The Optimist Print Edition: 09/30/09

Optimist the

Vol. 98, No. 12

The ’Boys are back in town PAGE 5 1 section, 8 pages

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

BREAKING NEWS, VIDEOS, PHOTOS, DISCUSSION AND EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

acuoptimist.com

ENROLLMENT

Recruiting Web site features student stories Casey Oliver Student Reporter The Office of Enrollment Management is opening a new avenue for recruiting high school seniors with its new Web site, Live Up. The innovative and interactive site was designed to work hand-in-hand

with the prospective students’ page on the ACU Web site.

Corey Patterson, director of Enrollment Management, said the goal of the Live Up project is to create a more dynamic site where people can watch videos and read profiles of current students.

“Current students can tell us their story, and it will become part of the Web site,” Patterson said.

He said he believes seeing and hearing students’ reflections on their experiences will propel prospective students to consider ACU seriously as an option for college.

“The best thing for prospective students right now is for them to get to hear stories from current students,” Patterson said. “Especially stories that they can actually see themselves being a part of.”

The Web site is really a database of stories so

every time the page is refreshed, it displays different content.

“It’s always fresh, always changing, and that’s something that we’re really excited about,” he said.

Live Up will be part of the electronic media fam- Enrollment Management’s new Web site, liveup.acu.edu, highlights students’ stories. see SITE page 4

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

SING SONG

Students audition for host positions David Soto Student Reporter

and donated their complete time for our enjoyment,” said Brett Harbor, senior criminal justice major from Austin.

Many students who participated in the climb were beginners; a few were not even part of the Outdoor Club, Lane said.

Samantha Sutherland, freshman English major from Brownwood, is a new member of the club. She said the trip gave her a chance to meet a lot of new people.

“The experience of doing some-

As Sing Song approaches, the Office of Student Productions begins its search for student hosts and hostesses once again.

Five to seven students are chosen from about 60 applicants each year, the majority of whom are women.

“The judges’ panel is comprised of people from the Sing Song professional staff, ACU’s Music Department and music professionals outside of ACU,” said Tom Craig, director of Student Productions. “They look for people with excellent voice quality and who have the ability to blend well with others.”

Auditions take two days to complete. The first night, each applicant has three and a half minutes to sing portions of two songs.

The best are called back for the second round of auditions the following night.

Callback auditions involve sightreading a piece of music and singing in various small ensembles, after which students are taken through a simple choreography routine, Craig said.

“Those auditioning should expect to perform for the judges as if they

see CLIMB page 4

see SING page 4

LAURA ACUFF Features Editor

Above: Asa Kusuma, sophomore computer science major from Annadale, Va., looks for his next hold while scaling a rock in Brownwood on Saturday.

Below right: Sarah Kratzer, senior psychology major from Los Alamos, N.M., adjusts her harness before climbing.

Outdoor Club climbs, cleans Kelsi Williamson

Lane, a senior physics major from Kalispell, Mont., has been Staff Photographer climbing for four years. He met The ACU Outdoor Club cleaned up the leader of Rock Addiction on and climbed up during the club’s a previous climb this semester.

“It’s grown into a pretty good rock climbing trip. Students of all skill levels, 22 in all, joined the friendship,” Lane said.

Rock Addiction cleans their Brownwood climbing group, Rock Addiction, as they collected trash climbing area the last Saturday of every other month and ofbefore their excursion Saturday.

“It was so encouraging to see fered to work with the Outdoor such a large group all excited Club in exchange for help. The about climbing and giving back Brownwood group shared their to an area that we all have come gear and their advice with ACU to love,” said the Outdoor Club students after the cleanup.

“They were incredibly helpful president, Colter Lane.

WELLNESS

Unstress day ends Wellness Week with games, live music Lizzy Spano

As part of the event, students can climb a Arts Editor We really wanted something that [allows students] to kind rock wall, run an obof rest, relax and enjoy a positive way to have fun. stacle course or listen to Students will have the opSTEVE ROWLANDS Optimus Prime and the portunity to soak their Director of the Counseling Center Autobots perform on the professors in a dunk Nelson Hall patio. Also, a tank, jump on inflatable rides or throw themselves Unstress Day was de- tion with Wellness Week dents to] kind of rest, Breast Cancer Walk will relax and enjoy a positive begin Thursday during against a Velcro wall dur- signed by the Counseling events and activities.

“We really wanted to way to have fun,” said Chapel. Students can reing “Unstress Day” on Fri- Center to provide fun day, which will wrap up and engaging activities end the week with some- Steve Rowlands, director ceive two Chapel credits for students in associa- thing that [allows stu- of the Counseling Center. for participating. the 2009 Wellness Week.

Forecast Wed

90° 70°

Inside Thu

89° 53°

Fri

79° 54°

WILDCAT FOOTBALL stalled offensively in the first half, but rallied to a 44-33 victory over Eastern New Mexico in the second. Our sports team breaks it down.

Page 8

Wellness Week was created for ACU students and employees to promote health in their lives, challenging their knowledge of wellness and providing information to inform a healthy lifestyle. It will take place Oct. 6-9.

“Wellness Week was see STRESS page 4

Online CHANGES TO SUMMIT this year reflect a genuine desire on behalf of the Office of Ministry Events to offer students a relevant, challenging spiritual experience.

