Optimist 05 07 2014

Take a look back 2013-2014 School year vol. 102, no. 56

wednesday, may 7, 2014

Photo gallery Page 7

1 SECTION, 14 PAGES

INSIDE NEWS Exiting SA Officers hand over ther reins at Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Page 2

SPORTS ACU Softball win series against UIW in finale

PLAYING

Page 14

NEWS CitySquare students celebrate finishing the semester in Dallas

DEAD

Wyatt morgan Staff Photographer

Page 4

GRADUATION The Optimist honors all the graduating seniors jarred schuetze Staff Photographer

Dead Day wasn’t used just for studying. Students participated in Quidditch on the lawn, a disc golf tournament, volleyball and petting puppies outside of the library to relieve stress.

Pages 6-13 paige otway Staff Photographer

NEWS Faculty Senate elects new members for 2014-2015

Car accident injures four students Madeline Orr

Page 5

NEWS Student Life to announce fourteen award winners at graduation Page 5

FEATURE The past school year saw many firsts and lasts. Take a look at a few.

Editor in Chief Three of the four ACU students involved in the onecar rollover accident on Sunday night have been released from Hendrick Medical Center. One of the students, Michelle Weidenaar from Arvada, Colorado, went into surgery after arriving at the hospital and is

Soccer add news coach from California Page 14

NEWS Wildcats plan to gather at Globe Life Park in June Page 5

Linsey Thut features editor Five hundred sixty-one seniors will begin a new chapter of their lives as they walk across the stage in Moody Coliseum to receive their diplomas in one of two graduation ceremonies on Saturday.

The first ceremony, starting at 11 a.m., will honor 247 undergraduates

Managing Editor

The university has named an attorney and board member the new vice president for advancement, a position which has been open for more than a year.

Jim Orr, who graduated from ACU with an accounting degree in 1986, has been hired to fill the university’s top fundraising position.

The position has been vacant since spring of 2013, when Phil Boone left the university.

Orr comes from a long Read more at line of ACU graduates and acuoptimist.com has deep connections to the

VIDEO

Watch a recap of this week’s news on the JMC Network’s newscast

course with safety. The police report stated the accident is under investigation.

Savannah Hostetter, freshman political science major from Los Fresnos, said Weidenaar was sitting behind Normand on the left side of the car, which received the most damage.

“She had surgery on her left knee and won’t be able to walk for a while. Her entire left leg is in a brace,” Hostet-

ter said. “She also hurt her back and is in a brace.”

Hostetter spend Sunday night at the hospital and is planning to room with Weidnaar in the dorm this fall.

“I was really hoping our first time rooming together wouldn’t be in the hospital,” Hostsetter said. contact Orr at mco10b@acu.edu

and 43 graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences. The second ceremony, starting at 3 p.m., will honor 314 undergraduates and 81 graduate students from the College of Biblical Studies, College of Business Administration, College of Education and Human Services, and Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing.

Carleigh Wieder, senior youth and family minis-

“

I now feel preparted to leave ACU and be a light to the world around me, wherever that may be.”

“I think the most important lesson I have learned during my time here is how to incorporate my faith into my career and every part of my life,” Wieder said.

Carleigh Wieder Wieder said she would senior Youth & Family ministry like to thank her professors for teaching her how to deepen her faith in tries major from North preparation for the day Richland Hills, said being she left the small town of at ACU has strengthened Abilene. her faith.

“I now feel prepared to

leave ACU and be a light to the world around me, wherever that may be,” Wieder said.

The featured speaker at both ceremonies will be April Anthony (’89), president and CEO of Encompass Home Health in Dallas and donor of $30 million to the Vision in Action construction fund.

A reception for stusee graduation page 3

University fills vice president of advancement position Allison Brown

ONLINE

ing the three other students north on Loop 322 south of the airport at 8:39 p.m. when he thought he saw something in the road. He swerved to the right and overcorrected to the left, causing the vehicle to skid across the road. The vehicle then flipped upside down and landed on the guardrail in the median.

Normand was issued a citation for failing to alter

Ceremonies to honor 685 graduates

Page 7

SPORTS

now in stable condition.

Philomena DeHoyos from Seguin, Kristopher Normand from Fort Knox, Kentucky and Shalina Sadruddin from Carrollton were treated and released within a few hours of the accident, according to an email from Jan Meyer, interim vice president of student life and dean of students.

According to the police report, Normand was driv-

university. A third-generation Wildcat himself, Orr said he is looking forward to joinorr ing Dr. Phil Schubert and his leadership team.

“ACU has been a part of my family for generations,” Orr said. “It really is a privilege to give back, work here and be a part of the university.”

Schubert, president of the university, said Orr’s family ties and connections to ACU were important factors in the hiring decision.

“We were looking for

someone who understands and appreciates the sense of our culture at ACU,” Schubert said. “Someone who has experience with the university in a lot of different capacities – as a student, an alumnus, a parent.”

Schubert said Orr’s responsibilities will include being chief fundraiser for the university, and he will inherit the task of completing fundraising for the $75 million Vision In Action campaign. Schubert said he has full confidence that Orr will do the job well.

“Jimmy is a great people person,” Schubert said. “His relationships he has will help him cover that territory and

Abilene Christian University

that will be a big factor in his success.”

As Orr moves into his new position, he will have to resign from his current position on the Board of Trustees.

Schubert said Orr has been a significant contributor to the board and he will be missed in that role, but also said he is confident others will step up as leaders.

Effective June 1, Orr will transition from his law practice into his new position.

“Coming into this role having practiced law for a number of years, this is certainly a new area for me,” Orr said. “I am looking forward to learning a lot as well.”

Orr and his wife Elaine plan to move to Abilene in the summer of 2015.

“I hope that my presence here will be a benefit to the university,” Orr said. “That is what I am praying for.”

Though the process has taken time, Schubert said he believes ACU has chosen the right man for the job.

“This is a big hire for ACU,” Schubert said. “It’s taken us a while but I am confident that God has opened the doors to lead us to Jimmy and Elaine. It will be a great partnership.” contact brown at akb12b@acu.edu

WEdnesday 05.o7.14

07

08

Wednesday All day - Final Exams

thursday

All day - Love and Care Ministry Food/Clothing Drive

09

All day - Final Exams

friday

All day - Love and Care Ministry Food/Clothing Drive

2

10

saturday

All day - Final Exams 3 p.m. Graduation rehearsals - Arts and Sciences

Graduation Commencement 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

2 p.m. Softball Regional Tournament

4:15 p.m. Graduation rehearsals - remaining colleges 6:30 p.m. Men’s baseball vs. Oral

Chapel checkup

Around Abilene May 7

May 8

May 9

May 10

6:30 p.m. The Key City Squares will sponsor a square dancing workshop at the Wagon Wheel in Tye. Beginning lessons will be 7:30-9:30 p.m

5 p.m. ArtWalk

7:30 p.m. The Paramount Theatre will show Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Cost is $5.

2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The Paramount Theatre will show Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Cost is $5.

DONE @acuoptimist The Optimist optimist@acu.edu

Police Log

SA Officers pass down the gavel catherine blakemore arts Editor The former Students’ Association officers passed down their positions to the incoming officers in the Changing of the Guard ceremony last Thursday at Abilene Country Club.

Robert Hull, senior piano performance major from Ripon, California, served on the Students’ Association this year as

the executive administrator and also did some of the planning for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

“Each of us gets up and tells a little bit about our position and then announces the new person for the next year,” Hull said. “We all have a certain pass-down that we each give them.”

As the members of SA passed down their positions, former SA president Dylan Benac, senior political science major from Boerne, ref lected on the time he spent as part of the Students’ Association.

“Having been in this office for two years, it’s really a bit surreal to be done,” Benac said. “I’ve done my job, and I think I’ve done it well. To be done is a good feeling. There are points in life when you have to move on, and this provided a very natural transition for that.”

The event, though private, was attended by a large group of people, all in support of the outgoing members and next year’s incoming cabinet. Benac said there were around 70 people, including Congress members and their dates and a variety of administrators that were invited to come.

Benac also helped to arrange for each of the outgoing officers to receive something to commemorate their time at ACU and service to the student body.

“All the outgoing ex-

Contributed photo

The new SA officers and cabinet were officially inducted at the Changing of the Gaurd ceremony last Thursday. ecutive officers got a really nice framed artistic piece of Chapel on the Hill,” Benac said.

Judith Duran, junior nursing major from McAllen and Zona Luce building representative, said the older members of SA supported the younger members efforts to participate.

“Something that I’ve encountered this year that really surprised me was the way that the upper leadership encouraged Congress to pursue bills,” Duran said. “With the people that were interested in pursuing something, the leadership of SA came alongside them and helped them accomplish things.” contact blakemore at crb13a@acu.edu

SA OFFICERS 2014-2015 Rodney Johnson President Beau Carter Vice President Andrew Tate Treasurer Savannah Hostetter Executive Administrator Rudy Garza Chief Communications Officer Cole McClellan Chief Financial Officer

news

Wednesday 05.07.14

4

CitySquare celebrates with Dallas students Allison Brown managing editor

michael harbour contributed photo

Students from J.P. Starks Elementary dance at the Design For Change celebration in innter city Dallas.

ACU students finished up their year at CitySquare with a celebration of their work with Design For Change inner city students Saturday in Dallas.

Over the last year, sophomores Alan Songer, criminal justice and Spanish major from Tomball; Bethany Richardson, social work major from Nacogdoches; Molly Clemans, marketing and ad/PR major from Melissa; and Nicole Ramos, vocational missions major from Imperial, California, have immersed themselves in the culture of Dallas. Part of the ACU at CitySquare initiative, Songer, Richardson, Clemans and Ramos are members of the Justice and Urban Studies team.

They have worked with Design For Change, a project-based learning program at four different schools in the South Dallas area. They have taken over 200 elementary students through the program and worked on numerous projects with the kids and this weekend, they took time to honor their students’ work.

