Bethel Magazine Summer 2021

What Hope Looks Like Student artists explore the challenge, beauty, and hope they’ve found in returning to campus during the pandemic

Summer 2021

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Agile leadership in crisis and change p. 22 College of Arts & Sciences

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New science center!

A visual tour p. 30 College of Adult & Professional Studies

The truth about teens and lies p. 38

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Bethel Seminary

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Graduate School

ON THE COVER—artwork by student designers Eleanor Carlson ’22, Katie Viesselman ’20, Will Jacott ’20, Grace Schmidt ’21

photo by Scott Streble

Just a little community.

At Bethel, community can be found in every corner, including the sculpture studio. Here, Thanh Nguyen ’21, a graphic design and art major, crafts small figures and homes for a miniature environment.

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UNEWS Bethel University community updates

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DISCOVERY ON DISPLAY Bethel’s Nelson-Larson Science Center has taken science to the next level— literally. Take our visual tour and discover the new space for yourself.

SPORTSHORTS

ighlights from the best of H Royal athletics

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A WHOLE LOT OF EVERYTHING An art installation explores students’ feelings as they return to campus during the pandemic—and reflects their hope in the midst of everything.

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PIVOT The profound changes of the past year required leaders to pivot into agile new ways of leading. Here’s their advice so you can do the same.

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THE LIES WE BELIEVE Today’s teens face challenges no generation has faced before. Learn the truth about teens and lies—and what adults can do to help.

CHANGING THEIR CORNER OF THE WORLD Bethel’s first 4 Under 40 Alumni Achievement Award recipients are bringing change to the world just by following their unique passions and calls.

ALUMNEWS What’s new with Bethel alumni

COLLEGE PREP IN & AFTER A PANDEMIC COVID-19 can complicate college preparation, but we’re here to help. Read our tips for prospective students looking to stay on track.

Editor Michelle Westlund ’83 Design Darin Jones ’97 Contributors Anna Bernin ’18 | Tim Beasley | Carolynne Camp ’21 | Kristi Ellison ’10 | Mike Hadley | Timothy Hammer ’08, S’12 | Jenny Hudalla ’15 | Katie Johnson ’19 | Judd Martinson ’20 | J.D. O’Brien | Jason Schoonover ’09 | Scott Streble | Cherie Suonvieri ’15 | Fiona Tranquillo | Thomas Vukelich ’82 President Ross Allen ’84 Editorial Offices 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112-6999 | 651.638.6233 | bethel-magazine@bethel.edu

Summer 2021 Volume 12 Number 2

Address Corrections Office of University Advancement | 651.635.8050 | university-advancement-updates@bethel.edu Bethel Magazine is published two times a year by Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112-6999. Postage paid at St. Paul, Minnesota, and additional mailing offices. Printed in the USA. Copyright © 2021 Bethel University. All Rights Reserved.

Bethel University is sponsored by the churches of Converge. 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.

Bethel University

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ROSSTALK

A conversation with President Ross Allen

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s I approach the one-year milestone of my presidency, I am amazed and humbled by the work God is doing in and through Bethel. In the last nine months alone, we launched the $150.5 million Called to More campaign, developed and implemented a successful COVID-19 response plan that kept many of our students on campus, optimized our financial systems and capabilities, and celebrated innovative initiatives like the creation of The 25, a four-year cohort program to empower female leaders. These results—which were made possible by the passion and commitment of our employees, donors, and alumni and inspired by the God-honoring hearts and dreams of our students—have convinced me of one thing: Bethel will continue to grow into the future.

First and foremost, expanding Bethel’s reach and influence is critical to our mission. As society grows more relationally, technologically, and ethically complex, the world needs courageous Christfollowers who are equipped to integrate their faith in their chosen fields. By increasing the number of graduates who are shaped and prepared by Bethel, we will multiply the magnitude of the kingdom impact to which God has called us.

In addition to its missional importance, making a Bethel education possible for more students is also critical to our operational excellence. We’ve identified strategic opportunities for Bethel to serve students in four areas: faith transformation, healthcare pathways, academic offerings, and value and affordability.

This work, along with our research and analysis of growing universities in the changing landscape of higher education, drives my conviction that expanding our business model will enhance our organizational effectiveness.

In all of this, my desire is that Bethel would uniquely meet the changing needs of students while continuing to provide the same academically excellent, Christ-centered education that is central to who we are. Bethel is a place where students are transformed—and, like me, many of you have experienced this transformation firsthand. In the coming pages, I invite you to read more about the exciting growth that has taken place and to partner with us as it continues.

Visit bethel.edu/called to learn more.

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UNEWS

Updates from the Bethel community

A Jumpstart to a Bethel Education An innovative approach to Bethel’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program has already surpassed expectations. Last fall, Bethel brought its PSEO experience outside campus for the first time when College of Adult & Professional Studies (CAPS) faculty delivered lessons at Maranatha Christian Academy in Brooklyn Park, Minn. The approach allows Maranatha juniors and seniors to jumpstart their college careers in the comfort of their own classrooms, earning free course credits while learning from CAPS faculty. Students remain engaged with their high school friends and activities while taking Bethel classes—like Christianity in Western Culture, lab science courses, and other general education requirements. Bethel leaders expected 15 students to register, but with the pandemic limiting face-to-face educational opportunities, 59 students

STAY CONNECTED!

took advantage of the chance to learn in a classroom.

Students who begin the program their junior year can graduate with an Associate of Arts (A.A.), transferrable to any school in Minnesota. Students who choose to continue their college journeys at Bethel can enroll with up to 60 credits already on their transcripts. Program Director Mary Schulze Michener says this is only the beginning, as conversations are underway with other Christian high schools in the Twin Cities to establish another partnership by fall 2021. “We want to help students get where they’re going, and we want to do it in a way that helps them see how God is working in their lives,” she says.

Visit bethel.edu/magazine/ maranatha-partnership for more.

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@bethelumn

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Driven to Serve Students Professor of Biological Sciences Sara Wyse ’05 received a National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant to continue her years-long study into the benefits of modelbased learning and how it equips science students to better understand and reason with complex systems.

This marks the third collaborative project with the same group of researchers for Wyse, dating back to her time as a graduate student. This grant will build on that past work as the team plans to collaborate with K-12 educators, providing them with assessments and templates they can adjust to fit their own course material to help students process these concepts at an appropriate level. “The thing that drives me in answering and asking these questions is ultimately about bettering the student learning experience,” Wyse says.

Visit bethel.edu/magazine/ sara-wyse for more

Taking Action How do believers respond to today’s racial and social justice issues? This spring, nearly 200 Bethel employees engaged in training and dialogue based on Micah 6:8, the biblical teaching to “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God,” and sought to

MICAH

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apply it to their work at Bethel.

“The key purpose of the Micah 6:8 training is to increase cultural humility and decrease unintentional racial bias for all Bethel faculty, staff, and students,” says Judith Landrum, dean of education, Christian ministries, and associate programs. “The idea is to anchor that within a Biblical paradigm.” A series of three workshops explored cultural bias, courageous dialogue, and integration of these topics into daily workplace practices. “The success

of this training is from the Holy Spirit,” Landrum says. “The Spirit has opened the hearts and minds of Bethel faculty and staff about a need to change in this area.” The Micah 6:8 initiative is part of Take Action, a group of Bethel employees and students who support one another in addressing justice and reconciliation issues, and supporting equality on campus and in their own lives.

Promoting Reconciliation In February, New York Times bestselling author Latasha Morrison discussed her book, Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation, during a talk on campus. The event focused on God’s heart for reconciliation and explored practical ways community members can promote biblical justice. Five takeaways: 1. The aim of reconciliation is restoration of personal and systematic relationships. The ministry of reconciliation is a key characteristic of God’s nature, as He has reconciled creation to Himself.

