College of Arts & Sciences | College of Adult & Professional Studies | Graduate School | Bethel Seminary

Where Is God in Hard Times? p. 12 | Alums Bring Their Game to Pro Sports p. 18 | Reconciliation Starts Here p. 25

Fall 2015

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Homecoming 2015

HEAR US ROAR

Steps Toward ShalomWe live in changing times. Bethel’s Chief Diversity Officer Ruben Rivera reminds

us often that the body of Christ across the globe looks different from the body of Christ in Arden Hills, Minnesota. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2020, the majority of U.S. children under 18 will be members of a current minority group. As Bethel University pursues the vision to become the Christ-centered university of choice for this century, we are committed to effectively educating members of underserved and underrepresented groups. To do that well, we need to continue to take steps forward in deepening our commitment to serving diverse populations, practicing reconciliation, and modeling biblical justice.

Several years ago Bethel adopted the “Shalom Paradigm” to guide our efforts in racial and ethnic reconciliation. Shalom is a Hebrew word that can be translated as “peace”—but it means so much more than that. It’s a reminder of the way God wants things to be in every area of life. It calls for health and wholeness, not just the absence of conflict. It calls for harmony and respect among people. It calls for a big vision of what God wants for us.

As we adopted the shalom model for our conversations, we wanted to be sure that we were building on these bigger ideas. In an area of life that can be captured by individual agendas, we wanted our approach to be biblically rooted. This calls for the highest standard possible—seeing people as bearers of God’s image. As in other areas of life at Bethel, we start with Scripture.

Second, we knew our approach had to be developmentally appropriate. If we want people to learn, we have to understand their starting point. Our job in teaching is to move people to a deeper place—often afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted!

Third, we know that history matters. So, we knew our approach had to be sociologically and historically honest. Structural racism exists. White privilege is more than a theory. There are parts of our history that call for repentance.

Finally, we committed to make our approach relationally engaging. Our goal is to bring people together rather than push them apart. This is hard work—and vitally important.

In this issue you’ll read more about the steps toward shalom that we’ve taken at Bethel (see “It Starts Here,” p. 25). As we celebrate the ways we are moving forward,

I thank God for those in our history who took pioneering steps toward biblical reconciliation and diversity, providing a foundation for us to build on today.

Editor Michelle Westlund ’83

Design Darin Jones ’97

Contributors Christine Erntson Erik Gruber ’06, GS’14Timothy Hammer ’08, S’12 David M. Howard Jr.Kurt Jarvi ’19Jared Johnson GS’14Anna Kaihoi ’07 Monique Kleinhuizen ’08 Nathan Klok ’17 Nicolle Mackinnon ’09 Suzanne McInroyChris Owen CAPS’12, GS’14 Lauren Pareigat ’08Andrea ParrottKelsey Sagen ’16 Scott Streble

President James (Jay) H. Barnes III

Editorial Offices 3900 Bethel Drive St. Paul, MN 55112-6999651.638.6233651.638.6003 (fax) bethel-magazine@bethel.edu

Address Corrections Office of University Advancement651.635.8050 university-advancement-updates@bethel.edu

Bethel Magazine is published three times a year by Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112-6999. Postage paid at St. Paul, Minnesota, and additional mailing offices. Printed in the USA.

Copyright © 2015 Bethel University. All Rights Reserved.

Bethel University is sponsored by the churches of Converge Worldwide, formerly known as the Baptist General Conference. It is the policy of Bethel not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, or disability in its educational programs, admissions, or employment policies as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments. Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to: Compliance Officer, Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112-6999.

F ROM T HE P RESIDEN T

Jay Barnescover photo by Nathan Klok ’17

Fall 2015 Volume 7 Number 1

DEPARTMENTS

Campus News 2Welcome Week, Homecoming,

grand openings: Cultural Connection Center, Wellness Center

Bookmarked 5Recently published books by

Bethel faculty members

Sports News 10Standout fall athletes; women’s golf coach

Trent Anderson; men’s soccer player Ryan Ness

PlaceMeant 16Residence Hall

Alum News 31

FEATURES

12 Experiencing God in the Hardest of Times

The darkness of Psalm 88 has much to teach us about relating to God in our deepest suffering.

18 Going ProFormer Bethel athletes bring their competitive edge to work in professional sports.

25 It Starts HereIn a nation divided by race, Bethel’s goal is to build a diverse and inclusive community united by faith.

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A Great FitBethel’s new Wellness Center offers a variety of ways to stay fit, from its 37 cardio machines to weight training equipment, free weights, a large training turf, and a full fitness studio. Read more about the center’s grand opening on p. 8.

1Bethel University

CAMPUS News

Visit bethel.edu/seminary to learn more about Bethel

Seminary programs..

New Majors/Minors

Seminary Cuts Time and Cost of Degrees

Bethel Seminary has announced degree program changes—effective fall 2016—to reduce cost and time to completion for four degrees. “These curriculum changes will make a Bethel Seminary degree more affordable and achievable for our students, and will reduce student debt,” says David Clark, vice president and dean of Bethel Seminary. “At the same time, we’re working with our faculty to maintain the academic and professional quality of these programs and to increase their connection to ministry leadership. We’re seeking to get even better at launching well-grounded leaders for the church of the future.” The curriculum changes will apply to the following degree programs:

• Master of Divinity (87 to 78 credits)

• Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership (51 to 42 credits)

• Master of Arts in Theological Studies (54 to 51 credits)

• Master of Arts in Christian Thought (54 to 42 credits and a reduced number of on-campus intensives)

Starting this fall, Bethel began offering a 42-hour version of the Master of Arts in Children’s and Family Ministry, and early responses by students have been very encouraging.

Several new majors and minors in the College of Arts & Sciences began this academic year. “These new majors and minors are examples of the forward-looking thinking of our academic departments, who want to ensure that our students are prepared for some of the latest, in-demand fields,” says Deb Sullivan-Trainor, vice president and dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.

• The Department of Math and Computer Science offers a new major called Computer Science: Software Project Management. This major will help students develop the neces-sary skills to become a software developer, along with the specific skills needed to effectively manage teams and technical projects.

• The Department of Business and Economics has developed an addi-tional emphasis within the business major called Business Analytics and Analysis. This emphasis will teach students to use quantitative business study to inform decision-making and forecasting. In addition, the Entrepreneurship emphasis has been renamed Innovation and Entrepreneurship to underscore how an entrepreneurial spirit can be

utilized in existing company con-texts, not just in starting a business.

• Many elementary schools are working to increase the integration and study of science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM, into their curriculum. In response, the undergraduate education pro-gram has developed a STEM minor available to elementary education majors to develop skills in teaching these disciplines to young students.

Several new majors and minors debuted last year to a great response. The Department of Communication Studies reformatted the Media Production major based on feedback from students, expanding degree offerings to include a major in Independent Filmmaking. The department also established a new Organizational Communication major, which has three emphasis options: employee communication, strategic communication, and event management. Other significant additions include both a major and minor in Graphic Design through the Department of Art and Design and a multidisciplinary minor in Gender Studies.

Visit bethel.edu/undergrad/academics to learn more about majors and minors at Bethel.

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Welcome Week 2015

“The Best Headshots in College Football”

TOP MAJORSNursingBusiness/EconomicsBiologyEngineering/PhysicsElementary EducationPsychologyAthletic TrainingSocial WorkBiokineticsComputer Science

Bethel University welcomed nearly 800 new students to campus during Welcome Week activities in late August.

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Bethel football is accustomed to getting attention for its athletic accomplishments, including five MIAC championships and eight trips to the postseason in the past 15 years. But this fall the team’s notoriety went well beyond the local circuit, as their preseason program headshots have gone viral across the country. Thanks to a video airing on Fox Sports’ “At

the Buzzer,” the Royals’ faces began popping up on national websites like the NCAA and CBS Sports. When Mark Schlabach of ESPN.com called the team’s headshots “the best in college football,” Bethel’s name and faces became a common table topic across the nation. When all was said and done, eight local

and national news sites featured the Royals’ headshots, with a reach of more than 300,000 people. 

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New Chief Marketing Officer

Carmen Shields began in September as Bethel’s new chief marketing officer, bringing 20 years of progressive communications and marketing experience to the role. She served most recently as the director of marketing and development, as well as interim chief marketing and communications officer, for the Minnesota State

Colleges and Universities system. Previously she served as the director of marketing and communications for North Hennepin Community

College, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, and has held various roles in business and nonprofit environments. “Carmen has a solid track record of success,” says Joe LaLuzerne, senior vice president for strategic planning and operational effectiveness, “with a continuous focus on improvement and innovation.”

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Visit bethel.edu/adult-undergrad for more information.

Adult Business Programs Expand

Adult students now have more opportunities to enhance their business careers through two new programs. “The College of Adult & Professional Studies has had its flagship business management program for almost 25 years,” says Molly Wickam, associate professor and program director. “We are now broadening the types and number of business programs we’re offering, and that’s really exciting.”

B.S. in Accounting (began fall 2015)

Bethel’s new accounting program involves higher levels of math, problem-solving, analytics, and other quantitative components. It goes beyond simply numbers to give students quality business skills and knowledge.

B.S. in Finance (beginning spring 2016)

This program will provide a foundation in business knowledge so that graduates will be prepared to solve finance-related business problems for a wide variety of organizations. The finance degree, like accounting, is a quantitative business degree for students who enjoy math, spreadsheets, and analytics.

