For those who served Local veterans honored at Chapel Photos Page 5 vol. 103, no. 23
wednesday november 12, 2014
1 SECTION, 6 PAGES
what’s INSIDE NEWS The third floor of the Library removes books for open space Page 3
SPORTS ‘Cats struggle against Demons. Fall 34-10 in final home game
Page 6
OPINION Allison knows how to tackle that end-ofsemester freak out that is headed our way Page 4
NEWS Ethnos Culture Show wraps up weekend with nearly 1,000 in attendence Page 3
Erika Bolado staff Photographer
April Anthony, Dr. Robert Rhodes, Kay Onstead, Dr. Phil Schubert, Larry Gill of the Dodge Jones Foundation, Rodney Johnson and Dr. Barry Packer, break ground for the new Onstead Science Center at a ceremony after Chapel on Monday.
Ground breaks on new science center
OPINION There isn’t much moving in on the Hill. Why isn’t the prime real estate acting like it should?
Page 4
SPORTS Volleyball picks up two important wins against Nicholls and McNeese Page 6
NEWS BSA plans event for students to show off their talent
Page 3
what’s online VIDEO See our video coverage of the groundbreaking ceremony
Read more at acuoptimist.com
reese gwin staff reporter Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university joined Kay Onstead and others in a ceremony Monday to break ground on the Onstead Science Center, which . The ceremony marks the third project already under way as part of the Vision in Action initiative. Last spring, Onstead committed $10 million toward the project in honor of her late husband, former ACU trustee Robert Onstead. “She was the visionary leader that began this in-
credible journey,” Schubert said in Chapel Monday before the groundbreaking. In honor of that vision, the new building will be named after Onstead and her husband. The Robert R. and Kay Onstead Science Center will eventually replace what is now the Foster Science Building and Walling Lecture Hall. Foster has served as the university’s science building for more than 70 years. “The center will be a showpiece on this campus for years to come,” Schubert said. “And I can’t think of anything better than to have it named for two of the most
selfless and generous people I’ve ever had the privilege to meet.” The ceremony started in symbolism as Schubert walked Kay Onstead to the groundbreaking site. It was one of her gifts that originally funded Schubert’s scholarship to ACU in the late ‘80s, he said. Now, 30 years later, another of her gifts has sparked the vision to transform the campus under his leadership as president. Dr. Robert Rhodes, provost, formally began the reception. Charlie Onstead, Kay and Robert Onstead’s son, and Maxwell Moore, senior
biochemistry major from Abilene, also spoke to those in attendance, with closing remarks coming from Schubert. “The possibility of a donation that would honor her husband’s memory has evolved collectively with the Halbert and Anthony families into the single largest gift in ACU history,” said Charlie Onstead, an ACU trustee. “I know that my mother is proud to have been at the forefront of that.” In addition to the Onstead’s $10 million donation, a portion of April and Mark Anthony’s $30 million gift will go toward the project.
The Dodge Jones Foundation and the Diane Graves Owen Foundation are also supporting the new building financially as bart of a combined $8 million grant. “I cannot even comprehend the amount of money, but the value is so much more than the number of dollars,” Moore said. “The value is in the fact that its another form of investment in ACU students that they believe in us and our futures.”
contact gwin at erg12a@acu.edu
Veteran’s Day Chapel honors military sarah stephens student reporter The university honored all branches of the armed forces as part of a Chapel service to commemorate Veterans Day. Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, opened the ceremony while American flags and patriotic symbols surrounded attendees to serve as reminders. The assembly honored those who have served and those who currently serve in the military. Veterans
young and old were encouraged to stand as the student body and faculty applauded them for years of service. Jessica Bryan, senior biology major from Copperas Cove said she was thankful the university takes time out of the day every year to honor the men and women that fight for the freedom of our country. “As the daughter of a recently retired military officer, it has always been a special time for me to appreciate what my dad and others have done for this
country,” she said. “We are blessed people.” The tribute featured performances by ACU’s A Cappella Chorus. The ACU choirs have been involved in the Veterans Day tribute since it began as Armistice Day in 1919 and have taken the lead in performing at the event over the years. Previous performances include involvement from the Big Purple Band. “When it’s time to pull out Veterans Day music, students usually cheer,” said Jeff Goolsby, direcsee photos page 5
emily guajardo Staff Photographer
Community members gather in Moody Collisuem to recognize and honor veterans in Chapel on Tuesday.
SALT cooks up Turkeys for Taylor effort tori valdivia student reporter The Service Action Leadership Team is calling all ACU affiliates to give back this holiday season by participating in Turkeys for Taylor. Turkeys for Taylor, a project facilitated by SALT, provides a full Thanksgiving meal to 70 families of Taylor Elementary School just south of campus next to the Sanders Intramural Field.
