13 SPRING 2026 Bowen Library, the Nameless Café, Sufficient Grounds, the Acorn, Shiloh Prayer Chapel, the slab — Bethel University has always had common places for students to gather, work, play and eat. These locations become the background for significant parts of students’ lives and are integral to the Bethel experience. In the fall of 2025, a significant remodel was completed in Sufficient Grounds Café and Campus Store. The campus store part of the building was built in the 1990s, with the coffee shop expansion built in 2013. Both were due for a much-needed refresh, but expenses above and beyond operations can often be a barrier for projects like this. However, thanks to a group of generous alumni, enough funds were raised to complete the project. One alumnus, Jim Ridenour ’68, made his gift after being impressed by how much Bethel’s new president, Dr. Dee McDonald, cared about taking care of students. He could by no means cover the entire project cost, but as a retired Missionary Church pastor, he gave what he could to support Bethel in a clear area of need. His gift, combined with many others who gave what they could, made it possible to complete this project in just a few months. “When everybody gives a little, we can make a big difference,” Ridenour says. The newly renovated space includes separate recreational and study spaces, upgrades to the campus store and new student lounges, while the café now offers fresh-made bowls and healthy grab-and-go options alongside Starbucks coffee. The space continues to be a central hub for students and faculty to meet, study and fellowship, and features accent walls of Bethel blue, new flooring, a fireplace and updated furniture. A central part of Bethel’s mission is to prepare students academically and spiritually to lead like Christ throughout their lives. Gifts made to special projects like this help Bethel cultivate spaces for things like mentoring, Bible studies and personal growth to happen. Donations of any size make a difference in achieving these goals. Pictured: During a grand reopening celebration, students, faculty and staff got a peek at the Sufficient Grounds upgrades. If you would like to contribute to critical campus projects, follow the QR code or visit BethelUniversity.edu/Give. ONE GIFT BIG makes a Difference SUFFICIENT GROUNDS REMODEL 2026 BY: Melyssa Geever ’23
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