Inspire, Spring 2010

d i rec tor ’s cha i r Twenty years ago, I had the opportunity to work in Cedarville’s admissions office. During my four years there, the question I answered more than any other was, “I know that Cedarville is a liberal arts school — but what exactly does that mean?” Some people imagine a school where students do nothing but play instruments and paint canvases, while others wonder what we mean by the word “liberal.” To answer the question simply, a liberal arts school not only trains students in their particular fields of study, but it also gives them a broad background in many disciplines, such as history, literature, music, and writing. As an admissions counselor, I could explain the significance of our liberal arts emphasis, but now— as I meet generations of alumni — I can actually see the influence it has had. This kind of education is, in part, why our graduates are so successful in their endeavors. Who would have thought that I, as a math and physics major, would end up as the director of alumni relations, with many other positions held along the way? But general education classes in Bible, communication, and the humanities — as well as opportunities to act on Alford’s theatre stage, sing with Concert Chorale and Swordbearers, and travel on MIS trips to Australia — gave me an education that was much deeper and broader than my area of study. In today’s marketplace, a liberal arts education gives our graduates a competitive edge. And they are making quite a name for themselves in fields that go beyond their specific majors. As a student, did Bill Pardi ’91 think about designing a search engine? At that time, there were few computers on campus —much less the technology necessary for Internet searching. Josh Hanks ’97 didn’t know that his hours of writing papers and reading poetry would one day lead him to become a federal prosecutor. And a group of recent graphic design graduates have demonstrated their ability to excel in a high-demand field. These are just a few examples of how a liberal arts education prepares students to think critically and adapt easily. When bolstered by a Christ-centered worldview, this kind of education results in alumni who consistently rise to the top and make a difference in their spheres of influence. Having experienced the benefits of a liberal arts education, our alumni invest in Cedarville by encouraging the next generation of high school students to attend the University. Do you know outstanding students who should consider Cedarville? Send us the names of three prospective students, and we’ll send you a University t-shirt. Visit www.cedarville.edu/names to complete an easy online form. Pray along with us that God will use your influence to equip students to make a difference for Christ as they begin their Cedarville experience. So how are you benefiting from your Cedarville education? If you’re like me, God had plans in mind for your life that you could never have imagined. I’m reminded of Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”Don’t hesitate to contact us and share what God is doing in you and through you. We’ll rejoice with you and praise Him together. Jeff Beste ’87 Director of Alumni Relations “In today’s marketplace, a liberalartseducationgivesour graduatesacompetitiveedge.” 28 SPRING 2010