by Abby Totten, Student Public Relations Writer
More than 80 Cedarville University faculty and staff members were honored on Friday, Aug. 12, for their years of service to the university. 
Linda Divan, serving as the library systems coordinator, and Paul Ware, groundskeeper, were recognized for 45 years of service. Divan, originally from Toledo, Ohio, came to the Miami Valley for a teaching position at Xenia Christian — now, Legacy Christian. After one year of teaching, she pursued an open position within Cedarville University’s library. Many aspects of Cedarville have changed since Divan joined the staff in 1977. Buildings, the number of students and leadership have all made transitions, while other things at Cedarville have remained the same.
“The mission of Cedarville has stayed the same during my tenure here,” said Divan. “The library family has stayed the same, and it is the best place to work on campus.”
One aspect of working at Cedarville that encourages Divan is the family approach to work and life. She recalled the incredible support she received when her dad passed away in 1999.
“When most of the library staff came to the funeral,” said Divan, “It showed me that my colleagues care for me, both personally and professionally.”
The university is a special place to work for Jeff Cunningham, utility administrator, and Jim Leightenheimer, associate professor of communication, who have both served in their roles at Cedarville for 40 years.
“I love this place and its people,” said Leightenheimer. “God has allowed me to serve, to grow and to develop relationships with students and colleagues that are truly special. Cedarville is truly a wonderful place to work.”
Other award recipients include:
30 years:
Robert Bielek, CAD technician
Scott Huck, university photographer
Alan McCain, director of networking
Anne Rich, M.S., professor of accounting
Bert Wheeler, Ph.D., professor of economics
Lawrence Zavodney, Ph.D., senior professor of mechanical engineering
25 years:
Kim Ahlgrim, M.S., director of The Cove
Karen Calvert, administrative assistant, academic division
Darrin Frey, Ph.D., professor of mathematics
Heather Kuruvilla, Ph.D., professor of biology
Beth Porter, M.A., chair of the department of music and worship
John Wambold, assistant director for production services
20 years:
Marc Clauson, Ph.D., professor of history and law
John Davis, director of academic human resource services
Alan Geist, Ph.D., athletic director
Derrick Green, M.A., chair of the department of communication
Roger O’Neel, Ph.D., assistant chair of worship
Bruce Traeger, director of church relations
Tim Tuinstra, Ph.D., associate professor of electrical engineering
Otis Wright, Ph.D., professor of mathematics
15 years:
Melissa Burns, M.D., assistant professor of biology
Scott Crosby, computer technician
Jeff Gates, M.L.I.S., information services librarian and assistant professor of library science
Mark Gathany, Ph.D., associate professor of biology
Sarah Gilchrist, M.S., assistant professor of mathematics
Scott Van Loo, Ph.D., vice president for enrollment management
Rich Williams, audio-video specialist
Tara Winter, coordinator of testing, licensure and accreditation
10 years:
Lisa Battaglia, supervisor of security access control
Nathanael Biggs, network analyst
Nicholas Carrington, Ph.D., assistant professor of professional writing
Glen Duerr, Ph.D., assistant professor of international studies
Marty Eng, Pharm.D., R.Ph., associate professor of pharmacy practice
Thad Franz, Pharm.D., R.Ph., vice chair of experiential programs and assistant professor of pharmacy practice
Seth Hamman, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science
Valerie Harmon, office manager library services
Geoff Holloway, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry
Denise Jean-Louis, Ph.D., associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences
Kim Jenerette, executive director of financial aid
Sharon Kerestes, M.E., curriculum materials center librarian and assistant professor of library science
Loren Kuhn, event manager
David Leitch, J.D., assistant professor of special education
Brad Pauley, health sciences laboratory technician
George Qin, Ph.D., assistant professor of mechanical engineering
Brenda Reid, coordinator of international student services
Loren Reno, M.S., professor of management and special advisor to the president
Thomas Rice, M.E., assistant professor of geology
Elizabeth Sled, Ph.D., assistant professor of kinesiology
Chris Sohn, M.B.A., vice president for business and chief financial officer
Dedra Wrigglesworth, manager of facilities services
5 years:
Brianna Ackerman, Maddox Hall resident director
Matthew Bennett, Ph.D., assistant professor of missions and theology
Stephen Buetell, director of dual enrollment
Jennifer Cochran, director of academic human resource services
Sarah Compton, M.S.N., R.N., assistant professor of nursing
Micah Cooper, associate vice president for technology and chief information officer
Sharon Cooper, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology
Stephen Eldridge, project manager
Danielle Fredette, Ph.D., assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering
Seth Gillespie, graphic designer
Albert Grunewald, associate vice president for advancement
Andrew Harris, Ph.D., associate professor of communication
Chet Jenkins, D.M.A, assistant professor of music
Jacob Kitchens, West Hall resident director
Robert McDole, director of the center for teaching and learning
Michael McKay, Ph.D., director of online graduate programs and assistant professor of biblical theology
David Peters, Pharm.D., assistant professor of pharmacy practice
Merideth Pitts, Ph.D., assistant professor of linguistics
jason Schell, student accounts specialist
Paul Schloemer, Ph.D., professor of accounting
Kirsten Setzkorn, M.L.I.S., humanities librarian and assistant professor of library science
Melinda Stinger, transcript and verification assistant
Hope Strayer, associate director of recruitment
John Tarwater, Ph.D., associate professor of finance
Marcia Williams, M.S.N., F.N.P.-C., assistant professor of nursing
Jennifer Wingerter, M.A. assistant professor of professional writing
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,082 undergraduate, graduate, and online 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, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and high student engagement ranking. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.