Optimist Print Edition 10.26.18 (Volume CVIII, Issue X)

OPTIMIST

@acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist

CHOMA ASA hosts their first ever food festival event on Saturday, including a variety of dishes from around Africa.

A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912

Friday October 25, 2018

Volume CVIII, Issue X Feature

Sports

Annelise Chavez released her first single, Midnight Eyes, on Spotify. She has been interested in singing since she was a child, but only recently started performing at live events.................................Page 4

Sam Vestal hopes to continue her soccer career after college, and plays on a team that clenched a spot in the Southland Conference postseason tournament last weekend....................................Page 6

F S S

M T W T

News The rain changed plans for many, including Frater Sodalis, who for the first time in history, had to cancel their Haunted Island. Flooding also caused many road closures and traffic.......................................Page 2

Photo by ETHAN SABATER| STAFF VIDEOGRAPHER Kolby Hart, senior marketing major from Tyler performs in the mall area around GATA fountain for Missions Week, which started Monday.

CAMPUS NEWS

OMA discussions seek awareness ALLAYNA FORD MANAGING EDITOR

The Office of Multicultural Affairs is working on a solution to address racial inequalities and negative experiences minorities have on campus. This effort began with an open discussion at the Sundaes on Mondays meeting.

April Napier, the director of OMA, facilitated the meeting which began with a video on cultural appropriation followed by two groups of students walking up to the front of Hart Auditorium. The first group told their stories of being treated differently and the second group asked questions on how they can help minority students and learn from them.

“I’m grateful we could talk, and that everyone was transparent,” Napier said.

“I think accountability was shown while showing love, and think moving forward we have to keep this intentionality up. We have to make sure that we are every day acting and talking in a way that moves us all forward.”

This meeting came on the heels of a controversy over a hairstyle worn by pledges of Sigma Theta Chi that pitted students against each other on social media; however, the meeting went beyond the situation into a broader issue of teaching the majority.

“I’m glad that we are able to just break this cycle and dismantling this now,” Napier said. “I don’t want to wait. I’m glad that we are on the same page of

“

I’m grateful we could talk, and that everyone was transparent,” Napier said. “I think accountability was shown while showing love, and think moving forward we have to keep this intentionality up.

We have to make sure that we are every day acting and talking in a way that moves us all forward.”

APRIL NAPIER DIRECTOR OF OMA

‘I’m not for this anymore’ and we need to do better as a collective and we need to love each other better as a collective.”

Some of the topics discussed by minorities included: • Having to work harder in school to gain respect as a person who has a different skin color or sexual orientation • Having a fear of authority or of the police because of the color of one’s skin and their ethnic background • Being the only minority in situations and having to constantly explain minority standpoints and experiences • Having their culture mocked or viewed as entertainment or a novelty • Not being able to embrace their heritage without being looked at differently or told to stop OMA is going to continue the conversation with continued Sundaes on Mondays discussions as well as Wednesday walks.

Interns walk around campus on Wednesday and

strike up conversations their needs.” with students around camErica Robbins is a stupus regarding OMA and dent who represented Afmore activities to invite rican-American minorities in students to OMA and in the discussion and said interact with people of a the discussion was only different race or ethnic the beginning, and stubackground. dents need to continue to Not only were students talk as well as listen. in attendance, but faculty “I’m curious to see and staff were also invited the moves we’re going to to sit in on the discussion make as students, faculty and listen. Hannah Felice, and staff as a university the resident director of to help with cultural comMorris Hall, said the con- petence because it doesn’t versation needs to be con- happen overnight,” said tinued and addressed by Robbins, a junior social the university. work major from Kirks“I think this is just one ville. “It’s going to take small part of a conversa- progression and uncomtion that needs to be had,” fortability to get where we Felice said. “And I would need to be.” really be interested in seeRobbins is also a meming more of the university’s ber of OMA and attends response to some of these the regular Sundaes on issues that are happening Mondays meetings. and recognition on some “This is the biggest of the important student Sundaes on Mondays that things going on.” we’ve has since I’ve been Residence halls are a student here, and from home to students of mul- that, I think that just tiple backgrounds, and Fe- shows how many people lice said becoming a change actually care about the for students as a resident situation which is good,” director is discussed fre- Robbins said. quently in the Office of Sarah Cheney particResidence Life. ipated in the discussion “My question is that from the standpoint of a making sure what we are person who is not a midoing in our halls is pro- nority but wants to help viding an experience for minority students and not just one type of stu- learn more about their dent,” Felice said. “We perspective in life. are hoping to hire more “I think it’s important diverse students in a re- for the change to start with sponse to honoring some understanding more than of those areas of our stu- you trying to be understood dent body that deserve yourself,” said Cheney, a having a mentor in their junior social work major lives that comes from a from Fort Worth. “I think diverse background. But it was a good conversation I think also a part of it is and a good foundation, but just sitting down with our it doesn’t stop here for sure students, especially mi- and I really hope that other norities and hearing about people realize that too.” acuoptimist.com

25 inches of rain causes city-wide flooding JAMON NELSON STAFF REPORTER

For the past several weeks, inclement weather has drenched Abilene, causing water to rise throughout the city.

The flooding has led to several road closures, including FM 89 leading to Abilene State Park and Lake Abilene, US Hwy 83 near Impact and FM 1085 near Trent.

Although ACU has underground drainage, water can still overfill the pipes resulting in standing water.