“We wanted to tell the kids that what they did this semester meant something and that they accomplished something,” Clemans said.

Over the course of the semester, DFC students have been looking at is-

sues in their communities, imagining solutions, and actually putting their ideas into action. The student projects ranged from addressing sexual violence in their communities, shutting down a trap house, and hosting neighborhood events to bring people together.

Saturday’s celebration at Juanita Craft Park and Recreation Center in Dallas honored what the DFC students accomplished this year. Between 200300 guests attended the “Be The Change” celebration. 13 different student groups and their projects were showcased at the event. Parents, teachers, and even a few Olympic athletes dropped in Saturday to encourage the kids in their work.

After a semester of pouring into the students, Songer and his teammates were blown away by what was accomplished.

“It really just amazed us how much the kids did,” Songer said. “We came in with high hopes but we realized they were elementary kids who had never done a program like this. The way they grew into it exceeded what we hoped for in their passions.”

The celebration was ACU students last work of their year spent in Dallas. Songer, Richardson, Clemans and Ramos said there is a bitter sweetness to being done with their Design For Change.

“It’s over now, it’s

“

We wanted to tell the kids that what they did this semester meant something and they accomplished something.”

Molly Clemens marketing and ad/pr major Melissa

done, it’s finished,” Richardson said. “But it hasn’t really hit us yet.”

Songer expressed similar sentiments as well.

“The connection that we built with these kids over a whole semester isn’t a kind of relationship that you just cut off and it be okay,” Songer said. “It’s really sad but it is also nice to have accomplished something.”

The celebration was, as Clemans said, “the perfect way to end this full year of being in Dallas.”

“We worked so hard both of these semesters,” Clemans said. “To have as much fun as kids at this party was so so worth it.”

As the year comes to an end, the first installment of the Justice and Urban Studies Team will transition back to being on campus in Abilene.

Their work will continue through the the upcoming JUST team of current freshman beginning in June. contact brown at akb12a@acu.edu

Fourteen graduates to be awarded by Student Life Rachel Fritz Copy Editor Fourteen students will receive awards that honor character and other admirable qualities at Saturday’s commencement ceremonies.

Every year, Student Life awards outstanding students with these awards. Each student was nominated by faculty and staff and had to meet certain qualifications to be considered for an award.

“The executive assistant to the vice president of student life gets the process going by gathering the nominations from faculty and staff and working with a committee of faculty, staff and students who meet to discuss and select those who will receive each award,” said Jan Meyer, interim vice president of student life and dean of students.

Among these awards are the B. Sherrod Scholarship, the Dean Adams Achievement Award, the Trustees award and Honor Man and Honor Woman.

“Some of the awards

have money attached to them and some are recognition by the university, which are both very important,” said Sherita Nickerson, executive assistant to the vice president for Student Life and dean of students.

Recipients of the awards will remain anonymous until graduation rehearsals on Friday.

“Most of these people don’t even know they’ve been n o m i n a t e d ,” N i c k e r s o n said. “I had so many nominations this time where people just wrote so many nice things about the students. Some people were nominated several times by different faculty members - one student was nominated 6 times.”

The Dean Adams Award is a special award that will be given to three students this year.

“The Dean Adams Award is about overcoming obstacles and really being able to persevere and still get their education,” Nickerson said.

“The three students that have been selected this year have just had tre-

“

It’s really a proud time for us in Student Life to see this and facilitate these awards.”

Sherita Nickerson Executive assistant to vice president of student life

mendous struggle, things that most people would have given up on.”

Commencement is a special time for Student Life largely because of these awards.

“It’s really exciting,” Nickerson said. “You get to see the students in such a different light.”

The Student Life office has been giving these awards for years now and hope to continue awarding students in years to come.

“It’s really a good, proud time for us in Student Life to see this and facilitate these awards,” Nickerson said.

The office of student life would not release the names of the recipients.

contact fritz at ref11a`@acu.edu

5

news

wednesday 05.07.14

ACU takes Globe Life Park Dystanie Douglas staff reporter The ACU Alumni Association will host the 10th annual “Alumni Night at the Rangers Game” at Globe Life Park.

The game will begin Monday, June 9 at 7:05 p.m. against the Cleveland Indians.

Each year the alumni association hosts ACU alumni, faculty, staff, students and parents at a Rangers game to cheer on the Texas Rangers.

The event is open to anyone, and seating is in the all-you-can-eat porch.

Ticket cost is $25 and does not include parking.

“The cool thing about where we have moved the event in the past three years is that it is now in the all-you-can-

eat porch,” said Samantha Adkins, senior alumni relations officer. “So, that $25 gets you chicken sandwiches, nachos, hot dogs, popcorn and soda all the way until the seventh inning.”

Ever y year the park reserves around 750 seats for ACU, and tickets are sold first-come, firstserve.

“So far we have sold over 400 tickets,” said Adkins. “We’re hoping to sell all 750 tickets this year as well.”

Someone from ACU will be throwing out the first pitch at the game this year. A name has not yet been released, but Adkins said either a faculty member or an alumni will do the honor.

“We plan to continue this tradition that we have set up,” said Adkins. “It is a great way for

“

It’s really fun to see that sea of purple and white at the ballpark up in the all-you-can-eat section.”

Samantha Adkins Senior Alumni Relations officer

alumni and perspective students to take over the ballpark.”

Adkins said that they ask for ever yone to wear either purple or white to the game.

“It’s really fun to see that sea of purple and white at the ballpark up in the all-you-can-eat section,” Adkins said.

Students that have attended the event in previous years are also excited to be a part of the continuing tradition.

“I went last year and

Half of faculty senate replaced brittany jackson managing editor Faculty Senate spent the last couple of weeks electing members for next year. As a result, 11 new Senate members have been elected.

Dr. Neal Coates, chair of the Department of Political Science, served as the Senate’s chair elect this past year.

“We had our regular senate election about a week ago, and as a result of that, there were some dominoes that then fell over,” he said.

“So we had a second election, a special election, to fill four additional seats.”

Phil Vardiman, associate professor of management, will serve as the chair elect next year.

Twenty-two positions exist on the Senate, meaning that half of the Senate will have rotated out come next year.

Coates said the Faculty Senate routinely covers certain things in its meetings, but new topics of discussion arose this past year.

Apart from the normal involvement with the Board of Trustees, committee

work on campus and retaining faculty interests in administration decisions, Coates said the issue of religious identity among faculty members was talked about.

“We had a series of panels, we had some open faculty meetings, we had three speakers on campus this past fall and we had a very good discussion about the importance of Christian faculty and how that also weeds its way into our curriculum,” he said.

Coates said the issue is a continuation of thought that will continue its development in the future.

“ACU will never cease being a Christian institution and the faculty are at the heart of that,” he said.

“The faculty is relying on scripture and listening to God to lead us and direct our students in the different disciplines. It’s very much who we are.”

The next unusual topic surfaced in the spring semester—the Vision in Action Campaign. Coates said the Faculty Senate was involved in communicating the needs of faculty and students, especially those

in engineering and the sciences.

“The Vision in Action Campaign is an exciting thing for the campus, especially for the sciences,” he said. “The faculty are enthusiastic about the fundraising campaign and making those things a reality for our students.”

He said administration involved the Senate in everything from sharing blueprints of the buildings to getting input on its thoughts.

As for next year, Coates said the Senate will discuss tuition benefits for all ACU employees, not just faculty, how faculty can help facilitate the Vision in Action Campaign and how to use technology on campus to give students the best educational opportunity.

“It’s been an unusual, but also a good year for the faculty,” he said.

A full list of the 11 elected Faculty Senate members can be found on www.acuoptimist.com.

contact jackson at bkj12a@acu.edu

Graduation: 561 seniors, 124 graduate students to walk across stage in Moody from page 1 dents and their families will be hosted after each ceremony in the mall area south of Moody.

Amy Jeffers, senior family studies major from Sugarland, said though she is ready to graduate, she will miss the community at ACU. “At ACU, I have built friendships like nothing I have ever known before,” Jeffers said. “For me to walk away from that type of love is probably the most difficult thing in the world.”

Jeffers said the friendships she acquired during her time here taught her things she wouldn’t have learned in the classroom.

“In the middle of all the learning and the education, the relationships that I have with people have taught me what it means to love Jesus the most,” Jeffers said.

There will be open seating except for those reserved for handicapped.

The lower sections of U, A and B on the east side of Moody and sections J, K and M on the west side will be among those reserved

for handicapped. The lower half of Section L is reserved for guests requiring Sign Language interpretation.

Graduating students and escorts are instructed to arrive at their assigned locations 30 minutes before the ceremony starts.

