The Optimist - Aug. 8, 2009

Optimist the

Vol. 98, No. 2

The Chris Thomsen Show

PAGE 6 1 section, 10 pages

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

acuoptimist.com

BREAKING NEWS, VIDEOS, PHOTOS, DISCUSSION AND EXCLUSIVE CONTENT RESIDENCE LIFE

ResLife redefines roles, rules Liz Spano

regulations for freshmen; resident director and asArts Editor sistant director responsiChanges by the Office of bilities and qualifications; Residence Life to resi- and a new spiritual focus, dence and housing regula- said Amanda Buchanan, tions affect both freshmen senior psychology major and sophomores living on and assistant director of Morris Hall from Lubbock. campus this semester.

Although Sunday These changes include new visitation and curfew through Thursday, mid-

night curfew will remain intact, Residence Life directors eliminated weekend curfew for freshmen students. Also, weekend visitation is being considered, in addition to visitation hours Thursday.

“Weekend curfew was changed in part because these freshmen are adults,

and we need to be able to treat them like adults,” Buchanan said. “It has been a process of trying to say to students that we want to be here to help you make wise choices, but it’s their decision to make.”

Buchanan said that Residence Life also had students’ safety in mind

CAMPUS

when deciding to eliminate weekend curfew.

“The dorm needs to be a safe place,” Buchanan said. “If something happens or plans change, it’s much better for them to have somewhere safe and protected to stay than for them to find a random acquaintance be-

cause they are locked out of the dorm.”

Jess Schell, junior youth and family ministry major and Gardner Hall resident assistant from Fort Worth, agreed the decision to eliminate curfew already has been positive. see RESLIFE page 6

WELLNESS

Peer Health Educators to aid students Sondra Rodriguez Managing Editor

JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer

Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, addresses the thousands in attendance at this year’s Opening Day Ceremonies.

Money, who will accept the role of chancellor next year, delivered his last Cpening Cay Ceremonies speech as president.

Ceremony highlights international influence Colter Hettich Editor in Chief

Watch video and view photos of Opening Day Ceremonies.

Moody Coliseum was filled to the top with students, faculty, alumni and visitors for Abilene Christian University’s traditional Opening Day Ceremonies Monday.

After faculty members filed in to the sounds of the Big Purple Band, more than 100 students paraded around the coliseum carrying flags as a sym-

acuoptimist.com bol of the campus’ cultural diversity.

Dr. Jeanine Varner, provost, officially called the university’s 104th school year to order.

Most of the ceremony mirrored years past, but there were some noticeable differences. Dr.

Royce Money, president of the university, announced it was due time for modifications.

“For those of you who have been with us before, we’re changing things up a bit in our Opening Ceremonies,” Money said. “We’ve been doing it the same for over 20 years.”

This year’s ceremonies did not feature the traditional arrangement of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” or the lowering of

a massive American flag from the ceiling. Rather than display all the community’s patriotism at one event, Money said it would be woven throughout the year, including into holidays such as Veterans Day and Constitution Day. After taking the podium, Money addressed more than 1,000 incoming freshmen before speaking to the rest of the crowd.

see LIBRARY page 7

Alcohol, sex, eating disorders, stress, violence or spirituality – there is a place on campus to find help with all these issues.

The Peer Health Education program is a “promising method for encouraging college students to make healthy lifestyle decisions,” according to the program’s brochure.

It comprises ACU students who volunteer to train and serve as Peer Health Educators for participants struggling with personal issues.

Naomi Mandel is a counselor in the Counseling Center and is involved with the student-to-student guidance program.

“A student will listen to a message better if they perceive the giver of the message as a peer rather than someone “preaching” to them,” Mandel said.

For this reason, students who volunteer to serve as educators must go through an interview process in March and attend training in the fields of spiritual mentoring, role modeling and development of listening skills. After the training, educators

are nationally certified, Mandel said.

In the past, the program has prompted growth in each person involved.

“In educators, I see it develop more care and concern for fellow students. They become aware, observant and confident,” Mandel said.

“It strengthens their faith, and they grow in their walk with God.” For participants, simply knowing about a support system on campus makes a difference to someone struggling with a personal issue, Mandel said.

“It helps them know that there is someone here who really cares,” she said.

Claire Hardin, sophomore English major from Lubbock, said she thinks students will benefit from student-tostudent counseling.

“I think it’s more comfortable to talk to someone your own age than talking to a professor,” Hardin said. “It just seems like students would understand you better.”

Mandel said she hopes to see the program’s popularity increase this year. see HEALTH page 6

FACULTY

New faculty demonstrate character, credentials Tanner Knauth Sports Editor For Billie McConnell, Shan Martinez and Dr. Rebecca Hunter, working at ACU is like coming home. They are among twenty new faculty members hired by ACU this semester, ten of whom are alumni.

Suzanne Allmon, associate vice president for Human Resources, said the university is glad ACU alumni want to return to teach, but legacy is not enough to get them in the door. There are a number of qualities the university looks for in new faculty members.

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“Most positions require a terminal degree,” Allmon said. “We look for demonstrated excellence of strong Christian character, as well as strong academic credentials.”

McConnell, assistant professor in the Department of Teacher Education, decided to work at ACU be-

cause he knew the university put a major emphasis on technology that would allow him to teach “21st Century teachers.”

McConnell, who graduated from ACU in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education, said he “he is happy to be coming home.”

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ACU MEDICAL CLINIC hires new physician. Her move to Abilene comes after eight years of medical mission work in Uganda, Rwanda, Sudan, and Zambia.

