Inspire, Spring 2010

Mentor Bi rd Watcher CU Donor Diva A Renaissance W om a n Make your gift online: www.cedarville.edu/giving Beth Cram Porter, Chair of the Department of Music and Worship Philanthropist for the 21st Century In the early 1980s, Floyd participated on a committee responsible for researching, funding, and purchasing fine art for the University. Primarily by 19th-century American artists, the paintings were beautiful additions to the campus, as well as long-term investments, when they began increasing in value. Then, in 1982, Floyd and Annie broadened the scope of their giving by establishing a scholarship fund for students. Because the University did not yet have an art program, the Rietveld Fine Arts Award assisted students in the music department for more than 20 years. By the late 1990s, Cedarville had sufficient interest and funding to offer courses toward an art minor. The graphic design major was launched in 2003, followed by the studio art major in 2005. No one in the Cedarville family was more pleased than Floyd. The Perfect Frame Floyd is no longer the novice farm boy from Celeryville, though he still looks at art with the same sense of wonder and joy. The difference is that his lifetime of world travels and self-taught education in fine art have given him a more sophisticated lens. His engineer’s eyes still marvel at an artist’s technique, yet his greatest thrill comes when he finally sees in person artwork he has only studied in books. He also enjoys helping others appreciate the beauty of art and draws inspiration from the influence of a mentor he once had. Early in his career, Floyd was a project engineer tasked with designing the first curved automobile windshield. He was just six months out of school, so it meant the world when the chief engineer came alongside to help him. This mentor spent hours with Floyd, tackling the project and sharing his knowledge. The Rietvelds’ investment in Cedarville is no different. Floyd finds immense satisfaction in sharing his time, talent, and treasure in ways that will forever influence students’ lives. After all these years, Cedarville has become like a family, and the students who benefit from the couple’s gifts are like their own children. That’s why Floyd continues dreaming for Cedarville. “This Dutchman doesn’t give up,” he said. “One day, there will be a museum at Cedarville. Maybe not in my time, but I’m happy to work with the University to accomplish that goal. One way or another, this part of my life will continue.” * Now known as The Cedarville Society, a giving club of the Cedarville Fund Carol Lee ’96 is the senior communication specialist at Cedarville. You may contact her at carollee@cedarville.edu. Floyd and Annie Rietveld are pictured in front of a Herman Herzog painting titled “After the Storm.” With Floyd’s advisement, the University purchased the piece from a Chicago gallery, and it now hangs in the President’s Dining Room. i