http://www.thedustertoday.com/ An online LCU student newspaper en http://www.thedustertoday.com/typo3conf/ext/tt_news/ext_icon.gif http://www.thedustertoday.com/ 18 16 An online LCU student newspaper TYPO3 - get.content.right http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Thu, 03 May 2012 22:50:00 -0500 http://www.thedustertoday.com/story/article/senior-profile-danielle-cunningham.html Danielle Cunningham, from Weatherford, Texas, is an Organizational Communications major, who will graduate this weekend from Lubbock Christian University. Danielle Cunningham
Danielle Cunningham, from Weatherford, Texas, is an Organizational Communications major, who will graduate this weekend from Lubbock Christian University.

Cunningham has been a writer for The DusterToday for the last three years during her time as a student and subsequently served as co-editor for the 2011-12 academic year. Before she leaves The Duster staff she took a few moments to share some of her memories and thoughts about her experiences at LCU:

Duster: How did you decide originally to come to LCU?

Cunningham: I wanted to go to LCU since I was a little kid. For me, LCU was my dream school. I didn't look at any other schools and I didn't apply anywhere else.

Duster: What are some of your favorite LCU memories?

Cunningham: I have met some of the most amazing people while I have been at LCU. There are so many different experiences that I couldn?t even begin to tell you what some of my favorite memories were. If I had to choose, it would be the benefit dinners when I was able to hear George W. Bush and Condoleezza Rice speak.

Duster: Who was your favorite professor?

Cunningham: Definitely Dr. (Kenneth) Hawley and I think it was because I could tell that he really enjoys teaching and has a real passion for it and that he actually wants to be there teaching you. He goes out of (his) way to make sure that everything that you do that you succeed in it. He made every single class really fun and I enjoyed every class that he taught.

Duster: What was your favorite class?

Cunningham: My favorite class was Masterpieces of Literature with Dr. Hawley - that class did a lot for me and it gave me a new outlook on things.

Duster: If you could change anything about the time you spent in college, what would it be?

Cunningham: I think I would have tried to appreciate some of the little things that LCU had to offer and not just focus on the big and fancy things that they were doing.

Duster: What was the most challenging thing about LCU?

Cunningham: This is a really tough question - there isn't anything remotely challenging for me other than learning how to be patient concerning the field house and all the technology issues that were going on during my years there.

Duster: What's your favorite thing about LCU?

Cunningham: The best thing about LCU was the class sizes and the fact that the teachers really care about what your future holds and they want to see you succeed.

Duster: What are you looking forward to after graduation?

Cunningham: Being able to move on with my life and be able to live on my own. Also, I am definitely looking forward to what God has in store for my future - I am very excited.

Duster: Do you have any advice for incoming freshman?

Cunningham: College is not like high school, so don't be afraid to just be yourself. In all honesty, the little things that you think matter really don't. So just be yourself in every way and college will be so much more than what you imagined.

The DusterToday wishes congratulations to Danielle Cunningham and all the other LCU graduates who will walk across the stage this weekend. ]]> LCU Thu, 03 May 2012 22:50:00 -0500 http://www.thedustertoday.com/story/article/spring-2012-commencement-a-family-affair.html There are certain aspects of the ritual of commencement ceremonies that goes unnoticed each and every time such an event comes along. Sharlan Proper (left) and her daughter, Christina Proper Plank, will graduate together in the Spring Commencement exercises at LCU.
There are certain aspects of the ritual of commencement ceremonies that goes unnoticed each and every time such an event comes along.

The behind-the-scenes happenings that engulf that particular weekend of each semester are nothing new to those that work and facilitate graduation exercises at Lubbock Christian University. This coming Friday and Saturday, though, will be different and exciting for some unusual reasons.

For the first time ever there will be separate commencement ceremonies for graduate students and those that are receiving undergraduate degrees. The ceremony for those receiving a Graduate Degree will take place at 7:30 pm on Friday (May 4th) in the Baker Conference Center, while those receiving Undergraduate Degrees will be honored Saturday (May 5th) in the Rip Griffin Center. Dr. L. Ken Jones, Chancellor of LCU, will be bringing the commencement address at Saturday's ceremony. Both 2012 Commencement ceremonies are being web-cast live, free of charge. You can watch via computer or IPhone/IPod Touch by following the link at lcu.edu/news-and-events.

