Love said the speakers would be people who have

succeeded and failed integrating their churches. They will be: Rick Hunter of Cypress, Calif., Ervin Jackson of Muscle Shoals, Ala., Don McLaughlin of Atlanta, and Tom Robinson of Manhattan, N.Y. “Some have great success stories, and some don’t,” Love said. Dr. Dwayne Van Rheenen, provost of the university and professor of communication, will moderate the forum.

E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu

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February 20, 2005

In Your Words

Daniel Barcroft

In My Words

Which Sing Song act did you think was the best? “Probably Sub T because they are a bright spot in the sea of darkness that is the Sing Song ocean.”

Ben Hernandez junior graphic design major from Austin

Seniors, of course, because our motto is, ‘always have fun—never not have fun.’”

Joy Oelfke senior international studies and communication major from Houston

“That’s a tough question. I want to say seniors, but my brother and cousin are directing the freshmen, so it’s a tie.”

Child abuse can be prevented The number of children in Texas who have died from abuse or neglect has risen in the past year, according to an article on CNN.com. More than 200 children died; the average is 3.3 for every 100,000 children, which is 65 percent Lori’s Story higher than the national averLori age, the article Bredemeyer says. What’s even more troubling than the number of deaths is that many of them probably could have been avoided. Adults, especially Christians, cannot leave prevention to Child Protective Services; we all have an obligation to protect children from abuse and neglect. Although it might be uncomfortable or awkward to report suspicion of child abuse, all people, including Christians, must be vigilant in

abuse. Prevention can also stop a cycle of abuse, as those who were abused as children are more likely to become adults who abuse their children. The government is working to ensure that children have more protection in the future. “Legislation pending in Austin calls for improving training for caseworkers and streamlining cooperation with law enforcement to bring abused children into the state system sooner,” said an article on CNN.com. Those who know or work with children also should work harder to protect kids. Reporting the first signs of abuse to the authorities can help end vicious cycles, prevent trauma and death and ensure that our children remain safe.

Adults, especially Christians, have an obligation to protect children from abuse and neglect. reporting any signs of abuse. The Department of Family and Protective Services’ Web site says failure to report child abuse in Texas is against the law. Anyone who believes a child has been abused is required to report it to authorities within 48 hours. So ignoring neglect not only is an ethical issue, but it can also result in punishment. Texas has been in the news in the past few years for several ghastly child homicides, among them cases involving Andrea Yates, who drowned her five children in the bathtub in 2001; Deanna Laney, who bashed her three kids’ heads with rocks, killing two and maiming the other in 2003; and most recently, Dena Schlosser, who cut off her baby’s arms and killed her. Last year, 206,978 cases of abuse and neglect were

reported in Texas, 6,806 of which were in Abilene, according to the DFPS. Several levels of awareness exist. Caseworkers periodically visit homes where abuse has been reported. But caseworkers can’t always see what goes on between parents and their kids because they only make occasional visits. The people close to children— neighbors, teachers, baby sitters, etc.—see families daily and can and should be the first defense against mistreatment. Also, many ACU students work with children through Wildcat Kids, Treadaway Kids, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Boys and Girls Club and other organizations. These students are role models and confidants to these kids and could help save their lives if they see and report signs of

Bethany Powell senior chemistry major from Abilene

“Gamma Sigma Phi, of course, because we rock the house.”

Keith Rodgers sophomore Christian ministry major from Lancaster, Penn.

“The freshman act because they sounded like a dream of music.”

Aaron Robison

Respond to Bredemeyer at: lmb00g@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu

senior biochemistry major from Midland

American Christians need to wake up and see reality The church in North America is on life support. This is a fact which few of the “25 Most Influential Evangelicals,” recognized by Time Magazine last month, know, preach or write, and something many leaders in Churches of Column like Christ have not accepted. I See ‘Em The United Steve Holt States is now one of the three most secular countries in the world. Wait a minute, you say: What about the 2004 election, which highlighted voters advocating traditional, Christian values? And with Christianity blitzing the media, movie theaters, and malls, Christianity just has to be flourishing in the West, right? Not so fast. We’re living in what’s being called the “Post-Christian Era.” Christianity in North America has been on a steady decline for the better part of a century, with the most staggering drops occurring in the past 25 years. Christian statistician and church consultant

George Barna reported that over the past decade, three million people have been leaving churches every year in the United States. Closer to home, half of Abilene’s 120,000 residents do not attend one of the roughly 150 churches in town. You wouldn’t read these stats in Time or hear them on American Family Radio, however. Christian media organizations talk like the only work to be done on our soil has to do with Constitutional amendments, and Time seems convinced that evangelical Christians are running the country. These are just the kinds of lies the Enemy would have us believe, though. The actual center of Christianity in the world today is highly debated, but experts agree it lies in one of three places: Latin America, Africa or China. Some have estimated that China, which had only 700,000 Christians at the beginning of the Communist rule in 1949, now has between 60 and 100 million believers, most of them meeting together in large, underground house church net-

works. Africa now boasts nearly 400 million Christians, but that number is expected to eclipse 600 million by 2025. This kind of rapid, exponential growth simply is not happening in the United States, which now has the third-largest un-churched population in the world. The rumors are true, by the way: Missionaries from African and Latin American countries are now moving to our continent to work among the lost North Americans. The question of how we got to this point isn’t nearly as important as how we will get past it. The message and commission Christians have simply is too important to ignore this glaring problem. Many have ignored it, however, to the detriment of their hearts and the faith. One solution to the problem will need to come in the form of a paradigm shift — a

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

If churches take the Great Commission seriously, though, one word ought to stick out: Go. Christ went when he became the incarnation of the living God on earth. The apostles went upon receiving the Holy Spirit, first to their hometown, then to the world. And our responsibility is the same in our neighborhoods and cities in the United States. The second phrase that should stick out in a fresh reading of the Great Commission is “make disciples.” Baptism certainly is what happens at the initial decision to be a disciple, but it doesn’t magically spawn a disciple. True discipleship literally means “spending time with Jesus” and requires relationship, accountability and lots of latitude. “In-process” disciples make lots of mistakes, but that’s OK — that’s why Christ came. Mature Christians must see that Paul’s vision for growing Christians in his young church plants — sanctification — is carried out in contemporary congregations. Sanctified Christians no longer run back to their old muck and mire but strain forward, pursuing righteousness

Christianity in North America has been on a steady decline for the better part of the century, with the most staggering drops occurring in the past 25 years.

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

change in methodology or theory — regarding the nature and role of the church. The technical definition of the word “insanity” is repeating the same action and expecting a different result each time. This definition often describes Christ’s church to a T. Churches will need to take a hard look at the Great Commission — “Go and make disciples” — and then formulate strategies to best accomplish this commandment. Here’s a clue, though: It’s probably not going to look anything like what most churches have been trying in recent decades. “Attractional” Christianity, which attempts to bring in the un-churched with dynamic worship, flashy programs or the best preacher in town, has been the strategy of choice for churches for much too long, and research is indicating that the postmodern unbeliever isn’t falling for it anymore.

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and nurturing new disciples of their own. The Western Church does itself and the Kingdom no good in denying that it has a problem. It is hemorrhaging because it has emphasized the phrases “baptizing them” and “all nations” to the detriment of the three most important words in the Great Commission, “go” and “make disciples.” If North America is to see an in-breaking of the Kingdom of God, and if Christians desire to delight their Creator, the Church will need to wake from its slumber and dive headlong into God’s mission. All North American disciples of Jesus are missionaries, after all — now more than ever before.

Steve Holt Jr., a 2004 graduate of the Journalism and Mass Communication Department, is currently working on a master’s of arts in missions from ACU. He and Chrissy (White), his wife and 2004 graduate in management, plan to move to Boston upon his graduation to make disciples and plant churches. You may contact Holt at smh00a@acu.edu.

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

VIEWSSUNDAY OPTIMIST

February 20, 2005

Students need TEG funds

The issue: The Texas Equalization Grant funds could be cut.

Our view: The TEG is important to ACU because it allows the school to provide more scholarships to students.

The solution: Students and their parents need to contact their senators and representatives and let them know how the TEG helps fund their education so that the legislators are aware of its importance.

