Student Advisory Council

Jennifer Alger

College of Adult & Professional Studies Student

Jennifer lives in Deer River, a small rural community in northern Minnesota. She is enrolled in the College of Adult and Professional Studies and is pursuing a B.A. in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis on Human Services. Although being a non-traditional student presents some unique challenges, Jennifer is embracing them as part of the rich learning process. She is excited about the opportunity to attend Bethel University and exploring the doors that will be opened up to her with the completion of her degree. She looks forward to encouraging other students, whether traditional or non-traditional, in their academic pursuits.

Brian Balfanz

Graduate School Student

I chose Bethel's Graduate School because of the tremendous word-of-mouth support for the academics and the caring environment. Bethel's Strategic Leadership program offers an unmatched foundation in ethics. As a husband, father, and leader I strive for ethical and compassionate behavior. I am a veteran and crime analyst who values our freedom and the awe-inspiring world God has blessed us with.

Nadiya Borshch

Graduate School Student

Originally from Ukraine, I came to United States as a freshman in high school. Coming to the U.S. was always my dream and I still cannot believe I've already been here for nine years. Some of my favorite things to do are going camping, traveling, singing in choir, playing tennis and spending lots of time with my family and friends. I also enjoy going back to Ukraine to visit my family whenever I get a chance. I currently work for a small entrepreneurial bank in the Twin Cities area.

Rich Cummins

Graduate School Student

Rich Cummins is pursuing his Ed.D. in Higher Educational Leadership. Rich works at Bethel College in Mishawaka, IN, serving as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Rich is a life-long learner who is oriented toward growth and constantly pursues ways to challenge himself. Rich also desires to help others lead at the highest level possible by developing a strong character, healthy relationships, and high performance. Additionally, Rich is an executive coach who is certified in the EQ-I 2.0 and EQ 360 emotional intelligence assessments, and he serves as a pastor in his local church.

James D'Angelo

College of Adult & Professional Studies Student

A shirt I own states, “Never stop learning.” My email tagline reads: “lifelong learner, artist, explorer.” My last three years in one word: perseverance. I recently completed two years of Physical Therapy (PTA) studies, and three semesters of theatre. I would like to pursue a master's degree in Theology or Divinity. This is my fourth time back to university, and I've worked in the fields of sales, management, broadcasting, and professional photography. God in His providence decided that now was the time for me to be at Bethel, so here I am - bring on the adventure!

Kalie Johnson

Graduate School Student

I grew up in Richfield, MN and attended Bethel University from 2011-2015. I was a part of the Bethel women's hockey program for four years and spent two of those in a leadership role. I graduated with my bachelor's in athletic training and a minor in community health. Post undergrad, I worked as an athletic trainer at Richfield High School for three years until I began my masters degree. I am currently in my first year of the M.S. Physician Assistant program and will graduate in 2020.

Laura Kozamchak

Bethel Seminary Student

Laura Kozamchak is currently in her second year at Bethel Seminary. She attends most classes in-person in St. Paul, and is working toward an M.Div. degree. She is originally from St. Paul, Minnesota but she got a chance to live seven years in the Bahamas, where she worked in children’s ministry and taught music. Although she relished that experience, she is happy to live back home in Minnesota. Some of her favorite things are being active outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Anthony Lanza

Bethel Seminary Student

Currently, I own a small CPA firm in Avon, CT. Despite the demands of running this small business I am taking seminary classes on a part-time basis, and my professional practice affords me various opportunities to practice Christian counseling within this framework. My seminary education, coupled with a variety of personal experiences, has been a blessing, as I frequently discuss issues of marriage, divorce and death with clients and others. I am married to Dolores and we have an adult son and teenage daughter who challenge and enhance our understanding of God and life often.

Winnie Lee

Bethel Seminary Student

Winnie is a student in the MFT program at Bethel Seminary San Diego. As a Chinese American, she noted the power of the narrative is specific to each person she has met. The cultural diversity in San Diego provides a fantastic backdrop for training in marriage and family therapy. Winnie is an extrovert who enjoys singing, hiking, reading, and spending time with her family. Boy Scouts of America, church ministries, PTA, and patient advocates are areas that get to share her time.

Travis Leinonen

Bethel Seminary Student

Travis Leinonen is pursuing a Master's of Divinity with an emphasis in Transformational Leadership. This past year Travis moved back to his hometown of Cook, MN with his wife and 5 children after running a coffee farm, teaching and serving in an amazing congregation in Napoopoo, Hawaii for the past 6 years. He enjoys spending time outside with his wife and children and being active at North Woods school. Travis seeks to know Christ and make Him known through service in the community, prayer and reflective practice. He's prone to leaps of faith and enjoys traveling wearing his Kahikolu Congregational Church na'opio (youth ministry) t-shirts!

Christian Markvicka

College of Adult & Professional Studies Student

I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and graduated from Spring Lake Park High School. I immediately went into culinary school attending Le Cordon Bleu, but that was not my passion nor calling. I grew up in the church and felt at some point things would come around, but I didn’t want to go into ministry. At the age of 20, God called again and I answered with a “yes”. I'm currently studying Christian Ministries, and hope to further my education by attending Bethel Seminary to get my master's in Children's and Family Ministry.

Innocent Osano

Graduate School Student

I have been in healthcare for more than 20 years. I have worked in many organizations in different roles. I'm currently working in psychiatry. My love for education has led me to strive for higher education and always looking to further my education. I'm a father of four children, 3 boys and one girl. My academic journey started in Kenya where I was born and received my first degree from the University of Nairobi. I received my B.S. Nursing degree at Bethel and I'm working on my graduate degree.

Suzanne Rauch

College of Adult & Professional Studies Student

Suzie Rauch is a Business Management major from Lynd, MN, where she and her husband own and operate a tree and landscaping business. In her free time, Suzie loves to read, spend time outdoors, and enjoy quality time with her family. She grew up playing various sports and as an adult loves watching and coaching her sons. When Suzie is not home with her family, or helping her husband, she can be found helping within her community. She is president of the Parent Teacher Organization, election judge, volunteer and coach.

Melissa Serra

Bethel Seminary Student

Hello! My name is Melissa Serra and I live in Appleton, WI with my husband Chris. We have three awesome kids: Julia, Joe, and Sophia. I am about to begin my fourth semester in seminary and I am loving this journey! God led me to seminary (something I never would have anticipated three years ago) and for the first time in my life, I have no plans as to where it will lead. I'm totally trusting Him in the process. I currently work for a non-profit that supports children's homes, agricultural projects, and pastoral training in Myanmar, Southeast Asia. I also work with the elderly at a nursing home and volunteer at a thrift store doing visual merchandising. I have no shortage of things to do but it is all good stuff I'm blessed to be part of!

Jenni Spitznagel

College of Adult & Professional Studies Student

I am a senior in the Christian Ministries program, with a Human Services minor. I grew up and currently live in the Indianapolis, IN area. When I have the time, I enjoy painting and upcycling vintage items. Last fall, I made a trip up to Bethel to visit the beautiful campus. I met many wonderful staff members and professors in my program, as well as attended a chapel service that was awesome! God called me to ministry a few years ago and has blessed me with a passion for people, especially women's ministries. In addition to spending quality time with family and friends, I love meeting new people! I also enjoy speaking, writing, creating, and planning.

Steven Stoltzman

College of Adult & Professional Studies Student

I am married and a father of seven children. I currently work in Houston, TX as an insurance agent for American Income Life. My dream is to one day own a large home on a decent-size hobby farm, so that my wife and I have plenty of room for all of our children (and eventually grandchildren).