Women’s Golf Coach Chris Hess ’93 is known for his belief that “every day is a gift.”

During the summer of 2012, Hess was diagnosed with basal cell melanoma. He underwent surgery and was told he was cancer-free. However, in the summer of 2014, Hess discovered the same type of spot, further inside his ear. After some tests, it was discovered that the cancer had returned and that it had spread from its original location. He had surgery in August 2014, just before students returned to school for the year.

When Toni Steffensen Pauls, Ph.D., and her son were involved in a life-threatening car accident on Oct. 3, 2001, the doctors said she wouldn’t live. Her left leg was crushed and she had several other broken bones and internal injuries.

“When they put me on the life flight to the hospital in Fort Wayne, they notified the hospital to expect the patient dead on arrival,” says Pauls.

John and Therese Gardner give back to Bethel in a number of ways, including funding the Stratford Experience, which gives students the opportunity to visit the Stratford Fesival in Stratford, Ontario, for a week of world-class performances, backstage tours and workshops.

Head Women’s Basketball Coach Andrew Wodrich ’07 returns to Bethel after coaching at D-1 Central Michigan University.

Some exciting things are coming to Pilot Athletics. With the fall 2015 semester, Bethel College will launch three new programs in the athletic department, including women’s lacrosse, a co-ed drumline and men’s rugby. Coaches have been hired and student recruiting is currently underway.