Rehearsals for the ceremonies will be on Friday in Moody Coliseum. The 11 a.m. ceremony will be rehearsed at 3 p.m. and the 3 p.m. ceremony will be rehearsed at 4:15 p.m. contact thut at lct10a@acu.edu

it was a lot of fun,” said Abigail Fransen, junior histor y major from Fort Worth. “I think it’s a great opportunity to just hang out and meet ACU people you wouldn’t necessarily get to meet on campus while enjoying a Rangers game. I can’t wait to go back this year.”

contact Douglas at dsd11b@acu.edu

news

wednesday 05.07.14

6

UNDERGRADUATES 2014 COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Gina Marie Anderson (B.S., Agribusiness) Colleyville

(B.S., Environmental Science) Cum Laude Juda, Wisconsin Andrew R. Linn (B.S., Agribusiness) Abilene

(B.S., Animal Science) Rancho Cucamonga, California

(B.F.A., Art) Cum Laude Livonia, Michigan

Art and Design

Gracia Esperanza Ferreyro (B.S., Interior Design) San Antonio

Eileen Paige Baumgartner (B.F.A., Art) Carrollton

Darryll T. Morley (B.S., Environmental SciChelsea Leigh Butts Jordan Matthew DeKeratry ence) (B.F.A., Art) (B.S., Environmental SciOgdensburg, New York Bedford ence) Belton Feno Randriasandratriniony Kayla Sue Calvert (B.S., Agribusiness) (B.F.A., Art) Thomas Aaron Hart Abilene Conroe (B.S., Agribusiness) Flower Mound Emily M. Schuster Stephanie Lynn Cochran (B.S., Animal Science) (B.F.A., Art) Cum Laude Charles Lyndon Key III Summa Cum Laude Cedar Park (B.S., Animal Health ProMidlothian fessions Coop) Haleigh Elaina Davis Magna Cum Laude Corey Ray Self (B.F.A., Art) San Saba (B.S., Agribusiness) Austin Odessa, Texas Elliot Parker Klar

Amanda Lee Wilson

Sarah Michelle Eaton

Zacarias Andres Guerra (B.F.A., Art) Magna Cum Laude Edinburg Margaret Ashley Hall (B.F.A., Art) Grapevine Oksana Matveeva Hays (B.F.A., Art) College Station, Hannah Kay Henderson (B.F.A., Art) Tyler Levi Wayne Huddleston (B.F.A., Art) Magna Cum Laude Belton

Taryn Rose Canady (B.S., Biology) Ramona, California

Daniel Joseph Weido (B.S., Biology) Magna Cum Laude Spring

Tanya Kim Daughtry (B.S., Biology) San Angelo

Destiny Nicole Wiggins (B.S., Biology) Houston

Kathryn Michelle Davis (B.S., Biology) Magna Cum Laude Sachse

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Ricardo Flores (B.S., Biology) Yuma, Arizona Ryan Patrick Galindo (B.S., Biology) San Antonio Amanda Lenae Gardner (B.S., Biology) Fort Worth Mallori Gardner (B.S., Biology) Fort Worth

Aaron Wallace Johnson Landry Cy Gwin (B.S., Composite Interdis- (B.S., Biology) ciplinary) Magna Cum Laude Oakton, Virginia Nashville, Tennessee Amanda Lambright (B.F.A., Art) Carlsbad, New Mexico

Carter Hayes (B.S., Biology) Abilene

Courtney McGaha (B.F.A., Art) Abilene

Clay Alexander Hill (B.S., Biology) Summa Cum Laude Abilene

Kelsie Lauren Pinckard Montgomery (B.F.A., Art) Lewisville Shawn C. Ogden (B.F.A., Art) Cum Laude Mt. Kisco, New York Emily Alyssa Pybus (B.F.A., Art) North Richland Hills Brandy Leigh Rains (B.F.A., Art for Teacher Certification) Summa Cum Laude Fort Worth S. F. Russell (B.F.A., Art) Abilene Tonye Michelle Sanchez (B.F.A., Art) Odessa Meredith A. Speight (B.S., Interior Design) Chattanooga, Tennessee Alyssa C. Stanley (B.S., Interior Design) Dallas Shennae Latoya Arlene Steele (B.F.A., Art) Brampton, Ontario, Canada Megan Kathleen Teel (B.F.A., Art) Abilene Susan Tracy (B.F.A., Art) Kupang, Indonesia Tara Marie Whyte (B.S., Interior Design) Aurora, Colorado

Biology Jennifer Acuff (B.S., Biology) College Station Robert Lloyd Braddock, Jr. (B.S., Biology) Deer Park

Jennifer Hulett (B.A., Biology) Magna Cum Laude

Castle Rock, Colorado William Travis Kern (B. S., Biology-Teaching) Abilene

Bukola Yetunde Adebesin (B.S., Biochemistry) Summa Cum Laude Lagos, Nigeria Joshua Allen (B.S., Biochemistry) Cum Laude Waxahachie Corbin Brady Clifton (B.S., Biochemistry-Health Profession Co-Op) Summa Cum Laude Pampa Alexander Dru Collins (B.S., Biochemistry) Magna Cum Laude Arlington Carson Gee (B.S., Biochemistry) Amarillo Kristin Lea Goodwin (B.S., Biochemistry-Health Profession Co-Op) Summa Cum Laude Tyler Sally Rose Hays (B.S., Biochemistry) College Station Clint Jones (B.S., Biochemistry) Summa Cum Laude Fort Worth

Cliff Pruett Lindsay Brooke Lowe (B.S., Biochemistry) (B.S., Composite Interdis- Summa Cum Laude ciplinary) Abilene Frisco Matthew M. Reed Jonathan F. Martin (B.S., Biochemistry) (B.S., Biology) Abilene San Antonio Jonathan E. Stites Bailey Terhune Merkel (B.S., Biochemistry) (B.S., Biology) Mansfield Cum Laude Perryton Drew Philip Craig Thomas (B.S., Biochemistry) Michael Zachary Moore East Peoria, Illinois (B.S., Biology) Cum Laude Sara Beth Touchton Reedsville, Ohio (B.S., Biochemistry) Magna Cum Laude Madeline Grace Peterson Abilene (B.S., Biology) Summa Cum Laude Troy Alan Webster Fort Worth (B.S., Biochemistry) The Colony Ruth Grace Philips (B.S., Biology) Katelyn Paige Werner Sunnyvale (B.S., Biochemistry) Summa Cum Laude Christopher Grant Porter New Braunfels (B.S., Biology) Magna Cum Laude Kathlin Rianne Winsor Dallas (B.S., Biochemistry) Carrollton Morgan Ashley Shamblin (B.S., Biology) Communication and Summa Cum Laude Sociology Burleson Lawrence C. Alexander Emily Ann Sparks (B. S., Communication) (B.A., Biology) Round Rock Cum Laude Longmont, Colorado Jarred Rhodes Baker (B. A., Communication) Abigail K. Talley Georgetown (B.A., Biology) Cum Laude Dylan Allen Brugman Tanga, Tanzania (B. S., Sociology) Summa Cum Laude Victoria Jill Tindol Aurora, Colorado (B.S., Biology) Summa Cum Laude Abilene

7

Features

Wednesday 05.07.14

A YEAR IN

REVIEW

By Linsey Thut, Designed by Marissa Jones

Ashlyn Anthony Staff Photographer

mandy lambright former chief Photographer

As another year ends, we reflect on the campus’ ups and downs.

I

t’s been a year filled with firsts as well as lasts.

Starting in the fall, ACU said hello to one of the largest freshman classes ACU has seen.

In August, the Brown Library introduced the Maker Lab, equipped with a 3-D scanner and 3-D printer to provide students with a creative space to work and design.

Nursing students learned the ins and outs of hospital life at the newly opened School of Nursing in the Zona Luce building.

ACU sports made their debut into Division 1 this year.

For the first time in 16 years, ACU sports redesigned their uniforms to match the prestige of being a Division 1 team complete with the new logo and black and purple designs.

Looking back on the fall, there were many reasons for students to rejoice.

Cast members in the Homecoming musical, Les Miserables brought students laughs, tears and feel-good moments during their performances.

In mid-October, freshman Reid Rivers was ready to listen through rain or snow.

Then, 1,200 followers watched with

giggles as students sent anonymous love posts to Twitter account @ACUCrushes. It, however, was crushed by policy violations in the fall.

Social clubs had one of the largest pledge classes in ACU history, with a total of 392 students dawning club colors.

There was even a fake club with real pledges. Alpha Alpha Alpha introduced 34 pledges to its made-up ranks with bogus pledging activities like dragging fruits behind them to class or making animal noises at specified times.

Cullen Auditorium had trouble staying above water as it flooded twice this year, once in June and again in October.

ACU was host to various esteemed visitors this year.

In August, Secretary of State John Steen stopped by campus to discuss the new voter I.D. law and eat lunch with President Phil Schubert.

Sports Illustrated photographer Bill Frakes brought the spotlight to ACU as he visited with several students and faculty in October.

Authors, John R. Erickson, creator of Hank the Cowdog, and New York Times best-selling author Eric Metexas, educated ACU on the life of writers in March and April, respectively.

Senator John Cornyn travled to ACU to tour the new Maker Lab and Learning Studio in February.

Students were excited to receive the opportunity to listen to three Duck Dynasty cast members Alan, Si and Lisa Robertson speak.

And Former New York Yankee Bobby Richardson ate with students on campus, leaving them with encouraging words.

The university celebrated many firsts this year.

The first university-sponsored drill team, Sophisticats, appeared on the sidelines of the football games in the fall.

Then, ACUPD swore in its first female officer Shelia Barton in October.

Recently, Wildcat Cash was created so students could eat more Jason’s Deli and pay less cash.

In March, ACU proudly accepted the Apple Distinguished School Award for the second time.

In April, the Marketing Enrollment team selected eight cast members for the first ever “reality show” at campus #lifeonthehill in attempt to recruit more students by peer-to-peer interaction on social media.

However, there were also a few difficulties this year that bonded students and tested their faiths.

Sophomore David Norwood was hit by a car while riding his bike with no injuries more serious than road rash.

False parking tickets containing racial slurs and sexist comments were found on various students’ cars in March. Students were relieved when police discovered Hardin Simmons University’s students, not involved with ACU, were the suspects.

ACU also had great reason to celebrate in excellence of honored faculty and alumni.

Rick Atchley was awarded ACU’s 2014 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year after 25

mandy lambright former chief Photographer

years of ministry and two written books.

Vice President Dr. Gary McCaleb celebrated 50 years of service at the university by throwing the first pitch in a baseball game in his new ACU Baseball jersey complete with the number 50 on the back.

The spring brought heartwarming memories and difficult goodbyes.

Students were sad to say goodbye to the long-time honored tradition of Spring Break Campaigns which did not take trips this year for the first time in 40 years.

Students had a much welcomed, threeday break in February because of snow.

Then, Sing Song celebrated wins by Trojan supermen, Ko Jo Kai bluebonnets and freshmen typewriters.

