The Optimist 09. 27. 13

Sports Page 6

Impacting lives vol. 102, no. 11

friday, September 27, 2013

1 SECTION, 6 PAGES

The Fleming Family gives to children with cancer

INSIDE NEWS Abilene High creates a writing center with the help of ACU Page 3

SPORTS Wildcat soccer prepares for big match-ups in Southland Conference

Page 6

NEWS The Career Center offers opportunities for students to receive internships Page 3

OPINION The editorial board reflects on the Kenyan mall attack

A ROYAL

FLUSH Garon goodspeed staff Photographer

Page 4

NEWS The Chinese Student Assocation celebrated Moon Cake Festival Page 2

SPORTS Price Bahcall lays out why college athletes should not be paid Page 6

NEWS A COBA short course will be offered at CitySquare Page 3

OPINION

Homecoming nominee Madelyn Robinett, senior family studies major from Amarillo, is kidnapped from her club meeting. Eleven women received nomintations for Homecoming Court.

Eleven Homecoming Court nominees kidnapped, voting for Queen begins Kirsten holman Staff reporter This years’ Homecoming Court nominees were kidnapped in the midst their Wednesday nights, given tiaras and royal scepters and whisked away on shining golf carts.

There are 11 Homecoming Court nominees this year: Meredith Thornton, Darci Halstead, Kayli Huddleston, Amy Morris, Emily Ricker, Heather Young, Courtney Ray, Kassi Riddle,

Page 4

SPORTS The sports staff predicts the outcome of the ACU vs.

Tarleton State football game this Saturday Page 5

at the Homecoming game, especially since he attended ACU and will be at his 30year reunion.

Wednesday night was especially a surprise for Amy Morris, senior accounting major and co-director of the Homecoming Steering Committee from Sugar Land. Morris was a part of the kidnapping team but didn’t know she was also a nominee until the end of the night.

“I had no idea. I thought see nominees page 5

Garon Goodspeed Staff Photographer The Homecoming Queen nominees anxiously await the chance to remove their blindfolds following the annual nominee kidnapping.

Pepperdine provost fills new ACU position Madeline orr

Alikay Wood discusses the debate about homosexuality and the Church

Madelyn Robinett, Madison Sandifer and Whitney Stevens.

The excitement started Wednesday night when the nominees were kidnapped, blindfolded and bombarded with silly string.

“I knew some of my friends had nominated me, but I didn’t actually think I would make Homecoming Court. I was not expecting that,” said Meredith Thornton, senior psychology major from Cedar Hill.

Thornton is excited to have her Dad as her escort

managing editor Dr. Darryl Tippens is stepping down as provost of Pepperdine University and returning to ACU to fill a newly created position, University Distinguished Scholar of Faith, Learning and Literature.

“He will teach in English, his discipline, and he will also will serve in particular initiatives we have have,” said Dr. Robert Rhodes, provost of the university.

“He will also, because of his experience as provost,

serve as a senior advisor because we have several initiatives that he would have good experiTippens ence with.”

Tippens is the first University Distinguished Scholar and will be on faculty in the English Department, but will work directly with Rhodes as a senior advisor for academic initiatives.

This position has been created to honor faculty whose work is recognized nationally and internationally

within his or her discipline and across the landscape of Christian higher education.

“He would be perfectly utilized just as a distinguished scholar, but because of his administrative background, we’re trying to also utilize him in that area as well,” Rhodes said. “He won’t have administrative responsibility but he will have the consultant role.”

Prior to joining Pepperdine as provost in 2001, Tippens was the James W. Culp Distinguised Professor of English at ACU from 1987 to 2000.

Pepperdine announced

that Tippens will retire July 31, 2014. He will officially start his new position at ACU on Aug. 1, 2014.

“We initially talked about this fall, but he had some things he wanted to finish up there. We’re not in a big rush so we postponed it and timed it out until he felt like he was done with his projects there,” Rhodes said.

Tippens’ dual role as scholar and consultant is externally funded by a group of financial supporters of the university called the ACU President’s Venture Council.

Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, told ACU Today magazine that it will be a privilege to work with Tippens on different projects and initiatives.

“His love for the church, for Christian higher education and ACU are well known. He is deeply respected by our faculty, staff and trustees, and I look forward to the teamwork he will contribute to our efforts in advancing Abilene Christian,” Schubert said. contact orr at mco10b@acu.edu

Old electronic equipment to be auctioned ONLINE Daniel zepeda sports editor

VIDEO Watch the sports cast about the ACU vs.

Illinois State football game

acuoptimist.com

Students will have the chance to buy computers and other electronic equipment for a lower price at ACU’s computer auction on Saturday. The auction will take place in Cullen auditorium at 1 p.m.

A variety of equipment is up for bid at the computer auction, such as laptops, desktops and printers.

Eric Lemmons, Team55/ HelpDesk manager, will be the auctioneer.

“We’re going to have more than just comput-

ers there. We’re going to have printers, projectors, server equipment and a lot more,” said Lemmons.

“The main thing will be personal computers, but there will be other items there that you can get a great price on as well.”

Every few years, technology equipment around campus is replaced with newer, up-to-date versions. All of the auctioned off equipment will come from the labs and offices of ACU. “When we replace computers and other equipment, the old equipment goes into storage until we

have enough to hold an auction,” Lemmons said.

“Once we have enough we start preparing, planning and letting the campus know another auction is about to come.”

The auction will be open to all ACU students, faculty and staff, as well as the Abilene community.

All proceeds from the auction will be put towards the funding of new equipment.

“It provides a way for us to get rid of the computers and to also allow anyone from around Abilene to come in and get a computer at a great price,” Lemmons said. “Everyone is

Abilene Christian University

“

Everyone is welcome to come, just be prepared to bid.”

cate of the event.

