Optimist Print Edition 11.01.19

ACUOPTIMIST.COM | Friday, November 1, 2019 | 1

Conference champs look to repeat as basketball season approaches

A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912

PAGE 6

BY DAVID MITCHELL | PHOTOGRAPHER

ACU alumn Kolby Hart performs at the outdoor Missions Week celebration Monday.

Faulkner Garden honors past professor

BY OWEN SIMPSON SPORTS DIRECTOR

The Faulkner Meditation Garden was constructed between the Hunter Welcome Center and the fountain lake earlier this month to honor Dr. Paul and Gladys Faulkner.

Paul Faulkner taught on campus full-time for 35 years. He was honored in 1982 as the university’s Teacher of the Year. As a student, he was a javelin thrower and pole vaulter, earning his spot in the ACU Sports Hall of Fame in 1994 for his accomplishments.

Paul and Gladys Faulkner met in high school and dated at Abilene Christian College.

After graduating together, they married in July 1952.

Hailey Rotenberry, the Faulkner’s granddaughter and ACU alumna, said her grandparents are people who heavily focus on loving others.

“They just have such a heart for people and such a focus on education, people and loving each other,” Rotenberry said. “He was a professor in the Bible department, so his heart was for students to really know Jesus and live that out.”

In 2016, after being married for 64 years, Gladys Faulkner passed away at the age of 86 at her ranch home near Austin. Before passing away, Gladys earned her master’s degree in education in 1976. She went on to teach at Abilene’s Headstart program for many years.

Rottenberry said she feels like the garden will be a great place for students to be on campus.

“With all the things that have been added to campus over the past decade,” Rotenberry said. “I think that this addition is one of those that will hopefully be

on the list for students to be able to reflect, to have a place to gather and be a great marker on campus.”

Dr. Royce Money, ACU Chancellor, was also heavily involved in the process of the garden’s construction.

“Dr. Faulkner’s family in general thought it was a great idea to honor his years of service here,” Money said. “It just happened that it coincided with his 90th birthday. I began to ask the family what would be the best way to honor him, and they really liked the idea of doing something down by the lake.”

“I hope and pray that as a university we can teach people to make a difference in their lives and souls and not just the brain.”

DR. PAUL FAULKNER RETIRED PROFESSOR FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF BIBLE, MISSIONS, AND MINISTRY

Money was also offered a job from Dr. Faulkner. He accepted the job and began working in August 1981.

Later in 1991, Money would be named the 10th president of ACU. “I was gone 14 years and then quite suddenly and kind of unexpectedly, Paul

ACUPD cites three students for alcohol in dorm

BY ANDREW TOOTHMAN STAFF WRITER

The ACU Police Department was called in regarding three students in Edwards Hall having alcohol in their possession, which resulted in the students being charged with class C misdemeanors on Oct. 11.

ACU Police was alerted by a residence life employee that three students in the freshman and sophomore dorm had alcohol in their rooms. ACU Student life or ResLife are expected to report incidents regarding alcohol and drugs.

Jimmy Ellison, ACU Police Chief, said that ACU Police respond and take action only to criminal violations with the Texas laws. ACU Po-

OPTIMIST FILE PHOTO

ACUPD was alerted by ResLife employees at Edwards Hall. lice is not responsible for university r ule violations or residence hall policies.

“When we get called into an alcohol incident, we conduct a quick investigation in terms of what

can be confirmed and who is in possession of what and if they are of legal age,” Ellison said. “In this case, three individuals were under age 21, and

by Texas law, if you are under the age of 21 you

cannot legally possess alcohol, and following that we take the appropriate enforcement action.”

The citation issued was a minor in possession (MIP) of alcohol.

The underage students

received a citation with a fine and will also have to attend an alcohol awareness course. The basis of the consequences for drinking or possessing alcohol underage is for the minor to learn from the incident and be drawn away from it happening again.

Ellison said this has not been a trend at ACU. There were only 13 liquor law violations on campus in 2018, according to the Annual Clery Report, in which ACU Police took action and issued citations. There were also seven liquor law violations that ACU Police were not involved in but were instead handled by Student Life or the Dean of Students.

Sigma Theta Chi blesses ground for campus pavilion

BY SYDNEY VARNER STAFF WRITER

Womens’ social club Sigma Theta Chi kicked off its Homecoming weekend and the 50th anniversary of the club with a ground blessing that is to be the sight of the new Sigma Theta Chi park and pavilion.

Claire Sladek, president of Sigma Theta Chi, said the pavilion, being built for the 50th anniversary of their club is accompanied with a vision and goal of providing a space for fellowships and relationships to grow across campus.

“We want the students, faculty, staff and the Abilene community to use

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAMI PURSLEY

Members, alumni and sponsors of Sigma Theta Chi gather for Homecoming ground blessing ceremony of Siggie Pavilion Park to celebrate 50 years. this space to relax and grow closer to each other and God,” Sladek said.

For its 25th anniversary, Sigma Theta Chi raised over $25K for flag poles

that mark the official entrance of campus. The flag poles are incorporated into pledging each year.

The grounds blessing took place Oct. 18 on the

lawn east of the Zona Luce building and north of the Hardin Administration building. The event included pledges, members and alumni.

“We had a great turn out; leaders of the pavilion effort, Amanda Pittman and Lisa Johnson, discussed the vision of this pavilion.

Then, I was able to assist founding members of Sigma Theta Chi as well as key donors in the ground “breaking,’” Sladek said.

The club has not yet raised all of the funds necessary to complete the pavilion, hence the ground blessing not breaking.

“This time of blessing was a super exciting time that kicked off our Homecoming weekend and specifically our 50th anniversary celebration for Siggie alumni and current Siggies,” Sladek said.

Faulkner called me,” Money said. “I was working with a church in Springfield, Missouri and Paul said, ‘I would like to hire you as a professor in the marriage and family institute.’”

Faulkner touched the lives of many students and faculty, and he said he hopes for the university to continue to impact the lives of students.

“I love God for what he’s done for me that I don’t deserve,” Faulkner said. “I hope and pray that as a university we can teach people to make a difference in their lives and souls and not just the brain.”

