Closing time Wildcats end season with losses at home Sports Page 6 vol. 103, no. 51
wednesday, arpil 29 2015
1 SECTION, 6 PAGES
Ben Rector entertains at Paramount
what’s INSIDE NEWS Ice cream removed from the Bean after Blue Bell recall
dani burrell student reporter The Students’ Association sponsored Nashville singer and songwriter Ben Rector’s concert and food trucks at the Paramount Theatre Monday in an attempt to provide students with more entertainment in Abilene. Rector has worked with famous artists such as Train and Colbie Caillat and has released five albums. His latest, The Walking in Between, is ranked No. 16 on the Billboard 200 chart. Beau Carter, SA president, has had the opportunity of working closely with the production for this concert. “In the last few years, we’ve noticed that there has been a lack of entertainment brought to campus for ACU students specifically,” said Carter, junior political science major from Farmers Branch. “Our goal is to improve the student experience through creating more opportunities for students to have a good time here in Abilene.” Surveys were sent out to the entire student body last year to find out which artists students wanted to see perform in Abilene. Rector was one of the top responses after tallying up the votes. “Ben Rector has been on the rise for the last few years, and he is very popular to students here on campus,” Carter said. “So we thought that he would be a great way to kickstart our new entertainment initiative.” Rector’s performance in Abilene was part of his NEEDTOBREATHE tour. Ryan Woods, sophomore kinesiology major from Dallas, is one of Rector’s many fans. “His songs always have a message or something you can take away from them,” Woods said. “I love the range and the genuineness of his voice.”
Page 3
NEWS Graduate School of Theology receives national recognition
Page 6
OPINION Senior staff members write their last columns Page 4
SPORTS Baseball loses series 2-1 agaisnt SFA this weekend
Page 6
OPINION Surprisingly, Facebook is helping out through times of international crisis
austin kilcullen staff photographer
Ben Rector, Nashville-based singer and songwriter, performed at the Paramount Theatre Monday night for ACU students as part of his NEEDTOBREATHE tour. Page 4
Frats to raise $50k to renovate intramural fields jonathan raitz student reporter
SPORTS Track suffers from injuries at Drake Relays Page 3
NEWS Jeff Arington to take over accreditation process for engineering Page 3
what’s online
Alumni from the men’s social club Frater Sodalis are trying to raise $50,000 to renovate the Larry “Satch” Sanders Intramural Fields. If completed, the project will provide the fields with new grass and soil. Frats adviser and fundraiser of the project Tim Yandell said the arch at the entrance and lights around the fields were added after the original field was built in 2004. “They’ve never put down real grass, so they are really going to dig that out
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and put a new surface and all new grass,” Yandell said. Yandell, who was a part of the fundraising team to build the fields in 2004, said $38,000 has already been committed to the project by former Frats, and he expects to have the remainder by June 1. However, Kyle Pinson, director for intramural sports, said it would take slightly more than double this amount to finish the project and upkeep the fields. “I think everyone feels like we are going to have the money, but one thing we’ve found is that when you get nicer fields they’re
going to cost more to maintain,” he said. “We don’t want to make them real nice for two months and then let them go back to where they are.” Pinson said this is one of a few projects aimed at making outdoor intramurals safer and more enjoyable and has been in the works for over two years. “The plans are for them to go through and to remove about two inches of material,” Pinson said. “They are going to laser grade the field, sort of baseball style, and then they are going to bring in some nice sod. If we are able to make that happen, I think it’ll be
a major improvement for our outdoor sports.” The Students’ Association passed a bill last week to allocate the remaining money in its congressional fund as of May 1 to the field project. SA Treasurer Cole McClellan, junior accounting major from Parker, said the amount to be donated is around $2,800. This renovation will also serve as a commemoration for Larry “Satch” Sanders as he steps down as Frats adviser after 37 years. “He’s not a ‘sit on the sideline’ adviser,” Yandell said. “He’s always been in the lives of the guys that are Frats.”
Sanders said the fields are a facility that could potentially be the most actively utilized on campus, and he is honored by the support of the alumni. “How can anyone feel about individuals that are such a huge part of my life, stepping up to honor me that way?” Sanders said. “It is just remarkable.” If the funds are raised, the renovated fields are scheduled to be ready for the opening day of intramurals in Fall 2015.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
32nd KGR draws hundreds of runners savanah silva
ONLINE
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
sports producer Sun and a light breeze greeted runners Saturday morning as the 32nd annual Kirk Goodwin Run kicked off another year of charity runs. This year, students from Hardin-Simmons University, faculty, staff and community members participated in the KGR in support of the cause. The KGR is one of Abilene’s most well-known 5Ks, along with the Run The West half marathon. These two events draw out hundreds of runners each year, and all proceeds go toward a specific
cause. The KGR was started in honor of Kirk Goodwin. Goodwin was a member of Galaxy men’s social club in 1983 and was also a member of the track team. Goodwin died in a car accident in 1984, and Goodwin’s social club brothers rallied behind his family in support. They organized the Kirk Goodwin Victory Run to help his family pay for medical bills. Since then, the KGR has been an annual event with the goal of helping families with outstanding medical bills, much like Goodwin and his family dealt with. see sing song page 4
contributed photo by Rudy Garza
Runners race around campus on Saturday during the annual Kirk Goodwin Run.
Abilene Christian University
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Track at Texas Tech University
saturday 12 p.m. Softball at Houston Baptist University
Last day of class Baseball at University of New Orleans
7:30 p.m. Choir concert
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12 p.m. Brown bag concert in Cullen Auditorium 2 p.m. Softball at Houston Baptist University
Chapel checkup To date:
Around Abilene
Remaining:
65 2 @acuoptimist The Optimist
April 30
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May 4
6 p.m. Taste of Abilene at the Abilene Civic Center. This food and drink extravaganza features samples from more than 30 local restaurants. Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Abilene grant programs for local nonprofits. Price is $30 per person. Tickets are available online at www.tasteofabilene.com.
