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ACU Remembers: Don W. Hood

Don Wade Hood (’55), former Abilene Christian University track and field head coach whose athletes won national championships, set world records and achieved Olympic success, died Feb. 9, 2024, in Abilene, Texas, at age 90. Visitation with the family is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6-8 p.m. at Elliott Hamil Funeral Home (5701 U.S. … Continued

ACU partners with IDEA Public Schools

Abilene Christian University is partnering with IDEA Public Schools in a program designed to help K-12 students in their selection of and transition to college. “ACU and IDEA Public Schools are natural partners because of our mutual commitment to student success,” said Dr. Susan Lewis, ACU’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. IDEA is … Continued

ACU Remembers: Barbara Bates

Longtime benefactor and former Abilene Christian University trustee Barbara Jo Allan “Barbie” Bates (’61) died Jan. 6, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, at age 85. A Celebration of Life service will be held Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home, followed by a reception. She was born Dec. 19, 1938, … Continued

Depiction of Einstein image returns to campus

The creative impact of award-winning sculptor-painter Jack Maxwell (’78) rolls on at Abilene Christian University, where his latest – a familiar depiction of gleeful cyclist Dr. Albert Einstein – is now portrayed in two of its major science buildings. “Life is like riding a bicycle,” once said Einstein, a theoretical scientist considered one of the … Continued

Rolando Diaz

Revelation’s horses featured in Diaz’s upcoming Abilene exhibit

His largest painted mural is in Abilene, and his largest canvas, too. So it made sense to Rolando Diaz (’79) to bring his most popular retrospective exhibit from Dallas to his alma mater’s hometown as well. The latter happens Jan. 12 through Feb. 24, 2024, when “The Horses of Revelation,” an exhibit by the internationally … Continued

Graduate overcomes childhood challenges, takes leadership roles at ACU

Hermela Aregay, social work graduate originally from Eritrea, embodies resilience, perseverance and a passion for others. Hermela and her family moved from the East African country of Eritrea to Dallas when she was eight years old, presenting the obstacles of learning a new culture. Along with this challenge, in her teenage years, she was diagnosed … Continued

Determined first-generation student finds faith, community amid adversity

Matias Montanes, a first-generation international student from Spain, will graduate from Abilene Christian University this weekend, taking with him much more than a diploma.  A tennis scholarship brought Matias to Abilene, Texas – a place he knew nothing about. Despite minimal knowledge of the English language, he traveled to the U.S. with a passion for … Continued

Barrow inducted into Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame

As an Abilene Christian student, Lance Barrow (’77) would leave on the weekends to cover NFL games and golf tournaments with legendary broadcaster Pat Summerall, and then he would have to race back to Abilene to be back on campus for his classes on Mondays. Before he even crossed the Commencement stage, Barrow had already … Continued

Nearly 500 students set to receive degrees at ACU’s December Commencement

ACU will present 496 degrees this weekend in two Commencement ceremonies taking place at Moody Coliseum Friday and Saturday. The Friday, Dec. 15, ceremony at 7 p.m. will award 165 master’s and 67 doctoral degrees. On Saturday, Dec. 16, 264 bachelor’s degrees will be presented at 10 a.m. Both ceremonies will be livestreamed; visit acu.edu/commencement … Continued