The Optimist Print Edition 05.09.2007

THE Vol. 95, No. 55

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OPTIMIST

1 section, 12 pages

WEDNESDAY

May 9, 2007

www.acuoptimist.com

Many remember Stevens’ life

IN THIS ISSUE CAMPUS

n Hundreds gathered at University Church of Christ on Saturday for the funeral of former president and chancellor emeritus Dr. John C. Stevens.

ACU and racial issues

Race is still an issue on campus and is more than just a black and white matter, page 6.

By MALLORY SCHLABACH EDITOR IN CHIEF

JMC reaccreditation

The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication earned reaccreditation last week after months of waiting, page 3.

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BRIAN SCHMIDT SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Dr. Royce Money rests a hand over the casket of Dr. John C. Stevens at his gravesite service Saturday. Behind him, assistant football coach Jerry Wilson and three other of the 12 pallbearers stand silently.

Since Tuesday morning when news spread across Abilene that Dr. John C. Stevens, former president of the university and chancellor emeritus, had passed away, people began telling stories about the man who had in-

fluenced so many. The storytelling continued Saturday as more than 650 people gathered at University Church of Christ for his funeral and celebration of his life.

Dr. Eddie Sharp, minister at University Church of Christ, opened Stevens’ funeral by explaining that the afternoon would be a time to mourn with his family and share the stories of his life. Friends of Stevens read his eulogy and paid tribute to his life.

Most tributes reflected on

Stevens’ character and integrity, as well as his strong sense of humor.

Joe Baisden, friend and former minister at Belton Church of Christ, said Stevens was a master of unifying diversity and explained how Stevens saw his role at ACU. Baisden said Stevens served as an elder at Central Church of Christ in Abilene before he became president of the university in 1969. When Stevens took the position as president See

STEVENS page 3

Grandma graduate

A 74-year-old grandmother will graduate Saturday, along with her grandson, page 3.

Photos in this issue

The photo staff selected its favorite pictures from the year and are displaying them again, pages 2-11.

SPORTS

BRIAN SCHMIDT SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Graduates from the May 2006 morning commencement sing, “Dear Christian College” at the end of the ceremonies. This year, about 500 undergraduate and 80 graduate students will receive their degrees Saturday at one of the two graduation ceremonies in Moody Coliseum at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m.

Track and Field

The men’s and women’s track and field teams won the LSC Championship this weekend in Commerce, page 12.

Graduates ready for challenges ahead n Commencement will be divided into two ceremonies, one at 11 a.m. and one at 3 p.m., for graduate and undergraduates Saturday in Moody Coliseum.

By TAKISHA KNIGHT STUDENT REPORTER

Four days and counting.

Graduation looms ahead as 496 seniors anticipate the ceremony.

The ceremony will commence at 11 a.m. Saturday for the College of Biblical Stud-

ies, College of Business Administration and Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing. An afternoon ceremony will commence at 3 p.m. for the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education and Human Services.

Jonathan Holloway, senior biology major from Abilene, said he feels prepared for the future. Holloway will attend the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio for medical school.

He hopes to be an orthope-

dic surgeon in Abilene. He said his ACU experience has taught him that hope does not disappoint.

“For me, the biggest thing is the memories and all of the really solid relationships I’ve built here that will be pillars of strength throughout my life,” he said.

Building such relationships was one of his major goals when he came to ACU. The other was to be prepared for medical school, which he said he is.

Ashley Wickliffe, senior exercise science and health promotion major from Abilene, said her college experience has taught her more than the value of education.

“Education is very important, but in regards to being in the world and living in the world, this is just a minor part of that. There’s a deeper essence of life,” she said.

Wickliffe said she’s also looking forward to impacting the world.

“I want people to know

Changes await clubs, pledges

Tennis

The men’s and women’s tennis teams begin competition in the NCAA Division II Championships on Wednesday at Altamont Springs, Fla., page 8

ONLINE Swimming in sync

The synchronized swimming team performed on campus last week at the swimming pool in Gibson Gym, view it online at www.acuoptimist.com

n Pledging was divided into two phases, and the women’s rushing process changed for next semester after meeting for over a year at the request of the Board of Trustees.

By KELSI PEACE FEATURES EDITOR

After meeting for more than a year, the Social Club Task Force presented its changes and recommendations to the rushing and pledging processes to social clubs last week, leaving some worried about new rules and others thankful for them.

The Task Force’s recommendations and revised pledging

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

guidelines received unanimous approval from the President’s Cabinet on April 10 and the Provost’s Cabinet on April 11.

Mauri Westbrook, ex-oficio of the Task Force and coordinator of Student Activities and Organizations, said the changes and recommendations will be formally presented to the Board of Trustees in August, although the Board has approved the plans at several points throughout the past year. The Task Force formed at the recommendation of the Board of Trustees’ Student Development Committee to ensure clubs were not violating hazing laws or harming students.

According to the Task Force’s report on April 17, clubs were commended for their involvement in service, character formation, student retention, sense of community, spiritual activities and participation in major campus events.

The recommendations, Westbrook said, came mainly from students on the committee.

“The best way to improve a student system is with student input,” Westbrook said.

Each social club president sat on the Task Force with three students who are not club members.

See

PLEDGING page 4

Abilene Christian University

what it means to be well,” she said. “Physically healthy, spiritually healthy and mentally healthy.”

Wickliffe aspires to be a personal trainer, but life has given her a happy detour.

Wickliffe has been married for 10 months to Bible major Aldon Wickliffe and is currently expecting a baby. She said she will work as a personal trainer until the baby comes, then focus on being a See

GRADS page 4

LSC TOURNAMENT ACU lost 8-2 Tuesday to Angelo State and will play the final game Wednesday. Find the story on the Web at www.acuoptimist.com.

BRIAN SCHMIDT SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Starting pitcher Matt Davis throws to an Angelo State batter during the Wildcats 8-2 loss on Tuesday at Crutcher Scott Field.

Serving the ACU community since 1912

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 2

Tree dedicated in Miller’s honor n A tree was dedicated in front of McKinzie Hall on Friday to honor Wayne Miller, former assistant director of the Office of Career and Academic Development.

By SARA SNELSON Student Reporter

Friday afternoon, outside his old office, an oak tree was planted in memory of Wayne Miller, former assistant director in the Office of Career and Academic Development who died of pancreatitis last May. The tree was planted in front of McKinzie Hall where he counseled hundreds of students dealing with life and career decisions.

The dedication preceded Chapel on Friday. Thirty to 40 people attended including Miller’s wife and four sons, his father, his colleagues, his friends and his students.

“The whole Career and Academic Development Office thinks about him a lot and the positive impact he had,” said Deon Botha, man-

ager of counseling in the Office of Career and Academic Development. “We all talked about doing something that we could remember him by, and what better than a tree.”

Matt Boisvert, executive director of Career and Academic Development, said the tree is a representation of the impact Miller had on the

to emphasize the most was that we would never be able to see the impact he had on campus,” said Boisvert.

“He helped kids, and helped them find out who they are.”

The dedication was a somber remembrance of Miller’s contributions.

“This time was meant

“The tree will grow and spread out over time just like the great impact he had on others, and his ability to reach out to students.”

Matt Boisvert, executive director of Career and Academic Development

ACU campus.

“The tree will grow and spread out over time just like the great impact he had on others, and his ability to reach out to students,” Boisvert said.

The tree dedication started with Boisvert speaking in honor of Miller.

“The thing that I wanted

to be reflective and think about all of the great things he did on campus. I wanted his family to know we loved him and what he did at ACU,” Boisvert said.

After Boisvert spoke, Charles Mattis, dean of the First-Year Program, led the group in a prayer. Afterward, they all joined to-

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Fair and Rodeo fun

gether in singing “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” Miller’s family was presented with a framed duplicate of the plaque that is next to the tree.

Although the dedication’s atmosphere was sad and somber, it showed how one person can make an impact on the people they surround, Boisvert said.

“He really did make an impact, and we can be joyful and ever prolong his memory,” Boisvert said.

Miller’s memory, Botha said, will be long-lasting for both students and faulty at ACU. “One of the things we all miss about him most is his great knowledge and how he helped and cared for every student that came his way,” said Botha. “He is greatly missed and will continue to be missed.”

