Root Represents Local Government at White House
In October, St. Joseph County Council member and Bethel Director of Library Services Mark Root was invited to a meeting at the White House, where he discussed the topic of increasing cooperation between local government and the Trump administration. During the meeting, he met with several undersecretaries of different departments and also had a 30-minute meeting with Vice President Mike Pence. Root is pictured in front of the West Wing.

 

Koteskey Takes Prime Time Students to Experience Live News
On Nov. 9, the Bethel Prime Time class (which produces a 1-hour news magazine) experienced professional broadcasting firsthand during a visit to WSBT-TV, where they had the opportunity to tour the facility, interact with journalists, observe the taping of the noon newscast and even experiment with the green screen. Assistant Professor Keith Koteskey led the group, and is pictured (far right) with the class, meteorologist Abby Weppler (second from right) and anchor Bob Montgomery (center, back) on set after the newscast.

 

Natali Gets NCCAA Hall of Fame Nod
Track & Field Head Coach Tony Natali earned a nod as a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Hall of Fame class. Natali and fellow inductee Candace Moats will be officially inducted at the NCCAA Hall of Fame banquet on May 31, during the NCCAA Annual Convention in Greenville, SC.

The purpose of the NCCAA Hall of Fame is to recognize individuals who have given outstanding leadership and/or service to the NCCAA. Individuals should have high moral character and Christian integrity; presently be making a contribution by serving the Lord and society; and maintain a continued interest in Christian higher education and intercollegiate athletics.

 

Ericson (left) and Gillum

Ericson, Gillum Published in Encyclopedia of Clinical Nursing
Assistant Professor of Nursing Lisa Ericson and Dean of Nursing Deb Gillum, Ph.D., co-authored an article entitled, “Peptic Ulcer Disease,” which was published in the Encyclopedia of Clinical Nursing (Springer Publishing Company) in January.

 

Ham Presents Sacred Piano Conference
Associate Professor of Music and Artist-in-Residence Marilynn Ham presented a Sacred Piano Conference April 7 at Bethel College in the Everest-Rohrer Fine Arts Center. At the conference, Ham discussed her arranging process and showcased fan favorites.

 

Black Accepted to Art Institute of Chicago MFA Program
Kari Black, adjunct professor of ceramics, has been accepted into the Art Institute of Chicago’s new Low-Residency Master of Fine Arts program. She will spend six intensive weeks in Chicago for three summers and work and study from her home studios during the fall and spring for two years. The program integrates studio work with art history, theory and contemporary topics. The MFA program through the Art Institute of Chicago is consistently ranked among the top graduate fine arts programs in the nation and was named the most influential art school in the United States by Columbia University’s Art Critics National Arts Journalism Survey.

Left to right: Kinzel, Taylor, Lein.

Staff Promotions

After a thorough search, Erin Kinzel has been named Director of Marketing and Communications. Kinzel brings an extensive background in marketing and communications to the role. She has worked at the college since 2004, serving most recently as Director of Public Relations.

Jessica Taylor moved from her role in Admissions to the position of Project Manager, working in Marketing and Communications.

Amy Lein has been named Administrative Assistant in Institutional Advancement; she previously served the college in Conference Services.

Melissa Kaehr has assumed the position of Director of Conference Services and Special Projects. In this expanded role, Kaehr will continue to oversee Conference Services and assist with a variety of projects and initiatives for the Business Services group.

Jeremy Brown has been named Head Coach for Lacrosse. As a veteran coach, Brown has 17 years of experience leading the Penn High School girls’ lacrosse team. During that time with the Penn Lady Kingsmen, Brown led the squad to a pair of state championships, along with three runner-up finishes. Brown worked as an assistant coach for the Bethel Lacrosse team last season.

Left to right: Laman and Stewart.

New Hires

Jim Cramer ’05 has been named Advancement Officer, working in Institutional Advancement. Cramer brings more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit management, including 10 years with Boys & Girls Clubs, focusing on development and executive management.

Olivia Laman ’17 joined the Admission Office as an Admission Counselor in December. A week prior to starting her new job, Laman graduated from Bethel with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. While at Bethel, she was involved in the Spiritual Life Team, the Honors Program and Student Council.

Asha Stichter ’10, returns to Bethel in the role of an Admission Associate/Event Planner. She graduated from Bethel with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre. She returns to her alma mater after working in the northwest in the theatre industry.

Josh Stewart ’10, a graduate of Bethel’s BSN program, has recently joined the Nursing Department as Nursing Recruitment Coordinator. He previously served as a school nurse at Bremen Public Schools.

Phyllis Adrysiak recently joined the Physical Plant staff as a Custodian.

Retirements

Kathryn Deak semi-retired from her full-time role in the nursing department this spring and has transitioned to a part-time Nursing Recruiter position.

Tom Durfee recently made the decision to retire from his role after serving nine years as Custodian.