This week marks the release of the ACU 2010-2011 AnswerBook, a journalistic reference tool not only for Optimist reporters and editors but the entire ACU community.
Unique to the ACU campus, the AnswerBook was originally compiled for journalism students needing a guide to grammar and university facts. Over the years, however, the book has evolved to include history and trivia for both ACU and the city of Abilene.
The 16th edition’s new features include the best restaurants of 2010 as well as the eight U.S. presidents who have visited Abilene.
The man behind the book is Dr. Charlie Marler, senior faculty of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication.
“It’s the single best source for Optimist staff on names, titles, facts and updates,” said Marler. “JMC students really appreciate it, but it’s also a great source of campus-wide myths and stories just waiting to be uncovered.”
As AnswerBook editor, Marler clocked-in about 10 weeks of research and revisions with his select team of proofreaders. The noted ACU faculty and friends to work on the AnswerBook includes Dr. Cheryl Bacon, journalism and mass communication department chair.
“It’s a particularly great year to buy one because of new changes with Dr. Schubert’s administration,” said Bacon.
Newly appointed faculty, student groups and award lists make up this year’s changes. Other new entries include the first 10 alumni to earn doctorates as well as the ACU pioneer missionaries from 1924-60.
Marler also accumulated a full collection of Wildcat statistics. Students can find ACU’s best basketball seasons on Page 39 or catch the Olympic medalists at Gray Stadium on Page 233. An entry of no-hitters pitched by Wildcat baseball players also made its debut this year.
Marler continues to craft the AnswerBook so it is useful to students as well as a potential gift for any alumnus. New ACU community members can also find good use in the book.
“New to Abilene and ACU, I found it informative, interesting and really quite fun,” said Barbara-Bush Lamming, journalism and mass communication department administrative coordinator. “It’s really great to get background on what’s happening here.”
To learn more about KACU’s top bloopers or the 60-hour softball game that landed Gamma Sigma Phi a Guinness World Record, pick up the 2010-2011 AnswerBook today. Contact Barbara Bush-Lamming in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at bsb10a@acu.edu to order a copy of the $15 book.