Page 6

VIDEO

LOUDandCLEAR

PHOTOS

Did you notice the bats during Summit?

Rocketboys’ performance

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

ACU vs. Eastern NM

2

Campus Day Wednesday, September 30, 2009

CALENDAR AND EVENTS

30

WEDNESDAY

11 a.m.

Come to the Quiet Chapel

1

THURSDAY

2

FRIDAY

11 a.m.

Small Group Chapels

11 a.m.

Praise Day

4 p.m.

LSTU Interest Meeting

4 p.m.

ACU Soccer vs.

Northeastern State 8 p.m.

Free Movie Night Steel Magnolias at Hardin-Simmons University

Volunteer Opportunities The Salvation Army needs volunteers to help with the application and interview process for new clients for the Christmas Angel Tree. For more information, contact Cecilia Barahona at 677-1408.

Volunteers are needed for Census 2010 at the Business Mercado at the Abilene Civic Center on Saturday. Volunteers work two-hour shifts at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Contact Anna Jane Perrey at 674-2067 for more information.

The Day Nursery of Abilene needs volunteers for its first Putt “Fore” Children Miniature Golf Tournament. The event is Oct. 3 from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Prime Time Family Entertainment Center. Volunteers will register golfers, monitor holes and keep score. Contact Cynthia Pearson at 673-1110 for more information.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes needs volunteers Oct. 13 from 8:3010:30 p.m. at the

Chapel Checkup

Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:

28 43

annual Fields of Faith event at Shotwell Stadium. Volunteers need their own laptops with Excel. Contact Steve Keenum at 795-0075 for more information.

Disability Resources needs volunteersfor their annual Pumpkin Patch Oct. 1-31, Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m.

Volunteers will help sell pumpkins, drive hayrides and take pictures. Contact Kathy Deatherage at 673-4820 for more information.

Frontier Texas is seeking help with Halloween activities Oct. 20. Volunteers will help build sets and prepare for the event. Volunteers are also needed during the event Oct. 30-31 to staff a haunted house. Contact Jeff Salmon at 437-2800 for more information.

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.

To ensure 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.

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

Police Log Tip of the Week Help prevent theft. Never leave your backpack, laptop or other personal items unattended.

Sept. 15 2:20 a.m. APD recovered an iPod from suspect.

Sept. 16 9:35 a.m. Motor vehicle burglary reported.

Sept. 17 7:45 a.m. ACUPD monitored school zone and stopped a brown Chevy pickup for speeding 39 mph in a 30 mph zone.

Sept. 18 12:10 p.m. ACUPD began an investigation for a missing student who lives in the University Park Apartments.

2:59 p.m. Reporting party said there was loud music around University Park Apartments.

Sept. 19 12:10 a.m. Reporting party said he left his camera and bag in the McGlothlin Campus Center Living Room after an event. ACUPD checked the information desk in the Campus Center, but no camera had been turned in.

Sept. 20 2:40 a.m. ACUPD received a call about a noise violation. Upon investigation, ACUPD found individuals shooting fireworks in surrounding neighborhoods.

8:06 a.m. Two motor vehicles were reported stolen.

Announcements The Nashvillebased “Blackwood Legacy” gospel group will be performing a free concert at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at Lytle South Baptist Church. For more information, call 695-6533 or visit www.blackwoodlegacy.org.

About This Page

There will be a craft fair from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 2 in the classrooms at the Abilene Regional Medical Center’s Women’s Center. Use the northwest entrance at the back of the hospital.

Sept. 21 11:25 a.m. APD dispatch contacted ACUPD to report they were sending medical assistance to Moody Coliseum for a female who had fallen.

Sept. 22 12:37 a.m. Medical emergency reported for a person struck by a bike while walking on the Lundsford Walking Trail.

12:22 p.m. Reporting party called ACUPD to report their locked car had been broken into and their laptop stolen.

Wednesday 8:55 a.m. A hit-and-run was reported to ACUPD at the Big Purple parking lot.

Subject reported a hit-and-run accident involving his vehicle.

6:30 p.m. ACUPD received a call about a stolen bike at the southern entrance of the William Performing Arts Center.

Corrections In the Sept. 20 issue, we erroneously referred to the McKinney House Museum in story about the Women for ACU dinner. The name of the museum is the Jennings House Museum.

Campus News

September 30, 2009

SERVICE

Page 3

CAMPAIGNS

SALT restructures service SBC needs group leaders Linda Bailey Opinion Page Editor The Service Action Leadership Team organized its only Service Saturday of the semester last weekend.

In the past, SALT organized one Service Saturday every month. Beginning this year, SALT will offer only one Service Saturday for the semester; instead, the team will offer other service opportunities each week.

SALT Secretary Amanda Buchanan, senior psychology major from Lubbock, said the change was made to shift focus to a relational ministry rather than one based on planned events.

Buchanan said SALT will provide weekly opportunities in specific ministry fields for students to join in service.

“We want to get ACU students involved in the weekly ministry that’s a lot more relational than a once-a-month event that they can attend,” Buchanan said.

Mark Foster, administrator for the SALT officer team and senior information technology major from Abilene, said service opportunities are a good way to meet ACU students and members of the Abilene community.

