Construction never seems to end on campus, especially when it interrupts traffic flow and the simple task of getting from place to place. The never-ending projects also seem to put a dent in our pocketbook in the form of raised tuition. At least, that’s what we think.

In fact, there is more behind the sudden building of a new lake or jogging track on campus than what may seem to students like an impulse purchase by the university. The university and students’ money, has little or nothing to do with these things.

All of the construction on campus looks like the cause of spiked fees and tuition, but not one penny is taken from tuition dollars.

Every campus project underway right now- the lake, new welcome center, jogging track and parking lots- is funded by donations and special funds.

The jogging track was donated to ACU and will be given as a gift to the campus in September. Many people from the Abilene and ACU community have already put the track to good use, and even more will be seen on it now that school has started.

Some people may say the track is a waste of money that could be spent in other ways. However, if money was never spent to aesthetically improve the campus, we wouldn’t have a campus that keeps drawing people and money back into the university. Not only is the lake being built with donated money, but is a requirement for water drainage issues if there are to be any more buildings placed on campus.

The new lake will also hold excessive water irrigation water.

Likewise, the track is already a success with runners, walkers, bikers, dog-walkers and rollerbladers.

With everything that ACU is adding to the campus, students should enjoy and take advantage of all that is being given to them.