Another somewhat out of the ordinary aspect of the graduation ceremonies this weekend will be the special "family affair" theme to the occasion. Two separate families with long-standing affiliation with Lubbock Christian University will see parents and their children walking the commencement stage as members of the spring 2012 graduation class.

Sharlan Proper and her daughter Christina Proper Plank will both be graduating with Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Humanities. Christina's emphasis is Theatre and she has already been appointed to the board of C.A.T.S. Theater in Lubbock, written a grant proposal for them and has been one of their serial actors. Her senior project included the grant proposal and writing a play in which the characters left the pages and became conversational with her. Sharlan studied with an emphasis in Technical Communication. She, too, enjoys writing grant proposals and working on the campus website for MarCom. Her senior research was Copyright in the Digital Age, which helped her navigate the audio and visual minefield of the Internet.

"I'm excited that Christina was able to keep to task and graduate in four years in spite of some stumbling blocks along the way," said Sharlan of her daughter, proudly. "Because she was doing so well, we had a conversation before I came to school, wanting to make sure that my attendance wouldn't add extra stress to her academic schedule. Then, when I found out that I could graduate in the same class with her, she made me feel really welcome to be part of her class. I'm overwhelmed by who she is and that we get to graduate together."

The two women have a unique and lasting relationship that traces back educationally to the fact that Christina was a homeschooled student. The family completed the most taxing part of homeschooling before Sharlan came back to school. Christina is the youngest child in the family and had a semester or two of college under her belt before her mom returned. Seeing each other in chapel three or four days a week kept mom, in particular, going as they both continued focusing on Spring 2012 as the culmination of THIS goal.

When visiting with Sharlan about how this experience has transformed her relationship with Christina there is no denying there is an extraordinary emotional bond that even enhances what a mother and daughter already have.

"When I realized Christina and I were slated to graduate in the same class, I approached her and said I'd stall my graduation until summer so that we could celebrate her in May 2012 with no distractions," recalls Sharlan. "She said, 'If you're not graduating with me, then I'm not walking.' I don't know that I've ever felt SO loved and SO accepted. I don't often tear up, but she got me."

It's a safe bet that those tears will be in abundance again on Saturday as the mom and daughter share a time that will obviously be a momentous occasion. They won't be alone, however, as the Parnell family will see not only mom (Shelley) walk the stage to receive her Master's Degree, but her two sons, Jordan (Master's Degree) and Jacob (Bachelor's Degree) will also be receiving diplomas this weekend.

Shelley Parnell is the Early Recruitment Counselor and International Student Advisor in the Lubbock Christian University Admissions Department. She and her husband, Tony, who is an Associate Professor of Social Work and the Director of Field Education in the Department of Social Work and Criminal Justice, have worked at LCU for nearly 20 years. That tie to the university doesn't escape the emotions of the coming weekend, especially for dad/husband, who will enjoy watching it all take place.

"It's incredible when I stop and truly consider what's taking place," said a proud and reflective Tony Parnell. "Would you believe that we did not plan it this way? I've been involved in nearly 40 graduation ceremonies during my tenure at LCU ... those on Friday and Saturday will no doubt rank as my all time favorites!  My family and I are blessed beyond measure to be a part of LCU.  My sons have basically grown up here, Shelley and I have worked here for nearly 20 years ... so, to see them work diligently, humbly and faithfully on their educational endeavors just makes sense, when it happens at the Life Changing University. What a blessing!"

While mom and dad are looking forward to the weekend for many of the same reasons that Sharlan Proper is, Jordan Parnell is especially proud to be part of such a benchmark occasion with regard to his family.

"I am so proud of my family and what they have accomplished,? said Jordan, who will receive a Master of Science in Leadership Degree after earning his Bachelor?s from LCU previously.  "I cannot wait for my mom (Master of Science in Leadership) and brother (Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media and Application) to cross the stage and receive that hard-earned diploma. They have both worked tirelessly over the past few years and deserve all of the accolades and congratulations that will come their way. I think it is outstanding that all of us will be walking the stage at LCU on the same weekend. I feel very honored to share the stage with two of the greatest people that I have ever met. The whole event is great for my family. I am glad that we all get to share in this important day."

