Fall 2013 | www.bethel.edu
Bethel Investor News for Donors to Bethel University
One Body; One Community
“Together you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of that body.” 1 Corinthians 12:27 undergraduate adult business learners who are usually working full-time while pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
College of Arts & Sciences
Each time I walk in or out of the Brushaber Commons this inspirational scripture etched in cornerstone reminds me that we are one body in Christ. It also reminds me that we are one Bethel community. Across generations and schools, we join together around one mission and purpose. Whether you are a Bethel investor, one of our 30,000 alumni, current student, staff or faculty member, board member, friend, or church partner, you are a vital part of Bethel University. Celebrating our unity has been important in these challenging times. It has also been an important topic for discussion as we launched a re-branding initiative to focus on the strength of our master brand: Bethel University. Rest assured that while our programs are growing and look is changing, our values and mission remain rock solid. Fall is the ideal time to introduce our new look, as autumn is a time of renewal for us at Bethel. The start of the academic year is filled with energy and purpose as students return to campus. And as we look forward to implementing new plans and programs (take a look at the upper right at some highlights), we thank you for your partnership, fellowship, prayer, and commitment to Bethel’s mission.
Jay Barnes
Welcome Week: Bethel welcomed nearly 800 freshmen and transfer students to their new home. It’s one of the most joyful and exuberant times on campus—not just for incoming students and their families, but for all in the Bethel community. Randall Bergen recently started as the new executive assistant—a key cabinet position—to President Jay Barnes. Rich Sherry, who retired last spring, left some big shoes to fill, but Bergen—who comes to Bethel after serving as the acting president of Greenville College in Illinois—brings with him vast experience that will serve Bethel well during this next season.
Bethel Seminary
College of Adult & Professional Studies/ Graduate School
The Physician Assistant (PA) program recently received provisional accreditation, and classes began this summer. Thanks to generous donors, who gave more than $500,000 for program seed money and start-up costs, the first cohort of PA students began their education on a firm foundation. Beginning this fall, the adult B.A. in Business Management program will include four concentrations that allow students to specialize. Concentrations will be offered in global business, management, human resource management, and business communications to make the program even more relevant for today’s
Why the Bethel Fund? Did you know that tuition doesn’t cover the entire cost of a quality Christian education? That’s why the Bethel Fund— and your support—is so crucial for all students in all schools. The Bethel Fund is Bethel University’s bread and butter, providing the distinctive experiences that set Bethel apart from other colleges. The Bethel Fund makes a difference because it helps make a quality Christian education more affordable for all students. A strong Bethel Fund is integral to a strong Bethel University. As one body in Christ and one Bethel community, alumni, parents, friends, investors, faculty, and staff work together to serve Bethel’s students— providing them with the transformative, Christ-centered education they need to make a difference in our world and to advance the gospel. And as the body of Christ, we give joyfully because we believe strongly in Bethel’s mission and investing in young men and women. It takes all of us contributing— at any level—to make a vital Bethel Fund.
Highlights at Bethel Seminary include a switch from quarters to semesters, which has provided an opportunity for improvements in the entire curriculum. New at Bethel Seminary San Diego is the M.A. in Ministry Practice program, designed for leaders who are called to specialized vocational ministry. And last spring, the Seminary Alumni Council honored Paul Berthiaume as the 2012 Bethel Seminary Alumnus of the Year (see page 2).
Every gift makes a difference!
$120
Where Your Donations Go
to the Bethel Fund
You can help bridge the gap between the cost of a Bethel education and the cost of tuition when you invest in the Bethel Fund. Your gifts help provide: • Spiritual formation opportunities, including challenging chapel speakers and off-campus ministries • Innovative academic programs and resources • Student development for seminary students at all sites • Faculty enrichment opportunities • Services crucial to a vital student life experience • Student and faculty research • Traditions such as Welcome Week and interim broomball • Global engagement
How to Make a Donation • Visit bethel.edu/giving to make an online donation. • Mail a check in the enclosed envelope.
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Join Bethel Fund Partners When you donate $120 or more in unrestricted gifts to the Bethel Fund in a fiscal year (June 1-May 31), you are recognized as a Bethel Fund Partner. Each gift makes a difference to each student! —Fund continued on page 2