Page 9

Shan Martinez graduated from ACU in 1986 with a B.S. in education and now has children in the Abilene Christian Schools system. Martinez had been out of the work force for years when she decided to work in the Brown Library, in part to help pay for her children’s education. Mar-

tinez said she is excited to work at a library that has changed significantly since she attended school.

“There’s a huge difference,” said Martinez. “It’s really fun to see how the library can change and morph with new technology.” see FACULTY page 6

Online CBS AND FOX SPORTS to nationally broadcast ACU football’s opening game on Thursday. Get a pregame breakdown and find out who to look for.

Page 12

VIDEO

LOUDandCLEAR

PHOTOS

Should ResLife have changed curfew?

Sen. Hutchison in Abilene

Visit acuoptimist.com to see what the ACU community is saying.

Opening Ceremonies

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Campus Day

About This Page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to jmcnetwork@acu.edu.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

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

CALENDAR AND EVENTS WEDNESDAY

9:30 a.m.-noon A food handlers course will take place at the Taylor County Extension Office. For more information, call 672-6048.

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THURSDAY

7-9 p.m.

ACU’s 2009 season-opening football game against Northwest Missouri State will take place at Shotwell Stadium.

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FRIDAY

7:30-9:30 p.m.

Lettice and Lovage will be performed in Fulks Theatre.

For more information or to buy tickets, call 674-2787.

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

SATURDAY

7:30-9:30 p.m.

Lettice and Lovage will be performed in Fulks Theatre.

For more information or to buy tickets, call 674-2787.

7:30-9:30 p.m.

Lettice and Lovage will be performed in Fulks Theatre.

For more information or to buy tickets, call 674-2787.

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:

Announcements The ACU Clinic will not give excuse notes for missed classes, Chapel or exams due to a clinic visit.

formation, call 674-2555.

Students willing to volunteer at Summit Sept.

20-23 can visit www.acu.

A mandatory social club edu/summit under the information meeting will “Work Opportunities” tab to submit an application take place in Hart Audiform. torium Thursday. Those interested in pledging a Lettice & Lovage, the social club this fall must fall comedy, will be preattend or pick up information in McKinzie Room sented Thursday through 121. The deadline to reg- Saturday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Fulks Theister is Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. ater. Call 674-ARTS, or secure tickets online at Flag football registrawww.acu.edu/theatre. tion will take place Aug. 26 to Sept. 2. Information and papers are available Seekers of the Word, ACU’s drama ministry, online at www.acu.edu/ intramurals or in Bennett will have an interest Gymnasium. For more in- booth in the Campus

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Volunteer Opportunities Center Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Try outs will take place in September.

The Wildcat Express is now available online. The publication is a compilation of every student groups and leaders on campus. To download the Wildcat Express, go to www.acustudents. com/student_life.

Freshman Follies will take place Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. in Cullen Auditorium. For more information or to buy tickets in advance, go to www.acu. edu/follies.

Service Action Leadership Team applications are available in the Volunteer & Service-Learning Center located in the lower level of the Campus Center. Applications are due Friday, Sept. 4 at 5 p.m.

of Summit Sept. 20-24.

Volunteers will help with shuttle, receptionist and dispatcher duties, technology, registration and childcare. Help is needed each day between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Coggins at 677-2622, or send an e-mail to cogginsa@usa.redcross.org.

The Christian Service Center needs volunteers Fridays and Saturdays from noon-4 p.m. to help fill requests for clothThe Optimist Club BalThe American Red Cross ing, bedding and kitchen is offering “Sheltering utensils from the donaloon Fest needs voluntion center. Volunteers Boot Camp” on Saturteers on Sept. 25-26 at will also organize donaday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Redbud Park. Volunteers tions and pick up donated Attendees will receive will assist inflatables, obitems. For more informaspecialized training that stacle course, giant slide tion, call Jim Clark at teaches new volunteers and other activities. how to effectively work in 673-7531.

The ACU Ministry Events shelters. For more information or to register for needs volunteers to training, contact Allison help with various part

Campus News

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Page 3

TECHNOLOGY

ACU adopts class blogs Chelsea Hackney Copy Editor

ACU has launched a fullscale version of class blogs as part of the myACU system this semester, after completing a pilot phase of the project last year.

Class blogs are a new way for faculty to present content to their classes.

Although they are optional, 236 course blogs, representing 129 faculty members and more than 2800 students already have been created, said Hab Adkins, manager of programming and support for Web Integration and Programming.

The blogs are intended to give instructors a simpler, faster way to get content in front of students and facilitate discussion and closer class interaction, said Mike Wiggins, associate professor of art and design, who was responsible for the design and production of the ACU blogs theme.

Wiggins, developed the project in conjunction with the Web Integration and Programming department and Dr. Kyle Dickson, associate professor of English and director of the digital media center in the Learning Commons.

The university was looking for a platform that could do two things not available in the current learning management system, Dickson said. The system includes such myACU features as Blackboard and the ACU files system.

The first thing the new platform needed was mobile accessibility, a feature already supported by the WordPress software that was eventually chosen. The second was the ability to publish content quickly and easily.

“The files system is great, but it’s just a list of files,” Dickson said.

“What it does well is distribution. What it doesn’t do well is context.”

Providing context is the goal for the blogs this semester. Faculty and students can now post many different kinds of content in all kinds of ways, Dickson said.

One faculty member might distribute documents, while another could use the same tool to allow students to interact and post their own content. A third, using the same core tools, could use it to supplement the textbook, he said.

This simplicity and flexibility is intended to “eliminate some friction between faculty and students,” helping them “build vital connections,” Dickson said.

