Inspire, Winter 2003

Inspire 13 Since then, Matt’s career has taken many exciting turns. In 1998 he moved to New Jersey as a litigation associate for the international law firm of Latham and Watkins. He transitioned to the U.S. Justice Department in 2001, where he was chief of staff and counsel to the assistant attorney general for the criminal division. Matt currently works in North Carolina as an assistant U.S. attorney in that state’s western district. Through these many transitions, Matt has remained committed to his wife, Wendy (Walters) ’94, and children, Ian (4) and Emily (1). Charles Hartman commented, “Although Matt has been involved in the sometimes rough-and-tumble world of ideas, he has been able to maintain his devotion to God and to his family, which is the greatest mark of success to which our students can aspire.” Distinguished Educator Award Merlin Ager ’60 Truly committed to students, Dr. Merlin Ager has served on all levels of education — elementary to college, local to international. He is currently Cedarville’s dean of the School of Social Sciences and Professional Studies and professor of education. His additional involvements have been many, including principal of Dayton Christian School, board member of Cedar Cliff Local School, and assessor for two Ohio abstinence education programs. He has had teaching and administrative stints in Hungary, Faith Academy in the Philippines, and Kyoto International University in Japan. During his tenure at Cedarville (1964-1975, 1978-present), seven new education programs have been added, including overseas student teaching. But perhaps former students most appreciate Merlin for his compassion. Ginny Decker Potter ’80 shared, “Dr. Ager had a great impact in my life and played a big part in helping me become who I am today. He did more than just teach educational theories and principles from books — he taught with his life and truly modeled God’s love and compassion.” Ginny recalled, “I remember one time when I was in the midst of an extremely difficult student teaching experience. Through my tears of frustration, I announced that I was going to drop teaching and find something else to do. ... Dr. Ager sat with me for over an hour ... and encouraged me to keep my eyes on the plan God had for my life. ... He still offers encouraging words and wisdom whenever I ask and even times when I don’t ask. I feel fortunate to know him and cannot thank him enough for his godly input in my life.” Merlin’s partner in life is his wife, Ruth (Himsel) ’61. Together they have two daughters — Mindy Ager Moreland ’85 and Debby Ager Hanssen ’89 (married to Joseph Hanssen Jr. ’89) — and three grandchildren. Distinguished Service Award Sherri Watson Smith ’86 Sherri’s experience of serving Cedarville as an alumna began immediately after she earned her degree in English/professional writing. Upon graduating, Sherri used her talents as part of the Cedarville University admissions staff. (It was while working there that she met her husband, John, who had brought his youth group to campus for a tour.) Sherri later transferred to the annual fund office, where her talents continued to aid the University. In 1990, a position as advertising copywriter at Scripture Press Publications in Wheaton, Illinois drew Sherri away from Cedarville. “Even after she moved from Cedarville to Chicago to serve the Kingdom in other ways, Sherri continued to show a commitment that made you believe she was still on the payroll of Cedarville,” explained Jeff Brock ’84, annual fund officer, “whether [she was] serving on the Alumni Council, organizing an alumni gathering, or telling a high schooler about Cedarville.” Through the years, Sherri has served the Kingdom through marketing, advertising, and media positions at Moody Video, Moody Magazine, and Tyndale House Publishers. She is currently director of communications at Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, where her husband is the pastor of family ministries. While busy in these many positions of service, Sherri has remained actively involved with the University, serving on the Alumni Council (where she was chairperson for two years), the Cedarville University Board of Trustees, and the Leadership Initiative Advisory Board. She is also a member of the President’s Associates giving club. “Saying Sherri is loyal to Cedarville does not describe the depth of her commitment to Cedarville,” Jeff concluded. “I think she is better described by the statement, ‘She bleeds blue and gold.’”