The Optimist Print Edition 11.10.17

on

Former Greek professor remembered for kind spirit Page 3

SPORTS

A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912

Friday, November 10, 2017 Vol. 106, Issue 12

CROSS COUNTRY TEAM GOES TO REGIONALS Page 8

I <3 ETHNOS

CHRISTI LIM GRAPHIC DESIGNER Rina Iwakami, Kosuke Ioka and Kotono Babaguchi perform in a Japanese dance for the 15th anniversary of Ethnos culture show which opens Friday at 7 p.m.

CALENDAR 11/10 •

ACU Barn Dance at 7 p.m.

• •

Ethnos at 7 p.m. Men’s and women’s basketball games at 5:30 p.m. Master of Athletic Training open house at 2 p.m.

•

11/11 • • •

Tailgate at 11 a.m. Football vs. SHSU at 2 p.m. Ethnos at 6 p.m.

11/13 •

OMA Sundaes on Mondaes

11/14 •

Jazz Concert at 7:30 p.m. in Cullen Auditorium

BOX OFFICE NOVEMBER 3-5 1. Thor: Ragnarok $122,744,989 2. A Bad Moms Christmas $16,759,161 3. Jigsaw $6,558,146 4. Tyler Perry’s Boo 2! A Madea Halloween $4,541,190 5. Geostorm $ 3,194,031

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BY LAUREN FRANCO

CONTENT MANAGING EDITOR

Ethnos is celebrating its 15th anniversary with its annual culture show themed, “Customs.” The first official culture show was in 1992, making this the 26th show. However, this year is the 15th year anniversary of it being given the name “Ethnos”. The show will be produced by the International Students’ Association and showcases various forms of artistic expression form all over the world. The main organizers are advisor Ve-

ronica Whitt and a team of seven ISA officers including, President: Cindy Lee, junior political science major from Guadalajara, Mexico Vice President: Rina Iwakami, senior management major from Mito-shi, Japan Secretary: Kristy Ng, sophomore management major from Plano Treasurer: Olive Tuyishimire, sophomore engineering major from Abilene Chaplin: Mafer Hernandez, sophomore marketing major from Guatemala

City, Guatemala Advertising/Public Relations Director: Grace Lim, senior psychology major from Sungai Petani, Malaysia Sports Director: Ivan Anyaegbu, senior computer science major from Abilene. This show features 16 acts, most of which are lead by some of our international students. In addition to ISA members, other ACU dance and step groups will perform, including Sanctify, Omega Dance Company, SHADES and Swing

Simmons University to be in the show,” Whitt said. “We also have the International Rescue Committee youth group and a group of African students from Abilene High who are joining us. All in all we have about 150 participants, including our organizers and volunteers.” “Customs” will premiere CHRISTI LIM GRAPHIC starting at 7 p.m. on Nov. 10 DESIGNER and continue through Nov. Local high school students 11 in Cullen Auditorium. perform in Ethnos show. Tickets will be sold at the Cats. “For the past few years we OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU have also invited the international students of Hardin

erne. Leah Jarvis, a freshman youth and family ministry major from Amarillo. Brittney Johnson, a senior communication major from Universal City. Heitor Lima, a freshman biochemistry major from College Station. Shannon Que, a junior social work major Burleson. Jansen Sharp, a freshman communication major from Bedord. Alli Wulfert, a freshman theatre and youth and family ministry major from Farmington, New Mexico. The steering committee

works to make the event run smoothly and efficiently. Event responsibilities are broken up into specific parts such as productions team, host and hostess or marketing team. Madeline Dayton was one of the student-speakers at last year’s event. “I wanted to become more involved and give back since I was a student speaker last year,” Dayton said. To be a part of the committee, applications were found on the TEdxACU website, and applicants were selected to meet for a

face to face interview. “I was really excited when I found out I got to be a part of the committee,” Dayton said. “I’ve always loved Ted talks, and getting involved was my vision so I’m really glad I got to be able to.” Amanda Ford was a hostess last year at the TED talk. “I really enjoy the opportunity of learning about new things and becoming more culturally aware,” Ford said. Whether you are interested in a certain speaker or topic, I hope listeners will grow in their passions. I hope listeners can experi-

ence something new.” During the event, speakers from both around the world and locally come to discuss specific topics. The event is available for students and the public. This year the topic is “In six words.” The TEdxACU event is scheduled on March 23. Tickets will be sold in the campus center starting next semester. For more information on the TEdxACU talk or how you can get involved, visit www.tedxacu.org.

during elections. The current bylaws list several qualifications for candidates to run for the office of executive president and vice president, positions currently occupied by Danny Burke and Julia Kennedy. Jones’ resolution would allow future candidates to run together, so two students could run as a team for the offices. Jones said she wanted to change the process after seeing previous SA leadership lack a “coherent vision.” She said the vice

president and president should run together so the two students in the top positions for SA will know they can work together before they are elected. “It has nothing to do with this administration,” Jones said. “They’ve done a wonderful job and have worked really well together.” According to the bill, allowing candidates to run on the same ticket would allow better communication between the two top positions in SA. The bill claims, “... one ticket voting would

give the student body confidence about who exactly they are voting for, and create accountability for two people to uphold instead of one.” Candidates would still be allowed to run individually if they choose. The SA Constitution can be read online at saacu.org. Congress tabled the bill at the last two meetings to make more edits on the constitutional changes before Congress gives official approval. “We’re not tabling just

because we aren’t doing anything,” Jones said. “We’re trying our very hardest to make sure that this is the best possible solution.” Jones also said she thinks most representatives will vote for the change. The student body must still give final approval to any constitutional changes. SA typically sends an email the the student body with a link to the voting site.