EMILY smith FILE PHOTO E-mail Snelson at: optimist@acu.edu

Christopher Nelson, age 7, a first grader from Jackson Elementary, anxiously waits to play a midway game at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo.

Abilene businesses set up for anticipated summer slow down n Companies in Abilene are making preparations for an expected drop in business as students leave the area to go home for the summer.

By NATHAN STRAUS Staff Writer

Summer is upon us, and students are preparing to leave for summer vacation.

The exodus will leave its mark on area businesses.

The loss of business in addition to the absence of employees will have places like Tuscany’s Coffee House

on South First Street and Chicken Express on Judge Ely Boulevard altering their plans in preparation for the summer months.

Amy Barnes, manager at Tuscany’s, said more than a few students work at the coffee house.

“We opened in late August, so this will be our first summer,” Barnes said.

Barnes said Tuscany’s did experience a slower period during the Christmas season as a result of many students going home to

their families.

“There’s so much to do during the Christmas season, and so much money to spend on other places.

We ended up closing for a few days around Christmas time,” Barnes said.

Tuscany’s, which serves food such as coffee and sandwiches, is making an effort not to cater exclusively to college students, Barnes said.

“It’s a process of trial and error,” Barnes said. “To start out, we’re going to ad-

just the menu for different meal times.”

Chicken Express will also experience a slowdown come summer, said assistant manager Brian Sharp.

“Normally, when the students leave, the business dramatically slows down,” Sharp explained.

Sharp said the fastfood restaurant tries to support the students of Abilene whenever possible.

They even offer a student special meal.

Chicken Express has two

workers who will leave over the summer, Sharp said.

Sharp also said he doesn’t expect to have a hard time finding replacements for anyone else leaving town.

Barnes said Tuscany’s has several students working, all hand-picked by owners Brad and Laura Engel, and the coffee house has already started hiring to fill in for those on the way out.

The end result, however, is not clear.

“It’s hard to say what will happen because this is

our first summer,” Barnes said. “We get a lot of ACU kids so we appreciate them coming in.”

Sharp said while the slower business is obvious, the business is not hit too roughly, especially since churches such as University Church of Christ occasionally have Chicken Express cater its events.

E-mail Straus at: nrs02a@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS/FROM THE FRONT

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Page 3

Woman graduates after fifteen years of studies n After 50 years on the mission field, MaryLou McKissick, 74, began pursuing a degree in applied studies to fulfill a lifelong dream of attending college.

By EMILY SMITH

Chief Photographer

During May, many seniors are filled with the excitement of graduation plans, parties and diplomas. MaryLou McKissick is graduating and has all the more reason to be excited about graduation. She is 74 years old, and that makes her a graduating senior citizen.

Earning a degree in applied studies, McKissick is already retired and says earning a degree is just fulfilling a lifelong dream.

“My husband and I married, and two years later we went to [the] mission field in Africa. I didn’t get to go to college, and I always had a dream of going to college,” McKissick said.

After about 50 years on the mission field, the McKissicks returned to Abilene so Mr. McKissick could get a master’s degree and Mrs. McKissick could start work

at ACU. She worked with Dr. Charles Siburt, vice president for church relations, and also took her first college course, Life and Teachings of Jesus, with him in 1992.

“When I started, I was looking at it as something that would help me with my work at ACU, but I’m retired now, and I just have the blessing in knowing that I got to sit in on some wonderful classes. I’ve loved every one of them,” she said.

McKissick has taken one or two courses at a time over a

span of 15 years.

“I love it so, and I love the professors, and I’ve loved getting to know the students,” she said.

Dr. Neal Coates, assistant professor of political science, has had McKissick in his States and the Federal System class this semester.

Coates said the other students in his class reacted to McKissick like she was any other student.

“She speaks up, she joins conversations, and she is just as lively as anybody else,” he said. He said she loves to

learn and studies as hard as any student at ACU. “She is young and vivacious at heart, and she makes coming to class fun,” Coates said.

Coates presented her with flowers in his class Wednesday since his class is the last class she’ll have as a student.

McKissick is not only graduating with a 4.0 GPA, but she is also graduating with her grandson, Jeremy McKissick, senior interior design major from Boerne.

“She’s been in school for

most of my life, and I think it’s really cool that we’re graduating at the same time,” he said.

Jeremy said his grandmother would make lunch for him and his friends every Sunday afternoon, even while taking classes and teaching piano lessons.

“She’s an around-theclock worker,” he said. “And [she’s] such an inspiration to me and my friends. She’s an amazing lady.”

E-mail Smith at: eds04c@acu.edu

Stevens: Beloved president, mentor remembered Continued from page 1 he could no longer be an elder, Baisden said.

“He said, ‘Joe, I can no longer be an elder. I need to be an evangelist for Christian education. They are both great roles but can’t be done together.’”

Stevens went on to lead the university through some of its greatest times during his 20-year tenure, a tenure known for its openness.

In his inaugural address Stevens said, “I hope we can always be a liberal arts institution in the finest traditions of higher education.

We shall expect to continue to explore, as fully as our talents, time and resources will permit, issues facing modern man. There are no subjects on this earth, or in outer space, or in the metaphysical realm, which we cannot study on the campus of Christian institution of higher learning.”

This address set the tone

for his tenure where enrollment grew from 3,110 to 4,560 in fall 1980. During his presidency, construction was completed on the Don H. Morris Center, Cullen Auditorium and four major housing projects.

Faculty increased by 30 percent, and the university’s name was changed from college to Abilene Christian University.

Besides serving the university as a dean, professor and administrator, Stevens mentored and influenced the lives of those around him.

Baisden said he learned five things from Stevens during his life: marry a woman smarter than yourself, always do your best for the Lord, learn to laugh at yourself and teach others through your mistakes, don’t panic in stressful situations, and a minister is a servant to his congregation and his community.

Milton Fletcher, vice president for Planned Giving, Disability Resources

“John was known as the ‘happy president’ because of his optimism. He didn’t just see the glass half full — it was full” Dr. Royce Money, president of the university

Inc., said throughout his life he found himself asking the question: What would John do?

“John had great attributes — a marvelous spirit. You never saw him lose his temper. He was direct in conversation and had a great sense of humor, which you’ve learned by now,” Fletcher said.

He said being around people like Stevens made you a better person, and it influenced the way you saw the world.

Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice president of the university, read a tribute from Dr. Bill Teague, former president of the university. In his tribute, Teague reflected on Stevens’ ability to discern the right thing to do in every situation

and time of crisis.

The final tribute came from Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, who reflected on the optimism that defined his life.

“John was known as the ‘happy president’ because of his optimism,” Money said.

“He didn’t just see the glass half full — it was full.”

Stevens was a pilot and enjoyed flying to venues for the university. Money recalled a story he had heard about Stevens flying with someone to New Mexico despite thunderstorm warnings.

“John just said, ‘No, we’ll be fine. Get in the plane.’ As they flew on to New Mexico it was apparent that the storm had indeed gotten worse when Stevens’ passenger asked him if they were flying

upside down or not,” Money said. “‘Why do you ask?’ Stevens said. His passenger’s reply was: ‘Because my tears are falling up my face.’”

Money said of all the stories about Stevens, this was his favorite.

Money said this optimism and humor was even apparent when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

“He knew my father had Parkinson’s and told me, “Well, I guess if it’s good enough for Pope Paul and Billy Graham, then its good enough for me,” Money said.

Money also talked about Stevens in the classroom.

Soon before Money became president in 1991, he said Stevens had set up a five-minute appointment with him. He came in and said he had just one question: “When you become president, how long are you going to let me teach?”

At this point Stevens was 72 years old. Money said he was thrown off guard and

had to respond with humor: “As long as you can find the classroom,”— a deal, he said, that worked out perfectly for both of them. Stevens continued to teach history until 1999.

Near the end of the funeral, the ACU A Capella Chorus, directed by Dr. Michael Scarbrough, associate professor of music, sang “Teach Me Lord to Wait.”

Stevens’ was buried following the funeral in ElliottHamil Garden of Memories with an honor guard that was provided by the U.S. Army. He is survived by his son Clark of Grapevine, his daughter Joyce Cole and her husband Jim of Abilene. Other survivors include five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.