2 p.m and 7:30 p.m. Charlie Chaplin: The Gold Rush at the Historic Paramount Theatre. Enjoy Chaplin’s favorite silent movie, with the soundtrack provided by the Abilene Philharmonic orchestra. Cost is $18-$42 per person.
10 a.m. Mid Century Fashion: Remembering the Polaroid at the Grace Museum. Featuring images of fabulous 1950s fashions through vintage film and Polariod prints. Cost is $3 to $6 per person. Visit http:// thegracemuseum.org.
10 a.m. Texas Modernists at the Grace Museum. Over 25 important Texas artists who created personalized visions of the modernist aesthetic will be featured in this group exhibition. Cost is $3 to $6 per person. The exhibit is open through mid-August. Visit http:// thegracemuseum.org for more information.
optimist@acu.edu Announcements Sublease at University Park Apartments for $395 per month for the summer! Apartments are fully furnished! Ten-dollar electricity coverage per month. Some extras such as lamps and some kitchen supplies may be included as well! Let me know if you are interested via email at nlj10a@acu.edu. Phone ER can fix your cracked screen, broken charger, broken home button and even change the color of your phone! Better yet, you are able to charge repairs to your ACU student account! Come by the Campus Store or email us at phoneer@acu.edu for more information.
Meet us at the ballpark at 7:05 p.m. June 4 at Globe Life Park when the Texas Rangers take on the Chicago White Sox. Arrive early to meet ACU coaches at the Wildcat Club Caravan at 5 p.m. on the third floor of the Hall of Fame inside the park. For more information, visit http:// acu.edu/alumni.
It’s that time of year again! Course evaluations are coming up soon, and it is important for you to fill them out! Visit http://blogs.acu.edu/edtech/courseevaluations/ for more information.
Church parking lot from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Email questions to mr.mortonsalt@gmail.com.
Midnight Worship is every Friday night at Fountaingate Fellowship 909 N. Willis. Midnight Breakfast is Dead Day at 10:30 Join college students and young adults p.m. in the World Famous Bean. Come across Abilene as we unite to worship at for pancakes and breakfast food spon- midnight on Friday nights. ACU Dead Day Disc Golf Tournament sored by the ACU Alumni Association will be 10 a.m. May 4 at the Wildcat Disc and ACU Student Alumni Association. The ACU Career Center is located on Golf Course. The cost is $5 for single the 2nd floor of the Hunter Welcome players and $10 per doubles team. Reg- Start packing up your unwanted items Center. For help with resume reviews, istration starts at 9:30 a.m. at Hole 1. now. SALT presents its annual Dead interview preparation, job search, career Day recycling project May 4. Donate advising, mock interviews and networkthe items you don’t want to take home ing tips, contact us at careers@acu.edu. and get a free Cajun Cone in University
volunteer opportunities Big Brothers Big Sisters “Lunch Buddy” program is looking for volunteers. Each volunteer is matched with an elementary-age child. Volunteers spend just 30 minutes per week eating lunch with their “little brother” or “little sister” at local elementary schools, while mentoring through the simple act of friendship. Participants can enjoy playing card games, reading books and visiting during lunch. The waiting list has 138 children. Contact Jamie Bearden at 325-674-3113 or jbearden@bbbstx.org for more information. Communities in Schools needs 10 to 20 reading and lunch buddies at Ortiz Elementary. Volunteers are needed anytime between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. weekdays. Contact Sheila Ashford at 325-671-4945 ext.5351 or sheila.ashford@abileneisd.org for more information.
Girl Scouts is seeking volunteers to help make a difference in the life of young girls. Girl Scouts offers several flexible ways to volunteer. You choose how: a one-day event, six-week series or year-round troop! Contact Scout Office. rent opportunities at 325-670-0432 and mlawson@gs-top.org. Keep Abilene Beautiful is looking for volunteers to help with litter clean-ups. Small and large groups are both needed. Contact Nicole Eaves at 325-734-3301 and nicole.eaves@abilenetx.com for more information. Kingdom Kids (Beltway Park Baptist Church) is looking for assistance with Sunday morning activities for Kingdom Kids (physically and emotionally challenged children). 5-6 volunteers are needed. Contact: Sharla Sanders at beltwaykids@beltway.org for more information. REACH @ Abilene North Apartments is seeking volunteers. Volunteers will be a part of building relationships with at-risk kids and their families through a unique and developing apartment ministry. The program takes place
Mondays from 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Contact Caroline Thompson at 281-782-2956 or crt12a@acu.edu for more details. The Alliance for Women and Children is seeking volunteers for afterschool child care for Pre-K-5th grade children, 6th-8th grade children and A-Teens Middle School Girls Program. For more information about times and location, contact Toni Brown at 325-677-5321 or info@afwconline.org. The International Rescue Committee in Abilene needs your help in welcoming refugees to our community. We are seeking the following donations: hygiene and cleaning supplies, bed linen, towels and kitchen items (dishware, silverware, pots/pans etc). Donations are accepted Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m. or by appointment. Their office is located at 3303 N. 3rd St. Suite D. For more information contact Marie-Pascale Manishimwe at 325-675-5643. Love and Care Ministries is looking for volunteers to help with sorting clothing, stocking their food pantry, assisting in prayers in their prayer room and serving food to the homeless. For more information call 325-670-0246. Volunteers are needed to help with daily activities organized by the staff at Chisholm House. This could involve playing board games, helping with arts and crafts and helping with a walking club. For some of these tasks volunteers may be asked to lead a group
or work alongside a staff coordinator. Volunteer opportunities are from 2-4 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. daily. Contact Larissa Blankenship at 817-578-9296. The Betty Hardwick Center is seeking volunteers for the Human Resources Center to help with filing and organizing. This job requires someone with attention to detail who wishes to learn more about Human Resources. The job is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. To volunteer, please contact Martin Walker at 325-690-5235 or mwalker@bhcmhmr.org. House of Faith is an organization that seeks to take Jesus to neighborhood children. Volunteers are needed to help with the various programs they do throughout the week. Backyard Bible studies are hosted Mondays and Wednesdays and a youth program takes place on Thursday evenings. The organization is seeking volunteers who can commit to a specific day a week. House of Faith lasts from 3-5:30 p.m. To volunteer or for more information contact Amy Jeffers at abj09a@acu.edu or call 832-331-5324. Breakfast on Beech Street is seeking volunteers to help set up, prepare and serve breakfast to homeless/lower income folks any Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday at 5:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 5 a.m. B.O.B.S. is located at First Christian Church on 3rd Street and Beech Street Service times must be scheduled in advance. To serve on Mondays contact Jody Depriest at 325-669-3312 or jody.depriest@gmail.com. To serve on Tuesdays contact Allen Daugherty at 325-660-6949 or ale.al@suddenlink.net. To serve on Wednesdays, contact Jane Harvey at 325-695-0092 or jharvread@ aol.com. To serve on Thursdays, contact Margaret Beasley at 325-692-4149 or mbeasley5@suddenlink.net. To serve on Fridays contact Terry Stremmel at terry. stremmel@acu.edu.
