Inspire, Spring 2001

Alumni Profile: Jonathan Hammond ’99 T o Jonathan Hammond ’99, giving financially toward the Miriam Maddox Forum Leadership Scholarship is just a natural extension of his relationship with Cedarville University. “The absence of my physical presence does not remove my responsibilities to a particular community,” Jonathan stated. “My experiences at Cedarville University clarified my belief structure and made me aware of my ethical responsibilities to any community in which I had a part. It is my belief that all people are bound together by a thread of community. For me, a way I can continue to play a role in the community of Cedarville is to continue my support of a program which serves the mission of the University.” Community, and the people who make up that community, have long been important to Jonathan. While in high school, Jonathan was influenced by two key people when making a decision about college. Dr. Paul Dixon’s character, displayed through his emphasis on evangelism and racial reconciliation, helped Jonathan believe he would feel comfortable as a student under Dr. Dixon’s leadership. The other person of great influence was Deborah Bush Haffey ’68. When they met at a debate tournament, Jonathan was impressed by the fact that Deb was willing to talk to him and engage him in conversation. “Those two people, together, made my decision to attend Cedarville an easy one,” Jonathan said. Jonathan’s community grew as he became involved with the inception of the Miriam Maddox Forum (MMF). Jonathan received an MMF scholarship, allowing him to focus on his studies more than on finances. The people with whom Jonathan worked in MMF and the work accomplished through the Forum has prompted him to support the MMF scholarship himself. It is his hope that he will be able to play a role in offering freedom from financial worry to future students at Cedarville. Even today, Jonathan’s Cedarville University community thrives. The high school students at the summer Policy Debate Institute (an event sponsored by MMF) inspire Jonathan as they develop critical understanding of the role of communication in the public sphere and the role of the Christian who communicates in the public realm. “Those moments of insight [in the high school students] are all the rewards I need,” commented Jonathan on the rewards of providing a scholarship. Since leaving Cedarville, Jonathan has been a graduate student and graduate teaching associate at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. He is pursuing an M.A. in human communication and social influence while serving as a professional dramaturg in an Atlanta area theatre. He currently serves as chair of the Student Caucus of the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas (a professional theatre organization for dramaturgs). He continues to work with the Policy Debate Institute at Cedarville University and speaks at debate seminars throughout the South. Bound by a Thread of Community 18 Spring 2001 The absence of my physical presence does not remove my responsibilities to a particular community. ... For me, a way I can continue to play a role in the community of Cedarville is to continue my support of a program which serves the mission of the University.