by Hannah Fair, Public Relations Writer
Cedarville University will honor seven influential Springfield men during its first Key Players Banquet November 8 in Alumni Hall in the Dixon Ministry Center.
A ”key player” is a man who helps others; leads by example; and cares for, supports and guides young people. Each award winner was nominated by members of a SonShine club, an after-school ministry that teaches elementary-age children about Christ through engaging activities, or by individuals connected to Springfield.
“We were looking for ways to better understand our community, learn about men making a difference, introduce our community to Cedarville University, celebrate actions helping young people in Springfield and build bridges to share our faith in Christ,” said Rev. Greg Dyson, director of intercultural relations at Cedarville. “The absence of men has a negative impact on the lives of youth; this program highlights activities that can and should be duplicated to reverse this effect.” The 2017 Key Player nominees are Roosevelt “Teddy” Dunn Jr., Gary Falkenbach, Phillip Sanders, Jim Scoby, Arlin “Par” Tolliver Sr., Joe Vanuch and Phillip Sanders.
By hosting the Key Players Banquet at Cedarville University, the success stories of urban areas are more accessible to students, faculty and staff.
On Nov. 9, the key players will be honored at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield. The award winners will also be honored at halftime of the Cedarville men’s basketball game November 18.
“This program will help Cedarville students look more closely at our local community and see some of the bright, encouraging things happening in our region,” Dyson continued. “As we become more familiar with the community Christ has planted us in, we will see how this and other programs can help us open doors for ministry and collaboration where we live.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,963 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.