IN THIS ISSUE:

www.bethel.edu • Winter 2012

Bethel Fund PartnersPage 2

BethelInvestorNews for Donors to Bethel University

Class Scholarship Keeps Giving

Page 2

With new students, facilities, and achievements, the

2011-2012 academic year at Bethel began with energy and excitement. The College of Arts & Sciences enrolled a record 2,842 students for fall 2011. And Bethel Univer-sity was ranked 19th among Midwestern Universities in U.S. News & World Re-port’s recent “Amer-ica’s Best Colleges” guide. Bethel was one of only three Minnesota colleges and universities to be ranked in the top 20 Midwestern Universities cat-egory. The Doctor of Education program welcomed about 50 students to its annual residency in July, bringing their numbers to more than 165 studying online from 31 states and 10 foreign countries. Representatives from the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theo-logical Schools were recently on the St. Paul campus to review the accomplishments of Bethel Seminary. Their observations will be reviewed by the orga-nizations and final reports will be released in February. Their findings were positive, with commendation for a number of significant strengths. Bethel Seminary San Diego is hosting Christian environmental ethicist Susan Power Bratton, to kick off its Distinguished Lecture Series with her presentation “God and the Waters: Theology and Stewardship.” Staff at Bethel Seminary of the East are busy forging new relationships with churches in Washington, D.C., and New England. “These partnerships

You’re Invited . . . to Invest in Bethelare crucial, as they help us recruit students and advance our mission,” says Doug Fom-belle, dean and executive officer of Bethel Seminary of the East. Across the university, rec-onciliation is in the forefront. Rev. Cheryl Sanders, one of the

most distinguished women in ethics and reconciliation studies, visited the St. Paul campus to speak at Recon-ciliation Day cha-pel, challenging the community to work diligently together and to receive and minister to every-

one who comes—not just those with whom we might want to work. Bethel’s Office of Develop-ment also began the academic year with new goals of its own. “The implementation of our strategic initiatives and goals will help ensure a solid institu-tion now and into the future,” says President Jay Barnes. Fol-lowing is a quick look at Bethel’s fundraising priorities for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

Bethel Fund: Lighting Paths to Equip Adventurous Christ-Followers The Bethel Fund (former-ly the Annual Fund) bridges the gap be-tween tuition and the actual cost of Bethel’s Christ-cen-tered educa-tion. Your gifts to the Bethel Fund help provide:• Innovative academic programs and resources— cutting-edge technology for labs, classroom resources, and scholarships• Spiritual formation opportunities—challenging chapel speakers, discipleship programs, and off-campus ministries

• Faculty enrichment—grants and training/learning opportunities• A vital student life experience— health services, career services, student activities, and programs. This year, $2.75 million is needed for the Bethel Fund.

Key Projects Bethel seeks to secure cash donations and financial commit-ments—above and beyond regu-lar gifts to the Bethel Fund—to support the university’s mission through capital improvements. “Investments in the form of current gifts and pledges will move us closer to bringing key projects into reality,” explains Bruce Anderson, vice president for development. The Welcome Experience Project, which enhances campus visits for prospective students and their families, is now complete. Thank you to generous donors who made this dream a reality. A new wellness center is Bethel’s largest capital fundrais-ing priority. It is expected to include a fitness center, much-needed classrooms, space for Health Services and Counseling Services, and more. This facility is integral to the future of Bethel University for many reasons,

including recruitment and retention of students, convenience, and health and wellness. Look for more updates soon. The Semi-nary San Diego expansion project is also

a top priority. (See p. 3.)

Phonathon The Bethel University Phonathon reaches out to alum-ni, parents, and friends to build relationships and raise support for the Bethel Fund. Phonathon Manager Chad Boysen says, “Student callers offer a unique

perspective of why consistent giving is crucial to Bethel’s continued excellence. Students love to share with donors what’s happening on campus and how God is working in their lives.”

