Torch, Spring/Summer 2012

Franklin Graham Speaks at Commencement More than 650 graduates received diplomas at Cedarville’s 116th Commencement ceremony. The May 5, 2012, event continued the University’s yearlong quasquicentennial celebration of its founding in 1887. Rev. Franklin Graham, president and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, delivered the commencement address, challenging the graduates to live their lives unashamed of the power of the Gospel. “You have one life to live,” said Graham. “Make it count for the King of kings and the Lord of lords.” Graham’s remarks were born from experience. As an evangelist for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Graham has followed in his father’s footsteps, leading crusades around the world. Under his leadership, Samaritan’s Purse has met the needs of poor, sick, and suffering people in more than 100 countries. Cedarville has maintained a strong connection with Samaritan’s Purse. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni have given thousands of hours and dollars to further the organization’s worldwide relief work. During the ceremony, Cedarville’s president, Dr. Bill Brown, presented Graham with the University’s Medal of Honor. This was only the 13th time the medal has been awarded. “Cedarville commends Franklin Graham for extending care and compassion to people in extreme need, for modeling with integrity what a Good Samaritan looks like in the 21st century, and for inspiring us in the joy of serving Christ,” he said. Three graduates were awarded the President’s Trophy, the University’s most prestigious student award, recognizing leadership, ministry, community and campus involvement, athletic performance, and academic achievement. The 2012 recipients were Nathaniel Flack, a computer engineering major from Cedarville, Ohio; Brandon Hellwig, an international studies- missiology major from Lakewood, Colorado; and Samantha SanGregory, an accounting major from Jamestown, Ohio. Campus News 34 TORCH | Spring-Summer 2012 SCOTT HUCK | CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY