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The Bethel Investor
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Giving Back
Dr. Mark, Nancy, twins Joshua and
Emily, Mikayla
Photo courtesy of Vanessa Bartels
Young Donors Support Bethel
As parents of young children(including a set of twins!), Dr. Mark and Nancy Turek of Alton, Iowa, are already thinking about and saving for college educations for Joshua and Emily 7, and Mikayla, 5. And in the process they reflect fondly and with appreciation for their time together at Bethel University.
That's why the Tureks are committed to give back to their alma mater.
Life is busy: Mark is a family practice physician in nearby Orange City, and Nancy is a homemaker who puts her physical therapy degree to use on a part-time basis. The couple graduated from Bethel in 1992. Mark grew up in New Prague, Minn., and Nancy in Humboldt, Iowa. Mark recalls that they "met over Bunsen burners" in a biology class. Both have a great respect for the role the late C. Weldon Jones, a Bethel professor of biology who died in 2003, played in their lives.
A legacy of influence
"To say that he [Jones] influenced a lot of people is an understatement," says Mark. "He was a mentor, a great teacher, a huge part of the biology department." Mark hadn't been planning on medicine when he initially enrolled at Bethel, but recalls that Jones played a key role in helping him see opportunities in that field. Mark spent time during the school year and summer break doing research with Jones and other biology students.
we want Bethel to be a strong option
for our children in the future."
Nancy's recollections of her biology professor are equally positive: "I remember Dr. Jones as a professor who truly loved biology and Bethel. He always had an open door policy where students could go to him with questions or concerns.
"During our Senior Seminar class we explored ethical issues in science. I remember Dr. Jones sharing how he was able to integrate his faith with his work as a scientist."
Biology classes had room for a bit of fun, too. "Although he was a very quiet man, some of my best memories are of when he got caught in a practical joke or when something funny happened in the labs– like when a classmate spilled a few drops of caustic liquid down the front of his [the student's] pants, and walked around the remainder of the lab session with ‘Caution! Radioactive!' sign taped wrapped around his waist. I think senior biology majors smiled for weeks just remembering Dr. Jones' laughter and the look on his face when he walked into the lab!"
For the Tureks, their Bethel experience deeply touched their lives.
"God used Bethel to help shape my worldview," explains Nancy. "I was given the opportunity to explore a wide variety of academic areas and become involved in many leadership opportunities and service projects. I was surrounded by people who wanted me to develop academically, [and] also grow in my spiritual walk with Christ."
A commitment to help others
The couple began making contributions to Bethel early in their marriage. "Even during medical school, we felt led to give back," Mark notes.
C. Weldon Jones with a
Bethel student
While the Tureks give to Bethel's Annual Fund, they often direct support to the biology program with restricted gifts to the C. Weldon Jones Memorial Research Scholarship.
"We support the work of Bethel University, because we strongly believe in the mission and vision of Bethel," says Nancy. "We also support Bethel because we want Bethel to be a strong option for our children in the future.
"Bethel was a great experience for both us, and opened up opportunities. This is our chance to give back," concludes Mark.
Graduates: Shining the Light of Christ
Dr. Thomas Evans and son Chris '05. Chris, a business major with an emphasis in marketing while at Bethel, has applied to graduate school in pursuit of MHA (Master's in Health Care Administration)/MBA joint degrees.
Winter Commencement was held Friday, December 16, 2005. During that evening, 221 individuals, representing the richness, diversity, and giftedness of God's kingdom, received their degrees and were unleashed upon the world. As donors, you have invested in these lives, as well as in the lives of those who graduated last spring. The following is an excerpt from the address given by Thomas C. Evans, M.D.
"Bethel may not be sacred ground, but it is certainly a special place, and I hope to convey to you that because of your time here, you too are special.
"I had never heard of Bethel before medical school. [But] one of the common topics there is where people went to college, as a matter of school pride.
"As this was at the University of Iowa, about 30 medical students from there and another 30 from Iowa State—just to keep the intrastate rivalry cooking—and then University of Northern Iowa with 17. There was a big drop-off from there into the private institutions. I had attended Drake University in Des Moines, and we were proud to have a large contingent with six students. Most of the other schools just had two or three except this little school I'd never heard of from Minnesota who also had six students. That school was Bethel.
