Scholarship Celebration Reveals the Impact of Generosity

At the annual Scholarship Celebration, student recipients of donor-funded scholarships shared a meal with the donors who made their scholarships possible. The evening featured a dinner, performances by student musicians, and several student speakers who shared the great impact scholarships have had on their Bethel experience.

By Cherie Suonvieri '15, GS'21, content specialist

April 08, 2022 | 8:30 a.m.

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“This is not my story, but God’s story through me,” said Carrie Park ’22, as she addressed attendees of the Scholarship Celebration on March 31, 2022. Like hundreds of other students, Park’s education has been made possible through the generosity of Bethel donors. With the 120 donors and students in attendance that evening, Park shared how the scholarships she’s received throughout her Bethel years have changed her life.  

As a child, Park dreamed about walking across the stage to receive her college degree, though she once didn’t think it would be possible. She was born in Seoul, South Korea, but at age 9, her parents sent her to the United States to live with family in hopes of giving her a better chance at a future. At age 18, the summer before her senior year of high school, Park’s living situation grew unsafe and she became an independent.

“I was thrown out into the real world with little to no preparation. Thankfully, a friend’s family graciously took me in as I began my senior year of high school, but this was honestly one of the most difficult times in my life,” Park said.

“I cannot put into words how impactful Bethel has been in my life.”

— Carrie Park ’22
Carrie Park '22

Carrie Park '22

During that time, Park worked four different part time jobs, while trying to stay on top of her studies. Every day felt like a matter of survival. Park says she was introduced to Bethel at her lowest, and it turned out to be exactly what she needed. “I cannot put into words how impactful Bethel has been in my life,” Park said. “Family has felt like a bit of a sore spot in my life, but God has fulfilled me in that area through the community I found at Bethel.” 

Though she once thought it impossible, Park will walk across Benson Great Hall stage to receive her bachelor’s degree in business this May. After graduation, she hopes to attend law school to study immigration law. 

“This is all because of the persistence and dedication of my professors, my peers, my admissions counselor, and the generosity of donors like you,” Park said. 

Attendees of the Scholarship Celebration Dinner heard from two other scholarship recipients, Nate Chau ’22 and Dagny LeMunyon S’22. 

“Your donations have given me opportunities I couldn’t have dreamed of, and someday I want to make that possible for the next generation as well.”

— Nate Chau ’22
Nate Chau '22

Nate Chau '22

Chau is a senior biokinetics major who says that the scholarships he’s received have allowed him to have a far more balanced college experience than he’d ever imagined. “By taking some of the financial burden off the table, I’ve been able to put so much more time and effort into the many experiences Bethel provides,” he said, describing his involvement in his senior research project, a Bible study, the Bethel football team, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes with a north Minneapolis football team. 

During his first year of college, Chau remembers, he thought that once he’d paid off his student loans, he'd never want to give more money to the university. “After experiencing the generosity of donors like you, I can honestly and humbly say that I was so wrong,” Chau said. “Your donations have given me opportunities I couldn’t have dreamed of, and someday I want to make that possible for the next generation as well.” 

“We serve an incredibly generous God, and it is inspiring to see that generosity reflected in all of you.”

— Dagny LeMunyon S’22
Dagny LeMunyon S'22

Dagny LeMunyon S'22

LeMunyon is in her final year of the Master of Divinity program at Bethel Seminary, after which, she said, she’ll continue to follow the call God has placed on her life to become a visitation pastor. “This journey at Bethel of spiritual growth and ministry education would not have been possible without your generosity,” she said to the donors in attendance. “We serve an incredibly generous God, and it is inspiring to see that generosity reflected in all of you.” 

Park, Chau, and LeMunyon represent just a handful of the students impacted by scholarships at Bethel. Donors attending the Scholarship Celebration had the opportunity to hear more stories over dinner, and many heard directly from the students who benefitted from the scholarship their funds created. Students in attendance, on the other hand, had the opportunity to hear about donors’ passion for seeing more students experience a Bethel education. 

“This is truly a special evening,” said President Ross Allen in his remarks about the event. “I continue to be amazed by the number of people who’ve made an impact, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for those of you who have made this mission possible.”

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Excerpts from Student Thank You Cards to Donors

Help make a student's Bethel education possible.

Creating or funding a scholarship is one way you can directly support Bethel students. As a scholarship donor, you can use your gifts toward an academic discipline or demographic you're passionate about—and you'll have the opportunity to meet the student who benefits from your gift at our annual Scholarship Celebration. 

Learn more