Page 11A

The Texas Legislature cut educational funding, and private university students are paying the price. Most students who attend private universities receive a Tuition Equalization Grant, which helps cover the cost of private tuition for students who qualify because of financial situations. Students who attend state schools receive about $6,000 for their education before ever paying a dime to their chosen university. The Texas Equalization Grant gives private university students up

to half the Students should contact senators and tell them how dents who amount studon’t think the state funds have contributed to their education. dents who have grant effects a public unithem should versity edube concerned It is the Optimist’s opinion about the loss of the TEG cation receive, said Bob Hunter, state rep. 71st District, R- that students should contact because money that is awarded Abilene, and vice president their state senator and represen- to private university students emeritus of the university. tative and tell them about how by the state allows universities However, ACU students state funds have contributed to to provide more scholarships to could lose part of their TEG their education. Without feed- students who do not receive a because the state legislature has back from constituents, repre- TEG. chosen to cut educational fund- sentatives cannot know how Students renew the TEG by ing by 5 percent. Hunter said the current level of funding filling out an application every the result would be detrimental benefits those who are receiving year, and the grants go directly to individuals and Texas society it. to students, not their university. because students most likely Students should also urge The TEG began in 1971, will make up the loss of the their parents to contact senators when Hunter made an effort to funds through loans. and representatives. Even stu- increase state funds for students

Lectureship offers modes of renewal

Daniel Barcroft

In My Words

Welcome to one of the the saints that is the reason the “Faithful most exciting weeks at for Abilene Christian University Conversations” Lectureship as we focus on the resurrec- forums, where we will contintion of Christ ue discussions with members during the of the International Church of 87th annual Christ and where we will look Bible Lecture- at ethnic and racial diversity ship. I pray in our churches. Let the hope of Heaven and this week will be a time of God’s grace in all its truth refreshment, become more real to you revival and through the Art and Faith preGuest r e c o m m i t - sentations of music, drama Column and artistic works. Examine ment for you. As we the different ways the Gospel Dr. Royce examine the comes to you and to our sociMoney text of Col- ety through the Gospel and ossians this week during Culture Coffee House discusLectureship, I want to echo sions. Be caught up in praise the words of the Apostle Paul for God, the Father of our when he says at the beginning Lord Jesus Christ, as we worof Colossians, “We always ship Him in song. ACU is an institution of thank God, the Father of our higher learnLord Jesus ing, and as Christ, when we we pray for Faith in Jesus Christ and such, focus conyou, because love for all the saints is stantly on enwe have hancing the heard of your the reason you are here quality of our faith in this week, and it the education Christ Jesus while remainand of the reason for all we do. ing grounded love you have in our Christfor all the saints — the faith and love that ian faith. This week, I hope spring from the hope that is you will have the opportunity stored up for you in Heaven to experience both — quality and that you have already learning experiences and opheard about in the word of portunities to strengthen your truth, the Gospel that has faith. Whether you’re visiting us come to you. All over the world this Gospel is bearing for the first time or back on fruit and growing, just as it campus after some time away, has been doing among you I hope you’ll have the opporsince the day you heard it and tunity to get to know some of understood God’s grace in all our students. I know I’m biased, but I think we have its truth.” Faith in Jesus Christ and some of the most wonderful love for all the saints is the students at colleges anywhere, reason you are here this week, and I pray they’ll be blessed and it is the reason for all we by your presence — and that do; this week and throughout you’ll be blessed by them as well. the year. Have a wonderful week at I hope you will see our focus on faith in Jesus Christ ACU! as our keynote lecturers speak about how our lives should be Dr. Royce Money is president of the unishaped by the resurrection. I versity and may be reached by e-mail at pray you will feel the love for moneyr@acu.edu.

Depression among students not rare When I was a freshman in college, I became severely depressed. I imagine many students experience something similar, but at the time, the only thing I could notice was this lonely, dark place I had come to. Tiffany’s Some days Litany were really don’t Tiffany Taylor good, get me wrong. Some days I could wake up, walk to class, eat lunch with my friends, meet new people and be pleasantly surprised when they liked me. Some days I felt like I was born to be in this new college world, away from my home and my family.

Three out of every 10 students feel overwhelmed a great deal of the time because of stress. Other days were crippling. Sometimes it was everything I could do just to get out of bed in the morning. Sometimes I didn’t want to walk to class, meet new people or eat at all. Sometimes all I wanted to do was hit the snooze button on my life and wait until I was older, more mature and ready for all the changes happening around me. Older, like say, 35. Depression has a certain stigma that makes it hard to talk about. It took me more than a year to acknowledge my depression, and I waited even longer before I sought help. I thought I was alone in my struggle. No one told me

I wasn’t. Depression is common among college students. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, three out of every 10 students feel overwhelmed a great deal of the time because of stressors like greater academic demands, changes in family relations and changes in social life, just to name a few. If you think you are suffering from depression, know that you are not alone. Most of us have been there. Steve Rowlands, director of the University Counseling Center, agrees, saying, “Changes bring about a lot of stress in the unknowns,

who attend private universities. The first year the grant was approved, $1 million was divided between 2,511 recipients. The next year $3 million was granted. Today more than $70 million is awarded to more than 30,000 recipients. Hunter is fighting for more money to be awarded to students in the 40 Texas private universities. Students make up the shortfall in scholarships or loans for whatever money is not awarded, but Hunter needs the support of those he is fighting for. Without expressing their voices, students can only expect to be overlooked.

which creates a lot of anxiety. A new student who comes from a new location often worries about how they will fit in with friends and how they will succeed.” He suggests finding ways to connect with other students and faculty members. “Find things you enjoy doing that are healthy for you. Find people who are good for you to be with. If you are stuck, find people who will get you unstuck. Sometimes we need someone to help us out: a professor, preacher, priest or friend.” Oh, and one more thing. Join the club. We meet every weekday at 11 a.m. in Moody Coliseum. Respond to Williams at: tnt00b@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu

Students should be required to learn a foreign language As strange as it may seem to most Americans, English is not the most commonly spoken language in the world. More than one billion people speak Mandarin Chinese, compared to the only 508 million people who speak English. Much Ado For a university whose About Something mission is to educate stuJaci Schneider dents for leadership throughout the world, ACU places little emphasis on

foreign language training. While many Americans might assume that English is a universal language, more than 5 billion people don’t speak it. ACU offers courses in Spanish, French, German, Greek and Hebrew. Only two of those languages place in the top ten most spoken. Spanish is No.4, and French is No. 10. Students majoring in Bible, missions and ministry are required to take Greek, a language that is no longer even spoken. While the value of learning Greek to read the Bible is vital, it seems that students, especially those intending to enter missions, should

be required to study a spoken language. Students majoring in business have no language requirements, yet in today’s increasingly global society, one day they will likely do business with foreign companies or even employees. Many people might argue that the need to learn another language is pointless because everyone else learns English. Although some truth exists in this statement, the attitude is

As students being trained for leadership throughout the world, we should be trained in foreign languages such as Mandarin, Hindustani (No.3), Spanish (No.4) and Russian (No. 5). Even if ACU cannot offer these classes, students should have to take at least one available language because learning any second language makes it easier to learn a third or fourth language. Even for students never planning to leave Texas, knowing Spanish is a huge asset and would provide many opportunities in those students’ lives. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, 28.1 million people

Some assume English is a universal language, but more than 5 billion people don’t speak it.

incredibly arrogant and ethnocentric and something Christians should avoid portraying. As Christians, we should put others before ourselves, which includes making an effort to communicate in someone else’s native language. Only students working toward a bachelor of arts degree must take a spoken foreign language, and even then the focus is more historical and artistic rather than conversational.

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living in the United States speak Spanish at home, and 2 million people speak Chinese at home. Think about the humility and love for the rest of the world students from ACU could show simply by learning another language. Think about how it would look to the rest of the world if every ACU graduate could communicate in a language other than English. Think about what an awesome effect that could make for Christ. Respond to Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu

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

Page 12A

CAMPUS NEWS

Sunday, February 20, 2005

Campus crusade

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Lydia Spies, senior prephysical therapy major from Glen Rose, leads a group of prospective students on a tour of campus through the Mabee Business Building during Preview Weekend on Saturday.