Scott Warren, the director of landscaping grounds, said campus and surrounding areas drain efficiently.

“We don’t have a huge amount of problems with water in buildings,” said Warren “There have been some issues in the past but a lot of those have been corrected.”

Warren said there was one minor call regarding a water leak onto carpet, but no major issues. He said that because ACU sits on a hill, water drainage is natural and simpler.

The city of Abilene has undergone improvements

with drainage systems over time as well, but still has setbacks. Rainfall in Abilene falls to the ground and flows into creeks that lead to local lakes. Therefore, excess rainfall can cause the lakes to overflow, much like Lake Abilene.

“Because of the huge amount of rainfall, there are always some low-lying areas that become problematic,” said Warren.

ACUPD and APD responded to multiple calls as a result of the weather. ACUPD responded to a fire alarm activated at University Park due to weather, and APD placed barricades at the intersection of Ambler and Grape for a fallen electrical pole.

In addition, APD Public Information Officer Rick Tomlin relayed 65 vehicle accidents in Abilene between Oct. 14-21.

According to worldclimate.com, Abilene receives 24.83 inches of rainfall annually. October has already seen 10 inches.

Warren said Abilene has put in a lot of effort in keeping the creeks clean, along with detention ponds to slow down runoff.

Page 2 | Campus News Events

Friday 10/26 1. Missions Week 2. Women’s Soccer vs.

Incarnate Word Saturday 10/27 1. CABINET: Succulent Bar Tuesday 10/30 1. Volleyball vs. Nichols 2. Oktubafest 3. Fall Festival Wednesday 10/31 1. Spring/Summer 2019 Registration: Seniors Thursday 11/01 1. CABINET: Hot Air Balloon 2. Fall Stomp Swing Dance

25

days until Thanksgiving break

Friday, October 26, 2018 CAMPUS NEWS

Library reads Harry Potter Cover2Cover EMMA CONATSER COPY EDITOR

Beginning at 10am on Halloween, students can stop by the Reading Commons to listen to “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” being read aloud.

Dr. Todd Womble, Assistant Professor of Language and Literature, created the event with the hopes of entertaining readers–this year, Harry Potter fans in particular.

“A lot of the people who are reading either grew up with it, or their kids grew up with it. I think there’s more of an attachment to it,” said Womble.

“

When you know the characters... it changes the way you read,”

DR. TODD WOMBLE ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

He said he is excited to have found something that many

The newly renovated reading commons where the Cover2Cover event will take place.

readers will resonate with.

“When you know the characters... it changes the way you read,” said Womble.

More than 30 volunteers have signed up for 15-minute time slots. Each volunteer will start reading where the previous person left off.

While most of the volunteer readers are professors, some students plan to participate. Dr. Phil Schubert will make an appearance

later in the day, as well.

While many of the readers will rely on J.K. Rowling’s original English text, there will also be French, German and Spanish versions read throughout the day, by professors of these languages.

“Part of the vision of the Reading Commons is stuff like this,” said Womble.

After success last year reading “Frankenstein” aloud, the recently updated

Reading Commons will host its second annual Halloween Cover2Cover reading.

Readers are encouraged to find sponsors for their time slots. By having people donate for each minute read, participants can take part in raising money for the Language and Literature Department. Last year, they were able to bring in more than $700–an amount they hope to exceed this year. These funds will help send students to present research, cover costs for materials needed by graduate students and aid in the application process for those entering graduate school.

Though most will be wearing wizard garb, it is not a requirement for readers to dress up.

“I’m telling everyone to wear costumes,” Womble said.

With the library decked for the season, students can look forward to a Halloween spent eating candy, dressing in costumes and reading Harry Potter together.

CAMPUS NEWS

Speech pathology runs Frats’ Haunted Island canceled for fall events for majors first time in 36 years LEXI KIRGAN STAFF REPORTER

The Big Country Speech Language and Hearing association will host two events at the Duncum Center Saturday, Nov. 3 from 9 a.m.- noon.

The first topic will be “Building Blocks for Ethical Decision Making” and will be lead by Terry Baggs, Denise Barnett and Jennifer Binkley. The second topic will be “Dysphagia Across the Lifespan”, lead

by Lynn Stillwell and Miranda Thompson.

All speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are required to earn two continuing education hours in ethics each year.

The first event will be two hours and the second will be three hours.

Dr. Denise Barnett, Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders will be one of the leaders in the presentation and said that it is for all kinds of speech pathologists and audiologists in Abilene.

“The event is for speech pathologists and audiologists in the Abilene area and for speech pathology students from both ACU and HSU,” Barnett said. “Students membership to this professional association is only $5 per year and allows them to attend all functions.”

Anna McLeod, junior speech pathology major from Houston, said she plans on going to the event about dysphasia because she is interested in

going into more in depth about it.

“I plan on going to the dysphasia event and am hoping to get a greater knowledge about this since so far in my courses we have briefly gone over the swallowing disorder,” McLeod said. “This is something that I have been interested in for quite a while so I’m looking forward to learning more about it!”

Dysphasia is a language disorder marked by defi-

“

“This is something that I have been interested in for quite a while so I’m looking forward to learning more about it!

ANNA MCLEOD JUNIOR SPEECH PATHOLGY MAJOR FROM HOUSTON

ciency in the generation of speech, and sometimes also in its comprehension, due to brain disease or damage.