The meals are delivered in a box that includes a turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, corn bread, green beans, sweet potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, fruit cocktail, rice, macaroni and cheese, dessert and a roasting pan. “We’re accepting monetary donations in order to raise enough money to provide 70 families with a full meal on Thanksgiving that are in need,” said Kaitlin Jarrold, SALT special events coordinator. “Right now, we are in the process
of gathering donations.” The cost of each meal is $70. “Our goal is to get as many people on campus as possible – students, staff and faculty – to donate toward the cause,” said Mary Beth Cuevas, assistant director for ministry and services and associate director of leadership camps. Gamma Sigma Phi and GATA are among the social clubs that have already donated money to Turkeys for Taylor this year. Both clubs contributed money
Abilene Christian University
from their homecoming parade float winnings. GSP gave $1,000 and GATA gave $500. “We have a lot of support making Turkeys for Taylor an integrated event which is kind of how ACU works,” said Jarrold, senior nutrition major from San Diego. “If they see a need, then they see to it that it’s fulfilled.” SALT is asking that all donations to be turned in by Nov. 20, as they will be delivering the meals on Nov. 24.
“Delivering those meals is a real blessing to them as well as us,” Jarrold said. “You can just see in their eyes how appreciative they are when you hand them the box. To see that they are so blessed is kind of a blessing on yourself and you know that the couple dollars you donated really do make a difference. I’m just really glad to be a part of it.” contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Wednesday 11.12.14
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wednesday
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thursday Spring/summer 2014 registration: freshman 8:30 p.m. Mu Phi Benefit Recital
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friday 7 p.m. Volleyball game versus Stephen F. Austin State University
saturday
2 p.m. Volleyball game versus Northwestern State University
Last day to withdraw from a course 7 p.m. Men’s basketball game versus Hillsdale Freewill Baptist
7:30 p.m. M.L. Daniels Prize Composition Contest Recital
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5 p.m. Women’s volleyball game versus Wayland Baptist 6 p.m. Football game at Stephen F. Austin State University
Chapel checkup To date:
Around Abilene Remaining:
58 14 @acuoptimist The Optimist
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Nov. 15
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7:30 p.m. McMurry University Theatre Department’s production of Over the River and Through the Woods begins, and runs until Nov. 22. The play features Nick, who deals with his loving (but loud) grandparents as they scheme to keep him from accepting the promotion of his dreams and moving to Seattle. Visit http:// mcm.edu/theatre for more details.
9 a.m. Join Dyess Spouses’ Club for our First Annual “Turkey Trot” at Dyess Air Force Base. We will start the 5K run/walk on Fifth Street and end at the Dyess Event Center. $25 preregistration, $30 day of trot, $20 pre-registration for groups of 5+. T-shirts included in registration, prizes for top three runners and fun raffle giveaways. For more info and to register online visit www.dyessspousesclub.com.
11 a.m. “Kumbh Mela,” an exhibit of photographs taken by National Geographic creative photographer Greg Davis at the largest religious pilgrimage in human history, held in northern Indian in 2012. Runs through Nov. 22. Includes the award-winning short film Cloth Paper Dreams about three of the individuals who attended the festival. Visit http://center-arts.com for more.
4 p.m. Give back to the community this holiday season! Join us at the Food Bank of West Central Texas to help package meals for families in need this holiday season through the Fisher Shares and Cares program. T-shirts and pizza will be provided! Sign up early by calling (325) 6956311. Visit http://www. fbwct.org/calendar.htm for more.
optimist@acu.edu Announcements Seekers of the Word Drama Ministry meets for Chapel on Thursdays in the Bible building, Room 104. Our Chapel is open to everyone. Come study the Bible, pray, worship, talk and laugh with us, and get a Chapel credit in the process! Don’t get sick and miss out on any fun (or classes) this season! Flu shots are now available in the ACU Medical Care Center for $20. We accept cash, check, credit, debit or you may bill it to your ACU Banner account. Office hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Watch for announcements of special clinic hours.
Come to Chapel on the Hill Thursdays for Drenched a cappella chapel. See you there for a time of fellowship and reflection! SSWA is collecting donations for the Community youth outreach in Conroe, TX until Nov. 24. You can place your donations in the box in the Campus Center. Items such as toiletries, small notebooks, pens, sunscreen, repellent, bandages, hand sanitizer, Tylenol and clothes for 16 to 24-year-olds are welcomed! Looking for a summer job? Visit the various camp booths in the Campus Center Nov. 12-13 to learn more.
Need a little extra cast for the semester? Participate in cognitive psychology research! You can expect to earn $5-10 in 30 minutes! Email arp10d@acu.edu to sign up. Dead Man’s Cell Phone is the Cornerstone production by ACU Theatre. The play runs Nov. 17-22 in Fulks Theatre at 7:30 p.m. There will be a talkback after every performance. Recommended for ages 13 and older. Struggling with time management, stress, motivation, studying or test anxiety? The Academic Development Center is here to help. Schedule an appointment with an academic coach today!
For 31 days of December, the women of International Justice Mission are wearing dresses to raise money and awareness for women who have been exploited for their femininity. Please consider donating or getting involved with the cause! Contact jem11c@acu. edu for more information. You can sign up at www.dressemberfoundation.org. BSA presents An Original ACU Talent Show hosted by Ryan Woods and Khaylor Pruitt! Come out and enjoy acts showcased by your very own classmates on the night of Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in the ACU Amphitheater!