Annual dinner to aid library Twain impersonator to speak at Friends of ACU Library meal

“It will be a time when I will meet people I don’t necessarily see the rest of the year.” Dr. Carisse Berryhill, special services librarian

By NATHAN STRAUS STUDENT REPORTER

The Friends of ACU Library is gearing up for its annual Bible Lectureship dinner. Mark Twain impersonator Cary Branscum, who spoke at the Brown Library faculty retreat the past summer, will be the guest speaker. The dinner is in the Hilton Room of the Campus Center on Monday and it is expected to cost FACUL about $1,500. Tickets cost $12.50 per person and can be bought at the door. Members of FACUL expect the combined ticket sales to more than pay for the cost of the event. Dr. Carisse Berryhill, special services librarian, said she’s looking forward to the dinner. “It will be a time when I will meet people I don’t necessarily see the rest of the year,” she said.

Like most organizations, FACUL conducts a Lectureship dinner for more reasons than just the great food. Chad Longley, special services assistant, said the purpose of the dinner is to raise funds and to provide a time for members of FACUL to vote on a variety of topics. “Many people show up for Lectureship, and they have to eat somewhere,” Berryhill said. FACUL was organized in 1966, and the organization serves as a support group to enhance the library. The group serves the library as a donor and volunteer base. Funds are raised through collection of dues, mail campaigns and an annual used religious book sale. The money raised is used to purchase equipment and materials the

library could not buy otherwise. The most recent purchase is a piece of machinery designed to read for those who cannot see well, Berryhill said. FACUL also organizes the “Sponsor a Student” program, which is designed to allow more students to become members of FACUL and will pay for students’ meals at the dinner. In this program, current members pay the $25 membership dues for students who wish to join FACUL. Since 1999, 67 students have been added to FACUL's membership. They remain on the mailing list for three years, establishing a connection FACUL hopes will continue for many years to come. E-mail Straus at: optimist@acu.edu

SPORTSSUNDAY OPTIMIST

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LSC South Standings

Raising the bar

current through 02-18-05

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

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

Tot. 20-4 15-9 14-10 12-12 11-14 9-15 8-16

ACU students Cory and Angie Aguilar achieve a stunning balance between school, track stardom, and a two-year-old son Story by STEVE HOLT

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

Div. 9-2 8-3 8-3 7-4 4-7 4-7 3-8 1-10

SPORTS WRITER

Tot. 21-3 17-7 17-7 12-12 10-14 9-15 10-13 5-19

Pictures by BRIAN SCHMIDT CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Married couples going to college have stressful lives. Add a child to the mix, and things get interesting. Meet the Aguilars, who not only have a full load of classes and a 2-yearold boy, but also are the top husband-wife pole vaulting tandem in the nation. Angie Aguilar, a sophomore from Midland, has the second-best vault in Division II track and field this season, while her husband, Cory, a junior from Crane, has the third-best vault. They have a legitimate shot at winning dual national pole vault titles, a feat few, if any, couples can claim. Don Hood, who has coached the pole vaulters at ACU for 26 years, said he hasn’t seen a couple like the Aguilars. “I’ve never seen two people more dedicated to anything as they are,” he said. “I think it is tremendous that they both have the same burning desire to excel and be outstanding.” Aside from track and field, the Aguilars excel in academics and prioritize family life, and hectic 19-hour days have become normal for this family. “It’s really difficult, because there are times when you have a lot of homework to do, but at the same time, how do you get sleep before practice tomorrow?” Cory said. Their son, Kylor, often stays at their neighbor’s apartment for chunks of the day while his parents are at class or practice. Cory affirms, however, that the two would never let academics or athletics come between them and their young son. “But at the same time,” Angie said, “we both try to make a 4.0.” The Aguilars fell off of that lofty goal early on in college, but they still maintain B+ averages as they work toward exercise science degrees. “You’ve got to give and take, and we just try to do our best to work together,” said Cory.

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

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

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

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 10-2 7-5 5-6 3-4

Scores Thursday

Angie’s first vault

Women’s basketball ACU 8, Texas Woman’s 67 Softball Fort Lewis 7, ACU 5 ACU 5, St. Mary’s 1

Upcoming events in Wildcat sports... (home events in italics) Sunday, February 20 BSB: Cameron, 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 22 SB: St. Edward's, 5 p.m.

Baseball: Sport in the truest sense “The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It's been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game, is a part of our past, Ray. It Gray reminds us of all that once Matters Warren Gray was good and that could be again. Oh people will come, Ray. People will most definitely come.” These words, especially when spoken by the profound voice of James Earl Jones in Field of Dreams, epitomize baseball. Last week, the magical words “pitchers and catchers report” were uttered across the country. ACU’s baseball team is off to a 4-2 start and played a four-game set with Cameron over the weekend. Baseball is upon us, and the sports world just seems to be in working order when there’s baseball. Baseball is sport in the truest sense. Baseball is not marred by schemes, yet at the same time, is brimming with strategy. There’s no blitz. No pick-and-roll. Just baseball. In baseball, there’s no taking a knee, no running out the clock, no sitting on a See GRAY Page 2B

February 20, 2005

Cory clears the bar during practice on Tuesday in preparation for the Indoor National Championships in March. He hopes to reach at least 18 feet by graduation before deciding to continue jumping professionally. Cory has the third-best vault in the NCAA Division II track and field.

Cory and Angie met and fell in love because of pole vaulting. Their worlds collided when the two were competing in the Texas state meet when they were 16 years old, Cory for Crane High School and Angie for Midland Christian High School. Texas had not yet introduced pole vaulting into girl’s track and field, so Angie’s father convinced the state’s track and field officials to let his daughter advance to the USA Track and Field Junior Olympics to compete in the event. The officials agreed. “I’d never touched a pole,” Angie said. “I’d always watched it and wanted to, but I never had any experience.” Angie had a week between the state meet and the Junior Olympics to learn how to pole vault. She remembered meeting a boy from Crane who had been vaulting successfully since the seventh grade, so she decided to approach him with a proposition. “Can you teach me how to pole vault in a week?” Angie asked the slight, but muscular Cory. Cory agreed, and the two spent about 10 hours a day together the next week working on Angie’s new event. “All I could do was teach her the very basics,” Cory said. “I pretty much told her how to approach, how to carry the pole, and how to plant it in the box. It wasn’t pretty.” See AGUILARS Page 3B

Near right: Kylor, 2, laughs as mother Angie tickles him at the Elmer Gray Stadium while they wait for Dad and husband Cory to finish his jumps during track practice. The Agui-lars’ main priorities are finishing school and raising their son. Far right: Angie clears the bar during a practice jump. At 16, she had never touched a pole; as a sophomore, she has the second-best vault in D-II track and field.

Cats outlast Pioneers to clinch post-season berth Two games left for women, sure spot in LSC tournament By WARREN GRAY SPORTS WRITER

With Thursday’s 78-67 win over Texas Woman’s University, the ACU women’s basketball team secured a post-season spot. But don’t tell them that; they still have two games to play. “I don’t even know if all the girls know that yet,” said ACU coach Shawna Lavender. “It’s nice to know we’re in, but it’s not our ultimate goal.” For the Wildcats, the goal is to continue to win games, and Thursday’s win clinched

a spot in the Lone Star Conference Post-Season Tournament. It also kept the Wildcats, now 17-8 on the season and 8-4 in the South Division, in the race for first place in the division. ACU fell to third place in the South Division on Saturday after a 79-78 overtime loss to Texas A&M-Kingsville. The win featured many oddities for the Wildcats. Kierstan Barbee led the team in scoring off the bench with 15 points despite playing just 13 minutes due to foul trouble. “She had a great first half, really came out aggressive,” Lavender said. “She picked up some silly fouls in the second half. It hurts not to have one of your best defenders

and one of your weapons out there.” Other things hurt the Wildcats in the game. TWU scored more points in the paint, more second chance points, pulled down more rebounds and had five less turnovers than ACU. Previously the Wildcats had found it tough to win when turning the ball over but found a way to overcome 33 turnovers Thursday. As good teams must do, the Wildcats just found a way to win on the road. They outscored the Pioneers by eight at the free-throw line and held TWU to 32.4 percent shooting. “Our defense was great all night,” Lavender said. “That was really the key for us.”