FEATURES

Meet the mom to ACU’s international students PAGE 3

SPORTS

Quarterback Davis shines on the gridiron PAGE 5

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2 | Friday, November 1, 2019 | NEWS

ACU for Life challenges students with controversial chalking

BY SENIA OVERSTREET GUEST WRITER

ACU for Life participated in National pro-life Chalk day Tuesday to share the meaning of Pro-Life. The chalking opened up debates about pro-life and pro-choice around campus throughout the remainder of the week.

On Oct. 22, a group of students met during Chapel to write down messages about the pro-life movement on Campus sidewalks of ACU. Fourteen students participated.

While students showed up to share their thoughts about the controversial issue, many opposing students left comments to defend their own beliefs.

Many of the comments in chalk read: “Life Matters” and “We are the Pro-Life generation.”

BY SENIA OVERSTREET | GUEST WRITER

ACU for Life draws pro-life chalk messages on sidewalks around campus.

Marissa Trujillo, senior theatre education and design tech major form Forney and president of ACU for Life, said she witnessed students using water to erase the chalk.

“It happened right next to me, someone emptied out their entire water bottle on something I had written,”

Trujillo said.

ACU for Life’s leadership addressed opposing messages.

“The vice president of our group and I actually spent an hour before Chapel on Wednesday, responding to every single thing that was written opposing our initial chalk messag-

es,” Trujillo said. “The intention in doing this was to continue to spread the truth.”

Opposing comments included sayings like, “women’s rights matter” and “Pro-Choice is the best choice.”

Trujillo said she accepted opposition and spoke with

pro-choice students at the GATA fountain to welcome their beliefs.

“People were visibly offended and angry when they were talking to me,’ Trujillo said. “There was a lot of aggression coming from their part, but I was wholeheartedly there wanting to listen to what they had to say and respond as well. I heard every argument in the book but I was able to speak in response with truth.”

After Chapel, a group of students watched as Trujillo stood at the fountain answering questions.

Gusbot Hayes, senior family and youth ministry major from Dallas, said he saw students questioning Trujillo at the fountain.

“There were folks who wanted to educate others about the movement instead of argue,” Hayes said. “It

got loud, but they handled it with respect. I respect that.”

ACU for Life is a group that promotes life while advocating for pro-life students on campus. Their goal is to spread a message that educates students on controversial issues.

“I was not at all offended or angry that people had written responses to our initial chalk messages,” Trujillo said. “It was really encouraging to see students on campus so passionate about something. It gave ACU for Life and the people that wrote the opposing messages an opportunity to have dialogue about an issue that is extremely important and needs to be talked about.”

ACU for Life has weekly chapel at 5 p.m. on Thursdays in the Onstead Packer Biblical Studies Building, room 130.

Guest lecturer to discuss the Jewishness of Jesus in November

BY LEAH FIKES COPY EDITOR

A Vanderbilt University professor will discuss Jesus’s Jewish ancestry during the Carmichael-Wall ing lecture series in November.

T he Carm ichael-Wa l ling Lect ure series is a yearly event started in 1987 t hat brings in a wel l-k nown scholar to d iscuss topics of fa it h each November.

T h is year Dr. A my-

Ji l l Lev ine, professor of New Testament and Jew ish st ud ies and Wert han professor of Jew ish st ud ies at Vanderbi lt Un iversit y, w i l l be t he speaker of t he series. She is a lso an aff i l iated professor of t he Woolf Inst it ute: Cent re for Jew ish- Christ ian Relat ions in Cambridge.

Levine has written and co-authored over half a dozen books for adults and many children’s books. She also has

worked on several adult educat ion programs and tapes.

Dr. Jeff Childers, Professor of New Testament and Early Christ ianity in the Graduate School of Theolog y, directs the lectureship. He also is the director of the Center for Study of Ancient Rel igious Texts.

“A.J. Levine is a Jewish Scholar in New Testament and early Christ ianity,” Childers said.

“She does a lot of re-

search on Jesus’s Jewish background. I think it will be very interest ing to anybody who is interested in Jesus or the Gospels.”

The lectures will take place on Nov. 14 in the Onstead-Packer Bibl ical Studies Building room 114 and are open to the publ ic.

The f irst lecture will begin at 4 p.m., and Levine will discuss the Jewishness of Jesus and how that leads to a

“I am really hoping students will have a greater understanding of who Jesus is. But also, that they will understand that his Jewishness is absolutely integral to who he is and what he means.”

DR. JEFF CHILDERS PROFESSOR IN THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

greater understanding of Jesus.

The second lecture will start at 8:15 p.m.

and will discuss several parables, such as “The Parable of the Lost Coin” and “The Parable of the Prodigal Son,” and how these stories are affected by Jesus’s Jewish culture.

“I am really hoping students will have a greater understanding of who Jesus is,” Childers said. “But also, that they will understand that his Jewishness is absolutely integral to who he is and what he means.”

Duncum introduces Social Thinking program to Kenley School

BY ALLIE JONES STAFF WRITER

The Kenley School of Abilene and the Duncum Center are partnering with each other to introduce a new program the Social Thinking program to Kenley students. Social Thinking is a methodology that was created by Michelle Garcia Winter, a speech pathologist in California, and will be used at Kenley to address the social skills that students need.

“Social skills are extremely important to address academic success.

Without social skills, kids may learn to read but they

won’t read to learn.” Susan Postelwait said. “It’s really important that if you have a child with social skills deficits you teach them directly the social skills and social competency.”

This is exactly what Social Thinking will do for Kenley students. The program itself, much like the Kenley philosophy, focuses on each child’s strengths and weaknesses to help them achieve their individual goals. The program uses textbooks, videos, and games to help the student understand the concepts. In the classroom students, teachers, and parents are encouraged to

“The students come to us lacking confidence.

This program teaches students to feel good about themselves, and be confident.”

QI HANG KENLEY SCHOOL PROGRAM DIRECTOR

use the vocabulary from the program.

Kenley School is a non-profit day school for boys and girls with learning disabilities in fi rst through eighth grade.

Kenley has had close ties with ACU since it’s beginning in 1971 when it was started by alumn Catherine Kenley. In the past decade,

that connection has grown because of programs from the Duncum Center being incorporated into the classes at Kenley. These programs’ focuses vary within the five subsystems of language: phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.

