Bethel Investor Summer 2010

IN TH IS ISSUE :

www.bethel.edu • Summer 2010

National Alumni BoardSupports 100%

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BethelInvestorNews for Donors to Bethel University

Ed Johnson Set Stewardship Bar

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Jay–and Bethel–Thank You!

Thank you for making this an exceptional year at Bethel University! We’re

grateful for the steadfast support that you and others have given to make this an unusually good year during such challenging times. More than 7,800 of you contributed to Bethel’s mission. Given the economy, the fact that so many of you stepped up your giving warms our hearts and gives us great encouragement. You stand with us in expand-ing the teachings and work of Jesus Christ through graduating exceptional men and women who are committed to making a difference in today’s world. Still, the past year has been challenging for Bethel. We’ve adjusted our budget to face the

Parents Multiply Parents of a recent Bethel graduate as well as a current student (both from the College of Arts & Sciences) read in a past Bethel Investor that Bethel faced some financial challenges. In April, this South Dakota cou-ple called President Jay Barnes with an offer to help; they gave a gift of $20,000 to the Annual Fund, under the condition that other parents would match their contribution with gifts to the Annual Fund—above and beyond what was given in the previous year. Development Officer John Neibergall relayed this opportu-nity to two sets of Bethel par-ents who are equally grateful for the transformative experience their children had at Bethel. These households, both from Texas, matched the initial chal-lenge, multiplying the original gift of $20,000 by a factor of three. The rest of the development team relayed this story to ad-ditional select parents as Bethel worked to close its fiscal year on May 31. As a result, dozens of parents responded with above-and-beyond gifts to the Annual Fund of another $109,270. Bethel applauds the generosity of all these parents and is grate-ful for the opportunity to mul-tiply a $20,000 challenge into a $169,000 outcome.

Board Helps A Bethel Foundation board member, concerned for the financial plight of many Bethel University families, provided an above-and-beyond gift to a spe-cial designation of the Annual Fund called “The Special Hard-ship Fund.” This category of giving was instituted as a means to provide additional financial aid to the many College of Arts & Sciences students whose families had recently suffered financial setbacks, such as job

financial realities. We know that more than 475 of our students’ families experienced a financial crisis of some sort throughout the year. Bethel stepped up with your help to provide scholar-ship assistance to these students and families. We’re gratified by that! We’ve had trustees, board members, and parents go above and beyond with challenge grants that have helped bridge the gap between student need and Bethel’s cost (“Donors Go Above and Beyond,” p. 1). We continue to be commit-ted to being an exceptional uni-versity. We want our education to be excellent in every way. We depend on your partnership to help make this happen. We look forward to being good stewards of what you trust to our care in the days ahead. Keep us in your prayers; keep us focused; and hold us accountable. We’re looking forward to God doing amazingly abundant things at Bethel in the year ahead!

With Gratitude,

President Jay Barnes

More than 800 students participated in commence-

ment ceremonies in late May and early June across all schools of Bethel University—the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Adult & Professional Studies, the Graduate School, and the seminary. •

Donors Go Above and Beyond

loss or major medical expense in the present economic condi-tions. In fact, the number of fami-lies of students finding it neces-sary to appeal their financial aid support due to recent significant financial distress has in-creased from about 75 per year to more than 400 in the past academic year, according to Dan Nelson, vice president for admissions, financial aid, and retention. This board member worked with President Jay Barnes and the Office of Development to encourage fellow Foundation Governors and Bethel Univer-sity Trustees to support student families. Through their volun-teer efforts, more than $70,000 was raised.

San Diego Upswing While the San Diego cam-pus continues to make progress in securing funds for its long-awaited campus expansion, support for the Bethel Semi-nary Annual Fund continues to grow! Bethel Seminary San Diego (BSSD) had hoped to raise $200,000 during the 2009-2010 fis-cal year. Thanks to the generosity of donors, more than $220,000 was raised from more than 400 separate gifts! “There are many faithful people in San Diego who are

— DONORS cont. on p. 2

CONGRATULATIONS GRADS!

B E T H E L I N V E S T O R

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National Alumni Board Support

To increase support from Bethel Seminary alumni, the

Seminary Alumni Council cre-ated the 100 for 100 campaign, an initiative seeking to get 100 percent of seminary alumni to give $100 during the 2009-2010 fiscal year. “The council recognized that many seminary alumni are in ministry positions that don’t have high incomes, stock options, or accumulated assets, but they are typically generous—giving sacrificially to churches, missionaries, mini-stries and other nonprofits,” explains Brian Doten, chair of the Seminary Alumni Council. “But if 100 percent of seminary alumni gave $100 a year to Bethel, it would have a dramatic impact on Bethel’s ministry and finances.” To help, Jeanine Paro-lini, John Quam, and Kevin Sharpe—all members of the Seminary Alumni Council—wrote letters to their former classmates, many of whom re-sponded to the personal appeal.