Seminary Faculty Contribute to New Study Bible

More than 60 scholars added their expertise to the new NIV Zondervan Study Bible, released in August, and three Bethel Seminary faculty members contributed to the work in some capacity. Jeannine Brown, professor of New Testament, serves as a member of the Committee on Bible Translation (CBT), a standing committee for the ongoing translation work for the NIV. “For me,” says Brown, “efforts in translation are deeply significant, as we as translators seek to help people read and understand Scripture in their own

language and contemporary idiom.” University Professor of New Testament Mark Strauss also serves on the CBT and is now the committee’s vice chair. He wrote the study notes on the book

of Acts for the new study Bible, and David M. Howard Jr., professor of Old Testament, contributed the study notes for the book of Psalms. The NIV Zondervan Study Bible contains all-new study notes, full-color maps, charts, photos, and diagrams. A single-column setting of the Bible text provides maximum readability.

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Cultural Connection Center Opens

In October, Bethel community members celebrated the grand opening of the Cultural Connection Center (CCC), a new campus space dedicated to nurturing a sense of belonging, promoting healthy dialogue about diversity, and providing educational opportunities that strengthen the university’s multicultural fabric. “One of the things that we believe in, in terms of a Bethel education, is challenge and support,” says Chief Diversity Officer Ruben Rivera. “I consider the CCC a safe space, but in the sense that it is a brave space. Because this is a place where all are welcome to sit down, to get to know one another, to ask honest questions, but also to listen and to be open to hear others’ stories and to truly understand what it means to have just a piece of what the future is going to be like. The future is going to be a place where everyone from every language and ethnicity and nation will truly be able to sing a glorious chorus together to the glory of Jesus Christ.”

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Bookmarked Recently published books by Bethel University faculty

GraceQuest: One Teacher’s Relentless Pursuit of Salvation, Spirituality, and the Strength to Suffer Wellby Robert Rakestraw, Professor of Theology Emeritus, Bethel Seminary (Cascade Books)In this spiritual-theological autobiography, Rakestraw tells of his lifelong, unceasing search for God. In striking detail he relates his experiences as a student, pastor, professor, sufferer, heart-transplant

recipient, and above all, seeker. His gripping portrayal of difficulties and sufferings, particularly with health issues, presents the sustaining love and goodness of God in such a way that will pull readers

in to investigate the remarkable and freely-offered grace of God.

The Humanity of Christ and the Healing of the Dysfunction of the Human Spiritby Donald Alexander, Professor of Biblical Studies Emeritus (Wipf & Stock)This book’s dual concerns are

transformational coach who has made Nebraska basketball relevant. The book chronicles significant influences on Miles, including his benching as a college player and his history of losing, which he claims was his most important mentor.

academic and spiritual, with a primary focus on proposing an interpretation of the nature and function of the

human spirit, and its relationship to the divine spirit and the living of a godly Christian life. When restored to its original relationship with the divine spirit, the human spirit, as James Loder

writes, “is called out of its futility and perversity into the light (and truth) of the divine spirit.”

Nebrasketball: Coach Tim Miles and a Big Ten Team on the Riseby Scott Winter, Assistant Professor of Journalism (University of Nebraska Press)With full access to Tim Miles and the University of Nebraska basketball team, Winter provides an intimate look at this rising star in college basketball, detailing what it’s like to coach an NCAA men’s program today with all of its triumphs and struggles, along with Miles’ larger story as a

All books, as well as many others by Bethel faculty, are available at the Campus Store. Visit bookstore.bethel.edu to shop online; shop in person; or shop by phone at 651.638.6202.

BUILD Program Makes HeadlinesAn in-depth story in the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s October 3 Sunday Variety section highlighted the Bethel University Inclusive Learning and Development (BUILD) program—a two-year, residential program for students with intellectual disabilities.

The Pietist Vision of Christian Higher Education, edited by Professor of History Christopher Gehrz, was a finalist for the Lilly Fellows Program Book Award, given biennially to an original and imaginative work from any academic discipline that best exemplifies faith and learning in the Christian intellectual tradition; the vocation of teaching and scholarship; and the history, theory, or practice of the university as the site of religious inquiry and culture.

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Visit bethel.edu/news/articles/2015/october/build-star-tribune to read more.

5Bethel University

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Hundreds of students and alumni celebrated during weeklong events culminating in Homecoming weekend October 9-11.

HOMECOMING 2015College of Arts & Sciences Alumna of the Year

Kristi Piehl ’96In one month, Kristi Piehl ’96, a Bethel English major, went from winning two

regional Emmy Awards for her investigative reporting on KSTP-TV in St. Paul to being laid off, along with 20 others at the news station. “It was a hard place to be,” she says, “but had I not gone through that, I would never be here.” And “here” is a new calling as founder and CEO of Media Minefield, a public relations company focused on doing media relations differently. In five years, Piehl’s company of one has grown to 13 employees and was recently named one of the 100 best companies to work for by Minnesota Business Magazine. Fellow alumna Laura Hunter ’87 describes Piehl as “an amazing woman of faith and an accomplished and passionate business leader who is making her mark both locally and nationwide.” Piehl credits any success to a strong sense of God’s call. “Wherever you’re called to be,” she says, “you will be used.”

Bethel Seminary Alumna of the Year

Kara Powell S’94Kara (Eckmann) Powell, a 1994 graduate of Bethel Seminary San Diego, is

executive director of Fuller Youth Institute and a faculty member at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California. Her research, writing, and teaching are transforming the way churches and leaders across the country approach youth ministry. Named by Christianity Today as one of “50 Women to Watch,” Powell speaks regularly in the media and at parenting and leadership conferences. She is the co-author of Sticky Faith, a book of research-based, practical tips that parents and leaders can apply immediately to help kids develop a faith that “sticks.” The book received national acclaim and grew into a wider collection of resources bearing the same name. “Kara has done amazing things for the areas of youth ministry and women in ministry,” says Heather Flies, junior high pastor at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. “She oozes the fruit of the Spirit and is a learner, always wanting to know more and help others do the same.”p

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Music Alumnus is Lilly Fellow

In Memory: David MonsonFormer trustee, donor, and longtime friend of Bethel

University David Monson died in July at the age of 80. Through the years, Monson and his wife, Mary Jo, have given generously to the university through their time, leadership, and stewardship. David Monson served on the board of trustees from 1988-1998 and was chairman of the “Taking the Next Step” campaign from 2002-2008. Monson Dining Center—located in Brushaber Commons, Bethel’s student center—was named after the couple. “David Monson was a giant in Bethel’s development into a thriving university,” says President Jay Barnes. “His vision as a trustee and his generosity as a donor were significant in pointing Bethel in the right direction and helping us get there. He had a keen focus on holding our Christ-centered core without compromise. His wisdom as a business leader was vital in keeping Bethel on track financially. Many students and staff were blessed by the exceptional care that he and Mary Jo showed for them.”

HOMECOMINGSTATS 400+ attendees at reunion events

200+ attendees at seminary events

250 enthusiastic viewers at family movie night

470 hymn sing participants

1,000 pre-Homecoming game lunch attendees

41-7 Royals defeat Hamline at Homecoming football game

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The Lilly Fellows Program selected Nathan Cornelius ’12 as one of 10 Lilly Graduate Fellows. Cornelius graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in guitar performance. He went on to earn a Master of Music degree at Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver in Colorado, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in guitar performance, concurrently with a Master of Music in music theory pedagogy, at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Cornelius’ performances and research focus on classical guitar music from the 20th century. “One of the things I remember most from Bethel was how the faculty applied their faith to their subject matter as scholars and as persons,” he says. “They inspired me to not merely make ‘Christian art,’ but commit to making art out of the overflow of my

Christian identity, and I want to share this passion with future generations of students.” The Lilly Graduate Fellows Program is a part of the Lilly Fellows Program in Humanities and the Arts that supports outstanding students who want to explore the connections among Christianity, higher education, and the vocation of the teacher-scholar as they pursue doctoral degrees in humanities and the arts. Cornelius is Bethel’s second Lilly Graduate Fellow, following physics graduate Yelena Bailey ’09.

Visit bethel.edu/news/articles/2015/october/

homecoming-2015 to view a Homecoming photo gallery.

7Bethel University

CAMPUS News

Grand Opening:

Wellness Center Bethel University marked the

completion of its new Wellness Center with a grand opening celebration on October 12. The event recognized the contributions of donors and all those who worked tirelessly to complete the project on an aggressive timeline that began with the official groundbreaking on November 17, 2014. “I’m really grateful for how people come together to make things happen at Bethel,” says President Jay Barnes, “and that is certainly true of this project.”

The Wellness Center (WLC) features more than 11,000 square feet of workout space on two levels, and includes 37 pieces of cardio equipment, multiple pieces of weight training equipment, free weights, a large training turf, and a full fitness studio. An additional level houses three assessment labs and four collaborative research spaces to support Bethel’s fast-growing biokinetics program. Further upgrades include locker room remodels for football, men’s basketball, men’s and women’s sports, and day use lockers. Related projects include updates to the Robertson Center gym and a new donor-funded soccer team building at Bethel’s Ona Orth Athletics Complex.

Beyond helping students reach their health goals, the WLC and athletics upgrades reflect a larger community emphasis on well-being—physical, mental, social, and spiritual. “We pledge to develop our bodies, minds, and spirits,” says Rick Meyer, Bethel strength coach, “so that we may aggressively do God’s work as the body of Christ.”

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Want to make an impact on future generations? Visit bethel.edu/giving to learn more.

Anderson Center DedicatedWhen Rollie Anderson joined the

Bethel University board of trustees in 2012, he admits he wondered what he could contribute. “I’m not a professor. I’m not a theologian or a pastor. I don’t know much about managing a univer-sity. I know about transportation, a little banking, and a little real estate,” explains the CEO of Anderson Truck-ing in St. Cloud, Minnesota. But Anderson’s skills were quickly put to use as the university began to discuss space needs for graduate programs, including considering a location at 2 Pine Tree, Arden Hills. Anderson re-members there was a rumor that the building might be for sale, but when a group from Bethel explored it, they discovered the tax value on the build-ing was out of reach. But something told Anderson not to give up.

