Ebola Is Here The Editorial Board speculates pending pandemics
vol. 103, no. 14
Wednesday, october 8, 2014
Opinion Page 4
1 SECTION, 6 PAGES
what’s INSIDE NEWS Professor recognized nationally by American Physical Society Page 3
SPORTS Football loses third game of the seaon with fourth quarter meltdown
Page 6
OPINION Marissa Jones complies a glossary of terms every senior needs to know Page 4
INTRAMURALS Our Intramurals Editor prepares us for Champ Leauge Rivarly Week flag football
WALMOST
THERE
emily guajardo staff photographer
Chase Hamiltion (Top left), Courtney Spink (Top right) and Kevin Carrol (Bottom right) take a whack at Wallyball in the intramural tournament Friday night and Saturday morning. Wallyball is a sport similar in strategy to volleyball but played in a racquetball court, playing the ball off of surrounding walls.
Page 2
BSA, Wildcat Reign plan masquerade
FEATURE Layers of a Legacy: Dr. Robert Oglesby wins 2014 Teacher of the Year
Page 5
hannah little staff reporter The Black Students’ Association and Wildcat Reign are teaming up to celebrate ACU’s Homecoming with its first ever Homecoming dance. The dance will be from 8-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 at the G.V. Daniels Recreation Center on N. 8th Street from 8-11 p.m. Food, drinks and music will be provided. Khamisie D. Green, presi-
dent of BSA, said the club wanted to bring together the ACU community with a new and exciting event. “We all desperately want to do something to be engaged and to build the ACU community and culture,” said Green, junior vocal performance major from Odessa. “Everybody is invited; all of ACU, if they want to come, come.” Green asked to pair up with Wildcat Reign president, Bryan Maier, in planning the event. The motive
behind Wildcat Reign has been aimed toward supporting athletic teams, but joining BSA to put on this event will bring together cultures and students at ACU. “I immediately wanted to jump on board,” said Maier, sophomore mathematicsteaching major from St. Louis. “Homecoming weekend and everything that goes into it serves to build up pride in our university, and I think this Homecoming dance will help to do that.” The theme of the dance is
“All White Masquerade” and everyone is asked to wear white to the dance. “We wanted to get the university’s attention, but at the same time, it is also our aim to educate students about our African-American culture,” Green said, “which is why we are having the white party. That is extremely popular in our culture.” Tickets and T-shirts will be on sale for $5. The shirts will have the year 2014 on them to represent the first year ACU had a Homecoming dance.
As for future planning, the event is set to be a new tradition at ACU that focuses on the student body and spirit of ACU. “This idea is something that BSA and Wildcat Reign want to put on for many years to come,” Maier said. “This is a great opportunity for students to have fun and for Homecoming to be about them.” contact little at hll12aa@acu.edu
Library laptop kiosk to open by finals SPORTS Women’s cross country places 11th at Chili Pepper Festival in Arkansas Page 6
NEWS Griggs Center plans fall break trip to Silicon Valley
Page 3
what’s online VIDEO Zeta Rho builds the club’s first float for Homecoming parade
Read more at acuoptimist.com
haley remenar staff reporter Team 55 will soon be opening a laptop kiosk. Eric Lemmons, Team 55 manager, said the new kiosk will allow students to check out laptops through an automated system. “Since Team 55 is not open all the times the library is open, we wanted to provide a way for students to check out laptops when we are not there,” he said. “It’s very much like a vending machine.” At the kiosk, students will check out Macbook Airs by following the instructions on the screen. They must
keep the laptops within the library and can use them for a maximum of four hours. “The goal is for them to have something they can take to a quiet corner of the library and work on a paper or project,” Lemmons said. “When students return the laptops, they will receive more instructions on how to insert them into the kiosk which has built in battery chargers. If there are any problems with the laptop, they use the kiosk to make comments and Team 55 will be notified of the issue. This kiosk is supplied by Laptops Anytime and is only available at a few uni-
Mariana cedillo staff photographer
A new kiosk next to the Team 55 station in the library will dispense laptop computers.
see computers page 3
ACUPD releases annual crime statistics report port shows annual crime statistics for the years 20112013 as well as a fire safety report. Early last week, the ACU The report, though inPolice Department sent out formative, does not cover all an email to students and categories of crime, so is not staff with a report contain- a comprehensive reflection ing crime statistics from the of all that occurs on campus previous calendar year. each year. There are many The 50-page report is in other categories of minor compliance with the Jeanne crime that are not allowed Clery Disclosure of Cam- to be listed in the federal pus Safety and Security Act Clery Report, said Jimmy El(Clery Act), which requires lison, ACU Chief of Police. all colleges and universities “It only covers categokeep and disclose informa- ries we are required by law tion about crime on and to publicize,” Ellison said. near their campus. The re- “The data is not reflective of
abigail runnels page 2 editor
every type of crime.” The crimes listed are typically crimes that occur against people rather than against property. This is because of the origin of the act. The Clery Act was named after Jeanne Clery, a 19-yearold student at Lehigh University who was raped and murdered in her dorm room in 1986. When it was made public that the university had hidden other attacks on campus, the protests against unreported crimes at universities all over the country resulted in the sign-
Abilene Christian University
ing of the Clery Act in 1990. The main idea behind the Clery Act is full disclosure of criminal activity with universities’ public. “We want to be transparent when it comes to our crime statistics so our public is aware,” Ellison said. In addition to crimes on ACU’s main campus, the report includes crimes that occur at ACU’s campus in Dallas/CitySquare as well as crimes that occur adjacent to ACU’s Abilene campus. ACU’s Study Abroad campuses in Oxford, Leipzig and Montevideo do not meet the
requirements to be separate campuses but are included in the data for ACU’s main Abilene campus. If students or faculty want to know more about crime on campus or about crimes that are not covered in the report, the ACUPD crime log can be viewed by anyone who requests it. Visit the ACU Police Department on Campus Court for more information.
