Quality over quantity: How Logan DeMond has left his mark on Bethel
Quality over quantity: How Logan DeMond has left his mark on Bethel
Through relationships and experiences, the senior's Bethel journey has been one like no other.
For Bethel College senior and Larned native Logan DeMond, leaving his hometown of Tulsa, Okla. after the separation of his parents to move to the small western Kansas town was no easy task.
Fortunately, though, he made his first connection in his new home quickly. Soon after moving from a big high school to a small one, he got to know A.B. Stokes — who was the head coach of the school’s football team. His football career started with a call from Stokes asking him if he wants to be a part of the team, even though he had never played the game before.
And after coaching him through his sophomore and junior years, Stokes came to Bethel as the offensive coordinator — and offered DeMond a scholarship.
“He was more than a coach for me,” DeMond said. “He’s been my mentor ever since high school. He helped me go through the separation of my parents and [the process of] moving to a new place. He was someone I could lean on … and I knew I didn't want to play college football unless it was for Bethel.”
Since DeMond arrived on campus in the fall of 2019, he hasn’t only engaged in the football program, but in other groups on campus as well. He joined the Student Activities Council (SAC) early in his career, where he got to connect with people and familiarize himself with the campus itself.
His junior year, he served as a senator within the Student Government Association (SGA) and headed the Ad Hoc committee that worked to improve the Caf.
Now, he spends his time outside of class working with Emerge Harvey County — an organization focused on developing young professionals in Newton and its surrounding area. He also plays a prominent role in marketing for the Thresher Shop and Alumni Association.
And while his resume is extensive, DeMond believes that quality is more important than quantity.
“I don’t think it’s about how many clubs you’re in,” he explained. “It’s more about what you do with these clubs. A student can be in every club and be a leader in those clubs, but if they fail to make relationships, then I think it’s a missed opportunity.”
He added, “Clubs are an avenue to success. When you leave [Bethel], the clubs don’t matter. What matters are the experiences that you had within these clubs.“
As DeMond has crafted those relationships and experiences, he’s witnessed Bethel transform in a number of ways. He recalled his freshman year (which was cut off by the COVID-19 pandemic) and emphasized the change he’s seen in students themselves. When they got back to campus a few months later, there was excitement abound… which he doesn’t see anymore.
The biggest change, as he points out, is students shifting from coming to Bethel to change something to becoming a Thresher to simply get a degree. Still, he’s optimistic that the trend is only temporary and not indicative of a permanent future.
“What matters are the experiences you had within [Bethel’s] clubs.”
— Logan DeMond
Looking ahead, after double majoring in communication arts and historical science, DeMond intends to obtain his master’s degree in communications with an emphasis on political science from Wichita State University. After that, he’s eyeing a move to Washington, D.C. to collect work experience before going to law school. His ultimate aim is to become a part of the United States Congress.
Needless to say, three and a half years after his arrival, anyone who’s met him will tell you that DeMond has left his mark on Bethel — and it all started with a phone call from A.B. Stokes during his sophomore year of high school.