Jeanine Parolini“I believe in the vision and mission of the seminary of

transforming the hearts, minds, and service of the pastoral community in our churches. I believe God is up to His Romans 12:2

Royal Investor GatheringIn May, some 200 friends of Bethel gathered for fellowship and

a light dinner before attending the annual Classics in the Great Hall concert. Former student body president Jeremiah Johnson spoke briefly about his experience at Bethel and his gratitude toward those who helped make his Christ-centered education pos-sible. President Jay Barnes cited the extraordinary Bethel leaders who have paved the way for him and his hopes for the future. •

Unique Gift—Car Proceeds

— DONORS cont. from p. 1

committed to the mission of Bethel Seminary,” says Mark Pearsey, senior development officer for BSSD. “We had several new people who were recently introduced to Bethel Seminary, and they felt led to give as well. It was exciting to see that even during these tough economic times, God blessed our Annual Fund with the largest amount in the school’s history. God is faithful!” Vice President for Devel-opment Bruce Anderson notes the significance behind this accomplishment. “The really good news is that the donors and the development team exceeded their goal by securing a number of substantial gifts to the Annual Fund from new sources—individual households and a first gift from an interested foundation,” says Anderson. “We believe this will be an encouragement to the many faithful donors who are so committed to the mission of

Bethel in San Diego.” The capital campaign project for the campus expansion in San Diego continues. So far this year, several hundred thousand dollars have been raised, roughly half of that as a result of a matching gift challenge, which expired at the end of March 2010. Proposals to two major foundations will be presented this summer with the hope that they are accepted and an additional $400,000 is secured for the project. Rebidding on the many aspects of construction and the verification of all conditions for construction to begin, including building permits and other requirements, continue with the expectation that demolition and construction will begin when fund raising is complete and a full financial plan is confirmed with updated construction costs. A clearer picture of the campaign’s conclusion and construction plans is expected by mid-October 2010. •

The National Alumni Board (NAB) leads by example!

Each of the 14 board members made a gift to Bethel’s Annual Fund during the 2009-2010 fis-cal year. “How can we ask the constituents we represent to contribute to Bethel if we are not?” asks Pat Mellema ’83, the NAB’s chair. “We believe in Bethel’s mission, and we want to support that mission in every way that we can.” To that end, the NAB’s Development/Fund Raising Committee is working closely with the development office to come up with new ways to partner together and increase alumni contributions for the 2011 fiscal year. Additionally, the board hopes to increase opportunities for alumni

to serve together across the nation. In the past, for example, the NAB has partnered with organizations such as Feed My Starving Children and Habitat for Humanity. “Jesus said ‘where your treasure is, there will be your heart also,’” says board member Brian McMurray ’82. “As we work to serve Bethel and its alumni in a variety of capacities, we need not only to be giving of our time, but of our treasures also.” •

100 for 100transforming work at Bethel! And I know that, as an alum, someone contributed to my being at the seminary, so I want to pass that good deed on.”

Kevin Sharpe“My hope is that Bethel

continues to improve its three centers and equip pastors to be successful in church contexts. I want Bethel to continue addressing the

areas in leadership where pastors fail most often.”

John Quam“Our current culture affords many wonderful opportunities for Christian leaders to bring hope and healing to a bro-

ken world…preaching, counsel-ing, youth ministries, and many other areas of giftedness. Bethel Seminary has a wonderful vision for providing the biblical foun-dation, spiritual health, charac-ter, and leadership skills to fill these roles under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I hope semi-narians will get close to God, close to one another, and close to the people around them so they can serve with compassion and relevancy.” •

A neurological disease that makes balance, walking,

swallowing, and vision dif-ficult recently required Elaine Evan ’60 to give up driving and subsequently her Honda Civic. “When I realized I was going to sell my car, I knew there would be a little income coming from it,” explains Evan. “I wanted to give to Bethel in a more gener-ous way than I’ve been able to do in the past.” She says her gift, which went toward the 2009-2010 Annual Fund, is a way Bethel can re-deem her disease. Evan will celebrate her 50th class reunion at the 2010 Homecoming event with many

friends. “One of the wonderful things about my experience at Bethel is the great friends that I’ve been able to keep in touch with through the years,” she says. In addition to maintaining her friendships, she has stayed connected to Bethel by attend-ing concerts and sporting events throughout the years. “My Bethel experience was extraordi-nary, and I know students today are receiving that same kind of experience,” says Evan. It’s this “not-to-be-forgotten experience” that she wants to support. “I credit Bethel and God’s goodness for enriching my life, for the good in all situa-tions,” she says. “I hope that my

