Meet Mild Du ’25: Bethel's student body president

Mild Du’s path to Bethel was anything but expected. After initially committing to another university, she never anticipated she'd choose Bethel and also step into multiple leadership roles on campus, developing a passion for videography and political science along the way.

"After I made my decision to attend another university, I called my admissions counselor at Bethel and told him, 'Hey, I'm so sorry. I'm committing to this other school.' And what really stood out to me was... on the call, he goes, 'That's okay. We'll continue praying for you,’” she says. This genuine care from the Bethel community played a significant role in her eventual decision to attend. “I think how much Bethel cares for you, even if you aren't going to commit to them, was a big reason why I decided on Bethel in the end,” she says.

Today, Mild finds herself at the heart of the very community that first drew her in, leading as student body president in her final year of Bethel Student Government (BSG). Double majoring in media production and business with a concentration in political science, she’s embraced the opportunities Bethel offers to make an impact. Though she started with a focus on marketing, her growing interest in political science prompted her to add it as a concentration. “I have a strong passion for political science and government, which is a big part of why I got involved in student government and student senate,” she says.

Mild’s commitment to student leadership stems from a desire to give back to the community that welcomed her so warmly. "We want to give back to the Bethel community what they have given to us," she says. “It’s all the little moments where I am making an impact in BSG that led me to want to take on a bigger role.”

Her leadership journey began in the student senate during her first two years at Bethel, followed by roles as director of specialty media and later as vice president. "Helping make media content for BSG my sophomore year and just seeing the team grow while I was vice president my junior year were impactful experiences," she says.

Drawn to Bethel 

Mild's first connection to Bethel began in Worthington, Minnesota, where she was inspired by the positive experiences of youth leaders from her church who attended the university. “I ended up applying because I just knew so many people who went there and enjoyed it.”  

Mild appreciated Bethel’s smaller size and notes that the emphasis on personal relationships and support was crucial for her as a first-generation college student. “We’re not just getting an education while we're here; we're building up that relational and supportive community,” she says. “We're learning skills that are so unique to Bethel.”

One of the most memorable aspects of Mild’s student experience has been the willingness of everyone to support one another. "It's the people who have shaped who and where I am now," she says. “It’s not just about academics; it’s about genuine encouragement. The professors at Bethel engage in conversations that go beyond coursework, showing they truly want to understand their students’ lives and aspirations,” she says. "I don’t think I would be where I am without the encouragement of all the professors, staff, and friends."

Mild has several notable accomplishments under her belt during her time at Bethel. In her sophomore year, she collaborated with others to create an introductory hockey video that earned second place at a festival in Las Vegas and a nomination in the Upper Midwest Student Production Awards. The following year, she partnered on a men’s soccer video that won an award for editing. Additionally, her involvement in the Textura documentary focused on Guatemala has enriched her academic experience. The Textura project, which combines video, photography, and journalism, garnered several awards. Her passion for videography traces back to high school when she took a class and discovered the creative process of storytelling through video. "I enjoyed being able to make our ideas come to life," she says. “Since then, I've been really interested in videography and the process behind it."

While in office

As BSG president, Mild and her team are focused on engaging students through events and initiatives—like facilitating composting and recycling on campus—as well as promoting diversity. “I think just providing the space, resources, and support is a great way to foster inclusion and diversity. United Cultures of Bethel (UCB) has been thriving this year with a surge in members and participation,” she says. “We have a really strong team, and everyone is very supportive—I believe that is what makes us successful.”

Mild also seeks to ensure that every student feels recognized and valued. "I want everyone on campus to know that they’re known," she says. Her goal is to reassure students that they fit somewhere within the Bethel community. “That's a big part of the BSG mission, just connecting students. And that's why we have so many clubs, so many activities. We have eSports, painting, and a variety of different events that draw in different crowds of people. I want to give the message that there is always something for you here, no matter what.”

Under Mild‘s guidance, the focus on personal invites—knowing people’s names and asking them to come to events—in the Bethel community has become a hallmark of her leadership strategy. “We want people to know that they have a place here at Bethel, and that it is a core part of what BSG is,” she says. “We want to have an inviting and open space where everyone feels they belong.”

By fostering a campus culture where names matter and personal connections are valued, Mild hopes to increase event attendance and student engagement. "If I see someone down the hall... I’ll ask, ‘Are you coming to the event tonight?’" she says. Many students may not be aware of events despite social media and flyers, but most of the time, people are interested—they just don’t have enough information," she says.

The future

Mild also aims to inspire other students to consider running for office. "Know your role, know what to expect, and know that you are going to represent the student body," she says, emphasizing the importance of advocating for fellow students. "It’s all about figuring out how to represent our student population and navigate the challenges that come with the role."

Looking ahead, Mild envisions a future that blends her interests in videography and marketing—perhaps graduate school or entering the workforce. "Leading and being involved in student life, and meeting people from diverse faiths and backgrounds, has broadened my perspectives," she says. "My experience at Bethel has taught me the value of servant leadership—leading for the good of others—and has deepened my faith, inspiring me to create and maintain intentional relationships."

Study what you love in a community where you belong.

Bethel Student Government exists to develop students’ God-given abilities and inspire them to be used in kingdom-building ways by connecting students through events and opportunities—inside and outside of Bethel.

Learn more