NEWS
WHAT'S INSIDE
Intramural log rolling hits the circuit in place of waterball. But what is it? Page 3
FEATURE
OPINION
Early voting is happening now. Our staff writers hit the polls and talked with Abilene locals. Page 4
Cultural Awareness Week is worth your time and your conversations. Read our thoughts.
Page 5
SPORTS
Athletics to honor former player Chuck Sitton with new stadium tower in his name Pages 6
v
Friday, October 27, 2016 Vol. 105, Issue 11
A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912
HOPE‘16 ETHAN
CYNTHIA RANGEL STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Down Syndrome teens Hope Martin and Ethan Etter spoke in Moody Chapel on Wednesday as part of Down Syndrome Awareness month. The two, along with their families, shared their stories in a memorable Chapel experience.
SA registers voters, encourages LGBT discussion BY HALEY REMENAR ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR
The Students’ Association registered about 336 students to vote at the beginning of October. Abbey Moses, executive president, was deputized to register voters in Taylor County. Most students registered in the SA office, but about 25 students registered through a voter registration tailgate at the football game on Oct. 8, and about 14-18 people registered through the Black Students’ Association. Moses also did voting drives with men’s social club Gamma Sigma Phi and women’s social club Alpha Kai Omega. According to Chris Riley, vice president of Student Life, Moses and Taylor Crumpton, senior class president, were the first students at ACU to become deputized to register voters. Moses said the high turnout could be attributSEE CONGRESS PAGE 3
Chapel guests share message of hope BY LAUREN FRANCO STUDENT REPORTER
Two teenagers with Down Syndrome spoke in Chapel Wednesday, Oct. 25 in honor of October as Down Syndrome Awareness month. Ethan Etter, a 17-year-old homeschooled student, and Hope Martin, an 18-year-old homeschooled student, spoke in Moody to draw awareness to the normalcy of people with Down Syndrome. Ethan and Hope were childhood friends before the Etter family moved to Florida. Cheryl Etter, Ethan’s
mother, said the better they got to know the Martins, the more it became a family goal for the two to have a voice. Because Hope wants to attend ACU and has friends and siblings who attend ACU, the families of the students submitted speeches to the Office of Spiritual Development. During the summer, they learned Ethan and Hope would be given the opportunity to speak and began practicing their speeches. “Sometimes people are scared of people with disabilities,” Cheryl said. “Angie and I have both felt like the more
we get our kids out there, the more people will want to love them like a normal, typical kid.” Angie Martin, Hope’s mother, said the families want Ethan and Hope to be an example of God’s image by sharing part of who they are. “They just have something really valuable and really beautiful to share with the world,” Angie said. “Its kind of a broadening experience for everyone. Certainly for them, stretching them, but the people in the audience too.” Allen Martin, Hope’s old-
est brother, said it’s good that the speakers have Down Syndrome as opposed to a speaker talking about Down Syndrome. “So often, we try to speak on behalf of people with special needs, assuming that they can’t do it themselves,” said Allen, sophomore English and political science major from Abilene. “In reality, they, like us, have plenty to say. I’m excited for Hope and Ethan to have a platform to do that, and I’m grateful to ACU for providing them with that.” Both families said they are looking forward to Ethan and
Hope communicating their unique messages and perspective of God to a welcoming audience. “I don’t know that everyone will see it or hear it, but those who are able to will see an aspect of God’s nature that maybe they wont see every single day,” Angie said. “For part of God’s nature, a little bit different perspective, to be revealed. I never know how he’s going to reveal himself, but he always does.” OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU
Pledging wraps up after three weeks “ BY EMILY GUAJARDO VISUALS MANAGING EDITOR
After three weeks of yellow skirts, red lipstick and bright green ties, the pledging process has officially ended. Tom Craig, director of student organizations and productions, said the university decided to shorten the pledging process to three weeks because it was an ideal pledge period for social club’s
to allow several experiences to be accomplished such as Homecoming while keeping the involvement for pledges confined to a narrower window than in the past. “Those three weeks are designed to culminate with Homecoming, allowing for clubs to capitalize on activities that benefit Homecoming to be part of pledging experience,” said Craig. During the three weeks,
Those three weeks are designed to culminate with Homecoming.”