contact runnels at anr11a@acu.edu
Wednesday 10.08.14
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wednesday
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thursday 8 a.m. AES Club pumpkin fundraiser (through Saturday)
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friday Homecoming begins 7 p.m. Volleyball game at Lamar University
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saturday
12 p.m. Soccer game versus Northwestern State University
2 p.m. Homecoming football game versus Ave Maria University
4 p.m. Kent and Amber Brantly - “Surviving Ebola”
2 p.m. Volleyball game at Sam Houston State University
5 p.m. Homecoming Carnival at the WPAC
8:45 p.m. Homecoming fireworks on ACU front lawn
7:30 p.m. JamFest at the Hunter Welcome Center
Chapel checkup To date:
Around Abilene
Remaining:
34 35 @acuoptimist The Optimist
Oct. 9
Oct. 9
Oct. 11
Oct. 16
6 p.m. The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) will feature original illustration art from Caldecott Award winning artist Eric Rohmann. My Friend Eric Rohmann will be on display until Jan. 30, 2015. About 80 illustrations done in media ranging from oil, watercolor and relief print will be on display.
5:30 p.m. Members of the Abilene Chess Club (ACC) will teach chess classes every Thursday in October and November (excluding Thanksgiving) from 5:30 6:30 pm. Lessons are free and open to the public.
7 p.m. The Abilene Chamber Singers will perform at St. Paul United Methodist Church. This program will consist of American music featuring spirituals, early American composers and contemporary American composers. Admission is $7.
6 p.m. Bill Minter of the Abilene Preservation League will speak about the importanceof preserving Historic Downtown Abilene and lead a walking tour of a rarely-seen abandoned downtown building. This event is free, but requires a reservation. Call 325-673-4587 to secure a free spot.
optimist@acu.edu Announcements If you are a fan of hockey or want to learn how to play, join the ACU Hockey Club! The team plays at the Div. II college level of Inline Roller Hockey. Email club president, Ryan Podany, at rap10c@ acu.edu or our team captain, Tim Holt, at tdh10b@acu.edu for more information. Books in the library are being relocated to movable compact shelving on the first floor of the library. The move will take place through September and October and will make it difficult to access some of the books. The move will open up more of the library for study spaces on the first and third floors. We apologize for any inconvenience and ask that you seek librarian assistance at the main
floor research desk if you are not able to get a Chapel credit in the process! easily find what you are looking for. Looking for a Summer 2015 Internship? This year’s Homecoming musical is Big Come visit with Arms of Hope recruitFish, which centers on Edward Bloom, a ers Nov. 4 at their booth in the Campus traveling salesman who lives life to the Center 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and learn about fullest. ACU Theatre is one of the first in great opportunities at the Medina Chilthe nation to mount a production. The dren’s Home campus. There will also be musical’s three shows will run Oct. 10- an information session in the Campus 11 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. The Center Living Room at 2 p.m. show is suitable for all ages. Tickets can be purchased online at acu.edu/theatre. Don’t get sick and miss out on any fun (or classes) this season! Flu shots are Seekers of the Word Drama Ministry now available in the ACU Medical Care meets for Chapel on Thursdays in the Center for $20. We accept cash, check, Bible building, room 104. Our Chapel is credit, debit or you may bill it to your open to everyone. Come study the Bible, ACU banner account. Office hours are 8 pray, worship, talk and laugh with us, and a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Watch
for announcements of special clinic hours. Come and celebrate the Maker Lab’s first year of making! Tours, demos, prizes and more in the ACU Maker Lab Oct. 10 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. BSA and Wildcat Reign have collaborated to present PHANTOM: An All White Apparel Masquerade Homecoming Dance. The dance will take place on the night of Oct. 11 from 8-11 p.m. at GV Daniels Recreation Center. Come dressed in all white with your masquerade mask!
Intramurals
Flag football season heats up down the stretch THE VAGABONDAGE REC-COVERING SAMANTHA SUTHERLAND ADDICT
DANIEL BLOCK
We’ve hit the homestretch of the f lag football season and there’s little sign of any team slowing down. Of course, a few teams never really got started, so slowing down isn’t an option. I’m looking at you, Thunder Ducks and Boyz in Motion. Only a week remains in the regular season and many teams are fighting for playoff positions. More importantly, perhaps, they’re fighting for the glory of being highlighted in this highlyrenowned intramural column, an honor only bestowed upon those willing to sacrifice pride and reputation for the opportunity to be immortalized by the press.