E-mail Schlabach at: mes02e@acu.edu

FROM THE FRONT

Page 4

Pledging: changes to be made Continued from page 1 Ashlea Allred, Alpha Kai Omega president and junior psychology major from Bedford, felt student voices were heard.

“Most of the new changes that were suggested were conceptualized by students,” Allred said.

Changes the Task Force recommended include: pledges must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher to be eligible, social club members must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA, social clubs are required to annually reaffirm the focus and reason for their club and officers, and advisors must develop and review a disciplinary process.

For women’s social clubs, the changes begin with the rushing process. In the fall, an all-women’s-club rush will seek to promote social clubs as a whole, as club members are not allowed to wear club clothing or colors. Allred said the rush could help break down stereotypes associated with specific clubs.

“It’s getting to know the girl versus getting to know what club she is,” Allred said.

Women are also required to attend one rush for every club. Westbrook said they have not developed the system to monitor the rule but are considering requiring women to fill a punch card in addition to signing in.

Large clubs and small clubs are paired for one rush in the spring, a change that went into effect this semester. A cap will also be set on large clubs’ pledge classes, and women’s club will have a lottery system where a portion of pledges are selected by a pool. Top choices by members will still be made, and no distinction will be

made between member-chosen pledges and randomly selected pledges.

Men’s clubs saw less change to the rushing process, although sending invitations to rushes was deemed unnecessary for men’s clubs because numbers are smaller. Men will also be required to attend three rushes of the five social clubs, and men who are not matched with at least one club will be placed in a club at a forum.

This fall, pledging will last five and a half weeks, and the process will be divided into two phases. Phase one lasts two weeks and emphasizes initiation activities — pledge names, club traditions, pledge activities and separation from club members.

Brady Hilton, former Frater Sodalis president and senior journalism major from Abilene, said one possible result of the condensed activity period is that clubs will force too many activities into the two weeks. However, Hilton said, he thinks most will use judgment, and the shortened period will not be a problem.

“It all goes back to [the fact that] the pledges and the members all have a personal responsibility to take care of things,” Hilton said.

While details are still being worked out, the Task Force recommended a curfew on Bid Night, where pledges must be at the final destination by a determined time. The Task Force also recommended prohibiting the practice of having pledges sit together at Chapel because of concerns over distraction during worship.

During the three and a half weeks of phase two, pledges will be considered provision-

al members and will serve at club events, visit with older members and participate in the Homecoming float.

Westbrook said the Social Club Handbook will be updated this summer, and changes will be finalized.

Clubs that violate the new rules will face disciplinary action, Westbrook said.

Compliance may not be a problem. Allred said while some decisions were surprising, she thinks all the changes can become positive.

“I’m really excited about the two phases,” Allred said.

“I think it’ll give club more of an opportunity to get to know the pledges… I think that will be great for a lot of reasons.”

The men’s socials clubs, Hilton said, did not support giving pledges all privileges of the members during the second phase. However, Hilton said, they did not vote over granting provisional membership in the second phase.

However, Elliot Wood, former Galaxy president and senior psychology major from Nashville, Tenn., said the process is still being worked on, and he said he is confident it will work out in the end.

While some worry the new changes will hurt social clubs, both Hilton and Wood said students should remember the pledging process has evolved since social clubs first started.

“The ones that are still here are the ones that have adapted in the past,” Hilton said.

Wood agreed.

“I think in one way, it’s going to be easier for everybody,” Wood said. “It’ll be a lot easier to juggle your time a pledge.”

E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

West Texas meets West Africa

EMILY SMITH FILE PHOTO

ACU students involved in WorldWide Witness went to countries across the globe in summer 2006. Children from Burkina Faso, Africa, wait for church to begin on a Sunday morning.

EMILY SMITH FILE PHOTO

Futbol, a.k.a soccer, is like West Texas football in Burkina Faso. Hundreds of Africans gather to watch the local championship game on a stormy day.

Grads: Students prepare for future Continued from page 1 mom and get back into being a personal trainer.

She offers this bit of wisdom to underclassmen: “Don’t stress about your grades. Don’t stress about finding the right person.

Just seek knowledge, and seek the Lord, and all those things will come,” she said.

Holloway similarly said he has his plans but is willing to

go where the Lord leads him.

“Take advantage of every opportunity you have to fill the place that is for you,” he said to fellow students. “Make sure you’re important to people around you.”

Holloway said one of his best memories from ACU was performing with SHADES, the ACU step squad, in which he is captain over the men, at Sing

Song. He could hear his fellow GSP members, family and other people he was involved with shouting for him. He said it helped him realize just how many people he was impacting.

“I really felt like I was glorifying God,” he said.

E-mail Knight at: optimist@acu.edu

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

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Wednesday, May 9, 2007

CAMPUS NEWS

Chapel speech sparks discussion about race issues n Speeches and forums at the beginning of the semester began campus-wide debate about racial issues and let students voice opinions about those issues.

By Takisha Knight Student Reporter

Natasia Jackson wouldn’t say ACU is a racist university. She couldn’t form the words, even after a group of white students harassed her while she and her Vietnamese roommate ran around the track.

When white men in a white pick-up truck pulled over and began yelling demeaning slurs at her as she ran, she said she was scared.

Her roommate did not understand what it meant, but Natasia did.

She’s heard those words her entire life, even though she is white. The junior history major from Cherokee has a white mother and a black father. She grew up with her white family but is still considered black with all the black stereotypes because of her light caramel complexion. She doesn’t mind, though. Part of her is black, she said.

Despite isolated incidents with racism on campus, Jackson said, “as a whole, ACU is trying.”

Jackson’s story is not unique to campus. Many students, even students of color, say ACU is not a racist institution, but since SA secretary Matt Worthington’s Chapel speech about racial reconciliation on the first Thursday of the semester and his apology address the following day, racial discussion has surged.

Students began to question

the lack of diversity in faculty and staff, the racially uniform social clubs and even pointing out their own prejudices.

LaShae Grottis, director of Student Services and Multicultural Enrichment, said a racial reconciliation movement as large as the current one hasn’t happened since Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, made an apology in 1999 at South West Christian College.

“That really began healing problems of race issues at ACU,” she said.

In the early 1960s, ACU would not admit black students, even though the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision ruled segregation unconstitutional nearly 10 years before. Leaders formed South West Christian College to give black students the opportunity to get a degree at a Christian institution.

Grottis explained in a meeting with faculty members, administrators, student leaders and racial reconciliation consultant Alex Gee that leaders with SWCC invited ACU to the “One in Christ Conference” as a means of reconciliation. Dr. Money made an apology on behalf of the university.

As a result, University Trustee Don Williams donated $4.5 million dollars to build the Office of Student Multicultural Enrichment in 2000. The university hired more teachers and staff of color. Now the school has about 19 percent diversity including international students, Grottis said.

The movement had “lost some momentum in the past couple of years,” she

“I used to think when I was growing up that if we just stopped talking about race then it would just stop. And then I realized that I had prejudice.”

Melina Rangel, junior English major from Abilene

said. “But for some reason, this semester, Matt got up there and said a few words and things got started.”

In the meeting Alex Gee, who has spoken in Chapel, led a forum-style luncheon and an evening forum Grottis to help students, faculty and staff make plans to help the reconciliation process.

“Some of the most powerful movements started with grass root stirrings, with students,” Gee said.

His words resonate with Christian Francis.

“We can’t ignore it anymore,” said Francis, junior biochemistry major from New York City.

Francis, who is a member of Jesus and the Hip Hop Prophets, said discussions of racial reconciliation should continue, even though personally as a black man, he has never felt alienated on campus.

Francis grew up with a Caucasian family in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, but he is African American.

Even so, he said, he feels more comfortable in the white community at ACU than in the black community.

“I feel I have inadequate knowledge about black culture,” he said. “When I’m around the black community I feel a little out of place.”

He is not the only minority student to say so.

“My whole life, I couldn’t say my last name right,” said Melina Rangel.

When she’s at home with her Hispanic family, her name is pronounced RAWHNHAIL. When she’s around her non-Hispanic professors and friends it’s pronounced RAN-GUHL. She doesn’t like that sound, she said, but she doesn’t make a fuss.

