Surprise Scholarship Awarded

A celebration of giving turned into a celebration of receiving for Aaron Southworth '13, an early childhood education major from Cincinnati, Ohio.

One of the signature homecoming events is the Legacy Banquet, an elegant evening that unites University donors with students who benefit from their giving. Alumni award recipients are honored at this event, underscoring the exceptional return on a donor's investment in Cedarville students' lives.

Capping off the evening was OneVoice, a group of students known for their expressive Gospel music and authentic worship. OneVoice had prepared entertainment for the banquet, but they did not know that one of their members would receive a scholarship.

Following their roof-raising performance, Joel Tomkinson '03, director of marketing, made a special presentation about the David Tomkinson Memorial Scholarship, established this year to assist a deserving member of OneVoice. As the students began to realize what was happening, they cheered for their friend, Aaron, selected to receive the inaugural award.

The scholarship was provided by David Tomkinson, uncle to Joel and his sister, Sara (Tomkinson) Beachy '01. Although David was not a college graduate, he appreciated the quality, Christ-centered education his niece and nephew received at Cedarville, and he made plans in his estate to leave a generous gift to the University. When he passed away last winter, his family chose to honor David and mark OneVoice's 10th anniversary with this award.

"It's been a privilege to become friends with some of the finest, most joyful students on campus," said Joel, who has been singing and traveling with the choir since 2006. "I've truly been influenced as I see them praise the Lord and live out their faith even after the music stops. Through this award, my family recognizes and celebrates God's blessings on both our family and OneVoice, which has become an important part of my life."