For some teachers, Blackboard almost has too many features, and Web sites can be difficult to maintain, Wiggins said. He said he kept that in mind when creating the simple, straightforward appearance and operation of the blogs. Wiggins has had a class Web site for several years and recently switched to using a blog instead.

“One of my motivations, originally, was I’d had other teachers come to me and say ‘Oh, you have a Web site. Could you show me how to have a Web site for my classes?’” he said. “Until two years ago, there was just no way. It was so technical.”

After experimenting with blogs, Wiggins realized how much they could benefit teachers with little to no experience building a Web site.

“I realized right off the bat, I was adding tons of content to my class site really easily,” Wiggins said. “I was surprised at how much more content I could HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer put in front of the students outside of class Forrest Wilson, sophomore marketing major from San Antonio, ollies a set of stairs near the and how often I did it Don H. Morris Center Tuesday after class. just because it got so much simpler.”

ACU blogs are set up so that only the instructor and his class can view a particular blog, but the WordPress platform actually allows users to share content with the entire campus or Web, opening up new possibilities for the future.

“It’s helped us to rethink how we conceive of the classroom,” Dickson said.

Visit blogs.acu.edu for more information.

contact Hackney at

ceh05c@acu.edu

Focus

Page 4

August 26, 2009

Lights, Camera,

LEFT: Multimedia Managing Editor Sommerly Simser, senior broadcast journalism major from Las Vegas, applies blush to cohost Kimberly Prather, senior broadcast journalism major from St. Louis, before the show.

COLLABORATION JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer

JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer

Co-host Grant Boone prepares for a lighting test during the show’s first episode. Precise lighting guides the audience’s attention through the show’s various segments and camera angles.

JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer

Coach Chris Thomsen sits on set. Thomsen has served as head football coach for the Wildcats since 2005. The Chris Thomsen Show airs Saturdays at noon on KRBC.

Sports show incorporates KRBC, student endeavors for production

JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer

Co-hosts Kimberly Prather and Grant Boone look over their script before going on camera. The script introduces and transitions between segments of the show.

JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer

Co-host Grant Boone looks on as makeup artist Jeanie Best picks the correct foundation color for his skin tone. Makeup keeps the show’s on-camera participants looking natural under stage lighting.

Campus News

August 26, 2009

Page 5

LOCAL

Town hall gives voters the chance to question Farron Salley

KACU Correspondent Health care overhaul is at the forefront of American media coverage, bombarding political junkies and average Joes alike with news and analysis of the proposals. People on both sides of the debate are presenting strong opinions on the issue, most recently in the famed town hall meetings.

The city of Abilene is no exception. Many in the community at-

tended a town hall meeting Aug. 2 conducted by Congressman Randy Neugebauer at McMurry University. During the meeting, Neugebauer gave a brief synopsis of the health care plan and where he stood on the issue.

“It is turning health care over to the federal government, and I’m just not for government-run health care,” Neugebauer said.

After detailing his opposition to the current health care bill, the

It is turning health care over to the federal government, and I’m just not for government-run healthcare.

RANDY NEUGEBAUER U.S. Representative

congressman opened the floor for questions.

One man in attendance asked the senator if he thought it acceptable that this area claims one of the highest uninsured rates in the nation.

“I think in this debate, what we realize is there are a lot of people with statistics

out there,” Neugebauer said. “When we look at uninsured people in Texas, there are a lot of undocumented individuals.”

Some in attendance expected a more vigorous debate. One woman, in particular, said she viewed it as a “kind of subdued pep rally.”

A representative from the Dian Graves Owen Foundation in Abilene was most concerned about the local impact of the bill.

“We are the largest area in Texas without a tax-supported hospital,” she said. “If the bill passes and they, in fact, reduce Medicare reim-

bursements and Medicaid reimbursements, it’s going to be a tremendous loss for Hendrick Medical Center.”

The overall tone of the meeting was not the extremism seen on TV, although some did express discontent. In general, the attitude was one of agreement.

When the meeting was over, people left smiling and shaking hands.

contact Hettich at

clh05d@acu.edu

CAMPUS

Social clubs given option to lengthen phases Linda Bailey

Opinions Page Editor At the beginning of every Fall semester, social club pledges are seen wearing their club’s colors Monday through Thursday.

For two weeks, students cross campus dressed in brightly colored skirts, suits and ties, but this semester pledges may be required to wear their traditional outfits longer.

After meeting with club members, advisers and other Student Life faculty, Mauri Westbrook, director of student organizations, said they decided to keep the length of pledging at about six weeks, but

give clubs the option of extending Phase One. If a club decides to lengthen Phase One, they give up that amount of time in Phase Two, Westbrook said.

“We realized that in order for clubs to accomplish the goals they have and what they are wanting to achieve, they needed a little bit more time,” Westbrook said.

The two-phase pledging system was instituted two years ago. According to the Student Organization Handbook, students during Phase One “work toward unity among the pledges, learning club traditions, and participating as club activities as pledge. … The sec-

ond phase of pledging will focus on overall club unity and community building.”

Alpha Kai Omega Kai-O Queen Rachel Smith said there is a distinct difference between the two phases, but the goal of both is unity.

“Phase One is really working on unifying the pledge class together, and Phase Two is working on unifying pledges and club members into one whole unit,” Smith said.

Pledges wear their club “colors” during Phase One and participate in a more traditional style of pledging.

Smith, senior elementary education major from Richardson, said

she thought positively about the change because it will allow pledges more bonding time and excitement.

“There is something about wearing your colors that gives you a sense of pride in the fact that people are aware of what you are doing,” Smith said.

