following her husband's passing in October 2021, Deardorff hopes to honor their shared passion for humanities education. “After Don died so unexpectedly, my sister asked me where I’d want donations to go,” Deardorff explained. “It's important to me that he can continue to have an impact on English and language arts education majors at Cedarville.” The Deardorffs both studied English in their undergraduate programs, and they were blessed with scholarships that let them graduate debt-free. “It gave us a great sense of financial freedom, allowed us to marry two weeks after I graduated, start graduate school shortly after, and ultimately find our way to Cedarville,” she said. The couple worked together at Cedarville for 25 years, during which they jointly invested in students and helped them navigate financial challenges. “We felt torn,” she explained. “How do you advise a student to come back when they’re in such a difficult financial situation? This scholarship is our way of helping solve that problem by doing one final thing together.” “Compared to having a personal impact on students’ lives, this scholarship looks like a small thing, but since that’s not possible anymore, it becomes a big thing,” Deardorff shared. “Don can still help students succeed and make it possible for them to major in English, which has so much value.” Rachel Rathbun ’23 is the first recipient of the scholarship. BURDENED BY THE NEED Last year, an anonymous donor funded and established the God Provides Scholarship because they “just wanted to bless students who are hurting financially and wanted them to know that God provides for their needs,” Voorhies shared. Moved by this $100,000 gift, another donor wanted to contribute, increasing the fund to $138,000. This year, 37 students were blessed by the God Provides Scholarship. “Many students send thank-you notes through the financial aid office, and their stories are very emotional,” Cooper said. “We have students with sick family members, students who are in graduate studies and simultaneously supporting families, students affected by COVID, students losing jobs, and this scholarship is helping them complete their Cedarville education. It’s a beautiful picture.” GENEROSITY AND GOSPEL COMMUNITY Each of these scholarships does exactly that — paints a beautiful picture of generosity and Gospel community. “These donors believe in Cedarville, and with hearts of generosity, they desire to see as many students afford a Cedarville education as possible,” Voorhies added. Heidie Raine ’23 is an English major at Cedarville University. These donors believe in Cedarville, and with hearts of generosity, they desire to see as many students afford a Cedarville education as possible. Nancy Holmes Voorhies Don and Julie Deardorff. Don Deardorff passed away suddenly on October 22, 2021, having served Cedarville faithfully for 25 years. Cedarville Magazine | 17
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