Now through the Social Thinking program, the students can learn the pragmatic aspect of the social use of language.

The main goal of Kenley School is to get students classroom ready. This includes aspects such as fi lling in gaps in their education, teaching them how to go learn excel in education

despite learning disabilities, and now how to think through social situations.

Kenley staff works with each student individually doing whatever it takes to accomplish their goals.This is a clear reflection of their motto: If a child doesn’t learn the way he is taught, we teach him the way he learns.

Qi Hang, Kenley’s director, said that “The students come to us lacking confidence. This program teaches students to feel good about themselves, and be confident.”

The Social Thinking program within Kenley focuses on arguably one

of the most vital tools of life- the ability to interact and connect with society. “Most people want to connect, we are human,” Postelwait said. “It is hard for neuro-normal people like us to understand, but those who lack social competency are unable to connect, and they’re just well sad.” Humans are social creatures, and as such, they crave human interaction and dream of a sense of belonging. By collaborating on the Social Thinking program, the Kenley and Duncum staff’s purpose is to help Kenley students reach that dream inside and outside of the classroom.

THURS., NOV. 7

FRI., NOV. 8

SAT., NOV. 9

1 p.m.- Sports Career Day at AT&T Stadium 7 p.m.- SPS Cosmic Cafe 7:30 p.m.- Choirs Fall concert

2 p.m.- 1GEN Interest Meeting

WHAT’S HAPPENING? MON., NOV. 4

TUES., NOV. 5

Admitted Student Day 3 p.m.- Spring/Summer 2020 Registration (Juniors) 7:30 p.m.- Culp Lecture and Reception

9 a.m.- Ministry Internship Fair 9 a.m.- Tech Tune-Up 5 p.m.- ATSO Fundraiser 5:30 p.m.- AIS November Meeting 3 p.m.- Jonathan Coley Book Talk

WED., NOV. 6 4:30 p.m.- Resume Writing Workshop

police log SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK: •

A non-ACU affiliated male reported that he was assaulted by his sister’s boyfriend. 10/23/2019 3:41 a.m.

•

ACUPD assisted APD with a disturbance call involving a female and her boyfriend. 10/26/2019 11:32 p.m.

•

ACUPD Officers investigated a report of an armed subject. Officers located and identified the person and determined that the gun in question was a BB gun located inside a locked vehicle. 10/28/2019 9:15 p.m.

•

ACUPD Officer contacted the tenant and 2 friends after receiving a noise complaint call. Volume reduced, no enforcement action.

10/28/2019 10:45 p.m.

911 Call Administrative activity Advice Alarm Animal call Armed subject Assault Assist Barricades Bicycle/skateboard call Building lock/unlock Cart patrol Check building Citation issuance Clery Criminal mischief

1 41 2 3 1 2 1 0 1 1 11 5 278 0 7 0

Direct traffic Disturbance Domestic disturbance Escort Fireworks violation Foot patrol Found property Harassment Hit & run Information report Intoxicated person Investigation follow-up Lost Property Maintenance: univ assets: cctv Maintenance: univ assets Medical emergency

MESSAGE FROM POLICE CHIEF ELLISON:

0 2 0 1 0 6 1 0 0 3 0 21 2 26 2 3

Missing person Monitor facility/lot Motorist assist: inflate tire Motorist assist: jump start Motorist assist: other Motorist assist: unlock Noise violation Other Parking lot patrol Parking violation Patrol vehicle: maintenance Patrol vehicle: refuel Public service Random patrol Report writing Report writing (follow up)

0 23 3 9 4 4 3 3 23 0 8 7 1 15 12 1

Suicide (attempt and actual) Suspicious activity Suspicious item Suspicious person Suspicious vehicle Theft Traffic hazard Traffic stop Vehicle collision Welfare check Total

0 0 0 3 2 0 0 1 0 3 544

*List of selected statistics of this week’s ACUPD activity report.

“With winter weather approaching, make sure you receive the latest school closure or delay messages.

Register or update your ACU ALERT account at www.acu.edu/acualert.”

3 p.m.- Football v. SMHU

FEATURES | Friday, November 1, 2019 | 3

MEET THE MOM TO ACU’S INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Veronica Whitt uses experiences to encourage and help others succeed they may be looking for, what to do in different scenarios and who to contact if needing help.

She tells them what to expect from American culture, explains certain classroom expectations and defines culture shock.

“I tell them, ‘Your experience here is going to be very different,’” Whitt said.

Takuma Tsuneki, junior English education major from Tokyo, Japan, and intern for the International Students Scholars Office, said Whitt is one of the first faces international students

BY ALLISON HARRELL EDITOR IN CHIEF

Attending college can be difficult. Attending college in a foreign place can be extremely difficult.

Veronica Whitt, who serves as the international students services specialist, knew the struggles personally when she came to ACU as a freshman from the Philippines in 2009.

Her parents were missionaries in the Philippines. Her father is from Texas and her mother is Fillipino. When she came to the U.S. to attend college, she came in as an American citizen.

Her older sister, who was also attending ACU and a senior at the time, helped her to adjust.

Whitt said at first not many people recognized her as an international student because she came in on an American passport, and her student ID said she was from San Saba.

“It was a little bit tricky at first, knowing what my resources were, but I easily found that community and got plugged in pretty quickly,” Whitt said.

She quickly became a part of the officer team and served as a student leader in the International Students’ Association.

The ISA provides students from other countries with a community that helps the transition into a new culture, connects them with people of the Abilene community they can go to for help and prepares them with certain resources needed to be successful in a new environment.

“If you’re thinking of your experience as a college student, you probably had your parents around to help you transition, but a lot of our international students don’t have a family when they get here,” Whitt said.

After Whitt graduated with a bachelor of science degree in family studies in 2012, she made the decision to stay in the U.S. instead of going back to the Philippines.

“Thankfully because I was an American citizen I had that option,” she said. “Most of our international students, if they are not continuing in school or if there’s not a company that will sponsor their work visa, then they have to go home.”

At first she remained working for Einstein’s Bagel Company on campus, where she had worked throughout her undergraduate studies. Then she found a job opening with Big Brothers Big Sisters under the AmeriCorps VISTA program and worked there for two years.