The importance of the weekend, the magnitude of what sharing such a momentous occasion with loved ones means and the tremendous accomplishment that this feat is for all of those involved will certainly not go without a plethora of emotional experiences.

"There are no words to express how proud I am of 'my boys'!" said Shelley. "I am excited to share this weekend with the three people who mean the most to me. Jordan has worked so hard to finish two Master's degrees at the same time (also will graduate from the University of Texas on May 19th with a Masters of Social Work Degree).  What an accomplishment!  He will have the same degree as his father and his mother.  How many kids can say that? Jacob is a trailblazer for a brand new degree at LCU. He is so very talented and I am thrilled that he found a degree that highlights his passions.  I am so proud of the footprints he is leaving at LCU. I have experienced graduation many times throughout my years at LCU and I dreamed of watching my boys walk across the stage. I never imagined I would have the privilege of joining them."

Of course, the bystander in all of this "graduation hoopla" is dad, Tony. His pride and his excitement for the trio of family members he will see honored this weekend is hard to hide.

"I am experiencing a mix of emotions ... I am at once a proud husband and father," says Tony. "I am elated and already looking forward to what lies ahead for each of them in God's master plan ... I am also relieved that most of their (and my) burden of stress will diminish greatly after Saturday!"

Stress relief and graduation exercises are often mentioned together, no doubt about it. As it pertains to this particular commencement weekend, though, the thoughts of family and pride seem to be much more prevalent.

"I'm planning to take it all in," said Tony in looking ahead to the weekend, " ... take a few deep breaths, relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of each ceremony, being very present in the moment ... while also being very mindful of the blessings that these events represent to each member of my family. I plan to be smiling often!?"

And as the smiles are wide and bright there will be many thoughts running through the mind of Shelley as she reflects on the most fulfilling aspect of she and her sons graduating together.

"We did it together!  We have supported each other ... held each other accountable, rejoiced with each other, and even cried together," Shelley says proudly. "It has made us stronger.  Our family has always shared a unique closeness because we do not have family that lives near.   We have only had each other. We have always depended on each other for encouragement, so I think it is very cool that we could all experience this event as a family. Jordan and I will graduate on Friday night. We are a bit disappointed that we won't be able to participate in the same ceremony as Jacob. Jordan will be hooding Jacob on Saturday.  This is a prime example of the unspoken brother bond between the two boys. They have always been close and they definitely have each others back. Their bond and closeness is one attribute that I am most proud of."

On a weekend where many, many families will enjoy happiness and pride will be running rampant throughout the campus, it's clear when one visits with Shelley Parnell that there really is much, much more to it than just simply getting that college degree.

"It is unclear what God has in store for us but whatever it is ... I pray that He will be glorified in all we do," Shelley succinctly says. "I pray that we can live our life so that LCU is reflected in a positive light wherever we go and whatever we do.  We will always be ambassadors for the Life Changing University.  I am excited to see the amazing plans He has in store for us. Each of us is ready for the next chapter, so let the adventure begin!"

Congratulations to all of the Spring 2012 graduates in both ceremonies and especially to the Proper and Parnell families, who all figure to be quite happy throughout the weekend events. ]]> LCU Thu, 03 May 2012 22:13:00 -0500 http://www.thedustertoday.com/story/article/by-the-numbers-class-project-fascinating.html When an invitation came across the e-mail message system to those of us on staff at Lubbock Christian University last week from Joe Marshall I was, at first, hesitant to even read it. Joe Marshall and his IST 1350 class pose for a photo after their presentation to several campus administration members.
When an invitation came across the e-mail message system to those of us on staff at Lubbock Christian University last week from Joe Marshall I was, at first, hesitant to even read it.

Mr. Marshall, you see, is an Instructor of Business in the Business Administration Department and that in and of itself would usually make reading the aforementioned e-mail not something I would deem urgent. Many times those are sent campus-wide, but are actually intended for a certain constituency.

That being said I went on to read the e-mail and found out that Mr. Marshall's class, IST 1350 - Programming Logic - had conducted a class project that sounded, even to someone as non-scientific, non-mathematical and non-computer literate as myself, intriguing.

