Consignment store founded by alums donates to Hurricane Harvey relief Page 2
NEWS
A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912
Friday, November 17, 2017 Vol. 106, Issue 13
POWELL DISCUSSES MED SCHOOL APPLICATIONS Page 2
‘TIS THE SEASON
LAUREN FRANCO CONTENT MANAGING EDITOR Sara Williamson, junior shooting guard from Rowlett, and Kayla Galindo, a freshman point guard from El Paso, celebrate a play at a women’s basketball game.
CALENDAR 11/17 • •
Cornerstone production of “Wit” at 7:30 p.m. Love and Care Ministries Mission Thanksgiving
11/18 •
African Culture History Event at 3 p.m.
•
Cornerstone production at 7:30 p.m.
11/20 •
Percussion Ensemble Concert at 7:30 p.m.
11/22 •
Thanksgiving Holiday (Campus Closed)
11/28 •
Christmas Lights parade downtown at 5 p.m.
BOX OFFICE NOVEMBER 10-12 1. Thor: Ragnarok $57,078,306 2. Daddy’s Home 2 $29,651,193 3. Murder on the Orient Express (2017) $28,681,472 4. A Bad Moms Christmas $11,468,964 5. Jigsaw $3,424,319
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DAYS UNTIL
THANKSGIVING BREAK
FEATURE
LARRY HENDERSON FLIES HIGH Page 5
Budget deficit leads to cuts, layoffs Board of BY HALEY REMENAR EDITOR IN CHIEF
The university leadership will begin reducing expenses by $7-8 million in the next fiscal year by reducing some faculty and staff positions and consolidating some departments. University president Dr. Phil Schubert said the board of trustees approved a plan that will cut costs to prevent a potential budget deficit of 5-7 percent or $7-8 million. He said there is not a set number of jobs that will be cut and the university will focus on cutting by dollars rather than number of jobs. “We will be reducing positions over the next year,” Schubert said, “combining
departments and offices, looking at outsourcing opportunities.” Schubert said the administration will try to prevent a budget deficit by focusing on cutting costs rather than raising tuition, which is one option for universities. But Schubert said the board and the senior leadership team want to continue decreasing student debt. The average student debt decreased by 12 percent for the most recent graduating class, according to a news release from the university. “That does not mean tuition is not going to go up,” Schubert said. “We’re just wanting to ensure that is not the primary avenue.” The university faces a potential budget deficit de-
spite having recorded some of its largest enrollments in university history in the last seven years. Block tuition has allowed students to graduate quicker with less debt, but that means less revenue for the university. Another reason for the deficit includes increases in dual-credit which means less credit hours sold to students. “Achieving three major objectives – lowering student debt and the cost of delivering a quality higher education, while increasing affordability – creates unavoidable tension, especially in our budget,” Schubert said. “We owe it to our students to excel at all three.” Reducing positions will lower costs because employee
salaries and benefits account for more than 55 percent of the overall budget and the cost of health benefits for employees is growing at a 10-15 percent annual rate. Schubert said faculty and staff cuts will be evaluated this semester and employees will be offered a voluntary retirement incentive if they meet certain eligibility criteria. Some positions may be cut especially in departments that have higher faculty to student ratios, but Schubert said other departments may need to hire more faculty. Schubert shared the results of the board decision with faculty and staff in meetings Wednesday.
“Those are to raise people out of poverty by providing them with clean, inexpensive, safe power, pure abundant water and also medical isotopes that are necessary to treat, diagnose and cure cancer.” In a non-nuclear environment with no nuclear reactor, students and faculty studying in the lab are question how to advance the Liquid-Fueled Molten Salt Reactors (LFMSR) and get a license for an advanced reactor. Currently, their main focus is instrumentation development. About a year ago, the NEXT Lab shipped from being an idea to a funded project. Over the summer, equip-
ment was put in place with the help of 8-10 students and 8-10 faculty and staff. Students from majors across four departments, engineering and physics, chemistry and computer science assisted in putting the lab together. There are three phases of the NEXT Lab. First, to initiate an on-campus research program demonstrating the understanding and abilities to safely prepare, heat, flow and study salt mixtures. Second, to build a basic molten salt test loop for advanced testing. Lastly, to build a full-sized, non-nuclear molten salt loop. Not only does the NEXT Lab work toward global
goals, Towell said it is also training the next generation of scientists and engineers. “I think what really engages students and what helps train and shape students in a powerful way is when you can give them real world problems and you can work with them in the lab in sort of a mentoring relationship,” Towell said. The NEXT Lab hosted their first open house last Saturday, but currently does not have more planned for the future.
ing different African countries to display different aspects of their country, history and culture. “We’re trying to be more intentional,” said Banda, sophomore architect and interior design major from Cedar Park, “[by] really educating people about the beauty and the differences and beauty of Africa and
how it is represented differently from country to country and people to people.” The event will include a panel made up of students from the different African regions who will answer questions from the public as well as performances from Rwanda, folk stories, a museum display, spoken word and African poetry.
HRR13B@ACU.EDU
NEXT Lab explores alternative energy BY LAUREN FRANCO CONTENT MANAGING EDITOR
The Nuclear Energy Experimental Testing Lab (NEXT) hosted its first open house, showcasing the near-completion of the first phase of their three-phased mission. Professor of Engineering and Physics, and Director of the NEXT Lab, Rusty Towell, said the NEXT Lab focuses on hands on practical testing to develop advanced nuclear reactors. “The big picture goals, the motivation behind the whole project is the ability to solve some of the world’s most critical needs,” Towell said.
