Inspire, Summer 2010

As the keynote speaker for Cedarville’s 114th Commencement Ceremony on May 1, Dan Cathy, president and chief operating officer of Chick-fil-A, passed the baton of leadership to nearly 650 graduates. Cathy told the class of 2010 that running the race of life is about the hand-off. “You can be the best runner in the world, but if you drop the baton,” shared Cathy, “you will ultimately lose the race.” He challenged them to keep their lives focused on serving God so as not to “drop the baton.” To symbolize this responsibility, the graduates received relay rods with their diplomas. Chick-fil-A’s commitment to customer service stems from Cathy’s unique approach to leadership and heartfelt hospitality. To honor his example, Dr. Bill Brown presented him with the University’s Medal of Honor, the 12th time in Cedarville history for this medal to be awarded. “Dan’s life is marked by excellence, integrity, servant leadership, and a clear testimony for Jesus Christ,” said Dr. Brown. This year two graduates were honored with the University’s most prestigious student award. The President’s Trophy, the highest honor for a graduating senior, recognizes leadership, ministry, community and campus involvement, athletic performance, and academic achievement. The 2010 recipients were Jonathan Walburg, an electronic media major from Shafer, Minnesota, and Clara Gebert, an international studies and social science major from New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. The Faculty Scholarship Award was presented to six students who maintained 4.0 grade point averages throughout their college careers. The recipients were Leanna Baumer, a history and political science major from Hartville, Missouri; Bradley Colas, a criminal justice major from Vestal, New York; Angela Eldridge, a graphic design major from Bowling Green, Kentucky; Noah Van Zandt, an electrical engineering major from Bloomington, Illinois; John Weston, a molecular and cellular biology major from Morral, Ohio; and Rachel York, a communication studies major from Larkspur, Colorado. During the ceremony, the class of 2010 presented their class gift — the Five Loaves Scholarship. Graduates and their families gave $15,000 to establish the scholarship, which will help students with financial needs. Cedarville Celebrates Commencement 2010 40 SUMMER 2010