It’s always hard to wrap up the year with a summary of everything that happened, mainly because there is so much that happened. This year is no different. At Bethel we’ve had some highlights with the renovations of the dining commons and Wiekamp Athletic Center, along with special dedication ceremonies at several locations on campus. That’s in addition to all the great theatre and musical performances we take part in annually and awards and honors that we achieve as well.

Enjoy this year’s 2011 Bethel College review.

The Bethel theatre production, "Cinderella."

Theatre Department Presents “Cinderella” – Feb. 10-12

Bethel College presented the musical performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.” Though originally written for television, the cast and crew brought the story to life on stage. From the one-of-a-kind costumes to the dramatic self-centered stepsisters, audience members were captivated by the ageless story of magic and romance.

School of Nursing Receives Continuing Accreditation – Apr. 6

The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) awarded the Bethel school of nursing continuing accreditation for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program for eight years, covering both the traditional and completion programs. The next accreditation visit for the school of nursing BSN programs is scheduled for 2018.

The Bethel men's soccer team after playing 35 hours of nonstop futsal.

Soccer Team Attempts to Break World Record -Apr. 10, 11

The Bethel College men’s soccer team attempted to break the Guinness™ World Record for the longest futsal game in the world on April 10-11. An evidence package documenting the 35-hour nonstop game was sent to Guinness™ and at the time of publication, the team was still waiting for the official world record designation.

Commencement – Apr. 30, May 1

Nearly 570 students participated in Bethel’s two commencement ceremonies in the Wiekamp Athletic Center. Associate Professor of Religion and Philosophy Timothy Erdel, Ph.D., spoke at the nontraditional ceremony. John A. Huffman, D.Min., grandson of Jasper A. Huffman who is responsible for naming Bethel College, spoke at the traditional ceremony.

Bethel Adds New Honors Program – May 13

BUILD (Bethel Undergraduate Intellectual Leadership Development) was designed to invest in students who have a high potential for influencing and leading others. Each year, 10-12 residential students will be selected to actively promote service and leadership experience by contributing to the campus, the community and the Kingdom of God.

Bethel Launches New Website – June 28

Bethel launched new internal and external websites. Now 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.

Cutting the ribbon outside the newly renovated Dining Commons.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies – Sept. 15

Bethel hosted a “Day of Celebration,” complete with ribbon-cutting ceremonies for each of the newly renovated buildings on campus: the Dining Commons, Wiekamp Athletic Center, Goodman Gymnasium and the Otis Bowen Museum.

Bethel Ranks No. 20 – Sept. 20

Bethel earned the 20th spot among the Midwest’s Best Baccalaureate Colleges in the 2012 edition of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News Media Group. The rankings were published in the September issue of the “U.S. News & World Report” magazine.

Students volunteer at Feed the Children.

Bethel Community Offers Helping Hands – Oct. 4

Students, faculty and staff set aside an entire day to serve alongside one another during a campus-wide service day. More than 50 organizations provided service opportunities, including organizations such as Feed the Children, Habitat for Humanity and the Center for the Homeless.

Bethel Featured as College of Distinction — Oct. 13

Bethel College was selected to the 2011 – 2012 Colleges of Distinction™ published guide and website. Schools recognized as Colleges of Distinction are commended for their commitment and performance of the Four Distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities and successful outcomes.

Bethel Hosts Dedication Ceremonies to Say “Thanks” – Oct 18

Bethel administrators expressed gratitude to the friends and families of longtime supporters during private dedication ceremonies for the unveiling of the Historical Bible Leaf Collection, the dedication of Ray P. Pannabecker Math and Science Laboratories, donor Recognition in The Lodge Residence Hall and the dedication of the Liz Hossler Patio located by the entrance to The Lodge Residence Hall

 

Alumni Award Luncheon during Alumni Weekend 2011

Alumni Returned to Campus – Nov. 11-12

The annual alumni weekend provided past graduates with opportunities to attend multiple events on Bethel’s campus. Among them were an alumni recognition Chapel, men’s basketball games, a play, as well as reunions for previous FYE Block 3 and previous Chapel band members.

Angels Appear During Christmas Concert – Dec. 2-3

The Bethel College music department presented “The Angels are Making Their Rounds” for their annual Christmas concert. The performance featured the musical talent of nearly 150 students as part of multiple groups, including the Concert Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Voices of Triumph and The Collegians.