The extension to Phase One is a change that Ko Jo Kai president Lanna Armstrong, senior accounting major from Dallas, thinks will be a good thing. She said students feel most like pledges during the first phase.

“Phase One is more traditional pledging,” Armstrong said.

“I think that everyone is pretty excited about it.”

Conner Halstead, senior youth and family ministry major from Odessa and president of Gamma Sigma Phi, said they have been working for the last two years trying to determine what works best in the two-phase system. The second phase was the longer one, but also the phase that was most unfamiliar to club members. Halstead said he thinks the new length of Phase One will benefit the club.

“I’m not sure that the extra week will make pledging better, but I think it is more familiar to people and

so it will be easier to execute,” Halstead said. “I understand the meaning and purpose of the second phase, but it has been the hardest for us to fully realize what we need to do to make that the most effective.”

Club rushes begin next week, and there will be an informational meeting for all students interested in pledging Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in Hart Auditorium.

Students seeking more information can visit www.acu.edu/socialclubs or look on the student events calendar found on myACU.

contact Bailey at

ljb07a@acu.edu

From Front

Page 6

WELLNESS

August 26, 2009

RESIDENCE LIFE

Health: Peer Educators Reslife: New policies Continued from page 1 “Year by year, little by little, our influence is growing,” she said. “The more people know, the more people will participate.”

The designated application and training time

was in March, but students interested in serving as educators or students who want to make a counseling appointment can e-mail Mandel at naomi.mandel@acu. edu or stop by the Counseling Center in the basement of McKinzie Hall.

Help is available from trained students who want to listen.

“If you need to go, go,” Hardin said

contact Rodriguez at

sar06g@acu.edu

FACULTY

Faculty: Newcomers Continued from page 1 Dr. Rebecca Hunter knew she wanted to teach at a school similar to her alma mater, ACU. Hunter, who received a B.S. in biology in 2001, received an email informing her of an open position and said, “It just felt right.”

Hunter said she is looking forward to being able to build relationships with students, an opportunity she would not get teaching at bigger schools.

“I’m looking forward to getting freshmen in-

terested in different aspects of biology,” Hunter said.

For these three new faculty members, coming back to ACU was a homecoming, but even for Lubbock Christian University graduate Stephen Baldridge, getting to work in the newly established social work master’s program was too enticing to pass up.

Baldridge knew he wanted to work at a school similar to LCU, where he graduated in 2001.

Baldridge said he loves being around students and hopes to “learn as much

Continued from page 1 “There’s a definite difference in attitude,” Schell said. “They are very excited about it; they are more willing to trust us because they know we are willing to trust them, and we value their space and personal time.”

In addition, resident directors and assistant directors of all freshman

dorms have changed their work schedule and responsibilities this semester. Resident directors will now rotate through all dorms in a weekly “on-call” position, instead of each director being responsible for a single dorm.

Residence Life is emphasizing a new spiritual focus this semester, as well, Buchanan said.

Students and faculty will be encouraged to spend more time in spiritual solitude, and Come to the Quiet Chapel will be more frequent, so that students are provided with spiritual time without distractions.

contact Spano at

eas07a@acu.edu

from them as they learn from me.”

Every new faculty member has different reasons for coming to ACU, ranging from the small campus size and level of personal attention to the opportunity to work in new and exciting fields. However, all the new faculty members have exhibited the character and academic integrity ACU students have come to expect.

contact Knauth at

txk07a@acu.edu

CAMPUS

Ceremony: Be courageous Continued from page 1 “I can tell you this is a truly outstanding class, perhaps, maybe, our best ever — we will see,” Money said, smiling.

Money used his final, Opening Day Ceremonies’

address challege students to confront adversity with faith.

Money said when people are overloaded with information and anxious, they either react with fear or faith.

“They are either consumed by fear of the unknown, and are immobi-

lized or pulled in,” he said.

“Or they develop a deeper, richer faith in God and act on that faith to do what they can with God’s help.

That is what we do here.” contact Hettich at

clh05d@acu.edu

JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer

Congressman Randy Neugebauer holds a copy of the health care bill while addressing his audience during a town hall meeting at McMurry University on Monday.

Opinion

August 26, 2009

EDITORIAL

Page 7

Town hall meetings offer voice to students Republican Randy Neugebauer gave voters a chance to speak their minds at a town hall-style meeting Monday afternoon at McMurry University.

Unlike Sen. Arlen Specter and other senators who have withstood verbal blitzkriegs, Neugebauer was on friendly turf. To no one’s surprise, health care and health care reform dominated the forums discussion; and to the surprise of few — and disappointment of some — everyone in attendance kept their hands to themselves.

school in the city is a bad time. If he wanted to hear from the 18-25 year-old demographic or Abilene parents, he must not have wanted to hear it that badly. Who drinks coffee at 5:30 p.m., anyway?

A town hall meeting in Abilene might sound as exciting as picking weeds with your grandmother, but what better opportunity do students have to literally make their voices heard?

Thanks to today’s media, “health care” has become babies’ first word.

TV, Internet and radio

So what more could you ask for than a bit of civilized back and forth between representative and constituent?

We are asking for a few more university students.

In the students’ defense, Rep. Neugebauer’s “Abilene coffee” could have been at a more convenient place and time.

In the future someone should inform our representative that 2:30 p.m. on the first day of class for Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, McMurry University and every public

spew information 24 hours a day, some of it accurate, some not. Students must resist the urge to rely on only CNN, foxnews.com or NPR, although they are all great places to start.

National media do their best to analyze the local impact of events in Washington, but students have the right-and the ability-to hear from their representative’s mouth exactly how bills will affect them and why he or she is or is not supporting it. The United States government was designed to keep the power in the hands of the people.

