Generosity meets opportunity at Scholarship Celebration

On Thursday, April 9, about 175 members of the Bethel community gathered in the Brushaber Commons Atrium and the Underground. Over a shared meal, students and donors built relationships that reflect the heart of Bethel: a Christ-guided community that invests in students being equipped to lead lives of impact.

The evening created space for meaningful conversations between students and the people whose generosity helps make their education possible. Around each table, stories unfolded—how students found Bethel, how they’ve grown here, and why donors feel called to give. These connections move beyond financial support. They remind students they are seen, supported, and called to something greater.

President Ross Allen welcomed guests and thanked donors for investing in students’ lives and futures. “Your generosity is opening doors and making a way for students to discover all that God has created them to be,” he says. “To our students: you are why we’re here. You are Bethel’s living story—evidence of God’s faithfulness and a picture of what this community exists to do.”

He encouraged students to learn from those around them, recognizing that each donor’s story represents both sacrifice and calling. Together, they reflect a broader community committed to helping students grow, lead, and serve.

“Tonight is about connection,” Allen says. “It’s about generosity meeting opportunity—and about what happens when people invest in something that matters: seeing lives transformed through Christ-centered education.”

That impact is tangible. In the 2024-2025 academic year, Bethel awarded 772 scholarships, including 243 annual scholarships and 529 from endowed funds. The average scholarship totaled $2,951, contributing to more than $2.2 million in direct support for students beyond institutional and federal funding. These funds help remove barriers so students can focus on their education, their faith, and their calling.

During the evening, attendees had the opportunity to hear from a panel of Bethel students representing a variety of backgrounds and academic programs. They offered personal examples of how God called them to Bethel University, how their learning has shaped their lives, and what financial support has meant to their journeys. 

They also heard the story of Maj. Katie (Malszycki) Lunning '12, whose time at Bethel led to an inspiring career as a flight nurse in the National Guard. She's earned the prestigious Flying Cross Award and was named Alumna of the Year for the College of Arts & Sciences in 2023. She shared about a sudden attack during a deployment to Afghanistan and how she leaned on the skills she developed at Bethel. 

Lunning has made an extraordinary impact through her service—caring for patients on the front lines, leading critical care teams, and earning one of the military’s highest honors for her work. But stories like hers don’t happen in isolation. It's access to a Bethel education, made possible through the generosity of donors, that opens the door for students to pursue their diverse callings.

The Scholarship Celebration closed with student vocalists leading the Doxology—a benediction of sorts and a reflection of Bethel’s deep-rooted mission. It was a fitting reminder that every gift, every story, and every opportunity points back to God’s faithfulness.

Support scholarships at Bethel

Support a student’s journey and help make a Christ-centered education possible. Whether you want to honor someone or invest in future leaders, creating or contributing to a scholarship fund makes a lasting impact.

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