Bethel Magazine Fall/Winter 2016

Homecoming 2016 p. 3

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Thinking Christianly about Movies p. 18

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Engaging the World through Reconciliation p. 22

Fall/Winter 2016

THE BETHEL OF TOMORROW New Spaces Serve the Next Generation of Students p. 12

College of Arts & Sciences

| College of Adult & Professional Studies | Graduate School | Bethel Seminary

HELP CULTIVATE THE NEXT GENERATION OF WORLD-CHANGERS

Partner with us in what God is doing at Bethel, and help change the world­— one student at a time.

Make a gift today at bethel.edu/giving

Editor Michelle Westlund ’83 Design Darin Jones ’97 Contributors Whitney Bak ’15 Christine Erntson Timothy Hammer ’08, S’12 Paul Hjellming ’13 Jenny Hudalla ’15 Jared Johnson GS’14 Anna Kaihoi ’07 Monique Kleinhuizen ’08, GS’16 Nathan Klok ’17 Linda LaFrombois Suzanne McInroy Lauren Pareigat ’08 Andrea Parrott Scott Streble President James (Jay) H. Barnes III Editorial Offices 3900 Bethel Drive St. Paul, MN 55112-6999 651.638.6233 651.638.6003 (fax) bethel-magazine@bethel.edu Address Corrections Office of University Advancement 651.635.8050 university-advancement-updates@ bethel.edu

photo by Toey Lidstone ’17

At Bethel University, excellence is about more than getting an education. It’s about living with purpose. Learning to engage with others in ways that matter.

Practicing, not just preaching. Doing, not just talking.

Reaching in to let experiences shape us, and reaching out­—to change the world.

Fall/Winter 2016 Volume 8 Number 1

“Thank you for making our Bethel experience possible.”

Student Body President Zoe Vermeer ’17 (r) and Vice President Taji Onesirosan ’17 (l)

Bethel Magazine is published two times a year by Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112-6999. Postage paid at St. Paul, Minnesota, and additional mailing offices. Printed in the USA. Copyright © 2016 Bethel University.

All Rights Reserved.

B ethel U niversit y is sponsored by th e c h u rc h e s of C o nve rg e .

It is the policy of Bethel not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, or disability in its educational programs, admissions, or employment policies as required

by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments. Inquiries regarding compliance may be direc ted to: C om plia n ce O f f ice r, B eth e l University, 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112-6999.

Welcome Home!

photo by Nathan Klok ’17

This fall, new students received an enthusiastic Welcome Week greeting—and later, alumni returned to campus for Homecoming 2016. Who says you can’t go home again?

DEPARTMENTS

Campus News Homecoming 2016; Bethel makes Money magazine’s “100 Best Colleges for Your Money”; campus improvements provide enhanced study and social spaces

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FEATURES

12 The Bethel of Tomorrow

As we think about the future, how do we imagine the Bethel experience for students, and imagine it in a better way? In the works: plans for new spaces that inspire learning for the next generation of students.

Bookmarked Recently published books by Theology Goes to the Movies Bethel faculty members

Sports News Standout athletes; football coach Steve Johnson; volleyball player Carlee Hoppe ’16

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How do believers think Christianly about film, and use the universal language of cinema to engage in meaningful conversations about faith?

Going Out from Here AlumNews Reconciliation starts here, with ourselves and our community. But what happens then?

Bethel students and faculty embrace the messy process of taking reconciliation out from here into the complicated challenges of a hurting world.

Bethel University

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JayTalking A conversation with President Jay Barnes

Does a Bethel Education Pay Off? As a longtime Consumer Reports subscriber, I was dismayed to see the August 2016 cover story proclaiming, “I Kind of Ruined My Life by Going to College.”

The story discussed student debt, a topic that has received national attention since the economic collapse that began in 2008. The cover quote came from a student whose reported college debt was an eye-popping $152,000.

What’s the truth about student debt at Bethel?

According to data guru Dan Nelson ’74, who serves as Bethel’s chief institutional data and research officer, here are the facts about undergraduate students: • 25% of Bethel students don’t borrow any funds—the same percentage as in 2006.

• The median Bethel student debt in 2015 was $28,000, $500 less than in 2006.

• Bethel graduates repay their debt. Our loan default rate is 1.7% compared to the national average of 11.3%.

• Only 23% of Bethel graduates borrowed more than $40,000.

• Financial aid to College of Arts & Sciences students has increased from approximately $16 million in 2008-09 to $34 million in 2016-17.

• According to the state website “Education Pays for Itself,” Bethel graduates who work in Minnesota earn an average of $49,525 two years after graduation, a higher salary than graduates of the University of Minnesota or most private colleges.

Does a Bethel education pay off?

Bethel recently made Money magazine’s list of “100 Best Colleges for Your Money,” rating especially strong in the “job meaning” metric: 68% of Bethel graduates said their job made the world a better place (see p. 7 to read more). And each year we survey graduates who are one, five, and 10 years out of school. The 2015 results show: • Low unemployment. 0.24% for 1-year, 1.1% for 5-year, and 0.6% for 10-year alumni.

• Satisfaction with job preparation. 88% of 1-year, 89% of 5-year, and 84% of 10-year alumni said they were at least somewhat satisfied with how their Bethel education prepared them for their current position. The majority were satisfied or very satisfied. (See p. 8 for stats about our adult undergrad and graduate alumni.)

• Involvement in faith community. 85% of 1-year, 80% of 5-year, and 88% of 10-year alumni are involved in a faith community.

• Low divorce rate. Of those who have been married, 0.9% of 5-year alumni and 4.1% of 10-year alumni have been divorced.

Low unemployment. A good salary. Preparation for meaningful work, relationships, and ministry. Rather than ruining life by going to college, a Bethel education enhances life in the ways that really matter.

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Fall/Winter 2016

HOMECOM

College of Arts & Sciences Alumnus of the Year Chad Schwitters ’95

Chad Schwitters ’95, a Bethel business major, long ago exchanged his rural Minnesota roots for life as a trailblazer in the big city. Since 1999, Schwitters has led Urban Homeworks, a Minneapolis nonprofit that strives to perpetuate the hope of Jesus through innovative community development, living out core values that emphasize compassion, dignity, relationships, reconciliation, and biblical justice.

As executive director, Schwitters guides the leadership team, envisions new approaches to fund development strategies, and lays the foundation for the organization. His work continues outside the company’s walls, where he is not only active with community leadership efforts that support and inform his organization’s mission, but also active as a resident of North Minneapolis, the community he and his family call home. Bethel trustee and fellow alumnus Troy Kopischke ’97 describes Urban Homeworks as an organization that spreads “the hope and love of Jesus to residents of Minneapolis and St. Paul and beyond.”

Kopischke also comments on the hope and change that Schwitters himself has inspired: “If you follow his story, and the story of the hundreds of families he’s helped over the years, you hear a love story, the beautiful story of Christ’s love acted out.”

CampusNews

MING 2016

photo by Scott Streble

Bethel Seminary Alumnus of the Year Nick Hall S’11

photo by Nathan Klok ’17

photo by Nathan Klok ’17

photo by Scott Streble

Hundreds of alumni returned home to Bethel, as the community celebrated during weeklong events highlighted

by Homecoming weekend September 30–October 2.

Nick Hall, a 2011 graduate of Bethel Seminary St. Paul, is an international speaker, author, and primary evangelist and visionary for PULSE, a Twin Cities-based nonprofit at the heart of the largest student-led evangelism movement in the U.S. In college, Hall wrote a paper about how to reach his generation with the gospel. The paper went viral and sparked a student-led movement that reached 8,000 students on Hall’s college campus, then quickly spread to other campuses. Within two years, more than 50,000 students heard about Jesus, and PULSE was founded and grew. Since 2006, PULSE has shared the gospel with 2.5 million people from college campuses to concert arenas, churches to music festivals, in the U.S. and overseas. More than 525,000 people have responded to the gospel through PULSE events. In July, PULSE organized “Together 2016,” where hundreds of thousands of Christians gathered at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for an all-day event aimed at blurring denominational, political, and ideological lines and unifying the church in America. “Nick has a unique call on his life,” says Chris McFarland, executive vice president of PULSE. “He has answered that call with boldness and courage…He has become a global leader for young people, working to raise up a generation to follow Jesus.”

Bethel University

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CampusNews

photo coutesy of The History Center

In January 1986, four Bethel faculty members—Michael Holmes, Kevin Cragg, Neil Lettinga, and Daniel Taylor—met to develop a brand-new general education course to be launched that spring as a foundation for the liberal arts focus of the College of Arts & Sciences. The course “Christianity in Western Culture” founders (l to r) Neil was designed as a Lettinga, Kevin Cragg, Daniel Taylor, and Michael Holmes western civilization in an interim 1986 planning meeting. survey charting the philosophical, theological, political, from former faculty, chronicled the and artistic evolution of the beginning course’s progress from its early days of western society from the ancients to its current iteration. As historians, to the present. In typical Bethel style, Gehrz and Mulberry have compiled “Christianity in Western Culture” several archives related to CWC was quickly shortened to CWC, and course history, including a project has been experienced by thousands centered on the teaching assistants of undergraduate students during who have worked for the course. A fivethe past 60 semesters. There’s also semester teaching assistant himself an online version offered to students during his student years at Bethel, during summer term.

Mulberry contacted more than 160 In spring 2016, a “CWC30” former teaching assistants and built celebration was held in the Bethel a 25-year digital oral history of their University Library, as current CWC memories and experiences. And last co-directors—Professor of History spring, he shared with faculty a CWC Chris Gehrz and Assistant Professor class devotional lecture each week of History Sam Mulberry—hosted that included a recording from the the event in late-night talk show early years of the course. These audio format. Entertaining interviews with recordings have been archived into the past and current course instructors, full CWC collection of Bethel’s Digital along with recorded testimonials Library.

Visit bethel.edu/news/articles/2016/may/cwc-30th-anniversary to find links to a recording of CWC30 in the library’s digital collections.

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Fall/Winter 2016

Excellence in Athletic Training The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education has granted Bethel’s athletic training program 10 years of continuing accreditation.

