The With Thankful Recognition for Your Faithful Generosity Friday, September 30, 2016 Doden Field House Cedarville University
This year, Cedarville University unveiled its new vision statement, which states, “Cedarville University will be an exemplary Christian institution known for commitment to academic excellence, submission to biblical authority, passion for the Great Commission, and intentional discipleship that transforms lives for godly service, vocational distinction, and cultural engagement.” This vision statement is anchored to who Cedarville has always been, while at the same time aspiring to be faithful to the opportunities God gives us for growth in the future. We certainly believe our vision is a worthy endeavor. As such, we have made affordability one of the key tenets in our strategic plan, in order tomake our educational vision accessible to as many students as possible. Far too often, I receive letters and emails from students expressing their sincere desire to attend Cedarville, but they are financially unable to join us. Frommy vantage point, each student unable to attend Cedarville is a missed opportunity to spread our kingdom-minded vision throughout the world. So, as we move forward in the coming year, our leadership team will be working diligently to see howwe canmake Cedarville as affordable as possible. Certainly you have greatly helped in that regard, providing scholarships to those who without them would not be able to attend our University. On behalf of Cedarville University, please accept my sincere gratitude for your faithful partnership in the Gospel with us. I continue to pray the Lord’s blessing on all you do for His kingdom. Steadfast in Christ, Thomas and Joy White
Reception Welcome and Prayer Dr. Rick Melson, Vice President for Advancement Dinner Program Faithful Defined Dr. Rick Melson, Vice President for Advancement The Autios and the Volands: A Legacy of Faithfulness Presentation of Alumni Awards Young Alumni of the Year Mr. Andrew ’07 and Mrs. Alison (Kearney) Clemans ’10 Distinguished Educator Award Dr. Steven Gollmer and Dr. John Whitmore Steadfast in Christ: The Legacy of Giving in Our Campus Community Presentation of Alumni Awards Honorary Alumni of the Year Mr. Phillip and Mrs. Pamela Black Alumna of the Year Mrs. Paula (Faris) Krueger ’97 Message of Gratitude and Vision Dr. Thomas White, President The We are honored to have you here.
There are many ways your giving has made and will continue to make a difference at Cedarville. Thanks to all our donors who invest in our students, programs, and future. Thank you for your faithful giving
YoungAlumni of theYear Mr. Andrew ’07 andMrs. Alison (Kearney) Clemans ’10 AJ Clemans ’07 began working at his local Chickfil-A as ameans to support his education — but it was there that he found his calling. He fell in love with the organization and decided to pursue becoming a franchisee once he completed his M.B.A. He and wife Alison (Kearney) ’10 received a franchise in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2010 and were married that summer. Alison started in operations but moved to marketing. After closing their franchise due to a lease dispute with the mall owner, AJ and Alison spent the next year traveling across the country as Chick-fil-A startup consultants. They then opened another Chick-fil-A franchise in Falls Church, Virginia, which they continue to operate today. AJ explained how Cedarville prepared him for his career: “Cedarville taught me the importance of investing in and developing people. I now spend the majority of my time working with college and young adults, teaching them leadership and life skills.” Alison also benefitted fromher time at Cedarville. “Cedarville provided me with tons of opportunities to work and serve in campus positions. This helped me hone in on exactly what I wanted to do when I graduated. Also, Cedarville’s emphasis on discipleship really helped both AJ and me learn how to invest in others, especially students, and share the story of Jesus with them.” Cedarville made a profound impact on AJ and Alison’s personal lives and future careers. AJ reflected on his Getting Started group and the relationships he made: “Getting Started Weekend had a huge impact on my life. It was there that I made some of the most important friendships of my life. The group of guys I met continue to challenge and sharpen me as a man of God.” Alison spoke about her campus service: “I loved the opportunity of serving with DAE, the alumni service organization. It provided me with opportunities to coordinate events, develop personal relationships with other students and alumni, and taught me the importance of serving others. These are all skills I use inmy job now, and even more importantly, in my other relationships.” AJ and Alison have two children, Kara (3) and Andrew (1 1/2 ). DistinguishedEducatorAward Dr. Steven Gollmer Steven Gollmer serves as Professor of Physics at Cedarville. He joined the faculty in 1994, following a brief stint teaching high school science and math in Indiana. Steven graduated from Pillsbury Baptist Bible College with a degree in science and mathematics education. He then received a second bachelor’s degree in physics fromNorthern Illinois University. Steven went on to obtain a master’s degree in physics, and then a Ph.D. in atmospheric science. As an educator, Steven displays excellence both inside and outside the classroom. He served on the University Curriculum Committee, the University Tenure Committee, and the Faculty Committee to the President, and was an adviser for the men’s service organization Alpha Chi. Steven has co-authored an earth science college textbook from a young earth perspective titled The Heavens and the Earth: Excursions in Earth and Space Science, and was selected to participate in the Calvin College Seminar in Christian Scholarship titled “Design, Self-Organization, and the Integrity of Creation,” which was led by WilliamDembski. One of Steven’s favorite memories from his years at Cedarville is a missions trip he took to