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wednesday 4.29.15
KGR: Runners participate in annual race from page 1 Last year’s run raised over $13,000, so this year had high expectations. Spencer Woolfolk, junior marketing major from San Antonio and president of Galaxy, was in charge of fundraising this year. “The hopes for the race are the same each year; we want to continue to bless anyone we can financially, as well as remember the legacy of a great man,” Woolfolk said. “I cannot accurately express how profound the impact is on young men to be able to pour out all you have in order to solely bless others. We are excited and humbled to be able to raise money for others, but I believe the biggest bless-
rudy garza special contributor
Participants in the Kirk Goodwin Run line up on the starting line Saturday morning.
ing happens internally.” Goodwin was Woolfolk’s father’s best friend, which is why this race means more to him than just raising money. “It humbles me to watch the care and dedication that our guys pour out for the race, so in a way this is a way for me to honor my father’s friend as well,” Woolfolk said. This year’s event took a year to plan, and almost every member of Galaxy was involved. With over 300 runners, race coordinator Jason McVey said he sees the KGR as something not only for the men of Galaxy to be proud of, but for the ACU community as well. “It’s one of our longestlasting traditions, and it
is incredibly rewarding to see the gratitude of those that the race helps,” said McVey, senior business management major from Austin. Mary Kate Rotenberry, sophomore sports management major from Abilene, was one of hundreds of runners that participated Saturday. “This race is a way for students to give back and help touch the lives of others like Kirk did,” Rotenberry said. The official amount raised has not yet been released.
contact silva at sns12b@acu.edu
Mill celebrates with weeklong festivities bailey werderich student reporter The Mill Wine Bar & Event Venue is celebrating its one-year anniversary with special events throughout the week. The anniversary celebration begins Wednesday with the Texas vs. The World Wine Tasting event and continues with Steak Night Thursday, a crawfish boil Friday and a dance Saturday. The Mill opened May 2, 2014, and provided Abilene with a unique indoor/outdoor venue to eat, drink, listen to live
music and enjoy time with friends or family. Lizzie Folwell, senior management major from Abilene, said she likes The Mill because of the ambiance it provides. “Even though it’s a pretty big facility, it has intimate spaces for friends to spend time together and just relax,” Folwell said. “My favorite part about it is that it feels like a mini-vacation away from everything while you’re there.” Many ACU students have taken advantage of the venue and have hosted their own events there such as the GATA formal,
Kojie grub, Siggie formal and the Red Thread Fashion Show. Isabel Lee, last year’s GATA social director, said she is passionate about Abilene revitalizing old buildings and was excited to be The Mill’s first rental. “The Mill was more than helpful in working with me and ACU, even though ACU was reluctant about having events there,” said Lee, a senior art major from Abilene. “GATA had the best time at The Mill and we were proud to be part of their opening week.” Gary and Bridget Mc-
“
we’ve worked really hard at creating an outdoor atmosphere.”
sic and food trucks every night. “We’ve worked really hard at creating an outdoor atmosphere,” Gerry said. “Our indoor is really Gerry McDowell cool, but people rarely sit co-owner of the mill in it. Even in the sweltering heat or when it’s freezing cold, people choose to Dowell, owners of The sit outside.” Mill, took nuances from In the future, Gerry Napa Valley, California, wants to be always acGrapevine and Freder- commodating and tweakicksburg that they en- ing the outdoor areas. He joyed and appreciated, also wants to provide new and incorporated them and different events and into The Mill to create a experiences for the peounique experience. ple of Abilene. The Mill is open “We want to expand Wednesdays through Sat- into events for guys, too, urdays and has live mu- like a cigar demonstra-
tion,” Gerry said. “We want to educate the public on stuff that they may not know they’re interested in.” Lee and Folwell said they are thankful for the experiences and culture The Mill has brought to Abilene. “I love that it’s all about connecting people to all Abilene has to offer through things like the craft fair and the food trucks,” Folwell said. “I love that The Mill is for Abilene.” contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Dining Services looks to update food court that we are identifying the expectations of those student reporter that we serve, those being the students,” said AnthoThe food court restaurant ny Williams, chief busiselection offered in the ness services officer. McGlothlin Campus CenDining Services evaluter could change as early ates the numerous dining as this fall. and vending options on The Hilton Food Court campus through quesmay undergo a change af- tionnaires that students ter recent news that Din- fill out. ing Services is consider“We collect about 1,500 ing phasing out some of surveys a year that tell us the current restaurants how we’re doing and also for more popular dining identifies things that are concepts. blind to us when we’re “Dining is constantly asking,” Williams said. being evaluated to be sure Chelsea Oguagha,
mercedez hernandez
sophomore biblical text and ministry major from Houston, said she thinks the food court would be improved if more diverse options were offered. “I do like the Pizza Hut in the food court, but I would love to see some sort of Asian cuisine,” Oguagha said. “Abilene has a lot of Mexican food restaurants, but there aren’t a lot of Asian food places around campus, I think diversifying the food court would be a good idea.” Dining Services’ deci-
sion to change the current food options in the Campus Center will also be inf luenced by information from their partner, ARAMARK. “ARAMARK has additional data based on nationwide input and trends that, coupled with the research we’re doing on our campus, will provide us with a good directive in which we will proceed,” Williams said. There are no concrete plans as to what Dining Services will choose if they replace any of the
current food court concepts, but there are some front-runner suggestions from student surveys. “One thing that has existed really in the last two years, is the desire for a Mexican food concept, as well as an Asian food concept,” Williams said. “These are very broad suggestions, so the exercise that we’re going through now is how we will identify concepts that would be consistent with what students are telling us they want.” Even if changes will be
made to the food court, it is not likely that students will hear an update before the end of the semester. “We are still sifting through the data, so we’re unlikely to announce anything in the next few weeks,” Williams said. “However, by the end of May, we may have come up with a concept change if the data says that we need it.”
