Congratulations to the 2023 Core Value Mark of Distinction Award Winners!  

Publication Date - June 01, 2023

Congratulations to the 2023 Core Value Mark of Distinction award winners, Gretchen Hunt, Alicia Ochs, and Tim Shaw!

Gretchen Hunt

Senior Womens Administrator | Head Women’s Volleyball Coach, Athletics Department

Core Value Award:  Character Builder

One of Gretchen’s nominators wrote: “In her two decades at Bethel, Gretchen Hunt has demonstrated and lived out the Core Values on a daily basis. One trait however, that really stands out in her work with student athletes is the fact that she is a Character-builder.  Gretchen consistently invests in the cultivation of ‘whole and holy persons through formal or informal mentoring/teaching of student athletes.” Another nominator went on to say: “She continues to build on our character and teach us how to be the best version of ourselves that God has created us to be.” In account after account, it became clear that Gretchen truly embodies the core value of Character Builder in her interactions with both students and professional employees alike.  Gretchen, thank you for your investment in the development of others!

Alicia Ochs

Associate Dean for Student Care, Student Life

Core Value Award: Salt and Light

“As the Associate Dean for STudent Care, Alicia regularly meets with students regarding a variety of concerns, such as mental health, medical conditions, bereavement, academics, and other difficult life circumstances.  When she meets with them, she has the ability to quickly build rapport, and graciously leans into hard conversations.  The light of Christ shines through Alicia in those conversations as she listens to student share about their hard, life-altering circumstances.  Although her work requires her to sit with students in the midst of some dark times, Alicia has a beautiful way of shining the light of Christ and reminding students of the good in them and this world.” Alicia, thank you for being salt and light in this world and allowing students (and colleagues alike) to experience Christ in the midst of their interactions with you!

Tim Shaw

Professor, Biological Sciences and Physician Assistant Departments

Core Value Award:  Christ-follower

For decades, Tim has been teaching at Bethel, “passionate about Bethel’s Christian foundations. His nominator highlighted that Tim lives out his love for Christ by regularly attending chapel and finding ways to support the efforts of Christian Formation. He leads a small group Bible study on Monday evenings and offers to lead the department in meaningful times of prayer.  Time is quick to share with candidates exploring positions at Bethel how his personal experiences at Bethel have helped him grow spiritually”. For those who have interacted with Tim, you know and have seen Christ evident in the life of this man.  Tim, thank you for your decades of following Jesus and allowing that discipleship to influence all you do at Bethel!