TOM CRAIG DIRECTOR OF STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
pledges go through a variety of club activities and punishments as part of the process like wearing oversized pledge pins, backward uniforms and
dozens of braids in girls hair. Punishments, although it sounds like hazing, are limited by Student Life. Craig said the limits have been set in order to protect pledges from further stress. “Limitations have been established for what clubs call consequences because, without limitations, we have seen prudent decision-making wane, and we run greater risks of distractions in classes
and Chapel and more intense stress for pledges,” said Craig. Craig said that while the methods used in pledging have changed throughout the years, the primary goals have remained the same: build unity, build relationships and educate potential members to the history and purpose of their club. EAG13B@ACU.EDU
Advising Center still looking to find its footing BY TAYLOR BUSH STUDENT REPORTER
Students are having different opinions and experiences with the new advising system while the Advising Center looks toward the future. This semester, ACU has officially transitioned to a centralized advising system. Over the summer, the ad-
vising team was finalized and students were assigned an advisor based on their declared major. Students received emails earlier this semester asking them to set up advising appointments to discuss registration for their spring classes. Nuria Hall, associate director of advising, said the hope moving forward for-
ward is that advisors are able to be more involved with students; not just working on what classes students will take but also working on the whole student. “We’re not just looking at getting you graduated, were looking at moving past that,” said Hall. Advisors are hoping to think through students resumes, internships, mental health
and many other things in partnership with on-campus resources. Reactions from students across campus has been mixed. Freshman and sophomores seem to be enjoying the system. “So far the advising center has been great! Everyone I have come in contact with was nice and helpful and didn’t laugh at my
W W W. A C U O P T I M I S T. C O M
freshman confusion.” said Elizabeth Coates, freshman english education major from Round Rock, Texas. “This year, advising was much easier because my advisors were knowledgeable of the catalog and my degree plan. This experience was much smoother than it has been in the past because the advisors could focus only on advising…”
said Ruth Church, sophomore psychology major from Kansas City, Missouri. While freshman and sophomores seem to be enjoying the system, upperclassmen are struggling to adjust to change. “I am sure there are pros and cons to both systems, it was just inconvenient that it SEE ADVISING PAGE 3
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NEW S
Log rolling rolls into campus BY LAUREN FRANCO STUDENT REPORTER
The first intramural log rolling tournament will take place Nov. 16 in the pool at the Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Although the log rolling tournament will be Nov. 16, the logs will be available to try out Nov. 2 and 9 from 8-9:30 p.m. The sport is played in 47 states and seven countries. It is played by two individuals standing on a floating log, moving the log with their feet to knock the other person off. Mark Jackson, director of intramural sports, said he hopes to see a minimum of 40-50 students participating in the tournament. “This is a sport which most students have never tried before," Jackson said. “However, anyone can participate in this tournament. Because it is a growing sport nationwide, we feel like it will take off here at ACU too.” Jackson said the intramural office is adding log rolling to make up for the loss of waterball this past year. In addition, most of the intramural sports offered are team based, so log rolling offers students an individualized sport. “Each sport we offer is unique. I would say this sport is a lot about skill, but also a little bit of luck too,” Jackson said. “Most sports it is who is the most talented, but with this one, it is not about who is the most athletic or strongest. It is about having a plan and executing that plan versus each opponent that you match up with.” OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU
FRIDAY | OCTOBER 27, 2016
COBA gifted portrait of Washington BY MAX PRESTON STUDENT REPORTER
The College of Business Administration (COBA) has hung a George Washington portrait, given by the family of an ACU alumnus, at the entrance to the Dean’s suite. The artwork, painted by Albert Gallatin Hoit, is an original replica of Gilbert Stuart’s famous Lansdowne portrait of George Washington, which hangs in the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian. “The Hoit replica was painted in 1853,” said Brad Crisp, Dean of the College of Business. “My understanding is that it traveled the nation raising money for the Mount Vernon Restoration Society.” The painting was orig-
inally in the collection of Bill Waugh for a number of years. Waugh was an ACU trustee, an alumnus of the university and was involved in the designing of the Mabee Business Building. “Sometime in the '80s, he decided he would loan the painting to the university,” said Crisp. “I think when I was a student here, it hung on the wall in the atrium.” Eventually, Waugh took back the painting, which he had only loaned to the univeristy, but after his death in 2015, his wife, Liwei Waugh, decided to give the painting to COBA for good. Liwei thought that the painting was something she should give to ACU in honor of Waugh's life and once she decided she would do-
nate it, she found some of his written documents and found out that he actually wanted to give the George Washington painting to COBA. Bill Waugh, was the founder of Taco Bueno, which began in Abilene and spread to different areas in Texas as well as Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Colorado. He had also founded Crystal’s Pizza, Casa Bonita and Burger Street. “Having this picture is a nice nod to somebody who has had a big influence not only on this building and ACU, but also to his legacy as an entrepreneur.” Said Crisp. OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU
MAX PRESTON STUDENT REPORTER The portrait was given to the College of Business Administration by the wife of alumnus ('59) Bill Waugh.