“For Abilene, there are a lot of opportunities to

get involved,” Foster said.

Lydia McAnulty, senior exercise science major from Belmont, Mass., participated in her first Service Saturday last weekend. She worked with the Highland Church of Christ Christmas store, unpacking boxes and taking inventory.

Giving back out of one’s blessings is what service is about, McAnulty said.

Students who want to get involved in a weekly service project can find postings on myACU or visit the Volunteer and ServiceLearning Center.

contact Bailey at

ljb07a@acu.edu

Jill Dougher Student Reporter The ACU Spring Break Committee is conducting interviews this week to select leaders for the 2010 Spring Break Campaigns.

Every fall, students have the opportunity to apply for a Spring Break Campaign leader position. Students given this title are in charge of planning a trip and leading a group of students to a selected destination.

“We should come close to our quota with approximately 40-50 leaders,” said Emily Hood, travel chairman for the 2010 SBC committee. This contrasts with last year, when

ENTERTAINMENT

Dayz go by in Downtown Abilene Lizzy Spano Arts Editor Local businesses and artists will organize special promotions and activities to attract visitors for Downtown Dayz, a monthly event that will take place Oct. 10.

Sponsored by the Abilene Downtown Association, Downtown Dayz was created last year to encourage interest in Abilene’s downtown business and cultural scene.

“The purpose of Downtown Dayz is really to generate interest in folks coming downtown to shop, to dine and to partake of the cultural opportunity,” said Dennis Miller,

president of the Abilene Downtown Association.

Students can park downtown during the event and walk to participating galleries, shops and restaurants – such as Monks Coffee Shop or the Paramount Theatre – to browse or take advantage of possible discounts, Miller said.

Although featured businesses and artists vary each month, many have made repeat appearances, including The Arrangement, RELICS, Eternal Threads, The Loft, McKay’s Bakery and The Grace Museum.

Miller said the association has noticed a gradual increase in visitors

The purpose of Downtown Dayz is really to generate interest in folks coming to shop, dine and partake in the cultural opportunity.

DENNIS MILLER President of the Abilene Downtown Association

on Downtown Dayz.

“Our merchants are telling us that they are seeing a little more traffic in their stores, that it has generated some additional sales,” Miller said. “Like anything that’s new, it takes some time to develop.”

Students are often featured artists and musicians. Cockerell Galleries exclusively displays work

by ACU artists, and the Center for Contemporary Arts has an exhibit by Ash

Almonte, a former McMurry University student, running this month.

Students interested in participating in Downtown Dayz can contact the Downtown Association online at www. abilenedowntown.com.

Next week’s featured participants will be also be displayed online.

contact Spano at

eas07a@acu.edu

the committee had to reopen the application process due to a lack of applicants.

“Being a leader is a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else,” said Hood, senior psychology major from Spearman.

Hood led the Chicago campaign last year.

Ben Rogers, senior finance major from Athens, led the D.C. campaign last year and serves as treasurer for the SBC committee. He said he prefers being a leader rather than a campaigner during Spring Break.

“It’s exciting because you get to see strangers become servants for the

week,” Rogers said.

To prepare for the trip, leaders attend monthly meetings and meet weekly during Chapel to receive instructions and begin building each other up as a team.

Students not leading campaigns still have the opportunity to serve this Spring Break as campaigners. Tri-folds with information on each 2010 trip will be set up in the Campus Center Nov. 2-5. The SBC fair will occur Nov. 3 from 6-8:30 p.m.

contact Dougher at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

From Front

Page 4

September 30, 2009

WELLNESS

Stress: Fun activities a release from common stressors Continued from page 1

established 10 years ago by the Counseling Center as an outreach for students and employees about spiritual, emotional, physical and relational wellness,” said Helen Marshall, Wellness Week coordinator.

Rowland said October is a time when the stress and expectations of college life begin to have an effect on students. Midterm grades,

tests, homesickness and pledging are all stressors at this time, and Rowland said Wellness Week is a way to provide encouragement to students.

The theme of Wellness Week is Victory of Wellness, or VOW. The Peer Health Educators will lead a small group Chapel for those who chose to make a commitment on Thursday in the Campus Center Living Room. The theme is based on the work of Dr.

Dickie Hill, professor of exercise science and health.

Dr. Ellen Little, medical director for the clinic, will begin the week by speaking about “When God is Absent” in Chapel on Monday.

Booths addressing issues from depression to healthy relationships will be set up in the Campus Center on Tuesday, and students from the Abilene School of Massage Therapy will also offer free massages in the Living Room.

These activities will allow students to become aware of stress-management techniques and healthy lifestyles in an engaging way, said Ben Martinez, junior accounting major from Abilene.

“The activities during Wellness Week give students the opportunity to take a break from class work and just have fun,” Martinez said.

Jackie Brunk, senior graphic design major from

ENROLLMENT

ily that the Enrollment Management Office uses to reach out. The Web site will coordinate with ACU Facebook fan pages, allowing students to browse pictures, ask questions and start discussions about campus events.

“I think being innovative is pretty important right now, especially when we’re trying to stand out from

other universities,” said Shelly Tarter, junior theatre and technical design major from Lubbock.

Patterson said his office needs input from current students for the Live Up Web site to reach its full potential. Live Up is targeted at seniors, but all students can participate.

