The Optimist Print Edition 04.27.18

City council candidates outline goals for college students Page 3

FEATURE

Friday, April 27, 2018 Vol. 106, Issue 29

A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912

BIG COUNTRY DANCE GROUP PROMOTES LATIN CULTURE Page 5

LOOKING UP FOR CHANGE

LAUREN FRANCO CONTENT MANAGING EDITOR Students look at a display of T-shirts hanging near the GATA Fountain Thursday afternoon. The display was part of awareness events hosted by the Title IX office for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

CALENDAR 4/27 •

BSA Skate Night at 11 p.m. at the Skatin Place

•

ACU Ultimate Frisbee exhibition tournament at the Intramural fields

•

A Night in Ghana lecture and movie at 6 p.m.

ISA Spring Banquet at 6:15 p.m.

• •

Shinnery Review release party at 7 p.m.

4/28 •

A Night in Ghana conference 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

5/1 •

Senior Candelight Send-off

BOX OFFICE APRIL 20-22 1. A Quiet Place $20,911,809 2. Rampage (2018) $20,094,294 3. I Feel Pretty $16,030,218

4. Super Troopers 2 $15,181,624 5. Truth or Dare

$ 7,793,425

14

DAYS UNTIL

GRADUATION

SPORTS

HEDRICK LEAVES LEGACY Page 6

Riley to move to provost’s office Ghana event

BY HALEY REMENAR EDITOR IN CHIEF

Dr. Chris Riley, vice president for Student Life, will leave the Office of Student Life at the end of the semester to take a new role in the provost’s office.

He will replace the retiring Dr. Tom Milholland, as the assistant provost for institutional research and SACSCOC liaison.

He will also teach classes in the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice. University leadership will form a search committee and may hire a national search firm to find a new vice president for Student Life, said Kevin Campbell, vice president for enroll-

ment management and student engagement.

Riley will work with the school’s accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, to maintain RILEY academic requirements. Riley said the role fits his studies in institutional research as he earns a master’s in public administration at Penn State University with a certificate in institutional research. The new role will allow Riley more time to teach class-

es and serve as an elder at Highland Church of Christ, he said.

“I prayed that God would allow me to keep serving in a meaningful way at ACU,” Riley said, “but also find a work-life balance that I felt God has called me to at this stage in my family’s life. And God was faithful.”

Riley became vice president for Student Life in 2014. His role involved serving on the Senior Leadership Team, implementing policies for students and overseeing the Office of Student Life.

“I have been blessed to work alongside many inspiring colleagues in Student Life,” Riley said.

“So much of what I have learned has come from those that I am blessed to call my friends and co-workers, who I will miss seeing on a daily basis.”

Riley supervised the Student Government Association and worked directly with SGA president Danny Burke. He also attended Student Congress meetings and helped the SGA cabinet work with the administration.

“I have so much respect for the humility and the gentleness that he leads in, while also being firm,” said Burke, senior marketing major from Seymour, Indiana. “He is incredibly SEE RILEY PAGE 2

Theatre to offer dance major track

BY HALEY REMENAR EDITOR IN CHIEF

The Department of Theatre will launch a new musical theatre dance track for incoming freshmen and upperclassmen in the fall.

Dawne Meeks, chair of the department, said students can now get a minor in dance or major in musical theatre with a dance track. The full-time dance instructor will be Lily Balogh, who trained with the American Ballet Theatre, the New York City Ballet and Ballet Flanders in Belgium. She choreographed CATS and James and the Giant Peach.

“For us to have someone with the character and talent level that Lily has is a blessing,” Meeks said. “Every movement she’s crafted has been on point.”

A private donor provided the funding which made hiring a full-time dance instructor possible, Meeks said.

Meeks said allowing students to major in

dance has been her dream for more than 20 years since she was a student in 1992. At the time, dancing was not permitted on campus although shows could feature choreography. Meeks taught a few dance classes off-campus while she was a student, but they had to be called “choreography” classes.

The university changed its policy to allow both dance classes and on-campus dances in 2012. The first on-campus dance took place March 22, 2012 in the Hunter Welcome Center.

For the last five years, the department has brought in guest artists for semester classes or workshops to allow musical theatre students to take classes.

Guest artists varied from Teri Wilkerson, a local dance teacher who choreographed Sing Song downstage acts, to Melissa Zaremba, a dancer who performed with New York’s Radio City Rockettes.

Meeks said having a

Lily Balogh, instructor of dance, teaches a tap class in January. dance major will allow the department to bring in more students and provide more options for current students.

“It’s missional because we’re helping students grow their God-given gifts,” Meeks said.

The department has not

W W W. A C U O P T I M I S T. C O M

yet specified what requirements it will have for students to get into the dance track program, but Meeks said any student can declare a dance minor.

HRR13B@ACU.EDU

seeks funding for African missions

BY BRIAN SWEET STAFF REPORTER

The Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action will conduct A Night in Ghana Friday and Saturday in the Onstead-Packer Bible Studies Building.

A showing of a movie called Mully, which is about a man who gave his all to start an orphanage in Kenya, will take place from 7-9 p.m. This event is available for one spiritual formation credit.

A conference on the African Diaspora will take place Saturday in Bible building room 114 from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. and then from 5-6 p.m a reception will honor Dr. Samuel Twumasi-Ankrah, the president of Heritage Christian College in Ghana. A voices of Ghana concert will take place from 6-9 p.m. in Chapel on the Hill.

Dr. Jerry Taylor, associate professor of Bible, missions and ministry, said there will be a very special guest speaking at the event Friday night.

Cameron Beaird, junior digital entertainment technology major from Abilene, said the concert will support the Heritage Christian College in Africa.

“It’s a free event but it is a fundraiser,” Beaird said.

“So we are doing this to support this cause to help kids get into college and change their lives. I hope students have a new view of we are all going to college, and there is a lot of people who want to go to college but can’t afford it.”

OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU

2

NE W S

Riley: VP for Student Life to replace assistant provost CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

supportive and encouraging, which I have really needed and appreciated this past year.”