Intramurals
Early-season favorites remain on top in IMs THE VAGABONDAGE REC-COVERING SAMANTHA SUTHERLAND ADDICT
DANIEL BLOCK
The intramural volleyball and waterball seasons are relatively short, as next week will be the final week of the regular season for both sports. Most preseason favorites have established themselves as front runners in their respective leagues, leaving their competition gasping for air at the bottom of the pool... er ...standings. Women’s Champ Volleyball The club teams have taken over the top three spots, though placements likely will have changed after last night’s games. Ko Jo Kai and Sigma Theta Chi own identical 3-0 records, while GATA is close behind at 2-0. GATA played the Siggies Tuesday night, so one team will have fallen at least one spot in the standings. The Kojies play the
Siggies in each team’s last regular-season game Thursday at 9 p.m. in what could very well be a battle for first place overall. The match has been dubbed the “Oversized T-shirt and Nike Athletic Shorts Bowl.” Men’s Champ Volleyball Not much has changed in the standings. Gamma Sigma Phi and She Set Yes were tied at the top at 3-0 after Monday night, although She Set Yes played Hakuna Matata in the battle of the Terribly Named Teams on Tuesday. GSP and She Set Yes are mid-season favorites to clash in the final. This would be a rematch of last year’s championship game, when She Set Yes was known as the Kaneko Brothers. Tro-
jans, currently in third at 2-1, hope to have something to say about that after they came within a point of defeating She Set Yes before the defending champions rallied for five straight points to win the third set. GSP plays Galaxy Thursday at 8 p.m. with hopes of moving to 4-0 and setting up a firstplace showdown with She Set Yes next week. Hunter Haley credits Will Mack for GSP’s hot start to the season. “He’s been the most valuable asset to our team this season,” Haley said. “His motivational speeches and good looks guarantee our team a victory each week.” Sub T-16 and Galaxy played in one of the most eventful games of the week, as Sub T’s first set win came by a score of 37-35. The set lasted longer than a typical Sub T Sing Song practice. The Subbers ended up winning two sets to one, and Mason Smith’s creative collection of one-handed passes almost caused the women in attendance to
WOMEN’S WATERBALL STANDINGS (AS OF 6 P.M. NOV. 11)
Alpha Kai Omega, 2-0
Sigma Theta Chi, 0-1
GATA,
1-0
Eta Pi,
Ko Jo Kai,
0-1
0-1
drop their pumpkin spice lattes as they watched in awe. The men of Galaxy, on the other hand, are simply looking to keep their heads above water. Volleyball has never been Galaxy’s strong suit. The club prefers bathing suits and a good game of waterball. Men’s Waterball Excellent segue. Galaxy’s title defense in waterball is on track, as the Moonies won their first match in impressive 32-6 fashion over GSP2. They don’t play at all this week, but play backto-back nights next week against Frater Sodalis and GSP. GSP’s top team isn’t rolling over, though, and currently sits atop the standings at 2-0 after lopsided victories over Trojans and Sub T. I watched most of the GSP/Sub T game and realized I still have no idea how waterball is meant to be played. Maybe it’s because Sub T is awful at waterball. Or possibly because the caps the players
wear make me think of Princess Leia. Either way, I’ll have to catch another game to fully grasp the concept. GSP and Galaxy play Tuesday at 8 p.m. in what will likely be a showdown for first place and a great opportunity for me to learn the game. GSP’s Haley tried to fill me in on some of the finer points of the sport. “The most difficult thing about waterball is that it requires a mix between having a great personality and choosing the right length of swim suit that provides just enough thigh exposure,” Haley said. Women’s Waterball Alpha Kai holds the early season lead at 2-0, but GATA, at 1-0, remains the favorite to continue its streak of dominance. GATA played the 0-1 Siggies last night, and will face off against Alpha Kai Tuesday. Emily Sears, GATA intramural director and my biggest critic, isn’t letting her team get too far ahead of itself.
“We fully intend to take the four-peat,” Sears said. “But we are smart enough not to underestimate anyone. We know there’s a target on our backs.” Sears offered praise for her team, something she’s never seemed to have for my intramural articles. “Our rovers are unstoppable,” Sears said. “Our shallow end could end lives (while still not getting called for neck) and our deep even scares me.” Sears, like Haley, tried to help me understand the most difficult aspect of playing waterball. “(The most difficult part is) keeping it from taking over your life,” Sears said. “The amount of time I’ve spent thinking about waterball even rivals the number of jokes that fall f lat in your articles.” None taken, Miss Sears. None taken.
contact block at djb13a@acu.edu
MEN’S WATERBALL STANDINGS (AS OF 6 P.M. NOV. 11)
GSP,
2-0
Sub T-16, 0-1
Galaxy,
1-0
Trojans, 0-1
G-Woosh,
1-0
GSP 2,
Frater Sodalis, 0-1
0-1
3
news
wednesday 11.12.14
Local business owner plans fall craft fair madelyn bane student reporter A People Party Productions will have its third Craft Fair Saturday. Jennifer Harmel, owner and founder of A People Party Productions, said the business tries to have two craft fairs a year – one in the spring and another in the fall. This is A People Party Productions’ third craft fair. While the first two were at Mezamiz Deux Coffee House, this fall’s free admission craft fair will be at Kids Village on S. 14th Street. Kids Village is cele-
brating its seventh year of business. Harmel said she wants to be able to host the Craft Fair at different locations to experiment with different courtyards. “It goes right along with what A People Party Productions is passionate about which is supporting local businesses,” Harmel said. “We are going to tag team with them and have a big celebration.” The craft fair will be from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and host around 30 vendors. Harmel said some of the goods customers will be able to find will be repurposed furniture, handmade headbands and jew-
“
This has given people the opportunity to get their feet wet in entrepreneurship.”
