Bethel Investor Spring 2012 by Bethel University

in this issue:

Bethel Fund Faculty Grants Page 2

Campus Master Plan Page 2

BethelInvestor www.bethel.edu • Spring 2012

News for Donors to Bethel University

Invest in Bethel and Light a Path for a Student Key Dates Spring Semester Began (CAS): February 1 • Commencement (CAS, CAPS/GS): May 26 • End of Fiscal Year: May 31 Commencement (Seminary St. Paul): June 2 • Commencement (Seminary San Diego): June 9 • Commencement (Seminary of the East): June 16

Construction on an addition and renovations at the Bethel Seminary San Diego campus began in January. It is expected to be completed in 2012. “There are many people who have been dreaming about and planning for this project for a long time, and I’m very glad to see construction begin,” says Bethel President Jay Barnes. The campus expansion includes a two-story 14,500 square foot addition and a renovation of 6,800 square feet. The net gain of the project will be a 380-400 seat chapel and conference center, additional classroom spaces, offices, and an expanded student center. “In addition to serving a larger student body, this new and remodeled space will be used as a center for spiritual renewal for the community,” says Bethel Seminary San Diego Dean John Lillis. Generous gifts from the Solheim Foundation, Converge Worldwide, and key committed investors narrowed the fundraising goal to $1.5 million. Faithful investors are encouraged to help Bethel close this final gap. Those interested in helping expand the ministry of Bethel Seminary San Diego should contact Mark Pearsey at m-pearsey@bethel.edu or 619.325.5225. Visit bethel.edu/giving/projects for updates on the progress of the construction.

$2,750,000

Construction Begins at Bethel Seminary San Diego

Bethel Fund Progress

$1,354,883

tudents don’t progress from the start of spring semester in February to graduation in May or June, to their next step into the world without the support of investors like you who donate to the Bethel Fund before the key date of May 31. The end of Bethel University’s academic year is in sight, and hundreds of graduates are preparing to go out into the world with their degrees, equipped to transform culture and advance the gospel. There are many accomplishments to celebrate—thanks to generous investors. There are also several projects, such as the construction and renovation at Bethel Seminary San Diego and the proposed new Wellness Center, that need your support and commitment to become reality. “We invite alumni, parents, and friends to light a path for a Bethel student and help ensure that a quality, Christcentered Bethel education is available for both current and future students,” says Bruce Anderson, vice president for development. “We have a long way to our goal and we urgently ask you to consider submitting a gift by May 31, 2012.” Read on for brief updates on current projects and fiscal priorities.

Dean’s Circle Partners

Wellness Center Plans Finalized A new wellness center is Bethel University’s largest current capital fundraising priority. Bethel recently finalized plans for this facility, which will be added to the north and west sides of the Robertson Center. “This facility is integral to the future of Bethel University for many reasons, including recruitment and retention of students, convenience, and health and wellness,” says Pat Mazorol, senior vice president for university relations. “This project is significant because it will help us meet today’s needs for much-needed health and fitness facilities for students, as well as general classroom space.” Feedback from students and faculty during Bethel’s recent campus master planning process

(see story on page 2) has reinforced the need for both health and fitness facilities, as well as general-purpose classroom space. Developing this new space as a wellness center will allow broader use—possibly including Health Services, Counseling Services, and an academic program—than will a fitness center alone. The addition will also help Bethel fulfill its commitment to develop whole and holy persons—not just mentally, socially, and spiritually—but also physically. Fundraising for this project is underway and will determine the timeframe for construction. Interested in investing in this project? Call Bethel’s Office of Development at 651.635.8050 or 800.255.8706, ext. 8050.

Welcome Center Complete The final phase of the Welcome Center Experience—the Admissions Guest Center in Brushaber Commons—is now complete and is already enhancing the campus experience for prospective students and their families. Thank you to those generous investors who made this dream a reality.

Bethel Fund Dean’s Circle partners are donors who give $1,000 to $2,499 in annual contributions to the Bethel Fund. Bethel has welcomed many new households as Dean’s Circle members this academic year. Kirk and Mary Nesvig are one of these families. All of their children and their children’s spouses are Bethel graduates, and two family members are now graduate students. “We feel that all four of our children grew stronger in their faith in Christ during their four years at Bethel. . . . it is getting the education in an environment that encouraged them in their Christian faith that makes us appreciate their experience at Bethel,” says Kirk. “We have continued to give to Bethel because Bethel does a great job of producing well-educated graduates with a Christian world view. We are grateful for the impact Bethel had on our children and their spouses. Donating to Bethel is a way of expressing that gratitude and also helping Bethel continue and expand that impact with other students.”