“It provides a great way for students to get really good equipment that has gently been used for a really good price,” Benac Eric Lemmons said. “It’s safe to say that Team 55/helpdesk you won’t find a better manager price for the quality of computer or equipment welcome to come, just be that you will get. Most of prepared to bid.” us don’t have that kind of The auction provides money to shell out for the the public with an afford- newest stuff, so taking adable, cost-effective way to vantage of this opportupurchase newer technolo- nity is very important.” gy without having to make a payment plan.

Dylan Benac, senior contact zepeda at president of the Students’ DJZ11a@acu.edu Association, is an advo-

friday 09.27.13

27 friday

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12 p.m. Soccer at Nicholls State

saturday

29

sunday

2 p.m. Volleyball at Nicholls State

2

30

12 p.m. Soccer at Southeastern Louisiana University

monday

11 a.m. Wellness Week Speaker-Dr. Mark Phillips

4 p.m. Football vs.

Tarelton State University 4 p.m. Softball vs.

Western Oklahoma

Announcements

Chapel checkup To date:

Remaining:

41 59 @acuoptimist The Optimist optimist@acu.edu

The Career Center is hosting a Linked-In Headshot Photo Booth 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 23, Oct. 16 and Nov. 5 in the Campus Center. Students can recieve help setting up Linked-In profiles at booth.

Students interested in buying used computers for a great price are invited to attend the ACU Computer Auction at 1 p.m. on Sept. 28 in Cullen Auditorium.

The ACU Swing Cats host their annual Fall Stomp event, featuring the ACU Jazz Band, on Oct. 4th in the Elks Ballroom. Admission is free and there will be beginner dance lessons.

Students interested in creating animations or graphics are invited to join the Digital Entertainment Technology Club. Meetings are 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in room 201 of the Mabee Business building.

Men who want to study abroad can call Stephen Shewmaker at 325-513-9240.

The ACU Theatre is now selling tickets for the homecoming musical Les Miserables. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Oct. 18-19 and 2 p.m.

Oct. 20. Tickets may be purchased online at acu.edu/ theatre or at the box office 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Coming to ACU this fall is the Jeremiah Project. For more information, contact Kaitlin Pegoda at kep10d@ acu.edu.

The Sing Song Host and Hostess Auditions will be Oct. 7-8.

Students interested in joining a League of Legends team with other ACU students are encouraged to email dla10a@acu.edu for more information.

The ACU Career Center and Alliance Data are hosting info sessions for students interested in Human Resource, Public Relations, Communications, and Marketing internships. The meeting will be 2-3 p.m. on Oct. 7 in the Campus Center Living Room.

Police Log Police log SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 09/20/2013 5:15 p.m. A student reported the theft of his wallet, iPhone 4 and keys from the SRWC. 09/20/2013 3:56 p.m. ACUPD assisted APD with the arrest of a theft suspect riding a bike that had been stolen from Smith-Adams Hall earlier.

09/22/2013 1:09 a.m. APD requested ACUPD assistance at a large party in the 2600 block of Garfield. Party was shut down and tenant was issued a citation.

09/22/2013 1:36 a.m. A UP tenant reported the theft of his backpack from his vehicle that was parked in the UP parking lot.

911 CALL 1 ACCIDENT 3 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY 19 ALARM 3 ASSIST 6 BARRICADES 2 BICYCLE PATROL 2 BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK 17 BURGLARY (MOTOR VEHICLE) 2 CHECK BUILDING 171

Weekly Stats For Week of Sept.17-Sept.24, 2013- Total Events:372 MONITOR FACILITY/LOT 4 CITATION ISSUANCE 1 MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART 10 DISTURBANCE 4 MOTORIST ASSIST: OTHER 1 FOOT PATROL 18 MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK 17 FOUND PROPERTY 3 NOISE VIOLATION 1 INFORMATION REPORT 1 OTHER 8 INTOXICATED PERSON 1 PARKING LOT PATROL 14 INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP 1 PARKING VIOLATION 4 LOST PROPERTY 4 PATROL VEHICLE: MAINTENANCE 1 MAINTENANCE: UNIVERSITY ASSETS 3 PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL 9 MEDICAL EMERGENCY 2 PUBLIC SERVICE 1

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 1 SUSPICIOUS PERSON 3 THEFT (NON VEHICLE) 1 WELFARE CHECK 2 Police Tip of the Week: Help prevent bicycle thefts on campus. Lock your bike when not in use. Use bike racks only.

Locking bikes to trees, shrubs, handrails and sign-posts is prohibited.

Volunteer Opp0rtunities Alliance for Women and Children is seeking volunteers to care for children on weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. To learn more contact Toni Brown at 325-6775321 or info@afwconline.org.

The Center for Contemporary Arts needs volunteers to greet patrons, answer questions about the gallery and answer phones. Volunteer opportunities are avaliable Tuesday-Friday between 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and the second Thursday of every month for Artwalk from 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. For more information contact Jennifer Parks at 325-677-8389.

Love and Care Ministries is looking for volunteers to help with sorting clothing, stocking their food pantry, assisting in prayers in their prayer room and serving food to the homeless. For more information, call 325-670-0246.

House of Faith is an organization that seeks to take Jesus to neighborhood children. Volunteers are needed to help with the various programs they do throughout the week. Backyard Bible studies are hosted Mondays and Wednesdays and a youth program takes place on Thursday evenings. The organization is seeking volunteers who can commit to a specific day a week. House of Faith lasts from 3-5:30 p.m. To volunteer or gain more information, contact Amy Jeffers at abj09a@acu. edu or call 832-331-5324.

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for a variety of needs such as helping in the kitchen and/or doing yard work. Times are flexible and volunteers are needed Monday-Saturday. For more information contact J.D. Alonzo at 325-677-1408.

Meals on Wheels Plus needs volunteer drivers to deliver afternoon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities Monday-Friday between 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Training is provided. For more information contact Samantha Barker at 352-672-5050 or visit http://mealsonwheelsplus.com.html.