And now, ACU ends the year as it says farewell to 561 seniors who readily begin a new chapter in their lives.

These seniors were sent off from the university in the same way they were welcomed: with a candlelight devotional in their honor surrounded by the friends they’ve called family over the past four years.

The rest of the students, as well as faculty, anxiously await the building of three new science facilities, as well as a new Football Stadium thanks to donations of $55 million from donors.

Through the ups and downs of another year past, ACU stands stronger than ever, and ready for a new year. contact thut at lct10a@acu.edu

Deanna romero chief Photographer

Deanna romero chief Photographer

Top Left: ACU Theatre performs Les Miserables for the Homecoming play in October. Top Right: Courtney Tee, freshman director and communications major from Housten, lifts the trophy when the freshman are announced the winners of the mixed voices. Upper Middle: Freshman Reed Rivers, vocational missions major from Juneau, Alaska, braves the cold, rainy weather to offer up an ear to students on campus. Lower Left: Work begins as construction crews gut the interior of Bennett Gymnasium. Bennett will be repurposed as an engineering laboratory for the Department of Engineering and Physics and is planned to be finished by Fall 2014. Bennett was constructed in 1929 and was one of the first buildings on campus. Lower Right: Students, faculty, staff enjoy the ACU Rodeo put on by the agriculture department at the Expo Center. Bottom Left: US Army Air Corps First Lieutenant Clyde Morgan, alum of the ACU class of 1948, waves his “flag of no surrender” to a standing ovation in Moody Coliseum.

mandy lambright former chief Photographer

graduation Brie Ellyn Buschman (B. S., Communication) Summa Cum Laude Amarillo Andra Elizabeth Cobb (B. S., Communication) Midland Lindsey M. Emmons (B.S., Sociology) Killeen Karlie Nikole Hatchett (B. S., Communication) Summa Cum Laude Fort Worth

Taylor Rodgers (B.S., Sociology) Abilene Kaylen Runyan (B. S., Communication) Magna Cum Laude Houston

Jon Murray Sullivan (B. S., Communication) Aledo

Brent L. Schroeder (B. S., Communication) Abilene

Ashton J. Thomas (B.S., Sociology) Sugar Land

Weston Dane Schulte (B. S., Communication) Magna Cum Laude College Station

Alex Aaron Whitten (B. S., Communication) Abilene

Bryson Daniel Shake Joseph Ryan Hatton (B. S., Communication) (B.S., Sociology) Abilene

Sugar Land, Texas Kendall Rebecca Siess Toni Michelle Maisano (B. S., Communication) (B. S., Communication) San Antonio Summa Cum Laude Austin Staci Jane Stovall

(B. S., Communication) Caroline Campbell Rabinovitsj Abilene (B. S., Communication) Abilene

Isaiah Michael Teran (B.S., Sociology) San Antonio

wednesday 05.07.14

Joshua Duke History (B.S., Composite Interdisciplinary) J. Chase Beakley Mansfield (B. A., International Studies) Summa Cum Laude Secily Monique Holmes Odessa (B.S., Composite Interdisciplinary) Nicholas Rhodes Calhoun Memphis, Tennessee (B. A., History) Idalou Andrew Hudson (B.S., Composite Interdis- Ellyn Q. Craigie ciplinary) (B. A., History) Bushland Castle Rock, Colorado

Zachary William Kaiser Nicholas Andrew Fields (B.S., Composite Interdis- (B. A., History) ciplinary) Flower Mound Carrollton Jacob Matthews Davis Alec Pierce Finch (B.S., Composite Interdis- Christopher William Nabers (B.S., Social Studiesciplinary) (B.S., Composite Interdis- Teaching) Sugar Land ciplinary) Summa Cum Laude Belton San Antonio Yolanda DeLeon (B.S., Composite Interdis- Nikki G. Nash Josi Anne Flores ciplinary) (B.S., Composite Interdis- (B. A., International Studies) Mesquite ciplinary) Abilene Anson Sarah Ruth Gubachy Joshua Perez (B. A., International Studies) (B.S., Composite Interdis- El Paso ciplinary) Rio Hondo Loyal McKinley Hughes (B. A., History) Alexander Sterling Rose Midland (B.S., Composite Interdisciplinary) Michael Thomas Cave Creek, Arizona Mutranowski (B. A., History) Savannah Shandelle Smith Lubbock (B.S., Composite Interdisciplinary) Caitlin Marie Phillips Pampa (B. A., International Studies) Great Falls, Montana Jackson Reed Sorrells (B.S., Composite Interdis- Nikolai Joseph Allen Rabiciplinary) novitsj Waco (B.A., International Studies) Abilene Victoria Elaine Williams (B.S., Composite Interdis- Jordan Thomas Sisson ciplinary) (B.S., Social StudiesFort Worth Teaching) San Jose, California

Composite Interdisciplinary

Engineering and Physics Andrew Kevin Boles (B.S., Physics) Cum Laude Waco Carson Ellis Brown (B.S., Physics) Odessa Ryan Castillo (B.S., Physics) Cum Laude Texarkana Erik Vardaman Forrister (B.S., Physics) Cum Laude Llano Kristin Rene Holz (B.S., Physics/Math– Teaching) Summa Cum Laude Arlington Heights, Illinois Andrew Jacob Miller (B.S., Physics) Summa Cum Laude The Woodlands Ryan Pinson (B.S., Physics) Cookeville, Tennessee Adam Simpson (B.S., Physics and Mathematics) Cum Laude Denver, Colorado

8

Micah Leigh Hermsdorf (B.S., Advertising/Public Relations) Summa Cum Laude Spring Kirsten Elizabeth Holman (B.S., Convergence Journalism) Austin Jimmy Ray Isbell (B.S., Convergence Journalism) Euless Brenna L. Jefferies (B.S., Advertising/Public Relations) Cum Laude Argyle Claire Ainsley Johnson (B.S., Advertising/Public Relations) Abilene Jeffrey Daniel Johnston (B.S., Advertising/Public Relations) Summa Cum Laude Coppell Kyle D. Knapp (B.S., Electronic Media) Garland John Michael Martin (B.S., Advertising/Public Relations) Pflugerville Sydney Layne Milford (B.S., Advertising/Public Relations) Fort Worth Brock A. Niederhofer (B.S., Advertising/Public Relations) San Antonio

Adrian Patenaude (B.S., Advertising/Public Relations) Summa Cum Laude Brittney Ann Tunnell Phrae, Thailand (B. A., International Studies) Van Lucius Ryan Patenaude (B.S., Multimedia) Rylee Tate Wilkerson Summa Cum Laude (B.S., Social StudiesPhrae, Thailand Teaching) Magna Cum Laude Gabrielle Marie Powell Canton (B.S., Convergence Journalism) Journalism and Mass San Antonio

Communication

Price M. Bahcall (B.S., Convergence Journalism) Irving Melany Katherine Cox (B.S., Convergence Journalism) Cum Laude Belton Hollie Breanne Derrick (B.S., Advertising/Public Relations) Cum Laude Monahans Katherine E. Franklin (B.S., Advertising/Public Relations) Magna Cum Laude Houston

Stephen Brett Reyes (B.S., Multimedia) San Diego, California John Roberts (B.S., Advertising/Public Relations) Mansfield Megan Hayes Robinson (B.S., Advertising/Public Relations) Magna Cum Laude McKinney William Frederick Rogers III (B.S., Multimedia) Magna Cum Laude Abilene Savannah McKenzie Smith (B.S., Advertising/Public Relations) Cum Laude Dallas

Luke Gates (B.S., Advertising/Public Relations) Austin

9

graduation

wednesday 05.07.14

Kara Ann Stutesman (B.S., Convergence Journalism) Magna Cum Laude Carl Junction, Missouri

Audrey Leigh Schaffner (B.A., English) Summa Cum Laude Vernon

Rachel Dee Smith Erika Danielle Tanaka (B.A., English) (B.S., Advertising/Public Wiggins, Colorado Relations) Conroe Rebecca Lyn Voran (B.A., English) Asia Joy Todd Houston (B.S., Multimedia) Summa Cum Laude Katelyn Paige Werner Chiang Mai, Thailand (B.A., English) Summa Cum Laude Madelyn Kate Walker New Braunfels (B.S., Advertising/Public Relations) Mathematics Abilene Lauren Michele Blandford Kathryn L. Williamson (B.S., Mathematics-Teaching) (B.S., Advertising/Public Cum Laude Relations) Round Rock Huntsville Jesse Bryce Luebbert Carole-Marie Wiser (B.S., Mathematics) (B.S., Advertising/Public Summa Cum Laude Relations) Saint Charles, Missouri Richmond Emily Nix Simpson Language and (B.S., Mathematics-Teaching) Literature Abilene Jessika Paige Allen (B.A., Spanish-Teaching) Magna Cum Laude Canton Wesley Bryant (B.A., English-Teaching) Tulsa, Oklahoma Kathryn Cukrowski (B.A., English) Summa Cum Laude Abilene Rebecca Rhea Fowler (B.A., English) Summa Cum Laude Coppell John Marshall Fox (B.A., English) Waco

Javan K. Furlow (B.A., English) Cum Laude Little Rock, Arkansas Rebekah Anne Horton (B.A., English) Cum Laude Weatherford Cara Michelle Kramar (B.A., English) Magna Cum Laude Port Hueneme, California Wesley Rodolfo Limas (B.A., English) San Antonio Emily Brynn Moses (B.A., English) McKinney Peyton Michelle Mosley (B.A., English) Cum Laude Coppell Cassandra Rose Pecina (B.A., English-Teaching) Abilene Israel Aaron Ramirez (B.A., English) Fort Worth Erik Fletcher Ringle (B.A., English) Summa Cum Laude Springdale, Arkansas

