Guarding mission, guiding growth: The transforming talents and tenure of George K. Brushaber, President, 1982-2008

              The Transforming
Talents and Tenure of
George K. Brushaber
President, 1982–2008
GuardingMission
GuidingGrowth
The man who had received five talents went at
once and put his talents to work and gained
five more…After a long time the master returned
[and said], “‘Well done, good and faithful servant.
You have been faithful with a few things; I will
put you in charge of many things. Come and share
your master’s happiness.’”
From Matthew 25:14-21 (NIV)
1
At 11 p.m. on a June night in 1974, Bethel
College & Seminary President Carl
Lundquist made an urgent phone call to George
Brushaber, then dean of Westmont College in
California. “Is there a chance you could get on a
plane tomorrow morning and come to Seattle?”
he asked. “Delegates of the BGC have questions
for you.”
The next morning, Brushaber caught a
last-minute flight to the annual meeting of the
Baptist General Conference, Bethel’s sponsoring
denomination. He knew his name was being
proposed as the next dean of Bethel College. But
Lundquist had said an interview with voting
delegates wouldn’t be necessary—they’d take
the recommendation of Bethel’s president
and the search committee.
Now, though, there were objections.
This proposed new dean was not Swedish,
had not been a part of the Baptist General
Conference, and had no prior connection
with Bethel, as had all previous deans. After
90 minutes spent answering the delegate
questions, this suspect “Gentile,” as he
would frequently call himself later, won their
approval.
And so began George K.
Brushaber’s 33 years at Bethel—
seven as dean and 26 as president.
Those first concerns about an
“outsider” bring smiles now, in
light of all this gifted man of
God has accomplished for the
university.
When he was asked to
consider becoming dean, the
35-year-old candidate had two
important questions of his
own: Was Bethel friendly to
the sciences? And was Bethel
supportive of the visual arts?
Christians, he believed, should
be fully engaged and training
leaders in these fields. When he
was satisfied the answer was “yes”
to both questions, he agreed to
consider the post.
Patient Candidate
Dean of Bethel College, George Brushaber, in the 1970s.
“
Biography by
Alvera Mickelsen
Growth Generator
Arriving to begin his work as dean at Bethel
in the fall of 1975, Brushaber learned that
some science departments had only one or two
teachers and a few adjuncts. He determined
to change that. Following a steady infusion of
resources, today Bethel’s biology, physics, and
chemistry programs
are highly respected,
even in Ivy League
graduate schools.
The sciences are
just one example of
many programs that
have blossomed under
Brushaber’s leadership.
And then there are
the entirely new ventures: In the late 1980s,
he launched what are now a thriving graduate
school and a college for those wanting to earn
a baccalaureate degree later in life. Together
these two schools now have 1,400 students with
classes meeting across the Twin Cities metro
area. A new MBA program also has cohorts in
three Greater Minnesota cities.
As Brushaber retires, the institution that in
1975 had 1,467 students in the undergraduate
college and 294 in the seminary is now a
university of more than 6,000* students—
enrolled among four schools in multiple
locations.
During his years as president, 19 new
buildings or major additions have enhanced
the campuses, and the school’s academic and
spiritual reputation has grown equally. Bethel
is now the third largest private college in
Minnesota, and the largest of the 13 colleges
in the Christian College Consortium. Among
more than 250 seminaries accredited by
the Association of
Theological Schools,
Bethel Seminary ranks
10th largest, thanks
in part to a model
distance learning
program that has
attracted students from
around the world. n
2 3
“Odds are not high, after the tenure of
Carl Lundquist, that Bethel would have
another long and notable presidency.
However, George demonstrated that
he, the Baptist General Conference, and
the school were ready to take another
step in educational excellence.”
— Truett Lawson,
Former Executive Minister,
Minnesota Baptist General
Conference
In 1982, George Brushaber succeeded Carl H. Lundquist, who served as
president for 28 years.
