Alumni
Bethel Parent
A newsletter for parents of Bethel University students
The Resource Zone
Groups Offer Community Support
By Patty Thomson
Jeff Sanders, associate dean for
relationship education, and Merrishia
Naicker, support group coordinator
“To be whole and holy means to be dedicated
to God with purity of thought and action…”
—A Covenant for Life Together, Bethel University
On occasion, there are bumps on the road to becoming a “whole and holy” person of God. When a Bethel student wrestles with a problem, support groups under the auspices of student life, campus ministries, or counseling services can be invaluable.
A number of support groups meet on campus to help students with the following issues:
- Grief
- Eating disorders
- Body image
- Sexual compulsion
- Substance abuse/use
Need Determines Groups
“Support groups are determined by campus ministry and student life staff, as well as students,” explains Merrishia Naicker, support group coordinator for the Office of Campus Ministries in the College of Arts & Sciences. It is Naicker’s responsibility to find and equip staff or faculty to lead groups, and to help students connect when they need support. Jeff Sanders, associate dean for relationship education, also coordinates such groups, which meet weekly with an open discussion format comprising students and a leader/facilitator; confidentiality is respected in each group.
Supportive and Redemptive System
“Bethel has a wonderfully supportive and redemptive system that allows
students who recognize that they have problems in certain covenant areas—sexual
boundaries, gambling, substance abuse—to seek help and healing in that
area,” observes Jim Koch, director of counseling services.
Students turn to the student life office for help when feeling convicted
about a particular behavior or at the urging of friends who are aware that
something is out of line. Although students aren’t forced to attend
a support group, Dean of Students Jim Fereira notes that a non-disciplinary
approach is helpful with students who seek assistance with problems.
Koch, along with colleagues who work on other campuses, has seen a rise in recent years in students who hail from homes that are more dysfunctional or disrupted (e.g., abuse, divorce, substance abuse, violence). As a result, “we’re more responsive and involved,” says Koch. He praises campus ministries for promoting relevant chapel topics, more intense training for discipleship leaders for freshmen, and lust-free living groups. Koch is also encouraged that resident assistants for each dorm floor receive comprehensive training.
Students can face problems that are not a “covenantal” issue, reminds Fereira. “Young people may be trying to address maturing issues, be working through grief, or [wondering] how to deal with relationships with their significant other.” These times might still require a guided group of understanding peers. For example, some groups that work out of the Office of Student Life are relationship-oriented, focused on normal phases of life for seriously dating couples.
Bethel’s Holistic Approach
“Bethel is committed to a holistic approach when dealing with students,” says Fereira. “It’s the three-legged stool approach (intellectual development, personal development, spiritual formation) promoted by Provost Jay Barnes; academics, campus ministries, and student life work together to encourage maturity in every part of life.”
In an article for the Clarion, Bethel’s student newspaper, Merrishia Naicker told writer Sarah Bitzan that “a strong community of support” is one of the best ways for students to deal with problems or stress and find freedom from pain.
“Trust can be found in others, authenticity of self is recognizable in relationships, and honesty is reflected in one’s interaction within fellowship.”
Faculty Profile: Greg Indlecoffer
Play Ball–and Grow
Greg Indlecoffer
By Kay Wible
In the spring, when the air awakens to the crack of batting practice and the whiz of fastballs, Bethel’s head coach Greg Indlecoffer takes to the field with more than just the game in his heart.
Indlecoffer, who was a Royals catcher for four years, graduated in 1988 with a degree in physical education. He soon returned to Bethel as an assistant baseball coach and signed on as head coach in 2002 with a goal of “not only developing athletes’ skills, but also their emotional and spiritual growth and maturity.”
“Our program has a threefold plan,” Indlecoffer explains. “We have a vision to develop a championship-type team and provide a championship-type experience, with a mission to allow players to experience transformation in the process.” He paraphrases Romans 12:2: “Let God transform you by changing the way you think!” The plan’s third plank is the goal: “We want to be a playoff team, to place in the top four in our division.”
They’ve come close; in recent years, the Royals narrowly missed playoff status. This year, Indlecoffer believes the leadership and experience of his six returning starters could see the 38-member team reach the goal. But his priorities go beyond the game. “Coach Indlecoffer—‘Indo’ to his players —has been a blessing,” says senior co-captain Kirby Carr. “His hard work and leadership continually raise the bar for us. He’s tough when it’s called for, but he is quick to give praise as well.”
Indlecoffer’s personal approach is evident in many team activities. Each fall, the Royals host an Old-Timers’ game on the first night of Homecoming weekend and meet alumni on the field after the Saturday football game. The team volunteers with the annual TwinsFest for area youngsters, one of only two college programs to do so. To build camaraderie, Indlecoffer and his staff take Bethel’s players on a retreat to Wisconsin in February, and invest a portion of training time in service projects at the retreat camp. Players also pitch in to help teach at the coach’s Greater Twin Cities Baseball Schools, offered February-April for youth in grades K-12 and aimed at developing “baseball skills, character, attitude, and sportsmanship.”
“Baseball is good training for life—it teaches teamwork and overcoming adversity,” Indlecoffer notes. “It’s rewarding to watch the guys grow, to see them put baseball in its proper place.
Baseball is a game. What it’s really all about is how you live life.”
Heads Up for Graduation
By now, all parents of students graduating in May should have received information regarding the commencement weekend. If you have not received a mailing, please contact Sheri Anderstrom in the alumni and parent services office at 651.635.8774. Please direct commencement questions to Amanda Cornelius at 651.638.6036.
Commencement Fun Facts
- Expected to graduate: 480
- Top 10 Majors (as of March 1):
Business (71)
Nursing (54)
Elementary Education (31)
Psychology (25)
Biblical and Theological Studies (22)
Biology (22)
Communication Studies (17)
Art (15)
Social Work (15)
Media Communication (12)
Making Disciples
Campus Chapel Re-Energized
By Kay Wible
Where at Bethel might you expect to see more than 500 students voluntarily gathering several times a week? You might not readily guess “chapel.” On some days, in fact, attendance nears a thousand. What’s the key, you might ask?
“The answer lies in prayer,” says Campus Pastor Jim “Umf” Lo. Since taking the helm at the Office of Campus Ministries last fall, Lo has made prayer a priority in every area of ministry, including chapel.
Every Monday since his arrival, Lo takes prayer walks around the campus. He is now joined by 16 regulars who “bathe” the campus in prayer at 7 a.m. Concentrated intercession, he explains, encourages a deeper relationship with Christ and a more meaningful worship time for the Bethel community.
More evidence of Lo’s passion: students sign up in the campus ministries office to pray for each chapel service, and Lo himself is committed to arriving an hour ahead of time to devote himself to communion with God. The increase in chapel attendance seems to reflect a responding desire for greater spiritual depth on campus. “We encourage not just the students to come to services, but faculty and staff as well,” Lo says.
The recent addition of Emily Manders in the newly created role of administrative pastor of worship has also enhanced the ministry of chapel. In addition to supervising nine rotating chapel worship teams, Manders mentors team leaders to help them “grow deeper in Christ, as well as learn to lead others in true worship,” says Lo.
Another visible change: altar calls that may draw 50 or more students or staff members to the front for prayer.
In addition, there has been added emphasis on teaching from the Word, and response has been overwhelmingly positive. “The students themselves have told us that they want to hear more preaching directly from the Bible,” reports Lo.
Staying Involved
Calling Parent Volunteers
All-School Spring Banquet Set for May 19
For Bethel students, the All-School Spring Banquet is a great way to end the school year. This year’s event will be held Saturday, May 19.
Traditionally, parents play a key part in making the evening special. Willing to push up your sleeves, put on some comfy shoes, and head out to serve? We need you! Check out this flyer for more details.
Valentine’s Day: Sweet Success
More than 300 mugs filled with goodies were distributed during the 2007
Valentine’s Day mug fundraiser. It was a win-win for all involved.
“Students really liked the mugs, and about $1,500 was raised for faculty
grants,” reports Sheri Anderstrom, coordinator for alumni and parent
events/ services. “Faculty members appreciate the grants, which fund
curriculum development, program enhancements, and department equipment. All
enrich the educational experience for Bethel students. I want to thank parents
for their generous support of this effort.”
Picture the Future
Updated Drawings Unveiled
To view new sketches of the proposed University Commons project and to obtain a “Taking the Next Step” campaign update, click here.
Employment Matters
Services Help Your Student “Get the Job Won”
Will your student graduate in May? Perhaps your daughter or son hasn’t yet found that coveted job. Bethel’s Office of Career Services is an excellent resource for employment opportunities and internship listings, such as:
- Job postings – full time, part time, summer, and internships
- Bethel’s E-Resume service
- Job-search links, cost of living
calculator, and relocation information - International opportunities
- Publications on “What to do with a major in …”
For additional help, encourage your student to check out the career services website.
Don't-Miss Dates
April
For a complete listing of events visit the Bethel University Events Calendar.
| 26-28 | Stage Door, Bethel Theatre , 7:30 p.m. |
| 29 | Stage Door, Bethel Theatre, 2:30 p.m. |
| 30 | Chamber Ensembles Spring Concert, Benson Great Hall, 7:30 p.m. |
May
| 2-5 | Stage Door, Bethel Theatre, 7:30 p.m. |
| 4 | Jazz in the Great Hall, Benson Great Hall, 7:30 p.m. |
| 6 | Handbell Ensemble and Male Chorus Spring Concert, Benson Great Hall, 3 p.m. |
| 11 | Classics in the Great Hall , Benson Great Hall, 7:30 p.m. |
| 15 | Jazz Orchestra Spring Concert Benson Great Hall, 7:30 p.m. |
| 19 | All-School Spring Banquet, SRC, 5:30 p.m. |
| 20 | Wind Symphony Bon Voyage Concert, Benson Great Hall, 3 p.m. |
| 25 | Senior/Parent Banquet , Robertson Center Gym, 6 p.m. |
| 25 | Senior Show, Benson Great Hall, 7:45 p.m. |
| 26 | Commencement, College of Arts & Sciences, Benson Great Hall |
| 27 | Baccalaureate Service, Benson Great Hall, 10 a.m. |
For information about Benson Great Hall events, please call 651.638.6333.
Key Dates in the Financial Aid Process
April 15, 2007
Financial aid application priority deadline
May 1, 2007
Student employment application deadline for new and transfer
students
July 1, 2007
Priority application dates for all loan processes (e.g., promissory notes
and Loan Entrance counseling)
August 1, 2007
Partnership Grant (church matching scholarship) deadline
For more information, please contact the Office of University Financial Aid at 651.638.6241. Also, you can check out the website.
Women’s Spring Celebration
Get the
Garden Growing!” is the theme for this year’s Women’s
Spring Celebration. Peggy Kendall, associate professor of communication
studies and author of two soon-to-be released books, will be the keynote
speaker.
Too often the beautiful blooms of everyday life are overcome by weeds. By clearing out the busyness and bitterness, the true beauty God has promised can emerge. Kendall’s insights on this subject just might make your day—and life—even better.
This special mother-daughter event will be held at North Oaks Golf Club on Saturday, April 21. A punch reception at 10:30 a.m. kicks off the event. Enjoy a delicious lunch, beautiful music, and a message sure to inspire.
Reservations and payment must be received by Monday, April 16. For more information, please contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Services at 651.638.6462 (toll-free at 800.255.8706, ext. 6462), or by email at parents@bethel.edu.
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
651.638.6462
email: parents@bethel.edu
Editor: Patty Thomson
Writers: Patty Thomson, Kay Wible
Designers: Thomas Vukelich '82
Staff Photographer: Woody Dahlberg '69