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president's column

Bethel equals people who care

by Perry D. White

Throughout our first six months at Bethel, Dalene and I have had the opportunity to meet many individuals who care deeply about this institution. Be it encounters with students, faculty, staff, alumni or other members of the Bethel community, what has struck us most has been the sincere concern and loyalty of these people.

From its earliest days, Bethel has established itself as a community that cares. We articulate those kinds of values in our mission statement by emphasizing the ethics of discipleship and service. We are passionate about our academic pursuits and our ethic of scholarship. And we are not only concerned about doing things right, but in the right way and with integrity.

We have been impressed by the outpouring of attendees at various events held throughout the country. From our first gathering with alumni in Waxahachie, Texas, at the Western District Conference annual meeting, to Fall Festival where we saw the Green come alive with tradition and activity, to Reedley, Calif., where we were pleased to help celebrate the 65th annual Bethel College alumni event, to the numerous campaign gatherings that have been held in association with the planned new Academic Center, it has become obvious that people come because they care.

We have been touched by the nature of the people within this region who have gone out of their way to extend hospitality to new members of our Bethel College community: individuals who have taken the time to invite Dalene and me to their homes and introduce us to others who may share an interest in Bethel College; host parents who have opened their homes to our students unable to travel to their own homes regularly; area churches who have committed themselves to our institution by continually seeking ways to strengthen relationships with our students. All these people take the time to make others feel welcome, because they care.

We have been pleased by the willingness of our students, alumni and friends to give of their time, talents and treasures. Bethel people have historically stepped forward in times of institutional need. In fiscal year 2010, the Bethel Fund achieved near-record gifts, as our alumni and friends shared generously of their resources. The “Bethel Volunteers” are giving their time working on campus as we seek to upgrade those components that enhance our students’ quality of life. And members of the Bethel community, past and present, share their talents in service throughout the world. All these people give freely, because they care.

Bethel people continue to do great work, caring for the educational and spiritual needs of our society. However, Bethel still needs you. We need you to be agents of optimism and advocates for this fine institution. We need you to continue to identify students who you think might be successful at Bethel. And we need you to continue to give as you have so generously done in the past. Yes, Bethel people care, and we will continue to care, because I believe the world needs more Bethel graduates.

We are truly honored and humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve this fine institution. Thank you so much for the role you play in making this such a caring community. Bethel was built on the foundation of its people and its future is bright because of that – people who care.