Barnett said that she hopes that students gain more understanding and knowledge about these topics so that it can only help in the classroom at these events.

“Students attending events where they are surrounded by professionals in their field of study allows them to learn from seasoned SLPs while gaining contacts for future observation experiences,” Barnett said. “In addition, the topics the students hear about at these events enhance the classroom learning they are receiving.”

ASHLEY ALFRED SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Frat’s Haunted Island is cancelled for the first time in 36 years, due to a chance for more significant rainfall.

Haunted Island is an event hosted by men’s social club, Frater Sodalis. For the past 36 years, the event has taken place in the days leading up to Halloween, however, this year it has been cancelled in advance.

Logan Chapman, junior business major from San Antonio and fundraising director, was in charge of Haunted Island this year.

He said the event is a family-friendly event with seven or eight areas including

a tunnel, an abandoned building, a scary island and a hayride for all ages.

Chapman said the event was also going to include a photo booth and hot chocolate.

Following heavy rainfall, members of Frater Sodalis were forced to slow down preparation for the event as they waited for the water to digress. After waiting it out, officers of Frater Sodalis made the decision on Wednesday night.

“The weather has collapsed the bridges, so we were having to work around it,” said Rowdy Riggins, junior advertising and public relations major from Abilene and club ser-

geant at arms.

Prior to cancellation, the event was to take place on Oct. 25-31 on the east side of 401 Loop 322 and Hwy 80, with signs leading patrons to the event.

Carson Wright, senior mathematics major from Fort Worth and brat dad, said the club is saddened by the cancellation of the event.

“We’re disappointed that Haunted Island will not be happening this year,” said Wright. “Not only is this a great way to fundraise for Frats, it’s a great way for members to bond with each other–especially with the new members.”

For now, students should plan on Haunted Island’s 2019 return.

BSA change name to Black Student Union ZORAH GREEN STAFF REPORTER

The Black Student Association (BSA) shifted their focus to unity and changed their name to Black Student Union (BSU) in September.

According to its’ website, the purpose of BSU is to “promote activities of common interest, as well as cultural and educational benefits for the African American student body.”

Jasmine Green, senior worship major from Dallas and BSU co-president, said the change in the name reflects the true spirit of BSU. She said the leadership team desired to be recognized for unity and family, leading them to vote to implement the term “union”.

Currently, the majority of BSU members are freshmen.

“We need their upperclassmen to join,” Green said. “We need their voice.”

Aliyah Ogletree, junior worship ministry major from Fort Worth and BSU vice president says the most important aspects of BSU are family and spirituality.

Isaiah Bapeli, junior history major from Fort Worth and BSU co-president said the organization helped give him more of a voice and a chance to make a stronger impact both in the lives of students and the ACU atmosphere.

Green said that BSU is not exclusive. She said while the organization is intended as a safe haven for black students, people of all backgrounds are invited to attend BSU events, including Chapel.

“We are unapologetically who we are and we embrace our full culture, but we are not exclusive,” said Green.

BSU Chapel is in Hart Auditorium every Thursday at 11 a.m.

New point system limits nursing school entry ALLISON HARRELL STAFF REPORTER

The School of Nursing has implemented a point system limiting the number of applicants to only the top performing students.

Becky Hammack, Dean of the School of Nursing, Xing in the nursing program will be made aware of the requirements for the acceptance process before applying.

“Most schools do some type of point system and the purpose is to allow a level playing field for all students,” Hammack said.

“Everybody has an opportunity to come in if they have the good grades.”

The nursing school usually accepts 55 students in

the fall and up to 33 in the spring. The deadline for applications into the nursing program for the fall semester is Feb. 1 and the deadline for the spring semester is Sept. 1. Students receive advice and counseling for the entrance process in advance.

Rachel Best, senior nursing major from New Braunfels, said talking with peers helped when applying for nursing school.

“What helped me the most was that I had friends that were already in nursing school who gave me advice,” Best said. “I think nursing school is one of those things that you can’t fully be prepared for until you’re actually in it. It was definitely a

learning process at first but you get the hang of it.”

The point system is in place to give priority acceptance for students with high GPA’s and good grades within nursing specific courses. The ACU Catalog highlights what courses nursing students should expect to take throughout their college years.

“Each student will receive a certain amount of points for A’s or B’s,” Hammack said.

“We’ve had students that have had to take four or five classes over again to make C’s or B’s or to make a 3.0 GPA.” Students who are unsuccessful the first time are allowed to re-apply up to one additional time. Hammack said that most students gain entrance into the nurs-

ing program after their first application submission.

“If they have to apply twice it’s because their grades drop down or something else happened,” Hammack said. “Except for one semester, we have been able to take all students.”

Nursing school remains a competitive and challenging department with a full house of about 58 senior students and about 33 junior-2 students.

“Nursing school is hard because it is a professional school within those four years,” Hammack said. “In a lot of departments you do your four years and then you go, but not with nursing. It’s competitive and it’s tough, but our students do well and we are happy about that.”

POLICE LOG SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 10/16/2018 11:28 p.m.

ACUPD responded to the Campus Bookstore in reference to 2 subjects stealing clothing apparel merchandise and leaving the store without paying. Suspects have been identified and case is pending.

10/16/2018 6:55 p.m.

ACUPD Officers responded to Edwards Hall in reference to possible drug activity. Officers seized a small quantity of marijuana, completed a report for Possession of Marihuana. Arrest warrant pending.

