Beyond BC series to highlight Bethel alumni
The series, created by Logan DeMond, will host its first speaker in Leisy House on Jan. 31.
This week, Bethel College senior Logan DeMond officially announced the launch of his new on-campus speaker series, Beyond BC. The series was created for current Bethel students to connect with alumni and hear their stories from their perspective, along with what it means to be a Thresher.
Three-and-a-half years ago, like most freshman college students, DeMond came to college not knowing what he wanted to study. This quickly changed because he started getting involved in anything he could think of around campus. He realized that being on a small campus like Bethel’s, getting involved was one of the keys to being successful in college early on and a way to get to know people.
“I was the freshman liaison that year,” DeMond said. “So that kinda got me introduced to the campus. We would do events, which ultimately introduced me to a lot of my friends. Obviously, I was involved in football, so a lot of my buddies came from that too.” Logan also went on to write for the newspaper, host his own radio show with KBCU, work as part of the Student Government Association, and serve as a Community Assistant.
Now, he’s using those experiences — and the experiences of those who came before him — to benefit his peers with the Beyond BC series.
“There’s a special community that exists outside of our immediate campus,” DeMond explained. “We’ve all seen these graduates who’ve gone on with these huge success stories. They’ve achieved great things in their line of work, using their Bethel College degree to impact the world. At the end of the day, I want to make these stories known, using alumni.”
Beyond BC isn’t an idea that just suddenly came to DeMond. It’s been on his mind for a while. “You’re not coming here just to get your education and get out,” he said. “You’re coming here to be transformed and to immerse yourself in a campus and a community that’s bigger than yourself. That's what Beyond BC is all about.”
DeMond plans for students to meet once a month in Leisy House at 7:30 p.m. to hear from selected alumni who will share what they were able to get out of Bethel College and how they’ve used their earned degree to impact the world. Convocation credit for each session will be offered to students who attend.
Upcoming Beyond BC speakers
Jan. 31: Lauren Friesen
Feb. 19: John Hansberry
March 30: Kimberly Kirchmeyer