Torch, Spring 1997

College Names Faculty, Staff Members of the Year Dr. Daniel Wetzel, professor of physics and mathematics and chair of the Department of Science and Mathematics, was named Faculty Member of the Year for 1997. The College named Murtha Kaercher, student health insurance coordinator for Patterson Clinic, Staff Member of the Year. Dr. Wetzel chaired college committees for detennining feasibility of the engineering majors and for planning the Engineering/ Nursing/Science Building. States Dr. Duane Wood, academic vice president, "Not only has Dr. Wetzel sustained a record of personal teaching excellence for many years, but he also has been outstanding in the development of teaching skills in faculty within his department." Dr. Wetzel and his wife, Phyllis, have five children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. A nine-year employee of the College, Murtha Kaercher is known for her involvement with students and for sharing excitement. Murtha has served on the Staff Committee to the President and helps coordinate Fit To Be Tied, the organization for engaged couples. According to Scott Bradley, student academic advisory board president, "Mrs. Kaercher is a role model for women, wives, and mothers." She and her husband are the parents of two sons and have three grandchildren. Engineering Students Demonstrate Competitiveness A team of Cedarville engineering students recently won first place for their exhibit and presentation in the student chapter competition of the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) International Congress and Exposition in Detroit. Over the past six years, the Cedarville chapter has earned two first place awards, three seconds, and one third in the student chapter competition. The SAE Congress attracted 50,000 engineers from 50 countries and included approximately 1,000 corporate exhibits and 200 technical sessions. Upcoming engineering events include the Propane Van Competition in San Antonio, Texas; the Supennileage Competition in Marshall, Michigan; the Mini-Baja Competition in East Liberty, 14 Torch Ohio; and the Solar Splash Competition in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Cynthia McFadden, a mechanical engineering major from Logan, Utah, received a WISE (Washington Internship for Students of Engineering) internship for the summer of 1997. She is the fifth Cedarville engineering student in as many years to be named a WISE intern and is one of 15 students selected nationwide to take part in this year's program. The students spend the summer in Washington D.C. experiencing interaction between the technical community and key members from all segments of government. McFadden is president of Cedarville' s SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) student chapter and leads the propane van team. Spring Athletic Victories D uring the NCCAA National Track and Field Championships held at the College, the Cedarville women captured their fourth straight title, amassing 188 points to the runner-up's 78. Senior Julianne Pletcher was voted the meet's Outstanding Performer, while senior Joy Beitler won in five events. The women placed 13th at the NAIA National Track and Field Championships in Marietta, Georgia, for their highest finish ever. Senior Jill Zenner won the 3,000 meter racewalk, setting an NAIA record with a time of 13:16.16. Other All– America performances were turned in by Beitler in the lOOm hurdles and high jump and by Jon McGinnis in the pole vault. Earlier, Zenner' s first place in the Jack Mortland lOK Walk qualified her for the USATF National Track and Field Championships in Indiana in June which will determine who will compete for the U.S. team in the World Track and Field Championships and in the World University Garnes. Zenner is ranked in the top 10 in the nation in the women's lOK. Sixteen Cedarville track and field athletes, 11 women and five men, earned All-America Scholar-Athlete honors from the NCCAA. Juniors and seniors who maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 are eligible.