Doing Business Differently p. 12 | Changing Our Hearts About Disability p. 18 | Alums Lead Camp Ministries p. 22
Summer 2014
New Roots
BETHEL CELEBRATES AN UNEXPECTED GIFT AND UNPRECEDENTED p. 26 OPPORTUNITIES
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Bethel Seminary
FROM THE PRESIDENT Summer 2014 Volume 5 Number 3
A Fork in the Road Former New York Yankees catcher Yogi Berra had a way with words. One of his best-known sayings was, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it!” Bethel has come to a significant fork in the road many times since our founding in 1871, starting even earlier than that when founder John Alexis Edgren taught alongside William Rainey Harper at the Baptist Union Theological Seminary in Chicago. From those Baptist roots, Harper became the first president of the University of Chicago and Edgren founded what became Bethel University—two schools that took very different forks! Bethel faced another fork in the road in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The seminary had been located in Chicago; Stromsburg, Nebraska; and St. Paul. Where should we call home? In 1914, Bethel Seminary (then in Chicago) united with Bethel Academy in St. Paul under the leadership of President G. Arvid Hagstrom, and roots were established at the campus on Snelling Avenue in St. Paul for more than 50 years. In the 1940s, President Henry Wingblade faced numerous choices and challenges, eventually leading Bethel to become a fouryear college and pursue independent accreditation. This decision enhanced Bethel’s academic reputation, which continued to grow under Presidents Carl Lundquist and George Brushaber. In the late 1950s, Carl and Nancy Lundquist were convinced that Bethel needed room to expand. Imagine them praying together on a grassy hill overlooking a lake in the north metropolitan area of the Twin Cities! In what turned out to be a game-changing choice, the “miracle on Lake Valentine” led to the development of the Arden Hills, Minnesota, campus in 1965. Since then, other game-changing events have occurred. With only $50,000 in hand for a $7 million building project, the Bethel board launched construction that allowed college classes to join seminary classes at the Arden Hills campus in 1972. And then, under President Brushaber, graduate and degree completion programs were added. From an enrollment of one in 1871, Bethel University has grown to enroll more than 6,600 students in high-quality, Christ-centered programs—all because someone was willing to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit when Bethel reached a fork in the road. Our cover story brings you up to date on the latest miracle in Arden Hills—the acquisition of the Pine Tree building. It is our prayer that this new opportunity will result in more lives transformed to the glory of God!
Jay Barnes
Senior Vice President for Communications and Marketing Sherie J. Lindvall ’70 Editor Michelle Westlund ’83 Design Darin Jones ’97 Contributors
Brianna Albers ’17 Barbara Wright Carlson Erik Gruber ’06, GS ’14 Timothy Hammer ’08, S’12 Jared Johnson Nathan Klok ’17 Nicolle Westlund Mackinnon ’09 Suzanne McInroy Jared Nelson ’16 Cindy Pfingsten Scott Streble Tricia Theurer Suzanne Yonker GS’09
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 Relations 651.635.8050 university-relations@bethel.edu Bethel Magazine is published three 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 © 2014 Bethel University. All Rights Reserved. Bethel University is sponsored by the churches of Converge Worldwide, formerly known as the Baptist General Conference. 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 directed to: Compliance Officer, Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112-6999.
On the cover: the building at 2 Pine Tree Drive (photo by Scott Streble)
Going for the Gold (and Blue)
photos by Nathan Klok
More than 125 students, alumni, faculty, and staff participated in the firstever Royal Run 5K this spring, navigating the on-campus course while being splattered in Bethel blue and gold powder. The run was hosted by Royal Legacy, a student initiative that seeks to connect students and alumni to each other and to the history and traditions of Bethel. Proceeds benefited the Royal Legacy Scholarship, an endowment provided by gifts from Bethel students and alumni and awarded to an incoming student every year.
DEPARTMENTS Campus News
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Commencement 2014; seminary receives rare gift; academic year highlights
5 Sports News 10 Bookmarked
Recently published books by Bethel faculty members
Standout spring athletes; softball coach Rod Radcliffe; women’s tennis player Amanda Johnson
16 Profile 25 Alum News 30 PlaceMeant
Bethel University Child Development Center Playground
Professor of Art Ken Steinbach
FEATURES
12 BethelBiz: Doing Business Differently How did two alums turn their vision of a Bethel business community into a reality?
18 Different, Not Less Disability is simply a difference, and just one part of diversity. So how do we confront the real disability—our attitudes?
22 Not Just a Summer Job Bethel grads impact more than 38,000 campers each year as administrators at Christian camps.
26 New Roots The purchase of new property—aided by a donor’s generosity—is “a momentous generational event in the history of the university,” says President Jay Barnes.
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CAMPUS News
Commencement 2014
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Summer 2014
photo by Scott Streble
COMMENCEMENT
by the Numbers
496 College of Arts & Sciences 324 College of Adult & Professional Studies and Graduate School photo by Scott Streble
College of Arts & Sciences graduates heard from commencement speaker Deborah Haarsma, president of The BioLogos Foundation, which invites the church and the world to see the harmony between science and biblical faith. Haarsma double majored in physics and music at Bethel, and went on to complete a doctorate in astrophysics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. An experienced research scientist, she told the audience that her studies have shown her the incredible vastness of the universe, demonstrating “not the smallness of us, but the greatness of God’s love for us.”
photo by Scott Streble
photo by Sherry Stockton
photo by Scott Streble
photo by Helen Labosier
Bethel University held commencement ceremonies for 1,022 graduating students in late May.
138 Bethel Seminary St. Paul 43 Bethel Seminary San Diego 21 Bethel Seminary of the East Number of graduates by school
CAMPUS News
It’s Never Too Late Mary Overcash, age 67, proudly displays her diploma and her nine grandchildren. Nearly 50 years after graduating from high school, Overcash graduated from college with a degree in communication studies from Bethel’s College of Adult & Professional Studies. Nathaniel Williams, age 77, graduated from Bethel Seminary San Diego with a Master of Arts (Theological Studies). Before his retirement in 1999, Williams worked for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and took several mission trips to Burundi, Africa. Now that he’s completed his seminary degree, he plans to return to Burundi to continue sharing God’s word. “It is in my heart to make these trips on an annual basis if it is God’s will,” he says.
photo by Greg Schneider
Fifth University Professor Named Mark Strauss has been named University Professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary of Bethel University. He is just the fifth faculty member to earn this recognition, which honors full-time faculty members for sustained excellence in scholarship, teaching, research, or creative activity in their field. Since joining Bethel Seminary San Diego in 1994, Strauss has had a strong influence on the fields of Bible translation and hermeneutics, as well as in the lives of countless students. “Mark Strauss’s greatest gifts and contributions…lie in the
sphere of biblical scholarship,” says Glen Scorgie, Bethel Seminary San Diego professor of theology. “He has consistently demonstrated his ability to make important truths accessible to a broad, thoughtful audience…His latest book, How to Read the Bible in Changing Times, is an accessible but substantive invitation to evangelicals to immerse their imaginations in the biblical text and focus on the heart of God revealed therein.” President Jay Barnes says Strauss is “an amazing communicator…whose teaching, leadership, and influence at Bethel Seminary and beyond are top-tier.” Strauss has written 11 book-length publications, including How to Read the Bible in Changing Times and the commentary Four Portraits, One Jesus, which was described by one reviewer as “simply the best textbook available for undergrads and beginning grad students in this field of study.” Strauss has also written 29 articles;
Heard on Campus Look for God in the natural world, in your work, in the Bible. Seek and you will find. — Deborah Haarsma, Bethel alumna, research scientist, president of The BioLogos Foundation, and College of Arts & Sciences commencement speaker
participated in multiple video teaching presentations, including Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ; written 20 book reviews; given 26 major invited presentations; served on several key editorial or steering committees, including vice-chair of the Committee on Bible Translation for the New International Version; and taught in various venues nationwide as well as in Australia, Thailand, Uganda, and Malawi. Before coming to Bethel, he taught at San Diego Christian College and Talbot School of Theology of Biola University, both in California. He holds a Ph.D. in New Testament from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.
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Bethel Remembers Nancy Lundquist Nancy M. Lundquist, wife of Carl H. Lundquist, Bethel University president from 1954-1982, died on March 3. She was 94 years old. Nancy and Carl were known for their gracious hospitality, hosting students and faculty in their home near the former St. Paul campus. She also brought her gift of service to the position of chairperson of the Bethel Royal Retirees group. After Carl’s death, she continued to serve Bethel in several roles, including as a member of the President’s Prayer Council. President Jay Barnes reflected on the relationship that he and his wife Barb had with the former first lady. “When we spent time with her we always experienced the blessing of her wisdom, insight, trust in God, prayer support, and laughter,” he said. “Her partnership with Carl was an important factor in the ‘miracle on Lake Valentine.’ When she prayed, you knew she was talking to someone she knew deeply. Bethel was blessed by her ministry of prayer and presence.” Visit bethel.edu/news/ articles/2014/march/nancylundquist to read more.
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Summer 2014
Seminary Awarded Second Kern Grant Bethel Seminary has been approved for a second grant from the Kern Family Foundation to fund Year 2 of the Work with Purpose Initiative and expand on it. The initiative is designed to address the disconnect that many Christians feel between their faith and their work. “Work represents a large investment of time over the course of our lives—some argue up to 100,000 hours,” says Justin Irving, director of the Work with Purpose Initiative. “It is vital to understand that God cares deeply about us and how we invest our time through our work.” Highlights of the initiative’s first year include developing a six-week course for churches on faith and work in partnership with Christianity Today, along with piloting the material to six partner churches. The team held a MISSION:WORK conference that welcomed 120 people from the Bethel community and local congregations, and offered a colloquy program that united Bethel Seminary and MBA students to discuss readings from thought leaders in the faith and work movement. The initiative also awarded seven grants to Bethel faculty to develop relevant course content related to faith and work, hosted lunch events,
and launched a Theology of Leadership and Vocation course in the seminary’s M.A. (Christian Thought) program. These activities were made possible through the initial Work with Purpose grant of $190,000 provided by the Kern Family Foundation through the work of former Professor of Church History Chris Armstrong. The Year 2 grant provides roughly $350,000 for the period of June 1, 2014, through May 31, 2015, and will support a second-year focus on vocational stewardship. “We want to partner with seminary students, pastors, churches, and engaged lay leaders in sharing this message of vocational stewardship,” Irving says. In addition to directly serving seminary students, a primary focus in Year 2 will be on influencing the overall culture at Bethel Seminary to grow a theology of work and build a biblical understanding of vocation, whole-life stewardship, and the institutional and social settings of economic work. The initiative team also hopes to provide pastors and lay leaders with Bethelcreated resources on this topic.
