OPTIMIST THE
FRIDAY December 7, 2007 Vol. 96, No. 27 1 sections, 8 pages www.acuoptimist.com
Vacations, school, cartoons alone time and musicals
Arts Editor Sara Snelson examines her top six Christmas movies of all time, page 3
There’s no break in basketball
Textbook buyback
Students can sell their books to The Campus Store beginning during finals week, page 4
Basketball won’t get much of a break playing a tough schedule while students are home, page 8
ACU considers renovations to Gibson By Denton Josey Features Editor
Gibson gymnasium could undergo renovations as soon as 2008. As a part of the 21st Century vision, Gibson would transform into the Student Recreation and Fitness Center (SRFC), pending sufficient funding. A committee of students, faculty, staff and adminis-
trators is working with Tipton and Associates on the center’s conceptual architectural design. Additionally, the committee consulted student focus groups, residence assistants and the Students’ Association to gain feedback on the project. Dr. Nikki Rippee, chair of the project, said the committee formed in May. In addition to the student feedback, the committee researched
fitness centers at other universities around the country. “It’s going to be a facility where students can improve their health and wellness, so it improves quality of life for our students, faculty and staff,” Rippee said The construction plan includes renovating existing parts of Gibson and adding several thousand square feet. The total footage would range from 85,000 to
100,000 square feet upon the project’s completion. Once construction begins, the estimated completion time is 18 months. Several options are under consideration for inclusion in the SRFC. The potential options include improved weight rooms, additional basketball courts, racquetball courts, multipurpose areas for indoor intramurals and open gym times, a
community lounge with TV space, new locker rooms, a smoothie bar, an aerobics room and a pool with an outside area for sand volleyball and outdoor basketball. The fitness center would create a variety of jobs for students. Rippee said the Department of Exercise Science and Health would eventually See
GIBSON page 7
Getting serious
Woodruff trial date unsure By Jared Fields Editor-in-Chief
Brandon Dale Woodruff, a former ACU student charged with killing his parents in 2005, still awaits his jury trial and is held on a $1 million bond. Woodruff, 21, had a trial date set for Oct. 31 of this year, but has had it delayed when the Hunt County District Attorney’s Office asked a state district judge to be recused, for the judge to be taken off the case, according to the Rockwall County News. No trial date is set, and a gag order is placed on all parties involved with the case, including the judge, the prosecuting and defense teams, people answering phones at the county and district See
WOODRUFF page 7
Cockerell Gallery opens door for Artwalk By Colter Hettich Student Reporter
photo courtesy of abilene police department
Officer Jeff McCoy’s patrol car hit a street light pole after being run off the road by a drunk driver during the early morning on June 5. McCoy was killed in the wreck.
Death brings attention to alarming drunk driving numbers By Karie Schmidt Student Reporter
Sandy McCoy remembers vividly how the night played out — the doorbell rang, and she saw all the faces at her door so early in the morning. A police sergeant, a lieutenant, a Chaplin, a best friend and his wife and a pastor all came to support her and to bear bad news. “It was almost like I thought I was dreaming, and I turned around, and I thought, ‘This is a dream,’ and I turned back around, and I knew it wasn’t, and I could not believe what I
heard…my stomach, I can feel it right now, imagine the sickest feeling that you could ever feel.” This summer McCoy lost her husband Jeff, a father, a man of faith and an officer in the Abilene Police Department, when he was killed in a drunk-driving accident. On June 5 around 3 a.m., Officer McCoy was out on patrol near South 14th and Barrow when Marcos Suarez, who was under the influence of alcohol and driving at a high rate of speed, lost control of his vehicle and ran Officer McCoy off the road and into a light pole. McCoy was pro-
nounced dead at the scene. Officer McCoy has become a tragic statistic in a rising trend. The ACU Police Department and the Abilene Police Department both have been working to keep drunks off the streets through task forces, grants and just keeping an open eye for suspicious drivers. Abilene has around 4,000 accidents a year, and approximately 350 of these accidents are related to drunk driving, said Sergeant Doug Wrenn, the traffic division’s commander of the Abilene Police Department. Since 1990 about 13 fatalities
occur per year relating to motor vehicle accidents, and one out of four are due to drunk driving. Although these statistics have changed in the last year, now about 50 percent of motor vehicle fatalities are due to drunk driving. The Texas law defines legally intoxicated as blood alcohol level of .08. Wrenn said it does not take too much to reach this state and for younger students, “18-25 [year-old students] still have enough immaturity to believe they are invincible.” See
DWI page 7
Abilenians will have a new stop to make downtown during the next Artwalk. On December 13 at 5:00 p.m., ACU will unveil its latest, 2,600 square foot expansion: the ACU-Cockerell Art Gallery. A $3,000 grant from the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council opened the doors for the new downtown gallery. The ACAC acts as the city’s art council, funding exhibits at the Grace Museum and the Center of Contemporary Art and generally promoting the arts in Abilene The new ACU-Cockerell Art Gallery, though free of charge, is currently available by appointment only, but Dr. Garlan Jenkens, professor and curator of the on-campus Shore Gallery, hopes it will soon be open to the public. Jenkens, who personally pursues art, songwriting and poetry, has a vision. “We want the gallery to be about much more than just See
GALLERY page 7
SA pushes for even attendance policies By Kelsi Peace Managing Editor
The Students’ Association Congress called for uniformity and reform in the attendance policy on campus at Wednesday’s meeting, passing an act asking professors to reconsider stringent policies. Senior senator Brandon Smith authored the act, which aims to eliminate “varying degrees of restrictiveness and academic punishment,” according to the legislation. The act recognizes the necessity of an attendance
policy, but criticizes the array of enforcement. Some instructors penalize students full letter grades for missing more than two classes, a far cry from the 20 percent attendance policy that is generally the standard, Smith said. Congress agreed with the policy of dropping students from a course if they miss more than 20 percent of class meetings, but requested instructors seek a common standard — and not necessarily the current 80-percent standard. Smith said he presented
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
the legislation at the end of the semester in the hopes that professors would revise their attendance policies over the break. Despite urging from Rep. Tony Godfrey and Rep. Casey Bingham that Congress uniformly support the act, the legislation passed with 37 votes for and one vote abstaining. “The ambiguity of the policy makes it difficult for students,” SA president Matt Worthington said. And representatives across the board agreed – many shared instances of being
dropped from courses for missing more than 20 percent of class because of schoolsponsored activities, losing a grade for being sick or earning a poor grade in a general class simply because of attendance. With the support of Congress, the act will next be turned to the Faculty Senate and Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president of student life, to open dialogue, Worthington said. Also at Wednesday’s katie gager CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
See
SA page 7
Senior senator Brandon Smith presents the attendance reform act to the Students’ Association Congress at its meeting Wednesday.
Abilene Christian University
Serving the ACU community since 1912
ACU Police Tip of the Week Help keep area traffic safe and avoid expensive municipal traffic citations. Drive slowly, stop at stop signs and always yield to pedestrian crosswalk traffic. Report all suspicious activity to the ACU Police Department at (325) 674-2305.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Friday, December 7, 2007
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Calendar & Events
Friday
Last day of class Last day to withdraw from the university 7 p.m. Power103 will broadcast live from JavaCity on Ambler across from Hardin-Simmons University until 9 p.m. Come in and meet the DJs over a cup of coffee.
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Saturday
7 p.m. ISA, Essence of Ebony and Hispanos Unidos will host a combined Christmas Party at the University Park Clubhouse. Bring a friend and enjoy free food, music and games.
