Bethel University
Bethel Parent
A newsletter for parents of Bethel University students
Spring Ushers in a Season of Events at Bethel
By Melissa King '06
Spring Break Missions TripsDuring Spring Break (March 19-27) a number of student teams spent their break from studies to serve as Christ. Groups of Bethel students served in locations as close as Minneapolis (Source Ministries) and as far away as the Dominican Republic (a venture with Students International). For the seventh year, Bethel students were able to travel to Chihuahua, Mexico, to help meet ministry needs in that area. |
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All School Spring BanquetThe All-School Spring Banquet will be held on Saturday, May 14, at 5:30 p.m. in the Sports and Recreation Center. This event, which is semi-formal, includes food, friends, and fun. Following the meal, a 7 p.m. concert with songwriter-musician Matt Wertz will take place in Benson Great Hall. |
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Senior BanquetSeniors and their parents are invited to a special banquet on Friday, May 20, at 6 p.m. in the Robertson Center Gym. Reservation forms for banquet tickets were mailed in March. College of Arts & Sciences graduates receive one complimentary ticket courtesy of the Bethel Alumni Association. |
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Senior ShowEach year, graduates write, produce, and perform in a "Senior Show" that reflects their four years of Bethel campus life. This year's event will be held May 20, at 7:45 p.m. This free performance is presented in Benson Great ll following the Senior Banquet. |
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Commencement ExercisesCollege of Arts & Sciences graduates will receive degrees at Commencement on May 21. Three ceremonies are scheduled. Students are assigned to Commencement I, II, or III, and will be given a graduation packet that contains additional information about this event. A ticket request form is included in the graduation packet. College of Adult & Professional Studies (CAPS) and Graduate School (GS) students will receive diplomas during Commencement IV. |
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Nurses' Pinning and ReceptionThis special event will be held on Friday, May 20, in Benson Great Hall from 3-5 p.m. |
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Commencement ReceptionGraduates and guests are invited to a complimentary reception immediately after each commencement ceremony. It's a great time to snap a keepsake photo! |
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Baccalaureate ServiceThe Baccalaureate Service is a memorable experience, a time of worship, reflection, communion for graduates, and an inspiring message from the Scriptures. Attendance at the service is optional, but graduates and families are urged to participate. |
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If you have questions regarding the Senior Banquet, please call the Office of Alumni and Parent Services at 651.638.6462. If your question is regarding the Commencement exercises, please call Amanda Cornelius in the Office of Academic Affairs at 651.638.6036.
"Roll up your sleeve, please!"
Are you ready for a quiz?
Which Bethel University College of Arts & Sciences department:
- often has waiting lists of students hoping to enroll? The reputation of this program is so strong that the number of qualified applicants tends to exceed capacity.
- discovered in a recent survey that 100 percent of its graduates seeking employment had found jobs in the field?
- can claim two professors who received national recognition from the prestigious Fulbright Program?
Give yourself a pat on the back—or an extra squeeze of the blood pressure cuff—if you said the nursing department. Bethel's Department of Nursing celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2004-2005. Even a brief overview reveals why this program is so successful.
An excellent career forecast
At present, more than 100 students (juniors and seniors only) are enrolled in the day school nursing program. Sandra Peterson, professor of nursing and department chair, cites predictions that demand for RNs by 2020 means that 90 percent more nurses should be graduating from nursing programs in the United States alone. While the job outlook is exciting, the path to the B.S. in Nursing degree is rigorous. Students take theory classes and weekly seminars, gain hands-on experience in nursing labs, and work with patients in off-campus clinical situations.
"The way we address the Christian faith implications of our discipline is an important feature of our program," asserts Peterson. "Our faculty members are committed to nursing education; they value their relationships with students as an important part of an environment that best serves the learning needs of students."
Outstanding faculty
The Department of Nursing at Bethel boasts 19 full-time and 12 part-time faculty members. More than half of the full-time faculty members are doctoral-prepared, with clinical practice experience in a variety of nursing specialties. Four of the faculty members have served internationally as missionaries. Several have published books and articles, with presentations given at national and international professional conferences. Examples: Professor of Nursing Marge Schaffer, a recipient of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholars award, will teach and conduct research at the University of Oslo in Norway. Thanks to a Fulbright Senior Specialist award, Karen Drake, associate professor of nursing, will serve as a consultant to Uganda Christian University as it develops a baccalaureate nursing program.
