By Lori Bredemeyer, Copy Editor Jan Meyer gets teary-eyed when she talks about her favorite part of Leadership Camps. "There's a moment in every camp session when, usually during a praise time, you sense the spirit of God, and you see it in the faces of kids who are just busting out in praise," she said. "You sense that all of a sudden-wow-they ... [Read More…]
A Man of Letters: Al Haley lets his writing reflect his life … and his life reflect his faith
By Kyle Peveto, Opinion Editor Piles of student manuscripts on the corner of Al Haley's desk represent the most vulnerable writing some will do in their lifetimes. They submit these essays and stories hopeful for the future of their art but nervous about their instructor's criticism. Haley returns these manuscripts - some five or six pages, ... [Read More…]
The university’s most recognizable landmark has spent 15 years… Lighting the way
By Lori Bredemeyer, Copy Editor The Tower of Light stands as a fortress by day and a beacon by night-150 feet, 15 stories, 60 slabs of Leuders limestone high, one of the tallest structures in Abilene. The tower was built in 1989 with the Biblical Studies Building, Chapel on the Hill and Beauchamp Amphitheater. Bob Omstead, then co-chair of the ... [Read More…]
An Impact in Song: The Group ministers inside and out
By Lori Bredemeyer, Copy Editor When the emcee at the poetry reading asked them what their name was, one of the guys said, "Just call us The Group." That's where it started for the band of soulful, gospel-singing young men at ACU known as The Group. The charter members all attended Southwestern Christian College in Terrell where they sang ... [Read More…]
Mark of Excellence: Professor Mark Cullum integrates a variety of interests into his career to continually seek challenges
By Melanie J. Knox, Opinion Editor Mark Cullum's first cartoon at age 6 depicted a cat with a regular-size body and a huge head. His older brother thought the drawing was hilarious, so Cullum promptly turned around to make his second cartoon: a cat with a huge body and a tiny head. "I didn't get the same response," he chuckled at the memory. "So ... [Read More…]
Whether at home, at ACU or in the community, Roy and Bonnie Shake always show their dedication to others
By Steve Holt, Staff Writer When Ranger minister Stan Harvey asked the common wedding question, "Who gives this woman to be married?" biology professor Roy Shake answered for Harvey, the bride's adoptive father. "Her father, mother, Bonnie and I," Shake said. And with those words, the bride's foster father from 20 years earlier gave her away to ... [Read More…]
The Road to Redemption: Matthew Young left a life of drugs and a prison gang to follow Christ
By Melanie J. Knox, Opinion Editor Matthew Young's mother described him as a very popular child with a wit that made others like him instantly. A deep thinker and very endearing, he was athletic and had a life of opportunity ahead. That's why the drugs and his imprisonment came as such a shock. It doesn't end there. "My heart was ripped out when ... [Read More…]
For Jack and Jeanene Reese unity is the key to both their ministry and marriage
By Steve Holt, Copy Editor Drs. Jack and Jeanene Reese are quick to say that in their ministry together, God is driving and they are along for the ride, albeit bumpy at times. Jeanene knows this all too well. When Mike Warren was killed in an explosion in 1974, Jeanene lost more than just the $12 she had in the bank. She and her late husband had ... [Read More…]
An Epic Vision
By Melanie J. Knox, Opinion Editor Inspired by Jacob's dream in Genesis 28, Jack Maxwell hopes to share the inspiration with others through his sculpture, Jacob's Ladder Jack Maxwell had a vision. When the Woodward family donated $26 million to ACU five years ago in memory of Grace Woodward, the university wanted to find a way to commemorate a ... [Read More…]
Smiling Bob: At 74, Texas Representative and ACU vice president emeritus Bob Hunter still has enthusiasm for work and life
By Joel Weckerly, Sports Editor Visitors to State Representative Bob Hunter's office in Austin's capitol building find it hard to miss his elephants. After all, the room is filled with thousands of the tusked beasts-not real elephants, of course, but rather miniature models of every shape and size. "My mother and father-in-law sent us a number of ... [Read More…]