Part of that defensive effort was containing Matalya McBath. McBath scored 23 points in a loss to ACU earlier in the year and put in a game-high 27 on Thursday. “Kierstan guarded her some, so did Ashley King and Alex. We kind of switched people up on her,” Lavender said. “You know she’s going to get her points, we just tried to contain her.” The strategy worked to an extent, as McBath made just seven of 17 shots, and no other Pioneer had a stand-out offensive performance. While the Wildcats didn’t have a 20-point scorer, they continued to do what they have all season – attack with balance. Seven players scored at least seven points in the

win, with Jamie Boles and Alex Guiton joining Barbee in double figures with 13 and 12 points, respectively. Stephanie Riles added nine points and eight rebounds. The Wildcats’ final road trip of the regular season concluded Saturday with a game against Texas A&MKingsville. ACU will wrap up the season Thursday and Saturday at Moody Coliseum against Texas A&MCommerce and Midwestern State, after which the Wildcats will see post-season action for the second straight year.

E-mail Gray at: weg02a@acu.edu

Page 2B

SPORTS JUMPS

Sunday, February 20, 2005

Gray: Take me out to the ball game Continued from Page 1B lead. No matter the score, the pitches must be thrown. Yes, baseball is unique. Unlike other sports, time doesn’t hold baseball back, baseball is limitless. Baseball is the only sport that when one team is on offense, the other team controls the ball. It’s the only sport in which you can spit anywhere, be considered successful if you accomplish your goal one out of three times, and be even more successful if you hit the ball out

Football season is a sprint, of bounds. And in the words culminating in three hours of audition for SportsCenter’s Top 10. The players whine to baseball is a marathon. of George Carlin, baseball is action. The NBA is forced to live the referees as much as they Baseball has the sports world the only major sport that to itself all summer, and appears backward in a mirror. in the shadows of football talk to their coaches. whining is rare, usually I’ll pause as you try coming in the form of a to envision a giant mirror across an outfield Baseball is upon us and the sports world just seems to be in Lou Piniella rant. In the words of Tom Hanks in wall. The NFL has working order when there’s baseball ... Baseball is not marred A League of Their Own, become a breeding no crying in by schemes, yet at the same time is brimming with strategy. “There’s ground for overanabaseball.” lyzation. After just one But the thing that week of games last seasets baseball apart for But in the MLB, there’s no me is watching a game at the son, the ESPN pundits were until, right about now, it already debating over which pokes its head up like a time for experts to overana- ballpark. Baseball on TV is teams were pretenders and groundhog to see if anyone is lyze each game because OK, but while sitting at a ballwhich ones were contenders. watching. Much to my dismay there’s another one tomorrow, park with a hot dog in hand, The NFL is six days of hype the NBA has turned into an not next week. baseball is great. Football and

basketball are fun live, but offer much the same enjoyment from the comforts of a living room couch. Ballparks have atmosphere. The peanut shells on the ground, the man yelling “hot dogs!” for nine innings, the thrill of catching a foul ball, or better yet a home run. Yes America, you can relax. Your pastime is back, at a ballpark near you.

E-mail Gray at: weg02a@acu.edu

SPORTS JUMPS

Sunday, February 20, 2005

Page 3B

Aguilars: Focus is on finishing school, raising son Continued from Page 1B “No form, no technique,” Angie remembered, laughing. The high school junior surprisingly placed in the middle of a field of about 45 girls at the Junior Olympics, clearing a modest 8 feet, 6 inches. She was about to win the heart of her future husband, however. Midland Christian didn’t have a pole vault coach, so Angie traveled to nearby Crane every afternoon to practice vaulting with Cory and the boys. “We started talking, then dating...,” Cory said. “…and spending a lot of time together!” Angie said.

Vaulting to the next level Cory completed high school with a track and field résumé a mile long. He qualified for the Texas state meet three times in three events: the pole vault, 300-meter hurdles, and the 4x400-meter relay. By clearing 16-1 in the pole vault his senior year, Cory became the third best prep vaulter in the nation. Angie competed in volleyball and track and field in high school. Like Cory, she excelled in events other than pole vaulting-—the 100-meter hurdles, the 300-meter hurdles, and the long jump. Both Cory and Angie could compete on the next level. Cory chose to attend ACU to compete in track and field after receiving offers from other notable universities. For Cory, the decision was easy. “Texas Tech wanted me to be a decathlete,” he said. “I didn’t want to do any running.” Angie spent a semester at South Plains College in Levelland developing as an athlete, before marrying Cory and transferring to ACU. Cory, freshman year, cleared a season-best height of 16-7 3/4 in 2003 on his way to a fourthplace finish at the outdoor national meet. He also ended up doing a little running in 2003, helping the men’s 4x400-meter

relay team to a sixth-place finish at the indoor national meet. As a sophomore, Cory finished eighth and fourth, respectively, in the pole vault at the indoor and outdoor meets. Redshirt freshman Angie earned her spot on the women’s team just months after having Kylor. This season, however, both vaulters have truly come into their element. Angie cleared a personal best height of 12-8 _ at last weekend’s Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Ark., while Cory set a personal best indoors at the Arkansas meet. Angie has seen the most staggering improvement since high school, however, improving her best prep height by nearly two feet. “The last year and a half has been learning correctly, doing things the right way, with my speed, flexibility,” Angie said. “I still have a lot of room for improvement as far as technique. It’s finally all coming together.” Head coach Jon Murray has noticed the transformation in Angie as well. “Angie has really developed as a pole vaulter,” Murray said. “She wasn’t as established coming out of high school because they didn’t have [pole vaulting], but she’s really developed as she’s been here.” Murray attributes her recent success to athleticism and Hood, a coaching legend in the event. “She’s just a good athlete,” Murray said. “And Coach Hood does a great job with our vaulters. It’s easy to be successful around him.” This season, with both Cory and Angie vaulting their best, the couple can almost taste dual men’s and women’s pole vault titles. More than indoor titles, however, they would like to win dual titles at the Division II Outdoor National Championships, which will take place at

ACU’s Elmer Gray Stadium in May. “It’s not far-fetched,” Angie said. “With myself and the other girls [seniors Val Gorter and Katie Eckley] – there’s no reason why we couldn’t go top three. Of course I want it to be me.”

get on bigger poles.” The risk could be likened to driving a car, they said – the risk of an accident is real, but drivers generally don’t feel fear when getting in the driver’s seat. “It’s almost like a sub-conscious fear,” Angie said. “When

if they aren’t at a certain level of competition upon graduating, they will gladly forego the dreams of becoming elite athletes. For Cory, the goal he has is to clear 18 feet. For Angie, 14 feet. “If you’re a guy, until you’ve jumped 18 feet, you’re not in the elite class,” said Hood, who has coached two Olympic pole vaulters and a total of seven Olympic Trials qualifiers. “For girls, 13 feet is not elite. Once you’re jumping 14 feet, though, you’re in the elite class.” Cory is hoping to get a graduate assistantship wherever he attends after graduating from ACU so he can put in more quality training than he is now. Going pro is not always a smooth transition, however. “Going after college is an even more difficult step,” Murray “They definitely have abilities, so they just have to keep developing, keep working, and keep getting stronger, and see where their next step leads them.”

“They’re very mature, to say the least. They do a good job of juggling a lot of balls and making sure none of them drops.” Jon Murray, track and field head coach ‘You have to have a respect’ Pole vaulting is as technical an event as one will see in athletics. The vaulter reaches his or her top sprinting speed gripping a pole over twice the length of their body, before planting one end in a metal box and taking off. The pole nearly forms a “U” under the weight of the vaulter, who approaches his or her summit upside-down and perfectly perpendicular to the hard ground. The vaulter then must play a freakish game of Limbo 12 to 18 feet in the air, attempting to slip over a wobbly bar without upsetting it, before free-falling onto a mat below. Those who see the danger in such a sport are seeing quite clearly. A handful of vaulters have paid the ultimate price for the sport, crashing to the runway or into the metal pit because of a snapped pole or simple gravity. This makes the Aguilars’ hobby even more impressive, more risky. “It’s always a fear, always,” Cory said. “To jump higher, you have to get on bigger poles or improve your technique. If your technique is pretty good, you have to get on bigger poles. That fear is always in the back of your mind when you

I go out there, I’m not feeling fear. It never crosses my mind about the deaths or falling.” Cory said quality technique and training helps vaulters overcome the risks associated with the sport. “The better you get, the more you learn, the stronger you get, the faster you get, the less fearful you are,” he said. “You have to have a respect,” Angie said. Hood said that Angie’s continued improvement in vaulting will be closely tied to her overcoming certain fears of the event. “I expect Angie to have the biggest jump,” Hood said. “All vaulters have certain tendencies – hers are largely related to self-preservation. How long it takes to overcome those things is closely tied to how much it means to them.”

