Inspire, Fall/Winter 2008

a lumnotes 38 fall/winter 2008 Alumna of the Year Shawn M. Taylor ’80, M.D., F.A.A.P. Before beginning her medical career, Dr. Shawn Taylor ’80 earned a degree from Cedarville in biology; played volleyball, basketball, and tennis; served as a resident assistant; and went on an MIS trip to Chad. She later received her M.D. from the Medical College of Ohio at Toledo, completed her residency at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, and served as a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is currently a general pediatrician who specializes in international adoptions. Shawn’s impressive resume includes owning the practice A Caring Touch Pediatrics; teaching at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital; and creating and directing the International Adoption Clinic, where she and her team help families with pre- and post-adoption medical issues. She stays involved in various ministries, including teaching children’s church, serving as a deacon, and volunteering as the physician at a cystic fibrosis camp. She is also on the board of directors for the nonprofit organization A Helping Hand Adoption Agency. Shawn and her husband, Les Karenbauer, have four children, Tori (15), Mark (10), Chris (8), and John (6). Young Alumnus of the Year Jason Malone ’98 Following graduation, Jason Malone ’98 joined the pastoral staff at Southside Fellowship in Greenville, South Carolina. In 2006, with the support of his church elders, he began the work of planting a new church. Summit Church opened its doors in September 2007 with the mission of “giving every man, woman, and child in upstate South Carolina a repeated opportunity to see and hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Jason currently serves on the regional board of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, as well as the advisory councils for Infinity Alliance and New York Gospel Outreach. His time at Cedarville prepared him well for these ministry opportunities. In addition to playing intramural sports and working as a resident assistant, Jason also served as chaplain for the sophomore class and SGA. Jason and his wife, Jennifer (Wishart) ’00, have a daughter, Caroline (3), and are expecting a second child in February. Impact Award Mark Irving ’94 While at Cedarville, Mark Irving ’94 earned a degree in biology and focused on ministry opportunities that included The Master’s Puppets, AD-7, and an MIS trip. He then studied at Dallas Theological Seminary and gained experience working in several youth ministries. He returned to Cedarville in 2001 to begin his current job as director of discipleship ministries, passionate about investing in students’ lives. “I want to intentionally create a context in which discipling relationships can form like the one I experienced,” Mark said. He credits the freshman- year discipleship he received from senior Eric Adnams ’91 with revolutionizing his walk with Jesus. Mark and his wife, Meredith, have three daughters, Ellie (5), Mia (3), and Emma (3 months). Distinguished Service Award Bob ’88 and Dannah (Barker) Gresh ’89 With their desire to guide young people and change the culture for Christ, Bob ’88 and Dannah (Barker) Gresh ’89 co-founded Pure Freedom — a purity ministry that grew out of Dannah’s first book, And the Bride Wore White . Besides authoring several other books, Dannah created Secret Keeper Girl, a program that equips moms of 8- to 12-year-olds to coach their children in the areas of modesty, purity, friendship, and beauty. She frequently returns to Cedarville to speak in chapel or at other venues for alumni and students. “The greatest fruit of my life comes from the one-on-one relationships I have with girls,” Dannah said. “It’s exciting to see them grow up, go to their marriage altar pure, love motherhood, and be women of excellence.” In addition to his work with Pure Freedom, Bob founded Grace Prep — a high school that serves as a unique model in Christian education. “The reward of seeing high school students’ lives change as we love them and lead them to Jesus is like nothing I’ve ever done in my life,” he said. The couple has three children, Robby (18), Lexi (14), and Autumn (14). Honorary Alumnus of the Year Dick Walker Cedarville is delighted to name Dick Walker as the Honorary Alumnus of 2008. Currently serving as dean of community and family programs, Dick has been on staff at Cedarville for almost 40 years. In many ways, Dick feels he has always been a part of Cedarville, even though he received his degree in accounting from Bowling Green State University in 1968 and his master’s degree in student services from the University of Dayton in 1979. After serving in the Navy for two years, Dick came to Cedarville and worked in a variety of positions over the years, including intramural recreation director, assistant food service director, dean of men, and course instructor. “Dick Walker has made some of the most significant contributions of anyone who has been at Cedarville,” said Dr. Paul Dixon, former Cedarville president and current chancellor. For the man who has devoted his life to the school, Cedarville is the only hobby he wants or needs. Dick and his wife, Linda (Madsen) ’71, have two children, Tricia ’96 and Scott ’00, and a granddaughter, Ainsley (2 months). Pictured left to right: Dick Walker, Mark Irving ’94, Jason Malone ’98, Dannah (Barker) Gresh ’89, Bob Gresh ’88, and Shawn Taylor ’80 2008 Alumni Award Winners