Alumni Awards

2025 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.

Craig and Carolyn Williford have been selected as the Alumni of the Year.

Cedarville University is honored to recognize Dr. Craig and Carolyn Williford as the 2025 Alumni of the Year, celebrating their lifelong commitment to ministry, education, and global service.

Dr. Craig Williford has spent over five decades serving in both ministry and higher education. His career includes more than 20 years as the CEO and President of three esteemed institutions: Multnomah University in Portland, Oregon; Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois; and Denver Seminary in Denver, Colorado. Beyond his work in academia, Dr. Williford has also served as a Global Education Consultant for the English Language Institute China (ELIC).

Carolyn Williford has played an equally vital role in their shared mission, using her gifts as an educator, author, and mentor. She has served as an instructor of English at Bryan College and made a significant impact as a conference speaker, leadership network facilitator, and retreat leader. Her work in Christian literature is notable, as she has authored nine books, three of which she co-wrote with Dr. Williford.

Together, Craig and Carolyn have traveled extensively, driven by a desire to build partnerships, facilitate faculty and student exchanges, lead humanitarian efforts, and research outreach projects. Their global experience has enriched their ministry, allowing them to advance Christian education and leadership development in diverse cultures and communities worldwide.

Dr. Craig and Carolyn Williford’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, servant-hearted leadership, and a dedication to equipping others for Christ-centered impact. Cedarville University is proud to honor them as the 2025 Alumni of the Year, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to ministry, education, and the global Christian community.

Grace Norman has been selected as the Young Alumna of the Year.

Cedarville University proudly honors Grace Norman as the 2025 Young Alumna of the Year. A 2020 nursing graduate and accomplished Paralympian, Grace has used her testimony to represent Cedarville University on a global platform, showcasing her God-given abilities and serving as a Christlike influence within her field.

Grace set the stage for an illustrious athletic career as early as high school, becoming the first amputee in Ohio’s history to compete at the state high school championship meet. Her time at Cedarville University showcased her standout athletic ability in both cross country and track. Despite the rigorous demands of being a nursing major, Norman balanced academics and athletics with remarkable discipline, consistently making the Dean’s List and earning recognition on the G-MAC Academic All-Conference Team.

Her achievements on the world stage have been nothing short of extraordinary. At the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, Norman won a gold medal in the triathlon and a bronze medal in the 400 meters. She followed this with a silver medal in the triathlon at the 2020 Tokyo Games before reclaiming gold in the event at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Her dominance in the sport is highlighted by her world records in the Paralympic T44 category for the 800 meters and 1,500 meters, as well as American records in the 400, 800, and 1,500 meters.

Beyond her individual achievements, Norman is an advocate for parasports and a mentor to aspiring athletes. She passionately promotes the values of hard work, determination, and faith, inspiring countless individuals to push beyond their limitations.

Cedarville University celebrates Grace Norman as Young Alumna of the Year not only for her unparalleled achievements but also for the inspiration she provides to future generations.

Jim Leightenheimer has been selected to receive the Distinguished Service Award.

Cedarville takes great pride in honoring Prof. Jim Leightenheimer with the Distinguished Service Award for his more than four decades of shaping students’ lives and elevating the communication department.

Resound Radio was born out of Prof. Leightenheimer’s vision to give students hands-on experience in Christian broadcasting. What started as WSRN, a small student-run station, evolved under his guidance into a fully operational radio station reaching listeners nationwide. His passion for creating a space where students could learn, fail, and grow has become a cornerstone of Resound’s success, giving his students the chance to engage in real-world media production.

Prof. Leightenheimer’s contributions extend well beyond Cedarville’s campus. His influence in Christian broadcasting has been recognized at the national level, leading to nominations and awards from organizations such as Christian Music Broadcasters. His work with K-Love and other major media networks has further established his reputation as a thought leader and innovator in the industry.

Beyond the classroom, Prof. Leightenheimer has poured countless hours into mentoring students, fostering their talents, and encouraging them to pursue excellence with a servant’s heart. His commitment to his students goes far beyond academics — he invests in their personal and spiritual growth, ensuring they leave Cedarville equipped to lead and serve in their fields.

Prof. Jim Leightenheimer’s name stands as a testament to faithful service and leadership with integrity. His profound impact both in the classroom and beyond has left a legacy of dedication, mentorship, and Christ-centered excellence that will continue to shape the communication department for years to come.