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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, October 9, 2008
LARGER STUDENT BODY INCLUDES MORE FRESHMEN, INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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| This year’s Bethany College freshmen, members of the class of 2012. |
LINDSBORG, Kan.—Fall 2008 enrollment statistics released by Bethany College show a large, active freshman class, and a significant jump in the number of international students.
Total student enrollment for the semester is 587 students, a nine percent increase from last fall’s 537 students. The jump in total enrollment represents the college’s fourth best year-to-year percentage increase since 1976.
“As we celebrate Homecoming and the opening of our new apartment-style residence hall this week, we also celebrate the campus-wide efforts that have helped so many new students become valuable members of the Bethany community,” said Bethany College President Edward F. Leonard III. “Bethany continues to make progress towards meeting our near-term enrollment goal of 750 to 800 students.”
This year’s student body includes 248 new students, as compared to 212 last year. First-time freshmen enrollment increased dramatically, with 178 freshmen this fall. This represents a 39-percent increase from last fall’s 128 freshmen. There also are 70 transfer students.
The increase has meant that, until students moved into Bethany’s new apartment-style residence hall this week, the four residence halls on campus were filled at 97% capacity.
Nearly ninety percent of freshmen – 159 of 178 students – are participating in at least one performance area of music, art or athletics. Of these, 49 are participating in two or more performance areas.
“Students are looking for an institution where they can be involved, inside and outside the classroom, and where their efforts matter. I think this is what they find at Bethany. Beginning with this year’s service trip to Greensburg, Bethany’s new students are already making a difference on campus and in local communities,” said Tricia Hawk, dean of admissions and financial aid.
More Bethany students now come from international countries. This year, 45 students represent 28 international countries on campus, as compared to 26 students from 15 countries last fall. Every continent except for Antarctica is represented.
“As our economies and cultures become more and more interrelated, it is even more important than ever that we come to know people from different backgrounds and cultures. These students enrich our lives and hopefully help us to look at ourselves and our country with a broader understanding of what it means to be a citizen of the world,” said Sharon Bruce, international student coordinator.
Bethany students also come from 29 states, with the highest populations coming from Kansas, Texas, Colorado and California.
Overall, the student population is 49% female and 24% U.S. ethnic minority, up from 23% last year. About 17% of students self-identify as Lutheran.
Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to nurture and challenge individuals in their search for truth and meaning as they lead lives of faith, learning and service. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu.
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