Site visitors listed several strengths of the program, including the commitment of the faculty, staff, OF ATHLETIC TRAINING and preceptors GRADUATES IN 2016 to the athletic PASSED THEIR training students’ CERTIFICATION EXAM value-driven ON THE FIRST TRY education; overwhelming administrative support for the athletic training program that is essential to its growth and continued development; and most importantly, that the mission of Bethel University is fully embraced and exemplified by the faculty, staff, and students. The program’s excellence in preparing students was underscored when 100% of the students in this year’s graduating class passed the Board of Certification exam on the first attempt.

photo by Scott Streble

CWC Turns 30

CampusNews

photo by Scott Streble

Sixth Faculty Member Earns University Professor Distinction Gretchen Miller Wrobel has been named University Professor of Psychology, the sixth Bethel faculty member to earn University Professor recognition.

The distinction honors fulltime faculty members for sustained excellence in scholarship, teaching, research, or creative activity in their field.

Wrobel was selected for her depth of scholarship, teaching, service to Bethel, and international reputation.

After joining Bethel’s faculty in 1988

as assistant professor of psychology, Wrobel became part of the Minnesota Texas Adoption Research Project, one of the most important longitudinal, multifaceted adoption studies in the world. “It was the depth and prominence of her research as part of this study that set her apart, driving her scholarly agenda and linking Bethel undergraduates and graduates to research in the field,” says President Jay Barnes.

“Gretchen’s work is frequently cited in the scholarly literature and she is highly respected in many disciplines and professions, including psychology, sociology, child development, and social work,” says Ruth G. McRoy, Donahue and DiFelice Endowed

Professor at Boston College. “She is an excellent teacher, intellectual leader, presenter, writer, and is a very dedicated researcher who is well known both nationally and internationally.”

Wrobel completed an undergraduate degree at Hamline University, St. Paul, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Minnesota.

Before coming to Bethel, she was a school psychologist, teacher, and graduate researcher. Her career accomplishments include more than 30 peer-reviewed articles or book chapters, 27 invited presentations, numerous manuscript reviews, and past editorship of Adoption Quarterly.

Bookmarked Recently published books by Bethel University faculty Triptych

by April Vinding, Associate Professor of English (Wipf & Stock) With vivid imagery and a compelling lyric voice, Triptych grapples with the complications of the faith of incarnation and how their dimensions shift as we grow.

Probing the implications of trinity, the memoir unfolds in three sections.

“Fathers” wrestles through faith in childhood, trying to make sense of the lines of love and duty and how fathers represent a Father God. “Sons” chronicles blistered experiences of young adulthood: trying to find

love and cope with sexuality when being faithful means a flame burns both human and divine. “Holy Ghosts” continues the stitching and colliding of human and divine relationships by confronting marriage and the Spirit as intimate, intervening, and intrusive.

Pathways to Positive Parenting

by Jolene Pearson, Associate Professor of Education and Director of Early Childhood Services (Zero to Three) An essential resource for all professionals who work with families of infants, this valuable handbook serves as a parent educator’s guide to

coaching and supporting new parents. Describes innovative teaching techniques, along with practical and effective strategies that are fieldtested, science-based, and can be applied immediately. Includes information on important topics such as postpartum depression, breastfeeding, and coping with crying.

All books, as well as many others by Bethel faculty, are available by visiting the Campus Store in person or at bookstore.bethel.edu.

Bethel University

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CampusNews

A number of recent construction projects created enhanced spaces for studying and socializing, just in time for students and alumni returning to campus for fall classes and Homecoming.

In the center of campus, a new patio features natural clay pavers surrounded by perennials, grasses, and shrubs. It’s outfitted with yearround seating for more than 60 people with chairs and tables from By The Yard, a Minnesota-based company that uses 93% post-consumer materials to create environmentally friendly patio furniture. The design includes block walls on each side for additional seating, bollards with LED lighting and device charging stations, and two commercial-grade gas fire pits. The space was primarily funded by the Bethel Student Government (BSG) Legacy Fund, which allocates a portion of undergraduate students’ activity fees to sporadic larger projects that will benefit students long-term.

“Bethel is all about community… we’re playing to our strengths,” says Taji Onesirosan, student body vice president and leader of the Legacy Fund committee. “Student groups like BSG are here to enhance the student experience. Physical spaces and structured events within them bring people together.”

Renovated spaces include the Clauson Center lounge, which now features new booths and soft seating with ottomans and tablet arms.

Tables, chairs, and benches were also added to areas where students tend to gather for studying and conversation.

Students in the Department of Human Kinetics and Applied Health 6

Fall/Winter 2016

photo by Paul Hjellming ’13

Campus Improvements

“Bethel is all about community. Physical spaces and structured events within them bring people together.”

Science returned to a brand-new space, two townhouse residences were re-sided, restrooms near the gymnasium were renovated, and teamcentered environmental branding, air

conditioning, and windows were added to the recently-built Soccer Team Building at the Ona Orth Athletic Complex.

Heard on Campus People like to talk about stocks they bought and investments they made, but of all the investments we made, the best one was sending our five children to Bethel. ­—Truman Koehn, father of five Bethel alumni and grandfather of a 2016 Bethel graduate and three current Bethel students

CampusNews

Senior’s Video Wins National Competition

TOP

photo by Nathan Klok ’17

Senior media production major Andrew Hed produced a video that won his family’s business a $7,500 grant last summer. Hed Cycling, a competitive bicycle wheel manufacturer, was one of just 10 businesses nationwide to receive the 2016 FedEx Small Business Grant. To win, the company had to submit a compelling video and demonstrate a strong social media presence, userfriendly website, and preparedness to mentor other small businesses.

They plan to use the prize money to buy machine automation that will increase their capacity for in-house manufacturing. Hed’s work isn’t just about growing the business—it’s also about honoring his father, Steve Hed ’77, who died unexpectedly in November 2014. After graduating from Bethel with a history degree, Steve launched Hed Cycling with his wife, Anne, in 1984. According to Hed, calling his father an industry icon is an understatement. Steve pioneered the design and construction of carbonfiber aerodynamic bicycle wheels, and his products are used by Olympic champions and professional athletes worldwide. “Steve Hed was an absolute blast to have as a father,” Hed says.

“He encouraged me to dream big, work hard, and never miss an opportunity to have fun. His passing was very difficult, but Bethel has helped by giving me a place to grow and continue to dream.” When Hed found out his family’s business was among the top 100 finalists for the FedEx grant, he had less than a week to produce the second-round submission video that ultimately won Hed Cycling the award. While he was up against steep competition, Hed says his Bethel education taught him to pursue goals that might otherwise seem unattainable. “My communication professors have shown me that whatever the challenge ahead, it’s important to innovate, keep dreaming of the big picture, and work hard,” he says. “This education has equipped me with skills I will use not only professionally, but also spiritually and personally, for the rest of my life.”

Visit bethel.edu/news/articles/2016/august/hed-student-video to read more about Hed Cycling and see the winning video.

100 Bethel Makes Money List Bethel University ranked 82 on Money magazine’s “100 Best Colleges for Your Money” list, released in July. It’s the first time Bethel made the top 100, climbing 369 spots from last year’s rankings, the third most improved score of all the colleges on the list. Money cited the “meaningful jobs” metric as a significant strength for Bethel: “Where Bethel stands out the most in Money’s analysis is job meaning. Sixty-eight percent of graduates said their job made the world a better place, the 11th highest job meaning score of all the colleges in our rankings.”

Visit bethel.edu/news/ articles/2016/july/ money-ranking to see the entire list, read Bethel’s profile, and find out how Bethel climbed 369 spots in the rankings.

Bethel University

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CampusNews

Well-Prepared Grads

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Fall/Winter 2016

Sample comments from Graduate School alumni include: • “Faculty were supportive and knowledgeable in their subject areas, and I feel well prepared for any career or educational path I may choose in the future.”

85% of adult undergrad and graduate alumni are satisfied or very satisfied with their Bethel education and career preparation

• “Bethel was an amazing experience in a wonderful, nurturing environment.”

• “I will always cherish my experience with my cohort and professors.”

• “I am grateful every day for the wonderful experience I had at Bethel.”

• “I appreciate how the Bethel community helped shape my faith, leadership, and global view of seeking the kingdom of God.”

New San Diego Faculty This fall, Karen Quek joined the Bethel Seminary San Diego faculty as associate professor of marital and family therapy, and program director. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor who holds an M.A. in Christian Education from Biola University, California; an M.S. in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton; and a Ph.D. in Marital and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University, California. Quek has provided therapy for individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds and experiences for more than 20 years, and has been a core faculty in couples and family therapy programs for more than 10 years.

Visit bethel.edu/news/articles/2016/september/ new-cas-faculty to read about new faculty members in Bethel’s College of Arts & Sciences.

photo by Paul Hjellming ’13

Bethel recently surveyed alumni of its College of Adult & Professional Studies (CAPS) and Graduate School (GS) who graduated one year ago, five years ago, and 10 years ago. Questions covered graduates’ experiences at Bethel as well as their personal, spiritual, and working lives since graduation. Results show that a majority of recent CAPS/GS alumni, more than 85%, are satisfied or very satisfied with their overall education at Bethel, and with how their Bethel education prepared them for their current position. Alumni also report a high rate of involvement in a faith community. A majority volunteer time to a religious group or organization, and an average of more than 80% are involved in a leadership role in their work, school, community, or place of worship. The survey also asked for comments about the graduates’ Bethel experience. Many respondents mentioned the integration of faith and learning in Bethel’s programs, as well as the close and supportive relationships they formed with members of their programs.

Many commented that they would recommend their program to others.

Sample comments from CAPS alumni include: • “I would recommend the CAPS program to others. Having a faithbased educational program was a good way to increase not only my knowledge but my faith.”

• “I recommend it every chance I get.”

• “The cohort model was extremely positive and supportive. I highly recommend it and share my experience with others on a regular basis.”

“My Bethel education was by far one of the best experiences of my life.”

