The Optimist - March 6, 2009

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Friday, March 6, 2009 :: Vol. 97, No. 42 :: 1 section, 8 pages :: www.acuoptimist.com

Inside This Issue:

Pg. 4

Pg. 5

Violence in Mexico changes Spring Break Campaign plans

Pg. 8 Wildcats bounced from tournament with last-second shot Pg. 8

The Boys are Back in Town: Rocketboys band returns to Abilene

Track and Field team prepares for national championships

SA Congress impeaches president Representatives approve removal of student leader

Watkins: Ouster disregards rules of constitution

By Staff Report

Daniel Johnson-Kim Editor in Chief

After spending more than five hours Wednesday debating and discussing charges of irresponsible leadership, manipulation, disrespect and unethical behavior against Students’ Association Congress President Daniel Paul Watkins, the SA Congress voted to impeach Watkins, immediately stripping him of his title and responsibilities as president.

The SA Congress voted 25-5, with two members abstaining, in a closed hearing Wednesday to impeach Watkins, senior political science major from Fredericksburg, Va. Watkins, who was elected by 59.5 percent of students that voted in last April’s general elections, is the first SA Congress president to be impeached in ACU’s history.

Sarah Pulis, senior political science major from Longview, succeds Watkins as the new student body president, vacaing her office as vice president. SA Congress will hold a general election where the student body will vote to fill the vacant vice president position.

Pulis declined to comment. Watkins said the action was unconstitutional and was considering challenging the impeachment.

Watkins’ impeachment hearing began in Hart Auditorium and moved to Room 115 of the Biblical Studies Building after going on for more than two hours. The meeting began at 5 p.m., and Freshman Sen. Zach Linge, digital media major from San Antonio, said the hearing was a heated exchange and a “circus” at times.

“It was clear to me and the overall majority of the executive officers that [Watkins’] attitude is negative, manipulative, divisive, and it is clear to me he is not the type of president that should reflect Abilene Christian University,” Linge said.

Sophomore Sen. Scott Adrian, political science major from Glendale, Calif., was surprised Watkins was impeached and said the impeachment process seemed unfair.

“He was more progressive than anyone,” Adrian said. “He’s a student advocate more than anyone in the Students’ Association.”

Chief Financial Officer Luke Cochran, junior accounting major from Round Rock, wrote Watkins on Wednesday, informing him of charges he was bringing against the former president and that he was pursuing impeachment and Watkins’ removal from office.

According to the letter Cochran wrote to Watkins, he claimed Watkins failed “to lead the Students’ Association in a positive manner,” showed “disrespect for the Abilene Christian University community” and failed to “adhere to the ethical standards of conduct as noted in the Abilene See

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer Daniel Paul Watkins sits at the front of Hart Auditorium during a Students’ Association Congress meeting Sept. 24. On Wednesday, Watkins became the first president in SA Congress history to be removed from office.

How They Voted Voted to impeach Watkins: Aaron Michael Escobedo, Education Building rep.

Amie Cavitt, Don Morris rep.

Brent Dill, Junior senator Byron Martin, Senior senator Daniel Burgner, Junior senator Jared Elk, Edwards Hall rep.

Jordan Hancock, Administration Building rep.

Ryan Gertner, Chambers Hall rep.

Steven Cardona, Junior senator Zach Linge, Freshman senator

Voted to not impeach Watkins: Danielle Urias, Sophomore senator Kyle Pickens, Senior senator Scott Adrian, Sophomore senator

Abstained from vote: Erin Kessler, Senior senator

The impeachment hearing was closed to the public. SA Congress members used a secret ballot system to vote on the impeachment of Daniel Paul Watkins. Congress members had the choice of voting for removing Watkins’ from office, against Watkins’ removal from office or abstaining from voting. The Congress voted 25-5-2 to impeach Watkins.

Chose not to reveal vote: Grant Boston, Junior senator Hailey Clinton, Freshman senator Kelly Lytle, Freshman senator Laura Christine Ruiz, Gibson rep.

Could not be reached: Jacob Groves, Freshman senator Carson Henley, Freshman senator Karissa Wolf, Sophomore senator Stacey Klinge, Barret Hall rep.

Julianne Hart, Gardner Hall rep.

Jake Hutto, Mabee Hall rep.

Connor Best, Mabee Hall rep.

Keri Gray, McDonald Hall rep.

Melanie Wheeler, Morris Hall rep.

Amanda Paramore, Sikes Hall rep.

Sarah Whitworth, Smith-Adams

Hall rep.

Ashley Alton, Administration Building rep.

Chris Shim, Off-Campus rep.

Kyle Moore, Off-Campus rep.

Kyle Smith, COBA rep.

Trevor Brunt, COBA rep.

Matt Mastalka, COBA rep.

Stephen Moore, COBA rep.

Nathan Pickle, Foster Science Building rep.

Colter Lane, Foster Science Building rep.

Breanna Anderson, Chambers Hall rep.

Randy Woods, Don Morris rep.

Chris Simpson, Zone Luce rep.

Minda Hyde, Gibson rep.

Former Students’ Association Congress President Daniel Paul Watkins declared he was a victim of character assassination and his impeachment was unconstitutional, illegitimate and illegal.

“It felt like a kangaroo court and a Mickey Mouse trial,” Watkins said.

Watkins was stripped of his title and responsibilities as student body president Wednesday after SA Congress voted 25-5-2 to remove him from office. SA Congress Chief Financial Officer Luke Cochran, junior accounting major from Round Rock, brought charges against Watkins and called for his impeachment.

Cochran claimed Watkins failed “to lead the Students’ Association in a positive manner,” showed “disrespect for the Abilene Christian University community” and failed to “adhere to the ethical standards of conduct as noted in the Abilene Christian University Campus Policies.”

Watkins said these charges were not impeachable offenses, according to the SA Congress Constitution or By-laws, the governing documents of ACU’s student government. He added he was unable to defend himself for two hours, while Congress members and executive officers gave testimony.

According to Article V of the SA Congress Constitution, a three-fourths majority of Congress is required to impeach an officer.

Watkins declared the constitution clearly stated 75 percent of the entire Congress must vote to impeach an officer, which therefore voided the vote taken by SA Congress on Wednesday.

Watkins said he was able to address the charges brought on by Cochran and defend himself but was asked to leave the room during the time Congress members and testimony from the other executive officers was delivered.

He said during the time he was not in the room, Congress members slandered him, and he was unable to respond to their accusations.

Watkins said the SA Congress most likely would not have impeached him had the process ended with Cochran’s accusations and Watkins’ rebuttal. It was the time the two were asked to leave the impeachment hearing that Watkins said Congress was turned against him.

“It became character assassination, and I was not given a chance to refute any of the charges that were brought up against me,” Watkins said.

Watkins denied he used profanity when referring to faculty members or used his position to manipulate and deceive the other executive officers. Watkins said the only time he did not

Removal page 3

See

Watkins page 3

Flames char Big Country homes, land Committee narrows search for Provost

By Colter Hettich Features Editor

The latest blaze in West Texas’ string of grass fires burned more than 300 acres Thursday, leaving only ash and burnt mesquite in its wake. Firefighters from Buffalo Gap, Ecca, Jim Ned, View and other surrounding towns worked together efficiently — with crucial help from Texas Forest Service (TFS) — and contained the flames just after dark.

“I wouldn’t even want to think what it would have looked like had [TFS] not responded as quickly as they

did,” said Les Bruce, Taylor County sheriff.

Bruce has his own ideas of what sparked the fire and assured Abilenians that a memo would go out Friday morning, enforcing a zerotolerance litter policy.

“Where I’m standing, it looks like a careless motorist,” Bruce said. “We all need to be much more careful.”

Cynthia Newman, County Road 154 resident, was one of the first to discover the blaze.

Newman spotted smoke as she drove down CR 158.

See

Char page 4

By Daniel Johnson-Kim Editor in Chief

Heather Leiphart :: staff photographer Jim Newman grieves over some of his property that was destroyed in Thursday’s fire. Firefighters were able to save residents’ houses.

acuoptimist.com: See a slideshow of photographs of the fire

The list of people who may become ACU’s next Chief Academic Officer is down to two: Dr. Jeanine Varner and Dr. Rob Stewart.

The Provost Search Committee narrowed the search from five applicants to two after several weeks of interviews and deliberations, and each candidate will visit with

ACU WEATHER

the committee, administrators, faculty and other groups on campus before the committee issues its final recommendation. The final decision of who the university will hire as its next provost will be made by Dr. Royce Money, president of the university.

Varner, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was surprised to hear she was one See

Online Poll :

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

High: 84 Low: 60

High: 78 Low: 54

High: 75 Low: 52

Abilene Christian University

Did SA do the right thing by impeaching the president?

a. He should have kept his job. b. They overreacted. c. Who cares about SA Congress? d. He deserves being impeached.

Videos :: Podcasts :: Slideshows Department of Journalism and Mass Communication ::

Provost page 3

acuoptimist.com ::

Serving the ACU community since 1912

2

Campus Day Friday, March 6, 2009

Calendar and Events

6

Friday

11-11:30 a.m.

