Bethel Investor Summer 2011

in this issue:

Plans for New Fitness Center Page 1

Johnson Family’s Legacy Page 2

BethelInvestor www.bethel.edu • Summer 2011

News for Donors to Bethel University

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

—Matthew 18:20

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his verse reminds me that God is ever-present at Bethel. In worship services, board meetings, classrooms, events—wherever students, faculty, staff, volunteers, and donors gather, God is with us.

We are so grateful for our supporters: those of you who walk with us every day, even if you’re not on campus. You are present as we gather for praise, petition, and work.

This past fiscal year has brought many challenges and celebrations. Nearly 1,000 students graduated this past spring across all schools of Bethel University. At Bethel Seminary San Diego, we see the finish line in the renovation and construction project (see p. 3). At Bethel Seminary of the East and in San Diego, graduation was especially jubilant, with a record number of graduates (25 and 46, respectively). At Bethel Seminary St. Paul, physical improvements have brightened classrooms and hallways and made the chapel more accessible.

We are thrilled that the Welcome Center project in St. Paul is nearing completion (see

p. 3), thanks to many generous donors. We’re now in Phase 3, which includes exciting aesthetic updates to the AC Lounge.

And the design and fundraising for our much needed Fitness Center, one of our key priorities, is moving ahead (this page).

Speaking of fundraising, I’m happy to report that because of the generous support of so many of you—our loyal partners—we had the second best year in Bethel University history for receipted gifts. While this is certainly an accomplishment to celebrate, we can’t sit on our laurels; costs and needs increase each year, so we ask for your continued partnership. Our leadership teams are “walking the walk,” with all members answering God’s leading to donate to the Bethel Fund (see p. 3).

And God is present off campus, as well. Read more about how the King Family Foundation Child Development Center in St. Paul is reaching more children and families through quality, Christ-centered care and education (see p. 3).

As we welcome new students, I want to thank you for your continued prayers, support, encouragement, and trust.

We look forward to what God has planned for the year ahead!

In gratitude,

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ethel strives to develop whole and holy persons. This commitment to holistic education entails fostering growth—not just mentally, socially, and spiritually—but also physically. Taking care of our bodies requires exercising regularly. The proposed new Fitness Center will help the Bethel community do just that.

“At this point in Bethel’s history there are very few higher facility needs than a well-equipped state-of-the-art fitness center,” says Edee Schulze, vice president for student life. “Not only is this critical for the current general student population, but also for student athletes and for prospective students . . . .”

Fitness Center Highlights • Approximately 22,000 square feet of new and retrofitted space.

• Located in the heart of campus between the Robertson Physical Education Center (RC) and the Hagstrom Center (HC).

• An inviting three-level fitness center with cardio, weight, and other workout areas.

• Existing space surrounding the new fitness center will be retrofitted for additional athletic or fitness needs, including additional critical classrooms.

• Construction will follow securing of funds.

Value of Fitness Center President Jay Barnes

congratulations grads! early 1,000 students participated in commencement ceremonies in late May and early June across all schools of Bethel University—the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Adult & Professional Studies, the Graduate School, and Bethel Seminary. They received degrees ranging from associates to doctoral degrees, with emphases in everything from pastoral ministry and physics to nursing and education. •

Fitness Center Makes Strides

• Bethel’s competitive recruitment advantage for its College of Arts & Sciences will be greatly enhanced with a state-of-the-art, convenient fitness center capable of accommodating all students.

Current limited facilities are used primarily by sports teams, and students are encouraged to visit off-campus fitness centers at their own expense.

• Today’s students are committed to a healthy and active lifestyle, and a new center will provide them with a variety of exercise opportunities.

• Student athletes will have more resources for strength training and conditioning.

• New classrooms will add much-needed capacity to support Bethel’s expanding exercise science program and will provide other needed general purpose classrooms.

Goal: $5.5 million Fundraising is in progress with more than $1 million secured.

Inquiries from interested Bethel investors are welcomed.

Look for more updates soon. •

bethel investor

PLANNED GIVING profile:

Russell Johnson Family

Benson Brings Financial Acumen to Foundation

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successful business leader, Donald E. Benson, who is executive vice president and a board member of Marquette Financial Companies, brought a professional style to financial matters when he became active in the Bethel University Foundation shortly after its incorporation in 1971. He has served as chair of the Board of Governors for many years.

