Inspire, Winter 2002

Inspire 11 Honorary Alumnus of the Year Harold Green Possibly one of the most familiar campus faces to Cedarville alumni is that of Harold Green, known fondly as “P.G.” (short for “Pastor Green”). Bob Rohm ’68, current vice president for Christian ministries, even referred to P.G. as “a giant in the land.” Indeed, this “giant’s” 30- plus years of ministry have left an indelible imprint on Cedarville’s spiritual landscape. Having spent 17 years planting and pastoring churches in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Ohio, P.G. arrived at Cedarville as campus pastor in 1970. He quickly began investing in the lives of students. Dr. Don Callan ’84H, dean of the school of health and human performance, commented, “P.G. soon became the confidant to whom students could go. He became a trusted friend to many and, as he used to say, ‘sandpaper’ to others who needed to be called to task and encouraged to move on in their spiritual life.” P.G.’s role later transitioned into vice president for Christian ministries, where he was instrumental in developing ministry programs from which thousands of students have benefitted. Along with Don, P.G. started Missions Involvement Services (MIS), which now sends hundreds of students, faculty, and staff to minister around the world each year. P.G. himself was involved in nine MIS trips to Australia, one to Russia and Ukraine, and one to Hungary and Romania. In 1995, P.G. retired from the position of vice president, but he continues to serve Cedarville as an assistant in external relations. This new role allows him and his wife, Margaret, to travel across the United States, sharing the good news about Cedarville. A graduate of Baptist Bible Seminary and an ordained minister, P.G. holds an honorary doctorate from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary. He is a member of and honorary chaplain of the National Association of Regular Baptist Camps. P.G. and Margaret have been married 51 years and have been blessed with four children: Janet (Tate) ’75, Kathy (Boettger) ’78, Dann ’80, and Larry ’82. The Greens also delight in 16 grandchildren, two of whom are CU students. Don Callan shared, “Only God knows the scope of the impact P.G. has had on the Cedarville family. He has been faithful, challenging, forthright, and most of all compassionate to any who needed a pastor to share with and rely on. He knew how to love, challenge, and direct students, faculty, and staff to a higher level of commitment.” Distinguished Service Award Pete Reese ’60 “Pete may be known best for his 16-hour work days and the wonderful athletic facilities he has been instrumental in creating here at Cedarville,” explained Dr. Don Callan ’84H, dean of the school of health and human performance. “He has the knack of not just doing the job, but doing it in such a way that it has ‘quality stamped all over it.’” Pete first left his stamp of quality on the ’Ville while a student here majoring in physical education. A member of the basketball and baseball teams, Pete was named MVP for the Cedarville basketball team three times and was the NAIA’s third leading scorer in the nation in 1958-59. Pete returned to Cedarville as director of athletic facilities in 1988 and was named athletic director in 1998. He has played a vital role in designing, building, and managing the newest athletic fields, including the new baseball and softball diamonds, varsity and practice soccer fields, tennis courts, and track. And, his enthusiasm for quality is contagious. Don stated, “Pete has the ability to cause people to work hard like he does and like it.” In addition to his athletic director responsibilities, Pete currently serves on the task team for the Fitness, Health, and Recreation Center (construction is currently in progress). He is also coordinator of the Athletic Advisory Council and director of outside athletic facilities. Pete’s wealth of experience comes in part from 20 years of dedication at Los Angeles Baptist College (LABC), where he served as athletic director, basketball coach, and professor. After LABC’s name changed to The Master’s College, Pete became physical plant director, leading in the remodeling and extensive development of new building projects, including outdoor athletic facilities. One facility was even named in his honor. Pete has also had experience teaching elementary school and coaching junior high baseball in Flint, Michigan. It was while he was in Flint that he completed his master’s degree in education from Eastern Michigan University. Pete and his wife, Joyce, have been married for 42 years, and Joyce works in development services at Cedarville. The Reeses have two children, Kim (Ray) and Chris ’89, and two grandchildren. Don Callan concluded, “Pete has poured his life into Cedarville, and it is wonderful that he