Chapel will be a Praise Day with George Pendergrass in Moody Coliseum.

7

Saturday

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Big Country Home and Garden Expo will take place at the Civic Center. The event costs $2. For more information or to buy tickets, call Brenda Moore at 698-4232.

8

9

Sunday

Noon-5 p.m.

The Big Country Home and Garden Expo will take place at the Civic Center. The event costs $2. For more information or to buy tickets, call Brenda Moore at 698-4232.

7-11:55 p.m.

The Rocketboys will perform at Monks Coffee Shop.

acuoptimist.com

Online News Cast Watch vidoes about the Daniel Paul Watkins’ impeachment, the Brandon Woodruff trial, students’ spring break plans and students who serve as volunteer firefighters.

Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteers to deliver meals to some of the homebound members of the community. The commitment is once a week. Volunteers will pick up the meals from the Meals on Wheels building and deliver them to people around Abilene. It takes one hour each week. Call Mitzi McAndrew at 672-5050 to volunteer. Remember that this project is approved as a Faith in Action Chapel exemption project.

The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature needs volunteers to greet patrons, assist with art activities, sell books and make visitors feel welcome. Volunteers are needed Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

For more information, contact Debby Lillick at 673-4586.

Noah Project, a center for victims of family violence, needs volunteers to answer its hotline from 6-10 p.m.

Training will be provided, and after completing training, volunteers can sign up for time slots. Volunteers can sign up as often as needed.

Communities in Schools at Fannin Elementary School needs volunteers for one to two hours at 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Volunteers will give extra help to students in an after-school tutoring class. Come by the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center

Monday

Spring Break, no classes 6:30 p.m.

Crazy Hair Night, sponsored by Family Fun at the library, will be at the Mockingbird Branch. The free event will feature story time and prizes for the craziest hair.

downstairs in the Campus Center for more information.

Abilene Hope Haven needs volunteers to provide childcare, while parents are in a class. Volunteers are needed Monday through Thursday from 6:45-8:15 p.m. For more information, contact Christine Spillers at 437-0611.

HERO, Hendrick Equine Rehabilitation Opportunities, needs volunteers for its next program from March 17 through April 30.

Volunteers will assist the rider with tasks and are needed Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1:30–5 p.m. All volunteers must attend a training session the week before the program begins.

The Center for Contemporary Arts needs volunteers to give free art lessons to kids, while providing the opportunity to learn about art

Student Reporter

Students can satisfy their university core science requirements with two new courses next fall: companion animal management and general animal science. Each class is offered through the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Both classes were offered in the past, but this is the first semester they were approved as general sciences.

Although the classes are required for majors in the department, they are open to all students.

The decision to accept these courses as general sciences was based on the fact they were accepted at ACU

in the past, as well as at other universities, said Dr. Ed Brokaw, Bray Cook Professor of Agriculture and Environment. He said the classes cover a lot of basic science.

General animal science covers topics dealing with the production, care and sale of livestock. It includes a lab where students improve their judging and production skills.

Companion animal management is a class about pets.

The course will focus on pet uses for families and individuals and the care of those animals, including nutrition, health and training.

Students taking the course will have opportunities to meet local veterinarians, Animal Control employees, groomers and others in similar professions.

“Students are also encouraged to bring their pets to class,” said Dr. Florah Mhlanga, professor of agricultural and environmental sciences and the instructor of the course.

To ensure that an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style.

Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.

Remember that chaining or locking bicycles to handrails, trees or signposts is prohibited.

Students are advised to use the bike racks.

Always report suspicious activity to ACUPD at 674-2305 or 674-2911.

Chapel Checkup

Webcast Log on to www.youtube.com/acuvideo to see videos of the wind ensemble concert, the new Alumni Relations director and the events of Making Choices Week.

Credited Chapels to date:

39

Credited Chapels remaining:

34

Announcements through the ArtReach program. Volunteers do not have to be artists and are needed Monday through Friday from 1-5 p.m. For more information, call Katherine Trotter at 677-8389 or e-mail katherine@center-arts.com.

The Grace Museum is always in need of volunteers. Volunteers play a vital role in the daily operation of the museum. The minute visitors walk through the door, the experience in the museum relies on capable and trained volunteers. For more information about volunteer opportunities at The Grace Museum, call 673-4587.

Find out volunteer opportunities by visiting the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center’s Web site at www.acu.edu/vslc and clicking on Volunteer Opportunities. For more information or to sign up to help, contact the Volunteer and ServiceLearning Center in the Bean Sprout.

Animal education courses offered next fall

By Chelsea Hackney

The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities.

Groups may send announcements directly to jmcnetwork@acu.edu or to the Page 2 Editor at sar06g@acu.edu.

ACU Police Tip of the Week

Volunteer Opportunities The Christian Service Center needs volunteers to file requests in the donation center, sort and organize donations and occasionally pick up donated items. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-noon or from 2-4 p.m.

For more information, call Roberta Brown at 673-7531, or go to www. uccabilene.org/ministries/csc.htm.

About This Page

Mhlanga said she recommended the course to anyone with a love for animals, but majors like psychology and pre-med might find the class especially useful.

“Probably some medical students will end up using pet therapy in their practices,” Mhlanga said. “Knowing about pets becomes very critical, and they may not cover the management of pets in their courses.”

These courses allow students a different way to complete their science requirements and gain some practical knowledge in the process.

“I wish that I could take both of those classes instead of the classes that I took,” said Brent Dill, junior English major from Wellman.

“College students especially need to know how to take care of their pets.”

E-mail Hackney at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

The Master’s in Global IT Leadership interest meeting has changed to March 30 in the Campus Center after Chapel.

Free lunch will be provided.

The Women for ACU are accepting scholarship applications for the 2009-10 school year through March 20.

The scholarship is up to $2,000 a semester. Applicants must be a sophomore or junior, have a GPA of at least 3.0, be a male or female major in Biblical studies or a female in any major and an active student in the university. For more information, e-mail wacu@acu.edu.

freshmen can register April 8.

Arrange an appointment with your adviser to receive your advising code.

The ACU American Marketing Association will sponsor informational meetings every Tuesday at 9 p.m. in COBA, Room 117. All majors are welcome to attend.

Oplin will take place at the Oplin Community Center on Friday from 7:30-10:30 p.m.

The event costs $4 and will feature local band, Muddy Creek. For more information, go to www.grandoleoplin.com.

Daylight savings time begins Saturday. Turn all clocks ahead one hour and lose an hour of sleep, but gain 238 hours of additional daylight during the summer.

“Bored Games” will take place at the Mockingbird Branch on Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. The free event will feature board game tournaments and refreshments.

International Women’s Day will take place Sunday. The international holiday was created in 1911 to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women in history.

A Guitar Hero tournament will take place in the Abilene Public Library main auditorium Tuesday from 6:30-8 p.m. The free event will feature a Wii gaming system and Dance Dance Revolution. For more information, call 676-6067.

Spring break will begin Friday, and classes will resume at 8 a.m. on March 16.

The documentary, A Powerful Noise, will be shown in honor of International Women’s Day at the Century 12 Abilene Theater on Sunday at 7 p.m.

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www. fathomevents.com.

Bible Across America will take place in the Mall area Friday from 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Students can contribute their handwriting of Scripture for a handwritten version of the NIV. Registration for fall 2009 will take place March 25.

Registration will open at 3 p.m. to graduate, honors and Study Abroad students. Seniors can register March 30, juniors can register April 1, sophomores can register April 6 and

Abilene ArtWalk will take place at the Center for Contemporary Arts on Thursday from 5-8:30 p.m. The free event will feature restaurants, shops, museums and galleries in the historic downtown Abilene. For more information, call 677-8389.

The Paramount Film Series will present The Searchers, starring John Wayne, at the Paramount Theatre on March 13-14 at 7:30 p.m. The event costs $6 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, call 676-9620, or go to www.paramount-abilene.org.

Downtown Dayz, sponsored by the Abilene Downtown Association, will take place March 14 at 10 a.m. The event will feature shops, museums, food, art, music, movies and tours. For more information, call 672-9696.

FROM THE FRONT

Friday, March 6, 2009

Page 3

Removal: Members vote based on character, productivity Continued from page 1 Christian University Campus Policies.”

Executive officers said Watkins had encouraged dissent among them and SA Congress members by speaking over his time limits during meetings and treating members with disrespect. They said he also made “snide” comments toward Dr. John Willis, Burton Coffman Chair of Biblical Studies and professor of Old Testament, during a Congress meeting that resulted in Willis questioning whether or not he should return to the next week’s meeting.

Watkins also allegedly called Dr. Caron Gentry, assistant professor of Honors Studies and political science, a vulgar name and referred to Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president and dean for Student Life, multiple times as “a snake in the grass.”

They also said he had broken office equipment, totaling more than $400.

None of the charges were related to last September’s incident when Watkins said he found a noose in his office chair.

Thompson said he and SA Congress co-adviser Jeff Arrington, associate professor of physics and associate dean of Student Life, developed a process for impeachment after collaborating with legal counsel to make sure the process was fair for the accused officer and those who were issuing the charges.

No procedure for impeachment of an executive officer existed before, and Congress did not vote on the procedure implemented for Watkins’ hearing.

