They once sat in your classrooms, walked the path to Old Main, and asked the same questions you may be asking now. Every voice here belongs to a Bethanian who has been in your shoes.
Go to class!Attendance is so so important, and don’t be afraid to talk to those around you if in need of help or even just a friend.
— CONNOR MCDONALD ‘25
Be authentically and unapologetically you & keep the main thing the main thing.
— TYLER PEARCE ‘25
You need to get involved and participate. Bethany is a very small and secluded environment, if you don’t go to events or join a club or organization or sport, you won’t have a memorable or enjoyable experience. Bethany is a place where you get back what you give in, so give some time and go out to experience things the campus has to offer.
— SOPHIAELIZABETH BOTAK ‘25
Dive into everything head first, the amount of resources at the tips of your finger here at Bethany College are through the roof. Get out of your comfort zone, and make the best of what you have here while you have it. Time flies!
— SKYLAR PRICE ‘25
Procrastination can be your worst enemy, start that assignment early, workout even when you don’t feel like it and most of all surround yourself with people that are headed the same direction you are.
— KEJON FRALEY ‘25
Get involved! Do not be afraid to try something new or join a club. It will help you create so many relationships.
— TALIAGALLAGHER ‘25
Be You. Do what makes You Happy. And you’ll get exactly where you want and need to be!
— KARLEYTRINIDAD ‘25
Do something today your future self will thank you for!
— CONNOR MCDONALD ‘25
Slow down. Take it in. Enjoy the moments and enjoy college! You get out of college what you put into it. College goes by way faster than you think so get involved and take it one step at a time.
— PHOEBE PHELPS ‘25
College is like a rollercoaster—full of ups, downs, and surprises! Stay organized, try everything, and don’t stress too much. Make memories, learn from your mistakes, and always remember to have fun because it goes by quick!!
—ALESSANDRAFERRAZZANO ‘25
Take advantage of the small school aspect- get to know professors, take advantage of office hours, and build lasting relationships with your peers.
— DEREK BLACK ‘25
Make relationships with you professors and your advisors. They can help you more than you know!
—ALYSSASERENSKY ‘25
Make the time to breathe. Life will always have its hard moments. Take a few minutes when you feel overly stressed to just breathe and remind yourself you got this!
— REBECCAZUPKO ‘25
I wish I would have know sooner how much the school and faculty were invested in my future after I Graduated. Generally, it was a great time with splendid lifetime memories.
— RICHARD MALONEY ‘70
Take full advantage of every opportunity that comes your way—classes, clubs, and connections all shape who you will become. Don’t be afraid of challenges; the struggles you face now will teach you resilience and help you grow in ways you can’t yet imagine. Most importantly, take time to learn about yourself, because discovering who you are is just as important as what you learn in the classroom.
— TIFFANY M CARY ‘18 c
Say yes to exploration: change your major if you need to, try different roles, and take advantage of opportunities like leadership positions, athletics, Greek Life, and studying abroad to discover what truly fits you. Remember that in a liberal arts environment, if the opportunity you want doesn’t exist, you can help create it. Invest deeply in relationships along the way, because the friendships you build—and sometimes even your life partner—can shape your life long after graduation.
— KRISTAKRONSTEIN ‘03
I graduated from Bethany College in 1977, and many of the friendships I made there are still part of my life today! Take time to get to know as many of the fellow students outside of your inner cirlce, get involved in as much that the school can offer in addition to education, and enjoy the experience—what you build at Bethany College today will last well beyond graduation.”
— RALPH VOCK ‘77
Bethany is the perfect place to get involved. There are so many opportunities to explore and try new things, whether it's student government, clubs, sports, or greek life. Embrace this wonderful opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and try something new- you never know where it will lead!
—
AMY
STRANO ‘89
Enjoy these moments. College moves fast, and the small things end up meaning the most. It’s okay to not have all the answers. You’re here to learn how to adapt, especially being around so many different people. That experience matters. Stay ahead of the curve with tech and how it’s used. Build real relationships. The tough ones will challenge you, and those are the ones that make you bolder and stronger. When everything hits at once, it feels impossible, like eating an elephant. One bite at a time is how you get through it.
