Bethel Investor Spring 2011

in this issue:

Endowment for Math/ Computer Science Majors Page 2

Donors and Students Connect at Dinner Page 2

BethelInvestor www.bethel.edu • Spring 2011

News for Donors to Bethel University

On the Way to May 31!

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he end of Bethel University’s academic year is in sight, and hundreds of graduates are preparing to go out into the world with their new degrees, equipped to transform culture and advance the gospel. As Bethel’s fiscal year-end—May 31, 2011—also draws close, there are numerous accomplishments to celebrate, thanks to generous donors, and many projects for which more support and partnership must be garnered.

“Generous donations from alumni, parents, and friends received by May 31 will support many of the current needs of Bethel University,” says Bruce Anderson, vice president for development. “We welcome the engagement of all donors to sustain Bethel’s investment in the transformation of students by providing a meaningful contribution this year.” Everyone has a role to play in helping Bethel in its mission to equip adventurous Christ-followers who will change the world.

Read on for brief updates on current projects and fiscal priorities. •

Intended to improve Bethel’s admissions and campus visit experience, a new Welcome Center will greet prospective students and their families by this fall! Phase 1 requires modifying a portion of the Community Life Center lobby, and this process has already begun. Phase 2, addressing the Academic Center lounge area, will be completed later this spring. Plans for Phase 3, addressing the location and configuration of the Office of Admissions, are well underway.

The entire project is within $40,000 of being fully funded.

Bethel Fund

Chemistry Endowment Donors raised $250,000 for the chemistry department’s Science Initiative Endowment.

These funds will provide chemistry students and faculty with opportunities for extensive research through summer stipends.

As of February 21, gifts to the Bethel Fund amounted to $1,487,907. The goal for this year is $2.5 million. The fund bridges the gap between tuition and the actual cost of Bethel’s Christ-centered education. It helps provide: innovative academic programs and resources, like cutting-edge technology for labs and scholarships; spiritual formation opportunities, such as challenging chapel speakers and off-campus ministries; faculty enrichment, including grants; and a vital student life

$2,500,000

Welcome Center

experience that Bethel Fund includes Progress health services, career services, and student activities.

Donations from alumni, parents, and friends received

by May 31, 2011, will support many of the current needs of Bethel University.

$1,487,907

Remodeled welcome desk in the Community Life Center lobby

Initiated last summer, the Bethel Chemistry Department Summer Research Program employed funds from the endowment to support the research of Assistant Professor Matthew Neibergall and Paul Davis, a senior biochem­istry and molecular biology major. Together they studied a type of enzyme and its functionality. Junior engineering science major John Cayton was also able to partner with Professor Rollin King in researching computational quantum chemistry.

“Students are able to see how everything they learn in their various classes is truly integrated in research,” says Department Chair Wade Neiwert, currently in his seventh year at Bethel. “It becomes an interdisciplinary process that requires students to combine their math, physics, biology, and chemistry backgrounds to solve problems.”

With the endowment, the department plans to fund two student/faculty research teams during summer 2011.

she has had wonderful experiences on campus and in the community. It’s a joy to see her pursuing her goal to be an elementary school teacher. Her interest in helping others and glorifying God through her journey at Bethel has been a very moving experience for our entire family.”

Fitness Center Bethel’s competitive advantage in terms of College of Arts & Sciences recruitment will greatly increase with a state-ofthe-art, convenient fitness center capable of accom­modating all students. Current limited facilities are used primarily by sports teams; Bethel encourages other students to visit off-campus fitness centers at their own expense.

Kris and Mike Miller

President’s Club President’s Club members are donors who give $1,500 or more in annual contributions. Bethel welcomes 37 new households as President’s Club members so far this academic year. Mike and Kris Miller are one of these families. Their daughter Jennifer ’13 is majoring in elementary education and minoring in biblical and theological studies. She’s a member of the handbell ensemble and is headed to Honduras on a mission trip over spring break.

“We have been so impressed by her educational development and blessed by her spiritual growth,” says Kris. “From the moment she began at Bethel,

Fitness Center Concept: A three-level expansion between the Robertson Center and the Hagstrom Center.

The concept undergoing design has 22,000 square feet of new and retrofitted space located between the Robertson Physical Education Center and the Hagstrom Center. Situated in the heart of campus, students will have easy access to the center. The design will incorporate an inviting two-level fitness —May 31 continued on page 2

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Scholarship Donors and Recipients Connect over Dinner

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ormer missionaries Florence ’51 and Clem Walbert believe women need recognition in a pastoral world that’s predominantly male. “We feel the feminine voice needs to speak out in the church to broaden the experiences of the

congregation,” says Florence.

For this reason, in 2008 they started the Walbert Scholarship for Women Preparing for Ministry.

Heidi Williamson is the first seminary student to benefit —Scholarship continued on page 3

Nursing Grant for Technology

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he Theodore W. Batterman Family Foundation has awarded the Bethel nursing department a grant of nearly $147,000 to help provide Bethel nursing students with high-quality, hands-on experience with technology they will encounter in their nursing careers. Much of the new equipment is intended to keep Bethel nursing students on the cutting edge of healthcare technology.

“Our students have to keep abreast of what’s happening in the area [of nursing technology],” says Nursing Lab Coordinator Marilyn Hedstrand.

The grant, which will go toward bedside computers, a baby simulator, a med-dispense system, and IV arm simulators, will maximize the educational

value of the Larson Family Nursing Education Center, which opened in fall 2010. The equipment will help students better learn how to manage electronic charting and the electronic storage and retrieval of medicine, as well as help them practice care on human simulators that cover the age continuum from baby to elderly.

“We were blessed with this facility. Now we’re going to raise the bar again with a new level of technology,” says Hedstrand, referencing the enhanced nursing department space completed last summer.

With 270 students representing 13.5% of Bethel’s undergraduate student body, nursing is the second largest major at Bethel University. •

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center with cardio, weight, and other exercise areas. A third level will provide four much needed classrooms. The approximate cost of this major campus improvement will be about $7 million.

Seminary Grant for Future Pastors

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new grant from the Kern Family Foundation will help Bethel Seminary strengthen the nation’s local churches through scholarships for evangelical men and women committed to lifelong service in pastoral ministry. It will also prepare students through rigorous curricula that includes participation in a “Best Practices in Preaching” Colloquium, a church-based preaching practicum, additional preaching courses, and the Omark Preaching Competition.

Bethel Seminary was one of only eight seminaries selected to participate in this second phase of the Kern Scholars Initiative, which began in 2003.

“We are excited to continue a valued partnership with the Kern Family Foundation in order to address the growing need for highly-qualified pastors

with a passion for ministry and church leadership,” says Bethel President Jay Barnes. “This grant draws on the excellent theological education offered through Bethel Seminary, a strong preaching program, and committed relationships with partnering churches. We are grateful for the Kern Family’s support of these efforts.”

“Being selected for the grant is recognition of the fantastic work Bethel Seminary faculty and administration, and ulti­ mately our graduates, are doing,” says Joseph Dworak, director of admissions and strategic initia­tives for Bethel Seminary.

“It is an honor to again be select­ed by Kern for this initiative.” The first students supported by these grants will begin their theological education in fall 2011. •

Math and Computer Science Endowment A donor couple has committed $100,000 as a challenge match to fund a $250,000 student research endowment designated for the support of math and computer science students.

The endowment will afford these majors the opportunity to work collaboratively with faculty members on research in growing fields including computer graphics, artificial intelligence, statistics, discrete math, signal processing, and robotics.

Bethel’s math and computer science department currently comprises nine full-time faculty members, 55 math majors, and 30 computer science majors.

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These majors consistently rank in the top 25% among hundreds of teams in the international COMAP Mathematical Contest in Modeling. Their 2009 rank of “Meritorious Winner” placed them in the top 18% of the 1,675 entries worldwide—the same tier as schools like MIT, Princeton, and Stanford.

Interested in giving to Bethel University before fiscal year-end?

Contact the Office of Development at 651.635.8050 or development@ bethel.edu. Or visit bethel.edu/ development. •

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PLANNED GIVING: “We wanted to leave a legacy that will last long after we’re gone.”

Charitable Gifts Through Your IRA

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he Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 has extended the IRA Charitable Rollover for 2010 and 2011.

Originally passed in 2006 as part of the Pension Protection Act, the IRA Charitable Rollover allows individuals age 70½ and older to make direct transfers totaling up to $100,000 per year to 501(c)(3) charities, without having to count the transfers as income for federal income tax purposes.

• Who qualifies? Individuals who are age 70½ or older at the time of the contribution (you have to wait until your actual 70½th birthday to make the transfer).

“With gift annuities, we receive fixed payments for life. After we’re gone, we can continue to help students in need.”

• How much can I transfer? $100,000 each year for 2010 and 2011

We are Dennis and Doris Johnson.

And Bethel University is helping us have a lasting impact.

Bethel can help you, too! Talk to us about your options, such as: • Designating your retirement plan • Leaving a life insurance policy • Making a bequest through your will • Making a gift now, and receiving income for life • And much more Any of these options could help you now and provide for your family in the future.

Some can be put into place today without losing any income.

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.

• To what charities can I make gifts? Tax-exempt organizations that are classified as 501(c)(3) charities, including Bethel University, to which deductible contributions can be made • Can I use the rollover to fund life-income gifts (charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, or pooled income funds)? No, these are not eligible.

Read more about the Johnsons and others who are leaving a legacy at bethel.edu/development/giftplan.

Not intended as legal, tax, or investment advice.

—Scholarship continued from page 2

from this scholarship. She began the master of divinity program in fall 2009 after some resistance. “I felt God’s call early in life and tried to ignore or change it, but God was persistent,” she says. After getting her undergraduate degree in psychology, Williamson still felt that she hadn’t fulfilled God’s wishes and was led to seminary.

She worried about finances and the commitment it would take to attend seminary. She didn’t know, however, that she would receive so much support—monetary and otherwise—from people like the Walberts.