Men’s Champ League Last night, unfortunately after this edition went to print, Boyz in Motion lined up against Thunder Ducks for one shot at glory. I sure hope one of the teams scored a touchdown. It’s not possible for two teams to lose the same game, is it? Barring a tie, one of these two teams will have finally entered the win column. In what can only be described as a scheduling quirk, Sub T-16 has already finished its regular season with a 4-1 record, while MACC Attack played only its second game of the season last night against Tri Bi Delt. Former ACU pivot and current MACC Attack quarterback John Da-
vid Baker has had nearly a month to study game film. His accountant teammates will be looking to score well on their defenses payable and touchdowns receivable tests distributed by Baker himself. On Monday, Sub T defeated Trojans in a come-from-behind 14-13 victory. Sub T’s Barrett Brown said he believes his team’s halftime adjustments made the difference. “The turning point must have been the Trojans completing their half-time show,” Brown said. “It inspired Chad McElroy to reveal some inspiration in the Sub T huddle. In the form of dance, he performed his trademark move he calls the ‘fast dance’. In response to this glorious motion, Sub T-16 broke the huddle with a resounding ‘Good Ship!’ and took home the game.” Crucial to the secondhalf comeback was none
other than Brown’s good friend and teammate, Tanner Hamilton. “Tanner has attempted to convince me, week after week, that wearing a wrist watch during the game has its benefits,” Brown said. “It became truly evident the second half as he switched his watch mode over to ‘stopwatch’. Tanner was able to clock the second half, reassuring the defense and side line crowd that we were only, and I quote, ‘A few moments away from victory and a celebratory milk shake.’” Women’s Champ League On the women’s side, scheduling has been much more kind to the six teams. Each team will play its final game of the regular season this week. Eta Pi has already locked up first place, but put its perfect record on the line last night against The Heat. Earlier in the season, Eta Pi’s captain,
MEN’S CHAMP STANDINGS AS OF 6 P.M. OCT. 7
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Tanner was able to reassure the crowd we were only a few moments away from a celebratory milkshake” barrett brown senior nursing major from odessa
Marissa Mueller, said, “We’re looking to beat The Heat! There’s only enough room in our oven for one of us!” The game occurred after this paper went to print, but one can look on imleagues.com to see whether Mueller’s statements burned her own team or if Eta Pi came away with a crisp 5-0 record. Alpha Kai Omega and GATA also played last night. Much like Eta Pi, GATA has already locked up its position in the standings. Last. But remember, anything can happen come playoff time. GATA may just be lulling the other teams
to sleep, though that’s hard to imagine when the club’s pledges have been yelling at the top of their lungs every time they walk across campus. The regular season wraps up Thursday when Sigma Theta Chi and Ko Jo Kai renew their rivalry at 8 p.m. The winner will clinch second place. Madison Flowers, Siggies’ intramural director, has nothing but respect for Kojie Park leading up to her team’s crucial matchup. “They are a great competitor for us,” Flowers said. “We are excited to play.” Don’t let the kind words fool you. Siggies haven’t forgiven Kojies for winning Sing Song last year and will be out for revenge. If this was Tinder, everyone should swipe right, because this will be a match worth
MEN’S CHAMP STANDINGS WOMEN’S CHAMP STANDINGS ASAS OFOF 6 6P.M. P.M.OCT. OCT. 77
MACC Attack, 1-0
GSP, 2-2
Eta Pi, 4-0-0
Sub T-16, 4-1
Trojans, 1-3
Sigma Theta Chi, 2-1-1
Galaxy, 3-1
Thunder Ducks, 0-3
Ko Jo Kai, 2-2-0
Squirtle Squad, 2-1
Boyz in Motion, 0-3
The Heat, 1-1-2
Tri Bi Delt, 2-1
contact block at djb13a@acu.edu
Alpha Kai Omega, 1-2-2 GATA, 0-4-0
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news
Wednesday 10.08.14
Students to visit corporate Silicon Valley daniel block student reporter The Griggs Center and School of IT & Computing will co-sponsor a student trip to Silicon Valley over fall break, giving students an opportunity to experience the entrepreneurial world in a new environment. “The trip intentionally tries to involve both business and technology students, giving them exposure to the entrepreneurial process from small startups to established leaders,” said Dr. Brad Crisp, director of the school of information technology and computing. The Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship & Philanthropy is an organi-
zation that oversees a variety of programs on campus such as Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization and Wildcat Venture. It is directed by Dr. Jim Litton and located in COBA. Around a dozen students will travel with Litton and Crisp, to the Bay Area to tour and experience America’s top city for tech-startups. They will visit established, worldleading companies and new startup businesses. The trip focuses on entrepreneurship, and will give students a new perspective of the business world in which many hope to one day be involved. Rudy Garza, junior marketing major from Corpus Christi, is one of the students attending.
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The students get a taste of companies that are established and are still entrepreneurial, but then we also give them a taste of the very small, on the ground, just-trying-to-make-it businesses.”
Another item on the itinerary is a trip to Stanford to explore the campus and get exposed to its brand of entrepreneurship. “It’s kind of like visitrudy garza ing their Griggs Center, junior marketing m ajor per se,” Garza said. from corpus christi A visit to Google’s head offices is also an op“Entrepreneurship is designed to connect pro- tion, but Garza is unsure my focus, so that’s why fessional businesses and whether that plan will go I’m coming on the trip,” businesspeople. through. he said. “It kind of cen“I’m probably honestly The group will visit ters around that in a lot of most looking forward to small startup compaways.” visiting LinkedIn,” Garza nies to get a glimpse of While in California, said. “I’m really big on both ends of the business the group will visit large their company and what spectrum. companies such as Sili- they do. That’s done won“We try to do a little con Valley Bank, a com- ders for me even in just bit of both,” Garza said. mercial bank with a focus my collegiate experience “That way, students get a on lending to technologi- and in my career track taste of companies that cal startup companies. already. Just to see how are established and are They also plan to visit the they operate and how still entrepreneurial in head offices of LinkedIn, they innovate on a day- an innovative sense, but the social networking site to-day basis.” then we also give them a
taste of the very small, on the ground, just-tryingto-make-it kind of (businesses).” Garza believes the opportunity to experience the corporate culture of Silicon Valley will be beneficial to him and the other students involved. The businesses the group plans to visit are thriving companies in today’s corporate world and have lessons to give Garza and fellow students. “These companies are very high-structure, but still have to innovate as if they were a startup that could change things on the f ly,” Garza said.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
ACU to host Christian Scholars Conference CALLIE OLIVER STUDENT reporter The Christian Scholars Conference will take place at ACU in June 2015. The conference will be June 3-5. The theme is One World: Remapping Culture, Trade, Information and Faith. There will be four sessions led by Phillip Jenkins, Christian Wiman, Randall Balmer and Tavis Smiley. “The mission of the Christian Scholars’ Conference is to create and nurture an intellectual and Christian commu-
nity that joins individuals and institutions to stimulate networks of scholarly dialogue and collaboration,” said David Fleer, conference director and professor at Lipscomb University. Dr. Gregory Straughn, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, is a liaison alongside Fleer. Straughn and Provost Robert Rhodes are the connecting points between Lipscomb and ACU for the conference. This will not be the first time it’s conducted on campus. Dr. Thomas Olbricht created the con-
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It’s been a long time since it’s been at ACU so we’re all excited to have it back at its original campus. ”
dr. gregory straughn dean of the college of arts and sciences
ference in 1981 at ACU. Since then, it has moved locations and is now on a four-year rotation schedule. It is administered at Lipscomb University for three years and relocates every fourth year
to a supporting Christian university or college. “The rotation provides the CSC leadership and geographical stability while allowing participating universities full ownership,” Fleer said. The conference is heavily inf luenced by biblical studies which was Olbricht’s original intention. Over the last decade, it has branched from biblical studies and has expanded to include all areas of studies. “The conference calls together scholars from a wide variety of disciplines in liberal arts,
sciences, business, law, education and medicine to develop their own academic research and to ref lect on the integration of scholarship and faith,” Fleer said. More than 50 schools participate in the conference and about 500 people are expected to attend. “Its scholars who identify themselves as Christians within those disciplines coming together for dialogue, conversation, mutual support, testing out new ideas, building and fostering relationships,”
Straughn said. Over the past 30 years, the conference has seen a f luctuation in interest level. “But the last seven or eight years, with David Fleer’s leadership, it really started to grow and take off on a really healthy trajectory,” Straughn said. “It’s been a long time since it’s been at ACU so we’re all excited to have it back at its original campus.”