TEDxACU chooses student leadership team BY JENNA WILLIAMS STAFF REPORTER

The steering committee for the fourth annual spring event, TEdxACU, was announced on Oct. 31. The 10 members are: Leah Adamski, a sophomore business major from Kempner. Madeline Dayton, a junior global studies and business management major from Katy. Jacqueline Demuynck, a senior communication major from Cedar Park. Amanda Ford, a senior education major from Bo-

OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU

Student Congress to vote on election change DAYS UNTIL

THANKSGIVING BREAK

OPINION

SA PRESIDENT OUTLINES PLANS Page 4

Ethnos celebrates fifteen years of culture

BY HALEY REMENAR EDITOR IN CHIEF

The Students’ Association Congress will vote Wednesday on a resolution to change the SA Constitution to allow candidates for executive president and vice president to run together. If the resolution is passed by congress, the proposed changes will go to a student body vote. The resolution, written by junior class president Rachel Jones, would change the bylaws which govern how SA operates

W W W. A C U O P T I M I S T. C O M

HRR13B@ACU.EDU

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NE W S

Wildcat Software starts app BY ZEKE TRIPP STAFF REPORTER

Wildcat Software created a new mobile app for the ACU Theatre Department that elevates the experience of ticket purchasing, brochure play access and communication during the theatrical season. Nik Grau, CEO of Wildcat Software said the app has been in progress since the summer of 2017. “ACU Theatre came to us in the summer looking to improve audience engagement through a new mobile app,” said Grau. Wildcat Software is the College of Business Administration’s (COBA”S) student-run software company. Student developers employed by Wildcat Software are afforded the opportunity to work for real clients on a variety of software projects, including mobile application and website development. The mobile app, ACU Theatre, is free and it allow a user to access the ACU Theatre’s season brochure of plays, view each show individually, and purchase individual or season tickets directly. You can also contact the ACU Theatre department directly from app. Brandon DeLano, SITC Software Developer for the ACU School of IT & Computing work alongside Nik Grau and the Wildcat Software team and together they create information systems for a variety of companies across the nation. ”Wildcat Software is a great place for students to gain real life experience with developing mobile apps, information systems and more for companies all across the nation,” Said Grau. In the past Wildcat Software has been hired by companies like Gift Clarity. Gift Clarity hired Wildcat Software to develop and internal application for their clients to track past and present donors. The software allows clients to foster stronger client/ donor relationships, increasing communication and granting a deeper level of personal interaction. OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU

FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 10, 2017

Women’s event features Christian artist BY HANNAH JOHNSON STAFF REPORTER

Girl’s Night Out brought in speakers to discuss women’s wellness. The event began with Ellie Holcomb, a singer/ songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee, singing and playing her guitar onstage with Christa Wells on her piano. The songs included “Fighting Words”, “Wonderfully Made” and “Red Sea Road”. In between the performance and the guest speakers, door prizes were handed out on a raffle. The prizes included gift cards from Papa Murphy’s, Medspa, Bean Bucks, Bueno and Bucketheads. Sarah Brooks spoke at the event to give tips on how to keep yourself well in college. The tips focused on knowing when to say “no”, choosing five people in your life to be close to you and finding time to unplug from technology. Brooks thinks college is the best invention ever created. “But we’ve got to think of ways to keep ourselves healthy,” Brooks said. “Otherwise

Ellie Holcomb singing onstage.

Women’s Wellness Panel with (left to right) Jessica Nyguen, Cherisse Flanagan, Gretchen Etheredge, Ryan Randolph and Sara Trammell.

were not being intentional and we’re not figuring out who we are in a healthy environment.” Brooks is the writer of the blog “Life as of Late” and is from Fort Worth. Jessica Nyguen, a professor of psychology at ACU from San Diego, California, organized the event and was partnered with Laura Bush Foundation for Women’s Health. Nyguen said the theme was “whole wellness” with the mind, body and spirit and the foundation was interested in educating ACU women for its large female population. Nyguen is also the director of second year residential experience. Michaela Kasselman, a

senior sociology major from Abilene, She is also a student director of ACU Cabinet for the campus activities board. Kasselman said the ACU Cabinet and Residence Life are also within the partnership. Kasselman thinks that it is an opportunity for women’s health to be talked about in a holistic environment because of the challenges that get in the way of women in the world and of the topic not being talked about often. The event ended with a women’s wellness panel that featured guest speakers. Students texted questions to them and the audience received answers about anxiety, daily habits, sexual health and avoiding spiritual

exhaustion. Ellie Holcomb, Gretchen Etheredge, Sara Trammell, Ryan Randolph and Cherisse Flanagan. Etheredge is a marriage minister and the director of the Highland Counseling Center from Brookville, Pennsylvania. Trammell is a medical director of Hendrick Hospital from Abilene. Randolph is a residence director of Smith Adams from Cedar Hill. Flanagan is a clinical psychologist of private practice from Abilene. Nyguen helped answer the questions with them. Afterward, Holcomb took pictures with spectators and gave autographs. “I feel like when I sing, I’m doing what God made me

to do and that is a sweet thing,” Holcomb said. Holcomb’s father went to ACU and that he had a formative experience while he was here. “Honestly, I wish that we had had more time,” Holcomb said, discussing her participation at the panel. “I loved it. I think it’s so important. I’ve spent a lot of years hiding and not really walking in the truth and so I love an atmosphere that invites honest question and honest conversation about how to work out our faith.” Nyguen said that there will be more Girl’s Night Out events in the future.