CampusNews

Historically, Bethel has invested in delivering progressive healthcare education and has a reputation for contributing to and impacting the healthcare marketplace. Bethel’s new Center for Healthcare Excellence will build stronger internal and external partnerships to benefit Bethel students and the healthcare industry.

Part of Bethel’s Strategic Plan, the center is an entrepreneurial venture designed to connect Bethel University students and graduates with partners in the healthcare field, and will include students from a wide range of disciplines—from nursing to communication studies to philosophy.

Kristi Moline GS’15 is the center’s new executive director. Moline earned an MBA from Bethel’s Graduate School in 2015 and comes to Bethel from Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, where she worked as manager of the telehealth program.

“Being a recent graduate of Bethel’s MBA program and having nearly a decade of experience in healthcare, I immediately recognized the value Bethel could bring to partners across the healthcare ecosystem,” she says.

“Bethel can come alongside them and extend a hand as a neutral, wellrespected entity to work together to address the current challenges facing the healthcare industry. This is a really progressive undertaking.”

industry, I was shocked at the very limited facilities available to students,” he says. “My wife and I felt that if we could get to a place where we could help support the department, it would be a blessing.” Upon his retirement in 2007, Stephens and his wife, Sharon, donated a $100,000 matching gift to fund a summer student-faculty research endowment for chemistry and biochemistry students. “Summer research had not been available to Bethel’s science students,” says Dale. “Sharon and I have been blessed in ways we never anticipated, and we were able to meet a need that I saw as a faculty member.”

Their investment has borne much fruit. High school graduates who excel in science are often drawn to Bethel because of its unique undergraduate research opportunities with highly credentialed faculty. Many science majors have received national recognition for their research achievements, and exceptional faculty/student research projects have helped students receive competitive graduate school placements and fellowships. Last summer, 45 undergraduate science students participated in faculty/student research projects, a remarkable number for a university of Bethel’s size.

The Stephens’ legacy of giving continues today through a charitable IRA Rollover, an option that allows donors to support Bethel while meeting their financial goals. “We never thought we would have money to do anything like this,” says Stephens. “We thought it was for other people and big donors.

But giving has always been a priority. For us, the rollover of our minimum distribution made sense.” And it made an impact. “I’ve often wondered why Bethel came to have such an outstanding science division,” says Rollin King, professor of chemistry and department chair. “I’ve concluded that it’s the vision and dedication of a few key people, with Dale being foremost among them.”

photo by Paul Hjellming ’13

New Center Nationally Recognized Sciences for Healthcare One Professor’s Vision and Legacy Dale Stephens, professor of chemistry emeritus, began teaching at Bethel in Excellence the fall of 1968. “Having recently come from graduate school and the science

Visit bethel.edu/planned-giving to read how you can benefit both Bethel and your family by supporting the Bethel causes that mean the most to you.

Bethel University

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SportsNews From the Locker Room

Meet standout Bethel athletes

Baseball Tyler Heitmann • Sr., Physical Education major • Baldwin, Wis.

Heitmann finished his career with a 17-9 record in 29 starts and 37 appearances on the mound. The All-MIAC and All-Region pitcher amassed five complete games and 173 strikeouts, while surrendering just 54 walks and 76 earned runs in 184.2 innings pitched (3.70 ERA).

Softball Abbie Bircher • Sr., Elementary Education major • Vadnais Heights, Minn.

A defensive force in left field, Bircher was a 2016 All-MIAC recipient.

She ended her senior season hitting .348 with a .504 slugging percentage and a team-high nine doubles.

Men’s Tennis Kolin Kiekhoefer • Jr., Accounting and Finance major • Woodbury, Minn.

A two-time MIAC All-Conference recipient, Kiekhoefer posted a career record of 45-19 in singles play and 32-22 in doubles play. At No. 2 singles, he guided the team to a 19-5 record in 2016 and a No. 4 seed in the MIAC standings.

Women’s Tennis Mattie Kidder • So., Graphic Design major • New Richmond, Wis. 2016 proved to be the best season in program history for the Bethel women’s tennis team, thanks in part to Kidder, who ended the year 14-8 at No. 2 singles and 16-5 at No. 2 doubles play. The All-MIAC performer led Bethel to a 19-5 record (6-4 MIAC) and a No. 5 seed in the MIAC playoffs.

Men’s Track and Field Karl Olsen • So., Applied Physics and Mathematics double major • Bloomington, Minn.

Olsen, a sophomore sprinter, helped the Bethel 4 x 400-meter relay team win the conference and reach the NCAA Division III National Outdoor Meet in 2016. Following the season, he was also named Academic All-Conference.

Women’s Track and Field Nicole Balzer • Jr., Nursing major • Shoreview, Minn.

A four-time MIAC Academic All-Conference recipient and three-time MIAC All-Conference Honorable Mention honoree, Balzer and three teammates broke the school record in the 4 x 400-meter race in 2014.

The sprinter also helped the Royals finish second at the MIAC Indoor Championships in 2015—the highest in program history.

Extra Points La Vida Nica. Bethel’s volleyball

team traveled to three cities in Nicaragua in spring 2016, playing the national team three times, serving the community, and enjoying local tourism stops along the way.

In the Hall. Head Track and Field

Coach Andrew Rock and his wife, Missy—an assistant cross country coach—were both inducted into the NCAA Division III Hall of Fame for their outstanding collegiate running careers. Andrew, a gold medalist at the 2004 Olympics, finished his career as a ninetime champion and 17-time AllAmerican, while Missy won 11 titles and earned 18 All-American honors.

Coach of the Year. Two members

of the Bethel University coaching staff earned MIAC Coach of the Year honors in spring 2016, including Head Women’s Hockey Coach Brian Carlson and Head Women’s Tennis Coach Drew Fernelius. Carlson led the hockey program to their first-ever MIAC title and Fernelius guided the tennis team to a program-best 19-5 record.

Follow the Royals: bethelroyals.com | youtube.com/bethelroyals | facebook.com/bethelroyals | twitter.com/bethelroyals

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Fall/Winter 2016

SportsNews CoachQuote “In the Bethel football program, we strive to run to the battle, stay in the battle, and finish the battle. We love each other, and it’s evidenced by how hard we fight for one another and stay in the battle together.

Our example is photo by Nathan Klok ’17

Christ—because He loved us, He finished the battle. His finish on the cross gives us the confidence and freedom to run with power to whatever we face next, in all facets of life.”

ROYAL PROFILE Name: Carlee Hoppe Year: Senior Sport: Volleyball

Hometown: Shakopee, Minn.

Major: Biology

What is your dream job after graduation?

During a study abroad experience in Guatemala, I was inspired by the doctor and nurse I worked with. The impact they had on their community was incredible, and I want to have that kind of impact myself. I’d like to become a physician assistant who works in an underserved community, whether that’s here in the Twin Cities or abroad.

You played on the volleyball team with your sister. What’s been the best/ toughest part?

I have always loved playing on a team with Tina, in high school and at Bethel.

The best and worst part of it is that she pushes me to be better. I love the friendly competition; unfortunately, she’s gotten pretty good.

What has been your best memory while playing volleyball for the Royals?

My favorite memory was winning the regional championship game against Northwestern for the first time in program history. To see such hard work pay off, from my teammates and myself, was amazing. Being rewarded with the region’s most outstanding player award just made the whole experience so surreal.

How has this program sharpened your faith?

For me, volleyball is a microcosm of life. It encapsulates the challenges, struggles, and successes that occur every day. In every part of life, we are a group of individuals with different talents, and we may have different desires and needs, but for us to succeed we must all have the same goal. We must all want the best for each other. We must all be disciplined in our fight. The Bethel volleyball program taught me to be a servant leader and love people while simultaneously encouraging them to be the best they can be.

Read the full interview with Coach Johnson at www.bethelroyals.com

photo by Nathan Klok ’17

Steve Johnson football coach 28th season What’s the legacy you hope to leave behind once you graduate?

Johnson reached 200 career I hope to be remembered as someone who was not wins in October and ranks third only a teammate on the court, but off the court too.

I hope that my teammates remember me as in career wins among active someone who wasn’t perfect or just NCAA Division III coaches. really good at volleyball, but rather as someone who gave it her all in every facet of life and encouraged them to do the same.

Bethel University

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THE BETHEL OF

TOMORROW new spaces serve the next generation of students

by Monique Kleinhuizen ’08, GS’16

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Fall/Winter 2016

Space planning at Bethel has always reflected a commitment to serve students and inspire learning. In recent years, plans have been redrafted a number of times in response to student needs, shifting priorities, and—most importantly—God’s provision. The 2012 version, called the Campus Master Plan (CMP), was an ambitious and inspiring vision of Bethel’s future, with an estimated $200 million in proposed building projects. Then the miraculous purchase of the Anderson Center in 2013— with its unexpected provision of 200,000 square feet of space—opened up significant new possibilities. In light of that, the CMP was revisited and refreshed, becoming the Campus Master Plan 2.0. Now, Bethel is moving forward with key elements of this space plan, and at the center are Bethel’s strategic goals and tomorrow’s students.

Imagining the future

In fall 2014, the Campus Master Plan 2.0 committee was assembled. Their task: to envision the future of Bethel with a focus on the student experience. With two sites in mind—the 3900 Bethel Drive location in Arden Hills, Minnesota, and the newly acquired Anderson Center just down the road—the team looked seriously at anticipated needs for current academic programs as well as areas for potential growth. “In our conversations about space planning,” says Deb Harless, executive vice president and provost, “one question

we’ve come to over and over again is, ‘How do we create the best possible educational experience for all our students across the university?’ The planning process gives us a venue to dream about the future:

HOW DO WE IMAGINE THE EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENTS, AND IMAGINE IT IN A BETTER WAY?” Bethel University

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“AS BETHEL UNIVERSITY HAS GROWN IN SIZE, SCOPE OF PROGRAMS, AND APPROACHES TO TEACHING AND LEARNING, IT HAS BEEN ESSENTIAL TO PROVIDE TEACHING SPACES THAT INSPIRE LEARNING.” —PRESIDENT JAY BARNES As the process unfolded, long-standing space needs quickly surfaced. First, expanded and improved science facilities are essential to accommodate and support programs that have already outgrown current spaces, and to allow for the development of new programs such as neuroscience.