Honda gift will encourage cur-rent students to learn, love, and serve well.” •

Class of 1960 friends (top) Ellen (Olson) Johnstad, Judy (Powell) Goldstrand(bottom) Marilyn (Dennis) Dahl, Carol (Peterson) Erickson, Elaine (Johnson) Evan, and Pamela (Everburg) Lindaman

B E T H E L I N V E S T O R

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B Club Members

Help Royal Athletes

Bethel FoundationAs of June 30, 2010, Bethel’s endowment was

$31,492,971, and total assets under management were $57,269,324.

For more information about trust management opportunities available through the Bethel Foundation, contact Angella Hjelle, Bethel Foundation executive director, at [email protected] or 651.635.1001. •

Ben Wetzell played quarter-back for the Royals football

team from 2004 to 2007, and was also named the MIAC’s Most Valuable Player after his senior year. Now, three years past graduation, he misses it. “I miss competing and challenging myself to get better,” he says. But he also misses the camara-derie. “For me, playing football at Bethel was about the friend-ships that I made with my fel-low athletes,” Wetzell explains. Wanting to make sure other athletes have the same opportu-nity to build lifelong, Christian friendships while at the same time striving to achieve athletic success, Wetzell contributes to the B Club. “It was refreshing to get a call about the B Club.

I can’t think of a better way to spend my money than by con-tributing to it.” How does the B Club work? Donations from members of the B Club help provide improved training facilities and equip-ment for current Bethel student athletes. Gifts go directly toward advanced video technology, spe-cialized practice gear, enhanced training equipment, and sport-specific equipment exceeding a program’s general budget. To find out more about the B Club or to become a member, visit bethel.edu/development/athletic-giving/b-club. Follow Royals sports at athletics.bethel.edu and become a Royals fan on Facebook. •

To find out more information about your reunion and other Homecoming events, visit bethel.edu/alumni. Registration begins early September. If you have any questions, call the Office of Alumni and Parent Services at 651.638.6462 (toll-free 800.255.8706, ext. 6462) or email [email protected].

Friday, October 15, 7:30 p.m.Triple Espresso

Tickets are on sale now. To order tickets or for more information, call the Benson Great Hall Ticket Office at 651.638.6333 (toll-free 866.424.4849). •

Class of 1970 Scholarship

Bethel classmates Dean Ericson and Rod Larson

realized they shared a love for Ford Mustangs. Larson had a ’68 and Ericson a ’67. Since graduating in 1970, the two have connected throughout the years at various Bethel events and reunions. Now they share a commitment to Bethel’s mission and are rallying fel-low alumni to create a $40,000 scholarship in the name of the Class of 1970 in conjunction with their 40th reunion at this fall’s Homecoming. “What better way to have a global influence on the spread of the gospel than to support

Bethel University, our alma ma-ter?” asks Ericson. If 40 class members con-tribute $1,000 each, or 80 give $500, the scholarship goal will be met, and students with financial need will receive a Christ-centered education. For the cause, Ericson and Larson led a team of callers to connect with and inform their class-mates of the scholarship. During 22 hours of calling over three nights, the team raised just over $5,000.

To contribute to this scholarship, contact Chris Nelson, director of Annual Giving, at 651.635.8055 or [email protected].

YOUR FORECAST FOR FUN!

Homecoming 2010October 15-17

Class reunions for 1940, 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 2000, 2005

Top of the Class!

Classes with Highest Participation for 2009-2010 Fiscal Year

Year Donors Participation

2009 119 15.54%

1979 105 16.77%

1978 103 18.49%

1984 102 16.24%

1983 99 14.37%

Top 5 Giving Classes for 2009-2010 Fiscal Year

Year Total Giving

1968 $336,417

1960 $168,196

1972 $112,331

1984 $106,274

1978 $99,652

A higher participation rate among alumni means a

higher U.S. News & World Report ranking for Bethel. The class of 2009 did its part to help; 119 class members do-nated, giving the class a 15.54 percent participation rate. “I wanted to give to Bethel as a senior because it was a practical way to show apprecia-tion for the education I received at Bethel,” says Katie Backer ’09, who double-majored in French and international rela-tions and is now a case manager at an immigration law firm in Edina, Minn. Much of what she received

at Bethel came from respected professors, according to her. “I honestly could not have asked for better faculty members,” she says. “I am thankful that my education at Bethel went beyond the classroom and that my professors made themselves available as sounding boards, helping and supporting my edu-cational goals and aspirations.” She intends to continue to be involved in the development of Bethel University. “So many important decisions and relationships were made during my time at Bethel, and I want this to be a reality for others as well,” she says. •