Stefan Gerald Bushey Patricia Flores Gonzalez (B.S., Sociology-Criminal (B.A.S., Applied Studies) Justice) Abilene, Texas Abilene Tammy Lynn Marcelain Darrell J. Cantu-Harkless (B.A.S., Applied Studies) (B.S., Sociology-Criminal Summa Cum Laude Justice) Abilene, Texas Austin

Psychology Brandon K. Corley (B.S., Sociology-Criminal Jonathan Scott Anglin Justice) (B.S., Psychology) Fort Worth Alpine, California

Jeanette Stephanie DeAlexander Hinson Barham vora (B.S., Psychology) (B.S., Composite Interdis- Southlake ciplinary) Abilene Stephen Paul Case (B.S., Psychology) Zachary Ryan Ferrell Magna Cum Laude (B.S., Sociology-Criminal College Station Justice) Magna Cum Laude Haley Evan Conaway Fort Worth (B.S., Psychology) Cum Laude Glenn K. Halbert Plano (B.S., Sociology-Criminal Justice) Kamiron Elizabeth Earle San Antonio, Texas (B.S., Psychology) Duncanville Darian James Hogg (B.S., Sociology-Criminal Rachel Easley Matt Vela Justice) (B.S., Psychology) (B.S., Mathematics-Teaching) Arlington Belton Arlington Amelia K. Springer Holden Jacey Leanne Ferrara Music (B.S., Sociology-Criminal (B.S., Psychology) Justice) Magna Cum Laude Matthew Wayne Bowman Odessa Austin (B.M., Music-Teaching, Voice-All Level) Landon Christopher Long Nicole Marie Flores Brookhaven, Mississippi (B.A., Political Science) (B.S., Psychology) Magna Cum Laude San Antonio James Russell Garrett Pampa (B.M., Music-Teaching, Zachary M. Freed Voice-All Level) Ashley Diane Owens (B.S., Psychology) Marble Falls (B.S., Composite Interdis- Abilene ciplinary) Parker Thomas Gordon Granbury, Texas Avia Latrese Gray (B.A., Music and Political (B.S., Psychology) Science) Mary Hannah Pittman Summa Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude (B.A., Political Science) Dallas Stephenville Eudora, Kansas

MaryLynn Faith Grogan Breanna Lane Hembree Jason Gene Rasco (B.S., Composite Interdis(B.M., Vocal Performance) (B.S., Sociology-Criminal ciplinary) North Richland Hills Justice) Cum Laude Abilene Abilene Robert Joel Hull Michael Seidensticker (B.M., Piano Performance) (B.S., Sociology-Criminal Rebecca Leigh Haught Cum Laude Justice) (B.S., Psychology) Ripon, California Abilene Summa Cum Laude Abilene Jingyuan Jiang Christopher D. Singleton (B.M., Piano Performance) (B.A., Political Science) Colt Lockhart Helmer Cum Laude Magna Cum Laude (B.S., Psychology) Guangzhou, China Pawleys Island, South Merkel Carolina Jeanetta Danielle Norris Meghan Mackenzie Law(B.A., Music) Christiana Maria Virone rence Fort Worth (B.S., Sociology-Criminal (B.S., Psychology) Justice) Cum Laude Keeli Brooke Swim Magna Cum Laude Seattle, Washington (B.M., Vocal Performance) Lubbock Lubbock Tyler David Lotz Zachary Marcus Wheat (B.S., Psychology) Brooke Trapp (B.A., Political Science) Austin (B.M., Piano Performance) Farmington, New Mexico Summa Cum Laude Victoria Melissa Mason Texarkana Cody Willingham (B.S., Psychology) Political Science (B.S., Political ScienceNew York, New York Criminal Justice) Dylan William Benac Ramona, California Tyler Scott McCuistion (B.A., Political Science) (B.S., Psychology) Summa Cum Laude Professional and Con- Arvada, Colorado Boerne tinuing Education Matthew Bryan McMahon Amanda Faye Bitner Kimberly Mitchell Berry (B.S., Psychology) (B.A., Political Science) (B.A.S., Applied Studies) Deer Park The Woodlands Abilene, Texas Kasey A. Morgan Dylan Allen Brugman Irene Garcia Fuentes (B.S., Psychology) (B.A., Political Science) (B.A.S., Applied Studies) Haslet Summa Cum Laude Abilene, Texas Aurora, Colorado

Laura Katherine Music (B.S., Psychology) Abilene

Madelynn Renee Spell (B.S., Psychology) Cypress

Kanwal Kira Nadeem (B.S., Psychology) Karachi, Pakistan

Meredith Elaine Thornton (B.S., Psychology) Cedar Hill

Caroline Adele Nikolaus (B.S., Psychology) Summa Cum Laude Nashville, Tennessee

Jennifer Marie Valenzuela (B.S., Psychology) El Paso

Marvin E. Norman (B.S., Psychology) New Braunfels Michael Wales Osborne (B.S., Psychology) Benton, Louisiana Jordan Lee Peitsmeyer (B.S., Psychology) China Spring

Jessica Lynn Weeden (B.S., Psychology) Cum Laude Monroe, Wisconsin Sarah Elizabeth Winkler (B.S., Psychology) Summa Cum Laude Fort Worth

Theatre

Sarah Evelyn Pelfrey (B.S., Psychology) Sherman

Owen Christopher Beans (B.F.A., Theatre) Cum Laude Greenville, Illinois

Nathan Elliott Perritano (B.S., Psychology) San Antonio

Julie Alexandra Bonneau (B.F.A., Theatre) Dallas

Anna Lee Pierce (B.S., Psychology) Nashville, Tennessee

Noa Francis Dowl (B.F.A., Theatre) Dallas

Jackson Regas (B.S., Psychology) Sugar Land

Tyler Kent Dunnington (B.F.A., Theatre) Grapevine

Hillary Anne Richardson (B.S., Psychology) Celina

Caryn Esch (B.F.A., Theatre) Summa Cum Laude Longview

Lyndi Kristina Smith (B.S., Psychology) Uvalde

graduation Connie Esch (B.F.A., Theatre) Summa Cum Laude Longview Rachel Elizabeth Faulkner (B.F.A., Theatre) Summa Cum Laude Bloomington, Indiana

Andrew Jordan Lang (B.F.A., Theatre) Magna Cum Laude Abilene

wednesday 05.07.14

10

Annie Nicole Merritt (B.F.A., Theatre) Cum Laude Amarillo

Joshua Ryan Brandon Trey Wrape Emily A. Ricker (B.S., Composite Interdis- (B.A., Youth and Family (B.S., Family Studies) ciplinary) Ministry) Cum Laude Mesquite Rowlett Goodlettsville, Tennessee

Haleigh Elisabeth Motz (B.F.A., Theatre) Magna Cum Laude Abilene

Jeffrey Hardin Brimberry (B.A., Biblical Text) Austin

Jace Benjamin Reinhard (B.F.A., Theatre) Summa Cum Laude Greenville, Illinois Jonathan Andres Schleyer (B.F.A., Theatre) Boerne

Bible, Missions and Ministry Lindsay Beth Anderson (B.A., Ministry to Children & Families) Summa Cum Laude Plano

Stephen Paul Case (B.A., Biblical Text) Magna Cum Laude College Station

Travis Richard Ziegenbein (B.A., Youth and Family Ministry) Houston

Madelyn Robinett (B.S., Family Studies) Magna Cum Laude Amarillo

Marriage and Family Studies

Kelly Kathleen Seale (B.S., Family Studies) Summa Cum Laude Burnet

Ashley Marie Alexander Caleb Christopher Conder (B.S., Family Studies) (B.A., Vocational Missions) Whitehouse Abilene Johnathan A. Archer Reni Lynn Filbrun (B.S., Family Studies) (B.A., Youth and Family Pflugerville Ministry) Summa Cum Laude Brenna Boyd Grand Prairie (B.S., Family Studies) Plano Christopher Scott Heflin (B.A., Youth and Family Hanna M. Boyd Ministry) (B.S., Family Studies) Plano Cum Laude Austin Laura Jane Hood (B.S., Composite Interdis- Lindsey Cunning Bramhall ciplinary) (B.S., Family Studies) Cum Laude Magna Cum Laude Franklin, Tennessee Argyle Jacob Walker Hunter (B.A., Christian Ministry) Carrollton

Madison Elizabeth Brasuell (B.S., Family Studies) Frisco

Dalton Sidney Johnson Allison Paige Calvin (B.A., Youth and Family (B.S., Family Studies) Ministry) Dallas Austin Kylie Elizabeth Cuevas Daniel Marolf (B.S., Family Studies) (B.A., Biblical Text) Boerne Summa Cum Laude McKinney Madison Elizabeth Dampier (B.S., Family Studies) Courtney Lynn Martin Dallas (B.A., Bible and Ministry: Youth and Family Ministry) Emily Dixon Summa Cum Laude (B.S., Family Studies) New Braunfels Dallas Stewart Thomas McGregor B.A., Christian Ministry and Political Science) Arlington Kelsey Elizabeth McHenry (B.A., Vocational Ministry: Vocational Missions) Summa Cum Laude Cheltenham, England

Marissa Lynn Ferguson (B.S., Family Studies) The Colony Sara Michelle Franklin (B.S., Family Studies) Magna Cum Laude

Nampa, Idaho Darci Beth Halstead (B.S., Family Studies) Odessa

Steven Oh (B.A., Bible and Ministry: Youth and Family Ministry) Amy Beth Jeffers San Antonio (B.S., Family Studies) Sugar Land Rebekah Esther Perry (B.A., Youth and Family Katrina Sue Kelly Ministry) (B.S., Family Studies) San Antonio Mesquite Matthew James Roberts (B.A., Biblical Text) Magna Cum Laude Azle Eric M. Schumann (B.A., Worship Ministry) Sugar Land

Dylan W. Kile (B.S., Family Studies) Fort Worth Chelsea Lanier (B.S., Family Studies) Summa Cum Laude Saint Jo