Second, the university clearly needs more right-sized classrooms that provide a flexible learning environment and appropriate teaching and learning technology. A third desire also began to take shape—for collaborative “third spaces” and “maker spaces” where different disciplines could learn and create together, as well as for collaboration within academic disciplines.

As these conversations moved forward, the committee began to envision a Bethel where “learning was happening everywhere—not just in the classroom,” says Joe

Early 1960s

LaLuzerne, senior vice president for strategic planning and operational effectiveness. “This vision will be a key consideration as we turn our Campus Master Plan into specific designs for space across all of our campus locations.”

A new home for Bethel Seminary

To best serve a new generation of seminary students, it’s important to understand the particular needs of today’s seminary student body and the contexts in which they live and serve. “Thirty-five years ago, the seminary followed an undergrad-like model—we had residential living, food service, and lots of cocurricular activities. School was life for our students,” says David Clark, Bethel Seminary vice president and dean. “Now we have a post-traditional model, where the center of life is somewhere else for our adult

Bethel Seminary St. Paul | 1965

Bethel is quickly outgrowing its 10 acres across from the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul when 235 acres in Arden Hills, the “Miracle on Lake Valentine,” bring about new opportunities for growth.

Bethel College in Falcon Heights | 1959

1965 Bethel Seminary begins classes in Arden Hills, with a cluster of buildings on the north end of Bethel Drive. The award-winning buildings are designed to embrace the pastoral, retreatlike setting—with ample space and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing incredible lake views. Residential buildings are built with the young, mostly full-time, mostly male seminary student body in mind. Seminary enrollment skyrockets—by almost 400%—in the next decade.

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students—and they’re adding school on top of an already-full life. While our seminary buildings have served us so well for 50 years, they’re probably not workable in the 21st century.”

Space planning recommendations include the relocation of Bethel Seminary St. Paul to the Anderson Center, which offers higher-tech classrooms and multi-program flex space that will allow for more room when it’s needed. The location features easier building access and parking for students attending on-campus intensives. And it affords seminary students the chance for greater collaboration with other adult and graduate students, as well as the wider Bethel community.

On the move

There is a delicate balance between positioning Bethel for strategic growth in key areas, and being true to its past and its existing community, notes Mark Miles, senior vice president for advancement. While Bethel will consider trends in industry and the wider marketplace to plan the next steps for the university, Miles says it’s donors who

1972

have historically made capital projects possible at Bethel.

Key donors and stakeholders are being asked to weigh in on their interests and areas of expertise, and they’ll continue to shape—and pray for—these projects in the years ahead.

And the impact will truly be years in the making. “As was true in the 1960s when Bethel moved to Arden Hills, it will be a decade before we fully utilize the blessings that [the Anderson Center] miracle opens for us,” says President Jay Barnes. “Already the physician assistant program, the nurse-midwifery program, multiple classrooms for graduate and adult students, and offices for University Advancement, Converge Northcentral, the Graduate School, and the College of Adult & Professional Studies have moved into the Anderson Center. The day will come when the Anderson Center will house Bethel Seminary and multiple new programs.”

While any potential changes may feel profound, new plans for new spaces are serving the same mission Bethel has embraced since its founding: preparing students for scholarship, leadership, and service, equipping them to Lundquist Community Life Center and Benson Great Hall | 1994

Bethel College makes the move from the fairgrounds location down Snelling Avenue to join Bethel Seminary. Annual undergraduate tuition is $1,908.

The largest undergraduate majors are education, music, and psychology.

Nelson Residence Hall | 1968

1994 Bethel Seminary launches the first-ever accredited online seminary program, and enrollment in distance education increases significantly, along with enrollment at satellite locations in San Diego and on the East Coast.

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SPACE PLANNING: A WORK IN PR engage with the world’s most challenging issues for God’s glory and their neighbors’ good. The space where that training happens may look a little different, but that’s part of the change necessary to continue to provide the best resources and preparation for a new generation of students.

In fact, the nature of the entire space planning project has revolved around seeking—and responding to—where God is leading next. “Bethel never stands still,” says Miles.

“JUST LIKE GOD IS ALWAYS ON THE MOVE, BETHEL IS ALWAYS ON THE MOVE.”

In February 2016, the Board of Trustees reviewed recommendations from the space planning committee and affirmed them as a guide for future facilities planning. Details—including specific costs and timelines—are still in the works, but major elements include:

Expand and improve science facilities.

Enhanced facilities are essential to accommodate and support science programs that have already outgrown current spaces, and to allow for the development of new programs such as neuroscience.

2012 The Campus Master Plan is created and approved by the Board of Trustees with a comprehensive view for Bethel’s facilities of the future.

2013

Anderson Center | 2013

The Anderson Center—another miraculous

Brushaber Commons | 2009

provision—adds 200,000 square feet to Bethel’s Minnesota campus. Some spaces remain tenantoccupied, allowing for Bethel to grow into the space while earning a steady income.

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ROGRESS Expand space for the Department of Business and Economics.

It’s the university’s largest undergraduate department, with 585 business majors in fall 2016.

Accommodate new post-traditional programs that have high growth potential.

College of Adult & Professional Studies and Graduate School enrollment has gone up 12% in the last decade and is now 40% of Bethel’s total enrollment.

Additional space—concentrated at the Anderson Center—would allow for continued growth through strategic online, face-to-face, and hybrid programs.

Develop centers of excellence.

Bethel will invest in strategic,marketplacefocused areas for potential recruitment, program development, and partnerships with external organizations. The Center for Healthcare Excellence is the first of its kind. (See p. 9 to read more.)

Relocate Bethel Seminary St. Paul to the Anderson Center.

A move for the seminary would allow easier access to its facilities, a more fitting student experience, and greater collaboration with the wider Bethel community.

Invest in athletics.

Modest athletic improvements may include outdoor fields and enhancements to the current Sports and Recreation Center.

Appoint working groups.

Cross-university, cross-disciplinary teams will wrestle with what it would look like (and cost) to add science spaces, “third spaces” and maker space, enhanced athletics facilities, and more. They’ll be asking “What if?” and developing more concrete proposals to bring to the rest of the community.

2016 A new Space Planning Coordinating Committee is formed to launch and coordinate working teams that will focus on specific parts of the space plan.

2015 The Wellness Center opens, along with space for the growing biokinetics program.

Wellness Center | 2015 Bethel University

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THEOLOGY goes to the MOVIES Thinking Christianly about Film and Cinema

by Glen G. Scorgie Professor of Theology and Ethics Bethel Seminary San Diego

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Y

ears ago, I visited a small college in Cebu, Philippines, where signs of poverty surrounded us. During a lecture, I mentioned the romantic comedy Sleepless in Seattle and asked, “Who did Tom Hanks fall in love with at the end?”

Instantly 200 students shouted back: “Meg Ryan!”

That was my first clue to the global reach of movies.

Sometime later, I witnessed the astonishing popularity of Avatar in China, where heavy pollution is prevalent. The science fiction epic drew entire families, who frequently paid a day’s salary per person to be spellbound by the pristine beauty of the fictional planet Pandora. It’s true: movies are enormously popular and influential, among rich and poor alike, around the world. As filmmaker Elia Kazan has observed, film is now “the language of [hu]mankind.”1 The appeal of movies

What accounts for movies’ enormous popularity? First of all, society has made a universal shift away from static print media to more fluid, visually oriented communication. Film is compatible with that shift and in fact capitalizes on it.

The film industry also attracts highly creative people who are masterful at creating amazing stories, visuals, and musical scores. If Shakespeare were living today, he would probably be working in Hollywood. As humans, we’re drawn toward such beauty by an instinctive yearning.

For many people, movies provide a welcome escape from the gritty, limited realities of their everyday lives. Movies transport them to places on earth they 1 Quoted in Reel Spirituality by Robert Johnston

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could never visit, and enable them to experience vicariously moments that their own lives might never permit. And many movies “screen the sacred,”2 exploring our human quests for adventure, love, justice, redemption, and transformation. They portray the conflict of good and evil, and ponder the ambiguities of human nature. They reflect on our mortality, and peer into an unknown future.

They address issues that matter to all of us through their powerful use of storytelling.

The power of movies

Everyone loves a story. Cultures are shaped by stories, and revolve around shared stories. Storytellers played key roles in primal cultures. Confucius’ wisdom and folk tales shaped Chinese culture. Shakespeare’s imaginative plays shaped British culture. And the stories told by movies, from Lord of the Rings to Star Wars, are the new ties that bind. Who is the greatest savior-figure in our secular society today? We might be surprised to find that for many it is someone like Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) in Titanic or Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) in Hunger Games.

Through the stories they tell, movies hold enormous power to instruct and influence. “Hollywood,” wrote poet Carl Sandburg, “is the foremost educational institution on earth.” To their great advantage, movies deliver education disguised as entertainment. They exercise their influence most effectively when viewers drop their guards and absorb a movie’s themes and subtexts in a nonreflective way.

2 Screening the Sacred: Religion, Myth and Ideology in Popular

American Film edited by Joel Martin and Conrad Ostwalt Jr.

REEL ACTION STEPS 1. Prioritize significant movies. Note annual award nominations, especially winners of Academy Award for Best Picture.

2. Prioritize influential movies. Pay attention to box office hits, which represent large cultural influence.

3. Take notes on movies you watch.

4. Build a personal movie database.

5. Invite friends to key movies.

6. Start a regular movie discussion group.

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Christians and movies

As Robert Johnston notes in his excellent book Reel Spirituality, movies have evoked a spectrum of responses from Christians through the years. Initially, and at one extreme, is complete avoidance. The Roman Catholic Church’s Legion of Decency declared in 1933 that the cinema was “a deadly menace to morals,” and this view was widely shared by pietistic evangelical Protestants in the 20 th century. A more moderate position, developed later, is caution. This stance makes some allowances and concessions but still emphasizes the potential dangers of moviegoing.

Many Christians are willing to watch movies for the purpose of comparing and contrasting their Christian convictions with the views advocated in films, to engage in dialogue about them. These Christians seek to be culturally alert and vigilant about quiet assaults on the faith. They are also eager for meaningful “points of contact” with mainstream society.

Appropriation denotes a Christian’s willingness to receive inspiration and insights from movies. And some Christians approach movie viewing with even more openness: an intentional expectancy to encounter God’s presence and voice in the cinema context. They can often point to movie-watching moments when some transforming truth was pressed home to their hearts by the Spirit of God. Which response is the right one? No doubt it depends upon the movie in question and the specific circumstances of the viewing Christian. The best strategy for Christians and movies seems to be godly discernment.

The case for engaging

Theologically speaking, there are some compelling reasons to engage with films. First, there’s the reality of common grace—the favor and blessing God showers on all His creatures, regardless of their knowledge of or allegiance to Jesus Christ. 3 God has given remarkable skills and insights to many directors, actors, and screenwriters, enabling them to speak truth and affirm goodness and beauty in ways that nourish the souls and inform the minds of countless movie viewers. Movies are therefore rich in benefits to be appropriated.

3 He Shines in All That’s Fair: Culture and Common Grace by Richard Mouw

Second, there’s the dialogical nature of theology, the ongoing conversation between the revealed truths of Scripture and the questions and claims of our time and place. Theological dialogue is anchored in revealed truth and is responsive to context. So “the central question is not whether Christian theology converses with film, but how.”4 Third, movies provide helpful evangelistic points of contact, since they offer nonthreatening opportunities for stimulating and meaningful conversations about faith. Movie watching is considered a “normal” activity, and conversations about movies are an area of common ground for almost everyone.

To engage effectively, we need to know the Christian faith, as well as be familiar with at least some movies. We also need the “hermeneutical” skills to interpret movies with genuine insight and discernment. We should hone some basic skills of film criticism and learn something of the craft of viewing and reflecting.5 (See the tips and resources in the boxes on these pages.)

Telling our story

Previous generations of Christians were cautious, if not avoidant, when it came to movie watching. While we might not choose this cultural isolation, we should respect the spiritual instincts that informed it, since Christian spirituality is about living all of life—including our movie-watching choices—in full view of God. But in today’s culture, Christians would do well to pay attention to this new language of humankind, and learn to speak it fluently enough to tell our own redemptive story with comparable beauty and imagination.

4 Explorations in Theology and Film edited by Clive Marsh and Gaye Ortiz 5 Reel Spirituality by Robert Johnston

photo by Scott Streble

Glen G. Scorgie is professor of theology and ethics at

Bethel Seminary San Diego and occasionally teaches a movie theology course there. He is a past president of the Canadian Evangelical Theological Association and has written and edited a number of books, including serving as general editor of the Dictionary of Christian Spirituality.

He has lectured internationally, including in China, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.

FILM IS NOW “THE LANGUAGE OF [HU]MANKIND.” ELIA KAZAN, FILMMAKER RECOMMENDED RESOURCES Reel Spirituality: Theology and Film in Dialogue, 2nd ed., by Robert K. Johnston Internet Movie Database For accurate thumbnail descriptions of specific movies. www.imdb.com Box Office Mojo For sales figures (to help determine cultural impact of specific movies). www.boxofficemojo.com Wabash Center Check out sections on religion and film. wabashcenter.wabash.edu/ resources/guide_headings. aspx Christianity Today For conservative evangelical reviews. christianitytoday.com/movies Journal of Religion and Film unomaha.edu/jrf

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Engaging the World through Reconciliation “It Starts Here.” The title of a fall 2015 Bethel Magazine story asserted that when we talk about reconciliation, we have to start at home, with ourselves and our own community. The article described Bethel’s goal of building a diverse and inclusive campus, highlighting efforts, roadblocks, and progress toward that goal.* But what happens after students graduate? How does Bethel prepare them to go out from here as reconcilers in a divided nation and a hurting world? In the next six pages, read some snapshots of the many ways students learn and serve­— from academic training to hands-on service, from on-campus speakers and events to studying abroad.

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Jesus as reconciler

RECONCILIATION STARTS

Claudia May, associate professor of reconciliation studies, has made it her mission to teach students to engage the world through reconciliation. When she needs an example, she uses the best: Jesus. “Jesus embraced the despised, stood alongside the hurting, addressed the inequities and injustices that people suffered, and spotlighted how our choices, cultural preferences, and biases separate us from one another and God,” she says. “Jesus moved in various cultural, regional, and religious circles, and refused to allow cultural and ideological divisions to prevent Him from fostering relationships with people from all walks of life. His teachings and actions challenged systems of inequity and oppression.”

May routinely asks her students questions like, “If Jesus had a Facebook page, who would His friends be?”

The 12 disciples would certainly be connections, but He also forged friendships with tax collectors, sinners, the marginalized, and the outcast. “Jesus sat with these individuals around the ‘Facebook’ table of fellowship,” says May, “even when He was criticized for doing so. He aligned Himself with ‘the least of these’ and placed them at the center of His teachings. In the hands of Jesus, the despised and the disinherited become great teachers of faith and reconciliation.”

ON THIS CAMPUS AND

GOES OUT FROM HERE.

Reconciliation studies coursework recognizes the divisions that separate us from God and one another, and according to the Bethel University catalog, “prepares students to live and serve in a complex multicultural world of rapid urbanization, diverse religious voices, political conflict, and a widening gap between the haves and havenots.” To this end, the major also engages with biblical principles, literature, the arts, the social sciences, and the theories and practices of reconciliation, teaching students how to apply these approaches in the contexts where they live and serve. As students meet the challenges of a conflictdriven world, they’re encouraged to do so in the light of an informed Christian faith.

In 2002, Bethel created a faculty position specifically for reconciliation studies. The post was first held by Curtiss DeYoung—an author, social justice activist, and pastor—who moved on from Bethel in 2014 to become executive director of Community Renewal Society, a historic faith-based civil rights organization in Chicago. In Reconciliation studies 2014, Christena Cleveland—a social psychologist, public May started teaching at Bethel in fall 2015 in the theologian, author, and professor—held the post for one year anthropology, sociology, and reconciliation studies before accepting a position as associate professor of the department. Born and raised in England by Jamaican practice of reconciliation at Duke Divinity School, Durham, parents, she brings a unique perspective to her classes, North Carolina. including many that are part of the reconciliation studies Both of these highly regarded voices in the reconciliation major. Bethel launched a reconciliation studies minor in field have paved the way for the work of the program 2003, and a major in 2005, to emphasize the importance of and for what May hopes to continue as she fills the role reconciliation in the world and in our faith. Jesus calls us to be reconcilers—peacemakers and advocates—in a broken and today. “The reconciliation program is building on the divided world, and the reconciliation studies major prepares groundbreaking work of Curtiss DeYoung,” she says. “And Christena Cleveland strengthened the credentials of the students to faithfully and intellectually follow this call in program while she was here, even for just a short while.” their day-to-day lives.

May recognizes the “countless individuals and allies, both * Visit bethel.edu/news/publications/ on and off campus, who in their unique ways continue bethel-magazine/fall-2015 to read to advance the reconciliation studies major: community “It Starts Here.” partners, worldwide allies, students, staff, and faculty Bethel University

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It goes out from here

As students learned in their letter-writing assignment, reconciliation is not about avoiding the difficult and challenging issues of our time, says May. Instead it calls us to grapple with our messy human stories. And students respond to this hands-on approach. “We’re learning that reconciliation starts on this campus and goes out from here,” May says. “At its core, it is relational, calling us to redress the divisions that separate us from God and one another. Students can listen to each other's perspectives and embrace each other's stories. Through relationships, they can wrestle with their prejudices and questions, challenging cultural norms and systematic inequities as they follow the example of Jesus.”

More recently, some of May’s students acted as Claudia May, associate professor of reconciliation studies reconcilers when shootings in July drew national attention.

On July 6, Philando Castile, a young black man, was shot members who continue to inform and enrich our campus and killed by a police officer during a traffic stop in St. community’s understanding and practice of reconciliation. Paul. On July 7, five white police officers were shot and The ministry of reconciliation is a collective rather than a killed in Dallas by a young black man. In response to the singular effort.” local tragedy, former students emailed May to find out where to send letters of condolence and to explore how Real-life reconciliation to better listen, be present, and engage with the pain and Last spring, students in May’s “Introduction to grief enveloping the local community and the nation. “My Reconciliation Studies” course had an opportunity to apply current and former students became the presence of Jesus,” their classroom studies to a real-life tragedy. In March, a says May. white shooter in Milwaukee was charged with homicide As students graduate and go out from Bethel to careers in the deaths of three of his neighbors, including a Hmong and ministries, they take hard-won, hands-on principles couple and a man from Puerto Rico. The victims’ families of reconciliation with them into a world desperate for wanted the shootings to be investigated as hate crimes. May compassion, love, and grace. “I’m proud of our students,” and her students decided to write letters of condolence to says May. “They pursue so many different initiatives the families. and vocations. They welcome the refugee and work to It was not an easy assignment. “A few students chose not dismantle sex trafficking. They steward the environment to write a letter, and many students shared how difficult and lobby for restorative justice. They teach in underit was to write,” says May. “Many prayed first and asked served communities and create art. In any setting, they are God to help them write their letter.” But writing to real teachable and willing to learn from those they encounter.” people had a real impact, developing students’ empathy Serving in—and learning from—diverse communities and awareness of the complexity of human conflict. “As as nurses, social workers, teachers, lawyers, doctors, ambassadors of reconciliation, our job is not to judge pastors, police officers, scientists, community activists, others,” says May, “but to enter into the pain of those who artists, laborers, craftspeople, homemakers, and leaders, grieve, and follow Jesus’ example of how to pursue justice in Bethel students will become, says May, “ambassadors of the midst of conflict.” reconciliation in every facet of our world.”