over the past four years. She has hired more shooters, videographers and travels all around the world to capture memories for engaged and married couples. What sets Asia’s business apart from many others is her simple mission to show couples they do not need anything but each other. “Photobyjoy is my small way of whispering, “Your love is enough” into a material world that screams “You need more” on your wedding day.” she explains. Asia tries to display this message in all aspects of her business. It determines the way she runs her website, the

kindness in which she treats her clients and she even says it goes into choosing which lenses to buy for her camera. This raw and honest approach to wedding photography has attracted couples who feel the same way. “There are brides who want moments over things and grooms who aren’t all that interested in fake smiles.” she says. These kind of couples are what Asia credits for the explosive growth of Photobyjoy. As her life as an entrepreneur gets busier and busier, Asia still makes time to give back to ACU and young photographers through her portrait and camera work-

shops. This weekend she is hosting her fourth round of photography workshops at ACU with the Learning Center. Her joyful and honest take on photography gives a godly example for ACU students with similar passions to hers. She wants them to see that it is possible to both pursue their creative passions and live and work in a way that glorifies God. In this world that can get extravagant in the age of Pinterest and Instagram, Asia is looking forward with Photobyjoy. “I wake up each day with open hands, asking God what His dream is for this business. “ she pro-

claims. She is trusting that the Lord will continue to show her the way in this difficult profession. “When starting Photobyjoy I thought that I would be the one shaping what this business would grow into, but four years in, the truth is Photobyjoy is shaping me. It’s a daily reminder that life is worth celebrating beautifully.” For booking information and more images you can visit her website at www. photobyjoy.com.

OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU

Alum to host couples photography workshop BY PHOEBE VOSS STAFF REPORTER

If you were to take a quick scroll through the photos on her blog, it wouldn’t take long for you to feel like you knew her. Full of genuine smiles and candidly captured moments, Asia’s personality screams loudly through her work. After graduating with a major in multimedia, Asia Edison dove straight into the world of professional photography, starting her own business, Photobyjoy. Beginning with just one girl and her camera, Photobyjoy has grown immensely

OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU

Student Life: Co-ed social club may be a non-starter BY EVAN RODRIGUEZ WEB EDITOR

Two students on campus are looking to start a co-ed social club on campus an call it Alpha Kai Alpha. The club is the brainchild of Ashlyn Lovell, senior agribusiness major from Clyde, and Tori Tucker, senior social studies teaching major, from Elk Grove, California. Lovell currently serves as the club’s president

and Tucker serves as the vice-president. Both say they noticed a lot of people who rushed but did not end up pledging. They attributed this to a lack of options for both men and women when it came to choosing a club and say they see a co-ed social club as something that might fill that need. “We want a club for anyone to join so they don’t feel unincluded,” Lovell said.

Lovell said they hope to broach the idea with the Office of Student Life in the next week but noted that they have 10 members already and others have expressed interest. “We want to get members and make sure there were people who wanted to do it before we did anything further,” Tucker said. They draw their inspiration from the co-ed literary organizations that existed in the university’s

past – the Hardings and the Zellners, which spun out from the original Argos and Argens social clubs in 1913. Tom Craig, director of student activities and productions, said student lifee hadn’t had any recent contact with anyone looking to start a co-ed social club. “We’ve had that question before, and the answer has always been, ‘If you want to do a co-ed thing, it would be a or-

ganization, not a social club,’” Craig said. “To change that paradigm would go through several different tiers.” Alpha Kai Alpha is looking for a faculty advisor and sponsor and are open to chartering as a student organization if student life denies its request to be recognized as a social club. EMR14C@ACU.EDU

POLICE LOG SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 11/01/2017 3:00p.m. A coach reported the theft of an XBOX from the football team lounge at Wildcat Stadium. 11/01/2017 4:45p.m. A student reported the theft of items from her dorm room. 11/02/2017 10:08 p.m. ACUPD investigated the report of a disturbance in a UP apartment. Investigation revealed that tenants had grown loud during a discussion among the residents. The tenants agreed to speak more quietly. 11/03/2017 11:20 p.m. Officers responded to a call for service re: noise violation – loud party in the 800 block of Harrison. Three ACU student tenants were advised of the complaint and closed their party. 11/04/2017 11:43 p.m. ACUPD responded to multiple call re: noise violation in the 800 block of EN 14th. Officers advised the two HSU student tenants of the violation and they closed the party. 911 CALL ACCIDENT ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY ADVICE ALARM ALCOHOL INCIDENT ASSIST ATTEMPT TO LOCATE BARRICADES BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK BURGLARY (MOTOR VEHICLE) CART PATROL

