_ISEEngfie"CE, on_z gfiat C.:7qt10:00on the morning of June 7, 1997, Commencement began for Cedarville's 101st graduating class. More than 500 students were publicly recognized for their years of hard work and study;it was thelargestclassthe college has graduated.The ceremony took place in the Ministry Center, which was filled to capacity with the graduates' family members. Video screens were set up in the Recital Hall and Cedar Hall for additional guests. Commencementbegan with thefaculty processional,which was played by the BrassChoir, and wasfollowed by the invocationalprayer,led byDr.William Rudd, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Sliati.SfiEuvood After music by the Concert Chorale,President Dixon provided the CommencementAddress. He spoke about Cedarville's past, and his vision for the future; he applauded the Class of 1997 for their individual accomplishments, and encouraged all of the graduates to use their education to become Christ's ambassadors in all areas of society. Following the address, Senior Class President Evan Wood presented the class gift to Dr.Dixon and the Board of Trustees; the gift consisted of the brick welcome sign for the new entrance to the Ministry Center. During the presentation of awards,Dr.DuaneWood,Academic Vice President,read the list of graduates' names while Dr. Dixon handed the folders toeach recipient.In addition to the graduating students, the college administration also bestowed an honorary doctorate onRichardW.Houg,thePresident of Faith Baptist Bible College and Seminary, where he has served for ten years. The Class of '97 chose as their verse Jeremiah 29:11— 'ForIknow the plansIhavefor you,' declares the Lord,'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope andafuture.'Eachofthegraduates holds onto that promise as the"real world"takesthe place ofcollege. As Dr.Dixon said, it was a day of beginnings. Below Left: Dr. Dixon delivers a final challenge to the seniors. Below Middle: Doug Bayler gladly accepts his diplomafrom Dr.Dixon. Below Right: Evan Wood presents Dr.Dixon with the 1997 class gift, the brick welcome sign outside the Dixon Ministry Center. 54 4.1.1 fifi Mike Aprice
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