Retirements Reg Klopfenstein, D.M., (1) professor of music, will retire after 29 years of service to Bethel University. During his storied career, he served as director and founder of the Bethel University Percussion Ensemble (1996-present) and Jazz Combo (1997-2018). He was director of Jazz Ensemble (1996-2018) and established and directed the Jazz Coffeehouse Concerts (1999-2018). Earlier in his career, he also served as director of the Flute Ensemble and co-director of the Pep Band and Concert Band. He has served as percussionist for the Bethel University Faculty Jazz Trio and planned and directed Bethel University Jazz Tours (2004-2018). From 1982-1991 Reg held the position of Associate Principal Timpanist and Percussionist of the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. Gisela Schmidt, Ph.D., (2) associate professor of nursing, will conclude her 44-year career as a nurse educator this spring. The last four of those years were spent at Bethel. Schmidt began teaching in Argentina in 1981 and came to the United States to teach at Andrews University (2003-2021). Erwin Sucipto, Ph.D., (3) professor of physics, has served at Bethel University for 23 years, teaching physics for engineering, science and non-science majors, developing courses, laboratories and programs. He’s also provided academic advising, mentored students and engaged in institutional and community service. A key contribution to Bethel was matching curriculum for the 3-2 Engineering program with Notre Dame. Prior to coming to Bethel, Sucipto served as Physics Instructor at University of Arizona. He began his career in 1979 as a faculty member at Bandung Institute of Technology in Indonesia and was involved in training the Indonesian team for the International Physics Olympiad in 1999. He was honored by colleagues and students as the 2006 and 2024 Bethel University Professor of the Year. He is also the recipient of the 2024-2025 Indiana Physics Teacher of the Year award. Promotions Amy DeCelles, Ph.D., (4) was promoted to Professor of Math for Fall 2025. DeCelles previously served as Associate Professor of Math and has been at Bethel since 2021. Theo Williams, Ph.D., (5) chair of the department of literature and language studies, was promoted to Professor of Communications for Fall 2025. Williams previously served as Associate Professor of Communications and has been at Bethel since 2006. CAMPUS LIFE FACULTY & STAFF NEWS 2 6 3 7 4 8 1 5 11 SPRING 2025
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