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Blue Bell recall empties ice cream in the Bean stitutional/food service ice cream cup produced by Blue Bell Creameries. Since then, the bacteria The ice cream case in The has been found in two Bean stands empty in Blue Bell plants, and the the absence of Blue Bell, company had to pull all which recalled all prod- products off the market ucts last week after 10 ill- for possible contaminanesses, including three tion. deaths, were linked to the Reactions to the recall company’s frozen des- at ACU range from frusserts. tration to lack of concern. The company’s trou- Selina Thornton, sophobles began in March more psychology major when the bacteria liste- from Lamar, Missouri, ria monocytogenes was has been let down by The found in a 3-ounce in- Bean’s recent lack of cof-
emily studer
student reporter
fee-f lavored ice cream. “With only having a meal plan two more weeks, I’m even more disappointed that they don’t have any ice cream right now.” Thornton said. “It’s definitely a bummer, but I would rather not have ice cream and not get sick.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says listeria monocytogenes is found in soil, water and some animals. It can be present in raw milk –milk that has not been pasteurized –
RightNow Media streams to ACU josh levinson student reporter RightNow Media, described as “the Netf lix of video Bible studies,” is now available to all students, employees and recent alumni. Just like the popular streaming services of today, RightNow Media offers a wide variety of video content. However, what makes this service unique is its sole focus on providing its subscribers with up-to-date and relative Christian and biblical content. Chris Riley, vice president of Student Life, has been a pioneer in bringing RightNow Media to campus. He has already seen how the streaming service can have a positive effect in his family’s life. “Just last week, we had a family Bible study,” Ri-
ley said. “We watched one of the cartoons on RightNow that the kids really liked, and it was about adoption. We’re actually going through the adoption process right now as a family. So it was really cool how this little cartoon about bringing a dog home was relating to our faith and adoption in Christ. It brought about a great opportunity to sit and talk about it afterward.” Riley said one of ACU’s goals in allowing free access to this service is the hope of providing another avenue for students to grow and share in their relationship with Christ. “Chapel is great, but it is not necessarily a place where you can discuss and talk about things indepth with your peers,” Riley said. “So I would love to even see this being used in small group Chapel settings.”
An email blast was sent out to students Monday with a link to join RightNow Media. Now the ACU family has full access to watch and enjoy the entire RightNow Media catalog for free. Some students have already started to use the service. “I’ve had a chance to check it out, and I can’t believe all the awesome Christian content they provide,” said Andrew Godfrey, junior Christian ministry major from Frisco. “Also, the interface looks so clean and friendly to use. I was honestly expecting it to be a little cheesy, but I was pleasantly surprised – and you can’t ever go wrong with VeggieTales.”
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
and foods made from raw milk. The bacteria can grow in cold temperatures and is killed by cooking and pasteurization. Symptoms of listeria include fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea. If you have recently consumed Blue Bell ice cream and experience any of the mentioned symptoms, seek medical attention. Macie Liptoi, junior ministry and vocation major from Plano, said this issue has not particu-
larly affected her. “I don’t get ice cream a lot,” Liptoi said. “When I do, I usually get Ben and Jerry’s anyway.” The original recalled items were produced in the Blue Bell manufacturing plant in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Since then, Blue Bell has closed four plants in Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas for a deep cleaning for at least a week. The Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham issued a statement saying
the company is working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to investigate the issue and find a solution. In a public message to consumers, Blue Bell Creameries said once the investigation is complete and the company has made all the necessary improvements, it will return to normal operation.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Opinion
Wednes day 4.29.15
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editorial
In the midst of crisis, Facebook proves helpful, comforting the issue We are a little creeped out by how much Facebook knows about our friends, families and habits.
our take In light of recent disasters like the earthquake in Nepal, we are finding some social media tools to be comforting.