Music Education Major Reinstated After a re-examination of data from a yearlong campus prioritization and review process, the music education major will be reinstated for the 2014-15 academic year. “We recognize the importance of this major to the identity and well-being of the department and the university, and are thankful that we are able to restore it,” says Deb Harless, executive vice president and provost. Music department programs include music composition and music education, while vocal performance and sacred music majors were eliminated.
CAMPUS News
Bookmarked Recently published books by Bethel University faculty The New International Reader’s Version (revised) translation team includes Jeannine Brown, Professor of New Testament, Bethel Seminary San Diego and St. Paul, and Ronald Youngblood, Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew Emeritus, Bethel Seminary San Diego (Zondervan) The New International Reader’s Version of the Bible is based on the New International Version and is translated for a third grade reading level. Like the NIV, the NIrV combines great accuracy to the Bible’s original languages with English that is easy to read and understand, making it an excellent Bible for children, those learning English as a second language, or anyone who wants an easier to understand version of the Bible.
Number of seedlings planted on the Bethel campus in May by 60 volunteers in an effort to regain some of the forest lost to buckthorn, an invasive tree species. An anonymous donor provided funds to cover the seedling purchase from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources state nursery.
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The Gospel of God’s Reign by Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt; edited by Christian Collins Winn, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, and Charles E. Moore (Cascade Books) Available in English for the first time, Blumhardt’s book leads readers to look at the gospel with fresh eyes and challenges them to follow Jesus in a way that makes God’s reign a reality here and now. Reviewer Jennifer McBride says that “by introducing Christoph Blumhardt to the English-speaking world, Winn and Moore have given us a great gift…This book enlivens me and gives me courage to risk action in the world. I couldn’t put it down.”
All books, as well as many others by Bethel faculty, are available at the Campus Store. Visit bookstore.bethel. edu to shop online; shop in person; or shop by phone at 651.638.6202.
The Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, 2nd Edition, edited
by Bethel Seminary Professor of New Testament Jeannine Brown, Joel B. Green, and Nicholas Perrin, was selected as a Christian Book Award winner for 2014. The award is presented annually by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association to Christian publishing’s books of highest quality and greatest impact. The Dictionary is a self-contained reference library of information and perspective essential to exploring Jesus and the Gospels, and was lauded as a “staple resource now completely updated with new content, accounting for the ‘sea of change in gospel studies that has occurred in the last two decades.’”
Bethel’s Food Service Excels Bethel’s food service provider, Sodexo, ranked among the top 25 sites across the company’s campus services division in a fall 2013 satisfaction survey. The national average for “overall satisfaction” among Sodexo’s 680 national accounts in education is 78%; Bethel’s average was 97.7%. For “likelihood to recommend,” the national average is 74%, while Bethel scored 96.9%. Satisfaction ratings for each of Bethel’s food service locations—3900 Grill, Monson Dining Center, and Royal Grounds—were nearly 100%.
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CAMPUS News
Spring Campus Speakers Notable visitors spoke at spring convocation and chapel
Krista Tippett
Bethel’s “Faithful Science” convocation series concluded in early May as Krista Tippett, host of American Public Media’s national radio program “On Being,” shared the perspectives of several leading experts—in fields such as science, medicine, theology, and philosophy—on the relationship between science and faith explored in her book, Einstein’s God: Conversations about Science and the Human Spirit. She asserted that we can all “make more space in our lives for spiritual perspectives informed by science.” She pointed out that, given all the technology surrounding us, “even the most religious of us are steeped in science every day.” In 2003, Tippett created the show “On Being”—originally called “Speaking of Faith”—at Minnesota Public Radio/ American Public Media. “On Being” is a Peabody Award-winning public radio conversation and podcast and a Webby Award-winning website. Visit www.bethel.edu/news/articles/ 2014/may/tippett-convocation to read more about Tippett’s presentation.
Joni Eareckson Tada
photo by Nathan Klok
As part of a week-long chapel emphasis on “Different, Not Less,” Bethel welcomed Joni Eareckson Tada in March. Tada was injured in a diving accident at age 17, leaving her a quadriplegic, and has used her remarkable life story and experiences to affect profound change in the area of disability ministry and leadership. An accomplished musician, artist, and writer, she is founder and CEO of Joni and Friends International Disability Center and an international advocate for people with disabilities. Tada addressed the compelling question we all ask when we suffer, “Why?” by shifting the focus from getting answers to getting more of God. “God is not going to give us answers,” she said. “He’s going to give us Himself.” She suggested that we can be like Jesus by showing compassion to those who suffer pain and isolation. “Maybe Jesus didn’t call it disability ministry,” she said, “but on every page of the Gospels, He is connecting with people with disabilities.”
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Visit www.bethel.edu/news/articles/2014/ april/joni-eareckson-tada to read a Q & A with Joni Eareckson Tada. And see p. 18 to read more about disability resources and services at Bethel. Summer 2014
Seminary Receives Ancient Hebrew Torah Scroll A rare, authentic Torah scroll was unveiled in a dedication ceremony at Bethel Seminary in March. The Larson-Bethel Baghdad Torah, a gift from Ken and Barbara Larson, dates to the early 17 th century. Written on skins about 89 feet long and carefully preserved by an ancient Jewish community in Baghdad across 400 years, the scroll contains hundreds of erasures and corrections that will give seminary students firsthand engagement with an artifact that teaches them about the preservation of the Bible across the centuries. The donors have also arranged for each Bethel Seminary student to receive an electronic copy of the scroll so students can work directly with their personal copy. The original scroll will be put on permanent display at Bethel Seminary St. Paul. Peter Vogt, former professor of Old Testament, expressed the seminary faculty’s gratitude for the Torah’s classroom value as well as its legacy. “In addition to being a tremendous pedagogical tool for teaching about the text and its preservation,” he said, “the Torah’s presence in the seminary will serve as a reminder of what it means to be committed to the word of God.”
CAMPUS News
Initiatives Reach Out to Diverse Student Populations ActSix
Bethel has partnered with the nonprofit organization Degrees of Change to launch an initiative called ActSix, which supports increased enrollment of underserved populations and has had great success in the Pacific Northwest. Bethel aims to enroll seven to 10 students in the program in fall 2015. Edee Schulze, former vice president for student life, explains that through ActSix, Bethel U R B A N V E N hopes to “empower leaders from underserved populations as well as increase retention and graduation rates for first-generation and low-income students.” The name of the initiative refers to chapter 6 in the biblical book of Acts, where believers learn the importance of caring for the needs of people in underserved communities and empowering them for leadership. “ActSix operates on the same principle,” explains Leah Fulton, associate dean for intercultural student programs and services, “empowering young people from underserved communities to change their neighborhoods through education and leadership development.” As part of its agreement, Bethel, along with Augsburg College in Minneapolis and the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, will partner with a community affiliate to identify and reach potential applicants from underserved populations who might be strong candidates for college, including students of color, students from low-income families, and
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those who would be first-generation college graduates. The community partner of the Twin Cities ActSix program is Urban Ventures, a faithbased nonprofit that strives to break the cycle of generational poverty in Minneapolis. The partnership model is structured so that the local community organization capitalizes on its existing relationships with underrepresented and underserved populations. After applicants go through the admissions and acceptance process, U R E S Bethel, using a combination of existing financial aid and other grants, will provide them with full scholarships for four years. In addition to financial support, students will receive academic guidance and preparation, mentoring, and ongoing leadership and community development opportunities throughout their time at Bethel. A key goal of the program is that after graduation from college, “the students will give back to the community and make their impact there,” says Schulze. Ruben Rivera, Bethel’s interim chief diversity officer, emphasizes the significance of this opportunity. “The ActSix program has the potential to be the most successful single investment in Christ-centered diversity efforts in the history of Bethel,” he says. “I truly believe that Bethel University is seeking to enter a new era regarding its commitment not just to increasing the diversity of underrepresented, first-generation college students and students of color, but the academic success and leadership development of those students that will pay dividends
on our campus and communities long into the future. I hope that everyone catches the vision.”
BUILD
Plans are underway for the Bethel University Intellectual Learning and Development (BUILD) initiative, a post-secondary two-year residential program for students ages 18 to 25 with intellectual disabilities. The program will be the first of its kind in Minnesota and the only one at a member institution of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. The initiative aims to provide education and skills for students to live independently and will feature unique courses, practical internships, and a robust student life experience, culminating with the awarding of an applied skills certificate at the end. The program is financially selfsustaining, and 12 students will begin in fall 2015. “We value diversity and inclusion, leadership and service,” says Barrett Fisher, associate dean of Arts and Humanities. “BUILD puts those values into action by adding students who broaden our diversity, contribute unique perspectives, and create opportunities for service by the entire community.” For more information about BUILD, contact Bethel’s Office of Academic Affairs at 651.638.6036. For more information about disability resources and services at Bethel, see p. 18. Visit bethel.edu/news/ articles/2014/june/ scholarship-initiative to learn more about ActSix.
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CAMPUS News
Spring Student Achievements Junior Joel Anderson, a history and philosophy double major and a member of Bethel’s honors program, was named Cadet of the Year by the University of Minnesota’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. He was also one of five students to be published in the magazine Compos Mentis, and over spring break, he participated in the 25th annual Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Base in New Mexico. Senior reconciliation studies major Johnny Yang received the Presidents’ Student Leadership Award from Minnesota Campus Compact, a network of colleges and universities—including Bethel—that encourages community engagement and leadership efforts. A student community worker and tutor for the past three years, Yang received the award for his work in the Frogtown neighborhood of St. Paul. Graduate student Wade Nilson received the South Dakota Academy of Physician Assistants 2014 Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding achievements as a physician assistant. Nilson is pursuing a Doctor of Education degree at Bethel. He serves as chair for the Physician Assistant Studies Program at the University of South Dakota. Senior biokinetics majors Rachel Arnott and Adelyn Conrath received a first place award at the American College of Sports Medicine Northland Chapter’s Research Symposium at St.