Halfway through working with Big Brothers Big Sisters, she decided to enroll in the Graduate School of Theology and Global Studies program. She received a full scholarship and began school again.

After finishing her second year working with Big Brothers Big Sisters, she was hired as a resident assistant at University Park Apartments. During this time, she resumed her job as a student worker in the Center

see when they get to the U.S. with only their suitcases.

“Veronica invited me to the chapels and certain sports nights that take place,” Tsuneki said. “I really got involved through Ethnos.”

Ethos is a cultural dance and performance event that takes place each year, in which students can volunteer to participate in acts representing different ethnicities.

Whitt also serves as an adviser for the International Students’ Association to

hold cultural events and food festivals. Besides helping international students get a driver’s license, set up a bank account, find a job, get a Social Security number or set up a phone plan, she also takes time to invite them to her home and treat them as her own children.

“We call her our mom,” Ramirez said. “She cooks for us and takes us out. It’s not her job to be on top of everything, but she does it.

She goes beyond her job.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF VERNONICA WHITT

Veronica Whitt, international students services specialist, was once an international student herself. middle of the school year, so for International Education.

“So that’s how I slowly got the university was looking for my foot in the door,” Whitt someone to fill the position said. “Of course, they already quickly and conveniently. Whitt knew me because my mentor was right there. This was the job was in the office and in the she had been eyeing since her days in undergraduate. position that I’m in now.”

“It was a very natural tranAfter three semesters of graduate school, she decided sition, but definitely a God the program was not for her thing,” Whitt said. “I reand withdrew. This decision, member specifically when I however, would require her to was a student leader looking look for another area of work. at my mentor in this office “If you’re not a student, thinking, ‘Man, she has the you can’t work as an R.A.,” coolest job. I hope someday Whitt said. “So pulling out I can find a job like that.’”

She was hired as the coorof the program meant also losing my job, but I thought I dinator of International Stuneeded to, for my own sake.” dent Services in the spring As she finished her of 2017. This is her third term as an R.A., she began year working in the position.

“It’s special to be able to searching for other options.

“At this point, I was like, relate to [the internation‘Well it’s up to you God. I’m al students] on that level of, taking a leap of faith here ‘Hey, I’m not just saying these and trusting that you’ll pro- things because I read a book vide for something,’” Whitt about it. I’ve experienced it said. “I was already pre- too,’” Whitt said. “I get to give pared to go back to working them hope and tell them, ‘It’s in retail because sometimes going to get better. It’s not all bad. You’ll be OK.’” you just can’t be picky.”

Her main role is to conAt the time, her supervisor at University Park Apartments, nect international students Angela Neal, came across a job to resources on campus and help them to transition posting in the Chapel office.

“She asked if I had as a new college student looked at the position,” and adjust to the culture.

In the summer, she begins Whitt said. “I said yes, but I didn’t think I was qualified.” communication with many “See, that’s the problem with of the incoming international us women,” Neal told Whitt. students, making sure they are “We see something and then signed up for residence halls, we don’t think we’re qualified, meal plans and classes. She helps so we don’t even try. That’s why to coordinate their pick-up at the all the men get the jobs. Be- Abilene airport and takes them on Walmart trips to buy all the cause they just go for it.”

With a pep-talk from Neal, dormitory necessities to settle in.

Sofia Ramirez, president of Whitt applied for the job and was hired. It was her first job the ISA, said Whitt made her working full time for ACU. feel secure in coming to ACU Shortly after, her former su- as an international student.

“Before coming to the states, pervisor in the International Students Office decided to you get into contact with Veleave and find a job elsewhere. ronica and ask any questions “She had already been about your itinerary,” Ramirez kind of grooming me, as said. “Any questions, Veronica her student worker, and is your person to go to.”

Whitt helps direct a new training me,” Whitt said. “I think in her mind, she was student orientation for interalready thinking of me as a national students the Saturday possible person to take over after Wildcat Week to inform once she decided to leave.” them of their resources on The supervisor left in the campus, where to find things

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4 | Friday, November 1, 2019 | OPINIONS

Are ESA certifications being abused?

EDITORIAL BOARD

Pets are a beautiful gift to have.

They become an extended part of your family and they get embedded in your memories as life goes on. When they get sick and are ailing it truly saddens you. When they pass its like truly losing a best friend.

Animals are incredible creatures. Most domestic pets are loving and show their affection in multiple ways. Whether it’s curling into your lap or snuggling next to you, they really do love their human owners.

It is not uncommon to see lots of pets, specifically dogs, walking around the Lunsford trail. Also not uncommonly, we have upperclassmen who get to live off campus and have pets if they so desire.

More uniquely, you may see a dog walk into a classroom or the library wearing a blue colored vest that reads, “Service Animal.” This means that

CARTOON BY ERNIE GUAJARDO

the animal has been trained or is finishing up training to help their owner with specific needs. The animal can be used for assistance if the owner has a physical or emotional disability.

More recently however, ACU has seen a fair share of requests for emotional support animals, also known as ESA, in the dorms. ESA’s are

known for helping with the following: anxiety, depression, panic attacks, PTSD, stress, bipolar/mood disorders, phobias and other emotion/psychological conditions. But are ESA licenses being misused for their actual purpose?

In society today, emotional ailments are more apparent, sadly. We have individuals who

have truly dealt with a lot in their short lives and truly need a buddy to help them calm their anxious feelings and nerves.

We do not want to dismiss that some of the students here on campus might be experiencing or going through some of those same struggles.

However, you can’t help but wonder sometimes if students

really have a need for an ESA or do they just want their pet with them at school?

The process to get an approved ESA animal on campus simply requires a trip to the doctor. A letter from a doctor stating that said person was experiencing said symptoms and the support of an animal would help put

to ease these symptoms gives ESA certification. With this certification the student must go through several meetings with Student Life, the Director of Residence Life and then the Resident Director of the particular dorm where the animal will be housed.

Learning that the process does not take long, it seems likely that it could seem like an easy feat for students to crack the system and do what they can to get to have their beloved pet to be at school with them as they are embarking on a new chapter. It also may benefit the student to be known as the one with a pet in their room.

It is possible for students to be abusing the rights of those who really need ESA support just so they have the benefit of having their pet with them.

Let’s hope that those who have been approved to have ESA support with them, need it.