More than 4,600 people are confirmed dead from the Nepal earthquake. And according to Al Jazeera, Nepal’s prime minister said that it could reach up to 10,000. At a time when people are displaced, missing or even dead, a surprising resource is providing comfort for those look-
ing for loved ones: social media. New Internet technology like Facebook’s Safety Check App and Google’s Person Finder are moving beyond creepy and are helping inform friends and family of the whereabouts of those stranded in damaged or destroyed areas
of Nepal and India. A common complaint about Facebook is that it knows too much about us. It knows what we’ve been shopping for on Amazon, and it reminds us of what we were doing or saying on this day four years ago. It knows our faces and reminds our friends to tag us in their photos when it recognizes us. Now we are seeing the creepiness as, well, useful. “Safety Check is our way of helping our community during natural disasters and gives you an easy and simple way
“
Facebook and Google are harnessing the idea that technology and usergenerated content can be used for more than just sharing Buzzfeed links..”
to say you’re safe and check on all your friends in one place,” said Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, in a post. The app is used to generate alerts on Face-
DAILY doodle dosage
Ben Todd
book to friends of those trapped in the affected areas. Those lost or affected can also confirm that they are safe. This is just another embodiment of the idea of a shrinking world. With travel and communication across continents now easier than ever, Facebook and Google are harnessing the idea that technology and user-generated content can be used for more than just sharing Buzzfeed links. These huge companies have what might sometimes seem like
an omnipotent power, which can be frightening. But it’s also comforting to see them stick to their original mission of connecting people. Even though it seems like they often get off track with selling us things, using social media propels the companies’ commitment to becoming one of the world’s necessary evils.
contact The Optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
hashtagACU April 28 12:47 p.m.
making a graduation playlist is simultaneously one of the best and worst ideas I’ve had today
April 28 9:05 a.m.
Why do we still have class this week??? Why are we still learning new things??? Let’s just take our finals and get summer started.
@TessLenae @sarahbateman421
April 28 3:07 p.m.
finals makes the library so busy...I look around and think “welcome, I’ve lived here all semester”
April 28 11:59 a.m.
Coffee is the glue holding me together today
@Em_ily_95
@ablynnbildstein
April 24 1:48 p.m.
April 28 4:07 p.m.
When you have a 7 page paper due at 6 but you just spent the past hour looking at sloths
Wore my formal shirt for approximately 3 hours before I managed to get spicy ranch on it. #sharkyprobs
Column
@staceyadamop
@samihenson_4
Failures leave nowhere to go but up
April 28 2:40 p.m.
April 28 4:33 p.m.
FUNNY HOW VAGABONDAGE THAT WORKS SAMANTHA SUTHERLAND EMILY SEIDEL
In my last-ever column for the Optimist, I’d like to talk a little bit about failure. I’m graduating in less than two weeks. I’ve been a college athlete for four years, three of them at the Div. I level. I’ve passed every class I’ve ever taken. I got through college in four years, despite two transfers. And I earned an editing position at this wonderful paper. All this indicates that I’ve had various stages of success. But, in the last four years (and really, all my life), I’ve experienced a ton of failure, too. First, understand that I play a sport of failure. In softball, a player is consid-
ered amazing if she only fails seven out of 10 times. But even with those odds, I’ve been less successful than many of my peers. When I was a freshman at UNR, I was a wide-eyed, optimistic young athlete who had dominated on the field my entire life. But I didn’t dominate in the Western Athletic Conference, and at the end of the year, I was told I could stay, but I wouldn’t play. So I transferred to a junior college, the last place I ever thought I would end up, and I had the best season of my life. I found my confidence again, and I opened up a new world of possibilities for myself.
When I got to ACU, I struggled again. In the last two years, I’ve been out on the mound many times, trying as hard as I can but struggling to get an out. And sometimes, due to circumstances, I’ve had to stay out there and work my way out of those terrible situations, even when it seemed impossible. So now that I’m about to enter the real world and an unpredictable job market, I’ve decided that my failures have taught me so much more than my successes have. My failure at UNR taught me that life will almost never turn out the way you planned it. I had to pull myself out of that situation, start back at the bottom and climb back up to the top. And I did it, against all odds. My struggles at ACU have taught me that sometimes, there isn’t anyone else who
You know it’s biology test week when six cups of coffee can’t even keep you awake
can come in and fix things. Sometimes, you’re the only man out there, and you have to fight even when you’re down. And I’ve done that. It wasn’t pretty, but I kept my @amanda_pinkston head above water. And now, even though April 29 8:44 p.m. I’m preparing to throw my last pitch ever, I’m about to Why pat to go see Ben face the rejection of maybe Rector tonight when I dozens of employers. Out can just watch everyof the frying pan and into one’s snapchat stories the fire. But no matter how for free? many “no’s” I get, I know how to stay afloat until I get a “yes.” @hayleysissy So use your failures. Let them push you to the top. If It feels like Football and college had been a smooth Pumpkin Lattes outside. ride, I wouldn’t have ended up at ACU. And this wonderful school has been the best YikYak thing that’s ever happened to me.
contacT Seidel at EKS13B@acu.edu
Been listening to Ben Rector all day because the post concert depression is real
@JensenLeee Cumulative finals is like fighting with exes. Why bring up the past? What’s done is done. Let it go.
YikYak If you don’t like chips and queso then idk about you
YikYak
Java, I will NEVER allow you to make changes to my computer. Stop asking.
YikYak
Column
Growing up means trading in bows for jobs VIEWS VAGABONDAGE FROM GOODY SAMANTHA SUTHERLAND TWO-SHOES
LINSEY THUT
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” When I was 8, I wanted to be a ballerina. The next day, I wanted to be President. Two weeks later? I was definitely going to be a full-time cheerleader. I had it all figured out… or so I thought. Now, that question has morphed into, “What are
you doing after you graduate?” And here I am--on the cusp where little girl dreams meet real world goals --just two weeks away from graduation, and I have no clue how to answer that. My future seems as black and unknowing as the inside of the graduation cap I’ll pick up in the Campus Center next
week. All year, I’ve tried to ignore the future’s impending arrival, shrugging off the notion that soon I’ll have to grow up. But that’s just the thing- graduation sneaks up on you. One moment, I’m making finishing touches on my tutu for a carnival freshmen year, and the next thing you know I’m receiving emails about my college debt and picking out my senior ring. Yet, in all this change and confusion, the one thing that does make sense is the lessons I’ve learned in college. And while being
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relationships are more important than success. Through the friends who laughed and cried with me, wore countless tutus and way too big hair bows with me, made so many mistakes (and just as many successes) with me, drank gallons of coffee at Mezamiz Coffee Shop with me, and stood by my side no matter what, I learned the true value of God’s love and made friendships I’ll keep a lifetime. So, in two weeks, as I turn in my oversized purple hair bows for a diploma and my membership in Alpha Kai for a big-girl job, things
become a bit clearer. I may not know where I’m headed or how to answer the fateful question of who I want to be when I grow up, but thanks to my time here, I do know who I’ve become. And with that, I can confidently say goodbye to ACU and step into the next chapter of my journey prepared by the lessons I’ve learned for whatever the big, scary future holds for me.
