On March 15, Bethel College informed the Mabee Foundation of Tulsa, Okla., that Bethel donors had met the Mabee challenge for funding transformation of the old Science Hall into a new, state-of-the-art Academic Center.
The challenge, given by the Mabee Foundation in April 2010, was to raise $921,424 in gifts and commitments in one year in order to receive $725,000 from the foundation. Alumni and friends not only met but exceeded the monetary goal; the college secured more than $1 million.
“More than 850 donors contributed to the Academic Center project,” reported Sondra Bandy Koontz, vice president for advancement and leader of the campaign. “We are grateful to all of them for making this long-desired dream a reality.”
She also noted that “Bethel College donors have never left a Mabee challenge on the table. Bethel’s record is safe.”
Construction will begin this spring. An official groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, as part of Alumni Weekend activities. The event will take place near the old Science Hall and is open to the public.
The center - comprised of the current building plus an addition on the east side - will house teacher education, social work, business, history, Bible and religion, mathematics and computer science, and nursing.