Aubree M. Selinger (B.S., Family Studies) Grapevine Katherine Faith Stewart (B.S., Family Studies) Midland Christian S. Sullivan (B.S., Family Studies) Chandler Leslie P. White (B.S., Family Studies) Amarillo Kaitlin Paige Winegeart (B.S., Family Studies) Pampa Chun Chi Yum (B.S., Family Studies) Hong Kong, China

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Accounting and Finance Tino Angadicheril (B.B.A., Accounting) Arlington Blair Nicole Bartee (B.B.A., Accounting and Finance) Summa Cum Laude Lubbock Joseph Micah Bellow (B.B.A., Accounting) Coppell Jordyn Boland (B.B.A., Accounting) Marshalltown, Iowa Michael Wayne Bow (B.B.A., Finance) North Richland Hills Ryan L. Boyer (B.B.A., Accounting and Finance) Lewisville Paul Corban Brown (B.B.A., Accounting) Keller Aaron Gregory Bynum (B.B.A., Finance) Austin Yingyu Chen (B.B.A., Accounting) Xia Men, Fu Jian, China

Lauren Elizabeth Towe (B.A., Vocational Missions) Summa Cum Laude Richardson

Sean Marmolejo (B.S., Family Studies) China Spring

Carleigh Elizabeth Wieder (B.A., Youth and Family Ministry) Cum Laude North Richland Hills

Lauren Michele Neugebauer Kyle Glen Corbin (B.S., Family Studies and (B.B.A., Accounting and Psychology) Finance) Sugar Land Abilene Greta Margaret Porisch (B.S., Family Studies) San Antonio

Kyndal Shae Coleman (B.B.A., Accounting) Summa Cum Laude San Antonio

Connor Wayne Cullum (B.B.A., Finance) Argyle

11

graduation

wednesday 05.07.14

Michael Wayne Davis (B.B.A., Accounting and Finance) Summa Cum Laude Malibu, California Kenna Lynette Easter (B.B.A., Accounting) Frisco Bradley Evans (B.B.A., Accounting) Magna Cum Laude Abilene Vidalia Gomez (B.B.A., Finance) Abilene Karsten Andrew Goodman (B.B.A., Finance) Summa Cum Laude Abilene

Hunter Aaron Milliner (B.B.A., Accounting) Magna Cum Laude Plano

Grant Warren Wilson (B.B.A., Accounting and Finance) Corpus Christi

Julia Therese Mongin (B.B.A., Finance) Jaunay-Clan, France

Management Sciences

Amy Elizabeth Morris (B.B.A., Accounting) Summa Cum Laude Richmond Christopher S. O’Shell (B.B.A., Accounting and Finance) Cum Laude Phoenix, Arizona

Christopher Edward Balsly (B.B.A., Management) North Richland Hills James Edgar Balthrop III (B.B.A., Marketing) College Station Aaron Wallace Brooks (B.B.A., Marketing) Burleson Makenzie Nicole Brown (B.B.A., Marketing) Lubbock

Jody Michele Greer (B.B.A., Marketing) Rowlett

Teddie Johnson (B.B.A., Management) Aledo

Glenn Paul Leddy (B.B.A., Marketing) Cookeville, Tennessee

Sarah Elizabeth Hamilton (B.B.A., Marketing) Fort Worth

Weston Troy Johnson (B.B.A., Marketing) Spring

Jordan Tyler Lightfoot (B.B.A., Management and Marketing) Bryan

Betzaida Yire Hernandez (B.B.A., Management) Abilene

Laura Ann Kaminsky (B.B.A., Management) Houston

Whitney Diane Herrington (B.B.A., Management) Magna Cum Laude Abilene Rebekah Anne Horton (B.B.A., Marketing) Cum Laude Weatherford Kayli Cherise Huddleston (B.B.A., Management) Summa Cum Laude San Angelo

Alauna Faye Perry (B.B.A., Accounting) Magna Cum Laude Salem, Oregon Jonathan Bryant Joshua Aaron Gorena

(B.B.A., Management) (B.B.A., Accounting and Jared Mitchell Poole Summa Cum Laude Finance) (B.B.A., Finance) San Antonio Irving Summa Cum Laude Escondido, California Paige Nicole Buck Collin Thayer Graves (B.B.A., Management and (B.B.A., Finance) Jonathan Patrick Ralston Marketing) Corinth (B.B.A., Accounting and Cum Laude Finance) New Braunfels Hunter Paul Haley Plano (B.B.A., Accounting and Madison Buckley Finance) Micah Nathaniel Reeves (B.B.A., Management and Magna Cum Laude (B.B.A., Finance) Marketing) Lubbock Abilene Cum Laude Coppell Emily Anne Hill Courtney Renae Richardson (B.B.A., Accounting) (B.B.A., Accounting) David Alan Campanella Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude (B.B.A., Marketing) Houston, Texas Celina Magna Cum Laude Newport Beach, California Olga Ivasina Hunter Owen Shaw III (B.B.A., Accounting) (B.B.A., Accounting and Michael Elijah Casco Balti, Republic of Moldova Finance) (B.B.A., Marketing) San Marcos Los Angeles, California Caley Sue Johnson (B.B.A., Accounting) Leah Kristine Shepherd Vance Cato Summa Cum Laude (B.B.A., Accounting) (B.B.A., Management) La Vista, Nebraska Abilene Cum Laude Amarillo Pascal Isaiah Lacoss Michael Philip Smith (B.B.A., Finance and Man- (B.B.A., Accounting and Christen Coise Cawley agement) Finance) (B.B.A., Marketing) Surbiton, United Kingdom Denton Magna Cum Laude Conroe David Andrew Legler Megan Lee Spry (B.B.A., Accounting) (B.B.A., Finance) Amanda Lee Clary Summa Cum Laude Mansfield (B.B.A., Marketing) Austin Denton Whitney Janelle Stevens Zhuoyao Li (B.B.A., Accounting) Emily Victoria Conrad (B.B.A., Accounting and Allen (B.B.A., Management) Finance) Cum Laude JiaXing, ZheJiang, Chin Zachary Thompson Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (B.B.A., Accounting) Tucker Drew Mack League City Jackson C. Conway (B.B.A., Accounting) (B.B.A., Management) Cum Laude Rachel Leigh Varner Magna Cum Laude Lubbock (B.B.A., Accounting) Amarillo Abilene Will Steven Mack Cody Crist (B.B.A., Accounting) David Francisco Vessels (B.B.A., Management) Boerne (B.B.A., Finance) North Richland Hills Hampton, Virginia Rodge Macy Michael Foster Curtis (B.B.A., Accounting) Amy Marie Walker (B.B.A., Management and Fort Worth (B.B.A., Accounting and Marketing) Finance) Bellevue, Washington Hannah Leigh Mask Summa Cum Laude (B.B.A., Accounting) Carlos Ivan Duarte Brownwood Madison, Wisconsin (B.B.A., Management) Kelton Cody Webber El Paso Aaron McDermott (B.B.A., Finance and Infor(B.B.A., Accounting) mation Systems) Casey John Duncum Summa Cum Laude Paradise (B.B.A., Management and Melissa Marketing) Evan Taylor Whyte Decatur Joseph Daniel McKillop (B.B.A., Finance) (B.B.A., Accounting) Aurora, Colorado Carlee Jane Finkelstein Cum Laude (B.B.A., Marketing) Coppell Plano

Alexander James Garner (B.B.A., Management) Davie, Florida

Brady Walker Kile (B.B.A., Marketing) Magna Cum Laude Fort Worth Keegan Joshua Kinder (B.B.A., Marketing) Summa Cum Laude Round Rock Kayla Denise Lawrence (B.B.A., Management) Cross Plains

Whitley Marie Lindholm (B.B.A., Management) Summa Cum Laude Pflugerville Landon Christopher Long (B.B.A., Management) Magna Cum Laude Pampa Elizabeth Virginia Lurz (B.B.A., Management) Abilene Luke William Wayne Luttrell (B.B.A., Management and Marketing) Cum Laude Irving

graduation Lucas Wane MacDonald (B.B.A., Management) Comfort Amelia Grace Mitchell (B.B.A., Management) Hallettsville Laura Maria Mongin (B.B.A., Management) Jaunay-Clan, France

wednesday 05.07.14

Cory Nickodam Cassandra Elise Powers (B.B.A., Information Sys(B.B.A., Management and tems) Marketing) Burleson Cedar Park

Elizabeth Grace Sinclair (B.B.A., Marketing) Magna Cum Laude Abilene

Kelsy L. Parks (B.B.A., Marketing) Georgetown

Erik Russell Soulek Allen Cloyd Taylor (B.B.A., Information Sys(B.S., Information Techtems) nology) San Antonio Cum Laude Pflugerville Wes J. Strahl (B.B.A., Information SysPierce Aubrey Wilson tems) (B.S., Information TechSan Antonio nology) Conroe Adam J. Studer (B.B.A., Marketing) COLLEGE OF Ballinger EDUCATION AND

Sarah Puckett (B.B.A., Marketing) Cum Laude Amarillo Lucas Evan Pursley (B.B.A., Management) Abilene Klint Donald Roefer (B.B.A., Management) Round Rock Allie Nicole Rostron (B.B.A., Marketing) Summa Cum Laude Llano, Texas Graham Charles Rutledge (B.B.A., Marketing) Cum Laude Carrollton Madison Leigh Sandifer (B.B.A., Management) Abilene

J Xavier Sheppard (B.S., Information Technology) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

HUMAN SERVICES

Kyle Sullivan (B.B.A., Management) Austin Connor Briggs VanSteenberg (B.B.A., Management) Conroe

Communication and Science Disorders

12

Kaylee Brook McGee (B.S., Communication Disorders) Cum Laude Aledo McKinley Rebecca Musgrave (B.S., Communication Disorders) Cum Laude Abilene Kara Leigh Nestle (B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude Springtown Lauren Elizabeth Noack (B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude Boerne

