Torch, Spring/Summer 2009

Spring–Summer 2009 | TORCH 35 Jackets to Join NCAA Division II A n exciting new era in Cedarville athletics is on the horizon. The Yellow Jackets athletic program has applied to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) with the hopes of becoming a Division II member. Dr. Bill Brown, Cedarville president, is among those who believe the time is right for the University to pursue NCAA membership. “It’s a progressive move for our athletic program,” he said, “and builds on other forward-thinking initiatives such as the recent update of the athletics logo.” Although this change is momentous, it is not a new consideration for Cedarville. The University studied the NCAA option three other times in the past 25 years, and the athletic department and University administration agree that now is the right time to pursue this opportunity. “Taking on the NCAA brand strengthens the perception of Yellow Jacket athletics,” remarked Dr. Alan Geist, athletic director. “It will also help us redevelop and strengthen traditional rivalries that we have had under the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) banner.” Cedarville will be notified of its NCAA acceptance status in July and will then begin a compliance period resulting in full NCAA membership within three years. In the meantime, the Yellow Jackets plan to remain NAIA members through the 2010–11 academic year. T http://yellowjackets.cedarville.edu Critical Concern Series Equips Scholars C edarville has a reputation for providing Christian leaders with the skills needed to engage culture. With that goal in mind, the University recently developed the Critical Concern Series. This forum helps students develop critical reasoning skills and equips them to analyze culture from a biblical perspective. Speakers in the series will address contemporary issues in politics, media, art, science, technology, and ministry. Dr. Carl Ruby, vice president for student life, said, “We desire to maintain a high level of scholarship and civility so that students can learn to have constructive discussions with people who may hold views different from their own.” To that end, the Critical Concern Series hosted Gabe Lyons, co-author of the book UnChristian , on February 26 as the first speaker in the series. Students had the opportunity to interact with Lyons and others on campus through panel discussions, evaluative essays by faculty, and online blog conversations. “Gabe’s research gets right to the heart of what it means to influence culture with the Gospel,” Ruby said. Building on classroom preparation and professional scholarship, the Critical Concern Series further prepares students to engage culture with the heart and mind of Christ. T www.cedarville.edu/criticalconcern