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The Path to Your Purpose
BETHANY COLLEGE RECEIVES CHALLENGE GRANT FROM MABEE FOUNDATION TO FURTHER PATH TO PURPOSE INITIATIVE
Feb 12, 2021
LINDSBORG, KAN., February 12, 2021 - Bethany College is excited to announce that the Mabee Foundation, established in 1948, has agreed to fund $1,000,000 in upcoming renovations totaling $7,500,000 in Warner Hall, Gregory Hall and Wallerstedt Social Science Building. In order to receive these funds, the Mabee Foundation has challenged Bethany to raise an additional $1,455,259 by January 2022. Mabee, focused on capital expenditures, requires grant recipients to raise 40% of the cost of the total project through public donors in exchange for the funds. Bethany has already raised nearly two-thirds of the $7,500,000.
The renovation of these living and learning spaces is part of the new Path to Your Purpose initiative. The Path to Your Purpose initiative specifically embraces the development of skills learned both in and outside of the classroom with a wide range of current and new programming structured for every student. The renovated spaces will enhance the student experience and set them on the path to live their purpose beyond Bethany.
This isn’t the first time the Mabee foundation has supported projects on campus. Some other projects Mabee helped fund were the addition to the Wallerstedt Social Science building in 1983, the installation of air conditioning in Presser Hall in the late 90’s and in 2012 for the Bud Pearson Chapel and Mabee Welcome Center and in the late 90’s for the installation of air conditioning in Presser Hall in the late 90’s.
“We are thankful for the Mabee Foundation’s dedication to these brick and mortar projects necessary to frame our students’ college experience. We especially value the opportunity to establish a stronger base of support for long-term financial health created by the Mabee challenge,” stated Dr. Elizabeth Mauch, Bethany College President.
If you are up for the challenge to help pave the way for our next generation to find their purpose, contact Bill Nelson, Director of Development in the Advancement office at 785-227-3380 ext. 8116.
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 educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. Bethany connects its past, present, and future with distinctive initiatives like the Good Life Scholarship, presenting all local high school graduates with a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. Bethany College is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state. Find us online at www.bethanylb.edu.
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.
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."
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.