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Red Thread to expand student interaction tori valdivia student reporter The ACU Red Thread Movement is expanding its student interaction on campus for the fall semester. Red Thread is a sub-division of Eternal Threads, a non-profit organization that aims to help women who are at risk to be trafficked or exploited. Eternal Threads will conduct an open house on Oct. 11 in which Red Thread will set up a booth where they will sell products made in the countries of their specific or-
ganization’s focus. “Eternal Threads has an open house in Abilene where they sell products from all over the world,” said Abbey Moses, junior pre-law political science major from McKinney and president of ACU Red Thread Movement. “They have amazing products from places like Afghanistan, Nepal, India, places in South America, you name it. They are a Fair Trade organization, and they work to empower women across the globe to provide for their families and create sustainable economies with local communities.”
Eternal Threads has a long tradition of working with ACU. ACU graduates Brittany Partridge and Samantha Sutherland started the Red Thread Movement in 2009. Red Thread does not work with Eternal Threads directly anymore, but still maintains a close relationship to its parent organization. “Officially, we are a student group of the Red Thread initiative of Eternal Threads,” said Ryan Clements, senior biblical text major from Azle and officer of the ACU Red Thread Movement. “We’re a little bit of a different situation because it was
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They [Eternal Threads] are a Fair Trade organization, and they work to empower women across the globe to provide for their families and create sustainable economies with local communities.”
founded by ACU graduates, so we have a pretty close relationship with the Eternal Threads office but as far as actually doing things, we’re just like any other group.” As far as activity on campus goes, the ACU Red Thread Movement is starting a book club that
Physics professor receives prestigious award sarah stephens student reporter Dr. Donald Isenhower has been honored by the American Physical Society for his undergraduate research done for the physics program. Isenhower, professor of engineering and physics, received the 2015 Prize to A Faculty Member For Research In An Undergraduate Institution and was chosen for the award out of 750 physics programs across the country. The award is sponsored by a grant from the Research Corporation that recognizes a faculty member in a physics program whose undergraduate research emphasizes the development of physics as well as the professional development of undergraduate students in physics programs. “Research is something that comes from having an innate curiosity about
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Research is something that comes from having an innate curiousity about a subject. I have always been curious about how the world works.” dr. donald isenhower professor of engineering and physics
a subject,” Isenhower said. “I have always been curious about how the world worked.” Isenhower did his first real research project on ion rockets at 11 years old. During his senior year of high school, he built a nitrogen gas laser and took home the prize for the regional science fair. He attributes his desire to continue research and pursue a professional career in physics to professors that taught him while he attended ACU. Isenhower also gives credit to Olaf Ullaland,
a European Organization for Nuclear Research scientist from Norway from whom he claims he learned the most. Dr. Isenhower’s award focused on his knowledge and research on building detectors which he researched immensely when he returned to ACU in 1986 to work under Dr. Michael Sadler, professor of engineering and physics. “This is a great honor for Donald, the Department of Engineering and Physics and ACU,” said Dr. Rusty Towell, professor and chair of engineering and physics in a released statement. “Our university is now part of a very small and elite group of schools that have been awarded this honor more than once.” Isenhower said if a professor can get a student to become passionate about a subject, it would result in developing an interest in pursuing the details of that subject in greater depths.
Computers: check-out kiosk to open from page 1 versities. “It’s basically a new technology that we are trying to figure out,” said Kay Reeves, executive director of information technology at ACU. Because it is so new, there are still several steps to be taken before it can be opened. “We’re currently in
the process of working out authentication,” Lemmons said. They have not yet decided whether only a username and password will be required or if student ID cards will be more secure, Lemmons said. Lemmons and Reeves have a goal for the kiosk to be available during finals week, but hope it
will be open earlier. “That’s when business really picks up in the library,” Reeves said. For now, students can can expect the laptop kiosk to be open by finals week.
contact remenar at hrr13a@acu.edu
“It wouldn’t have been possible without the environment that I was exposed to as a student at ACU and then the freedom I was given when I returned as a professor to ACU to do research,” he said. “That is something that is changing and must continue to change at ACU.”
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
abbey moses junior pre-law political science major from mckinney
will focus on the business aspect of human trafficking. “We’re going to be reading a book called Inside the Business of Trafficking and it’s going to take a look at the business side of it,” Moses said. “It’s a really cool opportunity for students to learn why
people sell other human beings because it’s really easy to say, ‘Oh that’s really awful; no one should sell someone else for sex,’ but then you look at it from a business standpoint, and there are reasons it’s still in practice today and is one of the largest growing industries.” The book club will meet once every two weeks and is free as the Honors College who will provide all of the books.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Opinion
Friday 10.08.14
4
editorial
Ebola virus is hitting close to home. Literally. the issue It’s undeniable that the Ebola virus is spreading. It showed up in Dallas last week and in Western Europe yesterday.
our take The United States is well prepared to handle the disease, but other countries, not so much. We need send the resources West Africa needs to stop the spreading.
