Give to Bethel University
The Bethel Investor
News for donors to bethel university
Mary Jo Monson
Gift Reflects a Nurse’s Heart
When she entered the nursing profession, Mary Jo Monson immersed herself in the “caring and giving business.” Although she officially hung up her nurse’s cap to raise a family, serving others is still a passion for this tiny dynamo.
Mary Jo received her R.N. degree at Mounds-Midway School of Nursing, an institution that represented the finest principles of Christian nursing. “In nursing school, you develop into a person who gives and serves,” Monson notes.
When Mounds-Midway closed in 1983, the school gave $200,000 to help start the nursing program at Bethel and established an endowed scholarship. In addition, the Mounds-Midway Alumni Association has given financial assistance to Bethel nursing students.
As the curator of the Mounds-Midway School of Nursing Museum, Mary Jo spends hours each week keeping the heritage of Christian nursing in the Twin Cities alive.
She also takes time to work on behalf of orphans in the Ukraine, and is active on the history committee for the Baptist General Conference History Center at Bethel.
The most recent evidence of the Monsons’ generous hearts: a $1 million contribution to Bethel University by Mary Jo, to be distributed two ways—$500,000 designated for the University Commons project and $500,000 for the endowment. In gratitude, President Brushaber will present a plan to the Board of Trustees to create a room memorializing the Mounds-Midway School of Nursing in the new University Commons.
Bethel holds a special place in Mary Jo’s heart: all five Monson
children attended Bethel, as did David, who chairs the current Taking
the Next Step campaign. David also served many years on the Bethel Board
of Trustees and the Bethel Foundation Board of Governors, a tradition
now carried on by their son Randy.
“Bethel is a school that God is using to change and educate lives. It is tremendous that all of these students are being educated and going out into the world, holding various positions in different areas of life, and being effective. What could be better?”
As for the gift: “It’s the Lord’s funds,” she asserts, “and we want to give to a Christian organization. Bethel is dear to our hearts. He directs, and you give and serve to honor Him.”
Mary Jo adds, “We want to glorify God in our lives. Bethel is our ideal. It is a fantastic university.”