ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Fall 2009
ACU TODAY Study Abroad A fresh look at the growing program that offers students the semester of their lives
We Promise: Rebranding the University
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Beyond Boundaries: Social Media
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Alumni Relations Team
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BELOW ACU seniors Sondra Rodriguez, Amanda Sampson, Abby Rix and Jill Sanders pose in the window of a hostel in Paris, France, while participating in ACU’s Study Abroad semester in Oxford, England, in Spring 2008. (Photograph by Jessalyn Massingill)
Horizons A Semester to Last a Lifetime: Study Abroad We Promise: Rebranding the University Beyond Boundaries: Social Media Alumni Relations Team Retiring Professors Hilltop View Academic News Campus News Wildcat Sports EXperiences Second Glance
OUR PROMISE
ACU is a vibrant, innovative, Christ-centered community that engages students in authentic spiritual and intellectual growth, equipping them to make a real difference in the world.
ACU Today is published three times a year by the Office of Marketing at Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas. Staff Editor and Graphic Designer: Ron Hadfield (’79) Associate Editor: Katie (Noah ’06) Gibson Sports Editor: Lance Fleming (’92) Contributing Writers This Issue: Larry Musick (’84), Wendy (Waller ’01) Kilmer Contributing Photographers This Issue: Steve Butman, Lindsey (Hoskins ’03) Cotton, Jeremy Enlow, Gerald Ewing, Laurie Heath, John Hickey, Jason Jones, Dr. Kevin Kehl, Jessalyn Massingill (’10), Ronnie Ruiz, Nil Santana (’00 M.S.), Brian Schmidt (’07), Erin Smith (’09), Kyle Trafton (’08), Gordon Trice, Kelsi Williamson (’11) Contributing Graphic Designers This Issue: Greg Golden (’87), Todd Mullins
ADVISORY COMMITTEE Academics: Dr. Jeanine Varner Administration: Jim Holmans, Dr. Gary D. McCaleb (’64), Dr. Phil Schubert (’91) Alumni Relations: Larry Musick (’84), Jama (Fry ’97) Cadle, Samantha (Bickett ’01) Adkins Alumni Association: Kelly (Stites ’91) Shewmaker Church Relations: Dr. Charles Siburt (’68) Development: Dr. John Tyson (’81) Marketing: Jason Groves (’00) Students’ Association: Charles Gaines (’10) Student Life: Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson Ex-officio: Dr. Royce Money (’64)
correspondence ACU Today : hadfieldr@acu.edu ACU Alumni Association: alumni@acu.edu
ON THE WEB Abilene Christian University: www.acu.edu ACU Today Blog: www.acu.edu/acutoday Address changes: www.acu.edu/alumni/generalinfo/update.html ACU Alumni Web Site: www.acu.edu/alumni ACU Development Office (Annual Fund, Gift Records): www.acu.edu/giveonline Find Us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/abilenechristian www.facebook.com/ACUsports Follow Us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ACUedu www.twitter.com/ACUsports
ON THE COVER ACU students Stefanie Lazcano (left) and Lawson Soward (right) photograph a toucan at the Parque du Aves near Iguazu Falls in Brazil while spending a semester in ACU’s Study Abroad program in Uruguay. (Photograph by Ronnie Ruiz)
From the President
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once read that the very best education possible was foreign travel and the exposure another “world” brings one. For me that certainly has been the case. Shortly after Pam and I were married in 1965, we spent
three weeks of our summer in Edinburgh, Scotland, helping with a church plant. We have traveled to about 25 countries, with more to come, I am sure. This issue of ACU Today profiles the university’s Study Abroad program, which offers our students wonderful opportunities to live and study in interesting places such as Oxford, England; Montevideo, Uruguay; Leipzig, Germany, and many other destinations. Most go for a semester-long experience. Others go for special summer offerings and faculty-led programs with emphases in academic disciplines such as business, psychology, art and design, and education. Each student and professor returns to campus having been transformed by the experience of living in a foreign culture, even for a little while. It’s the essence of true education. As Pam and I ease into my transition to chancellor after June 1, 2010, we are excited about teaching during the next school year in two of the university’s Study Abroad international centers. For a three-week period, we will be in Oxford in Fall 2010 and Leipzig in Spring 2011. I will be teaching Introduction to Church History and Pam will be teaching either an education or family studies course. We are excited to get back into the classroom. Although I have been a guest lecturer on multiple occasions, it has been 20 years since I have taught a university course on a day-to-day basis in the Doctor of Ministry program in our Graduate School of Theology. What a joy it is even to contemplate returning to teach ACU students. While in Europe, we also will lead some exciting side trips for Study Abroad students, primarily to Spain (fall) and Turkey (spring). In those rare moments when I can break away from my current responsibilities, I have begun to work on my course – great fun for an old – or, rather, a “seasoned” professor! In the meantime, there is much to do here to prepare to help transition the 11th president of ACU. For Pam and me, it is a time of mixed emotions. We have absolutely loved our 19 years in this ministry of leadership. Yet it is time to move over and let someone else direct ACU to even greater heights. God is good, and He will guide the trustees with the wisdom they need. Our hearts overflow with gratitude for the more than 20,000 students who have graduated from ACU, and many more who have blessed our lives, while we’ve served ACU together these past 19 years. And we are grateful to God for those countless ones who will follow. We also are thankful for the many alumni and friends of ACU who have invested in some way in the wonderful place we call Abilene Christian. Our best days are ahead – I just know it. We will continue in our 21st-Century Vision with our quest to be the premier institution for educating Christ-centered global leaders. With God’s guidance and your continued support, the future will be exciting and affirming. 䊱
DR. ROYCE MONEY (’64), President
The mission of ACU is to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. ACU TODAY
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HORIZONS
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Cincy Homecoming Sunday, Oct. 25, was an historic one for ACU football, when three former Wildcats played in the same NFL game in Cincinnati, Ohio. Chicago Bears’ wide receiver Johnny Knox (13), teammate and defensive back Danieal Manning (38), and Cincinnati Bengals’ running back Bernard Scott (28) all competed in the Bengals’ 45-10 win. The trio’s accomplishments this season – all have had starring roles and each has returned a kick for a touchdown – have created headlines for themselves and made Abilene Christian a term of endearment for fans of both teams. See story on page 37.
GERALD EWING
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A Semester to Last a STORY By katie noah gibson PHOTOGRAPHY BY RONNIE RUIZ See bonus coverage at www.acu.edu/acutoday
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Lifetime “S
tudying abroad is always worth it,” says Lawson Soward, junior electronic media major from Colleyville.
“You get to go and live in another country, and it still fits into your degree plan. It makes your college experience much more than just a college experience.” Soward spent Spring 2009 living at Casa ACU in Montevideo, AC U TO D AY
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Uruguay, one of ACU’s three Study Abroad international centers – the other two are located in Oxford, England, and Leipzig, Germany. He and other Study Abroad alumni speak highly of the program and of its ability to enhance learning while providing an international perspective. “Study Abroad was so unique, even from the incredible academic environment at ACU, because it made learning an applicable and integral part of daily life,” adds Morgan Negaard, junior nursing major from San Antonio, who studied in Montevideo with Soward. She can tick off numerous examples of the ways learning and living go hand in hand during Study Abroad. “In class, we would study local Uruguayan artists and then go out and visit their museums or have tea with their families,” Negaard says. “We would study Spanish and carry the grammar we had learned in class into our conversations with our Uruguayan friends. We would study movements in Latin American writing and then be able to understand how they shaped and were shaped by the Uruguayan worldview. Study Abroad is unique because it embodies holistic learning: studying the history and the culture around you, and then seeing how it fits into the greater picture of the world.” About 25 percent of ACU students have participated in some form of Study Abroad by the time they graduate. In addition to the three international centers in Oxford, Montevideo and Leipzig, ACU offers its students many other opportunities to experience life in other countries and cultures (see sidebar, pages 12-13). Some of these programs are short-term, happening over Spring Break or for a few weeks in the summer; others, such as the L.A. Film Studies program sponsored by the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), can last an entire semester.
Academics Abroad For ACU students who study abroad, the attraction isn’t just the chance to hop a train or plane for weekend trips to various countries: it’s the chance to gain a unique academic experience, by living right in the middle of the art, history and culture they’re studying. Each Study Abroad international center offers international studies courses specifically tailored to living in that country; for example, ACU-Oxford offers a class called Oxford Through the Ages, in which students study the history, art, literature and culture of the world’s most famous university town. “Academics are integral to the program,” confirms Ashley Bredin, senior elementary education major from Sheridan, Wyo., who 6
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PAGES 4-5 A Bodleian Library tour guide at Oxford University shows ACU students architectural details in the elaborate ceiling of the Divinity School; friendships among Study Abroad students such as seniors Kara DuBose, Jessalyn Massingill and Stefanie Lazcano are forged during the semester together; and Old World sites on both continents, such as the 86 steps leading to the Girona Cathedral in Spain, give students a glimpse into the past while they consider their own futures. PAGES 6-7 (Clockwise from top left) A semester in Montevideo for students such as Sarah Peters includes a trip to world-famous Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina, late-night group study sessions in local restaurants, homemade food prepared twice a day on-site by Uruguayan cooks who work in Casa ACU’s kitchen at 2073 Colonia, and learning Spanish-language skills together.
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spent Fall 2007 studying in Oxford. “Study Abroad introduced me to topics and issues I would have not otherwise thought about as deeply.” Christopher Shim, senior accounting and finance major from Atlanta, Ga., agrees. “The Study Abroad experience brought to life the knowledge that was recorded in our textbooks,” he says. “It’s one thing to read about C.S. Lewis, but it is an entirely different experience when you can see his inspiration for The Chronicles of Narnia.” (ACU-Oxford students often tour The Kilns, Lewis’ home on the outskirts of
Oxford, and also pass by The Eagle and Child, where Lewis’ Inklings group used to meet, on their way into town from the houses.) At all of ACU’s international centers, the unique living arrangements of Study Abroad offer a fringe academic benefit: the opportunity to simply walk down the hall and knock on professors’ doors, instead of having to wait to catch them during office hours or the next time a class meets. “In Study Abroad, learning is not isolated to class time; it’s an ongoing conversation with professors whom you
grow close to and learn to love and respect,” says Negaard, who studied abroad under Dr. Shelly (Weed ’99) Sanders, assistant professor of English. “You get the opportunity to see their passion for their subject lived out in their daily lives, and you grow to see one another as people, outside of the normal professor-student relationship.”
Living in Community For students who study abroad, the communal experience does go far beyond
(Clockwise from top left) A semester in Oxford includes residing in one of two 19th-century houses on Canterbury Road, learning to share living and learning spaces with classmates, and gaining an appreciation for European football (soccer), even cheering for professional teams such as FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid in this game at Barcelona’s Camp Nou – the largest stadium in Europe.
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the usual campus life experience – or even the closeness of living in a residence hall. The experience of living in one or two houses with a small group of other students, plus a few faculty members, creates an unusual, tightly knit community. The sense of closeness is heightened by the fact that students literally do everything together – from attending classes to grocery shopping to planning trips to processing their new experiences of the world. “When you’re studying abroad with people, you don’t just hear the answers they
give in class,” Soward says. “You know them as people; you know their stories; you know why they say certain things. You also go on trips with them and experience new things together.” “Students learn a lot from living together,” says Wimon Walker (’79), who, with his wife, Rosalinda, serves as the on-site director for Casa ACU. “The space we share can seem cramped on occasion, so everyone has to learn to be considerate of others and to clean up their own messes.” “The common feature of my fondest memories is the experience of community,”
adds Dr. Ron Morgan (’80), who with his wife, Dr. Janine (Paden ’78) Morgan, serves as on-site director of the ACU-Oxford program (see page 17). “There is the pub lunch I shared with a student who needed to talk through some personal struggles,” Ron explains. “I recall days spent with ACU students who had volunteered to clean and repaint the homes of local
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families. And there have been powerful experiences of communal worship, notably in Port Meadow [a favorite haunt of ACU students, just west of the houses] on Easter mornings. On some of those occasions, the community has wept with members who have recently lost close family members, helping them to hold onto the hope of resurrection.” “We are responsible for making sure there is a spiritual dimension to all the learning experiences,” adds Rosalinda Walker. “Our desire is that the friendships forged here will bring glory to God and bear fruit in the future.” Both couples look for ways to intentionally encourage community among students, whether through weekly group devotionals, times of prayer together, or elaborate Thanksgiving meals where everyone is responsible for cooking a dish.
Seeking God Together
(Clockwise from top left) Students in Montevideo choose a thrilling – and moist – trip up the Iguazu River for a close look at its falls; enjoy attention such as birthday celebrations and homemade cakes from the Casa ACU cooks; and accelerate their Spanish language skills by singing. (Bottom left) Oxford students, their cars parked back in Abilene, learn to use less familiar transportation such as Fat Tire Bike Tours to find their way around travel destinations such as the Park de la Ciutadella in Barcelona, Spain. (Inset) Students in Oxford meet each Sunday night for “9-at-9,” their community worship service together, which includes sharing communion.
Although the directors are responsible for facilitating community experiences, “we encourage the students to be creative,” says Wimon Walker. “This is their house and their semester as much as it is ours. We come up with ideas for fun or educational activities, but we are also open to the students’ initiative and suggestions.” As part of Janine Morgan’s Christian Worship class in Oxford in Spring 2008, Chris Shim was on a team responsible for leading several weeks of “9-at-9” – the nickname for the weekly community worship service, usually held at House 9 at nine o’clock on Sunday nights. However, Shim convinced his team members to let him choose a surprise alternate location one week, and that Sunday night he led the group downtown – to St. Michael at the North Gate, an 11th-century building once part of the northern wall of the city. “The acoustics were unbelievable,” says Shim, who persuaded church staff members to lend him the building’s keys. “It was incredible to come in at night and see the stained-glass windows, the old statues, the wood carvings, and the scriptures set throughout the building. You realize the history of all the other saints and martyrs that have come before you, in that place.” Besides planning ACU worship events in the houses or other locations in the city, ACU students are encouraged to visit AC U TO D AY
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different churches in their city of residence. Many students at ACU-Oxford enjoy the liturgy and music of Evensong at Christ Church College, one of the oldest and most famous colleges of Oxford University. Just across the street, many students find community – and opportunities to serve – at St. Aldates Church, a vibrant Evangelical Anglican church. However, there are churches of all sizes, denominations and worship styles in Oxford, most of which welcome visitors to worship and serve with them. In Montevideo, Casa ACU is literally next door to the El Chana Church of Christ, where students are always invited to worship. Soward calls the church “an explosion of hospitality,” saying, “They adopted us really quickly. It was amazing, traveling to other cities but knowing you had a church home and friends to go back to.” Alumni of Casa ACU fondly recall the numerous asados, or barbecues, hosted by the church, the back-and-forth of singing songs in English and Spanish, and learning to pray in another language.
Serving the World Besides offering a unique academic and spiritual experience, ACU’s Study Abroad
programs reiterate the university’s emphasis on service-learning. Students who spend a semester abroad must earn a required number of service-learning hours in addition to their course credit. The options are numerous – and students are free to explore new opportunities on their own each semester. In Oxford, students may volunteer at charity shops, including Oxfam, an international charity that began in Oxford in 1942, and now runs six shops in the greater Oxford area. They also may serve food at the Gatehouse, a homeless shelter, or help teach English at the International Café at St. Andrew’s Church in north Oxford. Students have worked as teacher’s aides at local schools, and helped cook, serve and clean up meals at Alpha, an introduction to Christianity presented by St. Aldates, a large Anglican church where many ACU students feel at home. “Because study abroad can encourage a very consumeristic mindset, it is important that students learn to invest themselves in the local community,” says Ron Morgan. “Through a whole range of service-learning opportunities with schools, churches, environmental projects, and nonprofits that target global poverty, our students learn to love Oxford and the world.” In Montevideo, ACU students frequently partner with the El Chana Church of Christ to earn their service-learning hours. They also teach English to local children, help with after-school programs involving sports
Innovative Summer Programs Take
LAURIE HEATH
ACU teacher education majors such as senior Katy Stephens gain valuable intercultural skills while teaching in a school in China each summer.
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For ACU students who can’t quite fit a semester abroad into their degree plan, or want an international experience related to their major, the list of options extends far beyond Oxford and Montevideo. Numerous summer, Spring Break and Maymester programs, sponsored by different colleges and departments, offer their students an authentic, intensive short-term slice of life in another country. The Global Apprentice program, sponsored by the College of Business Administration, is expanding this summer from its former location in Oxford to Leipzig, Germany. The program offers students a real-life look at the world of business consulting. For the past three years, COBA students have worked in Oxford with Oxfam International, a confederation of 13 organizations working together and with partners and allies around the world to end poverty and injustice. This past summer, the students created a marketing and strategic plan for the Leipzig Eagles, a professional women’s basketball team. They
also took a European Strategic Management class, during which they toured companies such as Porsche, Amazon.com, DHL and BMW, and learned how European and American management styles differ. For the past several summers, the Department of Psychology has taken a group of students to Leipzig. The students travel to such locations as Berlin and Wittenberg, as well as taking class excursions in and around Leipzig. They learn about the roots of psychology in the city where Freud lived as a child, and study ideologies in a country whose ideologies have powerfully shaped the recent history of the world. At the International Academy of Beijing in Beijing, China, majors in the Department of Teacher Education can gain a multicultural experience – and help provide one for the students there. For five weeks in the summer, ACU students travel to the academy, a fully accredited private Christian school, and take the place of full-time teachers who go home for the summer. They are responsible for running their own classrooms, setting up their own lesson plans, and
STUDY ABROAD AT A GLANCE
(Top left) Cameras are standard equipment for students who want to capture images of their experiences. (Left) All students are expected to fulfill service-learning requirements, such as junior English major Katherine Sinclair, who worked in a local Oxfam Book Shop near the ACU house where she lived. (Below) Study Abroad students enjoy exploring the beach near Montevideo.
• Eligibility: Among other qualifications, students must have completed 30 semester hours on campus in Abilene and have at least a 2.5 GPA • Courses: Each student must take 16 credit hours while studying abroad, including courses in global studies and social science. Others offered typically include fine arts, English and history, some with special application to European or South American history/religion/culture. • International center student enrollment capacity: Total of 75 per semester • Cost: Tuition, fees, room and board are the same as on campus in Abilene, and program fees are $6,000-$6,500 extra (including travel)
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Students to Study and Live on Five Continents conducting assessments before and after their teaching time. About 80 percent of the academy’s students are Korean, and many speak little English. The experience helps fulfill a state requirement that the teacher education majors have some training in working with English language learners – but the real reward comes from the experience of teaching and learning in another culture. Believing that seeing art in its natural setting will inspire students to create art, the Department of Art and Design offers Maymester program for students each year. The five-week program begins in Oxford, with side trips to London, and continues in the Tuscan region of Italy, where students travel to Florence and Rome, among other cities. They visit museums and view works by famous artists, and study artistic techniques such as watercolor, plein-air painting, photography and perspective. While the stunning views certainly help inspire students, they also enjoy individual attention from ACU art professors in a dynamic international location. While students in every field must meet
international challenges in today’s business climate, they all must learn to communicate effectively. ACU’s Department of Communication will sponsor a program in Oxford in Summer 2010, where students will learn the skills required to communicate successfully in today’s world. They will study communication in multinational organizations, look at in-depth case studies, and pursue individual research under ACU professors, all the while absorbing the cosmopolitan, international atmosphere of Oxford. Medical missions have long been a part of ACU’s efforts to equip students to make a real difference in the world. Past programs have taken students to several different locations around the globe; this summer, Body & Soul students will accompany campus physician Dr. Ellen Little (’92) and Cynthia (Barton ’81) Powell, instructor of chemistry, to Uruguay. Students will spend time in the classroom, learning about the distribution of health care in Latin America, and learning medical and conversational Spanish. They also will have the opportunity to put those skills to work by participating in a local
church health clinic, visiting hospitals and exploring the city and surrounding area of Montevideo. ACU students also can participate in BestSemester programs offered by the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), of which ACU is a member. BestSemester’s 11 semester programs (www.bestsemester.com ) and one summer program take place in nine countries on five different continents. The L.A. Film Studies Center, an intensive filmmaking program located in Los Angeles, Calif., has proved a particularly rich experience for ACU students. “The unique opportunity to acquire knowledge, travel to far-off places, serve in the local community and reflect on these experiences often leads students on a path of personal and spiritual growth,” says Dr. Kevin Kehl, executive director of ACU’s Center for International Education. “Adding experienced, knowledgeable and caring faculty who mentor and shape students within a community of faith means that this path is one in which they not only grow, they are transformed.”䊱 AC U TO D AY
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and academics, and join “conversation clubs” sponsored by the Alianza Cultural Uruguay-Estados Unidos (Uruguay-United States Cultural Alliance). “One benefit of coming to Uruguay is the opportunity to practice speaking Spanish every day,” Wimon Walker says. “People learn a lot more when they have to use the language in a variety of everyday situations and not just in a classroom. They also learn more when they see language learning as a social activity. They will try harder to improve their language ability if they are making friends.”
Twice as Nice: Some For Bryce Powell (’08), studying abroad in two locations was never something he had planned – but it was what he calls “an extremely valuable experience.” “Anyone who has experienced another culture knows the huge paradigm shift that happens when you first discover worlds outside your own,” says Powell, who spent Spring 2006 in Montevideo and Fall 2007 in Oxford. However, he adds, visiting only one new country can give students an expanded, yet still limited, viewpoint. “If you keep an open mind, studying in two different foreign countries and taking every opportunity within the semester to travel creates a much more balanced and full global perspective than is possible by taking classes in any one country, no matter how exotic,” he says. Powell had not planned to study abroad twice, but after returning from Montevideo, he was asked to share his experiences at the ACU Faculty Presession for the Fall 2006 semester. After his presentation, Powell listened to talks about upcoming Study Abroad plans, including the Fall 2007 semester with Dan and Brenda McVey. The McVeys had served as missionaries in Ghana, West Africa, and had extensive experience working with Muslims, so Dan planned to teach two special courses on Christianity and Islam. Those courses, Powell says, “were exactly what I had begun to become very interested in.” “I decided right then and there that I had to find a way to make it on that trip,” he says. He ended up pursuing an interdisciplinary degree, in international studies and Bible, to fit in the second semester abroad and still graduate in four years. “I spent a lot of time working out what classes I needed to take and running forms all over campus for people to sign,” he admits. Powell has a long list of favorite memories from both semesters, though a few stand out in particular. He fondly remembers hiking for four days to reach Machu Picchu, navigating the bazaars of Istanbul, attending superb free lectures at Oxford University, trying to surf on the coast of Uruguay, and simply exploring Oxford and Montevideo. “The way I speak, the way I read, the way I eat, my music and my relationships have all been changed for the better,” says Powell of his time abroad. “Deeply submerging yourself in another culture can give you a very real sense of being in another’s shoes.”䊱
Learning the Language: Joys and Frustrations Students who study in Montevideo experience the challenges and rewards of living in a Spanish-speaking country. Negaard admits, “The shock of the language barrier was enormous for me. At first, I found it overwhelming and almost impossible to do basic things like ask for directions or go shopping at the grocery store.” However, over time, as she studied Spanish in class and then practiced it constantly out in the city and on trips, Negaard became what she calls “comfortable in my ability to communicate, though not quite fluent.” “You get as much out of the linguistic experience as you want to,” adds Soward, who had taken Spanish for five years before coming to Uruguay, but soon realized how little he actually knew. However, he picked up the language so quickly that he was one of several ACU students who gave up speaking English for Lent. For seven weeks, he and two other students spoke as little English as possible, even to their ACU compadres, and impressed their Uruguayan friends with their dedication to learning the language. “Having to use Spanish to buy bread is much better than having to memorize vocabulary for a test,” Soward says. “Of course, giving up English also highlighted how little it really takes to communicate with people, and how universal certain ideas are. It forced us to get creative with our communication.” “Living in a Spanish-speaking country is by far the best way to learn the language,” Negaard adds. “You can spend as much time as you want to in an American classroom, but until you are immersed in the language – forced to hear it, think it and live in it constantly – you won’t really know what it’s like to learn.”