The Food Bank of West Central Texas needs volunteers to help sort and stock food and other items Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The Food Bank is located at 5505 N. 1st St. For more information contact Janice Serrault at 325695-6311 or abfoodbk@camalott.com.

Christian Homes & Family Services is seeking volunteers to do minor landscaping such as raking, trimming bushes, minor apartment repairs and general upkeep Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information contact Shaylee Honey at 325-677-2205 or Shoney@ ChristianHomes.com.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters offers two volunteer programs. Lunch Buddies pairs volunteers with a little brother or sister to have lunch with once a week for 30 minutes. Lunch Buddies has a preferred time of 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Community Based program pairs volunteers with a little brother or sister that they will hang out with two to four times a month. Both programs require committment to the program for 12-18 months. To sign up stop by the Big Brothers/Big Sisters office at 547 Chestnut St. or contact Randy Woods at 325-674-3102.

Volunteers are needed at the BCFS Abilene Transition Center for event planning and setup, assisting in teaching life-skills classes, accompanying transport, visiting homes and/or assisting in construction of facilities for assisting in the betterment of male and female youth ages 15-25.

This opportunity is open each morning Mondays through Fridays. Students interested must contact Johnny Nguyen at 325-692-0033 or jnguyen@bcfs.net.

The Betty Hardwick Center is seeking volunteers for the Human Resources Center to help with filing and organizing. This job requires someone with attention to detail who wishes to learn more about Human Resources. The job is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. If you are interested, please contact Martin Walker at 325-690-5235 or mwalker@bhcmhmr.org.

The Center for International Education is looking for English speaking students to be paired with international students for English practice, conversation and cultural learning. Partners meet for one hour each week at a time and place determined by their partners. To volunteer contact Laura McGregor at laura.mcgregor@acu.edu.

For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www.acu.edu/ campusoffices/ccsl/ministry-service/volunteer-opportunities/

Chinese Students’ Association celebrates festival Brian Sweet student reporter

The ACU Chinese Students’ and Scholars’ Association had their mid-autumn festival on Saturday. Attendance at the festival this year was higher than anticipated.

The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is the day when families get together for a reunion dinner. Ac-

cording to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, on August 15 the moon is full, and is therefore a symbol of unity.

Some of the typical food that is eaten at mid-autumn festivals are mooncakes, pumpkin, river snails, taro and duck. In the center of a mooncake is yolk, to symbolize the full moon.

Janice Chong, junior advertising and public relations major from Shang-

hai, China, participated in the festival.

“After dinner, families will sit together and catch up while also admiring the moon and eating mooncakes,” Chong said. “The American Thanksgiving can be an analogy to this festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates three fundamental concepts: gathering, thanksgiving and praying. The mooncake can be understood as

the ‘turkey.’”

Chong said she considered this year’s festival a successful celebration, with a perfect venue and Chinese comfort foods. She said the night was flawless.

“There were only 120 seats available but there were around 200 people who turned up,” Chong said. “It is amazing to see a good mix of faculty members, American students, international stu-

dents, Chinese families in Abilene, Students’ Association members and students from Hardin-Simmons taking time out to experience this wonderful evening with the Chinese students.”

First-time students attending the festival had many things to look forward to, including the representation of culture through free food.

Rodney Johnson, ju-

nior business finance from Odessa, also attended the festival.

“First off, the food was awesome. I think it is so awesome that our students are so willing to share their culture,” Johnson said. “I feel honored to have celebrated my first moon festival.”

contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

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news

friday 09.27.13

ACU Career Center plans for busy month JC Peeples

CAREER CENTER CALENDAR

Student reporter ACU’s Career Center filled its calendar with events for students all through Oct. Jill Fortson, career network specialist, said the the Career Center has a reputation for being the key that connects students and alumni to the job market.

“The career center is a resource that students and alumni should take advantage of,” Fortson said.

Exciting opportunities for students lie ahead in the next month through the Career Center.

“These events give our students an advantage to get a head start in the race to find a job and also become more marketable in the future,” Fortson said.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of the events scheduled next month.

Oct. 1:

Logos Bible Software Interviews for SITC Students (Interviews for software development internship postion).

Oct 9:

Emineo Art Info Session (Internship opportunies for all majors. The new company is committed to promoting student-artists. Opportunities are available for students in IT, marketing, art, public relations, communications and more).

Oct 16:

LInkedIn Photo Booth in the Campus Center. Free professional head shots for students’ LinkedIn Profiles.

MLW Financial Phone Accounting/Finance Interviews (Interviews for a full time).

Oct. 3:

PwC Accounting Interviews (Interviews for fulltime and internship accounting positions).

Oct. 7:

Career Center Employer Information Session with Alliance Data (Internship oppurtunities for all majors).

Oct 8:

Melton & Melton Accounting Interviews (Interviews for full-time audit staff and internship positions).

The LinkedIn photo booth and mock interviews will happen every month this semester.

“The headshots are free photos for students’ LinkedIn profile,” Fortson said.

Fortson said that students

should look into LinkedIn as a social media tool that connects them to employers.

Fortson said ACU students are more prepared to enter the job market compared to students from oth-

CapinCrouse Accounting Interviews for accounting internships. CapinCourse serves the non-profit communitiy with assurance, tax and advisory service.

Oct. 31: Graduate School Fair in the Campus Center. Acu Career Center is partnering with ACU graduate school and the West Central Texas Consortium to host the annual Graduate School Fair.

er universities.

“It is clear that the resources available to the students at the career center have been very beneficial,” said Fortson.

Fortson said connections are more than pos-

sible at ACU. check out http://www.acu.

“We all have a piece in edu/campusoffices/careerthe puzzle,” Fortson said, in center/calendars.html. regards to students, faculty and staff members collaborating on these events. contact the optimist at For more information jmcnetwork@acu.edu about upcoming events

Abilene High to create writing center with ACU’s help brittany jackson copy editor Abilene Independent School District, with the help of ACU, created a writing center for Abilene High students.