The executive officers, including Watkins, approved the

impeachment process, according to an e-mail sent to the student body from the executive officers Thursday night.

After Cochran submitted his charges to Watkins, the procedure called for Pulis to organize a meeting of the executive officers not being charged, so they could hear the cases of both the accusing member and the officer being charged. The executive officers voted 4-1 to bring the issue before Congress.

Pulis; Treasurer Spencer Hemphill, senior accounting major from Longview; Secretary Brianna Allen, senior exercise science major from Abilene, and Chief Communication Officer Lauren Sanders, senior graphic design major from Houston, all supported the impeachment.

Parliamentarian Caleb Archer, senior political science major from Southlake, voted to keep Watkins in office.

The Wednesday meeting was closed to the public.

Cochran presented and explained the charges, and Watkins was allowed five minutes to rebut each charge. Congress members were able to ask both Cochran and Watkins questions before both were excused from the meeting, so members could debate.

Four of the five other executive officers for the SA Congress argued for the impeachment.

Cohran presented the official charges to Watkins at the beginning of the meeting, and Watkins was able to defend himself against these charges.

However, he could not defend himself against the accusations and stories told in the testimonials because he no longer was present. Archer said these new charges were not official charges, and a quarter of the newcharges

were mentioned in previous cabinet meetings.

Watkins agreed he and his accuser would be required to leave the meeting before the executive officers and Congress members gave testimonials.

The main issue Watkins and Archer had was that the members presented new charges in their testimonials.

Many Congress members said while Watkins’ rhetoric and relations with people are unmatched, his productivity and character were questionable.

The vote for impeachment was recorded on secret ballots and counted by Arrington and Thompson.

According to the SA Congress By-Laws, 75 percent of the votes are needed to proceed with the impeachment.

The 25 votes for impeachment counted for more than

83 percent of the total.

The SA Congress Constitution also states a vote of three-fourths of the entire SA Congress was required for impeachment. Thompson emailed every Congress member and told them they were required to attend the Wednesday meeting. But when not enough Congress members came to the meeting, Archer told the SA Congress advisers that the impeachment process could not constitutionally continue.

The advisers overruled Archer and denied his request to stop the proceedings, a right he said they held.

Colter Hettich, Daniel Johnson-Kim, Kelline Linton, Michael Freeman and Tanner Anderson contributed to this story.

E-mail the Optimist at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Watkins: Former pres. Provost: Finalists boast years of experience considers challenge Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1 work the required 20 hours a week in the SA Congress office, a constitutional requirement of the SA executive officers, was when he had surgery on his leg at the beginning of the fall semester and when he took personal time to reflect after the incident in which a noose was left on his chair.

All of these examples were used as evidence to impeach Watkins, said Freshman Sen. Zach Linge, digital media major from San Antonio.

Watkins said he was investigating whether or

not he can appeal the impeachment, and would seek counsel from family, friends and mentors.

Watkins deactivated his Facebook account and declined to comment immediately after Congress voted to impeach him. He said he was surprised Congress voted to impeach him.

“This was out of left field and hit me like a sack of bricks,” Watkins said.

E-mail Johnson-Kim at: djj04a@acu.edu

the two finalists to become the Provost who would replace Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen.

ACU hired Varner in 2007 to head the College of Arts and Sciences, and it was only after encouragement from other ACU faculty and Varner’s family and friends that she decided to apply for the open position.

“I had an interest in it, but what really made me want to move forward was the encouragement from several of my colleagues here on campus,” Varner said.

Stewart, interim senior vice provost for Texas Tech University, returned a call from Dr. MeLesa Breeding, dean of the College of Health and Human

Students react to impeachment

By Tanner Anderson Page Designer

Several students sat down in the Campus Center and “World Famous Bean” for their evening meals; many of these students were unaware of the recent impeachment of Students’ Association Congress President Daniel Paul Watkins.

“I was shocked because I didn’t know he did anything; my question is how long has this been going on,” said Devin Anderson, freshman broadcast major from Kerrville.

After receiving notice of the current impeachment,

some students expressed an interest in the reasons behind SA Congress’ decision.

“I was shocked when I found out about it, but I can’t say anything else because I’m not aware of what happened,” said Aubree McClure, sophomore interior design major from Dallas.

“I would like to know the reasons behind the impeachment because these students are representing and speaking for the student body as a group.”

McClure said she thought Congress had done a good job so far.

“I also know that mistakes will happen, but you can’t

hold that against someone,” she said.

Carlee Cagle, sophomore musical theatre major from Arlington, said if the actual facts behind the impeachment are not presented publicly, alternative and false allegations could possibly surface.

“I would like to know what happened,” Cagle said.

“If people don’t tell us, other individuals will come up with more creative and inappropriate reasons.”

E-mail Anderson at: tsa04a@acu.edu

Services, and Breeding revealed he was one of the final two people up for the Provost position.

Stewart said he prayed with his wife and called Breeding back to let her know he was interested in pursuing the next phase of the application for the position. He applied for the position after ACU alumni in the Lubbock area alerted him to the open position.

Varner has more than 35 years of experience working in higher education and worked as the vice president of Academic Affairs at Oklahoma Christian University from 1996-2007. Varner said she was excited to have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of VanRheenen, but would bring a different

leadership style to the table.

“I think there will be adjustments for all of us to make when a new Provost arrives,” Varner said. “I have enormous respect for Dr. VanRheenen and for his relentless pursuit of academic excellence while he has been here.”

Varner and Stewart said they were committed to finding a way to carry on the university’s 21st Century Vision.

“The role of the Provost has several important ways of interacting with that vision, not the least of which is to assure high quality and growing academic programs that meet student interests and student needs,” Stewart said.

Stewart has 12 years of experience as an administrator

in higher education. He was an associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas Tech University, and has served as a department chair.

“He’s a good listener, he’s an extremely hard worker, he’s very perceptive and intuitive, and I’ve never seen a problem he could not solve.,” said Dr. Carol Heintz, associate dean at Texas Tech.

Stewart will be on campus the week after spring break and said he is open to answering any questions from faculty and administrators.

“I have a lot of questions that I hope to have answered,” Stewart said.

E-mail Johnson-Kim at: djj04a@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS / FROM THE FRONT

Page 4

Friday, March 6, 2009

Dangerous environment cancels campaign to Mexico

By Sondra Rodriguez Page 2 Editor

The Spring Break Campaign scheduled to travel to Casa de la Esperanza, an orphanage located one hour west of Chihuahua, Mexico, was forced to change its destination to Atlanta because of dangerous conditions in Mexico.

Mexico is in the midst of a drug war. More than 1,000 people have been murdered this year in addition to the 6,290 who were murdered in 2008 because of the war. Drug cartels, particularly cocaine cartels, are rising up against President Felipe Calderon, who has been sending Mexican troops to fight them since late 2006. Uprisings have resulted in abductions and the murder of both Mexican and foreign civilians through public be-

headings, home invasions and hand-grenade attacks. Much of the violence this year has happened in Juarez, Mexico, but is spreading quickly to Phoenix and southern Texas.

The group would have driven through Juarez to get to Casa de la Esperanza, and Mark Lewis, director of Student Life and Spiritual Life, Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president and dean for Student Life, and Jen Rogers, director of Student Ministries, decided Wednesday the trip was too dangerous.

Lewis, Rogers and Thompson were aware of the violence in Mexico through “state updates.” These are safety-related news briefs for both U.S. and international campaign locations, Rogers said. The three informed campaign members

Thursday that the location was too dangerous.

Rogers said she still has high hopes for the new campaign to Atlanta.

“If you have the eyes to see, you’ll find that there’s need everywhere,” she said.

Campaigners will not be with orphans in Mexico, but they still will find ways to serve those in need, Rogers said.

Curtis Smith, junior psychology major from Atlanta and co-leader of the campaign, said leaders were aware of the situation in Mexico and knew the administration had hesitations regarding whether the campaign was too dangerous.

“We had been planning for a plan B,” he said.

Plan B was to go to Atlanta, largely because it is Smith’s hometown, and he and coleader Katherine Lewis were

able to arrange lodging, accommodations and service work on short notice.

“We are working with Atlanta Inner City Ministry (AIM),” said Lewis, junior social work major from Wichita, Kan. “We don’t know exactly what we’re doing yet — it just depends on when they need us. We just know that we are working with this ministry Monday through Friday.”

KrisAnn Christian, junior psychology major from McKinney, is a member of the campaign and said that although she is disappointed about not working with the children in Casa de la Esperanza, she is comfortable with the administration’s decision.

“The school made a wise decision for saying they didn’t want to put our lives in danger, which this trip would have,”

she said. “You put your trust in God and know he’s going to take care of you, but you also have to know not to make stupid decisions and trust that God will still take care of you.”

Although they are no longer traveling to Mexico, the campaign still is supporting Casa de la Esperanza financially by mailing a check for the amount that would have been spent.

“We can’t do the labor, but at least they have the money, and we’re not saying what they have to do with it,” Lewis said. “We’re still supporting them financially and prayerfully.”

Members are disappointed to not work with the children but anticipate the trip to Atlanta.