is being honored as one of our outstanding alumni.” Alumni Association News Alumnus of the Year Dan Estes ’74 “The book of James tells us that not many of us should seek to be teachers because we who teach will be judged by a higher standard,” shared Dr. Chris Miller, chair of the department of biblical education. “And, if anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man (James 3:1-2). No one typifies that standard any better than Dan Estes.” Dan serves as both professor of Bible and associate academic vice president at Cedarville, where, as Chris explained, “Dan’s words are always gracious, measured, and intended to build others up.” As associate academic vice president, Dan’s graciousness as well as his wisdom were key as he played a pivotal role in structuring Cedarville’s recent transition from a quarter calendar to a semester one. His wisdom and grace also come into play in his role as professor of Bible, where he is known especially for imparting the wisdom of the Bible and for stretching students in preparation for their careers and study beyond Cedarville. Dan knows the importance of a solid undergraduate education. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in preseminary Bible and English at Cedarville and, with that preparation, went on to earn a Th.M. in Hebrew and Old Testament exegesis from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in biblical exegesis from Cambridge University (England). In 1984, Dan joined the Cedarville faculty after having served as assistant pastor at Clintonville Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio, for six years. He currently serves Linworth Baptist Church in Worthington, Ohio, as choir director and worship leader. Dan’s wisdom, talent, and graciousness have resulted in several awards. He is a recipient of the Sears Roebuck Award for Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership, the Amy Writing Award, and the Cedarville University Faculty Member of the Year Award. He has also been named to Who’s Who in Biblical Studies and Archaeology. Dan’s partner in life and ministry is his wife, Carol (Towle) ’75, who has taught in Cedarville’s education department since 1996. Married for 27 years, Dan and Carol are the parents of Jonathan, Christiana, and Joel. Chris Miller noted, “Dan is a role model for me personally and for our entire University family. He is richly deserving of the award!” Young Alumna of the Year Kezia McNeal ’92 No matter where the Lord takes her, somehow Kezia always finds herself giving back to the ’Ville. She is a prime example of an alum whose commitment to the Lord and to Cedarville have propelled her to serve God and help the University family in whatever way she can. Following graduation from Cedarville with a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education, Kezia relocated to Georgia, where she taught fourth and sixth grades at DeKalb County Public Schools. At the same time, she completed an M.Ed. in middle school education at Mercer University. With her degree in hand, Kezia returned to Cedarville in 1996 to serve the University in a variety of ways. She juggled the roles of resident director, intercultural recruiter, and adjunct education faculty member with great competence. Dr. Phil Bassett, chair of the department of education, shared, “While at Cedarville as a teaching assistant, Kezia was seen by education professors as a valued colleague and by students as a respected mentor. Kezia’s appreciation of her Cedarville education and her love for Cedarville University and Cedarville students was very evident.” Kezia left Cedarville in 1999, but with good reason—she had earned a full scholarship to the Emory University (Georgia) Ph.D. program. She is currently a full-time student at Emory, where she serves as coordinator of research for their chapter of the Black Graduate Student Association. (Last year she served as chapter president.) Even though Kezia is far from the ’Ville, she still makes a point of being involved with the University and contributing to its future. Kezia has a seat on Cedarville’s African-American Advisory Board, and she works hard to serve alumni through the Alumni Council. Music is still a large part of Kezia’s ministry. Many alums may remember that Kezia was involved in Swordbearers, concert chorale, and an MIS Australia team. Today she is active in her church choir, community Christmas plays and productions, and vocal concerts at various churches. In addition, Kezia has served the Lord abroad through two mission trips— one to South Africa in 1999 to assist missionaries, and one to Haiti in 2002 to coordinate a work team for the Haiti Christian Development Fund. Phil Bassett remarked, “We are so proud of Kezia for who she is and for what she has accomplished for the Lord.” Alumni Awards for 2002 10 Winter 2003