Read about Bethel College just one decade ago, as we draw nearer to the end of our 70th commencement celebration series, highlighting each decade of Bethel’s history. This decade features alumni Jacob and Carly (Randol) Ringenberg telling of their experience as Bethel students in one of the college’s most prosperous decades, with high enrollment and significant growth and accomplishments.

Take a look at Bethel in 1997 as we continue to celebrate Bethel’s 70th commencement with our 70 years blog series. Shawn (Canfield) Skaggs ’97 describes a Bethel fresh out of an incredible revival, the thriving campus it was becoming, and how it helped shape her into who she is today.

Part of our 70 Years of Bethel celebration, this story focuses on the 1960s decade, where Bethel grew rapidly, in numbers, infrastructure, and especially in athletic programs. Lauralee Nothstine ’67, an elementary education major, reflects on her Bethel experience and how it prepared her for teaching and mission work in Africa, alongside her husband Tom Nothstine ’66.