“It’s frustrating to see all of my work go to ‘waste;’ however, it’s reassuring to

know that my God is able to do far more than I could ever imagine,” she said. “That’s the tension I’m living in.”

Smith said the group is keeping spirits raised.

“We were excited about working with those kids, but overall there’s a spirit of being excited about what God has for us in Atlanta,” he said.

“We’re looking at the possibilities and who we can serve – rolling with the punches.”

Lewis said knowing the group is supporting both locations has helped.

“We were going to Casa de la Esperanza; now we’re going to Atlanta, so I like to call it ‘Caslanta,”’ she said. “We’re still doing both, and that’s where my heart has settled.”

E-mail Rodriguez at: sar06g@acu.edu

SBC provides outlet for new experiences Char: Local families surprised by blaze

By Erin Mangold Student Reporter

Spring Break Campaigns are preparing to head to 20 national and four international destinations this week.

The campaigns traveling out of the country will go to Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and Regina, Canada.

Meredith Platt, sophomore Bible major from Midland and secretary of the SBC Committee, said Chicago, St. Paul and Guatemala were a few of the campaigns that filled up first.

However, the group traveling to Seattle is the largest. Mark Foster, junior information technology major from Abilene, and Katie Stansell, junior history major from Abilene, are the leaders of this campaign.

They went to Seattle their freshman year, and each said they could not wait to take another group back.

Foster said their campaign consists of 28 students, but most campaigns have about 10-15 people.

“It is a really great experience and a great way to meet new people and form new friendships,” Foster said.

Spring Break Campaigns offer students the opportunity to live out ACU’s mission statement: “To educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world.”

The Seattle group will be a part of “Urban Emersion,” allowing the members to experience Seattle through a homeless person’s eyes.

Group members are given only a few dollars and left

on the streets to fend for themselves for one day.

Also, according to the SBC Web site, “The campaigners will be working with area churches at their locations and will be doing everything from building churches and entertaining children to feeding the homeless and spreading the love of Christ by serving others, shining His light into a darkened world.”

“All of our contacts at the different locations have been very excited the past few weeks and cannot wait for ACU students to come to their communities,” Platt said.

For more information about spring break campaigns, visit www.acusbc.org.

E-mail Mangold at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Sojourning Servants

Students will visit the following places during spring break: n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Anchorage, Alaska Boston Boulder, Colo.

Chicago Denver Fort Worth Guatemala Honduras Houston Huntington Beach, Calif.

Libby, Mont.

Memphis, Tenn.

Miami New Orleans, La. Nicaragua Patchogue, N.Y. Regina, Canada Salem, Ore. Seattle St. Paul, Minn.

Washington D.C.

Continued from page 1 “I was going down the hill. The wind picked up, and then boom,” she said, as she reenacted the event. “I had to slam on my breaks, otherwise I would have driven right through the flames.”

Newman turned 180 degrees and wasted no time in warning her neighbors.

Thanks to her expediency, McMurry professor Paul Pyenta received a phone call during class from his home on CR 158.

“My wife called me and said, ‘Hey. You gotta come home. They’re evacuating,’” Paul said. “So I told her, ‘I’m on my way.’”

Paul and Josie gathered

their four children — Adam, 8, Noddi, 5, Gabe, 4, and Rainey, 2 — and followed authorities’ recommendations to leave their home and move east, away from the fire.

The Abilene Fire Department left the smoldering grounds at 5:22 p.m. and headed for home. Bruce said that anytime volunteers start packing up their equipment, it is a good sign that progress is being made.

Two hours later, Highway 83/84 reopened to traffic, as the remaining volunteer workers switched on the floodlights and searched the smoking earth for hot spots.

E-mail Hettich at: clh05d@acu.edu

ArtsFriday

March 6, 2009

Page 5

Rock album offers new take on ‘Inferno’ and inner conflict

By Lydia Melby Arts Editor

RED, a Nashville-based alternative/metal rock band whose debut album End of Silence was released in 2006 and nominated for a Grammy in 2007, will be performing in Abilene at Midnight Rodeo on March 13, as part of its tour to promote its second album, Innocence & Instinct.

You might recognize RED from the popular songs Breathe Into Me, Let Go, or Pieces. RED has toured with bands such as Flyleaf, Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, Staind, Papa Roach and Sevendust.

The band’s newest album, Innocence & Instinct, was released Feb. 10, and debuted on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart at No. 15, selling nearly 40,000 copies in its first week. The de-

luxe edition of the album, which featured four additional tracks, was released the same day.

The album’s theme is the “duality of man,” said guitarist Jasen Rauch. Rauch writes that the album seeks to explore “the fight between our child-like innocence and the instinctive side… On our first release, End of Silence, we addressed issues we struggled with, but this time it’s about the struggle itself.”

In Innocence & Instinct, the audience finds a depth of feeling and barely controlled emotion not always present in similar post-grunge rock bands.

The shadow of Dante’s Inferno, which the band named as a major influence for the album, is both foreboding and inspiring, and the thoughtful lyrics of many of the tracks give a complexity that sets those tracks apart from the self-pitying angst one otherwise might ex-

pect when browsing through the song titles.

Fight Inside, which the band claims is the best representation of the album’s message, is a devastating anthem about the struggle between one’s conscious soul and primal desires. The contrast of the piano-themed verses and the pounding choruses sums up the precarious position between “overcoming and being overcome.”

Death of Me, the band’s first single, is a smart, angry rock song with brash guitars, a rallying chorus and a sweeping conclusion. The song takes you inside the head of the singer, as he laments the choices that have led him to realize he is his own worst enemy.

The regretful Start Again, which chronicles the breakdown of a relationship and the deep shame and remorse

that follow, showcases powerful piano and string arrangements, as well as the traditional rock set up in the foreground of the music.

The acoustic-influenced Never Be the Same holds up the Innocence half of the album’s theme. The track features hopeful lyrics and a rich mixture of acoustic and electric guitar, as well as a beautiful orchestral backing.

Shadows, an anguished cry for help that clearly reflects the Inferno theme, is a balanced mix of ballad and driven rock rhythms and is one of my favorites from the album.

RED’s sophomore album (the standard edition) also includes the raw, crashing Out From Under, the inspiring revamped cover of Duran Duran’s idealistic Ordinary World, the beautifully despairing final track Take it All Away and Con-

He gives little tastes and bits of different kinds of music. I don’t like everything he plays, but I’ve found a lot of new music that he plays that I like.

By Kelline Linton Chief Copy Editor

Myra Dean, KACU Development

Director and fan of ‘The Appetizer’

”

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer

Dave Smith, host of The Appetizer, reviews the album Yield by Pearl Jam on his show Feb. 5.

‘Appetizer’ gives taste of something new

By Kimberly Wolford Student Reporter

The Appetizer, a variety music show produced by KACUFM, is beginning the process to receive syndication.

Dave Smith (’04), better known to listeners as D Grant Smith, is the host of The Appetizer and an operations assistant at KACU. “We mainly focus on independent music, alternative, rock, folk and acoustic, anything other than hillbilly country and rap music,” Smith said in reference to the show.

Myra Dean, development director at KACU, said she is a big fan of the show and a regular listener. Dean said Smith puts a good deal of hard work into the production, and that the effort shows in the result.

“Everything he does at the station is really top quality,” Dean said. “He’s out there finding people that have been overlooked, the ones that

maybe haven’t been discovered yet... He doesn’t just give you the music; he gives you the back story that goes with it, and I love the content.”

The main goal of The Appetizer is to highlight and give a creative outlet to talented, non-commercial bands. This includes local bands.

“The target audience is people in their 20s and 30s, but surprisingly, we have a very wide audience,” Smith said.

The Appetizer has been on KACU since Sep. 20, 2003.

Smith said he wanted to make the comparison to food with the title because like the wide variety of foods that can be served as appetizers, there exists a wide variety of music played on his show.

“He gives little tastes of different kinds of music,” Dean said. “I don’t like everything he plays, but I’ve found a lot of new music that he plays that I like, and it gives me hope for the future that there

is still really good music being produced.”

Smith said the syndication process for the show began because of some recent attention from The Dallas Morning News and other media outlets in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

“His show is one of those that just keeps growing, from word of mouth. People hear it, then other people hear about it and get curious,” Dean said.

“If you can just get them to listen, you’ve got them hooked.”

The attention began when a reporter was driving through Abilene and listening to KACU, Smith said. The reporter wrote an article in a matter of days about the show. Smith said the tagline was, “Kudos to KACU for playing music that we’re listening to.”

“There is no way to tell how many people listen to The Appetizer, but if I had to guess, I would say between 500 and 700 people,” Smith

said. “[They are] the people that listen listen faithfully.”

Dean said she thought the show will continue to be successful since it offers something unique to the music radio world.

“You know, people don’t think good music is being done these days, and Dave shows proof that there really is,” Dean said. “He’s played several artists now that I’ve never heard of, but that really would appeal to everyone.”

The Appetizer airs at 11 p.m. Saturday on KACU. For more information about The Appetizer or the music played on the show, visit its Myspace or Facebook pages.

Go to www.appetizerradio. com to hear podcasts about the show, stories about the songs and more information on this KACU production.

