in this issue:

www.bethel.edu • Summer 2011

Plans for New Fitness Center

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BethelInvestorNews for Donors to Bethel University

Johnson Family’s LegacyPage 2

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”—Matthew 18:20

This verse reminds me that God is ever-present at Bethel. In worship

services, board meetings, class-rooms, events—wherever stu-dents, faculty, staff, volunteers, and donors gather, God is with us. We are so grateful for our supporters: those of you who walk with us every day, even if you’re not on campus. You are present as we gather for praise, petition, and work. This past fiscal year has brought many challenges and celebrations. Nearly 1,000 stu-dents graduated this past spring across all schools of Bethel University. At Bethel Seminary San Diego, we see the finish line in the renovation and construc-tion project (see p. 3). At Bethel Seminary of the East and in San Diego, graduation was especial-ly jubilant, with a record num-ber of graduates (25 and 46, re-spectively). At Bethel Seminary St. Paul, physical improvements have brightened classrooms and hallways and made the chapel more accessible. We are thrilled that the Welcome Center project in St. Paul is nearing completion (see

Bethel strives to develop whole and holy persons. This commit-ment to holistic education entails fostering growth—not just

mentally, socially, and spiritually—but also physically. Taking care of our bodies requires exercising regularly. The proposed new Fitness Center will help the Bethel community do just that. “At this point in Bethel’s history there are very few higher facility needs than a well-equipped state-of-the-art fitness center,” says Edee Schulze, vice president for student life. “Not only is this critical for the current general student population, but also for student athletes and for prospective students . . . .”

Fitness Center Highlights• Approximately22,000squarefeetofnewandretrofittedspace.• LocatedintheheartofcampusbetweentheRobertsonPhysical EducationCenter(RC)andtheHagstromCenter(HC).• Aninvitingthree-levelfitnesscenterwithcardio,weight,and other workout areas.• Existingspacesurroundingthenewfitnesscenterwillbe retrofitted for additional athletic or fitness needs, including additional critical classrooms.•Constructionwillfollowsecuringoffunds.

Value of Fitness Center•Bethel’scompetitiverecruitmentadvantageforitsCollegeofArts & Sciences will be greatly enhanced with a state-of-the-art, convenient fitness center capable of accommodating all students. Current limited facilities are used primarily by sports teams, and students are encouraged to visit off-campus fitness centers at their own expense. •Today’sstudentsarecommittedtoahealthyandactivelifestyle, and a new center will provide them with a variety of exercise opportunities. •Studentathleteswillhavemoreresourcesforstrengthtrainingand conditioning.•Newclassroomswilladdmuch-neededcapacitytosupport Bethel’s expanding exercise science program and will provide other needed general purpose classrooms.

Goal: $5.5 million Fundraising is in progress with more than $1 million secured. Inquiries from interested Bethel investors are welcomed. Lookformoreupdatessoon. •

Nearly 1,000 students partic-ipated in commencement

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 Bethel Seminary. They received degrees ranging from associates to doc-toral degrees, with emphases in everything from pastoral minis-try and physics to nursing and education. •

ConGratulations Grads!

p. 3), thanks to many generous donors. We’re now in Phase 3, which includes exciting aesthet-icupdatestotheACLounge.And the design and fundraising for our much needed Fitness Center, one of our key priorities, is moving ahead (this page). Speaking of fundraising, I’m happy to report that because of the generous support of so many of you—our loyal part-ners—we had the second best year in Bethel University history for receipted gifts. While this is certainly an accomplishment to celebrate, we can’t sit on our laurels; costs and needs increase each year, so we ask for your continued partnership. Our leadership teams are “walking the walk,” with all members an-swering God’s leading to donate to the Bethel Fund (see p. 3). And God is present off campus, aswell.Readmoreabouthowthe King Family Foundation Child Development Center in St. Paul is reaching more children and families through quality, Christ-centered care and education (see p. 3). As we welcome new stu-dents, I want to thank you for your continued prayers, sup-port, encouragement, and trust. We look forward to what God has planned for the year ahead!