contact THUT at LCT10a@acu.edu
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able to accurately describe transhumanism (thanks, BCOR) and knowing the AP Stylebook backwards and front are important, those aren’t the lessons I’m referring to. Thanks to the every professor who pushed me to work harder and walked beside me cheering when things got difficult and life threw its curveballs, I learned to never give up, even when the world says I should. The numerous late-night study sessions that turned into deep heart-to-hearts taught me that sometimes
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news
Wednesday 04.29.15
DOCTRINE IN
TRAINING erika bolado staff photographer
Graduate School of Theology gains prestigious national attention, equipping hundreds of ministers and missionaries daniel block IIntramurals editor and senior reporter
G
rowing up in Fort Collins, Colorado, Wade Casey never imagined he would one day work toward earning a Masters degree from the ACU Graduate School of Theology. In fact, college didn’t appear on his radar at all until spring of his senior year in high school. “One day I just went in and talked to my mom and was like, ‘I think I may want to apply for college just to see if it’s an option,’” Casey said. Little did he know he would spend the better part of the next decade in West Texas studying for two Masters degrees, with the landscape a far cry from the majestic scenery of his hometown 12 hours away. There must be something here worth sacrificing mountains and trees for dust and flat plains as far as the eye can see. ACU’s Graduate School of Theology finds itself asserting its place as one of the most prestigious graduate theological institutions in America, attracting students and faculty from all corners of the globe. ACU has offered theological and ministerial graduate degrees since 1953, according to the ACU website. The GST though, was not founded until 1999, when it was officially established as a professional school. Since its inception in the mid-20th century, the school has produced hundreds of ministers, missionaries, and students and equipped them to serve throughout the world. Perhaps the greatest draw for students and faculty alike is the opportunity to work alongside and learn from world-renowned scholars with resumes and skillsets as impressive as the universities from which they have studied. Names such as Dr. Fred Aquino, professor of theology; Dr. Jeff Childers, Carmichael-Walling Chair of New Testament and Early Christianity; and recently retired James Thompson, former Onstead Chair for Biblical Studies, are prominent in theological circles around the world. Some, like Childers with the Syriac language, have levels of expertise in certain areas matched by only two or three dozen people worldwide. Dr. Ken Cukrowski, dean of the College of Biblical Studies, said the faculty in his department rank up there with other top graduate schools across the nation. “We have a great faculty in the GST,” Cukrowski said. “They all have solid publication records.”
‘Potential and Productivity’ Publication records can define a faculty. A scholar’s reputation will most often be based on how much research he or she has done and how many books or articles he or she has published. According to department records, faculty members in the GST over the past two years have contributed 14 chapters in edited books, 13 popular articles, 12 peer-reviewed articles, nine encyclopedia entries, six books and three reviews. Last summer, the GST was recognized by TheBestSchools.org, a college ranking website, for offering one of the top 20 online theology master’s degree programs in the nation. The M.A. of Christian Ministry is offered as an online class and currently has 75 students enrolled. The department also features two endowed chairs– the Carmichael-Walling Chair and the Onstead Chair. These positions are awarded with interests in further research and scholarship in mind. “The dean and provost choose the faculty who sit in those chairs, who have demonstrated great potential and productivity in research,” Cukrowski said. Both chairs are named after their respective donors, and each may cost millions of dollars. In 2007, Childers became just the second occupant of the Carmichael-Walling Chair since its
erika bolado staff photographer
endowment in the late 1980s. The first was Dr. Carroll Osburn, retired professor of church history. Dr. Mark Hamilton was appointed as Thompson’s successor for the Onstead Chair. “The chair is basically a research position, a teaching position, that has funding connected with it,” Childers said. “The chair recognizes people who are particularly adept at doing research and then bringing that research into the classroom.” For Childers, it provides an opportunity to conduct research beyond what the university can budget for him. He receives additional funding to hire assistants, buy specialized materials or supplies and travel. Often, his travels take him around the globe. “When a faculty or a department or a school has endowed chairs, it’s really helpful because it enables this kind of research that couldn’t go on otherwise,” Childers said. “Also it frees up the budget a little bit for other things in the school.” The endowed chair allows for Childers to further his research, which in turn puts his name, and ACU’s name, into more diverse circles and conversations. “And that enhances the prestige of the school,” Childers said, “because then you’ve got this person who’s not necessarily hampered by whatever the budget ups and downs are, and they are more focused on research, and that research gets the name of the school out there in broader circles.”