1 1 36 2 3 1 3 1 1 17 1 1

CHECK BUILDING 335 CITATION ISSUANCE 1 DIRECT TRAFFIC 1 DISCHARGE OF FIREARM 2 DISTURBANCE 5 DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE 1 DRUG ACTIVITY/OFFENSE 1 ESCORT 5 FOOT PATROL 22 FOUND PROPERTY 5 INFORMATION REPORT 5 INTOXICATED PERSON 3 INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP 7

MAINTENANCE: UNIV ASSETS MEDICAL EMERGENCY MISSING PERSON MONITOR FACILITY/LOT MOTORIST ASSIST: INFLATE TIRE MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK NOISE VIOLATION OTHER PARKING LOT PATROL

0 1 1 12 1 14 9 8 5 26

PARKING VIOLATION PATROL VEHICLE: MAINTENANCE PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL PUBLIC SERVICE RANDOM PATROL REPORT WRITING STAND BY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY SUSPICIOUS PERSON THEFT TRAFFIC HAZARD TRAFFIC STOP TRAINING

3 6 11 1 19 19 1 2 7 3 1 7 1

WELFARE CHECK TOTAL

2 654

POLICE CHIEF TIP OF THE WEEK:

Depression is real. Don’t fight it alone. Reach out for resources at the ACU Counseling Center.

N E WS

FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 10, 2017

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Obituary

Trussell used motocross experience in engineering classes BY HALEY REMENAR EDITOR IN CHIEF

Known for a love of extreme sports, Zach Trussell spent his time winning local motocross competitions when he wasn’t studying electrical engineering on campus or playing guitar and drums. Trussell, a senior engineering major from Anson, died in his residence on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the age of 24. Trussell could be seen on-campus wearing a backwards Fox hat, Blink 182 t-shirt, tight grey skinny jeans and five piercings –one at the top of his inner lip. Growing up off a dirt road, Trussell quickly learned you can be both smart and crazy at the same time. With a twostroke, red bike, a partially ripped jersey and the cheapest boots he could find, Trussell began to ride. In an interview a year ago, Trussell said he could reach

Trussell soars over a car at a motocross competition. (Photo from Trussell’s Facebook page.)

over 25 feet into the air doing several tricks from the Can Can (legs off to the side of the bike) to the Cliffhanger (toes where the handlebars are). Trussell said he merely hopes to land safely; or at least with very little broken bones. But, let’s be honest, fractures are part of the game, he said. “Once you’re in the air, you don’t care about anything,” Trussell said at the time. “You’re just so free.” Bret Ellis, a friend and fellow rider, in an interview a year ago described him as a “maniac.” “If you want to have a good time,” Ellis said. “Zach is the guy you should call. Anytime we want to try something new, and probably dangerous, Zach is the guinea pig for anything.” Ellis said he once went with Trussell to the Kermit Sand Dunes in Odessa for a mini motocross trip. “I remember we were

both riding the dunes and all of a sudden, I see Zach do a flip and hit the ground,” said Ellis. “All he said was, ‘did you get that on tape?’ I laughed so hard and sadly had to say ‘no.’” Darby Hewitt, assistant professor of engineering and physics, said he and other professors were shocked at Trussell’s passing and will miss Trussell’s easygoing presence in their classes. “I never really experienced him being upset,” Hewitt said. “Zach was just sort of, a really happy person. We’re all going to miss having him around and seeing him in Bennett.” Trussell took several of Hewitt’s classes because he had an interest in electrical engineering, Hewitt’s specialty. They also bonded over music, Hewitt said. He sent Trussell a recording of himself playing guitar, and Trussell recorded himself playing

drums for the song. “He had a lot of experience – probably a lot to do with his motorbike hobby – in getting his hands dirty and messing around with engines and stuff,” Hewitt said. Trussell also pursued his love of electronics off campus at Best Buy, where he worked on installing car stereos, Hewitt said. Funeral services took place Tuesday in Hawley. Trussell is survived by his parents, Darrell and Cindy Trussell; one sister, Meagen Trussell; a nephew, Jax Emerson; grandparents, Verlon Trussell and Jane and Andy Sandoval; three aunts, Juanita Burleson, Sherry Robertson, and Lesha Cole; two uncles, Michael Sandoval and Shane Trussell; and numerous cousins, according to an obituary in the Abilene Reporter News. HRR13B@ACU.EDU

Obituary

Former Greek professor left legacy of scholarship, song him today although he doesn’t work A 2004 New York in ministry Times piece listed the unianymore. versity’s Greek class, a reHe still uses quirement for many Bible a Greek HAILEY majors, as one of the hardBible someest courses offered by col- times because Hailey taught leges nationwide. Although him the value of the Greek Elementary Greek Read- language. As a student he ings I and II were known said he appreciated Hailey for difficult coursework, the making the class worthwhile classes were also known for despite spending 20-25 a loving teacher, Jan Hailey. hours a week studying the “I really don’t think difficult material. they’re afraid of me, I think “She helped you learn they’re afraid of the sub- even if it didn’t show on ject,” Hailey said in the your grades,” Mankin Times. “I’m a grandmother; said. “I feel like I learned how tough can you be?’’ more than my grade reThe former teacher died flected that I did.” on Nov. 2 in Eden Prairie, Hailey was born in Minnesota, at the age of 69. Sweetwater and moved to Her husband, Dr. Mel Hailey, Abilene when she was a who teaches as a professor of child, according to ACU political science. Funeral ser- Today. She became the vices took place Monday. valedictorian at Abilene One of her students, Christian High School in Grant Mankin, said Hai- 1966 and wrote part of the ley’s teaching still impacts school song which students