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Survey of Young Alumni Shows Encouraging Results

Investors and friends of Bethel University connected with President Jay and Barb Barnes at a special gathering in January in Naples, Florida, hosted by David and Mary Jo Monson. Friends shared lunch, fellowship, and a presentation from special guest Laurel Bunker, dean of campus ministries and campus pastor.

Looking to the Future: The Campus Master Plan

Higher Education have been ast spring, President Jay guiding this process. Barnes announced that the All faculty and staff were inuniversity was beginning to vited to participate in visioning update a Campus Master Plan, sessions in September, which which would provide a visual helped the community dream picture of a shared vision and for the future of the Bethel serve as an action-oriented experience—not just in terms roadmap for the future of Bethel of the campus master plan, but University. He appointed a camalso for the student, campus, pus master plan team, which is and employee experiences. responsible for gathering input Focus group sessions were held from the community and makwith students from all schools. ing decisions that reflect Bethel’s These strategic prisessions were orities, as well “The Campus Master Plan is crucial because it helps map out the direction followed by as building on for the future of Bethel University. emerging the original It’ s important that the plan reflect the master plan vision and scenarios to design for the school’s strategic priorities, as well as expand upon the vision of former which staff campus. leaders.” and faculty Camhad the pus master — Pat Mazorol, senior vice opportunity planning president for university relations to provide is a major feedback. component of capital planning, In February, a final which goes hand-in-hand with campus plan was presented to strategic and operational planthe Board of Trustees, includning. It is important that caming a detailed listing of projects pus master planning be tied to with five- and 10-year schedules the institution’s strategic plan and corresponding plans for and the implementation of that financing. The Board approved plan. Other planning efforts that the general direction of the are necessary components of the campus master plan for the Campus Master Plan include enrollment, teaching, living, and purpose of establishing campus facilities construction and learning; student success; and fundraising priorities. Look for branding and marketing. Bethel’s partners at Performa more updates soon. •

Give to the Bethel Fund by May 31

iving to the Bethel Fund is the most immediate way you can help light a path for a Bethel student. We need your support and remind you that the deadline is May 31, 2012. Donate online at bethel.edu/giving or call us during business hours at 800.255.8706, ext. 8050. Thank you for making a meaningful difference for so many!

ast summer and fall, Bethel University surveyed Bethel alumni who graduated in 2010, 2006, and 2001. The response rates for the three surveys were more than 50%—higher than typical for such a survey. Questions covered graduates’ experience at Bethel as well as their personal, spiritual, and working lives since graduation. The results are encouraging, showing that these respondents are experiencing relatively low unemployment, high job satisfaction, and a high level of satisfaction with how Bethel prepared them for a postundergraduate program (if applicable). Says Ralph Gustafson, vice president for constituent relations, “The responses also showed that these graduates are continuing the spiritual growth they experienced at Bethel. They have a high involvement

in a faith community, they attend church frequently, and they have a high rate of volunteerism and are more likely to donate money to a religious organization compared to the national average.” In addition, reported divorce rates of 3.9% for 5-year alumni and 3.5% for 10-year alumni are significantly lower than the national average. In addition, respondents indicated they have a consistent level of satisfaction with the overall educational experience at Bethel. The top core values that graduating seniors and alumni say that their experiences at Bethel helped them develop are “Learner” and “Truth Seeker.” Thank you to all Bethel investors for sustaining Bethel students’ holistic education and for cultivating lifelong learners. •

Congratulations, Grads! More than 300 students graduated from Bethel University in two services on December 16, with 112 students graduating from Bethel’s College of Arts & Sciences and 212 students graduating from Bethel’s College of Adult & Professional Studies and Graduate School. Bethel alumnus Collin Barr ’84 was the commencement speaker. Barr is president of the Midwest Region for Ryan Companies US, Inc., and a member of Bethel’s Board of Trustees.

Bethel Fund Faculty Grants Enrich Classroom Experience

ach year the National Alumni Board distributes $30,000 in Bethel Fund contributions to faculty to provide them with opportunities to stay on the cutting edge of their professions and enrich academic instruction in the classroom. Grants are used for projects, conferences, equipment, and technology. When you contribute to the Bethel Fund, your donations benefit faculty and students’ learning experiences. Assistant Professor of Biology Sara Wyse has been blessed by your generous gifts. She comments, “As a result of the alumni grant funds, I was able to attend the first meeting of the Society for the Advance-

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ment of Biology Education Research (SABER), where I presented my research focused on how we prepare graduate students for their role in the classroom. The conference put me in touch with leaders in the undergraduate biology research community and exposed me to research focused on how to improve the learning of our undergraduate students. Many of the presentations shared evidencebased ideas that I’ve already started implementing in courses here at Bethel.” Thank you for your support of faculty and students through your generous gifts to the Bethel Fund. •

