FROM THE PRESIDENT
A youthful 80 years
It seems as though we just wrapped up our 75th Anniversary Celebration and yet here we are ready to recognize Bethany’s 80th anniversary. Could it be that five years have passed so quickly? Indeed, the years have passed and the celebration and thankfulness for eighty years of blessings is upon us during the 2007 calendar year.
For an individual, eighty years is a significant milestone, but in terms of American higher education, it’s downright youthful. “Youth” implies vitality and growth and that is exactly what the college has experienced, right up to the present. New facilities dot our campus and programs and opportunities for students expand each year. These are exciting times to be a part of Bethany.
Certainly much has changed on the Bethany Lutheran College campus during the past eighty years. Maybe you remember running over to Nitzi’s corner store to grab a candy bar or soda. Perhaps you recall being on campus when the College’s address was still 734 Marsh Street. In fact, there are many who still remember when everyone attended classes, lived, ate, and worshiped at daily chapel all within in the confines of Old Main.
Memories of Bethany Days are treasured and recalled quite often. I have the opportunity to visit with Bethany alumni frequently and I always enjoy hearing the variety of memories that our alumni, faculty and staff share about their Bethany Days. It doesn’t take long to get a group talking about their experiences. Whether it is an alumni gathering in Phoenix or a recognition dinner in our home, the fond memories pour out with ease.
Embedded within all of these memories and stories there is a collective memory that I hear about more often than any other—that is the opportunity to attend Bethany’s daily chapel services. Fifteen minutes a day may not be a large block of time in the general scope of a busy day, but it’s not really about the amount of time one spends in chapel. Rather it’s about the precious Gospel message that we are fortunate to hear and meditate on each and every day that class is in session. This provides the focus for the campus on what is essential for our spiritual well-being.
During this 80th anniversary of Bethany’s existence, make plans to visit your College. Join us for a weekday chapel service or make a point to visit us in September for Fall Festival/Reunion Weekend. Help us celebrate eighty years of God’s blessings for this special institution.
FROM THE CHAPEL
February 15, 2007
Rev. Donald Moldstad, Bethany Chaplain
I Corinthians 1:18 & 25 —“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ...Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
I am continually amazed with the realistic images created by computer animation: dinosaurs, creatures, and even humans are made to look so authentic. Technology has also given us “virtual reality” so that a headset can be fitted over your eyes, allowing you to experience walking in a room or into a setting which is artificially manufactured. Virtual tours can be given of property, giving the customer the sensation of actually being some place, when in reality it is all fabricated.
From the moment we entered this fallen world, Satan fitted us with a headset about this life which seems authentic, but which is based upon artificial truth. This worldly thinking about ourselves, about life, and about God is merely a fabricated delusion. Yet, this “truth” is what dominates and controls the thinking of the unbelieving world, so that their entire perspective of life is based on artificial information. As a leading psychologist once said, “We are living in a lie.”
Despite this artificial reality, the world prides itself in its own knowledge. Man seems to have accomplished so much, and our reason has taken us so far in many ways. On the surface man’s wisdom seems to be the answer to everything. Inside of its delusion, worldly wisdom seeks to tell us who we really are, where we have come from, what life is all about, and what should matter most to us. Even though we, as Christians, by God’s grace have come to see the faulty nature of this world’s wisdom, we are still enamored with it at times, and invited to again put on the devil’s goggles. It is not difficult for us to understand why many unbelievers scoff at the things of our faith, because our sinful minds are tempted to do the same.
Living in the artificial reality of its own wisdom, the world does not know the things of God. Take the greatest scholars on a tour of Bethlehem on that first Christmas night, and ask them to find God—none would take you to the eating trough for the cows. Bring them into Jerusalem on Good Friday and ask them to show you where the door to heaven might be found—none would take you to an executioner’s cross to view a corpse. Ask them to point out one who is on his way to heaven—none would point to the penitent thief at his execution. Take them into the sanctuary, and ask them, “Where are we pulled away from Satan to Christ?” None would walk you to the Baptismal font.
However, on those same trips, take along a baptized little six-year-old Christian girl, and ask her these questions. In humble faith she would know where to take you. No wonder our Lord Jesus praises His Father, “You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them unto babes.” (Matthew 11:25)
In this first chapter of I Corinthians, St. Paul declares, “The world through its wisdom did not know God,” and again, “Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?”
God has chosen to turn worldly wisdom on its head. Real truth, found alone in His Word of the crucified Christ, appears as foolishness in this world. He creates humble Christian faith, clinging to the sacred Word of God, which now trumps all knowledge this world may offer. As Dr. Luther wrote: “Faith is given to throttle the neck of reason and to strangle the brute.”
The true preaching of the Word leads us to Calvary, and exposes the artificial reality which the world is watching. Through the “foolishness” of the cross our Lord gives us the true picture of things—the true reality about the great issues of life—the knowledge of our sinful condition, and the wonderful truth of His forgiving mercy in Christ, which alone has the power to save.
