Inspire, Fall/Winter 2008

Cedarville University 21 The campus was abuzz when Keith Hurt ’95 proposed to Debbie Perkins ’94. Bee Happy Keith Hurt ’95 clearly remembers the time he disguised himself as the Bee — a night that changed his life forever. During my freshman year, I went on a weekend missions trip to Shepherd’s Home in Wisconsin. That’s when I met Debbie Perkins ’94. I knew immediately she was pretty special. When I returned from the trip, I told my roommate I’d met my future wife. After dating for a year and a half, Debbie and I knew we would get married after I finished school, but I wanted to find a way to surprise her with an engagement ring. I remember sitting around with friends in Brock Hall thinking up creative ways to pop the question. Someone suggested parachuting, but I don’t do heights. Someone else suggested riding into chapel on horseback, but that was going to cost too much money. And then we came up with the perfect idea — propose as the Bee. Phil Powell ’95, the official Bee that year, was willing to help me work out my plan. We decided I’d pop the question on February 5 during Li’l Sibs Weekend. The gym would be packed. I was a member of AD-7 and was scheduled to speak in Fellowship on Sunday morning, which turned out to be a great alibi. I told Debbie I couldn’t go to the Saturday night game because I needed to prepare my message. Deb’s friends stepped in and asked her to go to the game with them instead. With five minutes left in the first half, I met Phil in the equipment room to change into the Bee costume. Phil is 5’9’’ and wore a size 9 shoe. I am 6’5’’ and hadn’t thought about how I’d cram my size 13 feet into the Bee shoes — but I was determined to pull off the surprise. When I came out of the equipment room in costume, I was the Bee. I greeted fans and played with kids so no one would suspect what was about to happen. But the cheerleaders weren’t fooled — they had planned a routine where they tossed the Bee in the air, but they changed their minds when they saw how he had grown. The announcer, Dr. David Matson ’60, was in on the plan. Once halftime was underway, the pep band played a song, and then the entire gym heard him say, “Would Debbie Perkins please come to the scorer’s table? The Bee has a message for you.” At this point, she had to know it was me. It’s pretty hard to miss a 6’5’’ Bee. I walked her out to half-court and got down on one knee. Dr. Matson read a card I’d prepared: “The Bee wants you to know that he considers you to be a gift from God. He loves you more than anyone in this world, and he would like to ask you to marry him.” In a big, demonstrative gesture, she nodded her head “yes,” and the whole gym erupted. I still run into people who remember that night. I began a new career in ministry a year ago, and one of the deacons at my church was a student then and was at the game. I’ve met younger alumni who were there for Li’l Sibs Weekend who tell me, “I was seven when you did that!” It is still a fun memory. Keith ’95 and Debbie ’94 were married on June 10, 1995. They have three daughters and serve at Violet Baptist Church in Pickerington, Ohio. Carol Lee ’96 is the senior communication specialist for advancement at Cedarville. You may contact her at carollee@cedarville.edu . i