LMF14A@ACU.EDU
ASA to tell stories of African history BY CYNTHIA RANGEL STAFF REPORTER
The African Students Association is hosting the university’s first African culture show on Saturday Nov. 18. ASA advertising and public relations officer Kalindizga Banda, said “The Source of My African Identity” culture show will feature people represent-
W W W. A C U O P T I M I S T. C O M
“Africa is a continent not a country,” Banda said. “Having people come and see their peers talk about their experience in Africa or their perspective on what it’s like to be an African here in America or an African in general will be good for people to hear.” President of ASA
SEE ASA PAGE 2
trustees elects first female chair
BY HALEY REMENAR EDITOR IN CHIEF
T h e Board of Tr u s t e e s elected April Anthony as ANTHONY its first female board chair during its quarterly meeting last weekend. Named the 2018 Outstanding Alumna of the Year, Anthony works as the CEO of Encompass Home Health & Hospice and Homecare Homebase. She and her husband, Mark, donated one of the largest gifts in university history, $30 million, $15 million of which went to Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium. She will take the role of board chair in February, succeeding Dr. Barry Packer. Anthony said her company often has to create solutions for handling rate cuts and reimbursement challenges because most of the company’s funding comes from Medicare. “I think a lot of the things I’ve had to do in my career are going to have a lot of alignment with the the things ACU has to do,” Anthony said. Anthony graduated in 1989 with an accounting degree, and in 1998 she founded Encompass, the fourth largest provider of Medicare-certified home health care services in the nation, according to a news release from the university. Anthony received several awards for her work, including the Innovator Award from the Healthcare Leaders Conference in 2015, and the Dallas Business JourSEE ANTHONY PAGE 3
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AEI hosts poverty movie BY ASHLAN SMITH STAFF REPORTER
Poverty Inc, a documentary focusing on social injustice and poverty awareness will be screening this Thursday at 7:30 pm at the COBA building in room 201. Admission is free and chapel credit will be provided. The American Enterprise Institute Executive Council and the CEO chapter at ACU will be co-hosting the event. After the documentary there will be a panel discussion by AEI and CEO officers. Madeline Dayton, junior, majoring in global studies and business management from Houston, said “As college students, we have the responsibility and privilege to spread awareness about poverty and social justice on our campus. Viewing and discussing this documentary is near and dear to my heart, and I would love to see a great turnout.” Students can be involved in CEO or AEI for further information or visit their website at https://www.povertyinc.org. OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU
FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 17, 2017
Theatre preps for 24-Hour Musical event BY ERICA ROBBINS STAFF REPORTER
The theatre student organization, Alpha Psi Omega, finished auditions for the 24-Hour Musical. The 24-Hour Musical is an annual event which allows theatre and non-theatre majors to put on a production in only 24 hours. The name of the musical will not be released until the day before the performance in order to
maintain the spontaneity of the production. “The musical process is crazy but ambitious,” said Mariel Ardila, senior musical theatre and design tech major from Austin. Mariel as well as APO president Andrew Gilliland will be co-directing this year’s musical. Because last year’s performance was oversold, tickets will be given on a first-come-first-serve basis this year. The team is also working on reserving
Cullen Auditorium for future productions, said Gilliland, junior theatre major from Middletown, Connecticut. The directors said they hope to have the musical fully funded by the Students’ Association in the future. These goals were planned out by recent graduate Laura Harris, who was the previous 24 Hour Musical director. “What I enjoy most about this musical is seeing the production go
from a zero to the end result on stage. I cannot wait to see the evolution of the show and see the overall performance,” said Marissa Trujillo, sophomore theatre major from Forney and production stage manager. The proceeds of the musical will go to Living Water International and another non-profit organization that supports the Hurricane Harvey relief. “It is fun to use our craft to not only serve
Living Water, but to welcome students back to the stage for this musical,” said Gilliland. The musical will be announced on January 20, 2018 at 7 p.m. and then performed on January 21 at 7 p.m. in Folks Theatre. The musical will be free but donations will be accepted.
OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU
My Sister’s House donates to Harvey victims BY HANNAH JOHNSON STAFF REPORTER
My Sister’s House sold goods of clothing, furniture and accessories over the weekend. The sale at My Sister’s House is a semi-annual event that happens every spring and fall. According to Summer Walters, a co-owner of My Sister’s House from Abilene, the 15th popup consignment sale was a success. “We’re both ACU grads,” Walters said. “And we started this about eight years ago.”
Sisters and owners of My Sister’s House. Summer Walters (left) and Kate Stover (right).
Walters said there are now about 340 consignors this sale. Kate Stover, a co-owner of My Sister’s House from Abilene, said that consignors enter their inventory online and price all their own items before dropping them off. After the sisters inspect through the items, they sell the ones they decide to keep for about a week and consignors make 60% of their sales. The sale is all run by volunteers. “And then at the end, everything that didn’t sell, they decide if
they want to pick it up or they can donate it,” Stover said. “And so we have several local organizations that we donate the remaining things to.” The sisters are sending two trailers and a van full of wardrobe boxes of clothing, home goods and shoes to Hurricane Harvey victims through Global Samaritan, an organization they are partnering with. Donations will also be going to Mission Thanksgiving and Christian Service Center. The store was bustling with shoppers. Brittany
Wheeler, a sophomore kinesiology major from San Angelo, said this is her first time at this sale and found a few sweaters and blouses. “It’s a bit overwhelming, but I really enjoy seeing everyone shop for different items and I like seeing the different sales that they have because it’s just like a bunch of really good prices and really good sales.,” Wheeler said. “I’m glad I came.”
OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU
African student culture show to highlight African history
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
President of ASA Grace-Kelly Muvunyi, said this is their first event to try and bring together many African cultures and countries – not just food and music. “I want to present an-
other part of our African culture aside from music and food,” said Muvunyi, junior nutrition major from Rwanda. “This event is really bringing us all together to show our cultures.” At the event, the keynote speaker will be Laurent
Nlemba, graduate student in divinity who has lived in three different African countries. Muvunyi said Nlemba will tie the event together. “His speech will show that even though we are all different, according to the
region we are from, we all have this ‘African Identity,’” Muvunyi said. Muvunyi said she wants people to know how vast Africa is. She also said the best way for those who are interested in African culture is to talk to someone from Africa.