Ataraxia

By Jordan Blakey

THE ISSUE Few university students attended a recent town hall meeting with Rep. Randy Neugebauer.

OUR TAKE Town halls provide a direct opportunity for voters to voice their concerns, and more students should take advantage of the few that come to Abilene.

Do not hand that power Monday. Do not let anothover to representatives by er pass you by. wondering where tax money goes or what you can do about it.Students can do something, and a chance Email the Optimist at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu passed through Abilene

COLUMN

Optimism in job offers true joy Chelsea Now

By Chelsea Hackney

COLUMN

Broken promises tarnish Obama’s reputation Self Examination Ryan Self

The front-page headline of the June 5, 2009, Irish Times proudly proclaims, “US president delivers l a n d m a r k speech in Egypt.”

This is a strange choice for an Irish newspaSelf per, considering that the United Kingdom’s prime minister, Gordon Brown, is facing a mounting crisis and a cabinet deserting him and calling for his resignation.

Despite the political unrest in Britain and the heated elections for the European Union in June, Obama still dominates the news in many European newspapers. It appears the world cannot get enough of America’s new president. Europeans love him. Foreign leaders around the world love him. The picture accompanying the front-page story features two Islamic militants glued to their TV set watching Obama give a speech. Even terrorists love him. Always a good sign.

The major news of the cabinet members’ resignation in the UK and the possible resignation of the prime minister himself is relegated to Page 11, opposite a large photo of our commander in chief and a second and third story about Obama’s speech on Middle East-U.S. relations, an opinion piece and a story about the Israeli reaction. The speech has been hailed by many leaders in the Middle East as “a great speech and a landmark,” ”historic” and comparable to Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech.

Things are much different here in America.

Those that live in Michigan, who have watched unemployment reach 15 percent, along with 14 other states living with double digit jobless rates after hearing from the president that the $787 billion stimulus would keep unemployment below 8.5 percent, are unlikely to hail Obama’s words as inspiring.

Those that heard Obama claim in February he would cut the federal deficit in half within his first term as president, but instead, saw the deficit balloon to an estimated $1.84

While Obama’s speeches across the world have helped America’s image abroad, the words on the president’s teleprompter seem to be falling flat for the American people. trillion by September— over four times last year’s record high—are likely to take his future claims with a grain of salt.

In the months leading up to the historic election of our first African-American president, Americans were deeply moved by Obama’s speeches. People who heard his words could not help but find themselves enamored with the picture that Obama painted of the kind of America we would see under his administration. But today is not Inauguration Day, the election is over and the American people are looking for results rather than rhetorical flourishes about hope and change.

While Obama’s speeches across the world have helped America’s image abroad, the words on the president’s teleprompter seem to be falling flat for the American people. In only the past few weeks, support for health care reform, one of Obama’s main

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

agendas, has fallen from 50 percent at the end of July to 42 percent as of last week, according to Rasmussen Reports.

Even former Presidents Bush and Carter enjoyed higher job approval ratings at the same point in their first term.

Every president comes to grips with the end of their “honeymoon,” when feelings of goodwill and endless possibility are confronted with the realities that come with the high expectations of voters.

Voters expect a lot out of their current president. They should; a lot was promised to them on the campaign trail.

But unlike their European counterparts, Americans quickly are finding less and less inspiration and hope in the words of their charismatic commander in chief.

contact Self at

rcs06g@acu.edu

Optimist the

Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Newsroom (325) 674-2439

Sports Desk (325) 674-2684

I got my first job the summer before my freshman year of high school.

It was the first time I’d ever done anything in a nonbabysitt i n g related capacity, so I was Hackney stoked.

Until I discovered the position was as an “administrative assistant” for a Certified Public Accountant.

Yawn.

Our families went to church together, and somehow, it got out I could crunch numbers and was easily intimidated. I was hired.

The business was a one-man operation until I showed up. Unfortunately, two’s a crowd. My boss worked out of an office that was actually one room about the size of a closet. Add a desk, file cabinets and a 10-ton fax machine and you’ve got a room designed to take out the elbows, knees and toes of poor, unsuspecting interns.

Despite the bruises and the boredom, I loved that job. I mean, who else would pay a skinny 14-year-old kid with no experience $100 a week to reconcile bank statements?

For three months, I was hot stuff.

Now, I have a different job, but I still get the same thrill that I did in ninth grade when I walk into the office.

True, I’m in a vastly different place than I was, working a much more rewarding job—and getting up much earlier to do it.

But the joy is still there. I just didn’t know it until recently, while working at the Abilene Reporter-News.

The Reporter-News,

being the only newspaper in town, gets a lot of press. (I’ll pause for the obligatory eye-roll).

Teachers love to bring their classes through on tours, so we have one about once a month.

The exciting part of the tour is taking the kids to watch the reelmen printing the paper.

Normally, we stand outside a glass wall and look inside at the machines, ooh, aah, next.

But last month, we ran into Ed. Ed happens to work on the press, and he knows just about everything there is to know about printing a newspaper.

Now, I have a different job, but I still get the same thrill that I did in ninth grade when I walk into the office.

It was obvious as Ed wove his way through the maze of machines that he’s great at what he does because he loves it.

Yeah, he has ink all over his hands and face and clothes. He works until 2 or 3 a.m. every night.

The work he does is hot and tiring. But it’s cool.

And he knows it.

So the question I had to ask myself was: Do I love my work? Am I proud of it? Do I pour my heart and soul into everything I do?

I discovered the secret to surviving a boring job. Give it one hundred percent.