On the final day, how many of the world’s most brilliant minds will be walking with the minority at the feet of the Good Shepherd as they pass through the gates of heaven? Paul answers, “Not many mighty, not many noble.” (I Corinthians 1:26)
How grateful we are, that through this gift of faith, the Holy Spirit removes the faulty goggles of the devil, permitting us to see true reality about ourselves, our origins, what is most essential in life, and how to someday possess Heaven through Christ alone. Jesus’ words to His disciples remain true for us today, “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 13:11) Thank God for the gift of real, spiritual sight!
“Trust in the Lord, with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
College Savings: Planning ahead for a Bethany education
By Jeff Younge, Financial Aid Director
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529 Savings Plans
State-sponsored 529 Savings Plans are considered by many to be the best way to save for college. With a 529, you invest dollars on an after-tax basis. The account grows tax free, and as long as the funds are used for qualifying education expenses, withdrawals are completely tax free.
Here is an example of how this can work. Let’s assume that Bill and Cindy have a three–year–old child named Mark. Bill decides to set up a 529 plan in 2007, and contributes $4000 per year to the account for the next 15 years. If we assume that the account realizes an 8% annual return on investment, the account would be worth over $117,000 in 2022, the year that Mark plans to enroll at Bethany. The full $117,000 can be withdrawn tax free for college expenses. If Mark doesn’t need this full amount for college, then Bill has the option of transferring the balance to another one of his children, or even to a niece or a nephew. As you can see, this can be a very valuable college savings tool.
Another nice feature of the 529 is that people other than parents can contribute to the plan. Maybe a grandpa wants to help make his granddaughter’s education possible by contributing to the account. Maybe instead of a birthday gift, an aunt wants to make a contribution to her nephew’s account. The 529 works well in these cases.
If you’re interested in this type of plan, you should take a look at the plan that your state offers. Many states offer an income tax deduction for contributions to their plan. If you’re not satisfied with the plan that your state sponsors, you may choose to invest in a plan sponsored by another state.
A useful Web site about 529 plans is www.savingforcollege.com 
Roth IRAs
While the 529 plan may be the most popular way to save for education, a Roth IRA might be a better choice for some people. While it’s meant to be a retirement account, the Roth can be a useful tool in saving for college as well. Individuals are allowed to contribute up to $4000 per year on an after-tax basis. The account is then allowed to grow tax free, and qualified withdrawals are tax free. The provision that makes the Roth such a good vehicle for saving in general is that you are allowed to withdraw your contributions tax free at any time and for any reason.
Here’s an example of how it can work as a college savings plan: Let’s use Bill and Cindy and three-year-old Mark again for our example. Bill decides to set up a Roth IRA for himself in 2007, and contributes $4000 per year to the account for the next 15 years. If we again assume that the account realizes an 8% annual return on investment, the account would be worth over $117,000 in 2022, the year that Mark plans to enroll at Bethany. Of the $117,000 balance, $60,000 is contributions and $57,000 is investment earnings. If Bill chooses, he can withdraw up to $60,000 for Mark’s college expenses on a tax-free basis. He can then leave the $57,000 in the account and let it continue to grow until his retirement.
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As college costs continue to escalate, many parents wonder how their children are going to be able to afford a Bethany education in the future. With comprehensive costs including tuition, fees, room and board exceeding $23,000 per year, this is a fair question.
The good news is that through a generous financial aid program, Bethany remains very affordable for our students. If parents plan ahead by funding some type of college savings plan for their children, it becomes much easier for the family, and can reduce the amount of educational debt that the student takes with them at graduation.
There are many different ways to set up a college savings plan, and the best way can vary based on your family’s unique circumstances. The 529 Savings Plan and the Roth IRA are two ways that are worth considering. Let’s take a look at how these work.
What do I like best about a 529 plan?
1. There are no set annual contribution limits, so these can be built up quickly.
2. Both contributions and earnings can be withdrawn tax-free if used for education.
3. It may be possible to deduct contributions for state income tax purposes.
4. It’s easy for others to contribute to the plan.
What are some limitations of a 529 plan?
1. If a withdrawal is taken for something other than education, earnings become taxable and are subject to a 10% penalty.
2. The value of a 529 plan that a parent owns is included on the federal financial aid application, so this could reduce the amount of other financial aid that the student qualifies to receive.
What do I like best about Roth IRAs?
1. They can be used for two goals simultaneously; saving for college and saving for retirement.
2. Because they are considered retirement accounts, Roths are not considered assets in the federal financial aid formula.
3. They are flexible. If your child decides not to pursue college, you can withdraw the contributions tax free for other reasons, or leave them in the account and let them grow until retirement.