BY HALEY REMENAR EDITOR IN CHIEF

Lyrics to the Abilene Christian School song: We’ll cherish thee, our glorious school, Let Honor crown thy name. We’ll serve thee best and love thee most and give thee Christian fame. For the Panthers, blue and white, we will fight with all our might. We pledge to thee our loyalty, Dear Abilene Christian High. still sings today. She came to the university to study education and married Mel before she graduated in 1970. After teaching English for a few years, she returned to the university as a research assistant in the College of Biblical Studies. She later earned a Master in Greek in 1995 and a

Master of Divinity in 2003. She taught Greek and other Bible classes for many years, served on the founding board of Abilene Habitat for Humanity, and volunteered for the Noah Project, Meals on Wheels, and the Emmaus Community. “Jan was always very, very sweet,” Mankin said,

“and you wanted someone like Jan teaching you something like Greek.” Hailey retired from the university in 2008 after working in the College of Biblical Studies for 20 years. Hailey is survived by her husband, Dr. Mel Hailey, and by her two children and their families: Jennifer

and Joel Nichols, and their children Benjamin and Natalie Nichols; and Robert and Jill Hailey and their children Joseph, Zrinyi, and Ryder, Caitlin and Caroline Hailey; and her sister, Vicki Ruth Shepard.

wanted to focus more on the creativity side. So, we are still sharing the knowledge of Adobe but also focusing on being creative.” Jason Katsoff, a customer success manager representative for Adobe, said he works with colleges in the southwest region of the United States. “So, I only not help ACU, but a handful of other high-rated institutions throughout the central Southwest region of the United States to be aware of they have the tools to equip people with resources to get them successful in the tools,” Kat-

soff said. “And then to celebrate and showcase the success that they have.” There was a Creative U T-shirt logo design contest in which the winner got an iPad Pro and an Apple Pencil for winning. The winner was Daniel Tapia, a senior graphic design major from Los Angeles, California. He said he plans to use his new iPad Pro for graphic design work. “I’m a graphic design major so with the iPad Pro with the pencil allows for easier access to hand drawn things.” Tapia said. “In parts of industry

right now, hand drawn, hand crafted, handmade things are kind of growing in popularity because people want to feel like they are buying is genuine, and so I feel like I can

add that through the iPad Pro and that accessibility will make it easier.”

HRR13B@ACU.EDU

Learning Studio showcases Adobe software in Creative U event BY BRIAN SWEET STAFF REPORTER

The Creative U event showcasing the Adobe Suite Products took place Nov. 7. Students had the opportunity to be hands-on with the Adobe software. Creative U was put on by staff members from the Brown Library, the new Innovation Foundry, the Maker Lab and the Creative Studio. Adobe representatives were also present to help out. Students had the opportunity to learn how to create a logo using Adobe Illustrator in ACU’s Learn-

ing Studio. They also had the opportunity to print a logo that was already created in Illustrator on a T-shirt using the printer in the Maker Lab. Dr. Marisa Beard, director of education technology, said the event came to fruition because they wanted to change up Adobe Day. “Well, three years ago ACU became an all in Adobe School,” Beard said. “All our faculty, staff and students have access to the Adobe Suite. So, for the last two years we did something called Adobe Day and this year we

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4

OPI N I ON

FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 10, 2017

@LEXIII_25 11/06/17 7:00 A.M. I go to a university where most of my professors start class with a prayer & im forever grateful for this opportunity. #acudifference

#ACU

@ATOWNBMAN 11/06/17 7:23 P.M. Is it acceptable to eat salsa with Ruffles? @TateBeakley loves it.

@KAYLERGRACE 11/06/17 9:28 A.M. “Shoot Christian coaches say” #acudifference

@IAMJMC95 11/0817 9:53 A.M. I demand a meal plan Signed, Starving Senior @KENNEDYOATES 10/11/17 8:09 A.M. we just facetimed Dr.Reeses granddaughter and sang her happy birthday #acudifference

Senior nutrition major Midland, Texas

@ALLEN_STORM96 11/08/17 12:13 P.M. Hi I’d like to sign up for this new Chef’s Table version of the Bean. @DOGAN_LYER 11/07/17 12:42 P.M. Thank you @acuoptimist for giving us this positive and relevant news

I CAN’T EVAN

EVAN RODRIGUEZ WEB EDITOR

Junior management major Sugarland, Texas

Giving [Chapel] credit where credit is due

THE ISSUE

Students are frustrated about getting chapel credits, and they are disrespecting chapel speakers.