E-mail Wolford at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Band releases album, launches tour

By Adrianna Castaneda Student Reporter

Arizona-based band Anarbor has started a riot beginning in California and now is making its way toward Texas.

Anarbor was formed in the seventh grade when the band members, Slade Echeverria, lead singer/bass; Mike Kitlas, guitarist; Adam Juwig, guitarist, and Greg Garrity, drummer, headed on the road, while driving back from summer school and listening to old Senses Fail. The boys of Anarbor began their friendships in kindergar-

fession (What’s Inside My Head), which is a fine enough metal ballad but seems a bit lackluster compared to the rest of the songs on the CD. RED is one of the up-andcoming alternative/metal bands of this era and offers a diverse array of musical styling on both of its albums. I was a huge fan of End of Silence, but after having Innocence & Instinct on repeat

for the last few days, I would say the band far outstripped that previous effort. Not only is its album a valuable contribution to the genre, but the concert March 13 promises to be an event you should not miss.

E-mail Melby at: lgm05e@acu.edu

Rocketboys set to perform at Monks

“

::

Photo courtesy of Bari Lieberman, Midnight Rodeo

ten, and the bond has stood strong ever since.

“I will tell you a good reason why [Abilenians should listen to us]. Because I know every single person out there is sick of the same pop songs released every weekend, so go out and listen to our songs — you will hear real instruments and real singing,” Kitlas said.

Anarbor has a goal to change the music scene by describing its music as “diverse” and “… completely different from what all the bands that you are hearing right now…we are trying to change,” Kitlas said.

Through the Take Action

Tour, Anarbor wants to illustrate its goals. This tour features bands such as Cute Is What We Aim For, Meg & Dia, Every Avenue and Breathe Carolina.

This tour is a non-profit charity event with the aim to help advocate the youth of America.

Kitlas described the band’s involvement by saying, “Doing charity work is what music is all about, spreading the word out and getting people aware of what is going on in the world and using your talents to do good work.”

The tour begins in San Antonio at the White Rabbit on

Friday, and continue to Austin at Emo’s on Saturday and to Dallas at the House of Blues on Sunday.

If you have been sparked with interest by the heart of Anarbor, be sure to try and make time for one of these dates and check it out. The band also has a new EP coming out Tuesday.

To see the previews of what you can expect from the EP, visit the band’s MySpace music account at www.myspace.com/anarbor.

E-mail Castaneda at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

The Rocketboys (formerly Homer Hiccolm and the Rocketboys) will returning to Abilene to perform in the town of its alma mater for the first time this semester.

The band will take the stage Saturday at Monks Coffee Shop, 233 Cypress St. The event, which includes three other bands, is from 7-11:55 p.m. and costs $7.

Mitch Holt (’07), guitar player and singer for the Rocketboys, said Monks was the band’s favorite place to play in Abilene.

“It has a really simple set up as far as sound goes, but it has a more intimate atmosphere,” he said. “They have good coffee, and it is special to a lot of us.”

Sarah Hagood, barista at Monks, said a good number of the coffee shop’s customers are fans of the Rocketboys.

“The buzz shows they are really excited for them to come,” Hagood said. “I expect there to be a lot of people.”

The Rocketboys will perform with three other bands: Ballroom Ballroom, a local band with mainly Hardin-Simmons University students as the members; Pompeii, a band from Austin that already played with the Rocketboys in the past; and Weaver at the Loom, a band from Wisconsin.

Weaver from the Loom contacted the Rocketboys out of the blue, and the band members liked its sound, so they decided to set up a show with the group, Holt said.

“They are a good band and will gain some fans after people watch them,” he said.

Holt said Pompeii is a fun band that is similar in style to the Rocketboys.

“They are like an indie band with fewer members than us,” he said. “They have a really fun show and awesome vocal melodies.”

And Holt said performing with Ballroom Ballroom also would be enjoyable for the Rocketboys.

“It’s always fun to play with people you respect and like,” he said.

The Rocketboys has a special surprise Saturday for its loyal Abilene fan base: the band will play new songs off a soon-tobe-released record. The CD, which the band mem-

“

People are going to be able to connect with the music in a simpler fashion than they have in the past.

It’s a more timeless sound. ::

Mitch Holt (‘07), guitar player

”

and singer for the Rocketboys

bers are recording in midMarch, will be their first full-length record. Holt said most of the CD’s songs already are written, but the titles of the songs and CD are not yet decided.

“We are really excited about it,” he said. “The songs are a lot simpler and more straight-forward.”

Holt said the band members took the best of what they liked about themselves and put it on this record. The lyrics are introspective, and the recording will be more indie sounding.

“Rocketboys’ fans are going to like it. It has our classic sound, the ambient indie rock sound, but more folksy,” he said.

“People are going to be able to connect with the music in a simpler fashion than they have in the past. It’s a more timeless sound. We will maintain musical integrity and have the actual songs speak for themselves.”

Upon the CD’s release in June, the Rocketboys will have a CD release tour.

In the meantime, the band members are working on establishing themselves in Austin. Their first Austin show in January as a hometown Austin band was completely sold out.

After playing in Abilene, the band will head to Austin to perform at The Parrish on Thursday; they also will play in the South

by Southwest festival in Austin before they begin to record their new CD. “The Rocketboys are really talented and play really good music,” Hagood said. “They have a good stage presence and keep the crowd engaged.”

E-mail Linton at: krl04b@acu.edu

ViewsFriday

Page 6

March 6, 2009

SA Congress must strive for maximum productivity

T

he Students’ Association Congress is not a high school student government. Both represent students to an administration. But collegiate student governments are more than a few friendly faces who organize field days, decorate school dances or buy students pizza; they strive to improve student life. Without the SA Congress, students do not have a link to the administration, a liaison that is committed to students because they are students. This link is invaluable as long as it effectively represents the student body, tackles the pressing issues, both big and small, and never stops working toward a better future for the students on this campus.

But, the link is almost broken. The 2008-09 SA Congress has not fulfilled its responsibilities. Instead, its president is impeached, campaign promises remain unfulfilled, forums remain unscheduled and legislation remains a steady stream of public relations statements.

Congress is “all voice and no bite,” a weak representation of the students that lacks authority and action.

But, thankfully, the link is not completely broken. Under new leadership, SA Congress still can salvage itself and become an authoritative voice for the student body this semester if it just does something, anything.

The 2005-06 SA Congress faced similar problems. During

Significant issues tackled by past SA Congresses 2007-08 SA Congress:

• Brought Def Poetry Jam to campus • Organized Welcome to Abilene for the first time • Sponsored several forums with administration • Helped fund C.S. Lewis scholar Michael Ward’s visit to campus • Issued campus-wide survey

2006-07 SA Congress:

• Sponsored Invision 2007 leadership banquet and training session for student leaders on campus • Established Freedom of Information Act: gave students access to minutes of all public SA meetings and any committees formed, information about student organizations, internal policy statements, SA budgets and day-to-day expenditures of student organizations that receive funding from student activity fees • Placed soda fountain in the Bean Sprout • Chartered buses for away football games

2005-06 SA Congress:

• Discussed core curriculum changes with administration • Worked to open the “World Famous Bean” on Sunday nights

2004-05 SA Congress:

• Added the WB Channel to the campus’ cable lineup • Worked to connect the Sikes Hall and Williams Performing Arts Center parking lots

Letter to the Editor Impeachment unfairly maligns SA Congress president’s character The character of a young man has been impugned with vague accusations; and because of the vagueness of the charges, he cannot even defend himself. This could affect his acceptance at law school, any jobs for which he might apply and his reputation for years to come.

It does not even appear to be a legal action.

According to the Student Association Web site (http://www.acustudents. com/index.html) there are 44 members of the Student Congress. According to news accounts, only thirty-

two students voted altogether, including two who abstained.

Thirty-three votes in favor should have been required to remove a member of the Executive Board from office, instead of the 25 that were used to pass the motion.

The fact it was allowed to happen in direct contradiction of the Constitution and By-Laws and was sanctioned by faculty members is very questionable.

The SA Constitution says that any student holding an office who fails to meet the requirements of office as specified in

the 2005 fall semester, it passed a total of three resolutions: to encourage Edwards Hall residents not to park in Mabee Hall parking spaces, to direct its Administration Relations committee to look into the costs of intramurals and to support unity among women’s social clubs.

These resolutions were empty statements; they were a weak cry for change without the action needed for change.

Similarly, the 2008-09 SA Congress recently passed its own “fluff” resolution, formally approving legislation that endorsed the building of the new advertisement kiosk. Of course, Physical Resources planned to build the kiosk with or without the “approval” of Congress, but now our student leaders essentially have told the administration that the student body supports the kiosk and the no-flyer policy that accompanies it.

Although the two congresses are comparable, we see a difference. The 2005-06 SA Congress changed. During the 2006 spring semester, it fully used its student leadership abilities in two significant ways: taking steps to actively discuss core curriculum changes with the administration and working to open the “World Famous Bean” on Sunday nights. It recognized significant problems on campus and tackled the obstacles to improve student life; the results were laudable, but they took actual effort to achieve. To ensure students had more options than just Pizza Hut for their Sunday dinner plans, Congress members collected almost 1,000 student signatures for a petition. This showed a true dedication to their role as delegates in a col-

the By-Laws is subject to removal from office.

