Bethany National Auxiliary Meets

Nearly eighty members of the Bethany Lutheran College National Auxiliary met on the BLC campus on Monday, September 25, 2006. The group of loyal supporters participated in a full day of activities.

A special chapel service featuring the music of the Mary-Martha Singers started the day. After chapel, Bethany Student Senate President Nathaniel Abrahamson brought greetings from the student body to the group. Abrahamson is a junior at BLC and is the son of ELS Pastor Harvey and Ruth Abrahamson of New Hampton, Iowa.

Bethany President Dan Bruss spoke to the group about conceptual plans for the campus and updated them with student enrollment information. In his presentation, Pres. Bruss spoke about future needs for the growing campus in the context of the college’s new master plan. While Pres. Bruss stressed that the college’s master plan contained only ideas about the future of the college, he indicated that if growth continues decisions will be made regarding additional residence halls, classroom space, and athletic facilities.

Professor Janet Moldstad also spoke to the group about the new Bethany Student Leadership group and its positive impact on the campus community.

A delicious lunch was served in the lobby of the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center. During the luncheon ELS Synod President John Moldstad also addressed the group.

Later, current Bethany students treated the group to musical performances, and a business meeting was conducted by the Auxiliary President Robin Ouren.

The National Auxiliary has supported special projects and scholarships at Bethany for over 75 years and voted to assist the college with $12,000 for current projects during the upcoming year. The Bethany National Auxiliary and its generous support are a tremendous blessing for our Bethany Lutheran College.

New Employee Installed

Mary Jo Starkson has been added to the staff as Bethany’s new Director of Career Services. Starkson was installed during Bethany’s Official Opening Service on August 27, 2006. Starkson will be responsible for Bethany’s internship and placement initiatives for current students, as well as counseling students about career issues and decisions.

Starkson is a 1982 Bethany alumna and earned a master’s degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato in student counseling (PHOTO)

Positive Enrollment For Fall 2006 at BLC

Bethany’s enrollment numbers continue to grow. Bethany’s official enrollment numbers reported after the 10^th class day were as follows.

Enrollment: Full time

Students who are members of ELS churches make up nearly 23% of the Bethany student body or roughly 137 students. What a blessing it is to have such a large number of ELS students attending BLC! It is interesting to note, that, while most Bethany students come from the Upper Midwest, they come from 25 states and 15 foreign countries, including ELS mission fields in the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Peru.