Bethel: a good place for student nurses
"During interim of their senior year, students are required to take the course Cultural Diversity in Health Care," Peterson explains. "This course has an international option; all students are involved in a clinical experience, and the on-campus students take part in a service-learning project. In the spring of their senior year, students have clinical activities 12 hours per week, with preparation for clinical responsibilities to be done on site before the experience."
Bethel was the first nursing program in Minnesota to offer its students a January term abroad. This global dimension takes students beyond the classroom and the U.S. health care system. In recent years, Bethel nursing program students have studied in South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Ecuador, Kenya, and Uganda.
Although courses aren't easy and demands are great, students in the Bethel nursing program are in a good place. For two out of the last three years, the Bethel nursing department had the highest pass rates on the NCLEX, the state licensure exam, a solid accomplishment considering that there are more than 20 nursing schools in Minnesota.
Serving others as a vocation
Newspaper headlines focus on challenges faced by health professionals, from flu vaccine shortages to dangers posed by terrorists. So, why do people choose this field? "Serving seems to be the primary reason our students identify for choosing nursing as a career," reflects Peterson. "It certainly has other benefits—a respectable salary, available jobs, a flexible schedule, and a variety of positions that can be filled by a nurse."
"Truly I tell you, just as you did it [feed the hungry, clothe the naked, care for the sick, visit the prisoners] to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."
—Matthew 25:40
Focus On Serving
World Challenge follows "Activist Jesus"
Students involved in World Challenge seek to create an awareness of the world's needs and provide Bethel students with opportunities to make a difference. This new group, which has a focus on global biblical justice issues, is a campus chapter of the International Justice Mission (www.ijm.org).
An example of World Challenge activities: In December, members of World Challenge helped make 3,000 egg rolls to raise funds to benefit new Hmong refugees in the Twin Cites. When the Bethel Student Association and other Bethel groups made up housewarming baskets for the refugees, World Challenge members offered to personally distribute the gifts.
"Jesus was an activist," says Matt Runion, assistant campus pastor. "He equated a relationship with Him to our relationship with the poor and oppressed in our world. Groups of students are seeking to model their lives after Jesus in revolutionary ways here at Bethel."
World Challenge members aren't the only ones showing hearts of compassion: the Office of Campus Ministries worked to raise more than $1,700 from the Bethel community for tsunami relief efforts. In July, a team comprised of Bethel University seminarians and students from the College of Arts & Science hopes to take a trip to Southeast Asia to assist with reconstruction efforts in that region.
Reconciliation Mural Installed
A massive, three-piece Reconciliation Mural themed "Remember. Believe. Act." was installed in the Academic Center Lounge at Bethel on Wednesday, February 16. The powerful painting, created collaboratively by Bethel Art Professor Dale Johnson and students Janel Draper, Blake Keath, and Emily Villaseñor, was commissioned by the Bethel Anti-Racism and Reconciliation Commission in response to racial incidents that occurred on the campus between October 2002 and May 2003.
"I would love to see these terrible acts of racism claimed by the Holy Spirit and by people who believe," says Johnson. "My desire is that this piece becomes an impetus for healing and for new ways for people of all colors to connect."
Reconciliation Studies Added as a Major
Seven Bethel students are
studying in South Africa this
semester.
Beginning this fall, Bethel will become one of the only universities in the world to offer a baccalaureate degree in reconciliation studies. The program is also unique because it is biblically based and was developed by Bethel Associate Professor Curtiss DeYoung, a preeminent Christian author on the subject of the church and race relations.
Housed in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology, the new major is a natural progression from Bethel's reconciliation studies minor, which has attracted 40 students since its launch in 2003. Many of those students now plan to major in the field.
"The reconciliation studies major comes directly out of our institutional values," says Debra Harless, dean of academic programs at Bethel University. "We are committed to preparing students who are reconcilers and world-changers, serving effectively in the 21st century."
DeYoung says student interest also played a strong role. "Students care about these issues," he says. "Reconciliation studies enhance one's resume, much like possessing a second language. The ability to market to a diverse culture and understand all kinds of organizational conflict resolution can strengthen skills whether one is a coach, a nurse, a business person, a pastor, or a school teacher."
