Homecoming weekend marks the end of the campaign for Cedarville, calling students to recognize God’s provision and goodness

By Rachel Schuck

During his State of the University address last Friday, Dr. White kicked off homecoming weekend with a profound statement about a project that has transformed Cedarville’s campus.

“Today we celebrate something extraordinary. We celebrate something that has taken countless numbers of partners, prayers, and gifts,” White said. “Today we are concluding our ‘1,000 Days Transformed’ campaign for Cedarville.”

White explained that the “grand vision” for the campaign began in 2017 with a ten-year master plan. Originally launching a goal of 80 million dollars, the campaign sought to transform campus.

Emphasizing “transformed” as a key descriptor of Cedarville’s campus, White communicated his heartfelt prayer for Cedarville in the coming days.

“My prayer is that we have lives transformed [on this campus],” White said.

After asserting the university’s dedication to the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, White touched on his theme of “transformation” for homecoming weekend.

“That word this year has an even deeper significance because of what God has been doing in these cornfields for the past five years,” White said. 

The campaign for Cedarville has resulted in transformed lives and a transformed campus.

Diving into his “grand vision” for the ‘1,000 Days Transformed’ campaign, White underlined his doubts about the plan.

“We thought we were dreaming,” White said. “This was something different than anything we’d done before.” 

Elaborating further, Dr. White proclaimed that “God’s plans are greater still.” God abundantly provided through the campaign’s planning and collaboration process. 

Discussing the campaign’s planning process, White listed the four priorities of the campaign: expand capacity, minimize student debt, transform lives in and out of the classroom, and provide for the future.

White also explained that the campaign was a bold step, which led him to question its achievability.

“I didn’t think we could raise that much money,” White said. “I questioned whether God would really provide.”

As several large endowments were donated to the campaign’s cause, White stood in awe of God’s provision.

“These faithful first gifts set the pace for everything that followed,” he said.

With tears in his eyes, White shared the story of an eight-year-old girl who sacrificed her four quarters to help build the Scharnberg Business and Communication Center. He commended her for her faith and generosity.

“God grew our faith through every single gift, big or small,” White said.

White expressed his heartfelt appreciation for every person who contributed to the campaign, thanking them for their time, donations, and prayers. He reflected on God’s abundant provision, emphasizing a lesson he has learned: “God is faithful and we can trust him.”

While acknowledging there is still work to be done, he underlined the campaign’s main goal: to see lives transformed for the glory of God.

Restating the goals of the transformed campaign, White revealed an astonishing truth. Through God’s grace and many generous donors, the campaign for Cedarville raised a total of $205.8 million, surpassing the campaign’s goal of $175 million.

“When I thought we dreamed too big, God said, ‘not big enough,’” White said.

In excitement, the audience rose in a standing ovation, applauding the campaign’s success.

Speaking directly to students, White emphasized that “If God has called you to do something, say yes. God is faithful and we can trust him.”

White pointed to God to conclude his address. He stated that “Today, we humbly and joyfully declare to God be the glory.” 

Rachel Schuck is a freshman Professional Writing and Information Design student. She loves to play the piano, get coffee with friends, and take walks in the sunshine.

*Image courtesey of Cedarville University’s Facebook