Captions Magazine - Bethel University

Thomas Butler
Other than the degree itself, what is the one thing you have taken away from your Bethel education - Most importantly, I met my wife, Morgan,
there. You may not be looking for a love story so I will say that Bethel instilled in me the desire to work hard to achieve my
goals. Like many other students, my wife and I both had jobs that took up a lot of our time during school. It would have been easy
to attempt to simply get by. Instead, our professors challenged us to expect more from ourselves, and that drive continues to play
an important role in our everyday lives.
What surprises you most about today's Bethel - Every time Morgan and I return to Bethel for a ball game or other event, we notice a
new aspect of campus that was not there when we graduated four years ago. The growth has been tremendous, and people like
my dad should be praised for that. Just as our professors encouraged us to achieve greater heights, the school itself has worked
to do the same. I believe that shows when you drive around campus.
What do you think about your dad being appointed as Interim President - He will not like me
saying this, but there is no greater man on this Earth than my dad. Every time he is
presented with a challenge, he handles it with patience and his usual calm demeanor.
Bethel is extremely blessed to have Dad as the President of the University, and I
could not be more proud as a son and alum. I believe we will see great strides made
at Bethel during his tenure.
Joseph Butler
Other than the degree itself, what is the one thing you have taken away from your Bethel
education - I walked away with a love for this university. Fortunately for me, I get to
continually be involved. I love many on staff at Bethel, I love the campus, I love many
of my fellow alumni, I love the sports teams, and so much more about this university. I
have wonderful memories with Bethel, and I know I will be proud of Bethel’s future.
What surprises you most about today's Bethel - It’s easy to say the growth,
but I must admit the growth of Bethel surprises me most. In the position
I’m in with Bethel’s online programs and its online partners, I’m able to
see the broad view. It’s so great to see new faces all over campus and
to see beautiful new buildings erected almost yearly. On the other side,
it’s wonderful to travel the state and realize there are alumni and active
adult students with pride for the same college/university that I love.
Even further, it’s a blessing to know that Bethel is reaching outside of
this area and state, and allowing folks like active military an opportunity
to get a college degree.
wife, Megan. Bottom Row l to r: Jordan Butler;
Cole Butler; Walter Butler (BS'85 & MBA'08) holding
Banks Butler; Jennifer Butler (BS'09); Harlan
Butler and Easton Butler.
What do you think about your dad being appointed as Interim President - I’m
so happy for both Bethel and my dad. He truly loves Bethel. He is a
loving Christian man, he works harder than anyone I know, and he is
an amazing leader. Bethel’s president should have strong moral and
Christian character; dad is a strong example of both. Bethel has such a
bright future, and I believe they have selected the perfect person to help
lead them on that journey.
and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to study subjects
other than business. Finally, my graduation was a wonderful
occasion for me. It made me truly happy to see my family so
proud of something I had done.
What surprises you most about today's Bethel - It still amazes me
to see the tremendous expansion of Bethel and to know that
this wonderful university is impacting the futures of people,
young and not-so-young, all over the world.
Other comments - Bethel University has been a blessing to our
family in more ways that I can express. Walter's employment at
Bethel has provided for our family. Our sons received a great
education there, and, maybe best of all, one of our sons found
his precious wife there!
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