Cole Bennett, associate professor of language and literature, worked with the students to train them on strategies, methodology and reporting for the Eagle Writing Center.

“It’s really because we believe in helping the community, and we wanted to help the local school system have a place to help

students write better,” Bennet said. “That’s what we’re all trying to do, is get the students to get better.”

The initiative started with James McGee, a fulltime teacher with AISD and student in the master of arts degree in English program at ACU, after finding inspiration his class’ research on writing centers.

With funding from admissions and marketing, as well as collaboration with the Department of Language and Literature and ACU Writing Center, he took the high school’s idea and made it a reality.

With the adoption of

a “writing across the curriculum” model, AH will recognize the importance of written communication in all aspects of education.

Therefore, the writing center is not just for students’ help with the English courses, but to improve their writing skill throughout their classes. AH’s hope is that the increased help with writing, which is considered to be the highest level of cognitive process, will also benefit student articulation in classes anywhere from biology to economics.

Kevin Campbell, chief enrollment officer at ACU,

helped to accumulate funds in order to make the room less of a classroom and more of a writing center.

“When we look at the skills that employers seek in college graduates, one of the top skills employers seek is strong written communication,” Campbell said. “We hope the Eagle Writing Center will strengthen the writing ability of Abilene High students and enable them to see the important roll that strong written communication skills will have on their future.”

10 to 12 students will be

peer-mentoring those who need help in the writing center. The students are enrolled in a class called “Writing Center Tutoring” where McGee meets with the student to figure out problems, discuss new strategies of tutoring and talk about what they’re doing so they’ll continue to grow as tutors.

The Eagle Writing Center will remain open to the high school students from their zero period to seventh period, with an extension to 5 p.m. on Thursdays.

“Its really exciting when a high school decides to allow, in its infrastructure, a

place for students to learn to write better,” Bennett said. “I’m happy for James and happy that he’s one of our students who got the fire lit under him to make a difference in AISD.” Campbell said there is no formal way for ACU students to get involved at this point. Though there are potential opportunities for ACU students to volunteer, the developments for them are not yet underway.

contact jackson at bkj12a@acu.edu

Recess is over for Students’ Association Congress

“

The amount of interest in SA is kind of correlated to the way we move on and how big we move.”

said he had meetings with students interested in the positions who are qualified for the elected posiStudents’ Association is tions. using congress to its full “The amount of interest Rodney Johnson in SA is kind of correlated potential. Members are Junior finance major still being elected into the from odessa to the way we move on and association. how big we move,” JohnThe congress is almost son said. “I think that with to its full membership of presentation of what the the coverage we have this 47 members, with just five student body wants. It is year, things will get done more members needing to an assurance that each de- and people will notice that be appointed. partment, each building congress is here for them Rodney Johnson, junior and each student is rep- and that it’s an excellent finance major and execu- resented to the best of our opportunity to make an tive vice president of SA ability.” impact.” from Odessa, said he is The last time SA had Elected officers absent confident in the ability of a complete congress was from the meeting were congress to fill its ranks more than two years ago.

Diamond Cobb, Itzel Alba, this year.

Johnson said spots Stephen Martin, ChuknuWhen questioned open for election are Sikes about what a full congress Hall representation, senior contact jackson at would provide, Johnson vice president and senior bkj12a@acu.edu said, “It’s a more accurate treasurer. Although, he

brittany jackson copy editor

SA APPOINTMENTS Austin Ray, junior kinesiology major from Allen, will be representing the Student Recreation Center.

Brian Myer, math teaching major from St. Louis, Mo., will be representing Mabee Hall.

Benton Orr, freshman biochemistry major from North Richland Hills, will be representing Mabee Hall.

Nia Tyler, freshman accounting major from Dallas, will be representing McDonald Hall.

Kealey Fabian, junior biochemistry major from San Antonio, will be representing Foster Science Building.

Judith Dran, junior nursing major from McAllen, will be representing Zona Luce.

COBA takes January short-course to Dallas to CitySquare allison brown staff reporter COBA is presenting students with an opportunity to earn credit this coming Jan. A 3-hour credit class is being offered Jan. 6-10, 2014, in Dallas and is open to any majors. There are no prerequisites required to enroll.

“

Working together as a community, we feed the hungry, heal the sick, house the homeless and renew hope in the heart of our city.”

City square mission statement

Management 320, taught by Dr. Laura Phillips, assistant professor of management sciences, will be available as a short-course at CitySquare in Dallas. The focus of the course is social entrepreneurship, an approach to business as a social mission. Students

will learn aspects of running both for-profit and non-profit businesses that, first and foremost, seek to help others.

The course will be a great tool for equipping students with everything it takes to operate a successful business with a bigger mission than just bringing in revenue.

This will be the first time the class has been taught outside of Abilene and in a short-course format. Phillips hopes to bring in many different speakers from the Metroplex area to address different topics in regard to the class’s approach to business.

“There are more choices for guest speakers, but I have less connections there.

Finding these speakers will be the biggest challenge,” she said.

This missional outlook on entrepreneurship is synonymous with the work of CitySquare.

CitySquare exists “to fight the root causes of poverty by partnering with those in need. Working together as a community, we feed the hungry, heal the sick, house the homeless and renew hope in the heart of our city [Dallas],” according to the mission statement on their website. Though

the class won’t have a project to directly work with CitySquare during the course, the model of CitySquare will provide a source of inspiration for up and coming social entrepreneurs.

Phillips says the

course would be a great option for anyone interested in non-profit work, or could be particularly appealing to business, Bible or social work majors.

Details are still being finalized with

CitySquare, but COBA acu.edu for further inforwants students to be mation and updates on aware of this opportunity registering. as they start to plan their course schedules for next semester.

Students interested in contact brown at signing up for the class akb12b@acu.edu can email griggscenter@

Opinion

4

Friday 09.27.13

DAILY doodle dosage

editorial

Ben Todd

Religious terror an international war generation has seen a rise in similar attacks and felt the Religious terrorism has been on the rise for years. consequences that followed.