In May 2013, Bethel decided to lease space for its new physician assistant program. A few months later, Anderson received a phone call. “There was an official offer to purchase the Pine Tree building, but the deal had to close by December 2013,” he says. The deal was exclusive

to Bethel and the time frame was short. Anderson’s first call was to his wife, Barbara, and with her full support he began the complex process. Miraculously, everything came together on time and the closing took place on December 17, 2013.

Anderson recalled this story during a June event to celebrate the renaming of Bethel’s Pine Tree Center to Anderson Center in honor of the Anderson family. “Your generosity sets a guiding light for others who might want to make a gift to Bethel,” said Jim Green, chair of the board of trustees.

At the dedication, Barbara Anderson reflected on why Bethel is important to their family. “We have a strong generational connection to Bethel,” she said, “which started with Rollie’s parents and has continued on through children, nephews, and now to grandchildren.” She explained that the more the family has observed and experienced Bethel, the more they like what they see. “We see an institution

that lives by its stated values to be salt and light in the world,” she said, “and to be recognized as Christ-followers.”

The Andersons chose Psalm 145:4 to accompany their gift: “Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts” (The Message). “We are humbled that God has allowed us to make this gift to Bethel,” said Barbara, “but ultimately to the students, so that many more generations might continue to hear God’s story and receive the blessing of attending Bethel.”

Professor Rides for a ReasonIn July, Professor of Philosophy Paul Reasoner rode in his 10th Habitat for

Humanity 500 Bike Ride to raise money for simple, decent, and affordable housing for families in need. Reasoner describes Habitat for Humanity homes as “a very significant change factor for good” in the lives of homeowners. Besides participating in the ride itself, Reasoner serves as a member of the Habitat 500 Ride Committee, and three years ago he also started a Habitat for Humanity project in Cebu, Philippines, with a goal to build homes for the staff at the Children’s Shelter of Cebu, an orphanage in the city. “We have raised about $450,000 and will be putting up 63 homes,” Reasoner says. “I would never have gotten involved with all this without my participation in the Habitat 500.”

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9Bethel University

SPORTS News

Follow the Royals: bethelroyals.com | youtube.com/bethelroyals | facebook.com/bethelroyals | twitter.com/bethelroyals

Men’s Cross Country Connor Haugen • Jr. English Lit. and Comm. Studies major • Willmar, Minn.Haugen’s times are consistently in the Royals’ Top 5 at every meet and his effort in the classroom is equally strong—in his first year eligible, he received MIAC Academic All-Conference recognition for maintaining a 3.5 GPA.

Women’s Cross Country Halle Marr • Sr. Communication Studies major • Plymouth, Minn.Marr has seen constant improvement over the course of her career. Not only has she eclipsed the 25-minute mark, she’s also been recognized as an MIAC Academic All-Conference honoree.

Football Marshall Klitzke • Sr. Biokinetics major • Annandale, Minn.Klitzke, a two-time All-MIAC running back, has tallied over 450 carries for more than 2,500 yards during his four-year career. He’s scored 31 touchdowns and averaged over 5.7 yards per carry.

Men’s Golf Alex Case • Jr. Business major • Chaska, Minn.Case is ranked No. 2 among all MIAC golfers with an average of 73.2 strokes per round. He and the Royals team took home the MIAC title last fall and competed in the team’s first-ever NCAA Championships in spring 2015.

Women’s Golf Leah Swanson • Jr. Business major • Blaine, Minn.Swanson helped the Royals finish second at last year’s MIAC Championships—the highest finish in program history. She was also one of six Bethel women’s golfers recognized as an All-American Scholar by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association.

Men’s Soccer Ryan Nichols • Sr. Business major • St. Louis Park, Minn.Nichols, a senior defender, has had an exceptional career, helping the Royals post five shutouts in 18 games played last season, four of those against top league foes.

Women’s Soccer Mikala Smith • Jr. Athletic Training major • Blaine, Minn.Smith earned All-Conference honorable mention following the 2014 season, helping the Bethel women’s soccer team reach the MIAC playoffs for the first time in program history last October. The Royals won their final six regular season games—the most consecutive wins in BU women’s soccer history.

Volleyball Katie Lubben • Jr. Biokinetics major • Chanhassen, Minn.In 2014, Lubben averaged 10.9 assists per set, ranking No. 10 nationwide. The All-MIAC player averages 7.5 assists per set this season, despite splitting time in Bethel’s 6-2 formation.

Extra PointsPhenomenal. Sophomore goalkeeper Jakob Bartels became a national phenomenon this fall when he punted a goal kick from his own box into the goal of the opposing team. Bartels’ rare score was seen on Fox Sports, the NCAA website, and local news outlets.

Good Work! Matt Mehlhorn became the third consecutive Bethel football player chosen to the AFCA Allstate Good Works Team, which recognizes just 22 players nationwide for their community service and athletic success.

Fast Finish. Senior cross country runner Matt Berens won the prestigious University of Minnesota’s Roy Griak Invitational for the second consecutive time. A 2013 All-American, Berens crossed the finish line at 26:30, 18 seconds faster than the closest runner.

From the Locker Room Meet standout Bethel fall athletes

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SPORTS News

Read the full interview with Coach Anderson at www.bethelroyals.com 

ROYAL PROFILEName: Ryan Ness Hometown: Elk River, Minn.Year: Senior Major: BiokineticsSport: Men’s Soccer

CoachQuoteFrom the Locker Room Meet standout Bethel fall athletes

How do you plan to use your biokinetics major after graduation? I hope to go to physical therapy school to get a doctoral degree after I graduate.

What has been your most memorable experience with the Bethel soccer team? Most of my best memories come from the way our team has worked together and become so close-knit. Competing with some great teams and improving each year have been fun, but the things I will remember most are the preseason cabin trips and the tough competition of practices.

How has Bethel shaped you for life after college?The coaches and the guys on the team have been incredible inf luences on me. The brotherhood that has been developed is something I will always cherish. We talk about wanting the soccer program to affect guys’ lives in a way that they leave in a better place than they came in, as a soccer player, a man, and in their personal faith journeys. But the main thing I’ve learned is to enjoy the moment. Soccer has been a gift, and seeing the years of competition f ly by has caused me to take a step back and realize how awesome it’s been. I hope to be able to take that mentality wherever I end up.

You’ve received many accolades, including an All-MIAC award. To what do you credit your success? I’ve been surrounded by some great players—we get after it in practice and push each other. I’ve been lucky enough to find myself in spots where I can contribute to the team in a meaningful way.

What legacy do you hope to leave after you graduate? I hope to be seen as someone who was passionate and competed hard to win and represent Bethel well, but who also realized what a gift soccer was, and used the time I had to grow and push others to grow. The soccer program has had a great impact on me and my hope is that I can play a small part in that for others.

“Our women’s golf program is effective because of our unity, devotion, and overflow of the Spirit. Each player knows she has a significant place and purpose on the team, and is devoted to consistent

improvement in her golf game and mental toughness, as well as her pursuit of Jesus Christ. As a team we strive to live out Romans 15:13,

exhibiting peace, joy, hope, and unconditional love. This pursuit of excellence in all areas makes our team feel like a fun-loving, spirited family that can’t wait to win our first conference championship!”

Trent Andersonwomen’s golf coach

sixth season

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11Bethel University

by David M. Howard Jr. Professor of Old Testament, Bethel Seminary

Experiencing

God in the Hardest of Times

Psalm 88

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Thirty years ago, when I began my teaching career at Bethel Seminary, I was asked to teach a class on the book of Psalms. Since I had never even taken a course on Psalms, it was something of a challenge. I immersed myself in the Psalms and the secondary literature that summer and managed to make my way through the term without prompting a student revolt. In the process, I learned much more than my students did, things that I treasure to this day.

In the course of my study, Psalm 88 stood out as a very dark psalm, even in a book containing myriad expressions of lament. It was the first time I had noticed what seemed to be the utter hopelessness of the psalm, and it was somewhat unnerving. What should I think about such a psalm? What could I say to my students? I had no answers, so I did the next best thing: I completely ignored the psalm and hoped that my students wouldn’t ask any questions about it.

And it worked! For almost a decade, I managed to get through discussions on the Psalms without having to mention this one. Cowardly as it was, my avoidance of this psalm—and others like it—was not too far from what most Christians prefer to do. The church seems to be loath to address the full force and implications of the psalmists when they express anger at their situations—or even, it seems, at God Himself.

The longer I ignored Psalm 88, the more my conscience told me to tackle this psalm head-on in order to help my students and laypeople deal with such a difficult text. So when I was asked to preach a two-part series in my home church one summer, I preached the first week on “Praising God in the Good Times,” choosing as my text Psalm 113, one of the great praise psalms, and the second week on “Praising God in the Bad Times,” choosing Psalm 88 as the text. For those in great distress, even Psalm 88 can offer some measure of comfort and hope. My prayer is that it will help others to see and experience God even in the hardest of times.

Praising God in the bad timesJoseph and Marylou Bayly were a happy Christian couple with

three sons and a daughter. Then, tragedy struck. Their son Danny developed leukemia. At age five, he died. Then God gave the Baylys the hope of new life. They were expecting another baby, and they rejoiced. But when the day came, the baby, John, was born with a severe handicap. On the second day of his life, he died. A few short years later, the Baylys’ 18-year-old son, Joe, had a freak sledding accident. He was a hemophiliac, and he bled to death. Seven years. Three sons. Three deaths.

This sermon was published in its entirety in the Sept/Oct 2012 Preaching magazine (with commentary), and in The Psalms: Language for All Seasons of the Soul, co-edited by Andrew J. Schmutzer and David M. Howard Jr. This abridged version is used by permission.

translation by David M. Howard Jr.