Forrest harmel Owner and founder of a people party productions
elry and a myriad of other items. After beginning JamFest at ACU in 2002, Harmel continues to incorporate music into her business life. She has scheduled six musicians to play live music during the craft fair, including a performance by Andrew Holmes. This will
be Holmes’ third craft fair appearance, as he has performed at each one. “I’m looking forward to the musical aspect of it this time,” Holmes said. “We have more performers with longer set times of about 45 minutes to an hour each.” Someone who has helped Harmel along the
way, from the beginning of A People Party Productions to each individual event, is her husband Forrest Harmel. He works with her to plan dates for events, who to bring to the events and anything else involved in the planning process. “I’m definitely kind of a collaborator, a sounding board with Jen,” Forrest said. “I’ve gotten to connect with a lot of people in Abilene, so I kind of bring people together and we have a good time which is our goal with any event.” Student vendors are encouraged to participate in the craft fair. While
the general fee to set up a booth is $40, students are offered a discount of $20. “One of the things we love about these events is that people who wouldn’t normally have the means to set up at an event like this, from stay at home moms to students, are able to do that here,” Harmel said. “This has given people the opportunity to get their feet wet in entrepreneurship.”
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Nearly 1000 attend at Ethnos performance hannah little student reporter The International Students Association (ISA) performed its annual Ethnos Culture Show last weekend in Cullen Auditorium. This year’s theme for the show was “Stories Untold.” The show had a total of 10 acts, eight of which were group acts and two of which were solo acts. The show was full of dancing, skits, spoken work and other entertainment performed by members of ISA and other student groups to celebrate the student body’s talent and the culture diversity that it shares. Monica Bae, kinesiology major from South Korea, participated in a Korean martial arts act. “The process was stressful but you get rid of all the stress when you are on stage and people give you an applause,” Bae said. “It just goes right away.” Bae was a part of tae kwon do act last year and said she saw a lot of improvement in this year’s show. “So we had six boys and one girl, who was myself last year, and this year we had only two boys and five girls,” Bae said. “It was a little bit harder but at the same time easier because they were more obedient. They worked really hard. Everyone was cooperative so it was good.” ISA president Denzil Lim, Ethnos director, said turnout for the weekend surprised him.
mariana cedillo Staff Photographer
Melissa Meyer and Omega Dance company performed an Indian cultural dance (above left). Ben Todd and his partner swing dance across the stage (below left). Monica Bae participated in tae kwon do (right). “It was about 500 on Friday night and 500-600 on Saturday night,” said Lim, senior convergence journalism major from Malaysia. “So about 1,000 total people that came, which it was great.” The solo acts consisted of yodeling and slang poetry.
The group acts comprised of hip hop act, tae kwon do, Chinese act, Japanese act, Latin act, African act, Omega Dance group doing an Indian dance, and the Swing Cats performing a dance. Each group was responsible for creating and coming up with its own perfor-
mance. “They were all original acts,” Lim said. “The groups met up with themselves and put the music together. We just oversaw the administrative work to bring them together and to work together. Overall it was a great and successful show.”
BSA to host first talent show hannah null student reporter The Black Students’ Association will conduct “A Night at the Apollo” Friday, an original ACU talent show. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. in the ACU Amphitheatre and will be emceed by Khaylor Pruitt and Ryan Woods. BSA facilitates community-forming a`nd relationshipbuilding events each year, but this is will be their first time to have a talent show giving students a chance to showcase their talents. “As far as getting involved
in the talent show, everyone is involved,” said Ryan Woods, sophomore pre-physical therapy major from Dallas. “No one will be singled out. There is no excluding anyone or anybody – color, size, shape, anything. Anyone that wants to try out can try out. It’s open to everyone. You don’t have to be a part of BSA to perform.” Pruitt and Woods said the show is not only for BSA or any other specific group because it’s a chance for the student body to get to know each other on a closer level and associate with different crowds than they are used to. The group’s Facebook
page explains how they use events like this to promote the association and expand cultural diversity. The BSA mission statement states, “The mission of The Black Students’ Association is to foster the success and development of the African American student body by creating a community that encourages representation, involvement and inclusion.” Their mission for the talent show is very similar to this mission; they are trying to integrate the entire student body and encourage everyone to attend the performance. The show is free of charge,
Library relocates books to first floor keith sanders student reporter The Brown Library has completed a move of hundreds of books to the first floor and opened up the third floor for a new uses. Dr. Mark McCallon, associate dean of library services, said more than 385,000 books have been relocated to compact shelving on the first floor. “We wanted to improve access to users for print books,” he said. “We feel it’s important for materials to be in the same place.” In October 2013, the Brown Library opened the Maker Lab to encourage increased library use. And this year, the Brown Library has acquired a Starbucks and saw a massive transformation of the first and third floors.