"I was fascinated by an article from Al Cornell that pointed out the improbability of 'accidentally creating' the proteins necessary for life," said Marshall when reflecting on how the idea for the project came about.  "The more I thought about it, the more I considered how it might be modeled. It would involve many of the fundamentals taught in the Programming Logic course - looping, string manipulation, random number generation, etc. From there, I'm afraid it morphed into an autocratic decision on my part, 'This is what we're going to do, class.'"

As this reporter sat in on the class session, joined by such LCU luminaries as Dr. Rod Blackwood (University Provost), Dr Steve German (Dean, B. Ward Lane College of Professional Studies) and Mr. Robert Smith (Director, Technology Services), it became obvious that Mr. Marshall and the members of his class were excited to be able to share the findings of their project with those of us in attendance.

"If there was any apprehension I didn't hear about it," said Marshall of the students and their interest in the project. "The term 'computer models' is kicked around a lot and I think the students were excited about getting some firsthand exposure to modeling."

The project itself, conceptually, was to model the accidental construction of protein chains as described in the article written by Al Cornell that Mr. Marshall previously alluded to. Each student was assigned different pieces and they were placed on teams to assemble their pieces. The biggest question presented in Cornell's article was " ... what are the chances of accidentally producing just the ingredients of life?" Cornell considers the probabilities of evolution producing just the proteins of the simplest known free-living organism (Does God Exist; Nov./Dec. 2009, www.doesgodexist.com), mycoplasma genitalium, which has 470 proteins. These 470 proteins are made up of 347 amino acids, on average, that are intricately strung together. There are 20 different amino acids to choose from to assemble each particular protein chain. To construct a specific protein we must assemble the amino acids in a precise sequence. The chance of accidentally choosing the right amino acid to attach next is one out of 20. To assemble a series of 347 amino acids in the protein chain is approximately equal to one chance in 10451 and this probability only considers producing ONE protein.

Scientists don't yet know how many of the 470 proteins are absolutely necessary for mycoplasma genitalium's existence. If all 470 are required the chance of accidentally assembling each particular chain is one in 20,163,090 - astronomical to those of us that are purely laypersons.

These numbers are beyond our imagination. Remember, Cornell is only considering the simplest free-living organism. He has NOT considered ingredients other than the proteins; NOT considered the assembly equipment for putting the parts together; NOT considered producing a mechanism to pass on the blueprints and assembly system to mycoplasma genitalium's offspring. Doesn't the complexity of life point to intelligence way beyond our imagination?

As stated earlier, my expertise in the fields of science, math and computer knowledge, both individually and collectively, is very limited. Given that somewhat benign intellect for such a study I can tell you how impressive it was to see how this revelation, based on numbers, seemingly 'excited' the entire class. The study not only affirmed the belief that God and his plans for us are greater than we can imagine, but it also offered a convincing argument to those that have chosen to believe other wise.

While this project was certainly beneficial from a standpoint of giving the students in Joe Marshall's class an in-depth and intricate body of work to be proud of, the deeper meaning and result probably has even more significance.

"If this project changed the perceptions of any of my classmates, I would not know," said IST 1350 student, Alan Runkles. "But, it seems to me that it would give people who don't share in Christian beliefs something to think about. The most revealing aspect of our findings is that it made me realize how special we are to be here on Earth living life, and I thank God for every day he gives us."

And, no one can sum up the entire project better than Mr. Marshall himself.

"I don't ask every student if they consider themselves believers or doubters," he says. "But, after some of my 'faith statements' in class during the semester, body language and verbal comments give me a pretty good idea of how the students are leaning. After the class saw the first demonstration of the model, I was shocked at the response from all the students, but some in particular. It was one of those rare moments for a teacher!"

When taking all the science, math and computer lessons to be learned out of the equation, there is no question as to what the most revealing aspect of this project ultimately was and, again, Mr. Marshall explains it best.

"Since this was all about science, math and computers, asking to take that aspect out of the equation is tough," Marshall explained. "In a nutshell, simple accidents are easy to create, but wanting the slightest bit of complexity takes you into God?s territory. You don't have to be stupid to be a Christian."