We have faced the effects, such as changing our take airport and weapon reguChristians in America should not detach themselves from lations. But rarely must the world. They should continue to love their neighbors. we face how terrorists’ “acts of faith” coincide A mall in Nairobi, Kenya’s easy to remain detached with our own. capital city, became an from such horrors.

“We have an adequate unlikely site of terror last But for Christians, the number of young men Saturday. attack is in our own back- who are fully commitAl-Shabab, an Is- yard, it’s a call of concern ted and ready to sacrifice lam extremist group, their lives for the sake of It’s a divine delimma Allah and for the sake of launched a four-day, bloody siege in demand of religion,” said the to practice ‘loving your their the withdrawal of Kenyan al-Shabab press office. neighbor’ towards those troops from Somalia.

Faith-based feuds are Grenades were thrown. who carry out violent not an issue that died Shots were fired. out with the Crusades, missions made in the nor will they be simply For four days, the extremists held hostages until name of another god.” solved with the signing of Kenyan forces intervened. a peace treaty.

By the end of the conWe are presented with flict, the carnage acccounta challenge in separating ed for 67 civilians dead and these religious acts from 175 wounded. our own faith.

According to the AsIt’s a divine dilemma sociated Press, the mall to practice “loving your attack was the deadliest neighbor” towards those terrorist attack in Kenya who carry out violent since the 1998 al-Qaida missions made in the truck bombing of the U.S. name of another god.

Embassy in Nairobi, killAdditionally, we must ing more than 200 people. recognize attacks, such as For Americans, living in the Kenyan killings, pose the land of the religiously for a globally growing trend a threat not only to Chrisfree and nearly 9,000 miles in religious terrorism. tians, but also to memaway, geography makes it Grown in the 9/11 era, our bers of its own religion

the issue

“

who practice peacefully.

“This is not a Kenyan war. This is an international war. And we need to join hands and work together,” said Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.

On Wednesday, Kenyatta declared three

days of national mourning, a grieving we also should partake in.

Because, as Americans living 9,000 miles away in the land of the religiously free, we must not become passive to the horrors happening both state-

wide and worldwide.

Christians must continue to do the impossible and love our neighbor as ourselves. contact The Optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

column

Homosexuality: The debate within the church KNOCK ON WOOD ALIKAY WOOD ARTS EDITOR

Homosexuality has become one of the most hotly debated topics of our society and will continue to be an issue that defines Christians for generations to come. Everyone has an opinion on what the Bible says about being gay and how Christians should treat homosexuals.

Perhaps the reason Christians cling to the idea that homosexuality is sinful is not because of a genuine conviction that homosexuality is evil, but because calling this doctrine into question, which has been common church teaching for thousands of years, shakes the

foundations upon which Christianity is built.

I am not a scriptural expert. I’ve done research regarding the verses used to support both sides of the debate regarding homosexuality and have come away with only the affirmed belief that the Bible can be used to make arguments for practically anything.

Christians have been willing to write off many sections of the Bible as culturally inapplicable in today’s world. Women wear make up, people get

divorced and thieves get to keep their hands. Why has homosexuality become such a sticking point? Why has the church remained largely unyielding on this issue, despite giving ground in many other areas?

The reality is that the church is always slow to change. About 150 years ago, Christians were among the most ardent supporters of slavery. Their main evidence for its legality was the same Bible we now use to advocate for freeing those enslaved.

I am lost as far as how to interpret scripture but I cannot ignore the contradictions and theological issues evident in the Bible. Maybe, as a church, it’s time we started asking ourselves why the idea of homosexuality is so offensive to us. Is it because it challenges values we believe to be sacred? Or is it because admitting that the scriptures regarding homosexuality are subject to cultural interpretation challenges the core of our faith and creates a door we do not dare open?

One hundred years from

now people will be teaching their children about how the Christian church was the loudest advocate for the repression of homosexuality. They will remember us as we remember slave owners in the South. Not as people who were doing what they genuinely thought as loving, but as people who manipulated the Bible to support a lifestyle they refused to give up. contact Wood at AKW10a@acu.edu

Column

The tweet is becoming mightier than the sword THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

MARISSA JONES EDITOR IN CHIEF

I have 89 followers on Twitter. That’s pretty pathetic. I change my car’s oil more often than I tweet.

Twitter and I are just mutual acquaintances – not close enough to hang out but close enough to wave at each other in passing.

But most of the world disagrees with me. More than

170 billion tweets have been sent since Twitter’s creation in 2006. It’s now become a source for a large number of people to get their news from. Close to 30 percent of people receive their news from social media, according to the 2012 State of the News Media report.

Not only are people

reading news from Twitter, people are breaking and shaping news on Twitter.

In 2008, an American graduate student tweeted that he had been arrested at an anti-government protest in Egypt. Extreme pressure caused the authorities to release him from jail the next day. This was an early indicator of the power of Twitter.

In 2011, Twitter played a major role in the “Arab Spring” uprisings as the protestors used the social networks to message each other and organize.

More recently, terrorist

organizations have been using Twitter to claim responsibility for destruction or murders.

During the recent Kenyan mall attacks, the fighting between the terrorists and the Kenyan police was mirrored on Twitter as al-Shabab justified its actions and taunted Kenyans through tweets.

One of its messages reads: “You could have avoided all this and lived your lives with relative safety. Remove your forces from our country and peace will come #Westgate.”

The Kenyan police kept the public updated on the

mall attack through Twitter as well. One of its last tweets was: “Dear Kenyans, its over.

Let’s us now build a better Kenya. Our work is cut out to serve you all.”

These groups are fighting for people’s hearts, a fight that has mattered throughout history. In the past, leaders controlled what books could be printed with the new Gutenberg press.

Struggles over information printed in newspapers have played out through history. Several countries such as North Vietnam still have newspapers con-

trolled by the government.

Now governments and organizations use Twitter and other social media.

