IN THIS ISSUE:
Nursing Education Center Opens Page 2
Gift Provides Technology for Bethel Seminary of the East Page 3
BethelInvestor www.bethel.edu • Fall 2010
News for Donors to Bethel University
New School Year, New Goals
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ith new programs, new facilities, and new achievements, the 2010-2011 academic year at Bethel began with energy and excitement. The College of Arts & Sciences began offering a bachelor of fine arts and a linguistics major; opened a state-of-theart Nursing Education Center (see p. 2); and welcomed a new freshman class of 642 students. Bethel Seminary St. Paul drew more than 300 pastors, therapists, ministry leaders, seminary students, and community members to hear from a diverse group of highly qualified experts on the topics of depression and suicide for its annual fall conference; Bethel Seminary San Diego hosted H. Norman Wright, renowned marriage and family therapist, as part of its Distinguished Lecture Series; and Bethel Seminary of the East purchased innovative technology that now links students and professors in various locations, thanks to a generous donor (see p. 3). And in the College of Adult & Professional Studies, the first Frogtown/ Summit-University (FSU) cohort comprising eight students celebrated their completion of the General Studies program. Across the university, spiritual transformation is surfacing as well. Naomi Tutu, daughter of South Africa’s archbishop
Desmond Tutu, visited the St. Paul campus to speak in Reconciliation Day chapel, challenging the community to face its own brokenness in order to come together as “one family.” And a student-led initiative drew hundreds into a modernday Tent of Meeting on campus to pray for revival at Bethel (see p. 2). Bethel’s Office of Development also began the academic year with new goals of its own. “The economic challenges, although causing us to make some tough decisions, have also helped us define our goals as an institution looking to the future,” says President Jay Barnes. What follows is a quick look at Bethel’s fundraising priorities for the 2010-2011 fiscal year:
The Bethel Fund: Equipping Adventurous Christ-Followers The Bethel Fund* bridges the gap between tuition and the actual cost of Bethel’s Christcentered education. It helps provide: • Innovative academic programs and resources—cutting-edge technology for labs, classroom resources, and scholarships • Spiritual formation oppor- tunities—challenging chapel speakers, discipleship programs, and off-campus ministries • Faculty enrichment—grants and training/learning opportunities • A vital student life experience—health services, career services, student activities, and programs. This year, $2.5 million is needed for the Bethel Fund. *formerly the Annual Fund
President’s Club Bethel supporters who give at least $1,500 within a year are considered President’s Club donors. “They enjoy increased access to a variety of campus events as well as opportunities to interact with the Office of the President,” says Chris Nelson, development officer for the President’s Club. “We hope to retain our current level of engagement, in addition to seeking 40 new members this year.” (Read about President’s Club members Brent ’97 and Betsy Anderson ’96, p. 3.)
Planned Gifts Will provisions, trusts, annuities, and other forms of planned giving enable alumni, parents, and friends of Bethel to make an impact on the lives of Bethel students for years to come. “Those who include Bethel in their planning become part of the Royal Heritage Society and have the satisfaction of leaving a legacy in support of a Christ-centered education,” explains Dan Wiersum, associate vice president and director of planned giving. (Read about Dennis ’63 and Doris Johnson ’66, who have built Bethel into their trust, p. 3.)