1 O Lord, the God of my salvation, by day I have cried out—by night too—before you!2 My prayer comes before you, incline your ear to my ringing cry!3 For my soul is more than full of troubles, and my life has drawn near to Sheol!4 I have been reckoned with those who go down to the Pit, I have been like a strong man without any strength:5 One released among the dead, like defiled bodies lying in the grave, whom you remembered no more, indeed, they are cut off from your care!6 You have placed me into the lowest parts of the Pit, into the darkest places, into the depths.7 Your wrath has rested heavily upon me, and you have afflicted me with all your breakers.8 You have distanced those who know me from me, You have made me abominations to them. I am shut in and I cannot get out.9 My eye has grown dim because of my trouble, I have called unto you, O LORD, all the day, I have spread out my palms unto you. 10 Do you work wonders for the dead? Or do the shades rise up and praise you?11 Is your steadfast love recounted in the grave? Your faithfulness in the place of destruction?12 Are your wonders known in the darkness? And your righteousness in the land of oblivion?13 But as for me, unto you, O LORD, have I cried out! And in the morning my prayer approaches you!14 Why, O LORD, do you reject me? Why do you hide your face from me?15 Afflicted have I been—and dying!—since my youth! I have borne your terrors; I am overcome!16 Over me have passed your burning angers! Your dread assaults have destroyed me!17 They have swirled around like waters over me all the day, they have encircled me completely.18 You have removed far from me my loved one and my friend, namely, those who know me! Oh…Darkness!

13Bethel University

Psalm 88There are many psalms that teach us how to praise God in

the good times, and indeed, that’s what many people think of when they think of the psalms: praising. But there are just as many psalms that teach us how to relate to God in the bad times. The book of Psalms does not hide from the difficult issues of life. Psalm 88 is a psalm for the bad times, for people like the Baylys.

These psalms for the bad times are called “laments,” and roughly half the Psalter is made up of them. A typical pattern is that the psalmist addresses God, tells God of his overwhelming troubles, asks God to hear his prayer, and then thanks God for hearing and answering his prayer.

Psalm 88 is a lament, and it fits the lament pattern somewhat. But it is unique in the Psalter—there is no other psalm like it—because it presents such a bleak picture. It has no praise at the end. It just ends. It ends on a very depressing note. It ends with a horrible groan.

Cry of distress The psalm begins with an anguished cry of distress

in verses 1-2. Notice two things here: First, the cry is addressed to the Lord, “the God of my salvation” (RSV) or “the God who saves me” (NIV). Despite feeling overwhelmed by life—and even by God—the psalmist still acknowledges that this is his God, the God of his salvation. Second, despite the despairing tone of the psalm, it is still a prayer, and it is addressed to God. Both of these points show us that the psalmist is not an atheist; he still prays to God, to his God.

The psalmist’s troubles The psalm quickly moves on. The psalmist is

not interested in affirming this God, but rather in pouring out his troubles before Him, and even in questioning Him.

In verses 3-5, we have the psalmist’s first recital of his troubles, and it is an impressive list. Images of death permeate this section, painting an overwhelming picture of darkness and despair.

Afflicted by GodIn verses 6-9, the psalmist points to God as the source

of his problems. Here again we have the darkest images imaginable: God has brought him down to the lowest pit, the

dark places, the depths. And perhaps worst of all, God has removed his friends from him; he is utterly alone! He calls out to God in a seemingly futile attempt to get Him to listen.

Questions for God As a result of his affliction, the psalmist turns to the only

one he can, to God, and asks Him a series of six questions in verses 10-12, all variations on one theme: the dead do not praise God. Each question mentions the realm of the dead, along with something about God’s goodness. Here we notice that the psalmist equates praising God and testifying to His goodness—His steadfast love, His faithfulness, His righteousness, His wonderful works—with life. One commentator has noted that, for the psalmists, the relationship between praising and not praising was the same as that between living and not living (Claus Westermann, in Praise and Lament in the Psalms). If you were alive, you were praising God.

This assumption is behind the questions in verses 10-12. The psalmist’s request for deliverance is not self-centered or self-serving, some sort of primal scream that displays the survival instinct of our species. No, it is an anguished and tormented request—yet a reasoned one—that he be spared, so that he can praise and glorify God! It is a request born out of faith in God as one who could deliver him, and as one whom the psalmist wants to praise, even if he cannot bring himself to do so right now.

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains...”

—C.S. LewisFinal cries

The psalmist concludes with another desperate litany of his troubles in verses 13–18, ending on a depressing note: God has taken away his closest supports, and all he has left is darkness. English versions differ on how exactly to translate this verse. The NASB reads, “You have removed lover and friend far from me; my acquaintances are in darkness.” The NIV reads, “You have taken my companions and loved ones from me; the darkness is my closest friend.”

I suggest something similar, but note that the text ends with a single word—“darkness”— that can easily and

14 Fall 2015

legitimately be seen as a final gasp or moan, a final cry of desperation: “You have removed far away from me the one who loves me and the one who is my friend, namely, those who know me!” The psalm then ends with this one stark, anguished word, a despairing cry: “Oh, Darkness!” This is all the psalmist can see as he looks around him. There seems to be nothing left for him.

What can we learn?Is there anything to learn from such a sad and bleak text?

I believe it teaches us at least two things. First, it shows us that—even in the midst of the worst circumstances—it still is possible to talk to God, to have a relationship with Him. Remember that the psalmist is “praying” here. He is not praying happy thoughts, but he is still praying—he is still talking to God. In spite of his perception that God has caused his troubles, he still believes God is close enough to hear him.

Remember too that the psalmist still affirms his relationship with God: he calls Him the “God of my salvation.” And the psalmist assumes that praise is the normal mode of life; he wants to return to that mode. He mentions God’s attributes, such as His steadfast love and faithfulness. So even this saddest of psalms affirms God.

But we would be dishonest to the text if we were to say that this is the full message, or even the major message, of the psalm. Glimpses of praise in this psalm are only that: fleeting glimpses. The prevailing message of this psalm is lament, distress, depression, darkness, despair. These

images are clear, powerful, and unrelenting. So, a second thing we learn from this psalm is that it

is part of a believer’s experience in life to feel depressed, even to feel so depressed as to have nothing good to say to God. We may very well have times in which we cannot bring our lips even to utter a word to God, certainly not a word of praise to Him. Yet the very fact that Psalm 88 is in the Bible—that it wasn’t censored and deleted as some sacrilegious aberration from the “correct” way of relating to God—tells us that it is okay to be silent or to question God severely in our distresses. And in this silence, in this pain, sometimes we hear God more clearly. C.S. Lewis wrote that “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is [God’s] megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

“Even if he does not”But, we might ask, what right does God have to inflict or

to allow such pain, such distress, as was experienced by the psalmist of Psalm 88, or by a family like the Baylys? What does He know of pain? The answer is that God does indeed know of pain. He subjected Himself to it on our behalf, giving His only Son to be tortured and killed. As a father, God must have suffered unspeakable pain. God the Son obviously suffered. He knows what our pain is like. And God the Spirit speaks for us in our pain: “We do not know what to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express” (Rom. 8:26).

In the hardest of times, pray a prayer like Psalm 88. Don’t feel guilty that you can’t pray the great praises found elsewhere in the Psalter. Those are for another time, and that time will come.

Remember the mature faith of the three young men in the book of Daniel. When they were to be thrown to their deaths in a fiery furnace if they would not bow down to the Babylonian king’s statue, they responded: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God [whom] we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king,

that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Dan. 3:17-18).

“Even if he does not.” That is the nature of the “praise” we are to offer up to God in our weakest hours. He wants us to cling to Him, “the God of our salvation,” so that in

due time, when we can, we may again praise Him. BU

David M. Howard Jr. is professor of Old Testament at Bethel Seminary St. Paul. He is past president of the Evangelical Theological Society, teaches semi-annually in Romania, and is the author or editor of seven books, including The Psalms: Language for All Seasons of the Soul, which he dedicated to his daughter Melody Howard Ikonomovski ’11. He

served as a member of the scholar team for the new NIV Zondervan Study Bible, released in August 2015, contributing 100,000 words of notes for the book of Psalms.

See p. 4 for more on Bethel contributors to the new NIV Zondervan Study Bible.

The very fact that Psalm 88 is in the Bible tells us that it is okay to be silent or to question God severely in our distresses.

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15Bethel University

PlaceMeant–RESIDENCE HALL by Monique Kleinhuizen ’08

Dorm living is a core part of the college experience for the more than 1,700 students who live on Bethel’s campus. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors can choose on-campus apartment-style living in several residence halls—like Danielson Hall, featured here—which offer more independence and apartment-like amenities.

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Danielson Hall is home to four friends who will graduate in spring 2016: Resident Assistant Jordan Buzzard, a nursing major; elementary education major Rachel Griswold; biokinetics major Carly Jacobsen; and Elisabeth Solfelt, majoring in elementary and Spanish education. This is their senior year—one last chance to enjoy life in the home-away-from-home they created together.

1 The women organized their space with more than homework and sleeping in mind. “We want our space to be joyful and to reflect us,” says Elisabeth. “We like hosting people, and our space is functional for that.”

2 An antique school desk—found at a thrift store—is a nod to Rachel and Elisabeth’s future teaching profession.

3 A look out the window reveals the residence hall’s natural wooded setting— near trails, a disc golf course, and a picnic area with grills.

4 The roommates created this handmade cross from sticks they found in the woods near their residence.

5 Rachel’s dad buys her birthday roses every year. This year, there were 22. (Thanks, Dad!)

6 The women display photos from times they’ve spent together away from campus.

7 Carly and Rachel are both skilled at art and crafts, and have created much of their unique decor themselves.

8 Yes, that’s Elisabeth’s baby blanket.

9 Elisabeth’s desk is full of treasures she’s picked up on her travels, including a fan from her study abroad term in Spain.