Which of these requirements did Mr. Watkins fail to meet? What proof was presented to show that he had failed in that particular aspect?

The only point that is relevant in the news accounts published is that he is accused of not working 20 hours a week.

Does the Executive Board use time cards? That should be simple to prove.

The rest of what was alleged was personal, vindictive and damaging. Based on the information that has come out, why was this allowed to move forward, and why were the members of the Students’ Association given no chance to even voice an opinion?

This was very poorly done by the university.

I have always tried to think the best of ACU, but in

legiate student government.

When making campaign promises in the Executive Officer Debates last April, Daniel Paul Watkins, former president of SA Congress, promised to seek additional means of financial aid and assure that the university’s quality goes up with the cost.

Congress has not yet fulfilled these promises. Besides funding various trips for student groups, sponsoring a hole at the new disc golf course and providing free bowling and 200 football tickets to students, the largest issues it tackled were recycling and extended library hours.

The results? Library hours were extended only during finals week, and Congress still plans to, but has not yet, purchased 30 recycling bins for Nelson Hall and the Mabee Business Building. In the meantime, students can use the same recycling areas they have used for years, found in the Brown Library, the Campus Center and the Hardin Administration Building.

The most praiseworthy action by this year’s student government was the political forum it co-sponsored with the Optimist. This forum gave students a venue to hear both sides of the political spectrum, Democrat and Republican, making for a more educated vote on Election Day. This forum also partially fulfilled the promise new president Sarah Pulis made in last year’s Executive Officer Debates. She said she planned to continue the open forums established by the previous SA Congress because the discussions are beneficial to both sides.

The issue:

This year’s SA Congress has become distinctive not for its efficiency and actions, but for its lack thereof.

Our view:

As the only student representative body to university administration, Congress members should achieve change.

The solution:

Congress must take advantage of the recent adjustment of leadership and salvage an otherwise unproductive year.

“With all of the new things ACU is embarking on next year, it is so important for students to be involved in dialogue with administrators,” she said.

Last year’s SA Congress saw the import of the forum. It sponsored forums where students asked questions directly to key administration members about the iPhone Initiative, increased tuition, the university’s financial decisions and meal plan changes. It also directly sought student input through a campus-wide survey that addressed issues such as the alcohol policy, dancing, attendance policy and curfew.

The survey results showed 79 percent of students supported a policy that would allow students 21 years or older to consume alcohol off campus at non-schoolsanctioned events. Based on these results, Congress supported a new alcohol policy, and with actual numbers and data to take to the administration, change happened.

The survey also highlighted overwhelming support for dancing with 89 percent in favor of allowing off-campus dancing and 88 percent supporting dancing for school-affiliated organizations. About half of the students also said they

found the current attendance policies too rigorous or penalizing. While these two issues remain unaltered, the students have issued a challenge to Congress through their responses.

They demand change, and our student government should be the vehicle to that change.

The 2007-08 SA Congress also began important discussions about intramurals, changes to Chapel and the need for an even attendance policy.

This year’s Congress should use this past work as a stepping stone and continue its efforts; even with the dark stain of a president impeachment, Congress still can be a strong voice for the student body.

New President Sarah Pulis has the opportunity to make this impeachment a turning point for Congress. And, we wish her success. Because although free games of bowling and pizza on Service Saturday are nice, such legislation does not make a Students’ Association Congress. The student body needs leadership that will earn respect from the administration and make a difference for the students on this campus, both now and in the future.

E-mail the Optimist at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Letter to the Editor

this case there is no best.

No one is perfect — and by that I refer to the Executive Board, Student Congress and faculty members involved — but it seems as if rules were bent for this occasion, and that is very disappointing.

I would expect better of any Christian university, but especially ACU. What a disappointment.

Watkins deserved impeachment I am a member of the Students’ Association Congress and was in attendance at the hearing.

The fact that almost the entire cabinet voted to impeach former President Watkins from office spoke volumes to me. They worked with him 10 or 20 hours per week and knew his actions and attitudes while in the office. I trust them and respect their decision.

Our president needs to be trustworthy and of respectable character, and after the hearing, I knew that Watkins no longer exhibited these traits.

I trusted Watkins with my vote and I am saddened to say he has completely

June White mother of ACU students

In response to the article, ‘SA Congress impeaches President’

betrayed my democratic right. His actions deserve nothing less than removal from office.

Last night, a super majority of Congress members decided it was time for new leadership to be put in place to re-establish integrity to the office of Students’ Association Congress Executive President.

Daniel Burgner Junior Senator junior political science major from Yorba Linda, Calif.

In response to the article, ‘SA Congress impeaches President’

Watkins betrays university, student body with misleading article, interviews Former Students’ Association Congress President Daniel Paul Watkins was not ACU’s first black SA Congress president.

Unfortunately, that is exactly what an Associated Press article reported yesterday, based on an interview with Watkins, Conscientious himself.

In Conjecture reality, that honor beBy Laura longs to C.B. Acuff Barber, who served during the 1993-94 school year.

The deceit, however, does not end there. The misleading article, which appeared on the Web sites of newspapers, including The Dallas Morning News, The Houston Chronicle and Fort Worth’s Star Telegram, indicates Watkins gave the impression the impeachment process surprised him.

“It feels like the rules were changed in the middle of the process, but I didn’t know what my recourse was,” Watkins reportedly said.

Actually, Watkins, along with his executive officers, approved the process of impeachment prior to its occurrence. Watkins knew and understood protocol. The only

Editorial and letter policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration.

Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university.

The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous

information or invasion of privacy.

Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes.

Phone numbers will not be published.

Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

aspects of the impeachment process that differed from the measures the executive officers approved involved the number of voting Congress members and the length of time given to testimonials.

While, as the circulating article reports, “The university’s constitution says impeachment requires a threefourths vote of the entire student government body — and all 43 members were not there,” the decision to go ahead with the vote came from the SA Congress advisors and university administrators, who are allowed to make such decisions.

As to the increase in time

for executive officers’ testimonials, Watkins is right to be disturbed — not, however, because any of his rights were violated. The approved 2-minute time period allotted to executive officers’ testimonials was extended to 10 minutes by a majority decision, also allowable. Clearly, Congress members desired more time to fully explain themselves. Their complaints must not have been reducible to 2-minute time slots.

The most disturbing aspect of this ordeal, however, is Watkins’ betrayal of his school and his student body.

Upon taking the oath of office last spring, Watkins promised to represent us to

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the best of his ability. Even now, after his impeachment, Watkins insists his concerns remain for the campus.

“What’s most important is that students at ACU are advocated for and a fair resolution comes about,” Watkins said in the AP article.

Yet instead of quietly working with university officials to right this supposed injustice — achieved by a process Watkins himself preapproved — Watkins immediately found a national outlet with which to besmirch the university and, as a result, its student body.

According to the Associated Press article, Watkins plans to spend spring break

“thinking and praying about the situation,” before deciding whether or not to appeal his impeachment.

He approved the impeachment process. He deemed it a fair and just means of decision making. He just did not like the result.

In appealing his impeachment, Watkins would undermine not merely our elected Congress members’ decision, but democracy itself.

Clearly, Watkins’ goal is not to represent the students. Watkins’ actions prove him to be more interested in self-representation than selfless service.

E-mail Acuff at: lka06a@acu.edu

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SPORT JUMPS

Friday, March 6, 2009

Page 7

Tennis: Men win five of six, women win two of three matches

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer

Eldad Campbell returns a serve during practice on Feb. 10.

Continued from page 8 two weeks ago and did not skip a beat, taking down the first five opponents of the weekend in dominating fashion, two of them in shutouts. The Wildcats defeated Austin Peay 7-1, Lip-

scomb 7-0, Western Kentucky 7-2, Northern Kentucky 8-1 and Bellarmine 8-0. The Wildcats did drop their final match to Division I opponent Eastern Kentucky in a close one 4-3.

ACU began its three grueling days of double-headers with a

pair of impressive wins against two Tennessee Division I teams in Austin Peay and Lipsomb University. The only loss in the match against APSU came at the No. 1 singles spot, when Juan Nuñez dropped a tough match to the Governor’s Leonardo Locatelli in three sets, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6. The Wildcats came back in their second match of the day against Lipscomb, taking the doubles point 2-1. The singles play proved to be no problem for the men, who finished off the Bison without dropping a set in singles play.

ACU would roll through the next day’s competition, defeating Division I foe Western Kentucky and shutting out Bellarmine.

The one blemish on the weekend came on the Wildcats’ sixth match in three days, as they dropped a close match to Eastern Kentucky 4-3. ACU won the doubles point, taking an early 1-0 lead, but the team

could not hold on for the win.

The men had their chances against EKU but lost at the No. 1, 2, 5, 6 singles matches to give the win to Eastern Kentucky.

“It was a tough weekend, but we didn’t really feel it until after our last match when we sat down,” Nuñez said.