"What caught my attention over time was the behavior, spirit, and work ethic of the students from Bethel. These students were pleasant, honest, and gentle. Their character simply reflected Christ. I was reminded of Matthew 5:14-16:
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
"I respected my Bethel acquaintances as persons of integrity and knew they would not just make great doctors, but great human beings. They were special.
"Well, life goes on. My first son, Chris, here tonight, was born in my fourth year of med school in Iowa City. Then residency, my practice, growing family, etc., washed over my memories of Bethel until Chris' senior year. I confess, I didn't think too much about college for the boys—only about saving for it—to this point. My dear wife, however, prayed since they were in grade school that they would spend at least their first year at a Christian college. Patty's prayers were answered when Chris chose Bethel, and so began our Minnesota adventure.
"I can only describe the years we have spent here as special. I have told many people that the best investment I ever made was in my children's education at Bethel University. There is a legacy of academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a commitment to character development which makes you graduates special as well. Undergraduate or graduate student, you have a special gift and legacy. Just as I saw the light of Christ in 1979 from Bethel students, I have seen it over the past five years in you. And others will see it as you leave these hallowed halls and this sacred ground. You are special—you are the light of Christ."
About the Winter Commencement Speaker
Thomas C. Evans, M.D., is the president and CEO of the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative. This provider-driven, not-for-profit foundation works to improve the quality, safety, and value of healthcare provided in Iowa. A past president of both the Iowa Medical Society and the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians, Evans currently serves on the Executive Committee for the National Patient Safety Foundation and as faculty with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.
Libbie Kent
College of Arts & Sciences
B.A., Social Work
Where She Is Now:
Social worker for The Salvation Army, St. Paul. "I run the Social
Security Outreach Program, part of a federally funded grant to help
homeless adults apply for Social Security disability benefits."
Appreciation of Bethel:
"I spent a semester in Guatemala and saw the effects of poverty.
While at Bethel I completed internships at a community food shelf working
with Hispanic clients, a shelter for homeless youth, and reaching out
to alienated youth via an urban art center.
"[Growth occurred by] getting outside the walls of Bethel and then returning to process my experiences with my peers and professors."
Na Txia Vang
College of Arts & Sciences
B.A., Biblical and Theological Studies
Where He is Now:
Bethel Seminary in pursuit of M.A. in Theological Studies
Appreciation of Bethel:
"When I started my journey at Bethel, I was a troubled young
man in search of answers. I traveled far and wide, and sacrificed much.
To my fortune, I found a companion; I found God."
Reed Weber
College of Arts & Sciences
B.S., Physics, Minors: Math., Computer Science Honors Program
Where He Is Now:
Graduate student at the University of New Mexico (Albuquerque). "I'm
a fellow in a nation-wide program of the National Science Foundation
that grants a free education plus salary in exchange for fellows serving
in public schools 15 hours each week."
Appreciation of Bethel:
"I'm lucky to have had professors at Bethel who cared about
me and cared about the quality of my individual education. My graduate
professors have asked us incoming students about the level of our exposure
to certain topics, and I've found that my Bethel education places
me among the few most well-rounded in terms of preparedness."
Laura Boismenue
College of Arts & Sciences
B.A., Psychology, Minors: Reconciliation
Studies and Spanish
Where She Is Now:
"I am currently working as the off-campus programs coordinator
at Biola University in California. I have recently begun my master's
in intercultural studies at Biola."
Appreciation of Bethel:
"I am thankful for the opportunity I had to work in Bethel's
Office of Off-Campus Programs/International Studies while I was a student.
It was through my experience working with Bethel's study abroad
programs and my own semesters spent studying in Latin America that
my interests and passions for cross-cultural ministry were kindled."
Merrilee Dunham
College of Adult & Professional Studies/Graduate School
M.A., Education: Special Education, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Where She Is Now:
Teaching language arts and art at Oak Grove High School (Mounds View
School district) to students who have emotional and behavioral disorders. "It's
a joy to help them overcome obstacles so they can find success."
Thoughts about Bethel:
"My time at Bethel University was rich and insightful. The best
part of Bethel was my cohort [group]. They were there to encourage,
support, and challenge me. It was a great experience!"
Brad Chase
Bethel Seminary of the East
New England Center
M.Div.
Where He Is Now:
Senior Pastor, Grace Community Evangelical Church, Madison, Conn.
Appreciation of Bethel:
For Chase, the mentoring received during his time at Bethel has been
invaluable." [The training and ministry I received at] Bethel
Seminary of the East has honed and refined my God given gifts, and
helped me to think more deeply."
