Inspire, Spring 2008

a lumnotes Jenney (Flood) Dray ’02 and her husband, Matt, announce the birth of James Daniel-Paul on August 6, 2006. They reside in Xenia, Ohio. Ben Fisher ’02 and Melissa Wolff were married May 28, 2005 in Santa Barbara, California. They are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Madelyn Elise, on May 31, 2007. Ben is a sales representative for Zimmer, an orthopedic company. Melissa was a therapist for autistic children before becoming a stay-at-home mom in Camarillo, California. Adam ’02 and Gina (Band) Henker ’02 announce the birth of Louisa Anabel on September 8, 2007. Adam is a faith-based program consultant with Explorica, and they reside in Dover, New Hampshire. Nick ’02 and Julie (Offerman) Maile ’03 announce the birth of twin daughters. Allison Joy and Annabelle Grace were born September 8, 2007, in Ames, Iowa. JoAnne (Willett) Simmons ’02 and her husband, Doug, announce the birth of Jodilyn Kristine on August 6, 2007. They reside in Minerva, Ohio. Rebecca VanLoon ’02 received her master of business administration degree in marketing from the University of Phoenix in August 2006. She resides in Houston, Minnesota. Roberta (Denny) Wells ’02 and her husband, Darren, announce the birth of Caleb Benjamin. He was born July 18, 2007, and joins his sister, Emma Joy (2), at home in Greenwood, Indiana. If you would like to contact a friend highlighted in this section, please contact alumni@cedarville.edu . We’d be glad to put you in touch. alumni happenings alumni happenings alumni happenings alumni happenings alumni happenings alumni happenings alumni happenings Alum’s Purity Balls Celebrate Fathers and Daughters When it comes to purity, just what is a loving father to do in a culture that seems to encourage promiscuity? Randy Wilson, who attended Cedarville from 1980-81, along with his wife, Lisa (Ramsey) ’81, a communications graduate, decided to empower their daughters — and created something that is causing a worldwide stir in the process. In 1998, the Wilsons, who regularly sought ways to “create ceremonies with our kids to mark their lives,” wanted to honor their oldest girl, who turned 13 that year. Word got around, and 100 fathers and daughters attended that first dance in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Thus began the Purity Ball, now celebrating its 10th year. In 2003, Focus on the Family featured an article on the ball in its magazine. Other communities contacted Randy for more information, and now hundreds of similar events are held in 48 states around the country. Still, it didn’t become a global phenomenon until Glamour magazine covered the story in February 2007. Since then, media outlets from around the world have contacted the Wilsons, wanting to know more. From print to TV, Randy has talked with reporters from places such as Egypt, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. This year, New Zealand plans to host its first Purity Ball. Not bad for someone who was simply looking for a way to be a better dad. Cedarville University 35