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BETTER TOGETHER Bethel’s new Better Together club works to understand the faiths of others through dialogue and listening to one another’s stories. The group is affiliated with Interfaith Youth Core, a national organization dedicated to interfaith cooperation, which has clubs at college campuses across the country. “We believe that interfaith cooperation— people from different faith backgrounds interacting together around a common goal—is greatly needed on Bethel’s campus,” says Janna Burger ’17, a nursing major who leads the club. “Our goal is that students at Bethel would not only grow in their own faith journeys, but also be able to understand the faiths of others and develop the ability to form friendships and mutual understanding with people whose faith differs from their own.”

“The event gave me a better understanding of the world and the culture I live in today.”

—Courtney Sheets ’16

JESUS AND HIP-HOP In spring 2016, the reconciliation studies major hosted “Reconciliation, Jesus, Hip-Hop, and the Spoken Word,” where young alumni and other artists from the Twin Cities—alongside Bethel students—grappled with issues of injustice, related stories of courage and pain, and shared how their experiences interface with their Christian faith.

“I was inspired by one speaker who showed me it’s possible to be a voice for justice in any situation, big or small.”

—Tiana Kloos ’16

“It was inspiring to see how each of these artists used their God-given gifts to minister to the audience. They were all so confident in the Lord’s guidance of their lives.”

“I think one of the first steps in —Matthew reconciliation is simply listening to Eriksson ’16 and validating the experiences of others, and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to learn from these brothers and sisters in Christ.”

—Kendra Jackowell ’16

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE BETHEL COMMUNITY? FIRST, IT IS A CALL TO BE ON OUR KNEES. WE SHOULD PRAY, REPENT, AND SEEK PEACE WITHIN OUR OWN COMMUNITY. SECOND, IT IS A CALL TO BE AGENTS OF RECONCILIATION LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY. WHATEVER OUR AREA OF KNOWLEDGE OR STUDY, WE ARE CALLED TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE BY LIVING OUT THE GOSPEL OF JESUS. THIRD, IT IS A CALL TO ENGAGE THE ISSUES THAT DIVIDE OUR WORLD— POVERTY, HOMELESSNESS, INTERFAITH CONFLICT, POLITICAL IDEOLOGY, RACISM, AND MORE. WE BELIEVE THAT GOD IS CALLING US TO ENGAGE THESE ISSUES FOR GOD’S GLORY AND FOR OUR NEIGHBORS’ GOOD. MAY THE EVENTS OF THIS WEEK REMIND US OF OUR CHALLENGE AND OUR CALLING.

—President Jay Barnes, in response to July 2016 violence: the July 6 shooting of Philando Castile in St. Paul and the July 7 sniper attack on five police officers in Dallas Bethel University

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In spring 2016, Professor of Anthropology Harley Schreck received the Minnesota Community Compact Presidents’ Civic Engagement Steward Award for his work in significantly advancing Bethel’s civic mission. A Bethel faculty member for 28 years, Schreck “has demonstrated a strong commitment and passion for deploying social science knowledge to the service of community and humanity through service learning and the Bethel Urban House,” says Tanden Brekke, assistant director of community engagement and service learning. The Bethel Urban House, located in the Frogtown neighborhood of St. Paul, gives students an opportunity to live in intentional Christian community in an urban neighborhood, learning about the city and experiencing urban life. “Harley is

relentless in getting students out of the classroom and into the city,” says James Hurd, professor of anthropology emeritus and Schreck’s colleague for more than 25 years. “He knows how to read a city and helps urban churches read the city also. He has taken students not only to Harley Schreck, professor of anthropology American cities but to cities worldwide. Many of his students are now working around the world in Christian mission and development.”

The Value of Study Abroad • Enhances employment prospects. If an employer is comparing two otherwise similar resumes, an applicant with international experience is highly valued.

• Promotes personal growth and change.

Studying abroad allows students to learn more about themselves. By leaving their comfort zones, they can be challenged and given the opportunity to test their limits, identify their strengths, and cultivate new skills.

75% of Bethel students study abroad during their college careers

• Nurtures spiritual development. Students see God at work in other countries through the church, mission organizations, and fellow believers. Many students examine their beliefs and claim their faith as their own as they study and serve.

• Creates global citizens. International experiences help create global citizens, students who can interact positively with people from other countries, backgrounds, and beliefs. This creates empathy and understanding in our interconnected world.

—study abroad info from Melanie Eslinger ’01, assistant director of international studies

Check out #BethelAbroad for new posts!

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“THE PASSION OF BETHEL SEMINARY IS TO ADVANCE THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AMONG ALL PEOPLE IN CULTURALLY SENSITIVE WAYS. AS A SPIRIT-EMPOWERED, BIBLICALLY GROUNDED COMMUNITY OF LEARNING, BETHEL STRIVES TO DEVELOP AND EQUIP WHOLE AND HOLY PERSONS TO SERVE AND LEAD SO THAT CHURCHES AND MINISTRY AGENCIES CAN BECOME ALL THEY ARE CALLED TO BE, AND DO ALL THEY ARE CALLED TO DO IN THE WORLD FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.” ­—Bethel Seminary vision statement

photo by Scott Streble

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me…May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.

—Jesus (John 17: 20-21, 23, NLT)

“YOU CANNOT TRANSFORM CULTURE IF YOU ARE IGNORANT COMING TOGETHER OF IT.” —Eugene Scott, CNN reporter, speaking in Bethel Chapel

On July 16, hundreds of thousands of Christians gathered at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for “Together 2016,” an all-day event aimed at blurring denominational, political, and ideological lines and unifying the church in America. The Bethel community was represented everywhere—from the event’s leader, to its speakers, to the busload of students who attended. Nick Hall S’11, Bethel Seminary’s 2016 Alumnus of the Year (see p. 3), first conceived of “Together” as a unifying event for believers nationwide. Hall is the primary evangelist and visionary for PULSE, a Twin Cities-based nonprofit at the heart of the largest student-led evangelism movement in the U.S. He and his team recruited major Christian performing artists and speakers to take the stage— including Bethel’s own Campus Pastor Laurel Bunker and evangelist Sammy Wanyonyi S’08,’14. Bethel University President Jay Barnes, the Board of Trustees, and the Executive Leadership Team sponsored a coach bus for Bethel students to attend the event, and nearly 50 Bethel students boarded it in St. Paul on July 14 after being prayed over by staff and faculty. Bunker notes the importance of “Together” in light of recent events in our nation. “As we look at our country and more broadly at the world, there is a desperate need for unity, for healing, and for restoration,” she says. “Together 2016 has the potential to reset America and shift the attention of this nation and a generation of young people back to God.” Bethel University

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TWIN CITIES OUTREACH Bethel’s Twin Cities Outreach (TCO) ministry is designed as a “reflective service program,” giving students an opportunity to examine their assumptions and think holistically about issues like race and class. By investing a significant amount of time serving a specific community, students discover more about themselves, God, and those they encounter. A dozen student-led TCO groups serve in various capacities across the Twin Cities. In spring 2016, one team received an Excellence in Community Education Leadership Award for their work teaching adaptive swimming to kids with disabilities at John Glenn Middle School in Maplewood, Minnesota. Ellie Wilcox ’17, a biokinetics major, founded the Bethel swim club and is a member of Bethel’s Disability Awareness Group, so her involvement in this TCO group was a natural fit with her interests. She plans to study occupational therapy after graduation from Bethel. “My older sister has Down syndrome and is my hero,” she says. “I wanted to be able to use my experiences to help other group members grow in their understanding of disabilities.”

Team members are paired with buddies and give

one-on-one swimming lessons adapted to the particular needs of the kids they serve. “It’s so important to simply step out of your world for a bit and enter the reality of someone else’s,” says Wilcox. “Jesus calls us to serve one another in love, and that’s exactly why we serve. Not necessarily to teach a child perfect swimming form, but simply to love them and show an interest in their life.”

“It’s so important to simply step out of your world for a bit and enter the reality of someone else’s.”

Further Reading Disunity in Christ: Uncovering the Hidden Forces That Keep Us Apart

by Christena Cleveland Friendship at the Margins: Discovering Mutuality in Service and Mission by Christine D. Pohl and Christopher L. Heuertz

JESUS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

photo courtesy of Matt Runion

The 2016 G92 Immigration Conference gave the Bethel community a chance to develop a biblical view of immigration. The student-led event, part of the national G92 movement, opened with a panel of immigrants sharing their stories. Noel “The Word became flesh and blood, Castellanos, chief executive officer of the and moved into the neighborhood.”

Christian Community Development —John 1:14 (The Message) Association and founding pastor of Chicago’s La Villita moved into the neighborhood” (The Message). By coming to Earth, Christ Community Church, was the keynote became, in essence, an immigrant. speaker. “There are millions of men, “Jesus was a day laborer—a migrant women, and children who have to immigrate, to migrate…to survive,” he worker,” said Castellanos. “We need to hear the story of God in a new way to said. He recounted Eugene Peterson’s understand how we can, as believers, translation of John 1:14, which says, “The Word became flesh and blood, and bring about justice for immigrants.”

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Radical Reconciliation: Beyond Political Pietism and Christian Quietism by Curtiss Paul DeYoung and Allan Aubrey Boesak Churches, Cultures and Leadership: A Practical Theology of Congregations and Ethnicities by Mark Lau Branson and Juan F. Martínez Following Jesus Without Dishonoring Your Parents by Jeanette Yep, Peter Cha, Paul Tokunaga, Greg Jao, and Susan Cho Van Riesen Roadmap to Reconciliation: Moving Communities into Unity, Wholeness and Justice by Brenda Salter McNeil Exclusion & Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation by Miroslav Volf A Strange Freedom: The Best of Howard Thurman on Religious Experience and Public Life by Howard Thurman Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels by Kenneth E. Bailey Strength to Love by Martin Luther King Jr. The Next Worship: Glorifying God in a Diverse World by Sandra Van Opstal The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James H. Cone

AlumNews “Measure our performance by what God accomplishes through our graduates after they have been prepared at Bethel to go out into the world to serve.”

—John Alexis Edgren, founder

50s William Larson ’58, S’63, S’81 and his wife Shirley celebrated 60 years of marriage in September. They reside in Pleasant Hill, Iowa.

