Since 1974, Bethel College has sponsored Life Enrichment, supported by volunteers, registration fees and the generosity of speakers who share their talent and expertise without compensation. This series is especially designed for adults age 60 and over.
Aug. 26
9:30 — Life Enrichment 50th anniversary celebration; “Seeing Into the Life of Things,” Dr. Wynn Goering, interim president, Bethel College
10:50 — “What is GAF and Why is GAF in Newton, Kansas?,” Tommy Richardson, GAF vice president. Welcome to a new business in Newton.
Sept. 2
9:30 — “The Mostaza Ceramics Story: From College to Haiti to Bolivia to Harper to Newton,” Isaac Shue, Newton, a family story.
10:50 — “Every Quilt Tells a Story,” Chris Allen, Newton, shares a blend of history, personal experiences, and the artistry of quilting.
Sept. 9
9:30 — “Wildlife of Costa Rico,” Jim Griggs, McPherson, professional wildlife photographer
10:50 — “The Future of Work: Demographic and Technological Disruption,” Mark Janzen Jr., co-founder, Planetary Talent Inc., Wichita, shares how shifting demographics and new technology are reshaping the workplace.
Sept. 16
9:30 — “European Tours: Flights, Sites and Bites,” Weldon Martens, North Newton. Storytelling through the eyes of a successful tour guide for 30 years.
10:50 — “Stories of a Meteorologist at KWCH-TV,” Ross Janssen, chief meteorologist, KWCH-12 News, Wichita
Sept. 23
9:30 — “Presenting Acting Up: An Anthology of Mennonite Plays (1970-2025),” Dr. Lauren Friesen, North Newton, editor of a six volume set of plays that have been produced by academic, professional, or skilled amateur companies.
10:50 — “A Morning with Marimba,” Daniel Albertson, M.M., assistant professor of music, Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina, shares the unique sounds, fascinating history, and remarkable versatility of the marimba through his live music.
Sept. 30
9:30 — “Wichita’s Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Program,” Shawn Maloney, geologist, City of Wichita ASR project manager
10:50 — “Empowering Projects for International Cooperation,” Paul and Mary McKay, Allenspark, Colo.
Oct. 7
LOCATION CHANGE: Bethel College Mennonite Church
9:30 — “Schubert: Master of Melody,” Dr. Doyle Preheim and Mary Jo Preheim, North Newton. Celebrating Schubert music through a live performance and insights into the life and works of a classical lyrical composer.
10:50 — “And We Entered a New Era: The 1941 Deportation of the Volga Germans,” Dr. Brent Mai, Wichita, explores the history, hardship, and resilience of the Volga Germans following forced deportation.
Oct. 14
NO LIFE ENRICHMENT – Fall Fest Week
Oct. 21
9:30 — “Anabaptist World: 100+ Years of Mennonite Journalism,” Paul Schrag, editor, Anabaptist World, Newton, a national magazine founded in 2020, merging The Mennonite and Mennonite World Review.
10:50 — “The Porcelain Menagerie,” Jillian Forsberg, M.A., Kansas Notable Author and bridal store owner, Wichita. Julian returns to the Life Enrichment stage for a morning of historical fiction and how research led her from a Kansas zoo to a small town in Germany.
Oct. 28
9:30 — “Hearing Technology of the Future,” Barbara Jozsa, M.A., CCC-A, Newton, exploring the latest advances in hearing technology.
10:50 — “Stories of Hosting Bethel College Students,” Delora Decker, North Newton, and Karin Kaufman Wall, North Newton, share experiences of welcoming students into homes, building lasting friendships, and the joy of extending hospitality.
Nov. 4
9:30 — “From Trading Post to Peerless Prince of the Plains,” Ken Spurgeon, historian, Wichita. Ken traces Wichita’s remarkable transformation.
10:50 — “Lessons Learned from a 45-Year Coaching Journey,” Ray Bechard, retired University of Kansas women’s volleyball coach, Lawrence
Nov. 11
9:30 — “Stories of Dealing with Kidney Diseases,” Wendy Funk Schrag, Newton, shares experience in navigating long term health challenges.
10:50 — “Four-Wheel Jeeping on Mountain Trails,” Jeff Koller, Moundridge, shares firsthand accounts of challenging, breathtaking scenery and excitement.
Nov. 18
9:30 — “Flying Eye Hospital and Education in Congo,” Phil Kliewer, North Newton, shares powerful experiences providing humanitarian services in the Congo.
10:50 — “Celebrating Through Music,” Dr. Russell Adrian, director of choral activities, Dr. Christina Liu, chair and associate professor of music, Dr. Jonathan Poquette, director of instrumental ensembles, and the Bethel College Concert Choir and Wind Ensemble