2. Repentance must come before reconciliation. Reconciliation must start from a place of humility, acknowledging the injustice that has occurred not only in a moment but throughout history. This leads to communal healing, especially as oppressors grow and change.

“We don’t repent without excavating underneath what was causing the brokenness,” Morrison says.

3. Reconciliation is an act of biblical justice. Racial reconciliation requires a commitment to justice, because justice is an act of love that flows from the Bible itself.

4. The work of reconciliation requires repair. Change isn’t enough. In the Bible, the very presence of Jesus led Zacchaeus to make things right.

He had become part of a tax system rather than the kingdom of God. Zacchaeus confessed, repented, and made amends.

5. Racial justice looks like “the flourishing of all people.” The lens we look through affects everything we see. In order to implement justice, we need to deconstruct those systems where equity is not applied across all spectrums.

Visit bethel.edu/magazine/ latasha-morrison for more.

HEARD ON CAMPUS “Bethel University is a place like no other.

‘Community’ is a common term used in and around Bethel. And this year proved a great illustration of the real value this place has for community. It’s not just empty words. Dozens of staff and faculty worked extra hours through the summer to create protocols that would literally allow us to be together in the fall.”

—Matt Runion S’03, associate dean of Christian formation and church relations, who helped adapt campus ministries to the ongoing challenges of COVID-19

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Leadership Changes RETIREMENTS

NEW LEADERS

Deb Harless ’83, Executive Vice President and Provost Emerita Harless retired in February after more than 31 years investing in the Bethel community and in the lives of students. A first-generation college student at Bethel, she returned in 1989 to teach in the psychology department and served in numerous leadership roles, including vice president and dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, before becoming provost in 2014. “I will miss reading the names of our graduates at commencement ceremonies,” she says. “Seeing students walk across the stage has been a powerful reminder of why this work matters—it’s about our students.”

Robin Rylaarsdam, Bethel University Provost With more than 20 years of experience as a professor and administrator, Rylaarsdam brings a proven track record of academic development, student success, and meaningful faith-learning integration. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a Ph.D. in molecular biology and genetics, and her scientific background has made her a curious, data-driven, and collaborative leader.

Ruben Rivera, Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Rivera retired in December after 23 years of influence and advocacy, educating the Bethel community about the biblical value of shalom as a history professor and vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion. His unequivocal commitment to grounding Bethel’s reconciliation work in the life and teachings of Jesus is a legacy that will serve the Bethel community for years to come.

Bob Bjorklund, Director of Athletics Bjorklund retired in May after 23 years in Bethel’s athletic department. He came to Bethel in 1997 as the head men’s basketball coach and became director of athletics in 2004. During his tenure, Bethel studentathletes made their mark, winning 12 MIAC regular season championships and four MIAC tournament championships while making 72 MIAC playoff appearances.

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Jeanne Osgood ’93, GS’19, Senior Associate for the President After serving as associate vice president for development and planned giving for the last two years, Osgood is now utilizing her extensive experience in leadership and communication as senior associate for the president. She serves on the president’s cabinet, helps execute new initiatives, and facilitates effective collaboration across the university.

Greg Peterson ’92, Director of Athletics After 23 years in the athletic department, most recently as assistant athletic director, Peterson is the Royals’ new director of athletics. He is a former Bethel football and basketball player, a longtime assistant coach, and the winner of the prestigious AFCA National Assistant Coach of the Year award in 2011.

Visit our website to read the full stories: Robin Rylaarsdam: bethel.edu/magazine/rylaarsdam Jeanne Osgood: bethel.edu/magazine/osgood Greg Peterson: bethel.edu/magazine/peterson Deb Harless: bethel.edu/magazine/harless Ruben Rivera: bethel.edu/magazine/rivera

Bethel Launches The 25 Momentum is building as The 25, a new program to empower female students, prepares to welcome its first cohort of 25 Bethel students in fall 2021. The 25 began with five inspired female leaders and one shared passion: to empower young women to “go beyond” as they find their place in the world. Designed as a four-year cohort program, The 25 will accept 25 female College of Arts & Sciences students each year, who will then continue in the program until graduation. Through program meetings, guest speaker events, exposure to resources, and mentorship opportunities, student members of The 25 will learn, grow, discover, and become the leaders that God created them to be. “The programming and events these students experience will prepare them to be highly successful leaders who will go out and make a difference in their communities,” says Heather Richards ‘99, GS’10, executive director of The 25.

The program’s guiding Scripture comes from Psalm 25: “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (Ps. 25:4-5). The 25 was built on the premise, “You can’t be what you can’t see,” which is why it leans on involvement from its 26

founding members, who support the program financially and contribute in their areas of giftedness. “We’re surrounding young women with other women who have gone before them,” says Jeanne Osgood ‘93, GS’19, one of the original founding members and senior associate for the president at Bethel.

“Here, and across the country, phenomenal women are graduating with really exceptional skills, yet they don’t see themselves as future leaders of companies or non-profit organizations. We’re excited to walk alongside them, encourage them, help them understand their skill sets, teach them how to be confident, and celebrate what they’re going to do once they leave Bethel.”

The 25 began with a core group of five Bethel alumnae, including Osgood; Sarah Darr ’03, advice and

the

planning product owner for Wells Fargo; Rebecca Hoeft ’89, chief brand officer at Sunrise Banks; Kristi Piehl ’97, Bethel Board of Trustees member and founder and CEO of Media Minefield; and Andrea Schilling ’91, Bethel Foundation Board member and senior managing

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We wanted to provide a way for female students to see how other Christian women were utilizing their God-given skills and wiring in order to be the very best they could be.

—Andrea Schilling ’91

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

PSALM 25:4-5

director and head of internal communications at Värde Partners.

The program has already garnered attention from local media for its innovative approach and unique funding structure, as it was founded by alumni and continues to be supported by alumni, along with business leaders newly introduced to Bethel. President Ross Allen says he’s thrilled to see The 25 building momentum. “We need to figure out how we can empower young women to realize the value of their unique contributions so they can step forward into our world with confidence,” Allen says. “The 25 is positioned to have a transformative impact, at Bethel and in our broader communities.”

Visit bethel.edu/the-25 to learn more.

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Dream college.

Dream experience.

After visiting campus, Nathan Wong BUILD’22 told his mother in 2013 that Bethel was his dream college. But when it came time to apply to BUILD, his mother wasn’t sure he was ready for Bethel’s two-year postsecondary, residential program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Wong pushed his mother to help him and was accepted.

“Miracles do happen,” he says.

It turns out he was ready. He’s thriving at Bethel, participating in campus activities, giving admissions tours to prospective students, and impressing many with his biblical knowledge and faith. Though still in his first year of the program, he’s drawn praise from BUILD Director Dawn Allen. “Our program is really about students having the opportunity to go to college and begin to make choices for themselves, so already from the beginning we could see that it was a good fit,” she says. Wong passed a series of rigorous tests to become a certified Microsoft Office specialist, which could help him get future jobs. He’s also pursuing ministry opportunities at Bethel and may one day pursue a career in ministry.

Visit bethel.edu/magazine/ wong for more.

New MSW Program Launching this fall, Bethel’s new Master of Social Work (MSW) program will equip graduates to be powerful advocates for hope and change. The program empowers graduates to work toward systemic change, impacting the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. “Our goal is to create something unlike other MSW programs,” says Eydie Dyke-Shypulski, program director and associate professor of social work. “We want to offer a program that is centered around the advancement of human rights and promotes social, economic, and environmental justice.” The MSW program begins in fall 2021, when students with a degree other than a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) can enroll and complete their degree in 24 months. In summer 2022, the program’s advanced standing option launches, providing accelerated preparation for students with a BSW from an accredited institution—they can complete an MSW in just 15 months. Scholarship opportunities are available.

