Inspire, Summer 2002

Inspire 7 6 Summer 2002 T he University family was uniquely challenged and engaged this spring by the theatre department’s presentation of Inherit the Wind. The department used this controversial pro-evolution drama to encourage the University family to think critically, defend their views intelligently, and evaluate all media through God’s Word. Dr. David Robey, professor of communication arts and director of theatre, explained in the program, “I believe that our Lord would have us both understand and biblically challenge the philosophy and legitimacy of all media messages. ... It is my prayer that [Inherit the Wind] will be viewed carefully, thoughtfully, and critically by our University family and our guests. God’s message of love and hope can be seen in our production.” Written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, Inherit the Wind is a fictional presentation of the 1925 “Scopes Monkey Trial.” In that trial, famous lawyers Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan battled over whether John T. Scopes had violated Tennessee state law by teaching evolution in his classroom. Their intense and emotional debate on creation and evolution addressed issues—issues about evolution, the dignity of the human mind, and the authority of God’s Word—which still rage in school curriculum debates today. The play presents creationists as closed-minded while evolutionists are seen as noble. Leading up to opening night, Dr. Robey spent two chapel hours discussing the historical background, controversy, and conclusions that accompany the play. He was assisted by commentaries from Julie Stackhouse Moore ’87, assistant professor of English; Dr. Dennis Flentge, chair of the science and mathematics department; Dr. Chris Miller, chair of the department of biblical education; and Dr. David Mills ’92, director of the honors program and assistant professor of philosophy. In addition, Dr. Richard M. Cornelius visited campus to explain the drama’s misinformation about the Scopes Trial. Dr. Cornelius is emeritus professor of English and Bryan/Scopes liaison officer at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee. He provided program notes, talkback sessions, and a display of his trial memorabilia to offer the true story of the Scopes Trial. In the end, this play, with the largest cast and budget ever for a Cedarville production, was well-received by sold-out houses. It challenged Christians to carefully sift through the media’s barrage of viewpoints. One of the cast members concluded, “I’m very glad I was able to be a part of the production; it stretched me in an entirely new way.” Drama Challenges University Family New Honor Society for English Students N ow outstanding English and English education students at Cedarville have their own honor society chapter on campus. Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honors society, recently established the Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) chapter at Cedarville. To be inducted, students must have a GPA of 3.5 and be nominated by the faculty of the department of language and literature. The chapter is advised by Dr. Peggy Wilfong, associate professor of English, and Daniel Clark, assistant professor of English. “We are thrilled to have a venue for recognizing academic excellence among our English and English education majors,” shared Dr. Wilfong. “Besides rewarding strong academics, Alpha Kappa Delta offers students opportunities for professional development. Members can present papers at undergraduate conferences and submit creative works for publication in juried journals.” Society members also gain opportunities for graduate school scholarships and job search assistance. Sigma Tau Delta has more than 600 chapters worldwide and boasts 7,000 members. The Cedarville chapter plans to increase student participation in literary activities by holding readings and hosting guest lecturers. F or all of you dedicated C-Span watchers, yes, that was Dr. Dixon ’94H that you saw opening the United States House of Representatives with prayer on April 25. Dr. Dixon traveled to Washington, D.C. to serve as the guest chaplain in the United States Congress. He was invited to do so by Congressman Dave Hobson of the Ohio 7th Congressional District. After a kind introduction by Congressman Hobson, who spoke about Dr. Dixon’s ministries and Cedarville’s expansive growth under his leadership, Dr. Dixon prayed a prayer of thanks and reverence. Dr. Dixon made special mention of God as Creator and Sovereign, and he also said, “The only way to explain our great country is You … thank You for sustaining grace since September 11.” He asked for comfort for those who lost loved ones and asked God to grant wisdom to our president and other leaders. Commencement Honors 2002 O n June 1, 2002, a record-breaking 632 students graduated from Cedarville University. This was the institution’s 106th commencement ceremony and the first graduating class for the master of education degree (M.Ed.) program. The President’s Trophy The 2002 recipients of the President’s Trophy were Trenton A. Hamilton, a history and prelaw major from Niceville, Florida, and J. Brock Weston, a preseminary Bible major from Morral, Ohio. The President’s Trophy, the highest honor for a graduating senior, recognizes leadership, ministry, community and campus involvement, athletic performance, and academic achievement. The Faculty Scholarship Award Two students received the Faculty Scholarship Award for maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout their college careers: Kimberly Eridon, a technical and professional communication major from Bowling Green, Ohio, and Rubie Maybury, a premed major from North Syracuse, New York. The Cedarville University Medal of Honor Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ received the Cedarville University Medal of Honor in recognition of their commitment to free enterprise and their leadership in the business, civic, education, scientific, and philanthropic endeavors that have enriched southwestern Ohio. The Russes worked at the Naval Research Laboratories during World War II, Fritz in research and Dolores in financial management. After returning to Ohio and a distinguished career in armament research and technical intelligence at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, they started their own company in the basement of their home. Their company, Systems Research Laboratories, grew to be one of the largest privately-held research companies in the world and was responsible for breakthrough achievements in a wide variety of engineering and scientific fields. The recently-established Russ Prize recognizes engineering achievement on the same level as the Nobel Prize recognizes other pursuits. The Russes are generous supporters of Cedarville University engineering—Fritz has served on the Engineering Advisory Council since before the engineering program was launched. The Russes are also active with their alma mater, Ohio University, where the OU College of Engineering and Technology is named for them. The Russes have been active locally in civic affairs, the YMCA, the Dayton Art Institute, the Engineers Club of Dayton, and many other worthy causes. The board of trustees was pleased to unanimously reward the Russes with the 2002 Medal of Honor. Kimberly Eridon Rubie Maybury J. Brock Weston, Dr. Paul Dixon ’94H, and Trenton A. Hamilton Pat Dixon, Fritz and Dolores Russ, and Dr. Paul Dixon ‘94H Dr. Dixon Goes to Washington Did You Know? Did You Know? The Cedarville University forensics team brought home the State Forensics Championship in February, topping 12 other teams, including The Ohio State University, Miami University, Bowling Green State University, and Ohio University. Cedarville’s team produced eight champion performances in various events.