Alumni Awards

2024 Alumni Award Recipients

Each year, Cedarville University honors alumni who are impacting their world for Jesus Christ in the following categories - Alumnus of the Year, Honorary Alumna of the Year, Young Alumnus of the Year, and the Distinguished Service Award. There are additional awards that are given at various times when appropriate. The recipients are honored in chapel, at an awards ceremony, and often times are asked to speak to our student body. This past years recipients are featured below.

Todd Fogle has been selected as the Alumnus of the Year.

Brigadier General Todd Fogle, a 1992 graduate of Cedarville University, is the distinguished recipient of the Alumnus of the Year award, an honor that celebrates his exemplary service to his country and his unwavering commitment to leadership rooted in Biblical truth.

Currently serving as the Special Assistant to the Commander at the Air Force District of Washington, Brig. Gen. Fogle plays a pivotal role in organizing, training, and equipping combat forces for critical missions. His responsibilities span from homeland operations to civil support and ceremonial events. His work affects more than 33,000 military and civilian personnel worldwide.

Fogal's journey began at Cedarville University, where he earned dual degrees in mathematics and physics, with minors in Bible and business. His time at Cedarville was marked by faithful involvement in ROTC, Swordbearers, and a GO trip to Germany. Among his most cherished memories are meeting his wife, Johanna, during his first week on campus, and helping to shape the Swordbearer Ministry.

After graduating, Fogle entered the Air Force, dedicating most of his career to special operations. He has led contingency operations across the globe, commanding at various levels, from squadron to wing. He has received extensive military education from prestigious institutions like the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the Joint Forces Staff College, and the National Defense University.

Beyond his military service, Todd has been an active leader in his church community, serving as a worship leader, choir director, small group leader, and more. He demonstrates a clear dedication to serving others in both his professional and personal life.

Todd and his wife Johanna, also a Cedarville alumna, have been married for 32 years and are proud parents to three children: Nathan, Claire, and Adam. Todd's advice to fellow alumni and students reflects his life's mission: "Not everyone will be in full-time ministry, but that does not limit your ability to witness and influence others." Todd lives out the hope we have in Christ.

Brigadier General Todd Fogle's life and career are a testament to the values we celebrate at Cedarville University. He is a faithful follower of Christ and a deserving recipient of the Alumnus of the Year award. His leadership, both in the military and in his personal life, continues to bless those around him, and he has integrating faith and service in every sphere of influence God has granted him.

Connie Jenkins has been selected as the Honorary Alumna of the Year.

We honor Connie Jenkins as an Honorary Cedarville University Alumna for her unwavering dedication to the University and her deep commitment to the advancement of the Gospel. She first connected with Cedarville through her friendship with Joy White, which sparked an interest in what was happening at this University nestled in the cornfields of southwest Ohio. This initial curiosity became a profound connection when she experienced Cedarville's unique blend of academic excellence and a biblical worldview worshiping with students during her first chapel experience.

Connie has served on Cedarville's Board of Trustees since January 2022, and she has played an important role in shaping the future of Christian higher education. Her passion for Christ extends beyond Cedarville, as she is actively involved in serving her local church, Paoli Christian Church, through women’s ministry. She is dedicated to lifelong growth in her faith and has received multiple certifications from Southern Seminary.

Connie lives on a family farm in southern Indiana with her husband, Bill, and enjoys the blessing of having three of their four sons and their families close by. Together, they cherish the gift from God of five wonderful grandchildren. Despite the distance, she has remained dedicated to serving Cedarville, which she describes as teeming with scholars, theologians, and professors — a unique environment to grow, study, and worship in.

Connie's message to alumni and students is to remind them how brief and precious their 1000 Days on campus are in the vast plans God has for their futures. She calls on them to be courageous for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, dreaming big dreams that only a mighty God could fulfill.

Connie Jenkins holds the values of Cedarville University in high regard, and her life and work serve as a testament to the power of faith, education, and the Gospel.

Parker Adams have been selected as the Young Alumnus of the Year.

