Inspire, Winter 2000

8 Winter 2000 Alumna of the Year Ruth Yost ’59 Accepted by Baptist Mid-Missions almost immediately after graduation, Ruth has spent 41 years serving the Lord on the foreign missions field. Her adventures began in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1960, where she taught secondary school children for two years. Following her role as fifth grade teacher in the Republic of Chad in 1965, Ruth held teaching and administrative roles at Christian high schools in Congo and Zaire. Since 1975, Ruth has been at work in Haiti, organizing a Christian day school, where she teaches, works in public relations, and serves on the school’s board. Besides her work in school systems, Ruth is strongly involved in CCC youth clubs, which are similar to Awana. She prepares materials for CCC teachers, coordinates intensive Bible school courses, and even finds time to sing in the choir! “For all of the years that we have known her, Ruthie has been a living example of a life completely dedicated to the Lord,” shared Ruth’s former roommate, Sandra Millikin Entner ’59. “She has put her own safety at risk in various situations both in Africa and Haiti to continue her ministry to the people of those lands. She has labored unrewarded in many, many instances, and she has used her own funds to feed and clothe many. She has had an impact for eternity on thousands of students over the 41s years she has ministered in Africa and Haiti.” Ruth shared that Matthew 6:33 is the verse that the Lord used to call her to full-time missionary service. “It has become my life verse and I can testify to its truth,” she said. Matthew 6:33 states, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” A Cedarville English major and President’s Trophy winner, Ruth went on to earn a master of arts degree in foreign language teaching (French) from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo in 1969. Even though her life experiences have taken her far, she still appreciates her foundational education at Cedarville. “Every type of learning experience at Cedarville has proved valuable in the ministry,” she noted. Sandra added, “We of the Class of 1959 love Ruth because she is one of the most loving people we will ever know, and we are proud of her because we know that she will be one of those people who hears, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’” Honorary Alumnus of the Year Martin Clark Bonni ’84 and Martin Clark enjoy the Homecoming Parade with their grandson, Garston Lesko. “When Dr. Dixon speaks of how God has used people to accomplish His purpose at Cedarville University, certainly Martin Clark’s name would have to be at the top of any list,” noted John Anglea, vice president for business at Cedarville. From Martin’s role as guest chapel speaker in 1971 to his current position as vice president for development, Martin’s impact on Cedarville has been striking. Martin joined the institution as director of counseling services in 1974. As he counseled students on personal, educational, and career issues, Martin also taught classes related to Bible and counseling and was instrumental in starting the career services department. Beginning in 1981, Martin balanced his counseling work with his new responsibilities as director of planning. He began formulating a strategic planning process which would become a catalyst for Cedarville’s later advancements. Since 1984, Martin has served as vice president for development and member of the administrative council. He has accountability for the University’s alumni relations, annual fund, gift planning, and public relations offices, the CDR Radio Network, and foundation/corporate relations. As the director of University capital campaigns, he has attracted more than $50 million for the Stevens Student Center, Dixon Ministry Center, ENS building, Centennial Library, Brock Hall, various building retrofits, and scholarships. Because of Martin’s faithful work, Cedarville has attained increased visibility and recognition regionally and nationally. John remarked, “Martin has demonstrated a consistent work ethic, high level of personal integrity, and long-term commitment to raising funds based on biblical principles rarely found at other institutions. The board of trustees, the president, and his fellow administrators draw a great deal of confidence from Martin’s leadership and are greatly blessed by his friendship.” A former pastor in Maine and Virginia, Martin remains a sought-after speaker and consultant. A participant in the Harvard University Institute for Educational Management, he holds a B.A. and M.A. in Bible from Bob Jones University and an Ed.D. in counseling and administration from Virginia Tech. Martin married Bonni-jean Garrison ’84 in 1966, and they have two daughters: Cherish ’96, married to Joseph Lesko ’95, and Mackensie, married to Phil Wittmer ’97. Homecoming Alumni Awards Ruth Yost (right) receives the Alumna of the Year Award from Alumni Council Chairperson Sherri Watson Smith ’86.