Chair of the Board Jim Martin ’68

Nearly 200 guests joined Bethany College to break new ground on May 18 on the amphitheatre lawn and celebrate the new Bud Pearson Swedish Chapel and J.E. and L.E. Mabee Welcome Center and the education initiative called Bethany Pathway.

View additional pictures on Bethany’s Facebook, read live tweets from the day with the Twitter hashtag #bcgroundbreaking, and watch the event on Bethany’s YouTube.

Chair of the Bethany College Board of Directors Jim Martin, class of 1968, welcomed the crowd and reflected on the original vision that has now been realized, starting with Bud Pearson’s original $1 million challenge in 2007 to fundraise the chapel and President Edward F. Leonard’s Imagineering workgroup in 2010 that dreamed of a new student experience. “The accomplishments we celebrate today are symbolic of Bethany’s future and that God leads that future,” Martin said.

Swede Government Association President Jeremy Koehler, Class of 2014

Senior Jeremy Koehler, Swede Government Association President, said, “There are times I wish I was four or five years younger so this Chapel and Welcome Center could have been a part of my time at Bethany, but ultimately I am proud to be a witness to this great beginning. On behalf of the student body, I would like to thank everyone who works for the betterment of this college and the student body, especially to those who have contributed to this project. Thank you and go Swedes!”

Leonard then shared details about Bethany Pathway, “our bold, innovative, and disruptive campus-wide, curricular, and co-curricular initiative.” The overwhelming success of the pilot program this last fall and spring and the unanimous approval by the Bethany College Faculty Senate has motivated the college to scale the program to a full launch a year earlier than originally planned.

President Leonard

“This is not your homogenized, two dimensional educational program,” said Leonard. Born from the Imagineering workgroup and the national higher education project Bethany was accepted into called Foundations of Excellence in the First College Year from the John N. Gardner Institute, Bethany Pathway includes these dimensions:

• The four Missional Directions of Excellence frames the entire student experience: (1) discovery, reflection, and vocation, (2) servant leadership, (3) global citizenship, and (4) sustainable living.
• A dedicated freshman advisor will help all first-year students plan their academic paths and coursework.
• Each first-year student will have a dedicated upper-classman mentor called a Pathfinder to help them not just survive their freshman year, but thrive and succeed academically. Pathfinders will help establish a sense of belonging on campus, develop a supportive community, and connect students with faculty and staff outside of the classroom.
• First-year students will reside in Alma Swensson Hall, which is being converted to a living-learning community just for freshmen. Programming will focus on building an active, engaged, and responsible community of freshmen who live, learn, and grow together.
  

  President Leonard presents Bethany Pathway.

• Students take one interdisciplinary, team-taught class during each semester of their freshmen and sophomore years for a total of four courses in which students, faculty, and staff come together to discuss important questions, to seek encouragement and guidance, and to explore the Missional Directions of Excellence.
• The program encompasses all four years at Bethany, and students will map their academic work and progress, co-curricular activities and achievements, and international and professional experiences in e-Portfolios. This will become a tool to demonstrate to prospective employers or graduate schools growth and mastery of the 21st century success skills.

Leonard then looked back to October 2011 when he announced Bethany’s vision for its 150th anniversary. The Chapel and Welcome Center is a key milestone on that journey. “I reflected on the vision of my hero, the Rev. Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson, and his ability to make the impossible happen. I reflected that for the last 130 years Bethany College had done the difficult, if not the impossible,” he said. “So while this dream has taken over five years to achieve during the worst economic environment since the Great Depression I can proudly boast that we have continued the long Bethany tradition of doing the difficult, if not the impossible.”

Five items representing the foundations of the college will be placed in the foundation of the building.

The $3.5 million building will provide hospitality for all who worship, visit, learn, and work in the Bethany community. It will be the first fully fundraised building in over 30 years. To represent the foundation of the college, five items will be placed in the foundation of the building. Logos of the ELCA and of Augustana will symbolize our Lutheran identity, a dala horse for our Swedish heritage, a shock of wheat and City of Lindsborg medallion for our place in Kansas, a textbook for our passion of discovery, and a student planner for student engagement.

