Inspire, Winter 2001

Inspire 9 1990, Dave still visits the campus several times a year and faithfully follows Yellow Jacket sports. He often schedules campus visits to coincide with a basketball game. “Dave is a loving husband and father who tirelessly serves God, high school students, Plumstead Christian School, and Cedarville University. I can think of no greater friend to the University and no one more deserving of recognition,” concluded Roscoe. Young Alumnus of the Year Gerson Moreno-Riaño ’94 As assistant professor of political science at Cedarville, Gerson brings his own special blend of scholarship and biblical influence to campus. He has been a role model and mentor to students, particularly those in the political science program. Andrew Rodriguez ’01, who majored in prelaw, shared, “I am thankful for the example Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño has been to me. His knowledge and ability to understand issues from a scriptural standpoint has encouraged me to search out truths for myself. He possesses a breadth of knowledge in philosophy that is stunning, and he thoroughly explores the issues put before him. Most amazingly, his knowledge has only served to strengthen his faith in God. He has shown me that all the philosophy in the world cannot shake the foundations of faith and, when examined closely, only serves to strengthen it.” Gerson has made a noticeable impact on the campus, founding and advising Omega Mu, the Cedarville chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha (the National Political Science Honor Society) and serving on the interdisciplinary committee for the School of Social Sciences and Professional Studies. His penchant for research and writing and his wealth of knowledge have made him a respected voice in the professional political science world beyond Cedarville as well. Scholarly articles, presentations, and panel appearances are all ways that Gerson is asked to share his insights. Politica: the Society for the Study of Medieval Political Thought has thrice asked Gerson to be a panel member at the annual meeting of the American Political Science Association, which is the premier and largest conference for political scientists in America. Gerson has been invited to speak at conferences in Norway and England, and last year he gave two papers at the Annual Midwest Political Association Conference, which is the second largest political science conference in the U.S. He is also a member of the Medieval Academy of America and the American Political Science Association. A preseminary Bible and political science major while at Cedarville, Gerson has earned two additional degrees in political science from the University of Cincinnati: a master’s degree in 1998 and a Ph.D. in 1999. He taught at Xavier University, Northern Kentucky University, and the University of Cincinnati before returning to Cedarville in 1999. Gerson and his wife, Ellen, have five children: Isaac (8), Victoria (6), Abraham (4), Emma (3), and Abigail (2). Distinguished Service Award Murtha Kaercher Murtha Kaercher will tell you that her position as Cedarville’s student insurance coordinator is the “best job on campus!” But for this 13-year staff veteran, service to the University has meant much more than her office work in Patterson Clinic. “While the area of coordination of medical benefits is her key assignment,” shared Lew Gibbs, director of career services, “the students believe that she is the coordinator of parental concern on campus. Clearly, Murtha is the Mom of all Moms as it pertains to students!” Known for her hospitable, warm ways, Murtha builds into the lives of students, both spiritually and socially. Armed with superb homemaking abilities (attained in part from North Dakota State University’s College of Home Economics and School of Food and Nutrition), she and her husband, Richard, use their home as a vehicle for helping students in the highs and lows of college life. For example, residence hall students who are recovering from surgery or suffering from chicken pox find that Murtha offers a homey atmosphere in which to recover. Before the ENS building was a reality, engineering students could be found building planes in the Kaercher garage and even sleeping on the Kaercher living room floor. Murtha often provides a place for family members to stay as they journey to Cedarville to see their children graduate or even marry. “This has given us the opportunity to meet some delightful family members, as well as giving us some very special moments,” Murtha shared. Commencement parties, music and speech recital receptions, and bridal showers have all been part of Murtha’s home ministry. One of the most poignant moments Murtha recalls is when, in the Kaercher home, a Cedarville student met her birth mother for the first time. And that’s not all! Murtha holds yearly dining etiquette seminars on campus for the engineering students, including tips on how to dress for professional dining. And, she and Richard are in the process of tutoring their fifth engaged couple through Cedarville’s “Fit to Be Tied” mentoring program. The Kaerchers have plenty of real-life experience, having been married for 37 years and blessed with two sons: Gene ’89, married to Dawn (Frey) ’88, and Brandon ’94, married to Ruth (Wenger) ’95. The Kaerchers also enjoy six grandchildren. Clearly, as Lew Gibbs said, “Murtha is the Mom to all!” Did You Know? Did You Know? Homecoming 2002 will be October 11-13.