Aside from the theology and reference works, all printed materials are now located on the first floor. “Not only are books all in one place, but the first floor offers better lighting and climate control which creates a better environment for storing books,” McCallon said. The lack of bookshelves opens the third floor granting more visibility for the graduate commons and allows room for further improvement. The library, Learning Studio, Adams Center administration and the Provost are working together to determine uses for those spaces. “The short-term plans are to move additional seating up to the third floor for students to work in,” McCallon said. “The long-range planning is still ongoing. I would like to see academic space for students that can provide
different seating options and hopefully a variety of technologies, things like a screening room for theatrical viewing or an expanded computing center.” So far, the amount spent on first-floor renovations has totaled to more than $800,000, most of which was spent on new compact shelves. “Side by side, there are over 6.6 miles of bookshelves on the first floor,” said Chad Longley, Maker Lab manager. “This is a reflection of a trend we see in libraries across the country, a transition from a place to store books to a diverse learning space. I am sympathetic to those who want to go to a library and see lots of books.” contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
but donations will be accepted. All proceeds will be given to the International Rescue Committee. “I would just like to encourage everyone to come out to the talent show,” Woods said. “It’s going to be a great time. You get to see a lot of the talent that kids here at ACU have. Talent shows really show you a lot about your peers that you wouldn’t find out if you hadn’t gone.” contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
In previous years, campus dance companies Shades and Sanctify performed in the show. Both groups, however, are undergoing some revamping and chose not to participate in Ethnos this year. “This year, they were not around but it’s fine because
it gave us a shorter act to put on for people, Lim said. “It was tighter and we got done earlier, which makes people able to get home earlier, which is easy.” contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Opinion
4
Wednesday 11.12.14
editorial
Development around the Hill is long overdue the issue ACU campus is surrounded by nothing other than a salon and a closed down flower shop.
our take Someone needs to take advantage of the potential gold mine that Campus Court is sitting on.
Three universities. A population of 120,000 people. Three large public high schools. Yet, Abilene is developing like it is something much smaller or unworthy of restaurants that stay open past 10 p.m. At least that’s what we’ve noticed here on the Hill.
While a slow revival has begun downtown with the likes of Abi Haus and Fat Boss’s Pub, prime real estate around campus remains unideal for college students. Not that it is unpleasant, but we don’t see the college crowd getting excited about the new Farmer’s insurance agency that
just moved in down the street from Bitsy’s Flower Shop which has been shuttered and on the market for over a year now. There’s a reason students congregate at Whataburger every night and weekend, and it’s not to hang out with the Greyhound gang that passes through like clockwork. It’s because it’s the only place open that doesn’t check IDs at the door. Lack of things to do has been a classic complaint of ACU students then and now. This isn’t so much a reiteration of that as much as it is a new
question. With development opportunities all over town, why isn’t anyone wanting to move in to our neighborhood? For one, college students are an easy market to target. Slap a hip logo, some cool typography and maybe a punny name on a coffee cup and you’ve just stole about a million Bean Bucks from the freshmen before curfew. Stay open late, and you’ve got yourself the half of the Whataburger crowd that only goes to socialize anyway. Alas, there is someone else who has probably had some of these same
thoughts. Caleb Ensor, Abilene businessman, owns the empty gray house at the corner of Campus Court and North 22nd Street – right across from the new track and soccer field. He said a coffee house at that location could help stimulate further retail near campus and provide a meeting place once the on-campus stadiums are complete for soccer, track and football. “The thought that Campus Court could be so much more attractive and better served as a retail district started the
idea,” Ensor said. “This would bring new businesses and fresh ideas to the area. It would also provide jobs for the students within walking distance and entertainment for all that live on and visit campus.” We agree with Ensor. We just wonder why it’s taken so long for this conversation to happen. And maybe worse, how long it will take before we actually see caffeinated results popping up around the Hill. contact The Optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Column
It’s time for that expected end-of-semester freak-out THE OXFORD VAGABONDAGE COMMA SAMANTHA SUTHERLAND
ALLISON BROWN
At this point in the semester, college students everywhere start to freak out. You know, the preThanksgiving-oh-mygoodness-I’m-ready-forChristmas-but-I-have-somuch-to-do-but-also-Idon’t-want-to-miss-outon-anything-but-also-Ineed-to-pass-my-classes freak-out. If you are suffering from symptoms such as procrastination, mindless Netflix-watching, late night vigils for your GPA
and intense cravings for home-cooked food, you are not alone. Many of us are excited, confused and caught up in a whirlwind of major assignments, but if you’re like me, you don’t know where to start on your ever-growing to-do list. When this season begins, we are faced with a choice of how we handle busyness: Option 1: We can pretend like we have nothing to do. This seems to be a popular option among
hashtagACU
many people I know, including me some days. We say we’ll get to things tomorrow – or the next day – and try to come up with ways to get out of things. Though it may seem like a good idea in the moment to ditch your responsibilities for your favorite show on Netflix, it normally catches up to you when deadlines and due dates are mere hours away. Option 2: We can cut off all access to the outside world and descend to the depths of the library. With this choice, there is a chance of becoming a dungeon-dwelling hermit who survives on coffee and Bean Bucks, but this may be a desirable option for some. Stuff gets done, man.
