
Category: Features

Willises’ picture worth a thousand words to Cracker Barrel employees, students they fed
A framed photo of the late Dr. John Willis (’55) and his wife, Evelyn (Forrest ’56), graces the fireplace mantel at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store on Highway 351, a testament to the power of a shared meal. Willis, a beloved Bible professor at ACU for 46 years, was well acquainted with … Continued
Lynay students, staff volunteer with Ukrainian refugee children in Poland
A group of ACU students took their soccer skills and a desire to love their neighbors to Poland this summer to conduct a soccer camp for Ukrainian refugee children who have resettled there. The 12 students, all Lynay scholars at ACU, traveled June 4-15 to Warsaw, where they partnered with Abilene-based Play4More Soccer … Continued
ACU announces $25 million gift, first named college in its rise as a national research university
A Houston family’s long legacy of philanthropy and service to Abilene Christian University culminated in a $25 million gift announced this week from Kay Onstead. Her generosity marks the fifth largest single donation in the university’s history, and Kay and her late husband, Robert, have given more than $59 million to Abilene Christian over their … Continued
Two ACU students receive Fulbright Grants for 2023-24
Two recent Abilene Christian University graduates will live, work and learn abroad next school year as recipients of the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. ACU had six students apply to the program this year, with four qualifying as semi-finalists and two selected … Continued
Q&A with May 2023 graduate
Joan Lavaki graduated from Abilene Christian University in May with a degree in ministry and vocation and will attend Yale Divinity School in the fall. What drew you to your major in ministry and vocation? I was actually a vocal music education major before I became a ministry and vocation major. I thought that music … Continued
Bible professor inspires others as world-champion skydiver with a love for missions
A typical weekend for a professor may include spending time with family or going on vacation. But for Larry Henderson, director of ACU’s WorldWide Witness program, it might also include jumping out of an airplane 10,000 feet in the air. In his office, accolades and photos of family, skydiving and travel adventure serve as a … Continued
Social impact venture Play4More emerges from soccer camp for refugee children
What started as a summer soccer camp to engage Abilene’s refugee children has expanded into a global effort providing free soccer balls to underprivileged children across the world, and will partner this summer with Bob Goff’s Love Does organization to offer a soccer camp for Ukrainian refugees in Poland. Drs. Jason (’96) … Continued
Wildcat Mentor program inspires women’s basketball players
Nurse practitioner Millie Goetz started out as a professional mentor to ACU basketball player Addison Martin. Now she is much more – a cheerleader on and off the court, as well as a friend. The two were matched by head women’s basketball coach Julie Goodenough as part of the team’s Wildcat Mentor program, … Continued
Award-winning producer and founder of Revolution Pictures moves into virtual production
If you enjoyed Chris Stapleton’s Super Bowl commercial for Ram Trucks, you might like to know the creative force behind it is a company founded by ACU alumnus Randy Brewer (’93). Brewer, who began Nashville-based Revolution Pictures in 1997, has created memorable work with dozens of high-profile clients, including Carrie Underwood, … Continued