New Students Welcomed

With the opening of the fall semester on August 27, twelve new students began their studies toward a graduate degree or certificate at Bethany Seminary. Two ecumenical students join ten Church of the Brethren students from eight districts, among whom is Bethany’s first student from Puerto Rico.

Two current Bethany students are changing from the Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies (CATS) program to degree programs, one toward a master of divinity and one toward a master of arts. In addition, one current MDiv student has chosen to pursue an MA degree as well.

Beginning students joined faculty, staff, and current students for two days of orientation, beginning with a breakfast for all members of both Bethany and Earlham School of Religion communities. Sessions with academic advisors, the registrar, and financial aid staff were interspersed with time for worship and fellowship, obtaining books and IDs, and personal introductions of the faculty members from both schools.

New to Bethany students this year are sessions on conscious consumption and financial literacy, part of a program funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc. to help address economic issues that many seeking to serve in ministry will face. Led by grant project director Courtney Hess, the sessions will include good stewardship practices, financial managements, and choices in daily living to reduce and/or avoid debt.

Top: Michael Kovacs, MDiv, Red Lion, PA; Steven Krieg, MDiv, Saginaw, MI

Standing: Matt Prejean (spring 2015), MDiv, Roanoke, LA; Bryan Hangar, MA, Washington, DC; Matthew Hollenberg, MDiv, York, PA; Tim Emmons, CATS, Rocky Mount, VA; Ethan Allen, MDiv, Circleville, OH; Susan Liller, MDiv; New Carlisle, OH; Jonathan Zinnel, MA, Richmond, IN; Naomi Kraenbring, MDiv, Columbia, PA

Front: Raul Arroyo, MDiv, Vega Baja, PR; Alexandra Toms, MDiv, Chambersburg, PA; Elizabeth Swenson-Ullery, MDiv, Olympia, WA