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Cloud State University, Minnesota. Bethel won six of the top 10 awards at the symposium. Seniors Laura Rasmussen, a biochemistry/molecular biology major, and Andre Scarlato, a biochemistry/molecular biology and chemistry major, were honored for their achievements at the 2014 Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium at St. Mary’s University, Minnesota. Both students received an Excellence in Science Award from the Minnesota Academy of Science in recognition of their contributions to their field through undergraduate research. Eleven other Bethel students also participated in the symposium. From a record number of applicants, two students in Bethel’s Physician Assistant (PA) program, David Johnston and Stacy Underhill, were awarded scholarships from the Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants. “Bethel PA students are leading the way as the inaugural class continues in its efforts, along with the faculty, to put the Bethel PA program on the…map,” says Wallace Boeve, Physician Assistant program director. Junior music composition major Jared Hedges won the 2014 John Kenneth Cole Composition Prize for his piece Meditation upon the 88th Psalm for string orchestra. His work was premiered and recorded by the Oregon Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra in May in Portland, Oregon.
New Vice President and Dean Deborah (Deb) Sullivan-Trainor was recently named Bethel’s vice president and dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. She joined the Bethel University faculty in the modern world languages department in 1999, and has served as department chair, associate dean of general education and faculty development, and acting co-dean of the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS). Before coming to Bethel, SullivanTrainor was on the faculty at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., for seven years and taught at Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Va., for two years. She holds a Ph.D. in French from the University of California, Irvine; and an M.A. and B.A. from Texas Tech University. “This is a particularly critical leadership position in the College of Arts & Sciences and Bethel University at this time in our history,” says Deb Harless, executive vice president and provost. “Deb brings the demonstrated skills, personal capacities, and commitment to the liberal arts and Christian higher education that are necessary in order to serve with excellence and to move CAS forward in positive and innovative ways.”
photo by Nathan Klok
Showcasing Excellence
CAMPUS News
Bethel Hosts Poundstone Exhibit Bethel University hosted an art exhibit in April and May, “Dr. George C. Poundstone: The Elements of a Picture,” with selections of the work of this noted pictorialist photographer from Bethel’s permanent art collection. Bethel is one of just three institutions worldwide housing Poundstone works, and this marks the first time in 35 years that works from the archive have been publicly displayed. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Smithsonian Institution are the only other institutions in the world with Poundstone works in their collections. A dental surgeon and professor of dentistry at Northwestern University in Illinois in his later years, Poundstone was also a noted pictorialist photographer in the 1920s and ’30s, known for his masterful use of paper negatives, soft focus, and combination printing to create a more compelling composition. He died in 1938, and in 1979, his widow Ethel gave Bethel the entire Poundstone photographic estate, including his photographic works, writings, journals, films, negatives, and Autochromes. Mrs. Poundstone wanted her husband’s archives to be housed in the permanent collection of a Christian university with an art department, which, at the time, was rare. The long-standing excellence of Bethel’s art department, coupled with Mrs. Poundstone’s connections to several Bethel professors, led to her decision to give the archives to Bethel. In 2013, Michelle Westmark, associate professor of art and gallery director of Bethel’s two exhibition spaces, along with student Grace Krussow ’14, received an Edgren Scholarship—a program that supports faculty-student research teams as they collaborate on a research project—to research and digitally archive Poundstone’s work. Through their efforts, the collection is now accessible to the public as a digital archive through Bethel’s online library database. Visit bethel.edu/news/articles/2014/april/ poundstone-exhibit to read more.
The Year in Review Highlights of the 2013-14 Academic Year September Football player named to Allstate AFCA 2013 national Good Works Team
October
Physics department receives two National Science Foundation grants
November
Bethel announces start of nursemidwifery graduate program
December
Bethel completes branding initiative
January
Bethel hosts “Transfer of Memory” Holocaust photo exhibit
February
Two professors awarded John Templeton Foundation grant to fund initiative on science and the church
March
Two alums named to 2014 Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list
April
Bethel Seminary receives ancient Hebrew Torah scroll
May
Bethel launches ActSix initiative to improve diversity enrollment and retention
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SPORTS NEWS
From the Locker Room
Meet standout Bethel spring athletes
Baseball
Luke Schultz • Sr., Forest Lake, Minn. A three-time MIAC Academic All-Conference recipient, Schultz carries a career .270 batting average with 45 runs, 68 hits, and 38 RBI. A three-year starter for the Royals in left field, he’s had just seven errors in 118 chances.
Softball
Cristina Masten • Sr., Fergus Falls, Minn. Masten was a four-year starter for the Royals softball team and finished her career with a .350 average at the plate. A six-time MIAC Academic All-Conference honoree, she earned an All-MIAC First Team award in 2014 after hitting .417 with 20 runs scored and 20 more driven in. She also had just six career errors at catcher in 301 chances.
Men’s Tennis Steven Schull • Sr., Eagan, Minn. A three-time MIAC Academic All-Conference award winner, Schull finished his senior season with a 13-5 record in both singles and doubles play, going 7-2 against conference opponents. At one point in the 2014 season, he won eight straight matches. Women’s Tennis Abby Edin • Sr., Staples, Minn. A two-time MIAC Academic All-Conference honoree, Edin finished her senior season 7-9 at No. 1 singles, went 7-9 in No. 1 doubles play, and finished 5-4 against MIAC opponents. In her last ten matches, she finished 6-4 and won three straight in that stretch. Men’s Outdoor Track and Field
Anthony Puckett • Sr., Waconia, Minn. Puckett is an eight-time MIAC All-Conference competitor and a five-time MIAC champion. The pole vaulter, hurdler, and sprinter has the No. 1 height in Bethel program history for the outdoor pole vault and holds Top 5 records for the indoor and outdoor 4x400meter relay, indoor distance medley relay, and 400-meter hurdles.
Women’s Outdoor Track and Field
Ashley Magelssen • Sr., Forest Lake, Minn. Magelssen is a three-year letterwinner and three-time conference champion. She has broken 10 program records throughout her time with the Royals. The sprinter is a 14-time All-Conference honoree and has been honorable mention an additional six times.
Extra Points Purple Pride. For the third
consecutive year, the Bethel University football team was represented at the Minnesota Vikings rookie camp at Winter Park, Eden Prairie, Minn. Both Mitch Hallstrom and Seth Mathis traded their navy and gold uniforms for purple jerseys and helmets in May, as each received an invitation to join drafted rookies at the three-day camp. Rock Star. As the NCAA Division III
celebrates its 40th anniversary, it is highlighting 40 of the top studentathletes who have participated in Division III athletics and then attained success after college. Head track and field coach Andrew Rock and his wife Missy were both featured, as Rock was a nine-time indoor and outdoor track champion at the University of WisconsinLa Crosse and won a gold medal as a member of the 1,600-meter relay team at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.
Record-setting Wins. Bethel’s
women’s basketball team finished the 2013-14 season 20-7 overall and 17-5 in the MIAC. Not only did the Royals reach the 20-win plateau for the first time in 20 years, but their 17 league wins were 12 more than a year ago—setting an NCAA record for largest turnaround in conference play.
Follow the Royals: bethelroyals.com | youtube.com/bethelroyals | facebook.com/bethelroyals | twitter.com/bethelroyals 10
Summer 2014
SPORTS NEWS
CoachQuote
ROYAL PROFILE
“Bethel softball strives to be competitive both on and off the field, while also representing Jesus Christ in the same venues. Every day we have the opportunity to grow in our faith by how we work as a team, compete on the field, and communicate with the community. We strive to have our team be part of a family atmosphere. Our goal is to prepare our athletes for when they move on in their lives, maintaining a positive atmosphere and having fun playing the game they have a passion for.”
Name: Amanda Johnson Year: Senior Sport: Women’s Tennis
Read the full interview with Coach Radcliffe at www.bethelroyals.com
What was the highlight of playing tennis at Bethel? The highlight is the friendships I made. The reason our team was so close is because we connected on a deeper level due to our faith. Through our spring break trips and matches together, our team created friendships that will last a lifetime. What was the most rewarding aspect of being a studentathlete? I gained an automatic support system the minute I tried out for the Bethel tennis team. Not only did I have my coaches supporting me, but my whole team was right there next to me as well. Through the ups and downs in academics or athletics, the team is always right there for support, no matter what. Who has been your biggest role model and why? My biggest role models will always be my parents. They’ve been
photo by Scott Streble
Rod Radcliffe, softball coach, 10th season
Hometown: Vadnais Heights, Minn. Major: Elementary Education
my support system my whole life, and will continue to support and love me. They also influenced me in making the biggest decision of my life, which was to follow Christ. What was your role on the team? This year I was one of the team captains, and I believe my role was to encourage my teammates to never give up and always do their best, not for themselves but for God and the rest of the team. Never giving up was something I was known for in my matches, and that is what I would like to leave behind at Bethel. What are your aspirations after college? I’d like to become a kindergarten teacher. At this grade level, you can see incredible growth in children and you have a huge opportunity to inspire them. It is amazing to see them understand something new that you have taught them. And this grade level also provides a lot of humor!
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doing business differently by Erik Gruber ’06, GS ’14 12
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BETHELBIZ, BETHEL’S BUSINESS ALUMNI GROUP, IS AN ACTIVE, GROWING, AND PASSIONATE COMMUNITY OF LEADERS AND PROFESSIONALS LOOKING TO CONNECT WITH EACH OTHER, MENTOR STUDENTS, ENHANCE BETHEL’S REPUTATION IN THE BUSINESS WORLD, AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE BOTH LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY. IT STARTED SMALL, WITH A CHANCE MEETING BETWEEN TWO BETHEL ALUMNI WHO HAD SIMILAR PASSIONS. HOW DID THEY TURN THEIR VISION OF A BETHEL BUSINESS COMMUNITY INTO A REALITY?
STARTING THE CONVERSATION
Anthony Barthel ’99 had been trying to get a business alumni network off the ground since the early 2000s, but nothing stuck. “It was always something I wanted to do,” he says. “I just didn’t have the outlet, the resources, or the time.” But he never gave up the dream of connecting with other alumni to learn from their experiences and help enhance Bethel’s reputation in the business world. “I was finding a bunch of great grads out there in the business community who had no way to find each other. And they had an intense desire to connect.” When he met Steve Strom ’07 at an event in 2011, Barthel immediately recognized their shared interest in doing something special for Bethel’s business alumni. “We started talking about our passions, about the things we wanted to see for Bethel, what it might look like to start a business alumni group. We became quick friends.” Adds Strom: “Tony had banged his head against the wall a few more times than I had, thinking about how to start a business community. Maybe my youthful enthusiasm hadn’t been tamed yet. I had a lot of energy behind the idea.”