Though our means of communication has changed, it’s easy to see a pattern throughout history: those who have the power to communicate to the people have the power to win the people over.

Words matter. Even if they’re only 140 characters long. contact Jones at MNJ10a@acu.edu

hashtagACU Sept. 24 8:55 p.m.

That one couple that’s always all over each other in chapel... #ACUprobs @acuoptimist

@_Anna__Banana

Sept. 24 2:01 p.m.

Couple literally holding hands in class. IN CLASS. #acudifference #ringbyfall

@EmilyJDixon

Sept. 12 4:42 p.m.

Kissing at the foster science building.... Looks like they got chemistry @ACUProbs #ACU

@Just_jrab

Sept. 16 12:59 p.m.

Sept. 16 7:21 p.m.

Oh lord the guys who sit in front of me are talking about putting rings on it #acuprobs

Sept. 13 12:34 p.m.

Is flirting in the #ACU bible building ok?

Actual quote: “ya bro, I’d totally wife her so hard..” #acu #acudifference

@LLCoolJ_CaB

@_imma_boss

@ACU_FRESHMAN

Sept. 17 7:52 p.m.

Sept. 25 9:57 a.m.

Yes, please stop walking and start making out right in front of me. #ACUprobs #gross

@laurenb510

Gotta give the girl looking up wedding dresses during summit props, way to be prepared for that ring by spring #acuprobs @overheardACU

@AbigailKellogg

Sept. 18 4:01 p.m.

Sociology class is turning into a relationship counseling class.

@AllisonCaitlin8

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Sept. 12 4:47 p.m.

Sept. 12 8:20 p.m.

Sept. 17 4:18 p.m.

sports desk (325) 674-2684

No PDA going on in the Nelson lobby tonight #firsttimeforeverything

Couple making out in front of me at a red light #ew #stop

@carlischeevel

@laurpay

Apparently the people in front of me just got engaged and are planning their wedding colors during this highlight class. #acudifference

@LindseyLulu5

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news/sports

friday 09.27.13

Winner of Idea Challenge still in the works Melany cox online managing editor In April, Dylan Benac, senior political science major from Beorne, was announced as the winner of the Greatest Idea Challenge.

The Greatest Idea Challenge was launched last year to encourage students to present ideas to improve or innovate life

at ACU. Benac’s idea of introducing a student/faculty mentoring institution won first place. He said he hopes the program will be implemented by the spring semester.

“I’ve compared it to other programs and I’ve done research on the best ways to do it,” he said.

“Now we’re in the process of doing it and branding

“

I’ve compared it to other programs, and I’ve done the it, because when you put something out there as research on the best ways to do it.” big as this it needs to have its brand already.”

The purpose of the program is to pair students Dylan benac seeking a mentor with a Students’ association president faculty member who has the desire to be a mentor.

Benac said students and mentors will be paired mentors can increase their applications and seeking based on personality, not students’ critical thinking. out mentors. When the just their field of study.

He said the program is program initially begins, He said he hopes the in the process of drafting Benac plans on seeking

out a few students, most likely juniors, to participate before opening the doors to all students.

“I want students that want to be impacted, but I also want students that will be engaged with their mentor,” Benac said.

contact cox at mkc09b@acu.edu

Hispano Unidos to host Entra La Plaza event Laura benson Student reporter Entra La Plaza, hosted

by Hispanos Unidos, will take place on Friday from 6 - 9:30 p.m. The outdoor event will be behind the Hunter Welcome Center on the patio and will have free Mexican food, traditional Mexican dancers, a DJ playing all Mexican music, bounce houses, face painting and pinatas.

Ana Arango, junior biochemistry major from Plano, is the president of the Hispanos Unidos club.

“I really want ACU to realize that Hispanos Unidos is an active organization outside of Entra La Plaza. Because it is our biggest event, I feel like Hispanos Unidos often falls off the radar once it’s over, but we keep having smaller events throughout the year,” Arango said. “Our purpose is to celebrate Hispanic cul-

“

Entra La Plaza is an amazing event because you get to have an evening of community through food, music and just plain fun.”

Kendra Oregon sophomore International Studies major from Mesquite

ture and bring it recognition on a campus where it isn’t too prominent.

That means we want nonHispanics to be curious about us and come check us out.”

The event is hosted in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is Sept.

15 - Oct. 15.

There is estimated to be an average of 400-500 people attending the event.

Kendra Oregon, sophomore international studies major from Mesquite, is the secretary of the Hispanos Unidos club.

“Entra a La Plaza is an amazing event because you get to have an evening of community through food, music, and just plain fun,” Oregon said. “And lets be honest, as a college student anything that is free is a blessing. So, if for nothing else, people should come out for free food. I am

positive people will be enticed to stay for more. It is a glimpse of a culture that is full of life and color. So yes, come out.”

Hispanos Unidos hosts a Chapel session every Thursday in Bible 117 for any student interested in becoming more involved with the club.

contact the optimist at optimist@acu.edu

Nominees: 11 senior receive Queen nominations from page 1 I knew what was going on,” said Morris. “Samantha Adkins told me who the 10 nominees were on Tuesday and I was really excited for everyone. We went and kidnapped all of the nominees, and when we were in the Siggie room, at the very end they turned around and said that I was on court.”

Typically there are only 10 nominees for Homecoming Court. It has been 10 years since they last had a co-chair on Homecoming Court.

“The first thing that went through my mind was, ‘Did I miscount?’ Then I thought, ‘How are we going to do 11?’

But then I was just really

excited, humbled and very thankful,” said Morris.

The nominees will attend Queens’ Tea on the Friday of Homecoming before the Homecoming Queen is announced at Saturdays game.

The 12 nominees from the class of 2003 will be back for the Coming-Home Court this year.

Block voting and campaigning both have been practiced heavily by social clubs in the past. For the last several years, the Homecoming Committee has asked students to not campaign for votes or participate in block voting for the Homecoming nominees. The committee requests a fair approach to voting this year as well.

