Bethany Backers Complete 2023 Campaign

Apr 06, 2023

It is with great excitement that we have completed the Bethany Backer’s Campaign for 2023. Darren Burch 05, Bethany College Alumni Council member, notes: “There is true power in small gifts and Bethany Backers proves it. Regardless of any person’s ability to give a little, or give a lot to Bethany College, starting with $50 to become a Bethany Backer makes huge impacts–and those gifts matter. Because of Bethany Backers, we have increased the percentage of BC alumni giving to the college. This has helped the college qualify for and secure grants as well as show the Higher Learning Commission that Bethany’s friends and alumni are backers in the success of the college.” Throughout the campaign, 429 Backers united to “Raise the Curtain” on renovation plans for the Burnett Center for Religion and Performing Arts. The class of 1971 was this year’s

class challenge winner with 20 supporters from their class being part of this year’s Backers campaign. Thanks to matching gifts from Tad ’81 and Mary ’82 Doering, Shelly Swayne ‘96, and Sarah Schiltz ‘05, we raised over $21,000 for the Burnett Center renovation as well as added to the annual fund contribution. The three options from the Burnett Center renovation from which to vote were the following: repurposing the old chapel space, updating the lighting and technology, or enhancing the outdoor space behind Nelson Science Center. Winning by three votes, the project chosen by the Backers to accomplish is repurposing the old chapel. These gifts will help provide students with an updated space where they can learn, perform, present, and be in community. We are thankful to the Bethany Backers donors as well as the Bethany College Alumni Council for their dedication, time, and service for a successful 2023 Backers campaign. 

03 May, 2024
Bethany College conferred degrees upon 99 students in Presser Hall Auditorium on April 27, 2024. The ceremony honored students who earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Music Education from the college during the 2023-2024 academic year. Summer, fall, and spring graduates were honored during a Baccalaureate worship service at 10:30 a.m. in Presser Hall, followed by Commencement at 2 p.m. Campus Pastor Melissa Woeppel led the Baccalaureate Service, and Rev. Lamont Wells, Executive Director of the Network of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Co llege and Universities (NECU). Gracelyn Gaskill '24, a chemistry and music major from Lindsborg, Kansas, provided special music for Commencement. Senior class speakers Inioluwa "Enoch" Ojo '24, a biology major from Katy, Texas, and Benjamin "Ben" Turner '24, a History and Political Science Major from Peyton, Colorado, gave thoughtful remarks on their time at Bethany College, taking time to thank their friends, faculty, and coaches. Dr. Brent Mai '85, Dean of University Libraries at Wichita State University, gave the commencement address, encouraging this year's graduates to go out into the world and exercise the four tenets of stoicism: wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice.
Assistant Professor Danielle Loder teaches students in Nelsons Science Center Classroom
03 May, 2024
Interim President Steve Eckman commended the efforts of the faculty and staff in securing the grant, stating, "We are immensely grateful to the McPherson County Community Foundation for their incredible generosity. This grant will benefit our students and enrich the educational experiences available in the Smoky Valley community."
30 Apr, 2024
The newly appointed Presidential Search Committee will commence their work immediately, aiming to recommend a candidate for Bethany College's 16th president to the board by the April 2025 board meeting.
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