“I’m very very well,” said Dr. Beth Ann Fisher, recalling a familiar phrase that did not quite belong to her. “I caught myself saying that. It’s something Rodney used to say.” Dr. Rodney Ashlock, professor of Bible, died on Aug. 1 at age 60. Fisher quoted Ashlock, saying that even on his bad days, his response to “How are you?” was, at ... [Read More…]
Honoring Dr. Orneita Burton’s life, legacy
Dr. Orneita Burton, professor of management sciences, passed away last Sunday, leaving behind a legacy of intentional service and leadership in education that inspired those around her. Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, sent out an email the day after, informing staff, faculty and students of her passing. All flags on campus ... [Read More…]
Former first lady Pam Money remembered lovingly
Pam (Handy ‘65) Money, who was a consummate first lady for the university for two decades as the wife of former ACU President Royce Money, passed away on Nov. 25, 2024, in Abilene. A memorial service to honor Pam Money took place Nov. 30 at the University Church of Christ. She was 81. Her husband Royce described her as a perfect blend of grace, ... [Read More…]
ACU Remembers: Memorializing dearly missed members of the community
Dr. Andrea Stefano Dr. Andrea Di Stefano passed away June 6, 2022 while visiting his family in Italy. Di Stefano, an adjunct professor of history and global studies, held a Doctor of Research from the Università degli Studi di Teramo in Italy. Before moving to Abilene in 2016, Di Stefano worked in two leading museums in Italy and taught for the ... [Read More…]
Faculty, friends remember the life of ubiquitous Marcus Mullings
Marcus Mullings, a well-known and ever-present member of the ACU and Abilene community, passed away on March 8, 2022, at the age of 89 of natural causes. Born in Cincinnati, Mullings grew up in Abilene with his father, Dr. Marcus E. Mullings, a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics from 1935 to 1973, spending most of those years as the ... [Read More…]
Dr. Mark Riggs, 67, dies after battle with COVID-19
Dr. Mark Riggs, professor of mathematics, passed away Monday afternoon at the age of 67 after a battle with COVID-19 left him in the hospital for more than two weeks. "He was so gentle and extremely smart," said Katie Maxwell, Riggs' daughter. "I could always go to him as a kid because I know I wouldn't get in trouble right away. He had a really ... [Read More…]
Willis: Olbricht left a lasting legacy
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…]
Obituary: Bleakney remembered for originality onstage and off
Lance Thomas Bleakney, senior theatre major from League City, died Thursday at the age of 21. Bleakney was involved in acting during his time as a B.F.A. Acting Track student and held roles in many shows and musical productions, including Cats, Hands on a Hard Body, James and the Giant Peach, Man of La Mancha, Shakespeare's Merchant of ... [Read More…]
Williams remembered for his selflessness, outgoing personality
Chandler Williams, a senior criminal justice major from Colorado Springs, Colorado, died Sunday in his Edwards Hall dorm room at the age of 21. ACU Police Chief Jimmy Ellison said ACUPD is still investigating the death. A funeral service for Chandler, who also served as a residence assistant in Edwards, is scheduled for 11 a.m.-noon Thursday at ... [Read More…]
Cooke remembered for passion and drive to teach
Longtime agriculture and environmental professor Dr. James “Jim” Cooke passed away Jan. 13 in Abilene after a short illness. He was 69 years old. Cooke was not just passionate about his work, but passionate to drive others in their work as well, said family and friends. "His two favorite things were working and playing," said his wife, ... [Read More…]