In gratitude,

President Jay Barnes

Fitness Center Makes strides

One alumnus who was significantly influenced

by the caring Bethel commu-nity and decided to give back is Steve Bergeson. After graduating in 1976 with a degree in chem-istry, he became a physician and returned to Bethel to work forHealthServicesforseveralyears.Hisconnectiontotheuniversity continued when his daughter also attended Bethel. In 1992, Dale Stephens, professor emeritus of chemistry, encouraged Bergeson and his classmates to start giving back to Bethel, and an endowment fund was born. Over the past

19 years, it has grown and expanded, giving dozens of chemistry majors the chance to learn in a nurturing environ-ment. Bergeson recalls, “We obviously wanted to contribute to the program that we found shaped our lives in such very important ways and helped prepare us for the future.” Herealizesthatmakingadifference in the lives of other Bethel students goes well beyond him and his classmates. “Because this is endowed, it will continue long after we are gone,” he points out. •

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Planned GiVinG ProFile:

An inspiring chapter in the BethelstoryistheRussell

Johnsonlegacy.Russelltaughtat Bethel for more than 50 years as a professor of botany/biology. Son Stephen attended Bethel in the mid-1960s before serving in the Navy, and Stephen’s son Brad Johnson (now Niders-son), a ’94 grad, taught in the art department. Daughter Cindi pursued other educational op-portunities, while younger son Dan, a 1969 graduate, taught geography at Bethel in the early 1970s. “Bethel is in my blood,” says Dan. Dan’sfirstwife,LindaOstrom Johnson, graduated from Bethel in 1972 with an elementary education degree. She died in 1988, and in her honor, Dan established a schol-arship for elementary educa-tion majors from east central Minnesota, where she grew up. Their daughters Krista, Angie,

Thank You, Golfers!

Russell Johnson Familyand Jenny are Bethel graduates, too, and Krista taught nursing at Bethel and hopes to return. The Johnsons also funded thenaturetrailatLakeValen-tine,inhonorofRussell’sinter-estinbotany.Hediedin2002. InanothertributetoRussell,Bill Slivka ’56 founded a schol-arship for pre-med students. WhenRussell’swifeMargaretdied in 2011, the fund was re-namedtheRussellW.andMargaret Johnson scholarship and now alternates between awards for nursing and pre-med students—certainly logical since Margaret studied nursing at Midway Nursing School and Russelltaughtcoursesthere. And the Johnson story at Bethel will likely continue, as educational savings accounts have been established for the highereducationofRusselland Margaret’s 11 great-grandchildren. Bethel left an impression on the Johnson family and in re-turn they are leaving their mark on the university.

For more information about creat-ing a scholarship, please contact Dan Wiersum in the Office of Development at 651.635.8052 (800.255.8706, ext. 8052) or d-wiersum@bethel.edu. •Russell and Margaret Johnson

At the 17th annual Bethel Golf Classic in June, 126

golfers enjoyed the company of Bethel friends and 18 holes of golf on a blustery, hot summer day—despite a short rain delay. Golfers interacted with Bethel students and recent graduates who were posted at numerous holes, and although no one made a hole-in-one to win a 2011Volvo,everyonepartici-pated in drawings for more than 30 prizes worth nearly $5,600.

Proceeds from Bethel Golf Classics benefit student schol-arships and other Bethel Fund projects. Thanks to golfers, sponsors, and students for making this event a fabulous success! •

Class of 1976 scholarship

A successful business leader, Donald E. Benson, who is

executive vice president and a board member of Marquette Financial Companies, brought a professional style to financial matters when he became active in the Bethel University Founda-tion shortly after its incorpora-tionin1971.Hehasservedaschair of the Board of Governors for many years. HealsobroughthisloveoftheLordandadesiretoseeBethel thrive. Today, Bethel’s Foundation is in a strong finan-cial position, having an effective and diversified Board of Gover-nors, assets under management at $66 million and endowments at $36 million. Says Benson, “Today, Bethel University Foun-dation’s future looks better than it ever has.” The future of the Founda-tion was not so dynamic in its early years. “It lacked critical mass, in terms of the size of its investment portfolio,” Benson recalls. “It’s difficult to attract interest in the field of charitable remainder unitrusts if you can’t demonstrate meaningful returns on trust investments.” Another factor has been that histori-cally most post-graduate careers were typically in honorable but low- paying professions such as pastoring, teaching, and nurs-ing. For the year ended May 31, 2011, the investment portfolio realized a double digit gain. The seeds of success origi-nated in part with the launching of the now very successful busi-ness program at Bethel in the 1970s and 80s, initially spon-sored by Benson and Gunnar Kronholm. Benson points to the “Next Step Campaign,” which ended in 2010, in which more than thirty $1 million gifts were committed—many from Bethel business alumni and/or their families. “That was significant,” he says. “It indicates that Bethel is graduating students who havefuture earning capacity and the