Wildcat E-sports brings gamers together BY DEREK MARCELAIN STUDENT REPORTER
The rise of competitive gaming has found itself at ACU with the Wildcat E-Sports club. Wildcat E-Sports covers all the major e-sport video games from League of Legends to Super Smash Bros. Last year the club focused on trying to expand itself and then turned to focusing on the internal aspects of the club, such as player rankings and strengthening the teams. Now that they have all that squared away, the club is ready to create competitive teams to compete against other universities. “That’s really cool, being able to send people out and get ACU’s name out this way as it is a new frontier of competition that schools are looking into.” said Jayce
Walker, sophomore computer science major from New Braunfels and member of the club. The club welcomes all who are interested, regardless of previous gaming experience. “We don’t have any qualifications at the moment, because we are just trying to figure out who is ready to compete competitively and who is not, so anyone can try out,” said Tyler Barfield, junior computer science major from Perryton. The club tries to host at least one tournament a month for each individual game that is an internal competition to determine student’s rankings for teams. “We had a tournament style placing, because we had more people than we could have on a team,"Jessica Wininger, junior digital en-
“
That’s really cool, being able to send people out and get ACU’s name out this way as it is a new frontier of competition that schools are looking into," JAYCE WALKER SOPHOMORE COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR FROM NEW BRAUNFELS
tertainment technology major from Haslet, said. "You can only have five players on a team, so of the people who were interested, we had enough spots so that there could be alternates, but we did do a placement testing so that we could figure out who would be starting for us on that week.” The club is looking forward to what the future brings for them as they have some big tournaments later in the year, Wininger said. “What these tournaments
are called is ‘The Training Grounds’ and it is gearing up for the big tournaments that all the big, serious players go, but this is a chance for us to have a tournament every weekend and play with other colleges and get experience from that, but also make our players better and also see where the competition is and where you are at to see if you want to compete in the larger tournaments,” Wshesaid. The club is also putting the finishing touches on their League of Legends team
that they are planning on having set up by the end of the semester. “Competitive League (of Legends) has not started up yet," Will Solomon, junior management major from Abilene and club president said. "We are still getting some stuff figured out, but that should be starting by the end of the semester, with the season starting in February.” Walker said more information about the club can be found via its social media. “We have a place that you can look into the times at ACU League of Legends group on Facebook or Wildcat E-Sports on Facebook as well and we can get you more information that way.” Walker said. OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU
POLICE LOG SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 10/20/2016 12:05 a.m. ACUPD responded to a report of drug activity in Gardner Hall. One municipal citation issued for possession of drug paraphernalia and one Possession of Marijuana case referred to Taylor County DA for prosecution. 10/23/2016 9:48 p.m. ACUPD and APD responded to a fight and loud yelling in the 600 block of EN 15th. ACUPD separated parties and subsequent investigation resulted in one involved person being arrested for outstanding warrants. 10/24/2016 1: a.m. ACUPD recovered stolen street signs from outside Edwards Hall and from a student tenant. Case referred to APD. 911 CALL ACCIDENT ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY ALARM ASSAULT ASSIST ATTEMPT TO LOCATE BARRICADES BICYCLE/SKATEBOARD CALL BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK CHECK BUILDING CITATION ISSUANCE
2 1 24 1 1 1 4 3 1
DISTURBANCE DRUG ACTIVITY/OFFENSE ESCORT FIRE FOOT PATROL FOUND PROPERTY INFORMATION REPORT INTOXICATED DRIVER INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP 17 LOST PROPERTY 220 MAINTENANCE UNIVERSITY ASSETS: CCTV 3
6 3 1 1 76 3 1 1 6 2 2
MAINTENANCE: UNIVERSITY ASSETS MEDICAL EMERGENCY MONITOR FACILITY/LOT MOTORIST ASSIST INFLATE TIRE MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART MOTORIST ASSIST: OTHER MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK NOISE VIOLATION OTHER
2 2 8 1 8 2 8 1 4
PARKING LOT PATROL PARKING VIOLATION PATROL VEHICLE: MAINTENANCE PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL PROWLER PUBLIC SERVICE RANDOM PATROL REPORT WRITING SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT SUSPICIOUS PERSON SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE THEFT
27 9 7 10 1 2 18 15 2 2 1 3
2 TRAFFIC STOP WELFARE CHECK 1 TOTAL: 516
POLICE CHIEF TIP OF THE WEEK:
Safe travels over the long Fall Break Weekend. Remember: Don’t Text and Drive!
N E WS
FRIDAY | OCTOBER 27, 2016
Advising: campus adapts to system CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
happened mid way through my college years.” said Jacob Livingston, junior accounting and financial management major from Frisco, Texas. Senior Jonathan Ward, advertising and public relations major from Plano said, “My advising experience has remained relatively unchanged because I still have an inhouse advisor. Based on what I’ve heard about the new system, it seems impersonal and takes away from one of the advantages of attending a small university.” As students react differently to the new advising system, Hall would like to continue to encourage students to make the time to come in and get to know their advisors.
“
My advising experience has remained relatively unchanged JONATHAN WARD SENIOR AD/PR MAJOR FROM PLANO
“If students come and meet their advisors and get to know them...get to know them with an open mind. Because sometimes change is difficult for everybody, good or bad. I think they’re really going to like the new center, what we can do for them and the simplicity of having everything in one place.” The new advising center in the Campus Center is scheduled to open in the spring semester. For now, the advising center is housed on the 3rd floor of the Brown Library.
AKB12B@ACU.EDU
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Former flower shop looks for owner BY ERIKA BOLADO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The vacant building on Campus Court, previously known as Bitsy’s Flower Shop, is still looking for an owner, three years after the shop closed its doors and one year after it’s owner put it up for sale. Tommy Simons and Associates Realtors is asking $379,000 for the property but is also willing to consider leasing the property. Tommy Simon, a sales executive, said the property is the only building that ACU does not own from the businesses on that strip. “But it could be an option for them,” Simon said. Simon said he’s shown the listing about six times this week. The space has been gutted and is ready for renovation for the buyer. The large space, approximately 3,960 ft, can be di-
vided into several businesses or one big building, said Simon. He also said the clients who have looked at the property have been people interested in creating a business. One of the clients was an unnamed alumni from ACU. Currently, a food truck owned by the building owner, parks on the side of the parking lot. According to tommysimons.com, the building is described as a “perfect business opportunity for many businesses seeking the appeal of college age adults.” The building, built in 1959, used to be a beauty shop, tailor shop, grocery store, and a flower shop that was in service for 38 years. HEXB14A@ACU.EDU
BIANCA BARRIENTOS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER The building at 1694 Campus Court was home to Bitsy’s Flower Shop for 40 years. The shop closed down in 2013.
