Bethel University celebrates winter commencement

On Friday, December 20, 2024, Bethel University held its winter commencement ceremony at Benson Great Hall, celebrating the accomplishments of students across the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS), the College of Adult & Professional Studies (CAPS), and the Graduate School. The ceremony, which began at 5 p.m., honored graduates from a variety of academic disciplines as they crossed the stage to receive their diplomas.

Faculty and administrators recognized the graduates’ hard work and determination through challenges, while Bethel University Provost Robin Rylaarsdam presided over the program. She congratulated the graduates on their achievements, thanked families for supporting their students, and honored first-generation graduates. She also highlighted the lifelong relationships formed at Bethel and the university’s mission to equip leaders who bring hope, peace, and joy to the world. She encouraged graduates to carry three key reminders:

● Preparation: A solid foundation for impactful careers.
● Purpose: Courage and humility to follow God’s calling.
● Faith: A relationship with God that grounds their journey.

Graduate School graduates were also honored through a special hooding ceremony conducted by faculty members. The ceremony featured reflections from three graduates: Elijah Hess (CAS), Rashane Bryant (CAPS), and Patrick Mengelkoch (Graduate School). Each speaker shared their personal journey, offering insights that resonated deeply with their fellow graduates.

Elijah Hess, College of Arts & Sciences

Biology graduate Elijah Hess spoke on the importance of giving 100% in all aspects of life, particularly as a Christian. His message centered on the call to fully commit to God’s service—not just in academics but in every action.

“Our world is full of people who do just enough to get by...but as graduates of Bethel, is that really how we want to approach life?” Hess asked. For him, giving 100% is not about perfection but about faithfulness and persistence, ultimately honoring God. Hess reminded his peers that Christians are called to reflect Jesus’ light in every interaction. “If this world is the closest thing to heaven a nonbeliever will ever know, shouldn’t we, as Christians, make it our mission to reflect the light of Jesus every single day?”

Acknowledging that failure is a part of life, Hess urged his classmates to embrace challenges, knowing they can overcome anything with God’s strength. “We are going to fail. We are going to mess up. We’re going to face challenges...but there will not be anyone who can outwork us,” he said, while citing biblical figures—Noah, Abraham, and Peter—who, despite their flaws, were used powerfully by God.

In closing, Hess encouraged his classmates to live boldly and purposefully for Christ: “Why not push through the challenges? Why not make this world a little more like heaven by doing everything with all you’ve got?”

Rashane Bryant, College of Adult & Professional Studies

Rashane Bryant, who graduated with a B.A. in Organizational Leadership, reflected on how his time at Bethel University shaped his perspective on growth and change. Through classroom discussions and mentorship, he gained a deeper understanding of using his skills to make a meaningful impact, particularly in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Bryant shared how feedback from a professor challenged him to view change as an internal process and act intentionally within his sphere of influence. This resonated deeply with his passion for DEI, inspiring him to integrate its principles into his organization and mentoring work.

“The journey ahead will bring challenges and opportunities, but remember, this change is not the enemy. It’s the doorway to growth, the stage for faith, and the path to fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives,” Bryant said.

Patrick Mengelkoch, Graduate School

Patrick Mengelkoch, who graduated with an M.A. in Teaching, shared a message about pursuing one’s passion, embracing change, and finding purpose through service. Mengelkoch recounted his decision to leave a sales job to become a high school teacher and coach. He also shared a piece of wisdom from his father that became his guiding principle: “Do something you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” Reflecting on three years in his teaching career, Mengelkoch said, “I get to drive to work every day, knowing that I’m doing something I love.”

Speaking directly to his fellow educators, Mengelkoch urged them to embrace their calling: “Be proud to call yourself a teacher. May God give you the words to open the curious minds of your students and, at times, the words to comfort and console the ones who need it most. And may God keep that fire burning in your soul, knowing that what you are doing is one of the most important jobs on this planet.”

As the ceremony concluded, graduates were reminded of the legacy they carry forward—Bethel University’s commitment to faith, service, and excellence. The speakers’ words reflected Bethel’s core values: giving your best for God’s glory, embracing purpose through service, and making a lasting impact in the world. With these principles guiding them, the winter graduates of 2024 are ready to step into new chapters of their lives, confident in their ability to reflect Christ’s light in their careers, communities, and beyond.

Study at Bethel. 

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 to become who they're meant to be. 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.

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