“By submitting testimonies, students are taking part in the tradition of ACU,” Patterson said.

“They see the promise, the

contact Oliver at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer

Lanny Finch of Abilene plays drums with the Screaming Moon Dogs Friday night at Balloon Fest.

Climb: Club cleans land ier to build relationships, because you’re basically trusting people with your thing challenging together life,” Harbor said.

The Outdoor Club plans is a good way to get to know to partner with Rock Adpeople,” Sutherland said.

For Harbor, rock climb- diction again for another climb-anding is an opportunity to combination cleanup next semester. form relationships.

“I don’t know if it’s nec- The cleanup is important essarily easier to meet new in preventing the misuse people doing it, but it’s eas- of public land, Lane said.

contact Spano at

eas07a@acu.edu

branding of the university.

They can take Live Up as a challenge to live up to the potential that God has, the expectations of their professors, and the traditions of the last 104 years.”

Students can visit the Live Up Web site and tell their stories at liveup.acu. edu.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Continued from page 1

“There are a lot of pressures on college students – and a lot of pressure to succeed and do well and be somebody,” Rowlands said.

“One of the things I would love to encourage people to do is love themselves; be OK with who you are and who you are becoming.”

Blowing hot air

Site: Forum for experience Continued from page 1

Jackson, Wyo., said she practices several methods of combating stress during the semester.

“I start every morning with a quiet time; not only for the whole religious part of it – it gives me time to plan and think of what I have to do that day,” Brunk said.

Rowlands encourages similar techniques for stress management, including exercise and avoiding overcommitment.

“It creates a sense of ownership,” he said. “If you see the good you can do picking up trash, you’re less likely to dispense trash. When you escape into the outdoors, but you go into a dump, it’s not very much fun.” contact Williamson at

kkw07a@acu.edu

SING SONG

Sing: Host, hostess auditions Continued from page 1 were performing to a crowd of 3,500 people,” he said.

Auditions will take place Oct. 5-6 in Cullen Auditorium.

Full-time students with at least 60 hours, a grade point aver-

age of 2.5 or better and in good standing with the university — as interpreted by the dean of Student Life — may audition, according to the audition information sheet.

Those interested must sign up for an audition time

slot by Sept. 30 and should plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to their audition time.

The first performance of Sing Song, themed “Name Fame,” will be Feb.18. contact Soto at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Focus

September 30, 2009

Page 5

the

Rocketboys

Homegrown band returns to release full-length album Christina Johnson Features Writer

By day, they work as substitute teachers, waiters or baristas. But when the lights go down, these five ordinary ACU graduates lead far from ordinary lives. The Rocketboys are rocking the music scene as one of Austin’s newest musical sensations and one of Abilene’s favorite homegrown bands.

With two live DVDs, two EPs and multiple tours already behind them, The Rocketboys’ first CD release confirms its legitimacy in the music industry, something the band earned long ago.

Countdown to Launch Before they were Rocketboys, they were ACU students.

The men met through mutual acquaintances freshman year and began playing music together in their residence halls. The band originally included Scott Delony on cello and piano and Philip Ellis on drums. Both left the band for personal reasons, but the music continued. The band that eventually became The Rocketboys is made up of Brandon Kinder (’06), Daniel Wheeler (’06), Justin Wiseman (’07), Mitch Holt (’07) and Josh Campbell (’07).

While earning their degrees, The Rocketboys recorded and released two DVDs and two EPs. They performed on the weekends, sometimes driving back at 5 a.m., just in time to make their 8 a.m. Monday classes.

The band adopted its original name, Homer Hiccolm and The Rocketboys, in 2005. They were inspired by the widely acclaimed Universal Pictures film, October Sky. Kinder, lead vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist, recalled the scene when Homer, portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal, unfolds a newspaper clipping with the headline, “Homer Hickam and The Rocketboys.” Kinder misspelled the name, but it “stuck,” he said.

The real Homer Hickam didn’t seem to mind. Hickam heard about the band from his grandchildren and found the group’s MySpace page. He encouraged the band members’ musical careers and gave them permission to use his name – which didn’t matter in the end. The band changed its name when it moved to Austin eight months ago; the shorter name is easier for fans to remember.

The Rocketboys now reside in Austin, one of Texas’ music hotspots. The city is competitive, bringing opportunities and trials to the band.

“It’s such a musical, diverse city,” said Josh Campbell, bassist and vocalist. “It’s a little more nerve-wracking because you don’t know what’s going on. There might be a better show next door.”

As for Daniel Wheeler, guitarist/aux, he said he loves returning to his alma mater in a town that is “consistent” and “timeless.”

A Ghost is Born The group’s most recent milestone has to be the release of its first full-length album, 20,000 Ghosts. A free concert in The Bean served as the conclusion to ACU’s annual Summit and an album release party. The performance gathered a receptive audience of more than 100 students – an audience that enthusiastically called for more even after the band’s set list had been exhausted.

An enthusiastic fan from Amarillo drove to Abilene for the show. Clarke Paige, 18-year-old Amarillo High School senior, said The Rocketboys have an “original sound.” Paige had just enough time to shake hands with the band before heading straight home to attend school

HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

Guitarist Daniel Wheeler (‘06) sings backup vocals during the Rocketboys’ free concert Wednesday night in the Bean. the next morning.