OUR TAKE

Although students need to respect university requirements, it may be time for the university to bring the 55-credit requirement down and start respecting students needs as well. Although students need to respect university requirements, it may be time for the university to bring the 55-credit requirement down and start respecting students needs as well. Women’s basketball coach Julie Goodenough presented one of the funniest and most practical Chapel talks of the year on Monday – and hardly anyone heard her. Buy 11:26

a.m., people began swiping out, and the little beeps of the card readers drowned out the coach’s bold words. To some students, the 55-credit requirement is seen as a motivation to grow in faith, but to others it is a burden on their highlighter-filled, organized planners. Meanwhile, the infamous “slide and gliders,” who swipe in, leave and come back just to swipe

out, are essentially cheating the whole system. Our university has taken pride in fellowship, worship and community since 1906, but as the university grows, more students see attending Chapel as just a requirement rather than a time to grow spiritually. Lowering the number of Chapel credits required each semester would allow for more respect for the speakers and for the people attending. A reduction would benefit the students who actually want to be there, by changing the attitude that Chapel is a “burden.” By making Chapel a place of respect and worship, we believe that more students will want to attend.

There’s a tension between the time-honored tradition and the changing attitudes of students. While 30 percent of students claimed to be Church of Christ in 2016, that number dropped to 27.8 percent in 2017. This number drops every year, as more and more non-Church of Christ students come to a Church of Christ-affiliated school. What is the purpose of Chapel? According to the university website, Chapel requirements come from a “desire to ground our students in Scripture and spiritual practices that lead to transformation into the likeness of Christ to bless others through leadership

and service in every corner of the world. With these thoughts in mind, we’ve integrated Chapel into the curriculum: full-time undergraduate students are required to earn 55 spiritual formation credits each semester.” Our problem is not with how Chapel is run because we know the university is trying to be more engaging to students from various denominations. Our problem is with the 55-credit requirement. While students must respect the requirements of the university, the university must also respect our time and commitments. Students will not focus on even the most engaging speakers if they’re distract-

ed with homework or frustrated by time constraints. Reducing the number of credits could lead to a smaller attendance in Moody, but it would greatly improve the respect for worship. The university should emphasize quality over quantity. They should do things that draw a quality group of students who want to be there, more than a large quantity of students playing on their phones. Changing Chapel may not change the mindset of every student, but it could change the atmosphere of the space. EDITOR@JMCNETWORK.COM

SA president advocates for SA mission, fall plans

ACU students, “Attitude reflects leadership, Captain.” This famous quote from the movie, Remember the Titans, serves as such a powerful reminder for me as I now serve in a leadership position – it challenges me to constantly reflect and seek improvement. The purpose of this letter is to acknowledge Students’ Association shortcomings, share our plan to proactively change SA’s identity and role, and clearly outline the next steps we are taking to accomplish this ambitious goal. First, as the Executive President, I accept responsibility and personally apologize to students for any and all poor experiences involving SA. Our mission is to be good stewards of our God-given gifts – to represent the diverse needs of the student body through both activity and advocacy and

PHOTO BY CHRISTI LIM Danny Burke talks to students at a tailgate before a football game. in doing so, hold ourselves, the student body, the faculty, staff and administration accountable to each other and God. Therefore, during the month of November, Congress and the Executive Cabinet will communicate with a multitude of other

student government organizations around the country and evaluate the foundation of how SA operates and serves students. We will vote on bills and resolutions at the end of the month that will amend the student Constitution and Bylaws. One big change will be to po-

tentially alter the title of SA from Students’ Association to Student Government Association. Since titles identify purpose, we believe the new title could more clearly establish our reason for existence and explicitly explain our role on campus. Besides possibly changing the Students’ Association title, here are other examples of resolutions we are currently working on: altering two more position titles (Executive Administrator and Chief Communications Officer to Chief of Staff and Press Secretary) respectively, adjusting the campaign and election process to allow a ticket system, changing the funding regulations to better empower student organizations, equipping committee chairs with formal responsibilities, creating a judicial board of students, and allowing a student representative to sit as a non-voting

member on ACU’s Board. The changes will be focused on increasing our student government’s effectiveness and positively impacting the student experience. Any formal alterations to the student Constitution passed by the Student Congress will be sent out to the entire student body for a ratification vote. We understand progress is impossible without change and we want to bring the change about. With this in mind, let me personally extend a hand for you to join us in this process by communicating with your congressional representative, positions are listed on saacu.com. Your ideas and feedback are incredibly valuable for us to gain a better understanding of how to smoothly make this transition into a new era of ACU student government. My dream involves students

believing that ACU student government holds an incredible opportunity to unify students for a mission bigger than us and students joining a calling worth investing in. We promise to work hard and listen to you until the attitude of the student body towards SA reflects the kind of leadership my team strives to exhibit. Finally, I want to thank students for the tremendous honor to lead the Students’ Association. I pray you will partner with us this month to create a student government that better engages, equips, and empowers students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. Sincerely, Danny Burke Students’ Association Executive President EDITOR@JMCNETWORK.COM

University leadership needs to be transparent with students QUITE FRANCO-LY

LAUREN FRANCO CONTENT MANAGING EDITOR Junior psychology and convergence journalism major Fort Worth, Texas

