By Jared Fields, Managing Editor
Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, ACU provost, called to order the 101st Opening Chapel at the university Monday after the Parade of Flags.
Dr. Royce Money, president of ACU, made the opening remarks, then Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice president of the university, welcomed guests from the community, including other university presidents and educational leaders.
Money welcomed the ACU Family before Dr. Greg Powell, professor of music, greeted the faculty.
Maher Saab, SA President, spoke for the student body and was followed by Dr. Bob Hunter, who lead the alma mater.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn then received an honorary Doctorate of Laws before addressing the students, faculty, administrators and community members in Moody Coliseum.
Monday marked the second time Cornyn has spoken at Opening Chapel. Cornyn has been a U.S. senator since he was sworn into office Dec. 2, 2002. He currently serves on five senate committees: Armed Services, Judiciary, Budget, Small Business and Entrepreneurship and Joint Economic.
Cornyn shared his insight by quoting President Abraham Lincoln.
“God cannot be for and against the same thing at the same time,” he said quoting the president.
The senator expressed his distaste for the division that took place during the Civil War and his thanksgiving for the unity within the U.S. today.
After the Chapel speech, Cornyn addressed members of the Abilene media briefly to answer questions about Hurricane Katrina, airport security, immigration issues, Dyess Air Force Base and ACU.
“I wish sometimes people in Washington D.C. could see more of this part of America and what we sa there today,” Cornyn said. “I was inspired and excited to see that kind of event.”
Talking about Katrina, Cornyn said communication and planning are the biggest concerns for natural disasters.
“At some point, the biggest natural disaster is going to overcome the best of all plans,” he said. “But we need to do the best we can to prepare for them and deal with them after they hit.”
While addressing immigration, Cornyn said the biggest problems are the lack of border patrol agents and the intentions of immigrants from countries other than Mexico. He expressed that parts of the border are practically bridges to the U.S.
After Cornyn addressed the media, Money presented him with a copy of the ACU Centennial book.
