Inspire, Fall 2005

Cambridge Scholars Press (UK) published the conference proceedings, which included research on topics from early childhood education to graduate school. Just a few of the diverse subjects were “Childcare Teachers as Mentors of Parents” and “On Being Democrat at an All Republican University.” Conference participant Dr. Lubomir Popov, a professor at Bowling Green State University, stated, “This conference has put Cedarville University on the national map of educational research … [They] should be commended for both [their] scholarly expertise and contribution to the educational research community.” Psych Department Hosts Prestigious Events The Cedarville University Department of Psychology was pleased to host two prestigious research conferences in the first half of 2005. In April, they welcomed the 19th Annual Ohio Undergraduate Psychology Research Conference (OUPRC). The event gave undergraduate psychology students from around the state the opportunity to present their original, empirical research findings in a public forum. Cedarville’s academic vice president, Dr. Bob Milliman, gave a clear presentation of the gospel at the event. OUPRC was sponsored by a consortium of Ohio colleges and universities and featured keynote speaker Dr. Robert S. Feldman, professor of psychology and director of undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He addressed “Deception and Lying in Everyday Living.” In June, the 17th Annual Ethnographic and Qualitative Research in Education (EQRE) Conference came to Cedarville. Previous institutions to host EQRE have included the University of Massachusetts as well as Teachers College, Columbia University. Sixty-five scholars from institutions such as Harvard, the University of Texas at Austin, Indiana State, Syracuse, and Purdue presented their research findings in both paper and poster sessions. Keynote speaker Peter Demerath, associate professor of social and cultural foundations at The Ohio State University, spoke on “The Science of Context: Modes of Response for Ethnographers and Qualitative Researchers in Education.” 10 Fall 2005 Dr. Kevin Sims ’74 presented at the June EQRE Conference at Cedarville. Land Donation Makes Habitat Home Possible On September 18, ground was broken for the first-ever Habitat for Humanity home building project in the village of Cedarville. The event was made possible by a donation of land from Cedarville University. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Cedarville University formally presented the deed for a 0.237-acre lot to Habitat for Humanity of Greene County (HHGC). The Cathy Hallam family, which will live in the home planned for the lot, broke ground, as did some of those who will be involved in the construction. “God has been in this from the beginning, and I am so thankful,” said Cathy. Three village pastors offered prayers of dedication during the ceremony. “Cedarville University has enjoyed more than 100 years of support and encouragement from our neighbors and friends in the Village of Cedarville,” said Roger Overturf ’75, community relations liaison for the University. “It is fitting that the University is able to give something back in this way.” Habitat International is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization that has built more than 175,000 houses worldwide, providing shelter for nearly 900,000 people. Representing Cedarville University, Roger Overturf ’75 presents the deed for 13 Kirkmont Court to Barb Schmidt and Jolene Westafer of Habitat for Humanity of Greene County, and to Cathy Hallam, who will eventually live at the location.