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Monday
Dead Day (no classes)
Final Exams
7 p.m. The Rockin Extensions and Play Heaven will perform at Monks Coffee Shop. The show will cost $5 per person.
Announcements
Volunteer Opportunities days a week in two-hour increments until Jan. 5. For more information, contact Jennifer Forrest or Brooke Hearon at (325) 677-8516. Volunteers are needed until Dec. 17 at the Salvation Army Angel Tree in the Mall of Abilene. Mondays-Saturdays from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30-6 p.m. Volunteers will help greet shoppers, record personal information from those adopting angels, log in presents and bag presents. Volunteers are also needed at the Civic Center Dec. 17-Dec.22 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. to organize presents, sort and display toys by age group, assemble food bags for families and assist during distribution days, which will be Dec. 21-23. For more information, contact Cecilia Barahona at (325) 677-1557.
About This Page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@acu.edu or to the Page 2 Editor at mxe06a@acu.edu.
Tuesday
10 p.m. Midnight Breakfast will take place in the Bean until midnight. Use a meal plan or pay $5. The Midnight Breakfast, hosted by Wildcat Parents, will feature karaoke, prizes and a $100 give-away at midnight.
8 p.m. Ian Moore will play at Crossroads with special guest Hurt Street. Tickets cost $15 per person. All ages will be admitted. Crossroads is located at 4216 N. 1st St.
The Food Bank of Abilene needs volunteers to help with its annual Share Your Christmas Food Drive on Wednesday. The food drive will take place at United Supermarket at S. 14th and Willis. Shifts are available from 6 a.m.-11 p.m. The Christmas Store, a ministry of Highland Church of Christ, needs volunteers Thursday and Friday from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to help set up, assist with shopping and clean up. The Christmas Store gives lower income individuals somewhere to shop for their family. Hendrick Hospice Care needs volunteers to accept donations at its “Light up a Life” tree, which will be located at the Mall of Abilene in the courtyard in front of Dillard’s for men. Shifts are available seven
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To ensure that an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style. Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.
Java City on Ambler across from Hardin-Simmons University will be open later than usual during finals week. Extended hours of operation are Sunday from 7 p.m.-1 a.m., Monday-Thursday from 6 a.m.-1 a.m. and Friday from 6 a.m.-midnight. Also, all students will receive 10 percent off any drink purchase with a valid university student ID card, so come study for finals this week at Java City. The ACU Theatre Improv Class will put on two nights of Improv Comedy on Wednesday and Thursday at 8:30 in Fulks Theatre, located in the Williams Performing Arts Center. Take a break from finals and come to one or both shows. Each nightly performance will be completely different, so nothing will be repeated between shows. A Christmas Concert will take place on Thursday at 8 p.m. in the Williams Performing Arts Center to benefit institutions in Ghana, including the Village of Hope, Heritage Christian College and the children of Yendi. For
more information, contact Dr. Tanya Brice at (325) 674-2072. “Food for Fines” will take place throughout December. All Abilene Library Consortium libraries, including Brown Library, will forgive $1 in overdue fines for each can, box or bag of nonperishable food item donated. The Office of Multicultural Enrichment invites students, faculty and staff to join in remembrance of the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Apr. 45, 2008 at Southern Hills Church of Christ. Guests will enter into conversations over Christian responsibilities in racial reconciliation within the church. This event will expand on conversations that were held at the ‘Erasing Racism: Reconciling the Races in Christ’ conference that took place Nov. 2-3 at Southern Hills. One hundred people attended this conference, which was sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Enrichment. E-mail Dr. Doug Foster at fosterd@acu.edu with questions or comments.
Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:
66 00
Police Log Edited for space
Mon., Nov. 26, 2007 7:06 a.m. Assisted Abilene PD with vehicle accident at 1400 Ambler 12:10 p.m. Jumpstart vehicle at Teague Lot 2:22 p.m. Found cell found and returned to owner 2:27 p.m. Jumpstart vehicle at South Parking Lot 3:05 p.m. Jumpstart vehicle at University Church Lot 6:02 p.m. Incomplete 911 at Zellner Hall, misdial 6:21 p.m. Vehicle hit and run accident in Business Lot 8:19 p.m. Contacted terminated employee in Campus Center, was told not to return Tues., Nov. 27, 2007 1:30 a.m. Walk through of Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building 1:55 am Walk through of Mabee Business Building 9 a.m. Unlocked vehicle at 2400 Rountree 9:30 a.m. Vehicle accident at the Grove Apartment Complex, no report made 12:14 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at University Park Lot 2:10 p.m Attempted to locate subject with warrant 7:33 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at the Bible Lot 9:58 p.m. Gave access to Gibson Health and P.E. Center to retrieve lost item 11:30 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at University Park Lot
the Station 8:39 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at 1700 Smith 8:54 p.m. Vehicle hit and run accident at Sikes Lot Fri., Nov. 30, 2007 8:30 a.m. Jumpstart vehicle at Administration Lot 11 a.m. Standby at University Park Apartments. UP staff searching apartment. 11:44 a.m. Jumpstart vehicle at Big Purple Lot 2 p.m. Assisted Abilene PD with theft at EN 10th and Cockerell 5 p.m. Locked main campus 7 p.m. Gave access to Mabee Auditorium for lost item 10:30 p.m. Report of loud party at Cedar Crest and EN16th, leasee warned 10:55 p.m. Assisted Abilene PD with loud party at EN 16th and Cedar Crest, party was shut down
Wed., Nov. 28, 2007 9:15 a.m. Jumpstart vehicle at the Library Lot 11:25 a.m. Theft of bicycle 1:21 p.m. Assisted Abilene PD with vehicle accident at College Drive and EN 18th 1:44 p.m. Parking violation at Gardner Lot 6 p.m. Burglar alarm at Physical Resources, false alarm 9:45 p.m. Noise violation at the Grove Apartment Complex, no violation upon arrival 10:30 p.m. Unlocked motor vehicle at Nelson Lot
Sat., Dec. 1, 2007 7:30 a.m. Unlocked Mabee Business Building 7:40 a.m. Unlocked OnsteadPacker Biblical Studies Building 7:45 a.m. Secured the Fatted Café 8:05 a.m. Unlocked Zona Luce 8:07 a.m. Unlocked Don Morris Center for construction workers 8:25 a.m. Secured north door of the Administration Building 8:30 a.m. Secured loading dock doors at Don Morris Center 8:12 a.m. Unlocked gates at Gibson Health and P.E. Center 8:45 a.m. Discovered broken window at Gibson Health and P.E. Center, no report, old damage 8:50 a.m. Secured northeast doors of Gibson Health and P.E. Center 10:37 a.m. Parking violation at the Administration Lot 5:20 p.m. Vehicle accident at United on Judge Ely Boulevard, referred to Abilene PD 6:55 p.m. Assisted Abilene PD with disturbance at the Grove Apartment Complex 7 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at Nelson Lot 11:32 p.m. Loud party at 600 EN 22nd, contacted tenant, in compliance upon departure
Thurs., Nov. 29, 2007 2:15 a.m. Walk through of Mabee Business Building 2:35 a.m. Walk through of OnsteadPacker Biblical Studies Building 6:30 a.m. Walk through of OnsteadPacker Biblical Studies Building 6:58 a.m. Unlocked OnsteadPacker Biblical Studies Building 8:21 a.m. Parking violation at Teague Lot 9:21 a.m. Unlocked vehicle at Sikes Lot 10:17 a.m. Incomplete 911 at WPAC, misdial 1 p.m. Traffic stop at 1600 Campus court for disregarding stop sign 2:10 p.m. Report of subject on campus with trespass warning, unable to locate 4 p.m. Jumpstart vehicle off campus 4:24 p.m. Assisted student with flat tire in Edwards Lot 5:45 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at
Sun., Dec. 2, 2007 12:20 a.m. Second report of loud party at 600 EN 22nd, assisted Abilene PD with shutting down the party 7:55 a.m. Secured Moody Coliseum and Gibson Health and P.E. Center 8:20 a.m. Unlocked the Campus Center Living Room 8:58 a.m. Incomplete 911 at the Administration Building room 104, no one there 1:18 p.m. Jumpstart vehicle at Sikes Lot 2:12 p.m. Incomplete 911 at Sewell Theatre, no one there 3:25 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at United on Judge Ely 4:30 p.m. Request from student to study in Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building, request denied 4:45 p.m. Gave access to Central plant to work on heating units
ArtsFriday Optimist
December 7, 2007
Page 3
‘Tis the season for deserving Christmas classics By Sara Snelson Arts Editor
I am a Christmas fanatic. Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. There is plenty of good food to go around, no school, presents, Christmas lights, snow and, again, no school. But I think my favorite part of Christmas is all the Christmas movies that come out during the holidays. As the years go by, there are very few great Christmas movies that have been made. Christmas classics never fade out, and I would love to see a new classic Christmas movie produced. But for now, here are my top six favorite Christmas classics. Of course I have more than just six favorite Christmas movies, but these are the ones I can watch over and over again. If you have not seen all of these, you better rent them this holiday.