Planned Gifts Will provisions, trusts, annuities, and other forms of planned giving enable alumni,parents, and friends of Bethel to make an impact on the lives of Bethel students for years to come. “Those who include Bethel in their planning become part of the Royal Heritage So-ciety and have the satisfaction of leaving a leg-acy in support of a Christ-centered educa-tion,” explains Dan Wiersum, associate vice president and director of planned giving. (Read about the importance of wills on p. 3.)

Bethel Fund Partners To invite and encourage donor participation in various levels of philanthropy, Bethel has established five new lev-els for unrestricted gifts to the Bethel Fund. “This invitation to the next generation of phi-lanthropy is an opportunity for additional friends to support both the short- and long-term goals of the institution,” says Pat Mazorol, senior vice presi-dent for university relations. Partners enjoy increased access to campus events, as well as opportunities to interact with members of Bethel’s leadership team. (Read more about Bethel Fund Partners on page 2.) •

Class Scholarship Motivates Others to Give Back

Homecoming 2011 was a great time of celebrating what God has done for Bethel. Alumni and friends

returned to campus to reconnect with others, pray for the community, tour the campus, watch a special theater presenta-tion, cheer on the Royals football team, and honor Alumnus of the Year Mark Robertson ’75. Last year, in celebration of its 40th reunion, the Class of 1970 started a needs-based, endowed scholarship. Thus far, they have raised $15,000. The success of their efforts has led other classes who celebrated their reunions this fall to give back and support future students with scholarships. “I love Bethel and watched as my daughters had a wonderful experi-ence, and I wanted to make sure that opportunity was open to more students,” says Dean Ericson, class coordinator. For more informa-tion about creating a scholarship, please contact Dan Wiersum in the Office of Development at 651.635.8052 (800.255.8706, ext. 8052) or d-wiersum@bethel.edu. •

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B E T H E L I N V E S T O R

Multiply Your Gift!

Double your gift to the Bethel Fund! If your company matches employees’ charitable contributions, you can double the impact

of your gift to the Bethel Fund and, ultimately, Bethel students. All gifts attributable to your stewardship, including matching gifts, are credited to you. Visit bethel.edu/giving/donate to find out if your company (or former company if you are a retiree) matches gifts. •

Join Bethel Fund Partners

Donors who contribute un-restricted gifts to the Bethel

Fund in a single fiscal year (June 1-May 31) are honored and recognized as Bethel Fund Partners.

Bethel Fund Coffee Club $120/yrFor just $10/month or $120/year,

Bethel alumni, parents, and friends are invited to join this long-standing program and en-joy a uniquely designed Bethel mug each year.

$1,000-$2,499 Members of the Dean’s Circle are faithful investors in Bethel’s mission to educate and equip adventurous Christ-followers.

$2,500-$4,999 President’s Circle members’ significant contributions to the Bethel Fund ensure the realiza-tion of funding priorities.

$5,000-$9,999 The Trustee Circle is composed of members who help ensure the completion of the highest priorities of the Bethel Board of Trustees. As such, their support is crucial to the success of the institution.

$10,000-$24,999 Memorializing G. Arvid Hag-strom, the first president of what is now Bethel University, the Hagstrom Society advances the educational mission of the college through yearly unre-stricted gifts to the Bethel Fund.

$25,000+ Honoring John Alexis Edgren, Bethel’s founder, the Edgren Society is an investment oppor-tunity that fosters the heritage and educational mission of the institution through crucial, yearly unrestricted gifts to the Bethel Fund.

Other Bethel Fund Giving Opportunities

Royal Athletic Association (RAA)Membership is recognized for any household

providing a minimum annual (June 1-May 31) contribution of $500 in unrestricted support of athletic priorities. RAA gifts will be recognized as a portion of that household’s annual Bethel Fund investment. For more information about membership and benefits, please contact the Office of Development at 651.635.8052 or visit bethel.edu/giving and click on “Support the Bethel Fund.” •

“I am truly blessed to have received such a gift. It is because of people like you that I am able to attend such an amazing school like Bethel, and to thrive in such a won-derful community of learners and believers.”