“I grew up having a stronger stereotype against my race and blacks because my race and blacks are supposedly the ghetto group,” she said. “At my school I thought most of the black and Hispanic people were the ones who were going to get me in trouble.”

Rangel said her mom would keep her from spending time with Hispanic women in her own family because “they were promiscuous” and most had children out of wedlock.

“I guess I was really sheltered from being around minorities,” she said.

When she was younger, her parents moved from the poorer neighborhoods, which consisted mostly of black and Hispanics, to a neighborhood that was “nicer” and mostly white, and she began to spend her time with only white students.

Naturally, she felt most comfortable with them, she said.

Jaz Maranca, senior exercise science major from Rowlett, said her parents are the same way.

“Growing up, they were so strict about who I hung out with because of those stereotypes,” she said.

Maranca is Filipino. In her particular Asian culture, her family values respect and honoring the family.

She was forbidden to spend time with people of other races or to challenge her parents’ opinion because expressing her feelings to her parents as an American is considered disrespectful.

However, Maranca said, she is American too.

Her parents would not change their minds until they had to spend time with parents of other races because Maranca played on a basketball team with Latinas and African Americans.

“I think that the impact when you change is when you experience it yourself,”

“As much as I hate the stereotypes enforced on black people, I’ve grown up in a system that believes them to be true, and I believe them.”

Christian Francis, junior biochemistry major from New York City

Maranca said.

The question now is, as Grottis puts it, “Where do we go from here?”

Some students of color said it is difficult to know when to speak out against racism because sometimes they are not sure when they are being discriminated against.

Steven Cardona, a Hispanic freshman political science and Bible major from Abilene, said he felt offended that the Bean serves stereotypical “black food” or soul food during Black History Month. Some black students agree with him.

Jackson said fried chicken, collard greens and cornbread are southern foods that even white people eat.

Francis said, as a northerner, the blacks he knows aren’t big on those southern foods.

“And you know, if you’re black and you go get that food, what people are going to say about you,” Jackson said.

“Yeah, even if it’s just joking,” Francis added.

Cardona said he wasn’t sure if he should say anything about the food.

“Am I making it a problem, seeing it as an issue with the food? Am I over analyzing? Am I not analyzing enough?” he asked. “That’s the problem; the lines are blurred.”

“As much as I hate the stereotypes enforced on black people, I’ve grown up in a system that believes them to be true, and I believe them,” Francis said.

“But that’s kind of messed up. … I feel that the academic environment is one that is saturated with white

culture. That it was developed in our country from a predominately white culture, and it stayed that way.

There’s nothing wrong with that, but if you’re going to be in an academic environment, you’re going to feel the social constraints of white culture.”

At racial reconciliation meetings and forums, students agree that change begins with exposure and building relationships. Silence is not the answer.

“I used to think when I was growing up that if we just stopped talking about race then it would just stop, and we wouldn’t have to worry about it anymore,” Rangel said. “And then I realized that I had prejudice. … I was intimidated by different races and that I didn’t have friends from different races and why? Why didn’t I have friends from different races? Why am I racist? Why am I holding prejudice? …

Until all the people who are blind to their own prejudices open up their eyes, how can they love?”

Faculty, staff and students intend to continue meetings and discussion to transform the campus into a unified body. Mark Lewis, director of Student Life and Spiritual Life and Student Ministries in Campus Life, said students can expect more discussions about race in the future.

Jackson said, “It’s about time.”

E-mail Knight at: optimist@acu.edu

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Page 7

GRADUATES

May 2007 Undergraduates College of Biblical Studies Bachelor of Arts Laura Kathleen Clark Christian Ministry Jackson, Tenn.

Erica Ruth Cooper Christian Ministry Corpus Christi Robert Grant Cunningham Biblical Text Abilene

Blake Alan Earnhart Youth and Family Ministry Kirkwood, Mo. Benjamin Lee Fike Christian Ministry Houston Jeremiah Zane Gibson Composite Interdisciplinary Garland John Giles Youth and Family Ministry Big Spring Michael Brant Greathouse Youth and Family Ministry Alvin

Mitchell Reid Halstead Youth and Family Ministry The Woodlands Olivia Brent Hodges Christian Ministry Raleigh, N.C.

Mathis Alan Kennington Christian Ministry San Antonio Emilee Mae Ladd Vocational Missions Keller

John William Morris, Jr. Christian Ministry Nocona Kevin Patrick Murphy Youth and Family Ministry Richardson Megan Renee Nuncio Youth and Family Ministry Alvin

Zachary Brooks Sewell Biblical Text Overland Park, Kan.

Christopher W. Whiteley Youth and Family Ministry Fort Worth

Bachelor of Science Taylor Rene Price Composite Interdisciplinary Allen William Colquitt Smyth Youth and Family Ministry Fort Worth

College of Business Bachelor of Business Administration Joseph Alexander Finance Richardson Jon Mark Andrews, Jr. Marketing Midland Christopher David Applewhite Management San Antonio

Courtney D. Baker Accounting Katy

Maximo Raul Ballesteros Marketing Abilene

Tyler Derrick Barnett Accounting Abilene

Kevin Scott Beedy Accounting Spearman

LaShawn L. Bennett Finance Chicago

Paul Curtis Bezinque Finance Midland

Jessica Leanne Blair Finance Liberty Hill

Geoffrey Rodger Boyd Finance Granbury Jason L. Boyd Finance Granbury

John C. Brock Accounting/Finance Spearman

Jon Bruner Management Carbondale, Ill.

Brenna Lynn Bullock Marketing Fort Worth

Kyle William Byerly Marketing Keller

Joshua Andrew Campbell Marketing Van

George Frederik Kellerman Carstens Accounting Stellenbosch, South Africa

Adam C. Childers Accounting/Finance Oklahoma City David J. Clark Management Grapevine

Richelle L. Cloud Accounting/Finance Abilene

Clayton A. Collins Management Andrews

Tyler M. Cosgrove Finance/Management Amarillo Dabney Breanne Crews Marketing San Antonio

Corrie B. Crosby Accounting Sanger

Hilary Vick Crowell Marketing North Richland Hills

Travis Crowell Finance North Richland Hills

Blair William Davis Accounting/Finance McKinney

Katie Jean DeAtley Accounting/Finance Lubbock

Julianna DeBrine Accounting Arlington

Andrew Justin Dick Accounting/Finance Longmont, Colo.

Odis Debolancy Dolton Marketing Abilene

Rachel Alison Downey Management Abilene

Jeffrey Duncan Accounting Colleyville

John Daniel Durbin Accounting Ontario, Calif.

Brian Christopher Edwards Accounting Plano

Joshua Ryan Edwards Management Richardson

Kayli E. Fredrick Management Crandall

Jason Rowland Gallagher Finance North Pole, Alaska

John Christopher Stevens Garrett Marketing Abilene

Ryan Levon Hall Finance Richardson

Chase A. Hanner Management Abilene

Marshall Handley Harding Accounting Van Alstyne

Jerrod Dennis Hayslip Marketing Aledo Carrie Jo Henderson Marketing St. Louis Krystina Hickl Marketing Lake Jackson

Bryce Bailey Hicks Management Abilene

Bradley Hoover Management/Marketing Allen

Shelby Nicole Horton Management Longview

Paul Andrew Isham Management Gunnison, Colo.

Aubrey Brooke James Marketing Lovington, N.M.

Anthony E. Melendez Accounting/Finance Coupland

Jenna Lynn Muns Marketing Plano

Elizabeth A. Noah Marketing/Management Midland

Heather Lee Norman Management Arlington

Jonathan Edwards Ott Accounting Ada, Mich.

Lyndon Wayne Jenkins Management Kaufman

Whitney Leigh Jinkerson Marketing Abilene

Kyung Ah Koo Management/Marketing Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea

Melissa Landry Accounting/Finance Plano

Donald William Lasko III Marketing Addison

Alec Lawrence Accounting Catoosa, Okla.

Seth Michael Patterson Marketing Portland, Ore.

