by Abby Totten, Student Public Relations Writer
Iconic events, class reunions and the groundbreaking ceremony for the $40 million Lorne C. Scharnberg Business Center will highlight Cedarville University’s annual homecoming festivities September 30 and October 1. 
The annual weekend when alumni, parents and friends of the university return to campus officially begins with the traditional cardboard canoe race across Cedar Lake. This event is a classroom project for engineering students, where they are given cardboard and limited supplies to build a two-person canoe. Students in each canoe will paddle across the lake in a timed event for a grade.
Cardboard canoes that sink do not get a favorable grade.
Leading up to homecoming, the campus community participates in spirit week, which includes dress-up days such as “Twin Tuesday” and “Throwback Thursday.” There is also a residence hall competition for the “Stinger trophy” that includes spirit week participation, parade entry and a relay race around the lake.
Cedarville’s alumni association will honor several individuals who have made a significant impact on the life of the university.
Rev. William “Chip” Bernhard (‘77), pastor of Spring Creek Church in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, will be presented with the Alumnus of the Year award. Others being recognized include Danny Baron (‘14), a realtor in Cincinnati, Ohio, as the Young Alumnus of the Year, and Paul Ware, Cedarville’s groundskeeper, for the Distinguished Service Award. Rachael Oren Castro (’04, pole vault), founding head of school at The Classical Academy, and Scott Aker (‘07, golf) will be inducted into Cedarville’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
“The weekend is sure to be an unforgettable experience for everyone — each encountering God's presence in a different way as they walk down memory lane or begin new traditions as a current student,” said Diana Perkey, director of alumni engagement. “It is important for our alumni and student body to share these experiences together as the Cedarville family, thanking God for his continued blessing on this place.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,082 undergraduate, graduate, and dual enrolled high school students in more than 175 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, high graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and the #4 national ranking by the Wall Street Journal for student engagement. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.