The program builds on the foundation of excellence in Bethel’s undergraduate BSW program, with integrated faculty between the programs, significant facultystudent collaboration, and a strong research emphasis.

The MSW provides the next step in preparing students for advanced ethical and professional social work practice and licensure.

Visit bethel.edu/magazine/ msw-launch for more.

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Family, Service, Support Before coming to Bethel, twins Chloe ’24 and Izzy Smith ’24 had experience in meeting new people and making new friends after growing up as military dependents and moving often. But at Bethel, they’ve been pleased to forge deeper, faith-based connections. “At Bethel, you see God working in the people around you, and you see how He has impacted their lives. With that, you build stronger connections and you get to know people a lot deeper, which I’m incredibly grateful for,”

Izzy says. The twins are thriving at Bethel: Izzy plays on the women’s soccer team, and Chloe is part of a residence hall worship team and is applying to be a resident assistant.

And they’ve found plenty of support.

Both women are using their father’s military benefits to attended Bethel, and the Office of Military and Veteran Services has helped them navigate using their benefits and transitioning from a Department of Defense School to Bethel.

Izzy ‘24 and Chloe Smith ‘24

Visit bethel.edu/magazine/ smiths-military for more.

Scholarships Two scholarship programs support exceptional students who apply to Bethel. The Physics and Engineering Scholarship includes two full-tuition scholarships and two $10,000 per year scholarships for students planning to pursue a

primary major in the Department of Physics and Engineering. The Arts and Humanities Scholarship includes one full-tuition and three $10,000 per year scholarships for students planning to pursue a primary major in art and design,

biblical and theological studies, communication studies, English and journalism, history, philosophy, political science, and/or languages, cultures, and reconciliation studies.

This year, scholarship offers were extended to the following students: In physics and engineering, Paul Guertin of Elk River, Minn.; Abigail Green of Rainier, Wash.; Garrett Schindler of Mukwonago, Wis.; Emily Farley of Waseca, Minn.; and in arts and humanities, Noah Schmit of Ramsey, Minn.; Paige Lier of Blaine, Minn.; Heidi Stiles of Eagan, Minn.; and Sarah Bakeman of Shoreview, Minn.

Visit bethel.edu/magazine/ p-e-scholarship for more.

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SPORTSHORTS Highlights from the best of Royal athletics

for baseball, softball, tennis, golf, and outdoor track and field. Postponed fall sports also return this spring with soccer and volleyball playing condensed schedules, while

cross country and football play up to four contests. Fall sports are not holding conference championships this spring.

photos by Teresa Brubaker

Bethel athletes return to competition after nearly a year on the sidelines due to COVID-19. The MIAC kicks off a full season for spring sports, with conference championships

RECORD FINISH

Royals break three track and field school records at the Division III Elite Indoor Championships. Junior Gabe Irons wins the weight-throw with a toss of 18.38m that breaks his own school record. Sophomore Kelsie Sealock sets a school record twice in the 60m hurdles—first in the preliminary round and then while winning the final with a time of 8.62 seconds. Junior Grace Perrenoud surpasses the school record in the triple jump at 11.38m—also her lifetime best—placing fourth in a tight field. Other strong finishes include junior Lukas Walton, who wins the pentathlon with a score of 3,511 points, the second-best in school history. The women’s 4x400m relay team takes first and runs the best time in the nation this year at 3:54.07, while the men’s 4x400m relay team takes second. Overall, the men’s team places third and the women’s team fourth.

Follow the Royals:

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bethelroyals.com

bethelroyals

@bethelroyals

PERFECT START

Sophomore Kayla Simacek pitches a perfect game to start the softball team’s season in a 12-0 season-opening victory over Wisconsin-Stout. It’s the team’s first perfect game since at least 2001.

@bethelroyals

bethelroyals

CENTURY MARK

The men’s and women’s golf program completes major renovations and updates to its indoor facility at the Lakeside Center on Bethel’s campus—one of the top Division III indoor golf facilities in the Midwest. In 2017, the space started with two simulator bays and a putting green all in one area. The renovations were entirely donorfunded, and expand the facility by 1,000 square feet, adding an extra hitting bay, an expanded putting green, a chipping area, and a team room.

Royals earn U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Region honors for the 2021 indoor track and field season—the most of any team in the MIAC.

Seniors Maggie Riermann and Mackenzie Novak each eclipse 100 career wins for the women’s tennis team.

STEALING HISTORY

Senior Bella Williams ties a women’s basketball record with 11 steals in an 81-69 win over Saint Benedict on February 27.

She finishes her Bethel career with 241 steals—third in program history.

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Everythi A Whole Lot of

by Cherie Suonvieri ’15 | design by Tom Vukelich ’82

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ing

An art installation explores students’ complicated feelings about returning to campus during the pandemic—and reflects the challenge, beauty, and hope they’ve found in the midst of everything.

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It’s been more than a year since COVID-19 changed life as we knew it. In March 2020, Bethel University suddenly entered a new season: Students left campus for the remainder of the semester, many faculty and staff worked from home, and the community found creative ways to facilitate connection from a distance. At nearly the same time, cautious but hopeful planning began for a safe return to campus.

The planning paid off. Students returned to campus in fall 2020 with careful protocols in place, and the protocols are working. In the past year, out of 5,300 individuals in the Bethel community, there has been just one known hospitalization related to COVID-19. All other known cases have been reported as mild to moderate, and there have been no known deaths. According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, only 23% of colleges and universities nationwide attempted a primarily face-to-face course model for fall 2020, and Bethel was one of them.

Bethel’s commitment to social distancing, contact tracing, face covering, testing, screening, and sanitizing has allowed students to remain on campus—while other schools have had to roll back their plans.

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As students returned to campus last fall, there were a whole lot of mixed feelings: gratitude for being together and grief for what was lost. There were adjustments to new ways of doing practically everything. As part of the transition, students processed their feelings and promoted connection through an on-campus art installation aptly titled “A Whole Lot of Everything.”

The collection of posters was created and curated by art and design students in partnership with Bethel’s Center for Wellbeing, and reflects the challenges, hope, and ultimately beauty they’ve found in the midst of everything. “Art allows us to visualize and explore complexity and ambiguity—of which there is no shortage right now,” says Jessica Henderson, associate professor of art and design. “Our students used art to share their own reflections on this experience, and our hope is that members of the community have connected with some of these sentiments—and as a result, feel more connected with one another.”

At a time of necessary social distancing, student artists found a way to creatively foster connection and community. We invite you to share that community in the following pages.

Will Jacott ’20

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“This season brought new challenges for me to overcome: a new schedule, lifestyle, and ways of thinking about and understanding the world.

Although all of these changes are stretching and exhausting, I know that ultimately each one is an opportunity for beautiful and strengthening growth.” (top left) —Eleanor Carlson ’22

“A lot of my inspiration for this piece was tied to the current state of my home. I wanted this piece, as well as my other posters, to demonstrate the pinpricks of joy we can find if we look for them. Life can be so heavy and so damaging to one’s mental health. COVID-19, racial injustice, a lost job, a political hailstorm—yet things will get better. At one point or another, the storm will recede because of our Lord Jesus.” (top right) —Katie Viesselman ’20

“I feel as if in times of overwhelming uncertainty and struggle, we start to lose hope. I believe we can turn to God to help us engage better with our community and build a space for meaningful connection. As hope is not lost, we can use this time together as almost a pause in life to reflect with our faith.” (bottom left) —Toan Vo ’21

“My inspiration for these posters came from my internal dialogue, the messages I was telling myself to push through the anxiety of this season. These messages are the ones that got me through—the ones that pushed me to fight for myself and pulled me out of a spiral. Sharing them was an easy decision because I wanted the messages to help other people as much as they helped me.” (bottom right) —Grace Schmidt ’21

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Grace Schmidt ’21

Toan Vo ’21

Katie Viesselman ’20

Eleanor Carlson ’22

Thanh Nguyen ’21

“Our daily lives can become chaotic, and we forget how to enjoy the little moments. ‘It’s A Good Day’ is a reminder that during a pandemic, we can still make the best out of it. The design consists of a dynamic composition of shape and typography that echoes a sense of play and ambiguity.”