10/20/2018 1:20 p.m ACUPD responded to Mabee Hall in reference to a theft of a backpack from a common room. Officers responded, investigated, identified the suspect and recovered the backpack. Victim no longer wishes to pursue the case. Case closed.

911 CALL............................................................1 ABANDONED VEHICLE....................1 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY.......................................................28 ADVICE..............................................................2 ALARM...............................................................1 ANIMAL CALL..............................................1 ASSIST.................................................................1 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE..........................0 BARRICADES...............................................9 BICYCLE PARTROL................................0 BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK......................................25 BURGLARY....................................................0 CART PATROL.............................................0

CHECK BUILDING............................379 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF............................1 DISTURBANCE..........................................3 DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE............0 ESCORT............................................................0 FOOT PATROL.............................................1 FOUND PROPERTY...............................2 HIT & RUN......................................................0 INFORMATION REPORT...................1 INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP...............................................13 LOST PROPERTY......................................2 MAINTENANCE: UNIV ASSETS................................................1 MEDICAL EMERGENCY.....................2

MONITOR FACILITY/ LOT.......................................................................6 MOTORIST ASSIST: OTHER..............................................................0 MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART...............................................20 MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK..........................................................8 OTHER...............................................................2 PARKING LOT PATROL....................39 PARKING VIOLATION........................23 PATROL VEHICLE: MAINTENANCE.......................................5 PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL..........................................................8

PROWLER......................................................0 RANDOM PATROL.................................6 REPORT WRITING...................................7 SOLICITING....................................................0 SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT......................0 SUSPICIOUS PERSON.........................5 THEFT..................................................................3 TRAFFIC HAZARD....................................1 TRAFFIC STOP.............................................1 VEHICLE COLLISION............................0 WELFARE CHECK...................................3 TOTAL.....................................................657

Chief Ellison’s Weekly Tip 1 in 4 women will experience domestic/dating violence in their lifetime, with women aged 20 - 24 being at the greatest risk of becoming victims.

Friday, October 26, 2018

Feature | Page 3

CAMPUS NEWS

Nursing, pre-health majors raise funds for mission trip ASHLEY ALFRED SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Ten pre-health and nursing students are raising money for a medical mission trip to Pignon, Haiti.

Each student planning to attend the medical mission trip was asked to raise between $1,600-$1,800.

The majority of participating students chose to fundraise and are guided by the Halbert Center for Global Missions.

All participating students will leave for Haiti on Jan. 3 and return on Jan. 11. The trip is being organized by

host ministry Promise for Haiti, which partners with local and worldwide leaders to provide better health care and education for Haiti.

Throughout their time in Haiti, participating students will work alongside registered Haitian nurses at the Hospital Bienfaisance. Students will also work in the hospital beside physicians to care for post-operative patients.

Rebekah Mullins, registered nurse and instructor in the School of Nursing, said the school primarily takes juniors and seniors. Last year, was the first-year freshman

and sophomore pre-nursing majors were able to join the trip. Five to ten students are invited to join each trip, depending on availability with the host organizations.

Past groups have traveled to Haiti to participate in medical missions, Guatemala to participate in surgical missions with Health Talents International, or to assist City Square in their annual health fair.

“I traveled on my first international medical mission trip to Haiti when I was a freshman in college,” said Mullins. “Those early trips changed everything about

how I view the world, how I view success, how I raise my children, how I view missions within the context of church and how I teach.”

Mullins said students in the past who have traveled with the School of Nursing have reported greater appreciation for missions efforts around the world, affecting their post-graduation plans. Mullins said that many employers ask about missions experiences when listed on a resumé.

This will not be the first trip for Makenna Long, senior nursing major from Denver and student leader.

Long has contributed to medical missions both around Denver and in Catacamas, Honduras.

During her time in Honduras, Long served the people with a medical team in a mountain community called Buena Vista.

Long said this experience was special for her, as she was able to join her grandmother, who is a certified nurse midwife.

“I love serving on mission trips,” said Long. “I believe these trips give us the incredible opportunity to bless and be blessed. I hope that this trip will in-

still the kindness and love for the nations that God has put into my heart that I can use every day in my future career.”

Mullins said she hopes students leave this mission trip with a greater appreciation and understanding for international missions.

“My hope and prayer is that students will gain a greater worldview by participating in one of our trips,” said Mullins. “I pray that they are able to have their eyes open to the plans God may lay before them to participate in His work upon graduation.”

Enrollment numbers show increased diversity trend ALLAYNA FORD MANAGING EDITOR

The student population is over 16 percent Hispanic, classifying ACU as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).

This classification is given to institutions that do not yet meet the 25 percent requirement to become an official HSI, and receive additional federal funds for expansion of student programs, but fall between 15 percent and 24 percent and show annual growth of the Hispanic student population; however, only 492 institutions meet the requirements to become an HSI.

Dr. Robert Rhodes, provost, said this classification is an important step for advancing student programs.

“It allows existing programs like McNair Scholars or the Trio program to have an advantage in the funding competition,” Rhodes said.

“It also allows us to apply for funds that we cannot currently apply for to support Hispanic students.”

The growth of direct student support programs and the creation of new programs are two areas where the additional funds could be used. There are also HSI funds which can be specifically put toward science, technology and math programs on campus.