Burke said the next vice president for Student Life should be someone who has humility, good communication skills and knows how to balance the needs of both students and the administration.

“Being able to, whenever you’re talking to students, honor the university and whenever you’re talking with the university, honoring students and definitely there’s a tension between the two,” Burke said. “Having someone who can honor both is a weight and a burden to carry, but it’s also a privilege to be able to share things with students’ lives and to lead them.”

Campbell said the last search for a vice president for Student Life took nine12 months, and Dr. Jan Meyer served as the interim vice president before Riley was hired. Campbell said he hopes to have a new vice president hired by the fall, but in the meantime, the Office of Student Life will report to him. An interim position may be created if no one is hired by the fall.

Riley currently oversees two search committees for a new director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and a university chaplain.

The OMA director position opened when Prentice Ashford left for Lipscomb University during spring break. The chaplain position was created last spring, and the university has been in the hiring process for a year. Campbell said those searches will continue under his leadership.

“A lot of it is a continuation of what Chris was already planning on doing for the summer,” Campbell said. “I hope to continue the momentum forward on that search.”

Campbell said his office has interviewed several national search firms, although a university search committee will also be created to find a new vice president for Student Life. Universities often use search firms to hire executive leaders or deans from a national applicant pool, said Campbell.

“Chris was a great vice president for Student Life,” Campbell said. “So I’ll be looking for somebody who has many of the same characteristics that Chris had.”

HRR13B@ACU.EDU

FRIDAY | APRIL 27, 2018

Home brewers to open new brewery

BY LAUREN FRANCO CONTENT MANAGING EDITOR

Three award-winning members of the Big Country Home Brewers Association plan to open Grain Theory Brewing in the spring of 2019.

After Big Day Downtown last week, Kasselman and his family shared the Facebook page. By the following morning, he said they had already been contacted by press to cover the future opening.

“We became friends and started talking about dreams of opening the brewery one day,” said David Kasselman, one of the three owners of Grain Theory.

Kasselman will be opening the brewery alongside Mathew Cogburn and Jeremy Sivley, who said the goal of the company is to assist in the revitalization of downtown as well as provide a place for friends to have a

community space. Originally the three planned on starting the brewery out of Abilene, but decided to stay downtown, in part because Kingslee Allen, owner of the Kings Barbers on Walnut Street, convinced them to find a local building.

Grain Theory Brewery will be leasing a space from Daniel Gutierrez, located at 202 Pine St. Kasselman said Gutierrez originally envisioned a brewery in one of the balcony areas. After seeing the floor plan and rendering of the building, the three were convinced to open there. Other local businesses will also be able to lease a space, including an area for a rooftop lounge.

Kasselman said the trio plans on opening a clean, open atmosphere with a lot of windows and garage-style doors that can open.

Through the year before its opening, the company will finalize business plans, financ-

Rendering of the building for the Grain Theory Brewery opeing in the Spring of 2019. es, aesthetic and equipment.

Next week they are attending the Craft Brewers Conference to look at equipment and decide what they want, including stainless tanks.

“If you had to go to a brewery in a big city, that’s what we’re aiming for for

Abilene,” Kasselman said.

“We’re hoping to provide a place for our local community. We want to try to create a communal environment and be part of the local community, specifically downtown. We want to help bring attention to downtown, and

bring people to downtown.”

Construction on the project is set to begin this summer.

ment. Not quite as visible is our health department that works on public health issues like providing vaccinations, initial health screenings for refugees being placed in the Abilene and Midland areas, the Healthy Texas Women program, and breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings, to name a few.”

row the money but we send the debt to you. The answer is do things better for everybody.”

Alex Russell, owner of Oddly Natural

LMF14A@ACU.EDU

Council candidates list goals for students

BY HALEY REMENAR EDITOR IN CHIEF

City council elections for Place 1 and Place 2 take place May 5.

We asked each candidate the question: What are your goals for Abilene’s college students and recent graduates?

Place 2

Place 1 Clinton Embry, Robertson Unit nurse

Incumbent Bruce Kreitler, owner of Broken Willow Tree Service

“My goals for the students of our colleges here in Abilene would be for them to be able to retain jobs in Abilene and become residents here. Right now Abilene does not offer much in the way of incentives for students to stay after graduation. The average age of the residents in Abilene is thirty-three years of age, so, obviously, we need new ideas from a younger generation of citizens. Abilene needs more input and representation from the students attending colleges here as to what would keep them living and working here. I, as a council member, would welcome them to give their input into the council meetings. It is obvious jobs, wages, and activities for younger people here is

“I don’t have different goals or priorities for college students than any other citizen. I would like for Abilene to be an attractive place for students to come. College students know a lot about college debt and I’m sure that is constantly on your mind, but what you don’t realize, is that governments saddle you with that as well. That’s up to us to make sure we don’t keep increasing it. Right now, here in Abilene, every man, woman and child carries $3,600 of civic debt in the city of Abilene. I would remind college students of that a lot of that comes from projects where the stated goal was “Hey, we’ve gotta keep this community in good shape for future generations.” We bor-

a must in order keep college living and working here. I would encourage these students to get involved in every aspect in the community, not be shy about getting involved in community service, sharing their voices and ideas with those on the City Council. Their input could only help Abilene thrive.”

Incumbent Shane Price, vice president of development at Bookstore Manager Inc. “I believe Abilene is a great place to live. However, I also recognize that it is not the best place to live for everyone. Plus, what appeals to

or is important to one group may be basically meaningless to another. To make living in Abilene attractive to everyone, including college students and graduates, we must have a stable water supply....

We implemented some strategies that expanded our water supply to include a fourth reservoir, and we continue working towards having a new reservoir built several miles north of Lake Fort Phantom Hill Reservoir....

In addition to a stable, clean water supply, people want to feel safe where they live.

This includes a well-trained and properly equipped police department and fire depart-

“My main goal is to get them registered to vote and voting. As far as after graduation, it’s to keep them in Abilene and find them a job.

We’re working with Abilene Young Professionals and Campus Connect to pair students with young professionals in their industry. We’re trying to open up building opportunities so young entrepreneurs can have a place to come in and renovate instead of having to build a new building.”