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1
5. ‘A Christmas Story’
1. Irving Berlin’s ‘White Christmas’
Bob Wallace and Phil Davis are army buddies from WWII who team up after the war as a very successful song-and-dance team. They meet up with Betty and Judy Haines, sisters of an army friend, and they all travel to Vermont. There, Wallace and Davis encounter their retired Army general who misses the army life. They decide to bring their entire production to his inn in Vermont to give him a spectacular surprise and snow. “White Christmas” is by far my favorite musical of all time. Every song and dance gets stuck in your head, and the story provides one of the best feel-good movies out there. No matter what age you are, “White Christmas” offers something for every one.
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The only thing Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Rider BB gun. Only, when he tells his mom, she says, “No, you’ll shoot your eye out.” He sets out to convince everyone he knows that it is the perfect gift, and he needs it. Between having to handle the school bully and his little brother, Randy, tagging along, Ralphie does not know if he can wait long enough to get his Red Rider BB gun. In anticipation of his gun, Ralphie goes through many obstacles: Ralphie’s friend gets his tongue stuck to a pole, he writes a paper about his dream gift, his dad puts up a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg and he utters the f-word in front of his father. This movie is a favorite of everyone and travels into the mind of a child who just wants one thing for Christmas.
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3 4. ‘Christmas Vacation’
2. ‘Home Alone’
Kevin McCalister’s Christmas wish is for his family to disappear, and just that happens. Kevin is left home alone while his family travels to Paris without him. While any kid would be scared, he decides to live it up by going through everyone’s things, shop lifting and “eating junk food and watching rubbish.” When he discovers Marve and Harry are going to break into his house, he decides he has to defend his house and sets it up with painful traps. The two are in for a disastrous break-in gone bad. “Home Alone” can make me laugh no matter the time of year. This movie was an instant classic and deserves all of the praise it has received. It is hilariously painful and a movie that deserves to be quoted.
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3. ‘Elf’
Buddy has always wondered why he is so much bigger than all of the other elves. When he finds out he is a human and ended up in Santa’s sack one year, Buddy wants to travel to New York City to find his dad, Walter Hobbs. While in New York, Buddy finds his father. He comically struggles to make his father want him and to learn the ways of the humans. He brings Christmas cheer to his family and brings them all together for Christmas. “Elf” is my comfort movie. The music and innocent humor makes this an incredibly feel-good movie. Kids and adults will like the humor and holiday cheer it brings.
Clark Griswold is a true family man and wants to bring back the good ‘ole fashioned Christmas to his kids. This involves cutting down their own tree, putting lights on the entire house and inviting the entire family over. Clark wants everything to be perfect, but everything goes completely wrong. This movie is chalk-full of memorable quotes and is never dull for one moment.
6. ‘CharlieBrown Christmas’
Charlie Brown is struggling to find the real meaning of Christmas. All of his friends are obsessing over cards, skating, letters to Santa and the Christmas pageant. Charlie Brown was chosen to get a tree for the pageant, and he ends up getting a scrawny, little tree who’s needles fall off. His responsibility-gone-bad ends up helping all find the true meaning of Christmas.
CAMPUS NEWS
Page 4
Friday , December 7, 2007
Ceramic shop offers customers chance for creativity By Katie Howerton Student Reporter
Mine By Design has provided students a new venue to express their artistic abilities. Located at 4150 Southwest in the Plaza at Park Central, Mine By Design is an art studio and was recently opened by Kristen Simpson, sophomore nurs-
ing major from Abilene, and her mother J.V. Johnson. The purpose of the establishment is to provide a place where people can come and paint ceramics and mosaics and also offers the option of glass fusion. Simpson said she and her mom got the idea to open the business after visiting a similar store in Lubbock. To
get out word of their business, Simpson and her mother have done a commercial, passed out flyers and even rented billboard space. With 300 pieces of ceramics to choose from, Mine By Design offers a great deal of options within a limited price range. The painting equipment is provided; customers are just responsible for pur-
Bean serves stress relief By Kimberly Prather Student Reporter
The Bean will pull out all the stops at Midnight Breakfast on Dec. 10. Every year, the Monday before finals start, Midnight Breakfast, which is an opportunity for students to come together and enjoy breakfast food from the Bean, occurs. Midnight Breakfast is from 10:30 p.m. until midnight. Students can use their meal plans or pay $5 at the door. This year, the classic traditions of karaoke and prize giveaways will continue to take place. Door prizes will be drawn every 15 minutes at the door. These prizes include gift certificates to restaurants such as Chili’s and other franchises outside of Abilene in addition to random prizes like poker sets. All students have to do to be eligible is be present and show their student ID. Like last year, a $100 drawing will take place at the
“The Midnight Breakfast, to me, means the best food the Bean has to offer all semester.” Tami Fleming, junior psychology major from Orange County, Calif.
conclusion of the breakfast at midnight. “Midnight Breakfast will be the same as usual, offering lots of fun and the great opportunity to blow off some steam before finals begin,” said Samantha Adkins, coordinator of Alumni Programs and director of Midnight Breakfast. Midnight Breakfast has been a long-standing tradition for more than 15 years. Wildcat Parents sponsors the breakfast and is responsible for getting the door prizes together. Midnight Breakfast usually has more than 400 students in attendance. The event is open to all ACU students on a comeas-you-are basis. “The Midnight Breakfast, to me, means the best food the Bean has to offer all semester,” said Tami
Fleming, junior psychology major from Orange County, Calif. Likewise, Jessica Rodriguez, junior elementary education major from Kyle, believed that Midnight Breakfast has great food but also admitted to using Midnight Breakfast as an excuse to get out of her residence hall. “I don’t really eat in the Bean, but when I was a freshman, it was my opportunity to miss curfew. This year, I look forward to attending Midnight Breakfast because I don’t really eat in the Bean, and Midnight Breakfast was some of my best times in there,” Rodriguez said.