He also brought his love of the Lord and a desire to see Bethel thrive. Today, Bethel’s Foundation is in a strong financial position, having an effective and diversified Board of Governors, assets under management at $66 million and endowments at $36 million. Says Benson, “Today, Bethel University Foundation’s future looks better than it ever has.”

The future of the Foundation was not so dynamic in its early years. “It lacked critical mass, in terms of the size of its investment portfolio,” Benson recalls. “It’s difficult to attract interest in the field of charitable remainder unitrusts if you can’t demonstrate meaningful returns on trust investments.” Another factor has been that historically most post-graduate careers were typically in honorable but low- paying professions such as pastoring, teaching, and nursing. For the year ended May 31, 2011, the investment portfolio realized a double digit gain.

The seeds of success originated in part with the launching of the now very successful business program at Bethel in the 1970s and 80s, initially sponsored by Benson and Gunnar Kronholm. Benson points to the “Next Step Campaign,” which ended in 2010, in which more than thirty $1 million gifts were committed—many from Bethel business alumni and/or their families. “That was significant,” he says. “It indicates that Bethel is graduating students who have future earning capacity and the

Don Benson

desire to support their school.

As a testament to his passion and commitment to Bethel, Benson has led by example. In the early 1990s when the Community Life Center was just a dream, he stepped up and committed the leadership gift that set the pace for that successful campaign. “I’m very proud of Benson Great Hall,” he says, humbly.

Benson is quick to credit others for creating a viable foundation, including Gunnar Kronholm and president emeritus George Brushaber—as well as the innovation of Harvey DeVries and Warren Eastlund—who each played a role in the creation of the charitable remainder unitrust concept, which is used universally by foundations. He also praises current executive director Angie Hjellie, membership committee chair Linda Goodwin, and investment committee chair Mark Orgel for their expertise, counsel, and strategic thinking. But most important, he gives God the glory. “It’s all made possible by the grace of God.” Says Hjelle, “Bethel University has been blessed all these years to have Don serving such a significant, vital role. It is a delight to see new board members progress under his mentorship, making a meaningful legacy of commitment to Bethel’s mission but with careful management practice.” •

President Jay Barnes and his wife Barb greeted members of the Royal Heritage Society (RHS) at a gathering in May, which celebrated the model of stewardship of those who have committed to estate planning with Bethel University and those who have provided loyal support for at least 20 years.

n inspiring chapter in the Bethel story is the Russell Johnson legacy. Russell taught at Bethel for more than 50 years as a professor of botany/biology.

Son Stephen attended Bethel in the mid-1960s before serving in the Navy, and Stephen’s son Brad Johnson (now Nidersson), a ’94 grad, taught in the art department. Daughter Cindi pursued other educational opportunities, while younger son Dan, a 1969 graduate, taught geography at Bethel in the early 1970s. “Bethel is in my blood,” says Dan. Dan’s first wife, Linda Ostrom Johnson, graduated from Bethel in 1972 with an elementary education degree.

She died in 1988, and in her honor, Dan established a scholarship for elementary education majors from east central Minnesota, where she grew up.

Their daughters Krista, Angie,

Russell and Margaret Johnson

and Jenny are Bethel graduates, too, and Krista taught nursing at Bethel and hopes to return.

The Johnsons also funded the nature trail at Lake Valentine, in honor of Russell’s interest in botany. He died in 2002.

In another tribute to Russell, Bill Slivka ’56 founded a scholarship for pre-med students.

When Russell’s wife Margaret died in 2011, the fund was re-named the Russell W. and Margaret Johnson scholarship and now alternates between awards for nursing and premed students—certainly logical since Margaret studied nursing at Midway Nursing School and Russell taught courses there.

And the Johnson story at Bethel will likely continue, as educational savings accounts have been established for the higher education of Russell and Margaret’s 11 greatgrandchildren.

Bethel left an impression on the Johnson family and in return they are leaving their mark on the university.

For more information about creating a scholarship, please contact Dan Wiersum in the Office of Development at 651.635.8052 (800.255.8706, ext. 8052) or d-wiersum@bethel.edu. •

Thank You, Golfers!

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t the 17th annual Bethel Golf Classic in June, 126 golfers enjoyed the company of Bethel friends and 18 holes of golf on a blustery, hot summer day—despite a short rain delay.

Golfers interacted with Bethel students and recent graduates who were posted at numerous holes, and although no one made a hole-in-one to win a 2011 Volvo, everyone participated in drawings for more than 30 prizes worth nearly $5,600.

Proceeds from Bethel Golf Classics benefit student scholarships and other Bethel Fund projects.

Thanks to golfers, sponsors, and students for making this event a fabulous success! •

Class of 1976 Scholarship

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ne alumnus who was significantly influenced by the caring Bethel community and decided to give back is Steve Bergeson. After graduating in 1976 with a degree in chemistry, he became a physician and returned to Bethel to work for Health Services for several years. His connection to the university continued when his daughter also attended Bethel.

In 1992, Dale Stephens, professor emeritus of chemistry, encouraged Bergeson and his classmates to start giving back to Bethel, and an endowment fund was born. Over the past

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19 years, it has grown and expanded, giving dozens of chemistry majors the chance to learn in a nurturing environment. Bergeson recalls, “We obviously wanted to contribute to the program that we found shaped our lives in such very important ways and helped prepare us for the future.”

He realizes that making a difference in the lives of other Bethel students goes well beyond him and his classmates.

“Because this is endowed, it will continue long after we are gone,” he points out. •

bethel investor

Welcome Center Nearly Complete

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ntended to improve Bethel’s admissions and campus visit experience, the new Welcome Center has been greeting prospective students and their families since last spring.

The first phase involved minimal remodeling of the Community Life Center to provide a welcoming space for prospective students and their families as well as all other campus guests. Some minor improvements and the addition of select furniture and visual elements have increased the functionality of the space, making it the starting point for all campus tours.

The second phase of construction will benefit many more community members. This summer, crews are busy remodeling the AC Lounge, including two skylights, an overall lighting upgrade, and new flooring

and furniture to make the space more attractive, friendly, and functional for students. In addition, the remodeled space will provide an updated and attractive bridge from the Community Life Center into Brushaber Commons.

Plans for the third phase are underway. This phase includes relocating the admissions staff to the lobby of the Community Life Center, closer to the west front of the campus in a much more attractive setting, and bringing visitors to one of the hubs of student activity.

While the project is nearly fully funded, Bethel invites contributions for the remaining balance of about $5,000.

Call Bruce Anderson, vice president for development, at 651.635.8051 if you’re interested in finalizing this significant project. •

Building Permit Granted for Addition and Renovation in San Diego

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he city of San Diego issued a building permit that allows Bethel Seminary San Diego to begin construction of an addition and renovation of its existing facilities. The structure that was on the site of the expansion has been demolished, and construction will begin after funding is secured. Leadership gifts from individual households and foundations have been requested, and responses are encouraging as we close the gap of remaining cash needed for this $6.8 million project.

“We are very excited by the potential of the Bethel Seminary San Diego project and for the opportunity to bring God glory.

This addition and renovation

will allow us to do just that, by increasing the number of people to whom we can deliver Christcentered, transformational education,” says Bethel President Jay Barnes. “It will also offer an improved learning environment for our current students and enhanced facilities for greater service to the community.”

The project includes a two-story, 14,500-square-foot addition and a 6,800-squarefoot renovation, allowing for a 380- to 400-seat chapel and conference center, additional classroom spaces, offices, and an expanded student center.

Look for future updates on the project. •

King Family Foundation Child Development Center Awarded United Way Grant

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hrough a highly competitive and thorough process, the Greater Twin Cities United Way has awarded the Bethel University King Family Foundation Child Development Center (CDC) a $225,000 EducationAccess grant. This program is designed to ensure that at-risk children are fully prepared for kindergarten.

The grant will underwrite EMPOWER, a King CDC Early Learning Initiative created to assure continuity in education and care for children, and empower parents with educational and social tools and resources for success.

“The United Way funding is a wonderful and much-deserved affirmation of the work of King Center Director Talaya Tolefree and the King Center teachers as they minister to children and families in the Frogtown neighborhood,” says Robin Hasslen, director of Bethel’s Early Childhood program.

The King CDC provides children from the Frogtown/ Summit-University community in St. Paul with quality, Christcentered care and education, while simultaneously providing Bethel education students with experiential learning that is community-based, enhancing their ability to be strong, culturally responsive teachers. The center is nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and has a 4-star Parent Aware rating, the highest rating possible.

Besides receiving grants, the center is also funded in part as a ministry of the Bethel Fund.