Key Projects Bethel seeks to secure $6 million in cash by May 31, 2011— above and beyond regular gifts—to support the university’s mission through capital improvements. “Both unrestricted cash gifts and accelerated pledge payments will move us closer to that goal,” explains Bruce Anderson, vice president for development. “Capital priorities are always a means to an end. Our goal is to be the school of choice in our category—renowned for educa-
tional excellence across the board because we are preparing adventurous Christ-followers to live out the biblical message of redemption and hope in students’ areas of giftedness.” One of the front-running projects is a Welcome Center. For Bethel to continue to prosper, the College of Arts & Sciences enrollment must remain strong—growing by as many as 30 students a year over the next five years. Challenged by flat high school demographics and a sluggish economy, Bethel sought the advice of higher education consultants with a track record of strengthening recruitment and admissions efforts. Their advice: improve the welcome experience for prospective students by upgrading first impressions. Doing this will require a renovation in the Lundquist Community Life Center and the Academic Center Lounge, creating a more attractive bridge to Brushaber Commons and centralizing the admissions office in an accessible space nearer to the heart of student activity. Other upcoming projects include a fitness center, library expansion, and Bethel Seminary San Diego expansion. (Read about the new Nursing Education Center, a project made possible by generous donor Karin Larson, p. 2.) •
BETHEL INVESTOR
Nursing Scholarship at Work
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Nursing Education Center Opens
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t is incredible what a welltimed gift to Bethel can do to elevate the excellence of our nursing programs,” remarked President Jay Barnes at the opening of the Larson Family Nursing Education Center. “Standing in this facility, we can envision a greater picture of what God is calling our students to be.” More than 200 individuals toured the new 17,500-squarefoot home of Bethel’s nursing programs during an open house and dedication program on Monday, September 27. The Larson Family Nursing Education Center, named in honor of donor Karin Larson and her family, is the result of Larson’s $1 million gift to Bethel University. Larson and a number of her
family members were present at the dedication. Also in attendance were representatives from KKE Architects, the architectural firm for the project, and Mortenson Construction, the project’s general contractor. The state-of-the-art facility includes 29 offices, four classrooms, two skills labs, a conference room, a five-room simulation suite (complete with life-like patients who talk, cry, and even give birth), and two debriefing rooms. The Department of Nursing at Bethel University serves more than 530 undergrad and graduate students each year in the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Adult & Professional Studies, and Graduate School. •
ill and Ruth Dwyer ’75 met while working at Mounds Park Hospital in 1974, where Bill was starting as a psychiatric technician and Ruth was finishing her last year at Mounds Midway School of Nursing through Bethel. After getting married, they spent the next 30 years working in the medical industry. Their daughter Megan followed in their footsteps, graduating with a nursing degree from Bethel in 2001. At Mounds Midway, Ruth says she learned a holistic ap-
Bill and Ruth Dwyer ‘75
proach to nursing—combining Christian compassion with necessary scientific knowledge. Wanting to help more future nurses receive Bethel’s holistic approach, Bill and Ruth set up a fund for Bethel nursing students in 1999. “If a student is unsure about becoming a nurse because of the cost of the necessary education, we want to help financially,” explains Bill. Sarah Westergren ’11 is one such student. “I came to Bethel with enough funds to cover the first semester only. But I knew I wanted to come to Bethel and
Sarah Westergren ‘11
be a nurse, even though anything beyond my first semester was uncertain.” Westergren applied for the Dwyer Nursing Scholarship, given to nursing students in need, and is now completing her senior year. “I strongly feel God’s calling to be a nurse, and the Dwyer Nursing Scholarship has played an important role in helping me reach my goal,” she says. “Each semester has been a gift.” Westergren isn’t the only student at Bethel to benefit from the Dwyers’ generous gift. Each year since the scholarship was started, several nursing students have received help. Bill and Ruth know the difference that stewardship can make, as Bill himself relied on scholarships to get through his undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota and Ruth received financial support as she studied at Mounds Midway School of Nursing. “We’re delighted to invest in Bethel and to help others like we were helped,” says Bill. “It’s all God’s money!” •
Spiritual Transformation in Modern-Day Tent of Meeting
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f you walked by Kresge Courtyard earlier this fall, you probably noticed a white tent. Set up by students, it was the Tent of Meeting in which Bethel community members prayed 24 hours a day for 40 days with a goal of revival. Undergraduate student leaders requested the tent for prayer, and at a Sunday
evening Vespers service, students contributed $1,700 to pay for it. Committed Bethel students prayed for revival for 960 hours straight. They petitioned the Lord to break their hearts with the things that break His heart. “We saw a lot of students experience forgiveness and true freedom, as well as realize their sense of worth and power through Christ,” says Jay Quick, a senior communication studies major and one of the student leaders who spearheaded the initiative. “Students’ hearts have changed. They know the importance of it. They have tasted the presence of God and can’t get enough of it.” This Spirit-led initiative is indicative of Bethel’s emphasis
on spiritual growth. “Entire residence halls, athletic teams, prayer groups, roommates, and many committed individuals wanting to make a difference at Bethel through prayer took their place—on their knees—in the tent,” says Campus Pastor and Dean of Campus Ministries Laurel Bunker. “They not only prayed, but also journaled and painted in tablets so that we could chronicle what the Lord was doing and saying to us individually and collectively. What will the Lord do as a result of this time of intense consecration? We don’t fully know, but what we can be sure of is this: whatever the Lord touches and whomever the Lord visits will undoubtedly be changed forever.” •
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BETHEL INVESTOR
PLANNED GIVING PROFILE
Why President’s Club?
