Local contributors and organizations sponsor updates
ELIZABETH ALDERFER Staff Writer
This fall semester may look very different around Bethel’s campus, for several different reasons. Besides the obvious changes due to the pandemic, there are multiple new and exciting changes around campus.
Bethel College has a new look after Erin Myrtle, Graphic Design Coordinator, worked to rebrand the Bethel logo. Myrtle stated she wanted to use Bethel’s historical pieces in a refreshed and modernized way.
“There is no doubt the threshing stone should stay a Bethel College symbol. It is a distinctive symbol not only relevant to our heritage but for the larger Kansas community and the world. It suggests something dynamic, a symbol of motion, and change,” Myrtle said.
While doing historical research, Erin was drawn to a 1960’s Folk Festival poster that had wheat inside the stone. As wheat is an important part of threshing, seeing these elements together visually tied the process. Erin was further inspired by the quote in the Will Academic Center given by Conrad Snider ‘84 that states: The threshing stone is a tool that provides nourishment for our bodies by separating the wheat from the chaff — just as the College provides nourishment for our minds and lives.
The Departments of Communication Arts and Business also reimagined the Bethel tagline to the simple phrase “We are Threshers” to pare down to the essence of Bethel. What do all personnel, students, alumni, donors, friends of the college have in common? We are Threshers.
In the Fine Art Center parking lot, one can now find solar panels, allowing Bethel to increase its energy sustainability with two electric car charging stations. It also provides students and visitors alike with coveted shaded parking. This project was made possible by alumni maintenance, generous donors and local companies who came together to make the dream come true. This project was completed in May and has already been used by many out-of-state cars and even Teslas.
August of 2019 brought damage to Manz Library, mainly the trusses that support the roof. In late June, the college hired Library Design Systems to move all of the bookshelves out of the damaged part of the library. The construction process has been slow and drawn out, but it is going to be completed in the near future.
Haury Hall also experienced some new touches, thanks to the Bethel College Women’s Association. Deborah Gering, stated that the goal was to make small touches that would add up to a big difference. Painting took place in the lounge and front entrance and new furniture was added. The furniture was purchased with consideration to how it could be cleaned and maintained, especially during a time where sanitation is key. Another exciting addition was the purchase of eight adirondack chairs and four tables. These could be put outside and allow for social distancing as well as providing unique seating inside. Thank you to the Women’s Association for these updates and additions!
With all these new updates around campus, the Bethel community, students and staff are looking forward to having a great year despite unusual circumstances. Thank you to everyone who worked hard planning these projects, and also to those who made them happen.