Jordan Blake Phillips Management Gunter

Jason R. Pittenger Management Belton

Angela Colleen Rawlings Management/Finance Matagorda

Kenneth Cole Roberson Accounting Abilene

Zachary Robinson Finance/Marketing Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Jason Tinnawat Rodbumrung Finance League City

Victoria Ann Rogers Accounting Amarrilo

Maria Guadalupe Rojas Management Dallas

Jacob Hamlin Roseberry Management Troy, Ohio

Stewart Franklin Rowe III Management Fort Worth

Brandon T. Runyan Marketing Cypress

Morgan Elizabeth Lindsay Finance Houston

Douglas Matthew Luallin Finance Centennial, Colo.

Richard Kent Luster Management Buffalo Gap

Dustin Wayne Marshall Accounting Abilene

Jenna Jae Martin Management Abilene

Tony Aaron Martinez Accounting/Finance Dallas

GRADUATES

Page 8 William Sterling Runyan Marketing/Management Spring Loraine Elizabeth Salazar Marketing/Management Abilene

Matthew Charles Saller Finance Midland

Jordan J. Schartz Marketing Arlington

Nicole M. Sharp Management Sundance, Wyo.

Jacob A. Smith Accounting Tyler

Laura Cathleen Smith Management/Marketing Greensboro, N.C.

Casper Johannes Marthinus Steenkamp Management Cape Town, South Africa

Alexander James Sterling Accounting Wichita Falls

Jeffrey Brian Stringer Accounting Grand Saline

Jonathan D. Strong Management Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Adrian Yung Aun Tan Management/Marketing Selangor, Malaysia

Casey Lee Thomas Accounting Wenatchee, Wash.

Jon-Daniel Robert Todd Marketing Blue Ridge Jimmy Don Townsend, Jr. Management Abilene

Keely Marie Trout Marketing Oklahoma City

Tabatha Amelia Urban Marketing Eustis, Fla.

Heather Diane Weems Finance Houston

Kayla Ann Whitt Management Grand Prairie Cody Wayne Williamson Accounting/Finance Sulphur Springs

Joanna Hiu Chung Wong Accounting/Finance Hong Kong

Stephanie Wai Sum Wong Accounting/Finance Hong Kong

Candice Michelle Wood Marketing Edmond, Okla.

Chad Michael Worth Management Abilene

Jace Alan Yeats Accounting Tulsa, Okla.

School of Nursing Erin Mae Anderson Nursing Cairo, Egypt

Martilla J. Antoine Nursing Houston

Austin Burnett Nursing Lubbock

Christopher Butler Nursing Houston Lindsay Janelle Campbell Nursing Leander

Megan Cheri Chirea Nursing Abilene Rosendo Contreras Nursing Abilene Chelsea Renee Cooke Nursing Abilene

Rebekah Lea Cotton Nursing Keller

L’Nae Jensen Craig Nursing Abilene

Lindsey Beth Lankford Nursing Midland

Laura Rose Lathrop Nursing Portland, Ore.

Kim Lian Chia Martin Nursing Singapore

Erin Nicole McCall Nursing Fort Worth

Jason Richard Murillo Nursing Abilene

Lisa Sherman Nikolaus Nursing Nashville, Tenn.

Sharon Elizabeth Painter Nursing Bedford

Melissa Marie Cain Palmer Nursing Clyde

Candice Kae Roberts Nursing Round Rock

Gloria Sembrano Nursing Abilene

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Sara Jo Sheets Nursing Muleshoe

April LeeAnna Silva Nursing Abilene

Nitika Singh Nursing Labasa, Fiji Island

Holly Kristen Spears Nursing Dallas

Amy Elizabeth Stoll Nursing Tucson, Ariz.

Lauren Susanna Usrey Nursing San Antonio

Amy Margaret Walker Nursing Portland, Ore.

College of Arts and Sciences Bachelor of Applied Studies Kristin J’Lynn Adams Applied Studies Abilene

Melisa Ann Cadle Applied Studies Abilene Carrie Angeline Rummins Carlton Applied Studies Abilene

Joy A. Chaney Applied Studies Colorado City

Stephanie Ann Carnes Cobb Applied Studies Hawley

Brent Hayes Cofer Applied Studies Abilene

Veronica F. Diaz Applied Studies Abilene Don Hong Dinh Applied Studies Kiengiang, Vietnam Jennifer Lynn Flores Applied Studies Abilene

Martin D. Gonzalez Applied Studies Abilene

Robert L. Griffith, Jr. Applied Studies San Marcos, Calif.

Zachary Ray Griffith Applied Studies Abilene

Tammi Miller Hawkins Applied Studies Haskell

Judith Diane Jackson Applied Studies Merkel

DeWayne Devoin Kelley Applied Studies Amarillo

Sheri Lindemann Kendrick Applied Studies Sweetwater

Joey Kincaid Applied Studies Abilene

Gregg A. Lewis-Qualls Applied Studies Abilene

Eric Martinez Applied Studies Abilene Mary Lou Stach McKissick Applied Studies Abilene

Patricia J. Riggs Applied Studies Abilene

Jeremy W. Shipp Applied Studies San Antonio

Lisa Ann Thornton Applied Studies Abilene

Bachelor of Arts Amanda Kathleen Agee English-Teaching Midlothian Bethany Amanda Allen History Siloam Springs, Ark.

Jessica Anne Baber History Wichita Falls

Brian Jordan Bah Political Science McKinney

Brittany Baumgartner Political Science San Antonio

Samantha Jo Borgeson History Rogers

Kendra Kay Boyd English Bonham

Cagney Branam History Canyon Country, Calif.

Seth Benjamin Brown History San Antonio

Julia Claire Burge English St. Louis

Phyllis Chill International Studies Spanish Grand Haven, Mich.

Joanna Klare Cole Music Pflugerville

GRADUATES

Wednesday, May 9, 2007 Lindsay Ann Cooper Political Science Midland Jason Michael Cunningham International Studies Chantilly, Va. Lindsey Anne Faragher International Studies Abilene

David Arif Galaz International Studies Elsa

Brithney Gardner English Dallas

Kalyn Loveta Pierce Gensic Art Menard

Amanda Marie Gomez History San Antonio

Brent Hines Political Science Belton

Hannah Elizabeth Hoffman English Abilene

Ruth Ann Kelly Mathematics/Biology Pasadena

Stephanie Anne Kelsey English Ruidoso, N.M.

Jason Steven Knight Political Science Abilene

Kyle Law Political Science Coffeyville, Kan.

Brandon Mark Lemley Political Science Abilene

Holly S. Lindloff Biochemistry Katy Brittney LaRue Longbons International Studies Naperville, Ill.

Sara Elizabeth Martinez International Studies Spanish Victoria

Cherry Danielle Mayfield English Texico, N.M. Manda Kate Mosley Political Science Corpus Christi

Anthony Chandler Neal Political Science Nashville, Tenn.

Hannah Ruth Noles English Paradise

Ashley Rose Ramsey Political Science San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Megan Elizabeth Randolph Political Science Thousand Oaks, Calif.

James Thomas Riley Political Science Anthem, Ariz.

Christopher Eric Robinson Biochemistry Minden, La.

Leah Kay Robison Political Science Midland

Maher Rashad Saab Political Science Abilene

Steven Wayne Saffel History Abilene

Larry W. Sellers Music Manor

Holly Ingrid Shilts English Hubertus, Wis.

Denilson Silva English Newark, N.J.

Johanna Kristin Smallwood International Studies Abilene

Sally Suzanne Stevens English Ruston, La.

Allison Margaret Tate Spanish San Antonio

Joshua Thames History Atlanta

Erin Elizabeth Utley English-Teaching San Antonio

Tabitha Kathleen Vail English San Antonio

Mark W. Walker Art-Teaching Abilene

Lauren Elizabeth Ware Political Science Colleyville

Daniel Ryan Williams History Santa Clarita, Calif.

Haley Kathleen Wise International Studies Grapevine

Leanna Renee Young Art/Marketing Austin

Bachelor of Fine Arts Meredith Danielle Brown Theatre Abilene

Adam Travis Carter Art Abilene

Page 9 Brittany Erin Carter Art Rowlett Thomas Chavira Theatre Fort Worth

Matthew David Coker Theatre Abilene

Brandon Michael Craddock Art Atlanta

Nathan Edwin Edgar Theatre Abilene

Lauren Antonette Gray Art Broken Arrow, Okla.