Jack Rentz, owner of Rentech Boiler Systems “Meaningful jobs. Business creates meaningful jobs, the city council doesn’t, but we hope that we can create meaningful jobs to help people. We’ve got to have businesses to create those jobs. Some people think its all about quality of life but at some point a meaningful job takes precedent over that.”

HRR13B@ACU.EDU

ACUPD to host self-defense classes on campus

BY MADISON FICHTNER STAFF REPORTER

The ACU Police Department hosted a condensed self-defense seminar April 17 to show support for Sexual-Assault Awareness Month. The seminar was set up to show students a demonstration of a twonight course that was offered through the police department.

“You can talk about awareness, and you can talk about dating situations, and you can even talk about attacks,” said ACU Police Chief Jimmy Ellison. “The value of this course is to take all of those and wrap them into one and provide hands-on experience.”

The Rape Aggression Defense program, also know as R.A.D., is a self-defense program

offered that aims to give the participates handson experience in defense.

This is a nationwide program that requires the instructors to be certified by attending conventions each year. ACUPD Lieutenant Randy Motz and Sergeant Sheila Barton saw the R.A.D. program at a campus police convention and decided to bring it to campus.

In the future, the police department hopes to offer R.A.D. classes a couple of times per semester. The program offers a chance for participants to put on the gloves and learn how to stop someone from attacking them. The police department hopes to reach out to the incoming freshmen classes by making them aware of the class during Wildcat Week be-

cause they believe that the program is worthwhile.

“As a father and a career police officer, I know the reality of the risks and dangers that are out there for college-age women,” Ellison said. “These courses are valuable and could become something that helps ward off attackers.”

MRF12A@ACU.EDU

POLICE LOG SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 04/18/2018 4:50 p.m.

ACUPD investigated a hit and run accident in which a WFF employee struck a parked vehicle while leaving work. The employee returned to the scene, and the report was completed.

04/18/2018 9:45 p.m.

ACUPD investigated the report of a prowler inside a residence in the 500 block of EN 2rd St. Officers searched the house and determined that no unauthorized persons were there.

04/19/2018 8:04 p.m.

ACUPD investigated a reported fire alarm and smoke present at Smith-Adams Hall. The building was evacuated, and it was determined that no fire had occurred, but that a student used a washing machine that was out of order with electrical problems.

04/19/2018 6:00 p.m.

ACUPD conducted the initial investigation of a burglary that had been committed at an off-campus student’s apartment in the 600 block of EN 15 th . Case referred to APD. 911 CALL 1 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY 19 ALARM 3 ASSIST 5 BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK 13 BURGLARY (RESIDENCE) 1 CHECK BUILDING 237 DOMESTIC DISTRUBANCE 1 DRUG ACTIVITY/OFFENSE 2 ESCORT 2 EVENT SUPPORT 1

FOOT PATROL 6 FOUND PROPERTY 5 HIT & RUN 1 INFORMATION REPORT 4 INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP 8 LOST PROPERTY 5 MAINTENANCE UNIVERSITY ASSETS: CCTV 3 MAINTENANCE: UNIVERSITY ASSETS 2 MEDICAL EMERGENCY 2

MONITOR FACILITY/LOT MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK OTHER PARKING LOT PATROL PARKING VIOLATION PATROL VEHICLE: MAINTENANCE PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL PROWLER

4 1 12 2 36 5 12 8 1

PUBLIC SERVICE RANDOM PATROL REPORT WRITING SEX OFFENSE TRAFFIC STOP TRAINING VEHICLE COLLISION WELFARE CHECK

1 16 12 1 5 2 1 2

TOTAL

527

POLICE CHIEF TIP OF THE WEEK: ACUPD would like to thank all of the student groups who helped promote awareness of sexual assault this month.

Great teamwork!

N E WS

FRIDAY | APRIL 27, 2018

GROUNDED

3

Visual media specialist, Scott Delony, flying drone.

Drone regulations irk flyers in Abilene

BY BRIAN SWEET STAFF REPORTER

Drones allow videographers and photographers to get those hard-to-get shots from above.

Abilene is one place where the scenery around the outside of town is a prime example of shots that drone users look for.

The increase in drone usage by commercial users and hobbyists led the Federal Aviation Administration to implement regulations concerning drone flying in late 2015. Safety was the main driving force.

The regulations have affected several people trying to start their own drone videography businesses, including Abilene resident Luke Howell, owner and operator of Abilene Drone.

“It delayed our ability to grow initially as

we were waiting to hear back on waivers,” Howell said. “The process can be lengthy. For example, we had to turn down some nighttime jobs because we did not have the night waiver yet because we were at the mercy of the FAA on processing it and giving us an answer. This has resulted in lost business in the past. We have voiced these concerns to the FAA in the past, and they understand, but there is not a whole lot they can do about it as everything just has to run through the process so to speak.”

The law requires drone hobbyists to contact hospitals, airports, helipads and military bases within a fivemile radius before flying their drones. The FAA has an app, B4Ufly, that shows all locations drone pilots need to contact.

FOR RENT LARGE FURNISHED RENT HOUSE A MUST SEE! Great for 4-5 tenants, $1600/month. Only 1/2 block from ACU campus, clean, well maintained.

No smoking. No pets. 1 year leases beginning June 1st. Please call (325) 513-6572 for more details.

LARGE HOUSE FOR RENT

2532 GARFIELD

NEAR ACU, 2,628 sq.ft. 7 bedrooms/4 baths, 2 living areas, dining room, central heat/air, refrigerator, stove, washer/dryer, otherwise unfurnished. Circle drive and rear parking.

Pets okay with deposit. Tenant responsible for utilities. $2500.00 monthly (or $360.00 per x7) plus one-time security deposit. Email becky@ beckyhamric.com or call 325-668-2949.

n w o t n w o D Dance LIVE MUS IC FOOD TRUCKS

MAY 5 201 Mesquite St.

Leigh Black, marketing director for Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, said the hospital takes drone precautions seriously for safety and privacy concerns of hospital patients.