SA: Congress discusses voting, LGBT “ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
ed to the candidates in this election. “I was just so thankful that students on campus are taking steps to have their voice heard,” Moses said. “My job is to represent students, and I’m really glad to see them stepping up. I cannot believe how many students we had.” Early voting started Monday and voters must vote in the county they are registered to vote in. For more information, http:// www.votetexas.gov/. SA will begin discussions about LGBT policies starting with a focus group initiated by Riley after the
next Student Congress meeting. Caitlin Walker, junior vice president, will attend an LGBT and Christianity conference at Highland Oaks Church in Dallas during fall break. The Office Student Life offered to pay for SA members’ conference fees but not travel and lodging, so Moses said some representatives were not able to attend. Moses said SA will discuss future plans for LGBT discussions at the next Congress meeting. “Something that we are going to be doing over this next year is having some campus-wide conversations regarding attitude and just the climate around LGBTQ things
Our campus is changing, our world is changing so Students’ Association is going to be the one that really connects with students on that,” ABBEY MOSES STUDENT’S ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
on campus,” Moses said. “We’re looking on updating the policy-type things, including Voice. Our campus is changing, our world is changing so Students’ Association is going to be the one that really connects with students on that.” SA passed a resolution Oct. 12 to request facilities management take better care of lights on the Lunsford Trail, particular-
ly by Morris Hall. Moses said facilities management told SA the lights will be off indefinitely because of construction on the football stadium. SA also passed a bill to fund air fresheners in the Campus Center bathrooms, but after facilities management fixed an air vent in the bathrooms, SA Congress members are checking to see if the air fresheners are still needed. Moses said
the bill allows SA to spend “no more than $150,” so SA can spend $0 on the project if the air fresheners are no longer needed. Future SA projects include the Christmas Slam at a December Men’s Basketball game and an initiative with the Department of Art and Design to allow architecture majors to design on-campus spaces. SA will work with Carlos Mejia, senior interior design major from Honduras, to begin a project which will allow students to do senior projects creating “outdoor classrooms” on campus. HRR13B@ACU.EDU
Speaking Center offers strengths assesment test BY BRIANNA CLOSE STUDENT REPORTER
The Speaking Center is now offering personal coaching for students who have taken the Gallup Strengths Quest assessment to help develop student’s strengths revealed in the assessment. “Since it’s a developmental tool, Gallup advocates that people get coaching so that they can not only understand their strengths but also know how to develop and apply them in their lives. ” said Dena Counts, instructor of communication and director of the Speaking Center. Admissions decided to have students take the assessment during student orientation in order for new college students to understand their strengths before starting college. The current freshmen and sophomore class have taken the assessment with admissions during student orientation. “At the Speaking Center one of the things that we are trying to do is provide students the opportunity to sit one-on-one with a coach, talk through their five strengths, look at their reports to understand them better and also brainstorms some ways to develop their strengths,” Counts said. The research that created the strengths philosophy started with Donald Clifton, an American psychologist who’s
worked focused on positive psychology during the 1950s. “Gallup says and Clifton’s research said to focus on your strengths, partner with people who are better in the areas you are weak at but use your strengths to overcome those weaknesses,” Counts said. The official report gives students the definition of their five strengths along with how each strengths interacts with each other. “When aware of their strengths, students can then utilize them in classes, careers, and personal relationships,” said Faith Boren, one of the Speaking Center consultant. “Strengths Quest is not just a test you take and then forget about until someone asks you what your strengths are months later, it can actually change how you approach most situations in your life.” Interested students can make appointments online through the Speaking Center’s Facebook page or blog. It is encouraged that students take the Strengths Quest test prior to their upcoming appointment. The test is available online at strengthsquest. com and cost $10. “I have found that this process produces results that are incredibly personalized and accurate,” said Boren.
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4
FEATU RE S
FRIDAY | OCTOBER 27, 2016
See You at the Polls Several staff writers hit the streets in the opening week of early voting to talk with Abilene locals about their voting experiences. Read what the people of Abilene have to say about the Presidential Election
ERIKA BOLADO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER People head to the polls to cast their vote in the 2016 presidential election. Early voting started Oct. 24 and will go through Nov. 4.