After the weekend, the No. 19 Wildcats improved to an impressive 14-2 on the season and 8-2 against Division I opponents.

The women played just three matches over the weekend with a doubleheader Monday. In those three matches, the Wildcats went 2-1, defeating Oklahoma Christian 8-1 and edging out their second Lone Star Conference opponent Central Oklahoma 5-4.

Central Oklahoma is the first LSC opponent the Wildcats have faced since taking on Southeastern Oklahoma on Feb. 2. The Bronchos jumped out

to a 2-1 lead after Irene Squillaci and Jaclyn Walker were the only doubles team to manage a win for the Wildcats. ACU fell behind even further, losing the first two singles matches when Squillaci dropped her match in straight sets 6-4, 6-3, and Broncho Julia Shviadok edged out Walker in a close three-set match, 6-2, 2-6, 6-4. After being down 4-1, the Wildcats took the last four singles matches of the day to scoot by the Bronchos with the 5-4 win.

“It was a good match for us; they are a good team,” Jones said.

After the weekend’s play, the No. 7 Wildcats improved to 12-3 overall and took their conference record to 2-0.

Both Wildcat teams will be on the road this weekend to take on four competitors in three days. The Wildcats will travel to San Antonio on Saturday to take on Schreiner, and then

make the trek to New Braunfels to battle Incarnate Word.

On Sunday, ACU will end up in Austin to face St. Edward’s.

The No. 19 men’s team will be facing its first LSC foe of the team season, while the No. 7 women are looking to go 3-0 in conference play.

Midwestern State’s men’s team comes into the match at 2-2 and 0-0 in conference play. The Lady Mustangs are looking to blemish the Wildcats’ perfect conference record and go 1-0 themselves Monday when the Wildcats come to town.

“This weekend is a statement,” Nuñez said. “We need to show the region and conference teams we face that we are here for more than just a conference title or a regional title; we are here to win nationals.”

E-mail Tripp at: bjt07a@acu.edu

Baseball: Buffaloes next Softball: Midwestern Track: Championship for baseball team at home State next for Wildcats begins March 13-14 Continued from page 8

16-4 overall. The Wildcats, which ranked No. 3 in the Collegiate Baseball Division II poll, will continue LSC play Friday against West Texas A&M in a four-game series at home.

“We didn’t really play our best game and didn’t hit the ball and swing together,” shortstop Willie Uechi said. “It was just one of those games that we didn’t play our best.”

ACU’s offense started quick Wednesday, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. After consecutive singles by center fielder Thomas Bumpass and shortstop Uechi, catcher Jordan Schmitt singled to left field to give the Wildcats 2-0 lead. The Rams responded in the bottom of the second inning, scoring two runs before both teams exchanged runs in the third inning to a 3-3 tie.

The Rams took their first lead of the game in the fifth inning after an RBI single by short stop Butch Ballez and extended their lead to two to end the inning. The Wildcats were unable to answer, managing just two hits over the final two innings to lose 6-3.

“They had a couple of cheap hits that fell in, and we didn’t get anything to fall our way, but we should have come out ready to play,” Uechi said.

Starting pitcher Corey Kelly went three innings, allowing three runs on four hits in a nodecision. Preston Vancil picked up the loss, allowing two runs on two hits in one inning of work. Second baseman Chris Hall and Bumpass led ACU with two hits, while Schmitt had a game-high two RBI. The Wildcats will have a quick turnaround when they face LSC rival West Texas A&M beginning Friday. The Buffaloes are in tenth place in the

LSC with a 4-8 record and 8-10 overall, including a seven-game losing streak.

Aaron Richardson (1-2, 3.24 ERA) and Spencer Head (1-1, 4.15 ERA) will lead a Buffalo pitching staff that is allowing almost six runs a game. Offensively, WTAMU is averaging 7.5 runs a game; outfielder Rob Mann leads the team in RBIs, (25), home runs (5), doubles (7) and hits (24).

“They are a big, physical hitting team, which is a scary thing, but hitting wise, we should be able to matchup with them,” head coach Britt Bonneau said.

ACU won three of four last weekend against LSC opponent Texas A&M-Kingsville and has averaged almost nine runs in conference games. Outfielder Anthony Walsh leads the team with a .484 batting average, followed by Uechi (.419) and Hall (.392). Uechi leads the team with 31 hits and seven doubles, while Schmitt leads the team with six home runs and 31 RBI. ACU’s pitching staff holds a 4.77 ERA and is led by starting pitcher Cameron Aspaas. Aspaas (4-0) has won every game he has started and leads all starting pitchers with 1.35 ERA. Relief pitchers Kevin Justice (4-1, 2.55 ERA) and Andrew Yacek (20, 3.21 ERA) anchor the bullpen and will be key this weekend.

“I think we have shown glimpses of what we can do, but I don’t think we have really put together that complete game yet,” Uechi said. “I think if we are able to do that and let everything fall in place, I think we will be tough to beat.”

ACU’s first games against WTAMU will be Friday at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The four-game series will conclude Saturday at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

E-mail Abston at: gda04b@acu.edu

Continued from page 8 With a four-run cushion, Jacque Gregoire did the rest, keeping Cameron to three runs on nine hits in a complete game victory. Gregoire allowed no walks and struck out two in her 11th win of the season.

“We have tried to enforce to our pitchers that you can’t walk batters, and Jacque has done a great job of getting ahead in the count, and that is a huge factor of her success,” Wilson said.

Shiery led the Wildcats with two hits and a gamehigh three RBI, while McElvain added two hits and one RBI. With the victory, the Wildcats move to 16-7 on the season and have won 11 of their 14 games.

“To come out of these 14 games 11-3 is very admirable, but we realize that the most important record is in conference,” Wilson said.

ACU will face Midwestern

upcoming games The softball team will play just two out of the next seven games at home. n MSU, March 7 @ 1 p.m. n MSU, March 7 @ 3 p.m. n IWU, March 11 @ 4 p.m. n IWU, March 11 @ 6 p.m. n TWU, March 13 @ 4 p.m. n TWU, March 14 @ 1 p.m. n TWU, March 14 @ 3 p.m.

Home games in bold

State in a doubleheader in Wichita Falls on Saturday at 1 p.m., with the second game scheduled for 3 p.m.

“We played them in San Antonio earlier in the season and beat them 4-1,” Wilson said. “Their pitcher threw a perfect game yesterday and is getting her game together. They will be a tougher team to play at their place. We need to play tough defense and just let them make a mistake.”

E-mail Harris at: tch05f@acu.edu

Basketball: Five Cats honored after season Continued from page 8 game and led the LSC in three-point shooting.

Maxwell-Lively and Meyer were not the only Wildcats receiving honors Tuesday. Guard Kat Kundmueller, forward Jody Meyer and guard Kelsey Darby were all voted honorable mention on the LSC South team. Kundmueller ranks third in the nation in assists on the season

by averaging more than 6.7 dish-outs per game.

At this point, the Wildcats have no other option than to wait and see. Their tournament’s destiny is out of their hands and dependent upon numerous factors. Whatever their final fate may be, the Wildcats still delivered an 18-9 record and a second-place finish in the LSC South Division.

E-mail Craig at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Heather Leiphart :: staff photographer

Camille Vandendriessche makes a throw during practice Thursday.

Continued from page 8 Nick Jones will compete in the shot put.

“Having 13 guys in 11 events is not ideal, but it gives us a shot,” Hood said. “It gives you a better shot if you can do more with the quality athletes you have, especially with the amount of scholarships that we are able to give out.”

Hood said the schedule for the men shapes up in their favor to where each athlete competing in multiple events has his primary event first, followed by his secondary event.

Hood is excited to see how seniors Nyango, Harold Jackson, Radway and Vandendriessche perform on the national stage.

Hood said that previous injuries would most likely prevent the women’s team from winning the championship.

“We are not nearly at full strength,” Hood said. “We don’t have any distance runners competing for us, but what we do have is really high-quality girls at the events they are performing in. If they perform like they are predicted to, then they can score 35-40 points, which

should be good enough for third or fourth place.”

Wanda Hutson is running the 60-meter, 200-meter and the 4-by-400 meter relay.

Kim Prather is running the 200-meter, 400-meter and also the 4-by-400 meter.

“Kim has a great chance to win the 200 and the 400,” Hood said. “She came to ACU as a short sprinter and she made a great sacrifice by moving to the 400-meter. She did that to better the team, and that speaks volumes about the type of person she is.”

Also competing for the women’s team are Sandie Marshall and Azraa Rounds in the 4-by-400 meter, Callie Young in the pole vault, Jessica Sloss in the weight throw and Kelli Clements in the shot put.

“What thrills me the most is to see how Kelli Clements does,” Hood said. “She could have finished school last year, but she came back just to do this.”

The meet will be streamed live on www.ncaa.com.