“We don’t own the airspace, but we own the landing pad. Because helicopters could land at any time in emergency situations, there should be no drone activity in the area,” Black said. “All drone operators have to file a flight plan with the FAA prior to flying. If media uses a drone, they are violating our policy that says no cameras are allowed without HMC escort.”

Drone flyers don’t agree with all the rules, and some think need to be changed.

The primary rule that drone enthusiasts have an issue with is registering a flight plan with the FAA. Seth Patton, a diesel technician at Abilene Diesel, said this is one of the many rules that need to be ironed out in legislation related to drones.

“Registration of a flight plan needs to be almost automated,” Patton said.

“The electronic stuff they are proposing and that kind of stuff works – when it’s easy enough that people will do it. Right now is so convoluted and complicated that people will find another way around it.”

ACU uses drones to fly and get shots of campus from above to show the beauty of the campus for

marketing purposes. When commercial fliers are not employees of the university they need to get permission first. Scott Delony, visual media specialist in the Office of Creative Services, said flying over campus requires a process.

“If anyone is coming on campus for any sort of commercial purposes, for their business or for ACU’s, we do require them to show us their waiver of authorization because ACU is in a controlled airspace,” Delony said. “If they don’t have that, even if they have their license, we don’t allow them to fly here.”

Sometimes the regulations can be a blessing for others in drone videography businesses because of the limited competition that results.

“Our ability to grow quickly over the past year has given us an edge while other people are still trying to get all the legalities in order,” Howell said. “That time was extremely valuable to us as with a startup company in a very new industry, it has led us to become the predominant drone company in the area.”

One solution that a lot of drone enthusiasts, including Howell, want to see happen is the creation of a designated area where drone flyers can fly their drones without contacting the airport.

“There should be designated “drone friendly” parks or areas that allow

MAJOR RULES FOR DRONE HOBBYISTS

BY FAA

• Fly for hobby or recreation only • Register your model aircraft • Notify the all airports and air traffic control towers that are within 5 miles of flight prior to flying • Maximum altitude is 400 feet • Fly within visual line-of-sight • Follow community-based safety guidelines and fly within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization • Fly a drone under 55 lbs. unless certified by a communitybased organization • Never fly near other aircraft • Never fly near emergency response efforts people to enjoy them,” Howell said. “They are very fun recreationally and can be operated safely.

The problem is you have the few bad apples that do something stupid and then ruin it for everyone. I think designated drone areas though would be great or at least if we could imple-

ment an education course when purchasing a drone so that everyone can enjoy them but operate in a safe and positive manner.”

BCS10A@ACU.EDU

U R G R A D UAT E W I T H A H O N O R YO

SENIOR AD

IN ACU’S CAMPUS NEWSPAPER The Optimist - Commencement Edition 2018 PURCHASE ONLINE AT: acu.edu/optimist-ad

DEADLINE APRIL 27

Small, Medium or Large ad sizes available.

Color or Black & White options. Prices vary.

Abilene, TX

SAT$ 7- 10 PM $ TICKETS 8 ADV.| 10 AT DOOR

ellerhall.com

For additional information, please contact Optimist Advertising at 325-674-2819 or optimist@acu.edu.

w

4

OP I N I ON

FRIDAY | APRIL 27, 2018

Alex Russell best choice for college students City council elections take place May 5, and early voting is in full swing this week. Although college students don’t typically participate in local elections, we believe one candidate should catch the attention of students in this election. Alex Russell is the youngest candidate running for Abilene City Council Place 2.

Russell will offer a needed boost of youth to the Abilene City Council and can represent a large swath of the Abilene population which has often been overlooked by the Abilene City Council.

Abilene has a lot going for it – cheap housing, a median resident age around 30 and many niche restaurants with loyal customers. In population size and median income, Abilene is similar to Waco. Yet, if you were to poll residents of Texas, we’d imagine that Waco would be named the more desirable locale. Part of this would have to do with how it’s a more central location in Texas, but besides that, Waco is just viewed as a more attractive

place for young people.

We are unsure of what it would take for Abilene to be viewed in the same light as Waco, but we know Alex Russell offers the most comprehensive vision for attracting young talent and jobs to this city.

Abilene needs representation for underrepresented minority groups, entrepreneurs and business professionals.

On her website, Russell says “As your city council representative, I will represent all of Abilene. I will host events, community conversations, and work every day to connect ALL the demographics that are shaping Abilene. All our voices, backgrounds and values should culminate to bring the best ideas together to prosper our city and her people. I can make these connections.”

This kind of language is absent from other candidates platforms and sets Russell apart. Russell offers representation for these groups in more explicit language than any other candidate. If Abilene is to be great and become an attractive

area for business, these populations need to be elevated to a place of higher importance.

Russell offers a breath of fresh air from the citywide stagnation we have witnessed during our time at ACU. Because college students are temporary residents, we have been overlooked by past city council members.

In a statment to the Optimist regarding her goals for college students as a councilwomen, Russell said “My main goal is to get them registered to vote and voting. As far as after graduation its to keep them in Abilene and find them a job. We’re working with Abilene Young Professionals and Campus Connect to pair students with young professionals in their industry. We’re trying to open up building opportunities so young entrepreneurs can have a place to come in and renovate instead of having to build a new building.”

Russell is uniquely equipped to accomplish these goals as she has worked in Abilene since

The word hero gets overused a lot in today’s world.

On a given day, the title ‘hero’ might be given to an athlete, movie star, talk show host, or any one of a number of people that make a temporary splash in a particular line of work. In reality, there are few true heroes in today’s world. My mom, Dr. Cheryl Bacon, has always been my hero.

For all 28-plus years of my life, she has been there for me. For rides to countless practices, games, and road trips to see the Rangers, Mavericks, and Cowboys. She’s been there when I needed a shoulder to lean on, or if I needed a kick in the butt. (If you see her, ask about when she found out I was on Chapel probation as an undergrad.)

She was there when I moved out, graduated, and got married. I’m not

the only one she’s always been there for either.