Why Kanye’s conversion to the faith should be celebrated

BY DILLON DANIEL MANAGING EDITOR

With the release of Kanye West’s new album, “JESUS IS KING”, there has been much speculation about his newfound faith.

Christian celebrities are not a new occurrence in pop culture. Many are more up-front with their faith like Tim Tebow, while others have mentioned it occasionally like Chris Pratt. However, Kanye West’s status as

a born-again Christian was proven to be more drastic, considering his image as the pinnacle of celebrity pride.

But what makes his new album so important today?

Opinions on the album, his first gospel one, have varied. Some do not like the album, it’s music or even its message, believing that West’s new faith is not authentic. Some, on the other

hand, praise it, believing that West’s influence will turn others to the faith.

I cannot speak for non-Christians, however, I have one message for the Christian skeptics: unclench your fists and learn to celebrate.

We believers cross into treacherous territory when we greet new-believers with open arms, but is that not we are told to do no matter

what?

What’s important about this new album is not how good the music is (although some of the beats are definitely underproduced), but that we are watching a public figure transform from “I am God” to “He is God.” Jesus forgave Paul and woman in the act of adultery, who’s to say he can’t forgive Kanye West?

Kirk Franklin sums it up well in West’s song “Ultralight Beam:” “Father, this prayer is for everyone that feels they’re not good enough. This prayer’s for everybody that feels like they’re too messed up. For everyone that feels they’ve said ‘I’m sorry’ too many times. You can never go too far when you can’t come back home again.”

Is the war on terror up for debate or is their an obvious side?

BY DILLON DANIEL MANAGING EDITOR

Since the Persian Gulf War, the common depiction of the “enemy of America” has been the Islamic extremists.

Our involvement in the Persian Gulf War, the war in Iraq and the war on terrorism has allowed this

idea to blossom into fruition, to allow political candidates to target a growing cultural population in the states.

Many people debate about whether we should have ever been involved in the Middle East. Quite frankly, I believe we do more harm to our image by aiding certain sides in the civil wars

that take place overseas.

However, the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi this last Sunday and Osama Bin Laden in May 2011 reveal that the United States is leading the fi ght against large terrorist operations.

The United States has learned the art of training well-armed, well-prepared special forces operators.

Because of the operations under the reigns of Barack Obama and Donald Trump, the world is now without two of some of the most evil men in recent history.

Even without regarding the media’s quick appraisal of 44 and disapproval of 45, it’s not hard to miss that we live in a country that makes ease of dis-

patching threats to the good of others in nations in disrepair.

Again, actions we make prior to and after these operations are still questionable and should be viewed as such. However, operations such as the dispatch of Bin Laden and al-Baghdadi are integral to the prosperity of freedom

Tweets

Guest Column: SGA passed the budget

BY KARISSA NICKISH GUEST COLUMNIST

You may not think budgets are exciting but this year’s SGA Executive Team and Senate were thrilled that the budget passed, providing over 50,000 dollars of funding to student organizations.

ACU’s student government organization has an allocated amount of money for distributing to student organization to fund student events, projects and promote change all across campus.

Jared Clemmer and Aaron Bunting, SGA’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer respectively, spent over 100 hours meeting with student organizations, allocating funds and organizing the 1920 fiscal year budget.

Jared Clemmer states, “The most rewarding part of the budget process was getting to meet with all the organizations and put a face to the

name of the different leaders of clubs and organizations around campus.”

Though it was rewarding, it wasn’t easy. For Clemmer and Bunting, the most challenging part of the budget process was making sure we funded each organization to the best of SGA’s ability. The two put in long hours and focused on being able to fund each student organization to the fullest extent possible so that ACU students could benefit and enjoy exciting events on campus.

In addition to creating the budget, the finance team is exploring the creation of an account, which would ensure any leftover money from the SGA budget at the end of the year would go towars student organizations and events in the future.

In past years, leftover funding returned to the general university fund, to be redistributed across departments.

Lauren Wasson, SGA President, describes her vision for the fund, “Hopefully, Student Organizations will have more funds available to them and be able to make an even bigger difference on campus.

The money was originally given to student organizations and we would love for that money to continue to be used for student events, projects, and more in the future.”

A fund with the leftover money would be used to increase funding of student organizations and the capacity of the Student Government Office to serve student needs and interests.

Every year, student organizations largely receive less than their requested funding, due to budget limitations. With this fund, organizations could move closer to being 100 percent funded.

The budget was passed by one of the most diverse and

full congress in ACU’s SGA history, making it an exciting event for all included. Who would have thought budgeting could be so fun?

Jared Clemmer, a senior fi nance major, said “Some advice I would give the next CFO would be to start early and work consistently through the weeks prior to the budget meeting, while also making sure to improve and better the process for future generations of SGA.” Even though this year was smooth for SGA during the budget process, the SGA Executive staff wants to ensure that the process will only get better for future years.

Now when you attend a student event, take a moment to think about the allocating, funding and process of changing the ACU campus to be a place where there is always an event for everyone.

across the globe.

Organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIS (or ISIL, depending on who you ask) should not be allowed the opportunity to expand and continue. If people are going to be upset whether or not we get involved toppling their regimes, why is it so hard to pick a side?

Almost Christian University @ChristianAlmost I see some people decided to dress up as clowns for Halloween Almost Christian University @ChristianAlmost Temperatures as low as my test scores right now Almost Christian University @ChristianAlmost You know some call us the Harvard of the south.

Big Noon Saturday @Nickboone5 Acu is going to blast this new Kanye at every event they do for the next 10 years Chase Benton @chase_benton1 RECORD COLD in Abilene! At last check it was 21 degrees which beats the old record low of 23 which was actually also the coldest October temperature ever! Also a wind chill of 14... #txwx SJ @TheShelbyJayde It’s 35 degrees outside and sprinkling. & people expect me to go to class..

S @ssarahornelas I’m really just winging this whole college thing.