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arren and Gloria Chapman sit on a bench in the middle of the Mall of Abilene food court, wearing “I voted” stickers and Hillary Clinton buttons. “I like to get it over with,” Warren said. “I’m ready to move on from this election.” While the state of Texas sides primarily Republican, the Chapmans said they see donating to Clinton’s cause as a way of making their voice heard even if their vote won’t affect the state. “Texas is Texas,” Gloria said. – Haley Remenar
V
oters meandered into Taylor County Plaza on a hot October afternoon, marking the beginning of early voting in Abilene. At 3:15 p.m., a retired couple entered. The man walked steadily behind his wife, who moseyed inside behind her walker. Don and Ruth understand the importance of
civic duty. “We haven’t missed a vote since we were first able to,” Don said; his wife nodded in agreement. Despite the recent necessity of a walker, Ruth never considered not voting. “I take it very seriously,” she said. “It’s what you’re supposed to do.” – Elijah Evans
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he circular f lag sticker on her blouse made 77-year-old Nancy stand out amongst the afternoon bustle of shoppers. “I voted,” the sticker declares. Nancy will be out of town on Nov. 8, so she wanted to cast her ballot before she leaves. “Well, this year since I feel quite strongly that I couldn’t ever vote for Mr. Trump, I wanted to be sure I had my vote in,” Nancy said, smiling. Nancy’s confidence in American democracy was evident even in her
outfit, laced with notes of patriotism: the blue blouse tucked into the red, white and blue f loral skirt – topped off with the sticker above her heart. “I think in our American system, it’s important to always go and vote,” Nancy said. “If you’ve studied at all about the election, then you should be there and express your opinion, otherwise you don’t have a right to gripe.” – Allison Brown
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ollier, a 69-yearold, retired electronics engineer from Abilene, who got scars on his face from serving in Vietnam, is set in his views on who he believes should be the next president. Collier believes everything began turning downhill when Congress got rid of the Texas Blue Laws. “It’s all about money,” Collier said. “That’s everything. There was a purpose for the Texas
blue laws to quiet down in reverence to Sunday and they came back and told Congress that Sunday is the only day we have to go out,” Collier said. “Malarkey.” One issue Collier hopes the nation will handle is closing the borders. “What I would really like to see is to hire the Israeli military to come in and build our borders and then you hire the Israeli Mossad, who will get names and kick ass like Mr. Trump does,” Collier said. “We have to do that.” – Mary Kate Rotenberry
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at Robinson slipped into her blinged-out sneakers and headed to the United on Judge Ely to participate in early voting. As a mother and grandmother, Robinson said she cast her ballot in her family’s honor. “At my age, the next few years will affect me, but for my babies and grand-
children I think this election will determine their future and if they get to enjoy the America that I have enjoyed and loved,” Robinson said. – Mercedez Hernandez
A
biracial gay couple with matching earrings exit the Taylor County voter registration office. “Frankly, I would have voted for Mickey Mouse than Trump,” said Franklin Calvin, a former New Yorker. “This election was the oddest one that I have ever voted in.” Moments later, Allen Faircloth, a blue-collar worker casts his vote for Donald Trump. The former democrat said he voted for Donald Trump because he thinks the Democratic Party has gone too liberal over the years. “The election is a joke,” said Faircloth. “If you don’t vote, you shouldn’t be complaining on the outcome.” – Emily Guajardo
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went y-year-old Erika, a college student and firsttime voter, headed to the polls on the second day of early voting to cast her ballot. Though she hails from southern gulf town Port Aransas, just outside of Corpus Christi, she registered to vote in Abilene because she knew she wouldn’t be able to make it home by Election Day. “I’ve never really been into politics,” she said. “My family is Hispanic so they don’t really care – that sounds terrible, but I was never into politics until I came to college and I took a class and became interested in it.” She specif ied immigration and immigrant rights as two of the most important political issues to her in this election. “I hope everybody votes, it’s def initely something we should take advantage of.” – Abbey Bowling
A RTS
Frat Haunted Island dares to scare with clowns BY COLE WIDDER STAFF WRITER
Frater Sodalis will hold its biggest fundraiser of the year, the Frat Haunted Island, from Wednesday-Monday. This is a tradition 34 years in the making, and members are planning to make it different than the years before. President, Joel Childers, said, “We
are working hard to set everything up to make it different than before. It is going to be very creepy, and there will be clowns.” Because the Frats are setting up everything, their current pledge class is helping, too. Andrew Boone, sophomore theatre major from Abilene, said, “I have not been out there yet due to the play, but I can’t wait
to be a zombie.” Henry Touchton, sophomore biochemistry major from Abilene, said he can’t wait to have fun and scare people. Kolton Burkhalter, sophomore Digital Entertainment Major from Canyon, said they’ve had a good turnout of guys helping to set everything up before opening night. “We set up the fence and
the walls for the island,” he said. “I am possibly going to be the Slender Man.” The Island is located at 401 Loop 322 and a sign at the site points to the Island. Admission is $10 for anyone wanting a scare. Thursday is student night. Those with a student ID pay only $5. The scaring starts at 7:30 p.m.
and runs until the scaring is over. Childers said the island is geared toward high school students and older, but all ages are welcome.
OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU
When: Oct. 2631, starting at 7:30 p.m. Where: 401 Loop 322 Price: $10, except Oct. 27 students get in for $5 with valid student ID
O P IN ION
FRIDAY | OCTOBER 27, 2016
&
E D ITOR IAL
5
We all benefit from engaging different cultures
Daily Doodle Dosage
BEN TODD CARTOONIST
THE ISSUE
Many students overlook the opportunity to engage with other cultures while at college.
OUR TAKE
It’s important to pay attention, contribute and attend Multicultural Awareness Week events to make us better people.
For just $40,000 a year, you can enjoy all the benefits of ACU’s campus, including Bean cookies, unlimited rowing machine use in the rec center, and a whole campus full of people your own age. However, many students overlook one of the greatest benefits of college life: multicultural
exposure. With a diversity of ethnicities, religions and hometowns, it’s not hard to find someone completely different from you on campus. It’s also not hard to find people just like you. Sadly, many students choose to stay in a bubble, spending time primarily with people
Dear Optimist Editorial Board,
@SAMUEL_JONES_13 OCT. 26, 1:37 P.M.