0
18 71
19 05
Bethel Academy
Bethel Seminary
Bethel Seminary San Diego
Bethel Seminary of the East
Bethel Mission Training School
Bethel College/College of Arts & Sciences College of Adult & Professional Studies
Graduate School
Four-year
college
began
550
students
19 47
Bethel began as
a seminary in
Chicago
1
student
Moved to Twin
Cities, merged
with an academy
70
students
19 72
Moved to new
campus
1,359
students
19 77
Bethel
Seminary
San Diego
began
2,338
students
Adult degree completion
and graduate programs began
2,400
students
1989
5,245
students
Seminary
of the East
merged
with
Bethel
3,900
students
2000
2007
NOTE: Fall headcount numbers are correct by institution, but may include duplicates (students enrolled in two schools).
Growth in Enrollment
A 102% increase and two new schools
1982..................................................2,590
College....................................................2,067
Seminary St. Paul....................................... 416
Seminary San Diego................................... 107
2007.................................................5,245
College of Arts & Sciences......................2,773
Seminary St. Paul.......................................776
Seminary San Diego................................... 210
Seminary of the East ...................................90
College of Adult
& Prof. Studies...........................................561
Graduate School........................................835
(Fall numbers. Total year-end numbers exceed the 6,000 mark.)
“He’s always been a dreamer... always
growing, creating something. All that
growth of Bethel, though, has been
mission-centered with clarity about the
core values.”
— Philip Eaton,
President,
Seattle Pacific University
*2006-2007 year-end total
5,500
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
Steady Visionary
The journey has not been easy, even for a
man of Brushaber’s indefatigable energy.
He frequently would begin his office work at 7
a.m. (or earlier) and continue past 6 p.m. “He
gets more out of the clock and the calendar than
anyone I have ever known,”
says Dwaine Lind, his long-time
executive assistant.
“He has unusual powers
of concentration, deals
smoothly with interruptions,
and returns immediately to
the task at hand.”
The many changes the
president brought to Bethel
were not always welcome. He has a passion
for excellence—and excellence is often costly.
When the Carl H. Lundquist Community Life
Center was erected, it included Benson Great
Hall, seating 1,500, to serve both as a chapel and
a concert hall.
In the planning stage, music department
Growth in Campus Facilities
AC Building College Addition (1983)
Seminary Lundquist Library Addition (1983)
Sports and Recreation Center (1984)
William and Margery Getch Residence (1984)
Seminary San Diego (1990)
Ewald Chalberg Residence (acquired in 1993)
Carl H. Lundquist Community Life Center and
Benson Great Hall (1994)
H.J. Robertson Center Addition (1996)
Nelson Residence Hall Addition (1996)
Arden Office Center (acquired in 1996)
Alvin and Mabel Clauson Fine Arts Addition II (1999)
HC Terrace (1999)
Heritage Residence (1999)
Hargis Park Baseball Field (2000)
Royal Stadium (2000)
Ona Orth Athletic Complex (2001)
Lissner Hall Residence (2005)
Welcome Center (2006)
University Commons (2009)
chair and Bethel Choir conductor Robert
Berglund (now retired) contended for a superb
concert venue—a “shoebox” style hall with
precise height, width, and depth ratios, as well
as furnishings for the best possible acoustics.
Such a design would nearly
double the cost, and other
departments argued for more
multi-purpose architectural
plans. Brushaber chose
to support what was
acoustically excellent,
though the final price would
be $16 million.
Benson Great Hall is now
widely considered one of the finest concert
halls in the upper Midwest, and one in which
musicians the caliber of the Saint Paul Chamber
Orchestra are eager to perform. Such a space
has added greatly to the reputation and ministry
of Bethel University, and time has affirmed the
strategic wisdom of the decision.
What were the most difficult times? During
Brushaber’s first few years as president, the last
of “baby boom” students graduated from high
school and the pool of prospective students
across the United States radically declined.