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PLANNED GIVING profile:

Warren & Margaret Magnuson

id you know that your generosity can continue past your lifetime? By leaving a legacy of support through your estate, you will leave a final, important impact upon Bethel University and future students. These “legacy” gifts, also known as “planned gifts,” include a bequest in your will or living trust, a beneficiary designation on your life insurance policy or retirement plan, or the distribution of a trust remainder that will provide you with a life income stream during your lifetime. Each carries tax and financial benefits for you or your estate, and in some cases for your heirs, and you have the flexibility with each option to direct your estate gift to a particular program or area you wish to support. In all cases, you will help us secure our future and our ability to continue the good work you believe in. A provision in your estate for Bethel University signals to family and friends the strength of your commitment to our mission and tells them that it was important to you to leave a final gift to carry on your belief in our good work. It also shows that you trust us to carry out our mission in an efficient and effective way. Perhaps others will be inspired to follow in your footsteps. How you craft your estate plan will have great conse-

quences to your family and those charitable organizations you wish to support. Our staff is knowledgeable about the various types of gifts that can create your legacy, and we are happy to talk with you about your personal, family, and financial goals and to recommend appropriate gift options. And if you have already included Bethel University in your estate plan, please let us know. We often did not know ahead of time that an estate gift had been planned, so we never had a chance to express our gratitude to our loyal supporter. Telling us will not bind you or your estate in any way. For more information about including Bethel University in your will or for other suggestions for estate planning, please contact Dan Wiersum, associate vice president for development and director of planned gifts, and certified specialist in planned giving (CSP), at 651.635.8052 (800.255.8706, ext. 8052) or d-wiersum@bethel.edu.•

This publication is intended to provide general gift planning information. Bethel University is not qualified to provide specific legal, tax, or investment advice, and this publication should not be looked to or relied upon as a source for such advice. Consult with your own legal and financial advisors before making any gift.

arren Magnuson served as general secretary for the Baptist General Conference (BGC), now Converge Worldwide, from 1969-1987. While Magnuson’s work was based in Chicago and he traveled to countless countries and numerous churches, he has remained connected to Bethel University. “I love the Lord and I love Bethel,” he states. Magnuson attended Bethel Junior College and graduated from Bethel Seminary in 1946. His support and recognition of Bethel has never wavered through the years. “Bethel plays a distinct role in the conference,” he says. “I hope its identity remains strong.” Magnuson has answered the call to ensure that Bethel remains a strong university. Through a charitable remainder trust with the Bethel Foundation, he and his wife Margaret gave lakefront property near Aitken, Minn., to Bethel in a transaction that benefited both parties. Explains Dan Wiersum, associate vice president of development and director of planned gifts, “They didn’t have to pay taxes on the capital gains when the property sold, they received a charitable deduction for income tax purposes, and they receive quarterly payments from the trust. Someday, Bethel will receive the remaining principle of the trust to fund our ongoing ministry.” When Margaret passed away, Magnuson established the Margaret Magnuson Scholarship in her memory, with a portion of donated assets from their trust. The scholarship provides financial aid to students pursuing nursing or related

In Memoriam

Worldwide) pastor, graduated from Bethel in 1949 and from the Seminary in 1952. Two of their three children, Jan and Kurt, graduated from Bethel, and two of their grandsons, Brett Johnson (dad Spencer is also an alum) and James Christenson, are current students. Evelyn served as secretary to Bethel President Wingblade and was involved in the “Bethel Wives” group. She received two awards from Bethel: Pacesetter in the 1970s and Alumna of the Year in 1996. Evelyn’s love of the Lord spread far beyond Bethel. She was a prayer seminar speaker and teacher for more than 40 years in all 50 states and in every continent. Her classic books, What Happens When Women Pray

and Lord, Change Me! have sold more than five million copies. She was the founder of United Prayer Ministry, and her teaching on prayer has been translated and aired on radio programs internationally. Evelyn also served as a founding and ongoing member of the National Prayer Committee for more than 30 years, participating in its annual National Day of Prayer. Her personal Bible, complete with notes, underlining and highlighting, will be featured on the cover of the March-April issue of PrayerConnect magazine. Diane Berggren ’72, her administrative assistant, adds, “Her example of a prayer-filled life and a deep love for Jesus has profoundly impacted me.” •

What Will You Leave Behind?

ethel University recently lost a good friend. Evelyn Christenson passed away in November 2011 at age 89. She received her A.A. from Bethel in 1949. Her late husband Rev. Harold Christenson, who served as a BGC (Converge