E-mail Harris at: tch05f@acu.edu

SportsFriday

Page 8

SCOREBOARD Standings

ACU defeats Cameron in nonconference matchup

By Chandler Harris Assistant Sports Editor

Men’s Basketball Team

Div. 10-2 8-4 8-4 6-6 6-6 4-8 0-12

MSU Angelo St. TAMU-K Tarleton St. WTAMU ACU ENMU

Overall 21-6 20-7 18-9 18-9 16-11 10-16 4-23

Women’s Basketball Team

Div. 10-2 9-3 7-5 7-5 6-6 3-9 0-12

WTAMU ACU Angelo St. Tarleton St. TAMU-K MSU ENMU

Overall 23-5 18-9 16-11 16-12 16-11 8-18 9-21

Jozie Sands :: staff photographer Pitcher Britney Benedict warms up against St. Mary’s on Feb. 12.

Div. ACU 10-2 SW Okla.

8-4 SE Okla.

8-4 Angelo St. 8-4 Cameron 7-5 ENMU 5-7 Central Okla. 5-7 East Central 5-7 Tarleton St. 4-7-1 WTAMU 4-8 TAMU-K 4-8 NE State 3-8-1

The softball team defeated Cameron 5-3 on Tuesday at Wells Field in a game that was delayed for an hour and a half over confusion on the part of who was to umpire the matchup. Originally, the teams were scheduled to play a doubleheader, but after the initial delay, it was agreed upon to just play one game.

“After the delay, it was definitely a less intense game than we played in the past,” head softball coach Chantiel

Overall 14-5 13-6 11-6 12-7 13-6 9-9 8-10 6-11 7-11-1 8-10 6-10 7-11-1

Softball Team TAMU-K ACU TX Woman’s WTAMU ENMU Tarleton St. Angelo St.

Div. 2-1 2-1 2-1 1-2 1-2 1-2 0-0

Overall 14-6 16-7 17-11 15-4 14-7 13-8 21-2

Scores Tuesday Softball ACU 5, Cameron 3

Wednesday Women’s Basketball Texas A&M-Commerce 76, ACU 74

Baseball Texas Wesleyan 6, ACU 3

Upcoming Friday Baseball ACU vs. West Texas A&M, 4 p.m.

ACU vs. West Texas A&M, 7 p.m.

Saturday Women’s Tennis ACU vs. Schreiner, 9 a.m.

ACU vs. Incarnate Word, 2 p.m.

Men’s Tennis ACU vs. Schreiner, 9 a.m.

ACU vs. Incarnate Word, 2 p.m.

Softball ACU at Midwestern State, 1 p.m.

ACU at Midwestern State, 3 p.m.

Baseball ACU vs. West Texas A&M, 1 p.m.

ACU vs. West Texas A&M, 4 p.m.

Sunday Men/Women’s Tennis ACU at St. Edward’s, noon

Dick Schissler :: staff photographer Guard Kelsey Darby goes for a loose ball against ENMU guard Vanessa O’Neal on Jan. 13 in ACU’s 73-65 win.

Lions defeat Wildcats in LSC tournament

By Jeff Craig Sports Writer

The women’s basketball team was eliminated from the Lone Star Conference postseason tournament Wednesday after a heartbreaking loss to Texas A&MCommerce, a team ACU defeated in the regular season.

ACU kept the lead for the entire game, until the final minute when the Lions tied the score.

Briefs LSC POSTSEASON all-conference bASKETBALL awards WOMEN

n Audrey Maxwell-Lively (1) n Jamie Meyer (1) n Jody Meyer (HM) n Kathryn Kundmueller (HM) n Kelsey Darby (HM)

MEN

n Dejan Sencanski (2) n Dante Adams (2) Number in parenthesis represents the selected team.

HM= Honorable Mention

ACU 5, cAMERON 3 Wilson said. “We came out with a few early runs and took care of business. We learned that from now on we need to stay focused whether the game is delayed for weather, umpires or whatever else happens.”

The Wildcats did take care of business in the first inning after outfielder Shelby McElvain singled and catcher Jessica Shiery hit a tworun home run, her sixth of the season, to put the team up 2-0. With two outs in the

Basketball TAMU-cOMMERCE 76, ACU 74 With just five seconds remaining in the game, Texas A&MCommerce forward Nola Taylor knocked in the game-winning shot off the glass to stun ACU with a 76-74 upset victory.

Head coach Shawna Lavender thought her team controlled the tempo for the majority of the game but fell out of its game toward the end.

“I felt that for the most part we played well the first part of the game and we did a good job of controlling the game,” Lavender said. “In the last four, five minutes I felt we started settling for perimeter shots, and they knocked us out of our game. They hit some big shots, while we did not execute offensively.”

The Texas A&M-Commerce Lions were again paced by superstar forward

Britney Jordan, the leading scorer in NCAA Division II. Jordan finished the regular season averaging 31 points per game, an average she exceeded against the Wildcats by pouring in 35 points.

Prior to the game, Lavender emphasized the fact that stopping Jordan was an unrealistic goal, saying instead her team must prevent the other Lions from hurting them.

When ACU played Commerce earlier this year, Jordan put up 53 points, but no other Lion scored in double figures.

However, in Wednesday’s game, Jordan was kept to just 33-percent shooting, but three of her teammates scored in double figures to accompany her 35 points.

ACU was led by forward Jamie Meyer, who scored 22 points while collecting 11 rebounds. Center Audrey Maxwell-Lively, ACU’s leading scorer, was kept to just 10 points by the stingy Lion defense.

Despite their tournament loss, the Wildcats have not necessarily been eliminated from NCAA contention. The Wildcats entered the tournament ranked No. 7 in the South Central Region with the top eight teams getting NCAA tournament berths.

Lavender describes her team’s situation as up in the air at this point. She said factors beyond her team’s control will determine its destiny, particularly in the area of upsets.

The Wildcats chances are much greater if no more upsets take place in the LSC tournament.

Despite what happens with regards to the NCAA tournament, it has been a successful year for the Wildcats, and on Tuesday five individuals were honored on the eve of the tournament. Maxwell-Lively and Jamie Meyer were named to the All-LSC South team; Maxwell-Lively already had earned the honor in 2007.

This season, she averaged 15.7 points and 10.5 rebounds per game; both stats led all ACU players. Meyer averaged 13.9 points per See

Basketball page 7

bottom of the second inning, McElvain drove home another run with an RBI double, followed by an RBI double from Shiery as well, giving the team a 4-0 lead.

Shiery has been on an offensive hot streak lately, hitting .500 with 13 RBI in her last eight games.

“Jessica is one of our best hitters, and I believe she is one of [the] best hitters in region,” Wilson said. “She had been in a slump for her, but yesterday she got her swing back and did really well for us.”

See

Softball page 7

Teams beat four more Division I opponents

By Brandon Tripp Broadcast Assistant

After smashing through the first part of their schedules, the ACU tennis teams went into their bye week on a roll; they came out of their bye week just the same. The men won five of their six matches over the Jones weekend, and the women took two of three. The teams also added four more Division I schools to their list of wins for the season.

“I think we played well overall on the weekend and continued to play at a level to get us where we need to go,” head coach Hutton Jones said.

The men came off a solid performance in Arizona See

Tennis page 7

Cats fall to Rams on road

By Grant Abston Sports Editor

Texas Wesleyan University kept ACU scoreless over the final six innings Wednesday night to hand the Wildcats just their third loss in the last 16 games in a nonconference matchup in Fort Worth.

The Wildcats fall to 14-5 overall and remain in first place in the Lone Star Conference with a 10-2 record, while the Rams improved to See

Baseball page 7

Thirteen athletes ready for national championships

By Chandler Harris

:: Home games listed in italics

Softball

Upset in Bartlesville

Baseball Team

March 6, 2009

Assistant Sports Editor

The Wildcat track and field team travels to Houston on March 13-14 for the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field National Championships. The Wildcat men’s team has 13 athletes competing in 11 events, including five that will participate in multiple events. The women’s squad boasts seven athletes competing in seven events, including two athletes that will run in three events.

“It kind of sneaks up on you,” said Don Hood, head track and field coach. “You think to yourself that it will last a week, but some of these guys are done in seven seconds. It takes a tremendous amount of focus and experi-

Track & Field ence, which is what gives our guys an advantage. Our girls may not have the numbers to win it.”

Hood views the indoor track season as a preseason to the outdoor season.

“I don’t count the indoor meet as real track,” Hood said.

“It’s ‘Yankee track’. Down here in Texas, we could be training in this weather, but schools up north don’t have that privilege. At the same time, it’s just good for these girls and guys to compete.”

On the men’s side, Jordan Johnson and Ramon Radway will run the 400-meter. Julius Nyango qualified to run in both the 800-meter and the mile.

Amos Sang is the lone Wild-

cat to run in the 5,000-meter. Andrew McDowell is the top-ranked athlete in the field for the 60-meter hurdles. The men’s 4-by-400 meter relay team consists of Desmond Jackson, Johnson, Harold Jackson and Radway.

The Wildcats are sending three men to compete in the pole vault, including Cory Altenberg, Camille Vandendriessche and Landon Ehlers.

Vandendriessche also will compete in the heptathlon.

Ramon Sparks will be jumping in both the long jump and the triple jump. Fellow Wildcat Gerald Chenyi will join Sparks in the triple jump competition. Rounding out the men’s participants, See

Track page 7

Heather Leiphart :: staff photographer The Wildcat track and field team practices Thursday in preparation for the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field National Championships.