“I want people to be comfortable walking in and being in the African community,” Muvunyi said. “This event is for anybody and everybody, we hope we have a good turnout.” “The Source of my African Identity” will be from
3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Chapel on the Hill. Admission is $3 and free for ASA members. A spiritual formation credit will be offered. OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU
Pre-health students recieve pre-match med-school offers
BY EVAN RODRIGUEZ WEB EDITOR
Texas Pre-health seniors began receiving pre-match offers on Tuesday. The pre-match offers are a precursor to the matching which all Texas pre-health students do in February.
“All of the Texas student’s rank where they’ve interviewed and all the medical schools rank the students they have interviewed and then the students are matched to one medical school,” said Cynthia Powell, chemistry professor and director of the pre-health professions program.
The pre-match offers are the beginning of the end for some pre-health Senior’s who started applying and studying for the MCAT in December of their Junior year. In addition, the pre-health professions program submits their own application packets which contain an evaluation
on each student’s undergraduate studies along with letters of recommendation. Furthermore, throughout their undergrad years, prehealth students are exposed to discussions and workshops lead by dean’s from Texas medical schools. “We have a health prof-
fesions advisory committee, I am the chair of that committee, that committee conducts mock interviews and prepares application packets that can go in with every student who applies,” said Powell. Powell credits the rigorous undergraduate class-
es the university offers for pre-health students as the most important thing the pre-health program does to prepare students for the MCAT and beyond.
The bike racks would be put in place near congested areas including the front of Brown Library, McGlothlin Campus Center and the Onstead-Packer Bible Building. Sophomore class vice president Mikaela Clinton, sophomore class president Sloan Polvado and sophomore class treasurer Ashleigh Crawford passed a bill allocating $200 from the Student Congressional Fund for a student body movie night with the purpose of inclusion for students not
in a social club to participate in “holiday cheer.” The movie will either be Elf, Christmas Vacation or The Polar Express. “The other sophomore class officers and I wanted to create an event that was fun and free get-away from studying and school when it all starts to get stressful for students before finals,” Clinton said. “It was also extremely important to us to host something that anyone and everyone could come to.” In addition, Representa-
tive Meagan Benson passed a bill joining Students’ Association and Residence Life in a project benefitting Treadaway Kids. The bill allocated a total of $850, of which, $714.63 is to be spent on food, desserts and drinks for the Angel Tree project, and $80.76 to be spent on decorations and supplies. Junior Class President, Rachel Jones and Representative Kevin Shurtz wrote a resolution to amend the Constitution, hoping to allow candidates for Execu-
tive Cabinet positions to run on a single ticket. Jones and Shurtz proposed the changes would allow for student leaders to adopt a common platform to formulate a clearer direction for Student Congress. It would also be more representative of the election process of the U.S. State and Federal Government. Because it is an amendment to the Constitution, it will be sent to the student body for a vote. The duo made changes to the resolution over the span
of three weeks to gain confidence that it would benefit the student body more than the current status quo. “I was not a hard core supporter for this bill,” Jones said. “I saw it as a good idea and a fix to potential problems, but did not want it to pass if it truly wasn’t the best possible solution.” All bills passed throughout the semester can be found at www.saacu.com.
EMR16C@ACU.EDU
Student Congress passes bike racks bill, election resolution
BY LAUREN FRANCO CONTENT MANAGING EDITOR
Students’ Association passed three bills and one resolution on Wednesday, proposing a holiday movie night, new bike racks and changes to Executive Cabinet candidacy. Representative Victor Huff, Representative Shea Southers and Representative Kyle Killough passed a bill allocating $900 of the Students’ Association budget to putting three new bike racks in place.
LMF14A@ACU.EDU
POLICE LOG SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 11/07/2017 9:55 a.m. ACUPD investigated two likely-related auto-burglaries within two blocks of each other on Smith Street. 11/09/2017 10:36 p.m. A student reported that their car had been burglarized while parked in the Sikes Hall Lot. 11/12/2017 12:45 a.m. ACUPD and APD responded to a fight in progress at a party in the 600 block of EN16th. APD arrived first and contacted the HSU student tenants and told them to close the party. 11/13/2017 6:00 p.m. ACUPD investigated multiple calls about a suspicious and disruptive person in the SRWC. Officers determined that the person was confused and wanted a ride to the Greyhound Bus Station on Highway 351. Officers transported him there without incident. ACCIDENT 2 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY 23 ALARM 7 ALCOHOL INCIDENT 1 ANIMAL CALL 4 ASSIST 3 BARRICADES 4 BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK 10 BURGLARY (MOTOR VEHICLE) 3 CHECK BUILDING 343 DISTURBANCE 1
ESCORT FIGHT FOOT PATROL FOUND PROPERTY INFORMATION REPORT INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP LOST PROPERTY MAINTENANCE: UNIV ASSETS: CCTV MAINTENANCE: UNIVERSITY ASSETS MEDICAL EMERGENCY
6 1 10 1 8 7 2 1 1 3
MONITOR FACILITY/LOT MOTORIST ASSIST: INFLATE TIRE MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK NOISE VIOLATION OTHER PARKING LOT PATROL PARKING VIOLATION PATROL VEHICLE: MAINTENANCE
17 1 15 6 1 1 34 2 2
PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL RANDOM PATROL REPORT WRITING SEX OFFENSE SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY SUSPICIOUS PERSON THEFT TRAFFIC HAZARD TRAFFIC STOP TRAINING TRESPASSER VEHICLE COLLISION WELFARE CHECK
10 1 18 1 5 6 4 2 2 3 3 3 4
TOTAL
624
POLICE CHIEF TIP OF THE WEEK: Most cases of sexual assault allegations on college campuses involve consent issues. Understand and always obtain affirmative consent and remember that past consent does not imply future consent.
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FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 17, 2017
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Anthony: New Downtown Christmas parade features 150 floats board chair explains goals BY BRIAN SWEET STAFF REPORTER
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
and the Dallas Business Journal top CEO for large companies in Dallas and Fort Worth in 2013. She became a trustee in 1998. “April has demonstrated tremendous leadership on our board for nearly two decades,” said Packer, the current board chair. “Her experience in governance and skills as an innovative business leader will bless the university in many ways in years to come.” Anthony is the first female trustee to be elected as board chair. According to the Abilene Reporter News, McMurry University recently elected it’s first female board chair, while Hardin-Simmons University elected it’s first female board chair in 1999. Anthony said she doesn’t think about gender in her leadership a lot. However, she said she was inspired by Mary Clark, a 1944 graduate and the first female trustee ever admitted to the board. “I think we’ve come a long way ... and we’re just trying to pick the person we think can lead effectively,” Anthony said. Anthony’s father-in-law, James Anthony, was also on the board of trustees from 1979-97. She said as a trustee, she wants the university to fulfill it’s mission for education and co-curricular activities that enhance each student’s experience. Her daughter, Ashlyn, graduated in 2017, and her son, Luke, plays on the football team as a freshman redshirt quarterback. “I think, ‘What do I want for my kids?’” Anthony said. “I want them to have a great education, a great experience that’s a lot of fun, where they grow to be better stronger people of faith, people of passion for what they’re going to pursue vocationally in their lives.” The board of trustees sets policy for the university and makes decisions that affect the long-term direction of the school. Anthony said the trustees make sure the university fulfills promises to students, parents, alumni and donors -all roles she has played for the university. “It’s the responsibility of the trustees to hold the university in trust,” Anthony said. “When we look at the mission, it’s our job ultimately to make sure that the mission is being delivered upon.”
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Downtown Abilene will be ‘decked out’ for the holidays on November 28th when Fox 15 hosts the 29th annual Christmas Lights Parade. Susan Acuna, commercial producer at Fox 15 and the coordinator for the parade, said this is one of the biggest parades in Abilene. “It’s probably one of the biggest parades in town,” Acuna said. “It’s also a way for the station to say thank you to the community and the Big Country and basically kickoff the holiday season in conjunction with City Sidewalks downtown.” Acuna said that most of the schools in Abilene Independent School District have their music programs performing in
some of the stores. “During the parade and City Sidewalks we have every school’s musical group from AISD in different stores across downtown so there’s that going on,” Acuna said. “Everybody just gets the chance to mingle downtown and enjoy the downtown area and it allows the merchants to stay open past their usual time to get more customers.” Acuna said the parade has a record number of floats –150 instead of 100. “Normally we have a limit of 100 floats but usually that goes over the limit to about 110 to 115 floats,” Acuna said. “Right now we are at our max capacity and this year we are breaking a record with 150 floats in the parade.” This year’s theme is ‘Christmas in Toyland’ so visitors can bring a toy
PHOTO BY ERIKA BOLADO to donate to the Marines Toys for Tots program. Allison Causey, the Technology Marketing Manager for the Abilene Visitors Bureau, said small businesses get discovered by Abilene citizens during the event. “We have thousands
of people downtown just specifically for the parade,” Causey said. “So yes, it does bring people downtown and opens people’s eyes to what businesses are downtown.” City Sidewalks is sponsored by the Abilene Downtown Association.
Downtown merchants, restaurant and galleries will be open late for an evening of holiday fun and community tree lighting.
OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU
Engineering hosts children’s robotics competition
BY ZEKE TRIPP STAFF REPORTER
The third annual Line Following Robotics Competition took place Saturday in the Engineering and Physics Laboratories at Bennett Gymnasium. Participants were responsible for designing and building a fully automated robot that could navigate around a curved black-lined course on its own. Robotics teams could enter into the junior, senior or open division. The competition served as an opportunity for mainly junior high and high school kids to show off their engineering talents in a college setting. “I think it is a great opportunity for getting ACU’s name out to junior high and high school kids who are thinking about doing engi-
Students earn awards at the line-following robotics competition. (Photos Courtesy of Darby Hewitt). neering or science related studies when they go off to college,” said Dr. Darby Hewitt, executive co-director of engineering said. In order to complete the line following course, builders used sensors on the bottom of each robot that admits inferred light and senses the reflected light back as there is a big contrast on what is reflected
over black and what is reflected over white. “The schools that compete usually use Lego Mindstorms or Vex Robotics to program the robot sensors,” Hewitt said. In total, there were 18 robots and over 50 participants. ‘Rev’ (left picture) came in first place for the
junior division, ‘The Defiant’ (middle picture) came in first place for the senior division and ‘Bot 3’ (right picture) came in first place for the open division. The first annual Line Following Competition took place at Wylie junior high school. The last two years, ACU has hosted the compe-
tition. Going forward, ACU plans to continue hosting annual robotic competitions for junior high and high school kids. ACU also plans to add another competition for colleges in the Abilene and Metroplex areas. OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU
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HRR13B@ACU.EDU
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OP I N I ON
FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 17, 2017
We’re only as good as our allies THE ISSUE
Some believe that “America First” is all that matters.
OUR TAKE
America is only as good as its allies.
President Trump embarked on a 12 day tour of Asia earlier this month to strengthen alliances in the region. The international community was hoping many questions in foreign policy would be answered, yet many are still wondering what the fate of alliances may be. In the first year of Donald Trump’s presidency, he has already terminated the Trans-Pacific Partnership, voiced out against the U.S.- Korea Free Trade Agreement and attacked the North American Free Trade Agreement.
