The Torch, Spring/Summer 2010

Spring–Summer 2010 | TORCH 35 DUNCANWALKER | ISTOCKPHOTO; SCOTT HUCK | CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY Commencement Ceremony Honors Next Generation of Leaders On May 1, more than 650 students walked across the graduation stage to receive their diplomas at Cedarville University’s 114th Commencement ceremony. More than 6,000 friends, family, and alumni attended the event. The University was honored to have Dan T. Cathy, president and chief operating officer of Chick-fil-A, Inc., deliver the commencement address. Cathy’s goal is to see the company fulfill its corporate purpose: “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.” In his address, Cathy “passed the baton of leadership” to the graduating class, indicating this generation’s role in engaging the world with the Gospel. He challenged them to keep their lives focused on serving God and others so as not to “drop the baton.” To symbolize this responsibility, each graduate received a relay rod as well as a diploma. To honor Cathy’s example, Dr. Bill Brown presented him with the University’s Medal of Honor, the 12th time in Cedarville history for this medal to be awarded. “Dan’s life is marked by excellence, integrity, servant leadership, and a clear testimony for Jesus Christ,” said Brown. During the ceremony, the class of 2010 presented the University with a gift of $15,000 toward the development of the Five Loaves Scholarship. Graduating seniors and their families contributed funds for this scholarship, which will be used to support students with financial needs. Learning More Than Spanish In January of this year, a group of Cedarville University students landed in Sevilla, Spain, to begin a semester-long adventure as part of the University’s Semester in Spain program. Studying under Spanish professors and with Spanish-speaking peers, students attended the Universidad de Sevilla where they took classes in language, history, and literature. In addition to the challenging classroom environment, students developed linguistic fluency by living with a host family. They also served in local churches, traveled to other countries in Europe, and gained real-world experience through international internships. This level of cultural immersion is what sets Cedarville’s program apart. Dr. Andrew Wiseman, associate professor of Spanish, designed the program to give students broad opportunities to develop skills and perspectives that would transcend their college experience. Through rigorous academics and constant interaction with the Spanish culture, students return with greater potential to excel professionally, linguistically, and spiritually. “Communicating Christ cross-culturally is often complex and difficult, requiring a deeper understanding of the other’s world,” Wiseman shared. “Through programs like the Semester in Spain, Cedarville provides holistic education in which students develop the linguistic and cultural skills that help them engage the world for Christ with greater effectiveness.” www.cedarville.edu/semesterinspain