4. In some cases, families can claim the Retirement Savings Credit on their federal income tax return for a portion of their contributions.
What are some limitations of Roth IRAs?
1. Annual contribution limits make it harder to build up the account quickly.
2. Only contributions can be withdrawn (tax-and-penalty-free) for education.
As you can see, both 529 plans and Roth IRAs can be useful college savings tools. These plans generally work best if parents can put them on “autopilot” with automatic monthly contributions. By starting a plan early and taking advantage of the time value of money, parents can greatly reduce the pain of paying for college.
*For complete details about the plans, consult your tax or investment professional.
The Church Music Major
By Dennis Marzolf and Judy Kresnicka, Music Department
Church music study at Bethany builds on the foundation of Lutheran musicianship that was laid in the earliest days of the College. When Walter Buszin founded the concert choir in 1927, he hoped that the choir would be an organization dedicated to the propogation of Lutheran choral music, especially the music of the Lutheran masters. That foundation, along with the hymnal used in the daily chapel exercises and services has shown the college’s faithfulness to the Lutheran tradition of sacred music.
Students who study church music are influenced by three rivers of thought at the college: music, theology and the liberal arts.
Church Music students come to know the art of music through an integration of historical, theoretical and practical (performance) aspects of the discipline. The time they spend in the practice rooms and the organ loft will bear fruit in solo performances, chapel performances, and work in the ensembles. Students are also encouraged to test their wings as composers, and the annual student composition “New Music” recital showcases examples of works that support the musical life of the church: hymn tunes, choral anthems, formulary Psalmody, hymn intonations, and chorale preludes.
Students may construct a practicum in church music in their junior or senior year which allows for exposure to various aspects of life in the church, including rehearsal of various choirs, planning services, and leading the liturgical music from the choir loft or the organ bench.
Organ study at Bethany continues to expand upon the traditions of the past, with a large and active studio taught by Judith Kresnicka and Laura Matzke. The organ program at Bethany is designed to prepare students for service in the church. Whether choosing a major or minor in music or church music, the student is introduced to the highest level of literature, commensurate with the requirements demanded at any other liberal arts college with similar organ programs.
The concept that there is, or should be, a distinction between the church musician and the so-called “performance major” is erroneous. Students at Bethany study music proportionate to their level of skills, and music selection is made to accommodate a need: practical, philosophical, technical, or other. Most importantly, our organ students learn to respect music making as an art in itself, a gift, to be used to serve God, and one another. There is no question that Bethany has been blessed with organ students of significant talents, that also match their enthusiasm and devotion to their preparation and performance. Because of these blessings, we graduate organists of the finest, committed to serve.
The organ program is presented on four levels. Each level introduces the student to the skills and techniques necessary to grow in an understanding of the instrument and its music. Topics of study include: hymnody, liturgy, keyboard harmony, technique, registration (how to use the sounds of the organ), literature, accompanying, and how to perform in public. In addition, the student has many opportunities to perform: morning and evening chapel, Sunday worship, concerts, recitals. Area congregations – and even outside the area - are always willing to give performing opportunities to the students.
Our organ program also serves students majoring in non-music disciplines. It is not uncommon to see enrolled an education major, theatre major, or even an engineering major!
Bethany houses three pipe organs and one electric organ for student access. The main organ is situated in Trinity Chapel: 24 ranks, 20 stops, and 1,200 pipes. The organ was built by Lynn Dobson in 1979 and rebuilt in 1995 when Bethany built its present chapel. Students are very aware of the privilege to practice and perform on this fine instrument, and practice times are observed with zeal! The organ, more than any other instrument, depends for success on live acoustics and reverberation and on its placement in the space where it is heard. The placement of this instrument allows its sound to speak directly down the length of the nave, allowing for excellent congregational singing.
The religious studies curriculum supports the training of musicians for the church as well. Already in the first year students begin to explore the liturgical structures and practices of the Lutheran Church. Further coursework in the Psalms, the Lutheran Confessions, and topics coursework such as “The Liturgical Movement and its Impact on the Music of the Church” provide clear testimony that BLC is earnest about its role in the “equipping of the saints.”
The liberal arts frame all study at BLC, and this framework in breadth and spirit encourages the development of individuals who are creative in their approach to problem-solving, capable of nurturing an attitude of life-long curiousity, and cognizant of the vocational ramifications of the choices that they make throughout life.
“But I would like to see all the arts, especially music, used in the service of Him who gave and made them.”
“The gift of language combined with the gift of song was only given to man to let him know that he should praise God with both word and music, namely, by proclaiming the word of God through music...”
Luther’s Works, American Edition, Vol. 53, p. 316 (1524), p. 323 (1538)
Students honored for production work
By Lance Schwartz, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
The Broadcast Education Association (BEA) has recognized several Bethany students working in the BLC Production Studio for the second consecutive year. The Broadcast Education Association is a professional association for professors, industry professionals, and graduate students who are interested in teaching and research related to electronic media and multimedia enterprises.