SHAPING THE VISION
From the start, Strom and Barthel shared a vision: to form a community and grow Bethel’s reputation. “Alumni are the best spokespeople for the university,” says Strom. “It’s our job to go out and celebrate those alumni stories.” Barthel adds, “We need to be out in the business community saying
‘Hire Bethel graduates. They’re great.’ We need to have a lot of alumni saying it together and looking out for each other. Developing relationships is one of the best things we do at Bethel. I wanted to find ways to make sure those relationships translated outside the classroom. That was part of the passion.” Barthel and Strom knew they had a lot of work to do before that vision became a reality. “A big part of the challenge, at least from Bethel’s perspective, was getting a clear picture of what, exactly, we wanted to do,” says Barthel. So they developed some tangible goals. “There were three important things that we wanted to accomplish,” explains Barthel.
“We want to encourage each other to be the best we can be as business leaders for God’s kingdom.” —Collin Barr ’84, Bethel board member and president of the NorthCentral Region of Ryan Companies, Minneapolis
BETHELBIZ BREAKFAST SERIES The BethelBiz Breakfast Series provides opportunities for Bethel alumni and friends to connect and collaborate with faithful business leaders. The quarterly events are designed to introduce new ideas, address hot topics in business and leadership, and start meaningful conversations that foster personal and spiritual growth. Upcoming Breakfast Series meetings: Wednesday, September 17 | 7-8:45 a.m. Midland Hills Country Club, Roseville, MN Speaker: Jim Green, retired president and CEO, Kemps/Marigold Foods, Inc., and chair of Bethel’s Board of Trustees Wednesday, November 19 | 7-8:45 a.m. Edina Country Club, Edina, MN Speaker: John Griffith, retired EVP of Property Development, Target Corp. Learn more and register at: www.bethelbiz.org Bethel University
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“Our world desperately needs business leaders of faith. Bethel has an outstanding reputation, not only for strong academics, but for developing young men and women of strong character, integrity, and faith.” —Linda Goodwin ’79, retired Wells Fargo Senior Vice President “One, we wanted to connect Bethel alumni to other Bethel alumni. Two, we wanted to raise the profile of Bethel in the business community. And three, we wanted to find new ways to connect with the university, and ensure students are successful after graduation.”
SHARING THE DREAM
They had passion, energy, and vision. But they needed buy-in and support. So Strom and Barthel embarked on a yearlong mission to share their dream with people who could help them get it off the ground. The pair sat down with President Jay Barnes, members of Bethel’s Board of Trustees, the development office, the business department, the alumni and parent services office, and a number of other influential stakeholders. After a year of discussion, they got the green light from Bethel. The next step was finding the right people to join them in their quest to build an alumni network. They started with friends, fellow alumni, and people in their spheres of influence. From these conversations, a leadership board took shape. One of the most influential leaders to get involved, and an early guiding voice, was alumnus and Bethel board member Collin Barr ’84, president of the NorthCentral Region of Ryan Companies, Minneapolis. “We came up with the mission, vision, core values, purpose, logistics,
promotion strategies,” says Barr. “It was a group effort. We wanted to encourage each other to be the best we can be as business leaders for God’s kingdom.”
FORMING BETHELBIZ
Growing out of Barthel and Strom’s original vision and taking shape under the direction of the leadership board, BethelBiz was born. So far, the group has organized a breakfast series featuring guest speakers, a mentorship program for current Bethel students, and periodic outings to sporting events. The breakfast series events give attendees the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, form valuable relationships with fellow alumni in the business world, and grow both personally and professionally (see p. 13). Past speakers include CEO of Ardent Mills Dan Dye ’81; University of Minnesota Head Women’s Hockey Coach Brad Frost ’96; Executive Director of Urban Homeworks Chad Schwitters ’95; and Managing Director of Global Human Resources for Värde Partners, Inc., Andrea Schilling ’91. “Everybody’s coming to the meetings for a different reason,” says Strom. “We hope we’re connecting with people where they are in life, whether they’re going through a job transition or struggling to align their passions and their work. Your network goes with you, and building
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM The Mentorship Program connects current Bethel students and recent graduates with alumni who are leaders in the business community. Developed under the guidance of retired Wells Fargo Senior Vice President Linda Goodwin ’79, the program matches mentors with mentees based on the mentor’s experience and the mentee’s career aspirations and interests. Mentors meet with mentees once a month to work on communication skills, connect academics and career, and build a professional network. In addition, their shared faith in Christ means that mentors are committed to helping mentees succeed by leveraging the unique talents God has given them. For Goodwin, it’s this last piece that sets Bethel’s mentorship program apart. “Our world desperately needs business leaders of faith,” she says. “Bethel has an outstanding reputation, not only for
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strong academics, but for developing young men and women of strong character, integrity, and faith.” Last year, 25 mentors and mentees participated in the program. That number will grow to 50 next year. “By investing in the life of a mentee,” says Goodwin, “you’re preparing them to lead and serve with excellence in every aspect of life. Mentoring is such an incredible way to give back and make a longlasting impact on someone’s life.” Interested in mentoring a Bethel student? Learn more and sign up at bethelbiz.org/mentorship
BRINGING HOPE TO HIS COMMUNITY relationships with other Christ-followers from Bethel is invaluable. Last spring we had a conversation about faith in the workplace. The meetings are touching people in a lot of different ways.” Additionally, the relationships and networks that are growing through the breakfast series are crucial to increasing Bethel’s influence in the business community. “Networking is one of the most important things you can do. People don’t always realize that,” says BethelBiz board member Susan Corcoran ’04. “When you think about changing careers or you’re looking for people to hire, you go to people you know first.” The mentorship program, developed by retired Wells Fargo Senior Vice President Linda Goodwin ’79, accomplishes the group’s third goal of finding new ways to connect with the university and ensuring that students are successful after graduation (see p. 14). “As a student, I was mentored by a couple of alumni,” says Strom. “I know the impact. I’m so grateful and fortunate that they paved the way for me. I think every undergrad needs a little wind in their sail sometimes, to navigate and figure out what they want to do.”
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Since their first event in May 2013, BethelBiz has steadily gained interest and enthusiasm. An average of 60 to 70 Bethel alumni attend events, bringing with them years of experience, diverse perspectives, and valuable connections that have the potential to significantly raise Bethel’s reputation in the business community. But that doesn’t mean Strom and Barthel are slowing Steve Strom ’07, Susan Corcoran ’04, and Anthony Barthel ’99
Chad Schwitters ’95 is the executive director of Urban Homeworks, a North Minneapolis nonprofit that rebuilds neighborhoods, provides dignified housing opportunities, creates spaces for construction training, and connects neighbors. In the most disadvantaged neighborhoods of the Twin Cities, he leads innovative and sustainable housing programs by bringing together neighbors and various community partners. His efforts help create pathways for low-income families to break free from a cycle of poverty and reclaim hope. At a spring BethelBiz Breakfast Series event, Schwitters challenged attendees to consider what they were doing to bring hope to their communities, and how much they were willing to sacrifice for the people around them. down. “We’ll continually challenge the way we do things,” says Strom. “We want to be different. We want to be impactful. We want to foster professional and spiritual growth. We want to be that place where you can count on being challenged.” Barr wants to see BethelBiz “become a powerful and robust business alumni organization that people want to become a part of, that people notice and say, ‘That’s a special group of people, and we want to hire people from that group. We want to be connected to that group.’” Barthel adds, “We want to have a reputation that we help each other, and we stick together as Bethel grads. This is a forum to say, ‘There’s a different way to do business. And it’s a better way of doing it. It’s also a harder way of doing it.’ I have a passion for helping people understand the eternal purpose of their work. I want to ask what it means to be a believer in the workplace. That conversation is countercultural, but I want us to have it.” CONNECT WITH BETHELBIZ: www.bethelbiz.org Linked in/Bethelbiz facebook.com/BethelBiz twitter: @bethelbiz
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PlaceMeant– BETHEL UNIVERSITY CHILD DEVELO The original playground at the on-campus Child Development Center (CDC) lasted 29 years and served countless kids. But after an inspection indicated that some equipment was becoming outdated, CDC staff swung into action to raise funds for a new playground. The result? A beautiful new play area that blends in with campus surroundings and supports the center’s mission: to serve families with the love of Jesus Christ. In fall 2013, the CDC celebrated its 30th anniversary, including an inauguration of the new playground.
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OPMENT CENTER PLAYGROUND by Cindy Pfingsten 1. A steep slope in the landscape made it difficult for the youngest children to navigate the old playground. The new design allows for tiered playing areas. 2. Children—from infants to preschoolers—benefit from both the physical activity that allows them to practice large motor skills and the social interaction that comes from outdoor play. 3. The surface of the playground consists of coated rubber, which is non-toxic (mold free), nonallergenic, and stays dry on the surface in wet weather. Staff and parents report it’s a huge improvement from the previous playground’s sand that filled children’s shoes!
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4. The new playground helps ensure that children get plenty of outside activity, which benefits creativity, appropriate risk-taking, concentration, and mental health. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education recommends that preschoolers engage in at least 60 minutes and up to several hours per day of activities that build large motor skills. 5. Children are taught important life skills on the bike track, including peddling, taking turns, and wearing a helmet. 6. A mini climbing wall allows even the littlest ones to practice their climbing and balancing skills.
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Bethel’s King Family Foundation CDC in the Frogtown area of St. Paul partners with the on-campus CDC to give children opportunities to grow, explore, and embrace learning early. Both centers hold a four-star rating from the “Parent Aware” child care rating system, the highest rating for child care quality in Minnesota, and both are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Visit bethel.edu/cdc to learn more about Bethel’s Child Development Centers and options for enrolling your child.
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CHANGING OUR CONVERSATION—AND HEARTS—
ABOUT DISABILITY by Suzanne Yonker GS ’09
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On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act, protecting those with disabilities from discrimination. Joni Eareckson Tada, a renowned advocate for those with disabilities, was there that day, and during a recent visit to Bethel she explained what happened next. “We gathered together afterward with Senator Tom Harkin, who authored the bill. Instead of being elated that the bill had finally become law, he seemed kind of down. I asked him why. He said, ‘We can pass bills all day long. But we can never change hearts.’” Passing bills is a start. Adding ramps and elevators is progress. But only Christ can truly change our attitudes about those with disabilities. And the Bethel community takes that to heart. As we seek to provide Christian education that transforms hearts and minds, we’re learning to think and talk about disability in radically new ways.