—Thanh Nguyen ’21

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Bethel University

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Eleanor Carlson ’22

Grace Schmidt ’21

Toan Vo ’21

“Art allows us to visualize and explore complexity and ambiguity—of which there is no shortage right now. Our students used art to share their own reflections on this experience, and our hope is that members of the community have connected with some of these sentiments—and as a result, feel more connected with one another.”

Grace Schmidt ’21

—Jessica Henderson, associate professor of art and design

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Bethel University

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Grace Schmidt ’21

Toan Vo ’21

Will Jacott ’20

Eleanor Carlson ’22

by Michelle Westlund ’83 design by Darin Jones ’97

“We have to be in the ready position. We need to follow the Holy Spirit and cooperate in what God is already doing.”

—Stephanie O’Brien ’05, S’12

Adjunct Professor, Bethel Seminary Lead Pastor, Mill City Church, Minneapolis

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Agile Leadership in Times of Crisis and Change The past year brought profound change to almost every area of life. Businesses, healthcare, education, and churches were forced to respond to a global pandemic and widespread social unrest quickly and without a clear roadmap to guide them. In the process, they were called to pivot from past methods—into agile and innovative new ways of leading.

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Be Prepared to Pivot As lead pastor at Mill City Church in Minneapolis, Stephanie O’Brien ’05, S’12 led her church in responding to the rapid change of the past year, and as an adjunct professor at Bethel Seminary, she’s teaching others to do the same. O’Brien defines agile leadership as the ability to take wise and effective action amid complex, rapidly changing conditions. “We have to be in the ready position,” she says. “We need to follow the Holy Spirit and cooperate in what God is already doing.”

In January 2021, as part of the online course “Agile Leadership in Times of Crisis and Change,” O’Brien brought together seven leaders with diverse experiences, roles, and contexts. Each one provided their unique take on agile leadership in the particular circumstances they’ve faced, and we’ve gathered some of their wisdom here. Whether you’re a leader in your home, workplace, or ministry setting, their advice will help prepare you for inevitable times of crisis and change.

Tod Bolsinger

Executive Director, De Pree Center Church Leadership Institute Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasedena, Calif.

Bolsinger served as a pastor for 27 years, and is a consultant and executive coach in transformational leadership for corporate, nonprofit, educational, and church organizations. He is the author of five books, including Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory; Leadership for a Time of Pandemic: Practicing Resilience; and Tempered Resilience: How Leaders Are Formed in the Crucible of Change.

Get Ready

• Leadership is a formational process. People are not formed by preparation alone, but in the work of leading.

• Agile leadership means leading in an area that is evolving, so it’s not in your area of expertise. You have to learn in real time and face the loss of what used to work.

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• Vocational identity leads to vocational agility. The better you understand your own identity, the better you can pivot without losing your sense of self.

• Resilience is not just strength—it is strength plus wisdom, which happens in formation while you’re leading.

Angela Yee

Chief Ministry Officer, Evangelical Covenant Church, Chicago Yee has worked in small to large church contexts, ranging from a church plant to multisite megachurch Saddleback Church in Orange County, California. In her current role, she facilitates collaboration, strategizes, and implements the vision of the denominational leadership of the Evangelical Covenant Church.

Get Ready • Leaders need to be a non-anxious presence in crisis. Since emotions can be contagious, plan ahead to be prepared to respond non-anxiously in the moment.

• In crisis, exercise care for self, care for team members, and care for mission—usually in that order.

• In order to manage your own emotions, practice healthy selfcare. Know what recharges you and prioritize those activities in the midst of urgency.

• A time of crisis is a season, and you will move through it. Lean into learning during crisis to bring best practices into the future.

Edrin Williams S’11

Lead Pastor, Sanctuary Covenant Church, Minneapolis Williams graduated from Bethel Seminary in 2011 and has served at Sanctuary Covenant Church since then. Sanctuary is a Black-led, Blackcentered multi-ethnic urban church committed to the city—in and for north Minneapolis. Following the death of George Floyd in May 2020, the church sought to serve its community, providing food and a gathering place, and continues its mission to empower African American people.

Get Ready

Specific advice around racial justice issues: • Pursue awareness and education.

Lean into your own ethnic story first.

• Use existing resources to educate yourself. Don’t put the burden of expectation on a Black person or church to educate you.

• Join others. In humility, bring your learning and journey to a community, a cause, or a place.

• Be prepared for the long haul. You never “arrive.”

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Jo Saxton

Leadership Coach, St. Paul, Minn.

Saxton is a leadership coach, speaker, author, and ordained pastor who has dedicated her career to growing leadership teams around the world and empowering women to find their purpose in their personal lives and in leadership. She co-hosts the podcast “Lead Stories” with Bethel Seminary’s Stephanie O’Brien and has also written five books, most recently Ready to Rise: Own Your Voice, Gather Your Community, and Step into Your Influence.

Get Ready • In times of crisis, those we lead feel fearful and resistant to change. Avoid defensiveness by asking questions and inviting dialogue and wrestling with the issues at hand. Helpful words to encourage dialogue:

• Can you help me understand?

• Can you let me into your thoughts about this?

• Give me a question you want me to think about, and I’ll take some time and get back to you.

Scott Ridout

President, Converge, Orlando From 1998 to 2014, Ridout was the pastor of Sun Valley Community Church in Gilbert, Arizona, guiding the church’s growth to 5,000 attendees on three campuses in his 16 years there. He is a church leadership mentor, coach, and leader of Converge, a denomination of more than 1,500 churches.

Get Ready • Trust is the best currency of leadership, and what builds trust is vulnerability.

• When facing change, leaders often try to make existing things more excellent—fixing things that don’t need to be fixed—instead of moving into new things.

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• Qualities to cultivate in times of crisis: humility, gratefulness, and generosity • Crisis offers: • a barometer of past leadership • a platform for present leadership • a launchpad for future leadership

Dwight Zscheile

Vice President of Innovation, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.

Zscheile, an Episcopal priest and scholar, teaches congregational mission and leadership at Luther Seminary. He is the author of several books, including The Agile Church: Spirit-Led Innovation in an Uncertain Age.

Get Ready

• Innovation is commonly considered a break from tradition and the past, but think of it instead as cooperating with the Holy Spirit to make all things new.

• Ask yourself: What is the Spirit doing in our midst? How can we join that work?

• Agile leaders give people actionable pathways to behave their way into new ways of thinking and being.

• Theologically, the future is God’s. We can take risks. We can enact change. It’s not our job to orchestrate the future.

Donna Harris

President, Minnehaha Academy, Minneapolis In 2017, a natural gas explosion at Minnehaha Academy killed two people and injured 30, including Harris. She led the academy through both a grieving process and a rebuilding of facilities destroyed in the blast, as well as the challenges the pandemic brought to education in 2020.

Get Ready

• Be decisive even without knowing your next steps. You can be thoughtful and deliberate, invite input, and still make quick decisions.

Ready for More?

• God often reveals just one step at a time—move forward in faith.

• Have assurance—we serve a mighty God and He will carry us through. Remember to sing a hymn of praise no matter the circumstances.

Bethel University offers comprehensive leadership training across all our schools, from undergraduate to doctoral programs. Equip yourself for leadership with our B.A. in Organizational Leadership, M.A. in Strategic Leadership, or M.A. in Transformational Leadership, as well as multiple degrees providing leadership training in specialized areas of business, healthcare, education, and ministry. Visit bethel.edu to learn more.

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College search • Don’t wait until the pandemic is over to learn about the colleges you’re interested in. Browsing the web is a great place to start.