As one who consistently overcommits to lots and lots of things, I often find myself struggling to balance these between these two extremes. Do I live on a prayer and hope things get done without me putting any effort? Do I forget all my friends’ faces and what the sun looks like at the cost of a 4.0 and a newspaper that is put in your hands twice a week? At times I have found myself in both of the aforementioned scenarios, and neither of them are actually all that fun. There has to be a better option in these seasons of busyness. As I navigate the busy days ahead, I am learning along several things the
way. I am learning to use my yeses wisely. They aren’t unlimited, you know. Take a minute to think about the things you say yes to before the word actually leaves your mouth. I am learning to get offline for a while. The Internet, as helpful and amazing as it can be, is often the death of my productivity. There’s always another tweet or photo on Instagram to look at, but so what if you miss a couple people’s posts. As hard as it may be, try putting the phone down for an hour or two and see what you can get done. I am learning to value the people around me, even when I have a lot to get done. The late night
conversations with your roommate or the time in the library when you get absolutely zero homework done are the ones you’re going to remember. So whether you’re graduating in four weeks, or anxious to study abroad in the spring, or if you are a freshman who wonders if college will be more fun next semester, hang in there. As the cast of High School Musical so aptly sang once, we are all in this together. Enjoy these crazy, busy, stressful moments while they last.
contact Brown at akb12b@acu.edu
DAILY doodle dosage
Ben Todd
Nov. 11 10:31 a.m.
“Feel this paper, it’s my tuition” #thoughtswithryan
Nov. 11 10:24 a.m.
One of these days the automatic doors in the bible building are going to kill me. Literally.
@Schackmann2 @Galindo5Bianca
Nov. 10 5:06 p.m.
Who will be my significant other during this stress month? Will exchange the meals you bring me for soft smiles and strained small talk.
Nov. 11 12:01 p.m.
Starbucks is out of coffee...
@briclose @MattRawberts
Nov. 10 10:03 p.m.
THe library is the best of times (socializing) and the worst of times (attempting to study) #finalsarecoming #loth
Nov. 10 7:07 p.m.
Just walked past a group of guys running through Gata and another group throwing apples at a wall. ACU is FULL of exciting activities!!!!!!
@alikaywould Nov. 11 9:27 a.m.
@AnneliseGilmore
Column
ACU, attendance should break up
ACU should give away free hot chocolate for all the students :)
Nov. 11 10:57 a.m.
Random ppl outside of chapel: “Why are all these flags set up?” “Because we’re the greatest country in America.” Oh.
TRY TO CATCH VAGABONDAGE SOME ZZZ’s SAMANTHA SUTHERLAND DANIEL ZEPEDA
@judyz93 College is essentially just stress separated by naps.
@b_armstrong3 Texas: where everyone loses their mind after it drops below 40 degrees.
YikYak Willing to exchange bean bucks for actual currency
YikYak
YikYak
Attendance has always been one of those things about ACU that I think is taken way too seriously. Class attendance that is. The fact that teachers can penalize a student’s grade just because he or she has missed the class a certain number of times is beyond me. Last time I checked, students pay for classes. Shouldn’t we get to decide how we use our money? Take public universities for example. There might
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be a few out there, but I have never heard of a public university that takes attendance into effect when it comes to the final grade for a class. They’ve had the mindset that coming to class is your business; professors get paid either way. That’s the view I share. We the students are the one’s paying for classes. We are the ones that will have to pay back the student loans we accumulate and it will be on us. So if that’s the case, why should
deciding whether or not we show up for a class hurt our final grade? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not asking for professors to hand out free passes. If a student happens to miss a class that has a test or quiz or project due, and the policy for that class is no late work, then the student is at a loss. If a student decides to miss so much class they become too far behind and fail the final, then that’s his or her problem. But my argument is that over a semester, why do classes require you to be there a certain percentage of the semester if you can do fine even after missing some days? The rationale might be
with good intentions; ACU wants students in class so they can be there to learn the material. But if a student is smart enough to keep up with the workload and only comes in for the tests and quizzes, why should that not be allowed? To me, it feels like we are treated like we are in high school. And at a university where we are given adult workloads and expected to act like adults, it seems contradictory. I think I had another point to make, but I have to go to class now.
contact Zepeda at djz11a@acu.edu
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Features
wednesday 11,12.14
sarah bateman staff Photographer
emily guajardo staff Photographer
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GINA LEWIS
sarah bateman staff Photographer
A ROUND OF APPLAUSE
FOR OUR VETS from page 1
tor of choral activities. “They love singing the music and having the opportunity to perform for such a special event. The choir sees this as an opportunity to give back to our community and all of the veterans who are being honored.” U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Tina Darby, senior social work major from Albany, was recognized along with Korean War veteran A.L. “Dusty” Rhodes. Rhodes, who graduated from ACU in 1959, is a third-generation veteran and served with Marine Corps Intelligence Activity in the Korean War. He was honored with a personal video presentation showing his appreciation to military personnel along with information on ACU’s history of veterans serving in times of conf lict. “I want to suggest to you that the American soldier and Marine follow a moral code of courage that has sup-
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As the daughter of a recently retired military officer, it has always been a special time for me to appreciate what my dad and other have done for this country. ” jessica bryan senior biology major from copperas cove
ported him well in the American Army and in the combat that he is required to participate in,” Rhodes said in his video presentation. “It’s a great feeling to, in some way, represent them today. Our country has been served well by men and women who have given much for many.”
