Dave Engbrecht, Rickardo Taylor, Sr. and Joel DeSelm pray over Dr. and Mrs. Cramer at his retirement party.

Cramer Named Business Person of the Year
At their annual dinner, the Mishawaka Business Association named Former President Steve Cramer, Ph.D., ’75 the Business Person of the Year. The program’s guest speakers included former Indiana governor Joe Kernan and former Mishawaka mayor Bob Beutter. Cramer was also honored by the Bethel board of trustees at a retirement dinner in May. “Dr. Cramer has dedicated his time and talents to the growth of this college for more than three decades,” says Brian Hamil, chair of the board of trustees. “He is a big part of the school’s history and we will miss his leadership. However, we are excited about the next chapter for Dr. Cramer and his wife, Terri, as well as that of the college.”

Faculty and Staff Complete Doctorates
Robert Brandt, assistant professor of youth ministry and director of graduate ministry programs, earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies from Talbot Theological Seminary. His dissertation topic was, “The Relationship Between Mid-Adolescent Leadership Practices and their Partnerships with Adults in Christian Church Youth Ministry Contexts.”

Terry Zeitlow, vice president for institutional advancement, earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership from Andrews University. His dissertation topic was, “Factors Associated with Pastoral Preaching on Financially Related Topics within the Missionary Church.”

Rebecca Zellers, assistant professor of nursing, earned a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Southern Indiana. Her podium presentation was titled “Old Order Amish Hospice Nursing Plans and Care Strategies.”

Robert Brandt

Terry Zeitlow

Rebecca Zellers

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Nicholas

Nicholas Named Director of Human Resources
On Oct. 1, Mike Nicholas began at Bethel as the director of human resources. Nicholas has 20 years of experience in human resource management, having served as director of human resources at Wiers International Trucks, employment and operations manager at 1st Source Bank, vice president of human resources at United Federal Credit Union and vice president of operations for Reach360. “We are extremely blessed to have someone of Mike’s caliber on board at Bethel,” says Clair Knapp, vice president and CFO. “His wealth of experience in human resource management will make him a great addition to our administrative team. He exemplifies what the Bethel mission is all about and will play a key role in the direction of the institution.” Nicholas’ daughter, Kayla, is a freshman at Bethel.

Andrew Oldfield

Oldfield Receives a “Faces of Tourism” Award
Physical plant staff member Andrew Oldfield was the recipient of a “Faces of Tourism Award,” given by the local Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). Each year the CVB recognizes individuals who work behind the scenes in areas of support for local conferences and events, and who exemplify a service oriented attitude and go the extra mile to accommodate guests. “Andrew’s pursuit of excellence in the hospitality Bethel extends to its conference and event guests is relentless,” says Ed Bernhard, director of auxiliary services. “We are thrilled that he was recognized by the community for his efforts.”

Faculty Publish Books
Scott DeVries, Ph.D., assistant professor of Spanish and chair of the department of modern language studies, published “A History of Ecology and Environmentalism in Spanish American Literature.” The book attempts to develop a sense of the way in which ecological ideas have developed over time in Spanish American literature, particularly the way in which many texts anticipate several of the ecological discourses that have recently become so central to global culture, current environmentalist thought, and the future of humankind.

Chad Meister, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, released two books this year. The first was “The Routledge Companion to Modern Christian Thought,” which was endorsed by one of the leading theologians in the world, Stanley Hauerwas, D.D., professor of theological ethics at Duke Divinity School. The second was “Debating Christian Theism,” which includes cutting-edge research on 20 topics, pro and con, by 40 leading scholars in philosophy, history, science and religious studies, regarding the historic Christian faith.

Dawn Goellner

Goellner Named Professor of the Year
Dawn Goellner, associate faculty and director of the MBA program, was the recipient of this year’s Professor of the Year award. Goellner has served in Bethel’s business department for 10 years. In their nomination remarks, students noted appreciation for her enrichment of their educational experience, for encouraging and empowering them to excel in their studies, and for being a role model of excellence in both academics and ministry.

 

Marilynn Ham

Ham Publishes New Volume of Solo Piano Arrangements
Marilynn Ham, associate professor of music and artist-inresidence, published “A Glorious Wedding Celebration,” her first book dedicated solely to wedding arrangements. It includes a mix of classical, sacred and popular songs for the complete wedding ceremony, taking the pianist from the prelude through the postlude. Ham has published more than 20 works, which can be purchased at music stores or from her website, MarilynnHam.com.

 

Toni Steffensen Pauls

Pauls Named Vice President of Adult and Graduate Studies
Bethel has hired Toni Steffensen Pauls, Ph.D., for the newly created position of vice president of adult and graduate studies. She has served as the vice president of adult learning at the University of Saint Francis, associate vice president of academics and dean of adult degree programs at Warner Pacific College and chief operating officer for Northwest State Community College. Pauls is no stranger to the Bethel community; three of her children – Charissa ’07, Cameron ’09 and Janelle ’10 – and her daughter-in-law, Amber ’07, are Bethel alumni and her daughter, Tessa, is a current student. “Dr. Pauls is right for Bethel, at the right time,” says Gregg Chenoweth, Ph.D., president. “Her credentials for this position are impressive. I anticipate that our adult and graduate programs, which are already strong, will grow and thrive under her leadership.”