For the last 39 years on the ACU campus, Dr. Bacon has also always been there for kids that weren’t biologically her own. Whether it was for

and Mass Communication a better place.

Mom has worn a lot of hats at ACU over the years.

At different points, she’s been a professor, assistant sports information director, alumni director, and adviser

2014 when she graduated from Texas Tech.

We may not be here for long, but Abilene is our home, and we should participate in voting to make it a better place. It is important to start civic engagement in college so that we do not take our

Dr. Bacon retires after 39 years

Letter to the Editor

By Michael Bacon, son of Dr. Cheryl Bacon

“

...mom always went above and beyond to make sure that her students had a home away from home”

advice, a meal, or a place to do laundry, mom always went above and beyond to make sure that her students had a home away from home. She has served on committees, mentored young faculty members, and done everything in her power to make ACU and the Department of Journalism

to both the Prickly Pear and Optimist. In 1998 she moved into her current role as chair of the JMC department.

Over the last twenty years, she has seen her department receive national accreditation and numerous other national honors.

No pressure, Dr. Pybus, but you have some big shoes to f ill!

In addition to her roles at ACU, Mom has worn a lot of other hats at home as well. She’s been mom, dad, caretaker to her parents, taxi driver, referee for arguments between my sister, Kate, and me, driveway rebounder, cook, maid, landlord to my college roommates, and most importantly, hero. A hero to me, my sister, and my grandparents, who have a front row seat with the Man upstairs.

Trying to find a way to honor Mom in retirement has been quite a challenge.

There was a dinner last night at Perini’s for family and friends, and there’s a reception this afternoon.

There will be tickets to see Elton John later this year.

We could have dinners and receptions for 39 more years and it wouldn’t be enough.

Mom … you’re the best.

Love you.

The undeviating dilemma of our ideologies OVER THE HILL DAVIS HILL OPINIONS EDITOR Freshman Psychology major San Angelo, Texas

In our society, we are stuck in constant dilemmas, but one of the most prevalent and problematic is the dilemma between political ideologies. We live our lives and separate groups of people based upon who you voted for in the last election. We disagree with each other simply because the other doesn’t align with our political party.

We lose all hope in moderation and compromise if we continue to identify people by who they support or do not support, and this has become a serious problem when we look at the relationships of peo-

ple. Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, if you are passionate about politics, you have probably lost a friend or the ability to make new ones because difference in politics.

We must work not simply to listen to the other side, but to understand and work with the other side as well. Our country’s most threatening problem is not economy, foreign invaders or even who the next president is going to be. The underlying problem of disunity threatens our establishment as a world power who fights for freedom, justice and hope.

The words written by

Aaron Sorkin, screenwriter for The Newsroom, “We didn’t identify ourselves by who we voted for in the last election, and we didn’t scare so easy” have resonated in my mind ever since I found my passion in politics. While I may have liberal views, I do not identify by who I wanted to win in the past elections. I identify myself as an American who loves my home.

Political discourse is an informative and eye-opening activity, but the only way it stays like this is if we open our minds to the viewpoints of others. We must work to identify not with a party or an ideology but as American citizens who simply want the best for their country.

I am not blind to the problems my hopes have.

I see that our society is plagued by bias and hatred on both sides of the

invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes.

Phone numbers will not be published.

Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu

JMC13D@ACU.EDU

T H E

EDITORIAL AND LETTER POLICY Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration.

Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university.

The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or

spectrum, and that the likelihood of this plan happening is slim to none, but I will never change my mind that we must look to understand the other.

This problematic dilemma will be no easy feat, but I’ve seen our nation change in a heartbeat. When Apollo 11 touched down on the moon, we inspired an entire generation to pursue their dreams because the sky, in fact, was not the limit. When the towers fell, our eyes were opened to the injustice and suffering in the world, and we still strive for world peace.

As a country, we are capable of so many wonderful things, but these wonders and hopes are only possible when we work together as citizenry, not as political parties.

right to vote for granted as we get older.

As college students, we bear a responsibility of sorts to leave Abilene in a better place than we found it. We are only here for a short time, yet our time here will impact us greatly and so too should we impact Abilene.

We can do this through getting involved with a local church, Young Life, or World’s Backyard and we can vote for Alex Russell, a candidate who will bring real change to Abilene.

EDITOR@JMCNETWORK.COM

@acuoptimist @thisisemmazing 04/26/18 4:31 P.M. Did I know that getting Sonic was going to make me late to class? Yes. Did I do it anyway? Also yes. @k8hancock 04/26/18 3:20 P.M. Can anyone put into words the difference in taste of coke vs Dr. Pepper @SuperheroMiriam 04/27/18 4:05 P.M. I have so many Bean Bucks left. I might have to pull a God’s Plan at lunch lmaoo @empirestrikemak 04/23/18 10:08 A.M. Freshman year me: “ACU is like church camp but with homework!”

Senior year me: “ACU is just a bunch of fat L’s for me but everyone keeps telling me Jesus loves” @Popcornsensei 04/22/18 1:16 P.M. I AM NOT MENTALLY PREPARED FOR INFITNITY WAR THIS WEEK!!!!!!!!! @iamjmc95 04/22/18 4:47 P.M. There are two places in this world, Abilene and not abilene @camillaklar 04/26/18 2:02 P.M. here a flue, Theraflu, everywhere a flu @elisabeth1297 04/25/18 4:23 P.M. Today is supposed to not be too hot or cold, all i’m supposed to need is a light jacket. This is fake.