Expanded Focus Faculty in the GST come from diverse backgrounds and schools, increasing the school’s prestige and scope of influence. Professors with doctorates from renowned theological institutions such as Princeton, Yale, Harvard and Oxford are commonplace in the halls of the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building. Having a faculty with such diverse spheres of influence and contact helps raise the status of the GST, Childers said. “When you get people from really top-notch schools, I think it raises the profile a little bit,” Childers said. “It also diversifies things. The English
system’s pretty different. Someone who’s been to one of the British schools has had a different experience than someone who’s been to Chicago or SMU.” Childers studied at Oxford, a world-renowned institution. Now, 20 years later, one of his former undergrad students at ACU is following in his footsteps and joining the esteemed GST faculty in fall. Kelli Bryant Gibson will be one of two new GST faculty members next semester. She is working on finishing her dissertation at Oxford. “The fact that we’ve got Kelli coming from Oxford helps us, helps the prestige, helps the name recognition, diversifies our perspective, and also expands our networks,” Childers said. “I was there 20 years ago, she’s there now.” Gibson specializes in ancient church history and is an expert on Christian and Muslim relationships. Cukrowski said she’ll likely be the person on campus with the greatest understanding of Islam. With a second faculty member from Oxford, the GST’s reputation improves even more. “Oxford has been a center for theological study since students began gathering around masters here in the late eleventh century,” Gibson said. “Many renowned theologians throughout the centuries have studied and taught here, including many outstanding thinkers of our own day.” But it isn’t just the prestige of the faculty that attracts students to the GST. The professors are all heavily involved in local churches and ministries and focus on interacting with the students at a personal level, rather than solely academically. Casey said this is what drew him to continue his studies at the GST. “That’s what sets ACU apart a little bit, is that you’ve got these people who academically are at the top of the game but then pastorally are also really good too,” he said. “You go to class and you feel like you’re learning from the best people, but then those people also care about you as a person.” contact block at djb13a@acu.edu
sports
wednesday 4.29.15
Track suffers key injury at Drake Relays
6
standings 2015 Baseball Standings
Hannah Null sports reporter The Wildcats traveled to Des Moines, Iowa, over the weekend to compete in the annual Drake Relays. A select number of ACU’s finest were chosen to compete at the prestigious meet, but the select few fell even shorter when an unexpected injury shook up the men’s sprinting team. Junior multi-event competitor Johnathan Farquharson strained his hamstring during the second leg of the 4x100-meter relay race and was unable to compete in the 100-me-
ter prelims. Being a member of the sprinting group, the ‘Cats were incapable of competing or placing in the 4x200-meter relay. The group was able to compete in the 4x400-meter relay with senior Osie Alleyne-Forte, junior Devan Brown, junior Deandre McBride and freshman Rosen Daniel. They came in 18th place with a time of 3:13.03. Daniel suffered from an injury the previous week and was unhappy with his performance due to the lasting injury pain. “This meet tells me that for conference we should be ready for whatever hits us, and that circumstanc-
es can be unpredictable,” Daniel said. “Nevertheless, we should still be at the top of our game.” Senior runner Daniel Block made only his second appearance of the outdoor season competition on Saturday during the 800-meter race. Block placed seventh out of nine competitors, but was only three seconds behind the front-runner Clayton Murphy with a time of 1:51.44. Freshman thrower Kai Schmidt placed 12th in discus with a throw of 49.66 meters, which was not enough to take him further than the prelim stages. “Overall, the meet did
not go as I expected it to go, which was caused through the weather conditions,” said Schmidt. “I would lie if I said that I am happy with my performance at the Relays, because I am not happy at all with it. I was throwing 20 feet under my personal best. All of the throwers there struggled with the rainy cold conditions that made the ring very slick and hard to focus on technical things.” Senior Lexus Williams was another ACU Wildcat who stayed stuck in the prelims with a 14.66 in the 100-meter hurdles. Freshmen like Schmidt, although not happy with
the outcome, feel fortunate to have been able to attend the Drake Relays meet. “I am glad I had the opportunity to go and compete at the Relays,” said Schmidt. “I look forward for a much better result in my Sophomore year.” The ‘Cats will be back on the track as a whole this weekend at the Red Raider Open in Lubbock. This will be the Wildcats’ last chance to practice before the Southland Conference Outdoor Championships on May 8. contact Null at Hln12a@acu.edu
Team
Div.
SELU 17-4 NSU 16-7 UCA 13-8 SHSU 13-8 MSU 14-10 HBU 12-9 Nicholls St.11-10 TAMU-CC 10-11 SFA 9-14 Lamar 8-13 ACU 8-13 UIW 6-15 NO 3-18
Ovrl 33-12 24-18 23-15 23-21 24-20 21-20 24-16-1 20-19 15-27 19-24 10-31 15-27 14-29
2015 Softball Standings
Team
Div.
NSU 20-2 MSU 18-5 UCA 16-5 SELU 14-8 Lamar 12-9 TAMU-CC 12-11 Nicholls St.11-12 SFA 10-13 SHSU 8-14 HBU 5-17 ACU 5-19 UIW 4-20
Ovrl 31-15 33-18 31-16 20-25 22-23 17-26-1 25-20 18-29 17-27 12-29 11-31 10-36
Who’s Hot Senior pitcher Thomas Altimont pitched a 133-pitch complete Altimont game in ACU baseball’s 6-2 win over SFA Saturday. Altimont struck out 10 batters, gave up only six hits and allowed only two earned runs on the day. Saturday’s win was Altimont’s third complete game performance of the season. yam saowatarnpong Staff Photographer
The Wildcats went 1-2 against Stephen F. Austin this past weekend, moving their overall record to 10-31 and 8-13 in conference.
