Bethel University Celebrates Commencement
Over 1,100 students graduate this year, including the first complete cadre of Act Six scholars and the first neuroscience and electrical engineering graduates.
By Monique Kleinhuizen ’08, GS’16, new media strategist
May 28, 2019 | 3 p.m.
A student receives her diploma at Spring Commencement at Bethel University
“Hold onto your dreams,” said Pastor John Jenkins Sr., recounting the Old Testament story of Joseph as he encouraged Bethel’s 2019 graduates. “Don’t let anyone take them away from you. God has the power to make your dreams into reality. We shall see what shall become of your dreams.”
Jenkins—who is senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Glenarden in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area—is a former member of the Bethel Board of Trustees and former vice president of National Ministries for Converge Worldwide. He gave the address at Bethel’s five commencement ceremonies on May 25 and 26, celebrating graduates from the College of Arts & Science, the College of Adult & Professional Studies, Bethel Seminary St. Paul, and the Graduate School.
Spring 2019 Commencement, by the numbers
Spring graduates include 496 students from the College of Arts & Sciences, including the first graduates from Bethel’s neuroscience and electrical engineering programs. There were 76 adult undergraduate students and 107 graduate students commencing, as well as 75 Bethel Seminary graduates in St. Paul. Thirty-six will graduate from Bethel Seminary San Diego next weekend, and 32 will graduate from the physician assistant program in late summer. All-told, and including winter commencement, 1,110 will have graduated this fiscal year.
The weekend also included a pinning ceremony for the Department of Nursing, the Royal Reception and Senior Celebration for families of undergraduates, and the Seminary Family Reception and Communion Service.
Study at Bethel University
Bethel has been a leader and model in Christian higher education since 1871. For generations, our fusion of evangelical faith with top-ranked academics has transformed women and men, preparing them for unique callings in the kingdom of God. Bethel offers programs for traditional undergraduate students in over 100 areas of study, flexible programs for adult undergraduate degree completion, plus graduate and seminary programs that are offered both online and face-to-face.