Inspire, Winter 2006

Alumni Association News Announcing the 2006 Alumni Awards! Alumnus of the Year Myron Youngman'76 The person who nominated Myron for alumnus ofthe year marveled at what his work in China has accomplished:"I have had the opportunity to talk with Myron Youngman a number oftimes over the years, and he has done a wonderful work in China. He has opened up many doors not only for CU programs and students,butfor many other organizations and individuals,as well?' Upon graduating in 1976,Myron took a part-time position with Cedarville University Student Services. His role later led to the creation ofthe campus activities office.As director ofcampus activities, Myron was awarded the staff member ofthe year award in 1979. It was also during his time on staff at CU that he traveled with three MIS groups to China."While thoroughly enjoying my work at Cedarville,it was during the MIS trips that I realized that God had also wired me for China,and I began to search for opportunities to serve there?'he recalled. Myron left Cedarville in 1984 to teach and to administer a faculty training program at People's University in Beijing with Educational Services International.In 1986 he had the opportunity to introduce and administer the first year ofa Cedarville University program to People's University,providing language training to undergraduate students. Following the events ofTiananmen Square in 1989,a number ofChinese agencies requested assistance from Myron,which ultimately led to the establishment ofThe Kaifa Group.The Kaifa Group acts as a nonprofit incubator and catalyst for strategic Christian service opportunities in Chinese education,culture,and business."Kaifa"is a Chinese word which in its traditional usage meant the development ofthe whole person — intellectually, physically,and spiritually. Myron serves as president ofthe organization. Cedarville University has played a pivotal role in Myron's journey."Cedarville introduced me to a lot ofthe foundational thinking that has shaped and formed much ofwhat I am doing in China today,"he explained.Thatfoundation,he said,was the strong emphasis on integrating truth into every aspect oflife and work.He added,"As a small liberal arts college,Cedarville also provided me the opportunity to'get my hands dirty'in a wide range ofservice opportunities and activities,allowing meto learn through experiences in a manner that was missing during mytime at a large state university. 12 Winter 2006 Young Alumnus of the Year Rob Moll'01 "I met God while at Cedarville," recalled Rob.He explained that despite a strong Christian background,he entered Cedarville with many doubts and questions."My professors welcomed dialogue about myfaith struggles and challenged me to continue seeking the Lord?'he noted."Even when I rejected God,the people at Cedarville helped channel my questioning in ways that eventually enabled me to rekindle a passionate love for God." And with that passion,Rob went on to become ajournalist. "I wanted to write for a living,and I am blessed to say that since graduating I have done just that," he said. His first job was as a staff reporter at a weekly community newspaper in a Chicago suburb. After marrying Clarissa(Band)'00,he moved back to southwestern Ohio,where he worked for Christian Citizen USA,a regional Christian newspaper.It was during that time that Rob grew to love religion writing and decided to steer his career in that direction. In 2002,the Molls moved back to Illinois where Rob is now an associate editor for Christianity Today magazine.Along with his job responsibilities and being dad to young daughter Fiona,he is writing a book on the changes in Christians'approaches to death and dying. Dr.Scott Calhoun'85,one ofRob's professors said,"Rob has been on a fast track in the journalism world and has achieved much success. His work is great,and it is being recognized in professional circles,as it should be." "I love myjob?'said the young alumnus,and he is grateful for how Cedarville prepared him."As a student,I learned critical reasoning skills that have helped me to grow both personally and professionally?'he explained."And I discovered my vocational talents and abilities through my classes and extracurricular activities and gained practical news writing and creative writing experience?' Alumni Impact Award Tom Fite'86 Jillian Losee'07,who nominated Tom for the award,said,"Tom Fite is a phenomenal soccer player, making it to Cedarville's Hall ofFame.He started On Goal soccer camps with one program in 1985.The camps are now in five states and six countries. Like thousands of children over the years,it wasthrough Tom's ministry that I accepted Christ as my Savior?'