Abilene tried me. @makaleyy_lynn 04/22/18 10:11 P.M. Kauy and I went to the grocery store and i called him to ask where he was. he said “let me put it this way.. i’ve BEAN here for a long time” and i’ve never been more proud of him

O P T IM IST

published by the department of journalism and mass communication staff and management board Haley Remenar Editor in Chief Lauren Franco Content Managing Editor Jonathan Raitz Sports Director Amber Chavez Video Director

Emily Guajardo Arts and Features Editor Evan Rodriguez Web Editor Max Preston Assistant Sports Editor Davis Hill Opinion Editor

newsroom (325) 674-2439

sports desk (325) 674-2684

Hannah Null Adam Dorrel Show Host Ernesto Guajardo Cartoonist Jessica Clark Newscast Producer Daniel Tapia Graphic Designer

Katie Cripe Graphic Designer Stella Wieser Copy Editor Caleb Maltby Copy Editor Hope Cordes Copy Editor

photo department (325) 674-2499

Davis Denton Sports Reporter Laurel Drain Videographer Cole Widder Videographer AJ Carter Videographer

advertising office (325) 674-2463

Holly Dorn Staff Photographer Matthew Baker Staff Photographer Madison Fichtner Staff Reporter Lee Mills Staff Reporter

multimedia desk (325) 674-2463

Kenneth Pybus Faculty Adviser

Cade White Visuals Adviser

Celeste Kinkade Advertising Manager

subscriptions ($40/Year) (325) 674-2296

FRIDAY | APRIL 27, 2018

F E ATUR E

5

POR

AMOR A

MEXICO

Ballet Folklorico del Big Country: Alma de Nuestras Raices continues to present the beauty of traditional Latin folk dance through hard work, dedication and their love for Mexico’s rich history

BY EMILY GUAJARDO ARTS AND FEATURES EDITOR

W

ith intense focus and tiny droplets of sweat running down their olive skin, eight little girls twirl around in their multi-colored skirts of pink, aqua blue and purple inside the dimly lit girls’ gym at the Jefferson Center on the corner of S. 14th street.

Mariachi music begins to play from a mini speaker set at the front of the gym.

The girls align themselves for their next dance. And in one semi-fluid motion, Folkloric class has begun.

Ballet Folklorico del Big Country: Alma De Nuestras Raices has started each class the same way – with instruction, repetition and dashes of fun along the way. Known for their unique style and smiling dancers, Ballet Folklorico del Big Country has established its name among many members of the Abilene arts community.

Joyce-Martinez Sledge, an alumnus, started the community dance group in 2015 with many initial motives in mind; one of which included the need for expression of Latin culture in a predominately Anglo community.

“Ballet Folklorico is an art,” Sledge said.

“When we created this group, we wanted to attach ourselves to the arts community.

We knew the culture part. It’s our history, it’s our heritage. But, people weren’t seeing it as an art. So, we decided to focus on it more. It takes discipline. It tells a story for every region and state in Mexico. From the clothing, the music and everything, we really try our best to connect it to people here.”

Ballet Folklorico is a term for Latin folk dances which emphasize individual states within Mexico. With pointed feet, exaggerated turns and highly technical choreography, Ballet Folklorico has gained popularity across the Southwestern United

PHOTOS BY EMILY GUAJARDO

States, Central and South America.

Recognized by some fancy footwork like the Jarabe Tapatio, a regional dance from Jalisco, Folklorico dancing has allowed various cultures to watch Latin history unfold in just a few quick steps.

In the middle of the group, one navy skirt twirls precisely on the beat. Beads of sweat run down her scrunched-up face as she intensely grabs her skirt by its sides.

Kyleigh Duboise, nine, is one of the more advanced dancers of the younger division. Although she is nearly silent during class, her drive for perfection is clearly shown.

“I like dancing because it can be challenging sometimes,” Duboise said.

“I wanted to join it because when they came they said they really needed more boys, and so they asked my brother and I said, ‘What about me?’ and they let me join too.”

Duboise said she enjoys all aspects of Folklorico; well, almost everything. Like many folklorico dances, many routines require a male partner. For Duboise, this may be her least favorite part.

“Yeah, I don’t really like the boy parts of the dances,” Duboise said. “One time, one of my friends told me that she didn’t want to dance with a boy, and I didn’t either.”

A

lthough the group is comprised of more female dancers, Sledge said the group was created with the intention of providing a more inclusive dance group where anyone who is interested in learning can join – regardless of one’s skin color, religious affiliation or amount of Spanish fluency.

“When we started, we said ‘This is ballet. We need to make something so that other people can join,’” Sledge said.

“There was a group here before that would perform on Cinco de Mayo and a couple of other times. So, I was a part of the Hispanic Leadership Council and

I presented to them ‘Hey. Why don’t we create a group where anyone can join?

It doesn’t matter what your race is, what your religious affiliation is, or even their ethnicity. If someone wants to learn it, they can be a part of it.’”

During class, each girl is instructed and shown the next series of steps. One by one, each dancer is brought to the front alongside their instructor, Christina Gonzales, as they practice zapateados – a heel stomping motion from the region of Veracruz.

“Do it a little slower, mama. Remember to stay with the beat and to not go too fast,” Gonzales said as she lightly holds each dancer’s hand. “Let’s do it again.

Everyone ready? Five, six, seven eight.”

Suddenly, the music changes.

It’s time to learn a new dance. More experienced dancers get paired up with the younger ones. Gonzales begins to count off again.

Gonzales has been dancing since she first saw a folklorico group perform at the St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic church in Abilene. Remembering how graceful and full of life each dancer looked, Gonzales knew she wanted to be a part of it.

After years of working on perfecting the craft and working two jobs, Gonzales said she is so grateful for a group like this. For Gonzales, dancing has become her space.

“So much of our heritage is taken away,” Gonzales said. “We are taught to always stay in line and follow the right rules and kids need to know their past to know their future. It’s good to know so much more than just the dance. The dance is just the beginning of it. It’s where the dance comes from, each dance has a story, and it teaches kids where we come from.”

Rooted into Gonzales’s head is the idea that Folklorico can remind people of how Mexico is a “melting pot” comprised of many stories, ethnicities and ideas.

“This is a good way to teach people

“

“So much of our heritage is taken away,” Gonzales said.

“We are taught to always stay in line and follow the right rules and kids need to know their past to know their future. It’s good to know so much more than just the dance. The dance is just the beginning of it.”

CHRISTINA GONZALES,

INSTRUCTOR FOR BALLET FOLKORICO DEL BIG COUNTRY

their history and that anybody can do this,” Gonzales said. “Folklorico is so complex. We tell kids and parents that you won’t be good at every state dance.