So, my challenge for tomorrow? Try loving your job. See what happens.

contact Hackney at

ceh05c@acu.edu

Editorial and Management Board

Colter Hettich Editor in Chief

Linda Bailey

Opinions Page Editor

Sondra Rodriguez Jozie Sands Managing Editor

Chief Photographer

Laura Acuff

Brandon Tripp

Photo Department (325) 674-2499

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From Sports

Page 8

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

SOCCER

Expectations: Building blocks Continued from page 10 Central Oklahoma and Midwestern State.

Individual preseason awards were also presented. Standout Wildcat goalie Crissy Lawson received the preseason Goalkeeper of the Year award. Lawson also won the Goalkeeper of the Year award at the end of last season.

Last year, Lawson, a senior from California, recorded 106 saves on her way to posting five shutouts. Her impressive résumé also includes a First Team allConference selection, an average of .88 goals allowed per game and a .862 save percentage.

“Crissy is going to be a key player for us this season. We will definitely be relying on her senior leadership skills,” Wilson said.

Along with Lawson, there are three other allConference selections returning to the Lady Wildcats. Jordan Reese, Courtney Wilson and Anastasia Nelson will lead a Wildcat team full of young talent. At the end of last season, Wilson was able to sign six high school standouts and a

junior college transfer from California.

Ashley Holton, ACU’s new junior college transfer, comes to the Lady Wildcats from Cayamaca College in El Cajon, Calif. Unfortunately, she will have to sit out this season, but her résumé is impressive. In her two years of college eligibility, Holton won the Pacific Coast Conference Player of the Year twice, recording a total of 41 goals and 30 assists. Holton also led the Cayamaca Coyotes to a conference title, while garnering allRegion honors.

Two new freshmen have gotten the coaches’ attention. Lexi Stirling and Julie Coppedge have looked good in practice, so far.

“They were great players in high school, and we need them to make an impact for us this season,” Wilson said.

The Lady Wildcats will open their season Friday against Central Missouri at the Wildcat soccer field.

contact Gwin at

agg07a@acu.edu

JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer

ACU will try to avenge last year’s playoff against the Bearcats at 7 p.m. on Thursday at Shotwell Stadium.

FOOTBALL

Rivalry: Shootout at Shotwell Continued from page 10

The Bearcats went on to win their semifinal game against North Alabama, but lost in the championship to MinnesotaDuluth.

Their championship loss marked their fourth consecutive runner-up finish in the Division II National Championship.

The Northwest Missouri State team enters the 2009 season ranked number two in the nation with hopes of a fifth straight championship appearance. The Wildcats are not far behind

with ranking number five at the beginning of the season.

As game time approaches, the hype continues to escalate. CBS College Sports first decided to air the game nationally. Then, a couple of weeks ago, ACU officials learned that Fox Sports Southwest and Fox Sports Houston would carry the game.

For local fans who may not have any of those stations, KRBC will be picking up the feed from CBS College Sports.

With the nation’s eyes on the game, the spotlight will be on pro-

jected starter Zach Stewart. Stewart was in the shadow of record-breaking quarterback Malone last season but saw significant playing time after Malone injured his thumb. The two starts Stewart had last year will not compare to the importance of this start.

The defense will be heavily tested against NW Missouri’s high-powered offense. In the 2008 season, the Bearcats scored an average 40.0 points per game.

“We need to do two things. One is focus on fundamentals,” defensive coordinator Jason Johns

said. “The first game is hard because they may do the same thing or they may do things different.

We will just have to make adjustments as the game goes on.”

The game will be at Shotwell Stadium at 7 p.m. Thursday. All fans are encouraged to wear purple, and there will be a tailgate party with free food at 5 p.m. in the Shotwell Stadium parking lot.

contact Gwinat

agg07a@acu.edu

INTRAMURAL

Games: New intramural sports for Fall semester Continued from page 10 The return of flag football in place of touch football is one of the biggest changes Edwards has made. She said several students commented they wanted flag football brought back.

“I love for students to have fun,” Edwards said. “I want them to play games they enjoy, with people they enjoy.”

Sanders participates in the highly competitive Championship League, but he also is quick to note there are opportunities for athletes of all skill levels.

“There are teams that just

play for the fun of it and have a great time,” Sanders said.

“Even if you are not the best athlete, you get to choose your level of competition. The real purpose of sports is all about having a good time.”

Intramurals not only serve as a way to expand your horizons at ACU, but also as a way to get plugged in. Incoming freshman Rebekah Horton, a business and English major from Weatherford, plans to participate in intramurals and views the program as a great way to get involved.

“I am really excited about

QUICK FACTS Students will have more sports options this year. Below is a list of Fall sports and the sign-up deadlines.

SPORT

DEADLINE

n Flag

Aug. 26 - Sept. 2 Sept. 14 - 18 Sept. 28 - Oct. 2 Oct. 19 - 23 Oct. 26 - 30 Nov. 2 - 6

Football n Tennis Tournement n Disc Golf Tournament n Waterball n Ultimate Frisbee Tournament n Racquetball Tournament

I am really excited about playing intramurals at ACU. REBEKAH HORTON Freshman business and English major from Weatherford, TX

playing intramurals at ACU,” Horton said. “I really enjoyed playing basketball in high school, and I think that intramurals are a great way to exercise, stay in shape and meet new people.”

Regardless of what sport students enjoy most, or whether they are superb athletes, intramurals present a fun opportunity to get involved on campus. Visit www. acu.edu/intramurals or stop by the intramural office in Bennett Gymnasium for more information.

JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer

contact Craig at

jrc07d@acu.edu

Kendall McEachran, freshman psychology major from Alberquerque, N.M., goes for a block during Welcome Week.

