Author Jerry B. Jenkins to Speak at Commencement

Bethel University is excited to welcome New York Times bestselling author Jerry B. Jenkins as the speaker for its 79th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Author of the “Left Behind” novel series and “The Chosen” novels (based on the TV series created by his son Dallas Jenkins), Jenkins has made a significant impact on Christian literature through his extensive body of work, which includes more than 200 books and 73 million+ copies sold.

Sophomore Awarded “Realizing the Dream” Scholarship from ICI

Natalie Eash, a sophomore art education major from Middlebury, Ind., and a member of the cheer team, received a “Realizing the Dream” scholarship from Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI). Inspired by her middle school art teacher, she dreams of one day being an art teacher herself. Made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the scholarship program annually recognizes first-generation college students from ICI colleges and universities. Students are selected for the $5,000 awards for outstanding achievement as they successfully advance toward completing their bachelor’s degrees.

Bethel Celebrates Former Governor Otis R. Bowen

Bethel University celebrated the birthday of former Governor of Indiana Dr. Otis R. Bowen at the “Bowen Birthday Bash” on February 26, 2026 in the Bowen Museum, located in the Otis and Elizabeth Bowen Library building on Bethel’s campus. The Bowen Museum houses artifacts from Dr. Bowen’s life — from his early years, to his career as an obstetrician, to his tenure as governor of Indiana (1973-1981) and Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Ronald Regan (1985-1989). This year, new artifacts were added from Dr. Bowen’s time as a member of the Army Medical Corps in World War II. Dr. Bowen passed away on May 4, 2013; this year would have marked his 108th birthday.

Bethel Holds Career Fair on Campus

On February 13, 2026, representatives from more than 40 employers in a variety of industries — including 1st Source Bank, the City of Mishawaka, Life Action Ministries, Lake City Bank, nine local school systems and many others — gathered to talk to students about available jobs and internships. The career fair was open to traditional, adult and graduate students who attend Bethel, as well as Bethel alumni. Participants had the opportunity to experience mock interviews, have their resumes reviewed and take professional headshots.

Bethel Hosts Fifth-Annual Starting Small Summit

Bethel University hosted the fifth-annual Starting Small Summit on February 11, 2026. Moderated by Bethel business alumnus Cameron Nagle ’22, founder and host of “Starting Small Podcast,” the Starting Small Summit provided the South Bend/Mishawaka community with an opportunity to learn from high-profile entrepreneurs from around the nation. This year’s summit featured entrepreneurial stories from Jamie Schmidt, founder of Schmidt’s Naturals; Sam Rockwell, co-founder and CEO of Happi Co.,; Cordell Brodis, co-founder and creative director of Dr. Bombay’s Ice Cream; and Shawn D. Nelson, founder and CEO of Lovesac.

Bethel Holds 11th Annual ReFuel Conference

Ten local churches and Bethel University partnered together to offer, “ReFuel,” a two-day conference for church worship teams and leaders, featuring Kim Walker-Smith, Vertical Worship and Scot Longyear. The event was held January 23-24, 2026 on Bethel’s campus. The conference, now in its 11th year, is a joint effort coordinated by staff from Nappanee Missionary Church, First Baptist Church of Elkhart, Gospel City Church, Wakarusa Missionary Church, Maple City Chapel, Restor Church, That Downtown Church, Grace Community Church and St. Mark Missionary Church.

New K-12, Higher Education Partnership Creates Seamless Transfer Pathway

Bethel University is pleased to partner with the Indiana Department of Education on a new faith-based academic pathway for high school students to complete diploma requirements while earning up to 30 transferable college credits. The Professional Pathway credential, announced October 14, 2025, by Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner, expands early college opportunities and provides students with additional options to complete their first year of college while still in high school. This credential was created in partnership with six Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) institutions: Bethel University, Anderson University, Grace College, Huntington University, Indiana Wesleyan University and Taylor University.

Bethel Hosts Baseball Classic to Benefit Troop Town

On October 7, 2025, Bethel Kinesiology’s Administration and Organization Class, taught by Professor and Associate Head Baseball Coach Kiel Boynton, hosted the secondannual Bethel Baseball Classic. The event was held at Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium, as the Pilots took on the local Indiana University South Bend Titans. Half of all ticket sales benefited Mishawaka Troop Town, an organization that provides housing to local homeless Military Veterans.

Bethel Partners with Lake City Bank for 36th-Annual Service Day

Bethel University’s 36th annual campus-wide Service Day took place on September 30, 2025, sponsored by Lake City Bank. Bethel students, faculty and staff came together to serve throughout the Michiana community. Just a few of the locations served included Center for the Homeless, Family Justice Center, Food Bank of Northern Indiana, Hello Gorgeous!, Humane Society of St. Joseph County, Hubbard Hill Retirement Community, Lifeline Youth Services, Ronald McDonald House of Michiana and Unity Gardens, among others.

Missionary Church Day at Bethel and Annual Pastor’s Prayer Walk

To open the school year, more than 80 Missionary Church pastors gathered for Missionary Church Day at Bethel, starting with the 13th-annual Pastor’s Prayer Walk. This was the largest pastor’s prayer walk in Bethel history! After breaking into groups and covering campus in prayer, pastors heard a chapel message from Rev. Rodney Arnold, president of the Missionary Church, followed by lunch and the opportunity to attend select classes.