James Preston Henderson Theatre Houston

Erin Elise Holland Art Abilene

Megan Elizabeth Jones Art Houston

Brittany Lee Koonce Art Sugar Land

Joshua Dale Martin Theatre Austin

Peter Scott Nolte Theatre Seattle

Erin Marie Patsel Art Fort Worth Courtney Marie Piazza Art Abilene

Christian L. Reinecke Art Cypress Danielle Rhoades Art Overland Park, Kan. William A. Riggs Art Abilene

Kelby Wade Robinson Art Baird

Shavante Royster Art San Antonio

Emily Anne Savage Theatre Keller

Jamie Shelburne Art Amarillo

Caleb Lynn Todd Theatre Mesquite

GRADUATES

Page 10 Kaitlyn Michelle Whitlock Theatre Garland

Scott D. Burge Biochemistry Canyon

Cole Wayne Williams Art Fort Worth

Jeremiah Willis Art Dallas

Carla S. Burger Communication Round Rock

Shaylee Adrian Busch Interior Design Cedar Park

Bachelor of Music Christopher John Pillsbury Piano Performance Amarillo

Bachelor of Science Laci Adkins Journalism Lubbock

Marshall Ryan Agee Agribusiness Cedar Hill

Angela Diane Aguilar Composite Interdisciplinary Midland

April Noelle Anderson Biology Tulsa, Okla.

Spenser Baldwin Psychology Memphis, Tenn.

Lauren Lotefa Bartlett Psychology Detroit, Mich.

Aaron M. Bell Communication Van

Ashley Kristine Berres Psychology Lakeville, Minn.

Elizabeth D’Aun Billingsley Interior Design Leander

Kyle Bennett Blair Environmental Science Abilene

Meredith Anne Mathews Blair Composite Interdisciplinary Keller Blake Justin Bond Biology St. Peters, Mo.

Christine Caffey Bowman Psychology Abilene

Jared Scott Brockington Biology Friendswood

Heather Michelle Brown Composite Interdisciplinary Victoria Shannon Ruthanne Buchanan Psychology Lubbock

Jayma Burbank Integrated Marketing Communication Leesburg, Fla. Lauren Reagan Burns Burge Biology Amarillo

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Intercepting Wildcat

April Michelle Butler Composite Interdisciplinary Denton Cristina Michelle Carpenter Psychology Edmond, Okla.

Rachel Suzanne Carr Psychology Tulsa, Okla.

Anna Carroll Journalism St. Charles, Mo. Randi Kay Chisum Sociology Jayton

Benjamin Luke Clinard Psychology Abilene

Shelby Alexis Coates Journalism Clarksville, Tenn.

Christopher Ryan Coggin Communication Pflugerville

Brandon E. Cooks Journalism Marshall

Merrell Cotton III Criminal Justice Forest City, Iowa

Celice Rochelle Courtney Psychology Fort Worth Chace A. Craig Biology Abilene

Kyle Garret Crumley Electronic Media Round Rock

Melodye Desha Cure Psychology Henderson

Stephanie Nicole Daniel Sociology Birmingham, Ala.

Ashley Marie Davis Composite Interdisciplinary Scott City, Mo.

Scott M. Delony Electronic Media Kingwood

Miranda Danielle Dick Biology Tuscola

Vincent Maurice Diggs Biochemistry Fort Worth

Lindsey Taylor Douglas Family Studies Austin

brian schmidt FILE PHOTO

Cornerback Corey Jordan intercepts a ball during the Wildcats’ 35-7 Homecoming win over Angelo State.

Kenneth Blake Dozier Composite Interdisciplinary Buffalo Gap

Kayla Kristine Dunn Interior Design Spring

Steven Michael Eilers Sociology Franklin

Bethany Anne Ferguson Biology Lewisville

Kelley Alyce Fike Psychology Canton

Tara Lynn Fox Composite Interdisciplinary Nashville, Tenn.

Courtney Nalyse Francois Criminal Justice Irving

Bethany Lynne Freede Communication Sugar Land

Jennifer Riedel Fulkerson Biochemistry Murrieta, Calif.

Daniel Joseph Gambero Journalism Southlake Garima Gandhir Biology Abilene

Jordan Paul Gay Psychology Austin

All twisted up

brian schmidt FILE PHOTO

Conner Snedden, freshman business major from Overland Park, Kan., and David Degge, freshman music education major from Allen, play the doubles Twister game in Moody Coliseum during Welcome Week.

Christopher James Gibbs Electronic Media San Diego Jacob Tyler Gibbs Environmental Science Escondido, Calif.

Jennings Bryan Gibbs IV History - Teaching Abilene

Gaylen Paige Glasscock Composite Interdisciplinary Midland

Ginna Leigh Glasscock Family Studies Midland

Kendra Graber Integrated Marketing Communications Richardson

Jill Ivy Gray Biology Plains

Miranda Griffith Middle School Mathematics Mesquite

Brianna Rue Gross Animal Science Lake Elsinore, Calif.

Jeremy Wayne Gudgel Communication Andrews

Donald Luke Harris Journalism Parker

Shanas Desiree Harris Psychology Abilene

Lauren Michelle Hart Integrated Marketing Communications Austin

Jessica Dee Haseltine Composite Interdisciplinary Abilene

Jason A. Henderson Biology Plano

Pattycinio Hernandez Composite Interdisciplinary Abilene

Nicholas Dee Hester Electronic Media Fontana, Calif.

Brooke Ashley Holland Psychology Alpharetta, Ga.

Jonathan Scott Holloway Biology Abilene

Mitchell Austin Holt Journalism Memphis, Tenn.

Lisa Marie Hoogerwerf Interior Design Missouri City

Hillary Diane Hoover Family Studies Allen

Brian Paul Howard Sociology Houston

Vivian Enya Ivara Environmental Science Lagos, Nigeria

Spencer Lee Jackson Integrated Marketing Communication Dallas Phillip Charles Jacobs Physics Santa Monica, Calif.

Blair Elizabeth Rose Jennings Integrated Marketing Communication Dallas

Lindsey Nicole Jessup Communication Bakersfield, Calif.

Jennifer Joiner Psychology Sutherland Springs

Kacee A. Junco Psychology Katy

Joseph Kiprop Kapkiyai Biochemistry-Molecular Eldoret, Kenya

Justin Russell Kincaid Family Studies Falls Church, Va.

Jeremy S. King Integrated Marketing Communication Abilene

Jeffrey Thompson Knight Biochemistry Tyler Alex Robert LaBounty Biology Allen

Andrew Justice Ladd Composite Interdisciplinary Stuarts Draft, Va.

Christopher Cody Lasater Biochemistry Artesia, N.M.

Melissa Leigh Lemmons Mathematics-Teaching Corpus Christi

Abby M. Loe Psychology Canyon

Shelly Renee Luster Psychology Buffalo Gap

Stacey Joyce Lutz Psychology Grapevine

Bianca Lissett Martinez History Social Studies Teaching Houston

Stephanie Anne Maycock Biology Katy

Courtney Brooke Mitchell Mayfield Biology Alpharetta, Ga.

Jessica Erin McBride Interior Design San Angelo

Christopher Lee McGuiness Psychology Abilene

Jeremy Joe McKissick Interior Design San Antonio

Bo Glenn Mechinus Electronic Media San Antonio

Lora Ashley Mileger Interior Design Plano

Austin Andrew Miller Biology Abilene

Shelby Lynne Mitchel Family Studies Allen

Brandon Stephan Moore Criminal Justice Las Vegas

Grace Violet Moore Biology Westwood, Ca.

Kelli F. Moore Psychology Abilene

Elizabeth Ann Newman Integrated Marketing Communication Tyler

Meagan Lynn Norton Interior Design Farwell

Oluwatoke Omiwade Biochemistry Lagos, Nigeria

Hannah Elizabeth Palmer Integrated Marketing Communication San Antonio

Wednesday, May 9, 2007 Mark Andrew Parker History Social Studies Teaching Bixby, Okla.

Pauli Giles Psychology Austin Natasha Ryan West Psychology Trent

Jansen Renee White Integrated Marketing Comm.