—Kinsey Pearson, recipient of scholarship award, 2011

A drinking fountain donated by longtime Bethel faculty member Dottie Haugen and her family was recently dedicated at the Ona Orth Athletic Complex. Haugen chose Psalm 116:12 to be inscribed on a plaque next to the fountain: “How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?” Through her donation, Haugen hopes to encourage others to invest in meaningful gifts—no matter the size. She says, “I am grateful for the many blessings my family and I have received from the Lord through Bethel University.”

“Thank you so much for your gift to the Bethel Fund! My time at Bethel is transforming

me academically, personally, and spiritually; without scholarships provided by your gifts, I would be unable to attend school here. Thank you for this opportunity to pursue my dreams and grow closer to others in a Christ-centered environment.”

—Erica, College of Arts & Sciences ’13

Thank You!Your support lights paths for more students!

“I appreciate the emphasis on leadership integration at Bethel Seminary. Without

‘theological wheels’ it can be hardto make ministry leadership go—and I couldn’t imagine doing ministry without a seminary education. I’m grateful for the committed group of donors who support not only the seminary process, but also those who are serving others in ministry.”

—Tim, Seminary ’12 •

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B E T H E L I N V E S T O R

Bethel University lost three good friends this past year.

Harris Hanson of Long Prairie, Minn., passed away in May; his wife Alice died in Novem-ber. Their three chil dren are Bethel graduates, as are many of their grandchildren. Harris and Alice were tireless sup-porters of Bethel; they par-

If you do nothing about your final plans, the only one who

benefits is the government—not your family; not your favor-ite charity. The government will have the power and your money.

If you don’t write your will:

• The court will get to decide how to disburse your assets. Of course, the court doesn’t know you have stepchildren you’re fond of, or that you want to remember a few of your favorite charities in your will—and the court doesn’t care.

• The court will select someone to handle your estate during probate. Even if you would have selected a close friend to have this responsibility, the court won’t know that and won’t care.

• If you have minor children for whom guardianship is impor-tant, the court will pick the guardian for you.

• The estate tax dollars that the government could collect will be used for anything the gov-ernment chooses. Just think what a few of your favorite charities—those you’ve been supporting during your life—could do with that money.

• Your heirs will be grieving af-ter you are gone. Why saddle them with the added respon-sibility of figuring out your affairs and guessing about

Think You Don’t Need a Will? Think Again

the decisions you might have made?

Don’t continue to put off the minor inconvenience of making a will. The peace of mind will be worth every minute you spend getting your will done. And your wishes will be carried out. An attorney who specializes in wills and estate planning can help you accomplish your goals. We can also send you informa-tion about writing a will and, if you like, the ways you can in-clude Bethel University and your other favorite charities in your plans. Writing a will is too impor-tant to put off. It’s important for you, your heirs, and Bethel University. For more information about including Bethel University in your will or for other suggestions for estate planning, please contact Dan Wiersum, associate vice presi-dent for development and director of planned gifts, and certified spe-cialist in planned giving (CSP), at 651.635.8052 (800.255.8706, ext. 8052) or d-wiersum@bethel.edu. •

Copyright © 2011, PlannedGiving.Com, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

This publication is intended to pro-vide general gift planning information. Bethel University is not qualified to provide specific legal, tax, or invest-ment advice, and this publication should not be looked to or relied upon as a source for such advice. Consult with your own legal and financial advi-sors before making any gift.

Generous donors were honored at the Seminary Scholarship Recognition Dinner in October. Dozens of faithful friends who support seminary students through scholarships had the opportunity to meet and spend time with scholarship recipients, allowing them to connect, build relationships, and share how God is working in their lives.

Bethel Receives $500,000 Toward Seminary San Diego Building Project

Bethel University has recently received two generous gifts,

totaling $500,000, to support an addition and renovation project at Bethel Seminary San Diego. The expansion will include a two-story, 14,500-square-foot addition and a 6,800-square-foot renovation, allowing for a 380-to 400-seat chapel and conference center, additional classroom spaces, offices, and expanded student center. The Solheim Foundation of Phoenix awarded $300,000 to the campaign, and Converge Worldwide donated $200,000. An extension of the construc-tion permit, originally set to expire at the end of September, has been filed and accepted, al-lowing the Bethel development office maximum time and flex-ibility for its fundraising efforts.