Some are more technical while others are more fluid. And so we remind the kids to just practice and to push themselves to get better.”

After the third run-though, Gonzales calls everyone back to their designated dot marked on the gym floor. A few remarks about their last performance are mentioned and just like that, class is dismissed.

Running out the door, eight girls slip off their skirts and run into the mazed halls of the gym.

Sledge said she is amazed to see how far the group has come. With nearly 20 sponsors, this all-based volunteer dance group has surpassed Sledge’s expectations.

“We are going to do some things with the Abilene Philharmonic, and that’s just a huge break for us,” Sledge said. “This group has really shown Abilene what it can do, and now we have the opportunity to give back to the community. We have just been so blessed, and we want to keep this up. We have a great group of volunteers, and you know, we all get along. This is just a blessing.”

EAG13A@ACU.EDU

6

SPORTS

FRIDAY | APRIL 27, 2018

STANDINGS Baseball

Team

Ovrl. SLC.

SHSU 28–13 SELU 27–17 McNeese 20–21 HBU 20–21 UCA 23–17 UIW 25–17 NWSU 23–18 NOU 18–25 Nicholls 17–25 Lamar 14–28 SFA 14–26 TAMU-CC 20–22 ACU 19–20

15–3 14–7 14–7 12–6 11–7 10–8 9–9 7–11 7–11 8–13 6–12 5–13 5–16

Softball

Team

LAUREN FRANCO CONTENT MANAGING EDITOR Senior Shortstop Peyton Hedrick has totaled 44 home runs, 155 RBI’s, and a career average of .353 in her time as a Wildcat.

TURNING THE CORNER

Hedrick provides stability during Div. 1 transition

BY MAX PRESTON ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

With a strong career at the plate and a solid presence in the field, it’s no doubt senior shortstop Peyton Hedrick will leave behind a strong legacy when she graduates this season.

Hedrick is nearing the completion of four healthy seasons in which she has been named to two first All-Southland Conference teams, one second-team and will wait to see if she receives any postseason honors this year.

Hedrick attended North Forney high school starting in 2010. She became a four-year letter winner and was a team captain.

In her career, she batted above .500 and totaled 13 home runs with 152 RBIs. Her team also won district three years out of the four she attended.

When it came time for Hedrick to start thinking about commitment, Head Coach Bobby Reeves said he was already scouting her and in fact knew her already

before even high school.

“I’ve coached against her mom, she’s coached about 30 years of college ball,” Reeves said.

“I watched Peyton at a young age and thought she was gonna go play for her mom, but she got out of the business before Peyton got out of high school, so we had a chance to get her, and I was excited the day she said she wanted to commit to ACU.” Hedrick then started her ACU career in 2015.

Although her team finished at 14-33 overall and 8 -19 in conference, she would quickly become recognized as a great player, individually being named to the first All-Southland Conference team at the conclusion of the season.

In her first season, she finished second in the conference in batting average at .432. She also finished in the top-ten of other categories including home runs (12), RBIs (45) and hits (67).

The National Fastpitch Coaches Association also honored her as she finished

in the top-25 for freshman of the year and tabbed her with a spot on the second All-South team.

Her team turned it around in Hedrick’s sophomore season finishing at 26-21 overall and 16-8 in conference. She also continued her success statistically hitting for a .331 average with 12 home runs and 37 RBIs. The conference honored her once again naming her to the second All-Southland team.

When her junior season rolled around, Hedrick arguably put together her best campaign of the three.

Her team finished 33-22 overall and 20-7 in conference with wins against the University of Iowa and Texas Tech. She led the conference with 15 home runs, 52 RBIs, .765 slugging percentage and 137 total bases. Her .374 batting average was also good enough for seventh on the conference leaders list.

Once again, Hedrick earned postseason honors by being named to the first All-Southland Conference

team and was also given a spot on the NFCA second All-South team.

With her senior season still in progress, her team currently sits at 20-21 overall and 12-9 in conference.

The veteran shortstop has hit for a .274 average along with five home runs and 21 RBIs this season.

With only a few conference games remaining, Hedrick only has one goal in mind.

“We want to take this conference tournament, it’s a free for all at this point,” Hedrick said. “We’re one of the top teams, and right now we’re starting to peak up higher, we’re working our way up, we’re hoping at the conference tournament everyone is at their best and we go in and take that tournament.”

With this season’s results still pending, Hedrick has totaled a .353 average, 44 home runs and 155 RBIs which will certainly leave her a legacy of being one of the best softball players to pass through ACU. With graduation coming

up, Hedrick said it’s been a sentimental semester.

“It’s been very different thinking about how my career is finally about to be over,” Hedrick said.

“It’s been a quick semester of college, just like the rest of my semesters, but we’ve been trying to slow down softball and sit back and enjoy it. I’ve had a great group of girls and great coaches.”

After Hedrick graduates, she plans to earn her master’s degree here at ACU and will become a graduate assistant for the softball team during that time.

The regular season games that remain in her career include a threegame road series this weekend against Central Arkansas starting Friday at 5 p.m., a single game against Texas Tech in Lubbock Tuesday at 6 p.m. and a three-game series on the road against Stephen F. Austin next weekend.

posted a 13-8 record overall and won five of their last six matches for conference record of 7-4. Each of the teams also had individual players honored on Wednesday with all-conference recognition.

The men snagged the top four spots on the second team, as junior Josh Sheehy, sophomores Jonathan Sheehy and Niko Moceanu and senior Henry Adams were all awarded all-conference.

Josh Sheehy led the team with 13 wins at the No. 1 spot, followed by Jonathan Sheehy with 12 at the No. 2.

On the women’s side, senior Lucile Pothier and freshman Nini Memishishi each landed second team all-conference honors at the No. 1 and No. 3 spots respectively. Pothier was 13-4 at the top spot for the Wildcats and Memishishi only lost one match at the No. 3 spot and led the team with 16 wins.

Williams said the team see the conference tournament as a fresh start.

“We as a team are strong,

smart and talented all in our own ways, but together we are a tough team to beat,” Williams said. “The conference tournament is a second chance for us and we are going to make the most of it.”

