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Academics

Convocation

Broaden your horizons and explore basic value issues during twice-weekly convocations.

Renowned guest speakers, performing groups and presentations will expose you to politics, society, religion and the arts and sciences – and you’ll be able to ask your burning questions, too.

Gain a broader perspective on current issues and historical events.

Build community through deeper understanding and respect for differing vantage points.

Determine where you stand on issues in the nation and the world from a more well-rounded view.

Spring 2023 convocation schedule

Monday convocations take place at 11 a.m. in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. The public is welcome to attend although students will receive priority for seating, in case of a full house, and during the Q&A. "Special session" convos may take place in various campus locations, at various times. 

Friday 1/13, 11 a.m. Special session: Anthony Khair, International Visitor Exchange Program (IVEP) participant from Palestine
Krehbiel Auditorium
Monday 1/16, 7 p.m. Special session: Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration
Dr. Marche Fleming-Randle, vice president for military and veterans affairs, Wichita State University
Memorial Hall
Monday 1/23 (Re)Introduction to Convocation
Peter Goerzen, convocation coordinator, feat. Dr. MeShonya Wren-Coleman, new vice president for student life
Monday 1/30 Honors Convocation: "Just a Game": Sports as/and Religion
Peter Goerzen '07, associate professor of Bible and religion
Tuesday 1/31, 7 p.m.  Special session: Beyond BC, conversations with alumni (Lauren Friesen '65, professor emeritus of theater, University of Michigan)
Leisy House
Monday 2/6 Brian Skinner '13, 2023 Kansas Teacher of the Year
Monday 2/13 Visiting writer presentation
Juliet Patterson, Minneapolis, poet and faculty at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn.
Sunday 2/19, 2 p.m. Special session: KIPCOR Film Series: No Time to Waste: The Urgent Mission of Betty Reid Soskin
Krehbiel Auditorium
Monday 2/20 Disappearing Prairies, Ecological Landscapes and Careers in Horticulture
Katie Schmidt '15, horticulturist, Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, Hesston, Kan.
Monday 2/27 Spring Speech Showcase
BC Forensics Team
Monday 3/13 Russia, Ukraine and Our World of Competing Visions: Can Civil Society Counter Oligarchic Capitalism?
Dr. Janine Wedel '78, faculty, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, Washington, D.C.
Monday, 3/20 Climate Change and Severe Weather Events: Social Workers' Present and Future Roles in Disaster Response and Recovery (Ada Schmidt-Tieszen Lecture) 
Dr. Tonya Cross Hansel, program director of doctorate of social work and associate professor, Tulane University, New Orleans
Sunday 3/26, 7 p.m. Special session: Embodiment and John's Gospel
Dr. Phuc Luu, Houston, theologian and author of the common text for BIFL 2022-23, Jesus of the East
Ad Building chapel
Monday 3/27 BIFL/Staley Lecture 
Phuc Luu
Friday 3/31, 7:30 p.m. Special session: C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest
Eva Lapp, KIPCOR, and Bethel students
Krehbiel Auditorium
Monday 4/3 Choral Selections and Reflections
Bethel College Concert Choir, Dr. Henry Waters, director
Monday 4/10 Horizontes Project
Armando Minjarez, coordinator of student diversity programs, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Wichita State University; coordinator of the community art project Horizontes
Sunday 4/16, 2 p.m. Special session: KIPCOR Film Series: Thirst for Justice
Krehbiel Auditorium
Monday 4/17 Presentation from The Land Institute
Rachel Stroer, MBA, president of The Land Institute, Salina, Kan.
Monday 4/24 Presentation from the Seminar on Diversity
Sheryl Wilson, KIPCOR, and Bethel students

About Bethel

As the first Mennonite college founded in North America, Bethel College celebrates a tradition of progressive Christian liberal arts education, diversity within community, and lifelong learning.