E-mail Prather at: optimist@acu.edu
chasing the ceramic of their choice. Prices of ceramics range from $6-$58. Lauren Kreitz, sophomore communications major from San Antonio, has already tried the place out and approves. “It’s a really cool and fun place to go with your friends,” Kreitz said. In its third month in busi-
ness, Mine By Design has seen an even balance of adults, children and college students come in for their services. Simpson said it is great for families to come and spend time together and also a place for couples to come on a date. People are even allowed to rent out the place for a large party. “Its just fun for all ages,
and you don’t have to be creative, you just come in, and we will help you,” Simpson said. Mine By Design is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Saturday, except for Tuesdays when it is open from noon to 9 p.m.
E-mail Howerton at: optimist@acu.edu
Textbooks generate Christmas cash By Tanner Anderson Student Reporter
Sure, students can gain knowledge from their textbooks, but starting Monday at 8:30 a.m., they can gain some cash as well. Next Monday ACU is starting up their textbook buyback tradition once again. Students will be able to return their books in exchange for cash throughout next week. The hours for the book exchange will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30, except on Tuesday, when the Campus Store will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30. Students must bring some sort of picture identification with them in order to sell their books. The Campus Store cannot accept books without a photo id. The Campus Store also does not accept books that have missing pages or have water damage; books that have been highlighted or underlined are usually accepted as long as the mark-
ings do not make the material illegible. The book store also does not accept course readers or work books. Some study guides are accepted, so students can try to exchange those if they wish. Also, outside the Campus Store there will be a sign with up-to-date information for the students about which textbooks the Campus Store is not accepting. “I always try and go as early in the morning as possible,” said Jeff Duncan, accounting graduate student from Colleyville. “Sometimes its fun to go when there’s a big crowd. Sometimes I run into and talk to people I haven’t seen in a while.” While it’s always nice to receive a little extra change, sometimes it may be more beneficial for students to hold onto their textbooks. “Lately, I’ve been keeping my books. It’s a good way to review when you get into deeper subject matter. I even took one of my
books to work to do some accounting services,” Duncan said. If students are looking to make money but don’t want to wait in line at the Campus Center, they can always try the World Wide Web to assist them in finding a home for their former books. “I use the Internet to sell my books,” said Brad Chapman, senior accounting major from Mesquite. “I use Amazon because it has the biggest market, as well as the most buyers. To set up an account, it takes 15 minutes, and it doesn’t take long to list the books that you want to sell. I’ve sold three books in one hour before. It just depends when you sell the book and its popularity.” Students can check the demand for textbooks on the Internet just by observing the prices from which they’re being sold online.
E-mail Anderson at: optimist@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS
December 7, 2007
Page 5
JMC department converges on renovated facilities By Denton Josey Features Editor
As students take finals next week, the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication will move back into the Don Morris Building after being displaced since May. During the $1.1 million renovations, which included funds for repurposing space to the relocated interior design department, the JMC faculty taught classes in various buildings on campus and worked out of temporary office spaces in three different buildings. Dr. Cheryl Bacon, professor and chair of the department of journalism and mass communication, said the renovations fit better with a curriculum geared
toward preparing students for professional journalism. “The primary purpose of the renovation was to allow construction of the converged media newsroom. We have had a vision for a converged media space for a long time — we actually worked on funding for seven years,” Bacon said. At the forefront of the renovations is a new media room for converged media. The new room will have video editing stations, television screens for news and an audio recording room with podcasting capabilities. Some elements of the room will be in place by the end of the semester, such as furniture and flat screen monitors, but new computers will not be
installed until the summer. “It is a rethinking of our student media operations,” said Kenneth Pybus, assistant professor of journalism and mass communication. “We need to be in the position to distribute news and teach students to distribute news in the way that the industry is going.” In the past, the Optimist, the Prickly Pear and other student media productions were separate, but in the new converged media room they will all be together. Pybus said that as a graduate of the department, he is excited to see the department adapting to changes in the professional journalism world. “One of the overarching philosophies of the newsroom is we’re all together in gathering
news with different methods of distribution,” Pybus said. Bacon said the reason the department created a converged media room is because in the professional environment, media professionals increasingly have to have skills to allow them to function in more than just one traditional medium. “I think it is the most exciting and dramatic thing that we have been able to do for our students since we moved into the Don Morris center in the late 1970s,” Bacon said. “It really is a state-of-the-art student media space.” After the renovations, all faculty offices and classrooms will be located on the third floor, while the second floor will house the student me-
Starbucks may see upgrade, add bagels By Laura Acuff Student Reporter
Brown Library’s Starbucks is undergoing an evaluation by the Campus Center renovation team to decide whether to maintain the facility as is or to convert it into a fully-licensed Starbucks or an Einstein Bros. Bagel. The decision may be announced as early as this spring, with any potential renovations scheduled for summer 2008, said chief auxiliary service officer Anthony Williams. “We’ve had conversations about this over the last year, and we’re continually trying to make sure that we identify expectations from those who we serve, and then we position ourselves to exceed those expectations,” Williams said. The Brown Library Starbucks claims “proudly
“It is a very exciting time to be at Abilene Christian University.” Anthony Williams, chief auxiliary service officer.
brew” status, Williams said. As opposed to a fully-licensed Starbucks, “proudly brew” level establishments sell only Starbucks’ customary hot beverages. Most of Starbucks’ seasonal items and cold beverages are not on the Brown Library Starbucks’ menu. Lucy Balthrop, sophomore biology major from College Station, said she usually eats in the library at least once a day, mostly out of convenience. While she finds the library facility’s current “proudly brew” status satisfactory, she believes improvements could be made.
“I don’t know anything about Einstein’s Bagel,” Balthrop said. “I think it’d be pretty exciting if they went to full Starbucks, but bagels are cool. It might be cool if they had the same cold drinks as real Starbucks.” Ellen Pfeiffer, sophomore marketing and finance major from Katy, said although she has never eaten at an Einstein Bros. Bagel, she anticipates positive and negative changes accompanying either option. “I like Starbucks because I like coffee,” Pfeiffer said. “I don’t want it to change to a bagel shop if there’s no more coffee, but I would like
the bagels because they’re healthier. It would be a good alternative to coffee and/or the muffins.” ACU’s 21st Century Vision campaign inspired these potential changes, like others around campus, Williams said. “It is a very exciting time to be at Abilene Christian University,” Williams said. “You have a number of different committees and individuals who are collectively trying to offer an atmosphere and amenities that really position Abilene Christian University in a very advantageous position compared to those who we compete against. We will probably continue to try to retrieve information to make sure the systems we’re making are consistent with the system we serve.” E-mail the reporter at: optimist@acu.edu
Concert raises funds, awareness for Ghana By Sara Snelson Arts Editor
What was thought of as a student mission trip to Ghana ended up being just the opposite. The people of Ghana were missionaries to the students and the trip changed the lives of both parties involved. “The people of Ghana showed us how to live and taught us spiritual discipline,” said Dr. Tanya Brice, associate professor of social work. Now, because the students were so taken back by their experience, they are doing something to acknowledge the work that is being done in Ghana and raising awareness about other needs to be met. On Dec. 13 Brice and Dr. Jerry Taylor, assistant professor of Bible, missions and ministry, will host a benefit concert that will feature five
“I would think this would be the time when we would take the opportunity to respond practically to people in need.” Dr. Jerry Taylor, assistant professor of Bible, missions and ministry.
gospel choirs from Abilene in hopes of raising awareness. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to Ghana just in time for Christmas. “What is cool about this is the people over in Ghana have no idea this is happening. It will be a blessing to them,” Brice said. When the group was in Ghana they started a gospel choir that performed. They wanted to replicate what happened there, thus the benefit features gospel choirs. ACU gospel ensemble; George Pendergrass, director of multicultural enrichment; the
Highland singers; Minda St. adult choir and an ACU student group will perform. “This is all just a faith effort; its just us wanting to share our story and give back,” Brice said. Christmas is just around the corner and is the perfect time to give. “This is the time when we spend so much money on people who already have so much. I would think this would be the time when we would take the opportunity to respond practically to people in need,” Taylor said. Taylor said this is only
the beginning of activities to help raise awareness. “Hopefully this benefit will show students they can do something practical to help for a good cause,” Taylor said. They are hoping the benefit will raise $5,000 to send to the Village of Hope, Heritage Christian College and the Children of Yendi. “We have sent letters to all congregations in Abilene,” Brice said. “The benefit is not necessarily how many people come, but to raise awareness of the situation.” It is not required to give if you attend the benefit. Any love offering is appreciated, whether it is now, later or never. It is about the knowledge that will be brought by it. The benefit will be held at the Williams Performing Arts Center in the recital hall. Admission is free to all.