This semester is quickly turning into a supercalifragilisticexistentialcrisis @ERICKATISDALE OCT. 25, 11:40 P.M.
Mentally, emotionally, physically, logically, philosophically, metaphorically done with this semester @CARLEYBROWNING OCT. 26, 12:34 P.M.
Today’s chapel will forever be my favorite at ACU @TORITROUTY OCT. 26, 9:03 A.M.
happy wednesday I just fell off a desk in class and broke it in half !!!!! have a gr8 day!!!! @COCO_WEEKS_ OCT. 26, 5:45 P.M.
BCOR will be the death of me @BAILEYMARSHALL OCT. 24, 12:12 P.M.
moving to Hawaii to get away from pledging and Hillary Clinton @TAENJOHNSON OCT. 26, 2:35 P.M.
The lady at the advising desk just called me sir /: @LAUREN_FRANCO1 OCT. 25, 11:12 A.M.
today, i became a regular at starbucks & it was probably the greatest moment of my college career second to becoming a regular at sonic @COLLINTHOMPSON OCT. 25, 9:42 A.M.
Gotta love it when my advisor figures out my spring schedule in 4 minutes and then we talk about Oxford and Coldplay for the next 26. @CEDRICGARZA OCT. 24, 10:51 P.M.
When u almost cry in study hall bc u listened to a piano instrumental of A Thousand Years
After reading some of the editorials last week I wanted to express why I’m a Republican, who’s also pursuing a career in politics, who is voting for Hillary Clinton. When the primaries began over a year ago it was so exciting to see many great candidates join the race for the GOP. The presidential race seemed to be favoring the Republicans with a decent shot of taking the White House since the two major candidates on the other side were either a Democratic Socialist or a scandal-filled former Secretary of State. I spent the entire primary season telling anybody that would ask, and some that didn’t, that Trump would never be the GOP nominee. I’ve spent the last several years attempting to become any kind of authority on politics and policy through constantly reading various news sources, talking with others about their viewpoints and spending two summers as an unpaid intern in D.C. to learn more. My views on politics are not just opinions but something I have worked so hard to be educated on and something I like to think is always evolving with hopes of leading to some kind of career. Once it became clear that a contested convention was not going to happen and Trump became the official GOP nominee at the RNC, I and many others now had to make a decision about the direction of our votes. I knew
personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
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I understand why people don’t like her. I get it – but a case against her is not a case for him. You really can’t compare the two. BRI CLOSE SENIOR AD/PR MAJOR LEXINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
one thing. I would never vote for Donald Trump. I’m a traditional Republican that believes firmly in the Constitution and that free enterprise gives every person the chance to build themselves up from anything. Donald Trump isn’t actually a Republican. I won’t even go into how many of his policies go against the hallmarks of the GOP. This is a man who has changed parties seven times since the 80s, including his stance on abortion. This is a man who has praised Putin and encouraged the Russian government to hack into the DNC. He launched his campaign by attacking Mexicans and proposing to build a huge wall. He attacked an American-born federal judge’s ability to do his job because of his Mexican heritage. He’s attacked Hillary Clinton by prompting conspiracy theories including that she doesn’t have the stamina to be President. As Secretary of State, she traveled to over 100 countries, testified in front of Congress for 11 hours and not to mention had to debate Trump for a total of 6 hours now. Trump has attacked peaceful Muslims around the world with proposing a
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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
dia. We are people just like you. #2 Immigrants and Refugees: Do you know the difference between an immigrant and refugees? #3 Black Lives Matter: Why do black lives matter? #4 Feminism: Just because I’m a feminist doesn’t mean I hate men #5 I’m from a country not a continent: A broad brush can’t paint me Whether you’ve considered these issues or not, multicultural issues will find their way into your life. Your understanding of other cultures besides
your own will affect your political stance, your tone on social media or how you do a group project with an international student. Take some time to engage in the discussions or to make a new friend this week in your dorm or class. You’re paying for this part of your education, whether you realize it or not, but more importantly, you’re experiencing a global community unlike anything you will have again.
AKB12B@ACU.EDU
I’m a Republican voting for Hillary
@acuop-
studying is just not my forte this week... #fallbreakonmymind
kinds of people. If you don’t know anything about other cultures, you will benefit from this week. Even if you think you’re already experienced with different cultures, you can still learn something from the speakers and discussions. Topics range from Middle Eastern Culture to feminism, as the Office of Multicultural Affairs brings different speakers and activities to campus. According to OMA flyers, the week’s topics include: #1 Middle Eastern Culture: Don’t believe the me-
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
hashtagACU
@CHARLAAAAY OCT. 26, 5:34 P.M.