DISABILITY AS DIVERSITY
Disability is just one part of diversity, says Natalie Beazer, Bethel’s director of disability resources and services (DRS). “Disability is simply a difference; it’s neutral. If we value diversity, then we must understand that diversity encompasses the infinite range of individuals’ unique attributes, experiences, and abilities.” Even more, diversity is part of God’s plan, says Edee Schulze, former vice president of student life. “Every person is created in God’s image,” she says, “and in His vast creativity God invented difference—starting in the Garden of Eden. As biblical Christians, our pursuit is to emulate God’s heart. He exhibited Natalie Beazer, director of staggering honor and respect disability resources and services to all of us in His loving and redemptive compassion. So we also should demonstrate honor and respect for others—the poor, the rich, the well, the ill, the capable, and those who need assistance—simply because every person is a priceless creation and treasure of the most high God.”
ACCESSIBLE LEARNING
At Bethel, respecting others starts by providing all students with equal access to quality learning. Like other schools,
Bethel is mandated by legislation to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to their education, Beazer explains. She and her staff help remove the barriers that students of all abilities face; approximately 200 students with disabilities of all kinds receive help through DRS. Aiding students with disabilities—both visible and invisible—can be as simple as arranging accommodations like additional time for tests or access to professors’ PowerPoint lectures. But assistive devices play an important role, too. For example, smartpens—high-tech writing tools that record spoken words and synchronize them with notes written on special paper—allow anything written down to be replayed and even sent to mobile devices to be reviewed or rearranged to facilitate studies. And audio textbooks allow students to listen as they read along to increase reading comprehension, or to assist those who are blind. These modifications help level the playing field for those with disabilities and provide access to learning, says Beazer.
THE REAL DISABILITY
Such modifications help students learn, but there are still obstacles that must be overcome to provide a positive learning experience for all Bethel students. “Attitudes are the real disability,” explains Beazer. And Tada agrees.
An Invitation from Joni Eareckson Tada Do you want to be part of an international ministry that serves those with disabilities? Joni and Friends accepts interns in its Cause4Life program both in the U.S. and abroad. Visit joniandfriends.org/cause-4-life to learn more.
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photo by Nathan Klok
LANGUAGE MATTERS
Joni Eareckson Tada
“People may see those with disabilities as too high maintenance, taking too much time and effort,” she says. “That’s a self-centered, ‘me’ focus that only the gospel can change. When our hearts are changed by the power of Jesus’ love, we can get to know people as individuals, not defined by race, disability, or age barriers.” One student-founded awareness group at Bethel is addressing barriers. While serving as a DRS intern, Kitty Leider ’14 decided to work toward changing attitudes about those with disabilities. To that end, she established the Disability Awareness Group (DAG) in fall 2013. “Our mission is to work together to raise awareness on a variety of topics surrounding disability, break commonly held stereotypes, and create a community of inclusion and acceptance for all people,” Leider says. DAG arranged events for a Disabilities Awareness Month in March, including the chapel series “Different, Not Less” featuring Tada and other speakers, who shared their stories and discussed issues faced by those with disabilities. The group hosted an on-campus information table to raise awareness about brain injury and held activities on Autism Awareness Day. They also sponsored a campaign to end the use of the “r” word to refer to those with developmental disabilities, and 311 Bethel community members signed a pledge not to use the word. And DAG is active in a new initiative, the Bethel Compass Transition Program, which provides a supportive network of peer mentors for incoming students who are on the autism spectrum and have a diagnosis of ADD, ADHD, or an anxiety disorder related to performance or social situations. Compass offers students opportunities to build a supportive community, enhance social and academic skills, and transition successfully to life at Bethel. 20
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A step as simple as becoming aware of language with negative connotations can be more significant than it seems. The language we use to talk about other people reflects our hearts and attitudes, and is an especially important topic when it comes to disability. “We can unwittingly dehumanize a person based on physical or cognitive differences,” says Michael Dreher, professor of communication studies and an expert on web accessibility. “The whole idea of ‘people-first’ language is to change the assumptions, and instead recognize someone as a person who happens to have a condition that can impact her or his life.” “‘People first’ language is beneficial,” says Levi Bauer ’18, who uses a wheelchair and has a full-time personal care attendant. “I like to be viewed as a person whom God created for a purpose. People with disabilities should be viewed as regular human beings. It’s often assumed that since a person has a physical disability, he or she must have a mental disability, which is certainly not the case.” Bauer set the record straight early in the school year by taking the stage at chapel, saying, in effect, “Here I am, Bethel. See me for who I am and what I can do, not for what I can’t.” This can-do attitude helps remove stereotypes that those with disabilities sometimes experience. Bethel trustee Julie White learned this firsthand after her daughter Emily was born with Down Syndrome. “We started hearing the word ‘can’t’ from the professionals,” White said during the “Different, Not Less” chapel series. “But we never told Emily she couldn’t do something. She grew up not saying ‘I can’t,’ but ‘I’ll try.’” This attitude enabled Emily to finish high school, graduate from a two-year certificate program, secure a job, and live independently.
BEYOND FRIENDSHIP
By getting to know the Levis and Emilies of the world, we become more aware of the intrinsic value of every person, each one of whom is unique. Tada believes in the importance of spending time with those with disabilities to help break down stereotypes and start seeing each other as equals. “We need to develop not independence, but interdependence, and do so intentionally,” she says. “It’s great that [there are] ministries to those who are disabled, but wouldn’t it be even better if students who are disabled and typical students were involved together?” For Dreher, the process must go deeper than friendship. “A person must be willing to ask the sometimes difficult and awkward questions to truly understand where someone with
a disability comes from. I might be a friend to someone with a disability, but that doesn’t by itself free me from having stereotypes and misconceptions about them. I have to confront those stereotypes myself.”
MADE IN GOD’S IMAGE
One of Bethel’s core values is reconciliation, and that means being committed to honoring the dignity and worth of everyone, including those with disabilities. “If we’re all made in God’s image, how can we say that someone is lesser in God’s eyes because of something that she/he has no control over?” Dreher asks. “I agree with our former colleague Amos Yong, who wrote The Bible, Disability, and the Church: A New Vision of the People of God. Amy Julia Becker’s words in a review of Yong’s book summarize the response to my question well: ‘Only when people with both physical and
intellectual disabilities are not only included, but embraced, can we truly call ourselves the people of God.’” Leider believes that Bethel is making progress toward this goal, thanks to the work of faculty, staff, and student leaders. “The conversations seem to be more positive,” she says. “People are seeing disability as a difference and not something that makes someone less than a person.” In the end, our hearts toward others begin to change when we remember that we have all been fearfully and wonderfully made. “We see Jesus honoring those with some kind of physical or emotional limitation in so many ways—by being near, by healing, by defending, by calling,” Schulze says. “It is the right and ethical thing to do, but more importantly, it is our joyful duty as representatives of His kingdom here on earth.”
Changing Conversation, Changing Hearts Jenny Hill, of Otsego, Minnesota, is a doctoral student in Bethel’s educational leadership program. She serves as a library media specialist at St. Michael Elementary School, St. Michael, Minnesota, and is the author of Walking with Tension, a memoir about living with cerebral palsy.
Should people ask about a disability, or ignore it? Polite questions about a person’s disability are fine as long as they are asked with a heart to know someone better, and in pursuit of understanding how to love them well in the midst of what could be unique challenges. If a person doesn’t want to talk about their disability, it may simply be that they are not ready yet. If people can show patience and kindness toward each other, conversations will open up in their own time. What do you see as the biggest barrier in the area of awareness about disability and acceptance of people with disabilities? People may not understand that acceptance of a disability often involves grieving. For me personally, acceptance came at the end of my own unique grieving process. Since I was born with a disability, I wasn’t grieving ability Read Jenny Hill’s blog at that once was and then was taken away, but rather the loss of my www.walkingwithtension.com potential. I had to move through all the stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression—until I came to a place of acceptance. This is where I was able to find my voice and actually talk about and understand my experience of living with a disability.
photo by Alissa Foreman
When discussing disability, what responses bother you the most? What would you most like others to do/say? It’s the most challenging when the first words from someone’s mouth are questions in regard to my disability. Instead, I’d like people to ask my name and learn more about me as a whole person.
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NOT JUST A
SUMMER JOB
Bethel grads bring expertise and passion to camp ministry If you’ve ever been to a Christian camp, you probably have nostalgia-tinged memories of challenging ropes courses, rousing camp songs, and inspiring testimonies around a campfire. But what might have escaped your notice is the year-round, behind-the-scenes effort necessary to create those powerful summer experiences. A number of Bethel grads put in that effort at camps across the Midwest, collectively impacting more than 38,000 campers each year. Read on to learn more about what motivates them to serve in this life-changing ministry. by Nicolle Westlund Mackinnon ’09 with research by Jared Nelson ’16 22
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Jon Lokhorst ’83 B.A., Business Administration Development Director at Covenant Harbor, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Covenant Harbor serves about 27,000 guests annually, including private camps and retreat groups throughout the year. More than 2,500 students attend its day and overnight camps each summer.
ANT COVEN HARBOR NEVA, LAKE GE NSIN O C IS W
WHY CAMP MINISTRY? After nearly 18 years in my CPA practice, the Lord called me into full-time ministry. My wife Barb had a dream of being in camp ministry since we were Bethel students, and in 2007, we moved to Hume Lake Christian Camp in California. That was my first experience in development, which I found was a great way to combine my ministry passion and business experience. HOW DID BETHEL PREPARE YOU TO SERVE STUDENTS AND CAMP ATTENDEES? My Bethel experience showed me the importance of building relationships in every setting, from business or ministry to community and family. Healthy relationships allow for success and fulfillment in all of those areas. WHAT IMPACTED YOU MOST WHILE AT BETHEL? My accounting classes with Scott Wallace, who passed away in 2005. I worked for him after graduation and later became a partner with him in a CPA firm. Even as a student, I was able to see how Scott integrated faith into his business life. That model has stuck with me ever since.
SUMMER CAMP
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Many Bethel students have attended the camps mentioned in this story or other summer camps, and many students work at camps during the summer. This year, 17 summer camps recruited student employees from Bethel University.
