Torch, Summer 2002

College Center Renamed for Late Trustee T he newly renovated facility previously known as the College Center has been renamed the Tyler Digital Communication Center in the memory of longtime trustee Dr. Donald L. Tyler. Tyler, who died May 8, was a University trustee for 35 years. He retired as senior pastor of Bethesda Baptist Church in Brownsburg, Ind., in 1999. He had attended Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College and was awarded the honorary doctor of divinity degree from Cedarville University in 1977. “Don Tyler’s service as a trustee is one of the primary reasons Cedarville University is what it is today,” said Dr. Paul Dixon. “His vision for providing young people an education consistent with biblical truth in a quality, thoroughly Christian environment was pivotal in Cedarville’s development over the past 35 years. Not only was Dr. Tyler a steadfast trustee for many years, but he also served for 40 years as pastor at a church that under his leadership grew from a congregation of 97 to one that numbers more than 1,500. In addition, he was a denominational leader in the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches and was a nationally recognized Bible teacher.” “My appreciation for Don and his wife, Martha, is boundless,” Dixon continued. “I often tell people there is no explanation for Cedarville University’s growth and development except God and the people God uses in this place. Don and Martha Tyler are two of the people whom God used most effectively to further His work here.” The Center’s $5 million renovation began last fall. When it opens in August, the Tyler Digital Communication Center will house • two 84-seat, tiered classrooms • two 48-seat classrooms • three 27-seat classrooms • four computer-equipped classrooms • the University’s Writing Center, including tutoring facilities • office space for faculty, computer services personnel, and the Development Division. Formal dedication ceremonies of the Center will be held in conjunction with Cedarville University’s homecoming festivities in October. Gifts made in honor of Tyler can be sent to: Donald Tyler Cedarville Scholarship c/o Cedarville University 251 N. Main Street Cedarville, OH 45314 Fitness Facility Construction Underway C onstruction has begun on Cedarville University’s $12.8 million Fitness- Recreation-Health Center. Dr. Paul Dixon announced the project’s approval in conjunction with the University’s 106th commencement on June 1. Dixon said, “The decision to begin construction on this facility was made by our board of trustees after significant gifts and commitments were made to the project. This is the next great leap forward for Cedarville University and will significantly enhance the value of a Cedarville education.” The largest feature of the facility will be a 60,000 square foot field house that will include a 200-meter track. The complex will also house aerobic and anaerobic workout areas, recreation areas, and enhanced classroom and laboratory space for the University’s growing athletic training program. In addition, the University’s student health center will be located in the new facility. “Our student body has more than doubled since we built our athletic center in 1981,” said Dr. Carl Ruby, vice president for student services. “With that growth, the greater number and variety of both varsity and intramural athletic activities offered, and the amplified interest in personal fitness among most individuals, we have more than outgrown our current center.” He continued, “This new building allows us to significantly enhance campus floor-space devoted to fitness, health, and recreation. We will double the number of racquetball and squash courts and enjoy a second gymnasium with multiple courts for basketball, volleyball, and other floor sports. And our athletic trainers, both those who provide support to the athletic department and students who are studying for that major, will enjoy much needed extra classroom and treatment space. Finally, we will also be able to improve our student health services delivery capabilities by enhancing the spaces available to healthcare providers and relocating the student clinic to the physical center of campus.” “This initiative is another major advancement for Cedarville University,” Ruby said. “We want to do everything possible to ensure our students have a world-class experience when they attend here. We believe we offer the faculty, the curriculum, the support staff, and the facilities for that to be true for the academic, social, and spiritual dimensions of life now. This facility upgrade will mean that is true for the recreational aspect of life as well.” Summer 2002 / TORCH 17 Work on the exterior of the Athletic Center will permit a seamless joining of the two structures.