President Trump promised to put “America First,” and it is finally becoming clear what that might mean for our allies. The Trump administration’s foreign policy resembles that of the 1930’s isolationism, and many security scholars believe that American Isolationism even contributed to the second world war. While Trump’s stance on foreign relations may have contributed to the economic growth, America is only as good as it’s allies. South Korean President, Moon Jae-in, has
CARTOON BY ERNESTO GUAJARDO
told officials that President Trump’s hostile stance on how to deal with North Korea is only threatening the security of the south. Despite the growing tensions in the region, President Trump has repeatedly called for the withdrawal of 80,000
American troops from the region. Our Asian allies perceive this as a step away from security. In a time of global conflict and rising tensions, we believe that the United States should put more priority into its alliances. Throughout history, the
The doom of new superhero films RATED R
HALEY REMENAR EDITOR IN CHIEF Senior convergence journalism major Albuquerque, New Mexico
The first Avengers movie awed me when it came out. The plot twists, witty comments and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat until the scene after the credits. No superhero movie made after the Avengers could compare. Moviemakers tried to incorporate some of the same elements, especially the witty comments and jokes, but nothing seemed to make as big an impact as the Avengers did. The problem with new movies? They lack the fine art of subtlety. Superhero movies should have just as much character growth and intrigue as other film genres have. Some might argue that superhero movies are all about action and have little to do with character growth. Others say the recent superhero
films are intended for a new generation of 13-year-old boys who don’t have the attention span to sit through long, intense dialogues. Either way, it seems the latest filmmakers are more concerned with making money than making good film. The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises and Spider-Man 3 – three notoriously slow-moving films – ranked in the top 10 highest-grossing superhero films of all time. This proves people do have the attention span to sit through a slow-moving action film with deeper dialogue and character development. What made The Avengers so great was the film’s ability to be subtle and not always rush from one plot element to the next. The villain, Loki, was mysteri-
ous and two-timing, an evil mastermind played by Tom Hiddleston in a way that somehow made him seem good even as he brought destruction. The Avengers slowly became a team, but not without trying to tear each other down first. The characters fought over strategies and methods, but their initial hatred slowly changed into unity by the end of the film. This slow character development perfectly complemented the action scenes, and made them that muchamerica more meaningful to watchers who had subconsciously become invested in the outcome. But nowadays, superhero movies seem to have lost these qualities. Thor: Ragnarok was the most disappointing. The filmmakers had a large budget which they chose to invest in costumes, graphics and bad puns, rather than quality script-writing. The villainess, Hela, had a flat character that made her fight against Thor seem meaningless. The witty jokes
were not well-timed, but rather so common in the film and so poorly written, actors Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo actually seemed to break character as they said the lines. Loki, arguably the best part of the Thor series, played a cheap, pointless role in the film. Meanwhile, the lead female character, the Valkyrie, was exalted for her drunkenness and her potentially interesting past was skimmed over in a scene that couldn’t have lasted more than one minute as the plot rushed forward. New superhero movies may have big budgets, but they’re not rich in content. Moviemakers need to slow down, embrace subtlety and give scenes a little space to breath. This won’t take away from the action sequences, but rather, enhance them because the battles will be more meaningful.
United States has seen just how vital they are; our future may depend on our presence in Asia. It is imperative that the United States works to strengthen alliances with our Asian partners. As North Korea becomes increasingly dangerous
JESSICA CLARK VIDEO DIRECTOR Senior Multimedia Major Dallas, Texas
Let’s talk First Amendment. If you need a refresher, it reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” America is often looked to as the pinnacle of freedom. That freedom is largely due to protections given to us in the Constitution, namely the ones listed above on which several other hinge. But how far can this system of freedom take us? How well can it explain to us how to navigate our freedom? Not far, it seems. I submit to you that we’ve lost our ever-loving minds in the
name of so called freedom. Is the problem in the fact that we have a document stating our right to specific freedoms? Not at all. The problem is in our interpretation of those freedoms. The problem is a human one. By allowing false dichotomies to exist in the name of freedom, we’ve actually started a journey down the road of squashing the very things we are trying to protect. Looking simply at the freedoms allowed in the First Amendment and how we’ve chosen to interpret those for every individual whim makes the case in point. Freedom of religion, freedom from religion and freedom to undermine religion in favor of self expression run on equal footing. Freedom of speech and freedom to feel offended
at every whim must stand equally protected. Freedom to protest without taking a clear stance on the issue at hand is commonplace. Am I asking that we ignore the fact that you must give up certain freedoms to protect others? No. I’m asking us to take a look at how we should navigate our freedom. Though the Constitution helps define those and is something we should be thankful for, I’m suggesting it only takes us so far. America may be a free country, but American culture cannot save. So, what do we do with freedom? The ultimate answer is found in Scripture. “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” Galatians 5:1. I stated earlier that our problem is a human one. That human problem is called sin. Sin is why culture, no matter how free, cannot save. If our hope is placed in its freedoms we will remain in this confusion. Hope in a nation, even a free one, is a yoke of slavery. Where sin persists, true freedom does not.
@CedricGarza 11/14/17 6:06 P.M. Got a 93 on my research paper AND got a free t-shirt from LYNAY can I be anymore #blessed @PrealeyKate 11/14/17 1:19 A.M. one fav and I’ll drop out of college @sarahwelch113 11/16/17 11:56 P.M. ACU went from serving burnt broccoli and grilled cheese to ribs, lobster, and tuna poke dis is the biggest glo up of 2017 @katehegi 11/15/17 12:36 P.M. Things that keep me up at night: • the internal conflict of liking Stormtroopers because they’re aesthetically pleasing to look at & have cool gadgets but knowing they’re overall evil??????? •...that’s about it @abigailie 11/14/17 2:42 P.M. I feel like I’m destined to rule the world every time I spell restaurant correctly on the first try. But then I do something like type “tweeter” instead of “twitter” and life makes more sense. #stayhumble
HRR13B@ACU.EDU
Recipe: Healthy Banana Bread
invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
ASK SAWYER SAWYER COBB GUEST COLUMNIST Senior nutrition major Midland, Texas
Only two more school days and it’s Thanksgiving break. Finals are coming and do you know what would make the perfect study break? Making a yummy loaf of banana bread. Make this bread and pair it with a cup of coffee. Have a great weekend. For more recipes follow @ thewholesomeblogger on Instagram. Ingredients: • 1 cup coconut flour • ½ cup chocolate chips • 4 very ripe bananas • 1 tbsp. of vanilla extract • 1 tsp. cinnamon • 1 tsp. baking powder • 1 tsp. baking soda • 4 eggs • ¼ cup milk • ½ cup nut butter (I used almond) • pinch of salt
JMC13F@ACU.EDU
T H E
EDITORIAL AND LETTER POLICY Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist 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 or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or
So, how do we turn from this yoke of slavery and walk in true freedom? Turn to Christ, trust in His death. “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus” Romans 6:6-11. Be thankful to live in a free nation, but navigate that freedom correctly even when the culture doesn’t. Do so by turning from sin and walking in newness of life. Don’t hope in a nation. Hope in Jesus Christ.