Sandy Clark, director of corporate and foundation relations, says, “We appreciate all of our donors who have helped make the King Center such an outstanding example of an effective community partnership that models Christ’s love for one another.” •

Leadership Support of Bethel Fund

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eadership teams are leading by example! Each member of the executive leadership team (17), Board of Governors (17), Board of Trustees (37), and the National Alumni Board (14) has answered God’s leading to donate to the Bethel Fund in the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

“It’s not right that we should expect constituents to support Bethel if we have not already led by example and done so,” says Pat Mazorol, senior vice president of university relations.

“In serving the university, it’s important to share not only our time, but our financial blessings as well,” he says. Referring to Haggai 2:8 (“‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”), Mazorol says, “After all, the things we own don’t really belong to us;

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they belong to the Lord.”

Along with supporting capital needs, the Bethel Fund “is the bread and butter of the fundraising efforts of the university,” says Bruce Anderson, vice president for development. The Bethel Fund helps fill the gap between tuition revenue and the actual cost of Bethel’s highquality, Christ-centered education. “The Bethel Fund helps pave the way for a fantastic student experience for all students across the university— from undergrad to seminary to adult professional and graduate studies—by supporting the activities that make Bethel ‘Bethel,’ such as Vespers, exciting chapel speakers, offcampus ministries, and other programs and resources,” says Anderson. •

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Nonprofit Organization US Postage PAID Twin Cities MN Permit No 899

INVESTOR 3900 Bethel Drive St. Paul, Minnesota 55112-6999

In This Issue:

Address Service Requested

• Plans for New Fitness Center Page 1 • Don Benson, Foundation Chair Page 2 • Welcome Center Nearly Complete Page 3 • Leadership Support of Bethel Fund Page 3

bethel investor

Homecoming 2011

calendar of events

September 30-October 2

SEPTEMBER 23 Divorce: Its Impact on our Youth and Children, with Andrew Root, The Underground 30 Jeremiah and Vanessa Gamble, My Name is Daniel, Benson Great Hall 30-October 2: Homecoming

Yo u ’ r e a Pa r t o f t h e

story

OCTOBER 2 Community Hymn Sing, Benson Great Hall 13 Ministry to Our Military and their Families, Wooddale Church, Eden Prairie, Minn.

14 University Orchestra Fall Concert, Benson Great Hall 21 Family Weekend Wind Symphony Fall Concert, Benson Great Hall 22 Family Weekend Jazz Orchestra Fall Concert, Benson Great Hall 21-23 CAS Family Weekend 26-30 Crimes of the Heart by Beth Henley and Electra by Sophocles, Bethel Theatre 28 Concert Organist Carol Williams, Benson Great Hall NOVEMBER 2-5 Crimes of the Heart by Beth Henley and Electra by Sophocles, Bethel Theatre 6 Youth MegaRally featuring Superchick and Jason Strand, Benson Great Hall 7 Performance Prize Competition Recital, Benson Great Hall 10 Leading Men Summit and Pastors and Ministry Staff Seminar featuring Gordon MacDonald 14 Chamber Ensembles Fall Concert, Benson Great Hall

Class reunions for Platinum Alumni (1936, 1941, 1946, 1951, 1956); Golden Alumni (1961); 1966; 1971; 1976; 1981; 1986; 1991; 1996; 2001; 2006 Visit bethel.edu/news-events/events/homecoming for more information about your reunion and other Homecoming events.

To register, contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Services at 651.638.6462 (800.255.8706, ext. 6462) or alumni@bethel.edu.

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Friday, September 30, 7:30 p.m.

My Name is Daniel –This original musical by Jeremiah and Vanessa Gamble (C’95) is a playful yet poignant romp through the biblical story of Daniel— complete with a parody of The Sound of Music.

Alumni should order through the Office of Alumni and Parent Services (see above). Non-alumni should order tickets through the Benson Great Hall Ticket Office: 651.638.6333 (toll-free 866.424.4849).

DECEMBER 1-3 Festival of Christmas

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Bethel Foundation

s of May 31, 2011, Bethel’s endowment was $36,795,891 and total assets under management were $66,697,114.

Office of Development Bruce W. Anderson ’74, Vice President for Development Phone: 651.635.8050 Email: development@bethel.edu Website: bethel.edu/development

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. •

Editor: Tricia Theurer Designer: Thomas Vukelich ’82 Contributing Writer: Eva Albrecht ’14

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