2004 View Book

~~Make a difference in the real world by applying a distinctly biblical WOrldvieW tO life. ,, Dr. Bill Brown I I' ' I , I I I I I ' I "''"l'P John Silvius, Ph.D. Professor of Biology Cedarville is surrounded by farmlands that have a rich history as original forests and prairie communities. Dr. Silvius and environmental biology students have been studying these "habitat islands" to better understand how they can be conserved in the midst of a growing human population. For example, research in nearby Tawawa Woods since 1988 reveals how this forest, disturbed by a 1974 tornado, has changed during its recovery. The forest is now listed as a Natural Landmark by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Currently, Dr. Silvius and his botany and ecology students are also researching the challenges of "creating" a prairie community from what had been an agricultural field. Jeffrey Cook, D.Min. Associate Professor of Bible The Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education awarded Dr. Cook its prestigious Teaching Excellence Award for life-changing impact in students' lives. That award, as well as the Cedarville University Faculty Innovator of the Year Award for 2004, recognized his Homelessness Immersion Experience that is part of "Introduction to Urban Ministry." Early in the semester his students spend a weekend living homeless in Springfield, Ohio. Students interact with those in poverty and experience firsthand what life is like for this strata of society. Students have shared that the immersion weekend influenced their perspective on serving God more than any other experience. 1111' I I, , ' I I I ' I ,. .. I ' I 'I 'I I I I. I'. ' I I I I I I I