Finish Line 

How does a young man from halfway around the world, with no knowledge of Cedarville University before his mom started receiving University emails, end up as one of the most well-known, well-loved, and respected students on campus? If you ask Rufus Mathew, his answer will be quick and straightforward: Jesus.  

Rufus arrived as a freshman computer science major at Cedarville in 2018. How his mom ended up on a Cedarville email list is still a mystery, but he’s glad that she did. As he began researching this unknown (at the time) Christian university in the middle of Ohio, 7,000 miles from home, he discovered Cedarville had an outstanding cybersecurity program, recognized by the National Security Agency. He was intrigued. He applied, and the rest is history. 

Coming to Cedarville has exceeded his greatest expectations. Not only has he learned in a top tier computer science program, but he immediately connected with a supportive community of fellow Christians who lift up the name of Christ and seek to honor Him in every aspect of life. He was voted freshman class president in 2018, a sign of what was yet to come. He graduates this year as president of the Student Government Association.  

Rufus credits the Lord every step of the way for the journey that brought him to Cedarville and the journey that awaits him after commencement.  

“My mom would bring up Cedarville every now and then because the mission of the University stood out to her: ‘For the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ,’” he shared with Cedarville marketing and communications recently. “The people around me have pushed me closer to Christ continually, and motivated me not just academically and professionally, but spiritually, too. My hope is to be able to give back to a school that has richly blessed me over the last 1,000 days.” 

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Rufus’ first-year experiences and personal story were featured in a story by Cedarville public relations in 2018.