The Optimist Print Edition 11.11.16

WHAT'S INSIDE

NEWS

Remembering Katie Kirby: Family and friends reflect on Katie’s life.

Page 3

OPINION

What does the ACU Community mean to the Editorial Board? We’ve experienced it big time this week.

FEATURE

SPORTS

Page 5

Pages 6

Didn’t see that one coming? Students react to Donald Trump’s surprising presidential victory.

Page 4

Lizzie Dimba returns to the court after her injury. Will women’s basketball defend their Southland title?

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Friday, November 11, 2016 Vol. 105, Issue 13

A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912

DID YOU SAY “TRUMP”?

BIANCA BARRIENTOS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER The Optimist Newsroom opened its doors Tuesday night for an Election Nigh watch party, co-sponsored by Students’ Association. Students from varying political backgrounds watched votes roll in throughout the night with mixed reactions to President-elect Trump’s victory.

Ethnos to feature Nepalese dance

BY HALEY REMENAR ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR

The annual Ethnos show will feature its first Nepalese act as students and the Abilene community present cultural performances.

Christi Lim, president of the International Students’ Association, said the organization has already sold several hundred tickets in physical and online sales.

ISA also sold T-shirts printed with the event theme “Roots.”

“We have a lot of different acts this year,” Lim said.

Audiences can enjoy 16 performances, including acts by student groups -Omega Dance Company, Shades Step Squad, Sanctify, and Swing Cats.

The first ever Nepalese act will feature many Abilene area high school students.

Some Hardin-Simmons University students will also participate.

Performances will begin at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets cost $8 for general admission and $5 for a group of ten or more.

Preferred seating tickets cost $12.

HRR13B@ACU.EDU

Students weigh in on Trump’s triumph

BY HALEY REMENAR ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR

International students paid close attention the election, although they couldn’t vote, and Hispanic students had varied responses to Trump’s election.

Renique Rodriguez, president of Hispanos Unidos, said her grandparents immigrated from Mexico which caused her family to be passionate about politics.

“Being able to have the right to vote is a big deal in the immigrant and Hispanic community because you are now a citizen of the United States,” Rodriguez said.

“And you have this voice to speak up.”

Rodriguez, junior mis-

sions major from Georgetown, said she’s seen a lot of outrage from the Hispanic community since Trump was elected. She said she’s heard many Hispanics say they feel worthless in the eyes of America, but her family actually voted for Trump.

Rodriguez said she was torn about her own vote.

“Personally, I don’t think it’s OK to stand with someone who is racist,” Rodriguez said. “I’m not OK with this.”

Vicente Rojas, senior engineering major from Torreon, Mexico, said many of his friends in Mexico were disappointed with Trump’s election because of the things he has said about Mexicans. However, Rojas

said he personally wants to give Trump the benefit of the doubt.

“I hope he’s going to do a good job,” Rojas said. “I’m interested to see how he’s going to do as a person who comes from a different background.”

Rojas said Trump’s election has no affect on him because he came into the country legally by getting a student visa. He plans to stay in the United States after graduation and get his Master’s degree while working for an engineering firm. He said he can stay in the country for three years without a permit as a graduate of a U.S. university, but after three years his company would have to sponsor him for a work visa.

“I know I got into this country the right way,” Rojas said. “I know I’m going to be OK as long as I follow the regulations – those are not going to change from night to day.”

Christi Lim, International Students’ Association president, said she found it interesting that Hillary Clinton had more popular votes, but Trump won the election.

She said American students should be grateful regardless of the election results because they have more of a political voice than her home country, Malaysia. When the country elected its current prime minister, Lim said he was losing in the polls but after a nationwide blackout, the lights came on and he

was winning.

“There’s a lot of corruption going on in Malaysia,” Lim said. “It’s all really fishy stuff. Basically it looks like we can vote, but in the end our opinion doesn’t quite matter.”

Lim, junior graphic design and advertising major from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, said she heard Illinois elected its first Asian female senator, Republican Tammy Duckworth.

“Even if the results weren’t what most people that I know wanted, at least some good stuff is happening in other places too,” Lim said.

HRR13B@ACU.EDU

Classes, clubs select Sing Song directors

BY BRIANNA CLOSE STUDENT REPORTER

Classes and clubs have selected directors for Sing Song 2017, Fire and Ice, and preparations for building shows have begun.

Sing Song directors for class and club acts will have their first meeting Saturday Nov. 12.

Erika Teilmann, sopho-

more management and marketing major from Houston, will direct the sophomore class act with Laura Walling.

“Laura and I, the other co-director, both didn’t pledge, and we both really wanted to make sure there was a community for people built for other people who didn’t pledge,” Teilmann said. “Also giving an avenue for people that are in club to

see their friends.”

Seven out of the ten acts will be lead by co-directors.

