One hundred years ago, at the request of then-ACU president Jesse P. Sewell, Arthur Slater crafted the first Optimist. He served as editor, reporter, copy editor, typesetter and pressman of the monthly eight-page publication. The Optimist has increased in size and quality since its founding in 1912. Now, more than 40 students assemble the ... [Read More…]
The Optimist reaches 100-year benchmark
In the fall of 1912, ACU student Arthur Slater of Clyde established and distributed the first edition of the Optimist to Childers Classical Institute. This year, the Optimist is celebrating its 100th volume. The Optimist is a constant icon on campus and has been a part of ACU for all but six years of its existence. Dr. Cheryl Bacon, professor and ... [Read More…]
Racial integration debated on the pages of the Optimist
Buried on the fourth page of the regular Friday edition of the Optimist in 1954, a letter written by a group of freshmen and sophomore boys posed a question to the faculty and students at the all-white Abilene Christian College. "We are all one, yet we cannot associate ourselves with our dark colored brothers and sisters in Christ on campus. ... [Read More…]
Optimist contributes experience to college
My 17-year-old self fell for the glossy ACU recruiting brochures - hook, line, and all-but-guaranteed MRS degree. My overly optimistic plan for my ACU career included declaring four majors, dating a handsome guy every weekend, being a social club butterfly, and, in a shining, glorious moment, starring as a Sing Song hostess. I'll pause while the ... [Read More…]