• Schedule an on-campus visit if you can—or ask about virtual visit options. Bethel offers a variety of visit opportunities. Learn more at bethel.edu/visit.

• Be aware of changing admissions requirements. Some schools are going “test optional.” Bethel no longer requires an ACT or SAT score for students with a GPA of 3.2 and higher!

Academics • Stay committed to your classes and keep your GPA up. A COVID-19 GPA is still a GPA! • Connect with your high school guidance counselor and make sure you’re on track to graduate.

• Learn how you can take advantage of honors, AP, and PSEO classes. Interested in PSEO at Bethel? Learn more here: bethel.edu/pseo

College Pre

ina Pandemic afte

by Cherie Suonvieri ’15 | design by Darin Jones ’97

Time management and organization • Make a schedule so you use your time wisely—especially during the summer and virtual learning.

• Be sure you have a professional-looking email address for college applications. Use some variation of your name—and numbers, if you must. Example: taylor-brown@gmail.com or taylorbrown123@gmail.com.

• Get used to checking your email inbox. This is likely the main way colleges will be communicating with you!

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Career exploration • Schedule an informational interview with someone who has an interesting job. During the pandemic, offer to connect over the phone or Zoom.

• Do some research on careers that interest you. Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook: bls/gov • Research possible college majors. Go to bethel.edu/ majors-minors to see what Bethel has to offer.

er c

The COVID-19 pandemic could complicate your college prep efforts—but following these tips will help

Relationship building • Develop connections with your teachers and community leaders. You’ll need references when you apply for colleges and scholarships.

• Say thank you to those teachers, community leaders, mentors, and parents who have helped you get this far.

• Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. Rest up, seek help if you need it, and take time to reflect on the future. At Bethel, we offer students a variety of resources to care for their wellbeing. Visit bethel.edu/ wellbeing to learn more.

you stay on track. Here are a few practical things you can do to prepare for college in and after the pandemic.

Extracurriculars • Find a cause that’s important to you and volunteer. This might look a little different during a pandemic, but many organizations still need help.

• Learn a new language or develop a new skill by taking a free online course through an organization like Khan Academy or edX. You won’t get credit— but you’ll learn a lot! Your local library may have some opportunities, too.

Finances • Learn now about what kind of financial aid is out there. Visit bethel.edu/ financial-aid-types to begin your research.

• Start a list of scholarships you might qualify for. Look online and check with your high school guidance counselor.

• Get a part-time job and start saving part of your paycheck for college expenses.

• Check with your school to see what extracurricular activities will be available this fall and get involved! You can also visit bethel.edu/clubs to learn more about extracurriculars in college.

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Discovery on Display The Nelson-Larson Science Center has taken scientific pursuits at Bethel to the next level—literally. The completed three-story, 18,000-square-foot space has expanded students’ views of what’s possible when faith informs scientific exploration.

by Jenny Hudalla ’15 design by Kristi Ellison ’10 photography by Scott Streble

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In Bethel’s Nelson-Larson Science Center, discovery is on display. From sunrise to sunset, the center’s floor-to-ceiling windows provide a glimpse into the work of aspiring scientists studying topics as diverse as creation care, quantum mechanics, and disease control and prevention— all through the lens of a Christian worldview.

Made possible by a historic eightfigure gift from a longtime donor, partner, and friend, the space features innovative laboratories and classrooms that create a fast track to competitive industry jobs for students in Bethel’s growing science programs. With private research labs, experiment prep rooms, and a large storage area filled with herbarium, bird, and insect collections that promote experiential education year-round, the science center marks the latest phase in the Called to More campaign’s ongoing effort to provide facilities that inspire learning.

“The Nelson-Larson Science Center matches the excellence of the students and faculty working within it,” says President Ross Allen. “With the support of our donors, we are committed to preparing scientists who are not only grounded in their faith, but confident in their calling to shape the future of their fields.”

Take our visual tour and discover the science center for yourself. >>

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I’m thankful for this beautiful new building and all the new lab spaces! I love studying by the windows that overlook Lake Valentine, and learning in the new labs has been a wonderful experience.”

—ERIKA SWANSON ’22, BIOLOGY MAJOR

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At Bethel, we’re challenged to be world-changers. We have always provided unique space for conversations about what it means to be a Christian and a scientist, and now we’re able to provide really incredible facilities where students can live that out.”

—JEFF PORT ’90 PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

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The Nelson-Larson Science Center propels Bethel’s scientific instruction and research capabilities to a new level. Bethel is known for its outstanding faculty and alumni who are at the forefront of their fields, and we are thrilled to be able to support their work and learning with cutting-edge facilities.”

—JIM BENDER VICE PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

Students who experience this valuable lab environment gain the necessary science and technical skills to prepare them for real-world application in the industry. It is a clear differentiator and competitive advantage.”

—ERIC GREEN ’93 CALLED TO MORE CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR AND CEO OF WEST PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES

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I absolutely love the new science center!

The labs have all the supplies we could ever need, and there are so many lounges to sit and study in. My favorite part is how many windows there are to provide natural light.”

—ANNA STOCKDILL ’22 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES MAJOR

With our world becoming more and more dependent on technological and scientific advances, we need even more investment in science, math, engineering, and technology at Christian universities to ensure that our ethical foundations and value of creation are represented at the table.”

—ASHLEY MAHONEY PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY

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Called TO M O R E

THERE’S MORE ON THE HORIZON.

Campaign Progress

While the first three phases of the Called to More campaign’s sciences, healthcare, and engineering project are fully funded, two critical phases still require funding to help prepare students for the cutting-edge jobs of the future.

as of April 23, 2021

PHASE 1, FALL 2019 Renovate the second floor of the Barnes Academic Center for physics and engineering.

M $15 tional a ves r i p ti Asnitia I

PHASE 2, FALL 2020 Construct the Nelson-Larson Science Center for biology, chemistry, and biochemistry.

$122.8M Total Raised (81.6%)

PHASE 3, FALL 2022 Renovate the Clausen Center to create humanities spaces for interdisciplinary teamwork.

Pr e Number of Gifts:

44,771

n la u

Alumni Gifts: 25,776 (57.6%)

G

if t

s

$150.5M Goal

ch

PHASE 4, FALL 2022 ($6.2 million still needed) Renovate and relocate the chemistry department from the first floor to the third floor of the Barnes Academic Center.

Gift Range: $10 to $10M

Renovate the psychology department on the third floor of the Barnes Academic Center.

Campaign Goals Overview 77 % % 84 % 85 Student Affordability and Access Facilities That Inspire Learning Opportunity and Innovation

Renovate the math and computer science department on the second floor of the Clausen Center.

PHASE 5, FALL 2023 ($6.4 million still needed) Expand and renovate the biology department on the first floor of the Barnes Academic Center.

Construct neuroscience space on the first floor of the Barnes Academic Center.

Our students are serious about fulfilling their call to do and be more. Join them by making a gift today. Visit bethel.edu/called to donate or learn more.

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THE

LIES Lies

WE BELIEVE

A Conversation about Teens, Lies, and the Truth

by Brooks Wilkening S’09 with Michelle Westlund ’83 design by Kristi Ellison ’10

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CL ASS OF 2020

M

Photo by Andreea Pop of Unsplash

eet three typical teenagers.* First, there’s Maddi. She tells me through tears that she believes she’s the root cause of her family’s stress. She’s a rule-following, kind, and empathetic kid, but she believes if she behaved better, her family would have less arguing and less sadness. Maddi believes the lie that she’s responsible for everyone’s happiness.

Or Kyle. He’s working to make the varsity team in soccer, but tough practices and a critical coach lead him to doubt his abilities. Instead of using his skills to help himself succeed, Kyle listens to the doubt, believes it, and his behavior follows along—he plays worse and loses confidence. Kyle believes the lie that confidence is based on performance.