On going pro The Aguilars believe they can only keep improving their vaults. Both say they think they can and will compete professionally after college. “I want to keep jumping, I really do,” Cory said. “[Angie]’s fast, she’s strong, she can jump – she has all the characteristics to be a professional jumper. Once she puts it all together, she’ll be there.” They both say, however, that

The balancing act For now, however, finishing school and raising a son is a main priority for the Aguilars, who often make great sacrifices for each other, Kylor, and their classes. Angie is often up until 1 a.m. writing papers or reading books, only to wake four hours later to lift weights. Their schedules are sporadic, hurried, and without a doubt, packed. “We’re always on the run, so we don’t have time to cook good, nutritious meals,” Cory said. “We don’t have time to eat like we should.” Sleep is hard to come by these days, also. “I get five or six hours, maybe,” Cory said. The couple has been assisted, however, by nearby parents

and relatives who are more than happy to keep Kylor on weekends when both Aguilars are competing out of town. Angie said the atmosphere at ACU has made it possible to be a mother and track and field star; the other athletes and coaches are more than accommodating to the “pole vault parents.” Murray said he admires their attitudes toward the different aspects of their lives, attributing much of it to maturity. “They’re very mature, to say the least,” Murray said. “They do a good job of juggling a lot of balls and making sure none of them drops. They’re real serious students, they’re real serious athletes, and they’re real serious about making sure their family works.” Hood agreed. “They’ve got their priorities in order,” he said. “It’s really nice they can live together, play together, and study together.” Cory and Angie Aguilar have always raised the bar in every aspect of their lives. From marriage, to raising a baby, to excelling in academics, the Aguilars have so far successfully cleared every barrier they have approached. If they win dual national championships in March or May, the couple will leave few doubts as to their ability to accomplish anything for which they work. “I think their next step is to be the best in Division II,” Murray said. “We’ve got some really good vaulters in our league, so to do that they’ll have to be really good.” For Cory, winning a national title will mean defeating a vaulter from Lewis College who already has cleared 18 feet this season. Could the junior improve his personal best by a foot in just a few months? “I guess I’ll have to,” he said with confidence. “You gotta have somebody to push you, right?” E-mail Holt at: smh00a@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 4B

The voice of Sing Song

Sunday, February 20, 2005

Women raise funds at dinner Group to sell coffee, pie in Teague Sunday through Wednesday By MARY TAN STAFF WRITER

The Women for Abilene Christian University aim to raise scholarships by sponsoring a dinner and a pie and coffee sale during Bible Lectureship. The annual dinner will be Tuesday in the Hillcrest Church of Christ Multipurpose Room from 4:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The pie and coffee sale will be in the Teague Special Events Center from Sunday through Wednesday in the afternoon and late evening. The theme for the dinner this year is Quiltin' & Dreamin’ and will feature ACU alumna Jana Beck. She will present an oral interpretation of excerpts from the book Quilters by Barbara Damashek and Molly Newman. Several other women will bring different quilts and speak about

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Sing Song stage designer and technical director Matt Coker, senior theatre major from Abilene, leans against a beam under the Sing Song stage and reads the judges’ information at Friday night’s performance.

what their quilt means to them. “It’s open to female faculty members, alumni and those attending Lectureship,” said Samantha Adkins, liaison for WACU and coordinator of Alumni Programs. About 300 women are expected to attend. The tradition began 22 years ago as an annual meeting for W A C U members and was later extended to all women who attend Lectureship. WA C U members doAdkins nate pies or money for pies to sell during the pie and coffee sale. All are welcome to buy pie and coffee for $3. Funds raised from these two events go to scholarships the organization awards to female students with outstanding academic and personal achievements. The fully funded, two-year scholarships are worth $1,000 a year and

are renewable for another year as long as the student maintains the standards set in the scholarship. The scholarship winners will be introduced during the dinner. The four winners this year are Melissa Cain, junior nursing major from Clyde; Lori Beth Presley, senior international studies major from Cantonment, Fla.; Jordan Isom, junior English major from Abilene; and Kara Buckel, junior English major from Azle. “I feel honored,” Buckel said. “It’s a blessing to be associated with these women. They have a passion for ACU and are very dedicated.” Women interested in attending the dinner may buy tickets for $11 at the Campus Center ticket windows or at the door. People interested in more information can contact Adkins at Ext. 2622 or wacu@acu.edu. E-mail Tan at: mtt04b@acu.edu

February 20, 2005

FOCUSSUNDAY OPTIMIST

Loving Her Choice

Page 5B

After working Special Collections for six months, Carisse Berryhill knows she made the right decision

arisse Berryhill loved her Bible comic book on Esther as a child. She remembers flipping through its pages many times. “In fact, the one I had got worn out because I read it so much,” she said. Now, almost 50 years later, Berryhill works to make sure none of her books ever wear out again. Except her books are not the ones on a shelf at her house. Her books contain the history of ACU and the Churches of Christ. Berryhill works as the special services librarian in the Brown Library—a job she began only eight months ago. She spends most of her days in the special sections portion of the library—a section that many students never see and contains anything from historic ACU documents and sermon manuscripts to books on West Texas railroading and anti-Communist pamphlets. Her job entails preserving the original documents and pieces and finding ways to make them available for others to read in formats that will not deteriorate. Dr. Mark Tucker, dean of library and information resources, said Berryhill’s work is not always noticeable to the average person. “If you walked in there six months ago, it would look pretty much the same as it does now,” Tucker said. “However, she is putting pieces into place for substantial growth. Three years from now, that whole operation will look dramatically different.” Whether she is preparing a piece for the Centennial Collection or for the special section of the library, Berryhill always thinks ahead. “One of the things about archivists is you’ve got to think 300 years ahead,” she said. “You make choices about storage formats for things that will last for your lifetime and the lifetimes of others as well.”

erryhill has always been interested in the history of the archives—an interest that has been around longer than her interest in being an archivist. “The passion is not about being a great archivist,” Berryhill said. “That’s just the means to an end; that’s the means that preserves the material.” Berryhill admits that, like archiving, she has backed into many passions in her life, where one interest would lead her in one direction that would eventually take her somewhere completely different. Her high school science background led her to believe she would go to medical school after finishing college, where she had majored in biology and English.

Carisse Berryhill stands beside portraits lining what she calls the “church history wall” in the Special Collections section of Brown library. The portrait directly beside her is of Alexander Campbell, member of the Stone-Campbell restoration movement in the 19th century that eventually led to the formation Church of Christ.

“Given the two alternatives, I’ll try my best to take both just because I’m too stubborn to choose,” Berryhill said. When her father, Wayne Mickey, was in car accident when she was 21, Berryhill finally did choose. Her father’s brain injuries left him simple-minded with many speech difficulties. After spending half a year in and out of hospitals with her father, she no longer desired to make her career working in one. Her background in English led her to teaching, and she began doing that at Lubbock Christian University in 1975 at age 25. But Berryhill’s passions still led her elsewhere. Because her father was a preacher, she grew up in the Church of Christ and around its traditions. She became fascinated with its history and anything that contained its history, which led her to one place—the library. “I backed into librarianship because I was interested in primary sources and restoration history, and in order to do that kind of work, it seemed to me like a library would be a good place to do that,” Berryhill said.

er first opportunity as a librarian placed her in Memphis, Tenn., at the Harding Graduate School of Religion working as the associate librarian in 1992. Eleven years later, ACU’s special services librarian position opened. Berryhill was hired, but stayed in Memphis another year while her son, David, finished high school. She began at ACU at the end of May. Chad Longley, special services assistant in the library and a graduate student at the University of North Texas through online courses, works with Berryhill in the library. He remembers his feelings when she first arrived. “She was known for being outside the box of librarians,” he said. “When they decided to hire her over the other two applicants, there were several in the library that were afraid she would want to come in and reject

everything that had been done in the archives and special collections in the past and want to do her own thing.” What he found, however, was a librarian not afraid to share her feelings. He recalled an embroidered pillow Berryhill keeps in her office that says, “I’m not bossy. I just have better ideas.” “I never have to wonder what she’s thinking about what she’s doing or what I’m doing,” Longley said. Marsha Harper, senior librarian, said Berryhill does not come off in rude manner, however. “Her intellect is sharp; her tongue is not,” Harper said. “She has a warm and caring heart.” Longley said Berryhill brings experience and knowledge to her position that many at ACU cannot. “She didn’t come from inside ACU, and so she’s able to look at herself from the outside,” he said. “She’s able to look at her role like people outside ACU would see it, not just from people inside.”