Ebola is hitting close to home. Literally. Dr. Kent Brantly, the first Ebola patient in the U.S. and ACU alumnus, is returning to Abilene this week for a homecoming visit. In the same week we learned Brantly was coming, the first person to be diagnosed with Ebola in the U.S. was admitted to a Dallas hospital—
a mere 180 miles away from Abilene. The disease we thought was a continent away and of nearly zero threat to the United States is now making us do a double take. It was early summer when reports of the outbreak in West Africa began showing up in American news outlets.
But U.S. concern really spiked when aid workers, Brantly and Nancy Writebol, were brought to the U.S. after contracting the disease in Liberia. Still, Americans were told not to worry. On Aug. 5, the Washington Post editorial board said, “With a welldeveloped public health infrastructure, the virus is not likely to become a contagion in the United States.” On Sept. 7, President Obama said, “Americans shouldn’t be concerned about the prospects of contagion here in the United States, shortterm,” on NBC’s Meet the Press. “Because this is not
an airborne disease.” And then last Tuesday, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital quarantined the first ever Ebola diagnosis on American soil. Yesterday, it was reported that a nurse in Spain infected with Ebola continued treating other patients after she caught the virus from a sick missionary priest. Even though we were surprised and many leading voices were proven wrong, they are still telling us it’s not necessary to break out the hazmat suits. Officials say the general public is not at
DAILY doodle dosage
Ben Todd
risk, nor are the passengers on the f light the patient took from Liberia to Dallas because Ebola does not become contagious until the victim begins showing symptoms such as fever or vomiting. The U.S. is the most equipped country in the world for Ebola to land in. We can respond quickly and effectively with some of the best facilities and medical expertise in the world. But if the disease has been able to make its way to the U.S., what would stop it from spreading to other parts of the world? Specifically countries without modern healthcare systems or the sanitary conditions of the developed world? While we don’t expect Ebola to make its way to Abilene, we will not be surprised by the efforts
of federal governments to quarantine, mass detainments or force treatments against the will of patients. Although they sound drastic, these are the types of measures that are more plausible than we realize when a global pandemic is on the line. The U.S. should support whatever it takes to help regulate the chaos at the source by educating and informing Liberia on the best methods of care and disease control mechanisms. The U.S. is prepared, so it’s time to invest in preparing others. Maybe Dr. Brantly’s visit to campus on Friday can enlighten us on how to do just that.
contact The Optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
hashtagACU Oct. 5 9:27 a.m.
It’s amazing how nice hair can look when you wash it
@marafleet
White Out Shotwell on Saturday!! #WhiteOut2014 #ACUHomecoming
Oct. 6 4:38 p.m.
@ACUWildcatReign
Talking to a squig today: “why have an apple phone when you can have a banana?” #pledging #ACUdifference
California native, Texas convert FUNNY HOW VAGABONDAGE THAT WORKS SAMANTHA SUTHERLAND EMILY SEIDEL
One afternoon this summer, a woman at my church here in Abilene invited the congregation to her ranch for a barbecue after service. I had never been to a cattle ranch before, so I eagerly accepted and headed out to the middle of nowhere for an evening of games and food with my friends. Her husband made some of the best burgers I have ever eaten in my life. While I was eating, the hostess came over to the table and asked everyone how the food was. “It’s delicious,” I said, burger in hand. “Oh good,” she smiled back at me. “Well, don’t tell my daughter, but that was her pet cow Stella you’re eating.” And that was the first time I had ever eaten someone’s pet. “Only in Texas,” I thought.
Being from California, this was only one of many culture shocks I’ve experienced since moving to Texas last fall. Just for fun, I’ve put together a list of some of the major differences I’ve experienced since I came to the best gosh darn state in the country. 1. Politics. Back home in Los Angeles, it’s uncommon to see a car without some sort of Obama or “Coexist” bumper sticker, and Bush is a four-letter word. This, however, is the land of “Nobamas” and “Don’t Mess With Texas” signs, and George W. Bush is the best president who’s ever lived. 2. Gas prices. Gas in California is over $4 right now, with the possibility of reaching $5 by January. Right now, I’m paying $2.98 per gallon. This is probably my most convincing reason not to
move back home. 3. Whataburger vs. In-NOut. I’ve had Whataburger. It’s decent. I’m OK with it, but I don’t understand Texas’ obsession with it. But anyone who’s ever had InN-Out will tell you it’s the burger of your dreams. No question. 4. A good chunk of Californians are vegans, pescatarians or some other sort of picky eater, but those of us who do eat meat have the luxury of pretending our steaks have never been alive. Here, you raise things you know you’re going to eat later. I’m not judging, I’m just not used to it. 5. Dancing. The term “dancing” where I’m from is synonymous with “clubbing” or “raving.” But here, when my friends want to go dance, I know it involves cowboy boots and two-stepping. 6. Football. Los Angeles doesn’t have a football team, so I’m a die-hard 49ers fan. Everyone I know in Texas is a Cowboys fan. Makes sense. But in California, nobody cares about high
school football. Here it’s not an after-school activity. It’s a lifestyle. 7. Homecoming mums. There are no Homecoming mums in California. People wear sashes. Because they look normal. Not like you’re growing a garden out of the front of your dress. 8. Weather. I’m used to a solid spectrum of 60 to 80 degrees all year round. Moving here, I had to learn how to deal with icy roads and real heat. 9. State pride. I have not yet met a Texan who doesn’t believe the greatest honor you can have in life is being born here. 10. Finally, the people. There is a true difference here. People are polite, helpful, smile at you on the street and aren’t afraid to offend anyone or show their faith. And that’s how I’m concluding that Texas is superior to my home state. You’re welcome.
Oct. 6 8:49 p.m.
Oct. 4 10:46 p.m.
Causally driving down dirt roads ghost hunting bc college.
@b_armstrong3
@jaymiejoyce7
Oct. 7 7:32 p.m. Oct. 7 11:28 a.m.
You know you’ve made it when Randy Harris fist bumps you.
Crazy beautiful moon in the east. Amazing sunset in the west. OK, west Texas, you win tonight.
@sbshew @OriginalMScott
Oct. 7 1:10 p.m.