Defense: On the rise

Continued from page 10

with the Wildcats as linebacker. Last season, he was third on defense in tackles, with 56 total tackles. 7.5 sacks put

Thompson into second on the team and fourth in the conference.

Tony Harp, secondary leader, recorded 53 tackles, one sack and one interception last season. He was

also voted to First Team All-Conference and is looking to lead the Wildcats on defense this season.

The Wildcat defense will be tested early in the game tomorrow night at

7 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come early and wear purple.

contact Cantrell at

jrc07f@acu.edu

Campus News

August 26, 2009

Page 9

ENTERTAINMENT

Cross Canadian Ragweed returns to Abilene Kelsi Williamson Staff Photographer

Cross Canadian Ragweed returns Friday night to the Taylor County Expo Center for the second annual Taylor County Throwdown. This year, the band will perform with special guest Reckless Kelly.

In its biography, the band describes itself as a “rock ’n’ roll” band.

AllMusic, a popular consumer guide to music, says, “They may be the last great Southern rock band still stomping the boards.”

Regardless of opinion, Cross Canadian Ragweed brings a crowd.

Pro Show LIVE, the Austin-based production company coordinating Throwdown 2009, expects a turnout similar to that at last year’s concert. Greg Henry, owner of Pro Show LIVE, estimates attendance of around 4,000.

“Abilene has been a proven market for them,” Henry said.

Natalie Friend, junior nutrition and health major from Tulsa, said that Cross Canadian Ragweed has a high-energy country sound that she enjoys. Friend attended last year’s concert and hopes to return for this year’s performance.

“They are a good-name band to come to a small West Texas town,” said Friend. “They get college students excited and their lyrics are relatable.”

The lyrics are largely the work of singer/songwriter and lead guitarist Cody Canada, the band’s front man. He and three lifelong friends make up Cross Canadian Ragweed, a name created using the last names of the band members. Although the foursome is popular in its own right, the foursome is known to play with notable art-

Courtesy of CROSSCANADIANRAGWEED.COM

ists, such as country music star Dierks Bentley.

Cross Canadian Ragweed’s performance will coincide with the debut

of their newest album, “Happiness and All Other Things,” which will be officially released Sept. 1.

Advance tickets are

$20. They can be pur- ender’s Boot City in Abilene. chased online at www. Doors open at 7 p.m. proshowLIVE.com, as well as at the Taylor County contact Williamson at Expo Box Office and Cavkkw07a@acu.edu

CAMPUS

ACU clinic hires mission-minded physician Colter Hettich Editor in Chief

ACU’s Medical Clinic welcomes a new director and physician this year, Dr. Ellen Little.

Little graduated from Abilene Christian University in 1992, and received her M.D. from Texas Tech University in 1997. During her medical school and residency in Lubbock, Little spread the word she was looking for work in the medical mission field. She had spent time working

earned her masters’ My patients there thought nothing at all of sitting in public under a tree and waiting three hours for me. health from Dr. Ellen Little Vanderbilt ACU physician University and is a certified nurse midwife. and doing mission work in all my prayers.”

Little loved her work While in Uganda, she Guatemala, Mexico, Nigeria and Uganda, so she knew traveled to Kenya, Sudan, in Uganda, but the death what she was getting into. Rwanda and Zambia to of her father last year When she finished her work. She said malaria is brought her back to the residency, she was given quite common in that area U.S. While in the States, the opportunity to work of the country, and the HIV a chance conversation led rate is much higher. in Uganda.

In Zambia, Little met the “I had been praying all of that time,” Little said. “I clinic’s newest registered felt like God had answered nurse, Michelle Drew. Drew

her back to ACU. “I told a friend of mine, ‘You know, I think a great job would be a campus physician’,” she said. “ACU just happened to need a doctor at the same time.”

Having only arrived in June, Little is still readjusting to life here. One significant difference is the American demand for immediate attention.

“My patients there

thought nothing at all of sitting under a tree and waiting three hours for me.”

Little assures students if they call in the morning and request a sick visit, they should be able to receive a sameday appointment.

contact Hettich at

clh05d@acu.edu

Sports

Page 10

Standings

FOOTBALL

FOOTBALL Div. Ovrl.

Team

ACU MSU ENMU WTAMU Angelo St. TAMU-K Central Okla.

SE Okla.

TAMU-K

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

VOLLEYBALL Team Div. Ovrl.

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

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

WOMEN’S SOCCER Team Div. Ovrl.

ACU Angelo St. MSU WTAMU Central Okla.

East Central ENMU NE St. TAMU-C TX Woman’s SW Okla.

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Upcoming THURSDAY Football ACU vs. NW Missouri St., 7 p.m.

FRIDAY Volleyball Truman State, 2:30 p.m.

Nebraska-Omaha, 7 p.m.

Women’s Soccer ACU vs. Central, 5 p.m.

SATURDAY Volleyball North Alabama, 2 p.m.

Minnesota-Mankato, 6 p.m.

SUNDAY Women’s Soccer ACU vs. St. Mary, 1 p.m.

Briefs n Fomer ACU standout Delloreen Ennis-London finished third in the final of the 100-meter hurdles during the IAAF World Track and Field Championships at Olympic Stadium in Berlin.

Rivalry Renewed Ryan Cantrell and Austin Gwin

Assistant Sports Editors The 2008 football season began and ended with the Bearcats. ACU football will start the 2009 season with a bang, as the Wildcats look to take revenge on the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats Thursday at Shotwell Stadium.

The rivalry between the Wildcats and the Bearcats runs deep, heightened during

two pivotal games last season. In the opening game of last year, the Wildcats made the trip to Maryville, Mo., and knocked off the third-place ranked Bearcats by a score of 44-27.

Then, in the National Quarterfinals, the Bearcats halted the Wildcats undefeated streak and dashed their dreams of a championship, winning 45-36.

“We definitely have a chip on our shoulder,”

Get instant updates and analysis as ACU takes on NW Missouri State at 7 p.m. Thursday.

acuoptimist.com star safety Tony Harp said. “We have that loss in our minds going into the game Thursday.

Going into the Northwest Missouri game at the start of the 2008 season, the Wildcats had high hopes for their team. The team, led by

Any students interested in participating in intramurals are encouraged to visit the Web site, www.acu.edu/intramurals, or go to the intramural office in Bennett Gymnasium.

see RIVALRY page 8

Ryan Cantrell

The Wildcats are returning six starters this Assistant Sports Editor season on defense. TransThe Wildcats’ defense is fer students and underlooking to pick up where classmen will join these it left off last year. In a players to make up anothperfect 10-0 season, the er strong defensive unit.

The defensive line defense was the strongest it has been in re- was a big part of the cent history. However, Wildcats’ success last in their quest to repeat year. They led the Lone perfection, a lot of pres- Star Conference in sacks sure will be put on the with 38 for the season. defense to be better Last year, Aston Whiteside led the team in than last year.

The defense put up sacks and was second some strong numbers overall in the LSC with last season. They were nine sacks for the year.

Whiteside was voted giving up an average of 16.2 points per game First Team Defense for in the regular season. the conference last year.

After the playoffs, that He also won Freshman of the Year and CoD e f e n s i ve We will be flying around, Lineman of I can tell you that. the Year for the conferTONY HARP Free Safety ence.

Bryson Lewis returns on denumber was 22.9 points fense after a great seaper game, while the of- son last year when he fense scored an aver- was voted Second Team Lewis age of 52.3 points per all-Conference. game. They were also was fourth in tackles very good at buckling for the team and had down when ACU need- one forced fumble.

Fred Thompson reed it the most. They only gave up an average turns for his third year of 4.25 points per game see DEFENSE page 8 in the fourth quarter.

HEATHER LEIPHART StaffPhotographer

The Wildcat defense prepares to face a tough NW Missouri State offense Thursday.

INTRAMURALS

SOCCER

Director adds new sports Jeff Craig

The 33-year-old Ennis-London is still running well on the European circuit, winning the 100 meter at the Ostrava Golden Spike in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia, two months ago with a time of 12.79 seconds.

The event will feature the intramural flag footbal teams playing pre-season games, hot dogs and drinks will be sold for those in attendance.

Intramural T-shirts will also be sold for $10.

the terrific trio of stars Billy Malone, Bernard Scott and Johnny Knox, fell behind early. At the end of the first quarter, they trailed 21-7.

The Cats changed gears, and over the next two quarters, scored 30 points while

the defense held the Bearcats scoreless. In the fourth, ACU was able to hold on and come away with a vital victory to start the perfect season.

Perfection was shattered in the playoffs, however, when NW Missouri took vengeance for their earlier defeat.

The Wildcats fell behind early again, and this time, ACU was unable to muster a comeback.

Defense big part of Cats’ success

Ennis-London won eight NCAA Division II national championships in the hurdles for the Wildcats from 1996 to 1999. She finished only .04 seconds behind new world champion Brigitte FosterHylton, Ennis-London’s Jamaican teammate.

n New Director of Intramurals, Kenli Edwards has annouced an intramural special event, Exhibition Extravaganza. The event will be Sept 3 from 5 to 11 p.m. at Larry Sanders Intramural Fields.

August 26, 2009

Sports Writer

JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer

Courtney Wilson dribbles past a defender.

High expectations Austin Gwin

“We want to be a playoff team this season. We Assistant Sports Editor have to remain healthy This season, “surprise” and take down some is spelled W-I-L-D-C-A-T-S. of the top teams in our The return of the Goal- conference,” said head keeper of the Year pre- coach Casey Wilson.

Three weeks ago, the season pick and three other all-Conference Lone Star Conference honorees is sure to help preseason polls were the Lady Wildcat soc- released. The Lady Wildcer team exceed already cats were picked to finish fifth in the LSC after high expectations.

going to the playoffs last season for the first time in their short history.

West Texas A&M was picked to place first, following a season in which they won the regular season title and postseason tournament.

Behind WTAMU are Texas A&M Commerce, see EXPECTATIONS page 7

When it comes to traditions at ACU, intramural sports play as important a role in ACU culture as Sing Song and Homecoming, and now, students have more opportunities to participate.

The program this year will be under the guidance of new director of intramural sports, Kenli Edwards, who said intramurals should be a big reason students come to ACU. “It’s a good extracurricular activity,” Edwards said. “You can meet new people and be on teams with your friends.”

This fall, students will have a chance to participate in more sports than ever before. In addition to traditional ACU intramurals such as flag football and waterball, stu-

dents can play ultimate Frisbee, disc golf, tennis and racquetball. Edwards also said there may be special intramural events throughout the year.

Jonathan Sanders, junior English major from Henderson, serves as the intramural director for the men’s social club Gamma Sigma Phi. Sanders thinks intramurals are an integral part of the ACU experience and encourages fellow students to play.

“Now is the time to join intramurals,” Sanders said. “We are going back to more crowdpleasing, adrenalinepumping sports. New director Kenli Edwards has done some phenomenal work putting a lot of time and effort into the program. Things can only get better.” see GAMES page 7