lthough Berryhill never lived in Abilene as a child, her mother’s parents did, so she remembers many trips to Abilene for Homecoming, Lectureship and other holidays. After spending most of her childhood in Texas, living anywhere else never seemed quite right. “Tennessee doesn’t have my stories,” Berryhill said. “You drive through the landscape, and it’s beautiful, but it doesn’t have my stories in the landscape. But if I drive from here to Dallas, mother and I can tell stories the whole way about one time our car broke down there, and one time your dad preached a meeting there.” For that reason, Berryhill can see herself working here the rest of her career. “I think I’ll stay,” she said. “My mother is 80, and she has a sister who lives 30 miles from here. I have cousins all over town.” Berryhill remembers her past and where she came from because that is what led her to where she is today. In her job, she hopes to foster that same kind of awareness for the university. “If you don’t pay attention to the archives, you end up with institutional Alzheimer’s,” she said, “because you lose your sense of who you’ve been and where you were.”

Above: This copy of one of the earliest Prickly Pears dates back to 1920. The first ACU yearbook is from 1916. The ACU Special Collections has all of the ACU yearbooks on a shelf. Left: Berryhill talks about an old pulpit dating from the 1700s from which Thomas Campbell, father of Alexander Campbell, preached from. ACU acquired the pulpit about 20 years ago, and it now resides in Special Collections in Brown Library. Right: Berryhill helped arrange a display for the library chronicling a young man's experiences at ACU (then ACC) during in the 1910s and 1920s.

Story by Jonathan Smith

Pictures by Emily Chastain

Design by Mallory Sherwood

LECTURESHIP SCHEDULE

Page 6B

Lectureship Schedule Sunday 12:15 p.m.. ACU Alumni Day Luncheon; Abilene Civic Center 5 p.m. The Heritage Society; Williams Performing Arts Center, lobby (By invitation only) 6:15 p.m. The Zambian Vocal Collection; Moody Coliseum 7 p.m. He Has Rescued Us; Billy Wilson, Moody Coliseum Following Evening Lecture Friends of Pepperdine University Reception; Mabee Library Auditorium Rochester College Alumni and Friends Reception; Campus Center, Hilton Room

Huldah Who?; Valentine; Biblical Building, Room 112

Bobby Studies

It’s Getting Better All the Time; Jennifer J. Thweatt-Bates; Biblical Studies Building, Room 113 Hidden in Christ; Ian Fair; Biblical Studies Building, Room 114 The Saga of the Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement; Paul M.. Blowers, Doug Foster, D. Newell Williams; Biblical Studies Building, Room 115 Does Your Congregation Measure Up; Malcolm Coco, Darryl L. Jinkerson, Don Pope, Phillip D. Vardiman; Mabee Business Building, Room 115 The Pharisees’ Guide to Total Holiness; Dwight Robarts; Biblical Studies Building, Room 117

Serving a Resurrected Lord: An Easter Ethic for a Fearful World; Lee Camp; Biblical Studies Building, Room 130 The Doctor Will See You Now; Rick Atchley; Biblical Studies Building, Room 100 (Hart Auditorium) Touched by the Blood of His Cross; Tom Olbricht; Biblical Studies Building, Room 200 (Chapel on the Hill) Weakness is Not a Sin; Billy Wilson; Cullen Auditorium Circle of Friends: Why More Than Eighty Percent of Highland’s Worshippers Won’t Miss Sunday School; Chris Altrock; Williams Performing Arts Center, Room 184 (Fulks Theatre) Building a 1-A Community; Mark and Sherrylee Woodward; Williams Performing Arts Center, Room 145 (Muns Choral Rehearsal Hall)

Monday

Making Room: Hospitality As a Missional Practice; Grady D. King; Mabee Business Building, Room 117

Conviction and Compassion: Homosexuality and its Challenges for the Church; Matt Soper; Williams Performing Arts Center, Room 111 (Recital Hall)

6:30 a.m.. Haitian Christian Foundation Breakfast; University Church of Christ, Activity Center

Ready For the Journey: Aims and Methods in Pre-Baptismal Instruction; Jeff Childers; Biblical Studies Building, Room 120

9:45 a.m. Overcoming Overcommitment; Emily Y. Lemley; Biblical Studies Building, Room 103

Spirituality at Work Breakfast; Hillcrest Church, Multipurpose Activity Center

Losing My Religion; Jason Locke; Biblical Studies Building, Room 122

The Graying of the Flock; James L. Knapp; Biblical Studies Building, Room 112

7 a.m.. Focus Northeast, USA Breakfast; Campus Center, East Dining Room

The Hip-Pocket Rule of Evangelism; Wilson Parrish; Biblical Studies Building, Room 122

Announcing Good News to the Poor; Larry James; Biblical Studies Building, Room 114

Missions Prayer Breakfast, Campus Center, Hilton Room

Prison Ministry: Who Needs It?; William Crossman; Biblical Studies Building, Room 126

All Those Untold Stories: African-American Leaders in Churches of Christ; Edward J. Robinson; Biblical Studies Building, Room 115

World Christian Broadcasting Reception; Campus Center, Living Room

The International University Breakfast; University Church of Christ, Rooms 132-134 8:30 a.m. Forming Christian Spirituality in Adolescents; Scott Talley; Biblical Studies Building, Room 103

Becoming a Grown-Up Christian: Studies in Colossians and Philemon; Jan Hailey; Biblical Studies Building, Room 128 Colossians and the AllSufficiency of God the Father; Rick Oster; Biblical Studies Building, Room 129

Empowered Pictures; Frederick Aquino; Biblical Studies Building, Room 117 From Birth to Baptism; Shelley Neilson; Biblical Studies Building, Room 120

Campus Ministry at Christian Colleges?; Howard Jones; Biblical Studies Building, Room 122 Reviving the Language of Heaven; Doug Hall; Biblical Studies Building, Room 126 Until Christ is Formed in You; Greg York; Biblical Studies Building, Room 127 Common Sense Christianity; Darrin Cowger; Biblical Studies Building, Room 128 Colossians: Probing God’s Mystery: Christ; Carl Holladay; Biblical Studies Building, Room 129 A Holy Union; Jeanene P. Reese; Biblical Studies Building, Room 130 C4: Explosive Community; Chris Seidman; Biblical Studies Building, Room 200 (Chapel on the Hill) “Like a Fool”: Paul on Leadership; Tim Woodroof; Biblical Studies Building, Room 100 (Hart Auditorium) Ignorance is Not Always Bliss; Randy Harris; Cullen Auditorium Does Your Congregation Measure Up? Examples of Church Assessment and Planning; Darryl L. Jinkerson; Mabee Business Building, Room 115 Evangelism and Conversion: Two Words That Need a Facelift; Mark A. LaValley; Mabee Business Building, Room 117 Looking Good; Karla Taylor; Williams Performing Arts Center, Room 184 (Fulks Theatre) Expressions of the Emerging Church; Chris Flanders, Mark Hopkins, Kent Smith; Williams Performing Arts Center, Room 111 (Recital Hall) 11 a.m. He is the Image of the Invisible God; David Holmes; Moody Coliseum

Sunday, February 20, 2005 12:15 p.m. Let’s Start Talking Ministry; Mabee Library Auditorium Leaven Journal Luncheon; Campus Center, Living Room 2 p.m. Experiencing God; Gregg Marutzk; Biblical Studies Building, Room 103 And All I Get Are These Wings? Why the Resurrection is Even Better News Than You Thought!; Ron Highfield; Biblical Studies Building, Room 112 Through Him and To Him: Jesus as Savior and Creator in Colossians 1:15-20; Ronald Cox; Biblical Studies Building, Room 113 Christ and Culture at Colossae; Evertt W. Huffard; Biblical Studies Building, Room 114 Will History Repeat Itself?; Lynn A. McMillon; Mabee Business Building, Room 115 1805: A 200-Year Perspective; Tom Olbricht; Biblical Studies Building, Room 115 Biblical Insights for Today’s Churches; Everett Ferguson; Biblical Studies Building, Room 117 Humanity 2.0; Hodges; Biblical Building, Room 120