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eing a member of the Welcome Week staff, going on choir tours, helping lead Vespers worship, attending the 1996 Olympics for broadcasting/PR training with other communication studies majors— these are only a few Bethel undergraduate experiences that stand out for Betsy Anderson ’96. Bethel is also where she met her husband, Brent ’97, a business major. They were both in choir and had several business and communication classes together. Now, 13 and 14 years after graduating, Brent and Betsy are President’s Club donors. “To me, it’s something that you just do—give back to an institution that you’ve benefitted from so much,” says Betsy. “I participated in the phone-a-thon as a freshman, which helped me
Betsy ‘96, Rylan, and Brent Anderson ‘97
Dennis and Doris Johnson
make the connection that many of the things I benefitted from, such as the Community Life Center and receiving a scholarship, were the direct result of the donations that Bethel depends on to operate and offer programs.” Brent agrees: “I see it as a matter of stewardship. It’s not hard to give when it is something you believe in and understand how it can be transformative.” Perhaps most transforming for Betsy and Brent was the community they found at Bethel, which generated lifelong friendships. In fact, Betsy and Brent still get together regularly with five other Bethel couples for fellowship and games. In addition to attending the annual Festival of Christmas and Royal football games, Betsy is an active member of the National Prayer Initiative, and Brent has spoken to business classes on numerous occasions. Their son, Rylan, attends the Bethel Child Development Center. “It’s nice to give to an organization you believe in, have a personal connection to, and can see how the money is directly used,” says Betsy. •
Tax-Exempt Gift Meets Immediate Need
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federal contractor employee of Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in upstate New York, Jeannette Gordon is part of an engineering community responsible for the design, assembly, maintenance, operational training and support, and disposal of the nuclear reactors that go into U.S. Navy ships. For more than 35 years, she’s been at the job, which requires highly skilled technical knowledge, structured analytical and strategic thinking, and close collaboration among many people and disciplines. She looks forward to retirement in three to four years and a departure from working with a “hunk of cold steel.” She intends to use her spiritual gifts—teaching, knowledge, and administration—for full- or part-time Christian ministry. To help her with the transition, she began classes at Bethel Seminary of the East (BSOE) five years ago. Now working toward her Master’s in Theological Studies degree, she will graduate in 2011. “My engineering career was and still is very satisfying,” she explains. “Yet I valued what I would gain from
seminary—a deeper understanding of the tools of ministry, sharpened in a structured learning environment.” One of the things Gordon gained has been meaningful interaction with instructors, classmates, and mentors. To enhance this aspect of learning for her as well as other seminarians, she recently gave appreciated stock to BSOE. The gift was liquidated, and BSOE purchased video-conferencing technology for its hybrid course initiative. Professors teach live at one center, linking the class to its “twin” center, allowing students in both centers to hear the same lecture and to participate in discussion together through video-conferencing. The following week, professors teach at the other center, again linking the class live to its “twin” center. BSOE’s Washington, D.C., and New England Centers are “twins.” “The innovative technology helps faculty become more efficient across teaching centers, yet maintain the face-to-face, relation-building dynamic that I think is key to class effectiveness,” says Gordon, who
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ennis ’63 and Doris Johnson ’66 met while singing in the Bethel College Choir. Dennis was a senior and president of the choir, and Doris was a freshman. They joke that Dennis purposely invited Doris to join his church choir so he could see her more often. They married after Doris’ sophomore year, and, following further schooling, the couple invested their God-given gifts into careers—Doris in domestic and international human resources and Dennis teaching chemistry and directing scientific research. Early in life, the Johnsons say they were both taught critical financial principles: giving to God comes first; don’t spend your money until you have it; and save something each month, even if it’s a few dollars. Building on these principles contributed to what the Johnsons call a lifestyle of stewardship. “To us, this means managing, utilizing, and sharing everything in our lives—not just finances, but also time, interests, and skills,” explains Doris. It’s why they’ve opened up their home over the years to single-parent families as well as to college students needing a home away from home or a place to study. It’s why Dennis has given much of his retirement time to the worship ministry at their church, and why Doris has ministered in numerous leadership roles and is currently spearheading a letter-writing ministry. She handwrites notes to people
