Academic Recognition • According to the American Enterprise Institute study Diplomas and Dropouts, Bethel University has the highest graduation rate in the Midwest and stands among the five highest in the nation in the “Competitive” category— schools with moderately difficult admissions standards. • Bethel is ranked 19th in the nation for number of students studying abroad in the “Master’s Institutions” category, according to the 2008 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange. • Four faculty members and one student have received Fulbright grants in the last five years. • Department of Physics was chosen by The National Task Force for Undergraduate Physics as one of the 21 “Thriving” Physics Departments in the United States (out of 780). • Consistent success by teams of Bethel students in the Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) and
(COMAP) with students usually placing in the first or second tier.
Award for its extensive involvement in promoting scholarship and biological research, service, convention participation, and social activities.
• Bethel forensics team is highly recognized, with participants earning national championships at the Christian College Nationals and All-American Awards from the National Parliamentary Debate Association.
• Bethel University is consistently
ranked among
• Athletes consistently named to academic all-star teams. Bethel had 76 All-MIAC All-Academic athletes, four alldistrict athletes, and two academic All-Americans in 2008-09.
• Bethel University is listed in “Top Colleges Students” in Peterson’s Competitive Colleges.
top Midwestern Universities in the “America’s Best Colleges” issue of U.S. News & World Report—this year 14th in the Master’s category.
for Top
• The Clarion student newspaper in 2008 received second place “Best of Show” honors from the Associated College Press in the four-year, non-weekly competition category. • The Gamma Omega chapter of the Tri-Beta National Honor Society (for the biological sciences) at Bethel received the
2007 Lloyd M. Bertholf “Outstanding Chapter”
while still in college. They study abroad in large numbers through partnerships Bethel has developed with other institutions around the world. They are trained to be leaders and servants, making positive and lasting contributions to their communities and churches during their college years and after graduation. National Merit scholars thrive at Bethel, where there are just 11 students to each faculty member, allowing an unusual degree of personal attention. “I have found professors that push me and want me to grow and succeed,” says senior Jessica Nordman, an elementary education major. Likewise, senior Benjamin Boycott, a teaching assistant in the finance department, has become close to a number of his Bethel instructors and says he found academic success through their guidance. “I have been impressed with the manner in which the business and economics faculty have integrated Christ, morality, and truth into a line of work that is starved for these things,” he explains. “Their passion has helped shape my future plans, and has given me a drive to use my skills for the glory of God.” BU
Christa Rheingans
Benjamin Boycott
Hannah Parks
Jessica Benham
Matthew Nelson
Stephen Seaberg
Jessica Nordman
Jonathan Seaberg
Sophomore undecided major from Madison, Minn.
Senior economics/business major from Kenai, Alaska
Junior biochemistry/molecular biology major from Plymouth, Minn.
Senior elementary education major from Owatonna, Minn.
In my free time, I…work part time as a marketing consultant and am a teaching assistant in the finance department. I played Bethel hockey for one year, and now play in a Christian men’s league, where we travel to northern Canada each winter for a mission/hockey trip. Being from Alaska, I’m also really into hunting and fishing, and last spring I finally got that big grizzly bear! I also enjoy spending time with my wife and cat.
In my free time, I…play varsity volleyball, work with Shift (a freshman Bible study/mentorship program), tutor for biology and chemistry, serve as a teaching assistant in chemistry and an intern with Medtronic. I like to relax outside, play any sort of sport, and spend time with friends.
Sophomore theatre major from Minnetonka, Minn., currently studying in Australia
Sophomore music education major from Eagan, Minn.
In my free time, I…participate on the Global Prayer Team and in Twin Cities Outreach, work in the Math Lab, volunteer as a youth mentor, and have adventures!
Freshman international relations/ communications studies major from Pittsburgh In my free time, I…plan to participate on the forensics team. I love swimming, especially the 100-yard butterfly. And taking time to visit and listen to the elderly is one of my passions.
In my free time, I…act in Bethel productions and in a performance piece at Wesley Institute in Sydney, Australia, where I’m studying this semester. I play pick-up sports like broomball and ultimate Frisbee, and I work with a local youth group every week. I love studying abroad and traveling on mission trips.
In my free time, I…play trumpet in a variety of bands, including the Minnesota Youth Symphony. I was a drum major in my high school marching band, and was on the cross country, baseball, table tennis, and math teams. I plan to be in the band, orchestra, and jazz band at Bethel and play some intramural sports.
In my free time, I…read classic novels and listen to music.
Senior mathematics/Spanish major from Eagan, Minn., currently studying in Mexico
Hardest Bethel class: Humanities I and II Dumb thing I’ve done: I’ve done too many to pick just one. But it most likely happened at four in the morning when I should have been in bed!
Hardest Bethel class: Believe it or not, ILA (Introduction to Liberal Arts)! Dumb thing I’ve done: Giving this interview. There’s a good chance I’ll never live it down!
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International Mathematical Contest in Modeling
Fall 2009
Hardest Bethel class: Calculus II When I graduate, I…might go to medical school or enter a physician assistant program. Dumb thing I’ve done: I do lots! But I’m probably too quick to speak and say stupid things without thinking.
When I graduate, I…plan to attend law school. Dumb thing I’ve done: I allowed myself to get extremely nervous before my driving test and ended up running a red light! But no one was injured.
Hardest Bethel class: Introduction to Statistical Methods and Experimental Design When I graduate, I…plan to work with urban youth using drama/theatre to connect and reach kids.
Hardest Bethel class: Multi-variable Calculus
Hardest Bethel class: Humanities When I graduate, I…plan to teach elementary school. Dumb thing I’ve done: I once wore 4 ½ inch heels to teach for an entire day. I’m not exactly sure what I was thinking that morning!
In my free time, I…play trumpet and piano in band and orchestra, take piano lessons, and play piano in chamber ensembles. I enjoy traveling on mission trips and have been to Mexico and Texas with campus ministries groups. Hardest Bethel class: Readings from Latin America and Spain
When I graduate, I…want to become a high school band teacher.
When I graduate, I…plan to go into actuarial science, preferably at an insurance company.
Dumb thing I’ve done: While driving, I made a wrong turn and ended up in the parking entrance at the airport. I had no money to get through the gate, so I had to go back the wrong way.
Dumb thing I’ve done: On a vacation to Florida many years ago, I accidentally smacked my forehead against a stucco stairwell while chasing my brother. We spent several hours at the hospital.
Bethel University
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