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Optimist the
Mission Statement, page 5
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Vol. 99, No. 4
1 section, 8 pages
CAMPUS
Suspect held in Lundsford Trail attack Jeff Craig and Alan Cherry A 33-year-old former student is undergoing a mental health evaluation after confronting Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson and attacking another walker on the Lunsford Trail Aug. 25.
ACU Police Chief Jimmy Ellison said the suspect, a resident of University Park, was carrying a baseball bat as he approached the walkers shortly before 6 a.m. Abilene Police and the ACU Police Department have not released the suspect’s name, and
he cannot be charged with a crime until the mental health evaluation is complete. Ellison said the man also attacked a staff member who was walking with his wife. Police have not released their names. The staff member sustained minor injuries from
the confrontation. ACU Police took the man into custody and turned him over to Abilene Police. Ellison said neither Thompson, vice president for student life and dean of students, nor the other walker was targeted in the attack. He emphasized the in-
cident was random and unplanned. “I want to express that this was an isolated incident,” Ellison said. “It was not something that is a part of trend.” Thompson also said the incident was not planned. “There was no way that this person would
have known that I would have been at that particular place at that particular time,” Thompson said. “That’s why I don’t feel targeted.” A resident of University Park initially called ACU Police early that see ATTACK page 4
TECHNOLOGY
POLITICS
Juniors upgrade mobile devices Matthew Woodrow Opinion Page Editor
“I know it’s a pain, said Roberts. “At some point you just have to do it.” Roberts said three crews worked during the summer finish as much construction as possible before students returned to campus three weeks ago. More than a year’s worth of planning for the $5 million project took place before the much-needed update began last spring, Roberts said. Structural and electrical work continues to be the focus for construction on
The junior class joined the technologically advanced ranks of the freshmen by receiving the iPhone 4 or a new iPod touch on Saturday. Students were able to pick up their devices from noon all the way until 8 p.m. Lines were long at the start of the day, but cleared up due to the efficiency of Team 55 and AT&T. “We were expecting a large group of students,” Sales Executive David Hardaway said, “so we had a lot of people here to help and have things run smoothly.” Students waited in line to turn in their old devices and pick up new iPhones or iPod touches. AT&T representatives helped activate phones and teach students how to transfer information from old devices. Juniors were anxious to get new phones after two years of wear and tear on their original iPhones. “My 3G is ancient now,” said Mandi Crowder, junior physics major from Cedar Park. “I’m excited for a phone that actually works now.” While some students weren’t too happy with the ordeal of ordering
see LOOP page 4
see DEVICES page 4
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Texas Governor Rick Perry, shakes hands with Matt Phillips after speaking to high school students at the Academy for Technology, Engineering, Math and Science on Tuesday.
CONSTRUCTION
Loop line construction to finish soon Kelsi Williamson Arts Page Editor
Campus heating and cooling loop line renovations will wrap up within the next 20 days, while the Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center project remains in its early stages, said Zane Dennis, executive director of facilities and campus development. The completion date for all major loop line construction is set for Oct. 15. After this date, repaving and sodding will complete the loop line project.
“There is no reason we shouldn’t meet that,” said Dennis. “We’re very close to finishing that off.” The last phase of the heating and cooling system construction is concentrated on the east side of the Hardin Administration building and on the north side of Brown Library. Nine buildings are already running off of the new line that will eventually support 23 buildings on campus. Kevin Roberts, chief planning and information officer, apologized for the inconveniences caused by fenced-off areas and detours around campus.
STUDENT LIFE
Deadline approaches for TOMS shoe discount Bailey Neal
Page Designer
Since 2006, Blake Mycoskie, founder and “Chief Shoe Giver” of TOMS Shoes, has worked toward giving one pair of shoes to a person in need
for every person who purchases one of his original designs. According to the TOMS website, the company has a “one for one movement” which states that the customer is essentially buying two pairs of shoes – one for
themselves, and one for someone less fortunate. This year, ACU is hosting a two-day event beginning Monday, Sept. 13, in which students can buy, design and donate a pair of TOMS to someone liv-
ing in the U.S. who is without shoes. “Normally, the Style Your Sole event is organized and run by the TOMS club on campus that is completely run by students. That is kind of TOMS’ method; that’s
website
inside news Construction of the AT&T Learning Studio on the second floor of the Library will begin this fall.
sports Tony Washington, former ACU lineman, continues to wait for his chance to play in the NFL.
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what they prefer. So its really up to the students, if they want to do it again,” said Amanda Pittman, Marketing Associate for the College of Business Administration. In light of the event, ACU is offering white
canvas TOMS, purchased through the school at a discounted price. The first 250 orders were half-off, but every order placed before Sept. 6 gets a 10 percent discount, see TOMS page 4
weather video Watch the news happening in and around campus on our weekly newscast. This week features iPad textbooks.
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