Kristyn Ann Albert (B.S., Communication Shelby Breann Peterson Disorders) (B.S., Communication Keller Disorders) Titus N. Vesel Odessa (B.B.A., Information Systems) Taylor Jane Barnett Abilene (B.S., Communication Kassi Elizabeth Riddle Disorders) (B.S., Communication Rachel Lynn Viles Houston Disorders) (B.B.A., Marketing) Dimmitt San Diego, California Laura Elizabeth Baxter (B.S., Communication Mackenzie Speck Evan William Webb Disorders) (B.S., Communication (B.B.A., Management) Summa Cum Laude Disorders) Houston, Texas Katy Amarillo

School of Information Abigayle Connor Braaten Mackenzie Annette Webb Technology and Com- (B.S., Communication (B.S., Communication puting Disorders) Disorders) Abilene Bedford Stephen James Baty (B.S., Composite Interdis- Cheyenne Bullock Emily Paige Wilson ciplinary) (B.S., Communication (B.S., Communication Orchard Park, New York Disorders) Disorders) Houston Summa Cum Laude Meredith L. Beier Schertz (B.S., Information TechErika Lynn Cook nology) (B.S., Communication Alaina Michelle Wolf Magna Cum Laude Disorders) (B.S., Communication Flower Mound Cum Laude Disorders) Vernon Magna Cum Laude Travis Cramer Coppell (B.S., Computer Science) McKenzie Cunningham Flower Mound (B.S., Communication Kinesiology and Nutrition Disorders) Eveline Racheal David

Kelsie Laryn Andrews (B.S., Information TechAbilene, Texas (B.S., Nutrition) Summa nology) Lori Anne Eddy Cum Laude Abilene (B.S., Communication San Antonio Disorders) JuliAnn Joelle Dowdy San Antonio Molly Brianne Bagley (B.S., Information Tech(B.S., Exercise Science) nology) Abigail Margaret Flournoy Cum Laude Cum Laude (B.S., Communication Hurst Mount Pleasant Disorders) Cum Laude John David Baker Justin David Ewers Corpus Christi (B.S., Exercise and Sport (B.S., Computer Science) Science) Magna Cum Laude Victoria Leigh Garza Cum Laude Azle (B.S., Communication San Angelo Disorders) Justin Robert Fleer Corpus Christi Audrey Leigh Bauer (B.S., Computer Science) (B.S., Exercise Science) Magna Cum Laude Anna M. Heffner Summa Cum Laude Centennial, Colorado (B.S., Communication Coppell Disorders) Taylor Lee Franklin Summa Cum Laude Cassie Chettara Brooks (B.S., Computer Science) Dallas (B.S., Kinesiology) Terrell Mesquite Amy Marie Huddleston Matthew A. Gray (B.S., Communication Candon James Canady (B.S., Computer Science) Disorders) (B.S., Exercise Science) Lubbock Summa Cum Laude Ramona, California Temple Rogelio Andres Cervantes Patrick Luberus Trina Dawn Knight (B.S., Exercise Science) (B.S., Information Tech(B.S., Communication McAllen nology) Disorders) Magna Cum Laude Midland Austin Tyler Felts Manhattan, Kansas (B.S., Exercise Science) Meagan Ligon Cum Laude Nathan Daniel Nix (B.S., Communication Eastland (B.S., Computer Science) Disorders) Cum Laude Magna Cum Laude Austin Corpus Christi

13

graduation

wednesday 05.07.14

Nicholas Alford Finney (B.S., Exercise Science) Los Angeles, California Brittany Nicole Flowers (B.S., Exercise Science) Houston

Hannah Elizabeth Lytle (B.S., Exercise Science) Magna Cum Laude Abilene Lindsey Brooke Marler (B.S., Exercise Science) Kingwood

Courtney Breanne Ray (B.S., Exercise Science) Allen

Rebekah Susan Rich (B.S., Social Work) Fort Worth

Ashli LeAnn Simpkins (B.S., Exercise Science) Magna Cum Laude Odessa

Eric John Schinske (B.S., Social Work) Argyle

Judson Reed Foster (B.S., Exercise and Sport Nathan Dixon McClain Kelsey Alexandra Smith Science) (B.S., Exercise Science) (B.S., Exercise Science) San Angelo Summa Cum Laude Coppell Keller Jasmine Devon Gaston Blake Alan Spears (B.S., Exercise Science) Tyler Joe McIntosh (B.S., Exercise and Sport Arlington (B.S., Physical Education Science) Teacher Education) Abilene Aliza Gomez San Saba (B.S., Exercise Science) Taylor Rene Newhouse Nicholas Adams Sterling Abilene (B.S., Nutrition) (B.S., Exercise Science) Montgomery Austin Carly Anne Henderson (B.S., Exercise Science) Andrew Peters Frederick D. Thompson Fort Worth (B.S., Exercise and Sport (B.S., Physical Education) Science) Houston Emily Ann Karibian Frisco (B.S., Nutrition) Tiphanie Rozell Uland Summa Cum Laude Shea M. Petrey (B.S., Exercise Science) Harker Heights (B.S., Exercise Science) Denton Memphis, Tennessee Kelcie N. Lee Alicia Nicole Valenzo (B.S., (B.S., Exercise Science) Trasa Leana Poindexter Exercise Science) Magna Cum Laude (B.S., Kinesiology) San Antonio Plano Abilene Joshua Lawrence Walters (B.S., Exercise Science) Cum Laude Allen Darrein Elizabeth Williams (B.S., Exercise Science) The Colony Whitney Shea Zugai (B.S., Nutrition) Abilene

School of Social Work Leticia Desirea Cisneros (B.S., Social Work) Summa Cum Laude Rancho Cordova, California Kylee Marissa Craggett (B.S., Social Work) Magna Cum Laude Garland Natalie Paige Giroir (B.S., Social Work) Magna Cum Laude Waco Manda Danae Havens (B.S., Social Work) Magna Cum Laude Lubbock Chasidy Summer Juarez (B.S., Social Work) Cum Laude Keller Taylor Ann Landeros (B.S., Social Work) Abilene Kierra Danielle Lloyd (B.S., Social Work) Magna Cum Laude Grand Prairie Sara Kate Luttrell (B.S., Social Work) Abilene Amy Melissa Mise (B.S., Social Work) Austin Austin Michael Pretiger (B.S., Social Work) Atlanta, Georgia

Karli Southward (B.S., Social Work) Summa Cum Laude Abilene Ponnie J. Williams (B.S., Social Work) Abilene Anissa Renee Willie (B.S., Social Work) Mesquite

Haley Renee Padgett (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Cum Laude Houston T’Neise Marshae Ragland (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Sachse Caleb Park Ramsey (B. S., All-Level Special Education) Colorado Springs, Colorado Shelby Leigh Richardson (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Cum Laude College Station

Shelby Rose Eaton (B.S.N., Nursing) Escondido, California Divina Vergara Gilbert (B.S.N., Nursing) Cum Laude Abilene Jason Li Gonzalez (B.S.N., Nursing) McAllen Deavon Jo Heiman (B.S.N., Nursing) Canyon Laura Catherine Hunt (B.S.N., Nursing) Cum Laude Mesquite

Teacher Education Caitlin Nicole Belville (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Delaware, Ohio Keslie LeAnn Bernard (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Mansfield Ashley Marie Craig (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Mesquite Stephanie Skyler Fergerson (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Henderson Stephanie Fritz (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) McKinney

Hailey Rosseau (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, High School) Magna Cum Laude Abilene Sarah Diane Stephens (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Magna Cum Laude The Colony Jennifer Terry (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Aledo Kaitlin Leigh Thaxton (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Cum Laude Abilene

Whitney Taylor White (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Beth Goodall Summa Cum Laude (B.S., All-Level Special Trophy Club, Texas Education) Irving Jessalyn Andrea Woods (B.S., Interdisciplinary Rebekah Gayle Edwards Studies, Elementary) Jacobson Abilene (B.S., All-Level Special Education) Jamie Rene Word Magna Cum Laude (B.S., Interdisciplinary Bedford Studies, Elementary) Burleson Laura James (B.S., Interdisciplinary Sarah Ann Yantis Studies, Elementary) (B.S., Interdisciplinary Summa Cum Laude Studies, Elementary) Midland Amite, Louisiana Tara Nicole Lowe (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Summa Cum Laude Springtown

Heather Alyse Young (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Magna Cum Laude Allen

Erin Marie McCollough (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Summa Cum Laude Austin

PATTY HANKS SHELTON SCHOOL OF NURSING

Haley Catherine Irons (B.S.N., Nursing) Magna Cum Laude Dallas Maggye Louise Jordan (B.S.N., Nursing) Abilene Stephaniel Michelle Long (B.S.N., Nursing) Ramona, California Christina Nicole Macari (B.S.N., Nursing) Houston Mitzy L. McDowell (B.S.N., Nursing) Magna Cum Laude Baird Victoria Jane McFadden (B.S.N., Nursing) San Antonio Maria Page Morrell (B.S.N., Nursing) Bryan Jaymee Lauren Myller (B.S.N., Nursing) Summa Cum Laude Arvada, Colorado Janna Kaye Oswald (B.S.N., Nursing) Los Gatos, California Margaret Ann Pfeiffer (B.S.N., Nursing) Katy Logan Suzanne Phillips (B.S.N., Nursing) Fort Worth Bethany Jean Pierce (B.S.N., Nursing) Frisco Donna Lorene Poole (B.S.N., Nursing) Summa Cum Laude Escondido, California

Nursing Katelyn Michelle McLarty (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Southlake Kelly Leigh Miller (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Summa Cum Laude Katy Natalie Paige Myers (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Cum Laude Garland

Bronwyn Kate Case (B.S.N., Nursing) Cum Laude Porto Alegre, Brazil Shelby Jane Crow (B.S.N., Nursing) Magna Cum Laude Coppell

Ruby Dean Poole (B.S.N., Nursing) Cum Laude Frisco Lisa Diane Regas (B.S.N., Nursing) Cum Laude Sugar Land

Daniel Cupit (B.S.N., Nursing) San Antonio

Kelti Dace Rippenhagen (B.S.N., Nursing) Summa Cum Laude Austin, Texas

Audrey Noel Deaver (B.S.N., Nursing) Cum Laude Denton

Jessica Schmidt (B.S.N., Nursing) Magna Cum Laude Carlsbad, New Mexico

sports

wednesday 05.07.14

‘Cats take series against UIW in finale hannah little sports reporter The ACU softball team closed its 2014 season against the University of Incarnate Word last weekend. The series ended with the Wildcats taking the first two out of three games against the Cardinals, to finish the year 21-28 overall with a 10-10 conference record and 12-10 home record.

