Inspire, Summer 2009

28 SUMMER 2009 di rector ’s cha i r Have you ever thought about all the individuals who have contributed to your education? At my Cedarville commencement ceremony in 1987, Dr. Dixon challenged the graduates to identify a few of the people who influenced us and to send them a short note of thanks. I started writing a list, and it hasn’t stopped growing since. In elementary school, there was Mrs. Hannah, my third grade teacher … Mrs. Smith in sixth grade … Mr. Kinnaird for junior high social studies … Mrs. Riblet, my high school choir teacher and perhaps my favorite teacher ever. Each of them — and many others — made a difference in my life. When I came to Cedarville, Dr. Murdoch made U.S. history come alive and taught me how to really study. But I think it was Dr. Monroe who made me study — I had to, just to keep up! And of course, Dr. Dixon taught me so much in chapel, including, “Everything should have quality stamped all over it!” Cedarville staff members Kevin Smith and Jim Cato ’83 also played an integral part in my education. While I was a student, Kevin taught me life lessons outside the classroom. And Jim continues to challenge and motivate me. Yes, education includes many people, but it also takes time. When the attitudes and behaviors of some of our underclassmen frustrate me, I have to remember they aren’t “done” with their Cedarville experience yet. When I watch our seniors walk across the platform to accept their diplomas, I think back to what they were like as freshmen and marvel at how God has worked in their lives! As it was when I was a student, the education process at Cedarville is a great one. It prepares our grads to go out and continue their education as they live lives of leadership and service. This issue of Inspire highlights several stories of alumni who are doing just that. Take Ryan Sparzak ’00, for instance, whom I remember as a student. God is now using him to teach in inner-city New York and giving him awesome opportunities to share the Gospel with students and parents. Dr. Kezia (McNeal) Curry ’92 is another great example. As an education major, she wanted to influence the lives of children in the classroom. Now she has become an expert in sharing God’s design for diversity. Gary Rouster ’84 and Laura (Coffman) Pryor ’84 were both upperclassmen when I was a student. Like they did in my life, they continue to influence people through their involvement in their local schools and communities. I am truly thankful for all the people God has brought into my life to help me in my education process. If you have never taken the time to thank some of your teachers, I trust this issue of Inspire will encourage you to do that. Jeff Beste ’87 Director of Alumni Relations “ I am truly thankful for all the people God has brought into my life to help me in my education process.”