briefings
‘Cats can’t find offense vs. ‘Jacks collin wieder sports editor ACU baseball struggled through the weekend, losing the Southland series to Stephen F. Austin University, two games to one. The Wildcats moved to 10-31 overall on the season and 8-13 in conference. The Lumberjacks improved to 15-27 overall and 9-14 in conference. The ‘Cats opened with a tough 7-6 loss Saturday to start the weekend. ACU’s offense jumped out to a sixinning, 5-0 lead. Freshman pitcher Drew Hanson recorded another solid outing as he gave the
Sophomore Nico Agritelley was selected First-Team All-Southland Conference. In singles, he Wildcats 6.1 innings of formance at the plate with a double of his own to cut three guys out of the bull- went 17-9 overall and 5-0 work, allowing only three two runs. Junior catcher the lead to one. Senior out- pen which left us short in in conference play. earned runs. The seventh inning proved to be the comeback inning for the ‘Jacks as they scored four runs to cut the ‘Cats’ lead to one. ACU added one run in the top of eighth to make it a 6-4 game. The eighth inning cost the ‘Cats the game as former starter junior Aaron Mason and senior Nate Cole gave up three runs to give the ‘Jacks a 7-6 lead. The ACU bats produced nothing in the ninth, giving the ‘Jacks the come-from-behind win. Sophomore second baseman Aaron Draper led all batters with a 3-for-5 per-
Alex Copeland went 2-for-4 from the plate as well In Game 2, senior Thomas Altimont went the distance with a nine-inning, two-earned-run outing to give ACU a 6-2 win. The game seemed like it would be another tough loss for the ‘Cats as SFA jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning. ACU’s bats did not record a run for seven innings. But in the top of the eighth, the ACU bats caught fire. Freshman infielder Marcelle Carter started the run with a leadoff double. Sophomore second baseman drove in Carter with
fielder Jordan Forrester advanced Crippen to third with a single. Junior infielder Kyle Carroll then drove in Crippen to tie the game, and senior first baseman Tyler Eager and Copeland drove in the following four runs to give the Wildcats the win. Head coach Britt Bonneau said Altimont recorded one of the most important wins of the season for the Wildcats. “Thomas picked up one of his best and toughest wins of the season (Saturday),” Bonneau said. “Our team had just lost a really tough game, and we used
the second game. We were going to stick with him for 100 pitches, but he was a bulldog and kept going out there throwing up zeroes.” Game 3 did not end the series on a good note for the ‘Cats, as they were held to just four hits in a rough 3-0 loss. Junior pitcher Garrett DeMeyere played a solid game, giving up only two earned on 5.2 innings. ACU baseball returns to the field Friday against conference opponent New Orleans University. contact wieder at cpw11a@acu.edu
Softball handed two heartbreaking losses savanah silva sports reporter The Wildcats left Polly Wells field heartbroken after losing their last home series against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi despite valiant efforts. The ‘Cats struggled early in game one, finding themselves down 3-0 in the top of the third. But then, freshman infielder Peyton Hedrick had an RBI triple and scored teammate and fellow freshman outfielder Brianna Barnhill, starting a rally. Freshman infielder Holly Neese also got on the board thanks to an error. Freshman infielder Alyson Bishoff brought Neese home after she slammed one to left field. Freshmen played a huge role in Friday’s win. Freshman outfielder Melissa Rodriguez gave the Wildcats a 4-3 lead after an infield single to short with runners at both corners. Barnhill then slammed a two-run home run over to right field to put the score at 6-3. Head coach Bobby Reeves used both of his star pitchers in the first game. Senior pitcher Emily Seidel threw six complete innings, giving up only two earned runs to earn the 6-3 win. Julia Montoya, junior transfer pitcher, entered in the seventh after Seidel issued a leadoff walk, earning
Yam Saowatarnpong Staff Photographer
ACU softball took game one, but fell in games two and three in the Wildcats final series at home this past weekend. the save after retiring three straight batters. Game two dialed up the intensity a few notches, though. The Islanders earned a lone run early in the game, but sophomore catcher Kaleigh Singleton tied the game, 1-1, in the fourth after she hit a base-clearing double. In the next frame, it looked like Game 2 would go to the ‘Cats, especially after Barnhill and freshman infielder Kaleigh Lightsey hit home runs Islander pitcher Katie Blanar. This gave the ‘Cats a comfort-
able lead of 7-2. The Islanders then switched pitchers, and with this change, momentum switched as well. Liz Carter, sophomore pitcher for Corpus Christi, caught a big break after she fielded a tapper form sophomore outfielder Taylor Brown. Carter then assisted in getting Hedrick out as well. These plays were what the Islanders needed, as they added one run in the sixth before the floodgates opened
and Corpus Christi sent eight batters to the plate in the seventh. Carter drove in the Islanders’ first two runs of the seventh on her second double of the game and scored on a two-out rip up the middle by junior outfielder Dani Tefft that cut ACU’s lead to 7-6. The next play sealed the game for the Islanders as Tefft scored the game winning run after an error by the ‘Cats. ACU was unable to respond in its final at-bat of the, ending in an 8-7 loss.
ACU entered the final game of the series with eyes focused and bats ready to swing. Seidel, the only senior on the team, threw the complete game on her Senior Day. Hedrick helped take the lead away from the Islanders after she cracked her 11th home run of the season, a two-run shot to put the score at 2-1. The Wildcats got one more run in the fourth on an RBI single up the middle by Bishoff, but in the fifth and sixth, their offense stalled against the Islanders’ Liz Carter. Seidel gave up only one earned run in the first five innings of the game. But in the sixth, she allowed three consecutive singles before sophomore catcher Brittany Morse cracked her 10th homerun of the season to make the score 5-3. Seidel allowed no more runs, but the damage was done. Corpus Christi took the third game, 5-3 and left Wells field with a 2-1 series final. The Wildcats will travel to Houston this weekend to take on the Houston Baptist Huskies in their final series of the 2015 season. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. Friday. contact silva at sns12b@acu.edu
The ACU tennis team came back from the Ojai Tournament with impressive hardware. Freshman Erin Walker defeated senior Brittney Reed to take the singles title. Walker also picked up the doubles championship with her partner freshman Lucile Pothier. Senior golfer Corbin Renner was named Second-Team AllSouthland. Renner scored an average of 73.04. He earned a single title this year at a tournament and helped the Wildcats grab two as a team. Freshman shortstop Peyton Hedrick trails only Southeastern Louisiana junior outfielder Katie Lacour for the Southland BA lead. Hedrick is hitting .434 with 11 home runs, nine doubles, five triples and 41 RBIs. Lacour is hitting .485 with just one double, zero triples, zero home runs and four RBIs. Be sure to follow @OptimistSports on Twitter and like the Optimist Sports Facebook page for more ACU sports news and updates.
Upcoming Track heads to Lubbock Thursday to participate in the Red Raider Open. Softball travels to Houston Friday for its final series of the season. The first game of the double-header starts at 2 p.m. Baseball heads to Louisiana Friday to take on New Orleans. The first game starts at 6:30 p.m.