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Annual Report 2006

Strategic Step #7: Remain sound and affordable.

Schmulands

Success story: An investment in lives

Carl and Mary Schmuland aren't Bethel alumni, but their faces are familiar at Royals athletic events—Carl taking photos of players in action, and Mary bringing home-baked cookies. But the Schmulands' commitment to Bethel goes deeper. Their love for the Grand Marais area of northern Minnesota prompted the couple to establish a Bethel scholarship for Cook County students – $6,000 a year each, renewable for up to three years. The Schmulands are in their "refirement" years. "We're trying to do things so we're not wasting our lives, and Bethel is a big part of that," says Carl. "We feel called to really invest in these kids at Bethel." The Schmulands are often asked whether they own a vacation home in Grand Marais. "No, this is our cabin," reflects Carl. "This is how we're investing in Cook County. Not in real estate, but in the kids."

(Seated: Carl and Mary Schmuland. Standing, left to right: Bryan Dean, April Clearwater-Day, and Brent Gilchrist.)

*Financial aid data from Bethel Seminary of the East was not available for the 2004-05 year.

Motivated students who value the kind of education Bethel offers must have the means to enroll. Yet for two decades, tuition has outpaced inflation, driven by rising expenses for maintaining quality campuses and instruction. The tools that enable Bethel to develop "whole and holy persons"—from cross-cultural travel to counseling services and classroom supplies—should not be compromised. Despite threatened cutbacks in government aid to students, Bethel needs to remain solvent while helping those committed to a Christian higher education. Partnerships with friends who believe in our mission are crucial.

Bethel Steps Ahead

  • Because Bethel's financial aid office works hard to assemble the best possible package for each family, enrollment has been able to grow since 1992. "Don't just look at the sticker price," cautions Dan Nelson, assistant to the president for financial aid, enrollment, institutional research, and planning. "Look at the bottom line cost after taking into account grants, scholarships, low-interest loans, and student employment."
  • On average, 77 percent of Bethel students received financial aid in 2004-05. The proportion was 93 percent in the undergraduate College of Arts & Sciences, 75 percent at Bethel Seminary St. Paul, and no less than 46 percent for every other area of Bethel (Bethel Seminary San Diego, Graduate School, and College of Adult & Professional Studies*). In gift aid alone—grants that don't have to be repaid—students received a total of $23.6 million, funds that in many cases made the difference in a student being able to attend.
  • You may assume the majority of those grants came from state and federal sources. In fact, less than 20 percent did. More than 71 percent—nearly $17 million—came from Bethel's own coffers. Where do those funds originate? Tuition sources, outright and planned gifts, restricted and unrestricted donor contributions, and the Annual Fund.
  • All these sources are increasingly important—especially Bethel's endowment. Partners with Bethel are vitally needed to strengthen that fund, meet annual operating expenses, establish scholarships, and leave a legacy through other planned gifts—all direct ways to provide a life-transforming experience for students.

Contact the Office of Development at 651.635.8050 or 800.255.8706, ext. 8050, for details on creating scholarships, income-generating planned gifts, or other donations to Bethel University.

DavidWe are world changers– driven to prepare graduates who will shape and change the world through exemplary leadership.


Hurricane Katrina turned life upside down for New Orleans resident David Armstead, friend of an alumnus of Bethel. Bethel put together a financial aid package that allowed him to attend. "This past semester showed me how God can work in amazing ways. He is Provider and continues to provide for all my needs."

Strategic Steps