Five Bethany-produced pieces were entered in the 2007 BEA festival competition; four received awards. The Association’s Festival of the Media Arts is a national competition that recognizes the best student productions. Because of the intense competition, professionals in the news and sports reporting field judged these entries.
Bethany students Katie Lange and Nate Abrahamson won third place for The Maverick Hockey Pre Game Show out of 242 entries in the news/sports competition.
Other Bethany honorees include Ashley Schmidt, honorable mention for the short film Martyrs. Michael Leyrer and Greg Vandermause, honorable mention for the political news show Between the Lines. Jon Hartwig, honorable mention for the short film Moth and Rust.
Bethany studio director Chris Johnson says of the awards, “It should be mentioned that dozens of BLC students contributed to the success of these programs.”
The students receiving the awards were invited to attend the BEA convention and award festivals that took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, along side the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) annual convention. The BEA convention was April 15-April 22, 2007, and Bethany sent fourteen participants.
Additionally, Chris Johnson has been asked to present on a panel demonstrating the outstanding work and innovation of projects from the Bethany Studio. Johnson commented about the honors, “Truly, the Lord continues to bless our efforts. We never work to win awards, but it’s always a blessing to know our program competes with the best media programs in the country.”
Communicating with Aphasia
By Lance Schwartz, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Bethany alumnus Jerry Hoepner found himself truly inspired in art classes taught by Professor William Bukowski. So just how inspired was he?
Budding career as an artist? – no
Successful gallery director? – no
Professor of art? – no
In fact, Hoepner isn’t an artist at all. He is pursuing a doctorate in communicative disorders and neuroscience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Hoepner’s plans are to finish the coursework leading towards the degree in May 2007 and will continue to work on his dissertation with the goal of completion in the fall of 2008. He has accepted a half-time teaching position beginning this summer at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, with hopes to pursue additional teaching after earning his doctorate. He’ll be teaching coursework on brain injury, neurological disorders, and rehabilitation within the communicative disorders department (Speech Language Pathology).
A perfect fit
So what exactly does Hoepner’s experience in Bethany Lutheran College art classrooms led by Professor Bukowski mean to his experience as an expert in communicative disorders? The answer lies in the power of visual art. “Bill was my art instructor when I attended Bethany. I always appreciated his approach to teaching art. This is what inspired me to ask him to be an instructor at the Chippewa Valley Aphasia Camp.” Hoepner explained that as a student in Bukowski’s classes, he was required to keep an ongoing drawing journal. “This is a concept I often use with my patients with aphasia,” says Hoepner. He explained that Bukowski’s approach to teaching art was a perfect fit for aphasia camp participants. “I value his pace, his patience, his connection with campers, his obvious passion for art, and his compassionate attitude towards campers treating them as peers, as he would any other group of adults in an art class.”
The Chippewa Valley Aphasia Group (CVAG) was established in 1997 and Hoepner became involved shortly after its inception as planner and facilitator of the participation-based Chippewa Valley Aphasia Camp. When the Eau Claire-based camp was conceived, there were only two others in the United States, one in the state of Oregon and another in Madison, Wisconsin. Now, for the past three years, the CVAG has successfully planned and implemented the Aphasia Camp in a rustic northern Wisconsin environment. The mission of the camp is to offer persons with aphasia and their families activities and resources to reduce their social isolation and to facilitate communication and participation success in everyday life. The CVAG functions in partnership with Mayo System affiliates Luther Midelfort and Bloomer Medical Center.
Shifting to the right
Hoepner says the camp is a blessing to the participants. “Some of the camp attendees cannot write or speak at all, but can convey detailed information through drawing. Others use the drawing to support their written and verbal communication, which isn’t 100 percent.”
Aphasia is a condition that typically results from damage to the left side of the brain. It is the right side of the brain which houses the skills utilized for artistic skills such as drawing and painting. Hoepner says that making use of those unaffected, intact functions allows people with aphasia to reveal their competence, which is masked by their struggles expressing spoken language. “It’s because of this that I felt Bill would be a great choice as an instructor. Not only did he recognize the inherent value of art and drawing as a means of communication, but his demeanor and approach to teaching is so personable and laid back. Indeed, this is exactly what makes him so successful at Aphasia Camp. He’s gifted in helping people, who may have little recent experience in artwork, produce something that looks stunning.”
All of the camp participants stay in cabins on site and have opportunities to participate in activities, programs, and a variety of supported conversation opportunities. Campers travel from Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota to attend. Aphasia Camp is driven by the guiding principles of self-directed activities, establishing relationships, enhancing self worth and identity, building trust, and providing supportive communication that reveals competence and enhancing quality life experiences for those living with the effects of Aphasia.
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