Those who major in reconciliation studies will be required to study for a semester at Cornerstone Christian College in Cape Town, South Africa, a model multicultural community in a nation actively healing the racial divide. Seven Bethel students are currently in Cape Town during the inaugural semester of the new partnership between Bethel and Cornerstone.
Rain Forest Adventures Typical of Study Abroad
Sisters Christy and Becky Hainlen from St. Paul were among 205 Bethel students who ventured abroad over the January 2005 interim. Christy, a senior biology major, and Becky, a sophomore double-majoring in psychology and Spanish, made a perfect team as they studied ecology in Ecuador's rain forests and Galapagos Islands, at times a three-hour boat ride from the nearest village.
"Experiencing the rain forest firsthand, looking at the monkeys, trees, and birds, and realizing exactly what we are losing to deforestation gave me a real, personal understanding and appreciation of the issue," says Becky, whose most memorable moment occurred when a four-foot alligator (a non-aggressive kind) jumped into the Bethel group's boat.
"Traveling to a place as different as Ecuador will change your perspective on how we live," says Christy. "We saw people who were totally happy living what we would consider simple lives. It was a great reminder that `stuff' doesn't matter."
Not only is off-campus study one of the least expensive ways to visit another country, say the Hainlen sisters, but living in another culture is a priceless complement to classroom education. For information on study-abroad opportunities in nearly 40 countries, contact Bethel's Office of International Studies/Off-Campus Programs.
Focus on the Future: Career Tips for your Student
By Kathy Scholljegerdes, Director of Career Services
There is good news for college graduates. Some sources indicate that the job market this spring may rival the flurry of hiring that occurred during the mid-1990s. In a recent survey conducted by Collegegrad.com, a company that offers an employment website, monitors hiring, and conducts surveys with more than 500 employers each year, employers project a 14.2 percent increase in entry-level hiring over last year. In addition, the Collegiate Employment Research Institute at Michigan State University indicated a hiring increase of 20 percent this spring through their survey of 600 employers. Locally, Bethel is seeing an increased interest in employer registra tions for its spring job fairs.
So what does this mean for your student? A good job market is good news for all students, no matter what their year in college. Employers will be looking for qualified candidates for jobs, internships, and summer jobs this spring. Here are some tips to help your student prepare for the future:
Freshmen—Self-Assessment
- Meet with a career counselor to take a vocational assessment.
- Build skills and explore your gifts through on-campus activities and part-time and summer jobs.
- Talk with family and friends about careers that interest you.
Sophomores—Exploration
- Begin some career exploration activities with a career counselor.
- Explore internships and summer job postings in the Office of Career Services.
- Attend the spring job and internship fairs sponsored by the Office of Career Services.
Juniors—Experiment with Career Options
- Meet with a career counselor to discuss career ideas and determine some goals.
- Conduct informational interviews with people in careers that interest you.
- Apply for and complete an internship.
Seniors—Embark on a Job Search
- Complete an internship and evaluate potential career options.
- Strategize your job search process with a career counselor.
- Develop a professional resume and learn interviewing skills.
- Attend job fairs sponsored by the Office of Career Services.
Go to http://www.bethel.edu/career-services/ for more information on how Bethel's Office of Career Services can help your student.
Bethel Begins Offering Mandarin Language Classes
By Marisa Sauter '06
Bethel now offers an introduction to the Mandarin language, one of the main languages of China. The program, taught by Instructor Sue Miao, teaches basic writing, speaking, and listening skills so students can conduct basic conversations. Sixteen students and two faculty members enrolled in Introduction to Mandarin I last fall, and 11 are continuing in Introduction to Mandarin II this spring.
With one billion people, China is the world's most populous nation and is emerging as a vital economic and political force in the world. New believers are filling the nation's underground and government churches as Christianity sees explosive growth. Bethel's program recognizes these factors and aims to help Bethel students understand and relate to China more effectively.
In her instruction, Miao focuses not only on the grammatical aspect of the language, but also teaches the Lord's Prayer and various Sunday School songs in Mandarin.
Dr. Deborah Sullivan-Trainor, chair of the Department of Modern World Languages, hopes student interest will eventually lead to a minor in Mandarin, and also envisions connecting with a Chinese university to establish a study-abroad program in China.