When I first visited ACU, I knew I was home. I had high expectations for this university with its middle name being, “Christian.” I mean, the 55 credits in which little freshman me didn’t know that soon, they would come to feel like forced worship. Alongside most of the professors praying before classes started were the cool new Bible classes I was getting to take. But when it came time

for me to start writing about university happenings, I was shocked at the lack of vulnerability in some areas. I thought coming to a Christian school entailed transparency and honesty, forgiveness and understanding. That has not been the case. Even subjects that seem irrelevant have questionably been deemed unworthy of public disclosure. Toward the beginning of the semester, Students’

Association would not publicly reveal the number of votes from the election. Later, Student Life would not disclose the number of pledges per club. Both easily attainable facts, so why the need to be private? Over the summer, Student Life announced pledging changes stemming from an investigation when some “issues” were brought to attention. Following the announcement, gossip among the student body about Galaxy ending pledging early has been more prevalent than the willingness for Student Life to be open about the issues. Although I safely assume the situation was not as se-

rious as Florida State University’s, I applaud their president for his willingness to openly discuss the problem, and put an end to the issue until a solution is agreed upon. “There must be a new culture, and our students must be full participants in creating it,” FSU President John Thasher said in an interview with CNN. “I want to send a message that we’ve got a serious problem and we need to deal with it, and they’re part of the solution. And the sooner they can come to the table and we can all talk and find those solutions, the sooner this will be lifted.” Being a representation

of the body of Christ is not about good PR, trying to appear good by avoiding the discussion of topics that might make the school look “bad.” It’s about coming together in unity and recognizing our faults and failures, our strengths and weaknesses. It’s about finding solutions to the things that need to be discussed, not shoving them under the rug. Why is a non-religiously affiliated public school doing it better than us? I’m disappointed in the perfectionism that accompanies the desire for good ratings, great headlines and even better admissions. It makes me sick knowing mistakes that can

be kept private, are. Rather than dismissing the hardened hearts of pharisees in Matthew 23, Jesus publicly and directly confronts the issues in the church. It isn’t about fluff, nor is it about pretending the church is a place and people that it isn’t. His correction and vulnerability is about growth and restoration. I don’t understand how to trust an authority that lacks trust in the student body. I beg the question, how are we supposed to grow in faith through failures if the university won’t do the same. LMF14A@ACU.EDU

It’s been a year since Trump was elected, and saying that it’s gone badly would be a gross understatement. In the year since Trump was elected, diplomatic relations with our closest allies have been strained as the incompetencies of a 71 year old who has never held public office have become glaringly clear. For example, republican senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has called for hearings on the President’s nuclear weapons authority. This is unheard of for a senator to question and examine the president of one’s own political party in such a way. And yet, this

is the new normal. Corker’s decision is appropriate as this President has demonstrated time and time again that he does not posses the temperament required to handle criticism from the press, much less provocations from a hostile foreign power. If you voted for Trump, what do you have to show for it? Angry “snowflakes”? Is the bar that low? If “pissing off liberals” is the only requirement for a successful presidency, I’d recommend reevaluating one’s priorities. Voting is about the members of society coming together to elect a leader to represent ALL members in that specific society. If

your definition of successful elected official includes making 50% of society angry, you’re missing the point. One year into his presidency and Trump voters don’t have a wall. Obamacare hasn’t been repealed. Tax reform hasn’t been enacted and probably won’t be anytime soon. Trump being a disappointment isn’t a conservative or liberal position to take. All American’s should recognize the degradation of norms which have taken place in Trump’s first year. From lying about his inauguration size, to feuding publicly with gold star families, to mocking a female television host for her plastic surgery, Trump has failed to adhere to presidential decorum. Republican’s, however, aren’t the only one’s who should be criticized for abetting his behavior. Democrats as

well must be careful not to treat every Trump blunder as the end of the world. Trump has been dogged by Russia revolutions throughout the past year, with no end in sight. Republicans have who stick by his side essentially have to trust that this serial liarin-chief is telling the truth when evidence to the contrary has been slowly been coming out for the last year. Would you make that bet? I wouldn’t. For all their flaws, you could disagree with former President’s Barack Obama and George W. Bush on policy issues without calling into question their fitness for public office or asking if they had the temperament to handle minor criticisms. They were and continue to be, respectable men worthy of admiration regardless of their policy positions.

Personally, I’d consider myself moderately right-leaning, however, I believe in honest self-reflection of one’s party, regardless of party affiliation. The sooner American’s recognize how badly Trump has handled the presidency, the sooner we can learn from the mistakes. For some Republicans, that means admitting they made a mistake in voting for him, for some Democrats, that means not overreacting to everything Trump does. No one party has a monopoly on the truth or the right way forward, rather, each must come to terms with their own flaws if they have any hope of enacting meaningful change in the future.