E-mail Snelson at: sas04b@acu.edu
dia productions. Cade White, instructor of journalism and mass communication, said the new locations help students and faculty alike. “All of the faculty offices are on the third floor, they are no longer separated and divided by floors,” White said. “When the faculty is able to communicate and cooperate easier, that’ll only make it better for students.” White said that before the renovations the facilities were designed from a professional journalism paradigm that wasn’t relevant anymore. “News outlets around the world are developing into a new converged medium that includes components for print, broadcast and radio,” he said.
“So far, in our student media, we’ve been making efforts to provide the students with collaboration opportunities, for broadcast and print student media to work together,” White said. Another addition to the department is a student, faculty and staff commons area for eating and socializing. “One of the strengths of the program since I’ve been alive has been that it incorporates student media productions in the classroom,” Pybus said. “There’s no lessening of that commitment, but now there’s a greater commitment to including all of the outlets.”
E-mail Josey at: jdj03e@acu.edu
Maymester line-up to include classes in new technology By Becki Hamilton Student Reporter
Dr. Timothy Coburn, interim director of the School of Information Technology and Computing and the assistant dean of the College of Business Administration, has received three phone calls from people in technological fields looking for students to work for them. “Information technology is a hot area right now,” Coburn said. “The top jobs are in areas of computing.” Because of growth in the job market in these areas and the desire to create awareness of these opportunities among ACU students, the computing department is offering two new Maymester courses. Between 70 and 80 Maymester classes are offered each year, with only one or two focusing on computing technology. One of the new courses, Introduction to Game Development, is taught by professor Brian Burton and aims to help students develop programs in digital-gaming technologies. “The class is intended for students who are interested in the basics of gaming and possibly a profession in that,” Coburn said. Burton, a first-year faculty member at ACU, is a professor of Information Technology. ACU hired him after he successfully created a similar degree plan at Missouri State University. “We as Christians need to be leading the field of entertainment rather than fol-
lowing it,” Burton said. He said through gaming courses, students would have the opportunity to learn how to create special effects for TV shows like CSI or video games like Guitar Hero. Burton hopes students will learn how to “develop and design the story behind a game or movie” and receive useful feedback on their ideas through his Maymester course. Professor Fortune Mhlanga will teach the other new course, entitled Information Technology Entrepreneurship. Before coming to ACU, Mhlanga worked on economic development in Africa, as well as with IT and global business problems. Coburn said that Mhlanga’s Maymester course will benefit students in business, management or communication. Both Maymester courses will count as three credits and will fill regular elective requirements. The classes will be held on campus starting May 13 and will run through May 30. “These are two topics that will draw students,” Coburn said. “With careers in these fields, I can guarantee internships.” Students who are interested in either class should complete regular Maymester sign-ups or contact Burton at extension 6989 for more information.
E-mail Hamilton at: optimist@acu.edu
ViewsFriday Optimist
Page 6
December 7, 2007
21st Century Vision benefits students, campus The issue:
The administration has been planning the 21st Century Vision for three years now, and it has several ways to enrich campus life, academics and spiritual life.
Our view:
The vision’s planners have great ideas for ACU, and we believe the administration is doing what’s best for ACU, the students and campus.
The solution:
The administration should begin implementation as soon as possible, so ACU students and faculty can benefit from the vision.
By 2020, ACU will become the premier university in Christ-centered education. At least, that’s what the 21st Century Vision states as its primary objective and lists the ways that ACU hopes to achieve that goal. The vision aims to make ACU a better university academically, spiritually and physically and contains four imperatives, said executive vice president Phil Schubert. “We want to produce leaders who think critically, globally and missionally; build distinctive and innovative programs; provide a unique Christ-centered environment with good student community and extend ACU’s reach nationally and internationally,” Schubert said. Sounds great — but how does the university exactly plan to achieve these goals? Several different aspects make up the vision, which focuses on spiritual, academic and physical improvements to the campus. After planning the vision for three years, Schubert said the administration plans to choose
a select numThe administration needs to move quickly with the ficial to them, ber of academic and paying programs they beginning stages of the vision, so ACU students can money for a experience this new spiritual diversity. believe repregeneric class sent the univerthat won’t sity best and help students market and inin their chovest extensively in those. dents will create great spiri- sen professions seems like a The investments may in- tual diversity on campus and waste of that money. clude faculty research grants, would allow for students to Schubert also said that student scholarships and experience a broader view- while some believe the plans help with internships. point on Christianity. for the vision will make ACU Giving more funding to “There’s already a trend more exclusive in admissions programs at the university with students from broader processes, it is not at all a would provide added ben- Christian backgrounds com- part of the vision. efits to both faculty and ing to ACU,” Schubert said. He added that the only students and would enrich “We just want to specifically way admissions processes the educational value of the acknowledge that trend and would grow to be more exspotlighted programs. embrace it.” clusive would be if ACU beAnother aspect of the viThe vision also includes came too crowded and had sion involves catering more a new academic plan that to increase selectivity. to students outside of the involves completely changAnother plan the vision Churches of Christ. ing the core curriculum and has involves more renovaSchubert said the universi- tailoring it more to specific tions to campus facilities ty does not plan to abandon majors, Schubert said. and amenities, like adding a its Church of Christ roots, “The focus will be on how sports recreation center and but wants to encourage stu- to create a learning environ- renovating the Bean to make dents who are not Church of ment that is exciting for stu- it a better student hang-out, Christ to attend ACU. dents,” Schubert said. “But Schubert said. “Being clearer about our we’re still thinking about “If we’ve got a better camheritage will be central to how to make it innovative pus life, I think that will reflect who we are in the future,” and exciting for them.” better on the academic life of Schubert said. Giving students a core the school,” Schubert said. Attempting to reach out curriculum based on majors Schubert said the vision to non-Church of Christ stu- would definitely be more bene- will take at least 10 years to
Cherry Waves
Jordan Blakey
Illegal downloads cheat music industry The problem:
Illegal downloading of music continues to be a problem, and it is an offense that can be prosecuted.
Our view:
Illegal downloading is wrong, and obeying the law is not an option, no matter how free you feel to download music.
The solution:
Pay for music, and don’t disobey the law.
