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In the 12 years since Dr. Thomas White became Cedarville鈥檚 10th president, God has blessed the University with unprecedented growth, including the largest fundraising campaign in University history. For Dr. White, the University鈥檚 success is an opportunity to steward God鈥檚 gifts for His glory and the growth of His Kingdom. Cedarville Magazine asked Dr. White to share his perspectives on how the campaign has set Cedarville up for sustainable success for years to come. 

How did the idea for the One Thousand Days Transformed campaign come about? And how did the planning unfold, especially when God blessed your initial goals?  

We began with a 10-year campus master plan. Using a consultant, we held hundreds of listening sessions with stakeholder groups. From those conversations, we developed a list of important projects and prioritized the ones that aligned with our mission and enhanced the 1000-Day Cedarville student experience.  

Once we had clarity on our needs, it was time to present those needs to potential donors. That strategy became the One Thousand Days Transformed campaign.  

As God blessed and donors responded with generosity 鈥� and as student enrollment exceeded our expectations 鈥� our plan naturally expanded. New residence halls became a pressing need. Ultimately, we sought to respond to God鈥檚 provision with faithful stewardship.  

How did you build biblical stewardship principles into Cedarville鈥檚 strategy for the campaign?  

We strive to steward every dollar entrusted to Cedarville with care and integrity. We operate with conservative business practices and avoid frivolous spending so donors can trust us with their gifts. Our goal is to connect individuals who have been entrusted with financial resources with meaningful opportunities to invest in students and impact God鈥檚 Kingdom.  

Our partners in ministry work hard and save faithfully. We carry a sacred responsibility before them and before the Lord to steward their gifts well and to honor their intent.  

What on-campus developments from the campaign are you the most excited about?  

All of them! From Chick-fil-A and academic facilities to Global Outreach missions trip funding, improved athletic spaces, and modern residence halls, each project plays an important role in fulfilling our mission. Every project benefits our students鈥� overall campus experience, and I鈥檓 excited about them all.  

Is there a moment of provision that impacted you the most personally?  

Several! We prayed. God heard and answered our prayers. He provided in ways so specific that we could clearly see His hand at work 鈥� both on campus and in the hearts of our ministry partners. The walls of Jericho didn鈥檛 fall for us, but the walls of new buildings were funded in miraculous ways. Only God could have accomplished this. These individual moments reinforced to me that in all circumstances, God is faithful. We can trust Him.  

You mentioned in the last issue your desire to make Cedarville sustainable. What campaign goals helped Cedarville move toward a more sustainable future?  

Healthy universities must diversify their revenue streams to remain affordable for students. One of the most effective ways we can do this is through a strong endowment. 

This campaign allowed us to speak with many donors about the long-term impact of endowment giving. As a result, our endowment grew significantly during the campaign, and we secured many future commitments as well. 

These gifts enhance Cedarville鈥檚 long-term sustainability so we can continue to serve students for generations to come.  

Can you explain to our readers in your own words how endowments work?  

An endowment is a gift that is wisely invested so that portions of the investment earnings can be used each year to support designated purposes 鈥� most often, student scholarships. The principal (the original gift) remains intact and generates income each year. This means that a donor鈥檚 gift can provide scholarships for decades to come.  

Why would you encourage readers to give an endowment specifically?  

When you give an endowment, you can give long past your lifetime to an area you care deeply about. Some individuals also choose to give 鈥渢wice鈥� through their estate by creating a trust that supports their heirs over time and then directs the remaining principal to a charitable cause. This plan reduces tax liabilities and increases giving. We can help set up conversations through a third-party service for anyone who is interested in learning more.  

Strategic giving through endowments allows a donor鈥檚 investment to have a lasting Kingdom impact. That鈥檚 one reason Joy and I give personally to an endowment established in honor of my mother-in-law.  

What comes next, now that the campaign is completed? What are Cedarville鈥檚 priorities for future giving?  

We still have two years before the final building of the campaign is completed. Once that鈥檚 finished, we will have completed our 10- year master plan one year ahead of schedule.  

So what comes next? It鈥檚 time to dream again. We will have conversations, assess new needs, cultivate ministry partnerships, and, most importantly, seek God鈥檚 wisdom. I can assure you that scholarships and endowments will continue to be major priorities long into the future.  

If you could say one thing to readers who may be considering giving a gift to Cedarville, what would it be?  

Give now. Impact eternity. When ministry partners like you shape the life of a student, that student could go on to serve in inner cities, public schools, healthcare, Wall Street, or across the globe 鈥� impacting thousands of other souls for Christ!  

Only two things last forever: the Word of God and the souls of His image-bearers. There is no wiser investment than investing in eternity.