Leaders of Bethany Pathway then handed off shovels to leaders of the Chapel and Welcome Center to turn the ground in the heart of campus where the building will be located.

Bethany Pathway representatives were Provost and Dean of the College Kenneth M. Macur, Ph.D.; Dean of Student Development Daniel Dentino, Ph.D.; Faculty Senate and Professor of Biology Mark McDonald, Ph.D.; Curriculum Committee and Associate Professor of English Kristin Van Tassel, Ph.D.; and students Caitlin O’Connor, Jeana-Brenae Russell, and Amelia Fabrizius.

Chapel and Welcome Center representatives were President Edward F. Leonard III, Ph.D.; Board of Directors Chair Jim Martin, class of 1986; Co-Chair of the Pearson Challenge Campaign Catherine Simmelink, class of 1982; Co-Chair of the Pearson Challenge Campaign Scott Simmelink, class of 1982; Bishop Michael Girlinghouse of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod, ELCA; Bishop Gerald Mansholt of the Central States Synod, ELCA; Lindsborg Mayor Bill Taylor, class of 1981; Swede Government Association President Jeremy Koehler, class of 2014; Campus Pastor the Rev. Noni Strand, class of 1982; and Vice President of Recruitment and Marketing Tricia Hartshorn, class of 1984.

Leaders of Bethany Pathway then handed off shovels to leaders of the Chapel and Welcome Center to turn the ground in the heart of campus where the building will be located.

“For the last several years we have been working hard to break new ground,” said Leonard. “Today those plans come together as Bethany College boldly engages the future.” Bethany Pathway fully launches in fall 2013, and the dedication for the Chapel and Welcome Center is targeted for homecoming 2014.

On May 19, Bethany College honored 116 students who earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Music Education degrees from the college during the 2012-2013 academic year.

Summer, fall, interterm, and spring graduates participated in baccalaureate worship and commencement ceremonies on campus. The event was live tweeted using the hashtag #bcgrads2013 to celebrate with both on- and off-campus Bethany community members. View the photo gallery of the event courtesy Turner Photography.

The Rev. Brian Maas, bishop of the Nebraska Synod of the ELCA, preached during baccalaureate. “Living Lutheran is about being and honest and humble in the world,” he said. “Confront the world with questions and ask, what does this mean, what does this mean for me, and what do I mean for this?”

During commencement, 2011 Teacher of Promise and graduate Olivia Fabrizius, WaKeeney, Kan., addressed her class. “We are young, but we are ready,” Fabrizius challenged. “Keep the values we’ve learned at Bethany. Speak, live, love, and keep our faith with integrity and truth.”

Performing the special music were fellow seniors Nickolas Carlson, Lindsborg, Kan., piano, and Sarah Schaeffer, Centennial, Colo., viola.

Special speakers were William Gusenius and John Hedeen, who received honorary degrees. Gusenius, an alumnus of the Bethany class of 1973 and the University of Kansas School of Law class of 1976, has practiced law in Lindsborg for more than 35 years. He has served on the Bethany College Board of Directors, the Endowment Trustees, and the Presidential Search committee and has served numerous other roles at the college and in the community.

“It is my wish for the class to have found someone here who has inspired each of you to keep Bethany in your thoughts,” Gusenius said. He was given the Honorary Doctor of Laws, L.L.D.

Hedeen, an alumnus of the Bethany class of 1966, earned his master’s in planning from Kansas State University in 1973 after serving two tours of Vietnam in the U.S. Navy. In addition to his career in real estate development, Hedeen has served the college for over 25 years as a member of the Bethany College Board of Directors and as a founding member of the Bethany College Trust.

“I challenge myself and this class to continue to serve Bethany as it has served us,” said Hedeen. He was given the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, D.H.L.

After conferring the degrees of 116 graduates, including 34 of whom earned honors, President Edward F. Leonard III thanked the class for their time at Bethany, drawing from Disney’s movie “Up.” “Like Ellie said to Carl, thanks for the adventure. Now go have a new one!”