“I’ve had a lot of good opportunities to be in leadership position on campus and I’m really excited to get to lead a group that I love and am passionate about,” said Ashlyn Anthony, senior graphic design and advertising major from Dallas. Anthony will direct Ko Jo Kai’s

club act.

Many of the directors have participated in previous class and club acts.

“I co-directed last year and felt like I didn’t give it everything last year and put a lot of it off and I feel like there is still a lot for me to do better this year,” said Hunter Howard, senior christian ministries major from Rowlett. Howard is directing Tro-

jan club act for the second time.

Themes for each act will be chosen Monday at the director’s meeting.

“I’m looking forward to getting to see everyone interact and seeing how they grow and making an experience worth remembering,” Teilmann said.

SEE DIRECTORS PAGE 2

University purchases first international property

144-year-old German villa to become Study Abroad’s Leipzig hub

BY ALLISON BROWN EDITOR IN CHIEF

The university recently finalized the purchase of its first international property – a 15,000-square-foot villa in the heart of Leipzig, Germany. The 144-year-old villa, built in 1872, is located in Leipzig’s Music District.

The villa will accommodate around 35 people.

Stephen Shewmaker, executive director of the Center for International Edu-

cation, said the process of acquiring the property has taken nearly a year.

In January, Shewmaker traveled to Leipzig in January with Dr. Robert Rhodes, provost, Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, Scott Colley, VP of something, and Kevin Roberts, former whatever, to look at a property. The group initially looked at a different home on the same street, but after meeting Oriol Plans-Casal, owner

of the villa, conversations began about a possible transaction.

“After having quite a few conversations with Oriol and a few extra trips to Leipzig, we hired an engineer to go through the property and assess its soundness,” Shewmaker said.

As things moved forward, Shewmaker worked with a Leipzig-based attorney to complete the acquisition.

“We don’t have to do

much to it, but we’ll have to do some furnishing,” Shewmaker said. “It’s in really good shape, and it’s really nice on the inside – perfect for what we need it to be.”

Shewmaker said he hopes the property will be ready for students to use by Summer 2017, but is still unsure which of the summer groups will get to stay at the villa.

“Where the building is SEE ABROAD PAGE 3

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

COURTESY PHOTO ACU’s newest property: a 15,000-square-foot villa in the heart of Leipzig, Germany

2

NEW S

Early FAFSA now being accepted

BY MAX PRESTON STUDENT REPORTER

FAFSA applications for the 2017-2018 academic school year are now open and can be filled out for possible financial aid.

The federal government made the decision to open up next year’s FAFSA and use tax returns from the prior year instead of having to wait for the next year.

“We don’t have to wait for last year’s taxes to get filed because they are usually already filed from the previous year,” said student services specialist Jacob Crabtree. “It smoothens out the whole process; we don’t have to cram a whole lot of applications into a shorter time.”

Crabtree said a lot of applications have already been filled out and the financial aid employees have already started looking over the FAFSAs that have been turned in.

There are no guarantees that students will hear back quickly or receive their package shortly after they submit their application. However, the financial aid staff is able to get the results back to students who have filled out the FAFSA early in a timely manner.

Although students can use their filed taxes from the previous year, it is encouraged that they keep up with their present financial situations just in case there is a drastic change in the next year, said assistant director of the Depot, Carolina Witcher.

“With such a large gap between when they are filing their FAFSA and their taxes, there might be significant differences,” said Witcher. “We have an application students can fill out if that is the scenario, and they should also set up a meeting with their counselor.”

Graduate students are also eligible to fill out the FAFSA early, and financial aid pertains to them just as it does to undergraduates.

“Graduate students are able to do the FAFSA as well,” said Witcher. “Typically, it would only require their own tax information.

It is not going to require the parents.”

The FAFSA website says that this is the earliest the application has ever opened and also notes that some states and schools have limited funds and students should fill it out as soon as possible.

OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU

FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 11, 2016

Cozy Convos returns, offers women fellowship

BY LAUREN FRANCO STUDENT REPORTER

Cozy Convos, a time of discipleship for university women, is back at University Church of Christ after a successful session last spring.

The session, a three to four-hour time of discipleship, is designed to bring together women of ACU to discuss topics that aren’t necessarily talked about during the work day, but important to the female community.

Dr. Kristen Guillory, a former social work faculty member at ACU, will be leading the collegiate women in this time.

Guillory started Cozy Convos four years ago

for women in the Abilene area to come together for a time of fellowship. Last year, she was asked to start a university version to get students and faculty engaged and connected.

“Since she left the university, her impact wasn’t still being felt very much on campus,” said Dr. Jan Meyer, director of spiritual formation. “We brought her back to do it in the spring for the first time ever, to do a university version of Cozy Convos that would just be in a night.”