70s Rich Hansen S’79, of Northbrook, Ill., is senior pastor at Village Presbyterian Church, Nor thbrook, and author of Paradox Lost: Rediscovering the Mystery of God, recently published by Zondervan. According to Hansen, too often the tensions and unanswerable questions of Scripture and the Christian life are seen as barriers to faith. In the book, he contends they are exactly the opposite: that God’s mysteries are one of the places where He can be encountered most closely. See www.rich-hansen. com for more information.

80s Julie Miller ’80 published her third devotional, a collaboration with her co-writers at B e th e l M a g azi n e i n cl u d e s Alum News from all schools of Bethel University. “S” indicates news from Bethel Seminary alumni, “CAPS” indicates news from the College of Adult & Professional Studies, and “GS” indicates news from Graduate School alumni. All other news is from College of Arts & Sciences alumni.

www.heartmatterspublishing. com, called Whispers of God’s Grace: Stories to Encourage Your Heart.

Naomi Ludeman Smith ’82, GS’94, S’08, S’10 is professor and department chair of Arts & Sciences at Presentation College in Aberdeen, SD. She also serves as director of their Global and Domestic ServiceLearning Program.

James Johnson ’88 retired in July after 27 years in the United States Navy, where he served as a Captain. After a short break, he will embark on a new career in the Washington, D.C., area.

90s Marc Nelson ’90, GS’94, principal of William Wiley Elementary School in West Richland, Wash., was named Distinguished Principal of the Year for Southeastern Washington by the Association of Washington School Principals.

Gus Broman ’92 and his wife Margie, Eagan, Minn., wrote Bridge to Teen: Biblically Bridging the Gap between Childhood and Adolescence. Visit www. bridgetoteen.com for more information for parents.

Tom Matson ’92, GS’05 is the author of Unfrozen: A Father’s Reflections on a Brain Tumor Journey, a TEDx speaker, and the senior director of executive leadership for Gallup. He recently “retired” from a volunteer role coaching tennis for 21 years at Mounds View High

School, Arden Hills, Minn. His own tennis career included winning a letter on Bethel’s team.

had previously been serving the same congregation as the pastor of young adults.

00s

Joel van Loon ’05 is the senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Lake Crystal, Minn.

Lori Sangler, GS’04 published Miles of Memories: One Woman’s Journey to All 50 States through Mill City Press, Inc. The book follows her travels and includes lessons learned along the way. She resides in Vadnais Heights, Minn.

Lisa Walker ’04, GS’08 was named chief operations officer of Logic PD, a complete product lifecycle solutions company for the digital world, where she’ll have strategic and operational responsibility for design and engineering, manufacturing, product support services, and quality and program management. She was also honored as one of the 2016 Top 50 Women in Business by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal, which recognized her professional achievement, leadership, and contributions to the broader community.

Eli ’05 and Krista (Clark) Horn ’05, along with their three boys, Caleb, Kai, and Asa, left last spring for Tenwick Hospital in Bomet, Kenya, where the Horns will serve as medical missionaries under World Gospel Missions. Eli teaches in a family practice residency program at the hospital.

Paul Schoolmeesters ’05 accepted a new role as senior associate pastor of New Hope Church in New Hope, Minn. He

Andrew Wright ’05 published The Collected Works of James Wm. McClendon Jr., Volume 3, offering McClendon’s sermons as examples of “first-order” theology in action. Wright is a doctoral candidate in Christian ethics and philosophical theology at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif.

Richard Moore S’06, a pastor at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Sloan, Iowa, was awarded an Outstanding Service Award at the NAIA Volleyball National Championship in December 2015. He has been the public address announcer for national championship tournaments in Sioux City, Iowa, for volleyball for five years and basketball for more than 10 years.

While B ethel strives for accuracy in all we do, we cannot be responsible for the content of news items submitted by alumni. The inclusion of news ite m s h e re s h o u l d n ot b e construed as an endorsement of their content by Bethel Magazine or Bethel University.

Due to limited space, Bethel Magazine reserves the right to exercise editorial discretion in the publication of alumni news and photos.

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AlumNews A Place to Call Home

by Hannah Johnson ’17 Tami Moberg ’85 will never forget the first time she saw “Johnny’s” tiny room in his cramped trailer home. Bags of garbage were piled ceiling-high and dispersed in clumps where he slept. Dog feces were ground into the carpet, their stench trapped by the makeshift plastic stretched over the window. Insulation dangled from the ceiling. Brokenhearted but motivated, Moberg dreamed of creating a safe place for the Johnnys of the neighborhood to land, a refuge where each one could be reminded they are “lovable, capable, and worthwhile,” she says. A social work graduate, Moberg and her husband David ’81 have traveled to Ukraine and Haiti to serve those in need, yet “you only have to go a mile down our own road to see poverty and conditions no one should have to live in,” she says.

So Moberg set out to do something about that, and her journey involves a surprising number of Bethel connections. She joined forces with longtime friend Wayne Andersen, who had founded a boys’ support group at a nearby middle school where he worked.

Andersen and his wife Sharon (Anderson) ’83 have two daughters who are current Bethel students. Moberg and Andersen partnered with Minneapolis-based TreeHouse—a Christian non-profit whose vision is “to reach every at-risk teen so they are loved, feel hope, and realize life transformation”— to merge their efforts and found Quincy Treehouse in Mounds View, Minn., in 2015.

Tami Moberg (center holding grandchild) is surrounded by family members. The group includes nine Bethel alumni and a current Bethel student.

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The vision for Quincy was to provide a welcoming place for local high school students with home situations like Johnny’s, and to do that, the founders needed a neighborhood house. Enter Blake Huffman ’86, area county commissioner who also works with a nonprofit housing initiative. He was able to find a residence for Quincy Treehouse that provided a perfect fit. There, girls and boys have a place to call home — and for some, it’s their first.

An average of 10 girls gather for a support group on Tuesday nights, where they learn coping activities like yoga and painting. “I come to Quincy because a lot of people care for me and support me,” says Elena, 16.

On Thursdays, about 20 boys meet for their own support group, Real Men. They have hard conversations about their fathers — whom they describe as “criminal,” “not there,” or worse — which are sometimes so challenging that the boys storm from the room.

Leadership is one of the primary lessons taught at Quincy. Mentor Jake Thompson ’16, who majored in teaching English as a second language (TESL) at Bethel, believes these lessons should be taught and applied outside of the house’s white stucco interior, too. He works to build lifelong friendships with the students at Quincy, extending his time beyond the ministry and into the boys’ daily lives. “Guys don’t need to join a gang,” he says, “because here we have our own different kind of gang.” Mentor Meckenna Woetzel ’17, an English education major, received Bethel’s Student Servant Leadership Award for her work at Quincy. She says that parents have become more involved and are actively dropping their kids off at Quincy now. “It speaks highly of how much the Quincy House is doing and what it means to the kids,” she says. Moberg notes that other Bethel students show up to help Quincy kids with homework and mentoring.

Quincy’s board includes Bethel alumni Karen Johnson ’84 and Sue Moberg Swensen ’82, as well as Bethel Associate Professor of Education Dan Swensen. “God has been faithful in putting all the right people in all the right places at all the right times!” says Moberg. “He gets all the glory for putting the Quincy story together. It’s truly an amazing testimony of His love for our kids.”

Visit www.quincytreehouse.org for more information on Quincy TreeHouse.

AlumNews Mark Van Steenwyk S’06 wrote A Wolf at the Gate, which has been recognized as a finalist in the 18th annual Forward Reviews IndieFab Book of the Year Awards as well as a finalist for the Cybils Awards and a Kirkus Prize. The book is a retelling of the legend of Saint Francis, focusing on what it means to be a peacemaker and how to restore one’s relationship with creation.

10s

Marriages ’11 Michael Kramer married Anna Kaihoi in September.

They live in Bloomington, Minn. ’11 Bethany Mammenga (GS) married Aaron Palm in October. They live in Roseville, Minn. ’11 Rebekah Rovik married Joe Borward ’12 in May 2013 . Th ey live in Ewa Beach, Hawaii.

Kay Kuehn ’10, S’14 is the executive director of Open Hands Midway, Inc., a St. Paul, Minn., nonprofit that works to provide meals, clothing, household goods, groceries, personal supplies, and community connections to those in need.

’16 Heidi Schutt married Caleb Varberg ’16 in June.

The bridal party included Kristen House ’16, Grace Schultz ’17, Zach Varberg ’10, and Zach Leonard ’18.

They reside in Shoreview, Minn.

Ethan Fearing ’12 graduated from the Institute of Lutheran Theology with a Master of Divinity degree and has been certified and is on the clergy roster of Lutheran Churches.

He was ordained and installed in ministry at North Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, Minn., in June. He and his wife, Alyssa, reside in Fergus Falls, Minn.

Births

Sam Rima ’12 has been appointed as a technical sourcing specialist for George Konik Associates, a staffing solutions firm serving the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin in the areas of engineering, architecture, and information technology staffing.

Katie Claus ’13 opened Lakeview Therapy Center, a private practice in Orono, Minn., specializing in treating couples facing conflict, infertility, and intimacy or sexual concerns.

She is also passionate about treating those struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and survivors of childhood abuse, domestic violence, or sexual assault. Visit www.lakeviewtherapycenter.com for information.

’00 Leo William was born in February to CJ and Kristina (Huisinga) Collins. He joins sister Mallory. Kissimmee, Fla. ’01 Cason Peter was born to Paul and Kelsie (Anderson) McMahon in July. He joins brothers Jackson, Bryton, and Weston. Dayton, Minn. ’02 Triplets Henry Carl, Lillian Margaret, and Vivian Rose were born to Scott and Tenley (Chevalier) Kolzow in June 2015 . Puyallup, Wash. ’02 Andrew Umid was born in February to Joe and Karen (Stokka) Stark. He joins Isaac, 12, Daniel, 10, Peter, 7, and John, 4. The Starks have lived and worked in southwest Asia since 2004. ’05 Cora LeAnn was born to Adam and Krista (Daniels) Saxon in January. She joins Colt, 2. Merced, Calif. ’05 Caleb John was born in May 2015 and adopted by Liza and Paul Schoolmeesters.