Graduates, their majors and their hometowns are as follows. Graduates earned Bachelor of Arts degrees unless noted as Bachelor of Music (B.M.) or Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.). 

Arizona:

• Phoenix: Brittany Leigh Lewis, elementary education teaching K-6, magna cum laude

 California:

• Hesperia: Andrea R. Werner, physical health and wellness: coaching, exercise science
• Modesto: Kalven Wilson Goreal, economics, finance
• Monrovia: Benjamin H. Gass, physical health and wellness: coaching
• Santa Maria: Tyler Steven Vogt, biology
• South Lake Tahoe: Gildardo Navarro-Robles, health and physical education teaching preK-12
• Tehachapi: Joshua Snider, criminal justice, psychology
• Temecula: James M. Bragg, sports management, cum laude

Colorado:

• Arvada: Jason A. Mihalcin, contract major: chemistry, math, physics, magna cum laude; Lindsey Ann Pfenninger, criminal justice
• Aurora: Clayton Von Goggins, management, marketing: network marketing; Lindsey R. Dougal, biology
• Bennett: Tateme E. Babi-Clark, biology, magna cum laude
• Brighton: Danny Dodson, biology
• Centennial: Sarah Jeanne Schaeffer, instrumental music teaching preK-12, B.M.E.
• Colorado Springs: Kipp Alexander Keffel, social science teaching 6-12
• Denver: Nichole Gamberg, elementary education teaching K-6
• Littleton: Blake Alberta Hosey, management
• Longmont: Joseph Jedrzejewski^, Christian ministry: youth ministry, theatre and communication arts: communication, Swede Certificate in Leadership Achievement; Tyler Michael Maydew, finance, management, cum laude
• Loveland: Nicole Marie Felker, sports management, cum laude
• Strasburg: Ashley Ann Burch, criminal justice
• Westminster: Stephanie Marie Schell, elementary education teaching K-6
• Fort Collins: Jensen Trisula Wolff, mathematics 

Kansas:

