The 2014 Legacy Banquet

Honorary Alumna of the Year June Perry June Perry has organized her life according to the wisdom found in Psalm 37:4: “Delight thyself also in the Lord and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” June’s desires to help others realize their potential in Christ have been exemplified through her contributions to education, community organizations, and philanthropy. June graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and continued to Berea College after receiving a four-year scholarship. She completed her bachelor’s degree in history and political science in 1944, and in 1971 completed her master's in the same discipline from Eastern Kentucky University. She has taken additional course work at Ohio University, where she was recognized as a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar. She started her teaching career at Harding Elementary School. She later moved to McKell High School, her alma mater, and served as Dean of Girls from Portsmouth High School until her retirement in 1982. Her late husband, Alvin, was a Marine Corp veteran, having served in the South Pacific during World War II. Later he was employed by the Portsmouth, Ohio Police Department. June and Alvin were married for 56 years. June shared about him, “[Alvin] loved young people, just as I do. I was helped with a scholarship in college. We believed it would be appropriate to help others in the same way. He was so pleased when we were able to establish the Alvin and June Perry Scholarship for deserving Cedarville students.” Since 1997, the scholarship has helped 23 students continue their education at Cedarville. Celebrating her 92nd birthday in July only deepened her commitment to helping others through vital organization in her community. As a member of the Joseph Spencer Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for 59 years, June has served as Regent, Director, and Chaplain along with other positions. She is also a lifetime member of the Scioto County Retired Teachers Association. Her current positions with both organizations allow her to do what she does best—connect with people. June also serves on the Missions Committee at Temple Baptist Church, Portsmouth, Ohio, as well as Seekers of Service Mission Society, assisting others to fulfill their calling to the mission field. June’s family has maintained a close connection to the University over the years. Her daughter, Kathi (Perry) Cassity ’76, as well as her grandson, Robert Alvin Cassity ’04, and granddaughter, Katherine (Cassity) Hodge ’06, are all Cedarville graduates. June and Alvin have also made significant investments at Cedarville through charitable gift annuities. When the Lord calls her home, the residual investment will go toward her an endowed scholarship, which will be able to help 40 to 50 students every year! The Cedarville University Administrative Council and the Alumni Council have chosen to honor June’s legacy of giving and faithful support with the 2014 Honorary Alumna Award.