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
emily guajardo staff Photographer Top: ACU’s A Cappella Chorus performs at the Veteran’s Day Chapel on Tuesday. Bottom: Veterans across Moody Coliseum stand to be recognized and thanked.
sarah bateman staff Photographer
sports Wildcats cruise past Cowgirls, Colonels Tori valdivia sports reporter The ACU volleyball team came away with two big victories last week agains conference opponents McNeese State and Nicholls State. The Wildcats improved to record to 4-10 in conference over the weekend, as they took 3-1 wins over both the Cowgirls and the colonels. In the game against McNeese, junior Jennifer Loerch and senior Taylor Nix combined for 26 kills for their team, one of the main reasons for ACU’s success. The McNeese Cowgirls took the first match Thursday 27-25, but the Wildcats took reign in the final three, going 25-17, 25-23 and 2523. In the second match, the Wildcats left their opponents at 17 points, and gave them a record of 14-16 and 4-10 in the conference. “The season isn’t about the amount of wins or loss-
paige otway Staff Photographer
Sophomore outside hitter Erica Lambert has had a solid two-game stretch scoring 22.0 points in ACU’s two wins.
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wednesday 11.12.14
es,” said Nix, outside hitter from Crawford. “It’s about showing that we aren’t going to give up. We are setting the tone for the program under Jason’s lead.” Against Nicholls State (5-9), ACU utilized tactics from their previous win to improve their record once more Saturday. The Wildcats fell behind after the first set, 21-25, but then bounced back to take the next three, 25-17, 25-21 and 25-17. Loerch, junior outside hitter from Georgetown, had another 15 kills and four blocks, while teammate Lexi Mercier, sophomore middle blocker from Centennial, Colorado, finished the match with 10 kills and six blocks. “It felt so good getting these past two wins in conference,” said Brooke Ray, sophomore defensive specialist from Lucas. “We are finally playing so well together, and the chemistry on the court is incredible.”
Ray had a team high of 29 digs against the Cowgirls, followed up with 16 against the Colonels from her position at libero. The team has a chance to continue their winning streak and take two more wins this week against Stephen F. Austin and Northwestern State. “This past week has given us a ton of confidence and hope going into this week against two really hard teams,” Ray said. The two final games of the season will be played at home Thursday at 2 p.m. and Saturday at 7 p.m. against Stephen F. Austin (21-7, 14-0) and Northwestern State University (11-16, 8-6). “We will fight no matter what the odds, and we will continue to play with pride for not just ourselves but for each other and the ACU volleyball program,” Nix said. contact valdivia at vmv12b@acu.edu
standings football Standings
Team
Div.
SELU SHSU UCA SFA MSU Lamar NSU ACU UIW HBU Nicholls St.
5-1 5-1 5-2 4-2 4-2 3-3 3-3 3-4 2-5 1-6 0-6
Ovrl 7-3 6-4 6-5 7-3 6-3 6-4 5-5 5-6 2-8 2-8 0-10
volleyball Standings
Team
Div.
SFA UCA SHSU TAMU-CC NSU HBU SELU UIW Nicholls St. MSU ACU Lamar NO
14-0 12-2 11-3 9-5 8-6 7-6 7-7 6-8 5-9 4-10 4-10 4-10 0-15
Ovrl 21-7 17-9 18-9 16-15 11-16 13-15 10-16 10-18 9-18 14-16 6-22 4-22 6-23
mens basketball Standings
Team
Div.
SFA 0-0 NSU 0-0 SHSU 0-0 TAMU-CC 0-0 MSU 0-0 UIW 0-0 SELU 0-0 Nicholls St.0-0 NO 0-0 Lamar 0-0 ACU 0-0 UCA 0-0 HBU 0-0
Ovrl 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
womens basketball Standings
Team SFA NSU SHSU TAMU-CC MSU UIW SELU Nicholls St. NO Lamar ACU UCA HBU
Div. 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
Ovrl 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
Who’s Hot paige otway Staff Photographer
Junior running back Herschel Sims touched the ball 7 times Saturday for a total of 52 yards in his return from injury. Sims is third on the team in all-purpose yards with 665. He has averaged 5.7 yards per touch on the season and has reached the end zone four times.