Rhodes said he has a unique perspective concerning Hispanic students on campus and the support they need, because his wife is also Hispanic and is a sponsor for the Hispanos Unidos club.

“Having the blessing of being married to her and experiencing the culture for now over 30 years and then having her have direct relationships with students on campus does give me good insight and it gives me an understanding of some of the student needs,” Rhodes said.

While ACU does not yet have access to HSI funding, Cynthia Rangel, junior convergence journalism major

Sociology to attend D.C. seminar ALYSSA HIGH STAFF REPORTER

The Department of Communication and Sociology will offer a short-course seminar in Washington D.C. in January 2019.

Every two years, the sociology department takes 15-20 students to Washington D.C. to attend a twoweek seminar program.

Students listened to renowned speakers, visit key political sites and, later, discuss their experiences. This year, Political Sociology will take place Jan. 6-19.

Students who attend the short course can receive credit as part of the degree plan for sociology majors or minors, an elective or as part of a degree plan for leadership minors.

The course fee is about $3,250, covering round-trip flights from DFW, lodging

for 14 nights, meals, ground transportation via Metro and the Washington Center fee. Because this is listed as a course fee, financial aid can cover the cost and the tuition cost is included in a student’s block tuition.

Attending students will stay in the Washington Center apartment complex, which is about six blocks from the Capitol.

“It is great to be in D.C. and see how decisions are made and how it all works,” said Dr. Daniel Morrison, associate professor of sociology. “In times of transition, those things are more easily revealed. It’s going to be an exciting time. January is a great time to be there.”

The seminar will include lectures in the mornings given by noteworthy speakers in Washington Center followed by an opportunity to ask

questions and have dialogue with the speakers.

Past speakers have included: Secretary Ben Carson, C-SPAN’s Steve Scully, Vox senior reporter Dara Lind, retired federal judge Paul Schmidt, Chicago Tribune journalist Clarence Page and more.

Each afternoon, students will have the opportunity to visit the places discussed during the morning lectures, including NPR headquarters, Think Tank, embassies, Congress, the Capitol, the Treasury and more.

Morrison said these tours are important because they give students the opportunity to discuss the significance of these sites in the context of sociological research.

“There are low barriers of entry, but high impact from the experience,” said Morrison.

Esports team grows over semester LEXI KIRGAN STAFF REPORTER

Esports is now an active club sport, following significant growth throughout the semester.

Esports is an on-campus league where students can play video games and compete against other schools.

Preparations began last semester, however, students didn’t start competing until the beginning of this semester.

Esports games include Overwatch, Smash Bros, League of Legends and more.

Currently, a room is being remodeled in the former location of the Depot in the Campus Center, for team members to meet and practice together.

The team has already competed in their first tournament at the OP Live Dallas, finishing in eighth place.

Bobby Stewart, a senior accounting and finance major from Spring, joined the Esports team before it became a club sport. He is now the captain shot caller and DPS player for the Overwatch team.

“Once I got here and saw that Esports was start-

ing up and saw that it was a really competitive environment I was like, ‘okay this is pretty cool,’” Stewart said.

“Who doesn’t like playing video games in their free time? I decided to try out for the team and got lucky and got on it.”

Eric Lemmons, help desk manager, contributed in beginning Esports. He said he is excited to see the

growth from the interest that has been shown.

“I’m incredibly excited to see the overwhelming interest we’ve seen in esports this semester and am thrilled to be a part of it,” Lemmons said. “Esports has been growing rapidly as an industry and I’m thrilled that ACU is starting to recognize it’s relevance in the future of our University.”

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from Dallas and president of Hispanos Unidos, said the university helps Hispanic students adjust to the culture shock of moving to Abilene with the Hispanos Unidos club and the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA).

“I’m used to being surrounded by different types of cultures, so coming to a place where the social divide is very present was shocking to me, because I was not used to that,” Rangel said. “I do think ACU does a good job of welcoming us and helping us try to fit in.”

Rangel said the funds the school can apply for should be used in a way to further the education of students who could not otherwise afford it.

“I think it could go towards helping first generation Hispanic students, because I know a lot of the members in Hispanos Unidos are first generation,” Rangel said. “It should go toward helping fund Hispanic and Latino students on campus.”

Graph courtesy of COLLEGE FACTUAL

Page 4 |News

Friday, October 26, 2018

CAMPUS NEWS

OMA responds to pledging hairstyle controversy ALLAYNA FORD MANAGING EDITOR

The Office of Multicultural Affairs emailed students Wednesday in response to a hairstyle worn by pledges that resembled one common among African ethnic groups and popular with African-Americans.

The email, sent by OMA director April Napier, said fohawk buns worn by the pledges of Sigma Theta Chi during their pledging process resemble Bantu knots, which are popular among African-Americans, and the club requiring pledges to wear them “was viewed as insensitive to some students.”

Bantu knots have become more common among African-Americans in recent years.

According to the email, the hairstyle originated

with the Bantu tribe in South Africa and was later used by slaves to distinguish families as well as locations. The hairstyle is worn by African-American women as a means to protect their hair. She also said while she realizes the club had no malicious intent, the incident offended some people and “highlights our need for greater cultural awareness and ongoing conversations.”

“This situation highlights how we can all continue to improve in the area of cultural competency, which is a priority in my role as the director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs,” Napier said. “We have resources, trainings, workshops and events offering the opportunity to learn about diverse cultures and identities. Along with this, OMA has leaders who are open to conver-

sation, support and education for those who have questions or thoughts.”