• Admire: Alexandria Nicole DeLong, art teaching preK-12: ceramics, painting, summa cum laude
• Auburn: Anna L. Telthorst, psychology
• Belleville: Colton D. Grove, elementary education teaching K-6
• Beloit: Shelby Marie Broeckelman, biology, cum laude; Jessica René Hake, biology, magna cum laude
• Buffalo: Grace Luther, art teaching preK-12: drawing
• Burlington: Blake Higgins, criminal justice
• Chapman: Tamara Reneé Garner, chemistry
• Cherryvale: Roman Mario Lopez, criminal justice
• Clay Center: Dillon Steppe, sports management; Kyle Dean Allen, social science teaching
• Concordia: DeCelia Ann Fraser, elementary education teaching K-6, cum laude
• Ellinwood: Amy N. Klatt, biology, chemistry, cum laude
• Eureka: Kelsey Leigh Himes, studio art: sculpture; Monica Jeaneen Ashdown, pre-professional art therapy: painting, studio art: painting
• Falun: Michelle Lynn Pihl, studio art: drawing
• Garfield: Sarah Anne Peterson, English, magna cum laude
• Hugoton: Kelsi Pomeroy, biology, cum laude
• Hutchinson: James D. Vieyra, criminal justice
• Iola: Chelsea Kay Kenyon, music performance, B.M., vocal music teaching preK-12, B.M.E., cum laude
• Jamestown: Braden J. Bruntzel, instrumental music teaching preK-12, B.M.E.
• Junction City: Jeffery S. Childs Jr., criminal justice, cum laude; Brandon M. Martino, athletic training
• Larned: Emily Jane Bowen, English teaching 6-12, music, magna cum laude
• Lawrence: Brandon Lee Goodwin, elementary education teaching K-6; Rachel Lane Gardner, pre-professional art therapy: painting, ceramics
• Liberal: Briceida M. Ortega, criminal justice
• Lindsborg: Nickolas R. Carlson, music performance, B.M., summa cum laude with 4.0 Bethany grade point average; Thomas W. DeWitt, chemistry teaching 6-12; Danielle Nicole DuMars, marketing; Michael Aaron DuMars, economics, finance; Aubrie Leisil Ellis, psychology; Eric J. Hawk, sports management; Maggie Pihl, biology, summa cum laude; Joanna Ruth Roberts, music; Dorothy Jane Tubbs, contract major: general studies, summa cum laude; Tamara Worcester, elementary education teaching K-6
• Marquette: Samuel R. Klaassen, mathematics
• McPherson: Megan Elizabeth Gray, studio art: painting
• Meade: Bria Shay Rosenberry, accounting, business administration, finance, operations management
• Moscow: Shane Marlisa Valdez, health and physical education teaching preK-12, magna cum laude
• Moundridge: Marcy M. Erb, biology
• Newton: Zachary A. Downey, athletic training
• Olathe: Collin Edward Carlson, social science teaching 6-12, summa cum laude with Bethany 4.0 grade point average, member of the Honors Program; John H. Gandy, sports management, summa cum laude; William David Wiseman, physical health and wellness: coaching; psychology
• Osage City: Haydon Ray Parks, health and physical education teaching preK-12, cum laude
• Russell: Adam James Bradley Hutchison, biology, magna cum laude
• Salina: Courtney Billinger, criminal justice; Jessica Ann Francis, mathematics teaching 6-12, summa cum laude; Taylor D. Jakabosky, biology; Adam Glenn Weishaar, economics, finance, magna cum laude
• Smith Center: Alyssa Christine Cox, elementary education teaching K-6; Trenton J. Terrill, biology
• Towanda: Sabrina M. Scroggin, health and physical education teaching preK-12, summa cum laude with 4.0 Bethany grade point average, member of the Honors Program
• Valley Center: Shannon Reneé Meyer, criminal justice
• WaKeeney: Olivia Sharie Fabrizius, elementary education teaching K-6, magna cum laude; Kelsey Rae Heronemus, psychology
• Washington: Cortni Shae Decker, athletic training, magna cum laude
• Waterville: Samantha Lee Andersen, accounting, mathematics
• Wichita: Dwila Raylene Covey, criminal justice

Massachusetts:

• Stoneham: Monica Chapman, physical health and wellness: coaching

 Minnesota:

• Mankato: Kyle C. Sohn, sports management

Nebraska:

• Omaha: Courtney Kenny, studio art: drawing, summa cum laude
• Stratton: Lisa Gabrielle Faimon, elementary education teaching K-6, magna cum laude
• Taylor: Shelby Brown, elementary education teaching K-6

Nevada:

• Las Vegas: Shannon Lee Singleton, chemistry 

Oklahoma:

• Carmen: Michelle Shindana Stebens, visual art administration: painting
• Midwest City: Taylor S. Geddis, sports management
• Oklahoma City: Arturo Roman Ruiz, health and physical education teaching preK-12
• Sand Springs: Allison Nicole Ruicker, biology
• Tulsa: Collin Dauntay Parks, criminal justice 

South Dakota:

• Yankton: Jordan Ann Lillie, sports management 

Texas:

• Arlington: Elizabeth Rose, management, marketing
• Baytown: Salvador Ramirez III, physical health and wellness: coaching
• Corinth: Zachary Scott Waggoner, history-political science
• Flower Mound: Amanda VanLoenen, health and physical education teaching preK-12, cum laude
• Houston: Ira D. Autrey Jr., management
• Lewisville: Jimmy Lee Beachum III, biology
• Skidmore: Darby House, physical health and wellness: coaching
• Spring: Samuel Nipe, criminal justice
• The Colony: Jon Austin Kaehn, biology
• Tyler: Alex Wade Fambrough, health and physical education teaching preK-12 

Washington:

• Connell: Morgan Joe Heiman, management 

Wisconsin:

• Washington Island: Timothy John Green, social science teaching 6-12 

Wyoming:

• Gillette: Ashley Elizabeth Conrad, athletic training, theatre and communication arts: communication, summa cum laude

International:

• Parana, Brazil: Alex Milani Sandri, physical health and wellness: coaching, cum laude
• Ontario, Canada: Sahaj Jayanth, management
• Hamilton, New Zealand: Kane Olsen, sports management
• Belgrade, Serbia: Ilija Soc, sports management

(left to right) Athletic Training Program Coordinator David Slack stands with Kansas Athletic Trainer’s Association honors recipients Eric Brown, Ashley Conrad, Cortni Decker, and Michael Hlavaty.

