Category: Features
17th annual FilmFest premieres student films under the stars
In an ordinary year, the Paramount Theatre in downtown Abilene would roll out the red carpet for ACU’s FilmFest Gala, the university’s annual student film competition, now in its 17th year. But this year was, of course, no ordinary one, and so the festival moved outside for ACU’s first-ever FilmFest: Under the Stars. Last … Continued
Nutrition major finds internship, calling at ACU
When Meda Bow was 12, her family moved from the U.S. to South Africa. That’s when she saw firsthand how important the science of nutrition could be. Her mother was a kinesiology professor, now retired, and her father an agricultural researcher. In South Africa, the family lived on a farm in a rural area where … Continued
Nike innovator Tobie Hatfield puts heart and sole into his shoe designs
When Tobie Hatfield (’87) wrapped up an ACU track and field career that included multiple NCAA Division II team championships, he had dreams of coaching. But God, as Hatfield says, had other plans. Hatfield may not be coaching now, but that hasn’t stopped him from helping support today’s athletes – literally. Hatfield works as Nike’s … Continued
Former NFL linebacker grows his business while earning online MBA
Zaviar Gooden, who played college and professional football before starting his sports and fitness training business, learned from his time in the NFL that hard work and dedication are keys to making dreams come true. Now, he’s focused on his next dream of making his business a success. In partnership with his wife, Alex, … Continued
Tim Holt finds faith, fun in filming as Dude Perfect editor
In his five years filming and editing with Dude Perfect, Abilene Christian University alumnus Tim Holt has worked with celebrity athletes, spent three days filming on the U.S.S. Nimitz aircraft carrier, competed in trick-shot challenges for a YouTube audience of millions, and sometimes gets recognized in public, thanks to his occasional front-of-camera appearances. Holt’s job … Continued
Childhood health issues lead to desire to become a doctor
Bao Catteau’s start in life was filled with uncertainty. Now he is certain – he wants to become a physician. Born in Shenzhen, China, Bao was abandoned as an infant. A police officer found him and placed him in an orphanage, where he was given his name and a place to live. When he was 5 … Continued
Creativity is at the core of Nil Santana’s teaching philosophy
Make. Learn. Inspire. These three words embody the teaching philosophy of art and design professor Dr. Nil Santana. Santana’s passion is to instill creative thinking into students of all majors – from freshmen who take on a design challenge in their Cornerstone course to occupational therapy students who use the Maker Lab to adapt … Continued
Psychology professor Richard Beck shapes lives in and out of the classroom
You may see Dr. Richard Beck, chair of ACU’s psychology department, pedaling his bike across campus, wearing overalls and sporting windblown hair, or cooped up in his office windows feverishly writing his next big (or small) idea with a marker. You may read his work on his blog, pick up one of his books, or … Continued
Dance is more than art for LJ Brodie – it’s a way to live out his mission
The conviction that art can challenge, bless and inspire others motivates everything LJ Brodie (’21) does. The senior musical theatre major from Mesquite, Texas, who will be the first graduate from ACU Theatre’s dance program, has been blessing others through performances since childhood, from work on his church’s step team to theatre in high school, … Continued