exactly the same as themselves. Our global economy grows more diverse everyday, so we need to be prepared to work with people outside of our cultural comfort zone. On this campus, we have an opportunity to actually live, eat, and study with people from all over the world and with diverse perspectives. How can we not make the most of this opportunity while we can? Multicultural Awareness Week Oct. 31-Nov. 4 will provide opportunities for discussion about different
ban on Muslims entering the country – which I believe is leading to more radicalization. I can’t think of anything more unconstitutional but also more unchristian. He publicly made fun of a disabled reporter. He has sexually assaulted women. He was caught talking about women in ways I never want to repeat. What he and many others consider as “ just words” matter to women and especially to victims of sexual violence. The way he talks about women is an insult to good men everywhere. He just goes too far. People seem to like Trump because they think he’s real or because he tells it like it is, but I think the only person in the world that should really care about being politically correct is the U.S. president. If Trump is actually “telling it like it is,” I hope that’s not how things actually are. But I digress because that is just the tip of the iceberg on which he has said horrific things about almost every type of person. So here is why I’m a Republican voting for Hillary Clinton that has nothing to do with Trump. I do support her foreign policy objectives of diplomacy but also strength when necessary. I do support her fight
for paid family leave. I do support her respect for all religions and races around the world. I also can tell my future daughter that she can literally be anything she wants to be if she works for it. The most important thing she gives us, though, is stability. Many of things people don’t like about Hillary are things we speculate or assume about her, but we know Trump has a blatant record of discrimination, lying, sexually assaulting women and cheating small businesses. I understand why people don’t like her. I get it – but a case against her is not a case for him. You really can’t compare the two. There are a lot of things I don’t agree with Clinton on and this election really just sucks, but don’t cast your vote for someone just because he is attached to the word Republican. There is a part of everyone that appeals to Trump but it’s a part of us we should run away from. And God calls us to never give in to that side. There is nothing the Bible talks more about than love. Trump simply brings out the worst in us. He plays on our fears and prejudices. In the words of the musical Hamilton, “I have never agreed with Jefferson once. We have fought on like 75 different fronts but when all is said and all is done, Jefferson has beliefs. Burr has none.” Bri Close Bri Close is a senior advertising/ public relations major from Lexington, South Carolina.
O P T I M IST
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S P O RT S
FOOTBALL
Tower to honor former All-America safety BY LAUREN FRANCO SPORTS WRITER
Former Wildcat safety Chuck Sitton will live on through Wildcat Stadium, as plans to dedicate the five-story tower to Sitton were unveiled. Sitton played was an All-American and a part of the team in 1977 when ACU won the NAIA National Championship, before he tragically passed away in 1980 in a house fire. The honor of Sitton comes as a result of a $3 million donation toward the completion of Wildcat Sta-
dium from David and Kathryn Halbert, who were close friends of Sitton. “We were expecting David to do something to leave his family’s legacy at the stadium,” said Director of athletics Lee De Leon. “But if you know anything about David, you know that he loves to honor other people, and so instead of leaving his family’s name on the stadium, he chose to honor his best friend.” Halbert and Sitton grew up together as kids and played football together for Abilene High in the early
1970s, before both attending ACU and graduating in 1978. The Sitton name has tremendous significance at ACU as Ted Sitton, Chuck’s father coached as the offensive coordinator during his son’s time, and was later named the head coach in 1979. Wally Bullington, the tenth head coach at ACU for nine seasons, coached Sitton and was family friends with the Halbert’s during their time in Abilene. “Chuck was a great player,” Bullington said. “I think
he would have had a good run as a pro safety had he not had the accident that caused his death. He had good speed, was a good leader in the secondary, and played on the national championship ’77 team.” De Leon also said that while the Department of Athletics is unable to say for sure what other names will be honored at the stadium, there is interest in honoring Bullington and his coaching legacy at ACU. “Most people want to do it for their own name,” said De Leon. “But some people have
expressed their desire to honor Wally Bullington, and we are looking for different ways to do that.” Athletics has raised almost $39 million for the stadium, but the overall goal to complete the stadium is $50 million. “I’m very pleased that Chuck’s name will be be honored,” Bullington said. “Naming the press box after him, I think that’s a great thing for David Halbert and his family to do.” LMF14A@ACU.EDU
GOLF
STANDINGS Soccer Team
UCA SFA NWSU ACU McNeese HBU Nicholls SELU UIW TAMU-CC SHSU Lamar
Div. Ovrl.
9-0-1 8-2 7-2-1 7-2-1 4-5-1 4-5-1 3-5-2 3-6-1 3-6-1 3-6-1 2-7-1 0-7-3
14-3-1 11-4 10-6-1 8-8-2 8-8-1 6-10-1 6-7-2 6-10-2 4-10-2 3-13-1 2-15-1 1-14-3
Volleyball Team
TAMU-CC SFA HBU ACU SHSU NWSU UIW Lamar McNeese SELU UCA Nicholls UNO
Div. Ovrl. 10-0 7-2 7-3 6-4 5-4 6-5 5-5 5-5 4-6 4-6 4-7 1-9 1-9
15-7 14-8 16-10 7-18 11-11 11-15 9-14 5-17 8-17 5-18 10-13 6-20 4-19
Football Team
SHSU UCA SELU Lamar Nicholls McNeese SFA HBU UIW ACU NWSU
Div. Ovrl. 6-0 5-0 4-1 3-2 3-2 3-3 2-3 1-4 1-4 1-5 0-5
7-0 6-1 4-3 3-4 3-4 4-4 3-4 2-5 1-6 1-7 1-6
WHO’S HOT
CYNTHIA RANGEL STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Since transferring to ACU this fall, junior G.K. Morrison has finsihed as the top individual for the Wildcats in every tournament, including a tenth place finish in the Bayou Ciity Collegiate Classic two weekends ago.
