2011 traditional graduates walked through campus on their way to the Wiekamp Athletic Center where the ceremony was held. More than 550 students graduated at Bethel's two commencement ceremonies. Associate Professor of Religion and Philosophy Timothy Erdel, Ph.D., spoke April 30 for the nontraditional programs. John A. Huffman, D.Min., spoke on May 1 for the traditional and graduate programs. Huffman is the grandson of Jasper A. Huffman, the man responsible for naming the college.

NURSING RECEIVES CONTINUING ACCREDITATION
The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) recently awarded the Bethel school of nursing continuing accreditation for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program for eight years. This accreditation covers the traditional baccalaureate program in nursing and the baccalaureate completion program. The next accreditation  visit for the Bethel College school of nursing BSN programs is scheduled for 2018.

NEW WEBSITES LAUNCH
In June, Bethel launched new internal and external websites. Now Bethel students, faculty and staff can log into My.BethelCollege.edu and access all the information that was previously found through the faculty and student portals. On the external site, BethelCollege.edu, the navigation and design has been updated. In August, the athletic department launched  BethelCollegePilots.com.

CONFERENCE SERVICES RECEIVES AWARD
Bethel’s conference services team recently received the “Performance Excellence Award” from The Walt Disney Company, a corporate sponsor of the Conn-Selmer  Institute. The award, presented annually at the Conn-Selmer Institute and never before awarded outside of the performing arts community, was presented to the conference services team at the conclusion of this year’s Conn-Selmer Institute held on Bethel’s campus this summer.

BETHEL LINKS UP WITH THE CROSSING
Bethel recently partnered with the Crossing Educational Center in Mishawaka, Ind., an alternative to public secondary education. The college will provide resources in the form of faculty and student mentors, some enrichment programs for the Crossing, as well as hosting some Crossing events on campus. The Crossing hires more Bethel graduates than it does graduates of any other college. Five of its seven administrators are Bethel alumni.

STUDENTS RECEIVE SERVANT LEADERSHIP AWARD
Emily Henry (’12), Dustin Heath (’12), Carlie Dunbar (’11) and Sarah Thompson (’11) received Bethel’s Presidential Servant Leadership Award last spring. To be nominated by a faculty or staff member, each student had to demonstrate strong academics, superior leadership skills and a big heart for service.