A new face is joining Bethany’s Advancement Department on April 8, 2019. That “new face” will be a familiar one to many Bethany alumni and friends.
Bruce Gratz is a 1984 Bethany alumnus, and most recently he’s served on the College’s controlling board, the Board of Regents. He’ll be working with a variety of supporters of the College identifying and developing relationships with alumni and friends of Bethany.
Gratz grew up in in rural Fairmont, Minnesota, and attended East Chain High School. He chose to attend Bethany because it was a, “small school which mirrored my high school, and for the opportunity to experience a Christian-based college education.” He was active on campus playing basketball for the Vikings, a member of the College Choir, and participated in intramurals.
After earning his associate in arts degree at Bethany, Gratz attended and earned a bachelor of science degree in commercial economics and agricultural business from South Dakota State University, Brookings (SDSU). He’s also attended the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, earning his Certificate of Executive Leadership—the highest-level certificate available through the Wisconsin School of Business.
Gratz has been in the banking industry his entire professional career with responsibilities including client portfolio management and branch office and personnel administration. Most recently, he was the senior vice president of commercial lending in a community bank.
Gratz has three adult children: daughters Alyssa Graif (BLC 2014) and husband Foster, Kasey Ott (BLC 2016) and husband David (BLC 2015), and son Alec (sophomore at SDSU). He is also the proud grandparent of twin ten-month-old granddaughters (daughters of Alyssa and Foster).
Gratz is excited to work for his alma mater for a variety of reasons. He noted, “It’s really about the people and the mission. When I consider all the individuals that have dedicated their careers to Bethany, I am overwhelmed with the commitment to the mission. You won’t find this in the corporate world. I’m also thrilled to be sharing the good news of all the great work already being done on campus that honors our Lord Jesus Christ, and exploring the work yet to be done.”
When asked what donors can expect when Bruce visits, “Expect a friendly smile and two ears that want to hear about your experience at Bethany Lutheran College.”