Torch, Spring/Summer 2011

Spring–Summer 2011 | TORCH 35 SCOTT HUCK | CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY A Biblical Response to Immigration Authors Matthew Soerens and Jenny Hwang headlined the spring 2011 Critical Concern Series on March 29–30. Their book, Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion and Truth in the Immigration Debate , framed the two- day event sponsored by Cedarville’s student life division. Also participating were four Cedarville faculty who presented papers on the history, politics, economics, and ethics of immigration in the United States. Students and faculty participated in discussions seeking to clarify and articulate a biblical response to immigration. As a result, a new student organization is forming to raise awareness on campus about key immigration issues. Planning is underway for a second key outcome of the series. This fall, Cedarville will host G92: Equipping the Next Generation for an Effective Biblical Response to Immigration (October 20–22). This event will bring together leading thinkers and writers on this topic. “Our desire is to provide sound biblical instruction and inspiration on how the Church can best address immigration in a Christ- honoring way — ministering to ‘the stranger’ and furthering God’s kingdom while doing what is good for our nation,” said Jon Purple, dean of student life programs. The Critical Concern Series is a biannual forum designed to help current and future Christian leaders evaluate issues that impact our culture. It is marked by careful biblical analysis and critical thinking. cedarville.edu/criticalconcern 608 Graduate in Spring Commencement Rear Admiral Dr. Barry C. Black (Ret.), 62nd Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, challenged the 608 graduates at Cedarville University’s 115th commencement ceremony on May 7, 2011, to be open about their faith through the hope found in a risen Savior. “Be proud of who you are in Christ,” Black said. “You are salt and light. Salt brings flavor: your environment should be more palatable because you are there. Salt preserves: your intercession should make the world safer. Light illuminates without making a sound: let your life be a sermon.” Cedarville President Dr. Bill Brown conveyed to the class a message on rising above the norm. “When everyone around you is looking for an easy path,” he said, “your commitment to excellence and quality should stand above the rest.” Three graduates were honored with the University’s most prestigious student award. The President’s Trophy, the highest honor for a graduating senior, recognizes leadership, ministry, community and campus involvement, athletic performance, and academic achievement. The 2011 recipients were Andrew Barfell, biology premed major, from North Royalton, Ohio; Emily Chiu, early childhood education major, from Vestal, New York; and Emily Shanahan, communication studies major, from West Carrollton, Ohio. Brown also presented the Faculty Scholarship Award to four students who maintained perfect 4.0 grade point averages throughout their college careers.