Bethel University celebrates 2025 winter commencement

On Friday, December 19, 2025, Bethel University held its winter commencement ceremony in Benson Great Hall, honoring undergraduate and graduate students. The ceremony brought together students, families, faculty, and staff to recognize the journey of Bethel’s newest alumni.

A message of purpose and gratitude
The ceremony began with a welcome and prayer from President Ross Allen, who reflected on the community of support that helped bring each graduate to this moment. He recognized families, mentors, and friends—giving special recognition to first-generation graduates whose accomplishments represent a legacy milestone.

“We are here to celebrate all that God has done and accomplished in and through you during your time at Bethel,” Allen said. “This milestone is more than a reflection of your talent and hard work—though you have shown plenty of that—it’s also a testimony to God’s faithfulness.”

Allen spoke candidly about the challenges students have overcome, from family responsibilities to doubts and loss. “Some of you may have faced profound loss. Others have balanced jobs, family, and health challenges. And still others have wrestled with doubts or setbacks that made continuing feel uncertain—and yet, by God’s grace, you are here.”

He concluded by commissioning graduates for what lies ahead. “Now may you go out into the world with boldness, confidence, humility, and unwavering trust in the faithfulness of our God, who will be with you always—because He is the architect of your story.”

Graduate School students were recognized through a ceremonial hooding led by faculty mentors, symbolizing academic excellence and professional readiness. The hooding reinforced the close mentorship that defines Bethel’s graduate experience and the faculty’s investment in each student’s journey.

Two student speakers shared how Bethel shaped their faith, character, and calling—offering a window into the transformation that defines the Bethel experience.

A calling to serve through advocacy and empathy

Grace Owens ’25, a psychology graduate from the College of Arts & Sciences, addressed her fellow graduates with a message of reflection. “This is a moment to pause, recognize how far we've come, and reflect on the paths we're about to take.”

She described how her academic experiences were rooted in something deeper. “My time at Bethel has shaped me in ways I could have never imagined. Just as it has for many of you—whether in Chapel, a lecture hall, or even the Monson Dining Center (DC)—I can attest that this journey embodies something different. A different mindset. A different culture. A different way of seeing and experiencing the world. A different experience rooted in Christ.”

Grace highlighted two key moments: a psychology service project working with people with disabilities and a class project supporting an immigrant family from Ecuador. “I witnessed the power of truly hearing someone's story and the importance of advocating for those who are underrepresented and underserved. I developed a deep respect for their resilience, creativity, and strength with which they navigate the world.”

She added, “Meeting people from different tribes and tongues—as the book of Revelation celebrates—was a profound intercultural experience I will never forget.”

She closed with a reflection: “As we leave this space for the first time as Bethel graduates, I encourage you to seek to embody the heart of Christ. Pursue excellence as defined by Him. Use the tools that we've gained on our Bethel journey—whether it's leading a team or discovering a medical breakthrough—to shine the light of Christ in the world.”

Faith-infused leadership in the workplace

Zach Hamann GS’25, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate from the Graduate School, spoke on the intersection of faith and leadership in Bethel’s MBA program. 

He shared how his learning went far beyond business. “I learned a lot about business that quickly helped me position myself within my current company and actually led to a promotion within one year of the MBA starting. But it was actually the lessons outside of the business side that really were impactful—lessons such as being a leader over a manager, understanding the needs of every employee at an individual level so you can truly serve them, and how to connect faith back to those business principles.”

One of those faith lessons stuck with him. “In a business world that often feels chaotic, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. Faith can become something reserved for Sunday mornings, with the pastor as the primary voice sharing God’s message. But in reality, most of us interact with far more people every day than we will in a church. While the technical side of Bethel’s MBA helped advance my career, I realize that the influence each of us carries in our daily interactions is ultimately far more impactful.”

He closed by pointing to his personal growth: "I'm ending this program with that promotion to being a manager. I've learned a lot in both business and how to be a leader and a better Christian on a daily basis. I look at how I can be a servant leader to my employees and serve Christ. It is that public pulpit which I choose to serve.”

Leaving equipped and prepared

The winter commencement ceremony reflected Bethel’s mission to prepare graduates who are grounded in faith, equipped through transformational academics, and empowered to serve in the world. As the final benediction rang through Benson Great Hall, each graduate stepped into their next chapter with courage and conviction.

Become who you're called to be.

Bethel’s mission is to prepare graduates who are ready to serve and lead in their communities, workplaces, and churches. And that preparation is rooted in transformation—not just knowledge gained, but lives changed.

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