Spring 2015 | www.bethel.edu
BETHEL PARENT A newsletter for parents of Bethel University students
Parents: Volunteer for Spring Banquet
Wellness Center Construction Update
One of Bethel’s enduring traditions is the Spring Banquet. This year’s banquet is Saturday, May 16, before final exams. Students dress up and enjoy a meal and program together. Parents play a significant role, and we need your help! Parent volunteers help with set-up, serving, and clean-up, all while enjoying the company of other parents and socializing with the students who are celebrating a successful year. Afterwards, you’re invited to enjoy dinner as our guest. Register and learn more. n
Contractors are making progress on the construction of the new Wellness Center between the Robertson and Hagstrom Centers—it actually looks like a building! The Wellness Center is on schedule and is expected to open in fall 2015. Highlights:
22,500 square feet on 3 levels 5,500 square feet of biokinetics testing and lab space 6,000 square-feet weight facility 45 cardio machines 30 yards of indoor turf
Bethel’s New Vision and Direction American higher education is undergoing dramatic change, and recent Bethel publications have documented the challenges and opportunities Bethel faces. Last spring, Bethel’s Board of Trustees launched the Strategic Coalition, a set of working teams within the university tasked with charting a path to the future. In February, the board adopted a bold new vision statement: “Bethel will be the Christ-centered university of choice for this century.” The board also approved 15 recommendations presented by the Strategic Coalition to advance Bethel’s mission to its 150th year and beyond. Learn more about how this will impact Bethel. n
Estate Gift Means New Scholarships Bethel University recently received its largest single estate gift, a $3 million gift from the estate of Eunice Singfeldt, who directed the majority of her gift to an endowed scholarship to benefit “worthy and needy students” in the College of Arts & Sciences. Call the financial aid office or visit their website. n
Thanks to Your Valentine’s Gifts, Grants Enrich Classroom Experience Thanks to the hundreds of parents who ordered Valentine’s gifts for your sons and daughters, the Faculty Grant program raised more than $4,250 to help provide grants to faculty members so they can stay on the cutting edge of their professions and enrich academic instruction in the classroom. Grants are used for projects, conferences, equipment, and technology. Plus, students appreciated being remembered by all of you! Last year, your generosity helped 10 faculty members travel, attend conferences and training, do research, and purchase classroom equipment. n
Reminders Is your student graduating this spring? Congratulations! Bethel has several meaningful events planned for graduating seniors and their families over commencement weekend, including a Senior/Parent Banquet, the Baccalaureate Service, and more. Learn what’s planned for commencement weekend.