Inspire, Winter 2007

Inspire 11 Feature controlling others, but by being salt and light and encouraging coverage for events that are uplifting, that promote the family, and that promote godly principles.” When Jay talks about what the Cedarville experience meant to him, it’s easy to understand why he is eager to give back to his alma mater. “Cedarville challenged me to think and live biblically. There’s just been so much value in my ability to have a Christian worldview that was shaped and honed by Cedarville professors — and not just in the Bible department, but in every department. It was a blessing that has had an impact on my ability to lead, not only here at work, but also in my community and in my church. The instruction I received at Cedarville helped me develop into who I am, and it gave me a platform from which to spring off in every area of life, professionally and personally.” Jay went on, “There were people at Cedarville who really invested and continue to invest in my life. My wife and I have been overjoyed that there are so many kids from our church who have chosen Cedarville. I still want to be a part of that, to feel that connection. I’m looking down right now at my Cedarville class ring — Pro corona et foedere Christi — that’s meaningful, and I hope Cedarville never loses that biblical stance and that stance of righteousness, just as God’s Word doesn’t change. As an alumnus I am, to some degree, responsible for keeping that vision alive, knowing Cedarville is going to be there for my own sons and their sons — or daughters!” Jim Leightenheimer, associate professor of broadcasting at Cedarville, explained how Jay (one of Jim’s first students, more than two decades ago) has shown his thanks for his Cedarville education. “Jay has given back to the University through participation on our Electronic Media Advisory Council, guest-lecturing in our courses, and providing exceptional internships for students.” Jay’s guest lectures have covered such topics as having a Christian and professional impact in a small media market, and he has even role-played sales presentations with students. Jim added that the internship opportunities Jay has arranged for Cedarville students have “been among the best internship experiences that our students have had.” In addition to providing hands-on experience in radio, television, and other advertising media, Jay has put several Cedarville student interns through the expensive and highly respected Certified Radio Marketing Consultant program from the Radio Advertising Bureau. Jay and Shellie have also often arranged for or provided housing for WHIZ interns. Jay acknowledged his role modestly. “I certainly have enjoyed providing what internships we can offer; Even when I can’t spend a whole lot of time with the interns, I feel they come out knowing some of what we do in a small market and what it takes to survive and thrive.” One former intern, Josh Urban ’05, now works full time at WHIZ as a producer. Jay enjoys seeing the determination in the students he interacts with. “Cedarville students are serious about doing a good job, even when they’re having fun. I want to encourage those entering the broadcasting field, especially as so much of what we’re doing is changing so rapidly, with an explosion of ways to get information out. It’s an exciting, fast-changing world, and I realize you’re not going to know it all in a year or even in a couple of years. But if you become a lifelong student, you can always learn new things.” Jay ’85 and Shellie Beaman Benson ’85 reside in Zanesville, Ohio, with their boys, Graeme (12) and Liam (9), whom Jay describes as the “biggest blessing of his life.” Jay, a graduate of Cedarville’s communication arts program with an emphasis in broadcasting, serves as general sales manager with WHIZ Media Group and is an elder for his church. In addition, he and Shellie are two of four partners for Akua, an advertising, public relations, and research agency. You can contact Jay by e-mail at jbenson@whiznews.com . Andrew McKenzie serves Cedarville University as a marketing copywriter. His responsibilities include copy editing Inspire and other University publications. A former intern, Josh Urban ‘05 now works full time as a producer at WHIZ. I