Meyer said this year’s Cozy Convos will be held in the fall because it would encourage attendees to meet with each other throughout the rest of the

“

It's about being women of God and the kinds of challenges we face,” DR. JAN MEYER DIRECTOR OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION

school year as opposed to one month when it was held in April.

“Last year, we had about 10 or 15 faculty and staff women come and about 80 to 85 girls,” said Dr. Jan Meyer, director of spiritual formation.

“There are a number of students who knew Dr. G when she was here. There are a number of people who know her from other settings, who are here on

campus, who are pretty excited about her coming back.”

Rather than preaching a typical sermon, Guillory will be answering questions that are often asked by the female community at ACU. Meyer said that Guillory desires to offer a positive, encouraging and honest time, that leaves the women knowing people better and having a better sense of self.

“It's about being women of God and the kinds of challenges we face. Both women relating to women, but also women relating in the career field, relationships with men and just any walk of life,” Meyer said. “So it's kind of a fun, high energy, gathering of

women. We talk about fun things that girls care about, and then figure out what does that mean for us.”

As interest grows in the event, Meyer said that she would like to see it become a student-led experience.

“We would like to do something like this on a regular basis, because we don’t really have any events that are just for women,” Meyer said.

Registration for Cozy Convos is still open. The event will be held on Nov. 11 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at University Church of Christ.

OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU

Fifty students audition for 24 HR musical

BY TAYLOR BUSH STUDENT REPORTER

The Department of Theatre began preparations for the 4th annual 24 HR Musical. The musical will take place Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m. in Fulks Theatre at the Williams Performing Arts Center. There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted and given to Living Water International.

“Last year we raised about $2,200, I believe, which was double the year before that,” said Braden Clark, junior acting major from Olathe, Kansas, and one of the 24 HR Musical directors. “So, we’ve been growing.” This year’s goal is $2,000 after much discussion among the production crew.

This past Sunday, au-

ditions took place in the Williams Performing Arts Center. Clark said they had about 50 auditions as well as a few video auditions.

The production crew will not announce what show will be performed until the beginning of the 24 Hour rehearsal day. “The two weeks before the show, we take off a show every other day,” said Laura Harris, senior theatre education major from Little Rock, Arkansas, and one of the 24 HR directors.

By the day of the musical, the list of shows will be narrowed down to two.

Harris said they announce the musical that will be performed to the cast and then the directors will say go! “[This is the] ultimate musical theatre challenge,” said Harris.

EMILY GUAJARDO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Last year's 24 HR musical raised $2,200 for the cahrity Living Water International.

The production crew has been working all semester laying out the 24 HR day, down to 15 minute increments. “A lot of planning goes into the 24 HR day,” said Harris. The production crew spends time picking the show, cutting the script, advertising

the event and much more.

Clark and Harris are looking forward to this event. “It’s hilarious because you're watching people who haven't slept in 24 hours put on a full musical,” said Harris.

Harris mentioned enjoying this show because the

audience is different than the normal Theatre Department audience - with a lot of ACU students and Abilene families.

“Theater is so fleeting.

It’s a moment that happens once. And you have to cherish for that one period of time. And doing it in 24 hours is an even bigger reminder of that,” said Clark.

The 24 HR musical will take place in January, but if you would like to support the event, contact Laura Harris at lah12a@acu. edu or Braden Clark at bbc13a@acu.edu. If you are interested in donating food for the actors and actresses for the day of rehearsal, contact Savannah Ochran at sfo13a@acu.edu.

OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU

Directors: students tune up Sing Song acts CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Directors work hard to make a productive but fun environment for everyone involved.

“I like Sing Song cause we’re all pretty competitive at acu and I like that spirit but the charity aspect is for sure one of the most important things to me,” Howard said.

Each winning act donates prize money to a charity of their choosing.

“It’s a tradition that I’ve always loved about ACU and I’m so excited to make a great act,” Anthony said.

“It’s not about winning but having fun and the experience that goes along with it,” Teilmann said.

2017 SING SONG DIRECTORS Freshman Purple Weston Weast Sloan Polvado

Ko Jo Kai Kayla Torp Ashlyn Anthony

Freshman White Audrey McKillip Ethan Bailey Mikaela Clinton

Sigma Theta Chi Allison Brown Madison Losher

Gamma Sigma Pi Joel Ague Galaxy Carl Kimbrough Trojans Hunter Howard

GATA Darby Stemen

Sophomore Erika Teilmann Laura Walling

Frater Sodalis Shelby Facudo-Moreno

Alpha Kai Omega Philomena DeHoyos

Junior Macey McAllister

Pi Kappa Cole Spears

Tri Kappa Gamma Anne Bailey

Senior Courtney Tee Lane Luttrell Callie Houston

Sub T-16 Lane Lutrell

Zeta Rho Sarah Arrasmith Renique Rodriguez

OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU

POLICE LOG SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 11/04/2016 11:59 a.m.

A student’s game controller was stolen from his dorm room.

11/03/2016 9:49 p.m.

Officers responded to a report of suspicious vehicle and persons in Will Hair Park. Subject was identified and released.

11/08/2016 8:05 a.m.

ACUPD was notified of an ongoing harassment issue. Situation is being handled by Student Life/Title IX. 911 CALL ACCIDENT ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY ALARM ASSAULT BARRICADES BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK CHECK BUILDING CREDIT/DEBIT CARD ABUSE CRIMINAL TRESPASS DISTURBANCE DRUG ACTIVITY/OFFENSE

4 3 19 2 1 1 15 308 1 1 1 1

ESCORT FOOT PATROL FOUND PROPERTY INFORMATION REPORT INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP MAINTENANCE UNIV ASSETS: CCTV MAINTENANCE: UNIVERSITY ASSETS MEDICAL EMERGENCY MONITOR FACILITY/LOT MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMP-

1 25 8 2 16 7 2 3 6 6

START MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK NOISE VIOLATION OTHER PARKING LOT PATROL PARKING VIOLATION PATROL VEHICLE: MAINTENANCE PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL PROWLER RANDOM PATROL RECKLESS DRIVING

REPORT WRITING 16 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY SUSPICIOUS PERSON 2 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 4 THEFT 36 TRAFFIC STOP 3 TRESPASSER 2 WELFARE CHECK 8 TOTAL: 559 1 25 2

13 1 2 1 5 1 1 3

POLICE CHIEF TIP OF THE WEEK:

ACUPD extends condolences to the many family & friends dealing with the sudden an unexpected loss of ACU student Katie Kirby this week.

N E WS

FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 11, 2016

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LYDIA LAWSON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAWN AND JERRY KIRBY

Remembering Katie Kirby: a true flame OBITUARY

Katherine “Katie” Laura Kirby, 19, of Friendswood, Texas passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016.

Katie graduated from Clear Brook High School in 2015 and continued her education attending ACU with a major in elementary education.

Katie truly enjoyed her short life here on earth to the fullest by always encouraging others and sharing her engaging and infectious smile. She was active in her church and school both in high school and college where she participated in choir, handbells, UM Army, PALS and various other activities. Katie was so excited to recently have joined ACU women’s so-

cial club GATA, where she became a true “flame” – a bright light that continues to shine. Besides her passion for music and singing, Katie loved popcorn, movies, reading and traveling, and she especially loved to cruise.

Katie had made Song of Solomon 4:7 her life verse: “You are altogether beautiful, my darling: there is no flaw in you.”

Katie shares her heavenly life with her grandfather, Francis Collins; grandparents Ben and Betty Kirby; her cousin, Teri Rae Gilpin and her uncle, Gary Loke.

She is survived by her parents, Dawn and Jerry Kirby of Friendswood; grandmother, Jane Collins; aunts and uncles Martha and Ray Montgomery, Kay Loke, Brenda Collins, Ann

and Jerry Richmond, Clarence and Mimi Collins, Elaine and Noe Acosta.

Katie is also survived by her cousins Shannon Smith, Holli and Brynn Tutt, Matthew and Joel Loke, Aryn

Acosta, and many loving second cousins and cherished friends.

A visitation will take place on Monday evening, Nov. 14 from 5 – 8 p.m. at Jeter Funeral Home in

Friendswood, and her funeral service will be Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. at Friendswood United Methodist Church in Friendswood. After the service, the burial will be at Forest

Park East in Webster, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Katie Kirby StudentCare Fund at ACU (acu.edu/give).

Rates As Low As

COURTESY PHOTO

Abroad: villa to house students CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

located is fantastic and we’ll have students right on the edge of the center of the city,” Shewmaker said.

As Study Abroad programs have grown over the years, the university has looked at buying properties before, but until now, properties in Leipzig, Oxford and Montevideo have been rented.

The university had an opportunity to purchase the Oxford houses on Canterbury Road about 10 years ago, but still remains tenants in the homes. With a slight case of renter’s remorse, Shewmaker didn’t want to let a property like the Leipzig villa get away.

“Because we did not purchase at Oxford and now we wish 10 years ago we would

have, that helped inform this decision,” Shewmaker said. “We thought, ‘Let’s not be twenty years into Leipzig, wishing we had learned the lessons of Oxford.’”

The villa currently houses Lyzeum Music School and sits in a historic part of town, right next to where the iconic Bluthner piano factory once stood. The factory was once the largest employer in Leipzig at the turn of the twentieth century, but was lost in World War II bombings. Shewmaker said he looks forward to uncovering more of the villa’s history.

“I don’t know all the stories yet, but I’m interested to really dig into it,” Shewmaker said.

$490 Fully Furnished, All Bills Paid! & $0 Down at Signing!