For Williams and Pothier this is their first and last chance to play in the conference tournament. Williams said she’s been looking forward to this for a long time.

“This is my first time playing in the conference tournament and it’s been a long wait,” Williams said.

“I’m super excited for the opportunity and so is Lucile. I think we are a deserving team and can potentially win the tournament.

We’ve been through a lot together, but I’m excited to be sharing this experience with not only my teammates, but my friends.’

The tournament begins Friday with the first round matches and goes until Sunday when the championship matches will be played.

MJP14B@ACU.EDU

Tennis awaits first conference tournament

NICK CROMWELL STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Seniors Brad Gleason and Henry Adams talk things over with Head Coach Hutton Jones.

BY JONATHAN RAITZ SPORTS DIRECTOR

After the men’s and women’s tennis team had their final regular match of the season against Oklahoma Baptist cut short due to inclement weather, the Wildcats now await their first-ever Southland Conference Tournament.

The teams made it through the doubles match-

es and half of the opening singles matches on Tuesday before it was called.

ACU heads to Beaumont this weekend with the men ranked as the third seed in the tournament, while the women enter ranked sixth.

Senior Whitney Williams said she likes where the teams are at heading into conference.

“I’m excited to be playing in Beaumont at Lamar

because when we faced them in a dual match we all played really well at those courts,” Williams said. “So, I think that’s promising when looking towards the tournament.”

The men finished the season with a 14-10 record overall and were undefeated in conference before dropping their last two to finish at 3-2 in the six-team league.

Meanwhile, the women

JMR13B@ACU.EDU

Aggies tame Wildcats 8-2 with late push

BY JONATHAN RAITZ SPORTS DIRECTOR

A week after defeating TCU in extra innings, the Wildcats took on another Power Five opponent in Texas A&M, but were overcome by big second and seventh innings, 8-2.

The No. 18 Aggies scored three in the second inning on a three-run home run from Cole Bedford and took a 4-0 lead in the third on Will Frizzell’s RBI single.

The score remained that way until the seventh inning when ACU cut into the lead with a groundout from junior Derek Scott that scored

JuCo transfer Riley Donahue, making the score 4-1.

But five hits from the Aggies and one error by the Wildcat defense in the bottom half of the inning extended the lead to 8-1.

“It’s always fun to go to A&M and play and it’s always fun to play a ranked team,” Head Coach Britt Bonneau said. “I think it’s good for our program.

But I thought we handled ourselves really well, I thought we played good defense. They threw some good pitchers at us and we were able to get on the board in the seventh and eighth inning.”

ACU did get one back in the eighth after JuCo transfer Matt Munoz doubled with two outs and junior Koby Claborn walked with the bases loaded to score Munoz. But the Wildcats couldn’t do any more damage in the inning and went down in order in the ninth.

“We’ve been playing some really good baseball lately, our defense, our pitchers have done a good job, our hitters have battled their tails off lately,” Bonneau said.

The loss drops ACU to 19-20 on the season, but the Wildcats will look to get back above .500 when they take a break from conference play

to take on Siena. Bonneau said despite Tuesday’s loss, the tough midweek games do a good job of getting the team ready for the weekend.

“Just being able to play at that level, it takes your game to another level and that’s always good to prepare you for a weekend series,” Bonneau said.

The Saints are in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and enter the game at 10-28 overall and 8-7 in conference play. In terms, of similar opponents played, the Wildcats have the edge having swept another MAAC competitor in Quinnipiac to start the

season, while Siena dropped two of three to the Bobcats.

“It’s a good break for us to kind of get reloaded and catch our breath and really finish strong,” Bonneau said. “Hopefully having these home games coming [up] will benefit us. We just have to keep raising our level of play up.”

Due to weather conditions Sunday’s game has been moved up, so the teams will play a double-header on Friday and one on Saturday.

Friday’s start time is set for 11 a.m.

JMR13B@ACU.EDU

Ovrl. SLC. Nicholls 32–13 15–6 McNeese 33–16 15–6 SFA 27–17 15–6 SELU 31–17 14–7 UCA 24–22 12–9 ACU 20–21 12–9 NWSU 24–20 11–10 SHSU 19–28 10–11 Lamar 25–24 9–12 UIW 12–27 5–16 HBU 8–29 5–16 TAMU-CC12–33–1 3–18

Men’s Tennis

Team

Ovrl. SLC.

UIW 11–9 TAMU-CC 19–8 ACU 14–10 Lamar 8–13 Nicholls 5–12 NOU 4–13

5–0 4–1 3–2 2–3 1–4 0–5

Women’s Tennis

Team

Ovrl. SLC. McNeese 15–3 10–1 TAMU-CC 15–6 10–1 NWSU 14–8 8–3 SHSU 13–5 8–3 UCA 14–6 7–4 ACU 13–8 7–4 NOU 10–10 4–7 UIW 5–17 3–8 Lamar 5–15 3–8 Nicholls 11–11 2–9 SELU 6–14 2–9 SFA 3–17 2–9

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK Men’s Tennis

Junior Josh Sheehy headlined four different Wildcats on the men’s Sheehy team who were named to the All-Southland Conference second team.

The others included his brother, sophomore Jonathan Sheehy, sophomore Niko Moceanu and senior Henry Adams. The team will next participate in the Southland Conference Championship being in its first year of eligibility.

Women’s Tennis

Senior Lucile Pothier left her final regular season with a bang as she was named Pothier to the All-Southland Conference second team. Freshman Nini Memishishi also showed promise in her first season and was tabbed with a spot on the second team as well.

The will also be headed to Beaumont next for their first ever Southland Conference Championship this weekend.

Golf

In the golf team’s first year of participating in the Southland Conference Dooley Tournament with eligibility, sophomore Bryce Dooley finished strong in a tie for 11th individually. He shot 74-73-81 totalling 228 shots for the tournament. The team finished seventh out of 11 schools shooting 314-307-323 for a total of 944.

For more, check out ACUOptimist.com Or follow us on social media @OptimistSports