Current athletic training students received recognition for their academic achievements in 2012 from the Kansas Athletic Trainer’s Association. Michael Hlavaty, Olmitz, Kan., received Honorable Mention for being a sophomore with a minimum 3.4 GPA. Eric Brown, Topeka, Kan., received Second Team honors for being a junior or senior with a minimum 3.6 GPA. Ashley Conrad, Gillete, Wyo., and Cortni Decker, Washington, Kan., received First Team honors being juniors or seniors with a minimum 3.8 GPA.

The 2013 Athletic Training cohort includes (left to right) Trevor Kistler, Nick Ceccarelli, Derrick Kaiser, Amber Bell, Kittey Edwards, Sammy Koons, and (not pictured) Kylee Martinez.

Associate Professor and Athletic Training Program Coordinator David Slack also welcomed the 2013 cohort, which will begin courses in the fall. Once admitted, these students begin a three-year course of study in the athletic training major. New students include Trevor Kistler, Mansfield, Texas; Nick Ceccarelli, Upland, Calif.; Derrick Kaiser, Hoisington, Kan.; Amber Bell, Beverly, Kan.; Kittey Edwards, Ridgeland, Miss.; Sammy Koons, Hillsboro, Kan.; and  Kylee Martinez, Lyons, Kan.

Ashley Conrad has also satisfied the requirements and passed the National Board of
Certification Examination. She is now qualified to practice athletic training. She intends to enroll in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) at the University of Nebraska-Kearney in the fall. Three students from the 2012 graduating class have also completed their Board of Certification exams, Seth Bell, Andrew Westbrook, and Elissa Stein. Congratulations!

Ashley Conrad is now qualified to practice athletic training.

Professor of Biology Mark McDonald is the 2013 recipient of the Donna Meredith Humphreys Award for Teaching at Bethany College.

Provost and Dean of the College Kenneth M. Macur, who presented the award to McDonald, quoted those who had nominated him as saying, “Mark is always thinking about ways to improve our students’ experiences and achievements. Because he understands how students learn, he can help students learn and retain information more readily. And because he makes learning so enjoyable, students respond positively.”

Also, “Dr. McDonald has been an integral colleague…Although he has a large number of advisees, chairs the Faculty Senate, and has agreed to serve as the Faculty Quest Coordinator, he seems to always have time for his students.”

McDonald has been a member of the faculty since 1996. He teaches general biology, microbiology, genetics, immunology, ecology, and scientific research and writing and advises students in pre-medical, pre-veterinary and other pre-professional health programs. McDonald has been highly involved in the development of the new Bethany Pathway curricular and co-curricular activities and the student-run coffee shop and smoothie bar Nelson 116.

McDonald earned his doctorate in ecology and systematics from Kansas State University in 1996 and his bachelor’s in biology from Bethany College in 1991.

Don and Alice Humphreys of Great Bend, Kan., established the award in memory of their daughter, Meredy, who earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Bethany in 1991. Meredy died in March 2002. The award includes a cash grant for the recipient.

Sarah Peterson (left) and Timothy Green (right) were awarded the 2013 Bethany College Spencer-Bartlett Senior Respect Awards by Campus Pastor Noni Strand (center).

Timothy Green and Sarah Peterson are the 2013 recipients of the Bethany College Spencer-Bartlett Senior Respect Awards.

They were announced as recipients at the annual Bethany College Honors banquet in May. The Spencer-Bartlett Senior Respect Awards are presented each year to the graduating man and woman who best exemplify the greatest respect for God, for the United States of America and for their fellow citizens. The awards are given in memory of Caleb Hall, Vera Hall Bartlett, and Spencer Bartlett.

