Inspire, Spring 2001

Inspire 9 Hazel Williams Elder ’24 H azel Williams Elder ’24 dedicated her life to educating young people. Whether as a teacher, librarian, or scholarship donor, she worked tirelessly to provide a quality education to students. Hazel prepared for her career as an educator by enrolling at Cedarville College. She was actively involved in roles of student leadership, including positions of class treasurer, Young Women’s Christian Association officer, and women’s basketball manager. She combined her passion for literature with her leadership abilities by being one of five officers to resurrect the Philadelphian Literary Society at Cedarville College. Amidst all these activities, Hazel managed to complete her bachelor of arts in education within three years and graduated magna cum laude with the Class of 1924. After graduation, Hazel taught in South Charleston, Ohio. She transferred to Cedarville High School in 1929 where she taught both English and Latin and served as librarian until her retirement in 1964. During her years at Cedarville High School, Hazel distinguished herself as a disciplined yet caring teacher. Mary Bodwell, one of Hazel’s former students recalls, “She was so thorough and always well- prepared … she was genuinely concerned about each of us. … I have nothing but fond memories of my favorite teacher.” Hazel would often work after- hours with her students, preparing them for the State Scholarship Contest. Rev. Justin Hartman, a 1935 graduate of Cedarville High School and a 1938 graduate of Cedarville College, was a beneficiary of Hazel’s after- school study sessions. He placed in the upper one percent of 55,000 Ohio pupils in the eighth- grade test in 1931. He says, “She played an important role in my life as well as in the lives of my siblings. I think we all give her credit for our understanding of grammar and for introducing us to the world’s great literature.” Even after retirement, Hazel continued her life work by instructing children in the Word as a Sunday school teacher at the Bay Shore Gardens Community Church in Bradenton, Florida. Always an advocate for missions, she also initiated The Bay Shore Gardens Community Church Missionary Fund. One of Hazel’s most treasured accomplishments in her later years was establishing The Nathan and Hazel Elder Scholarship Fund at Cedarville College in 1997. Hazel and her husband, Nathan, designed this scholarship to assist upperclassmen who excel academically in the study of education or English. Through this endowed scholarship, the Elders have provided financial assistance to a number of deserving Cedarville students. Jessica Flynn, a 2000-01 recipient of the scholarship, expressed her gratitude to the Elders: “Thank you for the scholarship money that you have given to me. Those words sound so small compared to the feelings I have inside. God is truly good, and He has blessed me in so many ways, especially through His servants like you.” Hazel’s earthly ministry came to a close on November 26, 2000. At age 96, she was Cedarville College’s eldest graduate and remained one of Greene County’s most beloved teachers. Since her passing, Nathan has received more than 140 letters from friends, relatives, and former students wishing to express their appreciation for Hazel. He explains that she inspired this overwhelming response from people because she lived by her favorite “recipe”: Hazel’s Recipe for Happiness 2 Heaping Cups of Patience 1 Heartful of Love 2 Handfuls of Generosity 1 Handful of Understanding A Dash of Laughter Sprinkle with kindness and plenty of faith. Mix well. Spread over a lifetime and serve to everybody you meet. Roy Linton ’38 R oy Linton ’38 went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 31, 2000 at the age of 82. He was born in Paintersville, Ohio on January 22, 1918 and graduated from Cedarville College in 1938 with a B.A. in mathematics. Roy did post-graduate work at The Ohio State University and taught math at Blanchester High School (Ohio) until 1941. An army major in World War II, Roy was decorated with the Bronze Star for valor in the Pacific campaign. Roy married Joyce Phillips in 1945 and then joined the Standard Register Company of Dayton, Ohio in 1947 as a salesman. He rose to the positions of president and CEO of Standard Register in 1979 before retiring to San Diego, California in 1983. As a Heritage alumnus of Cedarville, Roy was instrumental in encouraging other Heritage alumni to take part in contributing toward the second floor of the Athletic Center in the early ’80s. It was through this effort that a special area of the second floor was designated “Heritage Square.” We extend our sympathies to Roy’s wife, Joyce, and their sons, Michael and Philip, and their families. The family has requested that memorial gifts be sent to Cedarville University. Heritage Corner Upcoming Events May 4—Cedar Day Lunch in the President’s Dining Room, followed by a matinee performance of the student production of The Pirates of Penzance June 20—“Remember Yesterday” in Lebanon, Ohio Lunch at the Golden Lamb Inn and a train ride on the Turtle Creek Valley Railway July 9—Annual Alumnae Luncheon Lunch for women educators in the President’s Dining Room August 15—There’s No Place Like Home… Lunch at LaComedia Dinner Theatre, including the production of Wizard of Oz October 12—Heritage Reunion at Homecoming 2001 State of the University Address and lunch in President’s Dining Room