AKB12B@ACU.EDU

TheArchAbilene.com • 325.672.2960 •Text ARCHABILENE to 47464 for info 2702 N. Judge Ely Boulevard, Abilene TX

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ED IT O R IA L

FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 11, 2016

ACU’s strong sense of community shines in our most stressful times THE ISSUE

The “ACU Difference” is a phrase we hear all the time, but does it hold meaning in our lives on campus?

OUR TAKE

On hard days, stressful times, and long weeks, we see ACU’s sense of community lived out in very real ways.

From recruiting, to Wildcat Week, to this week, they weren’t lying when they said community makes ACU different.

What other school set aside racial barriers to pack 200 people of all races in one room to discuss Black Lives Matter?

Where else could students of both political parties come together to watch election results in the middle of the most dividing election of the millennium?

And what other community could join to mourn the loss of a single student?

Whether bonded by pur-

ple and white, or a capella music, students on this campus have deeper relationships than most people will ever have in their lifetime.

Before we came to ACU, many of us heard about the “ACU difference” found in a close-knit community.

We have events like Sing Song and Homecoming to celebrate this community, but it takes painful topics and circumstances to show us what community really means.

This week people grieved for the death of Katie Kirby and embraced the bereaved in many meaningful ways. Strangers put

flowers and candles at the GATA Fountain. Parents and alumni from all over the country offered prayers and financial support. Resident assistants, members of her social club, members of other social clubs, professors, friends, alumni and people who had never even met her honored her life.

She was only one student, but the ACU community could not let her pass unnoticed.

Elections come and go, racial tensions fluctuate, but this group of people will continue to build each other up as one body. We will face more tragedies and more divisive issues in the coming years, but we will continue to weave this purple and white narrative of strong community.

Go Wildcats.

OPINION@JMCNETWORK.COM

To Katie: A writer, fellow friend

@acuoptimist @SJPYBUS NOV. 10 2:51 P.M.

EMILLION HERE, EMILLION THERE

Your life doesnt change by the man thats elected,if youre loved by someone youre never rejected, Decide what to be & go be it. @theavettbros

EMILY GUAJARDO VISUALS MANAGING EDITOR Junior convergence journalism major San Antonio

@MADELYNBANE NOV. 10 10:53 A.M.

no matter the outcome, no matter our differences with others, we are still #StrongerTogether than we are apart. strive for togetherness.

The power of the written word is incomprehensible.

The idea that while we may die our words will continue to live on.

Katie Kirby was a fellow sister, friend, companion and writer. Since June 2016, Katie wrote articles for Odyssey online. From open letters to college freshmen to why pledging at ACU is the best, Katie believed in the power of words and the power of her own voice.

Her constant stride and everlasting love for the written word is something that all writers contain - but not all understand.

Writers share a bond in the midst of things going

@PHORREST_ NOV. 10 7:16 P.M.

HAVE PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE WHO ARE WILLING TO LOVINGLY TELL YOU YOUR WORK ISN’T AS GREAT AS YOU THINK IT IS

@93MADISONAVENUE NOV. 10 4:07 P.M.

Sometimes I use my textbooks as a footrest to show them who’s boss.

@IDKAITLYND NOV. 9 10:39 A.M.

also when is chipotle coming to abilene bc it’s starting to feel like a chipotLIE

@KATEHEGI NOV. 5 8:18 P.M.

Abilene needs to invest in a good taco place

@OSCAR_WILDE_CAT NOV. 9 8:27 A.M.

The sun came up this AM, God is still in His heaven, the Hallmark channel is still playing Christmas movies. LIfe is good and goes on.

DOWNTON ABBEY

He did not say, “Love your neighbor as yourself, except if they’re Democrat, or Black, or gay, or poor, or Muslim, or different than you in any way.”

ABBEY BOWLING ARTS AND FEATURES EDITOR Senior convergence journalism major Keller

@ABBEY_MOSES NOV. 10 11:42 A.M.

Things that are good in the winter: -scarves -hot soup Things that don’t go so well when put together: -scarves -hot soup

FOLLOW

@ACUOPTIMIST WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ACUOPTIMIST WWW.ACUOPTIMIST.COM

I didn’t want to write a political column, but here I am.

The morning after election night, America has spoken, Donald Trump is set to become our 45th President, and I’m writing a political column for a conservative Christian university’s newspaper even though I didn’t vote Republican.

I don’t think there’s anything I could say about this election that hasn’t already been said. We all know this election cycle was crazy. We all know both of the candidates have flaws. We all know politics have a knack for tearing this country apart. So the point of this

column is not to point out the problems in liberalism or conservatism. The point of this is not to point fingers and call each other names.

The point of this is not to be a sore loser and complain. The point of this is to offer an answer to the question: “What now?”

