Seasoned Staff Interview
Name: Paul Gathany
Title: General Manager, CDR Radio
- How many years have you worked at Cedarville and how does it feel to be retiring? I have worked here for 42.5 years. It doesn't seem that long and it hasn't really hit me yet, but I know it's the right time to retire. March 31 is my last day and then I'll be transitioning to a different kind of life.
- What will you miss most about Cedarville? I'll miss the people I work with and the connections and friendships I've made with the listeners of CDR radio.
- What positions have you held during your years here? I was hired as the Station Manager for WCDR and also taught in the speech department. After that, I moved to full-time Station Manager which grew over time to General Manager serving with the CDR Radio Network, CDR Media Ministry and Production Services operations.
- What has been the biggest change you've seen at Cedarville? The biggest change has been in the facilities and number of people. There is not any comparison from what it was, to what it is now. In contrast, there are some important things that have not changed: A focus on our institutional mission, daily Chapel and a spirit of caring for one another.
- Tell us about some of your rewarding experiences. I have had many rewarding experiences. We increased power in 1986 and that was an important time for change. Our first translator went on the air in the mid-80's also. Another rewarding time was when the CDR offices & studios were renovated. We have a wonderful facility now!
- What has been the most exciting event CDR has been involved with? The Main Event, which was held last October in Columbus. Frank Gardinia was there from Sports Spectrum & ESPN and did commentary along with Chad Bresson and Eric Johnson. Also, our coverage of the Multi-Ethnic Cross Cultural Conferences in Seattle was very exciting.
- What famous people have you met? Being in broadcasting, I have had opportunity to meet a lot of ministry leaders such as Dr James Dobson, John MacArthur, Dennis Rainey, FCC Chairmen, etc. I have had the privilege of hearing, in person, every U.S. President speak since Lyndon Johnson. Before he was President, I met Gerald Ford many times at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention. In contrast; the other thing I have appreciated is that it takes many common individuals persons, like me, doing the every day work of the ministry, here at CU, in our church and worldwide in the body of Christ. Each one has a different and definite role.
- Tell us about your family. My wife, Marciel, has been retired for 6 years from teaching 31.5 years as a school teacher. Todd and Jackie live in Olympia, Washington and have two children, Phil and Megan. Kari lives in Elkhart, Indiana and is serving with Youth for Christ as the girl's director for Lifeline, a "kids at risk" ministry. Erin and Josh May live in Springfield and have one son, Colton, who is 2 years old.
- What will you be doing once you retire? I enjoy fishing in lakes around Ohio. I also make fishing trips to Canada once in a while. I will also be spending more time with family, and doing projects for them. I plan to serve where I have the abilities to do so.
- If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Cedarville area. This is home for us, and where we presently plan on staying.
- What advice would you give a staff member here at the University? Enjoy every day, it's a new day. Take on one at a time to serve the Lord and CU. I am deeply grateful the Lord gave me the opportunity to be here.
- Favorites:
- Book: The Hornet's Nest by Jimmy Carter.
- Food: Any dessert, but especially rhubarb pie. Also, swiss steak made by Marciel.
- TV show: Usually news and information, but I also watch the History and Discovery channels. I enjoy good dramas.
- Bible verse: Proverbs 3:5, 6
- Song: "Great is Thy Faithfulness"
- Radio Station: CDR!!! The Path!!!!