Green, from Washington Island, Wis., is the son of Phil and Sandy Green. While at Bethany, he majored in social science teaching. Green also participated with Bethany Youth Ministry Team and was a member of Phi Sigma Chi fraternity and Phi Alpha Theta. After Bethany, Green hopes to teach either middle or high school social studies.

Originally from Garfield, Kan., Peterson is the daughter of Kevin and Rebekah Peterson and will graduate with an English major and philosophy and religion minors.  During her time at Bethany, Peterson has been a member of Sigma Alpha Iota international women’s music fraternity, Chi Alpha Women’s Fellowship Group, Gold Key Women’s Honors and Service Organization, Kappa Gamma Phi sorority, Peer Ministry, Lambda Iota Tau literature honor society, College and Chamber Choirs, and Bethany Oratorio Society. While desiring to explore a wide variety of career opportunities, she hopes for a job that combines her passions for God, people, and writing.

Each year nominations for the Spencer-Bartlett Senior Respect Awards are gathered from faculty, staff, and administration. A selection committee, comprised of the campus pastor, two members of the faculty, and two students appointed by Student Congress, makes the final selection. Winners receive a cash award and a certificate, and their names are added to a plaque on display in Presser Hall lobby.

Olivia Fabrizius, WaKeeney, Kan., has been selected to represent the Bethany College graduating class of 2013 as the senior speaker at commencement on May 19 in Presser Hall.

Fabrizius is graduating in elementary and English education. While at Bethany College, she has been a member of Bethany Ambassadors, Gold Key Women’s Honor Society, intramural sports, Peer Ministry, Swede Government Association, and the women’s tennis team as well as the student coordinator for the Student Activities Board. She has also taught Sunday school at Bethany Lutheran Church.

Fabrizius’ speech will invite her classmates to reflect on their time at Bethany and how they are part of something much bigger than ourselves. “We are One Body, One Bethany. We have reached a pinnacle, but it’s only a starting point—not a destination,” says Fabrizius. “I will challenge them to step up, lead, and take a stand in the world, despite being the young, new ones in the working force. We are competent in our disciplines and rooted in our core values; together we can do anything.”

Fabrizius, from WaKeeney, Kansas, is the daughter of Carl and Sarah Fabrizius. She will teach English and coach basketball at Salina South Middle School in Salina, Kansas, this fall.

Each year, Bethany graduating seniors are invited to prepare and present an original speech for commencement. Students wishing to be the senior speaker deliver their speeches before a committee of faculty, staff and students. The committee then chooses the commencement speech based on quality of the speech and its appeal to graduates, parents and alumni.

Senior Marcy Erb, Moundridge, Kan., was selected to speak at the Bethany College Honors banquet on May 8 at 7 p.m. in Pihlblad Memorial Union.

The title of Erb’s was “A Global Bethany Community”. She says, “Bethany College has afforded me the opportunity to connect with a wide variety of student groups as well as community members. Because of Bethany, I have a better understanding of community and the importance of diversity.”

Bethany’s annual Academic Honors Banquet recognizes students named to the Academic Dean’s Honor Roll, students who belong to the Honors Program or other honorary groups on campus, and students who have earned academic athletic awards. The banquet is for faculty, invited honors students and their guests. It is hosted by members of Gold Key and Blue Key, honors service organizations for women and men at Bethany.

Erb will graduate May 19 with a major in biology and a minor in psychology. She is the daughter of Dwight and Laura Erb and plans to pursue a career in environmental science. At Bethany, Erb has been a member of campus ministry and the Green Team, where she realized her passion for environmental issues. She has been involved in sustainability projects including giving a presentation on alternative energy for Bethany’s Earth Day celebration, helping found the student-led sustainable coffee shop and smoothie bar Nelson 116, and serving as a student representative on the planning committee for the Bud Pearson Swedish Chapel and Mabee Welcome Center, which will use green elements of design.