Oct. 7 3:32 a.m.
Finally cracked the case of the Mystery Machine van around campus. Stay tuned for an article. #Jinkies #loth
He wears black more often than Randy Harris” - anonymous ACU professor.
@LambornPhillip An old man on campus just asked me which club I’m pledging. Uhhh these are nursing scrubs.
@linseylouu Boyfriend of 1 year asked me if I wanted a ring by spring my response “I’m not a Siggie.”
YikYak Raise your hand if you’ve ever been victimized by ACU wifi.
YikYak
contact Seidel at eks13b@acu.edu
YikYak
Column
A glossary for all those senior terms no one likes THAT’S WHAT VAGABONDAGE SAID SAMANTHA SHE SUTHERLAND MARISSA JONES
Though it’s still the first semester of my senior year, large chunks of my time are being spent discussing and Googling and worrying about my impending graduation. It’s annoying. I’m convinced I’m using the
same words over and over again. So I’ve compiled a glossary – buzzwords almost every senior is using – so you can understand the annoying conversations those about to graduate are having.
Austin, TX: If graduating seniors don’t have an immediate game plan, this is their fallback. You’ll often hear groups of seniors say “Well, we can always just move to Austin.” Graduate School: Sixteen years of school and four years of accumulating debt isn’t enough. Students tend to choose to attend this to prolong the inevitable - real life. Also, maybe in a couple more years the job market will be better.
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.
published by the department of journalism and mass communication editorial and management board
Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
newsroom (325) 674-2439
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GRE: The SAT for big kids. You take this to get into a graduate school. I was not aware of this until about two months ago when everyone around me started studying for the GRE. What’s it stand for? I’m still not sure. Get Ready Everyone? Go Read Everything? Give Real Effort? Not sure. Letters of recommendation: If a senior suddenly begins to act more respectfully to his or her professor, it’s because he’s realized the
power the professor wields over his future. These letters are the holy grails of a grad school or job application. LinkedIn: An awkward social media platform that everyone feels obligated to connect to each other on because who knows who might be a business tycoon some day. And then professors scare you with stats like 93 percent of job recruiters using LinkedIn to find qualified candidates. So you feel like you should be active on
LinkedIn but still aren’t sure what to do on it. Unemployment: Don’t use this word around anyone graduating. It’s not nice. Unpaid internship: Legal slave labor. If graduate school isn’t happening, this will be many of our unavoidable futures if we ever want a career.
contact jones at mnj10a@acu.edu
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Features
Wednesday 10.08.14
Layers of a
O
Legacy
Jarred Schuetze Chief Photographer
Above: Robert Oglesby won the student-voted award of Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award for 2014 last may at the commencement ceremony.
n Robert Oglesby’s office shelf sit scholarly books of every length about Christian ministry along with with framed pictures from family vacations beside group photos of himself with colleagues and students. All receive prominent placement at the front of the shelves. And each item adds to the layers of Oglesby’s life. On these same shelves, set a little farther back, very much out of the spotlight but centershelf, sits a large plaque that reads “Oustanding Teacher of the Year.” Though it looks somewhat offset from the others, upon closer notice, it becomes clear this framed award’s placement was purposeful because it is a combination of the mementos that surround it. In his 15 years at ACU, Oglesby has taught over 500 full-time youth ministers, and twice as many students have passed through his classroom. In his 30 years at Southern Hills Church of Christ, he has counseled up to 600 engaged couples and blessed countless others. Oglesby’s 18 years in youth ministry have rewarded him connections throughout the nation. Mark Phillips, assistant professor of management, said Oglesby has become somewhat of a celebrity in the Christian community. “I think if there’s anyone that’s in a ministry position in a church of Christ in the state of Texas, Robert probably knows them,”Phillips said. Oglesby’s wisdom is much sought after by students and alumni alike. Rodney Ashlock, chair of the Department of Biblical Studies, said a constant barrage of people come and go to Oglesby’s office daily. “There’s a line outside his door of everybody wanting to spend 15-20 minutes with Robert to talk about what’s going on in their lives,” Ashlock said. Oglesby graduated from ACU in ’81 and dove into youth ministry at Western Hills Church of Christ in Temple. Two years later, he accepted Rick Atchley’s invitation to be the youth minister at Southern Hills where he spent the next 15 years investing in the lives of students. Atchley was a senior at ACU while Oglesby was a freshman, and even then, he said he noticed something different about Oglesby. “Early on, I just noticed Robert was respected, and had a high character and high integrity,” Atchley said. “He’s the kind of guy that you would want to be a role model for students.” For Oglesby, youth ministry is more than just educating students. “Youth ministry is especially important to me because these are the students that haven’t decided if they buy Jesus or not,” Oglesby said. ”I think the battle is won or lost in the early teenage years.” Oglesby never thought he’d end up in youth ministry but said he’s loved every minute. “I’ve never had a moment where I didn’t get to do exactly what I wanted to do,” he said. The importance of church is evident in the Oglesby family. In February, Robert Oblesby, Sr. will celebrate 52 years as preacher at the Waterview Church of Christ in Richardson. Oglesby said his father’s commitment to the church has played a huge role in his life. “He always told me, ‘You can move to a different church and figure out there are the same problems there or just get along with the people where they are,’” Oglesby said. While growing up as a preacher’s kid fired Oglesby’s passion for church, being a youth minister was not his first choice of career. “Everyone asked if I wanted to preach, too, and I said I’d actually like to do anything else but that,” Oglesby said. “I wasn’t planning on doing ministry.” But a few internships changed his mind. He realized youth ministry was where he was needed, and he hasn’t looked back since. Oglesby said he doubted his life could get better, until he started teaching at ACU. “I get to meet with some of the best students in the world and I get to share not just the
classroom with them, but also life,” Oglesby said. “They’re encouraging to me and I hope I am to them.” The sentiment is shared as multiple students recall that Oglesby was their biggest encouragement throughout college. Carleigh Wieder, who graduated in ’14 with a youth and family ministry degree, said he was one of the reasons she attended the university. “When I was looking at schools, I was leaning toward theater. I came in and talked to him and he was so excited to have another female youth ministry major,” she said. “It was really cool to have him excited for me to come to ACU and be a youth ministry major from the get-go.” As Wieder went through school, Oglesby was the one who provided constant support. “When I was taking Greek, I would come to him, freaking out,” Wieder said. “He would tell me he always had a poor grade in Greek, too, but he still made it as a youth minister.” From the first day of class when Oglesby invited his students to his house for dinner
“
I love ‘em. I didn’t realize how much I would love students here.”
