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You are here: Home / Opinion / Editorials

Prediction markets are dominating college athletics, but no one is talking about it

March 3, 2026 by Daniel Curd Leave a Comment

Prediction markets are quietly reshaping college athletics. As of Feb. 27, contracts tied to university games generated $13,642,070 in trading activity across the two most popular prediction market platforms. Not point spreads. Not parlays. Financial contracts are tied directly to the outcomes of Wildcat games. Prediction markets, such as ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Editorials, Opinion

Graduating into uncertainty: The job search facing the class of 2026

January 30, 2026 by Daniel Curd Leave a Comment

Walking across campus, past GATA Fountain and the halls of the Mabee Business Building, the conversations I overhear have a familiar, anxious rhythm. Whether it’s at the Bean or after Chapel lets out, the talk among my fellow seniors inevitably turns to the future. We’re just months away from graduation, a moment we’ve worked toward for upwards ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Editorials, Opinion

Change Greek Life back to social clubs

November 19, 2025 by Hayden DeLand

For many students, Greek life is an exciting part of the college experience during their first year as they figure out which fraternity or sorority fits them best and which one their friends are joining. Fraternities and sororities have been a part of ACU’s culture since 1919 and were formerly known as “social clubs” until 2015, when the name was ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Editorials, Opinion

SGA is making a difference

October 17, 2025 by Makayla Clayton

In the past two school years, ACU’s Student Government Association has quietly shaped much of campus life. From getting the Rec’s ice machine fixed to pushing for a higher on-campus minimum wage, SGA has passed nearly 80 pieces of legislation since 2023, all to make student life better. During the 2023–24 academic year alone, SGA passed 40 ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Editorials, Opinion

Look around, appreciate the small things

October 17, 2025 by Hayden DeLand

The phrase “Stop and smell the roses” encourages people to slow down and appreciate everything in life since it’s easy for us to lose sight of things in the rush of life. This is especially true for college students worrying about when their next assignment is due, figuring out which internship is the right fit, and wondering what their friends’ ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Editorials, Opinion

Freshmen curfew causes more harm than good

September 30, 2025 by Leslie Carrigan

*Note: The original version of this story stated that residents under the age of 21 were not required to obey a curfew, but it has since been edited to say over 21. You've made it. You are all grown up and ready to head out on your own as an adult. Ready to start what many may call the best four years of your life. That is, unless it is your ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Editorials, Opinion

Motivation requires more than grades in entrepreneurship class

September 18, 2025 by Makayla Clayton

Students in the Foundations of Entrepreneurship class pour hours of work into creating, marketing and selling their products. Yet, when it comes to profits, the money doesn’t return to the students who put in the effort, nor do they have much say in how it is spent. ENTR 120 introduces students to the basics of business start-ups. Each semester, ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Editorials, Opinion

Why having a YDSA chapter benefits ACU

November 17, 2023 by Connor Mullins

Young voters within higher education institutions are forming new chapters a part of the national Young Democratic Socialists of America to collaborate with peers on how to impact their communities and campuses. I believe the formation of groups with varying backgrounds and beliefs allows campuses to learn from each other and move forward. ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Editorials, Opinion Tagged With: ACU YDSA Chapter, Hansen Penya YDSA, Young Democratic Socialists of America ACU

Menstrual leave: a necessary step towards gender equity at ACU

November 14, 2023 by Caroline Helm

ACU should grant excused absences for menstruation since it is natural and can impact physical and mental well-being.  As a young woman who has navigated the challenging terrain of college life, I can testify to the often underestimated and embarrassing effects of menstruation on academic performance. My experiences, like those of countless ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Editorials, Opinion

How faith develops for private Christian college students

November 7, 2023 by Connor Mullins

Merriam-Webster defines faith as “something that is believed especially with strong conviction, especially : a system of religious beliefs.”  Faith is a pillar of private Christian universities and its importance in students’ lives varies depending on their background. But, how do students in college actually seek to develop their faith? Over ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Editorials, Opinion Tagged With: Christianity at ACU, Church of Christ Universities, Faith in CCCU schools, Religion at ACU

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acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
23 Mar

BREAKING NEWS: Josh Hamm is the new student body president and was elected with 90.1% of the votes. Luke Talley is the new student body vice president and was elected with 70.2% of the votes.

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acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
17 Mar

BREAKING NEWS: Voting is open for the 103rd student body president and vice president. The voting will close on Friday at 3 p.m.

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The Optimist is with ACU Journalism and Mass Communication.

4 days ago

The Optimist
The Optimist staff won several awards and competed at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association 2026 convention in Denton this weekend. Students participated in live contests and submitted work from the past year into the competition.Here are the results.- 1st place: Live print news writing, Ashley Henderson- 1st place: Live print sports writing, Roman Raffaeli- 2nd place: Live tv announcing, Zion Webb- 2nd place: Live news photo, Daniel Curd- 2nd place: Newscast, Optimist Staff- Honorable mention: Documentary (video), Makayla Clayton- 2nd place: Documentary, JMC documentary production class- 3rd place: General news, Callie Leverett- Honorable mention: General column, Zion Webb- Honorable mention: Sports reporting (video), Roman Raffaeli- Honorable mention: Live sports action photo, Daniel Curd- Honorable mention: General news video story, Ashley Henderson- Honorable mention: Photo illustrations (Daniel Curd & Optimist staffStudents also received awards for their work through KACU and ACUTV.- 1st place: In-depth news reporting (audio), Ashley Henderson- 1st place: General news audio story, Baylie Simon- 1st place: Live sports coverage (video), Roman Raffaeli & London Gray- 2nd place: Live sports coverage (video), Josiah Wonnell & Londyn Gray- 3rd place: General news audio story, Ashley Henderson- 2nd place: Sportscast (audio), Daisy Strine & Zion Webb- 3rd place: Sportscast (audio), Daisy Strine & Zion Webb- 3rd place: Feature reporting (audio), Baylie Simon- Honorable Mention: Feature reporting (audio), Josiah Wonnell#acuoptimist #abilenechristianuniversity #studentmedia #tipa2026 ... See MoreSee Less

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The Optimist

2 months ago

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Sororities and fraternities began New Member Orientation with Bid Day, officially starting the pledging process this weekend.Originally scheduled for last week, the start was delayed due to winter weather that brought snow and ice to campus. Clubs and their sponsors gathered at designated locations on and off campus to complete tasks assigned by their officers.To view the full photo gallery, visit acuoptimist.com or click the link in our bio. #acuoptimist #abilenechristianuniversity #greeklife 📸: Daniel Curdacuoptimist.com/2026/02/gallery-clubs-begin-new-member-orientation-after-weather-delay/?fbclid=PA... ... 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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