Well played, Joe Marshall and students ... well played! ]]> LCU Fri, 27 Apr 2012 23:36:00 -0500 http://www.thedustertoday.com/story/article/scholars-colloquium-2012.html Last week Lubbock Christian University hosted its annual Scholar's Colloquium. Khalil E. Jahshan, from Pepperdine University, was the keynote speaker during the 2012 LCU Scholar's Colloquium.
Last week Lubbock Christian University hosted its annual Scholar's Colloquium.

Students from around the campus researched, created, and presented scholarly papers, presentations and posters. During the colloquium faculty, staff, students and other members of the Lubbock community were able to come and view these different presentations as well as talk with the presenters about their topics.

This reporter was able to attend some of these different events; one was "Introverts VS Extroverts: Can Both Be Leaders?" This presentation was given by LCU sophomore, Leslie Ann Prather.

Leslie Ann's presentation described the different life styles and personalities of people who claim to be introverts and extroverts. She explored the working world and how these two different types of people work with others as well as how they handle leadership roles. Her main topic was not to reveal which personality leads better, but rather that both can lead successfully. In her presentation she told her audience about how these two personalities handle leadership roles and how they work with other personalities of their same type as well as the opposite personalities. She concluded that, indeed, both introverts and extroverts can be successful leaders.

The 2012 Scholar's Colloquium was a huge success on the Lubbock Christian University campus. All students are encouraged to take part in this great event in future years. ]]> LCU Fri, 27 Apr 2012 23:27:00 -0500 http://www.thedustertoday.com/story/article/twirp-week-coke-and-nacho-2.html Lubbock Christian University's long standing tradition called Coke and Nacho, held semi-annually during the fall and spring "TWIRP Week," took place in the SUB earlier this semester. Jonathan Dansby was one of the performers during the semi-annual Coke and Nacho night as TWIRP Week rocked the LCU campus.
Lubbock Christian University's long standing tradition called Coke and Nacho, held semi-annually during the fall and spring "TWIRP Week," took place in the SUB earlier this semester.

The hosts were Aaron Parrish, Clint Scott, Rob Breaux and Kolby Pool (as well as two younger boys who assisted them). They did a splendid job of entertaining the crowd between performances; they were funny, witty, and probably even worthy of placing in the competition as well.

The night began with a classic song and guitar act. Jonathan Dansby, Trevor Chadwick, Clark Sayre and Denny Thibert each crooned their hearts out to the audience with their personally picked songs, and set a great mood for the rest of the show.

Haley Giboney broke the mellow atmosphere with her one-liner standup, and was followed by a loud, passionate musical performance by Jared King and his band, playing a song that he wrote himself. Kyle Bullock put the audience into a fit of laughter with his very special narrated act on how to date a lady, winning him third place in the contest. Joash Chong then performed an unforgettable musical piece on the piano collaborating several famous songs together, which the crowd loved - and it earned him first place. Elliot Metherd came in a close second with his heartfelt songs on the guitar. Aaron Parrish took some time off hosting and played a lovely melody called "Flee Princess, Flee." Finally, Toh Yu Jin and Jorge Martinez ended the night nicely with a duet on "More Than Words."

In conclusion, everyone enjoyed the great performances and the food as Coke and Nacho this year was definitely a TWIRP date not wasted. It is a good thing that we have this tradition every semester and surely it will continue to stay for many, many years to come. ]]> LCU Fri, 27 Apr 2012 23:16:00 -0500 http://www.thedustertoday.com/story/article/twirp-week-alpha-chi-devo-and-hyptonist.html Lubbock Christian University's "The Woman Is Required to Pay" (TWIRP) week occurred earlier this semester and one of the highlight events that students were able to take part in was the weekly devotional put on by the campus club, Alpha Chi Delta. A trip to the Skate Ranch was another TWIRP Week activity enjoyed by LCU students.
Lubbock Christian University's "The Woman Is Required to Pay" (TWIRP) week occurred earlier this semester and one of the highlight events that students were able to take part in was the weekly devotional put on by the campus club, Alpha Chi Delta.

This time, however, students were able to participate in a special presentation as LCU alumnus, Rob Wilkinson, provided his great talents of hypnotism for entertainment.