Then there’s Anna. Bright, hard-working, and respectful, she receives praise from her parents for her good grades, but not for anything else. Anna believes the lie that she must earn love.

The teen years have never been easy. But the reality is this: Today’s teenagers face challenges no generation has faced before. A teen who graduated in 2020 has experienced unprecedented rates of change and multiple world-altering events during their short lifetime (see “Class of 2020” at right). No memory of life without social media. School drills for active shooters. Themes of violence and trauma. This list is their story—no wonder teens feel anxious, depressed, lonely, and confused.

And this assault on their mental health leaves them especially vulnerable to lies.

*All teens’ names in this story have been changed.

Born when…

• Two planes hit the Twin Towers on September 11 • The first iPod was released Learned to walk and talk when…

• The U.S. invaded Iraq • Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook from his Harvard dorm In preschool when…

• A tsunami killed 230,000 people in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Maldives • YouTube launched In 3rd grade when…

• Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S. Special Forces • Instagram launched In 5th grade when…

• A shooter killed 26 children and teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School • Bombs exploded at the finish line of the Boston Marathon In 10th grade when…

• #MeToo stories flooded social media • Twitter doubled its character limit In 12th grade when…

• The coronavirus pandemic spread worldwide, resulting in nearly 125 million cases with a death toll approaching 3 million and counting. Social distancing became the norm, stay-at-home orders were issued, and schools worldwide closed or moved online, prompting an early end to high school for the 2020 graduating class.

• The deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd prompted national outrage and protests in major cities across the U.S. Source: Danna McCall, “Class of 2020: A Look Back at the History and Events That Shaped the Journey,” Living Snoqualmie, June 3, 2020, livingsnoqualmie.com

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WH Y KIDS BELIEVE THE LIES In my work with teens and adults, I’ve become essentially moved online during a year of isolation passionate about one main thing: lies. The mental from in-person school, sports, and gatherings. So kids health challenges inherent in our kids’ stories make are facing constant comparison, and this has a great them vulnerable to lies. Anxiety lies. Depression lies, too. impact on their self-esteem. Social media impacts kids’ They tell us to worry, to be afraid, to question ourselves emotional and relational health in other ways, too: and others. They’re bold enough to creep into our most Difficulty forming personal connections. Today’s vulnerable places and stick an awful kids spend much of their day engaged little lie right in the middle of things. in something other than their current In that place of vulnerability, our kids surroundings, and this greatly affects T OD AY ’ S begin to believe it. We can’t really them. Students have a difficult time T EEN A GER S FA CE blame them—we live in a world full staying focused. They have a hard time CH A L L ENGE S NO of lies. In fact, the pain in this world participating in actual conversations that really began with one simple, ultimate are not texting or Snapchatting exchanges.

GENER AT ION H A S lie when the serpent deceived Adam They’re used to giving about seven seconds FA CED BEF ORE . and Eve. of attention to one thing before turning to It’s my deep belief that our teens have something else. This inability to be in the been told lies, and they are listening. present moment directly affects our kids’ Peers, teachers, coaches, sometimes even parents—all relationships, which are critical to their development. have added to the lies. Social media lies, and the lies Lack of decision-making skills. When teens make are big and bold. They scream in our kids’ faces, saying a choice—any choice—they post their question on things like, “You’re not included. You’re not good enough. social media where friends can comment or vote for You’re not safe.” Kids question what they know, and their preferences. Which shirt—blue or green? Which they begin to believe the lies are true. And because our food—salad or sandwich? One teen on vacation asked thoughts control our actions, kids begin to adjust their her friends back home to vote on which flavor smoothie lives to the lies. she should get at her hotel in Mexico in real time as she decided. This delegation of decision-making power to others leads to a lack of confidence and a lack of IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA responsibility. When kids don’t make their own choices, Social media is a major source of the lies kids believe. they don’t see themselves as responsible for the outcome.

It promotes constant comparison. In fact, that’s kind They have no personal ownership in making good of what social media is—it’s showing what you have. choices.

It’s publicly proclaiming your success or accolades.

Inability to be in their own thoughts. Kids today You don’t have to look long to find someone with better feel like they can’t survive without their phone for hair, a nicer house, or fancier vacations. Kids are connection, music, and media. They don’t know how especially vulnerable to this influence because their to be alone with themselves. They’re uncomfortable still-developing minds have an almost impossible time with themselves, and they don’t know how to talk to distinguishing between what’s real and what’s not. themselves. Creativity and problem-solving happen in In fact, the pandemic has only increased this sense those spaces where nobody’s thinking for them, yet teens of reality about online activity, since life for kids has aren’t spending much time in those spaces.

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OVERCOMING THE LIES

INSTILLING CONFIDENCE IN TEENS

Confidence is something our culture encourages, yet As parents, how do we instill this kind of confidence in attacks on a daily basis. We often assume people with a our kids? lot of skill or beauty or material things will be confident.

Get in the game. How you engage—or choose not to We falsely attach confidence to worldly success, and we engage—in your teen’s mental health will directly impact unfortunately have no problem finding someone who them. This is hard for many parents to hear, but I believe has more of it than we do. Confidence is also falsely that our acceptance of this issue, or our inability to believed to be something we are either given or we are accept it, greatly impacts our kids’ mental health. If your not given. We incorrectly assume we have been given teen is not struggling with mental health challenges, a finite amount of confidence I can almost guarantee you that and therefore we will have to go they know someone who is. So I through life managing with the encourage you to open your heart confidence, or lack of confidence, and your mind to the truth of our CONF IDENCE E QUIP S we were given. current reality. This may mean OUR K IDS T O L IS T EN Confidence is often thought you need to do some personal T O T HEIR O W N V OICE — of as a way of feeling. When we work yourself, to begin to get allow confidence to sit in the some language around your own T O BE GROUNDED IN feelings category, it comes and feelings and recognize your own T RU T H , INS T E A D OF goes. Confidence as a feeling ebbs tendencies. If we don’t have the E A SILY S WAY ED B Y and flows and is based solely on language of healthy dialogue, we OUR CULT URE ’ S other influences. If we pass a can’t teach it to our kids. Our kids test, we feel confident. If we get are in this reality already, and we M A N Y L IE S . a compliment on our outfit, we have to get in the game. feel confident. On the contrary, Claim truth. The best way to if we do poorly on a test, we lose silence a lie is to claim the truth. confidence. If we play poorly in a game, our confidence As we’ve seen, mental health challenges like anxiety takes a hit. and depression are rampant in our kids’ stories. They I believe confidence is not a way of feeling at all—it’s tell our kids—and sometimes us—how to feel about a way of thinking. Confidence is a mindset. Confidence ourselves. They tell us how others feel about us. And leads. Confidence chooses for itself how to respond. they tell bold yet hard-to-decipher lies like, “I’m not Confidence is a way of approaching a test or game, and valued. I’m not worthy. I’m not loved.” We know that doesn’t always need a good outcome to continue to grow.

Satan was and is the ultimate liar, and he is the author Confidence equips our kids to listen to their own voice— of the lies we believe about ourselves. So we must learn to be grounded in truth, instead of easily swayed by our to call out these lies and claim truth instead. How can culture’s many lies. we do that? First, find your own truth. Do the hard work

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of confronting the lies you might believe. Then find truth for your child and claim it. Scripture provides our anchor. Consider verses like these: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7, NKJV).

“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father’” (Rom. 8:15, NKJV).

Notice what’s not obvious. Learn to look beyond the words your teen might be using to see the underlying, unspoken message. Slow down and open your eyes and your heart to what’s actually going on. Most of our behavior, our conversations, our interactions, are fueled by our feelings about ourselves.

For example, a 16-year-old boy procrastinated on doing his math homework. When I talked with him, he first told me he didn’t like math. As the conversation went on, he shared a bit more. “I’m not good at numbers,” he said. “That’s my brother’s best class and not mine.”