with his family to the way he quickly learned each student’s name, Cameron Morris, ’14 graduate, said Oglesby’s care was apparent. “Oglesby shows a level of care for his students that is so genuine you just can’t help but love him,” Morris said. Phillips said Oglesby’s concern extends outside the classroom. He also helps students during their internships as well as after graduation. “He’s genuinely interested in them,” Phillips said. “He really genuinely cares about what’s going to happen to them, and he wants them to do well.” Ashlock said even past Oglesby’s vast years of experience and knowledge, what students really benefit from is his strong faith. “Underneath it all, Robert has a deep love for God and that’s what drives him,” he said. “I think he wants to share that love and help others appreciate God’s love in their lives.” Returning to the bookshelf in Oglesby’s office, in the middle of every book of ministry knowledge Oglesby has acquired and each photograph from days past, is the Teacher of the Year plaque. On the back of this award, scrawled in ink, is the name of every person Oglesby said makes up a layer of who he is. These names include his wife Laura, and his three children, Lauren, Greg and Leslie. Oglesby said he is still embarrassed he received the award when so many other faculty deserve it. He attributes his success to everyone who helped him reach it. “I wrote those names down to say, even though my name’s on the front, these folks really are the reason I’m here,” he said. And, he said, he’s thankful for each layer he’s received, because it’s enabled to him to better enrich the lives of the students he’s come to love. He’s energized every time they enter his classroom and misses them each time they leave. “I love ‘em; I didn’t realize how much I would love students here,” Oglesby said. “I just thought you’d kind of keep this little wall between you, but you actually love these kids.”
Linsey Thut features editor
sports
Wednesday 10.08.14
6
standings
Soccer rallies in double OT thriller daniel zepeda sports director The Wildcats tied the game twice in Conway, Arkansas, settling for a 2-2 tie in double overtime against Central Arkansas. ACU is now 6-6-1 overall with a 3-1-1 record in conference, while UCA falls to 5-4-2 with a 1-1-1 Southland record. The Wildcats fell behind 1-0 in the 24th minute, until Leslie Snider, redshirt freshman midfielder from Wylie, scored her first goal of the season in the 36th minute. The goal came off an assist by senior defender Tiffany Ysassi, who got Snider the ball on the run to put the ball into the net. “When we tied the game up 1-1, we were more comfortable going into half time,” Snider said. “The team was pumped up after this goal, but we could not get another shot in.” Both teams went into the locker room tied up, neither able to get ahead. The Bears were able to go back in front in the 75th minute after a mishandled stop by Sydney Newton, sophomore goal keeper from Mansfield, gave the lead back to the visiting Bears. Kelsey Dombrowski, sophomore goal keep-
Paige Otway Staff Photographer
Freshman forward Chloe FIfer has been a solid contributer to the soccer team this season. Fifer has one goal and three assists for the second place Southland ‘Cats. er from Fort Worth, who started the game, would come back in to finish the match. But it would be senior
experience that would keep the Wildcats from going home with a loss. Taylor Brown, senior defensive from Southlake,
would be the equalizer for ACU three minutes later, as she scored on freshman defender Chantal Kinsey’s pass in the 78th minute to
knot things up at 2 late in the game. “The ball bounced out to Chantal and she received it then sent a through ball in the air,” Brown said. “As I saw it coming, I knew I just had to get something on the ball, so I was able to reach my leg out and strike the ball with the outside of my foot. I honestly did not expect it to be a goal that would tie the game up.” The game would head into overtime, and then into a second overtime as neither team was able to push a score across. The Wildcats had ample opportunities in extra time, as ACU put five shots on goal compared to one by UCA. “Coming back twice as a team to tie UCA was actually very exciting,” said Maria Gomez sophomore midfielder from Naples, Florida. “I think it showed that as a team we knew we weren’t going to lose, we were going to keep fighting and not let down. Even after their second late goal, we weren’t going to give up. It showed true team effort, desire and passion to keep pushing through.” contact zepeda at djz11a@acu.edu
Wildcats can’t close Cardinals
Team
Div.
SELU UCA MSU SHSU ACU
2-0 2-0 1-0 1-0 2-1 1-1 1-2 0-1 0-1 0-2 0-2
Lamar UIW SFA NSU HBU Nicholls St.
Ovrl 4-2 3-3 3-1 2-3 3-3 4-2 1-5 3-2 2-3 1-4 0-6
soccer Standings
Team
Div.
SFA 4-0 ACU 3-1-1 SELU 3-2 Nicholls St. 3-2 SHSU 3-2 HBU 2-1-2 Lamar 2-2-1 MSU 2-3 UCA 1-2-1 TAMU-CC 1-3 UIW 1-3 NSU 0-4-1
Ovrl 8-2-1 6-6-1 10-3 7-5 4-8 3-6-3 4-7-1 4-7-1 5-5-2 2-5-2 1-10 3-9-1
volleyball Standings
Team
Div.