Mr. Wilkinson gave a short devotional depicting his life at LCU. He spoke out of the book of Luke and how students need to sow their seeds. Luke 8:11-15 reads,  "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop."

After the devotional students were then able to volunteer to take part in the hypnosis presentation. Rob was then able to hypnotize these students using a combination of sounds and lights. The students then performed under hypnosis. The audience was delighted to watch the students take part in a game show, ride a roller coaster and display their musical talents.

After the shows students were able to pick up a free TWIRP t-shirt provided by the LCU Student Senate. Everyone who came out to this TWIRP event had a blast as they did throughout the entire week of activities. ]]> LCU Fri, 27 Apr 2012 23:04:00 -0500 http://www.thedustertoday.com/story/article/lcus-henzler-competes-in-shreveport.html Earlier this semester we reported on Lubbock Christian University student, Hunter Henzler, and his participation in weight lifting competition at the Junior National Championships in Chicago, IL. Hunter Henzler performs during the University National Weightlifting Championships last weekend.
Earlier this semester we reported on Lubbock Christian University student, Hunter Henzler, and his participation in weight lifting competition at the Junior National Championships in Chicago, IL.

Last weekend he was back in competition. Henzler competed in the 2012 University National Weightlifting Championships, held April 13th - to - 15th in Shreveport, LA. The junior from Slaton weighed in at a bodyweight of 72.15 kilograms (159 pounds) and competed in the 77kg (169 pound) weight division.

Hunter was able to complete three of his six attempts in the Snatch event as well as in the Clean and Jerk.  His total lift of 205 kilograms (451 pounds) earned him a 14th place position.

Congratulations to Hunter Henzler and we wish him continued success!
]]> LCU Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:52:00 -0500 http://www.thedustertoday.com/story/article/annual-scholars-colloquium-set-for-lcu-campus.html Lubbock Christian University's Scholars' Colloquium is an interdisciplinary, campus-wide forum intended to promote and highlight original scholarship. Dr. Brandon Fredenburg speaks during the 2011 Scholars' Colloquium on the LCU campus.
Lubbock Christian University's Scholars' Colloquium is an interdisciplinary, campus-wide forum intended to promote and highlight original scholarship.

The colloquium is held each spring as an academic conference with breakout presentations - students, faculty, and staff present and field questions from the audience.  Research posters are displayed in the CDC atrium with a session for informal questions.

LCU Student Sharlan Proper will be one of the participants in the 2012 event that is set to begin today (April 18) and continue through Friday (April 20). She will join other students as well as staff members who submitted proposals for approval by faculty members and those submissions may include research papers, pilot projects, dissertation abstracts, posters, senior/capstone projects and performance/recitals.

"When I was considering the return to school after a 30 year break, Dr. Fawn Musick took me to a Technical Writer's conference in San Francisco to see what Tech Com was all about," said Proper, who also serves as a student worker in the office of Public Relations and Marketing for LCU. "For three days, I was immersed in the subject that I was considering as a major. Dr. Musick presented her research on the first day: How classroom design and decor encourages 'at risk' students to engage in collegiate learning. The next morning she moderated a panel of scholars, and later we listened to an argument for allowing technologically enabled athletes to compete in the 'able-bodied' Olympics. At the completion of each panel, the audience was allowed to participate in the conversation. I was not only fascinated, I was hooked."

Mrs. Proper points out that the Lubbock Christian University Scholars' Colloquium is very much the same caliber of scholarly discourse and it progresses in a similar fashion to the 4C's conference in San Francisco. The LCU Scholars' Colloquium is a celebration of both acquired knowledge and new research from across the campus and from every discipline. Students and faculty present individually and in concert with each other.

The range of subjects is as varied as is the LCU campus population, ranging from "The influence of low temperature on patterns of coliform bacteria abundance from field and laboratory samples" (Joshua Thomas and Sara McBride) to "Pulp tradition: an evolution of the graphic novel" (Kenneth Mahan). Proper will be presenting her research on copyright in the digital age. The audience has the opportunity to participate in the conversation with each scholar and the wisdom that the campus shares as it is associated with their knowledge on a specific subject matter is astonishing.

"This is an outstanding opportunity for Lubbock Christian University to share, not only with the community, but with each other the amazing knowledge that is this university," said Proper proudly. "I am truly honored to be participating with the scholars in this colloquium, and I am glad to take the name of Lubbock Christian University as my brand when I graduate."

Each year a keynote speaker highlights the presentations during the Colloquium and the 2012 guest speaker will be Khalil E. Jahshan, Executive Director of Pepperdine University Seaver College's Washington, DC Internship Program. Mr. Jahshan will be speaking at 2:30 pm on Thursday (April 19) in the Baker Conference Center.

The Scholars' Colloquium committee is co-chaired by Dr. Andy Laughlin and Dr. Stacy Patty. Other committee members are Dr. Cathy Box, Randal Dement, Dr. Kregg Fehr, Dr. Cindy Ford, Paula Gannaway, Dr. Jesse Long and Dr. Michael Martin.

For a complete schedule of the Colloquium go to www.lcu.edu. ]]> LCU Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:57:00 -0500 http://www.thedustertoday.com/story/article/band-digital-arts-department-to-perform-concert.html Movie and video game fans are in for a treat Thursday night on the Lubbock Christian University campus. Music and visual effects come together during the concert Thursday night.
Movie and video game fans are in for a treat Thursday night on the Lubbock Christian University campus.

Fans of Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Wizard of Oz, just to name a few, will want to be at the McDonald Moody Auditorium on the campus of LCU on Thursday night, April 19th as the LCU Symphonic Band joins forces with the LCU Digital Media Arts Department to bring "Movie and Game Night" to the stage.  Admission to the concert is free and families are encouraged to attend.

"The LCU Symphonic Band has joined forces with our digital media students to produce a type of concert that has never been attempted on campus," said LCU Director of Bands, Andrew Babcock. "The band will perform music from some of the most popular video games and movie soundtracks of all time. In addition to what you would expect to hear, original source video edited by DMA students will be shown adding an exciting visual component. The combined elements synced live to match all the drama, action, love, and adventure you'd expect to see in full-length features will create a concert environment you have to hear and see to believe. You are guaranteed not to be disappointed!"

Among the films that will have musical arrangements featured are: Pirates of the Caribbean: At the World's End, Superman, themes from "The Wizard of Oz," and Star Trek. Also, video game music from Halo, Kingdom Hearts and Civilization IV will be performed.]]> Entertainment Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:49:00 -0500 http://www.thedustertoday.com/story/article/standing-in-the-gap-interview-with-dr-kirt-martin.html Lubbock Christian University began in 1957 as a school where Christian and non-Christian students alike could receive a Biblically based education while earning a degree in an environment which nurtured godly values. Dr. Kirt Martin cooks during the LCU Aggie Club retreat earlier this spring.
Lubbock Christian University began in 1957 as a school where Christian and non-Christian students alike could receive a Biblically based education while earning a degree in an environment which nurtured godly values.

There was no doubt in the minds of the founders that the tiny school that started out in a cotton field in Lubbock, Texas would go against the grain of secular academia.  Current students along with alumni are wondering how the school has developed into what it is today from what it was shortly after its roots were planted in the 1950s.  The Lord has blessed the university with some excellent professors and The DusterToday is taking the opportunity to visit with them over their impressions of the school?s progression.  Previously we were grateful to have Dr. David Peebles express his thoughts about the school, and last week Dr. Kirt Martin paused to voice his reflections as well.  A graduate of LCU, who is now a professor of biology for the Natural Sciences department and is well known for his excellent lectures over God's creation, Dr. Martin stands in the gap with the rest of Lubbock Christian University as it collectively seeks to uphold the light and honor Christ in a world which is unceasingly rushing into darkness.

Duster: When did you start working here?

Dr. Martin: I started in 1978, and taught for eight years then I left and was gone for nine years and then I came back in 1995 and have been teaching here ever since, so I've been here two different times.

Duster: What about LCU has changed or stood out to you in the times you've been here?

Dr. Martin: I was a student here from '71 to '75. I had to take seven Bible classes (21 hours) - instead of the four they have today.  Every one of them were books of the Bible except for one, the Life and Teaching of Christ and that was studying four books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - that's the difference I see: there were actual Bible studies where you learn Bible and now we have no courses that are Bible courses - it's Christian Life, it's Christian Ethics, it's Old Testament Survey and New Testament Survey.

Duster: Which changes are you pleased with?

Dr. Martin: In general, I think the campus is a lot better looking ... I appreciate that ... I'm happy with the change we've had recently of critical thinking - changing a lot of our courses to critical thinking courses: that's important ... because we get to look at things and say, "Okay, is there an alternative to that?" - That type of thinking ... but there's always a standard.  Whenever I do critical thinking in science our standard is what we know about science and truth and does it fit in with all that truth?  But a part of science like evolution - if we do the critical thinking then that puts evolution in its place.  When you critically think about evolution and what it's saying you think, 'Well there are parts that aren't backed up by facts.'

Duster: What changes have you been disappointed to see?

Dr. Martin: I haven't liked doing away with books of the Bible (as university core requirements) - I think that was a mistake, but I'm not in that department so that's not my decision ... to me that's very important because that's how we're going to judged in the end: by Jesus' words and the books of the Bible are Jesus words and that's important to me, to study the books of the Bible.  Church history, Christian heritage, they're teaching this - that is taught in so many different ways and a lot of it depends on how you look at the church history.  I struggle with that because I think the church had been in existence since the time of Christ; Acts 2 - when the church started I think the church has been in existence ever since then and the church has just been around.  A lot of history says, "No the church of Christ did not start until the 1600s" ... somewhere in there, I don't know exactly ... "a certain person started the church of Christ."  No, it was the apostles who started the church of Christ and that's the church I'm a part of - (but) I really don't know how church history is taught (in the Bible department).

Duster: In a spiritual sense - with chapel and other things like it - how have you seen the school change or stay the same?

Dr. Martin: Chapel used to be a time where we got to hear different people speak about different values and principals and to me that was a place where - especially when I was a student - values were taught and what's important in life ... we as a student body, that was a confirmation of what we believed and how we wanted to live and I don't think chapel anymore is a place where values are stressed.  There have been some really good talks in chapel and then there have been some that have not been so good, but I guess that's my opinion on all of those ... but (chapel) seems to be the place where we get confirmation of Bible and illustrations from different peoples' lives - that means a lot to me.  When Dr. Laughlin gets up and talks about the struggles he went through when his wife had cancer and how he relied on prayer and he relied on his brothers and sisters to help him through all of that, you know, that gives me hope, that strengthens my faith when I hear of others doing that.  So those kind of speakers in chapel I think are important for us and very good.  I?m not sure that all of our values are taught in chapel like they need to be so I'm disappointed in that.

Duster: With a new president starting soon, what direction do you see the university taking?

Dr. Martin: I don't have a clue.  I haven't gotten any indication from the new president that we're going to go in any different direction right now and that could be because he isn't sure yet ... he may want to get here and then start suggesting things.

Duster: Personally, what do you hope to see LCU be?

Dr. Martin: I would like to see us as a campus be united in our efforts ... in what we are trying to do with students.  I'd like to see a unity in what goes on at chapel, what our purposes are for chapel, that we're united in that and that we're all together and we're all encouraging students to go to chapel and we all have this unified direction in chapel.  I'd like to see that.  Unity is the main thing: unity for truth.

Duster: How important do you think it is for the youth of today, or students, to have scripturally grounded academic opportunities?

Dr. Martin: Very important: because scripture is the only, really, document or writing that we have that's truth - that's it.  That is the only thing that we have that is truth.  So it's important to be grounded in that - to understand what God says on those kind of things.  Plus, I think God has been very specific on how He wants to be worshiped, He's very specific on how He wants His people to live, and He's very specific about developing your heart to be like His - to take on His nature and His character.  To me that's real important, real important.  Scriptures are important that way.  If we can't take on His nature, if we don't reflect Christ in our attitudes and in our hearts then we're missing the point of everything and the only place you get that's from scripture - so that's very important.

The Duster wants to thank Dr. Martin for his time, dedication to the university, and, more importantly, his dedication to Christ as he strives to glorify Him at LCU.]]> LCU Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:20:00 -0500