by Stephanie Green ’09

This spring, junior accounting and finance major Amy Friesen was one of five students in a pool of 26 schools who received a $2,000 scholarship from the Twin Cities chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI). This is the second year in a row a Bethel student has received an FEI award. Bethel accounting and finance senior Valerie Therrien received the scholarship in 2007.

Friesen received the award with a unanimous vote by the committee’s six members, according to Eugene Hay, chair of the FEI Twin Cities Academic Awards Committee. No other recipient received all the committee’s votes.

“This puts [Bethel’s business program] in prestigious competition with other well-regarded, well-respected business schools,” said associate professor of business Chuck Hannema, of Friesen’s achievement. “For them to recognize Amy is to say Bethel has a credible business program. It tells us there’s support in the business community.”

According to Bethel alumnus Scott Lastine ’82, vice president of programs for FEI Twin Cities chapter, the Twin Cities chapter “is the premier networking group for finance leaders in Minnesota. It is an honor for a university student to be recognized by such a prestigious organization.”

“There is good synergy when Bethel University gets exposure to Financial Executives International,” said Lastine. “The membership and sponsors of FEI can provide internship and career opportunities for Bethel students and graduates.”

According to Lastine, the award will help supplement Friesen’s resume, and it will also provide her with contacts for potential career opportunities.

As the largest major on campus with around 100 graduates each year, according to Hannema, the reputation and quality of Bethel’s business program continues to grow.

“Large employers seek Bethel students for entry-level positions, which hasn’t happened in the past,” said Hannema. “We continue to make significant inroads to local business communities through our graduates.”