Illegal downThe court sent a message that stealing violates the bought the loaders do create law, and certainly Thomas suffers from the court’s song playvictims. ing on her desire to create a chilling effect. Jammie Thomas iPod or did and now must took it off pay them — the a Kazaa accopyright owners count? and record label companies — Kenneth Pybus, assistant Let’s not blame just the illemore than $9,000 a piece for professor of journalism and gal downloaders for the wrongonly 24 songs she download- mass communication, said the doing. “The industry needs ed. Now, young users of music record companies’ victory will to change; it should have emfind that difficult to swallow. make it easier for them to win braced electronic downloadThomas’ lawsuit is the other downloading cases. ing, not have been forced into first of its type to go to tri“No one would argue that it by Apple and iTunes; but al, according to a CBS News going into a music store and it didn’t, and now the record story. Six record companies taking a CD without paying for labels and the artists are hurtrightly accused Thomas of it isn’t stealing,” Pybus said. ing,” Pybus said. downloading the songs with- “But when you download a The court sent a message out permission and offering song, there is nothing tangible, that stealing violates the law, them online through a Kazaa so it’s harder for people to un- and certainly Thomas suffers file-sharing account. derstand that it is stealing.” from the court’s desire to creDespite Thomas’ repeated The Copyright Law of 1976 ate a chilling effect. Despite denial of any wrongdoing and states the person who created our inclination to believe that testimony that she doesn’t the work or other owner of the technology creates a new freehave a Kazaa account, a jury copyright exercises control over dom, we must obey the law. levied $222,000 in damages its distribution. Unfortunately against her — a harsh fine be- the computer age makes detercause you can buy the music mining illegal distribution diffiE-mail the Optimist at: online for a dollar. cult. How do you tell if a student optimist@acu.edu
attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
E-mail the Optimist at: optimist@acu.edu
Using food for reward teaches bad habits I might owe a healthy of fast food junkies walk pallet to delicious milk through their doors. chocolate The schools involved, M&M’s, but I however, do a disservice to also owe an themselves and their stuexpectation dents with this detrimental of rewards program, despite the $1,500 to that same to $1,600 they receive from package. the sponsorship. As a little Students’ job at school girl, I av- consists of learning and earnSoar idly sucked ing the best grades possible. my thumb, Academics are not a nasty Subjects which lead side effect of school, they Kelsi my exasper- are its purpose, and students Peace ated mother must learn to excel simply to set up because that is their job — the “M&M system,” in which not because they can munch I was awarded a certain on chicken nuggets later. amount of the chocolate Also, the childhood obecandies for each day I did sity epidemic has spurred not sin. nutrition programs in the Ten years schools — efforts of dental work a partnership later, my mom’s with McDonald’s Teaching M&M plan probundermines. children to ably spared me McDonald’s reward more agony argues its alterthemselves with native — but it also options taught me that any sort of food — such as apple performing unslices instead of teaches them pleasant tasks French fries or apunhealthy required reple juice instead eating habits wards to ease of soda — counand encourages ter the unhealthy the pain. But a handpotential. unrealistic ful of M&M’s for But teaching expectations of a four-year-old children to rerewards. sets a different ward themselves precedent entirewith any sort ly from the one of food teaches Seminole County, them unhealthy Fla., schools just established. eating habits and encouragKindergartners to fifth es unrealistic expectations graders who earn A’s or B’s of rewards. or miss two or fewer school As a society, we have days enjoy a McDonald’s clearly stopped cherishHappy Meal for their ef- ing education when we feel forts, The New York Times compelled to reward chilreported Thursday. dren for doing their duty The district’s corporate rather than simply praise partnership with McDon- them for a job well done. ald’s follows a 10-year I enjoy M&Ms, but somepartnership with Pizza Hut, how I don’t think my mom simply continuing an ex- will greet me at the door tremely harmful program. with a package of them when For McDonald’s, the pro- I come home at Christmas — gram stands only to benefit. even if I earn good grades. With advertisements printed on each student’s report card jacket and their product hailed as the “food prize” for achievement, they’re simply E-mail Peace at: watching the next generation knp04a@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu
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
unfold and at this stage, the plan lacks specificity of investments. The planners have not yet decided where to invest money and how to best begin implementing the vision. Beginning the vision will cost somewhere around $1215 million, Schubert said. He said there really wasn’t a way to pinpoint the exact cost of the vision but said the cost is definitely worth it to the school. The administration needs to move quickly with the beginning stages of the vision so ACU students can experience this new spiritual diversity, a more beneficial core curriculum and enhanced community. The 21st Century Vision may not be perfect, but the steps the administration plans to take will certainly help make ACU into a better institution.
Editorial Board and News Staff Jared Fields
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FROM THE FRONT
Friday, December 7, 2007
Page 7
DWI: Police urge students to use designated driver Continued from page 1 Students who are of the legal drinking age, 21, whose alcohol blood level is above .08 and are pulled over will be arrested for a Driving While Intoxicated, (DWI). Minors with any detectable trace of alcohol will receive a Driving Under the Influence, (DUI) no questions asked. Alcohol not only impairs vision, but it slows down reaction time. Wrenn said it is those splitsecond decisions that can save lives, “and as we become older we realize how fragile life can be.” Wrenn said a DWI can be issued not only for alcohol consumption, but also for narcotics, illegal substances and even prescriptive drugs. Students should consult a doctor before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. “It does not have to do be blood levels; it has to do with your loss of normal, physical and mental capacity, and that’s by the book,” Wrenn said. Jimmy Ellison, Chief of the Abilene Christian University Police Department, said, “Some people think that when Officer McCoy was killed by
the drunk driver, they [Abilene Police] cracked down more on drunk driving, but that just brought the issue home.” Both the ACU police and the Abilene Police have made it known that this year they intend to clean up on drunk driving, furnishing alcohol to minors and minors driving while impaired. Last year the Abilene Police Department was granted the Impaired Driver Mobilization, (IDM) grant, which according to Wrenn, basically funded overtime money for peace officers to go out and to look for nothing but drunk drivers. Also the Department of Public Safety is putting together a task force that targets DWI enforcement. Wrenn says that drunk driving is a serious issue, and extreme precautions need to be taken. Unfortunately, the critical staffing shortages that the department currently faces diminished the time that the regular duty patrol officers could engage in self-initiated activity. Ellison and Wrenn both agree about what should be done if there is drinking involved in any situation. First, make sure there is a designated driver.
Woodruff: Gag order placed on those involved Continued from page 1 court house, Woodruff and his former ACU roommate, Eric Gentry. The gag order restricts those involved from speaking to outside parties about the trial. The request for a recusal came after State District Judge Richard Beacom Jr. ruled that prosecutors recorded phone calls between Woodruff and his attorney while in jail, violating his Constitutional rights. According to the Rockwall County News, Beacom recused the Hunt County Prosecutor’s Office on Oct. 10 from trying the case, and instead would ask for a special prosecutor from the Texas Attorney General. Beacom’s decision also means the prosecutors cannot use any evidence obtained through the recorded phone calls. Howev-
er, the Rockwall County News reported that prosecutors claimed they learned nothing from the calls. According to original Optimist reports, Woodruff became a suspect when a family friend found Dennis, 43, and Norma Woodruff, 42, dead in their mobile home near Royse City on Oct. 18, 2005, two days after being killed. At the time, chief deputy Robert White of the Hunt County Sheriff’s Department, said the bodies were shot and stabbed several times, and the doors to the house were locked. No sign of a forced entry was found. While at ACU, Woodruff was an agribusiness major and enrolled as a part-time freshman.
E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu
SA: Congress requests student e-mail access Continued from page 1 meeting, Congress formally requested the university release an e-mail list to the SA office. Smith’s bill requesting an email list passed by voice vote. The request comes after SA’s comprehensive student survey failed to be sent out Monday as planned because of some confusion between SA and Student Life, Worthington said.