Bethel is a "tremendous resource" for the little churches of New England, a place where individuals can obtain a seminary education without packing up families and moving away.
Save The Date
12th Annual
Bethel Golf Classic
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
By popular demand, this year's event will again be held at Troy Burne Golf Club, the Tom Lehman-designed golf course located in nearby Hudson, Wis. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit Bethel University students. Watch for more details and registration information on the Bethel development website at www.bethel.edu/development/.
Help Bethel Finish Strong
Fiscal Year Ends May 31
God's blessings are great. Overall giving is up at Bethel, a reflection of the overwhelming support of donors and friends who care deeply about the mission and values of the university—people who demonstrate that support with generous financial gifts. Our students and faculty are grateful for your faithfulness.
This year's Bethel Fund goal is $2,956,000. Our fiscal year ends May 31. Watch your mail for your invitation to help Bethel finish strong!
Bethel Annual Fund
- Goal for Bethel Annual Fund: $2,956,000
(Needed by 5/31/06: $1,081,205) - Annual Fund to date: $1,874,795
Join
The President's Club
Gyms and health clubs are filled with people resolved to get in shape. Join a club to gain results that can't be measured by scales or pedometers. Make a $1,500 yearly contribution to Bethel and become a member of the President's Club. It amounts to a monthly gift of $125 to help Bethel students now that's a step that goes somewhere!
Online Giving
Secure. Convenient. Cutting-edge.
You bank online, make purchases online, and even pay bills online.
Today, thanks to internet technology, you can even make a charitable
contribution online. Think of it: it is possible to make a gift to
Bethel University without leaving the comfort of your home.
Bethel uses an online giving form and an encryption service offered
by Amerisign, a company that is a national leader in secure online
transactions. You may access the form at www.bethel.edu/development/donate/
donate-form.html.
Visit the Development Website
Want to learn more about opportunities to enhance income while investing in Bethel? Do you have questions about planned giving options or wish to contact development professionals? Would you like to read past issues of Bethel Investor? Check out www.bethel.edu/development/.
Festival of Christmas
Bethel's 49th Festival of Christmas is now a sweet memory. Many
donors and friends visited campus to take in the marvelous concert
and enjoy the delicious smorgasbord.
An Excellent Choice
Tired of low interest rates or low returns on your CDs? A Bethel University charitable gift annuity might be for you.
In addition to a guaranteed, partially tax-free, lifetime income stream, a charitable gift annuity with Bethel University offers:
- Immediate income tax savings through a charitable income tax deduction
- Reduction of potential capital gain taxes for gifts of appreciated stock
- The ability to make a current gift to the University
Sample Single-Life Annuity Rates
(subject to change)
| Age | Rates |
| 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 and over |
5.7% 6.0% 6.5% 7.1% 8.0% 9.5% 11.3% |
| Two-life annuities available at lower rates. | |
Call 800.255.8706, ext. 8066, for more information and a FREE proposal. For online information, click on www.bethel.edu/development/giftplan.
Silver Medal Winner
Bethel Investor
Named "Most-Improved Newsletter"—silver medal winner
among Midwest colleges and universities of similar size by the Council
for the Advancement and Support of Education.
Davanni's
Photo courtesy of Carl
Schmuland
Partners with Bethel Athletics
Davanni's, Inc., based in Minneapolis, Minn., joined the Bethel University athletic development corporate sponsorship team for the 2005-2006 athletic season. Davanni's sponsored the 2005 Royal Men's Basketball Tip-Off Tourney held November 18-19, 2005, in the Robertson Center Gym. The restaurant chain is also part of the spring sport trip program and is a major advertiser in numerous Bethel athletic media guides. Bethel athletic teams have enjoyed pre-game meals in the Davanni's Arden Hills store while fans have taken part in Davanni's-sponsored halftime contests at many sporting events. Davanni's is the preferred pizza and hoagie restaurant for Bethel University athletics.
Credits
The Bethel Investor is published three times a year. The newsletter is
designed especially for donors and friends of Bethel University. Content includes articles on institutional advancement efforts, donor events, student and donor profiles, and stewardship/giving opportunities.
Office of Development
Bruce W. Anderson '74
Vice President for Development
651.635.8050
Email: development@bethel.edu
Editor: Patty Thomson
Designer: Thomas Vukelich ’82