Turnovers, Demons plague ‘Cats Collin Wieder sports Editor The Wildcats fell 34-10 to the Northwestern State Demons in ACU’s final home game of the year. The Wildcats dropped to 5-6 and 3-4 in conference while the Demons improved to 5-5 and 3-3 in the Southland Conference. ACU started the game off well, recovering the opening onside kick, but two plays into ACU’s drive, quarterback Parker McKenzie threw an interception over the middle. The offenses would not score for most of the first quarter
as they traded punts. The Demons would finally go on a drive that lasted nearly five minutes to break open the scoreless game 7-0. NSU would score 13 more unanswered points to end the half. The Wildcats went from forcing seven turnovers to giving away the ball five times Saturday. Northwestern State took a 20-0 first-half lead and didn’t look back as ACU never got within more than 10 points of the Demons’ lead. The Wildcat offense struggled mightily as they turned over the ball four times. McKenzie’s return from injury went poorly, as he threw three interceptions in the
first half and fumbled on the NSU 1-yard line in the third quarter which ended the Wildcats long drive and momentum swing. McKenzie threw for 270 yards and one touchdown as well. “It’s disappointing when you follow up a good win with a subpar performance,” said Ken Collums, head coach. “Over our last few games, we either play real clean or we turn the ball over a lot and that’s a lot of inconsistency.” Quarterback Kade Munden led the team in rushing with 35 yards, as he was brought in several times to give ACU a different look at times. Running back
De’Andre Brown added 27 yards and Herschel Sims had seven touches for 51 total yards. The receiving corps put together a decent game as junior Cedric Gilbert caught six passes for 65 yards and senior Demarcus Thompson caught five passes for 70 yards and one touchdown. Linebacker Justin Stephens had a great senior day recording 13 total tackles and one sack. The defense as a whole compiled 2.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss but couldn’t stop quarterback Zach Adkins who looked comfortable all day. Adkins went 28-for-39 for 238 yards and a touchdown. Receiver
Ed Eagan followed up his 238- yard performance last week with a record 13 catches for 126 yards. “This is a bummer for the seniors you know they were fired up and wanted a win here in Shotwell,” Collums said. “They paved the way for these other guys to take over.” ACU will finish it’s season Saturday in Nacodoches against Stephen F. Austin.
sports reporter The men’s and women’s tennis teams finished their individual seasons last weekend at the Grand Canyon University Invitational in Glendale, Arizona. The furthest an ACU male player went in the singles tournament was second place in the consolation bracket of the tournament’s highest flight. Guilherme Gesser, senior from Florianopolis, Brazil lost 6-4, 6-2 to Poustie of Nevada in his first match, but would go undefeated until losing to Fumagalli of USAFA in the flight’s consolation finals, 2-6, 6-2, 6-2. In Flight 3, Paul Domanski, freshman from New Braunfels, and Marco Bensley, junior from Stellenbosch, South Africa, reached finals in the singles bracket but decided to face different opponents on the last day instead of each other,
both losing their respective matches against their opponents. At the same time, Brad Gleason, freshman from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, won the Flight 3 consolation championship defeating GCU’s Ounanian, 7-6, 6-2. The men struggled in doubles play but managed to rack up a few wins, including the 1-1 records of both duos of Gesser and sophomore Nico Agritelley and freshman Henry Adams and junior Jason Proctor. The women’s team had no such problems. Freshman Whitney Williams and sophomore Erin Walker combined to win the women’s doubles championship of the tournament. After a first round bye, the twosome went 3-0, defeating the doubles pair of Prudhomme and Annoual, the winner of the women’s Flight 1 singles tournament, of GCU in the final match, 8-5. Junior Kaysie Hermsdorf
paige otway Staff Photographer
Freshman Paul Domanski finished out his first fall season with an impressive single finals appearance at GCU. and senior Brittney Reed teamed up to go 3-1 in the tournament with their only loss coming in the semi-
finals of the invitational against Prudhomme/Annoual, 8-5. The women were also
briefings Be sure to follow @OptimistSports on Twitter for more stories and the latest ACU sports news coverage.
Upcoming contact Wieder at cpw11a@acu.edu
Tennis finishes up successful fall season collin thompson
Junior outside hitter Jennifer Loerch recorded 35.5 loerch points in the Wildcats last two Southland Conference wins. Loerch ranks fifth in the conference in kills per set with 3.70
able to get it done on the court in the singles tournament, including a strong performance by Williams, who took the Flight 2 women’s singles championship, 6-1, 7-6(3), over Petrzalkova of GCU. Freshman Carli Knezevich and sophomore Ansley Boarman also showed up to play, tying for the consolation Flight 2 championship and won both of their final individual matches, with Knezevich winning against Joyce of NMSU, 6-3, 6-1 and Boarman winning 2-6, 6-2, 10-6 over GCU’s Rinaldi. Both tennis teams will look to build off this tournament and their offseason individual season performances as a whole as they look to help the team compete in 2015 when the official team season starts next semester.
contact thompson at Cnt13c@acu.edu
Women’s volleyball will play Stephen F. Austin in Moody Colisuem Thursday. The match will begin at 7 p.m. Men’s basketball begins it’s season this Friday at home against Hillsdale Baptist. The game will begin at 7 p.m. Women’s volleyball will play it’s final game of the season Saturday at home against Northwestern State. The match will begin at 2 p.m. Football finishes out it’s season Saturday in Nacodoches. ACU will play Stephen F. Austin at 3 p.m. Women’s basketball also starts it’s season Saturday against Wayland Baptist. The game will begin at 5