Cedarville Magazine, Fall 2017

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE 2 | Cedarville Magazine Cedarville Magazine “Cedarville College was founded in prayer, has been maintained in faith, and supported by sacrifice; and long after this generation shall have run its race, Cedarville College will live to enrich the nation, gladden the church, and bless the world; and with the years it will grow in material equipment until it becomes the joy of this community and is numbered high among the favored colleges of our country,” said Cedarville College’s second president, Wilbert Renwick McChesney, in his inaugural address on November 12, 1915. McChesney uttered prophetic words, words that subsequent presidents would restate in one fashion or another. The grace and blessing of Almighty God and the people He has called to sacrificial service throughout these hallowed halls have made Cedarville University the place we love and cherish. We stand upon the shoulders of many faithful servants who sacrificed, at least earthly wealth, to participate in something greater than any one person. By faith and prayer, these men and women invested in future generations of students, creating a legacy of eternal impact that will not be fully revealed this side of heaven. I think of the donors. God placed a desire in the hearts of these faithful men and women to partner with Cedarville. I’ll never forget a phone call my first weekend of Getting Started in 2013, when the parents of a new student requested a meeting. My initial thoughts ran to the worst-case scenario. Instead, they told me how God put it on their hearts to support our important work here. No logic or reason can explain how the Spirit of God works, but it is evident when seen. I also think of the pastor, whose name may never be known, who introduced a business owner and major donor to Cedarville. This brilliant mind shaped the future of this institution through gifts to building campaigns, service on the Board, and sharp insights for years to come. I think of leaders such as James T. Jeremiah and his wife, Ruby. Dr. Jeremiah was a faithful minister of the Gospel and a trustee of Cedarville. He was eventually called as President, serving in whatever capacity was needed. Sometimes that meant making bricks and digging ditches, and at other times, preaching the Word or seeking accreditation. At every level of the institution, men and women have served faithfully for years because they believed in the mission of Cedarville and believed that God had called them to this place. I think of faculty members like Mike DiCuirci who wrote his résumé on the back of a napkin when Paul Dixon recruited him to come to Cedarville. No one knew that a man who personified musical excellence and Gospel passion would be drawn to Cedarville in such a way. I think of Jim Phipps arriving as a student in 1964, graduating in 1968, beginning to work here at Cedarville that same year, and continuing to teach here 50 years later. I think of Murray Murdoch, the tennis coach and beloved history professor for more than 50 years, and scores of other faculty members who love God and our students. I could tell stories of His providential hand during the past five years, as He’s raised up the next generation of faithful faculty members. I think about our many incredibly gifted students who turn down larger scholarships at other institutions because they believe in Cedarville’s mission. Students who demonstrate academic excellence in their field and spiritual passion on the mission field. Students who serve with distinction in their given vocation or excel in graduate school. Each case stands as an example of God’s providence in sending great people to this place we love. These students develop into beloved alumni and friends for life who contribute to the stellar reputation envisioned for Cedarville by McChesney more than 100 years ago. As you read about the last 130 years, the credit and the praise belong to God alone. He and the incredible people He has called to this place are the driving force behind what Cedarville has been and, I pray, will always be. God has chosen to work through donors, partners in ministry, leaders, faculty members, students, alumni, and scores of others to create, sustain, and grow this special place. A place that we hold dear. A place unashamed of the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ. How could it be any other way? Steadfast in Christ, Thomas White, President cedarville.edu/president @DrThomasWhite facebook.com/DrThomasWhite Subscribe at drthomaswhite.com