Except, I don’t know what’s going to happen next. No one does. But I do know that America is still a country where we can exercise our freedom of speech, but we should not be so concerned with voicing our own opinion that we forget to be quiet and listen to others, too. Divisive situations like

T H E

EDITORIAL AND LETTER POLICY

E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu

she deserves to be remembered. Her words will never die nor fade away. Her words will remain the hearts and minds of many.

So, this is not goodbye nor is it hello again. Frankly, it’s see you tomorrow. Her death has allowed us to realize that our lives are only for a matter of seconds. Our lives, no matter how busy, cannot replace the love and respect we should show one another. At a mere 19 years old, Katie understood that.

Ask around and you will hear about the great memories Katie left on this Earth.

And for those who never got a chance to meet her, I can assure you that she loved you too.

Thank you, Katie. Thank you for your words and your voice. Welcome to the writers club.

EAG13A@ACU.EDU

Choose to love your neighbor “

I want to move out of the country even more, not bc of the president, but bc of how people are treating one another. Like dang America.

Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609

wrong in the world. Shakespeare wrote to express his idealistic thoughts and impressions of the hierarchy.

Emily Dickinson wrote her darkest feelings and suicidal thoughts in hopes of one day achieving love and happiness. Jane Austen wrote about love and how difficult and heartbreaking it is to find. These writers, these visionaries, wrote their ideas and expressed thoughts that were pushed down by society. Today, their words are known around the world and are displayed everywhere. They have become legends.

On Sunday night, Katie entered that same realm.

Her words impacted not only her followers or friends, but thousands of students across campus. Her writing will live on - in this life and the next. As a fellow writer, I am honored to have read and be blessed by her works.

As a fellow friend, I was honored to have laughed and get to know her on a more intimate level. As a sister, I was blessed to have her in club with me, beside me.

Anne Frank once said, “I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.”

It is in these words, we can find ourselves. It is in these words, we can realize how great the power of a pen is; how great you feel when you write your inner thoughts, your inner desires, your inner secrets. Writers share a unique connection because we know what it feels like to have something to say and nothing to say at all. Katie was a writer and for that,

COLUMN

@MARYSA_TRAVIESO NOV. 9 1:17 P.M.

personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or 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.

BEN TODD CARTOONIST

COLUMN

hashtagACU

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

Daily Doodle Dosage

this election demand respect from both sides – something we lack too often. We must honor and respect both the democratic process and the differing opinions of those around us. Whether you are pleased or disappointed with the outcome, today, like every day, you have a choice.

I also know this: in Mark 12:31, Jesus said to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

He did not say, “Love your neighbor as yourself, except if they’re Democrat, or Black, or gay, or poor, or

Muslim, or different than you in any way.” Obeying Jesus’ commandment to love people encompasses the entire human population, even those who are different than you – especially those who are different than you, because that’s what Jesus did. Remember that love is patient, love is kind, love does not dishonor others, love is not easily angered. In this post-election world, as our entire country asks what happens now, this is what we should answer: don’t give into the temptation to attack our new President, or the co-worker, friend, or family member who voted differently than you. Instead, answer them with a handshake, or a smile, or a hug, and please choose to love.

AKB12A@ACU.EDU

O P T I M IST

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F E ATUR E S

FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 11, 2016

Wait, what?

5

As votes rolled in, Tuesday’s election results surprised students across the political spectrum

BY HALEY REMENAR ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR

BIANCA BARRIENTOS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Counter clockwise, from top: senior Savanah Silva; freshman Matthew Middlebrook, junior Jared Shamoon, and seniors Sarah Arrasmith and Hayley Middlebrook; freshmen Rachel Poe and Paige Petrie; sophomore Vanessa Ellis.

Students who supported both candidates discussed surprise about the election results at the Optimist’s first election watch party.

Jenna Salzman, freshman political science major from Fort Worth, said she expected Hillary Clinton to win Florida and several other key states that she didn’t win.

She said the result had to do with voter turnout.

“That’s one of the biggest problems in America,” Salzman said. “We have one of the lowest voter turnouts in most Democratic countries.

Turkey has a bigger voting turnout than we do and they just had a coup earlier this year.”

Grace Meroff, sophomore art education major from Cedar Park, said she’s less scared of Trump

himself and more worried because so many people voted for Trump.

“I think I just started living in denial – like ‘Trump can’t win, he’s not real,’” Meroff said.

“Well, he is. It’s official, he’s real.”

For more student reactions, check out the video of the watch party at acuoptimist.com HRR13B@ACU.EDU

A RTS

Cornerstone play focuses on grief

BY BRIANNA CLOSE STUDENT REPORTER

The annual Cornerstone play, produced by the Department of Theatre, highlights issues of grief in “The Dream of the Burning Boy.” “This show is how we interpret and how we deal with grief,” said Christian Schnucker, who plays high school teacher Larry Morrow.