10 When she doesn’t feel like catching the shuttle to class, Elisabeth two-wheels it on her trademark orange bike.

11 The women love the full kitchen, often eating breakfast together and cooking for friends.

12 Jordan refurbished an old desk as a parallel to her own journey of healing from an eating disorder. “The desk was hideous, hidden away in the attic of our house,” she says. “But I repurposed it into something beautiful. That’s what God does for us. He recreates us and gives us a new purpose.”

PlaceMeant–RESIDENCE HALL by Monique Kleinhuizen ’08

Have a fun story or photo from your Bethel on-campus

residence? Share it with the world using #MyBethelDorm.

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17Bethel University

Former Bethel athletes bring

their game to work in

professional sports

by Jared Johnson GS’14

Millions of viewers consume professional sports—both in person and on television—every year. But beyond the athletes and coaches we see at every contest, there’s the hard work and commitment of countless professionals behind the scenes. Former Bethel student athletes have taken their game beyond the surface of competition, channeling their passion for sports, their education, and their skill sets into careers in the administration and support of pro sports teams. Whether it’s athletic training or operations, these graduates are bringing their competitive edge to the field of professional sports.

18 Fall 2015

Describe your job.I provide manual therapies to players and staff in order to prevent injuries or assist in the rehabilitative process. I also assist the medical staff with treating players’ day-to-day medical needs.

How did you get this job?I worked as the Minnesota Wild’s massage therapist during the 2006-07 playoffs, had a part-time role the next season, then became a full-time assistant athletic trainer in 2008-09. I became the team’s full-time massage therapist in 2009.

Favorite part of the job:It’s every athletic trainer’s dream to work with professional athletes—it doesn’t get much better than that!

Biggest challenges:Time constraints and odd hours throughout the season. Late nights, early mornings, and limited time off from training camp to the postseason are the norm. Best job perk: I get to see a side of the team/players that very few people get to see, and I don’t take that for granted. I cherish the friendships I have built at the Wild and around the NHL.

Something unusual you do in this job:Hockey is unlike any other sport, so you get injuries that you wouldn’t typically see. Sharp blades, swinging sticks, and flying pucks can cause some unusual injuries.

How did your Bethel competitive athletic experience or education prepare you for this career?Bethel’s athletic training program set me up with a great education and experience that enabled me to hit the ground running from the moment I graduated. I have since worked personally with many alumni of the Bethel athletic training program, and they are all top notch and leaders in the field. What’s your advice to others seeking jobs in this field?I suggest that athletic trainers specialize, to set themselves apart from others. Choose a specialty that sparks your creativity—maybe massage therapy, strength training, research, or acupuncture. I also advise athletic training students to pursue a business minor or some form of business education. You never know when you may decide to branch out on your own and will want an understanding of basic business practices.

Travis Green ’97B.A. Athletic TrainingMassage Therapist | Minnesota Wild

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19Bethel University

How did you get this job?I was hired by the Minnesota Vikings for a photo internship, and after my first season, I was hired full time.

Favorite part of the job: Game days are my favorite—nothing else compares to the excitement and adrenaline rush that happens from the opening kick to the final seconds.

Biggest challenges:I’m constantly challenged by the job schedule and the time commitment necessary to excel at what I do. There are several stretches throughout the year where I’ll work weeks without having a day off, and it’s not uncommon for me to be up editing early into the morning hours.

Best job perk:There are numerous perks to working with the Vikings, but experiencing the behind-the-scenes moments of an NFL team is incredible.

Something you do in this job that you weren’t really expecting:I was not expecting to learn how to execute a proper “toe-pop,” which I have now nearly perfected due to my work with the Vikings cheerleaders.

How did your Bethel competitive athletic experience or education prepare you for this career?Being a student athlete at Bethel taught me to pursue my passions with all my heart. That means making sacrifices and working extremely hard to make sure I’m doing everything with what God has given me to be successful.

How do you integrate your faith and your work?I try to demonstrate my faith by setting an example of Christ in how I work—making sure I work my hardest, but give God all the glory. It means staying humble and content despite any circumstances and creatively loving others with the skills and job God has given me. I am also excited to be a part of the first staff Bible study within the Vikings organization.

What’s your advice to others seeking jobs in this field?Continue to build your portfolio and take assignments, regardless of how insignificant they may appear at the time. Internships are also critical to getting a foot in the door.

Andy Kenutis ’07B.A. Business Photographer | Minnesota Vikings

20 Fall 2015

Describe your job. I help the department oversee day-to-day operations of the stadium. I work with production and installation of ballpark graphics and signage, and help schedule all non-baseball events at Target Field. I also oversee events at the nearby transit hub, Target Field Station.

How did you get this job? During my senior year at Bethel, I worked as a Minnesota Twins intern. That experience really helped when I applied for my current position.

Favorite part of the job:I’ve been a diehard fan of this team for as long as I can remember, and now I work for them and my office is in deep left field! It’s a dream come true every day.

Biggest challenges:Working alongside incredibly intelligent people challenges me in the best way possible.

Best job perk:I can walk out of my office and watch a Twins game. Enough said.

Something you do in this job that you weren’t really expecting:I constantly get called with last-minute requests. The diversity of demand isn’t exactly unexpected, but we have to be ready for anything!

In the course of your work, who have you met that has impressed you?My coworkers! I work with some of the most successful people in professional sports. I’ve also met many famous people while managing on-field ceremonies, including local athletes like Zach Parise, Maya Moore, and Teddy Bridgewater.

How did your Bethel competitive athletic experience or education prepare you for this career?My collegiate softball career at Bethel taught me character above anything else. It taught me that nothing is free and sometimes failure needs to come before success. These are the same lessons that apply at work.

How do you integrate your faith and your work?In my work, I walk around the stadium a lot, so I’ve trained myself to pray while I walk. I’ve also found coworkers who share my faith, which has been crucial.

What’s your advice to others seeking jobs in this field?Just being a sports fan is not good enough. Look for job shadow opportunities for the positions you’re interested in. Find your strengths and look to contribute in those ways.

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Chelsey Falzone ’13B.A. Organizational CommunicationBallpark Operations Assistant | Minnesota Twins

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Describe your job.I plan and execute internal and external events to help enhance the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx brands’ connection to fans.

How did you get this job?While I was a Bethel student, I had internships with the Lynx and the Minnesota Twins. After graduation I interned with the Wolves, and that led to my current role.

Favorite part of the job:I love seeing how passionate our fans are about the Wolves and Lynx. Seeing fans connect with our brand, and knowing that I’m helping to ignite that passion, is a blast.

Biggest challenges:Much of what I do is based on the public’s perception of how well the team is performing on the court. Losing games makes the job more challenging.

Best job perk:Being at every game of the sport I love, played at the highest level, can’t be beat. And the Wolves’ new facilities at Mayo Clinic Square, including our offices, are definitely a plus.

Something you do in this job that you weren’t really expecting:The number of meaningful interactions I have with fans—connecting with people and hearing their stories—is something I didn’t anticipate.

In the course of your work, who have you met that has impressed you?I’ve been fortunate enough to work with many of the Wolves and Lynx players, and I’ve been particularly impressed with our young group of new players. They’re respectful, appreciative, and aware of the very large stage they’re on as professional athletes.

How did your Bethel competitive athletic experience or education prepare you for this career?Playing college basketball certainly gave me an edge because of the general knowledge of the game, but it’s the values that were stressed during my playing career that stick with me: being willing to put in extra work, being calm and collected in pressure situations, and making decisions that will lift people around me to a higher level.

How do you integrate your faith and your work? My biggest goal is to be different. I want others to wonder why I act the way I do or why I make the decisions I do, and I want to be a light where there may not otherwise be one.

What’s your advice to others seeking jobs in this field?As with any job in sports or entertainment, understand that you’re going to be hard at work while everyone else enjoys the game.

Bjorn Westlund ’13B.A. Business Event Marketing Coordinator Minnesota Timberwolves

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22 Fall 2015

Describe your job.Our head athletic trainer and I are responsible for day-to-day treatments for our injured athletes and also maintenance and preventative treatments for our healthy athletes. We travel to every game, home and away.

How did you get this job?As a student at Bethel, I set up a clinical rotation with the University of Minnesota men’s hockey program. That helped me land a graduate assistant position with the University of Maine-Orono’s women’s hockey program. After graduate school, I worked a season in Major League Soccer, then started my current job in the NHL.

Favorite part of the job:I love being able to help athletes, whether it’s injury prevention or recovery. It’s a dream come true to work with high-caliber athletes and watch them play on a daily basis.

Biggest challenges:The intense amount of travel, which also lends itself to many late nights and early mornings.

Best job perk:Getting to watch NHL hockey every day from the best seat in the house!

Something you do in this job that you weren’t really expecting:Since I travel with the team, I get the opportunity to see every NHL arena every year.

How did your Bethel competitive athletic experience or education prepare you for this career?Bethel helped me prepare for the real world by giving me the athletic training tools to be able to handle my own teams right out of school. The classroom learning and experiences, as well as my Bethel professors, are something I’ll always appreciate.

How do you integrate your faith and your work? Getting to know professional athletes on a personal level is a great opportunity. Living out your life as a light to everyone around you is the best tool you have.

What’s your advice to others seeking jobs in this field?High school students interested in athletic training should try to attend a Division III or Division II university with an athletic training education program. You’ll get more hands-on experience in that setting. Once you’re in a program, get out, gain experience, and network. Ask yourself, “How do I separate myself from others in my field? How can I stand out?” Then use that in a positive way when interviewing.

