Torch, Summer 2004

Ruth: The Musical C omprehensive Bible major Karen Judith Mowrer “broke the mold” for her senior seminar class last spring by writing and presenting the story of Ruth as a musical stage production rather than as a standard research paper. Mowrer credits her “ inspiration” to a week of insomnia last year when she used the hours awake to think about how she could make a quality difference in the arts. She felt a strong desire to use her skills to present the power and excitement of the story of Ruth in an unusual format. When Mowrer returned to Cedarville in the fall, she sought the counsel of advisors and professors regarding her dream. Observing that she was breaking new ground in the senior seminar course, her advisors encouraged her to pursue her idea. And the rest, as they say, is history. Ruth: The Musical was presented in six performances including two command performances. Mowrer wrote the musical’s script, which was revised with the help of director Donna Paulsen. Mowrer and musical director Steven Frey strengthened the original music and words that she had already written and wrote several more songs to complete the musical. Mowrer says, “I had many talented people helping me, like Donna and Steve and my wonderful cast. But we all agree that it was God who brought it together. None of us expected to receive such a positive response. God was good to us. We hope that at the end of all this, He gets the glory.” Mowrer is planning to teach high school math in the public schools of the Bronx or Brooklyn this fall as a teaching fellow. There in New York City she will have a chance to learn more about composing musical theatre and to explore opportunities for Christians in the arts. Cedarville’s production of Ruth: The Musical is available on DVD and audio CD. For more information, contact Donna Paulsen at dpaulsen@cedarville.edu . C edarville University is pleased to announce the selection of one new dean and four new chairs. Dr. Robert W. Milliman has been named dean of the School of Humanities, Fine Arts, and Bible. Formerly a professor and assistant to the dean at Central Baptist Theological Seminary (CBTS) in Plymouth, Minn., Milliman has had a broad career filled with various administrative, educational, and pastoral positions. Milliman earned undergraduate degrees at the University of Minnesota and Pillsbury Baptist Bible College. He holds Th.M. and M.Div. degrees from Central Baptist Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in theological studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Dr. Stephen Gruber , assistant professor of education, has been named chair of the education department. A graduate of Cedarville University, Gruber received an M.Ed. and Ed.S. from Wright State University and an Ed.D. from Miami University. He has been teaching at Cedarville since 2000, following 30 years of experience as teacher, assistant principal, and principal at the high school level. Dr. Evan Hellwig , associate professor of athletic training, has been named chair of the newly created department of athletic training. Hellwig holds a B.S. from Mankato State University (now Minnesota State University at Mankato), a physical therapy certificate from the University of Iowa School of Medicine, and a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. He taught at Cedarville from 1986 to 1989 and then returned in 1992. Dr. Ron Walker , professor of management science, has been named chair of the department of business administration. A member of the University family since 1978, Walker holds a B.S. from Bowling Green State University, an M.S. from the University of Michigan, and a D.B.A. from Kent State University. He had previously served as department chair from 1986 to 1993. Dr. Steven Winteregg has been named chair of the department of music and art. Winteregg comes to Cedarville from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, where he served as adjunct associate professor of music and coordinator of the John M. Chowning Laboratory for Music and Technology. Winteregg has served as the principal tubist for the Dayton (Ohio) Philharmonic Orchestra and the Dayton Opera Orchestra. A talented composer, he earned a B.M. from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, an M.M. from Wright State University, and a D.M.A. from The Ohio State University. World Bible Quizzing Association Finals at CU C edarville University hosted the World Bible Quizzing Association (WBQA) Finals June 23-26. More than 135 students competed in this interdenominational Bible quiz competition. The mission of WBQA is to encourage the study of Scripture and the development of faith in Christ through Bible quizzing. Currently, more than 20,000 young people participate through their local Bible quizzing teams. New Dean and Chairs Named 16 TORCH / Summer 2004