redecorating projects campus-wide, and in decorations for numerous campus events. Countless visitors comment on the quality and beauty of Cedarville campus today. Perhaps the greatest challenge in contemporary education is the financial challenge. It is in this area that the entrepreneurial leadership of Paul Dixon has had the greatest impact. From the beginning he planned to be aggressive in fund raising, but even Dixon did not envisage the degree of involvement that developed. Because of Cedarville's commitment to the free enterprise system and its refusal to accept government funds, the business community has started to respond to the institution's fund-raising efforts. As a result, each project has been increasingly successful. Seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars was raised for the Chapel. Two million dollars was raised for the Athletic Center, and the Centennial Campaign may more than triple that $2 million figure. In 1980-81 total gift income to Cedarville College was $955,849. By 1984-85 gift income had reached $1,802,943. The efforts of Dixon in this area have provided tremendous financial strength for the institution. At the same time, the college has taken a very aggressive posture on debt retirement. When the project for the $3 million Athletic Center was completed with only $2 million raised in the fund-raising campaign, the final $1 million was paid off within five years from the general fund. Where dormitories had previously been financed over a period of 25 to 30 years, recent dormitories were financed for ten years. All of this is a part of strategic planning: "What we have been endeavoring to do is to position ourselves financially so that if we do get caught in a declining enrollment we can manage it."17 Cedarville's planning process has not presumed that continued growth can be guaranteed in a declining market. The development of Cedarville College during the eight years of the Dixon presidency can best be summarized in the brief chart below: 1977-78 1985-86 Students 1,250 1,817 Buildings 37 45 Annual budget $4,580,000 $11,750,000 Total assets $9,700,000 $23,550,0001~ The stability enjoyed by Cedarville College today may be attributed to the three fundamental components that were important from the beginning of the institution's Students are involved with others in many ways. The College hosts the Special Olympics for Greene County, with students giving support and encouragement to all who participate. existence. Firm commitment to the principles of biblical Christianity has enabled the college to maintain a strong tie with her supporting constituency, the G.A.R.B.C. Strong leadership has been provided through the presidencies of James T. Jeremiah and Paul Dixon. Over the years the relationship with the community has become one of stability and strength. Cedarville is recognized as an important part of the Greene County economy. Its students and faculty have had a tremendous impact in community affairs. Its reputation for excellence is known throughout the greater Miami Valley, the State of Ohio, and across the nation. 1. Paul Dixon, personal interview, February 3, 1986. 2. Paul Dixon, 1986 President's Report, p. 4. 3. These figures are based on the statistical reports published annually by the G.A.R.B.C. in the Church Directory which lists all the fellowshipping churches. 4. Ohio Independent Baptist, June 1953, p. 4. 5. Senior class to the Board of Trustees, June 3, 1955. 6. Cedarville College Catalog, 1957-58, p. 22. 7. These percentages are based on Figures compiled by Mr. Jack C.mpbell, director of Academic Records. 8. Cedarville College Self-Study Report to North Central, October 1980, p. 47. 9. Cedarville College Catalog, 1979-80, 1984-85; President's Report, 1980, p. 9. 10. Self-Study Report on the Teacher Education Program of Cedar- ville College, October 1, 1974, p. 25. II. Paul Dixon, 1986 President's Report, p. 4. 12. Ibid. 13. Cedarville College Catalog, 1985-86, p. 56. 14. Clifford Fawcett as quoted in the 1986 President's Report, p. 9. 15. Paul DiAon, personal interview, August 8, 1986. 10. Paul Di\on, President's Report, 1985, p. 2. 17. Ibid.. AugU5! 8, 1986. 18. Kenneth H. St. Clair, August 20, 1986. Chapter XIX/161