Christ. The Eucharist (communion) is the practice of eating the body of Christ and drinking His blood as commanded in Luke 22. Through this sacramental practice, we partake to remember the gesture and action Christ took for us on the cross. By taking the bread and wine, we, as Christians, come together as believers and take part in the body of Christ. In turn, we become the body of Christ. The Eucharist is something that goes beyond Sunday communion taken right after worship and before tithing. It is an action taken by christians around the world where for one moment we think about our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ partaking in the same radical action. As German Catholic priest Romano Guardini once wrote “Man, with the aid of grace, is given the opportunity of relaying his fundamental essence, of really becoming that which according to his divine destiny he should be and longs to be, a child of God”, so through the Eucharist, our soul unites once again with God. By learning the significance of such acts, one can begin to question the

importance of other sacraments. If sacraments are used as symbols within Protestant churches, why should we partake in them? Are we still christians if we choose to not partake? With so many questions, I began realize that it is our pride which inhibits us to partake in sacraments. It is our pride within our denomination which makes us choose where we stand on the issues of baptism and the taking of the Eucharist. The sacrament of baptism, though simple in thought is more complex when accompanied by conviction and practice. The immersing of a christian in water is more than just an act of submersion, but also an act of salvation to some. Within the Churches of Christ, the sacrament of baptism is linked to the salvation of a person. When first learning about this, I was shocked. How could one’s submersion be a door-die situation? It wasn’t until I removed myself from what my denomination taught me where I began to see the beauty in such a deep-seated tradition. As mentioned, the act of baptism is not the act one chooses to do to himself. Rather, it can be seen as an act done to someone. Just as

grace is granted to us by the mere love of Christ without any action on our part, baptism is the action bestowed upon us. Someone submerges you through an act of faith, love and conviction. And through those elements, we spring for air into a new life. Whether our new life be in representation of what the Lord has done or what the Lord will do. Restoration and grace are the key elements shown through the act of baptism. Baptism cannot be bonded to the boxes we have placed alongside the walls of our church. Baptism is and will always be an act done on us as a sign of love, acceptance, restoration and faith in Christ. The importance in questioning sacraments is healthy. By questioning our faith, we begin to draw closer to God. We allow our barriers to be lowered for the answers we desire. As Christians, we should seek the Lord in all ways and ask the questions set in our dogma that burn for answers. It through our constant questioning and seeking that we can find the Lord. Knock on His door for knowledge. I guarantee He will answer just as He has answered me.

EMR16C@ACU.EDU

Questioning the use of holy sacraments ONE IN A EMILLION EMILY GUAJARDO ARTS AND FEATURES EDITOR Senior Convergence Journalism Major San Antonio, Texas

The use of sacraments is a debate which has lasted since the church’s initial split during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Beginning with the seven sacraments of baptism, eucharist, confirmation, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, marriage and holy orders implemented by the Catholic church under the Council of Trent, the sacraments have been a key component to the church’s foundations as well as symbolic rituals in representation of Christ’s life, death and resurrection. And in one split, two sacraments remained – baptism and the eucharist – leading the rest of the protestant reformation toward the denominations we cling to today. During this semester, I have began to question my beliefs and how I use those beliefs for the betterment of my relationship with Christ. However, the most important question I’ve had trouble answering is why do I believe what I

believe? For the past three and half years, I have worn the badge of non-denominationalism in protest to hints of traditional, ritualistic or impeding Christian thoughts – even thoughts I would label as “too religious”. And just how Saul was blinded by the light in lieu of his stubbornness, I was paralyzed in the realization that sacraments are not evil, religious or wrong. Rather, they are meant to used mere symbols and representations of how much Christ loves us. For far too long, I had judged members of the church councils, priests of the catholic church and apostles from the beginning stages of the faith. For the first time, I tasted a glimpse of the beauty sacraments can bring to the table – pun intended. Sacraments, though they sound binding, were and are still used as symbols and practices which were given to us (Christians) as mere gifts in order to represent and remember the life of

T HE

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

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

How to eat healthy on a budget SAWYER COBB GUEST COLUMNIST

President Trump is a national disgrace

CARTOON BY ERNESTO GUAJARDO

5

O PI NI O N

FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 10, 2017

EAG13B@ACU.EDU

Happy weekend! I can smell the rolls and pecan pie already; we are so close to Thanksgiving break!!! I hear all the time how expensive eating healthy is, and because of that, people are turned away from it. I will be the first to admit that eating healthy can 100% be much more expensive than the alternative, however, it can also be done in a frugal way that won’t drain your bank account. Over the past few years, I have learned a few tricks that really help save on groceries for the week. I spend less on groceries than I ever have before and each of my meals only cost me around $3.

PHOTO BY SAWYER COBB

A few tips that I find extremely helpful: • Go to the store with a game plan. Know what you need, write it down, and stick to the list. I get in trouble if I go into the store and aimlessly stroll, just adding what looks good. • Choose recipes that have minimal ingredients and can be eaten for more than one meal. For example, I made vegetable soup the other day and ended up making 6 or so servings of it and the entire recipe only cost me $12. That is $2 a meal! • Realize that in order to eat healthy foods, you don’t have to buy tons of name brand bars and powders. The foods with the most vitamins and minerals are fruits and vegetables, which are so much cheaper than any packaged “health” food. • Buy in bulk! I buy my flours, nuts, and oats in a large amount and it last me for months. Sam’s Club is a great place to buy large quantities here in Abilene, I also recommend thrive.com for buying bulk items. For more information about how I grocery shop on a budget, follow my Instagram @thewholesomeblogger & check out my blog at thewholesomeblog. com! Eat something good this weekend and relax: the semester is almost over. EDITOR@JMCNETWORK.COM

O PT I MI S T

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