THE OPTIMIST STAFF ALLISON HARRELL

SARAH BLANKENSHIP

AVERY JACKSON

KENNETH PYBUS

DILLON DANIEL

ASHLEY LANG

JALEN GARRETT

CADE WHITE

OWEN SIMPSON

DEVON HILLARY

LEXI KIRGAN

CELESTE KINKADE

TAVIAN MILES

EMILY PERRYMAN

RACHEL POE

ABBEY LEE

WILLIAM HEYEN

TYLER HENDERSON

RILEY FISHER

ANDREW NORSWORTHY

ADELIN BLACKMON

ALEX HILL

ANDREW TOOTHMAN

DAVID MITCHELL

ERNIE GUAJARDO

BRYCE LURKENS

EMILY SHAFER

LEAH FIKES

SYDNEY VARNER

KAUY OSTLIEN

RACHEL CROSSNOE

ALLIE JONES

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SPORTS | Friday, November 1, 2019 | 5

New scoreboard to arrive in Moody Coliseum

BY OWEN SIMPSON SPORTS DIRECTOR

A new video scoreboard will be installed at Moody Coliseum Nov. 7, as the new basketball season approaches.

After hav ing t he same scoreboard for years, t he Depart ment of At hlet ics gat hered enough sponsors and fu nds to off icia l ly upg rade.

Drew Long, the deputy director of athletics for internal operations, said that this has been something the department has wanted to do for a long time.

“We have been talking about doing this for a little over a year now, and it came down to funding,” Long said. “Within the last couple months, we have had some funding sources come available to us. We had three different bids, and we reached out to them about who can fit the timeline and decided to go with ACE Sports.”

ACE Sports is a division of ACE Sign Company located in Little Rock, Arkansas. They will oversee the construction of the new vid-

eo board for ACU. The new video board is designed similarly to the old scoreboard, just slightly larger. It will feature digital stats, along with a live shot of the court.

L ong went on to say t hat a v ideo board is one of t he few t h ings t hat can rea l ly change t he at mosphere in Moody.

“When you look at Moody Coliseum, there is only so many things you can do that makes a dramatic impact,” Long said. “This summer, we redid the f loor, which was on schedule to do

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS

New video scoreboard to arrive in Moody Coliseum in November. any ways. And from a game day experience, this is probably number

one.”

T he ne w sy stem w i l l not be re a dy for t he be -

g i n n i n g of t he se a son , but it w i l l be soon a fter it st a r t s. T he men a nd women’s ba sketba l l te a ms be g i n t he i r roa d to defend i n g t he S out h l a nd C on ference ch a mpionsh ip Nov. 5.

The women will face off against McMurry at 5:30 p.m. while the men take on Arlington Baptist following the conclusion of the first matchup.

With a new video scoreboard, it will be the second major renovation to Moody Coliseum within the past three months.

BY RILEY FISHER | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Sophomore quarterback Sema’J Davis runs the ball as his teammates block the opponent.

QB Davis shines on campus and on the gridiron

BY TYLER HENDERSON SPORTS WRITER

Sema’J Davis has solidified himself as a key component in the Wildcats’ offense in the present and the near future.

The sophomore kinesiology major out of Midland has shown his skillset on the field, but there is a lot more to Davis than just his play in between the white lines.

Davis a graduate of M idland Lee High School, where he started under center t wo years for the Rebels. As a junior, he led M idland Lee with 52.4 percent of their total offensive yards, div v ying that up to 967 passing yards and 891 rushing yards.

He also accounted for 10 touchdowns for the Rebels.

In between Davis’ junior and senior seasons, Midland Lee made a coaching change. The

Rebels lost head coach James Morton who was replaced by first-year head coach Clint Hartman. Hartman realized the talent Davis had early in his tenure at Midland.

“He was something ridiculous,” Hartman said in an interview with the Midland Reporter-Tribune.

“I think he’s a college quarterback. I think somebody is going to come and get him.”

As a sen ior, he was elected capta in by h is teammates in t he spring and began preparing for a larger task ahead. He “He was something ridiculous. I think he’s a college quarterback. I think somebody is going to come and get him.”

CLINT HARTMAN MIDLAND REBELS HEAD COACH

k new t hat col lege was approach ing and wanted to play at t he next

level. T he Rebels f inished t he 2016 season at 3 -7, but Dav is pursued big ger aspirat ions.

In February of 2017, Davis officially signed his letter of intent to play at ACU. Davis would be redshirted his freshman season, but knew he had made the right decision.

“I was focusing on where I wanted to play football, that was my main love,” Davis said.

“Everybody here, the players and coaches, I just fell in love with the campus.”

Davis did not disappoint Wildcat fans on the gridiron his first full season. In 2018, he accumulated 170 all-purpose yards in eight games. He rushed for 158 yards, and got 12 yards through receptions. He also completed two of his four passing attempts for 31 yards.

Davis has seen his

playing t ime increase signif icantly coming into his second full season as a Wildcat and has given head coach Adam Dorrel every reason to cont inue playing the speedster.

“It’s been a blessing to play for this team,” Davis said. “I’m thankful the coaches and players are confident in me to make those plays.”

As a sophomore, he has completed 23-36 passing attempts for 191 total yards and two touchdowns.

However, he’s best known for his speed. Davis has taken the ball himself 65 times this season for a total of 514 yards and three touchdowns. His longest rush of the season was a 75-yard run against Houston Baptist.

“My main focus has been to be more consistent,” Davis said. “I want to be a well-developed quarterback.”

“I was focusing on where I wanted to play football, that was my main love. Everybody here, the players and coaches, I just fell in love with the campus.”

SEMA’J DAVIS SOPHOMORE KINESIOLOGY MAJOR FROM MIDLAND AND QUARTERBACK

Outside of footba l l , Dav is sa id t hat he st ays busy bet ween school , workouts, a nd a socia l l ife. He sa id t hat he has been sig n if ica nt ly busier si nce pledg i ng GSP, but t hat has not t a ken away from h is t i me w it h h is fr iends. Dav is sa id t hat he is a n av id N BA 2K player, of ten play i ng w it h Joh n Mo ra nt a nd t he Memph is Gr i zzl ies.

“Koy Richardson has been the most dominant when we play 2K.” Davis said chuckling as fellow quarterback Luke Anthony walked by, motioning

to himself about being the best NBA 2K player out of the group.

