Bethany Lutheran College began a $28,000,000 capital campaign in June 2007. The goals of the campaign focused on a variety of needs at Bethany. First and foremost was the construction of a new academic building to replace an aging Luther Hall (100 years old). In addition to the need for modern learning spaces, the College also sought to increase its endowed scholarships to meet the growing demand for financial aid.
President Dan Bruss noted in 2012, “Bethany Lutheran College students qualify for financial aid at a higher rate than most private colleges in Minnesota and the fact that donors recognize the need that exists at Bethany and have generously supported our efforts to raise funds for scholarship growth is significant, and it gives a boost to our commitment to keeping a Bethany education affordable.”
While a feasibility study was done before the campaign was launched, it was still difficult to predict what the prospects for success might have been. Now in 2014, Bethany Lutheran College is pleased to announce that the Faithful Future Capital Campaign has met (and exceeded) the goal. When the books were closed on the campaign, $30,215,164 in donations was recorded.
The first of several campaign thank-you events was held on the Bethany campus on May 7, 2014. This event included a service of thanksgiving in Trinity Chapel featuring the Bethany Concert Choir, a homily by Chaplain Donald Moldstad, along with remarks from Mr. David Wittenberg (Chair for the Mankato community campaign) and President Dan Bruss.
Several more events focused on thankfulness for the successful completion of the campaign will take place throughout 2014.
We extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the alumni and friends of BLC for the generous outpouring of gifts for the Faithful Future Campaign.