Bethel, like nearly all other colleges, saw a
drop in enrollment for the first time, following
years of steady growth. With a budget based
mainly on tuition, it meant painful adjustments.
Some well-qualified teachers had to be laid off,
professional development opportunities put on
hold, and pay raises frozen.
Even though he had anticipated this
enrollment trend, Brushaber was discouraged.
Leith Anderson, chair of the Board of Trustees,
confronted him. “Are you a quitter?” he asked
directly. “If you are, move on. If you have
gumption and courage, we’ll stay with you.” The
president chose to persevere, and within a few
years, Bethel’s student numbers began leaping
forward again.
That same tenacity also served him well in
the face of occasional conflicts over theological
issues. Brushaber’s educational background
has enabled him to navigate through some
potential minefields and to keep Bethel true to
the foundational truths of Scripture. He holds
master’s degrees in philosophy of religion and
in divinity, and a doctorate in epistemology
and metaphysics. In addition, he has been a
thorough student of Baptist General Conference
and church history. Many credit him with
knowing more about BGC history than many of
the denomination’s pastors. n
4 5
Ribbon cutting at Benson Great Hall with donors Don and Roberta Mann Benson. The structure testifies to Brushaber’s high standards for quality.
The outgoing president can look back on 19 new buildings or major
additions erected during his tenure—an average of one every 18
months.
“Just look around and see what
you see—not just in buildings,
but in flesh and blood. George
caught the vision of what Bethel
could be and saw he could be a
tool in the hands of God.”
— Nancy Lundquist,
Former First Lady of Bethel
Keeper of Mission
Many admire the president, first and
foremost, for his deep commitment
to the evangelical Christian faith and an
ongoing determination that Bethel embody that
commitment in all its endeavors.
The president has “an
unwavering commitment
to evangelicalism. That’s
George’s core theologically,”
says Jay Barnes, executive
vice president and provost
for the College of Arts
& Sciences, the College
of Adult & Professional
Studies, and the Graduate
School. “Flowing out of
that, then, has been his
strong commitment to
our core values. That’s an
important part of how he’s
defined Bethel.”
To weave these tenets
securely into the fabric of the school after they
were reworded in 2004, the president has given
a wallet-size version to each new visitor to his
Bethel University Mission, Vision, and Values
Boldly informed and motivated by the Christian faith, Bethel University educates and energizes men and
women for excellence in leadership, scholarship, and service. We prepare graduates to serve in strategic
capacities to renew minds, live out biblical truth, transform culture, and advance the gospel.
office, and every new employee receives a copy
as well. As a result, the “We are…” statements
have come to permeate the institution’s
conversations and culture. Every proposal is
evaluated by whether it contributes to some or
all of the core values.
For similar reasons,
Brushaber has interviewed
face-to-face every
candidate considered
for a full-time faculty
position. “I don’t ask
about their academic
qualifications. That has
already been covered by
department chairpersons,”
he says. “I want to know
about their personal
faith, whether they’re
comfortable sharing their
faith with students, and
if they are committed to
our core values.” He has made it a practice to
re-interview each faculty member at five-year
intervals. n
We are Christ-followers—orthodox,
conversionist, and evangelical, rooted in the
authority of Scripture.
We are character
builders—concerned
with personal and
spiritual formation and
therefore committed to the development of
whole and holy persons.
We are truth-seekers—recognizing that
all truth has its source in God as revealed in
creation and Scripture, and personified in Christ.
We are learners—
committed to academic
excellence within a
community characterized
by teaching, scholarship,
and service.
We are
reconcilers—
honoring the worth and
dignity of people from
all races and purposely
seeking to create a
community that reflects
the diversity of the Body of Christ.
We are salt and
light—relating to
the world and society
in culturally relevant
ways while being
informed by our pietistic
denominational heritage and characterized by an
irenic spirit.