EDITOR@JMCNETWORK.COM
#ACU
Freedom of what? Freedom for what? I’M JESS SAYIN’
to international security, we must maintain our influence in the region. The United States plays a key role in the fight for world peace, but we can only do so much on our own.
Instructions: 1. Mix everything except the chips in a bowl until it is all stirred up and blended together 2. Add in the chips at the end 3. Spray a bread loaf pan and pour the mixture in a pan 4. Bake on 350 for 45 minutes 5. Enjoy!
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FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 17, 2017
F E ATUR E
5
Risky, Sixty and Flying Jumping 6,200 times over the past forty years, Bible professor Larry Henderson shares his love for skydiving.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LARRY HENDERSON
Larry Henderson poses before jumping out.
BY EMILY GUAJARDO ARTS AND FEATURES EDITOR
A
t the young age of 66, Larry Henderson, professor of Bible, is a man of many hidden talents and passions. Wearing a beige Magellan button-down tucked into his dark wash jeans and complemented with matching beige slip-on shoes, Henderson doesn’t slump to the common stereotype of a versed Bible professor. While many bystanders see a tall, grey-haired man with bright blue eyes, Henderson isn’t your average grandpa, professor or World Wide Witness extraordinaire. Henderson is a thrill-seeking, Jesus-loving, world record-setting competitive sky diver. From teaching Bible to directing a renowned mission program to fearlessly jumping 6,200 times out of planes, Henderson said he would never be able to do anything if he hadn’t changed his major, found his supportive wife and connected with people across the world. “I always, even as a child, loved Jesus,” Henderson said. “Not saying I always did it faithfully, but I tried to read my Bible and care about what scripture said and how it could change my mind. I was a sophomore when I decided to change my major to Bible. I loved Jesus and I wanted to serve him and wanted to do something with my life. The realization that I needed to do more for the kingdom. I needed to be serious and if I’m going to be serious, I need to know what God’s words says.” Changing his major from history to Bible, Henderson said he felt the need to return to the place where his childhood and first love for Jesus was sparked – Bangkok, Thailand. Not long after marrying his wife, Pam, the Henderson’s packed up and moved across the globe to serve and teach. “Going back to Thailand seemed to be a logical step for me. To go back to a country where very few people know the story of Jesus,” said Henderson. When walking into his office, one can see the various knick-knacks, family photos and study guides lounging around his desk facing the upper walkway of the Onstead-Packer Bible building. A Beach Boys album, family scuba diving photos and ceramic hands stand proudly among the edge of his wide window. And just to the left of the wooden door, one particular picture hangs above his cushioned chair.
An overview shot of Henderson’s team at a world record competition.
said he helped build a school along the border of Thailand to combat the communist from entering into Thailand. Once the school program proved to be an effective defense for the Thai government, Henderson said his connections in the skydiving world began to launch. For the past forty years, Henderson has competed in thousands of world record-breaking groups across the world and has enjoyed every second of it. “When you’re diving, you have to be really intentional and focused about it and fired up to be doing this [competing] and that you’re actually doing something. Whereas, if it’s just a jump with your buds, then you don’t need to be as focused. That might be all that exciting. You can let your mind daydream and something, if you want to,” said Henderson nonchalantly. “But, when you’re at a national competition, and it’s the final round and a medal is hanging in the balance, you have to be very focused and be thinking exactly what it is you’re going to do even the second you step out the door.” For just a few seconds, Henderson was flying. With laser-like focus and a calm attitude, Henderson kept jumping. The rush of the wind, the beauty of the earth below and the feeling of complete freedom was suddenly tangible. “What did it feel like when you first jumped?” “Well, the first jump wasn’t as bad as the second jump,” laughed Henderson. “The second one, all I could think about is ‘oh my goodness, what am I doing?.’ But, the first jump I was pretty focused, pretty intentional, and I was confident. The second jump, I was less confident.” “Why do you think?” “Well, because I knew more of what to expect and the rush and dangers that were present when you’re in the air,” said Henderson.
A P
Henderson briefs his team on their next jump formation.