Parker Adams, the recipient of the 2024 Young Alumni of the Year award from Cedarville University, is a filmmaker on a mission to bring light to the silver screen. In an industry often dominated by darkness, Parker stands out as a beacon of faith and positivity, driven by his passion for spreading true Gospel-centered hope through cinema.

Parker's journey into filmmaking began during his time at Cedarville University, where he witnessed the emerging efforts of Christian filmmakers. This sparked a desire in him to be part of a transformative movement in the world of film. After graduating with a degree in communication, Parker made his break into the film industry and eventually founded his own company, 1520 Creative. His company specializes in editing films, a meticulous and demanding process of sifting through countless hours of footage to create cohesive and impactful stories.

Parker's dedication to his craft and his commitment to sharing messages of faith have allowed him to contribute to the success of several major films, including Woodlawn, I Still Believe, A Week Away, Ordinary Angels, and Unsung Hero. His work has not only resonated with moviegoers but has also opened doors for the Gospel to reach audiences in countries where traditional forms of evangelism are restricted.

During his time at Cedarville, Parker was deeply involved in various activities, including a scholarship in track and field as a long jumper during his freshman year. He was also a member of SPL and took on leadership roles in the video production space, creating videos for the Student Government Association and directing live sports streams. One of his most significant contributions was directing the video portion of the marketing campaign for Elliv's color rush year.

Reflecting on his time at Cedarville, Parker shares that his most impactful memory was meeting his future wife, Kara, who is now the mother of their two children, Cash and Beckham. He credits Cedarville with providing him a solid foundation in his field, equipping him with a wide range of skills that allowed him to add value to his early employers.

Since graduation, Parker's "ministry" has been through the films and projects he has helped bring to the world. His work has garnered recognition, with projects like I Still Believe and A Week Away winning Film of the Year at the Dove Awards. He has also edited award-winning music videos and concert films, further solidifying his impact on the industry.

Looking ahead, Parker hopes to change the cultural perception of “faith-based films” through his work producing and directing film and television projects. With his unwavering commitment to bringing light to an industry that often needs it most, Parker Adams is not only an accomplished filmmaker but also a true ambassador of hope in the world of cinema. He is a truly deserving Young Alumnus of the Year.

Teresa Clark have been selected to receive the Distinguished Service Award.

The Cedarville University Alumni Association has chosen Teresa Clark, a 1975 graduate of Cedarville University, to receive this year’s Distinguished Service Award. This honor recognizes Teresa’s 28 years of dedicated service to the University and her lasting impact as a coach, educator, and mentor.

Clark's journey at Cedarville began when she took on the role of head volleyball coach, a position she held for the first ten years of her career at the University. Her leadership extended from the court to the classroom, as she also served as an allied health professor. Throughout her time at the University, Clark always displayed her warm personality, commitment to intentional interactions, and a profound influence on students' lives.

Before joining Cedarville, Clark was a kindergarten teacher at a Christian school in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It was during this time that she and her husband, Jim — who later became the sports information director at Cedarville — faced a significant financial challenge: how to afford their daughter Carla's college education. Through prayer and trust in God's provision, they saw their path unfold when Clark was offered the volleyball coaching position at Cedarville.

Despite initial doubts about uprooting their family, the Clarks moved to Cedarville, where they embraced the many opportunities that came with this new chapter. Clark's impact as a coach was profound, but after ten years, she felt called to step away from coaching to focus more on teaching and mentoring students.

Her dedication to Cedarville extended beyond the classroom and the volleyball court. Clark served as the faculty athletic representative, Title IX coordinator, and member of the NCAA management council. She also led seven mission trips, experiences that deepened her spiritual perspective and enriched her contributions to the University community.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Clark holds a master's degree from Indiana University. She and her husband Jim have been married for 51 years and have two adult children, Carla and Jonathan, along with three beloved granddaughters, Alivia, Alaina, and Addilyn.

Now in retirement, Clark continues to dedicate her time to her family, spending quality moments with her granddaughters and caring for her mother, who resides in an assisted living facility. Reflecting on her life and career, Clark remains committed to trusting in God's plan, a principle that has guided her through every stage of her journey.

Teresa Clark receives the Distinguished Service Award for her legacy of faithful service, impactful discipleship, and unwavering trust in the Lord.