Samantha Adkins, assistant director of Alumni Relations, has been in charge of the Queens’ activities since 2009 and has enjoyed getting to know the nominees throughout the years.

“I get to meet sometimes 10 ACU seniors that I don’t know very well and develop those relationships a little bit, which is great because we are in the alumni office, and they are a year away from being members of the Alumni Association,” said Adkins.

Students can vote for the Homecoming Queen at www.acu.edu/queens. contact holman at keh09c@acu.edu

HOMECOMING COURT Darci Halstead Family studies major from Odessa Kayli Huddleston Business management major from San Angelo

Emily Ricker Elementary education major from Goodlettsville, TN Kassi Riddle Communication major from Dimmitt

Amy Morris Accounting major from Sugar Land

Madelyn Robinett Family studies major from Amarillo

Courtney Ray Excercise science major from Allen

Madison Sandifer Finance major from Abilene

Whitney Stevens Finance major from Allen Meredith Thornton Psychology major from Cedar Hill Heather Young Elementary education major from Allen

Football Preview

Tarleton State (2-0) vs. ACU (3-1) Offense

Defense

PICK: ACU

Tarleton State features a two-quarterback offense that should bring some intrigue to the game. The Texans started Aaron Doyle last year against the Wildcats and he was able to have some success. For ACU, the offense should be able to take advantage of their matchups on the outside and the offensive line should be able to open up some holes for Charkandrick West to run through.

PICK: ACU

Tarleton State linebacker Marquis Wadley is a senior that has been a dominant player in the middle for the Texans for years. Wadley has 230 career tackles, including 11 tackles last week. For the Wilcdats, safety Angel Lopez will be a key for ACU’s defensive performance. Lopez currently leads the team in tackles, and will need to help bring down Doyle and the Tarleton running backs while playing well in pass defense as well.

Kara Stutesman

Shera Niemirowski

Matthew Sloan

The Cats will bounce back from their first loss of the season.

The familiar foe in Tarelton will put up a fight but will ultimately be brought down under the weights of our tremendous offense.

The Wildcats will continue to dominate the field. The defense will be able to hold Tarleton back and you can expect another great performance

ACU will be out looking to make a statement after last week’s loss to ISU. That means bad news for the Texans, who could be in for a long afternoon in Frisco.

Pick: ACU 42-27

Pick: ACU 52-40

Pick: ACU 48-24

Daniel Zepeda

Brittney Johnson

Price Bahcall

After our first loss to a good Redbirds team, the Wildcats will look to get back on track. Tarleton alwyas provides great games, and our offense will continue to score and the defense won’t slack.

Tarleton will be a challenge. Last year was pretty close, but if the Wildcats stay strong and keep playing the way we have seen, they can move to 4-1 with a win.

ACU should find their way back to the winners column in their game in Frisco. Look from a big performance from JD Baker and a big win for the Wildcats.

Pick: ACU 42-24

Pick: ACU 47-40

Pick: ACU 31-21

sports

friday 09.27.13

Wildcats soccer looks to stay perfect Brittney johnson sports reporter The women’s soccer team will travel to La. this weekend, where they will battle two of their toughest competitors. They will be in Thibodaux, La. today to play against Nicholls State University.

The Colonels are currently ranked first and have a 2-0 record in the Southland Conference. NSU is 8-0-1 overall this season with a seven-game winning streak.

Their conference wins come from defeating McNeese State University, 3-0 and Texas A&M Corpus Christi, 2-1. Both of which will face off with ACU towards the end of the season.

The Wildcats will then head to Hammond, La. on Sunday to challenge Southeastern Louisiana University. It will be a match of top teams as ACU holds the second position in conference and SLU stands at third.

The Lions have a season record of 7-1-1 and 2-0

“There is always room for improvement no matter how good you are, no matter what level you play,” Bushman said. “I think the team has done well so far at fixing the mistakes, which is something that we constantly need to keep in check.”

Besides being a leader in the team’s improvement, Bushman is keeping the team optimistic, encouraging them as junior forward.

Taylor Brown has been out with an ankle sprain she received during the University of Texas El Paso game earlier in the season.

“We stay strong and play our game. That is when we succeed,” Bushman said. “I hope to leave just a passion for the game, and a passion for playing for each other and for God and for putmary melisa keil staff Photographer ting others before yourself.

Freshman Alyssa Gerner looks to pass in their game against Houston Baptist.

When you play out of love of your team, that’s when the in the conference, with a do in the Lone Star Confer- game. We know that if we game truly becomes beautidouble 1-0 victory against ence. We can see what we take care of ourselves, we ful.”

TAMUCC and MSU as well. are up against and prepare should get good results.”

“We are now able to see for it,” Wilson said. “We’re Senior defender Brie contact johnson at game film of our opponents, not worried about the other Bushman also is looking to baj12a@acu.edu which we weren’t allowed to team, just about playing our help her team get stronger.

Flemings active in P4X foundation

standings Soccer

Team

Div.

Ovrl.

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

2-0-0 2-0-0 2-0-0 2-0-0 1-1-0 1-1-0 0-1-1 0-1-1 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-1-0 0-2-0 0-2-0

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

Team

Div.

Ovrl.

SHSU ORU UCA SFA TAMU-CC NSU MSU Lamar HBU UIW SELU ACU NSU NO

3-0 2-0 2-0 2-0 2-0 2-0 1-2 1-2 0-1 0-2 0-2 0-2 0-2 0-2

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

Team

Div.

Ovrl.

ACU MSU SHSU UCA Lamar Nicholls St. NSU SLU SFA

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

3-1 4-0 3-1 2-2 2-2 2-2 2-2 2-2 2-2

Volleyball

football

jimmy isbell sports reporter In Rex Fleming’s last few months of his life, his father, Lance, associate director of Athletics and Media Relations, and mother Jill bought him an iPod touch for him to text his friends, listen to his favorite music and play games while receiving treatment at Cook Children’s hospital in Fort Worth.

