IN THIS ISSUE:
Bethel Fund Partners Page 2
Class Scholarship Keeps Giving Page 2
BethelInvestor www.bethel.edu • Winter 2012
News for Donors to Bethel University
You’re Invited . . . to Invest in Bethel
W
ith new students, facilities, and achievements, the 2011-2012 academic year at Bethel began with energy and excitement. The College of Arts & Sciences enrolled a record 2,842 students for fall 2011. And Bethel University was ranked 19th among Midwestern Universities in U.S. News & World Report’s recent “America’s Best Colleges” guide. Bethel was one of only three Minnesota colleges and universities to be ranked in the top 20 Midwestern Universities category. The Doctor of Education program welcomed about 50 students to its annual residency in July, bringing their numbers to more than 165 studying online from 31 states and 10 foreign countries. Representatives from the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools were recently on the St. Paul campus to review the accomplishments of Bethel Seminary. Their observations will be reviewed by the organizations and final reports will be released in February. Their findings were positive, with commendation for a number of significant strengths. Bethel Seminary San Diego is hosting Christian environmental ethicist Susan Power Bratton, to kick off its Distinguished Lecture Series with her presentation “God and the Waters: Theology and Stewardship.” Staff at Bethel Seminary of the East are busy forging new relationships with churches in Washington, D.C., and New England. “These partnerships
are crucial, as they help us recruit students and advance our mission,” says Doug Fombelle, dean and executive officer of Bethel Seminary of the East. Across the university, reconciliation is in the forefront. Rev. Cheryl Sanders, one of the most distinguished women in ethics and reconciliation studies, visited the St. Paul campus to speak at Reconciliation Day chapel, challenging the community to work diligently together and to receive and minister to everyone who comes—not just those with whom we might want to work. Bethel’s Office of Development also began the academic year with new goals of its own. “The implementation of our strategic initiatives and goals will help ensure a solid institution now and into the future,” says President Jay Barnes. Following is a quick look at Bethel’s fundraising priorities for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
Bethel Fund: Lighting Paths to Equip Adventurous ChristFollowers The Bethel Fund (formerly the Annual Fund) bridges the gap between tuition and the actual cost of Bethel’s Christ-centered education. Your gifts to the Bethel Fund help provide: • Innovative academic programs and resources— cutting-edge technology for labs, classroom resources, and scholarships • Spiritual formation opportunities—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, $2.75 million is needed for the Bethel Fund.
Key Projects Bethel seeks to secure cash donations and financial commitments—above and beyond regular gifts to the Bethel Fund—to support the university’s mission through capital improvements. “Investments in the form of current gifts and pledges will move us closer to bringing key projects into reality,” explains Bruce Anderson, vice president for development. The Welcome Experience Project, which enhances campus visits for prospective students and their families, is now complete. Thank you to generous donors who made this dream a reality. A new wellness center is Bethel’s largest capital fundraising priority. It is expected to include a fitness center, muchneeded classrooms, space for Health Services and Counseling Services, and more. This facility is integral to the future of Bethel University for many reasons, including recruitment and retention of students, convenience, and health and wellness. Look for more updates soon. The Seminary San Diego expansion project is also a top priority. (See p. 3.)
Phonathon The Bethel University Phonathon reaches out to alumni, parents, and friends to build relationships and raise support for the Bethel Fund. Phonathon Manager Chad Boysen says, “Student callers offer a unique
perspective of why consistent giving is crucial to Bethel’s continued excellence. Students love to share with donors what’s happening on campus and how God is working in their lives.”
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 Christcentered education,” explains Dan Wiersum, associate vice president and director of planned giving. (Read about the importance of wills on p. 3.)
Bethel Fund Partners To invite and encourage donor participation in various levels of philanthropy, Bethel has established five new levels for unrestricted gifts to the Bethel Fund. “This invitation to the next generation of philanthropy is an opportunity for additional friends to support both the short- and long-term goals of the institution,” says Pat Mazorol, senior vice president for university relations. Partners enjoy increased access to campus events, as well as opportunities to interact with members of Bethel’s leadership team. (Read more about Bethel Fund Partners on page 2.) •