Phil Watson ’08B.A. Athletic Training; M.S. Kinesiology, University of Maine-OronoAssistant Athletic Trainer | New York Islanders

23Bethel University

Describe your job.I work with the general manager and assistant general manager on all aspects of daily operations outside of coaching, including roster and team management, financial modeling of team salaries and contracts, pro personnel scouting, budgeting, and future innovations. How did you get this job?I began my career with the San Antonio Spurs as a basketball operations intern during the 2011-12 season. I then worked three seasons with the Atlanta Hawks before returning to the Spurs this summer.

Favorite part of the job:Finding ways to cultivate genuine relationships with people, which turn into beneficial professional relationships that better the Spurs.

Biggest challenges:Time management. Being rightly ordered in my priorities is something I have had to learn. Best job perk:I’m fortunate to experience things that a lot of times I sit back and think, “Are you kidding me? I just did that!” or “I just got to meet this person.” But I believe that having the right perspective on all that is critical.

Something you do in this job that you weren’t really expecting:My days vary so much that every day I could think, “This wasn’t a part of my job description.”

In the course of your work, who have you met that has impressed you?People who walk humbly, work hard, love hard, and don’t take themselves too seriously—and I’ve met many, from security workers to parking attendants, cooks, business operations members, players, coaches, general managers, and people in the communities I’ve worked with.

How did your Bethel competitive athletic experience or education prepare you for this career?My time as a Bethel student athlete, balancing work,

studies, and playing sports, really prepared me for the time management challenges I face in my job. And every single day I call upon the mentoring of my coaches with the Bethel football program. They grow athletes, they push athletes, but most importantly they develop men.

How do you integrate your faith and your work? The NBA isn’t exactly an open environment to come in and start telling people that Jesus loves them and they need to be saved. Rather, I’ve found that if you can be genuine and can humble yourself to serve, you’ll have opportunities to genuinely share Christ’s love. I hope that those around me see Jesus in the way that I live, work, and treat people.

What’s your advice to others seeking jobs in this field?Don’t join the sports industry looking to gain something from it. Rather, ask yourself how you can add value to this place where you want to work. BU

Andy Birdsong ’10B.A. Business; M.A. Sports Administration and Management, Florida State UniversityDirector of Basketball OperationsSan Antonio Spurs

24 Fall 2015

IN A NATION DIVIDED BY RACE, BETHEL STRIVES TO BUILD A

COMMUNITY UNITED BY FAITH

JULY 17, 2014 Eric Garner, 43, is approached by two police officers on the street in New York City and accused of selling untaxed cigarettes. One of the officers restrains Garner by placing him in a chokehold. Garner repeatedly says, “I can’t breathe,” before he dies.

THESE AREN’T ISOLATED INCIDENTS. Rather, they’re just a few examples of recent events that have sparked anger, fear, and grief—the fallout of a nation fractured along racial lines. This is what a country divided by race looks like. And now, as a community of Christ-followers, it’s more important than ever that we work toward reconciliation.

AUGUST 9, 2014 Michael Brown, 18, is shot and killed by police officer Darren Wilson. Ferguson, Missouri, erupts in protests that spread across the nation.

APRIL 19, 2015 Freddie Gray, 25, dies from a spinal cord injury while in police custody. Six police officers are indicted for crimes relating to his death, ranging from manslaughter to illegal arrest. Protests and civil disorder engulf the city of Baltimore.

by Erik Gruber ’06, GS’14

© istockphoto/SerJoe25Bethel University

Before we go to another community to announce the kingdom of God,

we must start in our own.

HISTORICAL CONTEXTTo say racial division is a new issue would be wrong. “Let

me state this as clearly as I can,” says Conor Rasmusen ’17. “The divisions that the United States is seeing are systemic problems that, as a country, it has failed to address since its founding. They haven’t ‘just started’ happening.”

Rasmusen and fellow student Esther Jones ’17 are passionate about their calling to denounce injustice and work toward a better world. Both are student leaders who are active in campus diversity and reconciliation efforts, and serve as directors in United Cultures of Bethel (see p. 27). They’ve spent their Bethel careers working alongside students, staff, and faculty—including Leah Fulton, associate dean of intercultural student programs and services, and Chief Diversity Officer Ruben Rivera—to raise awareness of America’s history of racial disparity. “The divisions our country has faced publicly over the last year,” says Jones, “are divisions that have existed privately since the beginning.”

Fulton explains that “some see this violence in the news as isolated incidents. There’s some lack of understanding of the historical context. But incidents like these represent a legacy of terror that some communities have endured for hundreds of years.” Likewise, Rivera says, “When President Obama was elected, a lot of people thought we’d solved the race issue. But racial divisions and tensions create increasing pressure and periodically boil over. When they do, many Americans are surprised for the simple reason that as a nation, we have not resolved the ongoing aftermath of slavery and living in a racialized society. We are still a long way from learning to live in a diverse world.”

Professor of Sociology Samuel Zalanga stresses the need to understand some fundamentals of human behavior in order to understand how divisions grow wider during challenging times. “When humans compete for limited

resources, they begin to develop strategies for out-competing others,” he says. “Divisions arise because people look for any way they can to gain an advantage. So they use race, class, gender, national origin, appearance, etc., as tools. From the late 1970s to now the American economy has produced a lot of wealth, but we’ve failed to deal with inequality when we distribute the gains. This growing inequality affected the American social fabric. There’s an idea that when the tide rises it lifts everyone in the boat. But empirically, that’s not what happened. Instead we have winners and losers, and there’s less emphasis on the common good.”

MOVING OUR FEET The first step in changing systems that promote division, injustice, and oppression is communicating the reality and significance of the problem. This isn’t always easy, even in places that are committed to growth and learning. “Across America,” says Rivera, “schools are becoming increasingly segregated, and churches in America are among the most segregated institutions in the country.”

He attributes this reality in part to higher education’s contribution to economic success. “If you go to college you’ll likely earn more money in your career than those who don’t go to college,” he explains. “If you have more money, chances are greater that you’ll live in a more homogeneous neighborhood. So many of the gains of desegregation won since the Civil Rights era are being reversed, and neighborhoods and schools are becoming increasingly segregated. Higher education may teach you principles of tolerance, but it also increases the chances that you’ll live in a homogenous community.”

Increasingly homogenized and segregated communities lead to some unknowns, and fear is an instinctual human response to the unknown. This fear prevents people from

26 Fall 2015

taking the initiative to learn about living in diverse, inclusive communities. According to Rivera, when this is the reality, tensions are inevitable. He says that now more than ever, it’s crucial for Christian universities like Bethel to address these issues with honesty, humility, and hard work.

With that in mind, he and Fulton, Rasmusen, Jones, Zalanga, and others are working hard to raise awareness at Bethel and promote deeper understanding of diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation. “Once people become aware,” says Fulton, “then they need to be equipped with the right tools.” For Fulton, this is where action begins. But not necessarily the action people might expect. “We start with prayer,” she says. “I see prayer as the starting point for work, but not the ending point. Sometimes people assume that prayer means inaction, but prayer calls us to action, motivated by God and His ways. To quote civil rights leader John Lewis, ‘When we pray, we move our feet.’”

THE WORK OF RECONCILIATION According to Rivera, “reconciliation is the process leading to the healing and restoration of friendly relations that were broken due to misunderstanding, conflict, or harm.” At Bethel, that process has begun with leadership. Fulton has taken the next step towards reconciliation by having open conversations with other Bethel leaders. “We can’t really provide leadership to students as they process these things if we haven’t processed them ourselves,” she says. Rivera agrees. “As educators,” he says, “we need to educate ourselves and our community about what it truly means to be Christ-followers in a diverse world.”

And while education and conversation move the process forward, relationships are the critical component to reconciliation work. “Genuine personal relationship is the center of building a diverse community that’s committed to reconciliation,” says Zalanga. “We need to create a conducive environment, but within that we need to have genuine personal relationships and dialogue.”

These personal relationships with others reflect our relationship with Jesus, Rivera points out. “If you’re a Christian, reconciliation is what you do,” he says. “We’ve been reconciled to God and we’ve been made reconcilers. But while we’re really good at that vertical part of reconciliation and bringing people to Christ, we could do a much better job of horizontal reconciliation to each other. We need to understand that we don’t just have a private relationship to Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus is public.

United Cultures of BethelUnited Cultures of Bethel (UCB) is a department of Bethel Student Government that seeks to support students in regard to their cultural identity as well as engage the entire Bethel community in a cultural understanding of one another. UCB includes five student resource groups:

• Asian Christian Fellowship• Moya—African/African-American Christian

Fellowship• Peacemakers—White/European-American

Christian Fellowship• Voz Latin@—Latina/o Christian Fellowship• First Nations—Native/Indigenous/Aboriginal

Christian FellowshipThis year marks the 25-year anniversary of UCB’s

founding. Celebration events in October included a chapel presentation by Trina White Maduro, UCB’s first student leader and current Bethel trustee, who will also speak at Bethel’s commencement in May.

27Bethel University

I can’t prove empirically many of the doctrines I believe. But I can prove I believe them. And the way I do that is through the way I treat you.”

The call to reconciliation runs deep in Rivera and an increasing number of others at Bethel. “The world is a diverse place,” he says. “God created it, He loves it, and Christ died for people everywhere. You see that vision in Revelation 7—people from every tongue and tribe and nation. It’s clear that God’s intention is global and multicultural in reach. We’re trying to fulfill God’s vision of what a renewed and reconciled world is supposed to look like.”

GOAL: A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

In 2014, Bethel’s board of trustees initiated the Strategic Coalition—a project that involved trustees, administrators, and faculty from all areas of the university developing a vision and a set of strategic objectives to guide the university through the next 10 years. Out of this process, a new vision statement was crafted: “Bethel will be the Christ-centered university of choice for this century.” Part of the full explanation of this vision outlines “what Christ-centered means for Bethel.” It reads: “Jesus Christ is at the center of all that we think, feel, and do at Bethel…Ours is a living orthodoxy that engages the world’s most challenging problems, to God’s glory and for our neighbors’ good.”