Holly Larson ’12 B.A., Social Studies Education 5-12 and History Interim Program Director at Covenant Pines Bible Camp, McGregor, Minnesota
C O VE NANT PINES BIBL E CAM P
MCGR EGOR , MN
Covenant Pines serves more than 1,600 people each summer during nine weeks of youth camp and three weeks of family camp.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? Seeing how God uses me as a tool for His kingdom. Throughout this year, I have realized how little I do, and how much God actually does. It has been humbling and rewarding to be a vessel of the Lord and watch His plans unfold through me and through Covenant Pines Bible Camp. HOW DID BETHEL PREPARE YOU TO SERVE STUDENTS AND CAMP ATTENDEES? Bethel instilled in me the importance of hard work, prioritization, and time management from the academic atmosphere, but also taught me the value of people, and how each individual is beneficial and purposeful. Bethel taught me how to truly care for, work with, and establish needs of people, which has been a huge part of my success in camping ministry.
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Jonathan Wicklund ’97, S’01
R PINE RIVE
TA MINNESO
B.S., Biology, M.Div. Executive Director at Trout Lake Camp, Pine River, Minnesota
Trout Lake’s summer camps serve more than 4,800 campers each year. WHY CAMP MINISTRY? God opened a door at Trout in 2004 when I got this job. I chose to apply because I went to Trout as a camper and worked there as a college student.
TROUT LAKE CAMP
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT TROUT LAKE? I love seeing kids make a decision to follow Jesus. The spiritual impact is incredible, and I get to use my gifts and skills to help the ministry communicate the gospel to the next generation. HOW DID YOUR TIME AT BETHEL HELP DEVELOP YOU FOR YOUR CAREER IN CAMP MINISTRY? While at Bethel, I began to understand my desire to make a difference in whatever I did. I was able to practice leadership, develop critical thinking skills, understand how to motivate people, and implement details.
June (Tosch) Connelly S’09 Chad Rich S’12 M.A., Transformational Leadership Staff Coordinator at Fort Wilderness, McNaughton, Wisconsin A year-round camp with programs for youth and families, Fort Wilderness serves more than 7,300 guests annually. WHY CAMP MINISTRY? My parents met at a summer camp and started working together at a camp less than a week after they got married. My dad worked in construction and built camps. My aunt started two camps. Camps are a part of who I am! HOW DID BETHEL PREPARE YOU TO SERVE STUDENTS, STAFF, AND CAMPERS? Bethel broadened my scope of exposure. I was given an opportunity to think, to listen to others. WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF WORKING AT FORT WILDERNESS? The one-on-one relationships I get to build. I come alongside students and help them see how God has wired them, to look beyond preconceived notions about who they are. It’s neat to see how they grow and develop. I am invested in training the next generation of leaders—that’s what camp ministry does well. 24
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M.A. (Christian Thought) Lab Director, manager of the Campgrounds Coffee Shop, and designer on the marketing team at Fort Wilderness, McNaughton, Wisconsin
FORT WILDERNE, WSI S TON MCNAUGH
WHY CAMP MINISTRY? I grew up going to Fort in the winter to play broomball, and knew that it was a place where God was impacting lives. In 2000, I began working on the maintenance team. Working alongside others, living life in the mundane, has been where I have seen the greatest fruit in discipleship.
HOW DID YOUR TIME AT BETHEL CHANGE YOU? While there, I was introduced to a kingdom of heaven that was a lot wider and more diverse than I knew existed. After a year or two at Bethel, one of my coworkers told me he was surprised that I was becoming more gracious and caring since going to seminary, when he expected me to become more dogmatic. His comment speaks volumes. WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN AT BETHEL THAT YOU STILL USE? In addition to the diversity in professors, authors, and students, the Christian thought program gave me tools to engage with others in a more respectful, caring way. This came through classes that focused on various perspectives on the arts, sciences, and theology; critical thinking; how to engage in dialogue, not debate; and how to look for the restoration of all things.
ProFile– KEN STEINBACH
by Cindy Pfingsten
“God doesn’t give us useless passions,” says Professor of Art Ken Steinbach. That succinct philosophy drives his work in the classroom and the studio. Steinbach’s success in both worlds prompted Associate Dean of Arts and Humanities Barrett Fisher to describe him as “a rare combination of working artist and brilliant teacher who, not incidentally, has also been a very effective faculty leader.” Steinbach has served on Bethel’s Faculty Senate for six years, including terms as its vice president and president, and was recognized for his teaching mastery in spring 2013 when he received the Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching. He is also a nominee for the 2014 Arlin G. Meyer Prize in Visual Arts, a prestigious award of the Lilly Fellows Program that recognizes creative work arising from the practice of the vocation of the Christian visual artist. After more than a decade teaching courses in sculpture and creative practices, and the senior seminar in art, Steinbach continues to find the classroom a compelling environment that cross-pollinates with his own art process. “It’s tempting to put fast and easy labels on what art should do, especially in a Christian environment,” he says. “I’m thankful that Bethel provides a place where students can work that out in the context of what they’re creating and who they are.”
While Steinbach jokes that the balance of teaching and creating art can result in lost sleep, he is actively conducting research for publication on artists’ creative viability over long periods of time, interviewing more than 40 mid-career artists. His own answer is clear: “My interaction with students and colleagues is most edifying.” Visit www.kennethsteinbach.com for images of Steinbach’s work and information on his current projects. Bethel University
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Photo by Nathan Klok
Steinbach’s art has been featured recently at Circa Gallery, Minneapolis, and at Gordon College in Boston. He’s currently exhibiting Mappa Mundi, a large-scale installation, at Silverwood Park Gallery in New Brighton, Minnesota. With more than 100 cast concrete, steel, and glass structures, the work is an exploration of our terra firma as interpreted through the landscape, structures, and architecture of the American Midwest. Additional summer 2014 showings in Minneapolis include the 8th hole at Art on the Green at the Walker Art Center, and the Americana exhibit at the Soap Factory.
NEW ROOTS A God-given gift allows Bethel to grow in unprecedented ways
by Tricia Theurer
In 1959, Bethel President Carl Lundquist faced a fork in the road, as what was then Bethel College & Seminary was rapidly outgrowing its 10-acre St. Paul campus. So Lundquist began to pray, and after a series of events that came to be known as “God’s miracle on Lake Valentine,” a 235-acre parcel of land in Arden Hills, Minnesota, became the campus we know today. Bethel recently faced another fork in the road, one that will prove no less significant to our growth and future. God has moved in incredible ways again. And this time, the miracle is located at 2 Pine Tree Drive. AN UNEXPECTED GIFT
In 2012, as part of a strategic planning process, Bethel completed a Campus Master Plan (CMP), which helped clarify priorities for investment and direct operational planning for the next five to 10 years. The CMP identified an immediate need for space inside and out, with highest priority projects being classrooms, science labs, and a new health and wellness center. All told, projected costs were estimated at $200 million in new construction to accommodate Bethel’s current needs and anticipated growth over two decades. Leaders made no apologies for the plan’s bold and ambitious vision. But no one’s vision was quite bold enough to imagine what would happen next. In fall 2013, a large parcel of property—located at 2 Pine Tree Drive in Arden Hills 26
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and owned by Country Financial—unexpectedly became available for purchase, just weeks before Bethel had planned to lease space there for its physician assistant program and additional classrooms. A generous donor stepped forward to help the university make the purchase without incurring debt, and in December Bethel closed on the property. Suddenly everything changed. “Pine Tree may effectively allow Bethel to access the same amount of identified space needs at half the cost and in less time,” says Pat Mazorol, senior vice president for university relations. President Jay Barnes is even more emphatic. “The purchase of this building is a momentous generational event in the history of the university,” he says. “It addresses many of the needs identified in the Campus Master Plan at a cost that is dramatically lower than new construction. It
200,000 square foot building
50% increase in classroom space
42 acres of land
“The Pine Tree property allows Bethel to think critically about how to create the best learning environments for students, faculty, and staff, and provides the square footage to bring exciting projects closer on the horizon.”
photo by Scott Streble
777 additional parking spaces
—Dan Wanous ’15, Student Body Vice President addresses immediate space concerns for the College of Adult & Professional Studies and the Graduate School, provides the potential for more than a 50% increase in our core classroom space, allows us to better meet the needs of growing programs, and supports the launch of strategic new programs.”
A NEW VISION
In light of the acquisition of the Pine Tree property and its potential, a steering committee—comprising staff, faculty, and a student from each school of the university—was appointed to develop Campus Master Plan 2.0, a process of re-imagining how Bethel could meet its space needs given the vast amount of room now available at 2 Pine Tree. In February, campus planning partner Credo helped
coordinate visioning sessions with the Bethel community to envision how the campus might be restructured, based on each of the university’s three “zones”: the college complex, seminary complex, and the Pine Tree building. In March, Bethel community members toured the Pine Tree property, creating a tangible enthusiasm about the building, the grounds, and the possibilities. One faculty member’s response was typical: “Wow! People just have to see this place!” Students remarked that they were imagining how classes and study groups might be different in the new location. And the seminary community saw new opportunities as well. “Acquiring the 2 Pine Tree building is a gift to us,” says 2014 seminary graduate Joelle Anderson. “2 Pine Tree comes with all of the updates we need, and more. This property has begun a whole new era for Bethel.” Bethel University
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Pine Tree Has Bethel Roots
The purchase of the Pine Tree building and its significance to our future is a source of excitement for everyone in the Bethel community. But for longtime Bethel friend Gordon Lindquist, the momentous gift is deeply personal. Lindquist attended Bethel College in the early 1950s and served on the Bethel Board of Regents (now known as the Board of Trustees) for three terms in the 1970s-’90s. He was also CEO of MSI Insurance, later purchased by Country Financial, until he retired in 1990. In that role, he was instrumental in building MSI’s facility, located at 2 Pine Tree Drive, Arden Hills, Minnesota, the very property Photo courtesy of The History Bethel recently purchased. “This Center, Archives of the BGC and Bethel University makes me feel very good,” he says, “because my roots are very much tied to Bethel. I spent my career at MSI. Now to have the two come together… it’s serendipitous.” During a May Board of Trustees meeting, board member alumni were invited back to tour the Pine Tree building. Lindquist proudly showed off the property and shared the special historical connection between Bethel and the building. He recalled how, as chair of the Board of Regents in 1981-1982, he suggested the board meet off campus to discuss Bethel’s next top leader. That gathering took place in a fifth floor boardroom of the Pine Tree building, and George Brushaber was appointed president. Lindquist likens this new opportunity for expansion to Bethel’s earlier years, when the college purchased the current campus property and moved from St. Paul. “This is an exciting time in Bethel’s history,” he says. “It is a Godsend. It’s as if the Lord intended it to happen.”
