by Ella Smith, Student Public Relations Writer
From distinguished careers in military service to pioneering work in faith-based films, Cedarville University graduates have gone on to make a Kingdom impact after their 1000 Days™ as a student.
Their excellence was recognized during an Alumni Honor Dinner event on Friday, Oct. 4 of homecoming weekend where Cedarville University President, Dr. Thomas White, presented the University’s highest alumni awards.
Receiving the Alumnus of the Year award is Brigadier General Todd Fogle ’92. Fogle has served in the United States Air Force for more than 30 years. He entered the service through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at Cedarville, where he received his degree in mathematics and physics. During his service, Fogle has been awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor Device Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with six oak leaf clusters, Aerial Achievement Medal and Air Force Combat Action Medal.
Fogle is also a master navigator with over 2,700 flight hours. After his education at Cedarville, Fogle earned his master’s in national security strategy resourcing from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He also is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the National Defense University and Joint Forces Staff College.
Throughout his service, Fogle has maintained his connection to Cedarville. In 2018, he was the keynote speaker at the CU Lead conference.
Parker Adams ’14 is the recipient of the Young Alumnus of the Year award. As a Cedarville student, Adams honed his craft as a filmmaker while pursuing his degree in broadcasting and digital media.
Now residing in Franklin, Tennessee, Adams has worked on nationally acclaimed movies, including “I Still Believe” and “A Week Away,” both of which won Dove Awards for Film of the Year, as well as “Unsung Hero,” “Ordinary Angels” and “Unplanned.”
As a result of his excellence in filmmaking, Adams is becoming a key figure in the faith-based films industry. He is currently working on the upcoming Amazon series “Life of David,” where he hopes to redefine the perception of faith-based films through producing and directing thought-provoking movies.
The Cedarville University Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Teresa Clark ’75 in recognition of more than 28 years of service. Upon graduating from Cedarville with a degree in physical education and health education, Clark went on to earn her master's degree from Indiana University. Clark returned to Cedarville as the head volleyball coach and a member of the faculty, where thousands of students have been shaped by her dedication and humble heart. She retired from Cedarville in May.
The final award presented at the ceremony went to Connie Jenkins. She was presented the Honorary Alumna of the Year for her dedication to Cedarville University as a member of the Board of Trustees. Jenkins has a passion for Christian higher education and, along with her husband Bill, is a lifelong supporter of sharing “the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ” through supporting unapologetically biblical institutions.
Alumni inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame were former men’s soccer player Stephen Ellis ’13, standout softball pitcher Natalie (Fox) Skillings ’05 and longtime Cedarville University assistant sports information director Jim Clark ’75.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is a Baptist university with undergraduate programs in arts, sciences, and professional programs, and graduate programs. With an enrollment of 6,384 students in 175 areas of study, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio and is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs and high graduation and retention rates. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.