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You are here: Home / Laura Acuff

Sister offers final farewell advice

May 11, 2011 by Laura Acuff

Graduation looms, and after four years of Optimist service, I have one more column to write. There still are stories untold, anecdotes unused and limericks unpublished, but this is my last chance to shove my views onto the ACU populous. This one should be special. During my time at ACU, I've accumulated plenty of mentors to thank, friends to hug, ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Columns

Informed traveling preempts mortifying moments

April 29, 2011 by Laura Acuff

The rotund Frenchman glowered up at me from below his balding, dark forehead, continuing to rattle off sharp reprimands in a language I couldn't hope to understand. Rolling my eyes toward Notre Dame's glorious, bricked archways, I half-prayed for some divine resolution as five classmates huddled behind me. We watched the rest of our class ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Columns

Make Hay: ACU’s Rhoden Farm enriches learning experiences for involved students

April 13, 2011 by Laura Acuff

Passing the Super Walmart, as subdivisions begin to dwindle, Ambler becomes Texas State Highway 351 East 351 and shrinks to two lanes. Mesquite trees dot the grassy plains and urban life slowly gives way to rural West Texas, with farmhouses keeping watch over grazing cattle and horses, all under the revolving arms of the wind turbines towering ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Features

Faith alleviates fallibility of plans

April 8, 2011 by Laura Acuff

On June 6, 1944, many thousands of men thundered up heavily fortified beaches in France during the Allies' Operation Overlord effort to turn the tide of World War II. While the D-Day Invasion succeeded, thousands of men lost their lives. Some sank to the depths immediately, cut down as soon as they hit the roaring surf. Others made it to the ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Columns

Good friends provide support

March 23, 2011 by Laura Acuff

On a shelf in the corner of my living room rests a picture frame with an old photograph: A gaggle of gangly girls posed cheerfully alongside a creek. Several squint through wire-framed glasses, a couple of smiles glitter through the wiry confines of braces and ankle socks set the scene. And everyone in the picture sports a matching tie-dyed ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Columns

To live and eat in Dixie

March 22, 2011 by Laura Acuff

Spoonbread. It may not sound excessively appetizing, but- Who am I kidding? The concoction is not one of the South's most obviously attractive fares. In fact, strong Dixie roots are almost a prerequisite for digestion, let alone enjoyment, of the antebellum cuisine. The starchy side proves exactly as it sounds: the gritty-textured bread that ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: FoodBlog

‘Crunchetize’ me, Chaplain!

March 9, 2011 by Laura Acuff

We've all been there, silently cringing as our stomachs rumble loudly through Chapel Guy Mark Lewis' list of prayer requests. Unfortunately, hunger rarely respects holiness, and on occasion, even the most reverent Chapel attendee needs a snack in order to make it until we can swipe out of Moody. But to what foods can Moody munchers resort? The ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: FoodBlog

Feature: Going Green

March 8, 2011 by Laura Acuff

Chapel swiping, class syllabi, curfew. Every year, freshmen at ACU embark on the challenging journey of navigating a college campus for the first time. Beyond making new friends - and just making it to class - college means determining identity, who we are and how students can make a difference in issues that matter. For many students, life in ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: News

Solitary adventure eases trip

March 4, 2011 by Laura Acuff

Last weekend, I visited Washington, D.C. I rode the Metro, took a taxi and wandered Capitol Hill for one glorious morning. Meandering through Eastern Market, I paused for a pastry and coffee, observing people pampering their lapdogs to breakfast on the patio seats next to them. I lingered in Capitol Hill books, a wonderland of literary treasures, ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Columns

Keep your hands to yourself – and off my French fries.

March 2, 2011 by Laura Acuff

"The One with the Birth Mother," Season 10, episode nine. Don't be misled: This episode of "Friends" is really all about the food - a message hammered home by Joey's impassioned yell, "Joey doesn't share food!" as he tries to explain a date gone wrong to mystified friends. Generally, people don't remember Joey's character for his sage wisdom, but ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: FoodBlog

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acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
22 Apr

NEWS: Students can now vote for the 2026 Mr. ACU and Miss ACU. The link to vote can be found through an email sent out by the Student Government Association.

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acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
29 Mar

Sing Song 2026 Awards Class Division:

Overall Award:
1. Mixed
2. Seniors
3. Freshman White

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Click the link in our bio to nominate a graduating senior for the Optimist to feature in our print issue. ... See MoreSee Less

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ACU’s Got Talent showcased student performers Tuesday at the Boone Family Theatre, featuring acts including singing, dancing and spoken word. Lois Botelua, freshman theatre major from Fort Worth, and pianist Peter John, freshman finance major from Park Row, took home the top prize for their performance of “The Visitor” by Sienna Spiro, earning a trophy and $500.To view the full photo gallery, visit acuoptimist.com or click the link in our bio. 📸: @leslie.lu.carrigan #acuoptimist #abilenechristianuniversity #studentlife ... See MoreSee Less

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