Inspire, Fall 2002

22 Fall 2002 Gabe Custer ’98 Network Analyst At Cedarville since 1998 Immediately upon graduation from Cedarville I accepted a job with the computer services department. Although the student body and the campus seem quite different than they did when I was a student just a few years ago, many of the positive characteristics I remember remain strong. One especially refreshing aspect is the optimism and genuineness of so many students. I enjoy their creative ideas and plans to improve the world around them. I also value the relationships among faculty and other staff members. When someone expresses a need or health difficulty, there seems to be a rally of prayer and support for that person. Ben Belleman ’79 Head Men’s Soccer Coach At Cedarville since 2001 God brought me to Cedarville through some very interesting circumstances. I chose to return because I desired to serve God at the place that raised me and to give back what was given to me. I feel that my ministry is to use the game I love—soccer—to share Christ with others and to help Christian men learn to worship God with whatever talent they have (Rom. 12:1). We seek for them to find God’s pleasure as they play the game of soccer. Christina Rising Faulkner ’98 Facility Scheduler/Event Assistant At Cedarville since 1999 After graduating in ’98, I was working part-time in retail and was really discouraged. I decided to apply for an office manager position for a new department at Cedarville called external relations. I started working on September 16, 1999 and still love my job. I am a point of contact for many churches, schools, pastors, teachers, students, etc. Since our office deals with these people every day, I feel I have a ministry in their lives even if I am just talking with them on the phone. I feel I have an even bigger ministry when these people come to campus for one of our events and I see them face-to-face. It is great to meet them and treat them as if they are already my friends. It is amazing to think that there may be more ways that I am ministering here on campus than I am aware of. I just hope that in all of them I am glorifying God. Merlin Ager ’60 Dean of the School of Education and Professional Studies At Cedarville from 1964-1975 and since 1978 I attended Cedarville when there were about 120 of us. We lived on the third floor of Collins. I formed the most wonderful Christian friendships with my roommates which have lasted a lifetime. I was instructed by many wonderful professors who were sacrificing much to be here. The small college atmosphere gave me confidence in my ability to succeed academically. After graduating in 1960, I attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison for a degree in guidance and counseling. I took a position as a counselor-teacher in Wisconsin. In 1963, I attended a guidance institute at Miami University (Ohio) and renewed my contacts in Ohio. Being at Cedarville became a fulfilled dream in 1964. I have loved being at CU these many years and would not change that career path if given the opportunity. Many students have experienced the Cedarville teacher education program, and I have been privileged to teach most of them. Homecoming is a great event as alums stop by to say “hi” and “thanks.” My interest in missions has been encouraged by CU. Many of my long-term friendships with students go back to an MIS experience together. I have experienced great fulfillment at CU—being spiritually free to express my Christianity totally, ministering to students, being challenged daily through chapel, interacting with sharp Christian students and colleagues, being a part of an institution with a mission with which I agree whole-heartedly, and having a wholesome atmosphere for my family.