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You are here: Home / Mariah Williams

Domestic violence, let’s actually talk about it

October 27, 2023 by Mariah Williams

Title IX is more than a joke. It is a conversation. Across colleges in America, a Title IX office is present to support students through any sexual and/or dating violence experiences.  Campus apps like Yik Yak and Fizz flow with jokes about reporting someone for Title IX, but the office's work is a conversation far beyond the laugh.  Title ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Columns, Opinion

Engineering and Physics proposes specialized degrees

October 12, 2023 by Mariah Williams

The Department of Engineering and Physics has proposed three new degrees to offer students – new bachelors of science in civil engineering, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. When the engineering degree was added, it was general degree with a broad curriculum to prepare students generally for their field. The department later added ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: News

Labor Day Observation a victory for students

September 15, 2023 by Mariah Williams

Labor Day is a staple holiday in K-12 education and at most colleges, but not for the private Abilene Christian University. Until recently, ACU has chosen to function normally on Labor Day, leaving students without a break until about six weeks later. Observing the Labor Day holiday is a benefit for students to get a break before starting ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Opinion

A colorful start: Chalking returns to campus concrete

August 23, 2023 by Mariah Williams

ACU’s campus is filled with beauty from the GATA fountain and the landscaping to the colored-filled messages that take over the pavement, however the fate of chalk art on campus is uncertain after recent decisions.  Chalking has become a mainstream way for students to announce and communicate with their peers at ACU. Strolling across the private ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Features

University giving day helps fund local nonprofits

May 8, 2023 by Mariah Williams

ACU had a giving day to bring locals together to support their community. ACU Gives lasted for 1,906 minutes, or 36 hours, starting April 25 in honor of the founding year of ACU. This year the number of organizations to give toward expanded from three to 42. Messages and events across campus were encouraging students to get involved. Dr. ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: News

Eidson leads photography workshop with Learning Studio

April 25, 2023 by Mariah Williams

The Learning Studio held a portrait photography workshop with Asia Eidson on April 15. Students started the workshop by shooting a model during the morning block and editing those shots through Adobe applications during the afternoon block. Eidson also gave advice to the students on how to run and grow a photography business. Allie Jones, ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: News

Wheelchair experiment brings accessibility problems to light

April 18, 2023 by Mariah Williams

For students in a wheelchair, life on campus consists of struggles getting through the day-to-day normalities of being an ACU student. Emma Harper, senior speech pathology major from Dallas, decided to dedicate research to this problem.  Harper said her inspiration for her research comes from the struggles she saw her friend tackle every ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: News

Cultural Conversation Dinners: Learning one bite at a time

March 2, 2023 by Mariah Williams

The Office of International Students and Visiting Scholars is hosting Cultural Conversation dinners, where students can learn about the different international cultures represented at ACU.  The mission of these dinners is to create a safe space, where both international students and domestic American students can learn from each other. Erika ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: News

Carter Wood: The fountain singer

December 14, 2022 by Mariah Williams

Walking past the mall area on campus between 5 and 6 p.m., you might hear a familiar tune matched with the soothing voice of Carter Wood, junior worship ministry major from Midland. Wood performs worship songs on a bench Monday through Thursday, if weather permits, to spend time with God. “I love spending that hour with him and just being ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Features

Lunsford emergency pillars in need of repair

November 7, 2022 by Mariah Williams

The emergency phone light pillars, which are scattered across the Lunsford Trail, are having technical difficulties with half of the light not functioning properly. The lights are checked on a monthly basis for functionality and after this month's check, ACU Police Chief Jason Ellis said most of them just do not light up. "The main problem ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: News

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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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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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1 week 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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