Rivera notes the significance of these words to the work of reconciliation. “The vision statement states ‘to God’s glory and for our neighbor’s good,’” he says. “One of the key aspects of this commitment is to do more to reach people who are underserved and underrepresented, so that Bethel truly becomes a place that embodies the title ‘Christ-centered university of choice.’ The heart of our mission is to become a more diverse and inclusive community, a community that people from different backgrounds and walks of life want to join.”

Rivera and Fulton both recognize that creating this kind of community is hard work. “We need to make conscious decisions,” says Rivera. “We need education to help us grow in cultural proficiency. We need to gain understanding of what a diverse world is and how we engage it in Christ-like ways. It has to be deliberate. Becoming Christian does not mean that biases—of which we may not even be aware—just disappear, or that we automatically become culturally competent and know how to get along with others.”

ANIKA HOVEY is a first-year student in the new

Bethel University Inclusive Learning and Development (BUILD) program, a two-year postsecondary, residential program for students with intellectual disabilities. Until last year, the Hovey family did not think college was a possibility for Anika, who was born in Russia and adopted by her parents when she was a baby. “I remember being in Russia and taking Anika out on a porch and lifting her to

God and saying, ‘She is yours,’” her mother says. “And now God is providing the BUILD program the second she needed it.”

Hovey likes her BUILD classes, which include social skills, independent living, jobs and employment, and math. In addition to classes, BUILD students work at an on-campus internship their first year—

Hovey assists the tech crew during chapel services—and are encouraged to get involved in student clubs and activities. Hovey auditioned for the dance team and was selected for the performance team. She’s also enjoying her new-found independence. “I like living on my own,” she says. “I sort of can do whatever I want. Sort of, but not exactly.”

So far the hardest part of her college experience has been balancing the reality that she wouldn’t be at Bethel without the BUILD program, while at the same time trying to fit in and be a regular student. “All my life I’ve been labeled disabled, and I’ve accepted that, but I’m fine at socializing and living on my own,” she says. “I’ve needed help in math and reading, but I’m getting better.” Like any college student, Hovey has found it challenging to make new friends. “I’m just like them, but I’m not, you know?” she explains. “I’m just being honest.”

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Building a Diverse Community

The heart of our mission is to become a more diverse and inclusive community.

28 Fall 2015

of Act Six graduates are

pursuing or have earned a graduate

degree

of Act Six alumni are using their

degrees to serve and lead in their

communities

Act Six is a full-tuition, full-need urban leadership

scholarship that prepares and empowers young people from urban communities to change their neighborhoods through education and leadership development. This fall, 10 emerging urban and community leaders, selected for their distinctive leadership, academic potential, and commitment to making a difference in their communities, joined the Bethel community. Meet two of them here.

MATTHEW ANDERBY ANFINSONWhy did you choose Bethel?

I chose Bethel because as a kid I always wanted to go here. The amazing staff and community attracted me. There’s an eagerness and hope to learn about new cultures and explore other parts of the world.

What are your goals for the future?I hope to get a solid foundation and firm understanding

of the Word of God, then leave Bethel with my degree in one hand, my Bible in the other, and a small group of friends who are as on fire for Christ as I am. I hope to be able to do mission work in Haiti and connect with my biological family. I want to become a pastor or someone who is on a stage speaking.

RAYGEN BROWNWhy did you choose Bethel?

Bethel is a fantastic institution that recognizes the importance of balancing academics with social life and spirituality. It’s also a place where I can both be challenged and challenge others. I’m excited to find a group of people who I can do life deeply with—where we can laugh, forgive, challenge, cry, and dare to be ourselves.

What are your goals for the future?I’m hoping to grow a lot closer to my Act Six group, who

are ridiculously passionate followers of Christ. I hope to be equipped with the right tools and experiences to be the change we hope to see on campus and in our communities. I plan to major in missional ministry, and my long-term goal is to start a community center in my hometown of North Minneapolis as a means of giving people the chance to do life the way God intended us to—together.

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29Bethel University

EFFORT AND PROGRESSBut the work has begun. Students like Rasmusen and

Jones are already engaged in it. Rasmusen’s efforts start at Bethel and extend to the world at large. “Before we go to another community to try to announce the kingdom of God,” he says, “we must start in our own. I try to use my time to make sure that as many people as possible understand God’s heart for culture and justice. From helping create Bethel’s Cultural Connection Center to spending my summer at a center for recent deportees in Tijuana, Mexico, I’ve been working to stand with my sisters and brothers who experience unjust and sinful practices against them.”

Jones, too, is committed to advocating for those who have been marginalized. “We need to look at the systems that are causing damage, and intervene,” she says. “God wasn’t neutral. God took sides. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments we see God consistently liberating and advocating for the poor, the oppressed, the least of these.”

Larger, university-wide initiatives ref lect this same intentional effort. The new Cultural Connection Center (CCC) is a welcoming space for students to gather, build

relationships, learn from each other, and grow in their understanding of identity and inclusion. The space has a special focus on providing a safe forum for students of color to have conversations about their experience at Bethel and find support for challenges they face. “The CCC is a place for students to be affirmed as fully human on this campus,” says Fulton, “to be more than just a color, or a stereotype, or a representative for a cultural group. Students will be able to live into a full identity as uniquely designed individuals who contribute to this larger community and to the body of Christ.”

In addition, two new programs launched this fall, both committed to these same goals. Ten Act Six scholars—selected for their leadership, scholarship, and commitment to serving their urban communities—joined the Bethel community (see p. 29). And 12 students started at Bethel as part of the BUILD (Bethel University Inclusive Learning and Development) program, which has been generating news interest for its groundbreaking approach (see p. 28).

There is much more to do. But progress is happening, and it will continue to transform the Bethel community and all those who join it. “I hope that some of the things we’re doing will help the Bethel community continue growing in what it means to be the kingdom of God across differences,” says Rivera. “I’d love to see students choose to come to Bethel because they want an excellent education, but also because they know that a diverse community can thrive here.” BU

Learn more about diversity and inclusion at Bethel:

ACT SIXbethel.edu/undergrad/partnerships/act-six

BUILDbethel.edu/academics/build

CULTURAL CONNECTION CENTERbethel.edu/news/articles/2015/october/ccc-opening

UNITED CULTURES OF BETHELbethel.edu/undergrad/bsg/united-culturesinstagram.com/unitedculturesofbethel

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ALUM News

“Measure our performance by what God accomplishes through our graduates after they have been prepared at Bethel to go out into the world to serve.”

—John Alexis Edgren, founder

60sPatrick Welch ’68 retired in June from 32 years of ministry in the Western North Caro-lina Conference of the United Methodist Church. He and his wife, Gail, served churches in eastern and western North Carolina, and he served, under special appointment, as direc-tor of the Center for Growth and Development and later as a pastoral counselor with Medical Park Associates in Greenville, N.C., before being assigned

to churches in western North Carolina. Patrick and Gail have four children and six grand-children and have settled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, N.C.

70sRonald Troxel ’73, S’77 was appointed professor in the Clas-sical and Near Eastern Studies Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for the 2015-16 school year, after which

Because It Was There?Apparently, Josh Peffley ’04 likes a challenge. The

international relations and political science gradu-ate ran numerous 50-kilometer races, as well as a 40-mile and 50-mile race, during summer and fall 2014. After moving to Russia to serve as a foreign service officer at the consulate in St. Petersburg, he went looking for another challenge close to his new home. He found it in the Tierra Arctic Ultramarathon, a 120-kilometer mountain trail race that roughly follows the path of the famous Kungsleden (“King’s Way”) Trail, north of the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden. Eighty participants began the race on Au-gust 7, and by the end of the 24-hour time limit for an official finish, Peffley and 39 others completed the course. “This was the most agonizing experience of my life,” he says. “It was the most physically, emo-tionally, and psychologically demanding race I have ever done. It involved more than 20 hours of running and speed hiking, most of those hours alone in the wilderness in the middle of the arctic night. The entire course was incredibly difficult, and involved climbing to high elevations, running over fields of boulders and through snow banks, and traversing glacial white water rivers. Crossing the finish line was equal parts

delirium and ecstasy.” We had to ask the obvious: Why do this? “My ultimate goal has been to finish a 100-mile mountain ultra,” says Peffley, “and I have always wanted to hike the Kungsleden, so it seemed like a great opportunity to move up the distance ladder to 120 kilometers on my way to 160.  As I said to friends and family, ‘Why hike the Kungsleden if I can run it?’” While that line of reasoning may not make sense to everyone, Peffley explains the deeper pull of testing the limits of human performance. “It’s been a difficult year for me,” he says, “and ultra trail running became a way to sink myself into something challenging and posi-tive. For me, running through mountains and forests is an act of worship and a way to think, focus, and de-stress.” If his winter training goes well, Peffley plans to further de-stress by running his first 100-mile race, The 100 Miles of Istria in Croatia, in April 2016.

he will retire. His latest book, Joel: Scope, Genre(s), and Meaning, was published in July.

James Moline ’79 co-authored Your New Money Mindset, which examines relationships with money and helps readers discover how to change their attitudes and hearts about money. The book discusses how to create a surplus mind-set to enjoy what one already has and be generous toward others.

80sBrian Joyce ’82 appeared as Grandpa Walt in the Christian film Catching Faith, released in August. More information can be found at www.catchingfaith.com.

Diane DeSmidt ’86, S’90 re-tired after 17 years of pastoral ministry, having served Ameri-can Baptist congregations in Eagle Grove, Iowa; Virden, Ill.; and Atlantic, Iowa.

