Bethel Students Spending Time at State Capitol

Students attended Bethel’s Day at the Capitol and Scholars Day at the Capitol to advocate for the Minnesota State Grant program and private colleges.

By Suzanne McInroy, director of communications

March 19, 2019 | 1:30 p.m.

Bethel students present their research in the rotunda at the Minnesota state capitol building.

Bethel students present their research in the rotunda at the Minnesota state capitol building. (Photo credit: Stephen Geffre for Minnesota Private College Council)

With the Minnesota legislative session in full swing, Bethel students have taken opportunities to visit the state Capitol in the last few months. In January, three students participated in Scholars Day at the Capitol. Organized by the Minnesota Private College Council, the event allowed students from private colleges in Minnesota to present research posters to legislators, employees, and visitors.

Chemistry major Brett Norling ’19 presented his research on “Bacterial Adhesion to Heart Valve Biomaterials.”

Chemistry major Brett Norling ’19 presented his research on “Bacterial Adhesion to Heart Valve Biomaterials.” (Photo credit: Stephen Geffre for Minnesota Private College Council)

Psychology majors Sydnie Sybrant ’20 and Meg Thorison ’19 presented their research on “Adopted Mother’s Religious Meaning Regarding Adoption.”

Psychology majors Sydnie Sybrant ’20 and Meg Thorison ’19 presented their research on “Adopted Mother’s Religious Meaning Regarding Adoption.” (Photo credit: Stephen Geffre for Minnesota Private College Council)

More recently, a group of students attended Bethel’s Day at the Capitol to advocate on behalf of the Minnesota State Grant program. President Jay Barnes hosted an alumni breakfast at the Capitol before joining students to meet legislators.

First-year business major and Act Six Scholar Tu Lor Eh Paw also testified before the Minnesota Senate’s higher education budget and finance committee, sharing how the Minnesota State Grant helps her and her family afford college.

Bethel students and employees posed for a photo with Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) during Bethel’s Day at the Capitol.

Bethel students and employees posed for a photo with Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) during Bethel’s Day at the Capitol.