Inspire, Spring 1998

Heritage Corner Happy 95th Birthday, Harper Bickett! IIarper Bickett was born January 22, 1903 in the Xenia home where he resides today.The nephew of John W Bickett, Cedarville's first graduate, Mr. Bickett attended Cedarville College and received his bachelor of arts degree in 1924 and an agricultural degree from The Ohio State University. Faith Linn '83,director of alumni relations, and Jane Adams Smith '84, assistant director, visited Harper at his home with a birthday cake and gifts from the Alumni Association. When asked what he remembered most about his alma mater, Harper cited the people who had impacted his life: Dr. William McChesney and Dr. Frank Jurkat. Harper also said that German was the hardest class he took,and he still can't speak any of it to this day! Mr. Bickett continues to display his generosity to Cedarville College students in need ofroom and board which has enabled many ofthem to complete their education. In 1972 Harper was awarded the Alumnus of the Year Award by the Alumni Association. As Harper Bickett has celebrated 95 years, we honor him as Cedarville College's oldest alumnus and thank him for his Cedarville spirit and support! Learning the Business C larence Gray graduated from Cedarville College in 1937 with a bachelor's degree in education and an insatiable appetite for learning. His teaching career with the Pleasant Hill, Troy,and Upper Arlington,Ohio school districts was shortened by military service during World War II. His U.S. Air Force career consisted oftwo tours lasting a total of 13 years at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn, Ohio. He attended The Ohio State Business School while in the service, earning his master of business administration degree while working full-time. Clarence states with a chuckle,"It only took me seven years." After 14 years in employee relations at Cincinnati's General Electric/Aircraft Division, Clarence recalls,"My best memory of the business world is the opportunity to do new things,to learn, to get involved,to grow and to have the broadest opportunity to contribute to the business." In the 1970s,he was vice president of human resources for Carborundum Company,a manufacturer of abrasives and insulation materials, as well as a leader in environmental issues. As Carborundum acquired manufacturing plants all over the world,Clarence found himself traveling to Europe,Japan,and South America to assess effectiveness and quality and to negotiate labor."The struggle ofother May 2 June 9 cultures, unions,and language barriers was a challenge for learning and working hard," states Clarence. When the Kennecott Company,a copper mining firm based in the western United States and Alaska acquired Carborundum,Clarence was named vice president for acquisitions and divestitures, working out of New York and Connecticut. Now retired and living in Naples,Florida, Clarence volunteers on a long-range planning committee for First United Methodist of Naples. With the church launching a $1.8 million building and renovation campaign,the committee is examining where the church can be in 2010. Clarence is thrilled to transfer the practice of strong faith, vision, and motivation to serving his church and community. Clarence continues his involvement with Cedarville College by providing scholarship funding for students majoring in education and also by staying abreast of all the latest developments of his alma mater. Clarence states that Cedarville's vision and venture into graduate level studies, specifically in the business discipline, is "icing on the cake!" At age 81,Clarence is looking forward to learning and using new technology when his home computer arrives. He says. "Communicating with Cedarville College via e-mail will be great." Calendar ofEvents Cedar Day/Heritage Alumni Luncheon and Program Brunch in the President's Dining Room at 9:30 a.m. On The An at the Cedarville Opera House at 11:30 a.m. On The Air will take you back to the village of Cedarville during the early 1940s. Enjoy a day of reminiscing with friends and classmates. Heritage Alumni Tour of Ye Olde McDonald Homestead, est.1801. Tour and lunch in Xenia, Ohio, leaving Cedarville at 10:00 a.m. Marge Lott Bodwell '42 has graciously opened her historic home for a grand tour and light luncheon. Join us for this delightful morning trip! For more information on these events, call the Alumni Office at 1-800-837-2566. July 6 The Annual Heritage Alumnae Luncheon Luncheon and program in the President's Dining Room at 11:45 our. "The Eagle in History and the Bible" will be presented by Marge Lott Bodwell '42. She will also share her collection of porcelain eagles as table center pieces. Enjoy fellowship with other Cedar ville College educators, a special luncheon, and this unique presentation. July 30 Heritage Alumni Day at Cynergy Field Lunch and baseball game, leaving at 9:30 a.m. Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves September Activity To Be Announced October 16 Homecoming Luncheon Chapel in the Dixon Ministry Center at 10:00 a.m. Luncheon in the President's Dining Room at 11:30 a.m. Campus Tour at 2:00 p.m. The Cedarville College Artists Series continues to bring worId- reknowned artists to the Jeremiah Chapel stage. On January 22, more than 1,000 members of the college family and friends enjoyed the talents of classical guitarist Christopher Parkening and baritone Jubilant Sykes. Parkening is the recognized heir to the legacy of his mentor, the great Spanish guitarist Andres Segovia, who proclaimed Parkening to be "one of the most brilliant guitarists in the world." He has captivated audiences nationwide as a recitalist and as a frequent guest soloist with the finest orchestras in the U.S. and on national television. For this recital, he used a guitar on loan from the University of Madrid which belonged io Segovia. Parkening was joined by Jubilant Sykes, critically acclaimed soloist of The Metropolitan Opera, the Boston POPS,and the London Symphony. Both artists have glowing testimonies of God's grace in their lives. Bethel Hall, the oldest residence hall on campus, may be seeing its last school year (1998-99). With the potential addition of a new residence hall as early as fall 1999, Bethel will soon be just a fond memory for all who lived there. What better time for a Bethel reunion than Homecoming 1998? If you lived in Bethel (even during its years as a women's residence hall) and you want to be included in the mailing list for the Bethel reunion, please call 1-800-837-2566 or e-mail alumni@cedarville.edu . O n Friday night,January 9, an enthusiastic crowd of 3,000 enjoyed a concert by Point of Grace. The 1996 Dove Award "Group of the Year"sang many of their number one hits. A special moment in the concert was when the foursome invited Cedarville mayor Dr. Jim Phipps'68 to the platform to sing "Happy Birthday" to him. Another highlight was when the ladies returned after intermission, wearing Cedarville College sweatshirts. What an exciting way to kick off the winter quarter! M ore than 500 younger brothers and sisters of current students attended the annual Li'l Sibs weekend of activities February 13-14. On Friday, the hI Sibs joined their older brothers and sisters in Cedarville's own version of the Winter Games, competing in such events as hose hockey, speed pitch, and the bungee run. Those who had enough energy also participated in a late-night skate and and an even later bowling party. Campus radio "11-95" provided the music throughout the night. On Saturday, the sibs attended the Yellow Jacket men's basketball game and Cupid's Bash, an evening of games and refreshment. If you have an older brother of sister at Cedarville, make plans to attend next year's Li'l Sibs weekend to get a glimpse of college life at its best! High school junior Daniel Overturf(center) visited brothers Jason (right) and Bryan (left) at the 'Ville. They are the sons of Roger '75 and Linda Franson Overturf'77N. 5 SPRING'98