Inspire, Winter 2003

On October 10, 2003, before more than 3,000 people, Dr. William E. Brown was inaugurated as the ninth president of Cedarville University. The inauguration ceremony was the first such event at Cedarville University since 1978. Dr. Howard Hendricks, distinguished professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, gave the inaugural address. Dr. Hendricks’ message included a call to the new president to pursue the highest standards of character and leadership. “Be a president who tells us not what we want to hear, but what we need to hear,” Dr. Hendricks stated. “Be a leader who serves and a servant who leads.” In the presidential investiture, Cedarville University Board of Trustees Chair Albert F. Stevens placed the University medallion seal around Dr. Brown’s neck, stating, “I commit to your hands the mission of this University.” He welcomed Dr. Brown on behalf of the trustees and concluded, “We pledge our prayers and support to you.” “I thank you for the opportunity to serve as president of Cedarville University,” Dr. Brown said in his inaugural response. Dr. Brown’s inaugural message compared the people of today to a fleet of ships which are well-equipped to sail yet lacking in direction. “I believe that higher education must and will play a role in setting a proper course,” he said. “Our fleet is ready to sail. Our journey is a great one. … May God give us grace, courage, and strength for this journey.” Guests included more than 45 delegates from colleges, universities, and learned societies. John Garland, Esq., president of Central State University, welcomed Dr. Brown on behalf of Ohio colleges and universities. Faith Linn ’83, director of alumni relations, greeted Dr. Brown on behalf of the alumni. Dr. William Brown Inaugurated President of Cedarville University Professor Presents Research at National Conference In November, Dr. John Whitmore, assistant professor of geology, presented his research at the 115th meeting of the Geological Society of America. John presented on “A Novel Method to Determine Relative Lake Depth Using Vertical and Lateral Trends in Fish Taphonomy,” which he co-authored with Dr. Leonard Brand of Loma Linda University. Taphonomy is the study of the processes that cause fossilization. John and Leonard’s research suggests that lateral fish taphonomy trends occur “because of changes in water depth.” Vertical trends of fish preservation in a lake bed can help determine whether paleo lake depths were stable or changing. The men looked specifically at Fossil Lake, which is part of the Green River Formation of Wyoming and is famous for its fossil fish. This study was part of John’s doctoral research. Theatre Honors The June 26-July 2, 2003 issue of Dayton City Paper published a “Best of ” list for theatre in the Miami Valley. Cedarville University received the following recognitions: Best Collegiate Production of a Play A Midsummer Night’s Dream Honorable mentions for The Miser and Wait Until Dark Best Direction of a Play Honorable Mentions for Dr. David H. Robey ( Wait Until Dark ) and Rebecca Baker ( A Midsummer Night’s Dream ) Best Leading Actor in a Play Honorable Mention for Brian Coon ’03 in The Miser Honor to Whom Honor is Due 8 Winter 2003