Georgetown

Matthew R. Wickes Mathematics Paris

David Ryan Willingham Biology Abilene Jeanine Wilson Mathematics Tahoka

Justin Dallas Wiseman Mathematics-Teaching Tucker, Ga.

Elliott Randolph Wood Psychology Nashville, Tenn.

John Pruett Wood Physics Dallas

Audria Elise Woodard Psychology Houston

Katherine Tenell Zahodnik Biology San Antonio

Johnny Zepeda Sociology Sacramento, Calif.

Education & Human Services Bachelor of Science Meagan Nicole Alcorn Int.Stud:Early Child-4th Grade North Richland Hills

Kari Suzanne Alexander Communication Disorders Roscoe

Annie Gardner Allison Exercise Science Rogers

Julia Cherie Armke Int.Stud:High School Dripping Springs

Kierstan Michelle Barbee Int.Stud:High School Abilene

Sarah Elizabeth Baulch Exercise and Sport Science Odessa

Lauren Kelly Bell Communication Disorders Canton

Sara Katharine Black Communication Disorders Nashville, Tenn.

Brooke Allison Burdick Int.Stud:Early Child-4th Grade Boerne

Nicole Leanne Calvert Social Work Austin

Carolyn Carr Int.Stud:Early Child-4th Grade Garland

Rebecca Christine Cawyer Communication Disorders Rowlett

Danielle Nicole Chase Int.Stud:Early Child-4th Grade San Antonio

Katelin Paige Corbin Nutrition Portland, Ore.

Emily Christine Culp Int.Stud:Early Child-4th Grade Austin

Amanda Michelle Deveneau Composite Interdisciplinary Coppell

Caleb G. Dickison Exercise Science St. Louis, Miss.

Megan Leslie Dooley Communication Disorders Grayson, Ga.

Page 11

GRADUATES Kerbi Dee DuBois Int.Stud:Early Child-4th Grade Austin Alisa Carol Durham Int.Stud:High School Clovis, N.M. Heather Brooke Edmondson Communication Disorders Abilene

Britni D. Edwards Communication Disorders McKinney

Jonathan David Elswood Int. Stud., Elementary San Antonio

Kayla Freede Communication Disorders Sugar Land

Daniel Ryan Gray Social Work Collierville

Desiree Michelle Hall Int.Stud:Early Child-4th Grade San Antonio

Darren R. Haynes Exercise Science St. Louis, Miss.

Stacy Lynne Hogan Exercise Science Abilene

Karla Marie Howerton Int.Stud:4th-8th Grade Denison

Morgan Gregory Hughes Exercise Science Houston

Ashley Nicole Hutto Exercise and Sport Science Franklin

Amber Dawn Jankowski Int.Stud:Early Child-4th Grade New Braunfels

Ashley Jefferson Social Work Austin Adrian Johnson Physical Education South Orange, N.J. Valerie Brooke Johnson Communication Disorders Kemp

Kristen Leigh Kastner Exercise Science Abilene

Kimberly Ann Keely Social Work Bangs

Andrea Dee Kelley Communication Disorders Amarillo Katy King Communication Disorders Houston

Heidi Lynne Kopf Int.Stud:Early Child-4th Grade Oklahoma City

Catie Lawrence Int.Stud:Early Child-4th Grade Tulsa, Okla.

Briana Litton Communication Disorders Tyler Kasey Pearson Love Social Work Port Orange, Fla.

Brittney Nicole Lubojasky Int.Stud:Early Child-4th Grade Sugar Land Marcela Martinez Social Work Abilene

Bethany Grace Matula Communication Disorders Fredericksburg

Stephanie Elizabeth May Int.Stud:Early Child-4th Grade Arlington Jerica Jael Murphy Communication Disorders Abilene

Macey Trae Paden Communication Disorders Lubbock

Molly Catherine Parker Communication Disorders Katy

Lana Ivanka Pavlin Exercise Science San Antonio

Amy G. Perez Int.Stud:4th-8th Grade Houston Kyle Pinson Exercise and Sport Science Colleyville Kami Kay Porche Exercise Science Abilene

Elizabeth Ann Primer Communication Disorders San Antonio

Anna Louise Radomsky Social Work Fort Worth

Jamie Dale Randall Communication Disorders Kaufman

Lyndsay Marie Reed Int.Stud:Early Child-4th Grade Sugar Land

Jennifer Marie Regas Communication Disorders Sugar Land Allison Leigh Reid Exercise and Sport Science Granbury

Cortney Michelle Riley Communication Disorders Beaumont

Lyndi Leigh Roden Communication Disorders Cleburne

D’Angelo Valentino Sands Physical Education Nassau, Bahamas

Kelly Brooke Sisson Int.Stud:Early Child-4th Grade San Jose, Calif.

Ashlee Rena’e Smith Communication Disorders Fort Worth

Christie Ann Smith Communication Disorders Allen

Rosell T. Smith Physical Education San Antonio

Shawn Eric Speck Exercise and Sport Science Knox City

Holly DeShell Stevens Int.Stud:Early Child-4th Grade Combine

Tiffany D. Stidham Exercise and Sport Science Los Alamos, N.M.

Rachel Elizabeth Talley Communication Disorders Richardson

Jillian Hope Thomas Communication Disorders Haskell

Patricia Varela Int.Stud:4th-8th Grade Edinburg Calee Marie Varner Int.Stud:High School Amarillo

Rebecca Elizabeth Venable Int.Stud:High School Longmont, Colo.

Lauren Nichole Waggoner Int.Stud:Early Child-4th Grade Dimmitt

Kara Lyn Walker Exercise Science DeSoto Jordan Elizabeth Wesley Social Work Amarillo

Candace Renee Williams Social Work Garland

Hannah Sue Williams Int.Stud:Early Child-4th Grade Boerne

Jade M. Wilson Physical Education Downey, Calif.

Kara L. Wolfe Social Work Katy

May 2007 Graduates College of Biblical Studies Doctor of Ministry Jonathan Winfield Camp Memphis, Tenn.

Jeffrey M. Christian Tyler

Gregg Lynn Marutzky Grand Junction, Colo.

Matthew H. Soper Cypress

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry Brian Hofsommer Fargo, N.D. Sean Landolt Gun Barrel City Andrew Scott McBryde Abilene Susan Michelle Mullican Lubbock Yann Opsitch Abilene Atsushi Tsuneki Tokyo Michael Williams Temple

Master of Arts in Missions Ryan James Campbell Round Rock

Master of Arts in Religion Jon David Schwiethale Abilene

Master of Divinity Jared C. Cramer Grand Haven, Mich.

John Mark Davidson College Station Tera Dawn Harmon Los Alamos, N.M. Arik Joel Swindlehurst Hines, Ore. Justin Luke Thompson Abilene Randy Uthe (Missions) Abilene

College of Business Administration Master of Accountancy Alicia Buddin Southlake John Michael Daniel Birmingham, Ala. Tameka Lee Davis Abilene Mitchell R. Ellis Southlake Eric W. Hoover North Richland Hills Kyle David Miller Austin Taylor Bennett Rea Midland Robert B. Rogers Leander Leslie Rene’ Sensing Abilene Zachry Ray Starnes Snyder

Aaron Ray Burtch Communication Abilene Elizabeth Ann Canarsky Communication Lincoln, Neb. Alicia Floyd English Fremont, Calif.

I-Yang Hsu Communication Taipei, Taiwan Jason Patrick McCarty English San Diego, Calif.

Lisa Harris Shaffer Communication Abilene Lauren Ann Smith Communication Kerrville Brandon Neil Thompson English Council Bluffs, Iowa Justin C. Velten Communication Weyers Cave, Va.

Jennifer Michelle Voiles Communication Leakey

Master of Science Emily Denise Anderson School Psychology Catoosa, Okla.