Siggie President Allison Dennis did not respond to questions about the incident but did send a copy of an email the club’s officers sent to Napier. The letter said the club was deeply remorseful about the hairstyle and did not intend any disrespect and is taking the issue seriously.

“We are deeply grateful for those who are a part of our student body who called us out on this issue so that we could correct it and note to never let it happen again,” the letter from the Siggie officers said.

The pledges were told to create six-to-nine buns in their hair because the club was founded in 1969 and the fohawk hairstyle was meant to mimic pop-star Avril Lavigne’s fohawk buns.

Napier, who took on

“

This situation highlights how we can all continue to improve in the area of cultural competency, which is a priority in my role as the director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs.”

APRIL NAPIER OMA DIRECTOR

her role two months ago, would not respond to questions about the incident and said the office would not address media until after a Sundaes on Mondays event at 6 p.m.

Monday in the basement of the Campus Center.

Kyndal Merritt, who is African-American, said while the hairstyle did offend her, she was more disappointed by the response of students when they learned female African-American students were offended.

“I know that this was

not intentionally malicious and that some people were apologetic about it,” said Merritt, junior nursing major from Cedar Park. “But the majority of people dismissed this or found a way to make fun of it, which is disappointing given the fact that we go to a Christian school. How are you as a Christian going to tell someone they don’t have the right to feel hurt about something?”

Merritt said white students need to realize they will not always be able to understand why certain behaviors will offend minorities, and their lack of understanding should not cause them to become defensive.

“People were acting like we, as in people who took offense, called all of them racist and bad people, which is not what I think,” Merritt said. “They just need to understand that

their actions are hurtful.”

Jerry Mares, senior business management major from Abilene, said the hairstyle worn by the pledges should not have grown into such a large issue.

“It’s ridiculous that Siggies have engaged in this behavior for years, and it only became a problem when a non-Bantu-affiliated individual made it an issue,” Mares said. “I get that there’re instances in which cultural appropriation can be an issue, but this is a far cry.”

Mares also said people could have seen the hairstyle in a more positive way rather than as an attack on their culture.

“If the Siggies think the Bantu style is so fly that they force their pledges to sport it, I would see it more as a celebration of an amazing culture,” Mares said.

Annual Hudson Wade 5K prepares for fourth year DILLION DANIEL STAFF REPORTER

The fourth annual Hudson Wade 5K will take place on Dec. 8 at 9:30 a.m.

The Hudson Wade 5k (HW5K) raises money and awareness for pediatric cancer awareness, in memory of Hudson Wade who was diagnosed with Leukemia at age 11, and died two years later.

In 2014, the ACU Student Athlete Advisory Committee, led by Kyle Karnei, founded the Hudson Wade 5K in support of Wade and his parents Kirk, the president of Abilene christian schools, and Laura, staff member of the ACU nursing school. In February of 2016, Hudson lost his battle FEATURE

to Leukemia.

“Hudson’s battle served as an inspiration to thousands on multiple continents as the Wade family showed their faith and trust in God through even the toughest of times,” said Josh Fink, financial management major from Coppell and SAAC president.

“I was moved to see [the Wade family] live out a mindset that involved putting faith over fear,” said Karnei.

Beginning last year, the HW5K moved its proceeds to support the Play 4 Rex Foundation, an organization created by Lance and Jill Fleming to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research and patients–supplying toys, games, and more.

Through its continuation, the HW5K has seen more than $15,000 raised, each year gaining over $5,000 so far. For the 3rd annual race, more than 300 runners came to attend.

“The 5K helps bring people together in the spirit of love, faith, and courage to support each other and the community,” said Lisa Gilmore, senior associate director of athletics for student athlete welfare.

The race sees the likes of My Emergency Room 24/7 and SGA sponsoring the event. Beginning at the Hardin Administration Building, the 5K is a loop and a half on the Lundsford Trail, ending at the Hunter Welcome Center.

The race is sponsored by

Runners prepare for the annual Hudson Wade 5k in November.

SGA and My Emergency Room 24/7. Beginning in front of the Hardin Admin-

istration Building, the 5K will continue around the Lundsford Trail for one-and-a-half

laps, ending at the Hunter Welcome Center.

Student debuts song ‘Midnight Eyes’ on Spotify ALLAYNA FORD MANAGING EDITOR

Annalis Chavez performing her song Midnight eyes in an outdoor music festival.

She is a nursing major by day, but when class ends, she walks back to her dorm and strums her guitar, creating songs from thin air.

Annalis Chaves is a singer-songwriter and a freshman nursing student from Houston who just released her first single on Spotify titled “Midnight Eyes”. Annalis was able to get her single on Spotify because she recorded her song in a studio back home, using a company which uploads songs to major platforms.

“The first time I performed ‘Midnight Eyes’ in front of people was at a music and arts festival,” Annalis said. “I was so nervous, I was shaking and everything, but it was so cool because all of my friends were in the audience, I loved it.”

“Midnight Eyes” is a country song, but Annalis is still exploring what oth-

er genres of music she is interested in performing.

Though music has been a part of her life since she was a child, Annalis said it took her a while before she could perform and play instruments well, but once she got the hang of it, she fell in love.

“When I was a kid I had a little recorder and I would play to kid songs in the car,” Annalis said.

