Inspire, Winter 2004

Inspire 11 Double Your Money “We are excited about the opportunity to help make the Cedarville experience even more accessible for up to 500 students in the 2005-2006 year,” Dr. Bill Brown shared as he announced Cedarville’s recent scholarship initiative. In October, generous donors offered $300,000 as a matching fund for University scholarships and challenged Cedarville to use this gift to motivate others to give. They will match, dollar for dollar up to $300,000, any gift or commitment made by June 30, 2005 toward this challenge. Cedarville will distribute all monies to students by August of 2005. “We are concerned about students coming and staying at Cedarville for the duration of their college experience,” Dr. Brown continued. “While we are focused on minimizing cost increases and maximizing value, we know that some students need more help to pay for their education. Taking on debt should not be a student’s only outlet, and we intend to offer more options. This matching fund is just the start of what we hope to offer.” The University anticipates that most scholarships from the matching fund will be need-based and will range from $1,500 to $3,000 for the 2005-06 academic year. The Division of Enrollment Management will determine those students most in need. “Last year, as the result of another generous gift, 246 students received additional aid. For most of them, it was the difference in either attending or returning to Cedarville,” said David Ormsbee ’78, former vice president for enrollment management, now leading the matching fund effort as vice president for advancement. “We want to teach living by faith, but I heard firsthand the difference that a few thousand dollars makes for students.” One of those who received additional scholarship help this fall is Jason Blair, a junior biology major from Chattanooga, Tennessee. He shared, “When I got word of my additional scholarship because of a gift given to Cedarville, it increased my faith that God provides and directs His people in an immense way. Because of His provision through this grant, I am excited and motivated to work even harder and learn about the field of biology with anticipation of going into health care. The scholarship made all the difference in my ability to return to Cedarville.” Any who wish to take part in this scholarship match opportunity can visit the University Web site at www.cedarville.edu/financialpartners or call the vice president for advancement at 937-766-7810. Taste of the Arts From Christian pop to classical guitar to Neil Simon comedy, Cedarville University offered a rich taste of the arts this fall. The season kicked off with a September 21 concert by Yugoslavia native Petar Jankovic. A prizewinning classical guitarist, Jankovic delighted the audience with selections such as Mallorca by Isaac Albéniz, Suite del Recuerdo by José Luis Merlin, and Four Tangos by Astor Piazzolla. Also in September, the contemporary Christian group Casting Crowns worshipped live at the ’Ville. Known for their hit songs If We Are the Body and Who Am I , the group led a powerful time of worship and reflection. One of their themes was recognizing who we are in Christ. The University’s theatre season opened in October with the popular Neil Simon comedy Broadway Bound . The play took an honest look at the pain and joy of family relationships, poignantly blending humor and tenderness in its portrayal of 1949 American family life. In November, Cedarville University hosted the acclaimed Christian band NewSong . The Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning group shared some of their favorite tunes as well as new songs from their upcoming worship album. Honoring Our Veterans Nearly 4,000 people gathered at Cedarville University on November 11 for the University’s first Veterans Day ceremony. Many veterans were in attendance, including more than 50 World War II (WWII) veterans. Gen. Gregory Martin, commander of Air Force Materiel at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, gave the opening comments. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the support you give to our Armed Forces,” he noted to those in attendance. After an opening prayer by Major Gen. Clyde Autio (above), University students presented a brief history of Veterans Day. Next followed a special salute to WWII vets, which included a dramatized story of the lives of Lloyd and Martha (Pud) Anderson Benham ’41. With the Benhams looking on, University students told of the Benhams’ WWII years, from their wartime courtship to Lloyd’s service in the Marines and his part in the Peleliu Island invasion of the Pacific campaign. The Benhams received a standing ovation. As the symphonic band played Armed Forces Salute , past and present members of the military crowded upon the stage amidst steady applause. Beth Cram Porter, assistant professor of vocal music, closed with a stirring arrangement of the national anthem. Complimentary luncheons were held for all veterans following the ceremony. Taking on debt should not be a student’s only outlet ... This matching fund is just the start of what we hope to offer.