Larry Wayne Bell Organizational and Human Resource Development Abilene Susan Murrell Billingsley School Psychology Searcy, Ark. Cheryl Calhoun Blaisdell Counseling Psychology Abilene Kristin Ashley Carter Organizational and Human Resource Development Rowlett Nibizi Domitien Organizational and Human Resource Development Burundi Therez Ephraim Counseling Psychology Fort Worth Jacquetta Lauriece Etheridge Organizational and Human Resource Development Abilene Alison Virginia Gensic Counseling Psychology Alton, Ill. Tera Marie Gibson Organizational and Human Resource Development Abilene Daniel W. Harkness Organizational and Human Resource Development Raton, N.M. Terry Johnson Organizational and Human Resource Development Abilene Megan Jillian Karcher Clinical Psychology San Diego, Calif.

Erin Elena Kelley Counseling Psychology Inez

Tommie Lawless Organizational and Human Resource Development Abilene Ben Jonathan Lippe Clinical Psychology Austin Jinu Oommen Organizational and Human Resource Development Fort Worth Nolan Rampy Clinical Psychology Austin Jennifer K. Retherford Organizational and Human Resource Development Oklahoma City, Okla.

David Riggs Psychology Spring Timothy Michael Spink Organizational and Human Resource Development Millbrook, Ala. Brendan Voss Organizational and Human Resource Development Sugar Land Sherry Renee’ Walker Organizational and Human Resource Development Abilene Laressa Kay Wong Organizational and Human Resource Development Hancock, Minn.

Clayton L. Woods School Psychology North Richland Hills

College of Education and Human Services Master of Education Simon L., Guerrero, Jr School Principalship Tuscola Rickey Frank Wallace School Principalship Abilene

Master of Science Communication Sciences and Disorders Chanan Joy Akins Waxahachie Jessica Bryant Bartonville Amber Cardot Davies Abilene Kellie Denise Fischer Abilene Maggie Kay Gibbs Blanket Rachael Heard Lytle Jennifer N. Oliver Abilene Charlotte Erin Richmond Rowlett Kristin Sessions Nashville, Tenn.

Melinda Michelle Staley Abilene Pik-Kwan Tang Hong Kong

Through the fog

Jennifer DiAnne Thompson Fort Worth Josh D. Whitworth Denton Joshua Eric Willingham Kennedale

College of Arts and Sciences Master of Arts

EMILY SMITH FILE PHOTO

Rodrigo and Carlos Macias, members of the student band O’Scarlet perform during the Fall 2006 Jamfest during Homecoming.

SPORTSWEDNESDAY

Page 12

May 9, 2007

Teams reach national tourney ACU claims LSC crowns n After sweeping the competition at the Division II South Central Regional Tournament, the ACU men’s and women’s tennis teams will both compete at nationals.

By MICHAEL FREEMAN ONLINE EDITOR

For the first time since 2004, both ACU tennis teams are heading to the Division II National Tournament in Altamonte Springs, Fla. Both teams won their respective Division II Central Region Championships on Friday, the men downed Cameron 5-1 and the women swept Midwestern State 5-0 at the Eager Tennis Center.

“It was really exciting,” said head coach Hutton Jones. “We beat them pretty decisively.”

The regional victories earn both the Wildcat men and wom-

Tennis

en a berth to nationals, which run from Wednesday through Saturday.

The men, ranked No. 20 nationally, will face West Florida at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the round of 16. West Florida touts a 23-3 record and a No. 1 national team ranking. If the Wildcats are able to upset the Argonauts, ACU will play the winner of the South Carolina UpstateConcordia College match at 9 a.m. Thursday.

The women do not have an easy first round match either. The No. 12 ACU women will take on the No. 4 team in the nation, West Florida. If the Wildcats win, they will play the winner of South Carolina Upstate-California (Pa.) match at 1 p.m. Friday.

“Our goal is to get to the national tournament,” Jones said.

“Anything we can accomplish out there is icing on the cake.”

This year marks the ninth overall appearance in the tournament for the men and the twentieth appearance for the women. The last time the ACU men were in the national tournament was 2004 when they lost in the first round to Southwest Baptist by the score of 53. The ACU women were in the tournament last year but fell in to BYU-Hawaii.

“It’s really a satisfying feeling to get to savor both teams achieving the national tournament,” Jones said. “Getting to go together is a lot of fun.”

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

Reaching for a title On the Web www.acuoptimist.com

n View results of the nationally ranked baseball team’s games in the Lone Star Conference Postseason tournament online at: www.acuoptimist.com

BRIAN SCHMIDT SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Second baseman Thomas Bumpass prepares to scoop up a ball during ACU’s 8-2 loss to Angelo in the Lone Star Conference Postseason Tournament on Tuesday. ACU and Angelo will play one more tournament deciding game.

n Both the ACU men’s and women’s track and field teams dominated the competition at the Lone Star Conference Championships this weekend.

By JARED FIELDS MANAGING EDITOR

Everything finally came together for the men’s and women’s teams at the Lone Star Conference Championships in Commerce. The men won the conference title with 248 points over Angelo State, and the women posted 280 points to beat the 211 points from Angelo State.

The team championships were the 23rd for the men, making it the 13th championship won in a row, and the second in a row for the women’s team with 22nd overall.

Besides blowing out Angelo State twice, head coach Don Hood said he was happy with the number of athletes who placed.

“There are kids who just couldn’t score last year who are scoring this year,” Hood said.

After a successful weekend at the LSC meet, Hood said he is much more confident about his teams heading into the national outdoor meet.

“We’re down to just three or four people who need to do something instead of 10 or 12,” Hood said.

The women’s team claimed 10 individual and two relay titles, and the men won 11 individual championships with the 400 relay winning with a time of 41.24, just under the provisional qualifying mark.

The men’s relay won with a freshman anchor who didn’t know he was a part of the relay until 10 minutes before taking the stick.

“Jordan Traub stepped in and ran a great anchor leg

Track & Field for us,” Hood said. “We just basically had a better handoff. He didn’t know he was going to run it until 10 minutes before the race. To see a freshman step up and do that was amazing.”

The women’s 1,600 relay won with a time of 3:44.07 while the 400-relay time earned the team an automatic qualifying time for the national meet with its time of 45.49.

“That’s a second faster than what we’ve been running,” Hood said. “It kind of makes it exciting.”

Two women, Sasharine McLarty and Loice Cheboi, won two individual events.

McLarty won the 100 and 200 meters in 11.54 and 23.65 seconds, respectively. The times rank her second in the nation in both events. McLarty was also a member of the 400-relay team.

Cheboi won the two longest races: the 5,000 and 10,000 kilometers in 18:46.31 and 38:10.95, respectively.

Keva Wilkins won the 400 meters with an automatic qualifying time of 53.20, and Azraa Rounds, who finished second, also automatically qualified with a time of 54.00 seconds. The Wildcats claimed the top four spots in the 400 meters and also took the top-three positions in the 800 and the top four in the 200 meters.

However, Hood said, Liga Klavina was the highlight on the women’s side of the meet.

Klavina set an LSC meet record in the shot put with a throw of 49-1.5 feet and finished third in the javelin. Klavina has battled injuries the last few years, and Hood said it’s good to see her performing well and being healthy.

“She has come all the way back,” Hood said. “It’s good to see her come back and finish her conference career with a bang.”

The men also had two athletes who won two events: Julius Nyango and Serge Gasore. Nyango won the 800 and 1,500 meters, and Gasore, like Cheboi on the women’s side, won the 5,000 and 10,000 meters.

Marvin Bien-Aime, the 200meter champion two years ago, posted the best time in the country at the meet, 20.77, showing signs of recovering from injuries.

“Marvin was probably the highlight,” Hood said. “He’s kept training and training and training, and all of a sudden, here he comes.”

The Wildcats took the toptwo spots in the 110-meter hurdles with Andrew McDowell winning at 14.10 and Matt Pugh following at 14.20.

With all the success at Commerce, one name was missing from the final results. Recordsetting long-distance runner, Nicodemus Naimadu did not run because Hood said he wanted to rest him before his final meet at home Thursday.

Also, without worrying about too many individuals, Hood said he can focus on the relays at the ACU Open at Elmer Gray Stadium. The home meet is the final meet the team has before nationals in Charlotte, N.C., on May 24-16.

On the Web www.acuoptimist.com

n ACU won 25 events and swept the conference titles at the Lone Star Conference Championships this weekend. View all of ACU’s individual winners and the team’s results in Commerce this weekend online at: www.acuoptimist.com E-mail Fields at: jrf03c@acu.edu