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For more stories about students who studied abroad in two locations, and additional photography, see our bonus coverage at www.acu.edu/acutoday
ERIN SMITH
Of course, even for students who study abroad in Oxford, there are cultural and language barriers to be navigated. Students “need to acknowledge how people from around the world view Americans,” says Ron Morgan. “If they are to become ‘world Christians,’ they also need to experience the body of Christ in its global diversity.” “Besides becoming well-rounded world citizens, Christians need to spend time in other countries to gain a deeper appreciation for the Lord and His church,” adds Rosalinda Walker. “Jesus was not born an American. Our way of viewing God and
of worshipping is not the only way. I have learned a lot about myself by traveling to other countries.” In Oxford and Montevideo, students get a taste of living in a truly international city; particularly in Oxford, where thousands of people from around the globe come each year to learn and study. And, Ron adds, “one of the most fascinating dimensions of life abroad is the challenge and joy of cultural learning, of mastering the nuances of language and humor – yes, even in England.” After a semester in Oxford, students come back to Abilene with new
JESSALYN MASSINGILL
Choose a Year Abroad
One of the weekend excursions Kara DuBose (’10) shared with friends included a camel ride on a beach in Morocco in Spring 2008. She also studied abroad in Montevideo in Spring 2009. Bryce Powell (’08) relishes an exhilarating moment on a hike in Brecon Beacons National Park in southern Wales.
vocabulary – and, for some, a newfound love for British football, Jane Austen, Gothic architecture or long, wet tramps through the countryside.
Venturing Onto the Continent This spring, ACU is adding a new international center in Leipzig, Germany. The Oxford site will be overseen by interim director Dr. Cole Bennett, associate professor of English, and resident adjunct professor Jacqueline (Holton ’03) Morrison, while the Morgans travel to Germany for a semester to launch the new program. The
university will develop the new site gradually, hosting spring and summer programs over the next several years, hoping to establish a year-round program there by 2013 or 2014. “We are excited about the location,” Ron Morgan says. “Leipzig has a long, rich history linked to the Protestant Reformation and the history of Western thought, as well as to the Cold War and the democratic impulses that united a divided Germany in 1989-90.” ACU’s College of Business Administration and Department of Psychology have already hosted, and
continue to offer, summer programs in Leipzig. However, the Morgans and the university are excited about the opportunity to offer this new European experience to students for a whole semester. Besides exploring Leipzig and the surrounding area, the Morgans will take the ACU-Germany students on a group excursion to Croatia and Bosnia in Spring 2010. “We will interact with Roman Catholic AC U TO D AY
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(Above) A tour guide introduces students to the courtyard of the historic Bodleian Library at Oxford University.
(Below) Students enjoy exploring the streets of Leipzig, Germany, ACU’s newest international center for Study Abroad.
Croats, Bosnian Muslims, and Orthodox Serbians,” Ron Morgan says. “We will walk the streets of Sarajevo, once a beautiful and peaceful city that was besieged by tanks and snipers for almost four years in the 1990s. We will visit ministries of the Churches of Christ, Baptists, and International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES), as well as meet with Franciscan friars who have played a major role in helping rebuild Bosnia spiritually and psychologically since the war.” He hopes, as always, to show his students a glimpse of different Christian communities around the world, and to walk through history with them, weaving together architecture, politics, conflicts and the arts to give students a glimpse of life in another country.
Home Again – But Not Quite Many students who have studied abroad admit to leaving part of their heart in either England or Uruguay. Soward recalls coming back from a weekend trip, and realizing, for the first time, that he thought of Montevideo and Casa ACU as home. “That was powerful,” he says. “It’s an incredible sense of belonging, even though it’s a country that isn’t yours.” “I miss Uruguay, and I know Uruguay misses me,” adds Jessalyn Massingill, senior fine art major from Abilene. She points to her Uruguayan friends as a major reason for 16
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both facts: “Being close friends with Uruguayos allowed me to naturally fall into the culture, and I feel very grateful to them,” she says. Negaard adds, “The most memorable experiences for me were the times spent together with friends, drinking maté (a traditional South American hot tea), learning Spanish, and soaking up the relaxed, tranquilo culture.” “There is not a facet of my life that hasn’t been affected by my time abroad,” says Bryce Powell (’08), who spent Spring 2006 in Montevideo and Fall 2007 in Oxford. “It has changed and continues to change the way I think, which in turn influences everything. “Traveling has taught me, in a very real way, the truths of ‘judge not, lest you be judged’ and ‘blessed are the peacemakers.’ I cannot put a price on how valuable my Study Abroad experiences are to me. Reading the news, getting coffee, and interacting with people on a normal day-to-day basis are all different experiences now than they used to be,” Powell says. After returning to Abilene from their time abroad, an overwhelming majority of students plan to go back. Some end up going overseas as Peace Corps volunteers, moving to another country for graduate
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school, or otherwise pursuing careers and lives that allow them to revisit the places they’ve been and discover new ones. “Since studying abroad, my life plan has completely changed to accommodate living in South America for a few years,” Soward says with a smile. “I have to get back.” Powell agrees. “When I think about my future, travel is always a part of the picture, automatically. I can’t imagine not going to both South America and Europe again at some point in my life.” “Studying abroad helped me forge deep friendships, experience a close-knit community of fellow students and teachers, become aware of global situations instead of only knowing about life in the States, create lasting memories, learn in a unique setting, and grow into who I am today,” Bredin says. Now that truly sounds like a semester to last a lifetime. 䊱
On-site directors serve as professors, counselors, parents, tour guides and friends to student- tourists from Abilene When ACU students arrive at 9 and 10 Canterbury Road in Oxford, or at Casa ACU in Montevideo, they’re usually dealing with jet lag, lots of luggage and the first signs of culture shock. Fortunately, in both places, friendly faces wait to welcome them. In Oxford, Drs. Ron (’80) and Janine (Paden ’78) Morgan and Jacqueline (Holton ’03) Morrison greet students; in Montevideo, saludos come from Wimon (’79) and Rosalinda Walker. The Walkers and the Morgans are the on-site directors for Study Abroad, a job encompassing everything from planning trips to teaching classes to restocking the houses’ dish soap and toilet paper. Both couples work with visiting faculty and staff, oversee students’ coursework and service-learning opportunities, plan and supervise group travel and devotionals, and make sure the houses keep running smoothly from day to day. It’s a big job – but one they embrace wholeheartedly, and truly enjoy. The Morgans came to ACU-Oxford in Fall 2003, after living for several years in southern California, where Ron taught at Biola University. They already had experience country-hopping: in the mid-1980s, they served on a missions team in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with fellow ACU alumni Max (’77) and Denalyn (Preston ’79) Lucado, Dr. Cynthia Roper (M.A. ’86) and others. Janine, a child of missionaries, spent some of her growing-up years in Italy. This spring, the Morgans will make the leap from Oxford to Leipzig, overseeing the launch of ACU’s new third international center. Although both are fluent in two languages and can converse in two others, they are preparing for the spring semester by studying German for the first time. Another ever-present face at ACU-Oxford is Morrison, who teaches a 6-hour integrated humanities course and coordinates service-learning opportunities for students. As an undergraduate history major, Morrison studied abroad with ACU, then returned to earn her M.A. in history at Oxford Brookes University. Since Fall 2005, she has been a constant part of the ACU-Oxford experience, helping students navigate their memorable but challenging semester overseas. “The Study Abroad experience exposes students to the wider world as it deepens their self-understanding
as human beings,” Ron Morgan says. His job is “to help students come face to face with the world in ways they could not experience if they stayed on an American campus.” He and Janine lead the students on several group excursions each semester; these range from touring Parliament in London on a Saturday to spending a week or more together in Spain. On every trip, no matter how brief or extensive, the directors try to move the students’ experience “beyond ‘tourism’ and on to transformative education,” Ron explains. They serve as an extra set of eyes for ACU students, pointing out things they might otherwise miss – while also serving as professors, counselors, sounding boards, mentors and good friends. Wimon and Rosalinda Walker are fluent in Spanish – but this isn’t their first time trying to speak it every day. As a child, Rosalinda lived near Buenos Aires for five years; her parents were church planters. Both she and Wimon worked with a missions team, composed of ACU alumni, in Buenos Aires from 1979-81, before they married. “One of the joys of moving to Montevideo was the chance to reconnect with Argentine friends we hadn’t seen in almost 25 years,” says Wimon. Unlike his wife, who taught high school Spanish and then a bilingual fourth-grade class in Abilene, Wimon’s Spanish was rusty when the Walkers arrived in Montevideo in August 2008. However, he adds, “I now feel comfortable enough to take my turn to preach on Sunday at the church next door.” The Walkers also served as missionaries in Botswana, Africa, from 1985-2000. “Those years taught us a lot about flexibility and resourcefulness,
adapting to changing circumstances, dealing with business people and government officials across cultural and language barriers,” Wimon says. That experience has proved invaluable as the Walkers have adjusted to life at Casa ACU. “We are not just transacting business; we are building relationships,” Rosalinda says. Although they do have to “make sure the bills get paid, the groceries get bought, birthdays and holidays get celebrated, and the house stays clean,” they primarily seek to guide ACU students as they live in community, navigate life in another country, and experience education with a healthy dose of adventure. Both couples experience challenges as on-site directors that go far beyond the traditional experience of being a professor. However, as Rosalinda says, the rewards are great. “The best thing about this job is that we have come to know some truly wonderful young people,” she says. “They are wise, intelligent and a lot of fun!”䊱
Drs. Ron and Janine Morgan
Wimon and Rosalinda Walker
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A Semester to Last a
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(Inset) Tanner Freeman pauses on a bike tour in Spain to snap photos of the nearby scenenry. (Right) Exotic species of birds, such as this crested seriema, and other wildlife abound in Brazil’s Parque du Aves, near the world-famous Iguazu Falls.
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Jessalyn Massingill (left) and Kara DuBose ea semester in Oxford and Montevideo.
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Twice as Nice: Some Choose a Year Abroad “The scope of the value of doing multiple Study Abroad trips is broad,” says Jessalyn Massingill, senior fine art major from Abilene. “I thought I knew the world from visiting a dozen countries in and around Europe, and yet, a month into my Montevideo semester, I realized that the world is still much bigger than I thought – and I’ve spent a lot of time in the world.” Both Jessalyn and Kara DuBose, senior public relations and advertising major from Fort Worth, spent Spring 2008 in Oxford. Then, in Spring 2009, both traveled to Montevideo for a semester at Casa ACU. While there, they maintained a blog with photos and videos from their times abroad, part of Enrollment Marketing’s efforts to capture the student Study Abroad experience. “Originally, I just wanted to go to Oxford, but then I got the opportunity to go to Montevideo and do a little work for ACU,” says Kara. “Everything worked out with my schedule and I had nothing to keep me from going, so I decided, why not?” Both students emphasize the value of each place. “Both places are extremely different from each other and from Abilene, and the combined perspectives have helped shape me during these college years,” says Kara. “The semesters were very different, but each had momentous impact and influence on my life,” Jessaly says. “The difference is
where I was mentally, not physically. Each trip was exactly what I needed at that specific time in my life.” Kara lists such favorite memories as riding camels in Morocco, paragliding over the Sacred Valley in Cuzco, Peru, and traveling in South America for 10 days. “It's fun to realize that we can plan a trip in a different country, and navigate and communicate with people in Spanish,” she says. However, she adds, another favorite memory from both places is “just hanging out in the houses and playing guitar.” “The group in England was phenomenal,” Jessalyn adds.” I may not have taken the best advantage of it, but I definitely learned my lesson by the time I went to Montevideo. In that trip, it was the people with whom I experienced the places that made the difference and made the memories.” Like most alumni of this program, Jessalyn and Kara advise ACU students to study abroad if at all possible. “It will be one of the best decisions of your college career,” Kara says. “You will gain so much perspective on life. It’s a way to learn far more than the classroom can dream of teaching.” Jessalyn agrees. “I don’t think one semester was better than the other, and I would never trade anything for either experience. I needed both.”䊱
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The world-famous Iguazu Falls, on the border of Brazil and Argentina, are a perennial favorite spot – and an incredible photo op – for students. Kortney Reeves and Zanessa Dodd, and Dorothy Tuttle and Kara Dubose pose for a shot or two to remember the experience. The falls – 275 individual falls in all – are part of two national parks, one on the Brazil side and one on the Argentina side. The tallest cataract in the group, the Devil’s Throat, has a drop of 270 feet, which sends up a constant cloud of spray.
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The Parque du Aves near Iguazu Falls, on the border of Brazil and Argentina, is home to thousands of species of wildlife, many of them endangered. (Left, from top) Red-breasted toucans, red-winged tinamous and peach-fronted parakeets are among the species of birds in the park. (Right) Zanessa Dodd, a student from Lubbock Christian University who accompanied the ACU group, watches a butterfly rest on her arm. (Inset) Stefanie Lazcano makes friends with a boa constrictor.
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Inset: ACU students get a little wet during their trip to Iguazu Falls, but no one seems to mind. The opportunity to see and photograph some of the world’s most breathtaking waterfalls (right) and observe local wildlife such as flamingos (below) is well worth it.
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Students who study in Montevideo get to enjoy both the city and the beach – right next to each other. They also enjoy community time together in unusual locations, such as the roof of Casa ACU (inset photo).
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Bryce Powell (’08) relishes an exhilarating moment on a hike in Brecon Beacons National Park in southern Wales.
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While living at Casa ACU in Montevideo, students employ many creative strategies to boost their Spanish skills – even playing with magnetic poetry on the refrigerator. They also learn Spanish from local instructors (inset photo), then have a chance to practice it as they tour the city and take trips together.
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Teacher education majors Rachel Bam (left), Jessica Rodriguez (below) and Emily Folwell (right) are among the students who have traveled to China to work with elementary school students at the International Academy of Beijing.
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Psychology majors Jacob Schofield, Erika Winston, Hannah Hailey and Maci Smith enjoyed exploring ACU’s newest international center in Leipzig, Germany, in Summer 2009. (Inset) The psychology majors were led by Dr. Jennifer (Wade ’92) Shewmaker, assistant professor of psychology.
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(Above) Leaving their cars behind in Abilene, Study Abroad faculty and students such as junior Emily Holt explore their cities in many different ways. While walking is the primary way to get around Oxford and Montevideo, bike tours also are an option in several cities on both continents. (Inset photo) Open markets are a popular way to meet local people, sample new foods and get a taste of the culture. Dr. Shelly (Weed ’99) Sanders, assistant professor of English, and junior Rachel Jinkerson practice their Spanish at a market in Montevideo.
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Living and learning in community is integral to the Study Abroad experience for ACU students. Squeezing into the common room for class can be fun, but students also must learn to respect each other’s space – and wash their own dishes (inset photo). Studying also takes many forms at ACU-Oxford: group study time in the kitchen (top left), a moment of solitude in the common room (center left), and excursions into the Oxford community to tour and learn about the sights together (bottom left).
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Students who study at ACU-Oxford make frequent trips to On the Hoof (above left), a sandwich shop on North Parade Avenue, just one block from the ACU houses on Canterbury Road. The street also features several other restaurants, two pubs and the 9-to-9 grocery store. Owner Debbie (pictured, bottom right) welcomes ACU students with a smile, and serves them a wide variety of sandwiches (hot or cold), omelets, tea, coffee and other hot drinks. The Sexy Brazilian sandwich, made with spicy chicken tikka, and the breakfast baps – soft round bread stuffed with eggs, sausage and bacon – are particular favorites of many students.
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It takes an entire campus to accomplish the strategic rebranding of a university
JESSALYN MASSINGILL
By ron hadfield
As part of the rebranding effort, Promise and mission language is appearing on doors and entryways to major buildings across campus.
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Twenty-six words. Years in the making, they constitute ACU’s brand promise, and few others in our history have been the result of such research, scrutiny, debate and investment as those which mark a transformation in the university’s messaging to its various audiences: ACU is a vibrant, innovative, Christ-centered community that engages students in authentic spiritual and intellectual growth, equipping them to make a real difference in the world.
Abilene Christian has been a big believer in market research for the past two decades, and in 2007, we turned our attention to discovering how we could better understand our audiences and, in turn, shape messages to influence them to continue to choose ACU over other options. To be successful, institutions of higher education today must be guided by the same kinds of marketing principles and truths as any other business competing for customers or market share or mind share. When people hear of ACU, we want them to have a picture in their minds that involves accurate, positive associations and attracts them to the university. Some people call this picture a brand. ACU’s brand is essentially a collection of words, images, ideas and emotions that immediately come to mind when someone thinks of us. But our brand also is the promise we make to stakeholders – and prospective stakeholders – that expresses our core values. What we now call Our Promise – which must be brought to life throughout the organization in many ways to be believable – is necessary to help increase enrollment, boost giving, create awareness and deliver relevance to the people who matter most to us. Our Promise to students should be one that differentiates ACU from its competition and creates real value in the minds of our most important internal and external audiences. Regardless of what you call it, our strategy in branding, or promoting, or publicizing, or growing, or advancing ACU must include the consistent use of words that define us. Surveys were administered in 2008 by Stamats Communications Inc., ACU’s longtime higher education marketing partner, in an effort to help us refine the words in such a Promise. Faculty, staff, alumni, current students and prospective students were surveyed, and they overwhelmingly agreed on several common concepts. After some intense wordsmithing sessions, ACU’s 26-word Promise was born. It also has been simplified to three words (called brand attributes or vivid descriptors in marketing language). One is exceptional. From academics to athletics, ACU stands out in many ways. We have excellent facilities, programs with world-class reputations, quality professors, outstanding
instruction – particularly at the undergraduate level – that are second to none. The outcomes of an ACU education – a great job and a purposeful life – are plain to see in the lives of our alumni. Our students have a lot of career choices, and compete with graduates from other top universities around the world for the best jobs or places in the most prestigious graduate and professional schools. In several programs, undergraduates have unparalleled research and even publishing opportunities; those are often reserved in other places for older students and even those pursuing Ph.D.s. Too often, we take for granted or don’t know about all the exceptional attributes of an ACU education. We need to be telling stories about the people and programs that make us distinctive. Second, ACU is a place where being innovative has become a significant and valued attribute. In 2008, executives from technology leaders such as Apple and AT&T traveled to campus for no other reason than to observe the university distribute iPhones to freshmen as part of its now award-winning mobile-learning initiative. In 2009, more than 400 professionals from eight countries and 26 companies, including educators representing 1.77 million students, attended the first ConnectEd conference on campus. An online mobile-learning conference in July (see page 32) attracted representatives from more than 100 institutions and five nations. Some were invited; others were compelled to see what’s going on in Abilene, Texas, at this place where the newest technology is colliding with higher education in ways that have put the university on the front page of industry news regarding both. Innovation is a way of thinking and doing business and looking at life. It also has proved to be the key ingredient in developing learning strategies to help shape students for careers and provide them the educational experience they need to be successful when they graduate and forge a career in a world moving at unprecedented speed. To be exceptional in higher education in today’s world requires making friends with innovation. The third attribute word is real. If you spend much time talking to today’s college students, you will quickly discover their impatience with things that are not what they seem to be. This can be an incredibly frustrating attribute to acquire or emulate, but it’s also pretty simple, too. Perhaps authentic is another way to say it. Perhaps the best way to describe “real” is to remind ourselves that students are attracted to ACU because they perceive it to be a place with spiritual authenticity, a place where they can develop lifelong friendships with other Christians, be drawn into community, learn to lead by serving others, and – above all the noise of today’s world – actually hear God’s call to do something that matters with their lives. All of us want ACU to continue to be the kind of place that New exterior wayfinding signs to assist students and other guests have been installed in key locations across campus, with additional signs to be installed in the near future.
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attracts students who, when they hear God’s call, can answer it without guilt or hesitation or funny looks from their friends or other significant people in their lives. Exceptional. Innovative. Real. There are other words we could use, but we think – and market research clearly shows – that these three define what’s going on at the institution of higher education envisioned by founding president A.B. Barret, who had big dreams for a place like this at the dawn of a previous century. To succeed and thrive in this century, we must make these words are familiar and believable to others as they are to us. And within the university, we must remind each other that the Promise we make to students is one we also commit to each other. ACU’s 21st-Century Vision of becoming the premier university for the education of Christ-centered, global leaders is a roadmap for what lies ahead in the next dozen years. It will surely help define ACU’s future, but does not change how we got here or who we are. Our mission of educating students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world is unchanged and more compelling than ever. It’s been said that “perception is the product of experience,” and that truth is at the heart of our internal and external efforts to help others understand who we are by who we say we are. Our brand – our reputation in today’s marketplace – will be determined by how we live up to our all our promises, especially this one.
UNIVERSITY BRANDING AT A GLANCE • ACU Purple: Pantone 268 (although the color is modified for reproduction on different surfaces and papers) • Purple milkshakes: One made for each of the nearly 700 high school seniors who have visited campus this fall. Ingredients: Blue Bell® homemade vanilla ice cream, purple food coloring and whipped cream. • Videos about ACU: See them at youtube.com/acu and acu.edu/videos • Flag banners on the Lunsford Foundation Trail: There are 122 banners, one for each nation and state represented by students enrolled in Fall 2009, plus banners promoting ACU’s brand.
Admissions’ College Night Brochure
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Strategic steps in rebuilding ACU’s brand It’s not easy to quickly change the course of the large ship that is today’s promotional and student-recruiting enterprise, especially in such a challenging and competitive global economy. But ACU’s commitment to the concept of integrated marketing helped get the new brand and Promise quickly pointed in the right direction. While writers and designers at Stamats were working on crafting the message and look of a new enrollment marketing campaign, there were major organizational changes taking place in Admissions, Enrollment, and Student Financial Services that helped ACU maximize other research findings and operationalize best practices gleaned from Stamats’ years of experience helping universities such as ACU reach their potential to attract, enroll and retain students. At the same time, professionals in ACU’s University Marketing organization began making a variety of changes that, in aggregate, would signal other transformations to come in how ACU presented itself to its various constituents. First was a new high-energy, 10-minute-long student-recruiting film – Exceptional, Innovative, Real – to help communicate the concepts behind the new Promise. Students enrolled in Fall 2009’s record freshman class were introduced to Abilene Christian at special events and on the Web by this film, produced in concert with Phillips Productions Inc. It also caught the eye of cohorts when it won an international silver medal from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) in its prestigious international Circle of Excellence competition for 2008. The annual President’s Circle film premiering in early 2009 was titled The Promise, further refining the message behind our branding efforts and providing compelling examples of ways the exceptional-innovative-real attributes come to life for students each day. You can see it, along with other featured ACU videos and films, at www.youtube.com/acu and www.acu.edu/videos. University stationery products were revised to incorporate the first redesign of ACU’s logo in nearly 20 years, actually a decision to unify our academic and athletics logos under the same “interlocking ACU” already seen on everything from athletics uniforms to top-selling merchandise in The Campus Store, to the school flag flying on Teague Boulevard. Investments were made in new photography to enhance publications and the Web site. Promise language was added to stationery and the backs of business cards and to many of the 1,000 publications produced annually by the Creative Services office, and became prominent in an on-the-run reskinning of the university’s Web site. New font families were introduced to publications and printed material to reflect ongoing but still-in-progress work at Stamats to design an entirely new line of enrollment marketing publications and a Web microsite for Admissions. The university’s flagship site, www.acu.edu, began to feature targeted content on the home page exemplifying
Academic Viewbook
the best of exceptional, innovative and real aspects of the university’s programs and people. ACU Today magazine was one of the first publications to receive a complete facelift when the Winter 2009 issue was mailed. Content now reflects more stories in each issue about innovation, an increased emphasis on academic news and a renewed commitment to sharing examples of excellence at ACU. Prospective students invited to enroll as freshmen in Fall 2010 became the first to see Stamats’ publication work when an introductory viewbook arrived in the mail in February 2009. It introduced the elegant, thoughtful, introspective Live Up campaign, which began with these words: Live Up. To the highest standards. To your greatest potential. To the calling of your faith. Not separate from the world, but vitally connected to it. Raise your expectations for what you can know. For how far you can go. For who you can become. For the diverse community of inspired and inspiring teachers, innovative thinkers and engaged learners you can join. In an environment that, for more than 100 years, has been raising the bar for what an education can be.
Stamats also produced an academic viewbook, and a series of smaller brochures to highlight top academic programs, distinctives such as the Study Abroad and athletics programs, and themes like innovative learning, faith in action, community, worldview, and traditions. Enrollment Marketing rolled out Stamats’ Web microsite companion to the Live Up campaign at liveup.acu.edu, which features rich video and interactive content in a format that can be constantly and easily updated. Stamats passed the writing and design baton on Live Up to ACU’s Creative Services in November 2009. Most new and revised publications carry some combination of Promise and/or Live Up language and imagery, and preliminary work has begun on a complete renovation of the www.acu.edu Web site that will roll out in mid-2010, featuring a new content management system to help campus partners create and edit content reflecting the university’s new marketing direction. Enhanced internal resources will continue to help academic departments and colleges offer substantive Web content reflecting best practices in messaging and marketing. A new commitment to developing content for sharing on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Ustream, YouTube EDU and blogs (see pages 22-25) exponentially expands ACU’s ability to build its brand while connecting friends and sharing news via cutting-edge technology. There are countless other efforts to support branding initiatives, from the purple milkshakes served to student visitors to campus, Promise and mission language on doors and entryways to major buildings, new exterior wayfinding signage and, in general, a notable commitment to making various shades of ACU purple a comfortable part of the campus landscape. As the home of the Admissions and Alumni Relations offices (among others), the Hunter Welcome Center has put a timely new face on the front door of the university for visitors and alumni, and created an environment and synergy befitting other energetic efforts to rebrand the university. It didn’t happen by accident, and the work is ongoing, but ACU’s brand has never been stronger nor more effective in advancing A.B. Barret’s dream far beyond what he could have ever imagined. 䊱
Purple milkshakes are a popular item during student visit days, and provide another opportunity for ACU to reinforce its new branding image.
Pre-Health Professions Academic Program Brochure
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By Wendy Kilmer
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“We want students and friends and alumni to really feel the community aspect of ACU. Right now, social media is a great way to accomplish those things.” – S C OT T K I L M E R
www.facebook.com/abilenechristian
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igh school senior Kenya Steptoe of Allen, Texas, knows ACU’s pre-dental program is top-notch. Not only because she requested
and received information from ACU touting its strengths, but because she’s heard from someone working in the field who can testify to its merits. In September of this year, Steptoe posted a question on ACU’s fan page on Facebook, a social networking site. Within a few hours, her question was answered, and a few days later, she received something more. An alumnus of the program, Dr. Steve Laman (’82), clinical director for the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston, saw and responded to her question as well, providing a firsthand testimony to the quality of ACU’s preparation for dental school. That natural connection and sharing of experiences and information are among the growing attractions of social networking, not only on a personal level, but also for organizations such as ACU. “It’s a way for our community to connect in conversation, a place for sharing great things that are happening at ACU and among our alumni and friends,” said Jason Groves (’00), associate vice president for marketing. That means that in addition to the ways alumni already stay connected to the university – class reunions, ACU Today magazine, email newsletters, the university’s Web site – friends of the school now have even more opportunities and methods to interact with each other and with Abilene Christian. And, as demonstrated by Steptoe, a growing number of future students – who are applying for admission at record levels – are using social media to find out more
www.twitter.com/acuedu
about the school that U.S News & World Report calls a university “everybody should be watching.” By applying what it already has experienced from being a world leader in mobile-learning technology, ACU is actively integrating social media to meet the needs of alumni who want stronger connections with their former classmates, and students who are looking for a best-fit Christian university. As director of new media in University Marketing, Scott Kilmer (’01) manages ACU’s presence within social media networks. In his role – which began in June 2009 – he understands new technology and the frenetic energy of consumers in today’s multi-tasking society, and his goal is to bring the two together. So, if you only have time to read a text message on your phone between meetings or while you walk to your car, you can get ACU updates in concise 140-character headlines with links for expanded information. If you can’t make the trek to Abilene to attend Opening Assembly, you can watch, listen and discuss from your laptop. If you are looking for connections to your alma mater and other alumni, well, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to do that either. “We want to facilitate discussion and the sharing of stories and ideas,” Kilmer said.
“We want students and friends and alumni to really feel the community aspect of ACU. Right now, social media is a great way to accomplish those things.” A number of social media, tools and platforms are at the base for ACU’s marketing strategy and methodology. Reaching out to audiences where they are, where they live and in the ways they like to work means using a variety of media with tailored messages. Among the many networks vying for attention, five stand out as the primary ways ACU connects with its audiences in social media. Each reaches a different demographic, a certain personality, a unique group. Yet all offer a glimpse of the community and the experience of ACU through the Internet. Facebook If Facebook were a country, it would be the fourth largest in the world. The Facebook community boasts 350 million users who use the network to connect with friends and family, share photos and video, support causes and create profiles to share biographical information. Of those 350 million, 25,000 list themselves as alumni of Abilene Christian, and it is the most active social media network for ACU. Abilene Christian’s presence on Facebook began in October 2008, when ACU created a Facebook fan page for the university (www.facebook.com/abilenechristian). Initially, its focus was reaching prospective students, and it was filled accordingly with information about new student orientation, campus tours, open houses, application deadlines and links to financial aid information. But by July 2009, when the page had reached nearly 3,000 fans, Kilmer began ACU TODAY
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analyzing demographics and discovered something unexpected. Only 9 percent of the 3,500 were in the 13- to 17-year-old age range. “Obviously, we had to take a serious look at our purpose and content,” Kilmer said. Links to admissions pages were exchanged for links to ACU’s Alumni Association, and updates shifted from recruiting days and deadlines to campus news and major events. As of November, the statistics remain in a similar pattern, with more than half of the fans of the ACU page between the ages of 18 and 34, making current students and recent alumni a primary audience. ACU’s Admissions Office now maintains its own fan page, designed specifically for prospective students, at www.facebook.com/welcometoACU. As of late November, the university’s page had more than 8,600 fans, a number that dwarfs those from other schools of similar size. According to analytics provided by BlueFuego, a higher education consulting organization, ACU has considerably more Facebook fans than any other college or university with fewer than 5,000 students – 59 percent more than the closest competitor. In addition to the main fan page, ACU sports fans connect through a sports-specific page. Although www.acusports.com is still the best place for sports scores and news, the Facebook page allows for greater interaction, feedback and fan response. “It’s a great way to share enthusiasm for our teams, celebrate accomplishments and share news about current student-athletes, as well as alumni who are making a difference in the world,” Kilmer said. Several departments and colleges have established fan pages as well. For example, the College of Business Administration, with 760 fans, uses its page to promote speaker events, networking luncheons, career fairs and other alumni and student news and videos.
updates, Twitter is a simple, quick way to announce the start of a live video stream or share links to significant news and photos. In September, when former Wildcat and Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Johnny Knox caught his first pass in the National Football League, 16 people tweeted the news 21 times using the words Knox and Abilene Christian. Those 21 tweets had the potential to be viewed by 3,165 followers. Now each week, fans of Knox and other former Wildcats in the NFL keep each other updated about their football exploits with up-to-the minute tweets.
Speaker Series were all broadcast live. The Ustream site itself (www.ustream.tv) is viewed by more than 10 million people per month. A banner display about ACU’s Summit appeared on Ustream’s home page promoting the live stream of the featured speakers’ presentations, bringing the event to thousands of people, many previously unconnected to ACU. Best-selling Christian author Donald Miller’s Tuesday afternoon Best-selling Christian author Donald Miller (below) spoke on Tuesday afternoon in Moody Coliseum at Summit. His presentation is the university’s most-viewed live broadcast to date.
YouTube EDU ACU recently joined YouTube EDU as a repository for nearly all video generated at the university. President’s Circle and student-recruiting films, documentaries about mobile learning, interviews with students, Study Abroad footage, and a variety of other university marketing videos are available at www.youtube.com/acu. “The primary purpose of ACU’s presence is for academic content, allowing faculty to broadcast to a broader audience,” Kilmer said. “It’s also a way to feature academic department highlights, some of the significant speakers who come to campus, and other ACU-generated video.” Student-captured video is another important aspect of ACU’s use of YouTube. At www.youtube.com/youatacu, ACU students upload their own video footage – authentic depictions of the student experience. One of the advantages of video on YouTube is its compatibility with mobile devices such as the iPhone, helping to integrate with ACU’s innovative and award-winning mobile-learning initiative. Ustream
Another popular social network, Twitter is considered a micro-blogging site, allowing users to post updates, called tweets, of 140 characters or less. Designed to be easily viewed as text messages on phones, the updates also can be viewed online and are distributed to the other users who have chosen to follow that person. Twitter also allows for sharing of links and photos, as well as direct (private) messages with followers. Twitter began in 2006 but gained significant ground in the social media landscape this past summer. Within the realm of ACU marketing, Twitter is used primarily for news updates, responding to questions, connecting to prospective students, and sharing news stories about alumni. With real-time 24
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ACU TODAY
Another video-focused platform, Ustream, has entered ACU’s social media strategy in the last year. Ustream is primarily a platform for broadcasting video to a large audience, especially live streamed events. It also allows for interaction during broadcasts; viewers can communicate with each other and with the broadcaster through Ustream’s integration with Facebook and Twitter. “Through the live events we stream, alumni and friends can experience ACU, relive traditions or even get a glimpse of them for the first time,” Kilmer said. This year, events such as Opening Assembly, Summit and the College of Business Administration’s Distinguished
BRIAN SCHMIDT
presentation in Moody Coliseum at Summit is the university’s most-viewed live broadcast to date. Live streaming of ACU’s Commencement ceremonies has special significance for families of international students. In May, 22 people viewed the ceremony from Asia, most likely families seeing their son or daughter’s college experience for the first time. In August, ACU’s Opening Assembly was streamed live, with more than 1,000 people from 11 countries watching online.
Although blogs are predominant in ACU courses, professors increasingly find ways to use other social media in the classroom as students prepare for careers that may incorporate them as well. Students in Dr. Brad Crisp’s sections
people to love the way Christ loved. “In the beginning, a lot of them had a hard time wrapping their brains around it,” Crisp said. “But it allowed them to see tangible ways to interact with their customer base from a business perspective. At the end of the day, I don’t care if they use Twitter, but I want them to see and use technology and know its strengths and weaknesses.” Alex Gutierrez, senior management major from San Antonio, has a passion for reaching out to young people who have lost hope, so when Crisp assigned the project, he knew he wanted to share that excitement. His Facebook page, “To Love Without Boundaries” has 570 fans. Gutierrez gained a new confidence in navigating the technology and in the response of people to his message. “I learned how to use Facebook to view traffic through their pages application, charts and graphs,” he said. “Facebook makes word-of-mouth more effective and efficient. This experience has shown me that if there is a need, people will come, join and help in whatever way they can.” That lesson is not lost on communication and marketing professionals who continually seek the best ways to keep fans and friends in touch with the education of students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. “These new media really allow us to share the ways we are fulfilling our mission throughout the world,” Groves said. “Faculty and students serve and lead around the globe, and do life-changing research together. There are stories of hope and inspiration everywhere. Social media allows
www.youtube.com/acu
blogs.acu.edu/acuoxford
www.ustream.tv/channel/Abilene-Christian-University
achieve were simplifying communication with the class, bringing all of the course content to one place, and making it all mobile-accessible,” Dickson said. “The mobile-learning initiative has helped us transition the ways we teach – incorporating outside voices, valuing the student
of Management Information Systems were tasked with creating a blog or some form of social networking page that allowed for monitoring traffic and interactions. They created business pages to sell merchandise, sites that shared hobbies and videos, even a Facebook page encouraging
us to share information and connect people. Ultimately, we hope for a ripple effect that inspires the entire ACU community to do likewise, to remember ACU’s mission and to do what God is calling them to do with their gifts.”䊱
Blogs Within the classroom and academic settings at ACU, blogs are likely the most familiar and frequently used social medium. A handful of faculty members have been experimenting with blogs for the last few years, says Dr. Kyle Dickson (’93), associate professor of English and director of the Digital Media Center. As ACU’s mobile-learning initiative kicked off last year, Dickson gathered a group of faculty bloggers and conducted a pilot program during the Spring 2009 semester. Wordpress was chosen as a common platform, and blogs were set up for five or six classes. “We learned a lot from that semester,” Dickson said. “It gave us the chance to ask a lot of questions.” This year, 147 faculty members have opted in to the program and created their own blogs. They represent 289 courses serving more than 3,000 students. “Some of the main things we wanted to
perspective, encouraging collaboration. For that to happen, mobile devices had to become more than a one-way street; they had to foster two-way communication. A blog is more than just a media player. It is a producer of content, an online learning space.” The blogs are designed so that almost all related applications will allow faculty and students to share documents, Web links and YouTube videos via a quick email to each other. Students can use their mobile devices to receive the information even when not near a traditional computer. “One of the more unique ways to conceive this is as a live repository of information,” Dickson said. “It’s increasingly become a place to aggregate student ideas, questions and discussions during class itself.” Course instructors have the option to create a private blog, only viewable by course members, or a public blog, allowing for viewing and interaction with an external audience. In general, the public blogs tend to be ones where content is primarily generated by the instructor, Dickson said. Blogs that incorporate more student content are likely to be private. For a list of ACU’s public class blogs, visit blogs.acu.edu. Mission-keeping via social media
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ACU’s People Persons P
The Alumni Relations team is all about you and ACU oetic justice is served every day in the sparkling new Hunter Welcome Center, the home of ACU’s Office of Alumni Relations. The building’s namesake, after all, is Dr. Robert D. (but you can call me Bob) Hunter, who was named the university’s first director of alumni back in 1952 when he was a fresh-faced graduate.
Now 81, Hunter is vice president emeritus and just as much a people person as ever. He offices in the building bearing his name, bouncing from office to office and visitor to visitor, a one-man welcoming party who seems to have seldom met a stranger. That spirit and love for connecting people continues today on the second floor, where Larry Musick (’84) and his Alumni Relations team are busy planning events and spreading good will on behalf of their alma mater. Today’s Alumni Relations office includes some new and familiar faces. Assistant director Jama (Fry ’97) Cadle is known for taking 20 minutes to walk from Moody Coliseum to the McGlothlin Campus Center because she stops and talks to so many current and former students and alumni en route. “It’s all about relationships. We’re employed by ACU, but we work for ACU alumni,” says Cadle, an 11-year veteran of the office. Seven-year Alumni Relations veteran Samantha
Larry Musick (’84)
ALUMNI TEAM PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY COTTON
Director of Alumni Relations and University Events Musick often quotes Psalm 20:4 when asked about his work. “God has given me the desire of my heart by bringing me to ACU,” he says. “As an undergraduate student, I volunteered in the Alumni Office and, at that time, set a personal goal of returning to ACU to direct the activities of the Alumni Association.” Musick is excited about his role for many reasons. He praises the talents of each member of the alumni relations team and enjoys opportunities to visit with alumni in person, and via telephone, email, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other social media. “It’s all about relationships and giving our alumni multiple opportunities to connect with each other and with ACU as we extend the power of the ‘Long Purple Line,’ “ he says. He is the point person for alumni-related activities in all the other cities ACU alumni call home, and he oversees the University Events area. Musick serves on several university committees including the President’s Operations Cabinet, the University Marketing Committee and the Athletics Compliance Board. In 2010, he will help plan events related to Dr. Royce Money’s transition from president to chancellor, and the introduction of the university’s new president to the Abilene Christian community. Musick has a B.A. degree in communication. He is married to Kathy (Mitchell ’82) and they have two children (one is an ACU student).
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(Bickett ’01) Adkins agrees. “I love watching people connect to each other through their association with ACU. Working in Alumni Relations is more than a job for me. It’s a chance to meet and reconnect with people I consider family. It’s amazing to share stories and memories with people from age 18 to 75. And it’s even more amazing when we discover similarities in our stories.” Musick, who became director of Alumni Relations and university events in March 2009, has used this fundamental concept to form the foundation of his plan to lead the organization. “Everywhere I go, I encounter ACU alumni with an amazing story about their time here. When you see all the love for ACU around the globe, you are captivated by it,” Musick says. He has tapped into the energy and team spirit produced by partners on and off campus to develop a strategy for keeping alumni connected to each other and to Abilene Christian. But first, some geodemographic work was in order. The alumni team is currently analyzing data showing where all degreed and non-degreed alumni are living, looking for the places with the highest concentration of former students. It’s easy to assume some of these locations – the major Texas metropolitan areas; Abilene; Atlanta, Ga.; Nashville, Tenn.; and Southern California – but when you take into consideration the suburbs surrounding U.S. cities, other places are being reviewed that need to be worked into the overall strategy for alumni events. When the analysis is completed, the team will then use data to help plan future alumni gatherings. The plan is to create a list of top “ACU cities” and
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place them into one of three categories based on the population of alumni living in the area: Primary Markets, Secondary Markets and Tertiary Markets. The Alumni Relations office will plan an event in primary markets at least two times each year. Secondary markets will have an ACU event every 12-18 months and alumni living in tertiary markets will have the opportunity to participate in an event in their area every 18-24 months. “We hope these events, planned in connection with local alumni, will inspire people to plan their own gatherings during the times we are not in their cities,” Musick says. “We should always keep asking: What would bless our alumni in every area of their lives? Then see if we can help,” adds alumni relations officer Grant Boone (’91). In 2009, alumni were invited to attend ACU Networking Events and “Experience ACU,” gatherings designed to introduce the
university to prospective students, or future alumni as Musick calls them. “Some of the best experiences I have had while working in Alumni Relations have come from working with the Networking Events and Homecoming reunions, and being able to support and recognize our alumni in their hometowns as they receive special awards,” says alumni relations officer John Exum (’05). “The crazy antics of the students were fun to watch at this year’s Midnight Breakfast in the Campus Center. Almost 700 students attended, and they really enjoyed the karaoke and other fun stuff we planned to give them a break from studying for finals.” This fall, alumni were invited to restaurants and tailgate parties prior to Wildcat football games in cities throughout Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Receptions to honor Distinguished Alumni Citation recipients were held in cities from Abilene to
Jama (Fry ’97) Cadle
Samantha (Bickett ’01) Adkins
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
Senior Alumni Relations Officer
Cadle oversees the opportunities for alumni to connect in the Dallas area, working with campus partners from Admissions, Development and University Relations. She also coordinates Homecoming each fall and the Golden Anniversary Reunion each spring. Cadle is the point person for the receptions honoring the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year and for each of the Distinguished Alumni Citation awards each year. Cadle comes from a long line of Wildcats, and has a B.A. degree in education. She is married to Mike (’04) and they have a son.
Adkins works with campus partners from Admissions, Development and University Relations who help keep Fort Worth area alumni, potential students and other friends of ACU connected to the university and each other. She coordinates the work of two important volunteer groups: Women for ACU and the Alumni Chorus. Adkins plans the annual recognition event for the Young Alumnus of the Year and administers the Legacy program. She also is re-establishing the Student Alumni Association. Adkins has a B.B.A. degree in business management and an M.A. in human communication. She is married to Hab (’01) and they have two children. AC U TO D AY
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The Colosseum in Rome
Trips for ACU alumni planned for 2010 In 2010, the Alumni Relations team is introducing a robust alumni travel program. Two options will focus on service with an alumni missions trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand, in May and one to Ukraine in December. “Both trips – we call them ACU EXodus – will allow alumni to come together and serve others in the name of Jesus, much like the Spring Break Campaigns that have long been a part of Abilene Christian traditions,” says Larry Musick (’84), director of alumni relations and university events. The Thailand trip is part of a 16-day Let’s Start Talking campaign to share Christ with Thai people by helping them improve their English. The Ukraine trip is to work with Jeremiah’s Hope, a non-profit organization ministering to orphans in the villages north of Kiev. The group will help distribute Christmas gifts and coordinate a VBS-style program to encourage children. The Alumni Relations team also is coordinating a trip for alumni called ACU EXcursion in June. The 15-day adventure will feature the art, culture and scenery of Rome, Florence, the Swiss Alps, Paris and London. For more information on these trips and other alumni programs, visit www.acu.edu/alumni.
Philadelphia to Seoul, South Korea, and to flow,” Adkins says. “Sometimes it’s “I love watching people Bangkok, Thailand. Other ACU alumni difficult to know who is enjoying an were invited to gather for events in Middle connect to each other through alumni event more, the former Tennessee, Southern California and student or us.” their association with ACU. New York City. Musick’s staff – which also includes In addition to the focus on events in Kevin Weems (’82), manager of sound Working in Alumni Relations systems and recording, and university the communities where ACU alumni live, there is a redoubling of efforts to connect events manager Jennifer Ellison (’04) and is more than a job for me. with them on campus. Receptions are held her assistant, Teena Kincaid – partner It’s a chance to meet in conjunction with each of the three most with the 33-member Alumni Advisory popular weekends each year for alumni to Board. The AAB selects alumni award and reconnect with people visit – Parents Weekend, Sing Song and winners, reviews strategic plans and Summit – with sponsorship help from policies, provides encouragement, I consider family.” other ACU offices. and is a great resource for organizing It’s all a part of the philosophy of volunteers back home in their – SAMANTHA ADKINS joining forces with Admissions, Student communities. Kelly (Stites ’91) Senior Alumni Relations Officer Life, the Students’ Association, the Shewmaker is AAB president for First-Year Program, the Center for the current school year. International Education, the Career “What a blessing to work in an Center, University Relations, and each of the colleges to form environment where like-minded people can come together to greater strength through a natural synergy. maintain and cultivate relationships,” Cadle says. “It’s a great time “We value our campus partners and are utilizing each other’s to be at ACU. Our new initiatives are strategic and intentional. strengths to foster growth,” Cadle says. We have a rich heritage, strong traditions and a bright future.” 䊱 “When alumni gather, stories of their days on the Hill begin
Grant Boone (’91)
John Exum (’05)
JoAnn (Travis ’80) Evans
Alumni Relations Officer
Alumni Relations Officer
Administrative Coordinator
Boone works with alumni in Austin and San Antonio in conjunction with the campus partners who also serve those cities. The play-by-play radio voice of the Wildcats, Boone also is the office’s liaison with the athletics program. He maintains the alumni pages on the Web site, coordinates alumni benefits programs, and takes the monthly eNewsletter from outline concept form to finished product and sends it to all members of the ACU Alumni Association. He is a veteran broadcaster and writer for CBS Sports, ESPN, Fox Sports, TNT, the Golf Channel, CBS Radio Sports and PGA.com. Boone earned his B.A. in journalism and mass communication. He is married to Amy (Nichols ’92) and they have three children.
Exum works with the alumni and other campus partners to serve the Houston area and coordinates the Wildcat Parents, a program for parents of current ACU undergraduate students. Exum is the point person for all nine class reunions held during Homecoming each fall. He also coordinates the Survival Kits and the Midnight Breakfast during finals week each semester, and The Official Ring program. An Abilene native with family roots on the Hill, he has a B.B.A. degree in business management.
Evans is a source of stabilizing energy for team members when they are in the office or traveling. She is the person you will often hear on the other end of the phone when you call, and she also coordinates email communication for the group. “It’s all about people. When I’m talking or emailing with someone in Amarillo or London, I always come away with a sense that they love ACU and they cherish their time here. I try to remember that during our conversation, I am ACU to the person I’m communicating with,” says Evans, who has two sons, one an ACU student.
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RETIRING PROFESSORS
T. MARK JONES Associate Professor Emeritus of Foreign Languages Born in: Fort Worth, Texas, although I graduated from high school in Dumas, which is up in the Panhandle. Started teaching at ACU: 1976; that adds up to a goodly amount. My academic research specialty/interest: Cervantes’ novel, Don Quixote. I have written on the religious background of that work. Cervantes is an amazing writer. He makes you laugh and then turns around and makes you feel like a heel for laughing at what he just got through making fun of. My favorite ACU course to teach, and why: Survey of Spanish Literature and Survey of Latin American Literature. I moved quickly to cover the material I personally thought was great stuff. If I can’t be personally enthusiastic about what we are reading, I won’t inflict it on my students. My mentors: Lubbock Christian University’s Dr. Jim M. Baker and ACU’s Dr. J.W. Treat. The book I’m reading: Pray Always by Dr. Anthony Lee Ash. What my students never knew about me: No secrets; I often said I have done nothing with my languages more fun than learning them. That is why I chose to teach and study them.
KYLE TRAFTON
My favorite food: The banana cake and muffins my wife makes.
KYLE TRAFTON
DR. BO GREEN
The perfect retirement day: Preaching for the Graham Street Bilingual Church of Christ; mission work (I go to Mexico for evangelistic campaigns twice a year), woodworking (wood turning and making toys for my grandchildren); visiting my children and grandchildren; training my Airedale, Argus; and taking walks with my wife, Lucy, and her German shepherd, Omega.
Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Born in: A farm house near Callisburg, Texas, near Gainesville. Started teaching at ACU: 1972, to replace Dr. Marcus Mullings. My academic research specialty/interest: My doctorate was in a branch of mathematical analysis called finitely additive set functions. It was a cross between analysis and theoretical probability. My favorite ACU course to teach, and why: A freshman/sophomore course, Discrete Mathematics. For most students, it was an introduction to thinking mathematically using ideas, theorems and proofs rather than algorithms. My mentor: Dr. James C. Bradford. The book I’m reading: During the summer, I read the Koran in an attempt to gain an understanding of the growing popularity of the Muslim religion. While I could never be a Muslim, the experience was interesting and affirming of my own Christian faith and beliefs. What my students never knew about me: Because of the structure of my face, when I concentrate I look, at best, gruff. I think that my students usually could not see what a grateful and joyful person I am. My favorite food: Everything except liver and a small list of seafoods. The perfect retirement day: The day in May my last grade was turned in, I went into the hospital, soon to be diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. I hope to soon receive a stem cell transplant, with my brother as the donor. So I can only anticipate a retirement day when I feel strong enough to work in my wood shop and be free of cancer. ACU TODAY
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Hilltop VIEW 䊳
Presidential search well underway
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Little begins work as campus physician
LINDSEY COTTON
Wind energy agreements offer savings
ACU will save 25 percent on its electricity costs with a new 10-year contract, made possible by Priority Power Management, an independent energy management and consulting firm. The contract, which became effective in July, will provide for 87 percent of ACU’s energy needs with a combination of fossil fuel and wind resources produced by wind farms in West Texas. “We’re always looking for ways to be better stewards of our resources. This energy package allows us to build on local sustainable energy that’s available, and it lowers our long-term cost for electricity,” said Kevin Roberts (’98), associate vice president of operations. Juhl Wind Inc., a wind power company based in Woodstock, Minn., has agreed to conduct a feasibility study at ACU. The project will examine the potential development of a 3-megawatt wind project and a possible larger wind farm to help the university cut emissions and reduce its environmental impact. 䊳
THE
IN THE ENGLISH
CLASSROOM
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Lubbock couple named Parents of the Year
Terry (’77) and Marty (Shipp ’77) Groves of Lubbock received ACU’s Parents of the Year Award on Sept. 18. The couple were nominated by five of their seven children, including Jacob, a sophomore Bible major. All seven of their children have attended ACU. Terry is president of the National Center for Parenthood Enrichment, a non-profit organization. He currently serves as the preaching minister for Idalou Church of Christ in Idalou, Texas. Marty has served for 10 years as a parent educator with Lubbock Independent School District and co-founded the Lubbock Youth Leadership Academy in 1997. She also is on the national board of Women for ACU.
Freshman blogs for Seventeen magazine
ACU freshman Alexa Lopez is one of 15 voices that Seventeen magazine’s readers listen to when they want to hear about college. Lopez, a nursing major from San Antonio, is one of 15 freshman women from U.S. colleges who won a nationwide contest to blog for the magazine. Known collectively as the “Freshman 15,” the women post photos and updates about their experiences on the site, and answer readers’ questions about the college experience. Lopez and the other Freshman 15 bloggers also are featured in the December/January issue of Seventeen. To follow Lopez’s blog, visit www.seventeen.com/collegecareer/freshman-15-blog/ and search for “Alexa” to find her posts.
Little
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Alexa Lopez blogs for Seventeen magazine
Terry and Marty Groves
GERALD EWING
Dr. Ellen Little (’92) is the new director of ACU Health Services and physician for the Medical Clinic. Little began her work on campus in July, after eight years of medical mission work in Kampala, Uganda. Before her time in Africa, Little lived in Lubbock, where she completed her medical school and residency training, and briefly worked on staff at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She is the daughter of the late Dr. John Little (’59), professor emeritus of biology at ACU.
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LINDSEY COTTON
ACU’s presidential search team is deep into the process of finding a new president. The 15-member committee, selected by the Board of Trustees after Dr. Royce Money’s retirement announcement in May 2009, met for the first time Aug. 20. The group includes faculty and staff members, trustees, students, alumni and members of the University Council. Academic Search Inc., a consulting firm assisting ACU in this process, has held meetings with more than a dozen groups of constituents and surveyed faculty and staff members on the most important qualities in a new president. The firm and committee also have developed a university profile and presidential search prospectus, which are now available on the ACU Web site. The committee, which accepted nominations and applications through October, reviewed applications in November and began initial off-site interviews in December, aiming to announce a new president by late February 2010. For the latest on the search process, visit www.acu.edu/presidentialsearch.
For the latest, visit www.acu.edu/news www.facebook.com/abilenechristian www.twitter.com/ACUedu
The Word in the English Classroom
God Work
BEST PRACTICES OF FAITH INTEGRATION
CONFESSIONS OF A STANDUP THEOLOGIAN
Edited by Jamie Dessart and Brad Gambill ISBN 978-0-89112-536-5 • 256 pages www.acupressbooks.com
By Randy Harris ISBN 978-0-89112-628-7 • 163 pages www.leafwoodpublishers.com
This collection of essays by English professors at faith-based universities includes contributions from ACU’s Dr. Chris Willerton, professor of English, and Al Haley, associate professor of English and writer-in-residence.
In this collection of sermons-turned-essays, the ACU instructor of Bible, missions and ministry casts a discerning, often humorous eye on the church, the work of God and the “big questions” of life.
Editors
Jamie Dessart Brad Gambill
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ACU TODAY
ACU was recognized as a “Great College to Work For” by The Chronicle of Higher Education in July 2009. The magazine surveyed more than 41,000 higher education employees on their institutions’ performance in 26 categories. ACU was recognized in two areas: Connection to Institution and Pride, and Supervisor-Department Chair Relationship.
Moody is venue for Great Communion, Veterans Day Tribute events
3.48 GERALD EWING
Christians from around the Abilene area gathered in Moody Coliseum on Sunday, Nov. 4, for a Great Communion service, in celebration of the 200th anniversary of Alexander Campbell’s “Declaration and Address.” The document called strongly for unity between believers, and unity services also were held in 1909 to celebrate its centennial. Leaders of local Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christ churches and Christian Churches participated in the Nov. 4 event. On Nov. 11, at the usual Chapel time, ACU hosted a Veterans’ Day tribute for Abilene and the Big Country area. The program featured patriotic music performed by the Big Purple Band, including “Salute to the Armed Forces” and “Duty, Honor, Country,” a narrated piece of music featuring excerpts from Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s 1962 speech by the same name. Campus leaders honored living veterans, those who have died in service, and also remembered ACU alumni and friends who have given their lives for their country. The program concluded with the Ceremony of Allegiance, which includes a reading of the preamble of the Constitution, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. 䊳
618
Official visits to campus, as of December 1, by high school seniors this year, compared to 472 in 2008 and 461 in 2007.
Barrow
• James Lentz, president and chief operation officer of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., spoke at a luncheon on campus Oct. 20 as part of the College of Business Administration’s Distinguished Speaker Series. • Jennifer Wilcox, administrator and educational coordinator for the National Security Agency’s National Cryptologic Museum, traveled to campus Oct. 13-14 with one of the last known working Enigma machines, used to decipher Nazi messages during World War II. Wilcox visited a class, gave presentations in the Adams Center, and also gave an evening presentation on cryptology. • Bill Goodling, former United States Representative (R-Pa.) and Sam Coppersmith, former United States Congressman (D-Ariz.) spoke Oct. 20 at a Congress to Campus lunch, sponsored by the ACU Honors College. • Grammy Award-winning jazz saxophonist Jeff Coffin of the Dave Matthews Band performed Nov. 2-3 in Cullen Auditorium with the Jazz Ensemble, and conducted a jazz clinic for music students.
Toyota executive among campus speakers
Coffin
2,351
Number of iPhones and iPod touches distributed to students, faculty and staff, provided by ACU’s mobile-learning initiative. More than 2,000 students, equaling 47 percent of ACU undergraduates, have mobile devices as a result of the program.
100,000
Miles traveled by Dr. William Rankin, ACU’s director of educational innovation, in 2008-09 to make presentations at conferences and seminars around the world on behalf of the mobile-learning initiative. Members of the mobile-learning team have traveled nearly 1 million miles in total (see page 32).
$14 million Total cumulative gifts to ACU by members of the Class of 1959 since their graduation.
$1 million
The value of AT&T’s gift to ACU to provide technology to the Bob and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center at ACU. The gift was presented to president Dr. Royce Money (left) and Dr. Robert D. Hunter (right) by Randy Teakell (center), area manager for external affairs at AT&T.
KELSI WILLIAMSON
• Lance Barrow (’77), CBS Sports’ Emmy Award-winning coordinating producer of golf and football, spoke Sept. 16 at a Careers in Sports Day sponsored by the ACU Career Center. • Donald Miller, award-winning author of Blue Like Jazz and four other books, spoke Sept. 23 at ACU Summit. Miller came to Abilene as part of the tour for his new book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life.
Lentz
Cumulative GPA of the 2008 volleyball team, which had seven students named academic all-Lone Star Conference and was honored by the American Volleyball Coaches’ Association.
BRIAN SCHMIDT
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ACU BY THE NUMBERS
On the Mountain With God
The Polio Years in Texas
FREEDOM AND COMMUNITY IN EXODUS
BATTLING A TERRIFYING UNKNOWN
By Dr. Mark W. Hamilton ISBN 978-0-89112-638-6 • 135 pages www.leafwoodpublishers.com
Dr. Heather Green Wooten ISBN 978-1-60344-165-0 • 256 pages www.tamupress.com
Hamilton, associate professor of Old Testament and dean of ACU’s Graduate School of Theology, takes readers through the ancient story of the Exodus, exploring its implications for faith, freedom, justice, worship and community today.
Wooten (Green ’80) takes a look at the medical, cultural and societal effects of the widespread presence of polio in Texas from the 1930s to the 1950s.
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Academic NEWS Conferences, consulting, awards help position ACU as world’s mobile-learning leader
JOHN HICKEY
ACU’s mobile-learning initiative continues to make waves in the world of mobile technology – both real and virtual. In July, the university’s Connected team hosted the Exploring Mobile Learning online conference. Educators – from universities and from K-12 schools – enrolled from five countries, 30 states and 100 institutions to discuss mobile learning. There were even two participants from Education Queensland in Australia, who attended the conference from 12:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. local time. “We’re privileged not only to be at an institution on the cutting edge of this important field of learning, but also to be able to welcome so many great people into conversation,” said Dr. William Rankin, ACU’s director of educational innovation. In August, the Mobile-Learning Annual Report detailed the challenges and changes brought about by the initiative’s first year. During the summer, more than 1,200 mobile devices were distributed to incoming students, faculty and staff members, in preparation for the program’s second year. Rankin was one of five ACU representatives to speak in Paris, France.
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In September, the Center for Digital Education announced the winners of its 2009 Digital Education Achievement Awards. According to the center’s Web site, the awards “showcase exceptional K-12 and higher education Web sites, projects and programs across the world.” ACU Connected received first place in the Learning and Engagement category. Members of the ACU Connected team have traveled nearly 1 million miles since August 2008 to make presentations on mobile learning (see Hilltop View, page 31). Presentation locations have included the Sorbonne in Paris (the oldest university in France); the Handheld Learning Conference in London; the EDUCAUSE conference in Denver, where ACU’s proposal was the highest rated in the Teaching and Learning Track; the ACUTA fall seminar in Portland, Ore.; and Apple's London Executive Briefing Center. Rankin, Dr. Scott Perkins, George Saltsman (’90), Dr. Brad Crisp (’93), and Dr. Kyle Dickson (’93) were the primary presenters at all of these venues. Following the success of classroom research by the 2008-09 Mobile-Learning Fellows, the university has appointed six Mobile-Learning Fellows for 2009-10. They will conduct research in fields ranging from biology to business to psychology and therapy. On Oct. 18-19, the university hosted the first Connected Open House. Members of the Connected team met with educators from eight other institutions, to explore how mobile devices can reshape teaching and learning in the classroom of today. Video podcasts from the Open House are available online through iTunes U at www.acu.edu/itunes. For help in translating messages into digital media, ACU faculty and students have a new resource: the Digital Media Center. Located in the Brown Library, the DMC offers practical help in recording
COBA, JMC, A&E recognize outstanding alumni ACU’s College of Business Administration has recently honored several alumni with Distinguished Business Leader Awards. Award recipients are Gary Hill (M.S. ’86), vice president and chief ethics officer for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (pictured at left with COBA dean Dr. Rick Lytle); Johnny Stites (’68), CEO of J&S Construction; and Holt Lunsford (’85), founder and CEO of Holt Lunsford Commercial (HLC). The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication gave three Gutenberg Awards at its Homecoming dinner. The 2009 honorees are Skip Dampier (’87), vice president of planning for Rapp Collins Agency; Brittany Huckabee (’99), principal of Version One Productions Inc.; and Cynthia (Patterson ’86) Nellis,
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videos, podcasts and other digital messages. Dickson, director of the DMC, likens it to the university’s Writing Center, where students obtain writing help from their peers. The DMC’s staff members, tech-savvy students, are ready to help any faculty member or fellow student who comes in. “This is really a space that’s allowing us to explore mobile media,” Dickson comments. “We are here to help any student or faculty member who wants to communicate effectively in the digital world.” For more information, visit www.acu.edu/dmc. 䊱
ACU moves up in education expert rankings, praised for commitment to undergraduate teaching ACU has again been recognized as a leader in higher education by several organizations. The 2010 rankings of “America’s Best Colleges” in U.S. News and World Report placed ACU at 20th in the category of Master’s UniversitiesWest, up one place from last year’s ranking. In the Master’s Universities-West category of A Strong Commitment to Teaching, highlighting 80 schools with “an unusual commitment to undergraduate teaching,” ACU ranked second. In the Great Schools, Great Prices category, ACU was listed 12th in its region. The report ranks more than 1,400 accredited four-year schools based on a set of 15 indicators of excellence. Factors include peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving and graduation rate. “ACU is proud to continually show well on this comprehensive ranking,” said president Dr. Royce Money (’64). “It’s one of many ways that students and parents can feel confident in the academic quality
publisher and editor for women’s fashion for About.com. The Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences recognized two outstanding alumni at its Homecoming luncheon. Dr. David Forrest (’74), professor in Texas A&M University’s Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, received the Outstanding Alumnus Award, and the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award went to Brian Turner (’00), vice president of project estimating and project management at Eagle Construction and Environmental Services in Eastland. Political science adds minor in Peace and Social Justice Beginning in Fall 2010, ACU’s Department of Political Science will offer an 18-hour minor in Peace and Social Justice. The interdisciplinary
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Powell to lead new Office of Undergraduate Research
and educational experience provided at ACU.” For the second year, Forbes magazine ranked “America’s Best Colleges,” in a report published in August 2009. The report included 600 of the more than 4,000 undergraduate institutions in the U.S., based on “the quality of the education they provide, the experience of the students and how much they achieve.” The Forbes rankings listed ACU at No. 407, placing the university in the top seven percent, ahead of several other Texas schools. ACU and Pepperdine University were the only two schools on the list affiliated with Churches of Christ. In 2008, ACU ranked No. 444. 䊱
New summer academic camps set This summer, high school students who want a taste of ACU life can experience it in a whole new way. From June 13-19, 2010, the university will host its first Summer Academy, offering six different class options for motivated, creative high school students entering 11th and 12th grades. Students will stay in ACU residence halls and choose one intensive course to take during the week. Course options include an introduction to creating architectural blueprints; a study of ceramics; a course on the design and development of video games; a study of cryptology and cracking codes; an introduction to problem-solving with robots; and PianoFest, a piano performance workshop. To register or find out more, visit www.acu.edu/summeracademy. 䊱
For ACU undergraduate students interested in pursuing research in their disciplines, Dr. Greg Powell (’80) has three words: come on over. “We want to develop a robust innovation-oriented culture among our undergraduate students at ACU,” says Powell, professor of chemistry and director of the newly created Office of Undergraduate Research. “When a large number of students and faculty members are involved in scholarly and creative activities, it enhances the academic reputation of the university and attracts the interest of high-quality prospective students.” Powell can reel off a long list of reasons why research is vital to a quality undergraduate education, but at the top of the list is experiential learning. Hands-on, original research “allows students to grapple with ideas, test theories, and make discoveries in ways that are simply not possible in the classroom,” he says. His office will work to ensure students have the opportunity and funding to grapple with those ideas in multiple settings – some on campus, some off. He lists more benefits of research: valuable mentoring relationships with faculty members, improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills, sharpened career goals and effective career preparation, and a chance for students to contribute both to society and their fields. In April 2010, the office will again partner with the Honors College, the Adams Center for Teaching and Learning, the McNair Scholars Program and the Brown Library to host the
minor is designed to complement any major. It will equip students to be peacemakers in their communities, and to creatively bring about peace and justice in the world. Seventeen full-time faculty added for Fall 2009 • Stephen Baldridge, instructor of social work • Dr. Josh Brokaw (’01), assistant professor of biology • Dawne Swearingen Churchville (’95), instructor of acting • Dr. Alfreddie Felder, assistant professor of teacher education • Dr. Houston Heflin (’95), assistant professor of Bible, missions and ministry • Dr. John Homer, assistant professor of computer science • Dr. Robert Huff, assistant professor of mathematics
second annual Undergraduate Research Festival. The event, which debuted in April 2009 with great success, will include poster and oral presentations by students from various academic disciplines, allowing them to share and showcase their research, and offering them a professional setting to do so right on campus. Powell’s office will also serve as a point of contact for students seeking opportunities to do research at ACU and at other institutions. For example, Powell recently let ACU faculty members know about a scholarship and internship opportunity for science and engineering students – sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. His office will serve as a clearinghouse for information about similar exciting ventures. Closer to home, Powell’s office will accept applications this spring for stipends to support undergraduate students who will collaborate with ACU faculty members on research during Summer 2010. The office also plans to offer travel grants to several undergraduates who plan to present their research findings at national conferences. “We would like to enhance and expand the role of undergraduate research across all disciplines,” Powell says. 䊱
• Dr. Rebecca (Belcher ’01) Hunter, assistant professor of biology • David Kneip (’03 M.Div.), instructor of Bible, missions and ministry • Dr. David McAnulty, associate professor of psychology • Billie McConnell (’84), instructor of teacher education • Dr. Alfandika Nyandoro, assistant professor of computer science • Dr. Sean Pullen, director of choral activities • Jennifer Rogers (’04), instructor of teacher education • Paul Roggendorf, instructor of Spanish • Deeann Shepherd (’09 M.Acc.), instructor of accounting and finance • Dr. Rachel (Gamblian ’01) Team, assistant professor of psychology • Trevor Thompson, instructor of Bible, missions and ministry
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Campus NEWS Record fall semester enrollment could be prelude to biggest-ever freshman class in Fall 2010
TITTLE LUTHER PARTNERSHIP
ACU’s enrollment broke all previous records this year, with a final total of 4,838 for Fall 2009. The total, which marks the first time the university’s enrollment has topped 4,800, includes a strong entering freshman class and an increasing number of graduate students. Entering freshman students comprise 988 of the total number, representing a strong class academically, with an average ACT score of 24.0, up from 23.87 last year. The group also is more diverse than previous classes: 22.9 percent of current students are in a minority ethnic group, compared to 19.1 percent last year. Increased diversity and academic quality are both important strategic goals in Abilene Christian's 21st-Century Vision. (For more information on the 21st-Century Vision, visit www.acu.edu/vision.) ACU also continues to see an increase in demand for graduate programs. The total number of graduate students this year is 897, an increase of 134 from last year. ACU has an ever-expanding variety of graduate programs; for more information, visit www.acu.edu/admissions/graduate. “ACU’s reputation of academic excellence in an authentic Christian environment continues to attract students
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from around the world,” said president Dr. Royce Money (’64). “Students recognize ACU as a premier institution to prepare for leadership. We set aggressive goals to launch our 21st-Century Vision, and it is very encouraging that we are exceeding them." Next fall, ACU is expecting record enrollment again – and also is expecting enough freshmen to fill residence hall capacity, said Buck James, associate vice president for enrollment management. “We simply don’t have room for more than 1,050 freshmen in the entering class,” James explained. “Based on everything we see, we’re not going to have any problem hitting that number.” The Office of Admissions expects to cut off freshman applications early this year – possibly after the traditional decision date, Feb. 15. Students who applied in time for the Early Action Application deadline, Nov. 15, will know by December whether or not they are accepted. According to James, the high application and enrollment numbers “acknowledge that things are becoming more competitive,” and are related to the recognition ACU is receiving for its mobile-learning initiative and rankings in national publications. The university also has launched a new recruiting campaign, encouraging students to “live up” to their highest potential at ACU (see pages 18-21). Students who apply to ACU not only need to apply earlier, they now need to
apply in a different way. Application for admission to ACU formerly required two recommendation letters – one academic and one personal. However, students are now required to write two essays for admission. The first essay details why the student has chosen to apply to a Christian university. “These have been extremely rewarding to read,” said Kat Burns (’05), associate director of admissions. The second essay can be on one of several topics: how students want to change the world, what they would do if they could not fail, and who they would invite to dinner if they could. “Students have really thought these essays through, and it’s a way for us to get to know them on a more personal level,” Burns said. “We’re essentially putting the entire admissions process in the students’ hands.” 䊱
Student Recreation and Wellness Center construction planned ACU plans to move forward with a complete renovation and substantial expansion of the 41-year-old Gibson Health and Physical Education Center, currently located adjacent to Moody Coliseum. While the university anticipates moving forward with the project because of its importance to students, contributions are still needed. The renovation and expansion of the current Gibson structure
When all full-time, entering freshmen and about half the ACU faculty were provided with either an iPhone or iPod touch in August 2009, nearly two-thirds chose the iPhone.
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Student demand for ACU is skyrocketing. The number of students already admitted as freshmen for Fall 2010 has eclipsed all previous records for this same time of year.
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Architectural rendering of the east elevation of the proposed new Student Recreation and Wellness Center, which will replace the Gibson Health and P.E. Center and adjoin Moody Coliseum.
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Freshmen admitted for next fall as of December 1
INNOVATIVE ACU
Stewart’s classroom innovation features popular podcasts will result in a 113,000-square-foot Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Proposed features include multiple venues for students to exercise, encompassing a weight training area; cardio theatre; multi-purpose gyms; an eighth-mile indoor elevated recreational track; racquetball courts; and a new leisure pool with swim lanes, areas for water basketball and volleyball, and a current channel. Gibson’s existing pool also will be remodeled, providing a second aquatic venue. Offices and classrooms for the Department of Exercise Science and Health, including a large lecture hall, will be located on the second floor. The new building also will house the ACU Medical Clinic and Counseling Center, both currently located in McKinzie Hall. The new combined location will allow the two offices to collaborate, and also pull all of ACU’s health- and wellness-related services for students under one roof. The facility will help meet 21st-Century Vision goals of educating students with a holistic wellness focus and expanding the health and lifetime wellness of students, providing innovative facilities and equipment for academic programs, and helping draw students into community with each other. For information on investing in this project, contact the ACU Development Office at 325-674-2687. 䊱
Like most faculty members, Dr. Jonathan Stewart is always looking for ways to get extra information to his students. So in the spring of 2007, after a discussion in his Financial Management class was cut short, the professor of finance hit on an innovative way to cover more material: a podcast. “I was listening to several podcasts at the time, and it occurred to me that this could be a great teaching tool,” recalls Stewart, who received ACU’s 2008-09 Teacher of the Year award at Commencement in May. “So that afternoon, I plugged an old microphone into my Mac and recorded my first podcast. “Since that time, I’ve published 29 podcasts for the general public and 10 to 15 others directed specifically at my students,” he said. Stewart’s podcast, Stewllenium Radio, is enhanced with music and sound effects to make it more entertaining. “My hope is that the playful, over-the-top nature of the show resonates with my students and makes it seem more like entertainment and less like a lecture,” he says. The Stewllenium Radio podcasts cover a variety of topics, from airline stocks to bonds to the Dow Jones industrial average. But one series of podcasts covers a topic anyone can relate to: buying a car. “I've collected many stories over the years that can help people save money when they purchase a car,” Stewart says. “I have a strong desire to share these ideas with my students. “However, there is not a chapter in
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In Fall 2009, 41 more persons of color (Hispanic, black, Asian, etc.) were enrolled in the freshman class than in Fall 2008.
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our textbook on buying a car. It's not a topic typically covered in Financial Management. So if I decide to spend class time on buying a car, I'm deciding to cut something else out.” Stewart has now recorded three podcasts about buying a car, and requires his students to listen to the episodes and then complete a take-home quiz. “Podcasting relieves some of the time pressure of a 50-minute class,” he says. “It also provides an opportunity for me to communicate bonus information and additional examples relating to topics we have covered in class.” Two years after his initial brainstorm, Stewart continues to produce Stewllenium Radio, and hopes to make more and more episodes available on basic lecture topics. “This will allow me to dedicate more class time to a deeper development of financial ideas and concepts,” he says. “I think the podcast benefits students by providing them an additional resource which they can use when they want, where they want, and as frequently as they want.”䊱
Women 60%
As of December 8, ACU had 8,778 Facebook fans. The three largest groups (5,310) were women ages 25-34 (1,392), 18-24 (1,300) and 35-44 (980). The smallest were men ages 13-17 (278) and 55 and older (231).
Facebook fans of ACU, as of December 8 ACU TODAY
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Wildcat SPORTS Two-sport standout Nick Jones finds success as a Wildcat, and at long last, his father For more than 20 years, Nick Jones wondered what he would say to his father if he ever met him. In 1989, Perry Hogsten was a staff sergeant stationed at Dyess Air Force Base when he was sent to Panama. What he didn’t know was that his girlfriend, Stephanie Jones, was pregnant and that Nick would be born while Hogsten was on military assignment. Hogsten went on to serve in Grenada, Lebanon, Germany, South Korea and the Persian Gulf. Now retired from the Air Force and living and working in Independence, Mo., he said he tried to reconnect with Stephanie, but failed. Likewise, Stephanie had no success finding the father of her child. She moved to Amarillo while pregnant with Nick, who is now a junior
STEVE BUTMAN
at ACU, a two-time NCAA Division II national champion in the discus who also shines as a defensive end for the Wildcats’ nationally ranked football team. In October, however, Nick’s young wife, Miriam, told her husband that he needed to track down his father. With a child of their own (16-month-old Nick Jr.), she said it was time for the family to reconnect. And so Miriam began searching online. Hogsten had recently opened a Facebook account, and one night after Nick had fallen asleep, she found him. “Miriam’s the one who helped me to understand that maybe he (Hogsten) didn’t know I existed,” Nick said. “I felt like I had done fine so far in my life, so I didn’t feel the need to really look for him. “She typed his name into a Facebook search and his page came up,” Nick said. “Miriam thought we looked alike and she sent a message asking about him. She asked if he was the same Perry Hogsten who was in Abilene in the late 1980s and if he remembered Stephanie. He said she (Stephanie) was the love of his life. She sent him a photo of me and my mom and he said he knew instantly that I was his son. She woke me up that night and it was a little bit of a shock.” A few days later, Nick sent Hogsten a message on Facebook: “I don’t really know how to start, but I will try. I don’t want you to think that I’m upset with you or that I don’t want to talk with you. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I have always wanted to meet my father and find out who he is and what he looks like. I guess now I know! I am very happy to finally get in contact with you, but it is still kind of a shock at this point. I used to tell myself that I would try to
NCAA upholds appeal on football program penalties A two-year NCAA investigation into the ACU athletics program came to an end Sept. 1 when the NCAA Division II Management Council Subcommittee on Infractions and Membership Committee Appeals upheld the finding of impermissible inducement violations and the vacation penalty against ACU. The ruling from the Infractions Appeals Subcommittee means that ACU must vacate all 10 wins from the 2007 football season – including its first NCAA Division II playoff victory, a 56-12 win over Mesa State (Colo.) – as well as statistics for two student-athletes who were referred to in the original report. Now, ACU’s first NCAA Division II playoff victory of record is its 93-68 win over West Texas A&M on Nov. 22, 2008.
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find you when I was done with school, or when life gets less busy for my family and I, but Miriam has helped me understand that enough time has passed and it is time to start looking for you. I just wanted you to know that I am very glad to have finally found you.” Hogsten called Nick a few days later. “I was really nervous to talk to him,” Nick said. “I had all of these thoughts running through my head. ‘What if he didn’t like me? What if we didn’t have anything to talk about? What if there’s no connection?’” Life has not been easy for Nick, his mother and two stepsisters. There were times when the family was without hot water or electricity, causing Nick to take more showers at the fieldhouse at Amarillo Tascosa High School than he did at home. Amazingly, he doesn’t hold a grudge against Hogsten for not being a part of his life or not being around to help the Jones family through some tough times. “Not having a father has always been a part of my life,” Jones said. “It’s always been me and my mom and my sisters, and it’s just something I’ve accepted. But I could never hold it against him (Hogsten) that he wasn’t there to help us when I was growing up. “I have always thought, though, that things would have been much better for us if he had been around,” he said. “I think if my mom could have had someone in her life who she could have depended on, things would have been much better.” Through all of the phone calls and texts back and forth, a plan was hatched for Nick’s family and Hogsten to finally meet. But first, the Wildcat football team had to cooperate. A win over Midwestern State in a Nov. 14 first-round playoff game would send the Wildcats to Maryville, Mo., where Continued on page 38
ACU’s record in 2007 is officially 0-3 and head coach Chris Thomsen’s career record is now 32-17. None of the records, championships or wins from the 11-1 season in 2008, when the Wildcats won the LSC South Division, are affected. Fieldhouse completed for women’s soccer and softball The newest facility for ACU athletics is the Softball / Soccer Fieldhouse, which opened last May between Wells Field and the Wildcat Soccer Pitch. The building houses locker rooms, coaches’ offices, team rooms and a shared training room for the Wildcat softball and women’s soccer teams. The facility also includes restrooms and a concessions area for fans of both teams.
High-performing, headline-making Wildcats are the talk of the National Football League It had to be a proud moment for Money, who is retiring as president to become chancellor at the end of the current school year. After the game, the scoreboard was forgotten for just a few minutes as the three players enjoyed a mini-reunion. Scott, Manning and Knox met in the end zone outside the Bears’ locker room, exchanging hugs, laughs and cell phone numbers. Manning joked with Scott about a tackle he almost made on him in the first quarter before Scott gave him a juke and got past him for an 11-yard gain. All three met with Money and Mosley for some words of encouragement before posing for photos. Manning brought over Chicago head coach Lovie Smith, who thanked Money and Mosley for sending him “not only two really good football players, but also two really good men as well.” Chicago Bears’ radio play-by-play GERALD EWING
On a beautiful October Sunday in Cincinnati, one of the great days in ACU football history played out, and it had absolutely nothing to do with the results produced on the field. Sure, the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Chicago Bears 45-10 on Oct. 24 in front of almost 65,000 fans at Paul Brown Stadium. But the game was about much more. It was about three former Wildcats representing the remarkable growth of an intercollegiate athletics program over the last several years. The interconference game on the banks of the Ohio River didn’t attract as much attention nationally as a few others on the NFL schedule. Former ACU running back Bernard Scott was on the winning side with the Bengals, while former Wildcat defensive back Danieal Manning and wide receiver Johnny Knox were on a Chicago team that was embarrassed by the Bengals. But for the ACU contingent on hand – a group that included president Dr. Royce Money (’64) and director of athletics Jared Mosley (’00) – the fact that three former Wildcats were on the field at the same time in an NFL game was somewhat of a surreal moment, and all that mattered. When Money became the university's 10th president in 1991, hardly anyone – least of all Money himself – could have imagined this day would happen. The Wildcats had just finished a miserable season in 1990 and were about to post back-to-back records of 1-9 and 3-6, leaving most fans to question whether or not ACU could even finish at the .500 level at the NCAA Division II level, much less send quality players to the NFL. Almost 20 years later, however, Money sat in the stands watching three players who grew and matured in head coach Chris Thomsen’s program, and were now in starring roles for their respective teams.
Six inducted into ACU Sports Hall of Fame Delloreen Ennis-London (‘99) and Tracey Barnes (‘98), perhaps the two greatest athletes in Abilene Christian women’s track and field history, were inducted into the ACU Sports Hall of Fame in October, headlining a group of six inductees. Others included former football standout Jim Reese (’77), former golf coach Vince Jarrett and former athletics trainer Wes Speights. Also inducted into the Hall of Fame was Dr. Jerry Strader (’55), the 17th recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Former men’s basketball letterman Sam Maroney was honored as the third recipient of the Womack Award. Former softball star Samantha Borgeson (’07) and former basketball standout Alex Guiton (’08) were the first two winners of the award, which recognizes achievement on the floor and in the classroom.
personality Jeff Joniak met briefly with Money and Mosley and told them both that Manning and Knox were “as good as we’ve had with the Bears in my time here. They’re both great young men and great players.” Those words echoed the sentiments of Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis, who noted before the game that Scott had turned heads within the team and was as good a person as he was a player. Shortly after the meeting with Smith and a few more photos, Manning and Knox boarded the team bus for the trip to the airport and a plane ride back to Chicago. Scott, meanwhile, had family to meet up with after the game, and he left after a few more handshakes and hugs. The game might not have gone the way the Bears and Manning and Knox would have liked, but the big winner that Sunday was ACU. The proof was on the field. 䊱 Knox, Manning and Scott meet after the Oct. 25 game in Cincinnati.
This year’s class marks just the third time that two women have been inducted in the same year. ACU finishes fourth in Learfield Directors’ Cup standings for 2008-09 For the eighth time in the last 14 years, ACU finished in the top five in the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup standings, which measures the top overall athletics programs in NCAA Division II. ACU finished fourth in the standings with 721 points, while Grand Valley State (Mich.) won the title for the sixth straight season with 1,014.50 points. Minnesota State-Mankato was second with 800.25, followed by Central Missouri at 776.0 and ACU at 721. Seven Wildcat teams either finished in the top 10 in the nation or reached at least the quarterfinals of the national playoffs, and 11 teams reached NCAA post-season action. ACU teams won six Lone Star Conference championships and three regional titles during the season. ACU TODAY
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Sports ROUNDUP Volleyball
Cross Country • Second-year head coach Sam Burroughs freely admits that the 2009 cross country season was one of the strangest he’s ever seen. The ACU men’s team never had a 100 percent healthy team compete at any meet, and the women’s team never made the kind of improvement it needed to finish in the top five at the LSC meet. • The men won their 19th straight LSC championship, but finished a disappointing 10th at the regional meet. Amos Sang won the individual title at the LSC and regional meets, and finished fourth at the NCAA Division II meet Nov. 21 in Evansville, Ind. Sang also was voted the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches’ Association (USTFCCCA) South Central Region Male Athlete of the Year. Burroughs was voted LSC Men’s Coach of the Year. Sang, LSC runner-up Cleophas Tanui and fifth-place finisher Colby Delbene each earned all-conference honors and Delbene was voted the league's Freshman of the Year. • Freshman Chloe Susset earned all-conference honors after her sixth-place finish at the LSC meet, where the women’s team finished eighth.
Women’s Soccer
Family Reunion From Page 36 they would play Northwest Missouri State in the second round. The Wildcats trailed Midwestern 14-7 at halftime and their chances at a trip to the second round looked bleak. But with Nick playing a key role on his team’s suffocating defense, ACU rallied for a 24-21 win, sending his team to Missouri for a second playoff game, and a family reunion. Miriam, Nick Jr. and Stephanie left Amarillo the following Thursday and drove all day to Independence, Mo., to meet Hogsten. The four enjoyed an evening together in his home. Friday morning they struck out for St. Joseph, where Nick was staying with 38
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ACU TODAY
Women’s Basketball • It’s hard to hide the excitement in the air as the 2009-10 basketball season gets underway for the women’s team. And why not? ACU returns eight players (including six seniors) from a team that won 18 games and reached the regional tournament last season. Shawna Hines • Shawna Lavender – entering her seventh full season as head coach – said the experience of her senior group will be the biggest factor in whatever success the Wildcats enjoy in 2009-10. Those who will play key roles this season each played huge roles last year when ACU went 9-3 down the stretch of the season to earn the program's first NCAA tournament berth since 2004-05. • Leading the Wildcats will be senior forward Jamie Meyer, who was voted LSC South Division Pre-Season Player of the Year. Meyer averaged 14 points and shot 42 percent from the 3-point line last season. Also returning are senior point guard Kat Kundmueller, senior forward Jody Meyer, senior guard Kelsey Darby-Holson, senior post Courtney Laing and junior guard Autumn Whitaker. Also expected to see heavy minutes is junior Joanne Harner.
Men’s Basketball • Fifth-year ACU men’s basketball coach Jason Copeland believes a return to an up-tempo style in 2009-10 will help the Wildcats return to the winning ways they enjoyed in 2007-08 when they reached the LSC Post-Season Tournament semifinals. • Last year a slew of injuries helped limit the Wildcats to a 10-16 record and keep them from the post-season. They did, however, record wins to break losing streaks to Tarleton State (15 games) and West Texas A&M (19 games). • Just as he did two years ago when he brought in a pair of standout guards in Corwin Ragland and Brandon Callahan, Copeland has transfers Preston Davis and Eddie Thompson on his roster, both athletic defenders who also are solid offensive players. • Forwards Giordan Cole, Vladimir Gavranic and Abby Kabba give the Wildcats big, physical players in the post, something ACU lacked in 2008-09. Three seniors return: guards Riley Lambert and Kevin White, and center Kendrick Johnson. Also returning are forward Ben Warton and redshirts Dustin Heiman, Marcus Washington, Levi Gates, Dosh Simms and Sawyer Reed. 䊱
the rest of his teammates before Saturday’s game. Although feeling anxious and nervous, Nick said he slept well the night before meeting his father. At about 8:30 a.m., Nick walked out of the hotel’s front door and headed straight for Hogsten. Once they were about five feet apart, Nick extended his hand for Hogsden to shake; but the retired airman wrapped him in a big bear hug instead. “Hey, how are you?” Nick asked. “It’s good to finally see you.” Hogsten stepped back for another look at his son, then pulled him back for another hug. Words proved an unnecessary worry. On Saturday, the Wildcats lost the second-round playoff game to Northwest Missouri State, 35-10, while Miriam, Nick Jr., Stephanie and Nick’s father watched in the stands.
KIM MORRIS
• The three-year-old women’s soccer program qualified for the LSC Post-Season Tournament in back-to-back seasons for the first time. And while the Wildcats will enter 2010 still looking for their first post-season win, they were ranked as high as No. 3 in the region in 2009, with a chance to earn an at-large bid to the regional tournament before falling short.
• A lack of scoring punch was a factor. The Wildcats scored just 23 goals in 19 matches and were shut out in five of their seven losses (10-7-2 overall, 5-3-2 in the LSC). In seven other matches the Wildcats only scored one goal. Junior forward Lyndsey Womack, who led ACU in both goals and points in 2009, was voted first team all-LSC.
GERALD EWING
• The Wildcats have been one of the best teams in the nation the past two seasons, with a 55-15 record and having reached the Lone Star Conference Post-Season Tournament championship match each year. The only unconvinced people are the members of the NCAA Division II South Central Region committee, which helps determine the eight teams invited to the regional tournament each season. Despite records of 26-9 in 2008 and 29-6 in 2009, ACU was left out of the regional tournament each season. This season’s snub was especially difficult for the Wildcats, who had won 17 straight matches before falling to West Texas A&M in the conference championship match for the second straight year. The 12-1 Wildcats finished second to the Lady Buffs in the LSC regular season. • Junior middle blocker Shawna Hines led the nation in total blocks and blocks per set, and is poised to finish her career No. 2 on ACU’s all-time blocks list after next season. Hines was voted first team all-LSC and the league’s Defensive Player of the Year, as well as third-team all-America. Junior setter Ijeoma Moronu finished in the top 15 in the nation in assists, and earned first team all-LSC. Junior outside hitter Jordan Schilling and sophomore outside hitter Jennie Hutt were named second team all-LSC.
Perry Hogsten, Nick Jones, Nick Jones Jr., Miriam Jones, and Stephanie Jones-Bluejacket.
The loss sent the Wildcats home with a 9-4 record, a disappointing conclusion to a promising football season, but the start of a new chapter in a father-and-son relationship, and perhaps the rebirth of a family. That’s a game story worth telling. 䊱 – LANCE FLEMING
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EX PERIENCES Submit your news online at www.acu.edu/acutoday/experiences.html or use the EXperiences card in each issue of the magazine. Deadlines: ACU Today is published three times a year: January, June and September. Because of printing deadlines, your news could be delayed by one issue. Births and adoptions: Please indicate whether the addition to your family is a boy or girl. Marriages: Remember to indicate the date and place of your marriage. In Memoriam: A member of the deceased’s immediate family should submit this notification. Please include class year for all ACU exes in the family.
1932
1966
Troy Crockett was honored by family and friends on his 99th birthday, Sept. 10, 2009. Box 634, Cross Plains, TX 76443.
Don McKay is the president of Hypertech Advanced Systems. His wife, Suzie, is the office manager for a physician. 14435 Valley Hi, Dallas, TX 75234. dmckay@hypertechadvancedsystems.com Judy Mayfield is retired from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and works as an adoption consultant in Santa Fe, N.M. She also works part-time for the Children’s Bureau in Washington, D.C. Her husband is an attorney and investor. 3201 21st Street, Lubbock, TX 79410. judymayfield1@earthlink.net Stan Harbour has retired from preaching after 42 years in full-time ministry. He and his wife, Patti (Fouts ’68), now live in Lubbock after eight years in Hawaii. They have two children and four grandchildren. Patti works at Texas Tech University. 6718 Fulton Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79424. stanharbour@gmail.com
1950 Bobbye Alexander Behlan has had a school in San Antonio’s Northside ISD named for her. The school will open in Fall 2010. 1099 Old Georgetown Road, Lampasas, TX 76550. beh1323@sbcglobal.net
1956 Dr. Gary Swaim has taught playwriting, poetry and short story writing at The University of Texas at Dallas for seven years. His latest play, Morphine, was performed at the Dallas Hub Theatre in September 2009. He also will teach at Southern Methodist University in Spring 2010. 109 Hapsburg Court, Irving, TX 75062. gdswaim@verizon.net
1957 Don and Carolyn (Kilgore ’61) Brooks will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Dec. 19, 2009. 9310 Stoney Lake Drive, Houston, TX 77064. cg-brooks@comcast.net
1959 Bill and Nancy Conner have moved. 2808 Woodshire Drive, Arlington, TX 76016. conner.bill@att.net
1963
1969 Steve Smentek is celebrating his 40th ACU reunion as his son, T.D., enters ACU. Steve and his wife, Lisa, have a new address. 505 Exchange Parkway, #9312, Allen, TX 75002. ssmentek@northtexaschristian.org
1970
Reunion: Homecoming 2010
David Parsons lost his wife of 40 years, Kay (Warder), on May 14, 2009. She also is survived by a daughter, Heather (Parsons ’96) Shirley; a son, Bradley Parsons; a brother; a sister; and two grandchildren. 3410 95th Street, Lubbock, TX 79423. dlparsons2@suddenlink.net
Dr. Julia D. Jay received the Minnie Stevens Piper Professor state award for 2009. She also received the Outstanding Teacher Award and Distinguished Teacher Recognition Award from San Jacinto College Central for 2008-09. 3542 Miramar Drive, Shoreacres, TX 77571. julia.jay@sjcd.edu
Steve Smith is the 2010 chair-elect of the judicial section of the State Bar of Texas. 3840 Cedar Ridge Drive, College Station, TX 77845. judgeslsmith@suddenlink.net
1964
1976
Dennis Mims has retired after 45 years of teaching in Texas public schools. His wife, Janey (McCurdy), has worked for Edward Jones in Abilene for 14 years. 1200 F.M. 604, Abilene, TX 79601. janeyabilene@aol.com JoAnne (Ledbetter) Owen is a homemaker. Her husband, James, is a retired chemist who teaches part time at the University of Houston. 18914 Cypress Wood Forest Court, Spring, TX 77388. Ben Davidson has published a book, A Time to Grieve, about parents’ grief for their handicapped children. P.O. Box 434, Robert Lee, TX 76945. bendavidson@wcc.net
Kelly Antwine earned his master’s degree in counseling from the University of North Texas in May 2009. He is joining Dr. Harold D. Duncan (’70) in private practice in Dallas. 4061 Windsor Drive, Farmers Branch, TX 75244. kelly@threshold-counseling.com
1974
MARRIED Al Randall and Cindy Burnham, July 10, 2009, in Rock Hill, S.C. Cindy will celebrate 35 years with AT&T/Bellsouth in January 2010. 1746 Yellowstone Court, Apt. J, Gastonia, NC 28054. cynrandall1@yahoo.com
1977 Dr. David Martin is the spiritual director for the new Lifeline Chaplaincy office in Tarrant County.
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The class years ending in “5” or “0” will celebrate reunions at Homecoming 2010. The class of 1960 will celebrate its Golden Anniversary on campus April 21-23, 2010.
2101 Hemphill Street, Fort Worth, TX 77459. dmartin@lifelinechaplaincy.org Dr. Paul Sugg is the new director of the science department of the Dallas ISD. 4302 Baystone Court, Rowlett, TX 75088. pgsugg@verizon.net
1978 Jonathan Hooper has retired from full-time teaching after 25 years as director of bands at Tarleton State University. He is a freelance musician and writer, and leads worship at First United Methodist Church of Stephenville. 870 Charlotte, Stephenville, TX 76401. jonathanhooper249@yahoo.com Dr. Greg Dunham recently completed his first medical mission effort in collaboration with missionaries Antenor and Phyllis Goncalves in Itu, Brazil. They treated 745 patients in five days. 1225 Riverwood Drive, San Angelo, TX 76905. dancinggoats_kst@yahoo.com
1979 Holly Dunn recently left her post as public relations coordinator for the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, N.M. She was previously an award-winning singer and songwriter, retiring from the music business in 2003 after 25 years. She has a new address. 303 Royal View Road, Salado, TX 76571. hdunn1@aol.com Kelly Moore was named president of Fort Worth Christian School in May 2009. 529 Oak Hills Drive, Newark, TX 76071. kmoore@fwc.org
1980
Reunion: Homecoming 2010
Melissa (Daniels) Butler teaches music at Sheridan Elementary in the Cy-Fair ISD. Her daughter, Bee, is a sophomore music ministry major at ACU. Melissa has a new address. 11810 Hammond Drive, #612, Houston, TX 77065. melliebut@yahoo.com
1983 Brennan and Kathryn (Davis ’85) Holland have moved. Brennan is vice president and legal counsel for Litton Loan Servicing, and Kathryn is vice president of the office of program development for BCFS. 1201 Dulles Avenue, #3102, Stafford, TX 77477. katandbren@brennanholland.com
MARRIED Curtis Tate and Julie Burtchell, May 22, 2009. 4759 F.M. 644, Hermleigh, TX 79526. cwtate@live.com BORN To Rex and Victoria Paschall, a girl, Lily Margaret, Oct. 4, 2008. 4417 Amherst Avenue, Dallas, TX 75225.
1988 Randy Jordan is now the director of Deloitte Financial Advisory Services in Dallas. His wife, LouAnn (Talkington ’87), is now the first children’s minister at Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ in Arlington. 7209 Wooded Acres Trail, Mansfield, TX 76063. rhjacuex@gmail.com
MARRIED Darren Janssen and Christi Murray, July 4, 2009. They have a new address. 5701 S.W. 50th Street, Amarillo, TX 79109. darren.janssen@rrisd.net
ADOPTED By David and Jeannette (Waddell) McQueen, a girl, Zoe Grace, 9, from the Texas foster care system.
1990
Reunion: Homecoming 2010
Waymon and Sherry (Harrington) Holland have
BORN To Dr. Bill and Karla (Clark) Shumate, a boy, Kolton Chase, July 23, 2008. He is their 11th child. 4204 Linhurst Court, Richardson, TX 75082. momof9b2g@att.net
Annika Johansson (’06), a native of Amarillo, has joined the national tour of The Phantom of the Opera. She is playing the role of Page/Don Juan Triumphant, the same role formerly held by her ACU roommate Juliette Miller (’06). Johansson also was named Best Leading Actor award at the Austin Critics’ Table 2008-09 Awards for her performance in the musical The Last Five Years. The Phantom tour will perform in Texas in February and March 2010.
ADOPTED By Tim and Michelle (Barnett) Shoulders, a boy, Makai Daniel, Sept. 4, 2009. He was born Feb. 3, 2006. He is their sixth child from Russia. 1822 Lake Winds Drivge, Missouri City, TX 77459. tim.shoulders@sugargrove.org
1991 BORN To Gabriel Flores and Melissa Payne, a girl, Liliana Mae “Lillie,” June 8, 2009. 1525 Grand Avenue Parkway, #8107, Pflugerville, TX 78660. mpayne11@grandecom.net
1992
MARRIED Brian Rutland and Sheri (Williams) Evans, June 20, 2009, in Corinth. 2109 Knob Hill Drive, Corinth, TX 76210. bmrutlan@hotmail.com
BORN To Andy and Rhonda (Tacker ’94) Wilson, a girl, Katherine Elizabeth, Nov. 3, 2008. 308 Hickory, Roscoe, TX 79545. wilsonbunch@att.net To Don and Tianay (Chambers) Carroll, a girl, Makena Ashtyn, May 6, 2009. 924 Hidden Hollow Court, Coppell, TX 75019. don@farmersfight.net
1993 Shawna Kail Williams’ debut novel, No Other, will be released by Desert Breeze Publishing in May 2010. Its sequel, In All Things, will be released in November 2010. 3279 Polk, #44, Mena, AR 71953. shawnawilliams@allegiance.tv Jim and Lara (Reeves) Bills have moved. Jim is the chief operating officer at Raleigh General Hospital. 204 Timber Ridge Drive, Beckley, WV 25801. lararbills@yahoo.com
BORN To Brett and Elizabeth (Soules) Allen, a boy, Parker Cole, July 4, 2009. 211 Glenbrook Lane, Canton, GA 30115. elizabethgallen@att.net To Dean (’92) and Elizabeth (Barnes) Brown, a boy, Levi Matthew, May 5, 2009. 6 Eagle Way, Avondale, PA 19311. deanlizbrown@verizon.net
1994 Chad (’92) and Karen (Russell) Campbell have a new address. P.O. Box 2587, Keller, TX 76244. karenannecampbell@gmail.com
1995
Reunion: Homecoming 2010
JoAnn (Berry) Dodson is a law student at Southern Methodist University and has earned membership on the SMU Law Review Journal. She also was selected for a judicial clerkship with the Texas 5th District Court of Appeals. 3312 Rockbrook Drive, Plano, TX 75074. jdodson@smu.edu David Dominguez was named principal of C.E. Ellison High School in May 2009. 5406 Hunters Ridge Trail, Killeen, TX 76542. david.dominguez@killeenisd.org Dusty and JoLynn (Mixon) Fisher are the new owners of Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home in Boerne. They have a new address. 111 Rosewood Avenue, Boerne, TX 78006. jolynnf@yahoo.com
BORN
GORDON TRICE
Brandon Scott Thomas is a producer for Gary Musick Productions in Nashville, Tenn. He produces entertainment for Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruise Line, and other events for conventions and galas. 5405 Barton Vale Drive, Nashville, TN 37211. brandon@garymusick.com
Pete Ragus (’51), former ACU football player and track and field athlete, was inducted into the National Hispanic Heritage Hall of Honor in August. Ragus was honored for his commitment to inclusion and reaching across ethnic lines while coaching football in Corpus Christi in the 1950s and 1960s. Ragus now lives in Lubbock, where he retired as Lubbock ISD director of athletics. This is his fifth hall of fame award. Dr. Andrew J. Hairston, preaching minister of the Simpson Street Church of Christ in Atlanta, Ga., received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree at ACU’s August commencement. Hairston holds the J.D. and Master of Laws degrees from Emory University and a Master of Judicial Studies degree from the University of Nevada at Reno. He has worked extensively as a judge, lawyer and army chaplain, and has preached for the Simpson Street church since 1981. Nelson Coates (’84) was the production designer for the recent film The Proposal, starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. It opened at the box office in the No. 1 position. Coates has worked on a long list of Hollywood films, including Antwone Fisher and Runaway Jury. He is the first ACU graduate to be a member of the
BRIAN SCHMIDT
ACU NEWSMAKERS
moved. Waymon is the head football coach at Chillicothe High School, and Sherry teaches K-6 special ed. P.O. Box 17, Chillicothe, TX 79225. wsholland@sbcglobal.net
The Rocketboys premiered their new album at a Summit concert in The Bean.
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and was nominated for an Emmy for his art direction on the Stephen King TV miniseries The Stand. David Utley (’99) is the art director for Men of a Certain Age, a TV comedy-drama set to premiere on TNT in January. The series will star Ray Romano, Andre Braugher and Scott Bakula as three best friends in their 40s dealing with the challenges of middle age. Utley worked as the assistant art director on The Proposal. Attendees at this year’s ACU Summit received a sneak preview of 20,000 Ghosts, the first full-length album by The Rocketboys. The band, composed of ACU alums Brandon Kinder (’06), Daniel Wheeler (’06), Justin Wiseman (’07), Mitch Holt (’07), Josh Campbell (’07) and new drummer Alex Bhore, premiered the album at a concert in The Bean. The Austin-based group is currently touring in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri. Katie (Banta ’99) Alford is the new president and chief executive officer of the Community Foundation of Abilene. She was named to the position in June, after serving as the foundation’s finance director since 2005. Associated Press golf writer Doug Ferguson (’83) won the Oliver S. Gramling Award in September. The award includes a $10,000 prize and was given to Ferguson for “persistently breaking stories and taking AP golf writing to an unprecedented level with his respected byline.” ACU alumni Dr. Everett (’53) and Nancy (Lewis ’55) Ferguson received the Christian Service Award from The Christian Chronicle during the 2009 Pepperdine Lectures in June. The award cited the couple’s 45 years of leadership in service and scholarship. Everett Ferguson is a distinguished scholar-in-residence at ACU.
To Jeremy and Shannon Terry, a girl, Arabella Jo, Nov. 27, 2008. The couple also has a boy, Ridgdon, and two other girls, Elle-Kaye and Mikel-Ann. 176 C.R. 206, Roby, TX 79543. jeremy.terry@att.net ACU TODAY
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BORN TO BE A WILDCAT
Aubrielle Christan Maloney, daughter of Chris (’03) and Christina (Anderson ’03) Maloney of Lindale, Texas.
The Alumni Association will send a FREE Wildcat BabyWear T-shirt to the alumni parents of each newborn or adopted infant in your family! Complete the EXperiences news card and mail it to us, or complete the info online at www.acu.edu/acutoday/experiences. In-focus, high-resolution digital images (minimum file size of 500kb; use your camera’s highest quality setting) of alumni children wearing their Wildcat BabyWear should be emailed to babywear@acu.edu. All will appear on the alumni Web site at www.acu.edu/alumni and the best will be printed in EXperiences. Call 800-373-4220 for more information.
Colt Thomas Kreck, son of Blake (’05) and Abby Dae (Hamilton ’06) Kreck of Royse City, Texas.
Titus Dormer, son of Kevin and Cooper Richard Bunting, son Angela (Nevius ’02) Dormer of of Joseph (99) and Aimee (Chambers ’98) Bunting of Hampton, Va. Lubbock, Texas.
Clarissa Elaine Holland, daughter of Waymon and Sherry (Harrington ’90) Holland of Chillicothe, Texas.
Taylor Brooks Ballard, son of Christopher (’01) and Chris (Sherrill ’00) Ballard of Colleyville, Texas.
Ainsley Elizabeth Adkins, Micah Carson Endsley, son of daughter of Hab (’01) and Samantha (Bickett ’01) Adkins Micah (’98) and Kelly (Mayo) Endsley of Sewickly, Pa. of Abilene, Texas.
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Jackson Dowell Cadle, son of Mike (’05) and Jama (Fry ’97) Cadle of Abilene, Texas.
Lily Margaret Paschall, daughter of Rex (’83) and Victoria (Salata) Paschall of University Park, Texas.
Molly Beth Carroll, daughter of Bill (M.A. ’95) and Laura (Bolin ’97) Carroll of Abilene, Texas.
Samantha Regan Davidson, daughter of Tim (’02) and Bethany (Hejl ’02) Davidson of Seal Beach, Calif.
William Jordan Haberman, son of Jordan and Lyndsey (Studer ’06) Haberman of Corinth, Texas.
Jakob Ryan Green, son of David and Jana (Varley ’99) Green of Ingleside, Texas.
Brighton Jubilee Martin, daughter of Tim and Angie (Griggs ’92) Martin of Abilene, Texas.
Riley Lyda, daughter of Jason (’99) and April (Forest ’00) Lyda of Dallas, Ga.
Sienna Elaine Peeples, daughter of Spencer (’98) and Megan (Nevius ’00) Peeples of Austin, Texas.
Joshua James McBride, son of Donnie (M.A. ’02) and April (Ewing ’97) McBride of Norman, Okla.
Lynlee Graves, daughter of Jason (’00) and Jacquie (Rose ’03) Graves of Lewisville, Texas.
To Brian and Tiffany (Gunter) Murray, a boy, Ethan Michael, June 29, 2009. 202 Iron Eagle Road, Abilene, TX 79602. orion1104@clearwire.net To Walter and Heather (Goodman ’94) Wray, a boy, Landon James, May 28, 2009. 10325 Calla Lily Way, Sandy, UT 84092. walterandheather@hotmail.com
1996 BORN
1997 BORN To Michael (’05) and Jama (Fry) Cadle, a boy, Jackson Dowell, Feb. 8, 2008. 2174 Independence Boulevard, Abilene, TX 79601. jama.cadle@alumni.acu.edu To Brian (’95) and Dr. Jenevieve (Holton) Hughes, a girl, Adelyn Grace, May 3, 2009. Jenevieve has opened a breast surgery practice at Methodist Richardson Medical Center. 3108 San Jacinto Street, Dallas, TX 75204. To Victor (’93) and Candace (Harrold) Hunter, a girl, Hezekiah “Kiah” Rachel, Dec. 31, 2008. Victor was honored for excellent customer service on his third anniversary with Sears. 9500 Jollyville Road, #106, Austin, TX 78759. candace.hunter@austinisd.org
1998 BORN To Charlie and Julie (Monroe) Benson, a girl, Marlie Hope, June 23, 2009. Charlie is a project manager for Ebco, Inc. and Julie released her third fitness DVD this year. 9807 River Land Court, Temple, TX 76502. julesbenson@sbcglobal.net To Damond and Amy (Hendry) Blueitt, a girl, Landyn Jade, April 18, 2008. Damond now works for Orthopedic Specialty Associates in Fort Worth. The family has a new address. 8321 Regency Drive, North Richland Hills, TX 76182. ablueitt@hotmail.com To Jeff (’94) and Melissa (Mortieau) Hamm, a girl, McKinley Rae, July 11, 2009. 17741 S.W. Inkster Drive, Sherwood, OR 97140. mortieau@yahoo.com To Christopher and Melisha (Buck) Dolan, a girl, Adeline, Aug. 8, 2008. 5894 N.E. 43rd Lane Road, Silver Springs, FL 34488. To Victor and Sabrina (Gilmore) Burke, a boy, Tysen Jahan, Nov. 18, 2008. 2217 Knob Hill Drive, Corinth, TX 76210. vc_soco26@yahoo.com To Jeremy and Julie (Stringer) Ouchley, a boy, Hudson Christopher, Feb. 19, 2009. jkouchley@yahoo.com To Darryn and Cameron (Swindle) McClure, a boy, Caleb Hunter Ray, July 4, 2009. 222 Quail Ridge, Aledo, TX 76008. To Travis and Rachelle (Phelps) Hill, a girl, Molly Kate, July 16, 2009. 13009 Rushing Creek Drive, Frisco, TX 75035. rachellephill@hotmail.com
1999 Sidney (Schuhmann) Levesque is now a development researcher at ACU after 10 years at the Abilene Reporter-News. 534 Sayles Blvd., Abilene, TX 79605. sidney.levesque@acu.edu
BORN To Mark and Staci (Burress) Aden, a boy, Jacob Everett, Jan. 10, 2009. His twin brother, Noah William, was stillborn. 2462 Purcell Place, Brighton, CO 80601. adenfam@msn.com To Kevin and Jessica (Rickard) Mullins, twins, Brody Douglas and Taya Savannah, Dec. 31, 2007. Kevin works in graphic design at David C. Cook Publishing, and Jessica is a homemaker after working for seven years as a speech-language pathologist. 4122 County View Way, Castle Rock, CO 80104. jrickardmullins@yahoo.com
2000
Reunion: Homecoming 2010
Leeanne Harshman was certified in diagnostic radiology by the American Board of Radiology in June 2009, after completing a five-year radiology residency at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. She graduated from the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine in 2004. 610 S. Central Expressway, #5520, Dallas, TX 75201. LeeanneH@baylorhealth.edu Kristen (Culpepper) Sell has returned to the U.S. after living in Germany for three years. She also earned a master’s degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma in December 2008. 708 Brookside Drive, Warrensburg, MO 64093. kristenayn@yahoo.com Russell and Laura (Carter) Gilkey have a new address. 205 E. 30th Street, Edmond, OK 73013. Travis and Kelly (Shunk) Speck have a new address. 108 Meadowgreen Court, Franklin, TN 37069. travis_speck@hotmail.com
BORN To Darren and Julia (Heiner) Keyes, a boy, Noah Andrew, April 16, 2009. The couple has another son, Daniel James, born May 11, 2007. 6401 Locke Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76116. darrenandjulia@yahoo.com To Andray and Maisha (Ballard) Stroud, a girl, Symphony Mikayla, May 20, 2009. 13301 Baron Hill Lane, Rosharon, TX 77583. attorneystroud@gmail.com To Chris (’99) and Heidi (Toole) Chappotin, a boy, Hudson Andres, July 30, 2009. 441 Nathan Street, Burleson, TX 76028. chappyhc@sbcglobal.net To Robert (’01) and Lauren (Lindsey) Blasingame, a girl, Reagan Dai, July 21, 2008. 3226 Valley Forge Road, Abilene, TX 79601. laurenblasingame@gmail.com To Jason (’98) and Caren (Frost) George, a boy, Anderson Therris, Dec. 5, 2008. 4136 Mattie Street, Austin, TX 78723. carengeorge@hotmail.com To Colin and Laurie (Ashley) Moffett, a boy, Jace Liam, March 15, 2009. 119 Highgreen Ridge, Peachtree City, GA 30269. colinandlaurie@yahoo.com To Philip (’98) and Brittney (Binder) Garcia, a girl, Aubree Claire, Jan. 21, 2009. The family has moved. 114 Foxpointe Circle, Weatherford, TX 76087. brittgarcia2000@yahoo.com To Travis and Nicole (Gagnon ’02) Hutchinson, a girl, Mollee Rinette, Aug. 22, 2009. 8167 Lariat Trail N.W., Brenerton, WA 98311. familylife@ckcoc.org To Pat (’98) and Megan (Nevius) Peeples, a girl, Nola Findley, June 6, 2009. 11307 Jack Rabbit Trail, Austin, TX 78750. megan@megansellsaustin.com To Clifford and Rebecca (Bland ’01) Bates, a girl, Taryn Aria, Sept. 8, 2008. 5421 Gates, The Colony, TX 75056. To Ken and Shanta (Pandit) Murray, a boy, Gabriel James, July 10, 2009. 2226 Old Mill Road, Carrollton, TX 75007. shanta.murray@gmail.com To Brian and Heather (Bohannan ’96) Southern, a boy, Luke Ryder, Nov. 6, 2008. 22179 E. Bellewood Place, Aurora, CO 80015. bss96b@yahoo.com To Jake and Sandra (Juarez) Fortenberry, a girl, Olivia Mackinsi, Feb. 16, 2009. 16503 Courtland Circle, Spring, TX 77379. skf2020@gmail.com To Matt and Kacy (Swindell) Baker, a boy, John “Brady,” July 9, 2009. They have a new address. 9209 E. 38th Street, Tucson, AZ 85730. kacydb@gmail.com To David and Jenna (Roberts) Sprott, a girl, Brynleigh Elizabeth, June 4, 2009. 68 Woodland Trail, Belton, TX 76513. das@linzythigpen.com
ALUMNI CONNECTIONS LINDSEY COTTON
To Philip and Kara (Rapp) Browne, a girl, Lydia Mae, Oct. 8, 2007. 3011 Plainview Road, Midlothian, TX 76065. pkbrowne@earthlink.net To Jason and Mandy (Lai) Oban, a boy, Caleb Lok-Wah, Jan. 27, 2009. 1111 Byers Lane, Austin, TX 78753. mandy.oban@gmail.com To Tony and Becky (Jeffrey) Brooks, a girl, Eden Elizabeth, Aug. 13, 2008. The couple also has two sons. 6933 Herman Jared, North Richland Hills, TX 76180. tonyandbecky@hotmail.com
To Nathan and Holly (Butler) Mowat, a boy, Hunter Jeffrey, June 2, 2009. 1401 Red Fox Lane, Burkburnett, TX 76354. lilma1977@aol.com To Stoney Bearden and Amber Fletcher-Bearden, a boy, Tripp Riley, Aug. 11, 2009. 783 S. Walnut Drive, Trinity, TX 75862. bearden_amber@yahoo.com To Aric and Monica (Sorrells) Head, a boy, Spencer Thomas, Aug. 5, 2009. 5101 Meyers Lane, Keller, TX 76244. head@1scom.net
Each month, the alumni relations team and I send out an electronic newsletter. The positive feedback has been overwhelming! After each month’s e-newsletter goes out, my email inbox lights up with messages from alumni who appreciate the update from the Hill. Because we create and send this message on a monthly basis, we can include current information that occurs between issues of ACU Today. Recently, we also have used the e-newsletter to invite alumni to ACU events in their communities, provide presidential transition updates, promote Homecoming activities and share holiday blessings from the Alumni Relations office to you. The rise of printing and mailing costs, coupled with a desire to be more green, has made email an increasingly attractive medium for our communication with our alumni and friends. Since May, we have invited alumni to events in Abilene, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston via email invitations only. These events were well attended and we enjoyed reconnecting with alumni in these areas. However, because we do not yet have email addresses for all our alumni, we know there were some who did not receive invitations. If you are reading this and are not receiving the monthly e-newsletter, please take a moment to send me an email (larry.musick@acu.edu) and include your preferred email address for receiving the alumni e-newsletter and other invitations. Our goal is to respect your privacy and to avoid sending you unwanted email. To that end, we plan to send the e-newsletter toward the beginning of each month and, with rare exception, send you no other messages during the month. We look forward to seeing you at an Abilene Christian alumni event in your community. Look for us in your inbox! – LARRY MUSICK (’84) Director of Alumni Relations and University Events
2001 Corey Tacker earned his CPA certification in Fall 2008. He and his wife, Tiffany (Tyler ’02), have a new address. 2941 Red Oak Circle, Abilene, TX 79606. Michael Hagerty hosted a TV show, Reno Historic Races, that will air nationally on PBS. He moved to Reno in ACU TODAY
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August 2008 to become the news director for the PBS station KNPB-TV. 583 Newlands Lane, Reno, NV 89509. mchagerty@gmail.com
To Benjamin Miller and Laura Price-Miller, twin boys, Terry Wade and Treyton Lee, Feb. 12, 2008. 7022 Glen Rosa Drive, Katy, TX 77494. To Ricky and Allison (Bradfield) Lewis, a girl, Elizabeth “Libby” Hayes, June 16, 2009. 4920 Great Divide Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76137. ablewis13@gmail.com To Daniel (’98) and Melissa (Visel) Goodner, a boy, Garrison Daniel, Jan. 26, 2009. 5924 Beverly Drive West, #1209, Fort Worth, TX 76132. melissavisel@yahoo.com To Cord and Lauren Campbell, a boy, Barrett “Bear” Scott, Feb. 3, 2009. cordc@mac.com To Dan and Katie (Schmidt) Kuyper, a boy, Mason Daniel, May 30, 2009. Dan is doing a one-year neurology fellowship in movement disorders at the University of Denver. daniel.kuyper@ucdenver.edu To Colby and Allison (Mangold) Lee, a boy, Hudson Christopher, July 21, 2009. 11982 Charter House Lane, St. Louis, MO 63146. akcclee@gmail.com To Josh (’04) and Taya (Owens) Gibbs, a boy, Logan Paul, Feb. 12, 2009. The couple also has a daughter, Lainey. 427 Rancho La Mirada Lane, Escondido, CA 92025. tayagibbs@hotmail.com To Russell (’00) and Andrea (Ertl) Abellera, a girl, Grace Mallory, July 7, 2009. 2068 Timberwood Drive, Flower Mound, TX 75028. alumina23@hotmail.com To Brad and Missy (McDaniel) Holden, a boy, Jake, March 26, 2009. 4663 Phillip Drive, Plano, TX 75024.
To Jeremy (’00) and Stephenie (Randall) Brewer, a girl, Sierra Dawn, Sept. 2, 2008. 2936 Longmeade Drive, Farmers Branch, TX 75234. To Stacy (’01) and Lori (Evans) Dow, a girl, Sophia Grace, July 28, 2008. 826 E.N. 10th Street, Abilene, TX 79601. sldowcj5@att.net To Micah and Lori (Tanner) Beck, a girl, Grace Katherine, May 19, 2009. The couple has another daughter, Annalee. 7316 Deaver Drive, North Richland Hills, TX 76180. beckmla@yahoo.com To Michael (’03) and Brittany (Markham) Skloss, a girl, Carolina Blair, Oct. 24, 2008. 350 Continental Drive, #6208, Lewisville, TX 75067. brittanyskloss@hotmail.com To Ty and Charis (Dillman) Dishman, a boy, Levi Douglas, March 3, 2009. 1318 Lost Creek Boulevard, Austin, TX 78746. cedishman@gmail.com To Matt (’01) and Andrea (Wildner) Brewington, a boy, Ryan Matthew, July 24, 2009. 2250 Greenbriar, Abilene, TX 79605. anduskie@yahoo.com To Stephen (’03) and Kylie (Bohannan) White, a boy, Benjamin Trenton “Trent,” July 3, 2009. 20538 E. Hamilton Circle, Aurora, CO 80013. kswhite2@hotmail.com To Michael and Ruth (Wilkerson ’03) Potthoff, a boy, Joshua Caleb, July 13, 2009. The family has a new address. 3701 Grapevine Mills Parkway, #2623, Grapevine, TX 76051. To Joshua (’03) and Lauren (Layfield) Becera, a boy, Cam Bronson, Dec. 21, 2008. 409 Durrand Oak Drive, Keller, TX 76248. thebeceras@sbcglobal.net To Zachary and Mary Amber (Martindale ’01) Norris, a girl, Rachel Kathleen, Aug. 28, 2009. 1500 Woodcreek Drive, Richardson, TX 75082. maryamber820@hotmail.com To Chris and Carrie Paine, a girl, Chloe Leane, March 12, 2009. The couple has another daughter, Caroline Reece, born Aug. 3, 2006. 6204 78th Street, Lubbock, TX 79424. cr_paine@hotmail.com
2002
2003
MARRIED Benjamin Bass and Anne Killion, May 2, 2009, in Bella Vista, Ark. Anne earned her master’s degree in animal science from the University of Arkansas in August 2009. 3909 Luvene Avenue, Springdale, AR 72762. akillion@live.com
BORN
Aleisha (Rhodes) Kolb is now registered as an architect in the state of Texas. 514 Seco Drive, Portland, TX 78374. aleisha2@me.com Nicole (Wright) Fuller earned her M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington in August 2009. She is now certified as a master reading teacher, reading specialist and ESL teacher.
MARRIED Will Brewer and Lindsay DeHoff, May 30, 2009. 4433 Springside Lane, Dallas, TX 75214. lindsaydbrewer@gmail.com BORN To Chris and Veronica (White) Huffines, a girl, Antha Irene, March 15, 2009. 255 Summerfield Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30022. veronica.huffines@gmail.com To David and Becca Cohrs, a girl, Layla Mae, March 19, 2008. The couple also has three sons. 11654 S. Maiden Hair Way, Parker, CO 80134. To Giorgi and Lauren (Miller) Gonikishvili, a girl, Anna Katherine, Nov. 11, 2008. 4828 West 8th Street, Greeley, CO 80634. laureningreeley@yahoo.com To Shaun and Adriane (Anz) Carpenter, a boy, Cash Garret, June 9, 2009. 20102 Glen Burn Court, Humble, TX 77346. Missy0527@gmail.com To Justin and Sally (Carter) Mitchen, a girl, Bailey Grace, Oct. 8, 2007. 15523 Fawn Villa Drive, Houston, TX 77068. sjmitchen@yahoo.com To Kyle (’01) and Tiffany (Wiginton) Lake, a girl, Presley Ann, May 6, 2008. 247 Preston Club Drive, Sherman, TX 75092. tifflake@hotmail.com To Luke and Lindsay (Busch ’04) Norsworthy, a girl, Avery, Aug. 14, 2008. The family has moved to Denton, where Luke is planting a church, Venture Community, through Richland Hills Church of Christ. 2009 Loon Lake Road, Denton, TX 76210. luke@venturecommunity.org To Jarrod (’00) and Lauren (Benson) Robinson, a girl, Rylee Kate, April 24, 2008. 1405 Meadow Vista Drive, Carrollton, TX 75007. laurenebenson@yahoo.com To Cameron and Juliana (Grogan) Rosser, a girl, Addilyn Grace, July 8, 2009. 8307 Prosper Drive, Amarillo, TX 79119.
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David Hill and Jennifer Brown-Hill have a new address. 2747 Star Peak Drive, Houston, TX 77088. jaehope@yahoo.com
MARRIED Brandon Ford and Katie Hodges, June 27, 2009. 11245 West Road, #4114, Houston, TX 77065. kah99a@hotmail.com Michael Morrison and Jacqueline Holton, Dec. 20, 2008, in Oxford, England. 9 Canterbury Road, Oxford OX2 6LU, United Kingdom. jacque@morri.co.uk BORN To Paul and Carisa (Davis) Richter, a boy, Keaton Riley, May 10, 2009. 5007 Anetta Drive, Midland, TX 79703. carisarichter@yahoo.com To Nathan and Patricia (Kelly ’04) Estrada, a girl, Zoe Grace, June 15, 2009. 6515 West Mississippi Place, Lakewood, CO 80232. padders411@yahoo.com To Timothy and Jamie (Schutte) Kimbel, a boy, Joshua Edwin, July 27, 2008. The couple were married Aug. 21, 2004, and have another son, Elijah William, born Aug. 12, 2006. 8680 S. Young Road, Falmouth, MI 49632. jms99a@hotmail.com To Adam and Alisha (Shurgot) Stewart, a boy, Graham Levi, May 23, 2009. 6517 Brooks Drive, Temple, TX 76502. To Earl Brown IV and Erica (Wright) Brown, a boy, Eagan Thomas, Jan. 22, 2009. The couple has another son, Earl V, born March 27, 2007. 12234 Veronica Road, Dallas, TX 75234. earlybirds3@gmail.com To Aaron and Kami (Hambrick ’04) Winter, a girl, Emory Lea, July 19, 2009. 4033 Inverrary, Abilene, TX 79606. To Jason and Ashli (Hobbs) Myers, a girl, Chaney Elizabeth, July 30, 2009. 1525 Squires Road, Abilene, TX 79602. To Matthew and Deidre (Bertsch) Riesenweber, a girl, Kaylee Paige, July 12, 2009. 100506 E. Ridgeview Drive, Kennewick, WA 99338. To Jay and Jamie (Martin) Blackburn, a boy, Josiah Andrew, Oct. 16, 2008. The family has moved. Jay is the new youth minister at Grace Crossing, a Community Church of Christ in The Woodlands.
31526 Crestwood Park, Conroe, TX 77385. To Joseph and Amanda (Prescott) Jaye, a boy, Jackson, Nov. 17, 2008. 209 Golf Terrace, Daphne, AL 36526. amandaprsctt@netscape.net To John and Brandy (Richardson) Sloan, a boy, Zane, April 5, 2008. 1375 Mimosa Lane, Lewisville, TX 75077.
2004 Josh Parrott recently won three writing awards from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, including first place for college news reporting. He has won 11 writing awards in the past four years. 211 Titan Drive, Lafayette, LA 70508. parrott_joshua@yahoo.com Maggie (Rogers) Damron teaches fourth grade in the Dimmitt ISD. 3001 F.M. 1524, Dimmitt, TX 79027. mddamron@gmail.com
MARRIED Jon Garner (’99) and Debbie Bohlken, June 27, 2009, in Abilene. jonanddebbieg@aol.com Todd Mantia and Mollie Mankins, March 29, 2008. 588 Vonbryan Trace, Lexington, KY 40509. James Leatherwood and Lora Shumate, July 25, 2009, in Brevard, N.C. 247 Leatherwood Road, Penrose, NC 28766. lrshumate@yahoo.com
BORN To Kenneth and Aracely (Velasquez) Adams, a boy, Aiden Kaleb, Sept. 29, 2008. The couple were married Sept. 8, 2007. 13623 Bonnabel, Houston, TX 77070. To Chad and Jessica (Palmeri) Gibson, a girl, Emma, Jan. 19, 2008. 1617 Churchill Lane, Mansfield, TX 76063. To David (’06) and Emily (Ingram) Anderson, a boy, Wyatt David, Nov. 14, 2008. The family lives in Oklahoma. To Shane and Lori (Terhune) Burk, a girl, Claire Lorice, Jan. 7, 2009. Lori earned her master’s degree in school counseling from Lubbock Christian University in May 2009, and Shane has been selected for a full STEM scholarship to earn his master’s degree at Texas Tech University, beginning Fall 2009. 3512 97th Street, Lubbock, TX 79423. sburk@lubbockisd.org To Mike and Amy (Bedichek) Cabrero, a boy, Mason Michael, April 22, 2009. 8629 Dove Hill Drive, Santee, CA 92071. amycabrero@hotmail.com To Steve and Maritza (Sanfilippo) Voth, a boy, Brayden Brett, July 17, 2009. 6801 Dream Dust Drive, North Richland Hills, TX 76180. maritzavoth@yahoo.com To Dylan and Talan (Wadley ’07) Cobb, a girl, Harper Rose, March 23, 2009. 510 Turkey Run, Abilene, TX 79602. dac00a@yahoo.com To Chris and Kristin (Franklin) Brewer, a boy, Sutton Ford, April 8, 2009. 2935 Marsann Lane, Farmers Branch, TX 75234. To David Todd (’05) and Tera (Stidham) Harmon, a boy, Owen David, May 25, 2009. 1407 Oak Knoll Drive, Colleyville, TX 76034. teraharmon@gmail.com To Jose and Marisol (Aguilar) Padilla, a girl, Daniela, June 29, 2009. 1658 Simmons, Abilene, TX 79601. marimari02142005@yahoo.com To Todd (’03) and Erin (Norton) Faubus, a girl, Ellison “Ellie” Fair, Aug. 22, 2009. 1514 Benjamin Greens, Bentonville, AR 72712. erinfaubus@yahoo.com
2005
Reunion: Homecoming 2010
Sarah (Reid) Gibson earned her M.F.A. in documentary film production from the University of North Texas in May 2009. She has joined the faculty at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore. 413 Lair Lane, Newberg, OR 97132. gibsons@georgefox.edu
MARRIED Andrew Jeffrey and Jessica Hall (’07), June 27, 2009, in Abilene. 4717 Many Waters, Abilene, TX 79602. andrew_c_jeffrey@yahoo.com
BORN To Travis and Elizabeth (Dunn) Strate, a girl, Emma Grace, Dec. 29, 2008. 2801 Richmond Road, PMB 150, Texarkana, TX 75503. travisstrate@hotmail.com To William and Kimberly (Molleur) Hardin, a girl, Bayleigh Paige, Dec. 3, 2008. The couple also has a son, William Caleb, born Sept. 7, 2007. 920 Oakmont Drive, Hewitt, TX 76643.
STEVE BUTMAN
HOMECOMING 2009 STEVE BUTMAN
GERALD EWING
PAUL WHITE
(Clockwise, from top) Sharon (Lawrence ’79) Powell, Lee Powell (’79) and Grant Knight attended the Class of 1979 Reunion Dinner; Kent Hart (’82), Jan (Church ’84) Hart, John Bailey (’84), Laurie (Ayn ’84) Bailey and Sharon (Johnston ’84) Epps attended the Class of 1984 Reunion Dinner; ACU president Dr. Royce Money (’64) and his wife, Pam (Handy ’65) Money were accompanied in the parade by their grandchildren, Jonathan Crisp, Elizabeth Elliott and Caleb Crisp; Kinsmen social club desperadoes used senior vice president and chief investment officer Jack Rich (’77) as a foil when their float headed north on Campus Court during the parade; classmates attending the Class of 1989 Reunion posed for a group photograph in the World Famous Bean; and Homecoming Court member Sylvia Tucker was escorted at Friday’s Chapel by Dr. John Willis (’55), Burton Coffman Chair for Biblical Studies and professor of Old Testament.
BRIAN SCHMIDT
To Cody and Lindsey (Little) Carver, a boy, Luke Ryan, June 20, 2008. 1809 Santa Fe, Lewisville, TX 75077. lost_little_blue_fish@yahoo.com To Bob and Nicole (Ryerson) Lemke, a girl, Macy Scarlett, March 13, 2009. Nicole is now a stay-at-home mom. 748 Lakecrest Drive, Menasha, WI 54952. ryersoninchina@yahoo.com To Bryan and Celena (Corbell) Goodger, a boy, Brody Corbell, Aug. 4, 2009. 317 Rocky Point Drive, Edmond, OK 73003. celena.goodger@gmail.com To Chris and Jenny (Fullerton) Thompson, a boy, Jude Garrett, July 28, 2009. 8181 Fannin Street, #938, Houston, TX 77054. jennythompson83@gmail.com To David (’04) and Kaitlan (Bryan) Thomas, a boy, Parker Easton, July 30, 2009. The couple were married July 16, 2005. Kaitlan teaches P.E. in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD and David is a financial rep for Fidelity Investments. 303 Timber Ridge Lane, Coppell, TX 75019. katie_thomas@verizon.net To Darin and Kasey (Pearson ’07) Love, a girl, Elliana Sue, June 20, 2009. 4751 S. Texas Avenue, Apt. D, Orlando, FL 32839. To Nicabe and Jessica (Brown) Tully, a boy, Stanton Dwyatt, Feb. 5, 2009. P.O. Box 5726, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. jessicartully@hotmail.com
To Blake (’05) and Abby (Hamilton) Kreck, a boy, Colt Thomas, Jan. 22, 2009. 455 Country Manor Lane, Royse City, TX 75189. To Collin and Holly (Patton) Packer, a boy, Maddox Austin, June 29, 2009. 10864 Brooklawn Road, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130. hnpacker@gmail.com To Chris and Elizabeth (Wood) Tarrant, twin girls, Kinley Margaret and Madelyn Clare, Feb. 7, 2009. 2503 Jewell Drive, Arlington, TX 76016. elizabeth_tarrant@yahoo.com To Aaron and Debbie (Ortiz) Castellanos, a girl, Isabella Elise, April 7, 2009. 1729 Wheatfield Drive, Mesquite, TX 75149. debbie.castellanos@hotmail.com
2006
BORN
BORN To Brian and Dawn (Engelhardt) Melton, a girl, Riley Elizabeth, April 10, 2009. 7844 Fairway Road, Woodway, TX 76712.
2007 MARRIED Travis Roby and Lindsey Lankford, Oct. 11, 2008. Lindsey is a NICU nurse at Odessa Regional Hospital and Travis is a landman for Conoco Phillips. 3214 Boyd Avenue, Midland, TX 79705. lindseyroby@yahoo.com Jordan Phillips and Shelby Horton, Aug. 30, 2008. 18250 Marsh Lane, #409, Dallas, TX 75287. S18H@aol.com Aaron Winterstrom and Kaylee Buxton, Aug. 16, 2008. 1202 Borden Road, Spur 73, Escondido, CA 92026. To Drew and Mallory (Sherwood) Schlabach, a girl, Emery Elyse, June 10, 2009. 8112 T.R. 565, Holmesville, OH 44633. meschlabach@gmail.com
BRIAN SCHMIDT
To Joseph and Lauren (Graves) Ice, a boy, Porter Logan, Aug. 27, 2009. 2909 Beechwood Street, Granbury, TX 76048. leg04c@gmail.com
2008 MARRIED Tanner Viertel and Blair Delaughter, June 20, 2009, in Alpharetta, Ga. 2701 Shelter Grove Road, #825, Fort Worth, TX 76131. blair.viertel@gmail.com Blake Browder and Katie Mack (’09), June 19, 2009, in Boerne. 7025 Wildhaven Drive, #333, Fort Worth, TX 76137. blake.browder@gmail.com Bret Hines and Catherine Cortez, Jan. 3, 2009, in Santa Clara, Calif. Catherine is finishing her master’s degree in gerontology. 750 N. Judge Ely Blvd., #235, Abilene, TX 79601. crc04a@acu.edu
BORN To Adam (’09) and LeighAnn (Sury) Biesman, a girl, London Riley, July 15, 2009. 9621 Orinda Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76108. leighannelese@gmail.com To Nathan and Amanda (Burke) Hamilton, a boy, Noah Nathaniel, June 25, 2009. Nathan is now the retail manager for ARAMARK at ACU. 834 S. Bowie Drive, Abilene, TX 79605. hamilton-nathaniel@aramark.com
2009 BORN To Kristopher and Britney Sutton, a girl, Ava Rae, Sept. 26, 2007. 2150 N. Judge Ely Blvd., #915, Abilene, TX 79601. ksutton@coafcu.org ACU TODAY
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2010
Errata from the Summer 2009 issue
MARRIED
In the obituary for Don Etter (’55), his son, Greg (’82), was not listed as an ACU grad. Don’s brother, Frank Etter Jr. (’59), was not listed. In Nancy (Spain ’68) Lansford’s obituary, her daughters, April (Lansford ’91) Maclin and Paula
Christopher Ferguson and Kathryn Rush, Aug. 1, 2009. 44618 11th Street, Lubbock, TX 79416.
(Lansford ’03) Seabaugh, were shown with the incorrect maiden name. Misty (Gartman ’97) Engelbrecht’s husband, Peter (’96), was incorrectly identified in the birth announcement of their daughter, Marisa.
IN MEMORIAM 1935 Velton T. “Buddy” Moser, 92, died Oct. 12, 2004, in Abilene. He was born June 18, 1912, in Huckabay and played football for ACU. He then worked as a football coach, a car dealer, a ceramics salesman and a hotel owner. He is survived by his wife, Winnie Moser (’36); a son, Velton Allen Moser (’70); a daughter, Beverly (Moser ’64) Copland; and four grandchildren.
1936 Laytha (Johnston) Haggard, 95, died June 28, 2009, in Austin. She grew up in Gustine, Texas, and married George Haggard July 12, 1933. He preceded her in death in 1951. She is survived by a daughter, Sue (Haggard ’56) Kothmann; a son, Thomas Haggard (’61); five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
1949 Beth Sutphen Bostick Tiller, 80, died June 23, 2009, in Abilene. She was born April 4, 1929, in Wink and graduated from high school in Ballinger. She married John Bostick in July 1947 and went back to ACU, receiving her education degree. After losing John in 1983 to cancer, she married Rodney Tiller in May 1994; he also preceded her in death, in 1999. She also was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Linda (Bostick ’72) McCullough; two sons, Tim Bostick and Dale Bostick (’79); and a brother, Gene Sutphen. She is survived by a brother, Bob Sutphen (’53); a son, John Bostick Jr. (’74); six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
1950
1937 Frances Harvey Mead, 93, died June 26, 2009. She was born April 12, 1916, to Jim D. Harvey (1908) and Abbie (Ferguson 1913) Harvey. Frances graduated from high school in Colorado City. She married Mack Mead (’38) in 1936. She held her private pilot’s license, and lived in Texas, Puerto Rico and New Mexico during her lifetime. She is survived by her husband; two sons, James Mead and John Mead; a daughter, Jane (Mead) Barberousse; and three grandchildren.
1939 Marcella Rogers Cure, 89, died Sept. 12, 2008 in San Antonio. She was born Dec. 13, 1918, in Medicine Mound and married Louie A. Cure (’38) Oct. 16, 1938. She was the director of finance and city secretary for the city of Andrews until her retirement in 1984. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by a son; a daughter; a sister, Ruth (Cure ’47) McLennan; and four grandchildren. Earl McCaleb, 92, died Nov. 23, 2009, in Abilene. He was born July 16, 1917, in Anson and graduated from Anson High School. While a student at ACU, he served as president of the Students’ Association and co-captain and quarterback of the 1938 Wildcat football team. He married Vivian Day (’38) on June 15, 1939. McCaleb served in the Army Air Corps from 1943-45. After the war, he worked with his father in the insurance and real estate business. He later served on the Anson Chamber of Commerce and as mayor of Anson. He received many awards throughout his life, including Sports Illustrated’s 1963 Silver Anniversary All-America Award. McCaleb was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; a sister; and a grandson. He is survived by three sons, Dr. Gary McCaleb (’64), Dr. Joseph McCaleb (’69) and Dr. Bill McCaleb (’75); two daughters, Mary (McCaleb ’73) Powell and Vicki (McCaleb ’76) Wade; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
1946 June Fry Smith, 83, died Aug. 11, 2009, in Abilene. She was born Aug, 8, 1926. She graduated from high school at age 15 and came to ACU in 1944, where she was involved in many campus organizations. She married J.E. Smith (’47) in 1946. He survives her; she also is survived by two sons, Chris Christian (’73) and Brad Maxwell (’77); two brothers, Neil Fry (’50) and David Fry (’51); and six grandchildren. Betty Grey Hejl, 84, died Aug, 6, 2009, in Abilene. She was born Oct. 30, 1924, in Sweeny, Texas, and studied music at ACU. She married Jerome (J.C.) Hejl (’46) in 1946. He survives her, as do her two sons, Jerry Hejl (’72) and James Hejl; two brothers, Jack McKinney (’49) and Bob McKinney (’56); and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter,
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L.B. Lowry, 83, died July 27, 2009, in Abilene. He was born May 7, 1926, in Paducah. He helped establish Christian Homes of Abilene and was a longtime member of the Highland Church of Christ. He founded Lowry’s Trim Shop in 1947 and was its sole owner for 62 years. He is survived by his wife, Denise; two daughters, Brenda (Lowry ’74) French and Kathy (Lowry ’76) Box; a son, Dr. David Lowry (’75); a brother, Neil Lowry (’50); and five grandchildren. Edward Neil Fry, 81, died Nov. 13, 2009, in Abilene. He was born Nov. 3, 1928, in Killeen. He graduated from Tulia High School and served in the Army Reserve and National Guard for 23 years after graduating from ACU. Neil married Ann Ingram (’51) Sept. 6, 1951. He served on many boards and committees in Abilene and Taylor County. He co-founded Towne Crier Steakhouse, served on the City Council and as Taylor County Commissioner, and worked at ACU for 31 years. He is survived by his wife, Ann (Ingram ’51) Fry; two daughters, Lila (Fry ’74) Johnson and Susan (Fry ’76) Lankford; a son, Jay Fry (’85); seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
1951 Patricia Ruth Boswell Lanier, 79, died Sept. 6, 2009, in Lakeland, Fla., after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born Dec. 1, 1929, in Lakeland. She married Dr. Roy Lanier Jr. (’51) in 1951. He survives her, as do her daughter, Lee (Lanier) Hanstein; four sisters; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
1952 Thomas M. Byers, 82, died July 28, 2008, in Abilene, after a battle with cancer. He was born Dec. 28, 1925, in Bienville, La. Before attending ACU, he served in the Navy during World War II. He preached for more than 50 years in New York, Tennessee and Texas. He is survived by his wife, Betty (Foster) Byers; two sons, Thomas Byers Jr. and Allen L. Byers; two daughters, Elizabeth (Byers) Burkley and Esther R. (Byers ’82) Cox; a brother; four sisters; 15 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
1953 Alyce Jane DeWees-Reneau, 77, died June 15, 2009, in Abilene. She was born Sept. 7, 1931, in Bonham and grew up in Denison. She married Wilbur Eugene Reneau Jr. (’49) in San Angelo Oct. 21, 1950. She is survived by two daughters, Lee Ann Stricklin and Jean Marie (Reneau ’77) Stover; a son, Tipton Reneau (’88); and two granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her husband; a granddaughter; and 14 brothers and sisters. Billie Ruth (Daniels) Mayes died Sept. 19, 2009, in Fort Worth. She taught elementary school in the Azle ISD and was a member of Western Hills Church of Christ. She is survived by her husband, M.L. “Buck” Mayes; a son,
John Mayes (’83); two daughters, Dy Ann (Mayes) Jones and Christie (Mayes) O’Rear; a brother, Dr. M.L. Daniels (’55); nine grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
1954 Ervy E. Boothe, 83, died July 30, 2009, in Woodstock, Ga. He was born May 25, 1926, in Girard. He served in the Army during World War II and also was a Church of Christ minister for 35 years. He is survived by his wife, Zelma; three daughters, Cherry Hofecker, Melody Boothe and Melissa (Boothe ’76) Lawson; a son, Noel Boothe; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Otis Ray Williams, 76, died Oct. 2, 2009. He attended ACU for a year, then transferred to the University of North Texas, where he earned a B.B.A. He then served in the Air Force for 20 years. Otis earned his M.B.A. from Southwest Texas State University and was director of human resources at Rusk State Hospital until his retirement. He is survived by his wife, Jane Williams; two sons, Karel Williams and Mark Williams (’90); three stepdaughters; a sister, Sheryl Clapp; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
1955 Tom Newhouse, 74, died June 12, 2009. He was born Aug. 11, 1934, in Abilene. He ran track at ACU and married Beverly Moore (’57) in March 1955. He then worked as a technical writer before starting his own multimedia business. Tom is survived by his wife; two sons, David Newhouse (’79) and Mike Newhouse (’82); two daughters, Dana (Newhouse ’84) May and Amy Newhouse (’89) White; and 12 grandchildren.
1956 Georgan Gilbreath Conner, 74, died April 29, 2009, in Andrews. She was born March 2, 1935, in Fort Worth, to Hubert (’24) and Jeffie (Rowsey ’24) Gilbreath. She earned her B.S. and M.S. from ACU, and taught elementary school in Texas for 40 years. She married Moody Conner (’59) June 21, 1957. She is survived by her husband; a son, Jeff Conner (’83); a daughter, Dr. Connie (Conner ’91) Crossnoe; and three grandchildren.
1957 William “Bill” Stickels, 79, died May 14, 2009, in Salem, Ind. He was a retired teacher, assistant principal and guidance counselor, and an Army veteran of the Korean War. He is survived by his wife, Laura June Stickels; two sons, James Stickels (’85) and Joseph Stickels; two daughters, Jennifer (Stickels) Mohon and Julie (Stickels) King; a sister, Thelma (Stickels) Naylor; and three brothers, Ben Stickels (’58), Charles Stickels and Clyde Stickels.
1958 Dale Lee Flaxbeard, 73, died May 6, 2009, in Overland Park, Kan. He was born Oct. 11, 1935, in Comfort, Mo. He married Nancy Croddy and had three children. Later, he married Shirlene Vaughn and had two children. Dale attended ACU and finished his physical education degree at Harding University. He became the owner of Telecheck Midwest in 1973 and ran the business until his retirement in 1993. Dale is survived by his wife, Shirlene; two daughters, Becki (Flaxbeard) Brown and Beth (Flaxbeard) Grounds; three sons, Tom, Larry and Chuck Flaxbeard; a sister, Donna Dickson; and eight grandchildren. Dr. Truman Ross Clark, 73, died June 19, 2009, in Grand Rapids, Minn. He was born in 1935 in Wichita, Kan. After graduating from ACU, he earned a master’s degree at the University of Oregon, served in the Army from 1960-62, then earned a second master’s degree and his
Ph.D. at Bryn Mawr College. He was an American history professor at Pepperdine University and later at Tomball College. He married Marilyn Keister, who survives him, on May 16, 1987. He also is survived by three daughters; two sons; a sister, Susan (Clark ’66) Brown; a brother, Royce Clark (’60); and eight grandchildren.
1959 Harold Mason Poland, 73, died Aug. 9, 2009, in Beaumont. He was born Aug. 31, 1935, in Huntington, and attended Lamar University before earning his B.S. and M.S. from ACU. He was then a minister and missionary in the Church of Christ for 35 years. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; a daughter, Sharon Pickrell; two sons, Steve Poland and Scott Poland (’88); a brother, George Poland (’59); and five grandchildren. Arthur Glenn Karnes, 72, died July 23, 2009, after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. He taught history and social studies, worked as a guidance counselor, drove Greyhound buses and owned and operated two pizzerias. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; three sisters; three daughters, Cathy (Karnes ’82) Hesseltine, Marcia Wallace and Carol Karnes; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Tony Allen McMillan, 71, died Sept. 15, 2009, in Abilene. He was born Nov. 20, 1937, in Marietta, Okla. He attended high school in Gruver and married Gail Lee on Dec. 22, 1955. Tony was executive vice president and general manager of the Taylor County Expo Center. He is survived by his wife, Gail (Lee ’60) McMillan; two sons, Mark McMillan and Brent McMillan; three daughters, Tonya (McMillan) Ward, Becky (McMillan) Spohn and Stacy (McMillan) McElfresh; and 11 grandchildren.
1961 Betty Gail (Gardenhire) Reese, 69, of Fort Woth, died June 4, 2009. She was born Jan. 11, 1940, in Ranger and married Mike Reese (’62) in 1960. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business education from ACU and a master’s in library science from Texas Woman’s University. She was a former librarian at Fort Worth Country Day School. She is survived by her husband; two sons, Dan Reese (’84) and Tim Reese (’87); a daughter, Dr. Cindy Reese-Melancor (’92); and five grandchildren.
1962 John Gordon Draper, 69, died July 31, 2009, in Tahoka. He was born May 31, 1940, in Levelland. He married Dorothy Bingham Oct. 25, 1964. She survives him, as do two daughters, Tracy (Draper ’84) Autry and Angela Draper; a brother, Robert Draper; two sisters, Mary (Draper ’53) Fleming and Bobbye (Draper ’59) Petty; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Margaret; and two brothers, Bland Draper (’56) and Bill Draper. Truman Hagler, 76, died Sept. 1, 2009, in Abilene. He was born May 12, 1933, in Anson and was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He earned a B.S. from Texas Tech University and an M.Ed. from ACU. He married Patsy Ann Spraberry Nov. 10, 1956. Truman was a teacher and administrator for 33 years, then owned and operated a lawn care business. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Dr. Max Hagler (’60) and Jim Hagler (’96); and a nephew. He is survived by his wife; two sons, David Hagler and Chris Hagler; two daughters, Angie (Hagler) Brown and Tamara (Hagler) Russell; a sister, June (Hagler) Adams; and nine grandchildren.
1963 Shirley K. Winsett Johnson, 71, died April 14, 2009. She was born May 17, 1937, in Godley. She taught fourth grade for 23 years and earned her M.Ed. from Texas Tech University. She married Arthur S. Johnson June 5, 1989. She is survived by a brother and a sister.
1964 Ruth Orr Strickland, 66, died Nov. 29, 2007. She was born Sept. 4, 1941, in Vernon and attended ACU and Southwestern State in Weatherford. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma and taught elementary school for 31 years. She is survived by her husband, Tom Strickland; her first husband, Larry Spears; two sons; two stepsons; a stepdaughter; four grandchildren; and eight step-grandchildren.
David Lowell Standlee, 67, died July 4, 2009. He was born Feb. 20, 1942, in Vernon. He married Nicky Carolyn Robinson (’64) on April 7, 1962. He owned and operated South Plains International Trucks Inc. for 30 years. He is survived by his wife, Nicky; a son, Jarod Standlee (’89); a daughter, Shelby (Standlee ’91) Anderson; and five grandchildren.
She was born Dec. 7, 1959, in Bridgeport, Calif., and married David Hunter (’83) April 16, 1983. She is survived by her parents, Farrell (’58) and Carol Stephens; her husband, David; two sisters, Jayma (Stephens ’74) Savage and Becky (Stephens ’83) Roach; a brother, Gregory Stephens; a son, Ryan Hunter (’09); and a daughter, Bethany Hunter (’12).
1965
1983
Dr. Danny Jay Harrell, 66, died July 19, 2009. He was born Oct. 29, 1942, in Levelland and graduated from Permian High School in Odessa. He married Rita Sue Stice (’68) Sept. 3, 1965, in Gainesville. He worked as a dentist in Beaumont for 20 years. After his retirement, he taught classes at ACU as an adjunct professor and served in prison and hospice ministries. He is survived by his wife, Rita; two sons, Jeff Harrell (’92) and Matt Harrell (’96); a daughter, Kristy (Harrell ’93) Chant; a brother, Joe Harrell (’70); and seven grandchildren.
Mary Jo Bradley Campbell, 88, died July 27, 2009, in Abilene. She was born Sept. 12, 1920, in Coleman and grew up in Brady. She married Dr. Norris Campbell (’53) Nov. 7, 1943. After her older children were grown, she returned to the classroom and earned her degree from ACU at age 62. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister, and a grandson. She is survived by five sons, Bruce Campbell (’68), Dr. James Campbell (’70), Don Campbell (’72), Paul Campbell (’80) and Robert Campbell (’84); a daughter, Liz (Campbell ’75) Rotenberry; a sister, Pat Pamplin; 15 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
1967 William M. Miller, 67, died June 15, 2009. He was born Aug. 27, 1941, in Malakoff. He earned his B.S. from McMurry University and his M.Ed. from ACU. He also was a Triple Crown winner (Texas, Kansas and Drake relays) of the long jump during his college career. He is a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame and the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife, Gene Hall Miller; a son; a daughter; a brother; four stepchildren; three grandchildren; and three step-grandchildren.
1968 Linda Anne (Hanson) Roberts, 62, died Sept. 21, 2009, in Abilene. She was born Jan. 8, 1947, in Fort Worth and graduated from Keller High School. She married Garner Lee Roberts (’70) on June 2, 1967. Linda is survived by her husband; three sons, Cary Lee Roberts (’90), Dr. Mikel Koy Roberts (’93) and Aaron Lyn Roberts (’96); a brother, Harvey Hanson; two sisters, Jean (Hanson) Willett and Sue (Hanson) Meeks; and five grandchildren.
1969 Kirk Lindsey, 62, died June 10, 2009, in Modesto, Calif. He earned his B.S. in business administration at ACU and his M.B.A. from Pepperdine University, then was commissioned into the Army in 1969. He returned to California in 1971 and founded Brite Transport System in 1972. He also was a managing general partner in B&P Bulk, another agricultural trucking company. Kirk served on the California Transportation Commission from 2000-09. He is survived by his mother; his wife, Cynthia Lindsey (’72); a sister; four daughters, Shannon (Lindsey) Susens, Whitney Lindsey, Tiffany Lindsey (’04) and Ashleigh Lindsey; and a grandson. David Carl Hale, 62, died July 19, 2009, in Collingsworth County. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War, and then worked for Courson Oil and Gas from 1974 until his death. Hale served on the Perryton City Council from 1985-92 and as Perryton mayor from 1992 until his death. He is survived by his wife, Jeannie, and six adopted children.
1975 Rudene (Dunn) Watson, 57, died July 17, 2009, in Abilene. She grew up in Abilene, graduated from Cooper High School, and received a social work and psychology degree from ACU. She met Tim Watson (’75) on a ski trip and they married Feb. 25, 1978. Ruth worked at the Abilene State School, as a social worker, and later for a local dentist. She is survived by her husband, Tim; five children; and a sister.
1976 Patsy Murray Pool, 75, died June 14, 2009, in Abilene. She was born Feb. 21, 1934, in Noonday and married Teddy Pool Dec. 6, 1952. She earned her bachelor’s degree from McMurry University and her master’s from ACU, then began teaching elementary school in 1968. She is survived by her husband, Ted Pool; two sons; one daughter; and seven grandchildren.
1982
1994 Kiowa Tumok Garcia, 37, died July 2, 2009, in Sulphur Springs. He was born in Abilene on Dec. 28, 1971. He worked as a medical technologist. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca (Godwin); a son; a daughter; two stepsons; his mother; and a sister, Kristi (Garcia ’92) Salinas. He was preceded in death by his father. Dennis D. Webber, 63, died July 17, 2009, in Arizona. He was born July 8, 1946, in Denver, Colo., and married Linda Martin in 1963. He served in the Army from 1964-68 and graduated from Whites Ferry Road School of Preaching in 1975. He later earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at ACU and moved to Arizona in 2007. He is survived by his wife, Linda; three sons, Doyle Webber, Chad Webber and Michael Webber; two daughters, Denae Gleason and Megan (Webber ’99) DeFeo; his mother; and nine grandchildren.
1996 Kathy Kiser, 53, died Nov. 4, 2009, in Abilene after a short illness. She was born March 6, 1956, in Carlsbad, N.M. She married Jack Kiser (’71) in Abilene Nov. 12, 1979. Kathy taught reading recovery at Ortiz Elementary School and was a member of Beltway Park Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son; a sister; and a brother. She is survived by her husband; two sons, Jackson “Cole” Kiser (’08) and Samuel Chase Kiser (’09); and four brothers.
OTHER FRIENDS Lillian “Imogene” Siburt Filbeck, 91, died Aug. 7, 2009, in Abilene. She was born May 28, 1918, in Hardeman County, Tenn., and later graduated from Freed-Hardeman University. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles Siburt Sr. (’62), and also by her second husband, Dr. Orval Filbeck, a longtime education professor at ACU. She is survived by two daughters, Elva Devers and Myra (Siburt ’65) Holmans; a son, Dr. Charles Siburt Jr. (’68); a stepson, Dr. Jim Filbeck (’63); a stepdaughter, Janice (Filbeck ’64) Stone; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; and nine step-great-grandchildren. Audrey D. Boles Merrell, 93, died June 30, 2009, in Abilene. She was born March 27, 1916, in DeKalb County, Tenn., and grew up in Akron, Ohio, where she attended the University of Akron. She married Ralph J. Merrell in 1940. Audrey was a life member of Friends of ACU Library and a member of Southern Hills Church of Christ. She is survived by two sons, Dr. David Merrell (’64) and Cpt. Daniel Merrell (’68); a daughter, Lois (Merrell ’71) Vicars; 11 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Steve Albert Ravanelli, 42, died Sept. 7, 2009, in Denver, Colo. He was born Jan. 14, 1967, in Lubbock to James (’62) and Glenda Gay (Fowler ’62) Ravanelli. He attended ACU and New Mexico State University, then worked as a correctional officer in New Mexico and Colorado. Steve is survived by his wife, Sheri (Porter ’94) Ravanelli; a daughter, Lacey Ravanelli; his parents; and two sisters, Kimberly (Ravanelli ‘88) Spencer and Christy (Ravanelli ’93) Kerbers.
Denise (Stephens) Hunter, 48, died Aug. 17, 2008. ACU TODAY
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Second GLANCE By Dr. Jeanine Varner
A World of Ideas Dr. Jeanine Varner is professor of English and provost of ACU. She earned a B.A. from Oklahoma Christian University, and a master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. Varner served as OC’s vice president for academic affairs for 11 of her 36 years in higher education. She joined the ACU faculty in 2007 as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and became Abilene Christian’s provost in May 2009. As the university’s chief academic officer, she oversees all academic programs, working closely with the deans of the colleges and the department chairs. At ACU, the provost’s responsibility includes both the curriculum and the co-curriculum, i.e. students’ learning experiences inside and outside of the classroom.
DR. KEVIN KEHL
They live up as they work in international schools in Leipzig or Beijing. They live up as they fight poverty and injustice through their work with Oxfam International in Oxford or as they minister to the poor and needy in a health clinic for a congregation in Montevideo. They live up as they worship together and consider what it means to be committed global Christians in a world now often described as post-Christian. And they live up when they return to campus as changed people. Despite their pre-departure preparation, they sometimes I can be back there in an instant – simply with a taste, a come back to campus a bit disoriented. They have experienced smell, a sound. Although my first experience abroad was nearly a whole new world of ideas, and they can no longer see things forty years ago, just after my freshman year in college, I am often the same way. Their map of the world has changed. instantly transported back to the streets of Paris – with the taste In the summer of 2009, the map of my world changed again of a crusty piece of French bread, the pungent smell of strong as I traveled to Leipzig, Germany, and to Accra, Ghana, with a breakfast tea, the mellifluous sound of the spoken French word. group of academic administrators to consider those cities as I had only a month to study in Paris, but it was a month that possible international centers for ACU’s Study Abroad programs. rearranged my world. Along with Dr. Kevin Kehl, executive director of the Center Prior to that month abroad, the map of my world had my for International Education at ACU; Dr. Jack Reese (’73), dean of college, my congregation, my state and my country planted the College of Biblical Studies; and Dr. MaLesa (Smith ’80) firmly at the geographic center. In that month, the map changed. Breeding, dean of the College of Education and Human Services, I changed. I had the exciting experience of imagining the Since then, early in each fall, spring and ideas our students would encounter as they summer semester, I’ve stood alongside students studied the history of the Protestant Reformation as they said their farewells to friends and parents, in Wittenberg, Germany, where Martin Luther giving and receiving prolonged, often tearful, nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the pre-departure hugs and kisses. I’ve prayed along cathedral. I also had the thrilling opportunity to with those students, asking God’s blessing on their imagine the ideas – the startling, challenging ideas – Study Abroad semester, and knowing that God would our students would encounter as they studied the bless them beyond what I could ask or imagine. And, future of Christianity in Ghana, a nation where year after year, late in the semester, I’ve experienced Christianity is strong, vital and flourishing in a the joy of welcoming those students back to campus. way we only long for here in the United States. Not exactly those students. Different students, During our travels, all day every day – and well actually. Changed people. into the nights – my colleagues Kevin, Jack, Lesa Some of the change is visible. Some students and I talked about what we had learned. We’d had Varner, Reese and Breeding come back a little thinner because of the miles a glimpse of what it meant to experience life in of walking they’ve done. Others come back a lot East Germany, life before the fall of the wall. We’d had a glimpse shaggier because of the ongoing contest to see who could go of life and learning at the University of Leipzig, which was the longest without shaving. celebrating its 600th anniversary. We’d witnessed the extreme But the most important changes are not visible. At the end of poverty in Accra. We’d caught sight of the extravagant beauty of their Study Abroad semester, the students come back as changed the seacoasts and rainforests of Ghana. More importantly, we’d people who have experienced a whole new world of ideas. seen firsthand the extraordinary, vibrant beauty of the Lord’s Whether in Oxford or Montevideo, Leipzig or Beijing, church in Accra and in neighboring villages. they’ve had to consider who they are, what they believe and And we could hardly wait to share it all with ACU’s faculty why they believe it. They’ve had to consider and reconsider their and students. Before we went, we all knew the importance of cultural assumptions. They’ve examined the language, the history, study abroad in educating students for Christian service and the politics, the art and music and theatre of the country in leadership throughout the world. We knew it because of our own which they’ve been studying. And, most importantly, they study abroad experiences and because of our years of experience have experienced life in that country – they have lived it. in working with students. But during our travels we lived the ACU’s enrollment marketing professionals have recently experience, albeit briefly, and we came back eager and excited introduced the Live Up campaign (see pages 18-21) as a way to share that experience with our faculty colleagues and our of describing the distinctive experience of students in the students. We came back convinced all over again that each university and the ways in which they stretch themselves to day’s experience would introduce our students to a new world grow intellectually and emotionally and spiritually during their of ideas – ideas that would change them – and the map of years at ACU. There could certainly be no more apt phrase to their world – forever. 䊱 describe what students do as they experience their Study Abroad semester. They live up.
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ACU TODAY
“This is what you helped me do!”
Y
ou can’t blame Jasmin Richardson for having stars in her eyes as the talented 2009 graduate from Houston embarks on an exciting future in musical theatre. The recipient of several endowed scholarships, she knows firsthand the difference that donors to each fund made in her opportunity to earn a quality degree from ACU. “I wish I could hug them and thank them for believing in ACU enough to donate, even when they didn’t know whom the money would specifically help,” Jasmin said.
Every day, the generosity of donors to Abilene Christian makes a life-changing difference in the education of thousands of grateful students from around the world. The philanthropy has great benefit for investors as well, because planned gifts provide income, support heirs and create a tax advantage while also making a significant difference at ACU. You are invited to use the resources of The ACU Foundation for personal, family and philanthropic planning; the realization of dreams; and the building of legacies.
Abilene Christian University ACU Box 29132 Abilene, Texas 79699-9132
C O M I N G U P 2010 Wildcat Preview Days ................................ January 22,29; February 5; March 5,12,26; April 9,23 2010 National SAT Test Dates ............ January 23, March 13, May 1, June 5 2010 National ACT Test Dates ......................... February 6, April 10, June 12 Service Saturday ......................................................................... January 30 Sing Song ............................................................................. February 19-20 Sing Song Premiere Weekend ............................................... February 19-20 Spring Break Campaigns .......................................................... March 15-19 FilmFest ............................................................................................ April 11 www.facebook.com/abilenechristian
ACU for Abilene Service Day ............................................................ April 17 Golden Anniversary Reunion ...................................................... April 21-23 May Commencement ......................................................................... May 8 June Passport (New Student Orientation) ................................... June 27-29 August Commencement ................................................................. August 6 August Passport (New Student Orientation) ............................ August 15-17 Welcome Week ....................................................................... August 18-22 104th Opening Assembly ............................................................. August 23 92nd Annual September Summit ...................................... September 20-23
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www.twitter.com/ACUsports BRIAN SCHMIDT
Hot soup, coming right up Students and faculty from the Department of Art and Design participate Sept. 21 in an Iron Pour on Monday night of the 92nd annual Summit. The project created iron bowls and skillets that were filled with soup and sold two days later, with proceeds helping to feed the hungry.