While at Bethany, Erb has been vice president of Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society, an academic resource coordinator, a member of the Bio-Chem Club, and an assistant in the Office of Communications. She has also participated in theatre, played women’s basketball, and played clarinet in the symphonic band and Bethany College/Lindsborg Community orchestra. Erb’s variety of experiences are due to her believing in “gaining the true value of a liberal arts education.”

Special tours of the new media arts facilities at MindFire Academy will also be available during this time. The event is free and open to the public.

Currently, DeLong is creating large non-objective paintings, emphasizing the relationship of color and space. “Using large canvases enables me to explore my personal/physical environment. I thrive on experimenting with exuberant and wild colors because these not only appeal to my eye, but also they become a reflection of my soul.”

In her ceramic work, DeLong focuses on the aspect of functional pottery with her interest focusing on mugs and bowls. She is pushing her capability with the variation of her form and character of each piece. DeLong creates all of her work with a strong emphasis in flexibility and reacting with each step of the process, both in painting and ceramics.

Bud Pearson Swedish Chapel and Mabee Welcome Center

Bethany College will host a public groundbreaking celebration for the Bud Pearson Swedish Chapel and Mabee Welcome Center on May 18 at 3 p.m. on the Amphitheatre lawn.

President Edward F. Leonard III and key donors to the project will break the ground where the new Chapel and Welcome Center will be built. The $3.5 million building will provide hospitality for all who worship, visit, learn, and work in the Bethany community. It will be the first fully fundraised building in over 30 years. The dedication for the Chapel and Welcome Center is targeted for Homecoming 2014.

Leonard will also discuss another area where Bethany is breaking ground, its new approach to the first two years of college called Bethany Pathway. This includes new curricular and co-curricular programming and will launch this fall.

“Bethany is making bold and innovative steps, and we are confident in a bright future because God’s hand is guiding us,” said Leonard. “Our work is not done, but let’s celebrate these milestone achievements.”

In 2011, Bethany conceptualized this bold and innovative approach that unites the objectives of curricular courses and co-curricular activities to create a meaningful, challenging, and valuable educational experience. Students are guided by the four Missional Directions of Excellence: discovery, reflection, and vocation; servant leadership; global citizenship; and sustainable living.

Last fall, a group of freshmen were part of the pilot program and took a revised orientation class called Bethany Quest and two interdisciplinary courses. The e-portfolio system was also launched in which students tracked their progress, documented exploration and self-discovery, and collected examples of their work.

The overwhelming success of the pilot program and the unanimous approval by the Bethany College Faculty Senatemotivated the college to scale the program to a full launch a year earlier than originally planned. The full Bethany Pathway program will launch this fall.

Complementing the curricular programming is Bethany’s renewed first-year experience. In 2010, Bethany applied for and was accepted to participate in a national higher education project known as “Foundations of Excellence® in the First College Year.” The project, sponsored by the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education, utilizes a model of excellence for the first-year student experience. This project is designed to help campuses evaluate and improve the overall experience and academic success of first-year students.

Over the last three years, Bethany has assessed its freshmen experience and enhanced its orientation programming. Workshops at the beginning of the semester and the one-credit-hour course Bethany Quest have been redesigned to engage students and prepare them for successful college careers.

Last spring, a kindergarten through sixth grade endorsement was approved by the Kansas State Department of Education. This spring, KSDE approved the addition of the endorsement for secondary teaching majors.

The endorsement, which is integrated throughout the existing coursework for teacher education candidates with the addition of a Linguistics course and an ELL methods of assessment and instruction course, assists candidates in licensing at the bachelor’s degree level.

Currently Professor of English Linda Lewis teaches the Linguistics class. Part-time instructor Cheryl Werth, who is also a lead teacher at Stewart Elementary School in Salina, Kan., teaches the ELL methods course.

There is a high demand for endorsed teachers in the field of second language development.  By integrating these concepts into established coursework, Bethany students have the advantage of acquiring this endorsement during their four-year education. The process also includes field experience and clinical practice in an ELL setting.