ointing to the picture, Henderson explains “Oh yes, that was when we set two world-records last month at the Arizona World Record competition. That was for the largest, free-fall formation and there were about four hundred people in that formation.” Larry points himselfout in the picture and explains the formation and the difficulties of getting just the right shot, formation and timing before the parachute must be pulled. Henderson said his first encounter with jumping occurred when he had a couple of friends in college jump, but wasn’t too sure if he would be up for the challenge or the funds. It wasn’t until he lived in Thailand, when he decided to participate in a skydiving event sponsored by the government to protect the border between the communist regime and Thailand, that Henderson’s love for the sport kicked in. At the end of the Vietnam War, Henderson
nd yet, he continued to jump. Henderson said from that point one on, jumping began to hold a very special place in his heart and his wife began to notice. While both attending ACU in the late 1980s, Henderson said Pam was very adventurous. From taking scuba diving lessons to taking some leaps of faith, herself, Henderson’s wife has seen the great benefits of Larry’s favorite sport. “I’m sure there was some concern in the early years of our marriage. Since then, she’s been very supportive. She is very knowledgeable and she’s been hired to work for many world record competitions and special events because of her ability on the ground, not in the air. But, sometimes she’ll tell me ‘Larry, you need to go jump because you’re getting hard to live with’,” laughs Henderson. “She knows skydiving blows the stress off or something and it tends to make life with me easier to live with. She has confidence in my ability. She does want me to be careful, but she is always there and supportive of me.” After spending 25 years in a Thailand, the Henderson’s thought it was time to move back to the United States. “Our kids were born there [Thailand], our son graduated from high school there, and then he decided to go to ACU,” Henderson said. “Then, my daughter was getting ready to graduate and my wife said ‘with two kids living at ACU, I’m not going to be too happy living in Bang-
kok.’ So, we decided to move back here [Abilene]. Now, I’m here.” With one move and after packing up all of their belongings, the Henderson’s traveled across the globe and returned to the Big Country. Receiving a job as an undergraduate professor of Bible and missions in 2000, Henderson said his life has been quite an adventure thus far. Although Henderson thought his thrill-seeking days were over, Henderson said he somehow found the way to get back to the mile high. Traveling across Texas and jumping in various hill country ranches, it wasn’t long until Henderson was back in the game. “Several years ago, I considered leaving the sport and my wife said ‘No, Larry. Skydiving keeps you young’,” said Henderson. “I then, talked to my boss and he said ‘Well, you can do whatever you want, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Skydiving gives you energy and it helps you being a better employee.’ So, I thought, if my wife and my boss were encouraging me to keep at it, they helped me realize that this sport is a really important part of my life. So, I try to keep it [skydiving] in check.”
T
Henderson smiles as he takes his jump.
alk to any of his students, co-workers or scholarly peers and they’ll tell you the positive energy and young-at-heart demeanor Henderson brings to the department. Rodney Ashlock, chair of the Bible, missions and ministry department, said Henderson’s love for Jesus and life brings a great balance in both his classrooms and relationships. “Larry is a phenomenal person who has a tremendous heart for students and a unique talent for skydiving,” said Ashlock. “He captures the heart and imagination of students as he tells stories about sharing God’s word in exotic places and exciting ways. He is genuine and compassionate and wants nothing more than for everyone to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.” Reaching for his leather Bible sitting atop a pile of newly printed flyers, Henderson begins to read Colossians 3:23. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men,” recites Henderson. “And so, it’s kind of like whatever it is you’re doing, you need to be serious about it. I think [skydiving] is one way I can bring honor to God,” said Henderson. “I try to be serious about my skydiving and I ask God to use this as a way to bring glory to God. And I would like to think that my skydiving friends, that they see something of Jesus in my life.” Now, as a grandfather, Henderson said he is starting to reevaluate the things most important in his life – Christ, family and skydiving, in that order. “There is some point where it will no longer either be rewarding for me or won’t be worth the effort or if I feel like I’m not at the top of my game, I would want to step back,” said Henderson. “I want to be able to carry my own weight. But, I’ve really been blessed with people with the people I’ve known and the doors that have been open to me as gifts from God. And I am grateful to be participating in something that I consider to be so much fun.”
EAG13A@ACU.EDU
6
SPORTS
FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 17 , 2017
STANDINGS Team
Football Ovrl. SLC.
UCA SHSU Nicholls McNeese SELU SFA NWSU ACU Lamar UIW HBU
9–1 9–1 8–2 8–2 5–5 4–6 3–7 2–8 2–8 1–9 1–9
8–0 7–1 7–1 6–2 5–3 4–4 3–5 2–6 1–7 1–7 0–8
Men’s basketball
Team
LAUREN FRANCO CONTENT MANAGING EDITOR Sophmore Breanna Wright leads her team with starting experience for the 2016-2017 season
LEADERSHIP REWRITTEN Young point guard, Wright has high expectations
BY DAVIS DENTON SPORTS REPORTER
For sophomore point guard Breanna Wright, the road to basketball success began early. Wright scored over 2,500 points in her high school career and became her school’s all-time leading scorer for both the boys and girls teams. She helped lead her senior year team to the third round of the Class 3A playoffs. Wright also commanded defense’s respect, draining 44.5 percent of her 3-pointers as a senior and was among the Austin area’s leader in points, steals and assists. She also averaged 24 points, seven assists and four steals per game during her junior year in 2014-15. She was part of a team that reached the state semifinals in 201415 behind a final overall record of 34-4. “You know Breanna was in a pretty interesting situation last year. she came in and earned the starting point guard position, that’s like our quarterback,” head coach Julie Goodenough said. “She handles pressure well, she’s an extreme competitor, gaining valuable experience last year, we expect her to be a leader.”
Like Goodenough said the transition to college gameplay was quick for Wright as she logged 1,018 minutes of playing time, including complete games against Missouri in the season-opener, Omaha, New Orleans and Oklahoma State. She started in an impressive 31 of 32 games and hit 34 threes, making her prowess and court vision immediately noticeable. Wright became the starting point guard on a team that included Suzzy and Lizzy Dimba, Sydney Shelstead, and Alexis Mason. Four women largely credited for ACU’s success during the transition. But Wright never shied away from the spotlight, shooting 38.9 percent (58-149) from the field and hitting 27-of-39 free throws. Wright also pulled down 108 rebounds, nabbed 117 assists, six blocks and 29 steals. Her best performances of the season came in a season-high 13 points vs. Sul Ross. She also pulled down seven rebounds in a preseason WNIT win over UT-Rio Grande Valley. But this season marks a new era for the women, able to qualify for the NCAA Tournament for the first time. And as the only returning starter from last year’s regular season
conference championship team, Wright knows there are new expectations.
COURTESY OF BREANNA WRIGHT Wright averaged 5.5 points per game last season, and came away with 117 assists “Transitioning from freshmen to sophomore has been a lot of fun. Everyone expects more out of you the longer you have been here and everyone on the team holds each other to high standards,” Wright said. “It truly is a blessing being part of a team where everyone is constantly pushing you to be better because they not only want what is best for the team, but what is best for you as an individual.”