“Then I picked up my brother’s guitar when I was in middle school and started messing around, but it was really bad, but what forced me to really learn was when I was in a worship band and all the guys graduated, leaving me with the four chords I know on the guitar. That’s when I really discovered my passion for music.”

Annalis said she is currently thinking about what she wants to do in the future because she is at a crossroads between pursuing a career in nursing or music; though nursing is a more stable path, music is her passion.

“I really enjoy medicine and I really enjoy helping people so I picked nursing,” Annalis said. “Then I put my song out and realized maybe I really want to do music so right now I am seeing how I can balance them or seeing if I am just going to pick one.”

Annalis wrote her first song in the fifth grade, however she said the song was terrible and she stopped writing songs until she met a boy in high school who was a songwriter. Although she was influenced to begin writing songs seriously, she said her songs were not great until she found inspiration.

“Last year when I started dating my boyfriend is where all of the inspiration came from,” Chaves said. “I just started writing and all of this stuff came out of me and I was like ‘what the heck is this?’”

Annalis said writing songs came naturally, and her process begins by writing individual lyrics that she eventually changes and strings together to create a

full song.

“When I’m writing I can’t pick the time I’m going to be writing, I can’t just sit down and start writing, it just kind of comes to me,” Chaves said. “I feel like I’m bragging when I say this but it’s definitely a God given gift because I can’t even explain to you how I do it.”

While freshman year can be challenging and busy, Annalis said this year has brought her more free time than she had last year to express herself through music.

“I’ve had more time for messing around on my guitar in my room because back home I had a set schedule that went from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. so that didn’t leave me with much time,” Chaves said. “With college, you have your classes but then you have whatever the time you have. It’s given me more time to just sit down and mess around on my guitar and maybe something will come out of it.”

Sports | Page 6 FEATURE

Friday, October 26, 2018

PEAK PERFORMANCE

Vestal seeks professional career after college RACHEL POE ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Since she was 3 years old, Sam Vestal has enjoyed the simplicity of kicking a soccer ball on the freshly cut, dew-covered grass.

Though the road to professional athletics ends for most in high school, Vestal said she desires to continue after college.

Vestal played on the varsity team all four years of high school at Permian High School in Odessa, scoring around 100 career goals. When it came time to look for schools at the collegiate level, Vestal said she needed soccer to accompany her academics.

“I was determined,” Vestal said. “My family always had faith in me and I wanted to make them proud. I wanted to get a degree by doing something I love.”

ACU was at the top of her desired school list because she knew the team would be closer, as she saw competition between teammates as a way to encourage growth among each other.

As a freshman and sophomore, Vestal earned a spot on the 2016 and 2017 Southland Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll and has made appearances in every game since she started.

In addition to Wildcat soccer, Vestal played last summer with a semi-professional team in Houston called the Techni-

Photo by NICHOLAS CROMWELL CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Sam Vestal has her sights set on extending her soccer career after college.

cal Institute Bluebonnets. She said playing in the Women’s Premier Soccer League was extremely different from competing at the collegiate level.

Whether in the level of competition or the level of diversity, Vestal said playing with the team contributed to the best summer of her life.

“At the college level, you are always having to prove yourself and up your game, but with WPSL you are just playing a game. You aren’t

thinking as much, but in college you are always questioning, ‘how can I be better or do better,’” Vestal said.

For Vestal, life after college must include soccer.

As a kinesiology major, she hopes to become an owner of a sports performance gym and become a personal trainer, but her ultimate goal is to play for the Chicago Red Stars, a top-ranked professional team.

“You put yourself, your body and your life through so much just for this sport you are passionate about,” Sam said, “Why give it up after that? You should try to go the furthest you possibly can. You have already gotten this far, why stop now?”

Vestal said she was inspired to push herself past collegiate soccer after attaining inspiration from a Matthew McConaughey Academy Award acceptance speech in 2014. McConaughey said he will never attain being his own hero, so the ultimate goal is to continue to chase being better. In high school, she told her friends she aspired to be a Div. I soccer player, and now tells people she can’t wait to play at the professional level.

“I look forward to making my family proud because they demand excellence from me with utmost encouragement they can give me,” Vestal said. “I am always chasing myself; I am my biggest critic.”

STANDINGS Volleyball Team

Ovrl. Div.

SFA SHSU ACU UCA McNeese TAMU-CC HBU NWSU UNO Lamar UIW SLU Nicholls

23-2 17-5 12-10 18-5 7-18 6-17 11-13 8-12 10-16 6-15 5-15 2-21 3-21

Soccer

Team

Ovrl.

UCA Lamar HBU McNeese ACU SLU NWSU UIW SFA TAMU-CC SHSU Nicholls

14-3-1 11-4-2 9-7-1 12-6-1 11-5-1 6-6-4 10-8 3-11-1 4-8-3 5-8-3 3-11-3 3-14

10-0 9-1 9-1 8-2 5-5 5-5 4-6 4-6 4-7 3-7 3-7 1-9 1-10

Div. 9-1 7-1-2 7-2-1 6-3-1 6-3-1 3-4-3 4-6 3-6-1 2-5-3 2-6-2 2-6-2 1-9

Football

Team

Ovrl.

