Torch, Spring/Summer 2012

Cedarville Grads Gain Employment Edge Cedarville continues to surpass national averages in employment and graduate school statistics according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), demonstrating the University’s commitment to preparing students for excellence and success. According to the NACE employment and graduate statistics for the class of 2010 (the most recent year available), Cedarville has 15 percent more graduates employed and 10 percent more in graduate school than the national averages. Additionally, 84 percent of these graduates are immersed in their discipline of study. Jeff Reep, director of career services, attributes these outcomes to three integrated factors. “Cedarville attracts intelligent students with high grade point averages (GPA) and ACT scores, and they are well prepared by outstanding faculty in the classroom,” he said. The third essential factor is that Cedarville graduates have the character qualities employers seek. “Any school can say their students have character,” Reep said, “but when I tell employers that less than half of 1 percent of our graduates default on student loans, that gets their attention.” Reep’s message that successful grads need more than a degree and a good GPA to stand out is resonating with students. The office is staffed by certified career coaches, and more students are taking advantage of free resources to prepare their résumés and build professional networks. “Students’ view of career services keeps improving every year,” Reep said. “They value the services we provide.” cedarville.edu/career Grad Conducts Research in Iraq Air National Guardsman Peter Muncy, a 2012 graduate in sociology, integrated his work and education in a unique way. He researched his senior capstone project while deployed in Iraq. “I joined the Air National Guard because I come from a rich military background and wanted to be part of that legacy,” Muncy said. “The decision to do my research while deployed was a no-brainer.” Muncy interviewed fellow service members in Iraq and then again after they returned to the U.S. His project thoroughly examined the lives of Air National Guard members from pre-deployment preparations through re-entry into civilian life. Dr. Susan Warner, professor of sociology, was impressed with Muncy’s project. “It was an ambitious undertaking and a very exciting prospect from a research perspective,” she said. Muncy appreciated the opportunity to help others understand what service members do. “Many of these individuals are traditional guardsmen (one weekend a month) and for the most part have civilian careers,” he said, “yet the expectations are the same for these men and women as they are for their active-duty counterparts.” Muncy was moved by their humility, as they credited the support of family members rather than promoting themselves as heroes. Muncy credits sociology professors Dr. Warner and Dr. Bob Parr for their role in his research and education. “Without their instruction and help, I would not have seen how I could apply sociological theories with my particular project,” he said. Spring-Summer 2012 | TORCH 35 PHOTO PROVIDED BY PETER MUNCY