We are world-changers—
driven to
prepare graduates who
will shape and change
the world through
exemplary leadership in
the church and throughout society.
6 7
In 2001, President Brushaber helped to create and empower the Bethel Antiracism and Reconciliation Commission.
“His greatest contribution has
been as advocate and leader for
the Christian values of Bethel
University. He has relentlessly
talked about, worked for, and
prayed about the spiritual life
and integrity of the Bethel
community. The vibrant spiritual
life on the Bethel campus traces
directly to the president’s office.
This is his greatest heritage.”
— Leith Anderson,
Chair of the Bethel Board
of Trustees
Energetic Scholar
How did Brushaber become this kind of
leader? The only child of a pastor in
Milwaukee, Wis., he grew up in the church and
learned a great deal from
shadowing his father. At
an early age, he recognized
his need to confess Christ
and embrace his own faith.
In the same church he met
his wife, Darleen, and never
dated anyone else.
Brushaber began
college at the University of
Wisconsin in Milwaukee
and then transferred to
Wheaton College. When he
took the usual vocational
tests, the results suggested
he should be a farmer or a mortician! But his
advisor, Richard Gross (later his president and
friend at Gordon), assured him his options were
wider and asked what he’d really like to do. “Be
Growth in Academics
Programs and Majors
1982 57
2008 141
Programs and Majors Added under Brushaber
College of Arts & Sciences
Accounting and Finance
Applied Physics
Athletic Training
Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Business Education
Business and Political Science
Community Health
Computer Science
Engineering Science
Environmental Science
Environmental Studies
Exercise Science
French Education
International Relations
Journalism
Media Communication
Reconciliation Studies
Sociocultural Studies
Spanish Education
Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Teaching English as a Second Language
Third World Studies
Youth Ministry
College of Adult & Professional Studies
Business Management
Christian Ministries
Communication Studies
General Studies (A.A.)
Human Resource Management
Nursing
Organizational Leadership
Graduate School
Communication
Counseling Psychology
Educational Administration (Ed.D.)
Education K-12
Ethnomusicology
Gerontology
Literacy Education
Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
Nursing
Organizational Leadership
Special Education
Teaching (K-12 or 5-12 Licensure)
Seminary
Children’s and Family Ministry
Christian Thought
Community Ministry Leadership
Gallup Strengths-based Congregational Leadership (D.Min.)
Global and Contextual Leadership (D.Min.)
Global and Contextual Studies
Leading from the Inside Out (D.Min.)
Marriage and Family Therapy
Organic Leadership Development (D.Min.)
Servant Leadership (D.Min.)
Transformational Leadership
Urban Ministry Leadership (D.Min.)
Plus Seminary and Graduate School certificate programs
the academic dean of a Christian college,” he
replied with unusual foresight.
Bethel Philosophy Professor Emeritus Stan
Anderson has been a
lifelong friend, sharing
many parts of the journey
from that day to this.
The two met as Wheaton
students, once skipped
class to go to a baseball
game in nearby Chicago,
and occasionally played
pranks on professors—
mild antics by today’s
standards. Later they stood
up for each other at their
weddings and crossed
paths again professionally
in two different colleges.
After George and Darleen married, they
moved to Boston, where Brushaber studied
for his M.Div. at Gordon Divinity School
8 9
“Dr. Brushaber is highly conversant
in many fields, including science,
history, literature, journalism,
economics, philosophy, theology,
current affairs, sports, music,
and architecture. This has given
him great credibility as he’s
interviewed faculty candidates and
encouraged curricular and program
development and enchancement.”
— Dwaine Lind,
Executive Assistant to
President Brushaber
The son of a pastor, George Brushaber earned master’s degrees in philosophy and divinity, and a doctorate in epistemology and metaphysics.
and Darleen taught fourth grade to the
Portuguese children of fishermen in nearby
Gloucester. Later, while completing his Ph.D.
at Boston University, Brushaber assumed a
variety of teaching and administrative roles
at Gordon, including registrar and director
of adult education. Ordained during their
years in Boston, he also served as interim
pastor of many New England churches.
By the time he came to Bethel—following
three years as dean at Westmont College in
California—Brushaber had gained a breadth of
experience in education and the church, and
knew well the opportunities and challenges
faced by Christian colleges and seminaries. n
Inspiring Fundraiser
The ability to relate well with people has
been invaluable in Brushaber’s service to
Bethel. One such connection was serendipitous.
At the farewell dinner for retiring President
Carl Lundquist, guests were asked to consider a
pledge of support to Bethel. Little did incoming
President Brushaber know
that the provost of St.
Thomas University was
in the audience, playing a
trick on his own boss by
filling out a pledge card for
$10,000!
Brushaber was assigned
the task of following up on
the pledges, and innocently
placed a phone call to “Terry Murphy,” the
name on the pledge. “Do you know who I
am?” Murphy answered. “The president of St.
Thomas!” Despite that quirky meeting, President
Murphy suggested they get together—and it was
the start of an enormously helpful orientation.
Murphy introduced Brushaber to foundations
and corporations that give to support
Growth in Donor Support
Largest-ever Campaign Goal Exceeded
2002-2008 $105+ million
(Final tabulation in process)
Total Annual Gift-Income
1982 $3.6 million
2006-07 $10 million
Endowment
1982 $1.35 million
2007-08 $34 million
Bethel Foundation Funds Under Management
(Trusts, Annuities, etc.)
1982 $14 million
2007-08 $67 million
Growth in Employees
1982 295
2008 900
Growth in Operating Budget
1982 $17.8 million
2007-08 $90 million
“I applaud your persistence,
particularly in the area of
fundraising. You have catapulted
Bethel to new heights
nationally.”
— Ron Tschetter,
Director of the Peace Corps,
and Former Bethel Trustee
During the “Taking the Next Step” campaign, far more than half of the $105 million goal had been raised by the Oct. 2006 public launch;
the rest in less than two years.
educational institutions. “It was a guided tour
of the philanthropic community in Minnesota,”
the president reflects. “And it became a great
friendship.”
Brushaber has needed all of those contacts.
In addition to the steady task of developing a
relatively young campus,
Bethel University now has
an annual operating budget
of $90 million and about
900 employees. Fortunately,
the tireless president has
enjoyed fundraising. He
believes fiercely in Bethel’s
mission and cares deeply
about its students.
During the past six years, Brushaber has
led Bethel University’s boldest effort yet in
generating resources for the institution—an
unprecedented $105 million comprehensive
resource campaign called “Taking the Next Step.”
His purpose was not to raise one-time
support only, but to strengthen ongoing
stewardship among constituents. A new level
of ownership of Bethel by alumni, parents,
and friends, he believes, is key to securing the
school’s future and is part of the legacy he wishes
to leave.
Brushaber’s vision is being realized.
Preliminary totals at the campaign’s closure show
$105 million has been reached and exceeded!
More than 17,000 separate donors participated at
some level, 32 individuals or couples committed
at least $1 million each, and more than 225
stepped forward with at least $50,000 each. As
a result, University Commons, the college’s first
student center and largest piece of the initiative,
is on target for a spring 2009 opening, although
additional funds are still needed for that
particular project.
Ground has been broken on a major
expansion of Bethel Seminary San Diego as well,
and gifts have exceeded Annual Fund goals three
years in a row. Bethel’s endowment—a source
of financial stability and scholarships—has also
grown significantly during Brushaber’s tenure:
from $1.35 million in 1982 to more than $34
million today. n
10 11
President Brushaber with chair of the recent “Taking the Next Step”
campaign, David Monson
Networking Editor
Over the years, Brushaber became
acquainted with many noted theologians
and authors who became his mentors, including
Harold J. Ockenga, Carl F. H. Henry, Dallas
Willard, J.I. Packer, and David Hubbard. He had
also founded and edited the Christian Scholar’s
Review while at Gordon. So several years after
Brushaber took the Bethel post, Ockenga
suggested Brushaber’s
name to those searching
for a new executive
editor for Christianity
Today. And so began
more than 20 years of
association with the
influential magazine.
