Bethany Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023

Essential Essence Remains

BY GENE PFEIFER • PRESIDENT, BETHANY LUTHERAN COLLEGE

When alumni and friends encourage students to consider attending Bethany, it oftentimes is an important factor in their college decision-making process. I’m always encouraged to hear about a high school student that would be a good fit because I know a heartfelt recommendation can sometimes lead to that young man or woman enrolling at Bethany. I thank each of you who discuss Bethany’s mission-focused education with those not yet familiar with the College. Your words and support mean a great deal.

Bethany’s admission numbers have consistently been beating the national trend of declining college enrollment, and the upcoming class again looks encouraging. Students who come to Bethany have a wide selection of academic and co-curricular programs to consider—with many options that lead to meaningful vocations in their families, churches, workplaces, and communities. Our retention rates are also strong, nearly as robust as the most selective schools. In fact, almost all students who enroll at Bethany as freshmen do so with the intention of earning their bachelor’s degree here.

It is interesting to note that, while students come to Bethany from twenty-six different states and 31 other countries, nearly 65% of our student body comes from just two states—Minnesota and Wisconsin. America’s demographics are changing, and the Lutheran Church is changing too. Changing demographics indicate that institutions like Bethany need to be more strategic than ever in finding students who seek out an institution that offers excellent academics in a Christian environment.

And Minnesota is no exception to national demographic trends. For several decades now, new faces and nationalities have become Minnesotans. Why is this important to talk about? Many of our students are from areas that are changing the most. Rural Minnesota has changed considerably. The growth that has occurred in rural Minnesota comes from a new population that doesn’t know about Bethany Lutheran College. But, I believe that we have much to offer, not only to those that know us well, but also to those that may have never heard of Bethany Lutheran College.

Bethany is visible in ways it never was before with our expanding campus, programs, and growing student body. Recent additions might make the place look a little different than what your mind remembers. The addition of the new Bethany Activity Center, as well as Honsey Hall across from it, puts the focus of the visible campus at the busy intersection of Marsh and Division Streets, right next door to one of the largest hospitals in southern Minnesota.

And while Bethany’s physical appearance has changed, the essence of what this institution is, has not. For now 96 academic years, Bethany has always been about her people and students as seen through the lens of a Christian, collegiate education focused on the One Thing Needful.

You’re always welcome as alumni, friends, and supporters to visit the campus, and if you haven’t visited lately, we’d like to reacquaint you with Bethany. And for those that know us well, I encourage you to tell someone about Bethany that you might not have considered telling before. Your words speak volumes about Bethany and yes; you are some of our best recruiters!