What is this young man really saying? His challenges with math have nothing to do with being lazy or a procrastinator. He has convinced himself he’s not good at math because that’s his brother’s subject, not his.

Our kids are not always great communicators, but they are great perceivers. They are constantly taking in the environment around them and trying to make sense of it. So notice what’s not obvious in their explanations. If this is not your strength, pray for it. Ask God to give you eyes to see beyond the surface and see your child with a deeper sense of compassion.

Encourage time alone. Many kids—and even many of us as parents—equate being alone with being lonely.

With the distractions of technology, our kids have not learned how to spend time alone in constructive ways. They haven’t learned to manage their minds and to engage in positive self-talk. This is a critical skill for adulthood and one that needs to be built. It’s like training for a new skill in sports—players spend hours practicing so that when the time comes, they have a well-practiced skill ready in that moment. Our thoughts are like that, too. We need to train them, prepare them, and practice the skill of positive mindset so that when we are pressed, we have the skill ready to go. If you 42

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can’t give yourself positive feedback, you can’t give it to others. We need to encourage our kids to have space alone to build this muscle.

Pray specifically. I worked with Hannah, a teen who competed in gymnastics and was performing a vault in competition. As she ran down the runway, she tripped on the edge of the mat. It looked like the vault would be a disaster, and worse, she might be injured, but instead she adjusted her movement, saved the vault, and landed on her feet. This is what we need to pray for in our kids’ lives—not that they will never trip, because they will— but that when mistakes inevitably come, they know how to take the fall and land on their feet. Pray specifically for your child’s mind, for the thoughts entering it, and for the lies they’re hearing to be covered in the truth.

Brooks Wilkening is passionate about helping teenagers and has the credentials to prove it. She’s a 2009 graduate of Bethel Seminary’s marriage and family therapy (MFT) program.

She’s been a youth pastor for 25 years. She’s been counseling teens and adults for 15 years, first in her pastoral role and now as a confidence coach, where she applies her clinical MFT training to non-clinical settings, like meeting teens to chat at Starbucks. And she’s the mother of four teens, one of whom is a first-year student at Bethel University. “I help teens, young adults, and parents uncover obstacles, manage self-talk, and develop lasting confidence,” she says. “My passion is to help people thrive.” Visit coachingwithbrooks.com to find out more.

Bethel Seminary’s marriage and family therapy program prepares you to lead others to hope, healing, and life transformation. Visit bethel.edu/magazine/mft to learn more.

“Whatever your world is, ask yourself how you can change it for the better.”

—Rob Williams ’07

Changing Their Corner of the World Bethel University’s new 4 Under 40 Alumni Achievement Award recognizes alumni who’ve attained success in their fields before reaching the age of 40. Despite that success, their motivation is more about service than career achievement.

Through following their unique and diverse callings, they’re each changing their corner of the world for the better. Meet the four recipients here.

by Katie Johnson ’19 | design by Darin Jones ’97

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“Bethel’s business and marketing department helped prepare me for my work, and now I love to encourage Bethel business students starting their careers. I see so much of myself in these students. I probably get more out of it than they do, but that’s why I’m so passionate about it. Because I was there.”

— Steve Strom ’07

“To me, the best way to tell a story is musical theatre, and the greatest story you could possibly tell is the story of Jesus Christ and how He died for our sins. That, I would say, is my calling.”

— Kathryn Wert ’06

“Whatever your world is, ask yourself how you can change it for the better. In my world, there are hundreds of thousands of kids who don’t know where their next meal is going to come from—and that’s what we’re working to change.”

— Rob Williams ’07

“Today, many people think that science and faith are mutually exclusive. Nothing is further from the truth.

To me, studying science is a form of worship. I am in awe of the detail of God’s creation.”

— Brent Kobielush ’04

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Steve Strom ’07 Developer, Ryan Companies, Minneapolis Co-founder, BethelBiz BethelBiz is a business alumni group that connects Bethel students to business mentors (top left)

Kathryn (Voelker) Wert ’06 Professor of Music, Liberty University, Lynchburg, Va. (top right)

Brent Kobielush ’04 U.S. Regulatory Affairs Director, Cargill, Inc., Wayzata, Minn.

Cargill is the largest food and feed manufacturing company in the world (bottom left)

Rob Williams ’07

Founder and Executive Director, Every Meal, Roseville, Minn.

Every Meal provides over 200,000 meals a month to children and families in Minnesota, serving more than 400 locations and over 10,000 children a year (bottom right)

Get to know them...

On the best part of their day: Brent: Dinner time with family.

Kathryn: Morning Bible reading and meditation.

Rob: Walking through the office and warehouse to greet the Every Meal team.

Steve: The 5 a.m. quiet cup of coffee.

On what they wish they’d known before starting their career: Brent: Perceptions and preconceived beliefs have a bigger impact than science on how individuals view the safety of food and consumer products.

Rob: It’s important to surround yourself with people who are different from you and excel in different areas.

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On someone who impacted their life: Brent: Dr. Tom Trautman and Dr. Joseph Scimeca—two great leaders and renowned food toxicologists and regulatory experts. They’ve been instrumental in my development as a safety and regulatory leader.

Kathryn: My mom and dad.

They’ve continually denied comfort and self-gratification to serve and follow God’s call and align with His kingdom.

Rob: A well-known executive in the Twin Cities has invested a lot of time and energy in supporting my leadership abilities.

Steve: I am beyond blessed by my dad’s selflessness, unconditional love, and support, which I reflect on frequently now as a husband and father.

On his favorite films: Steve: Growing up watching Star Wars got me hooked on action and sci-fi movies, so it’s been fun to watch that series with our boys and relive those memories.

On her favorite pieces to conduct: Kathryn: “One Day More” from Les Miserables in concert with full orchestra, soloists, and mass choir. The Hunchback of Notre Dame the musical with a large choir. “Festive Overture” by Shostakovich is my favorite orchestral piece.

On books they think everyone should read: Brent: The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel Kathryn: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis and The Prodigal God by Tim Keller

On how they know what they’re meant to do: Brent: I know I’m meant to serve Christ and stay within His will for my life.

If He calls me to a different career, I will follow.

Kathryn: If someone ever said, “What is your calling?” I’d answer, “To do a musical on the life of Jesus Christ.” Without question.

Rob: I’m excited about the work we do and the impact it has, and I’m still bringing value to Every Meal as its leader.

Steve: Through a lot of prayer and trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Focusing on my growth during this journey is a daily practice that can settle fears I may have about the future.

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Know a Bethel alum who’s changing their corner of the world?

Visit bethel.edu/alumni/ awards/4-under-40 to submit nominations for the annual 4 Under 40 Alumni Achievement Award.

Visit our website to read the full stories: bethel.edu/magazine/strom bethel.edu/magazine/kobielush bethel.edu/magazine/wert bethel.edu/magazine/williams

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

—John Alexis Edgren, founder

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Tim Olson ’66 self-published a book in 2020 titled The Legacy of Absence: Resolving the Wound from Uninvolved Fathers in Individuals, Families, and Society. He resides in New Hope, Minn.

70s

Diane (Werner) Goiffon ’72 retired from her position as senior software engineer with Medtronic. She is CSQA Certified, SQA Certified, an ASQ peer reviewer, and an auditor. She resides in Plymouth, Minn.

80s

Nancy (Eggerud) Poland ’80 published a book titled Dancing with Lewy: A Father Daughter Dance Before and After Lewy Body Dementia Came to Live with Us. She also just celebrated 25 years at Be the Match (National Marrow Donor Program), Minneapolis, most recently as a contracts and compliance manager. She resides in Coon Rapids, Minn.