the Philippines in 1997 with the men’s basketball team. “I traveled with Cedarville's basketball evangelism team to the Philippines and served as an assistant coach and player. We spent the month of June playing at least one game each day and holding basketball clinics,” he shared. “During halftime at each game the Gospel was preached by the local pastor or missionary, and we would witness one-on-one after the games.” Steven also serves as an Adult Bible Fellowship co-teacher, leads a small discipleship group in his church, regularly attends and presents at the Creation Biology Society/Creation Geology society annual meetings, speaks at his church about Creation, and participates in discussion panels on Creation issues. Steven has lived a life that honors God as he seeks to make the most of his talents and time. “The best way to find God's will for your life is to be busy doing what you know should be done today,” he said. “Be diligent in serving Christ and others, even if it doesn't fit in with your plans. Plan to use your gifts and talents well, but keep the plan open to God's leading.” Steven accepts the Distinguished Educator of the Year award with the support of his wife, Evelyn ’80, and children Alyssa and Marcus. DistinguishedEducatorAward Dr. John Whitmore John Whitmore serves as Professor of Geology at Cedarville. He joined the faculty in 1991. John received his B.S. in geology fromKent State University, his M.S. in geology from the Institute for Creation Research, and his Ph.D. from Loma Linda University. John established the Bachelor of Science in geology and the Bachelor of Arts in geosciences programs at Cedarville, currently the only programs that teach young-earth Creation geology at an evangelical college. John’s love for geology reaches far beyond the classroom. He is a frequent consultant and reviewer for Answers in Genesis, Answers Magazine, The Journal of Creation, andAnswers Research Journal, and is the Editor-in-Chief for the eighth International Conference on Creationism. He is also the co-author for The Heavens and the EarthandThe Great Alaskan Dinosaur Adventure. He appeared as a content expert in the video series Unlocking the Mysteries of Genesis. He won the 2008 “Cove Award” for providing outstanding academic support to Cedarville students, the 2007 Faculty Teaching Effectiveness Award, and was named the 2008 Cedarville University Faculty Scholar of the Year. He and his wife, Jamie (Case) ’04, own a small farm with chickens and sheep, where they live with children Victoria, Jocelyn, Mickayla, Denise, Jess, and Jaana. He cites Psalm 19:14 as his life verse: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” HonoraryAlumniof theYear Mr. Phillip andMrs. Pamela Black Phil and Pam Black have dedicated years of service to the Miami Valley area and continue to make a lasting impact in their local community. Phil and Pam met at Ohio Northern University, where Phil earned a B.S. in biology/premed as well as a B.S.Ph. and Pam earned a B.S. in elementary education. They were married on August 18, 1973. Ph i l own e d t wo pharmacies from 1981– 2015 and was a chairman and owner of Home Care by Black Stone from 1986–2015. He has been recognized for his service to the community as
the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce and the Humanitarian of the Year Award fromMedicine Shoppe International, Inc. He is the chairman of theMission Committee at Patterson Park Church and a member of the Board of Directors for the One Bistro Ministry, the Board of Directors for the International Needs Ministry, the Board of Directors for the Gala of Hope, and the Cedarville Pharmacy Advisory Council. He is grateful for the opportunity to have been able to play a role in the School of Pharmacy’s recently receiving full accreditation. Phil sees his service as an act of obedience to Christ. “I believe that Jesus showed us throughout the New Testament that we are to invest our time and resources in each other’s lives — by mentoring and sharing of our talents,” he said. “Each day he opens doors of opportunity for us to serve and be used— it is our choice to walk through those open doors and spread the good news of Jesus or let them close.” Pam taught first–fourth grades at Kettering City Schools. She also helped in the pharmacies throughout the years performing health care screenings. Pam has been active in her sons’ schools as a volunteer, including serving as President of the PTA and co-founder of the Athletic Boosters Club. She has served her church through children’s, hospitality, women’s, and missions ministries. She is also a Mom's mentor at Miami Valley Women's Center. Throughout her years of service, Pam has learned the importance of giving back to people. “You will never, ever regret choosing kindness! Words of care and compassion are so important in relating to others who are hurting in today's society,” she explained. “Let them see God through you. Take time to savor special moments with family and friends.” Phil and Pam have two sons, Stephen ’01 and Andrew ’06, and six grandchildren. For their years of service to their community, Cedarville is proud to name them this year’s Honorary Alumni of the Year Award. Alumna of theYear Mrs. Paula (Faris) Krueger ’97 Paula Faris ’97 is the co-anchor of Good Mo r ni n g Ame r i c a ' s weekend edition and regular contributor to GMAweekday, as well as a co-host of ABC’sThe View. While at ABCNews, the Emmy Award-winning journalist has reported on a wide-array of topics, from the Republican National Convention, to the World Cup in Brazil and the Patriots “deflate-gate” scandal. In September 2015, she sat down exclusively with controversial Kentucky clerk Kim Davis, who made global headlines after refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Earlier that year, she hosted “The Oscars Backstage” at the Academy Awards. She’s interviewed everyone fromHillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders to Reese Witherspoon, Tiger Woods, and Robert De Niro. Paula went to ABC News after spending more than 10 years working for TV affiliates in Chicago, Cincinnati, and Dayton. She began her career behind the scenes, shooting, editing, and producing. Paula’s former professors Jim Leightenheimer and JimKragel reflect that “It has been a blessing to watch God’s plan unfold in Paula’s life as she has used her gifts to be salt and light through broadcast media. Fromher start in student radio as a freshman at Cedarville University and her work with the teamof broadcasting students that helped to cover the 1996 Olympics to her current assignments with ABC, Paula has maintained a rock-solid faith and a consistent testimony for Jesus Christ. Her willingness to speak into the lives of current students through mentoring relationships is a powerful demonstration of her desire and commitment to make a difference for God through media.” Paula and her husband, John Krueger ’97, have three young children and live in New York.
937-766-7810 or 1-888-233-2784 cedarville.edu/advancement advancement@cedarville.edu
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