2007-2008 Annual Report

Light. It illumines the darkness in our lives, shows us the way, and reveals the truth. What better theme for a building designed to guide young people toward biblical knowledge? After years of planning, construction, fundraising, and anticipation, the Center for Biblical and Theological Studies opened its doors to Cedarville students in August, providing a place to study Scripture and grow academically. Dedicated to God The dedication ceremony of the Center for Biblical and Theological Studies (CBTS) was a highlight of the 2008 Homecoming festivities. Alumni, friends, and donors gathered in the three-story atrium on a crisp October morning to hear Dr. David Jeremiah ’63, senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California, emphasize the power of the Word of God to change lives. A testament to Cedarville’s commitment to this truth, the CBTS is the location of the required Bible minor classes that prepare students to communicate this power to the world. The ceremony included special music, as well as comments from Dr. Bill Brown, Cedarville president; Dr. Paul Dixon, chancellor; and local elected officials. “Is there anything we have greater than the Bible?” Dr. Jeremiah asked. “Is there anything greater than training young men and women and equipping them with the light of the world?” Dedicated to Education Integrating Scripture into every academic discipline is the hallmark of a degree from Cedarville University and foundational to a quality education. For, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, Le t Your L i gh t So Sh i ne for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17). The new structure builds on Cedarville’s academic reputation by offering six state-of- the-art classrooms, which host 137 individual classes and hundreds of students each week. Students and faculty also benefit from a multimedia lab, collaboration rooms, a 40-station computer laboratory, e-check (e-mail) stations, and the Academic Enrichment Center. The CBTS is also the new home to The Cove, Cedarville’s Academic Enrichment Center. The Cove cultivates academic scholarship among all Cedarville students. But it goes beyond the pursuit of high grades, challenging students to do their personal best, set goals for their future, and discover their academic learning styles. Dedicated to the Future By blending the contemporary with the historical, the CBTS affirms the significance of God’s Word and conveys its relevance for today’s culture. “We’re excited, not just for the bricks and mortar but for what this building represents,” Dr. Brown said. “The Center promises to have a powerful impact in the lives of students and graduates that will reach into the communities where they live and serve for decades to come.” CELEBRATING THE CENTER FOR BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL STUDIES 4