Submitted Photo
Andrew and Sarah Gerda with their two daughters.
By Lance Schwartz (’86) – Chief Communication Officer – Bethany Magazine, Winter 2024
A Bethany education is priceless. Nevertheless, the cost of a college education is measured in “real” dollars. Paying for a college education can be difficult for many students. Cost should not be a barrier to the pursuit of higher education. Many alumni and friends of Bethany Lutheran College believe strongly in providing opportunity for BLC-bound students and have initiated endowment funds to assist them with their tuition bills.
A generous gift of $15,000 allows a donor to initiate a named endowment fund. The Advancement Department of Bethany Lutheran College can assist you with all of your questions about named scholarship endowment funds.
What better way is there to create a lasting legacy of your love and support for Christian college education? A named endowment fund will provide significant financial assistance for generations of Bethany Lutheran College students.
“We wanted to maintain our connection to Bethany and support others in pursuing an education grounded in the Christian faith.”
– Andrew Gerda (’10)
Donors provide the difference
Andrew (‘10) and Sarah (‘11) Gerda attended Bethany at the recommendation of their pastor, Rev. Timothy Vaughan. Vaughn, also a Bethany grad, valued his experience so much that he convinced the Gerdas to visit and eventually enroll.
Sarah explained, “The small campus and Christ-centered education drew us to tour and eventually apply. Another important factor was the opportunity for financial assistance. Being able to afford to go to a private college seemed impossible, but the financial assistance available through Bethany made it possible.”
Andy and Sarah decided, after graduating from Bethany, to give back to their alma mater by establishing a need-based scholarship in order to help others have the same experience they valued so much.
Andy said, “We wanted to maintain our connection to Bethany and support others in pursuing an education grounded in the Christian faith. Starting a scholarship was a way to help others attend Bethany by easing the burden of the cost of their education.”
Sarah added, “We wanted to give back to Bethany to show our gratitude for the education we received. We looked into starting a scholarship and contacted Art Westphal (Advancement) with some questions. He came to our house to help us set everything up, and gave us the same personalized attention we had received from our professors during our education at Bethany.”
Bethany Lutheran College thanks Andy and Sarah Gerda for their generous commitment to helping others achieve their academic dreams and aspirations.
How to initiate an endowment scholarship fund
What is the first step in the creation of an endowment scholarship fund? The Advancement Department of Bethany Lutheran College can assist you with the details involving the establishment of an endowment fund. You may reach a member of the Advancement Office by calling 507-344-7000. Most likely, a development associate will visit you personally to help define the criteria for establishing your endowment fund.