“We intended to send out a survey Monday night to students, but that didn’t happen because there was a breakdown in communication,” he told Congress. The bill requests that the administration “provide clear and free access to e-mail all students” by the spring semester. “We’ve always had access to this in the past,” Smith said. E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu
“Your designated driver at minimum should not consume more than one drink, but preferably they should not drink at all,” Wrenn said. If you do drive your car and end up drinking an unreasonable amount, which does not mean drunk, call a cab, friend, family member, or if all fails, walk. Before you get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after alcohol consumption, think not only about your safety but the people who are driving on the streets around you, Ellison said. If anything, “think of the legal and financial implications on you and your family that could occur if you get pulled over and most of all, think of your own life.” If friends decide to drink and try to get behind the wheel, take away the keys, he said. If they were your friend before the keys were taken away, they will be your friend the next day. The ACU Police Department has full jurisdiction one mile around ACU, and the department will use legal action for a situation on or off campus. Ellison wanted students to know that “it does not matter who you are — all rules apply,” and if it was a visitor passing
through who gets stopped, they will get the same treatment as any other person. Wrenn said with the recent staffing shortage, the ACU Police Department has been a major help since they have full arrest powers of any peace officer, and the Abilene Police Department has never worked so closely to the ACU Police Department in the history of the department. With Abilene being a college town there is much need to be concerned about drunk driving, especially with minors. If minors are caught drinking, it is a class C misdemeanor, and they will receive a DUI or Minor In Possession, (MIP), depending if they are in a vehicle at the time. Again any trace of alcohol on a minor is reason to give a DUI. Older students who furnish alcohol to minors and are caught will receive a class A misdemeanor, which will include a hefty fine along with possible jail time. If you cause an accident while driving drunk and a person dies, most likely you will be charged with intoxication manslaughter, which has a maximum jail term of 20 years in prison. Mrs. McCoy wants to re-
mind students that it is a choice, and consequences will happen. “I mean would you want to be Marcus Suarez? Do you want to be sitting in jail thinking about the next 20 years of your life? I mean is that really where you want to be? Do you want to be at ACU or sitting in a jail cell?” So far this year in Abilene there have been two cases of intoxication manslaughter. Marcos Suarez is one of these two people. Mrs. McCoy said she deeply misses her husband but has decided to do something in his honor. Working closely with Susan King, a Texas representative, Mrs. McCoy has helped to change legislature from killing a peace officer on duty from a second-degree felony to a first-degree felony as of September. This brings the jail sentence up to a maximum of 99 years. Not only did the McCoy’s lose Jeff, the community lost Jeff. “I don’t want people to forget every time they drive by remember what was taken from us as a city. I mean Jeff belonged to all of us, he was a public servant, he was there
for you, he was there for me, he was there for all of us.” The McCoys know first hand the price that can be made and how this will affect those involved. “He paid the ultimate price for this man … lives have been destroyed because someone was selfish, someone was thoughtless, selfish, [and] irresponsible,” Mrs. McCoy said. “They took a good man’s life; the rest of his life is gone from here, and Ella and I have lost years of plans of things we want to do together and all the memories … that were going to happen, and its all gone because someone was selfish.” Ever since the minute that doorbell rang Mrs. McCoy said her “whole life stopped,” and that she’s slowly beginning to pick up the pieces. “People have no idea the pain it’s caused me, just no idea. To sit here, and I have to talk about it a lot, I think about it 24 hours a day, and its on my mind constantly. My stomach has a knot, a constant knot all the time, and it doesn’t go away.”
E-mail Schmidt at: optimist@acu.edu
Gallery: Downtown venue to display work Continued from page 1 ACU students’ art,” Jenkens said. “We want to involve the theatre, music and English departments by displaying other arts, such as creative movement, dance, music performance or poetry.” Jenkens’ vision extends far beyond ACU’s campus and Texas’ borders. The university plans to host a Big Country Collegiate Juried Art Exhibition, which can include students from the University of North
Texas, Texas Christian University, University of Texas in Arlington and Southern Methodist University. “We will also host a Shore National Biennial Exhibition, where students from anywhere in the country can enter their work,” Jenkens said. Lynn Barnett, executive director of the ACAC, believes the gallery will have a significant impact on the Abilene community. “It is a wonderful way to not only encourage additional activities for Abilene but also get ACU plugged into
downtown,” Lynn said. “We were very pleased that ACU pursued this.” The gallery will open with “Double Vision: Ladder Dream Series.” “Double Vision” is a collection of historical prints and digital compositions by ACU’s own Dr. Jack Maxwell, chair of the art department and his wife Jill. Maxwell said the exhibit is a result of his continued interest in historical prints. “Every one of our original pieces incorporates one of the older prints,” Maxwell said. “We used digital tech-
nology, just like they used the latest technology they had. I think seeing the two [time periods] together provides great contrast.” Ultimately, the art department hopes Abilene will see the quality of students and faculty at ACU and want to be a part of it. “We want to link everything we do at the downtown gallery back to ACU,” Jenkens said. “We hope visitors will make the connection and want to see what we’re all about.” E-mail Hettich at: optimist@acu.edu
Gibson: Work slated for 2008-2009 school year Continued from page 1 like to see students from the department available to the student body as personal trainers and nutritionists. The project still needs funding and approval from
the Board of Trustees, but if the necessary components fall into place, the work would begin during the 20082009 academic year. Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president and dean for student life, said in an e-mail
that the people involved in the project’s planning are excited about the project and feel that it will enhance the quality of student life on campus. “We’re hoping it draws students into the center of campus and become a gathering
place for students to meet each other,” Rippee said. “I just hope that the students are excited about the possibilities and see this as a very positive thing for them.” E-mail Josey at: jdj03e@acu.edu
SportsFriday Optimist
Page 8
ScoreBoard Standings Scoreboard as of Wednesday
Men’s Basketball
Team
TAMU-K Tarleton St.
ACU WTAMU Angelo St. MSU ENMU
Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Overall 5-1 5-1 4-1 6-2 3-2 2-4 2-5
Women’s Basketball
Team
Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 TX Woman’s 0-0 ACU 0-0 ENMU 0-0 Tarleton St. Angelo St. WTAMU TAMU-K MSU
Overall 4-0 5-2 3-2 3-4 2-3 2-3 2-4 1-5
Scores Thursday WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACU vs. East Central, scores not available by press time
MEN’S BASKETBALL ACU vs. East Central, scores not available by press time
Upcoming Saturday WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACU at Southeastern Oklahoma State, 2 p.m.
MEN’S BASKETBALL ACU at Southeastern Oklahoma State, 4 p.m. n Home games listed in italics
Briefs ACU baseball adds four players for the 2009 season
n The Wildcat baseball team added four players for the 2009 season, said head baseball coach Britt Bonneau during an announcement Monday. The foursome includes two high school standouts and two junior college transfers. First baseman Slade Brown of Keller High School and catcher Joel Warren of Boerne High School have signed national lettersof-intent with ACU, while shortstop Steven Camillucci of American River College (Calif.) and pitcher Brent Smith of Galveston College have agreed to transfer to ACU next year.