UCA McNeese UIW Nicholls SHSU ACU SLU Lamar SFA NWSU HBU

5-2 5-2 4-3 4-3 4-3 4-4 3-5 3-4 2-5 2-5 1-6

Div. 4-1 4-1 4-1 3-2 3-2 3-3 3-3 2-3 2-4 1-4 0-5

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Football

SOCCER

Soccer claims spot in Southland tournament over weekend RACHEL POE ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

The soccer team punched its ticket to the Southland Conference postseason tournament after defeating Sam Houston 3-0 Friday and improved to 6-3-1 in conference after a win over SFA Sunday.

Against the Bearkats, ACU’s first goal came 18 minutes into the game when junior midfielder/defender Shay Johnson passed the ball to sophomore midfielder/ forward Christina Arteaga.

She dribbled the ball around the defender and shot the ball into the back of the net.

ACU’s second goal came when senior midfielder/forward Sophie Standifer fed the ball to teammate, senior forward Dylan Owens, at the 26 minute mark. Owens passed the ball to Arteaga, who nailed it into the back of the net for her second goal of the night.

The Wildcats allowed three shots on goal attempts in the first 45 minutes. Redshirt junior goalkeeper Rachel Johnson had three saves in the first half.

The defense held strong, staying up 2-0 at halftime.

During the second half, ACU outshot SHSU 22-6.

Johnson had an additional three saves and finished the game with her sixth shutout of the season.

The final goal of the night was scored with only seven seconds remaining. Junior forward Samantha Vestal scored her second goal of the season when freshman forward/defender Laura Mauldin’s shot deflected off the post and Vestal was there to finish it, giving ACU a 3-0 victory.

Arteaga said her team was excited to clinch a spot in the tournament.

“It definitely felt great but it was just another accomplishment checked off of our goals for the season that’s still not complete yet,” Arteaga said, “We sure do have our eyes on the prize.”

On Sunday against the Lumberjacks, the match remained scoreless until double overtime. Arteaga received a pass from senior defender/midfielder Caity Acosta, who sent the ball far side to Arteaga, who scored her third goal of

the weekend and seventh of the season.

Arteaga was overjoyed that she was able to help the team with three goals this weekend.

“There were tremendous wins that couldn’t be done without a fight from our entire team,” Arteaga said.

After Sunday’s game Johnson had a total of three saves and her seventh shutout of the season.

ACU will finish off the regular season this Friday at Elmer Gray Stadium against Incarnate Word at 7 p.m. This will also be Senior night.

McCrary Junior transfer running back Billy McCrary was a big help to his team’s 48-27 victory over Southeastern Louisiana last Saturday.

He reached the end zone once and ran for 222 yards, being the first Wildcat running back since De’Andre Brown in 2014 to run for over 200 in a game. Football has this Saturday off but will return to action next week at home against Northwestern State.

Soccer

TENNIS

Sheehys beat ranked opponents, women conclude fall season BRIAN SWEET SPORTS REPORTER

ACU’s Josh and Johnathan Sheehy made strong showings in singles and doubles matches in Waco at the ITA Men’s Texas Regionals as they took down Power 5 competitors from the Big 12.

Josh Sheehy beat Texas Tech’s No. 10 Parker Wynn, 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (3), then advanced past No. 7 Sven Lah from Baylor via retirement after going up 2-0 in the first set.

In doubles, the Sheehy brothers teamed up to take down the nationally fifthranked duo from Baylor of Will Little and Johannes Schretter, 8-4.

Josh Sheehy said he believed the team belonged in the tournament, and was proud of the team’s success.

The men’s team has one more tournament this fall as they travel to Phoenix for the GCU invitational Nov. 2- Nov. 4.

Autumn Woods and Nini Memishishi led the women’s team in their final fall season tournament in College Station with nine wins.

Woods advanced the furthest by beating Incarnate Word’s Jelena Dordan, 6-4, 6-1, before ad-

Arteaga Sophomore midfielder/ forward Christina Arteaga had an impressive weekend against Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin. Arteaga converted on two goals in her team’s 3-0 win against the Bearkats and scored a double overtime winner to defeat SFA 1-0. ACU also clinched a spot in the Southland postseason tournament after the victory over Sam Houston. The team plays its final regular season game against Incarnate Word at home Friday.

Volleyball

Bosse

Josh Sheehy put on an impressive performance in both singles and doubles at ITA.

vancing past the second round by upsetting Sam Houstons State’s Sahaja Yamalapalli, 7-5, 1-6, 1-0.

Woods lost in the third round to Southland Conference rival Texas A&M Corpus Christi’s Marina Miquel, 6-2, 6-1.

Senior Jordan Henry defeated SFA’s Armelle Cerdan, 6-3, 6-1.

Junior Sarah Adams, Freshman Allison Stewart and Freshman Sylvia Viljoen also won.

Adams defeated Rishona Lewis of Texas State,

Nini Memishishi returns the ball to her opponent.

The women concluded fall last weekend.

6-0, 6-4, also beating players from Prairie View A&M. Woods said the team will continue to work hard in practice as they prepare for the spring season.

“Now that we are in offseason, our hours are shorter but they will just be as in-

tense,” Woods said. “We will have a lot of weight lifting, we will have indiviual practices where we can focus on our game and how to improve our personal game.”

The women’s team will kick off their spring season as they face UNT.

Senior setter Kendall Bosse passed for 100 assists in only two matches last week. Her team played a two-game homestand beating Northwestern State and Southeastern Louisiana. Bosse and the Wildcats improved their conference record to 9-1 after the two victories. The Wildcats were scheduled to face Houston Baptist on the road Thursday and will face Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Saturday.

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