Moving Forward
Morrison says transition to ACU is part of bigger plan BY MIKAELA CLINTON SPORTS WRITER
Junior transfer G.K. Morrison had never played a day of golf in his life when he told his dad he was signing up for the team in junior high. When his dad asked him why he would choose golf since he had been a baseball player for most of his life up to that point, Morrison responded by saying “Well, I’m gonna learn,” and he did exactly that. Now the top player of this fall season for the Wildcats, Morrison’s journey that brought him to ACU’s roster is one of hard work, faith and God’s guidance. As a 14-year-old freshman in high school, Morrison lost his older brother, and he turned to his new sport of golf as a way to grieve and to grow. He said he knows everything happens for a reason even when you don’t know why, and this mentality of trusting God’s plan has been his outlook on the events in his life ever since, even when it’s hard. “Sometimes life isn’t going to go right, but you just gotta keep working and stay faithful,” Morrison said. “That’s why I play golf, to glorify God and glorify my brother.” With golf as an outlet and a family supporting him, Morrison took to the course and would spend hours beating balls out on
the range. He quickly realized that this was what he was meant to do and took it with him through four years of varsity golf at Andrews High School and to two state titles in 2013 and 2014. Fast forward from high school and Morrison found himself playing collegiate golf for the University of Louisiana at Monroe, but after playing there for two years he began to feel called to be elsewhere. God’s hand was already at work in shaping Morrison’s career and during the spring season of this year, ULM and ACU were competing at the same tournament in Austin where Morrison was paired with Wildcats Ryan Beatty and Dillon Vaughn. Over the
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his parents rather than 700, and he says being closer to family and back in his home state of Texas made him feel more at ease with the challenge of a transition from one university to another. “It was kind of like coming home,” Morrison said. For the Morrison, ACU did quickly become what felt like “home,” and he said that it feels like he’s been here for a few years rather than a few months. Head coach Tom Shaw said that when he met GK for the first time while he was still playing for ULM, he knew he would be a good match for ACU, and once the opportunity arose for him to be able to come to Abilene to play, the piec-
Sometimes life isn’t going to go right, but you just gotta keep working and stay faithful. That’s why I play golf, to glorify God and glorify my brother.” G.K. MORRISON SENIOR GOLFER
course of two days, the three spoke of school and golf and specifically of Abilene Christian’s program and environment. This sparked an interest in Morrison, and within a week he had made the decision to pick up everything and move to Abilene for his junior year. At ACU, Morrison is about 90 miles away from
es seemed to all fall into place. “G.K. is able to be who he was designed to be at ACU,” Shaw said. “I think that has allowed him to play better golf without going through the challenges of fitting into a group that might not share the same values.” Those values are what those who know Morri-
son personally say make him stand out from people around him. Known for being easy-going and a fan of a good joke, Morrison also has the quiet and serious composure of a true competitor. Staying true to himself has been important to Morrison, especially during this time of change and transition to a new school, new city and new team. It didn’t take long for him to adapt well as the new face of the group and find himself surrounded by teammates that feel like old friends and brothers in Christ that keep each other accountable beyond the golf course. “The good thing about GK is that he has the same personality on the course as off. He doesn’t try to be two different people,” Shaw said. On the course, Morrison has found himself to be one of the Wildcat’s top players this fall season. Shaw said he has consistently improved, and that he brings technical talent to the team that pays off in competition. With a mechanically sound swing and a solid short game on and around the greens, he’s a force to be reckoned with and is always striving to be his best, working with an ethic and determination that reflects his passion for the game. “He’s a good team player,” Shaw said, “but he doesn’t like to lose to anybody, teammate or oppo-
nent.” Shaw said that Morrison’s attention to detail and the way he prepares his mind before each shot has brought him success while competing this fall and has helped establish him as one of the Wildcat’s key players. When asked if he would have ever imagined being where he is now when he signed up for that junior high boy’s golf team, Morrison said there was no way of knowing all that God had in store for him, but now when he looks back he can clearly see that this has been His plan all along. Morrison hopes to take his talents with him after college and compete for as long as he can, and then work with golf in a coaching position after his time as a player is over, either for a school or as a personal coach. “I just want to stay around the game for as long as I can,” Morrison said. But for right now, Morrison and the rest of the Wildcats are busy preparing for the last tournament of the fall slate that will take place this weekend before the hiatus leading up to the spring season. The men will be traveling to Kiawah Island, South Carolina to compete in the East Bay Classic Sunday. MBC15A@ACU.EDU
Sophomore quarterback Dallas Sealey Sealey led the Wildcats to their first win of the season on Saturday, snapping an eight-game losing streak and earning his first win as a starter. Sealey recorded career highs in passing touchdowns with five and passing yards with 346. He was also named the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season.
BRIEFINGS With her sixth shutout of the season, senior goalkeeper Sydney Newton was again recognized as an honorable mention for conference keeper of the week. Conference Be sure to follow @OptimistSports on Twittter for more stories and the latest ACU sports news coverage.
UPCOMING Cross country concludes its season this weekend as it heads to Nacogdoches for the Southland Conference Championship. After its first win on Saturday, football carries its momentum to McNeese State. Men’s and Women’s basketball begin the non-conference portion of their schedules Nov. 11.