Parent Volunteering `A Very Positive Experience'
By: Liz Schwiesow '05
Bethel hosts several all-school banquets each year: at Homecoming, Christmas, and each spring. Students usually only see the finished product, the set tables with themed decorations. Many don't think twice about who set it up or how it got there, but a lot of this responsibility goes to the parents of students.
Gary and Linda Haugen have been volunteering at the Spring Banquet for the past four years. They have a son, Erik, who is a senior, and a daughter Melissa, a 2000 graduate. Their experience of volunteering has been a positive one. "It's really fun to see students and get to know other parents," Linda says.
Dave and Deone Sahli have served at the Spring banquet every year since 2000. They currently have a daughter, Lisa, who is a junior at Bethel. "The experience [of volunteering] is pretty short-lived, only about four hours" states Dave, "but it was a very positive experience." Dave and Deone live about an hour away from campus, so they like to participate in what is going on at their daughter's school. "We like showing support for kids, to show that some people do care and take time out of their lives; it's a chance to give back and show that you don't always have to get paid."
Bruce and Kathy Haglund currently have two daughters who attend Bethel; Michelle who is a junior, and Kiki who is a sophomore. They have served the past two years at the Spring Banquet. "We like volunteering because it is a way to be a part of your student's activities," says Bruce. "We talk to groups of friends at tables afterwards. It's an opportunity to serve students, and cut down the cost of the banquets."
There are many parents who volunteer at other banquets throughout the school year, setting up tables and chairs, decorating, and helping with food; wherever there is a need. Whatever the task, they seem to come away with a positive experience, and also get to see what their children are involved in, along with meeting other parents of Bethel students.
Calling all Bethel Parents!
The All-School Spring Banquet on Saturday, May 14, is a wonderful way to celebrate the completion of the school year and give students one more opportunity to gather before summer. Parents of current students are needed to help serve the meal at this event. A flyer with additional details about this opportunity is enclosed. Questions may be directed to the Office of Alumni and Parent Services at 651.638.6462.
Construction Update
New Home for Bethel Sophomores Takes Shape
The doors of the newest student residence on the Bethel University campus are scheduled to open in fall 2005. This residence will be home for 288 students who will be housed in the 48 three-bedroom suites.
It's been exciting to watch the construction progress. A live web cam has been installed so you can share in the fun. Click on www.bethel.edu/special-events to view shots taken by the web cam. God is good!
Hometown News
News releases announcing graduations and Dean's List achievements are distributed to hometown newspapers each semester. The information released includes the student's name, year, major, parents' names, and hometown. Help us distribute this information by filling out the Hometown News Form at www.bethel.edu/parents/services.html.
Valentine's Day Fundraiser Boosts Bethel Faculty Grant Awards
"Parents and other loved ones purchased close to 400 Valentine's Day Gifts (water bottles filled with special treats for students)," reports Sheri Anderstrom, coordinator for the Office of Alumni and Parent Services. "Students really enjoyed the gifts this year, and more than $2,000 was raised for Faculty Grants. A special thanks of appreciation for all who made this possible."
Special Dates for Seniors
- Nurses’ Pinning and Reception
Friday, May 20, Benson Great Hall, 3-5 p.m. - Senior Banquet
Friday, May 20, Robertson Center Gym, 6 p.m. - Senior Show
Friday, May 20, Benson Great Hall, 7:45 p.m. - College of Arts & Science Commencement
Saturday, May 21. - Commencement I at 9 a.m.
- Commencement II at 12:30 p.m.
- Commencement III at 4 p.m.
- Baccalaureate Service
Sunday, May 22, Benson Great Hall, 10 a.m.
Credits
Bethel Parent is published four times a year for parents of Bethel University students. It includes stories about students, information about campus events, and opportunities for involvement
at Bethel.
Office of Alumni and Parent Services:
Joe LaLuzerne C’88, Vice President for Alumni and Parent Services
telephone: 651.638.6462
email: parents@bethel.edu
Editor: Patty Thomson
Writers: Amy Stroman ’07, Lisa Stauter ’06, Kevin Johnson ’94
Designer: Thomas Vukelich ’82
Staff Photographer: Woody Dahlberg ’69