Community feedback sessions in April reviewed potential scenarios and served as a forum for feedback and conversation. Based on the ideas and input gathered, numerous possibilities for assigning space to the three major zones are being developed, all of which take into account the strategic priorities that guide the university in its use of space. One priority is considering how the sense of community—such a strong part of the Bethel experience and identity—might be affected by a split campus for College of Arts & Sciences students. A second priority is making sure the right resources and services are available to all students, including convenient librarylearning environments at all locations regardless of where physical collections are stored. A third priority is to provide interactive areas at each location where faculty and students from specific programs can gather.
FIRST STEPS
Complete occupancy of the Pine Tree property is expected to take 12 to 15 years, due to financial considerations and the leases of tenants who now occupy the building. But change is already happening. This past winter, Bethel moved classrooms, labs, mock exam and observation rooms, and offices into approximately 18,500 square feet of space in the Pine Tree building for programs in the College of Adult & Professional Studies and the Graduate School, including the physician assistant program. The nurse-midwifery program, projected to launch in fall 2014, will be housed there as well. In May, President Barnes announced that Bethel is convening a strategic coalition of members of the Board of Trustees, senior administrators, and faculty to develop a vision and strategic objectives to guide the university over the next 10 years. “Bethel is at the right time to embark on this longrange strategic process,” says Barnes. The coalition process, which will inform how Bethel uses its space, will include key campus stakeholders: faculty, staff, alumni, and students, who “will provide much-needed input as we finalize the Campus Master Plan,” says Barnes. Simultaneously, a comprehensive campaign planning study will be launched.
“The acquisition of the space at 2 Pine Tree clarifies the way that the needs of all learners and faculty will be provided for in the future. All of the constituents will enjoy new places with ample spaces for current needs and growth. Alumni and supporters who have the opportunity to take a tour of the site or view a virtual tour will see that the building is a tremendous fit.” —Ron Monson ’85, GS’14 28
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“From a seminary student’s perspective, acquiring the 2 Pine Tree building is a gift to us.…This property has begun a whole new era for Bethel.”
A health and wellness center remains Bethel’s first capital priority. Originally planned as a two-phase project, including general purpose classrooms and an expanded location for on-campus health and counseling services, the project may now involve just one phase: a fitness center and departmental and learning spaces for human kinetics and applied health science, Bethel’s fastest-growing program. With the additional classroom space that Pine Tree provides, Bethel has asked architects to look at options for changing the scope of the project. If a modified plan is accepted, Bethel would likely be able to proceed with construction in early 2015, effectively finishing the project sooner and with less money than originally planned.
NEXT STEPS
Regardless of how Bethel’s campus might eventually be configured, the university will take several actions in the near future: • Bethel will contribute funds for the creation of a bike trail from the west entrance of the 3900 Bethel Drive campus to County Road E and Highway 51 (Snelling Avenue) in Arden Hills, to ensure a safe pathway between the current campus and the space at 2 Pine Tree. Construction is expected to begin in 2015. • Transportation service will be established between the two locations. • Bethel will sell buildings that are no longer needed: the Bethel Office Center, Fountain Terrace apartment building, and Arden Hills Library, with proceeds used to help fund capital improvements and renovations.
photo by Nathan Klok
photo by Nathan Klok
—Joelle Anderson S’14
GETTING IT RIGHT
Bethel is celebrating this God-directed gift and the momentous possibilities it brings. The chance to dream about a new and different future is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the community is giving it careful, prayerful thought. Choosing an appropriate strategy and being good stewards of the resources God has provided gives Bethel an unprecedented opportunity to attain excellence in all aspects of our educational mission. “We have the opportunity to make our facilities rise to the level of excellence that our academic programs have achieved,” says Joe LaLuzerne, senior vice president for strategic planning and operational effectiveness. “We’re looking at all of our campus resources as a blank slate. We want to get it right— for all students in all programs.”
Bethel University
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ALUM NEWS
“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
Ruth (Aarhus) Vallevik ’69 is the national director of women’s ministries for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. She just published Rooted in the World—A Lutheran View of the Life of Faith. She has lived in Billings, Mont., since her husband, Bruce, died eight years ago. She has two young adult children.
70s Roberta (Bjorklund) Evensen ’76 spent fall 2013 in Bethlehem teaching in the community’s English as a Second Language program at Bethlehem Bible College. It was a time of intense learning as she entered into life among the Palestinians, including observing the reconciliation movement among Messianic Jews and Palestinian Christians. Her highlight was a Muslim student coming to faith in Christ after a long personal search for inner peace. Martha (Barker) Takata ’77 earned her doctor of audiology degree from the University of Minnesota. In January 2014 she did her training on a short-term mission trip to Burkina Faso, fitting hearing aids on deaf children. She lives in St. Louis Park, Minn., with her husband Rod, where they have (almost) raised seven children.
James Nielsen ’78 is a church planter for The Evangelical Alliance Mission in Japan. Julie Smestad ’79 graduated summa cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary in January with a master of arts in biblical studies degree.
80s Brad D. Anderson ’81 completed the Border-2-Water Ride, a 2,200 mile, four-year (one week per year) bicycle journey with four friends that began in International Falls, Minn., in 2010 and ended in New Orleans in 2013. The trip helped raise funds for North Texas Youth for Christ and the American Diabetes Association.
00s Beth Zustiak ’00 is the co-founder of Twin Cities Moms blog, a website resource to encourage moms in the Twin Cities. The website lists area activities and includes a variety of articles posted each weekday, focusing on connecting moms with each other and with local businesses—both online and offline. She and her co-founder, Suzanne Cartmill, have recruited 15 local writers, all moms, as contributors. Read it at www.twincitiesmomsblog.com
Bethel Magazine includes 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. 30
Summer 2014
Shawna (Toupen) Warner ’01, GS’05 was accepted into a Ph.D. program for intercultural studies at Biola University. She and her family have been residing in Chiang Mai, Thailand, since 2011, after three years in Dalian, China. Warner has put her master’s in communication degree to use in teaching online courses as an adjunct at several colleges and universities.
Jennifer (Olson) Drews ’04 was crowned Ms. Minnesota United States in April and competes for the title of Ms. United States in Washington, D.C., in July. She is a community leader who serves as a statewide gymnastics judge, former Toastmaster president, and volunteer for the Special Olympics. During her reign as Ms. Minnesota United States, she also will continue
Wes Side Story by Nicolle Westlund Mackinnon ’09
Making a living as an actor is something most performers only dream of—and it usually requires years of auditions, rehearsals, and ramen noodle dinners. But not for theatre arts grad Wes Mouri ’12. He landed a role at the prestigious Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Chanhassen, Minn., right out of college, and is now a cast member of the first Midwest production of The Little Mermaid. As part of the show’s ensemble, he plays a sailor, sea snail, fighting fish, a guard, French chef, and dolphin, and is an understudy for Flotsam, one half of the evil eel team that conspires with sea witch Ursula. “I am so honored to be in the show and part of the Chanhassen family legacy,” he says. Mouri explains that his time at Bethel helped him develop his craft. “In-depth preparation and openness to constructive criticism are two skills I learned,” he says. “Those are both very important during the rehearsal process.” Mouri began his acting journey his freshman year as a member of the cast of Brigadoon, a Bethel interim production. “[During that production] I was so full of joy and felt a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment,” he says. “I knew God had shown me my passion.” photo by Heidi Bohnenkamp, 2014
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ALUM NEWS to support and promote her platform, Affairs of the Heart, an American Heart Association program that encourages heart-healthy lifestyles among children, teens, and adults. Linnea (Carlson) Stevens ’08 is a client services specialist with The Emily Program, a St. Paul organization that provides residential and outpatient treatment for individuals struggling with eating disorders. She completes initial assessments and coordinates the logistical elements of treatment plans from intake to discharge, allowing her clients to focus on recovery. Lauren Pareigat ’08 is a communications specialist for academic affairs at Bethel University, St. Paul. Nikki Abramson ’09 is a teacher, coach, and mentor who wrote an inspirational memoir/self-improvement book, I Choose Hope. Learn more at her website www.nikkiabramson.com
Marriages ’09 Laura Bovold married Isaiah Hunziker in February in Coon Rapids, Minn. Bethel alumni in the wedding party included Brittany Snyder Clauer ’09, Jenny Hansen ’08, and Rebekah Lorenz ’09. ’09 Sarah Powell married Kevin Bennett in December in Miamisburg, Ohio. ’10 Hanne Olsen married Kyle Sandison in December in Cambridge, Mass. Bridesmaids included Britta Hagstrom ’11 and Meghann (Burton) Purimitla ’09. ’10 Justine Petry married Nathan Willar ’10 in October. Included in the wedding party were Mike Ervin ’09, Dan Greeno ’10, Brian Bauernfeind ’11, Britney (Johnson) Perzichilli ’10, and Abbey (Strote) Holm ’10.
Births
10s
’99 Jonathan was born in No vember to Rachael (Wilkins) Pavlish and Carl. Rogers, Minn.
While Bethel strives for accuracy in all we do, we cannot be responsible for the content of news items submitted by alumni. The inclusion of news items here should not be 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.
Seminary alumni may audit a seminary class for just $25 per credit. For more information, contact the registrar’s office at the numbers below. No online registration is available, and some restrictions apply. Bethel Seminary St. Paul | 651.638.6181 Bethel Seminary San Diego | 619.325.5217 ’01 Brendan was born in January to Abby Walters and Brian Lam, joining sister Evelyn. Minneapolis.
’04 Rafael Joshua was born in June to Minda (Johnson) Gomez and Moises. Spring Lake Park, Minn.
’04 Aubree was born in February to Laura (Johnson) Doege and Paul. She was welcomed by Faith, 11, Caleb, 2, and Madison, 1. Laura works part time as a family nurse practitioner. Chaska, Minn.
’04 Cooper Dean Maluokeakua was born to Bethany Joy (Ericson) Scott and TK. He joins sister Ellie. Riverside, Calif.
Coffee for a Cause by Barbara Wright Carlson
Jamie Candee GS’09 was the chief revenue officer at Edmentum Education and is now CEO and president for Questar Assessment, Inc., a Minnesota education company.
Jeannette Grace ’13 had her research published as a white paper with TRACOM Group, a social intelligence company based in Colorado. The research was the first of its kind using TRACOM’s social style model in the customer service realm.
Seminary Alums: Audit a Class!
’85 Johnny Bradley was born in June 2013 to Jessica Lynn and David Bradley. He joins sister Miriam. Brooklyn, N.Y.
