Inspire, Fall/Winter 2011

Editor Joel Tomkinson ’03 Managing Editor Carol Lee ’96 Alumnotes Editor Monica (James) Bowen ’92 Creative Director Chad Jackson ’05 Graphic Designer Carrie Savage Photographer Scott Huck Alumni Relations Director Jeff Beste ’87 Coordinator for Programming and Communications Clara (Gebert) Lutz ‘10 Coordinator for Regional Events and Services Mark McDaniel ’05 Coordinator for Alumni Engagement Dick Walker Special Assistant Melanie (Knauff) Scheerschmidt ‘86 Administrative Assistant Sarah Whitfield ‘11 Administration President William Brown Provost John Gredy Vice President for Academics Thomas Cornman Vice President for Advancement William Bigham Vice President for Christian Ministries Robert Rohm ’68 Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing Janice (Warren) Supplee ’86 Vice President for Finance Philip Grafton ’89 Vice President for Operations Rodney Johnson ’86 Vice President for Student Life Carl Ruby ’83 Cedarville University is a Christ-centered learning community equipping students for lifelong leadership and service through an education marked by excellence and grounded in biblical truth. 1-800-CEDARVILLE • cedarville.edu Inspire is published spring, summer, and fall/winter by Cedarville University and mailed free of charge to alumni and friends of Cedarville University. Direct inquiries and address changes to: Inspire, Cedarville University 251 N. Main St., Cedarville, OH 45314 cedarville.edu/inspire inspire@cedarville.edu 937-766-6500 Cedarville University supports the highest environmental market standards in paper use and printing. Tell us what you think of material published in Inspire . Please include your name, class year (for alumni), city, and state. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Printed letters may be edited for space and clarity and may not necessarily reflect the views of the University. Submit your letter to Inspire , Cedarville University, 251 N. Main St., Cedarville, OH 45314, or cedarville.edu/inspire . Grads Undersell Skills I agree with Jeff Reep’s comment that “Cedarville students too often undersell their education and experience” (“Develop Your Game Plan,” Summer 2011). As the principal of Cedarville High School from 1993–2001, I knew I had a great chance of finding a good teacher at Cedarville. Because the graduates often did not aggressively sell themselves, I could find high-quality candidates even late in the summer. For Christians, humility and following God’s will are paramount, and I would not want it any other way. So how does one handle this dilemma? Jeff hit the nail right on the head. Cedarville graduates must be more aggressive about prayer, contacting employers, networking, using online education resources, researching employers, and adjusting résumés (with integrity) to meet the needs of the employer. John Taylor, Westerville, Ohio Summer2011 3Tips toAceYour Interview 14 CedarvilleConnections inAction 22 Thanks for the Memories A special thanks to Dick Walker for organizing a surprise dinner for my father-in-law, Pastor Tom Wright (“A Mentor in Ministry,” Summer 2011). Several of the Cedarville men he mentored over the years, including me, were able to attend. It was a very kind gesture, and Dad was truly appreciative. It provided a great opportunity to share memories and enjoy one another’s company. Larry Nocella ’90, Wellington, Ohio Praise for the TPC Program I enjoyed reading Sandi Harner’s article (“Words of Wisdom,” Summer 2011), and I agreed with every word in the article because I’ve lived it. I, too, was an unsure-of-my-abilities technical and professional communication (TPC) graduate until I started working in the technical communication industry. The TPC major prepared me for success in this field with a firm grounding in technical communication theory, practical, hands-on experience, and a solid network of alumni who engage with other alumni and current students. Despite the shaky economic times and a poor job market, TPC is turning out graduates with highly marketable skills, who are getting hired to write, edit, and design communication in all its forms. Cedarville has many, many high-quality programs, but in my opinion, TPC is one of the best. Anna Hayes ’07, Fairfax, Virginia An Answer to Prayer Imagine my surprise as I turned the pages of my Inspire . I got to page 26 and thought, “Hmm, those jewelry pieces look just like ‘Perfectly Pink’ and ‘Fiji’ ... wait a minute! Those are those pieces!” My excitement could not be contained as I ran (literally ran) to the couch to read about Andy and Joan Horner (“The Designer’s Plan,” Summer 2011). I didn’t know when I joined Premier Designs, Inc., a year ago that they supported the ’Ville. Now I love my job even more! I was just asking God on the way to my jewelry show last night, “Why am I doing this? What is the point?” The point is I am helping students at my alma mater. The point is I am enriching lives. The point is that sometimes God answers the prayers of a jeweler in Detroit in crazy ways, as in using an Inspire article He knew I would read the very next day. Amazing. God is simply amazing. Bethany (Britt) Wakefield ’92, Premier Designs, Inc., Jewelry Blingologist, Waterford, Michigan Editor’s note: Andy Horner spoke in chapel on September 19, 2011. You may listen to his full presentation online at cedarville.edu/chapel . let ters 2 FALL/WINTER 2011