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Bethany College — Congregation Connections
November 2007
A regular update for people and congregations who support Bethany College and its students.
Bethany Visit Days Nov. 2 and Dec. 2
Bethany College invites prospective students and their families to the Lindsborg campus for two upcoming visit days: Swede Friday on Nov. 2 and Winter Preview Day on Dec. 2. Both days students will meet faculty and current students, learn about Bethany majors and extra-curricular activities, tour the campus and have lunch in the college cafeteria. These visit days are a good introduction for high-school students to the college, to the supportive and active campus life at Bethany, and to the special opportunities available for Lutheran students at Bethany. Visit days are an excellent group outing for youth groups, too. To register or for more information, call the college at (800) 826-2281 or go to www.bethanylb.edu.
Bethany Forum to Discuss “Faith in a Pluralistic World”
On Oct. 30, Bethany College will bring three experts in diverse religious topics together in dialogue. Panelists will address the question, “How do people of faith live in a pluralistic world?”
The forum on interfaith dialogue, which is free and open to the public, will be at 7 p.m. at Lindquist Hall on the Bethany College campus.
“Through interreligious dialogue I have come to appreciate the saying that ‘the pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple’. This insight helps me realize that I am still on the way, still discovering what God is doing in my life and in the lives of others. It is my hope that the forum will help us realize the dilemma expressed in the words of Cardinal Newman: ‘O how we hate one another for the love of God,’” said the Rev. Dr. Hans Ucko, an internationally known Swedish theologian and expert in interfaith issues who will participate in the forum.
Other panelists will include Margaret Rausch, assistant professor of religious studies at the University of Kansas and scholar of Islam, and Rabbi Nissim Wernick of Ahavath Achim Hebrew Congregation in Wichita, Kan.
Bethany Success Stories Online
A new page on the Bethany Web site features short profiles of successful Bethany alumni and students, with the intention of better promoting the difference a Bethany education makes. You can read the stories of Randy Berry '87 and Kelsy Concannon '08 online now, check back for new success stories throughout the year, and refer prospective students to the site. Bethany success stories are online at www.bethanylb.edu/bcsuccess.
Strength of Bethany’s Teacher Education Program Reaffirmed
After a September site visit to Bethany, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Accreditation Team judged that Bethany’s teacher education program met all standards. Final decisions for continuing accreditation from KSDE and NCATE will be affirmed in spring 2008.
“I am delighted to congratulate the education department’s faculty and staff. Their dedicated work serves students, the college and – through alumni teachers – the world,” said Bethany President Edward F. Leonard III.
Nearly one third of Bethany students graduate in an education-related area, and 43% of Bethany faculty are teacher education content coordinators, who help in the governance of the department.
The teacher education program at Bethany College has been accredited by NCATE for more than 50 years.
Bethany Sees Positive Trends in Enrollment Diversity and Retention
Twenty-day enrollment figures for Bethany College have given Bethany President Edward F. Leonard III faith in the college’s ability for future growth.
Bethany College total student enrollment for fall 2007 is 537 students, including 512 full-time students.
Last year, Bethany’s total fall enrollment of 554 students included 509 full-time students.
“The stable numbers of full-time students, along with increasing diversity in the student body, are positive indicators for the college’s long-term growth,” said Leonard. “As we plan to increase enrollment in the future, I’m pleased with the healthy student body we have on campus now.”
Overall, the Bethany student population is 49 percent female and 21 percent U.S. ethnic minority, up from 19 percent U.S. ethnic minority last year. Twenty-three percent of first-time freshmen are U.S. ethnic minorities, as are 26 percent of this year’s transfer students.
More Bethany students now come from outside Kansas. Students on campus this fall are from 15 foreign countries and 29 states.
According to preliminary statistics, Bethany retained 75 percent of its non-graduating students from last spring to this fall, up from 71 percent spring to fall retention in the previous year.
The slight percentage rises in diversity and retention are significant distinctions, said Leonard: “On a small, close-knit campus, where everyone knows each other, the addition or retention of several students is immediately noticed and felt. Moreover, both of these increases are at the top of upward-growing trends, which gives us confidence in our future.”
Dates to Remember
Forum on interfaith dialogue with Pearson Prof. Hans Ucko
Oct. 30, 2007
Bethany Swede Friday
Nov. 2, 2007
Alternative Gift Market
November 30 and December 1, 2007
Bethany Winter Preview Day
Dec. 2, 2007
Jultide
December 2, 2007
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
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