’00 Charles (Charlie) Lance was born in October to Anna Klett Unger and Lance. ’01 Nora was born in November to Sonja Ahlquist and Peter. Ramsey, Minn. ’01 Abigail Grace was born in June 2013 to Stacy (Lewer) Hadt and Andrew. She joins brothers Riley and Carter. Owatonna, Minn. ’01 Briggs Nathaniel was born in September to Courtney (Bottazzi) Krupa and Chad ’99. He joins Cade and Ty. Maple Grove, Minn. ’01 Twins Henry Leo and Samuel Thomas were born in January to Jenny (Shockley) Ryan and Tim. Hastings, Minn. ’01 Grace Audrey was born in November to Kristin (Heinmets) Sullivan and Matt. She joins Will, 4.
Ins tead of asking for money, why not make your own? Today’s nonprofits are going beyond philanthropy by starting their own businesses, and social entrepreneurs develop and manage these businesses. Beth Mammenga GS’11 is a social entrepreneur who manages CityKid Java, launched in 2002 in partnership with the Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation. From a small building in Minneapolis, CityKid Java markets arabica coffee certified by the Rainforest Alliance and sold at Whole Foods, Target, Cub Foods, Super One, in many area church cafes, and online at citykidjava.com, with 100% of the profits going to Urban Ventures youth programs. CityKid Java employs youth from Urban Ventures and funds mentoring and educational programs, athletic teams, music camps, and youth leadership experiences for more than 1,500 children in the Twin Cities each year. Mammenga is also founder of Social Enterprise Alliance, Twin Cities, a group of leaders in law, finance, technology, and marketing that seeks to join mission with the marketplace. A 2005 graduate of the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, Mammenga previously worked for Goodwill/Easter Seals and wrote business plans for nonprofits. Knowing an MBA would be necessary as a social entrepreneur, she chose Bethel, explaining that options in the degree program allowed her to choose a social impact emphasis. “Bethel is on the leading edge of social entrepreneurship,” she says. Bethel University
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ALUM NEWS A Career in Ruins by Nicolle Westlund Mackinnon ’09
Christopher Olson ’87 is a nautical archaeologist and maritime historian who spends his time diving for ruins in Lake Minnetonka and the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. A history major and computer science and anthropology minor, Olson has spent time all over the country and in Great Britain excavating ancient ruins. He’s also organized acquisition and preservation projects at the Minnesota Transportation Museum, but his true love is maritime archaeology. He and his wife, Ann, started Maritime Heritage Minnesota, a nonprofit that blends history and science to study artifacts underwater. The duo performs detailed sonar mapping of lakes in order to detect objects. Prior to their work, just six shipwrecks on Lake Minnetonka were known to exist, with only one of those being officially recognized with a state archaeology site number. Now, 18 wrecks have site numbers and an additional 10 wrecks are known to exist. “These statistics are just from one lake,” says Olson. “In the future we are confident we will find others in many lakes and rivers around Minnesota.” Olson credits Bethel’s history department with giving him the foundation to continue his graduate education, and his history professors for encouraging his enthusiasm for learning about the past and supporting his pursuit of a career in nautical archaeology.
’05 Hezekiah “Kai” James was born in Oc tober to Krista (Clark) Horn and Eli. Kai joins brother Caleb. Duluth, Minn. ’06 Anders Carl was born in February to Lindsay (Sorensen) Murchie and Tyler. Anders joins brother Soren. Chicago, Ill. ’06 Jonah Olaf was born in February to Janelle (Johnson) Knutson and Matt. His middle name honors his great-grandfather, former Bethel professor Olaf Olsen. Jonah joins Micah, 3. ’07 Esten Ross was born in January to Erin (Lindvall) Carr and Jared. Minneapolis. ’07 Bae Justine was born in July 2013 to Hanna (Kolzow) Coleman and Joshua. Ramsey, Minn. ’07 Elsie Lillian was born in November to Amy (Morris) Williams and Peter ’04. Falcon Heights, Minn. ’08 Joshua Job was born in December to Kara (Benjamin) Wielinski and Mike ’01. Little Canada, Minn. ’08 Kylie Elizabeth was born in January to Angie (Hugoson) Toothaker and Cody. Grandfather is Kevin Hugoson ’84, and uncle is Eric Hugoson ’11. Granada, Minn.
Career Support for Students and Alums UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE
Take advantage of the FREE services offered by the Office of Career Development and Calling. A career specialist can help you explore strategies for a successful job search: • Hear tips on improving your resume or cover letter • Receive advice on making the transition to a new career • Get feedback in practice interviews • Take a career assessment Plus, check out upcoming events—network, meet employers, visit job fairs, or get guidance on planning your career. Job hunting? Check out the Online Career Center for job and internship postings, updated daily. Visit bethel.edu/offices/career-development for more information.
SEMINARY
Prepare now for next steps after seminary. Placement teams can help you: • Find an open placement (or post one) • Discover internship opportunities • Get tips on vocational planning • Locate resources to help you discern what area of ministry is the right fit for you Visit seminary.bethel.edu/placement for more information.
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Summer 2014
’09 Kaitlyn Marie was born in December to Emily (Lenz) Axen and Kellen ’08. Richfield, Minn. ’09 Lindy Frances was born in October to Laura Rima and Seth. Seth works at American Investors Group in Minnetonka. Richfield, Minn.
Deaths ’41 Viola “Vi” (Waihela) Rees, age 94, died in Anderson, Ind., in September. ’49 Robert Theodore Sandin (S) of Minneapolis, formerly of Chicago, died in April of complications of Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 86. He completed a Ph.D. in philosophy at the University of Minnesota in 1959, and his academic work took him to teaching positions at Bethel, Augsburg College, Minn., and the University of Toledo, Ohio, where he was also an administrator. He served as dean of Northwestern College, Minn., and North Park College, Chicago; provost at Mercer University, Ga.; and president of Wood College, Miss. The author of innumerable papers and many books, he focused his writing on Christian higher education, philosophy of religion, and the Swedish philosopher Axel Hägerström, whose Philosophy and Religion Sandin translated into English in 1964. His academic work was complemented by a love of music, beginning with his days as a member of the male quartet at Bethel College. He is survived by Zella Mae Sandin, his wife of 63 years; son Karl and daughter-in-law Laura Montgomery; and granddaughters Linnea and Ellen. ’51 Dottie Joyce Ashley Leggett died in February. Together she and her husband John served churches in Washington state, Wisconsin, Ohio, Nebraska and Iowa (nine in all) prior to retirement in 1990 and eight others in Wisconsin for short periods. She is survived by her husband of nearly 65 years, John McGee Leggett, Jr. ’48; sons John, James, Joseph, Jerry, and Jeffrey; daughter Joyce Leggett Grigg;
ALUM NEWS ’58 Leslie Murry Funk, age 83, of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, died in October after a ten-year battle with cancer and finally congestive heart failure. He is survived by his wife of nearly 46 years, Lucille, his daughter Maureen, and his son Steven. ’59 Gerald Wayne Holmes (S) of Duluth, Minn., died in April at the age of 80. He served as pastor at Scandia Baptist Church in Waconia, Minn., and in North Dakota, and also served as chaplain at the Duluth Bethel Mission. He retired from the Duluth Transit Authority. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Jean. He is survived by daughters Kathy (Steve) Rudh and Tammy (David) Paulson; son Paul Holmes; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. ’75 Steven Lee Sather of Brooklyn Park, Minn., died in April at the age of 60. He was employed in
the restaurant equipment and supply business for more than 30 years. He enjoyed reading, photography, and nature, especially hiking along the North Shore. He is survived by his wife Sandy, a brother, and two sisters. ’77 Richard A . Grant, age 59, died at home in Hudson, N.H., in April 2014 of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was the fourth member of his immediate family to have ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was an avid cook, with two self-published cookbooks and several prize-winning recipes. He is survived by his wife of more than 36 years, Margo (Fellows) Grant ’77. ’92 Stephen Paul Sundberg (S) of Maple Gove, Minn., died in April at the age of 61. He was a pastor and an x-ray technician. He is survived by his wife Julie; sons Ross (Hillary), Douglas, and Will (Lora); daughters Mikaela and Gabriela; and four grandchildren.
BETHEL HOMECOMING October 3-5, 2014
WE ARE
BETHEL This fall, join the Bethel community— young and old, near and far— back together in one place. Visit bethel.edu/events/homecoming to learn more!
In Memoriam: Elving Anderson by Tricia Theurer
V. Elving Anderson ‘41, S’43, Bethel professor of biology emeritus and a leading geneticist, died in March at age 92. Anderson attended Bethel Junior College, earning an A.A. degree, studied at the seminary, and then completed a B.A. in 1945 from the University of Minnesota. He received his doctorate in 1953 from the University of Minnesota, ser ved on Bethel’s faculty from 1946 to 1960, was head of the biology department (after Bethel became a four-year college in 1948), and served as dean of students. Later he was a member of Bethel’s Board of Regents. Anderson left Bethel in 1961 to serve as a professor in the Dight Institute for Human Genetics at the University of Minnesota and received Bethel’s distinguished alumni award in 1965. Anderson conducted research in the genetics of breast cancer and epilepsy, served as president of Sigma Xi, American Scientific Affiliation, the Behavior Genetics Association, and the Institute for Advanced Christian Studies. He also volunteered with the United Way; Intervarsity Christian Fellowship; his church, Central Baptist Church of St. Paul, Minn.; and the community. He wrote numerous books and articles concerning science and religion. He retired from the University of Minnesota in 1991 but continued to work on epilepsy projects, present papers at major academic conferences, and reflect on the relationship between faith and science. Anderson is survived by his wife Carol (Rexion) ’44; son Carl Anderson; three daughters, Catherine (Jay) Sleiter, Christine (Richard) Anderson-Sprecher, and Martha (Christopher) Anderson; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Photo courtesy of The History Center, Archives of the BGC and Bethel University
16 grandchildren; and 20 greatgrandchildren.
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- Get involved and support Bethel - Learn about benefits and services for alumni - Nominate an Alumnus of the Year Bethel University
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“How amazing is it that the remnants of a dead leaf could be so beautiful? This intricate blueprint reveals the creative genius of the One who designed it. The photo was captured quickly on Monroe Beach before wind, waves, or rain were able to complete the decomposition process. Naturally formed, this intricate leaf masterpiece was slowly returning back to the earth from which it originally came.” ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES MAJOR KAELYN LECANDER ’14 TOOK THIS PHOTO ON THE WEST COAST OF NEW ZEALAND DURING THE CREATION CARE STUDY PROGRAM IN SPRING 2013.