The band members said they were fortunate to get their start in a small town. They developed a tough work ethic and learned to be innovative in their search for new performance venues.

Their JamFest performance was their very first at ACU. After that came shows at Cobb Park, Monks Coffee Shop, the Abilene Balloon Festival and the Paramount Theatre.

Wheeler recalls the show at Monks – the Rocketboys were the first band to perform there, and they broke fire code with an audience of more than 180 people.

“People want to see the music scene improved,” Wheeler said. “It’s possible to succeed here.”

The Rocketboys have performed nearly 100 shows in the past three years. Two years ago, they won the inaugural Sound and the Jury competition at the Austin City Limits Music Festival.

“We’re all pretty blown away,” Wiseman said. “We’ve accomplished a lot since we’ve picked up our instruments, and plus the fact that we’re making strides to do that and make this a career.”

School of Rock

HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

Joshua Campbell (‘07), bass and vocals, accompanies the band on a xylophone Wednesday night.

The Rocketboys have lived through the pressure of quitting school to pursue music, and they encourage other students to earn their college degrees. They used their college years to find a purpose, sound and a message.

“Through college, you learn to think critically and apply it as an artist,” Wheeler said. “My advice would be, first of all, do what you love to do.”

Wiseman calls The Rocketboys’ genre “ambient rock.”

The band stays out from under the Christian umbrella, because, Wiseman said, he thinks it can reach a broader audience that way.

“With any type of art, your personal beliefs come out and make themselves known,” Wiseman said. “We don’t call ourselves a Christian band. It’s reflected in the things we create and do. We’re positive people and create things that are positive.”

The Rocketboys said they are excited about touring in a week and a half. In the past, they have toured nationally with numerous bands, including Grizzly Bear, Eisley, Art Brut and St. Vincent. During this tour, they will travel across 16 states.

“Its nonstop fun,” Campbell said. “What else do I have to complain about?”

As for the future, the band is working to redefine its

HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

Lead vocalist Brandon Kinder (‘06) sings while playing the piano Saturday night. Kinder also plays guitar for The Rocketboys. goals. A European tour is at the top of the wish list, but the first priority is to make the band a career.

“I don’t care about huge arenas or getting famous,” Campbell said. “I just want to get by, pay the bills.”

The band has been asked to perform at several high profile festivals and venues, such as Next Big Nashville, SXSW, the Cornerstone Festival, the Hotel Café in Los Angeles, the Public Assembly in New York and Stubbs in Austin. But after all the excitement, the members return to their roots: to play music to the best of their abilities.

“We want to keep doing it, not to make money, but because we genuinely love music,” Wheeler said.

The Rocketboys’ new CD is available on iTunes. For more information, visit their Myspace page at www.myspace.com/rocketboys.

contact Johnson at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Opinion

Page 6

EDITORIAL

September 30, 2009

Summit shifts focus to students come for this rich, spiritual feast,” Bryce said.

The mission statement took him by surprise.

“I probably read that 10 times, thinking, ‘Really? Almost 100 years ago, that’s the way it started?’”

Bryce said.

In ACU’s first year – when it was still Childers Classical Institute – a weeklong gospel meeting, of sorts, gave students a break from spring classes and the chance to listen to a notable speaker. As Bryce learned more about the event’s history, he realized the focus of today’s Lectureship had shifted. Christian educators, ministers

Summit 2007 was planned already. While rummaging through his new office, he stumbled upon a box of programs and brochures from past Lectureships (the event’s title was changed to Summit in 2008.) A faded pamphlet from 1921 caught Bryce’s eye. He described the design as bland, with just typesetting, much like an old newspaper.

“I read the paragraph description of what [the event] was about, and it said this: ‘Lectureship is intended primarily for the benefit of the students … and we anticipate that a number of guests will

Summit boasts a deep history of tradition and expectation, any changes to such a longstanding event must be handled with the utmost care. No matter how much consideration is taken, feathers surely will be ruffled; but Brady Bryce and the Office of Ministry Events have done an excellent job bringing Summit’s focus back to students and reaching out to the student body to provide a relevant, challenging experience.

When Brady Bryce joined Abilene Christian University’s faculty as director of Ministry Events,

and alumni were receiving the best of what Lectureship had to offer. This subtle shift was not a positive one, in Bryce’s estimation, and he felt compelled to correct the event’s course by steering the focus back to the student body.

“That’s what I’ve tried to do for the last two years; even the older generations are saying wow,” Bryce said.

“I love pictures of a person with tattoos and piercings sitting next to an old person in a classroom. There’s so much to learn.”

Bryce moved the featured guest slot to 3 p.m. last year after much deliberation about the most con-

Ataraxia

By Jordan Blakey

THE ISSUE

Over time, the Lectureship program drifted from its original purpose.

OUR TAKE

We commend Summit coordinators for bringing the focus back to the students. venient time for the average student. This year, the Office of Ministry Events redesigned the entire Summit schedule to reflect class schedules. Now, students could attend an entire lecture track and miss only one class meeting.

It is no easy task to reformat an established

event such as Summit, but Brady Bryce and his team returned the focus of the week to the students, where it belongs.

