institution for having had the VISIOn to maintain a well-defined sense of mission and purpose when much of Christian education has succumbed to secularization. Examiners from the North Central accrediting body, college presidents from throughout Ohio, and educators in general who have observed the Cedarville situation recognize that the institution's commitment to its well-defined mission has enabled Cedarville College to develop a niche all its own in the world of higher education. President Paul Dixon describes that position in these terms: We live in an historical moment which [ per– ceive to be a bridge between the industrial age and the new information age. Cedarville Col- lege is crossing that bridge with a sure-footed– ness because of the blessing of our God and the quality of our continuing commitment to our historic mission - to impart to our students a quality, Christian education consistent with biblical truth l7 In his annual report two years later, Dixon again described this as the key to Cedarville's "stable and strong future." Cedarville College has a special sense of pur– pose - a clear and direct vision of its future that flows out of its mission. With the individ– ual student as the centerpiece, the college is resolute in its commitment to offer an educa– tion consistent with biblical truth. It is devoted to a quality value centered educational experi– ence that will endow with wisdom future gener– ations of students who will have an impact on To advance its quality academic programs, the College built a new library facility. On April 4, 1986, a praise service was held, celebrating the beginning of this building project. Officially opened during 1987, the Centennial year, it marks the College's first step into its second century. Chapter XX/169