— GAURAV SHARMA‘04
Adversity in life is an opportunity to learn life changing lessons but you must persist to realize the benefits. Stay at Bethany and complete your education because the rewards for doing so are greater than you can imagine.
—
L. JAY SMITH ‘71
Enjoy your time on the Bethany campus. The friendships you forge will last through the years.As you look back later in life, you will realize what an awesome college experience you had, and the memories will make you smile.
— THERESASWINEHART-MAGUIRE ‘82
What you do for yourself dies with you. What you do for others is immortal. Everything you do has an impact on someone else, even the smallest things.
— DEBORAH JANEAUSTIN ‘62
You can do it-don’t give up! Be confident and stay the course for a better life.
— BRUCE FAHEY ‘77
Don't stress over picking a major solely on what you think the job market will want. Go for what you are good at and enjoy. Then build your communication skills and in particular become a good writer as this will differentiate you from the pack.
— HARRY KISKADDON ‘79
At Bethany, you aren't defined by one thing. Take the time to branch out - try new areas and study interesting topics. Be more than you thought you can be.
— JAMIE HOLLAND ‘19
My advice to current students is to put yourself out there, be vulnerable, take risks, and try as many things as you can. These next few years will fly by.
— MATT BADO ‘01
I graduated Bethany in 2007. I knew I wanted to go into law for a long time. Bethany gave me the opportunity to figure out both who I would be in the legal profession and who I would be outside of it. I learned how much community mattered to me at Bethany. Being involved in non-profit boards is an important part of my life. Discovering that sense of community is something I would encourage all Bethany students to do.
— JESSICABENEDICT ‘07
Everything is possible with a liberal arts degree. After Bethany I pursued a Engineering career which mean't going to Catholic University getting a BSME along side an MME degree in 3.5 additional years of schooling. The Masters degree was a full research assitantship and all this was possible because I majored in Physics and minored in Math at Bethany. Got credentailed as a Professional Engineer and that is the whole story. Loved every minute of my Bethany and Beta days.
— SMILEY ELABD ‘73
You will learn as much outside of the classroom as you do in it, if you see each person and each moment as an opportunity to grow. Bethany is not just a school, but a learning community.
— CHRIS STILLWELL‘98
Bethany College is the first step in a lifelong journey in education and experience. Face each day with eyes wide open and never give up!
— CAROLE COX
I went to boarding school, grew up in the New York City Area, and the only time I was ever homesick was my first week at Bethany. I swore that I would get more out of my time at Bethany than it would give me and that is the thought that you should echo. Bethany gave me opportunities that led to Law School and an international career involving 18 countries fifty States and 3 territories.
— JOHN BOSEE ‘74
I graduated with a BS in Chemistry. My career job turned out to be in industrial hygiene, not exactly what I studied for. This showed me that one can adapt and succeed in a related field by applying the same discipline and desire you are applying towards your particular degree.
— DAVID FUSSARO ‘66
Bethany will offer you many opportunities to experience new things. Take advantage of all you can.
— TIMOTHYADAMS ‘75
Bethany College can be whatever you want it to be. I matriculated in 1973 and was an “undecided" major who was mostly interested in playing football. Four years later I graduated with a BS in Mathematics... in the meantime we started a Computer Science Department, I ran track for the first time in my life, was president of my fraternity and we won a PAC football title... My advice: “Try New Things”
— KEN BADO ‘77
Time management is a lifetime skill. The more you take control of your time the more success and fun you will have.
— WILLIAM WARNKY ‘71
My years at Bethany were wonderful. I enjoyed campus life while servings as president of Student Government. Bethany's commitment to academics prepared me for my career. My wife who is also a Bethany grad often find ourselves discussing our years on campus. Bethany prepared us well for careers, and life. Thank you to Bethany.
— JOHNAUPPERLE
‘61
The small size of Bethany College created an ideal learning environment, allowing for close collaboration in small classes, meaningful research opportunities, and experiences as a teaching assistant. The accessibility of professors and their consistent guidance and encouragement set me up for success. Not to mention the lifelong friendships that mean more to me than anything!
— JODI BOBBITT ‘91