Torch, Fall 2002

Tyler Center Dedicated T he Tyler Digital Communication Center was dedicated on Oct. 11 in the memory of longtime trustee Dr. Donald L. Tyler. Tyler, who died May 8, was a University trustee for 35 years. He retired as senior pastor of Bethesda Baptist Church in Brownsburg, Ind., in 1999. He had attended Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College and was awarded the honorary doctor of divinity degree from Cedarville University in 1977. “Don Tyler’s service as a trustee is one of the primary reasons Cedarville University is what it is today,” Dr. Paul Dixon said. “His vision for providing young people an education consistent with biblical truth in a quality, thoroughly Christian environment was pivotal in Cedarville’s development over the past 35 years.” The Center’s dedication was the culmination of a $5 million renovation that began last fall. The Tyler Digital Communication Center houses • two 84-seat, tiered classrooms • two 48-seat classrooms • three 27-seat classrooms • four computer-equipped classrooms • the University’s Writing Center, including tutoring facilities • office space for faculty, computer services personnel, and the development division. Gifts made in Dr. Tyler’s honor should be directed to: Donald Tyler Cedarville Scholarship c/o Cedarville University 251 N. Main Street Cedarville, OH 45314 Student’s Book Published H er goal was to become a published author by age 21. Brittany Waggoner’s dream became reality this fall when her first book, Prayers for When You’re Mad, Sad, or Just Totally Confused , was released by Vine Books five months after her 21st birthday. It didn’t come about exactly the way the Cedarville University senior had planned, but then, some of the best things come in the ways we least expect. As a high-schooler in Fuquay-Varina, N.C., Waggoner volunteered to host a Christian television talk show for teens. A passionate desire to teach and encourage young people blossomed in her because of the experience. “Kids have the mentality that they are going to start God’s work after they graduate,” she explained. “I encourage them to never wait on ministry, but to see what they can do now .” Waggoner headed to Cedarville as a broadcasting major determined to propagate these concepts. She decided to write an energetic book for teens, but ended up landing a writing contract for a book on dating instead. Before she could begin the book, a chain of personal disappointments hit. Her beloved grandmother died; she broke up with her boyfriend; and a job she was counting on failed to materialize. “I felt totally crushed,” she said. “I didn’t feel I had the energy or ability to write a book to help kids have nice dating lives.” Waggoner’s editor suggested that she set aside the dating topic and simply write about what God was teaching her through her problems. Waggoner wrote Prayers in one and a half months. “The book was completely born out of experience … and of the lessons that God taught me,” she noted. “It’s from my heart.” Full of illustrations and example prayers, Prayers is, according to Waggoner, a handbook on the kinds of disappointments that teens face. “In every disappointment, there’s a time when you make a decision about how you’re going to handle that disappointment,” Waggoner explained. “ Prayers is a simple encouragement for the tough times.” The book is already in its second printing. This two-time Cal Thomas Scholarship recipient hopes to write additional books and expand her speaking ministry. She’s excited to see where God leads next and how He will use her. “I want to be a Swiss Army knife for God,” she quipped. “I want to keep teaching, learning, and growing.” Fall 2002 / TORCH 13 Dr. Brown Speaks to University Faculty and Staff D r. William E. Brown, future president of Cedarville University, was on hand for the University’s annual Faculty/Staff Sessions in mid-August. Brown shared his testimony with the faculty and staff and held special meetings with faculty members. Brown is currently president of Bryan College in Dayton, Tenn., a position he has held for the past 10 years. He will become president of Cedarville University in the spring of 2003, as current president Dr. Paul Dixon becomes chancellor.