Bethany College — Congregation Connections
January 2008
A regular update for people and congregations who support Bethany College and its students.
Bethany Receives Transformational Gifts
On Nov. 16, Bethany President Edward F. Leonard III announced two major gifts – one a $1 million challenge grant, the other a $400,000 estate gift – that will make a transformational difference at Bethany, in Lindsborg and in the lives of students for generations to come.
Gerald “Bud” Pearson, a long-time friend of the college, has challenged the college to raise $1 million for the construction of a new Swedish chapel and welcome center on campus. If the college raises $1 million towards the project by June 30, 2008, Pearson will complete the challenge by donating a matching gift of $1 million.
When fulfilled, the Pearson challenge grant will be the largest gift from a living donor in the college’s 126 year history. The new Swedish chapel and welcome center will serve as a place of worship and house the admissions office.
The $400,000 estate gift from the Ronald “Max” Green and Tulsa Lea (Tease) Green Trust will be used to support scholarships for music education students at Bethany College.
Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Hired
A Bethany College alumna with more than 14 years of experience in higher education, including nine in admissions, will lead the admissions effort at Bethany College.
Tricia Hawk will begin Jan. 4 as dean of admissions and financial aid at Bethany College.
Hawk, a 1984 Bethany College graduate, has been director of development, human resources and marketing at Lindsborg Community Hospital since 2001.
Hawk has a long relationship of service at the college, and has worked with its advancement and admissions departments in the past. From 1998 to 2001, she was director of alumni programs at Bethany. From 1991 to 1993, she directed summer programs and special events at Bethany, and from 1985 to 1987, she was a Bethany admissions representative.
Bethany Students Give Back During Holidays
Freshman students at Bethany have participated in two volunteer projects this holiday season that served the local community and the world.
Ten freshman students in a seminar class taught by Dave Admire, associate professor of criminal justice, participated in a “Santa Claus Conspiracy” at Bethany Home in Lindsborg.
The students made and decorated more than 600 homemade cookies. On Dec. 3, they went room-to-room at Bethany Home, visiting with the nursing home’s residents and distributing plates of cookies. Bethany Home residents appreciated the surprise, said Admire. “They love it. Everybody likes Santa, no matter how old they are. It brings a light to their eyes.”
It was the second year that Admire’s class has organized a trip to Bethany Home.
The Bethany College Alternative Gift Market, held Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, collected $3,650.50 this year. The market allows shoppers to purchase donations for reputable charity groups around the world. An accompanying Christmas Bazaar offered handcrafted items and home-baked goods, with proceeds also going to Alternative Gifts International.
Bethany celebrated its sixth year of hosting the annual, student-sponsored gift market. Freshman students hosted 14 booths for specific charities at the event, and Bethany students served on the committee that planned and promoted the event.
Charitable Giving Workshops Available to Congregations
As part of its Called to Give, Sent to Serve project supported by a grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans’ Charitable Gifting Initiative, Bethany College is sponsoring a series of workshops on charitable giving tools and strategies. The workshops are designed to help individuals and families explore ways to support ministries and organizations whose missions reflect their values. Featured presenter will be Joyce “JP” Palmer, ELCA Regional Gift Planner.
The first workshop will be Saturday, January 5 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kan., and will be coupled with a presentation on the college search process and opportunities available at ELCA Lutheran colleges. The next workshop in this series will be January 19 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Russell, Kan.
For more information on upcoming events, or to schedule a workshop for your congregation, please call Jayne Norlin, Associate Vice President for Development, Bethany College, at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8275.
Don’t Forget: Church Night Jan. 12
Congregations are invited to attend Bethany’s annual Church Night at basketball games Jan. 12 in Hahn Gymnasium on the Bethany campus.
Those who bring a worship-service bulletin will receive free admission to the evening games. This special event is open to all ages.
“This is a way for Bethany to provide family entertainment and to thank area churches for their support of Bethany College and its students,” said Bethany College Campus Pastor Noni Strand.
The event will feature entertainment, games, prizes and a reception for those attending.
Bethany College men’s and women’s basketball teams will play Ottawa College Jan. 12. The women’s varsity game begins at 5 p.m. with the men’s varsity game to follow.
Tickets on Sale for Messiah Festival
Call now to get special ticket rates for students, seniors, churches and tour groups at the 2008 Messiah Festival of Music and Art, March 16 – 23. For more information, contact Bethany College’s Messiah Manager at (785) 227-3380 ext. 8132.
In addition to performances of Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, this year the festival will include a number of special events, such as a narrative theater workshop, organ demonstration and lecture on oratorio. For a full schedule of the week’s events, visit www.bethanylb.edu/messiah.
Bethany College also invites singers to participate as Bethany Oratorio Society members in the performances. To join the chorus, simply attend the first rehearsal on Sunday, January 27 at 7 p.m. in Presser Hall. To receive a full rehearsal and performance schedule, or for more information about how to participate, contact the Bethany College Department of Music at (785) 227-3380 ext. 8235.
President Leonard to Hold Future Forums
Bethany College President Edward F. Leonard III will meet with Bethany constituents across the country during his President’s Tour in 2008.
President Leonard and Bethany College will host a series of Future Forums in 20 locations. Upcoming dates include Jan. 14 in Salina, Kan., and Jan. 15 in McPherson, Kan. For a full schedule, visit www.bethanylb.edu > Alumni & Friends > President’s Tour 2008.
Future Forums are an opportunity to meet President Leonard and become part of his vision of One Body, One Bethany. Individuals who attend can expect to hear, share and dream about Bethany’s bright future.
Bethany College alumni and friends are invited to attend, as well as interested prospective students and parents of students. For more information, contact Jane Asche at (785) 227-3311 ext. 8286.
Dates to Remember
Church Night at basketball games
January 12, 2008
Christian Youth Day
March 8, 2008
Messiah Festival of Music and Art
March 16 – 23, 2008
Inauguration of President Edward F. Leonard III
April 12, 2008
Questions? Need more information or materials? Contact Aubrey Streit at (785) 227-3311, ext. 8274.