For five years,
he traveled to the
Christianity Today offices in Wheaton, Ill. three
times a month—rising at 5 a.m. to catch a plane,
working from 8 a.m. until evening, and then
flying home, arriving at midnight to resume his
work at Bethel the next day. He thrived on the
literary work and still acts as a senior advisor to
CT magazine. For his contributions to Christian
publishing, in 1997 the National Association
of Evangelicals honored him with the James
DeForest Murch Award.
The president’s work in Christian publishing,
as well as his active participation in many other
national organizations, such as the Council
of Christian Colleges and Universities, and
National Association of Evangelicals, has proven
highly valuable to Brushaber in his presidential
tasks. In addition to enhancing Bethel’s
reputation, he has gained a national voice that
puts him in regular contact with other Christian
leaders worldwide.
Through his visibility, he has met gifted
professors whom he has recruited for the Bethel
faculty, and influential leaders whom he has
invited to seek election
to the Board of Trustees.
That today’s trustees
and Bethel Foundation
Governors bring
talent and professional
experience from across
the nation in such varied
worlds as law, business
and finance, church
leadership and missions, media, health care,
and education reflects the intentionality with
which Brushaber has built Bethel’s high-quality
governance team. n
12
“He gave generously of his time
to offer me advice and give me
‘cover,’ so as managing editor I could
challenge readers to expand their
horizons.”
— David Neff
Vice President, Executive Editor,
Christianity Today magazine
Brushaber is often tapped for his wide knowledge of people within
the evangelical network worldwide.
13
Wise Strategist
President Brushaber has aggressively sought
new strategies to keep Bethel healthy and
growing in its mission. During a period of
financial challenge, he led the charge to preserve
Bethel Seminary, according to Executive Director
and Provost Leland Eliason.
“His actions included a
clear public commitment
to the seminary as part of
Bethel’s future,” Eliason
says. In addition to
substantial cost cutting,
Brushaber created
the Vision AD2001
Committee to do strategic
research and planning,
supported innovations
such as offering the first M.Div. degree almost
entirely online, and streamlined decision
making processes so that new degrees could be
developed more quickly.
“Today,” says Eliason, “Bethel Seminary is
thriving in its mission to advance the Gospel
of Jesus Christ among all people in culturally
sensitive ways.”
In 2004, the president initiated Bethel’s
identity and organizational change from Bethel
College & Seminary to Bethel University. This
involved a restructuring in
which most administrative
functions for all schools
in all locations were
streamlined and
centralized.
Flanking the
president in implementing
the strategies has been
a President’s Leadership
Team, which includes
four executive vice presidents all recruited by
Brushaber. For example, in December of 2000,
business entrepreneur Paul Olson had just
sold the global electronic-commerce business
he’d founded and was anticipating an early
retirement—until Brushaber
prevailed upon him for an
appointment just hours before
Christmas Eve. “‘Here are the
ideas I have for what you could
do for Bethel,’” Olson remembers
the president saying as he
referred to pages of notes in his
hand.
Olson is now responsible
for institutional advancement at
Brushaber in July 2004, celebrating Bethel’s change in structure and name to Bethel Bethel. n
University.
“George Brushaber is a man of
quality, integrity, scholarship, and
spiritual discernment. He’s one of
the wisest men I’ve known. All of
those traits are reflected in Bethel
University.”
— Wayne Pederson,
Vice President,
Moody Radio Network
Friend of Students
As administrative demands grew, Brushaber
regrets that it became increasingly difficult
to keep in close touch with students. He still
maintained his annual tradition of standing
in the college driveway
every “moving-in day”
to greet all new students
and their parents as they
arrived on campus. And he
often worked lunches or
conversations with students
into his schedule.