Benson Brings Financial Acumen to Foundation

desire to support their school. As a testament to his pas-sion and commitment to Bethel, Benson has led by example. In the early 1990s when the Com-munityLifeCenterwasjustadream, he stepped up and com-mitted the leadership gift that set the pace for that successful campaign. “I’m very proud of BensonGreatHall,”hesays,humbly. Benson is quick to credit others for creating a viable foundation, including Gun-nar Kronholm and president emeritus George Brushaber—as wellastheinnovationofHar-veyDeVriesandWarrenEast-lund—who each played a role in the creation of the charitable remainder unitrust concept, which is used universally by foundations.Healsopraisescurrent executive director Angie Hjellie,membershipcommitteechairLindaGoodwin,andin-vestment committee chair Mark Orgel for their expertise, coun-sel, and strategic thinking. But most important, he gives God the glory. “It’s all made possible by the grace of God.” SaysHjelle,“BethelUniver-sity has been blessed all these years to have Don serving such a significant, vital role. It is a de-light to see new board members progress under his mentorship, making a meaningful legacy of commitment to Bethel’s mission but with careful management practice.” •

President Jay Barnes and his wife Barb greeted members of the Royal Heritage Society (RHS) at a gathering in May, which celebrated the model of stewardship of those who have committed to estate planning with Bethel University and those who have provided loyal support for at least 20 years.

Don Benson

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Building Permit Granted for Addition and Renovation in San Diego

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Leadership Support of Bethel Fund

Welcome Center Nearly Complete

King Family Foundation Child Development Center Awarded United Way Grant

Intended to improve Bethel’s admissions and campus visit

experience, the new Welcome Center has been greeting pro-spective students and their families since last spring. The first phase involved minimal remodeling of the CommunityLifeCentertoprovide a welcoming space for prospective students and their families as well as all other campus guests. Some minor improvements and the addition of select furniture and visual ele-ments have increased the func-tionality of the space, making it the starting point for all campus tours. The second phase of con-struction will benefit many more community members. This summer, crews are busy remod-elingtheACLounge,includingtwo skylights, an overall light-ing upgrade, and new flooring

and furniture to make the space more attractive, friendly, and functional for students. In addi-tion, the remodeled space will provide an updated and attrac-tive bridge from the Commu-nityLifeCenterintoBrushaberCommons. Plans for the third phase are underway. This phase includes relocating the admissions staff to the lobby of the Community LifeCenter,closertothewestfront of the campus in a much more attractive setting, and bringing visitors to one of the hubs of student activity. While the project is nearly fully funded, Bethel invites contributions for the remain-ing balance of about $5,000. Call Bruce Anderson, vice president for development, at 651.635.8051 if you’re interest-ed in finalizing this significant project. •

The city of San Diego issued a building permit that allows

Bethel Seminary San Diego to begin construction of an addi-tion and renovation of its exist-ing facilities. The structure that was on the site of the expan-sion has been demolished, and construction will begin after fundingissecured.Leadershipgifts from individual households and foundations have been requested, and responses are en-couraging as we close the gap of remaining cash needed for this $6.8 million project. “We are very excited by the potential of the Bethel Seminary San Diego project and for the opportunity to bring God glory. This addition and renovation

will allow us to do just that, by increasing the number of people to whom we can deliver Christ-centered, transformational edu-cation,” says Bethel President Jay Barnes. “It will also offer an improved learning environment for our current students and enhanced facilities for greater service to the community.” The project includes a two-story, 14,500-square-foot addition and a 6,800-square-foot renovation, allowing for a 380- to 400-seat chapel and conference center, additional classroom spaces, offices, and an expanded student center. Lookforfutureupdatesonthe project. •

Leadership teams are leading by example! Each member

of the executive leadership team (17), Board of Governors (17), Board of Trustees (37), and the National Alumni Board (14) has answered God’s leading to donate to the Bethel Fund in the 2010-2011 fiscal year. “It’s not right that we should expect constituents to support Bethel if we have not already led by example and done so,” says Pat Mazorol, senior vice president of university relations. “In serving the university, it’s important to share not only our time, but our financial blessings aswell,”hesays.ReferringtoHaggai2:8(“‘Thesilverismineand the gold is mine,’ declares theLordAlmighty.”),Mazorolsays, “After all, the things we own don’t really belong to us;

theybelongtotheLord.” Along with supporting capital needs, the Bethel Fund “is the bread and butter of the fundraising efforts of the univer-sity,” says Bruce Anderson, vice president for development. The Bethel Fund helps fill the gap between tuition revenue and the actual cost of Bethel’s high-quality, Christ-centered education. “The Bethel Fund helps pave the way for a fan-tastic student experience for all students across the university—from undergrad to seminary to adult professional and graduate studies—by supporting the activities that make Bethel ‘Bethel,’suchasVespers,exciting chapel speakers, off-campus ministries, and other programs and resources,” says Anderson. •