Davis has been a bright spot for the Wildcats this season, and looks to continue to add on to already impressive statistics through the remainder of the season. He credits a lot of his success to Luke Anthony, who he said has been a role model in his time at ACU. “ I n order to be a g reat leader, you have to be a g reat fol lower,” Dav is sa id. “ I feel l i ke he’s been a blessi ng show i ng me t he ropes a nd t a k i ng me u nder h is w i ng. I feel ver y conf ident t a k i ng t he rei ns af ter t hat .”

Davis and the Wildcats will look to continue their three-game winning streak at home November 9th against the Bearcats of Sam Houston State.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

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6 | Friday, November 1, 2019 | SPORTS

Champions look to repeat as basketball season nears

BY OWEN SIMPSON SPORTS DIRECTOR

It has been over seven months since the Wildcats made history on the court, winning the men and women’s basketball Southland Conference championship.

Since then, the men’s team made its first appearance in the NCAA tournament. ACU faced the Kentucky Wildcats in Jacksonville, falling 79-44.

Head Coach Joe Golding says they are still trying to put the pieces together for this season after losing three seniors from last year. He also jokingly asked for advice on the matter.

“We are still figuring that out, so if you have any suggestions, let us know,” Golding said. “But we do have a lot of guys back, and I really like this team. I’ve had a blast coaching them so far.”

Last season, the men’s team finished with a 27-7 record, the best in Div. I program history.

The Southland Conference preseason poll projected the

OPTIMIST FILE PHOTO

Payten Ricks, junior guard, dribbles across mid-court on a fast break. men to finish third in the conference. Golding said he typically does not pay too much attention to the preseason polls.

“I’ve never given any thought honestly of preseason,” Golding said. “I don’t even really look at it, and it doesn’t really mean anything.

It’s all about where you finish.”

With a few new players this season and new roles to fill,

Golding has enjoyed seeing the team’s effort thus far.

“This team so far has been very consist on playing really hard,” Golding said. “This may be the hardest playing team we’ve had at this point in the season than any team we’ve had here.”

While the men look to rebuild a championship squad this season, the women have

very few pieces changed from last year.

Sara Williamson was the only senior on the women’s squad from last year. The rest of the team is back to defend its conference title.

Last season the women started the year 6-0. Head Coach Julie Goodenough says that experience is the key to replicating that this season.

“We have so many players on our team that have a lot of experience, so we expect them to just hit the ground running from the very beginning,” Goodenough said. “We have two games next week, both at home. And we expect to see some great leadership from our seniors especially.”

While winning the conference championship is the set goal for both the men and women, Goodenough said they should focus on the task at hand and not stuck in past success.

“We really as a program do a good job at taking each game just one game at a time and not looking beyond that.

We’ve been able to talk about last year enough, it’s time to talk about this year.”

The men and women start their respective seasons Tuesday with a double-header. The women battle it out with McMurry at 5:30 p.m. Following the conclusion to that game, the men face Arlington Baptist. Both games will be available to stream on ESPN+.

Kipkosgei comes out triumphant in Wildcat track meet

BY AVERY JACKSON SPORTS WRITER

The cross country team traveled to Texas A&M in College Station this past Saturday on Oct. 19.

There they competed in the Arturo Barrios Invitational. The men ended up placing 16th with their very own Kevin Kipkosgei grasping a top 20 spot.

The women placed 14th with Briahna Gerlach also reaching a top 20 spot.

Kipkosgei received the Southland Athlete of the Week award for his per-

formance in the meet.

He was also the highest finishing Southland Conference participant at the meet. Kepkosgei has led the men in placing every meet this season. while this past weekend in College Station was his best placement yet.

“Kevin was injured last Spring and we brought him along slowly with the end goal being at the very least regionals.” Jarvis Jalen, assistant coach, said.

With Kevin being injured he was not expected to come out on top of the

pack early on in the season. With the early success from Kevin it allowed him to gain confidence and help ACU rise in the rankings.

“We had an exceptionally good meet and we are extremely proud that our men beat all southland teams,” Jalen said. “Our women beat every southland team except for SFA.” The ACU cross country team has been rising in the ranks consistently week after week. This has caused players like Gerlach and Kipkosgei to step up and become the team’s leaders

“Kevin was injured last Spring and we brought him along slowly with the end goal being at the very least regionals.”

JARVIS JALEN ASSISTANT TRACK COACH

at meets coming in the best placement in most of the meets for ACU. The recent success has allowed ACU to really prepare for later on by taking this pressure and showing the athletes how to work well together with a spotlight on them.

“Our weak points are not even physical ones.

They are more about the mental game than anything else. If we can figure out the mental aspect we don’t have to worry about the physical aspect.” Jalen said.

The next meet will be in Conway, Arkansas at the Southland Conference Championship on Nov. 1.

This will be ACU’s first Southland meet since the Naimadu Classic hosted

by ACU at the very beginning of the season on Aug. 31.

Soccer completes first undefeated season with 1-0 win over SHSU

BY RACHEL POE SPORTS WRITER

The Wildcats were able to pull off another 1-0 win over the Bearkats in their fi nal home game of the season on Sunday.

Seniors’ Rachel Johnson, Samantha Vestal, Shay Johnson, Brooke Lenz, Michelle Mulrooney, Peighton Starch and Sophie Standifer played their fi nal game at Elmer Grey Stadium and boy was it a good one.

The Wildcats were able to turn off the lights at Elmer Grey Stadium against the Sam Houston State with a

“With us, it’s all in the details, as long as we stay focused and keep doing things correctly on the small scale.”

CASEY WILSON WOMEN’S SOCCER HEAD COACH

fi nal home win, leaving the Wildcats with an undefeated season at home.

It was not until the second half, when junior captain Christian Arteaga scored the lone goal of the game, in the 55th minute. Arteaga received a beautiful pass from the corner by redshirt

sophomore Emily Heidman.

Arteaga sent a majestic ball off of her right foot to the top right corner of the net, giving ACU the lead.

This was Arteaga’s 11th goal of the season.

Arrteaga had three shot attempts in Sunday’s game and this moves her into second all-time in total shot attempts in a career with 233.

Johnson had a phenomenal game in the net, with a total of six saves, moving her into fourth place in Wildcat history with 151 career stops.

ACU outshot the Bearkats 26-10, including 10-6 on frame. The Wildcats

controlled the game, holding possession for 56% of the match.

ACU lead in corner kick 6-2, four being in the second half.

