2005 Miracle Yearbook

Dedication Mother.Teacher. Sister. Friend. Professor.Wife. Those who know her use many different words to describe Mrs. Cynthia Messer. Born in Michigan, she moved to Centerville, Ohio, when she was seven years old. There, she met and fell in love with her husband Jason Messer. The high school sweethearts dated for several years, attended Cedarville College together, and married on June 25,1994. While at Cedarville, Cyndi majored in Secondary English Education and earned the Faculty Scholarship Award in 1994. After graduation, she began her career at Xenia Christian High School, where she taughtfor four years. During this time,she also worked toward her master's degree in Literature at Wright State University, completing the program in 1998. Shortly thereafter,she was offered her ideal job at Cedarville University and began as an Instructor of English. Throughout the past seven years, Cyndi has taught Composition, Western Literature, Basic English,and Methods ofTeaching Composition and Literature. Cyndi's goal in the classroom was to teach her students how to apply lessons from literature and composition to life. In training new teachers, she dedicated herself to showing them how to make English education a joy for their future students.Today,Cyndi remains devoted to her students as an Associate Professor of English. The unsung force behind the yearbook, Cyndi hires an editorial staff each year to put together the Miracle. She then works with the staff to make a ladder, complete deadlines,and produce the final product to be distributed to alumni, prospective and current students,faculty, and staff. Without her direction, consistency, proofreading skills,and encouragement,the yearbook would not be the same. Her staff appreciates her "sense of humor and the freedom that she gives us,the trust thatshe has in us," copy editor Cynthia Wallace said. Away from Cedarville University, Cyndi's life remained busy. She and Jason were 008 Dedication the proud parents of two boys ages 5 and 2 1/2. They welcomed Griffin into the world on August 29, 2000, and are currently experiencing the new world of kindergarten with him. Dominick came into their lives through a sudden and very special adoption process in April 2003.Jason described his wife this way:"She is a truly remarkable wife and mother, and she has been my best friend since long before we were married. She exemplifies the Proverbs 31 woman.She is profoundly loved by those who know her well. Her tenderness and patience in the lives of our sons is a testament to the grace that God has poured upon her. Watching her as a teacher, I wish that I had someone like her in the classroom when I was in school -- even though I would have worked a great deal harder and not gotten away with half the things I slacked off on -- and I know that teaching others how to teach well is her passion, professionally. Cyndi and Jason were also active at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Springfield, where Cyndi served as Chair of the Worship Committee for several years. The women's basketball team chose Cyndi Throughout their time there, Cyndi has worked with the to be their Honorary Coach. youth group,served in the nursery,sang in the choir and for special music, and has served as a member of the Women's Ministry Committee. As a former yearbook editor and current friend of Cyndi, I cannot begin to describe the influence she has had on my life. These activities she does and jobs she holds don't truly tell the story of the lives she's touched-- inside and outside the classroom. For the past nine years, Cyndi was the best friend I could ask for, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to know her. Professor. Mother. Friend. Wife.And so much more. - Kimberly Edlund,2002-2003 Miracle Editor