Email the Optimist at:

jmcnetwork@acu.edu

COLUMN

Forcing shots ignores rights E-Span Lizzy Spano

COLUMN

Health care a philanthropic issue Guest Column Dr. Cole Bennett I wish to respond to the claim that dutiful Christians should support the political left’s call to fund a national health care plan through governm e n t c h a n nels. The president Bennett himself articulated such an appeal to faith-based organizations in a conference call with religious leaders last month, where he argued “the wealthiest nation is failing to live up to the call” to “be our brother’s keeper.”

While I concede the president and I both want sick people to get well, I object vehemently

to his conflation of my roles as a citizen of the state and a citizen of God’s kingdom. I can explain my objections on both philosophical and practical grounds.

I think if my neighbor is sick, I have the responsibility to love him – not because I am an American, but because I am a Christian. I should visit him, take him food and even help him pay for medical care. If larger numbers in my community, state or country need health care, I should mobilize my church and larger private philanthropic organizations to take care of them through larger-scale donations of money and resources – offered willingly by all donors involved.

What I should not do is enact legislation that binds non-religious citi-

zens to religious behavior.

In the first place, New Testament Scripture records directives for Christians to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and visit prisoners, orphans, and widows; nowhere does it tell us to create a system of government that takes money from people by force – even very rich people – and redistribute it according to such directives.

Jesus pushes Christians toward individual and churchwide collective action for people in need. He does not tell us to wield the power of the state upon non-believers.

In the second place, Christians are called to be good stewards. A dollar given to Abilene’s Love and Care Ministries, for example, goes a lot further to help people than a dollar taken by the

U.S. government, whose runaway spending cannot be monitored or controlled efficiently. Christians should be careful with their resources and object when our government levies taxes that inhibit their ability to give to charities.

My leftist Christian friends often say, “The government must interfere because people might not donate enough to charity.”

My response is simple: Citizens of the United States are not required to love the poor; citizens of the Kingdom are, and no rhetorical attempts by the president will convince me otherwise.

Email the Optimist at:

jmcnetwork@acu.edu

LETTER TO THE EDITOR I believe [a column in Sunday’s issue] concerning pledging was misleading. The author claims to be an insider into the pledging process of a men’s social club.

As a former officer for the club that the author pledged, I know for a fact that the author left the pledging process less than a week into what is a five – week experience. His view is not that of an insider.

In fact, it may be even more skewed than a complete outsider because he witnessed only a small fraction of what the entire process entails.

The [column], which does a very poor job of keeping Gamma Sigma Phi anonymous, represents a smear against a campus organization that truly does provide, for many, an intensely spiritual experience. We would never claim it

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is more than just one way to experience a deeper kind of faith.

No organization is perfect, and social clubs certainly aren’t. But no one is helped by an inadequate, uninformed account of the pledging process that claims to be more than it is.

Brian Peacock, Secretary Emeritus, Gamma Sigma Phi

Optimist the

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

Sports Desk (325) 674-2684

After months of following the swine flu pandemic as it broke out across the nation, the hysteria in reaction to the virus is turning into proactive and preventative action.

A c Spano cording to U.S. health officials, the vaccine for the H1N1 virus will arrive Oct. 5, and while many clinics and hospitals wait with anticipation, others are not eager for the vaccine.

Most facilities will offer the vaccine as a voluntary precaution, but some states are requiring workers to receive the vaccination to avoid spreading the virus. The Washington Post reports H1N1 vaccinations will be mandatory for hospital employees in many states, including in some facilities in New York and Massachusetts.

Many health care workers are unhappy or even angry about the decision, arguing vaccinations should remain voluntary, and people should not be used as guinea pigs to test the effectiveness of the shot. Others are concerned about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

New York State Commissioner Richard F. Daines rationalized the mandatory vaccinations by stating that a patient’s well-being takes priority over personal preferences.

While precaution is certainly necessary, as Daines and other officials suggest, many workers protesting the mandatory vaccine have reason for skepticism. Medical decisions should remain solely with the individual, no matter the circumstance or threat to public health.

This is not to say there is not a place for medication and vaccinations as

our nation struggles to defend itself against the flu.

However, programs requiring a person to receive a vaccine unwillingly cross the line of personal choice and freedom.

ACU recently announced the availability of flu vaccinations in the Medical Clinic on campus for those who wish to take precautions during the flu season. By offering students a choice, the uni-

Medical decisions should remain solely with the individual, no matter the circumstance or threat to public health. versity is providing a safeguard, while refraining from imposing the vaccine upon students who do not wish to receive it.

This approach should be taken nationwide in the reaction to and prevention of the spread of the H1N1 virus. While offering the vaccine to employees within hospital facilities is wise, the choice to receive the vaccination should remain with the individual.

As we struggle to control and eliminate the virus, our nation needs to apply the Constitution in approaching the ethics of vaccinations. Whoever believes preventative action is necessary to avoid the flu should certainly receive a shot, but others who wish to forgo the vaccination should have the right to deny it.

contact Spano at

eas07a@acu.edu

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From Sports

September 30, 2009

VOLLEYBALL

Page 7

FOOTBALL

Sweep: ’Cats power past Rambelles

JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer

Jennie Hutt, sophomore outside hitter from Papillion, Neb., goes up for a spike during ACU’s win against Angelo State.

HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

The Wildcats’ hot streak continues as they sweep Angelo State at home Continued from page 8

advantage. The ladies cruised the rest of the way through the set, winning by a score of 25-18.

The Rambelles finally showed signs of a pulse in the close third set, taking an early lead for a change, but it was too little, too late. ASU kept it close, even maintaining a late 2322 lead over the ’Cats, but three straight errors by the Rambelles broke the deal, and the Wildcats took the third set 25-23.

Jordan Schilling and Shawna Hines played excellent games, both recording 11 kills.

Hines also led the Wildcats in blocks with six. Laura Leone and Ij Moronu each added four blocks. Kelsie Edwards and Jennie Hutt led the team in digs, 10 each.

As a team, the Wildcats had a .240 attack percentage, while the

Rambelles had a lackluster .055 average.

The Rambelles recorded only two blocks versus the Wildcats’ 13.

The Wildcats lost to the Rambelles 1-3 in the regular season but swept them in the postseason tournament last year. Counting the win from this year, the Wildcats have beaten ASU in six straight sets.

The Wildcats have an upcoming tournament at Pittsburg State on Saturday where they will face some tough competition in preparation for the rest of conference play.

The next chance to see the Wildcats at home will be at 7 p.m.

Oct. 8 in Moody Coliseum against Texas Woman’s University.

contact Gwin at

agg07a@acu.edu

Running back Justin Johnson returns a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. It was the first kickoff return for a touchdown since Danieal Manning returned a kickoff 78 yards in 2005.

Comeback: ACU overcomes turnovers, rallies in fourth Continued from page 8 with a 38-yard touchdown reception by wide receiver Edmund Gates.

After ENMU jumped back into the lead with a 39-yard field goal by Taylor Cannon, the Wildcats tied the game at 30-30 with a touchdown run by Reggie Brown. Brown continued to take over the game, scoring two more touchdowns in the fourth and rushing for 235 yards, a career high.

“It was a great game that was very exciting,” Brown said. “I just got to give a lot of thanks to my

hounds to three more points, and defensive back Major Culbert made an interception, leading the Wildcats to victory.

Head Coach Chris Thomsen was critical of his team despite the victory.

“We had too many turnovers,” Thomsen said. “We need to be able to be aggressive on offense and still protect the ball. We turned it over and put our defense in a bad situation, but on the flip side, I am proud of our guys for continuing to battle back. And we are really glad to get out of here with a win.”

The Wildcats’ defense

GAME BREAKERS Optimist picks players of the game and the play of the game. n Offensive Player of the Game: Reggie Brown, 26 rushes for 235 yards, 3 TD n Defensive Player of the Game: Tony Harp, 7 tackles, 1 INT, 2 pass breakups n Play of the Game: In the third quarte, with ACU down by 11, Justin Johnson returns a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown to bring the ’Cats to within four points. n Play of the Game: Major Culbert ends any ideas of a comeback when he intercepts a J.J. Harp pass. The Wildcats were able to score a touchdown after the interception to go up by 11 points.

rushing attack made up against the East Central for it, rushing for 362 University Tigers in Ada, Okla., at 2 p.m. total yards.

Many questions at quarterback were left unanswered. Zach Stewart struggled with turnovers, contact Cantrell at and Mitchell Gale had a jrc07f@acu.edu costly fumble. Clark Harrell We need to be able to be aggressive did not turn the ball over, on offense and still protect the ball. emerging as the dominant CHRIS THOMSEN quarterback in the fourth Head Football Coach quarter – although he completed only three of six linemen. They did a big held the best offense in passes for 60 yards.

The Wildcats remain part of it, just opening up Division II to 303 total yards. They also stepped unbeaten at 5-0, while holes so I could run.”

The Wildcats racked up to make big plays the Greyhounds fell to up 21 points in the when the game was on 2-3. The Wildcats will fourth quarter alone. The the line. Their passing put their perfect 5-0 redefense held the Grey- game struggled, but the cord on the line Saturday

Sports

Page 8

Standings FOOTBALL Ovrl.

Div.

Team

ACU Tarleton St. TAMU-K Angelo St. MSU ENMU SE Okla.

WTAMU Central Okla.

NE State TAMU-C East Central SW Okla.

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

5-0 5-0 5-0 4-1 4-1 2-3 3-2 1-4 1-4 1-4 1-4 0-5 0-5

September 30, 2009

FOOTBALL

Cardiac ’Cats keep perfect season alive

VOLLEYBALL Ovrl.

Team Div. WTAMU MSU TAMU-C East Central ACU SW Okla.

TX Woman’s Central Okla.

Tarleton St. Cameron Angelo State SW Okla.

TAMU-K ENMU

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

15-2 5-13 15-4 12-7 11-4 14-6 9-9 8-9 6-11 13-6 9-7 4-16 9-7 4-14

WOMEN’S SOCCER Ovrl.

Team Div. Central Okla.

ACU ENMU NE State MSU TAMU-C SW Okla.

