1999-2000 Annual Report

Cedarville University ne of my favorite verses of Scripture is “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). This familiar statement comes in the midst of an account of the servant of the Lord’s ultimate triumph as the “gates of righteousness” are opened to him, and he enters them to offer praise unto his God and Savior. Unfortunately, we often latch onto this verse for the wrong reason. I’ve heard many people respond to uncomfortable situations and disappointments with the phrase “This is the day…”. I’ve even heard people concerned about the weather quoting this verse as a salve for their own frustrations. While each day, regardless of its disappointments, is one for which we can offer praise, I think there is a greater message in this passage. The psalmist is offering praise and worship for the specific ways in which God has positively blessed his life. We want to use this annual report to do much the same thing. However, we are not limiting our praise to just one day, or even several days. The year 2000 was one of tremendous encouragement and overwhelming provision. In fact, if we could do so without offending Scripture, we would say, “This is the YEAR the Lord made; we rejoice and are glad in it!” We present to you the highlights of the past year. They all center on what we like to call “The Cedarville Experience.” It is this “experience” that makes a Cedarville education unique. The experience comprises the University’s attempts to imprint four distinct characteristics on its students. We encourage Cedarville students to exhibit a Heart for God and to cultivate a Mind for Truth . We want our students to gain Friends for Life and to prepare for Service for Eternity . The outcomes of these efforts are what this report is all about. As we depict some of these accomplishments, we want to be careful to give God all the glory. This is in keeping with the psalmist’s sentiments expressed in verse 23. He wrote, “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” I’ve often said the only way to explain Cedarville University is God. The year 2000 was no exception. You can’t explain what happened unless you recognize God’s hand. Everything about Cedarville University is the Lord’s doing, and it is certainly marvelous in our eyes. We hope it is in yours, too. Paul Dixon President Dr. Paul H. Dixon President, Cedarville University O