“It was a great way to end the season and a confidence builder for next year,” sophomore Demi McNulty said.

“Leadership is critical to the success of any team. Leading by example in the classroom, during practice and game times is my idea of leadership and it is my plan to continue to help lead the team, along with Anna Jones, Cara Hoover and Emily Seidel.”

McNulty is among several teammates who will miss the

seniors of this year’s team, and remembers how they came out and competed even in the last game of the season.

“They were on their game and I can speak for the rest of the girls when I say that we wanted it just as bad for them,” McNulty said. “They have provided inspiration and vision for the Wildcat softball program and we want to continue to build upon that for next season.”

The series against UIW ended with the Wildcats taking the double-header Saturday, but losing game three on Sunday.

Sophomore Cara Hoover hit her second grand slam of the season and went 2-3 with four runs batted in, in the Wildcats 9-0 game one win.

Senior Lyndi Smith also hit a grand slam in game two, as she contributed two runs on three hits and four runs batted in.

“A lot of the seniors were very selfless,” said Hoover.

“They would give anything for the team and they had a lot of heart. Seeing them drop to their knees after that last game was very heartbreaking because I know how much they would do anything to put on their cleats one more time.”

The Wildcats’ first year at Division I was a successful year and brings a lot of hope and excitement into the years to come.

“Closing out a season, especially knowing that we made the conference tournament our first year as Division I, is a big incentive to do better next year,” Hoover said. “With a lot of freshman coming, I think it will be a good and positive environment.”

standings Baseball Standings

Team

Div.

Ovrl

TAMU-CC SHSU MSU Nicholls St. NSU SELA Lamar ORU UCA HBU SFA UIW ACU NO

17-7 16-8 16-8 16-8 15-9 14-10 13-11 12-12 11-13 11-13 8-16 6-12 5-13 2-22

28-21 34-14 27-21 26-23 27-21 29-20 28-20 25-22 23-21 22-22 17-30 15-29 16-28 11-32

Softball Standings

austin kilcullen Staff Photographer contact little at hll12a@acu.edu

14

Junior infielder Kaylee Crozier gets ready for the relay throw as the Wildcats play at Polly Wells Field.

Team

Div.

Ovrl

MSU NSU SHSU SFA HBU UCA ACU Lamar TAMU-CC SELA Nicholls St. UIW

20-6 15-10 15-11 14-11 14-13 13-13 10-10 12-14 11-15 10-17 9-16 7-14

38-15 27-20 26-25 24-25 21-26 24-32 21-28 20-30 16-36 19-29 19-34 21-31

Who’s Hot Sophomore track and field star Jelani Rainey concluded a successful Rainey weekend for ACU with a couple of top finishes. Rainey won the men’s hammer throw with a throw of 49.52 meters and also helped the Wildcats pick up points with a discus throw of 44.74 meters, good enough for eighth place.

briefings

jarred schuetze Staff Photographer

Junior Ladgie Zotyka pitches for the Wildcats in their game against McMurry on April 21. ACU gave up three games to the TAM-CC Islanders in Abilene.

Senior Lyndi Smith, and freshmen Taylor Brown and Hannah Null were selected to the 2014 Southland Conference honorable mentions list on Tuesday.

Junior Lauren Hartwick won first place in the women’s hammer throw for the Wildcat track and field team. Hartwick After a scoreless tenth late in the game, up 4-3 in bats in the final innings, ACU will finish its sea- registered a throw of from both teams, Corpus the sixth. Russell Vaughan and the Islanders picked son with 10 away games, 50.87 meter over the Christi finally brought the changed that with a two- up the 11-10 victory. including game against weekend.

Wildcats blow lead in three straight collin wieder sports editor The baseball team was swept in their final home stand this weekend against Southland Conference leader Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

The three-game series was extremely close, with two out of three games coming down to the last inning to decide the winner.

Friday’s opening game of the series looked like a victory for the ‘Cats as they held a 6-5 lead heading into the top of the ninth.

But Wildcat closer Kevin Sheets could not hold off the Islanders from there, giving up a ground ball up the middle with an 0-2 count to A&M- Corpus Christi left fielder Jordan Lee to bring in Kyle Danford from second base and send the game into extra innings.

game to an end in the 11th.

After an error and two walks loaded the bases for the Islanders, Lee was the hero again, driving in two runs with a double down the left field line.

Corpus Christi pitcher Jacob Dorris made quick work of the Wildcats in the bottom of the 11th to give the Islanders an 8-6 victory.

Saturday’s contest concluded with another comeback from the Islanders.

ACU carried another lead

“

These guys are going to be guys that can step up and be fearless.”

britt bonneau head coach acu baseball

RBI single to center field to give the Islanders the lead.

Corpus added three more runs and shut down the Wildcats’ offense to win the second game 8-4.

The final game on Sunday was a high-scoring offensive duel and a defensive struggle for both teams.

Things looked bleak in the fifth inning when the Islanders gained an 11-5 lead off of one hit and three ACU errors. The Wildcats answered in the bottom of the inning with four runs off of singles from Seth Spivey, Russell Crippen and Gunnar Buhner.

They scored another in the sixth when Emil Litterer singled and came home on an error by shortstop Josh Garza, but Corpus Christi reliever Jacob Dorris outlasted the Wildcats’

The three losses dropped the Wildcats to 16-28 overall and 5-13 in the conference, while Corpus Christi improved to 28-21 overall and 17-7 in conference. Corpus Christi also moved into first in the Southland after this weekend’s sweep.

ACU and A&M Corpus Christi combined for a messy weekend as they committed 19 errors, 10 of which happened in Sunday’s game.

Head coach Britt Bonneau said the team needs to clean up its game a little bit, but was happy with the effort he saw from the team.

“We were a little disappointed and we committed a lot of errors that cost us,” Bonneau said. “We made poor choices defensively but fought until the end.”

Arizona State University and three against the University of Arizona.

Bonneau said the coaches are still assessing players for next year and are looking for some to stand out.

“Obviously we are still evaluating these guys,” Bonneau said. “These guys are gonna be guys that can step up in play in those types of atmospheres and we need guys to be fearless.”

The Wildcats roll into another tough series this week as they travel to Tulsa to play Oral Roberts University (2522 overall, 12-12 SLC).

Game one begins Friday at 6:30 p.m. contact wieder at cpw11a@acu.edu

Soccer adds assistant, Abilene player daniel zepeda sports director Head soccer coach Casey Wilson has added both a player and a coach to the team for the 2014 season.

Katie Lane, a high school senior midfielder from Abilene Cooper, has signed her letter of intent to play for ACU in the fall. Sheena Scott, coach at Dana Hills (California), comes to Abilene after turning Danna Hills into one of the premiere teams in the nation.

“We’re very excited about having Katie on our team as we feel that she’s a talented athlete with the ability to play mul-

tiple positions,” said Wilson.

“She has been f lying below the radar here in Abilene scott and should open some eyes with her potential. Sheena’s playing and coaching background is very impressive, and her potential recruiting network in her native southern California will be an added bonus. We’re very glad she’s here.”

Lane was the Cougars’ team captain for her junior and senior years.

She played four years on their varsity team and

was named second team all-district in 2013 and received first team alldistrict honors in 2014.

In each of her past two years, she was named offensive MVP. Lane also excels in the classroom, being a member of Cooper’s National Honor Society and graduating in the top one percent of her class.

Scott will bring experience and a new pool of recruiting talent to ACU. She helped transform the Dana Hills soccer program into elite status.

From her time there in 2008 to 2013, Scott took the three-win varsity team into the nation’s fourth-ranked program

“

Her potential recruiting network in her native southern California will be an added bonus. We’re very glad she’s here.”

The men’s tennis team captured the inaugural National Invitational Tennis Tournament Saturday to end their first season of Div. I play.

The women’s soccer team finished its recruiting by adding local star Katie Lane.

Lane was on Abilene Cooper’s varsity team all four years of her high school career.

Senior outfielder Ashley Nolan was one of only a dozen players selected to the Capital One Academic AllDistrict 7 softball team by the voting members of the College Sports Information Directors of America.

Be sure to follow @OptimistSports on Twitter for more stories the second round of the and the latest ACU CIF-SS Division I Championships, where they sports news coverage.

lost to Rancho Cucamonga in penalty kicks.

“Sheena’s had an immediate impact within our program as she gives us a fresh set of eyes to provide valuable feedcasey wilson back on our players and head coach system,” Wilson said. acu soccer Scott will oversee recruiting as well as coaching at practices and games. She will join in 2012. second-year assistant The Dolphins finished Stephen Salas and thirdthe 2012 season with a 16- year volunteer coach Lu1-1 record and a second of cas Gibbs. three league titles. Last year, Dana Hills followed contact zepeda at up with a 17-2-4 camdjz11a@acu.edu paign and advanced to

Upcoming Track and Field conclude its season with the Southland Conference Championships starting Friday at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Ark. Baseball will travel to Tulsa, OK. to take on Oral Roberts on Friday.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.