TX Woman’s WTAMU Angelo State East Central

1-0 1-0 1-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 0-1

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

Scores FRIDAY Soccer ACU 2, Angelo State 1 (2 OT)

SATURDAY Football ACU 44, Eastern New Mexico 33

SUNDAY Soccer ACU 1, UT-Brownsville 0 (OT)

HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

Running back Reggie Brown breaks through the Greyhound defense for his third touchdown in the fourth quarter in ACU’s win over Eastern New Mexico.

ACU’s potent rushing attack propels ’Cats to a fourth quarter comeback Ryan Cantrell Assistant Sports Editor The Wildcats battled back from an 11-point deficit to defeat the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds 44-33 Saturday night.

The Wildcats’ rushing attack overcame some costly turnovers for the dramatic victory.

Instead of the predicted high-scoring shootout, the first quarter became a defensive clash, ending in a 0-0 tie. Scoring picked up as the Wildcats put two field goals on the board, although both drives stalled in the red zone.

The Greyhounds answered with a touchdown on a one-yard pass from quarterback J.J. Harp to wide receiver Jesse Poku, but a missed extra point left the game tied 6-6.

After a Wildcat fumble, the Greyhounds scored

another touchdown for a 7-point lead. The Wildcats salvaged three more points before halftime, bringing the score to 13-9.

Despite a low-scoring first half, the anticipated scoring showdown kicked off at the start of the third quarter. ACU appeared to be in trouble when the Greyhounds intercepted the ball and returned it 61 yards for a touchdown, leaving the Wildcats at an 11-point deficit once again.

However, with their backs against the wall, Justin Johnson returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown to bring the Wildcats within four points of the lead.

The Greyhounds needed only 53 seconds on their next touchdown drive to make the score 27-16, but ACU responded see COMEBACK page 7

HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

Evan Greathouse, sophomore youth and family ministry major from Abilene, shouts toward the field. Many students protested what they thought were bad calls by the referees.

KELSI WILLIAMSON Staff Photographer

Daryl Richardson stiff-arms an Eastern New Mexico defender Saturday at Shotwell Stadium. Richardson finished the game 145 yards rushing.

VOLLEYBALL

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT A quick recap of games you may have missed.

Upcoming

SOCCER

FRIDAY

ACU soccer wins four straight

Volleyball

ACU vs. Central Missouri, 2 p.m.

ACU vs. Missouri Southern St., 6 p.m.

Tanner Knauth Sports Editor

Soccer ACU vs. Northeastern State, 4 p.m.

SATURDAY Volleyball ACU vs. Newman, 11:30 a.m.

ACU at Pittsburg State, 3 p.m.

Football ACU at East Central, 2 p.m.

SUNDAY Soccer ACU at East Central, 1 p.m.

Briefs n Reggie Brown was rewarded for his 235 yards rushing and three TD’s against Eastern New Mexico, earning LSC South Offensive Player of the Week. Brown's performance was the sixth best rushing game in ACU history. n For the second week in a row, a Wildcat was named LSC South Special Teams Player of the Week.

Justin Johnson returned three kickoffs for 170 yards, including a 100-yard touchdown return.

HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

Ijeoma Moronu goes up for a block during ACU’s victory over Angelo State on Thursday.

Wildcats sweep Angelo State Austin Gwin Assistant Sports Editor The Wildcat volleyball team swept Angelo State University on Thursday, winning its 10th game in 11 matches. The win is the second straight conference victory for the ’Cats.

The Wildcats sit at 2-1 in conference play and 11-4 overall. That puts them in fifth place

out of 14 teams in the Lone Star Conference.

ACU dominated the Rambelles from start to finish, jumping out to a 20-14 lead right away in the first set and hitting .360. The Wildcats took the set 25-16.

The second set looked much like the first, as ACU leapt to a quick 18-8 see SWEEP page 7

The Wildcats have won four straight matches in extra periods; the ACU offense came alive, averaging 2.25 goals per game.

After beating Dallas Baptist, ACU beat Texas-Permian Basin 3-2 in double overtime Sept.

22. Three days later, the Wildcats overcame Angelo State 2-1, once again in double overtime.

The ’Cats needed only a single overtime to defeat a visiting UTBrownsville squad 1-0 Sunday.

The Wildcats have generated offense from several players, led

by Courtney Wilson with three goals. Lyndsey Womack and Julie Coppedge have each scored twice,

and Katie Miller and Jordan Reese have one goal apiece.

Crissy Lawson continues to impress, earning her third shutout of the year against UT-Brownsville.

Lawson leads the Lone Star Conference with 48 saves this season.

The Wildcats find themselves at 6-3 for the season and 1-0 in conference after their win against Angelo State. ACU will try to continue their winning streak in a conference battle against Northeastern State in Abilene on Friday.

contact Knauth at

txk07a@acu.edu

TENNIS

Wildcats bring home doubles title Tanner Knauth Sports Editor Jaclyn Walker and Dina Pavlin won the Wilson/ITA South Central doubles championship Sunday at the WU Tennis Center on the Washburn Center University campus.

Walker and Pavlin defeated defending regional doubles champions Zuzanna Osinska and Emina Spirtovic 6-2 and 6-1. The pair from Northeastern State Univer-

sity was also the top seed in this year’s tournament. Walker and Pavlin’s win advances them to the ITA Small College Championships Oct. 15-18 in Mobile.

contact Knauth at

txk07a@acu.edu