• From what accounts can I make transfers? Transfers must come from your IRAs directly to Bethel University.

If you have retirement assets in a 401(k), 403(b) etc., you must first roll those funds into an IRA, and then you can direct the IRA provider to transfer the funds from the IRA directly to Bethel University.

At a recent seminary scholarship dinner, the Walberts and Williamson were finally able to meet. “Heidi was very clear in her goals and seemed balanced,” says Florence. The Walberts say they’ve been praying regularly for Williamson.

“Knowing that there are people who don’t know me but believe in me and in Bethel means more to me than financial support,” says Williamson. • Editor’s Note: Clem Walbert passed away on March 8, after this article was written. His legacy will live on through the Walberts’ scholarship.

• Can I use the rollover to fund donor advised funds or supporting organizations?

No, these are not eligible.

• Can I use the rollover to support a particular purpose at Bethel? As with all other gifts, you can direct your IRA Charitable Rollover gift as you see fit. However, you cannot direct your gift for a purpose from which you receive a personal benefit, goods, or services in return, such as a gala ticket, to purchase items at a silent auction, etc.

• How will Bethel count the gift? We will give you full credit for the entire gift amount.

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• What are the tax implications to me?

– Federal: You do not recognize the transfer to Bethel as income, provided it goes directly from the IRA provider to us. However, you are not entitled to an income tax charitable deduction for your gift.

– State: Each state has different laws, so you will need to consult with your own advisors. Some states have a state income tax and will include this transfer as income. Within those states, some will allow for a state income tax charitable deduction and others will not. Other states base their state income tax on the federal income or federal tax paid. Still other states have no income tax at all.

• Does this transfer qualify as my minimum required distribution? Once you reach age 70½, you are required to take minimum distributions from your retirement plans each year, according to a federal formula. IRA charitable rollovers count toward your minimum required distributions for the year.

• How do I know if an IRA charitable rollover is right for me? You are at least age 70½ and: – You do not need the additional income necessitated by the minimum required distribution, or – Your charitable gifts already equal 50% of your adjusted gross income, so you do not benefit from an income tax charitable deduction for additional gifts, or – You do not itemize deductions.

• What is the procedure to execute an IRA charitable rollover? Time is limited, so contact your plan provider to learn their procedures. We also offer a sample letter you can send to your plan provider to initiate a rollover. Make sure that you contact us when you direct the rollover so we can look for the check from your plan provider.

For more information, please contact Dan Wiersum at Bethel University, 651.635.8052 (800.255.8706, ext. 8052) or d-wiersum@bethel.edu.

The material presented herein is not offered as legal or tax advice.

Planned Giving Content © 2011 Virtual Giving •

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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

• Welcome Center Underway Page 1 • Bethel Fund Update Page 1 • Grant Funding for Nurses and Pastors Page 2 • New IRA Tax Information Page 3

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calendar of events APRIL 1 Ministry to Military Families and Vets Seminar Bethel Seminary St. Paul 1-2 Young Alumni Marriage Seminar Bethel University 9 Best Life Women’s Conference Benson Great Hall 28-May 7 Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily • Bethel Theatre 29 Jazz in the Great Hall Benson Great Hall MAY 6

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Royal Heritage Society Dinner and Classics in the Great Hall Benson Great Hall Baccalaureate Service Benson Great Hall Commencement for College of Arts & Sciences, College of Adult & Professional Studies, and Graduate School • Benson Great Hall

JUNE 4

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Commencement for Bethel Seminary St. Paul • Benson Great Hall Commencement for Bethel Seminary San Diego College Avenue Baptist Church, San Diego Commencement for Bethel Seminary of the East 17th Annual Bethel Golf Classic StoneRidge Golf Course, Stillwater, Minn.

JULY 23

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Portland 11th Annual Picnic Southwest Hills Baptist Church, Beaverton, Ore. Seattle Picnic Gathering Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Renton, Wash.

Give to the Bethel Fund

by May 31 Giving to the Bethel Fund is the most immediate way you can help equip the students of Bethel to become adventurous Christ followers. We welcome your support and remind you that the deadline is May 31, 2011. Thank you for making a meaningful difference for so many! bethel.edu/development • 800.255.8706, ext. 8050

Save the Date!

Bethel Royal Heritage Society Dinner and Concert May 6, 2011 Dinner and Reception 5 p.m. • Robertson Center Classics in the Great Hall Concert 7:30 p.m. • Benson Great Hall

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ethel’s Royal Heritage Society consists of investors whose estate plans help ensure a strong and secure future for Bethel in the decades to come. Gifts bestowed through the Royal Heritage Society support capital improvements, endowment growth, scholarships, academic programs, and a variety of other important services and programs.

If you are interested in joining the Royal Heritage Society, contact Dan Wiersum in the Office of Development at 651.635.8052 or 800.255.8706, ext. 8052. •

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Bethel Foundation

s of February 28, 2011, Bethel’s endowment was $35,944,606 and total assets under management were $65,604,565.

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: Heather Schnese Designer: Thomas Vukelich ’82 Contributing Writer: Dana Morrison ’12

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