“It’s a play that brings connection to the seven characters and introduc-

es seven different ways to deal with what has happened and dealing with grief essentially,” said the senior theatre major from Leander.

The story focuses on characters in high school and their reaction to a common loss in their life.

After a tragic event happens, each character is faced with overcoming the grief they feel.

“The intention is to have our students put themselves in other people’s shoes,” said Dawne

Meeks, department chair.

“We hope students walk away with a better understanding of someone else’s walk.”

Each year’s Cornerstone production is a community decision made by Theatre Department faculty. “I was drawn to the play because of the contemporary sensibility and something our students could relate to,” Meeks said. “I think of coming off this summer and so much pain in the world and there are times

where we need hope.”

The play depicts seven different ways of handling grief giving every student a chance to connect to the play’s central message with making references to Hamlet and Dante’s Inferno, according to Meeks.

“Everybody at some level has dealt with grief and this explores the different ways in how we react to it whether it be lashing out or turning inward on ourselves or pushing everybody away

or taking what we can,” Schnucker said.

Students not taking Cornerstone are invited to purchase tickets for the show as well.

“I think it’s really easy to feel isolated in whatever you’re dealing with as humans and we feel that no one else gets it but in reality we all go through similar things,” said Gabby Walker, sophomore theatre major from Chicago, IL. “Especially in the show it’s when we can finally open up with each

other that the vulnerable and healing moments occur.”

After performance, talk backs will take be held for a chance for the audience to learn more and ask questions.

“The Dream of the Burning Boy” opens Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. until Nov. 19 with nightly performances. Tickets can be purchased online at acu. edu/theatre or by calling the box office for $15.

OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU

6

S P O RT S STANDINGS

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Franklin voices high team expectations

BY MAX PRESTON ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

After finishing seventh in the Southland Conference a year ago with an 8-10 conference record, the Wildcats are picked to finish one spot better, as they boast a young team with seven freshman and just one senior in Jovan Crnic.

However, junior guard Isaiah Tripp said the team has no intentions of settling for sixth.

“Our mindset is ‘Taking A Stand’,” Tripp said.

“Taking a stand on the little things, taking a stand on the defensive end, taking a standing on winning. No

disrespect to anyone, but we feel that we can and will finish first in this conference this year, and that is where our focus has been placed since the start of our summer workouts.”

Last year, the Wildcats averaged 70.4 points per game, while their points against average was 73.9.

The men also scored a total 2209 points last year and had shot 45.2 percent from the field.

Sophomore guard Jaylen Franklin was named to the preseason all-Southland Conference first team.

Franklin was named conference freshman of the year and to the all-Con-

ference second team at the end of last season.

“I think getting selected as all-Southland first team means a lot,” Franklin said.

“I’m very honored but at the same time I have to stay humble and do whatever it takes to help my team win.”

Last year, Franklin finished seventh in the conference in scoring averaging with 16.2 points per game.

He also was also runner up for national mid-major freshman of the year.

“My team’s mindset is to win,” said Franklin. “We want to take it one game at a time. The team wants to do better than last year and I think we can. What

“

“No disrespect to anyone, but we feel that we can and will finish first in this conference[...]”

ISAIAH TRIPP JUNIOR GUARD

we want to accomplish is finishing in the top three of conference at the end of the year. With the players we have and the experience we got this should be a good year.”

ACU opens its season Friday in Moody Coliseum against Div. 3 opponent Schreiner University.

The Moutaineers finished last year with a 10-15

record and were 1-9 when playing on the road. They also fell 69-46 when they traveled to Key City in a December meeting a year ago.

Schreiner will return its leading scorer from last season in senior forward Wes Miller who averaged 13.8 points per game. Senior guard Jared Thompson, who averaged 9.8 points per game and was the second-leading scorer also returns.

The game is scheduled to officially tip at 7 P.M. MJP14B@ACU.EDU

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Return to Form

Football Team

SHSU UCA Nicholls SELU McNeese SFA Lamar HBU ACU UIW NWSU

Div. Ovrl.

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

9-0 8-1 5-4 5-4 5-5 4-5 3-6 3-6 2-8 1-8 1-8

PRESEASON POLL M Basketball Team

SHSU SFA TAMU-CC NWSU HBU ACU SELU McNeese UNO UIW UCA Lamar Nicholls

16-17 15-16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

3 1 2 12 5 7 6 8 9 4 11 13 10

W Basketball Team

ACU UCA SFA Lamar McNeese NWSU Nicholls HBU SHSU TAMU-CC UNO SELU UIW

16-17 15-16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

1 2 4 9 5 3 7 6 8 10 11 13 12

EX-FACTOR Taylor Gabriel put together another solid performance against the Buccaneers with five catches for 52 yards.

Gabriel’s output helped the Falcons to a 43-28 victory over the Bucs.

LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER In her first action back on the court Lizzy posted eight rebounds, one block, one steal and an assist in just 17 minutes of work. Last season, before her injury she was fifth in the conference in total rebounding averaging 7.8 per game and fourth in offensive rebounds with 77.

With Lizzy back, Wildcats primed to defend Southland title

BY TREVOR WYATT SPORTS WRITER

A year after tearing her ACL and missing seven games, Lizzy Dimba is back in full form after months of rehab.

In her final year, Lizzy like the rest of her team is focused on a repeat as Southland Conference champs.

“Last year was really disappointing when I was hurt,” Lizzy said. “But I’m thankful for the doctors that helped me. I do rehab every day now, sometimes I do rehab twice a day. That’s how I’m able to stay in the shape that I’m in.”

Lizzy and the rest of the women’s basketball team had their first official practice on October 5, and she looked to the team to be her old self. Senior Alexis Mason and last year’s Southland Conference Player of the Year, says that Lizzy coming back is going to be great, and that she was sad to see her go down last year.

“She is a great post player that works hard down in the paint,” Mason said. “It was sad not playing with her last year when she went through the ACL injury, but she was very positive about it which made it easier for the team to respond. We wanted her to be out there with us, but she did a great job switching roles and becoming a great encourager for the team.”

Mason also said that Lizzy’s game is going to be a big part of the physical play that the wildcats have done for the past 3 years.

“She’s gonna be a big part of this team now that she’s come back,” Mason said.

“I mean she obviously looks ready. She can drive, hit the three, and defend. She looks in great shape.”

Lizzy says other than rehab, the encouragement of her teammates was crucial in her successful return as well.

“All of my teammates were there for me through it all,” Lizzy said. “Especially my sister and Alexis and Sydney. We’ve been together for this being our fourth year and I can’t wait to bring home another championship with my family.”

Speaking of family, Lizzy not only considers her team her family, but she has actual kin on the team in her identical twin sister, Suzzy Dimba.

Suzzy says that she tore her ACL her sophomore year of high school, the same injury Lizzy went through last year.

Suzzy said that her sister was there through her injury, and she had to do the same for her sister.

“I hated that she wasn’t on the court with me,” Suzzy said. “I tore my ACL my sophomore year in high school and she played through [the season], so I knew I had to do the same.”

Suzzy also said that playing with her sister has been fun and she’ll always remember this season.

“It’s been great playing with her -it hasn’t been just 4 years, it has been my entire life,” Suzzy said. “We have been on the same team since we were 4 years old and it’s

crazy to think this is the last year we will be teammates.”

Head coach Julie Goodenough says this class of seniors has been a top-3 team that she’s coached in her 20plus year career, and Lizzy is an integral part of it.

“Lizzy and her sister Suzzy were both heavily recruited by ACU and other schools,” Goodenough said.

“We wanted them both so we got them both, and I’m glad we did. When Lizzy and Suzzy are healthy, they’re both top-10 athletes in the conference.”

Lizzy said the idea of her playing without her sister didn’t cross her mind once.

“She’s my sister,” Lizzy said. “We’ve been playing together basically our whole lives. We had colleges recruit me and not Suzzy, and colleges ask for Suzzy and not me. ACU wanted us both, and it seemed like a really good fit for us both academically, in athletics, and spiritually.”

Fellow senior Sydney Shelstead came in to ACU at the same time as the Dimba sisters. She said the injury hurt, but she’s glad Lizzy is back in action.

“I felt for Lizzy when she got hurt last year because she didn’t get to finish the season playing games with us, but I am so excited for her to be back on the court for our final season,” Shelstead said.

“It’s going to be a great year for this team and I’m excited to see what everyone is going to be able to accomplish individually and as a team.”

In his first start of the season, Charcandrick West rushed 13 times for 39 yards and caught three passes for 35 yards, as the Chiefs beat the Jaguars 19-14.

BRIEFINGS Junior placekicker Nik Grau earned Southland Conference Special Teams Player of the Week honors after his three-field goal performance. Grau converted from 42, 41 and 30 yards away.

Women’s Basketball defeated McMurry 96-47 during an exhibition game in Moody Monday night.

UPCOMING Men’s and Women’s basketball begin the non-conference portion of their schedules tonight, as the men will host Schreiner University, while the women head to Missouri in the first round of the preseason WNIT. LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Lizzy needs just 162 more points to reach 1,000 points for her career, this would also put her in an elite 1,000-point, 500-rebound club.

Now Lizzy says there’s just one more thing to make her comeback story complete.

“We’re gonna win another championship, and I can’t wait to be on the court when it happens.”

The team opens its ti-

tle defense with preseason play against Missouri on Friday. The Wilcats will begin Southland play on New Year’s Eve against SELU. TMW13A@ACU.EDU

Volleyball closes its season Saturday against McNeese, looking to secure a third place finish and its first winning conference record since transitioning to the Southland in 2013.