Torch, Fall 1991

BIG ON LEARNING by Dr. Paul Dixon, President he four years of a college expe– rience are some of the most important in life. Students form values, establish priorities that will give them direction for decades, and make crucial decisions during that brief period. This all happens within the context of learning. Col– lege is a crucible of constant learning. Often we consider the classroom or the chapel as the center of this vital endeavor, but the experience is much broader. In a Christian college students learn from professors, administrators, the staff, chapel speakers, and other teachers. Yet, perhaps the most and best learning comes from fellow students. Dormitory life teaches important social skills such as getting along as brothers and sisters in Christ. An appreciation of those with different preferences, opinions, and prob– lems assists young people as they move on into The mission of our college is to offer students an education consistent with biblical truth. careers and churches where there will be diversity. I often tell our learners that living in a dormitory is half of college life. There will never be another four years to match it. The day-by-day laboratory of learning also goes beyond the lessons proclaimed from formal platforms. The lifestyle modeled by the leaders is a major influence upon the learners. At Cedarville College each trustee, administrator, faculty member, and staff member not only professes faith in Christ, but also annually signs the doctrinal statement and standard of conduct. We are role models for the glory ofGod. The learners watch us carefully to see if we are real. They do not expect us to be perfect,just genuine– real people who endeavor to walk with God in the midst of our own personal, family, and professional struggles. The students learn from our love, watching how we handle our personal differences. They learn from our trust. College students want to be trusted and should be, unless they violate our trust. At Cedarville students learn the difference between a biblical mandate and an institutional or individual preference. We articulate this distinction and other principles for life through our teaching and example. The mission of our college is to offer students an education consistent with biblical truth. This will be accomplished with God's power and faithful modeling and mentoring by all of those committed to helping our students learn. We are big on learning. This issue of the Cedarville TORCH is devoted to this all-important subject.