The Optimist
You are here: Home / Features

What’s in a name?

by

Weaving through the streets of Abilene is a miniature history lesson - at least for those who look past the signs and into the names printed in the standard white Clearview font. Texas and Pacific Railway brought Abilene into existence as the railroad began spreading west toward California.  Several Taylor County businessmen and ranchers ... [Read More…]

Out of the box: The Phillipses and Delonys return to the dorms

by

Mark and Laura Phillips live in an ACU residence hall for the first time since 1986, when Mark lived in Mabee Hall and Laura in Gardner. Since then, they have married, earned doctoral degrees and acquired a lot of things. Now, they live in Nelson Hall. Most of their belongings are in storage. "We're living on minimal stuff right now," Mark said. "I ... [Read More…]

Highways and Byways

by

Story by Katie Cukrowski Cheers erupt in Moody Coliseum when the sharply dressed worship leader starts waving his arms back and forth in front of him. "To this day, I don't understand why [Highways and Byways] strikes a chord with students," laughed Dr. Moore. Eleven years ago, Steven Moore, assistant professor of English, was scheduled to lead ... [Read More…]

Eric Overland: Pushing others, pushing self

by

He opens the weight room between 5 and 6 every morning and doesn't go home before 6 or 6:30 p.m. He creates fitness plans for all 14 of ACU's competitive sports teams specifically structured to each sport's needs. He has the lofty task of ensuring the athletes are fit and ready for their coaches. Eric Overland joined ACU Athletics as head strength ... [Read More…]

Four-time Tatum

by

"The man with a plan." That's how classmates refer to senior family studies major from Plano, Nick Tatum. With the senior class' win last Saturday, he is now "The man with four Sing Song golds." However, before ACU, Nick Tatum had never attended, much less heard of Sing Song. Tatum began his freshman year as a music major, but quickly changed to ... [Read More…]

Purple People Eaters

by

Story by Tom Fullerton ACU is famous for a campus teeming with family legacy. For Tom Fullerton, Lucy Hamilton Fullerton, their four children and ten granddaughters, lineage takes the form of a stuffed plush toy. In 1953, Tom Fullerton returned to what was Abilene Christian College at the time, from his short time in the military. Lucy Hamilton ... [Read More…]

There and back again: The Morgan’s tale

by

"Love, do you want some coffee?" "No love, thank you." This is routine language between Ron and Janine Morgan. Each greeted the other with a kiss and unloaded their belongings around them in the Starbucks of the library. Dr. Janine Morgan, an instructor in the Core department, is dressed in her usual flowy Woodstock attire. Dr. Ron Morgan, ... [Read More…]

Tappin’ Jack

by

"Hi. Give me just a minute, the game will be over in 24 seconds," Jack McGlothlin said. He was standing a foot from his television screen with his eyes locked on the four-point football game between the Falcons and the Saints. When the Saints pulled through to victory 24 seconds later, Jack clicked off the TV and walked over to the kitchen table. ... [Read More…]

Campus athletes enjoy sibling rivalries

by

Sibling rivalries. They're fun to be part of and entertaining to watch. They can also drive a brother or sister insane if they get too heated. ACU sports features a few look-alikes on the golf, tennis and football teams. Adam, Alex and Luke Carpenter, from Little Rock, Ark., all enjoy hitting the greens together and are taking full advantage of ... [Read More…]

You are here: Home / Features