Beth (Olson) Beebe ’82 is entering her fourth year of her first term as a Bloomington School Board Member. She recently received two awards from the Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA): The Leadership Development Certificate and Director’s Award. She was also selected to be on the MSBA Delegate Assembly for Area 4. She is currently the District Treasurer and also an alternate representative to the Association of Metropolitan School Districts. She resides in Bloomington, Minn.

Steven Blomberg ’86 published his second book entitled Life with Landon: Finding Fullness on the Journey. It is a compilation of stories showing God’s presence through the detours of life.

He resides in Ogema, Wis.

90s

Tim Morey S’98 released the book Planting a Church Without Losing Your Soul: Nine Questions for the Spiritually Formed Pastor. He is the lead pastor of Life Covenant Church in Torrance, Calif.

Visit bethel.edu/alumni to: • Update your contact information • Submit news • Find out about alumni events • Get involved and support Bethel • Learn about benefits and services for alumni • Nominate an Alumnus/Alumna of the Year

Amy (Herman) Roloff ’99 started a new position as program director of the division of global health production at the Centers for Disease Control.

00s

Kelly Jo (Weiner) McDonnell GS’01 won an Emmy for her producing and writing work on “Minnesota Bound,” a program produced by Kare-11 NBC. The Boundary Waters at Risk won in the Public/Current/Community Affairs Program category. She is operations director at Ron Schara Productions and resides in Lino Lakes, Minn.

Tom Hallquist GS’02 recently published a book titled Bridging Mindset Gaps, a narrative inquiry into perceptions of incarcerated inmates’ education and its relation to criminal activity.

James Norman ’02 accepted a vice president of engineering position with eHealth Technologies in Rochester, N.Y. Roger Maldonado ’05 has been selected as one of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA)’s 2021 Top Lawyers Under 40 award recipients. The award celebrates and highlights the accomplishments and contributions of members who have distinguished themselves in the legal profession. He resides in Edina, Minn.

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Michael Balonek CAPS’09 was awarded his Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology/Cultural Anthropology by the University of Allahabad’s GB Pant Social Science Institute in Allahabad, India. His dissertation is titled “Exploring Cultural Change, Stability, and Trends: An Ethnomusicological Study of Bhojpuri Music in North India.” He resides in Rochester, NY. Travis Adams ’09 has joined the Melchert Hubert Sjodin law firm partnership in Waconia, Minn. He is a member of the Minnesota Association for Justice and the Minnesota State Bar Association, and he serves as an arbitrator for Minnesota no-fault automobile cases for the American Arbitration Association.

Joy (Welch) Kaplan S’15 was featured in Saint Louis Magazine for her work as a chaplain during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She works at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, Mo., as a manager of pastoral services. She currently resides in St. Louis, Mo. Jacob Schneider ’15 started a new position as communications director for Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach in Washington, D.C.

Krista Jolivette ’16 published a book about her experience in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia titled Learning Peace. She resides in Garner, Iowa.

Marriages

Krista Sundberg ’05 married Matthew Wormald in May 2020. They reside in Wollongong, Australia.

Laura King ’07 married Scott Steiskal in June 2020. They reside in Maple Grove, Minn.

10s

Jonathan Gouthier S’12 published a book in October 2020 titled All Ways Good: How God Will Make All Things Together for Good.

BJ Skoog ’12 wrote and self-published a book of poetry called Coffee Table Sized Book Full of Twitter Sized Poems.

Brianna Hershey ’14 competed on a new game show called “The Hustler,” which premiered on January 7 on ABC. She was on “Family Feud” in 2017.

Cynthia Ward-Thompson GS’15 was elected to the Minnesota Academy of Science Board of Directors. Her experiences as an educator include work with Bagley Junior and Senior High Schools, Aitkin High School, the Wetland Health Evaluation Program of Hennepin County, and MIGIZI Communications, an education-based nonprofit that works with Native American families. She is a program specialist in the Equity and Opportunity Division at the Minnesota Department of Education. She resides in Roseville, Minn.

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Summer 2021

Stewart Luckman, age 82, died on November 24, 2020. He was Professor of Art Emeritus at Bethel University, known to students for his depth, creative energy, and challenging mind. Luckman’s public sculpture work can be seen at the International Plaza in Finland and at Sculpture Space in New York. His sculptures are also on display at Bethel and the University of Minnesota, along with numerous university and government building sites in Washington, Minnesota, Indiana, and Michigan. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, two sons, sister Evangeline, and brothers David, Justin, and Jordan. Edgewood, Wash.

Stacey Nauman ’09 married Matthew Ortiz in June 2020. They reside in Spokane, Wash.

Chris Sjolander ’14 married Emily Espy in September 2020. They got married in Emily’s hometown of Atlanta and currently reside in Boston.

Births

Twins Verity Marigold and Poppy Freya were born in November 2020 to Kari (Morstad) ’07 and Grant Weber.

Ham Lake, Minn.

Roux was born in July 2020 to Ryan ’08 and Nicole Lezer.

Sartell, Minn.

Gideon was born in November 2020 to Julie (Nelson) ’11 and Chris Lilly ’10.

Blaine, Minn.

Deaths

Alex (Stewart) Bauer, age 27, died on March 12, 2021, of breathing issues associated with X-linked myotubular myopathy, a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder. He graduated from Apple Valley High School in 2012 and attended Bethel University, studying creative writing and theology, but due to health issues he was unable to complete his degree. He is survived by his parents, stepfather Scott Bauer, sister Isabella Stewart, grandparents John and Virginia Schultz, and many relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his brother Levi (Stewart) Bauer ’18 and his paternal grandparents.

Marlys (Danielson) DeVries ’60 died on January 26, 2021. In addition to her Bethel degree, she also earned a nursing degree from the University of Minnesota in 1963. Bothell, Wash.

Storie Mae was born in May 2020 to Caitlin (Bouwer) ’11 and Ross French ’12. She joins Summit (4) and Saylor (3).

Lakeville, Minn.

Grayson Arthur was born in September 2020 to Casie (Ecklund) ’14 and Travis Jensen. Duluth, Minn.

Dawson McAllister ’68, age 74, died on December 21, 2020. His call-in program for teens and young adults, Dawson McAllister Live! was one of the most popular longtime radio programs on Christian radio and Top 40 secular radio.

In 1973, he founded Shepherd Productions, the 501(c)(3) that is known today as Dawson McAllister Association. In 1991, he founded TheHopeLine, an off-air coaching line where more than 1.2 million one-on-one conversations have provided support for 13- to 29-year-olds who are struggling with everything from addiction to despair. Spring Hill, Tenn.

Jane Hedberg ’71 died on November 4, 2020. Jane and Perry Hedberg celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on August 19, 2020, before her death. New Brighton, Minn.

Former Bethel University Assistant Professor Megan Flynn, age 43, died on January 29, 2021. She began her career teaching at Bethel before deciding to become a professional researcher. She was widely recognized for her deeply analytical mind. She is survived by mother Susan, stepfather Norman Colb, stepmother Janice Kimpel, brother Derek and wife Jen and their children, brother Jim and wife Kerianne and their son, and brother John and wife Alix and their children.

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Called TO M O R E FOR GOD’ S G LORY & OU R NEIG H B O RS’ GOOD

THE CAMPAIGN FOR BETHEL UNIVERSITY

Athletics Update

Bethel’s $150.5 million Called to More campaign launched in November 2020 and focuses on five critical priorities: endowment; science, engineering, and healthcare; humanities; COVID-19 response; and athletics.

Athletics facility upgrades began this spring, when crews broke ground to build an outdoor track, upgrade the throws area for track and field, and install artificial turf on the Royal Stadium football field. Bethel’s nationally recognized football and track programs reflect a commitment to a strong athletics culture that produces student athletes who excel on and off the field.

$4 million raised to date

$1.5 million fundraising goal for the next year

Be part of the team!

Visit bethel.edu/called to learn more or give online.