December 7, 2007
Alumnus, CBS producer honored by athletics program By Daniel Johnson Sports Editor
CBS Sports coordinating producer and ACU alumnus Lance Barrow has seen his fair share of great sports moments. From witnessing Tiger Woods’ first Masters win in 1997 to ACU’s own Danieal Manning’s first Super Bowl in January, Barrow, a 1978 graduate, has produced sports for CBS for more than 25 years and has won eight Emmy awards for his work. But Wednesday, Barrow modestly accepted an honor of his own when the ACU athletics program named the classroom inside Teague Special Events Center where the football coaching staff does the most of its film work the
“Lance Barrow Football Film/ Editing Classroom.” “Wait until Phil Simms finds out I have a film room named after me,” Barrow said, alluding to the former NFL quarterback and CBS announcer in front of a crowd of ACU administrators, coaches and his family Wednesday. Barrow was preBarrow sented with a plaque that will hang outside the video-editing classroom. The plaque thanked Barrow for his contributions to the athletics program and congratulated the Emmy-award winning producer for his her-
alded career, which began as a spotter/researcher in 1975 for CBS golf coverage. From there, Barrow has worked his way up the CBS sports ladder and attributed some of his success to being, “at the right place, at the right time,” “To have my name on a plaque especially with a classroom involved in it is something else,” Barrow said. But Barrow’s connection to the ACU athletics program extends well beyond the new plaque and classroom carrying his name. A former ACU football and baseball player during the 70s, Barrow’s ties to the athletics program run deep, and athletics director Jared Mosley said he has been instrumental in helping the athletics program grow.
“Thirty years ago I was running you up and down this field, but we’re not going to do that today,” athletic director emeritus and Barrow’s coach during the 70s Wally Bullington said jokingly to the producer during the presentation. Barrow’s career includes producing coverage of the 1994 Olympics, numerous PGA tournaments, the 1998 Daytona 500 and his latest achievement was producing Super Bowl XLI, his first to produce and a game in which Manning started for the Chicago Bears. As an associate producer for CBS Barrow’s resume includes the Masters and PGA championship; NCAA Men’s Final Four; Daytona 500; the U.S. Open Tennis Championships; “The NFL Today” and six Super Bowls.
sporting success In his more than 25-year career, ACU alumnus and eight-time Emmy-award winning producer Lance Barrow has produced or helped produce numerous sports events as CBS Sports’ coordinating producer. n Super Bowl XLI n The Masters n Daytona 500 n 1992 Olympic Winter Games n NCAA Men’s Final Four But regardless of his success in the sports production world, he said it’s always great to come “home,” to ACU.
E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu
Wildcats face tough winter break schedule By Rachel Davis Opinion Editor
While most ACU students will spend their winter break relaxing, the men’s basketball team faces a tough schedule over break. The men played Thursday night in a Lone Star Conference Crossover game against East Central in Ada, Okla., but results were not available at press time. Head coach Jason Copeland said earlier in the year that he and the team aren’t going to focus on specific opMen’s Basketball ponents this season. “Right now, we’re just really focused Christmas ball on us and the stuff The ACU men’s we need to do,” Cobasketball team will play peland said. seven games during the The Wildcats beChristmas break. gin winter break play n ACU vs. Rhema Bible on Dec. 17 against college at ECU Christmas Rhema Bible College Classic, Dec. 17 and Dallas Baptist on Dec. 18 in the n ACU vs. Dallas Baptist ECU Christmas Clasat ECU Christmas Classic, Dec. 18 sic in Ada, Okla. After a break for n ACU at Dallas Baptist, Christmas, the team Dec. 29 will play at Dallas n ACU vs. SW Oklahoma Baptist on Dec. 29. State, Jan. 3 The team faces two LSC Crossover n ACU vs. Cameron games in a row on Jan. 3 against Southn ACU vs. Rhema Bible College, Jan. 8 western Oklahoma State, currently 7-0, n ACU at Texas A&Mand Cameron, who Commerce, Jan. 12 is 0-6, on Jan. 5. After the Wildcats played their first LSC Crossover game against Northeastern State University on Nov. 29, Copeland said he felt pretty optimistic about conference play. “I think we’ll do some great things this season,” Copeland said after that game. Rhema Bible College comes to ACU on Jan. 8 to face the Wildcats again, and the Cats will travel to LSC Crossover opponent 1-5 Texas A&M Commerce on Jan. 12. Copeland said before the season began that if everything goes right, the Cats might have a chance to play in the LSC Conference tournament. The first game after break is over will be on Jan. 15 at Texas-Permian Basin in Odessa, and the Wildcats begin LSC South division play on Jan. 19 against Angelo State in San Angelo. TODD PIERSALL STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Globetrotters to play at ACU
E-mail Davis at: red04a@acu.edu
n The world famous Harlem Globetrotters will be playing in Moody Coliseum on Jan. 31. Tickets can be purchased at the ACU Athletics Ticket Office located on the North side of Moody Coliseum. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the box office at (325) 6746798. Courtside tickets cost $50 each. VIP reserved seating tickets will cost $30. General admission tickets cost $26 for seating in rows 6-12. And seating in rows 13-18 will cost $21.
Break brings hoard of home games By Michael Freeman Assistant Sports Editor
Intramural Round-up n The intramural schedule in the Optimist is subject to change and is not permanent. Any changes can be viewed on the intramural bulletin board in Moody Coliseum. n Softball games will be played through Saturday on the south softball fields by the Edwards parking lot. Playoff games will begin in the spring semester. For complete intramural scores and schedules visit: w w w. a c u o p t i m i s t . c o m
Senior guard Cortnie Ross goes to the hoop during ACU’s 77-56 win over Northeastern State on Nov. 29 in Moody Coliseum. Ross and the rest of the Wildcats played East Central on Thursday but results were not available by press time.
MATT NEWHOUSER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Northeastern State guard Kimberly Hunter blocks a shot by senior guard Alex Guiton during the first half of ACU’s win on Nov. 29. The Wildcats played East Central on Thursday but results were not available by press time.
The women’s basketball team began last season with seven straight wins. Through seven games this season, the Wildcats are not quite off to the same start. ACU has a 2-4 overall record. The Wildcats played East Central Thursday in Ada, Okla., but results were not available by press time. However, head coach Shawna Lavender is optimistic about the rest of the season. “We’re fine right now,” Lavender said. “I think the girls still have a lot of high expectations for this team, as do I. There’s a lot of season left.” ACU’s next game will be against Southeastern Oklahoma State in Durant, Okla., on Saturday. Southeastern Oklahoma State owns a 61 overall record, and is atop the Lone Star Conference North Division standings. “Southeastern is always tough. And they’re playing well right now,” Lavender said. “If we can
Women’s Basketball
Christmas break games The ACU women’s basketball team will play six games during the Christmas break. n ACU vs. Texas Permian Basin, Dec. 21 n ACU vs. SW Oklahoma State, Jan. 3 n ACU vs. Cameron, Jan. 5 n ACU vs. Texas A&M International, Jan. 7 n ACU at Texas A&M-Commerce, Jan. 12 limit their easy baskets and keep them off the offensive boards, then that’s really going to be key for us.” After Saturday’s game, the Wildcats will get nearly a two-week break before playing four home games. On Dec. 21, ACU will host the University of Texas-Permian Basin, a team that currently is 15 for the season. After that game, the Wildcats will get another break for Christmas. “Hopefully, it gives the girls a
little bit of time to rejuvenate,” Lavender said. “To me, after Christmas break is really when the season starts.” The Wildcats will be back in action on Jan. 3 when Southwestern Oklahoma State comes to Moody Coliseum. Two days later, the Wildcats will take on Cameron. Finally, the Wildcats’ home stand will wrap up against Texas A&MInternational on Jan. 7. All three teams currently do not have a winning record. ACU will begin a three-game road trip as the Wildcats will first take on Texas A&M-Commerce on Jan. 12. Then, the Wildcats will get their first taste of conference play as they face Texas Woman’s on Jan. 16 and Angelo State on Jan. 19. “Last year, I felt like we played some of our best basketball before Christmas,” Lavender said. “And hopefully this year, we’ll play some our best basketball after Christmas.”
E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu