From the PRESIDENT
ACU Today is published twice a year by the Office of University Marketing at Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas.
STAFF
O
ne of the great joys in my role is seeing graduates in action in their chosen professions. I recently
J’LYN EMERSON
had the privilege to volunteer for a few days in the life-changing work at LiveBeyond in Haiti and was amazed at what I saw. There, David M. Vanderpool Jr., M.D. (’82) and his wife, Laurie (Stallings ’81), coordinate an effective Schubert and a new friend in Haiti. ministry providing medical and maternal health care, clean water, education, and support for orphans and other at-risk Haitians still recovering from devastating earthquakes six years ago. They are joined there by Christians from around the world, many with ACU degrees or roots. This issue of our magazine provides more proof of the ways our students, faculty, staff and alumni make a real difference in the world. Among them: • Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Dr. H. Jeff Kimble (’71) and other exemplary alumni award winners. • Associate professor of physics and engineering Dr. Josh Willis (’97) and others involved in a history-making science discovery. • Minister and best-selling author Max Lucado (’77), who donated to Brown Library the entire collection of papers and other artifacts from his career. • Student-athletes on our women’s basketball team, led by head coach Julie Goodenough, who are helping lead ACU to new heights in NCAA Division I.
I especially encourage you to read “Is It Worth It?” on pages 36-39, a look at what we have been doing to make the cost of a quality college degree affordable for students and families, and worth their investment. Abilene Christian has become known as one of the top innovators in higher education, and we’ve applied that expertise to our annual block tuition program, which allows students to graduate in less time, saving up to $17,500 on their overall cost and reducing debt after graduation. More than half of our students are now taking advantage of this opportunity to earn a degree in as little as three and a half years, entering the job market sooner and maximizing their time while living and learning at ACU. Our students deserve that kind of affordable access. Why? Our world needs to hear the Good News of Jesus more today than ever before. It needs to see the Gospel lived out in lives of purposeful leaders who serve in homes, businesses, churches and the many kinds of communities around us. It needs highly educated Christian men and women to model teamwork and innovation through an unrelenting passion for excellence. It needs godly, prayerful people who exemplify integrity, speak truth and use God’s Word to guide their steps. Our world needs more Abilene Christian graduates. I believe in ACU and in those who personify and carry out our mission each day. Thank you for believing in us and joining us in the greatest of endeavors. We succeed because of God’s favor and your generous support.
DR. PHIL SCHUBERT (’91), President The mission of ACU is to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world.
Editor: Ron Hadfield (’79) Assistant Editor: Robin (Ward ’82) Saylor Associate Editor: Katie (Noah ’06) Gibson Sports Editor: Lance Fleming (’92) Contributing Writers This Issue: Paul A. Anthony (’04), Grant Boone (’91), Sarah Carlson (’06), Judy Chambers, Katie (Noah ’06) Gibson, Chris Macaluso, Deana (Hamby ’93) Nall Contributing Photographers This Issue: Bill Albrecht, Terri Aldriedge, Shawn Best, Paul Bryan (’05), Steve Butman, Richard Carson, Dr. Neal Coates (’87), Joel Coleman, Lindsey (Hoskins ’03) Cotton, Ralph Duke, J’Lyn Emerson (’11), Jeremy Enlow, Genine Esposito, Gerald Ewing, Jason Flynn, Bre Heinrich (’16), Rachael Hubbard, David Gordon, Jason Jones, Rendi (Young ’83) Hahn, Bambi Kiser, Brady Lane (’05), David Leeson (’78), Kim Leeson, Guy “Mojo” Lewis (’80), Ty Maddox (’92), David Mayes, Clyde Morgan (’48), Tim Nelson, Clark Potts (’53), Leah Rama (’13), Dr. Sally (Johnston ’69) Reid, Gary Rhodes (’07), Garner Roberts (’70), Jeff Rogers (’02), Alicia Sankar, Stephanie Sariles (’16), Bryan Stewart, Ben Walnick, Adam Wesley, Cade White (’88), Paul White (’68), Rick Yeatts Contributing Graphic Designers This Issue: Greg Golden (’87), Ashlyne Lanza (’16), Todd Mullins, Amy Willis Proofreaders: Paul A. Anthony (’04), Vicki Britten, Amber (Gilbert ’99) Bunton, Rendi (Young ’83) Hahn, Scott Kilmer (’01), Bettye (McKinzie ’48) Shipp
ADVISORY COMMITTEE Administration: Suzanne Allmon (’79), Dr. Gary D. McCaleb (’64), Dr. Robert Rhodes Advancement: Jim Orr, J.D. (’86); Billie Currey, J.D. (’70), Sarah Carlson (’06) Alumni Relations: Craig Fisher (’92), Jama (Fry ’97) Cadle, Samantha (Bickett ’01) Adkins Marketing: Jason Groves (’00) Student Life: Chris Riley, J.D. (’00), Prentice Ashford (’13) Ex-officio: Dr. Phil Schubert (’91)
CORRESPONDENCE ACU Today: hadfieldr@acu.edu ACU Alumni Association: alumni@acu.edu Record Changes: ACU Box 29132, Abilene, Texas 79699-9132, 325-674-2620
ON THE WEB Abilene Christian University: acu.edu ACU Today Blog: acu.edu/acutoday Address changes and EXperiences: acu.edu/alumni/whatsnew/update.html ACU Advancement Office (Exceptional Fund, Gift Records): acu.edu/give ACU Alumni Website: acu.edu/alumni Find Us on Facebook: facebook.com/abilenechristian facebook.com/acusports Follow Us on Twitter: twitter.com/acuedu twitter.com/acusports Follow Us on Instagram: instagram.com/acuedu instagram.com/acualumni