Inspire, Summer 2009

40 SUMMER 2009 SU ER 20 9 The University celebrated its 113th Commencement and conferred degrees on more than 650 graduates on May 2. Dr. Mark L. Bailey, president of Dallas Theological Seminary, delivered the commencement address. He reminded the graduates that they live in a conflicted culture and exhorted them by saying, “Expect to take hits from your culture because of your convictions.” He also challenged the class to “be mindful of God’s kindness” as they progress through life. Dr. Bailey assumed the presidency of Dallas Theological Seminary after many years of service as both a professor and the vice president for academic affairs. He is also a prolific author and teacher, at times serving as pastor of a local church. During this year’s commencement, two graduates were honored with the University’s most prestigious student award, the President’s Trophy, which recognizes leadership, ministry, community and campus involvement, athletic performance, and academic achievement. The 2009 recipients were Sterling Meyers, a communication studies major from Pittsboro, Indiana, and Mark Miller, a philosophy and preseminary Bible major from Chesterland, Ohio. The Faculty Scholarship Award was presented to five students who maintained 4.0 grade point averages throughout their college careers. The recipients were Courtney Edmonds, a history major from Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Mark Miller, a philosophy and preseminary Bible major from Chesterland, Ohio; Ryan Samuelsen, a mechanical engineering major from Glendale, California; Ashleigh Stewart, an integrated language arts education major from Johnstown, Ohio; and Caleb Svendsen, an electronic media major from Cameron, Wisconsin. The class of 2009 donated $6,000 to establish the Light of the World Scholarship. The gift will help to meet the financial needs of a rising senior student who is known for exceptional spiritual maturity and ministry involvement. Cedarville Celebrates Commencement 2009