Wade Studies

The Three R’s of Spiritual Growth; Matthew A. Stead; Biblical Studies Building, Room 122 Interim Ministry in Churches of Christ; Charles Siburt, Jerrie Barber, John Parker; Biblical Studies Building, Room 127 Searching For Identity; Cecil May, Jr.; Biblical Studies Building, Room 128 Christians and the World in Colossians; Wendell Willis; Biblical Studies Building, Room 129 Shepherd Leadership; David Davenport and Blaine

McCormick; Biblical Studies Building, Room 130 Seeds, Seasons and Second Chances; Fate Hagood III; Biblical Studies Building, Room 200 (Chapel on the Hill) Ministry in the Marketplace; Don McLaughlin; Biblical Studies Building; Room 100 (Hart Auditorium) A People of Peace for a Fragmented Church; Jack Reese; Cullen Auditorium Christian Art; Darryl L. Tippens and Steve Weathers; Mabee Business Building, Room 117 The Preacher’s Workshop; David Fleer and Billy Wilson; Williams Performing Arts Center, Room 184 (Fulks Theatre) Church Planting Initiatives; Phil Claycomb; Williams Performing Arts Center, Room 111 (Recital Hall) 3:15 p.m. Models for Godly Mentoring; Penny Tenpenny; Biblical Studies Building, Room 112 Continuing Conversations with the International Churches of Christ; Gregg Marutzk, Chris Seidman, Mike Taliaferro; Biblical Studies Building, Room 114 Churches of Christ at Our Best; Ronnie Norman; Biblical Studies Building, Room 115 Are We a Democracy or a Kingdom?; Elaine Denman; Biblical Studies Building, Room 117 Fortifying Families for the Future; Vincent and Kathleen Hawkins; Biblical Studies Building, Room 129 The Faith at Work Movement; Ed Bonneau, Grant Boone, Mark Hamilton, Monty Lynn, Eddie Sharp; Biblical Studies Building, Room 130 continued on Page 7B

LECTURESHIP SCHEDULE

Sunday, February 20, 2005 Continued from Page 6B Living Beyond Racial and Ethnic Distinctions; Rick Hunter, Ervin Jackson, Don McLaughlin and Tom Robinson; Biblical Studies Building, Room 100 (Hart Auditorium)

Christians and the World in Colossians; Wendell Willis; Biblical Studies Building, Room 129 Shepherd Leadership; David Davenport and Blaine McCormick; Biblical Studies Building, Room 130

4:45 p.m. Continent of Great Cities; Hillcrest Church of Christ Multipurpose Center

Seeds, Seasons and Second Chances; Fate Hagood III, Biblical Studies Building; Room 200 (Chapel on the Hill)

Christian Child Care; Briarstone Manor, 101 Eplens Court

Ministry in The Marketplace; Don McLaughlin; Biblical Studies Building, Room 100 (Hart Auditorium)

5 p.m. African Missions Fellowship; University Church of Christ, Activity Center Asian Interest Group; China Star Restaurant, 3601 S. 1st St. Center for Christian Education; Campus Center, Living Room European Interest; Biblical Studies Building, Room 219 (Missions Strategy Room) Friends of ACU Library; Campus Center, Hilton Room Sunset International Bible Institute; Mabee Library Auditorium 7 p.m. Christ in You, The Hope of Glory; Harold Shank; Moody Coliseum Following Evening Lecture World Bible School; Campus Center, Hilton Room York College Friends and Alumni; Mabee Library Auditorium, Room 120

A People of Peace for a Fragmented Church; Jack Reese, Cullen Auditorium Will History Repeat Itself?; Lynn McMillon; Mabee Business Building, Room 115 Christian Art; Darryl Tippens and Steve Weathers; Mabee Business Building, Room 117 The Preacher’s Workshop; David Fleer and David Holmes; Williams Performing Arts Center, Room 184 (Fulks Theatre) Church Planting Initiatives; Mark Love and Kent Smith; Williams Performing Arts Center, Room 111 (Recital Hall) 3:15 p.m. Models for Godly Mentoring; Penny Tenpenny; Biblical Studies Building, Room 112 Continuing Conversations with the International Churches of Christ; Gregg Marutzky, Chris Seidman and Mike Taliaferro; Biblical Studies Building, Room 114

The Three R’s of Spiritual Growth; Matt A. Stead; Biblical Studies Building, Room 122

Churches of Christ at Our Best; Ronnie Norman; Biblical Studies Building, Room 115

Interim Ministry in Churches of Christ; Charles Siburt, Jerrie Barber, John Parker; Biblical Studies Building, Room 127

Are We a Democracy or A Kingdom?; Elaine Denman; Biblical Studies Building, Room 117

Searching For Identity, Cecil May Jr.; Biblical Studies Building, Room 128

Fortifying Families for the Future; Vincent and Kathleen Hawkins; Biblical Studies

Building, Room 129 The Faith at Work Movement; Ed Bonneau, Grant Boone, Mark Hamilton, Monty Lynn and Eddie Sharp; Biblical Studies Building, Room 130 Living Beyond Racial and Ethnic Distinctions; Rick Hunter, Ervin Jackson, Don McLaughlin and Tom Robinson; Biblical Studies Building, Room 100 (Hart Auditorium) 4:45 p.m. Men’s Fellowship Dinner; Gibson P.E. Center, Scruggs Gymnasium Women for ACU Dinner; Hillcrest Church of Christ Multipurpose Activity Center 7 p.m. Since You Have Been Raised With Christ; Billy Curl; Moody Coliseum Following Evening Lecture Cascade College Alumni and Friends Reception; Campus Center, Living Room Lubbock Christian University Alumni Reception; Mabee Library Auditorium Western Christian Schools and Great Lakes Christian College; Campus Center, Hilton Room

Tuesday 6:45 a.m. Herald of Truth; Campus Center, Hilton Room National Campus Ministries; Campus Center, Living Room Restoration Quarterly; University Church of Christ, Activity Center Spirituality at Work; Highland Church of Christ, Activity Center 8:30 a.m. Forming Christian Spirituality in Adolescents; Scott Talley; Biblical Studies Building, Room 103 Jonah:

The Running Man;

Page 7B

Terry Brown; Biblical Studies Building, Room 112

Weakness is Not a Sin; Billy Wilson; Cullen Auditorium

Galon Jones; Biblical Studies Building, Room 126

It’s Getting Better all the Time; Jennifer Thweatt-Bates; Biblical Studies Building, Room 113

For Those With Ears to Hear; Gregory Stevenson; Mabee Business Building, Room 115

Going Deeper: Discovering the Heart of God; Sally Shank; Biblical Studies Building, Room 127

Hidden in Christ; Ian Fair; Biblical Studies Building, Room 114 The Saga of the Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement; Paul Blowers, Doug Foster, Newell Williams; Biblical Studies Building, Room 115 The Pharisees’ Guide to Total Holiness; Dwight Robarts; Biblical Studies Building, Room 117 Making Room: Making Hospitality a Missional Practice; Grady King; Mabee Business Building, Room 117 Ready For the Journey: Aims and Methods in Pre-Baptismal Instruction; Jeff Childers; Biblical Studies Building, Room 120 A Missing Dimension in “Jail House” Religion; James Freie; Biblical Studies Building, Room 126 Leaders, Followers, and Those Who Are in the Way; Jimmy Hurd; Biblical Studies Building, Room 127 Becoming a Grown-Up Christian: Studies in Colossians and Philemon; Jan Hailey; Biblical Studies Building, Room 128 Colossians and the Allure of False Spirituality; Rick Oster; Biblical Studies Building, Room 129 Serving a Resurrected Lord: An Easter Ethic for a Fearful World; Lee Camp; Biblical Studies Building, Room 130 The Doctor Will See You Now; Rick Atchley; Biblical Studies Building, Room 100 (Hart Auditorium) Touched by the Blood of His Cross; Tom Olbricht; Biblical Studies Building, Room 200 (Chapel on the Hill)