Standifer had five shot attempts, while Heidman had four, Arteaga and Sophomore Alyssia Anuat each had three.

This win capped a 6-0-2season at Elmer Grey Stadium, the first undefeated home season in the program’s history. Johnson also become the program’s all-time leader in career shutouts with 14. It is her fifth of the season and third consecutive.

The 1-0 win over Sam Houston State moves ACU into a tie

for second place, with Northwestern State, in the Southland Conference standings.

Head coach Casey Wilson said it will be a battle for seeding next friday against UIW. “With us, it’s all in the details, as long as we stay focused and keep doing things correctly on the small scale,” Wilson says, “That is going to be the difference for us winning and losing games.”

T he Wi ldcats f in ish off t he reg u lar season at 7:30 p.m. in San A nton io aga inst t he Un iversit y of t he Incarnate Word Card ina ls.

FOOTBALL MATCHUP PREVIEW 2019 SEASON POINTS PER GAME

39.5

202.8

RUSHING YPG

188.1

301.4

PASSING YPG

282.5

43.0

27.8

POINTS ALLOWED PG

#24 UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS

(7-1)

College Gameday is featuring a pair of nationally ranked teams in the American Athletic Conference. Both of these teams are a combined, 15-1 this season.

SMU has struggled against the Tigers in recent years. Its last win against Memphis was 2013.

Over the past five matchups, the Mustangs have been outscored against the Tigers, 80-258. This year, that all changes. Junior quarterback Shane Buechele has brought SMU back to its respectable level of college football. The transfer from the Texas Longhorns has been playing phenomenal football this season throwing for over 2000 yards and leading the team to an undefeated season thus far. Both of these teams average over 40 points per game and have struggled to stop opposing offenses. This game will be a shootout to say the least. The key factor in this one will be decided by who gets off to a fast start and avoiding turnovers. Memphis had two turnovers last week and barely got by Tulsa. They won’t be so lucky this time around.

Tavian Miles

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

This week we look towards to College Gameday of the week SMU Mustangs versus the Memphis Tigers. This games implication means a lot because whoever wins might just end up in a New Year 6 bowl game. Junior Quarterback transfer from Texas, Shane Buechele has had an excellent season for the Mustangs by throwing for over 2000 yards and completing for about 63% of his passes. SMU averages 43 points per game, while giving up about 28 points per game. Memphis junior Quarterback comes into this game completing almost 70% of his passes.

Memphis averages 39 points a game and gives up about 23 behind its solid defense, but ultimately this game will come down to special teams. SMU has had trouble kicking field goals and extra points and even protecting the ball on punts. This game will be a shootout, but with SMU’s special team woes, I’m giving this one to Memphis.

Team UCA UIW SHSU SELU Nicholls ACU McNeese Lamar HBU NWSU SFA

Ovrl.

6-2 5-3 5-4 4-3 4-4 5-4 5-4 4-4 4-5 1-7 1-7

Conf.

4-1 4-2 4-2 3-2 3-2 4-3 3-3 2-3 1-4 1-4 1-4

Soccer Team Lamar ACU NWSU UIW TXAM-CC McNeese SHSU SFA UCA SELU HBU Nicholls

Ovrl.

12-6 11-4-2 10-7-1 8-9 9-7-1 10-7 7-9-1 7-10 5-11-1 3-13-1 2-15 3-13-1

Conf.

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

Volleyball Team SFA NWSU SHSU TXAM-CC HBU SELU Nicholls UCA UNO Lamar ACU McNeese UIW

Ovrl.

22-1 16-8 12-10 14-9 15-11 12-13 10-11 10-13 11-14 8-12 5-16 9-13 5-19

Conf.

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

HEADLINES - For the first time in program history, the ACU women’s basketball team recieved a vote in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll top 25.

The defending conference champions will be returning all but one player from last season.

-After a three-game winning streak, the ACU football team is recieving votes in the FCS rankings

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Football

JAMES Senior running back Tracy James had himself another productive game against Nicholls, grabbing 16 carries and rushing for 75 yards and two touchdowns.

James scored the gamewinning touchdown in a overtime thriller. He leads the Southland Conference in rushing yards and touchdowns with 751 yards and 18 touchdowns.

23.0

(8-0) SPORTS DIRECTOR

Football

Football

#15 SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

Owen Simpson

STANDINGS

Lexi Kirgan

SPORTS REPORTER

From the looks of it I think SMU will get the win in this game because SMU is 8-0 on the season and 4-0 in conference. But Memphis isn’t far behind them. Memphis is 7-1 on the season and 3-1 in conference. The only team that Memphis has lost to was Temple. They lost 28-30, but SMU beat Temple, 45-21. So just by that, it looks like SMU is obviously the better team here. Both teams are winning games by high numbers, but SMU definitely has more of a cushion in all of their games. I feel like it will be a pretty good game and will probably come down to the last few plays. But all in all, I feel like SMU will take the win in this upcoming game on Saturday.

Jalen Garrett SPORTS REPORTER

The Mustangs this year have had an outstanding season with an 8-0 record. They’re currently in the top spots in categories such as scoring offense, total offense, rushing defense and passing offense. Junior quarterback Shane Buechele, who recently transferred from Texas, is having the best season of his collegiate career, throwing for over 2,000 yards with 20 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. Other SMU players like senior running back Xaiver Jones and senior wide receiver James Proche are also putting up big numbers this season. The 7-1 Tigers have also had an impressive season, being leaders in scoring offense, pass defense, and pass offense.

Honestly speaking, both teams are uber talented and this will be one of the best games this season. However, SMU has been the underdog team in all of college football and this game will prove how they can possibly make a deep run this season. This will be a shootout, but the Mustangs will come out on top.

FINAL SCORE: SMU 41 MEMPHIS 35 FINAL SCORE: SMU 38 MEMPHIS 45 FINAL SCORE: SMU 45 MEMPHIS 38 FINAL SCORE: SMU 42 MEMPHIS 35

DAVIS Sophomore quarterback Sema’J Davis was the driving force against Nicholls last weekend as he had 19 carries and rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns.

He averaged over seven yards per carry and he has a total of 384 rushing yards and three touchdowns this season. This week, the Wildcats get a well deserved bye week.

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