on their birthdays as well as to people who are sick. Crediting Bethel for their personal and spiritual development, they began giving back to their alma mater early on, specifically to Bethel’s music and chemistry departments. Then, upon retirement, they began giving to Bethel in more longterm ways. Since December 2002, they have donated to various Bethel-related projects, and have funded 18 charitable gift annuities; they receive a monthly check from Bethel, and Bethel will benefit upon their deaths through additional funds for scholarships. “Gift annuities have been a stabilizing piece in addition to our investment portfolio,” explains Doris. “The income from each annuity doesn’t increase over time, but it doesn’t decrease either! As a result, these annuities have given us peace of mind.” Additionally, the Johnsons have set up a trust so that their entire estate will go to Bethel in the form of scholarships for students particularly interested in music or chemistry, as well as for other students who would not otherwise be able to attend Bethel. “We trust Bethel. We trust how they manage finances,” says Dennis. “We believe God is at work there, and we know that our investment will be wisely utilized,” seconds Doris. To the Johnsons, leaving a legacy means making a difference in the lives of others, now and for years to come. “Investment is not about selfishly trying to get rich,” says Doris. “It is about giving so that others can have a better future.” To learn more, contact Dan Wiersum in the Office of Development at 651.635.8052, (800.255.8706, ext. 8052) or by email at d-wiersum@bethel.edu. •
Dennis ‘63 and Doris Johnson ‘66
attended classes at the former New York Center the first five years, but will finish at the New England center. “The purchase also stretches available dollars to keep BSOE affordable and to be there for the next class of seminarians.” Doug Fombelle, BSOE dean, says Gordon’s gift met an immediate need, coming at a time when BSOE needed to increase efficiency and yet maintain the important mentoring, relationship-building aspect of their programs. “She’s very forward-
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looking,” he says. “And it’s been a win-win situation.” Bethel, with tax-exempt status, doesn’t have to pay taxes on the gift; likewise Gordon doesn’t pay taxes on the appreciated portion. “I know of no other school so accessible and built upon the basics of the adult learning model with mentoring as a key element,” says Gordon. “The Northeast U.S. is so diverse, and with many students eager for flexible training, BSOE is wellpositioned to work with them.” •
T H E
B E T H E L
Nonprofit Organization US Postage PAID St Paul MN Permit No 899
INVESTOR 3900 Bethel Drive St. Paul, Minnesota 55112-6999
In This Issue:
Address Service Requested
• 2010-2011 Fundraising Priorities Page 1 • Modern-Day Tent of Meeting Page 2 • Nursing Scholarship in Action Page 2 • Why Give at President’s Club Level? Page 3
BETHEL INVESTOR
CALENDAR OF EVENTS DECEMBER 2-4 54th Annual Festival of Christmas Benson Great Hall 17 College of Adult & Professional Studies and Graduate School Mid-Year Commencement Benson Great Hall 17 College of Arts & Sciences Mid-Year Commencement Benson Great Hall
Dean Ericson ‘70 and Provost David Clark
JANUARY 23 Parent Coffee, Eastlund Room (for parents of prospective CAS students) FEBRUARY 3-6 Curtains Benson Great Hall 18-19 Annual Moberg Reconciliation Conference St. Paul campus 24-27 Our Town Black Box Theatre
Bethel Foundation
40th Reunion Generates Scholarship
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un was the forecast for Homecoming 2010! Some 2,000 alumni weathered the trip back to Bethel October 15-17 to reconnect with friends, roommates, and professors. Alumni toured the campus, attended sample classes, honored alumnus of the year Bruce Dahlman ’76 at Homecoming chapel, and cheered on the Royals football team as they beat Gustavus 20-0. More than 800 alumni also celebrated their reunions, including the Class of 1970. In honor of its 40th reunion, the Class of 1970 created a scholarship and hopes to raise $40,000. Thus far, they have raised more than $14,000 and were able to present a check to Provost David Clark at their homecoming reunion. •
Remembering Kari
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OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT Bruce W. Anderson ’74, Vice President for Development Phone: 651.635.8050 Email: development@bethel.edu Website: bethel.edu/development
ari Rasmussen ’08, an employee in Bethel’s Office of Development, died in a car accident in May 2010. She and her husband John were expecting their first child. Kari is survived by her husband, John; parents, George and Joanne Klug; and her brother and sister. While a student at Bethel, Kari played the baritone saxophone in the wind symphony and jazz band. Throughout that time, she made lasting impressions on her instructors and bandmates. A special concert was performed in her honor on Oct. 29, and in recognition of Kari’s love for music and Bethel, and her loyalty and devotion to Christ as well as her friends, the Kari Rasmussen Memorial Scholarship was established. The funds will be invested with other endowment funds, and a portion of the earnings will be used to underwrite the cost of private music lessons for worthy Bethel University College of Arts & Sciences music students.
Editor: Heather Schnese Designer: Thomas Vukelich ’82 Contributing Writer: Dana Morrison ’12
To give to the Kari Rasmussen Memorial Scholarship, visit bethel.edu/development/give-to-bethel/online. On form, indicate that gift is for this scholarship. •
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s of September 30, 2010, Bethel’s endowment was $32,771,756 and total assets under management were $59,920,135. For more information about trust management opportunities available through the Bethel Foundation, contact Angella Hjelle, Bethel Foundation executive director, at a-hjelle@bethel.edu or 651.635.1001. •
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