Inspire, Fall/Winter 2011

One of the privileges of teaching at Cedarville is rubbing shoulders with thoughtful, intelligent, and serious thinkers. Although they likely wouldn’t know it, these individuals have profoundly influenced my thinking. Professor Donald Hanna taught criminal justice at Cedarville for years before retiring in 2008. He sent me a short essay he wrote last year entitled “Why Read History?” I have used it in my Introduction to History class ever since. It begins with a restatement of Ockham’s Razor, which has given the field of science the basic axiom that the simpler the explanation for a naturally occurring event, the better. Professor Hanna applied this theory to history when he wrote, “Avoid complexity when possible and begin with the known before venturing into the unknown. Lessons from history are based on the known past to guide into the unknown future.” This article confirmed what I witnessed about Professor Hanna while serving with him at Cedarville. As a young faculty member I learned much from watching Professor Hanna at committee meetings. He seldom spoke, but when he did, he had an economy of words and a powerful common sense that never failed to bring us back to the substance of the matter with a focus on our common objectives. Professor Hanna’s wisdom is a case study in why history matters. Begin With the Known When I was asked last year to consider updating the history of Cedarville in preparation for its 125th anniversary, I reflected on why it is important for an institution like Cedarville to remember its past. My students will tell you that I get up on my soap- box each semester at the start of a course and expound on the importance of history as a part of our liberal arts core and why American citizens need to know their past. But what about a university? Why is it important that we — administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and indeed all Cedarville constituents — appreciate the past of this institution? This question (and the opportunity to expand my soapbox) caused me to ponder. As an alumnus, my initial thoughts were very personal. I graduated from Cedarville long ago, and I have a special place in my heart for it. It was here I stepped out into adulthood, developing habits and patterns of discipline in my life that would stay with me. It was here I learned God’s call for my life. It was here I made lifelong friends. It was here I met the love of my life. It was here significant mentors invested in me and modeled for me what it meant to walk with Christ. In part, the history of Cedarville is important because it is a part of our personal histories. I also thought about significant figures who have walked the halls of this institution’s expanding number of buildings. I thought of so many people who invested so much here — people like Margaret Burrichter serving 35 years in the business office, Why History Matters by Dr. Thomas Mach ’88 Founders Hall, formerly “Old Main,” in the fall of 1895. Two years later, Cedarville graduated its first class of five students. “In part, the history of Cedarville is important because it is a part of our personal histories.” 42 FALL/WINTER 2011 facul ty voi ce