Despite her relatively low averages in scoring last season, Wright is confident in accepting a new role as a leader and scorer. “Becoming more of a scoring threat is something that I am looking forward to,” Wright said. “We have such a great group of selfless young women on this team that really help create open looks for each other and make the extra pass when necessary. In practice, we focus on beating our defender so that help side has to step over which opens good opportunities for shooters and I believe we saw that carry over into the game.” While the success the program has enjoyed over the last four years, Wright said it is obviously the future she is looking forward to. “Being part of this team is a blessing all in itself,” Wright said. “Being a returning starter and point guard is a unique experience and I am excited to be able to lead the team with last year behind us.” Although point guard was Wright’s position last season and one she played well, she said on this year’s team her ability has been expanded a bit. “I also play a little bit of shooting guard and it is a real treat to be able to see
the court from a different perspective, Wright said.” “It is important to be able to relate to everyone on the team, love everyone, and appreciate each significant roles on the court. We have a special team this year and I am glad to be part of it.” The Wildcats were picked fifth in the preseason polls but are off to a 2-0 start to the season. Goodenough steers the ship again for the Lady Wildcats, posting a 10544 record since taking over in 2012-2013. She said her team is excited for the chance to qualify for the NCAA tournament and to play more games this season. It’s no secret that the success this year could hinge on Wright’s ability to step into new roles, but the Wildcats will also look for other players to step up along the way. This could very easily come in the form of junior Sara Williamson, who scored a game-high 23 points in her last game. The Wildcats play this Saturday at 2 p.m. against the University of Idaho, which should be a significant test for the young team. DMD14A@ACU.EDU
Football to end season at No.3 Central Arkansas
BY MAX PRESTON ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
The football team closes the 2017 season with a tough matchup on the road against No. 3 ranked Central Arkansas. The Sugar Bears sit atop the Southland Conference with an undefeated 8-0 record in conference play, and a 9-1 overall record, while the Wildcats have a 2-6 record in Southland play, and a 2-8 overall record. Head coach Adam Dorrel said he wants his team to fight through adversity in its final game. “That place is going to be packed, I’m sure it will be sold out,” Dorrel said. “They have to beat us to have an outright confer-
ence championship. To me, this Saturday is a big barometer for me as a head football coach to see where we’re at.” Redshirt freshman quarterback Luke Anthony has now started two games in row in the absence of junior quarterback Dallas Sealey, including this last week when they took on No. 4 Sam Houston State in a wild 44-35 loss. Sealey has not been on the sidelines for either of the last two games, but the department of athletics declined to comment on his status with the team. In his two starts, Anthony has thrown for 642 yards and seven touchdowns. There have also been reports that senior
quarterback Kade Munden could see increased playing time for his final game for ACU.
“
This Saturday is a big barometer for me as a head football coach ADAM DORREL HEAD COACH
Munden’s only start of his career came in 2014 and was a 52-35 win against Central Arkansas. In the game, Munden ran for 100 yards and two touchdowns, and despite throwing the ball only eight times, completed six of the attempts with three touchdowns. The Sugar Bears come into the game with a
strong offense, second best in the conference to Sam Houston. They rank second in every category with 1967 rushing yards, 2688 passing yards, and 4655 total yards. One of the more talented quarterbacks in the conference, senior Hayden Hildebrand leads the offense for Central Arkansas. He ranks second in the conference in touchdown passes with 26, as well as passing yards with 2592. Defensively, the Sugar Bears have also impressed leading the conference in total sacks with 35, and are also second in the least number of yards given up with 3438. Sophomore defensive lineman Chris Terrell has stood out for Central
Arkansas, second in the conference in tackles for loss with 17.5, and tied for second in sacks with his teammate, senior defensive lineman Eric Jackson, at 10 a piece. Dorrel said Central Arkansas is a unique football team. “They’re a program I studied immediately upon taking this job,” Dorrel said. “They’re well coached and fundamentally sound. It’s very apparent that their kids care about each other.” Kickoff is set for 3 p.m this Saturday in Conway, Arkansas. Game coverage can also be heard on 98.1 FM. MJP14B@ACU.EDU
FOOTBALL MATCHUP PREVIEW 2017 SEASON
ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY (2–8)
20.9
POINTS PER GAME
38.0
93.0
RUSH YPG
196.7
254.4
PASSING YPG
268.8
28.7
POINTS ALLOWED
18.9
CENTRAL ARKANSAS (9–1)
Lamar SHSU SFA UIW ACU HBU McNeese Nicholls SELU TAMU-CC UCA NOU NWSU
Ovrl. SLC. 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–2 1–2 0–2 0–3
0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0
Women’s Basketball Team
ACU TAMU-CC NWSU UCA HBU Lamar McNeese Nicholls SFA NOU SHSU SELU UIW
Ovrl. SLC. 2–0 2–1 2–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 0–1 0–1 0–3 0–3
0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0
DORREL DAILY “You never go into a game expecting to lose, you always go in there Dorrel expecting to win. Our guys are preparing to do so this week.”
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK Cross Country Michaela finished at an impressive fifth place in the regional championships last Hackett Friday at College Station. She propelled the team to a fifth place finish overall, beating out big schools such as LSU, TCU and Texas A&M. Her and her sister Allie, who finished sixth, qualified for the national championships that will take place Saturday at 9:45 a.m. in Louisville, Kentucky.
Men’s Basketball In his two games this season, Foster has been part of the starting lineup and Foster has proved that he belongs. Foster has put up double digit points in both games, scoring 17 against Randall, and 14 against Arkansas State. His team was scheduled to face Howard Payne Thursday evening, and will take on Lipscomb on Monday.
Women’s Basketball Williamson and the women are off to a hot start winning the first two games of Williamson the season, and putting up over 90 points in each matchup. Williamson played an excellent game in the 9748 win against Schreiner, scoring 23 points, passing for five assists, and making five steals. The team next faces Idaho in Abilene on Saturday.
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