“We are delighted to rec-ognize the generosity of the Solheim Foundation and Con-verge Worldwide in fostering our work to continue equipping students for ministry. We are blessed by their vital support of our mission and look forward to enhancing these partnerships,” says John Lillis, dean of Bethel Seminary San Diego. “We celebrate the vision of these investors as well as the significant milestone of having reached our goal of raising $1 million for this project before September 1,” says President Jay Barnes. “The Bethel University Board of Trustees is monitoring closely the progress of this cam-paign and prayerfully anticipat-ing its successful completion.” Look for more updates soon. •

ticularly loved Bethel sports and Harris looked forward to play ing in the Bethel golf tourna ment each year with his sons and grandsons. Rick Berggren, Bethel development officer and a class-mate of their son Harley, says, “They were an inspiration to a lot of people. They lived their faith strongly.”

Rholan E. Larson died in September at age 86. A Bloom-ington, Minn., resident, he was a founding partner of Larson-Allen accounting firm and a founder of the Bethel Founda-tion. His son Thomas attended Bethel. “Rholan was a great friend of Bethel. His pioneering work in establishing the Foun-dation paved the way for a solid future for the institution. He

was a mentor to many, and a man of great faith,” says Angie Hjelle, executive director of the Bethel Foundation. Please keep the Hanson and Larson families in your prayers. We gratefully acknowledge their partnership and support of Bethel University. •

In Memoriam

Tell Us Your Story!

Are you a World-changer? A Learner? A Reconciler?

We want to know your story, which is part of Bethel’s big-ger story. Submit your story at bethel.edu/my-story and share which of Bethel’s seven values have significance in your life. Tell us your story and receive a free values wristband. Live—and wear—Bethel’s values proudly! •

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T H E B E T H E L

INVESTOR3900 Bethel Drive

St. Paul, MN 55112-6999

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PAIDTwin Cities MNPermit No 899

In This Issue:

•2011-2012 Fundraising Priorities Page 1

•Bethel Fund Partners Page 2

•Think You Don’t Need a Will? Page 3

•Bethel Seminary San Diego Project Update Page 3

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

B E T H E L I N V E S T O R

OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENTBruce W. Anderson ’74, Vice President for DevelopmentPhone: 651.635.8050Email: development@bethel.eduWebsite: bethel.edu/giving

Editor: Tricia TheurerDesigner: Thomas Vukelich ’82

NOVEMBER Now - December 18 Work: Curse or Calling Exhibit Olson GalleryNow - December 18 Binocular City Exhibit Johnson Gallery

DECEMBER 1-3 55th Festival of Christmas � Benson Great Hall16 Midyear Commencement for College of Arts & Sciences, College of Adult & Professional Studies, and Graduate School � Benson Great Hall20 Parent Coffee

JANUARY6 IMPACT: “Leave a Mark” Senior High Student Discipleship Conference with speaker Greg Speck, Bethel University

Bethel FoundationAs of September 30, 2011, Bethel’s endowment was

$31.9 million and total assets under management were $59.2 million.

For more information about trust management opportunities available through the Bethel Foundation, contact Angella Hjelle, Bethel Foundation executive director, at a-hjelle@bethel.edu or 651.635.1001. •

New Website Enhances User Experience

The Bethel University website has undergone a major redesign in the past year. The new Office of Development website was

launched last month. Find out more about the many ways you can partner with Bethel—whether through giving to the Bethel Fund or including Bethel in your will. Plus, meet our leadership team and development officers and learn how they can answer your questions about donating to Bethel. “We’ve aimed to make visitors’ online experience with us convenient and easier to navigate—all with appealing visuals and the many ways that investors’ gifts impact students,” says Bruce Anderson, vice president for development. •

Don’t Forget!

The Bethel Office of Development will be open December 27-30 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CST to assist with year-end gifts.

Last minute donations can be processed online through 11:50 p.m. on December 31 at bethel.edu/giving.