Circle of Friends: Why Over Eighty Percent of Highland’s Worshippers Won’t Miss Sunday School; Chris Altrock; Williams Performing Arts Center, Room 184 (Fulks Theatre) Building a 1-A Community; Mark and Sherrylee Woodward; Williams Performing Arts Center, Room 145 (Muns Choral Rehearsal Hall) Conviction and Compassion: Homosexuality and its Challenges for the Church; Matt Soper; Williams Performing Arts Center, Room 111 (Recital Hall) 9:45 a.m. Overcoming Overcommitment; Emily Y. Lemley; Biblical Studies Building, Room 103 Heartbreak and Heartburn on the Road to Emmaus; Ross Cochran; Biblical Studies Building, Room 112 Peaceful Conflict: Is There Hope?; Lara Buhrmann and Paul Lakey; Biblical Studies Building, Room 113 Announcing Good News to the Poor; Larry James, Stuart Love, Harold Shank; Biblical Studies Building, Room 114 All Those Untold Stories: African-American Leaders in Churches of Christ; Edward J. Robinson; Biblical Studies Building, Room 115 Empowered Pictures; Frederick Aquino; Biblical Studies Building, Room 117 From Birth to Baptism; Shelley Neilson; Biblical Studies Building, Room 120 Christianity and Mental Illness: Coming Out of the Dark Ages; Angela D. Soper; Biblical Studies Building, Room 122 Living Between the Trees;

Common Sense Christianity; Darrin Cowger; Biblical Studies Building, Room 128 Colossians: Probing God’s Mystery — Christ; Carl Holladay; Biblical Studies Building, Room 129 A Holy Union; Jeanene Reese; Biblical Studies Building, Room 130 C4: Explosive Community; Chris Seidman; Biblical Studies Building, Room 200 (Chapel on the Hill) “Like a Fool:” Paul on Leadership; Tim Woodroof; Biblical Studies Building, Room 100 (Hart Auditorium) Ignorance is Not Always Bliss; Randy Harris; Cullen Auditorium The Missing Elements in Church Leadership; David Wray; Mabee Business Building, Room 115 Evangelism and Conversion: Two Words That Need a Facelift; Mark LaValley; Mabee Business Building, Room 117 How Biblical Preaching Forgot About the Bible; Stephen Johnson; Williams Performing Arts Center, Room 145 (Muns Choral Rehearsal Hall) Expressions of the Emerging Church; Chris Flanders, Mark Hopkins, Kent Smith; Williams Performing Arts Center, Room 111 (Recital Hall) 11 a.m. You Were Buried With Him in Baptism; Prentice Meador; Moody Coliseum

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 8B

‘If I stare at this long enough, Sing Song will be over soon’

Theatre professor performs his own play Eric Harrell presents, ‘An Inch of Rope’ Sunday, Tuesday By LACI ARMSTRONG STUDENT REPORTER

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Freshman ushers, Emily Pierson, finance major from Plano, Jessica Bills, family studies major from Lubbock, and Kayley Mileger, psychology major from Plano, watch “Big Daddy” on a laptop in Scruggs Gymnasium single gym while they wait to perform in Friday’s Sing Song performance.

‘Iron Apron Strings’ opens Sunday Art, music, drama part of showcase in Shore Art Gallery By JEREMY L. POND STUDENT REPORTER

After the opening ceremonies of Bible Lectureship on Sunday night, the Shore Art Gallery in the Don H. Morris Center will showcase a collection of works by artist Jill Maxwell, wife of Jack Maxwell, chair of art and design department. The project, titled “Iron Apron Strings,” is a collaboration between Maxwell, Sally Reid, adjunct professor of music, and Donna Hester, adjunct professor of theatre. The presentation will focus on Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary, the five women named in the lineage of Christ in Matthew 1 of the New Testament. Maxwell decided to include Eve in the presentation

as well because Eve undeniably had a role in the genealogy of Christ, she said. Reid wrote music specifically to complement Maxwell’s collection of drawings and paintings. “I wanted to create an appropriate environment in which to view the art,” Reid said. Maxwell said she thinks the women in Christ’s lineage teach lessons about God’s grace. “They were all loving and caring mothers,” she said. “They all passed on their faith to their children.” The theme of motherhood is very close to Maxwell’s heart because she is a mother of three children, she said. “This was pretty much a tribute to my mother and grandmothers and the role they played in my life and in the development of my faith,” she said. At 10 a.m. Tuesday in the

Shore Art Gallery, Hester will present a theatrical interpretation of the women from Matthew 1. Maxwell said Hester’s performance will not simply be monologues of the women’s lives. Hester said she hopes her performance will give the audience a look into the hearts of the women portrayed. “They were ordinary women who allowed themselves to be used by God,” she said. “I’m hoping that he will do the same thing with me that he did with these women.” Maxwell said it was enlightening to be able to work with Reid and Hester on this project. “Being different kinds of artists, we all view this theme differently,” she said. “It has been interesting to see how our individual works have melded together.” E-mail Pond at: optimist@acu.edu

Sunday, February 20, 2005

Bible Lectureship attendants have the opportunity to view a play about the life challenges of a Christian tainted by loss at a young age. Actors Eric Harrell, assistant professor of theatre, and Nathan Jerkins, senior theatre major from Nashville, Tenn., will perform the one-act play that will examine one man’s faith journey. An Inch of Rope will be performed at 8:45 Sunday and Tuesday after the evening lectures in the Williams Performing Arts Center in Culp Theatre for free. The play is told from the perspective of 30-year-old Kyle Mason, played by Harrell. Kyle recounts his journey into adult-

hood and remembers the struggles that impacted his view of God. An Inch of Rope has two story lines: Kyle’s past, which includes his experiences with friends and the loss of his sister; and the second, his growing relationship with God. “It’s about a man’s journey to rediscover his faith after the tragic loss of his sister as a teen,” Harrell said. “Kyle learns how to see God in light of that loss.” The play is important for Lectureship because it could be beneficial to the audience’s faith, Harrell said. “The idea of loss extends in a very universal way, and the play gives the audience a chance to re-examine their own faith,” he said. Harrell said the title comes from a line in the play in which Kyle is asking God for something to hold onto that will help him stay afloat as he’s drifting in his faith.

Harrell noted that while the play deals with tough life issues, it also has some fun moments seen in the presentation of Kyle’s family. “There’s always humor found in family relationships,” Harrell said. Harrell asked Jerkins also to act in the play. Jerkins plays multidimensional characters. His roles include those of Kyle’s family members and that of Theos, Kyle’s friend. The play is a piece Harrell wrote during graduate school at University of Nebraska. He has worked on it since then, revising and adding to it as his faith grew. Dr. Mark Love, director of Ministry Events, asked Harrell to perform the play, and Harrell said he is looking forward to the opportunity to use the theatrical arts to present faith in a creative way. E-mail Armstrong at: optimist@acu.edu

Let’s Start Talking luncheon Tuesday Mission teams teach English language, Bible around world By EVAN BLACK STUDENT REPORTER

Let’s Start Talking, a mission team that teaches the gospel while teaching the English language, will conduct an informational luncheon at noon Tuesday in the Mabee Library Auditorium. Dr. Mark and Sherrylee Woodward, who founded Let’s Start Talking in 1980, will speak at the luncheon, which is open to anyone interested. The luncheon costs $10 and will be followed by the Woodward’s presentation. Those who aren’t interested in eating at the luncheon but would like to hear the presentation should arrive 10-15 minutes after noon,

Woodward said. People who attend the meeting will hear about opportunities to help the organization, either by applying to be part of a team or by contributing financially, Woodward said. “We will be talking about the different opportunities to contribute,” Woodward said, “including the new internships we are offering in China, Turkey and Africa.” Even though the Woodwards plan to speak mostly to Bible Lectureship visitors, Woodward said they “would be just thrilled for students to come.” Let’s Start Talking uses English as a teaching tool to “teach more people numerically” and “successfully make contacts with total unbelievers who rarely come near our religious meetings or advertisements,” according to the Let’s Start Talking Web site.

“We share our faith through teaching English,” Woodward said. To teach the English language, Let’s Start Talking uses the Gospel of Luke as a reading source. “The presentation will show a little snapshot of what God is doing in the world in small missions,” Woodward said. The Woodwards will also present a two-part session during Lectureship titled “Building a 1-A Community: One Another Communities Are Made by God.” The first part will be presented at 8:30 a.m.Monday in the Muns Choral Rehearsal Hall in the Williams Performing Arts Center, and the second part will be at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in the same location. E-mail Black at: optimist@acu.edu