Inspire, Spring 2008

Cedarville University 27 Welcome, New Director of Alumni Relations On February 1, 2008, Jeff Beste ’87 was officially welcomed as the new director of alumni relations for Cedarville University. Jeff is known and loved by hundreds of Cedarville alumni who call him a friend and example from their college days or a mentor and encourager during his 19 years of Cedarville work experience. All know Jeff as a model for Christ-like leadership and service and a passionate advocate for Cedarville, its students, and alumni. As his new appointment begins, Jeff plans to facilitate greater interaction between alumni and current students. “Cedarville continues to have what I think are some of the most outstanding young people in the world,” he said. He comes to Alumni Relations from his most recent role as associate dean for student leadership development. He has also served in Residence Life, Community Ministries, and Admissions. Meet the 2008 Alumni Relations staff — (left to right) Sarah Clift ’06, Jeff Beste ’87, and Michelle (Rigel) McCune ’04. To learn more, visit www.cedarville.edu/alumni/meetus . Q & A with Jeff ■ Where is “home” for you? I grew up in Mt. Vernon, Indiana, but Cedarville is home now. ■ Tell us about your education. I graduated from Cedarville in 1987 with a B.A. in mathematics. In 2003 I completed an M.A. in educational leadership at Wright State University. ■ You have a beautiful family. Introduce us! God has blessed my wife Shelley (Fox) ‘95 and I with three daughters — Kylie (10), Sara (8), and Rachel (4). ■ What are your favorite hobbies? After building a new home a few years ago, with no trees or plants on the lot, I have really enjoyed time outside gardening, planting trees and shrubs in our yard, and enjoying watching them grow. Does that sound like I am getting old? I also still enjoy being involved with music, playing piano, and leading music at Grace Baptist here in Cedarville, as well as leading music in chapel on occasion. ■ What is your favorite restaurant? My family and I have become big fans of bd’s Mongolian Barbeque. We also love Xenia China Inn. My own personal favorite is McDonald’s (honestly)!! ■ If you could vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would love to go back to Australia, where Shelley and I served together on an MIS team. Our family also enjoys Florida — we just don’t make it there enough. ■ Do you have a favorite verse? Over the past several years, 2 Peter 1:3 has really stood out to me. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” ■ What do you wish every alum knew about Cedarville? The students ! I wish everyone could come back and build relationships with the students like I have known over the past 20 years. Some of the most outstanding young people in the U.S. attend Cedarville. ■ What excites you about this opportunity? I am most excited about where I see Cedarville University headed. I have never been as excited to be a part of Cedarville as I am right now. Of course, this is due in part to the great foundation and legacy that Dr. Dixon and others set. But when I hear Dr. Brown share his vision and I interact with different administrators, faculty, and staff, it is so exciting to see where God is taking us right now. When I get to know our students and see where their passions and desires lie, it is obvious to me that Cedarville alums will continue to be impacting the world in a positive way for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Learn more about Jeff and his family at www.cedarville.edu/alumni/director .