Cedarville Magazine, Spring 2014

Advancing Cedarville I’ve elaborated many times on the Gospel message, saying, “If you’ve never had a time or place in your life when you’ve trusted Christ, you can do that right here in this office.” After one such meeting, a carpenter said to one of our employees, “They talk like you can know where you’re going when you die,” and our employee responded, “You can!” He led that man to the Lord on the front lawn. I believe I am called to magnify the Gospel everywhere I can. Several years ago, I went to see a professional acquaintance in the hospital before he had cancer surgery. I had faced the same kind of cancer and offered to answer any questions he had about the procedure. He called me to sit down beside him. “I’ve watched you most of my career,” he said. “You’re different. What makes you tick?” I shared the Gospel with him that day. Although he wasn’t ready to make a decision in that moment, he did choose to follow Christ before he passed away. It’s essential to be aware, in everything we do, that lost people are watching. Framing the Future I stand behind Cedarville’s commitment to excellence — as an alumnus, as a parent of a graduate, as a donor, and now as a member of the Board of Trustees. I am particularly excited about where Cedarville is headed in professional programs. I love to hear that Fortune 500 corporations such as Cummins, Inc., want more of our engineering graduates. I amproud that our computer programming teams, competing with major universities, finish ahead of Big Ten schools. Cedarville is poised to develop established disciplines into the next phase of those disciplines. Building on the strength of our nursing program, for example, we are now offering a Master of Science in Nursing degree and have developed a successful pharmacology program. It’s important to continue asking what’s next — in business, in medicine, in engineering, and more. My father was an architect and designed the buildings on campus built during James T. Jeremiah’s presidency. He would be thrilled to see the thriving mechanical and electrical engineering programs Cedarville offers today. The point is that we are already offering core programs; we have the facilities and the infrastructure to expand in new and exciting directions. I also stand behind Cedarville’s commitment to the Gospel. President White has spoken about his priority to get every student on a missions trip to both extend the reach of the Gospel worldwide and to develop in every graduate a heart to serve. This resonates with me as a business owner who has led construction teams to Brazil, Fiji, and Honduras. I realize the value of exposing students to what missions is all about and encouraging them to use their professions to help people who need the Gospel and have so little. Supporting the Mission This May, Cedarville graduates nearly more than 750 young people — our largest class ever — who have received an outstanding education. They enter graduate schools, ministries, and professions and begin serving in local churches. I hope they are also giving back to Cedarville so other students can have a high-quality experience. My wife and I think of our own giving to Cedarville as an investment — in the University, of course, but fundamentally in people’s lives and futures. I am passionate about challenging alumni to be involved in giving. Considering the academic excellence and spiritual richness that have been poured into our lives for four years, how can we not feel compelled to be part of that for other students? My daughter, Heather (Jenkins) Smith ‘03, graduated from Cedarville’s nursing program. Shortly after that, I received a phone call asking me to support the Cedarville Fund. I was already in the habit of “giving” in the form of her tuition. I thought about my student experience and then Heather’s, and the answer was clear: Why wouldn’t I give back to support this? “For the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ” still rings inmy ears.That was one of James T. Jeremiah’s favorite phrases — he stood for this. Cedarville still stands for this by preparing students to be a light for Christ and the best they can be in their professions. I hope that never changes. Warren Jenkins ’72 is Vice Chairman and Chief Talent Officer at Jenkins Restorations with locations in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas. He joined Cedarville’s Board of Trustees in 2013. He and his wife, Ellie (Sommerfeld) ’75, live in Purcellville, Virginia. Designed by Jack Nicklaus and nestled in the idyllic countryside of Beavercreek, Ohio, the Country Club of the North is a rare blend of natural beauty and championship golf. Proceeds benefit Cedarville’s scholarship fund, providing tuition assistance for students with financial need. Come out and play, and make a difference for students! Participants will play one round of golf and receive two meals, a gift, and many opportunities to win great prizes. 2014 CEDARVILLE SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OPEN Presented by May 27, 2014 Country Club of the North Beavercreek, Ohio Register now by visiting cedarville.edu/cedarvilleopen or calling 1-888-766-1115.