UCA SFA NSU SHSU TAMU-CC HBU Nicholls St. SELU Lamar MSU UIW ACU NO
5-0 4-0 3-1 2-1 2-1 2-1 2-2 2-2 1-2 1-3 1-3 0-4 0-5
Ovrl 10-7 11-7 6-11 9-7 9-11 7-10 6-11 5-11 1-14 10-9 5-12 2-15 6-12
Who’s Hot Junior outside hitter Jennifer Loerch has been one of the Jennifer loerch top five scorers in the conference this year. Loerch has compiled 236 kills at an average of 3.87 per set. Loerch recorded her best game of the season Saturday with 16 points and 10 digs against Stephen F. Austin.
collin wieder sports editor ACU football failed to extend its winning streak to four games as the team lost to conference opponent Lamar, 24-21. The Wildcats dropped to 3-3 overall and 2-1 in conference while the Lamar Cardinals improved to 4-2 overall and 1-1 in conference. The Wildcats scored with 10:29 left in the fourth quarter to make it a 21-10 game. Lamar quarterback Caleb Berry answered with an eight-play, 75-yard drive to make it a 21-18 score with 7:52 remaining in the game. The drive seemed to be over when Berry threw an incomplete pass on 4th and 15 pass, but a highly disputed foul by junior defensive back Justin Stephens gave the Cardinals a first down. They scored one play later. The ACU offense held on to the ball for 3:42 to ice the game, but the Wildcats left too much time on clock. Lamar went 82 yards in under two minutes to make it a 24-21 game. Lamar’s kicker missed the extra point leaving the game at a three-point lead. ACU took over but could do nothing with its next possession causing it to punt back to Lamar with 1:37 left to play. The defense made three stops giving the Wildcats the ball back with 38 seconds to play. The offense could not move the ball and junior quarterback Parker McKenzie scrambled for eight yards to end the game. “It was an interesting game,” said Ken Collums, head coach. “You know the mood swings and momentum was all over the
football Standings
briefings ACU track coach Keith Barnier added 18 new recruits to the track program this weekend. ACU returns multiple juniors and seniors from last year’s team. Senior wide receiver Demarcus Thompson leads the Southland Conference in place.” and two touchdowns on catches for 21 yards and a two tackles for loss and 1.5 receptions with 33 for The Wildcats have lost the night. Junior receiver touchdown. Green-Avery sacks. 377 yards. paige Otway Staff Photographer
Cedric Gilbert runs into the endzone for his conference-leading seventh touchdown of the season. Gilbert has caught almost half of ACU’s 17 touchdown passes this year. ACU is now .500 on the season after Saturday’s loss.
their three games this year by a combined 10 points. ACU’s offense put up 449 yards of offense Saturday including 202 yards rushing. Freshman running back De’Andre Brown carried 13 times for 106 yards after missing two games with a sprained ligament. Junior starting running back Herschel Sims added 16 carries for 90 yards. McKenzie went 20-for-35 for 182 yards
Cade Stone also threw a 65-yard touchdown on a trick play to junior receiver Monte Green-Avery. Senior wide receiver Demarcus Thompson led all receivers with six catches but only had 26 yards. Stone had three catches for 30 yards, senior fullback Jonathan Parker had three catches for 21 yards, and fullback/tight end Noah Cheshier had three
also had two catches for 72 yards and a touchdown. Senior defensive end Nick Richardson led the team in total tackles (10), tackles for loss (3.5) and sacks (1.5). Richardson is only five sacks away from breaking the ACU all-time record for sacks. Safety Justin Stewart and linebacker Justin Stephens had nine tackles each. Stephens also added
“When your up by 11 in the fourth quarter we gave up too many points,” Collums said. “They made some real good plays down the stretch and we didn’t.” The Wildcats’ next game will be against Ava Maria for homecoming weekend.
contact WIEDER at CPW11A@acu.edu
The women’s cross country team finished 11th at the Chile Pepper Festival in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Be sure to follow @OptimistSports on Twitter for more stories and the latest ACU sports news coverage.
Upcoming
Cross country places at Fayetteville victoria rodriguez sports reporter The ACU cross country teams found plenty of PR times and a third place finish among Southland Conference schools at last week’s Chile Pepper Festival. Both the men and women’s teams traveled to Fayetteville, Arkansas to compete in the off-road course last Saturday. The ACU teams ran against more than 375 runners in the female race and 430 in the male race. Every member of both teams ran personal records and proved their
season is headed in the right direction. Diana Garcia Munoz, Alexandria Hackett and Victoria Gutierrez led both teams and finished within the top 20 percent of the competition. The three runners raced against some of the toughest competition they’ve seen since season started. The host team, the Arkansas Razorbacks, dominated the trails with an almost perfect score of 16 points. The second and third best teams were Lamar, followed by Kansas State and trailed the impressive Razorbacks with 81 and 117 points respec-
tively. “I felt amazing during the race and it just got me even more excited to run the next one to see what else I am capable of,” said Hackett, sophomore from Cranston, Rhode Island. Hackett finished 54th with a 5K time of 17:52:9, trailing behind Munoz, sophomore from Phoenix, who ran a season-best of 17:2:4. Gutierrez, freshman from Abilene, claimed a time of 18:13.2 and the 76th spot across the finish line. “The way that our team performed is just another indicator of the rewards
that will come if we just get past the fear of pushing our limits,” Hackett said. Daniel Block, senior from Saskatchewan, Canada, led the men’s team, a feat he has repeated three times in the past four meets. The runner clocked an 8K time of 26:24:8 and took 154th place out of the 430 runners. “I was happy with how my race played out,” Block said. “I was hesitant to push myself too hard after my DNF last weekend, so the fact that I ran a solid race while being fairly conservative gives me a lot of confidence going forward.” The rest of the men’s
team finished under the 30-minute mark and ran well as a group. Ryan Clearly, freshman from Prosper, ran a time of 27:07:3, and Sterlen Paul, sophomore from Enterprise, Trinidad and Tobago, ran a time of 27:15:9, earning the the second and third best performances for the men’s team. The cross country teams will run again on Oct. 11 in San Antonio at the Incarnate Word Invitational.
contact rodriguez at vjr10a@acu.edu
Women’s volleyball plays this Thursday at Incarnate Word. The match starts at 7 p.m. Women’s soccer kicks off Homecoming with a game this Friday at 12 p.m. against Northwestern State. Women’s volleyball returns home Saturday to play Sam Houston State. The match starts at 11 a.m. Football plays its last non-conference game of the year Saturday at 2 p.m. The Wildcats face off against NAIA Ave Maria at Shotwell.