During Rex’s stay at Cook Children’s, Lance and Jill knew they wanted to do the same for the other children at the hospital.

Lance and Jill decided to start an organization last fall called Pray 4 Rex. Many students may have already seen some of the bracelets and purple t-shirts worn by coaches, athletes and faculty with the “P4X” on the front supporting the foundation and their promise to Pray 4 Rex. The foundation is still in the works with a board of directors and has a few papers to fill out here and there, but it will become public soon.

In mid-August, Lance and Jill traveled back to the hospital to visit Rex’s doctor, neurosurgeon and the nurse practitioner to thank them even more for all their hard work and support during his last days. The Flemings built personal relationships with these remarkable people over the two-year span treating Rex. During their visit, they made sure to stop by the pediatric treatment center and give five children iPod touches.

“It was a lot of fun seeing the kids’ faces light up when they quickly grabbed the iPod touch,” Lance Fleming said. “We’re going to send about four or five more in mid-October, and during Christmas time have Santa Claus hand out eight to ten more.”

In a small town like Abilene, it is hard for Lance and Jill to be known as more than the parents who had their 10-year old son pass away. However, that’s just the way it is.

The P4X foundation’s mission will be to help families with funds for hospital bills and to make sure their child is comfortable in their last days, just as they did with Rex. There are already a few events in the works to help fund such families in the future.

On April 13-14, the Flemings will host a golf tournament at the Abilene Country Club golf course to raise funds.

“Aaron Watson (ACU grad and country artist) will be helping out

ex- factor Clyde Gates and the New York Jets (2-1) will play the Tennessee Titans (2-1) on the road at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Daryl Richardson and the St. Louis Rams (1-2) took on the San Francisco 49ers (1-2) Thursday night.

Danieal Manning and the Houston Texans (21) will host the Seattle Seahawks (3-0) will face off at noon on Sunday.

Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Bernard Scott was released last week as he recovers from a torn ACL that has sidelined him so far this year.

briefings Senior soccer player Jacey Ferrara scored Rex Fleming discusses what the next play will be with coach Ken Collums in a game at Shotwell Stadium last a goal in her match year. against her sister and Sam Houston State last with the tournament as he has ten years his son lived on this earth “I know if he was standing right week. ACU won the shared a similar experience with his were meant for a purpose. It is hard here in front of me and I asked him to match 2-0. mandy lambright chief Photographer

daughter passing away only a few short hours after birth,” Fleming said.

The Flemings will always have the word “cancer” on their minds, even if they do not welcome it. At first, with all the emotions, Lance expressed he did not want to have anything to do with cancer, but soon realized the

to see such a purpose, but Lance and Jill said they will honor their son with the P4X foundation for many years to come.

They said there is not a day, hour nor minute passed where they do not think of Rex and wish he was still here, but always rest in the thought of where he is today.

come back, he would look at me like I was crazy,” Fleming said. “At the end of the day, thinking about him being up in heaven with God the Father makes me feel okay.” contact isbell at jri10a@acu.edu

Save ‘pay for play’ for the pros THE PRICE IS RIGHT

PRICE BAHCALL SPORTS REPORTER

College athletes should not be paid.

Recently, there has been a push to start paying college athletes because of the amount of money they bring to their respective colleges.

This would be horrible for the collegiate games and the wrong route. After all, it all comes down to recruiting, scholarships and opportunities.

College athletes that receive full-ride scholarships are technically “getting paid”.

While having tuition, housing and books all paid cost in the $125,000 range, but that’s not all. When nutritional advice, apparel, tutoring,

6

professional coaching and fitness training are added in, the figure can easily jump over $200,000.

Of the 20 million college students each year, an estimated 60 percent of them need financial help. Of that 60 percent, most will be paying off that debt for a very long time; unlike many collegiate athletes, who will have little to no debt waiting for them.

College recruiting, as it is now, is corrupt and unfair to lower-level schools. Powerhouse conferences like the Southeastern Conference, Big 10, and the Pac-12 dominate recruiting, rightfully so,

because they have the best shot of winning national championships and being looked at by pro scouts.

So, of course, athletes are going to pick to Louisiana State University, Alabama, A&M, University of Southern California, Ohio State and Michigan for the best opportunity to go pro while playing in a top-notch program.

If college athletes start getting paid, those top schools will be able to offer the most money to their players because they have the boosters and alumni to financially contribute.

It would leave schools like Boise State and Fresno State unable to compete because players would forgo those universities for, say, Alabama who offered more money for athletic competition.

One aspect that has been overlooked is the fact that these athletes are get-

ting amazing opportunities, not only for education, but after college as well. We all know the NCAA commercials “most college athletes go pro in something other than sports.” College ath-

“

College athletes that recieve full ride scholarships are already technicaly ‘getting paid’.”

letes on scholarship are getting, roughly, a free college education that is worth a lot of money and a chance they might have never gotten if it were not for their athletic ability.

A college athlete has a

great opportunity to land a high-profile job right out of college because of the contacts they made with boosters and alumni throughout their college career. For example, an NFL career is no doubt in the future for Johnny Manzeil, but if he doesn’t make it or he doesn’t pan out, there is going to be an A&M alumni who will gladly hire Johnny “Football” for his sports management degree.

There is no arguing that college athletes bring in huge revenue for their schools, but all the perks for the athletes that go along with playing the game they love for a university and the connections they will make is payment enough.

contact bahcall at pmb09a@acu.edu

The women’s tennis team won 15 matches over the weekend in Idaho at the Boise State Jack Taylor Classic.

Upcoming The undefeated soccer team will travel to Nicholls St. to face off at 4 p.m. today. Then, they will travel to Southeastern Louisiana to play on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Football plays Tarleton State Saturday at 4 p.m. in Frisco at Toyota Stadium.

The men’s tennis team plays at UTChattanooga and the women’s team plays at Rice today.

Volleyball hosts McNeese State on Saturday at 2 p.m.