Evelyn Christenson

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caring professions. Recently, Magnuson established the Warren R. Magnuson Scholarship fund, which benefits seminary students. Preference is given to international students from countries where Converge has a ministry interest. Magnuson plans to provide annual funding until his death, when it will be funded with proceeds from his IRA and become endowed. “I believe we have an obligation to educate others for the larger church,” he explains. “I appreciated what Bethel did for me and I hope it would be a continuing source of pastors and missionaries for the missions God has given to us.” Magnuson has a clear understanding of ownership versus stewardship, proclaiming that “It’s not my money; it’s God’s.” And he trusts Bethel to steward it well. For more information about including Bethel University in your estate planning, please contact Dan Wiersum, associate vice president for development and director of planned gifts, and certified specialist in planned giving (CSP), at 651.635.8052 (800.255.8706, ext. 8052) or d-wiersum@bethel.edu. •

Warren Magnuson

Nominate an Alum

housands of Bethel grads are faithfully living out God’s call in their day-to-day lives. Each year Bethel honors outstanding alumni who make a valuable impact on their communities, neighborhoods, and churches. Visit bethel.edu/alumni/awards to see a list of past award recipients, or to nominate an alum who lives out Bethel’s values as a Christ-follower, character-builder, truthseeker, learner, reconciler, salt and light, and worldchanger. •

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INVESTOR 3900 Bethel Drive St. Paul, MN 55112-6999

In This Issue:

Address Service Requested

• Welcome Center Plans Finalized Page 1 • Alumni Survey Page 2 • Donor Profile: Warren Magnuson Page 3 • What Will You Leave Behind? Page 3

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calendar of events

Bethel Foundation

MARCH 17-24 Athletic events in Florida; check athletics.bethel.edu for information 29 University Orchestra Spring Music Tour Home Concert, Benson Great Hall 29 Distinguished Lectures in the Humanities, Underground 30 Bethel Choir Spring Music Tour Home Concert, Benson Great Hall 31 Wind Symphony Spring Music Tour Home Concert, Benson Great Hall APRIL 1 17 26-27 26-29 28 30

Women’s Chorale Spring Music Tour Home Concert, Benson Great Hall Faculty Recital: Stephen Self, Organ, Benson Great Hall Symposium on Faith and Values, Wess Stafford, Benson Great Hall A Midsummer Night’s Dream Benson Great Hall Faculty Recital: Juan Li, Piano, and Hong Wang, Cello, Benson Great Hall Opera Workshop Performance

MAY 1 2-5 4 6 11 13 26

Chamber Ensembles Spring Concert A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Benson Great Hall Jazz in the Great Hall, Benson Great Hall St. Paul Chamber Orchestra-Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony, Benson Great Hall Classics in the Great Hall, Benson Great Hall Handbell Ensemble Spring Concert, Benson Great Hall Commencement for CAS, CAPS, and GS, Benson Great Hall

JUNE 2 9 16 18

Commencement for Bethel Seminary St. Paul, Benson Great Hall Commencement for Bethel Seminary San Diego, College Avenue Baptist Church Commencement for Bethel Seminary of the East Bethel Golf Classic, North Oaks Country Club

Office of Development Bruce W. Anderson ’74, Vice President for Development Phone: 651.635.8050 Email: development@bethel.edu Website: bethel.edu/giving Editor: Tricia Theurer Designer: Thomas Vukelich ’82

Strong Returns

Thanks to the Foundation’s well-managed resources and investing disciplines, its portfolios have regularly outperformed its benchmarks in recent years. Despite the challenging economic climate, the value of our endowment has grown steadily in the last four years, from $29.5 million to $33 million. As of December 31, 2011, the endowment managed by the Foundation was $33,049,028 and total assets under management were $114,565,830. For more information about trust management opportunities available through the Bethel Foundation, contact Angella Hjelle, Bethel Foundation executive director, at 651.635.1001 or a-hjelle@bethel.edu.

Save the Date! Bethel Homecoming 2012 • October 5-7 Class reunions are scheduled for graduation years ending in two and seven. To volunteer for your class reunion committee, contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Services at 651.638.6462 (800.255.8706, ext. 6462) or email alumni@bethel.edu.

More than 170 generous investors and friends of Bethel Seminary San Diego enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship and heard about the mission and vision of the seminary from Bethel Seminary San Diego Dean John Lillis and Bethel University President Jay Barnes. The January program included testimonies from seminary students and stories of celebration of how God is working at the seminary among students, faculty, staff, and friends. Guests received a glimpse of the future of the seminary as they saw the well-lit construction site as they exited.

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