31Bethel University

ALUM News Al Velasco ’87 was promoted to executive vice president-West-ern division of PrimeLending, a national residential mortgage lender, in May. In his new role, he will oversee production and operations for PrimeLending’s branch offices in Arizona, Ar-kansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Okla-homa, Oregon, Utah, and Wash-ington. Velasco has two chil-dren enrolled at Bethel, and his wife of 25 years, Jan (Carlson) ’87, is also a Bethel graduate.

90sBethany (Larson) Duthie ’91 is an  adjunct professor in the business department at Cabrini College in Radnor, Pa.

David Krueger ’95 is the au-thor of the recently published Myths of the Rune Stone: Viking Martyrs and the Birthplace of America, which takes a critical look at the enduring appeal of

Viking discovery myths in Mid-western culture. Philadelphia, Penn.

Brian Schrader ’95 received a doctorate of youth ministry degree in May 2014 and a doc-torate of theology in May 2015, both from Christian Leader-ship University. He is a Bible teacher at New Life Academy in Woodbury, Minn., and lives in North St. Paul with his wife Jeni (Melander) Schrader ’95 and their three children.

Brian Crim ’97 received an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 2011 and began Adulteen Counseling in River Falls, Wis. He specializes in speaking on the adolescent transition to adulthood.

00sTara Rourke ’01 received an M.S. in International Health from Uppsala University in June. Maplewood, Minn.

10sLaura Hannah ’11 received a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Semi-nary in June.

Marriages’98 Priscilla Benedict married

Brooks Johnson in Janu-ary. They reside in Pequot Lakes, Minn.

’99 Erin Swanstrom married Jeff Ekstrand in April. The wedding took place at Northridge Fellowship in Rogers, Minn., and was officiated by Bethel alum Ben McEachern ’83, S’89. Bethel alumni in the wed-ding party included Angela Hall ’98, Rick Hendel ’97, Jada (Mrozinski) Sanders ’99, and Heather (Dye) Timm ’99. They reside in Hanover, Minn.

’06 Martina Foss married Mi-chael Ashworth in April. They reside in Arden Hills, Minn.

’12 Emily Warden married Alan Holasek in June. They reside in Roseville, Minn.

’14 Nora Bjelland married Robbie Hoglund ’14 in December. Bethel alumni in the wedding party includ-ed Hannah Fast ’14, Rachel

Forker ’14, Mikah Holloway ’14, David Krolak ’14, Laura Nickel ’14, Karee Smith ’14, and Jacob Smith ’13. They reside in Waco, Texas.

’15 Cour tney Dolan mar-ried Zach Barringer ’14 in July. Both work at Re-gions Hospital in St. Paul, where Courtney is an RN in the trauma unit and Zach works as a PCA. They re-side in Roseville, Minn.

’15 Krista Wallin married Jo-seph Drechsel ’14 in June at Calvary Church in Ros-eville, Minn. They reside in St. Paul.

Births’95 Heidi (Musser) and Jeff

Gauss ’95, S’06 adopted three sisters, Savannah Mercy, born in April 2009; Elizabeth Joy, born in May 2010; and Brianna Grace, born in June 2011. Their adoption was finalized in November 2014. The sisters join their three brothers who each prayed for a sis-ter for several years. Thief River Falls, Minn.

’97 Emilia was born in June to Tracy and Jerry Rossi. She joins Olivia, 9, and Sofia, 7. Grafton, Wis.

’99 Tilly Pearl was born in July and adopted by Sarah and David Olson GS’12 . She joins Zakary, 6, and Levi, 3. Hugo, Minn.

’04 James Jacob (JJ) was born in April to Susan and Jake Grassel. Jake is an attorney with the law firm of Howse & Thompson, P.A. in Plym-outh, Minn.

’04 Anders Lee was born in April to Amy and Gregg Lindberg ’04, GS’06. He joins Haley and was born on his late Grandpa Den-nis’ birthday. St. Louis Park, Minn.

’05 Sadie Jane was born to Pamela (Kohler) and Troy Carlson ’03 in March. She

— SAVE THE DATE —Friday, April 15, 2016

4TH ANNUAL

GRANDPARENTS DAY

A day just for students and their grandparents to connect on campus.

Find out more: bethel.edu/events/2016/grandparents-day

Bethel Magazine includes Alum News from all schools of Bethel University. “S” indicates news from Bethel Seminary alumni, “CAPS” indicates news from the College of Adult & Professional Studies, and “GS” indicates news from Graduate School alumni. All other news is from College of Arts & Sciences alumni.

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ALUM News

While Bethe l s t r ives for accuracy in all we do, we cannot be responsible for the content of news items submitted by alumni. The inclusion of news items here should not be construed as an endorsement of their content by Bethel Magazine or Bethel University. Due to limited space, Bethel Magazine reserves the right to exercise editorial discretion in the publication of alumni news and photos.

joins Zachary, 2. Liberty Township, Ohio.

’08 Ezekiel Austin was born in August to Rebecca and Austin Hanlin ’08. Rebecca also completed her M.A. in Education at Gordon Col-lege this summer. Wenham, Mass.

’08 Madison Joy was born to Christin (O’Connor) S’13 and Jeff Oien ’08 in July. Blaine, Minn.

’09 Evelyn Claire was born to Krista (Goff) Earl and Mike in June. Eden Prairie, Minn.

’09 Katherine Emily was born in November 2014 to Kelli Jongekryg GS’09, S’10 and Eric. Andover, Minn.

’09 Sanna Eve was born to Kendra Monroe-Smith and Riley Smith in No-vember 2014.  Kendra is a high school English teach-er. Mount Vernon, Wash.

’11 Ella Mae was born in July to Lauren (Anderson) Church. Maplewood, Minn.

Deaths Josiah Andrews, son of

Kathy (Sanderson) An-drews ’84, died in April. Kathy lives in the United Kingdom.

’14 Alex Steddom died sud-denly during a short-term ministry trip in Northern Ireland in July.

’46 Marian E. “Marianne” Pe-terson, 89, died in May. She

Remembering Lynda Bradley-Vacco

Conductor-in-residence and conductor of the Bethel University Orchestra Lynda Bradley-Vacco died in August after a battle with breast cancer. During her 20 years at Bethel, she conducted the Bethel University Orchestra, taught private violin and viola lessons and string pedagogy, conducted chamber ensembles, and served as an instructor in the general education cur-riculum for the music depart-ment. “I can safely say that in the past 20 years Lynda Bradley-Vacco has had more singular influence on the music department than any other person,” says Dennis Port, recently retired director of choral activities at Bethel. Port was department chair when Bradley-Vacco started at Bethel in 1995. She was a graduate student at the Uni-versity of Minnesota, where she went on to receive Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees. “Within a year she had developed a fledgling orchestra, within five years there was a well-balanced chamber orchestra, within 10 years a touring ensemble, and in recent years a symphonic orchestra,” explains Port. “The orchestra has gone from being non-existent to being a major force in Festival of Christmas and a touring ensemble. That is all due to Lynda’s remark-able faith, unbounded enthusiasm, and tireless work. She leaves a huge void and will be missed greatly.”

Bradley-Vacco frequently served as a clinician and adjudicator throughout Minnesota and participated as a violist in numerous Twin Cities performing en-sembles, most notably VocalEssence, Minnesota Dance Theater, Minnesota Chorale, Minnesota Sinfo-nia, and Minnesota Opera. “Lynda was passionate—about her family, faith, students, and her teaching,” says Jon Veenker, professor of music and chair of the music department. “As a musician, she was first a superb solo performer who quickly fell in love with studio teaching. She loved coaching chamber music, which got her to Bethel. She began as a reluctant conductor, but soon the passion took over there as well. She gave so much to Bethel. She will be greatly missed, but her contributions will continue to be felt for a long time.”

married Walfred Peterson ’45 in 1947, and the couple lived in St. Paul for many years while Walfred taught at Bethel College before moving to Pullman, Wash., in 1968, when he accepted a faculty position in the political science depart-ment at Washington State University (WSU). Family was the focus of Marianne’s life, and she spent time as a volunteer tutor for both children and international students at WSU. She is survived by son Nils (Krista Kramer); daughter Elsa Pe-ters; and one granddaugh-ter. She was preceded in death by Walfred in 2013.

’57 Roderic I. “Rod” Thompson (S), 87, died in June. A Korean War veteran, he served 34 churches as a pastor/interim pastor with the North American Baptist General Confer-ence. His last pastorate was at Dorchester Drive Baptist Church, Erie, Pa. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Donelda “Nel,” four children, 10 grand-children, and three great-grandchildren.

’74 Dianne Carlson died in July.

’79 Dennis Swenson (S), 62, of Cornucopia, Wis., died on May 1 while attempting to save his mother, Dorothy Swenson, from a house fire, where she also died. Dennis was an emergency medical technician (EMT) for South Shore Ambulance, Herb-ster, Wis. He and his mother owned and operated Swen-son Tourist Cottages on the Siskwit River, Wis. Governor Scott Walker ordered flags flown at half-staff out of respect for Swenson. “As a long-time volunteer EMT, Dennis Swenson represents the service and sacrifice of all of our emergency responders,” said Walker. “His contributions to the state and his selfless efforts to help others will not be forgotten.”

33Bethel University

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“One of the greatest things I learned during my

study abroad experience was how small my own

world is. I learned to look around me, to notice

my surroundings, to be fully present where my

feet were at that moment. At the moment I took

this photo, I was walking through the valleys

of Switzerland when I stumbled upon a single

storybook house nestled between two great

cliffs, capped at the end by the mighty Swiss

mountains.”

BUSINESS MARKETING AND FINANCE MAJOR NATHAN HULTGREN ’16 TOOK THIS PHOTO IN LAUTERBRUNNEN, SWITZERLAND, DURING HIS SPRING 2014 STUDY ABROAD TERM IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC.