Let the year begin: Olympics-style assembly with flags of nations opens ACU semester
Last week, Abilene Christian University freshmen quietly walked across the campus one evening, flanked by faculty, students and a few parents who were holding candles.
The comment was made that it was like the opening ceremony of the Olympics.
That visual was even truer Monday.
For the first time since 2019, due both to COVID-19 and renovations to Moody Coliseum, ACU held its opening assembly highlighted by its Parade of Flags.
ACU's Big Purple Band made it official by playing composer John Williams' "Bugler's Dream/Olympic Fanfare" as a prelude.
And when the United States flag was presented last, those in attendance roared. There even were some chants of "USA! USA! USA!"
The flags of 52 nations were presented, representing students, faculty and staff from those nations. Next came state flags, and Texas was saved for last. Carson Anderson, from Clyde, wore a white cowboy hat and carried the red, white and blue of Texas.
The colors were many on the flags and faces of those carrying them around the arena, placing them together behind the band. Among those was the flag of Ukraine.
The assembly came on the first day of classes for the 117th academic year at Abilene Christian, founded in 1906 west of downtown Abilene and moved to "the Hill" in 1929.
It was a first look for many of the renovated facility. The comment "it looks the same but different" was common. Brighter lighting and purple accents were the most noticeable. Seating now is 3,600, down 500. But larger purple seats and more legroom were enjoyed.
The circular arena now is flanked on north and south sides by three-story towers.
Surveying the large crowd, Dr. Phil Schubert, ACU's 11th president, deadpanned, "We're going to need to build a bigger arena." Fund-raisers may have shrank in their seats.
In good humor, he joked this likely would be the largest chapel attendance of the year. He later announced enrollment at the campus and for online courses topped 5,900 students, an ACU record. Also noted was a freshman class of more than 1,000 students. Freshman and other new students were asked to stand for recognition.
Representatives of McMurry University and Texas State Technical College were announced as being in attendance.
Schubert said ACU will continue its mission to be the best it can be. Passion and commitment, he said, separate ACU from other U.S. universities.
Perhaps drawing the most applause was recognition of retired administrator Dr. Bob Hunter, class of 1952. It was Hunter who came up with the idea that Moody, after it opened in 1968, an entertainment plan. That was done and entertainers such as Dionne Warwick, Neil Diamond and Ray Charles performed there.
Assisted by his daughter Carole Phillips and others, Hunter, who recently turned 94, stood and waved to the crowd, which also stood to cheer him.
A plaque on the arena wall honors Hunter, who saw it for the first time Sunday. It names the annual Sing Song stage for him.
"I was flabbergasted," he said.
Hymns, prayer and speeches comprised Monday's event.
There was no need to hurry to noon classes - those were announced to start 15 minutes late.
Not a bad way to start the fall academic term.
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Let the year begin: ACU Olympics-style assembly with flags of nations