Ed Johnson’s friends

used to joke that he needed a license plate that read “Will Stop for Com-mittee Meet-ings.” Simul-

taneously, he often served on numerous boards and com-mittees for the Baptist General Conference, Twin City Christian Homes, churches, and Bethel University, always excited to provide insight on smart busi-ness and financial practices. After working at Procter & Gamble for 32 years, he brought his financial knowledge to Bethel, becoming the director of planned giving for 10 years (1986-1996). “He worked with people to decide how they could have funds for themselves, but then also ensure that when their final days came, there was an opportunity to enhance Bethel’s growth,” explains Joanne, his wife of 51 years. Ed recently passed away in May after battling Parkin-

Planned Giving Profile: Ed Johnsonson’s for 13 years, but having taken his own investment and philanthropic advice through the years, the things he cared about the most—his family and Bethel—are still being honored. As a retiree, Ed took advan-tage of the Proctor & Gamble’s corporate matching gift pro-gram. For every dollar he gave, Procter & Gamble matched up to $5,000 per year. Knowing the benefits of charitable gift an-nuities, he also funded his own annuity in 2002, from which he received annual payments and which continues to pay Joanne an annual amount for the rest of her life. Ed has provided gener-ously in their estate plan with a bequest to Bethel in their wills. With memorial gifts in hon-or of Ed, Joanne has also set up a business scholarship for future business students.

For more information on planned giving call Dan Wiersum, associ-ate vice president and director of planned giving, at 651.635.8052 (800.255.8076, ext. 8052) or email [email protected]. •

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T H E B E T H E L

INVESTOR3900 Bethel Drive

St. Paul, Minnesota 55112-6999

Address Service Requested

NonprofitOrganizationUS Postage

PAIDSt Paul MN

Permit No 899

In This Issue:

•Congratulations 2010 Graduates! Page 1

•Bethel Seminary San Diego Exceeds Annual Fund Goal

Page 1

•Student Hardship Fund Created Page 1

•Class of 1970 Sets Scholarship Goal Page 3

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

B E T H E L I N V E S T O R

OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENTBruce W. Anderson ’74, Vice President for DevelopmentPhone: 651.635.8050Email: [email protected]: bethel.edu/development

Editor: Heather SchneseDesigner: Thomas Vukelich ’82

In the WorksThanks to a $1 million gift by

Bethel friend Karin Larson, new nursing labs, classrooms, and faculty areas have been un-der construction all summer on the St. Paul campus. The new facilities are opening with the start of the 2010-2011 school year. •

SEPTEMBER26 Parent Coffee, Eastlund Room

OCTOBER1 Seminary Fall Conference on suicide awareness, prevention, and family care9 First Royals home football game vs. St. John’s �15-17 Bethel Homecoming17 Swedish Hymn Sing, Benson Great Hall22 Orchestra Fall Concert, Benson Great Hall29 Wind Symphony Fall Concert, Benson Great Hall30 Jazz Orchestra Fall Concert, Benson Great Hall29-31 Family Weekend

NOVEMBER11 Leading Men Summit featuring Vince D’Acchioli, Founder of On Target Ministries, Eastlund Room �13 Young Alumni (1999-2010) volunteer at Feed My Starving Children, Coon Rapids, Minn.

DECEMBER3-5 54th Annual Festival of Christmas �

Fairways and FellowshipAt the 16th annual Bethel Golf Classic on Tuesday, June 22, 116

golfers enjoyed the company of Bethel friends and 18 holes of golf on a hot summer day. Golfers interacted with Bethel students and recent graduates posted at numerous holes, and although no one made a hole-in-one to win a 2010 Camaro, everyone participat-ed in drawings for more than 30 prizes totaling nearly $7,000. To conclude the event hosted by the Office of Development and sponsored by 15 companies, attendees enjoyed a steak and walleye dinner buffet and heard from Bethel Provost David Clark. Addition-ally, Bethel athletic director Bob Bjorklund interviewed Marie Borner ’10, six-time national champion in the 1500-meter run and 800-me-ter run, who was recently voted the nation’s top Division III colle-giate female athlete for all sports. Proceeds from Bethel Golf Classics benefit student scholarships and other Annual Fund projects.

For more information on this event, visit bethel.edu/development. •