Metherd Organizes Meal for Combat Veterans
Residents from the Robert L. Miller, Sr., Veteran’s Center gathered for a special Christmas dinner in the Bethel College Dining Commons in December, with special guest speaker Congresswoman Jackie Walorski. This annual event is coordinated by Jim Metherd, general manager of the Sodexo dining team at Bethel and commander of the local chapter of the Combat Veterans’ Motorcycle Association (CVMA). The college provided its kitchen and dining facility, and CVMA supplied the food and served the meal. Metherd, a combat veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm, started the Christmas dinner five years ago in order to give back to others.

Linhart Publishes Two Books
Professor of Christian Ministries and Chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy Terry Linhart, Ph.D., released two new books this year. Linhart edited “Teaching the Next Generations: A Comprehensive Guide for Teaching Christian Formation,” and authored the chapter, “Curriculum and Teaching.” The book champions the role of teaching as a necessary skill for ministers and future ministers to develop, and equips them to work effectively for the spiritual growth of young people. His second book is titled, “The Self-Aware Leader: Discovering Your Blind Spots to Reach Your Ministry Potential.” It unpacks the most common personal challenges experienced by leaders in Christian ministry, and helps readers develop the self-awareness necessary for authentic and effective leadership. For more information on both books, visit TerryLinhart.com/books.

Buchholz Teaches and Consults Abroad
In August, Assistant Professor of American Sign Language Noah Buchholz, M.Div., was in Northern Ireland for three weeks, teaching interpreter workshops and presenting a seminar on the parables of Jesus and Deaf culture. He taught and presented using British Sign Language, which, unlike the spoken language used in both countries, is completely different from American Sign Language. He also spent one week in Israel, where he served as a consultant for the Jerusalem Center for Bible Translators as they prepare to train Deaf Bible translators who will work on translating the Bible into various sign languages.

Ferdinands Chosen as Project NExTFellow
Assistant Professor of Math Timothy Ferdinands, Ph.D., was selected by the Mathematical Association of America as a Project NExT (New Experiences in Teaching) Fellow. He took part in a variety of Project NExT sessions throughout the year, including five days of intensive workshops designed to encourage adoption of teaching strategies that actively engage students.

 

 

Franklin’s Dissertation Selected for Research Presentation
Assistant Professor of Music Jeshua Franklin, D.M.A., had his dissertation, “A Way of Doing Things: Exploring and Applying the Alexander Technique for Choral Conductors,” accepted for a Research Poster Presentation at the 2017 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) national conference. The Alexander Technique is a movement method that recognizes the integration of both psychological and physical processes in movement. It has long been practiced by actors, singers, and dancers, and Franklin’s dissertation is the first study to bring its practical applications to the world of choral music making.

Redgina Hill

Bethel Staff Present at CCCU Diversity Conference
President Gregg Chenoweth, Ph.D., Vice President of Adult and Graduate Studies Toni Pauls, Ph.D., and Director of Diversity and Inclusion Redgina Hill (pictured) presented at the Council for Christian College and Universities (CCCU) annual diversity conference, attended by about 230 faculty and staff from institutions around the country. Chenoweth and Hill presented on Bethel’s model for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Pauls presented on Bethel’s Spanish-assisted bachelor’s degree in business.

Ham Writes Anniversary Arrangement
Artist in Residence Marilynn Ham was commissioned by Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, Mich., to write a piece commemorating the church’s 150th anniversary. The celebratory arrangement is titled, A Joyful Alleluia and incorporates the hymns Rex Gloriae and Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer. Ham will debut the piece at the church on June 11.

 

GREAT Job Awards
In February, President Gregg Chenoweth, Ph.D., recognized several Bethel employees who have done an exceptional job living out the GREATer priorities (see p. 30 for more about GREATer). Recipients honored in a special ceremony included: Katie Gilbert (pictured), AGS enrollment counselor; Susan Miller, director of web content; Institutional Advancement staff who served as part of the Multiply project team; and the faculty and staff involved in the Bethel Unity Garden. See more at BethelCollege.edu/GreatJob5.

Staff Promotions
Cindi Pedersen ’96 has been named director of financial aid. Pedersen has served in the Office of Financial Aid for nearly 20 years, most recently as the assistant director of financial aid. 

Steve Matteson, Ph.D., ’81 has been named interim vice president for institutional advancement. Matteson has served in a variety of roles during more than 30 years at Bethel, including director of admissions, registrar and assistant vice president for development and planned giving.

Jessica Fuller ’98, ’03, has been promoted from operations assistant to social media and LEAD coordinator. While still working for the Admission Office, her new duties involve coordinating and implementing social media material to maximize Bethel’s presence across various platforms. In her new role, Fuller also serves as the coordinator for the LEAD (Leadership Experience and Development) summer team, which provides leadership training for Bethel students as a support for the Missionary Church.

New Recruitment Staff
Calie Eberly recently joined the Admission Office as an admission counselor. She is a graduate of Grand Canyon University where she majored in Christian studies and was recognized as an Outstanding Senior by the College of Theology.

Bradley Largent has joined the Admission Office as an admission counselor. He attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. At Xavier, Largent led Xavier’s Community Action Day, which is a biannual service event, and served as a resident assistant for three years.

Connie Conjalka ’88 is a part-time recruiter for Bethel’s nursing programs. A graduate of Bethel’s BSN completion program, Conjalka is a certified diabetes educator, and previously worked as diabetes education coordinator at La Porte Hospital and Saint Joseph’s Medical Center, as a diabetes care specialist for Eli Lilly and a medical device sales representative for Abbott Diabetes Care.