The Optimist

Graduates take stage, accept diplomas

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Abilene Christian University's Moody Coliseum filled with faculty, students and their family and friends Saturday as the university bid farewell to its graduating class of 659. Graduates of the College of Biblical Studies, College of Business Administration, College of Education and Human Services, and the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing joined in the 11 a.

One Giant Leap

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

At Commencement Saturday, 560 undergraduate and 115 graduate students will walk the stage of Moody Coliseum as one of the larger graduating classes for the undergraduate program and the largest for the graduate program, said Bart Herridge, registrar and director of academic records.

International students anticipate life after ACU

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Some international seniors look back on their past with nostalgia, but impending decisions regarding their future do not let them drift too far from reality.

Quyen Do, senior biochemistry major from Hanoi, Vietnam, chose ACU because of some family ties to the university.

Mobile initiative completes first year, prepares for fall

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The inaugural year of ACU's Mobile Learning Initiative draws to a close this week as faculty members assess the success of the effort to date.

The first two semesters allowed initiative leaders to observe students' reactions to owning a multi-faceted mobile device and allowed freshmen to familiarize themselves with the technology.

Willis to address attendees, students

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Graduation can be an intimidating step into the real world, as well as an exciting beginning to life after college.

At this semester's Commencement, Dr. John Willis will speak to graduating seniors. He plans to encourage them and celebrate with them as they take an important step toward their futures.

Administration reflects on past year

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

"Eventful," "exciting" and "extraordinary" are words ACU administrators used to describe the 2008-09 school year.

Positive and negative news has emanated from the university during the last several months - more than Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, has ever seen.

Seniors at career crossroads contemplate graduate school

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Looking for a job may seem overwhelming and sometimes frightening to a graduating senior. Because of the increased lack of jobs within the last five months, many students are turning
toward graduate school as an alternative.

Whether students begin the job search or choose to attend graduate school, ACU has several opportunities and programs
that will aid students in their future decisions.

Businesses lose student employees

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

As the semester ends, many student workers are exchanging neatly rolled silverware and alphabetically ordered DVDs for
more permanent job positions.

They are headed for internships and professions that can give them an edge at school and in the job market.

Cats Capture LSC Crown

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Wildcat baseball team won the Lone Star
Conference championship in style yesterday, blanking rival Angelo State 6-0. ACU ran through the LSC tournament undefeated
after winning all four of its games.
ACU has played in the championship round the last three years but has failed to
win.

Cats lose championship game to Angelo State

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Angelo State defeated
the Wildcats 8-3 in extra innings
Friday evening, and
then took the series with a
13-5 victory to win the LSC
championship Saturday.
The Wildcats won the regular
season LSC South title,
but the Rambelles took the
conference championship.

Sporting successes promote optimism

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Expectations. They seem to be the focus before any beginning. But as the 2008-09 school year comes to a close, I find it funny to look back at the expectations I had as sports editor entering the year. "Simple" and "routine" would be the two best words to describe my expectations, but I could not have been more wrong.

Freshman year escapades inspire reflection

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Former Optimist editor in chief shares his thoughts on his four years at ACU.

Graduating senior predicts exciting, bittersweet future

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Former Optimist page designer shares his thoughts on his years at ACU.

"I don't plan ahead. It is something that I just don't do, because the world needs procrastinators (at least that's what I tell
myself)."

Optimal college experience requires expanding horizons

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Former Optimist managing editor shares his thoughts on his career at ACU.

"I hated my experience at ACU. But not in the way you may have immediately assumed."

Baseball team wins LSC Championship

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

A slideshow of the ACU baseball team's victory against Angelo State to win the Lone Star Conference Postseason Tournament, and a automatic bid to the NCAA South Central Region Tournament.

ACU wins LSC Championship

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Wildcat baseball team won the Lone Star
Conference championship in style yesterday, blanking rival Angelo State 6-0. ACU ran through the LSC tournament undefeated

Money to retire after 2009-10 school year

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Dr. Royce Money, 10th president of the university, told members of the Board of Trustees on Saturday he plans to retire at the end of the 2009-10 school year.

After his retirement, which will be effective May 31, 2010, Money will serve as chancellor.

Money, who has served as president since June 1991, has had the second longest term of office behind Don H. Morris.