Emily Penaflorida ’22, originally from the Philippines, graduated from Career Academy in South Bend, Ind., and is the 2018 recipient of the Bethel College Rising Entrepreneur Scholarship. This 75 percent tuition scholarship, in partnership with Startup Moxie, has made Bethel a reality for Penaflorida, and is made possible by the generosity of Bethel supporters.

“The scholarship provided me a way to afford college,” she says.

Penaflorida is studying psychology and hopes to one day work with children as an occupational therapist. Her experience with Bethel’s psychology program has been nothing but positive.

“The psychology professors are so kind, understanding and really want to help you,” she says.

At Bethel, Penaflorida has been encouraged and challenged to make her faith her own. Though she came in with a lot of questions as a freshman, she received answers in the Exploring the Christian Faith class. She also appreciates the different avenues to connect with God that Bethel provides – not just chapel services, but mid-week small group gatherings, residence hall Bible studies, and events, like B.A.B.E. week for girls and DUDE week for guys, that focus on building community through digital detox.

For Penaflorida, Bethel has not just been a place to study, it’s been a place to thrive.


“Education is so important to my family. Any investment [from Bethel donors] is such a huge blessing — it’s almost a miracle. There’s not enough words in any language to say thank you for your faith in me.”

Invest in students like Emily at Bethel’s second annual Give Back Gala on May 11, where funds raised support student scholarships and areas of greatest need. Learn more and purchase tickets at BethelCollege.edu/GiveBackGala.

Give online May 9-10 as part of the Bethel University Giving Day. Look for more information at BethelCollege.edu/Give.