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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 There still are stories untold, anecdotes unused and limericks unpublished, but this is my last chance to shove my views onto the ACU populous.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 ·
10 Nov

NEWS: Students can officially opt out of Wildcat Access program for the spring 2026 semester. The opt out period will run from today through Nov. 23.

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acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
1 Nov

BREAKING NEWS: The winners of the 2025 Homecoming Parade are: Sanctify in the student organization division, Ko Jo Kai in the sorority division and Gamma Sigma Phi in the fraternity division.

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3 weeks ago

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Andrew North was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 3 months old; he’s never known life without it. Now, in his late 20s and married, North has cultivated a fulfilling life despite facing adversity from the perceived limitations of his chronic disease. North is an ACU graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in marriage and family services.To read more, visit acuoptimist.com or click the link below. #acuoptimist #abilenechristianuniversity #feature acuoptimist.com/2025/11/grad-student-with-cystic-fibrosis-wins-scholarship-strives-to-make-an-imp...📝: Callie Leverett ... See MoreSee Less

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3 weeks ago

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The Indian Culture Association hosted their annual Golden Gala last Saturday at Hillcrest Church. Students, faculty, and members of ICA gathered together to celebrate the beauty of Indian Culture. To view the full photo gallery, visit acuoptimist.com or click the link below. #acuoptimist #abilenechristianuniversity #photography acuoptimist.com/2025/11/gallery-ica-hosts-the-annual-golden-gala/📸: Callie Brimberry ... See MoreSee Less

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Optimist Newscast Feb. 28, 2024

Our top stories today include a recap of The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, the ... [Read More…]

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