Through a highly competi-tive and thorough process,

the Greater Twin Cities United Way has awarded the Bethel University King Family Founda-tion Child Development Center (CDC) a $225,000 Education-Access grant. This program is designed to ensure that at-risk children are fully prepared for kindergarten. The grant will underwrite EMPOWER,aKingCDCEarlyLearningInitiativecreatedtoassure continuity in education and care for children, and em-power parents with educational and social tools and resources for success. “The United Way funding is a wonderful and much-deserved affirmation of the work of King Center Director Talaya Tolefree and the King Center teachers as they minister to children and families in the Frogtown neigh-borhood,”saysRobinHasslen,director of Bethel’s Early Child-hood program.

The King CDC provides children from the Frogtown/Summit-University community in St. Paul with quality, Christ-centered care and education, while simultaneously provid-ing Bethel education students with experiential learning that is community-based, enhancing their ability to be strong, cultur-ally responsive teachers. The center is nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Chil-dren and has a 4-star Parent Aware rating, the highest rating possible. Besides receiving grants, the center is also funded in part as a ministry of the Bethel Fund. Sandy Clark, director of corpo-rate and foundation relations, says, “We appreciate all of our donors who have helped make the King Center such an out-standing example of an effective community partnership that models Christ’s love for one another.” •

Yo u ’ r e a Pa rt o f t h e

storY

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t H e b e t H e l

INVESTOR3900 Bethel Drive

St. Paul, Minnesota 55112-6999

AddressServiceRequested

NonprofitOrganizationUS Postage

PAIDTwin Cities MNPermit No 899

In This Issue:

•Plans for New Fitness Center Page 1

•Don Benson, Foundation Chair Page 2

•Welcome Center Nearly Complete Page 3

•Leadership Support of Bethel Fund Page 3

Calendar oF eVents

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OFFICe OF DeveLOPmeNTBruceW.Anderson’74,VicePresidentforDevelopmentPhone: 651.635.8050Email: development@bethel.eduWebsite: bethel.edu/development

Editor: Tricia TheurerDesigner:ThomasVukelich’82Contributing Writer: Eva Albrecht ’14

SEPTEMBER23 Divorce: Its Impact on our Youth and Children,withAndrewRoot, The Underground30 JeremiahandVanessaGamble, My Name is Daniel,BensonGreatHall30-October2:Homecoming�

OCTOBER2 CommunityHymnSing, BensonGreatHall13 Ministry to Our Military and their Families, Wooddale Church, Eden Prairie, Minn. �14 University Orchestra Fall Concert, BensonGreatHall21 Family Weekend Wind Symphony FallConcert,BensonGreatHall� 22 Family Weekend Jazz Orchestra FallConcert,BensonGreatHall21-23 CAS Family Weekend26-30 Crimes of the HeartbyBethHenleyand Electra by Sophocles, Bethel Theatre28 Concert Organist Carol Williams, BensonGreatHall

NOVEMBER2-5 Crimes of the HeartbyBethHenleyand Electra by Sophocles, Bethel Theatre6 YouthMegaRallyfeaturingSuperchick andJasonStrand,BensonGreatHall7 PerformancePrizeCompetitionRecital, BensonGreatHall10 LeadingMenSummitandPastorsand Ministry Staff Seminar featuring Gordon MacDonald �14 Chamber Ensembles Fall Concert, BensonGreatHall

DECEMBER1-3 Festival of Christmas Bethel Foundation

As of May 31, 2011, Bethel’s endowment was $36,795,891 and total assets under management

were $66,697,114.

For more information about trust management opportunities available through the Bethel Foundation, contact Angella Hjelle, Bethel Foundation executive director, at a-hjelle@bethel.edu or 651.635.1001. •

Homecoming 2011september 30-october 2

Class reunions for Platinum Alumni (1936, 1941, 1946, 1951, 1956); Golden Alumni (1961); 1966; 1971; 1976; 1981;

1986; 1991; 1996; 2001; 2006

Visit bethel.edu/news-events/events/homecoming for more information about your reunion and other Homecoming events. To register, contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Services at

651.638.6462 (800.255.8706, ext. 6462) or alumni@bethel.edu.

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Friday, September 30, 7:30 p.m.

My Name is Daniel–This original musical by Jeremiah and VanessaGamble(C’95)isaplayfulyetpoignantromp through the biblical story of Daniel—complete with a parody of The Sound of Music.

Alumni should order through the Office of Alumni and Par-ent Services (see above). Non-alumni should order tickets through the Benson Great Hall Ticket Office: 651.638.6333 (toll-free 866.424.4849).