Plymouth, Minn.

’06 Nora Mae was born to Angie (Moravec) and Andy Gillquist in September.

She joins Rose and Tommy, both 3. Eagan, Minn. ’06 Torsten Harley was born in March to Mark and Christ i n a (H a i n l e n) H a n so n ’05. He joins Svea, 4, and Gunnar, 2. Mark is a human capital consultant for UnitedHealth Group and Christina teaches in Bethel University’s Physician Assistant Program. Shoreview, Minn. ’06 Hattie Rae was born in December to Steph and Dan Whipple. She joins sister Afton, 3. Rochester, Minn. ’07 Kylie Grace was born in December to Allie (Smith) and John Day. She joins Nolan, 2. Shoreview, Minn. ’07 Ella Grace Olivia was born in November to Nate and Rachel-Michelle (Schipp) Rusticus. She joins Julia, 4.

Bluffton, Ind. ’07 Clara Beth was born to Amy (Morris) and Peter Williams ’04 in March .

She joins Elsie, 2. Falcon Heights, Minn. ’08 H e r m a n a n d E r i n (Schwartz) Klarr adopted two children from Ukraine in 2014: Valentin, born in January 2010, and Svetlana, born in February 2012.

Elgin, Minn. ’08 Nolan was born to Mckenzie (Anderson) and Tyler Kramer ’08 in March. He joins sister Kaylee. Wayzata, Minn. ’09 Clara Joy was born to Laura (Becklund) and Seth Rima in November. Maple Grove, Minn. ’11 Joseph Israel was born in Januar y to Rebekah (Rovik) and Joe Borward ’12. He joins Kaira, 2. Ewa Beach, Hawaii. ’11 Summit Wilson was born to Caitlin (Bouwer) and Ross French ’12 in June.

Lakeville, Minn.

’12 Liliana Joy was born in July to David and Lindsay (Probert) Mayer. Plymouth, Minn.

DEATHS ’50 William (Bill) J. Wright (S’53) died in July in Orange City, Fla. He served as a U.S. Navy Chaplain, an associate pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Waukegan, Ill., and as an interim minister with 14 American Baptist churches. He is survived by his wife Grace; daughter Kathleen Olson and her husband Ric ’71; son Gary Wright ’76 and his wife Lauren; six grandchildren and step-grandchildren; and seven greatgrandchildren. ’52 Hazel Bennett, 85, died in April. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Robert Bennett ’51, S’53. The couple is survived by son Barry and daughters Barbara Bennett Hatlaban ’77, Sheila Bennett Godwin ’82, and Lois Bennett Brausen ’83; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. ’03 B e n j a m i n H o w i n g t o n passed away unexpectedly in January as a result of an undiagnosed heart condition. He is survived by his parents, Bob and Linda Howington, his sister and brother-in-law, Kevin and Beth Ann (Howington) Peck ’00, niece Caroline, 5, and nephew Zachary, 1.

S’12 Jamison Pals, 29, along with his wife Kathryne, 29, and children Ezra, 3; Violet, 23 months; and Calvin, 2 months, died on July 31 in Nebraska when their minivan was struck from behind by a semi-trailer truck. The family was traveling to Colorado for their final training before leaving to serve as long-term missionaries in Nagoya, Japan. Their work and passion live on in their blog joyofjapan.org

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AlumNews In Memoriam

ALVERA MICKELSEN

GERALD HEALY

Professor of English Emeritus and former basketball coach Gerald “Big Jer” Healy, 88, died in June following a threeyear battle with Parkinson’s. Healy began working at Bethel in 1955 and retired in 1986. He was men’s basketball coach for eight of those years, from 1958-66, and is recognized in the Bethel Hall of Fame. A powerful character-builder, he was a coach, mentor, teacher, and advisor to countless Bethel students, athletes, and faculty members. His children—David ’75 (former Bethel adjunct professor); Paul ’77 (Alumnus of the Year 2012); Will ’78, S’81; and Elizabeth ’80 —have all been an active part of the Bethel community.

Healy earned an M.A. from the University of South Dakota and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Prior to his time at Bethel, he taught high school English and band in South Dakota, and during several summers in the 1950s, he served on staff at Trout Lake Camps in Pine River, Minn. His involvement with Trout Lake’s retreats continued for many years, and after retiring, he and his wife Mildred (Jucht) Healy ’70 established the Lindis-farne retreat center in Pine City, Minn., before retiring a second time in 1999.

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Students, athletes, and colleagues alike remember Healy for his warm personality, tall stature, and unique sense of humor, which he harnessed when teaching his “American Humor” course. “He was perhaps the best storyteller I have ever known,” says Professor of English Emeritus Daniel Taylor. “He knew how to intertwine information, description, pauses, body language (especially raised eye brows and studied looks) in just the right amounts to keep you hooked for as long as the story went on, which was often quite a while. His stories were usually funny, but they also generally revealed something about human nature and the human condition— his two favorite topics.”

Healy’s love of words and literature, and his fondness for Bethel’s English department, will live on in his family’s sponsorship of an annual student poetry contest in his name. The first winners of the Jerry Healy Poetry Prize will be announced at the English Department Symposium, spring 2017.

Fo rm e r Profe s so r of English Alvera Mickelsen, 97, died in July. She taught journalism at Bethel from 1968-1986 and served as the first chair of the board for Christians for Biblical Equality, a Minneapolisbased advocacy orga nization that Mickelsen herself helped launch .

She is remembered for her progressive work toward gender equality and her tireless support of women in leadership. Her engaging teaching style and writing philosophy laid the foundation for Bethel’s journalism major, which wasn’t formally established until years later.

“Alvera had a quick mind, a ready laugh, and a courageous approach to her work, borne out of evangelical zeal,” says Professor of English Emerita Phyllis Alsdurf. “There was a kindness about her, such that even as she faced formidable critics on the issue of biblical equality, she invariably presented clear and convincing arguments drawn from her well-worn Bible—and always with a twinkle in her eye.”

The daughter of immigrant Swedish farmers,

Mickelsen was the first in her family to attend college, eventually earning a B.A. in speech from Wheaton College, Ill., and an M.S. in journalism from Northwestern University, Ill. She often co-authored books and articles with her late husband, form er B ethel Semina r y professor A . Berkeley Mickelsen. “Alvera was a loving, gracious, and passionate servant of Christ,” says President Jay Barnes. “When she was convinced of something from Scripture—as she was regarding the leadership roles of women—she was undaunted in living and teaching what she found to be true. In many ways she was a pioneer, and many women and men were challenged and blessed by her leadership.”

AlumNews DAN MORTON

CHARLES OLSON

Associate Professor of Music Emeritus Charles “Chuck” Olson, 78, died in April following a battle with Parkinson’s and cancer. During his 20-year Bethel career from 1978 to 1998, he conducted the Bethel Band and taught courses in music education, conducting, instrumentation, and trumpet performance. His family, including wife Joan and children Cathy and David, enjoyed many Bethel Band tours together, and Cathy and David played in the Wind Ensemble, under their father’s direction, during their time at Bethel.

Olson earned a degree in music education from St. Cloud State College, St. Cloud, Minn., and a master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Prior to his work at Bethel, he was the band director at Anoka Senior High School, Anoka, Minn. In 1992, he joined the Lake Wobegon Brass Band as the first conductor and was the founding conductor of the Encore Wind Ensemble. He also served as the musical director for the Anoka Theater Ensemble and the Anoka Opera. In summers, he made custom batons for conductors around the nation and did extensive judging and clinic work for several music organizations. He was awarded the Distinguished Service in Music Award by

St. Cloud State in 2001 and was inducted into the Anoka High School Hall of Fame in 2011.

Olson is remembered for his engaging teaching style as well as his impact on others. “At a crucial time in my development as a teacher,” says Professor of English Thomas Becknell, “he told me that he always encouraged his students to strive for ‘perfection of effort’ rather than ‘perfection of performance.’ That shift in emphasis made a significant difference to me, and for others.” Jon Veenker, associate professor and chair of the music department, played in Olson’s band and studied conducting with him at Bethel.

“He modeled excellence and passion in everything he did,” says Veenker.

“His conducting technique and musical interpretation were unparalleled. He taught you how to make music well. Personally, he was always ready to share some kind of musical advice or life wisdom at any occasion, and he never failed to leave you with a humorous thought. I cannot think of him without smiling.”

Former men’s and women’s tennis coach Dan Morton, 75, died in May after suffering a stroke followed by a brain aneurysm. In his 12 years coaching at Bethel, he led the men’s team to a 72-107 record and the women’s team to a 40-125 mark. After some challenging seasons with a sub-.500 record, from 2006-10 he helped the men’s team achieve a 5037 record, including backto-back 7-2 conference marks in 2008 and 2009.

He also took the women’s team from a 1-17 record in 2001 to 9-11 in 2006. At his retirement in 2012, Morton called his years at Bethel a blessing and a privilege.

“Bethel players and I have shared our love of the game, our Lord Jesus, and our teammates,” he said.

“We truly pray that our play and sportsmanship is an offering to God, who gave us the ability and

opportunity to grow our faith, academics, tennis, and relationships.”

Morton’s influence left a mark on Bethel athletics in far-reaching ways, says Athletic Director Bob Bjorklund. “For more than a decade, Coach Morton’s thoughtful and Christ-centered nature impacted Bethel ten nis players in profound ways,” he says. “His warm, gracious, and caring demeanor was evident to all who knew him. He was adept at encouraging his players to compete with excellence.”

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“On the last morning of our stay in Oman, three of us trekked to the top of a mountain to watch the sunrise. We were far enough above to see the spectacular landscape of the city, but close enough to feel its awakening. This unique perspective seemed to parallel our experience with Middle East culture itself—broad and distant in some ways, and incredibly intimate in others.”

KATIE (PLESCHOURT) MEYERS ’16, A NURSING MAJOR, TOOK THIS PHOTO IN MUSCAT, OMAN, DURING THE INTERIM 2016 STUDY ABROAD TRIP “OMAN AND UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.”