By Dr. John Willis On Aug. 21, 2020, my dear friend and colleague Tom Olbricht passed away at the age of 90. I met Tom at national conferences of the Society of Biblical Literature. Since we were basically in the same field, we were often at the same seminar on these meetings. In 1971, Tom was the one responsible for bringing me to Abilene ... [Read More…]
My faith and my rights
I have heard a lot of talk recently about “rights” in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. “What about our right to assemble for worship?” people ask, as stay-at-home orders force us to conduct church services virtually. “Why do I have to wear a mask? Don’t I have the right to make decisions about my own health?” People have balked at orders to stay ... [Read More…]
White ignorance, Black lives
Like many white Christians, I have been reading, listening and acting in response to COVID-19. I’ve also been reading, listening and acting in response to the uprisings sparked by the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and Rayshard Brooks. I have considerable privilege to choose when and where to be in solidarity with ... [Read More…]
Buller’s letter to the editor represents desire for inclusion
-by Jonathan Camp, Cliff Barbarick, Orneita Burton, Kelly Elliott, Doug Foster, Suzie Macaluso, Victor McCracken, Ronald J. (Ron) Morgan, Dan Morrison, Jerry Andrew Taylor Carl Spain’s 1960 speech denouncing racist admission policies at Abilene Christian College is now widely celebrated in the ACU community. This seminal moment is enshrined on ... [Read More…]
The university needs an African American history course
-by Alexandria Buller, a senior global studies major from Newton, Kansas. Minority histories are often-ignored pieces of the American story. I would like to address African American history in particular due to ACU’s history of systematic exclusion of this group, with the hope that this can be the beginning of honoring the histories of all ... [Read More…]
Letter to the Editor: Optimist underestimates multicultural platform
-by Arnold Charles, SGA executive president candidate I was saddened that the Optimist was not able to endorse me this year, but I am comforted that I chose to rely on different measures that determine the impact of my campaign. As said in my speech today, the inherent needs of the student body are not so much tangible as they are systematic. As ... [Read More…]
Letter to the Editor: Students are inspiration for campaign
-by Lauren Wasson, SGA executive president candidate I would be remiss if I did not begin by thanking the Optimist for their endorsement of our campaign. Tsion and I truly and deeply appreciate this honor. In these next few sentences, I would like to clarify part of our heart and plans for SGA, if elected. Above all else, Tsion and I ... [Read More…]
Students discuss NCAA tournament experience
Produced by ACUTV ... [Read More…]
‘One of the coolest moments ever’
-by Amy Boone I have the interesting and honored perspective of living with the person who broadcasts ACU athletic events. My husband Grant spends countless hours on the road and on campus getting know know players, coaches and various teams at ACU. He brings the games to life and asks questions in interviews that help fans get to know the ... [Read More…]
Letter: Optimist columns show passion of authors
-by Thomas Richards Dear Optimist, I am a senior citizen and a graduate of the University of Texas Austin. I picked up your newspaper on a visit to the Welcome Center last week. I read Lauren Franco’s article and was impressed by her passion. I have lost so many loved ones and now at 69 they inspire me with memories of past kindnesses, ... [Read More…]
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