Over the years, the
Brushabers have regularly attended varsity
sports events, the president rarely missing a
home football game when he’s in town. He’s
been intensely interested in Bethel athletics and,
along with improving sports facilities during
14
Rain or shine, moving-in day always saw the president greeting
new students and their parents. And he was often on the sidelines,
cheering on the Royals.
his administration, has backed efforts to recruit
the best coaches available—both professionally
and spiritually. In 2007 alone, Bethel teams
in four sports took conference titles; but even
more importantly, the teams
function as discipleship
groups.
Judy Moseman, retired
vice president for student
life, remembers how
Brushaber always wanted
to know how students were
progressing spiritually as
well as intellectually. The president has spoken
in chapel at least once a semester.
Over the years, some have suggested adding
a building just for all administrative staff, but
Brushaber resisted the idea. He wanted staff and
faculty offices to remain in the main corridors of
classroom buildings, where students could easily
drop in for conversation and mentoring. n
Key Successes
A “Medallion” school in high graduation rates as
measured by the Institute for Research in Higher
Education. (75% of the incoming class of 2000
graduated within five years.)
Among top-ranked colleges in Midwest by U.S. News
& World Report’s listing of “America’s Best Colleges”
Christian Best Place to Work winner in 2005 and 2006
Bethel/Frogtown/Summit-University Partnership
named a finalist in Minnesota for the Jimmy and
Rosalyn Carter Community Partnership Award
Physics program in top 3% of “great” undergraduate
programs in the U.S., and more than 95% of
applicants to graduate school in the natural sciences
are admitted
Ranked 16th nationally among Carnegie master’s level
universities in share of students who study abroad—
43% (Open Doors 2007)
Bethel Seminary is the 10th largest ATS-accredited
seminary in the nation and one of only seven to
receive student scholarships from the Kern Foundation.
Bethel Seminary has the recognized model in seminary
distance learning; and the Graduate School’s doctoral
degree in educational administration also prepares
principled leaders primarily online.
The Graduate School’s MBA ranks #7 on the
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Top 25 MBA
Programs in the Twin Cities.
15
Bethel now graduates more that 800 women and men each year.
“He’s provided a marvelous
example of what it is to be the very
best in your field and academic
discipline, but also a thriving
believer.”
— Tanny Eshenauer,
Chair, BGC Board of Overseers
and 1980 Bethel Alumna
Does the outgoing president have dreams
for Bethel that are yet to be fulfilled?
He envisions a science building with state-of-
the-art laboratory space and equipment,
which would enable Bethel’s top-notch biology,
chemistry, physics, and math/computer science
departments to thrive well into the future.
But also on his heart is a goal he has pursued
diligently—a student body, faculty, and staff that
is more racially and culturally diverse—“more
like the kingdom of God,” in his words.
He has paved a path by hiring a chief
diversity officer, Leon Rodrigues, making Bethel
one of only two Christian College Consortium
schools to have a full-time senior executive
dedicated to antiracism and reconciliation.
“President Brushaber has kept [this issue]
an institutional imperative,” says Rodrigues.
“He has asked me to provide a structure where
all Bethel employees will receive antiracism
training, for example.”
Brushaber has also initiated the Bethel
Antiracism and Reconciliation Commission
(BARRC), created scholarships for students
in financial need, funded many cross-racial
experiences such as the Sankofa bus trip
to Civil Rights landmarks, and fostered a
groundbreaking new B.A. in Reconciliation
Studies with a unique study component at a
sister school in South Africa.
“He has worked hard to retain students of
color,” notes Professor Curtiss DeYoung, lead
faculty in the reconciliation studies program.
“Sometimes this has been publicly in strong
stances against racism on campus. Other times
it has been quietly behind the scenes in one-on-one
work with students.”
More than 20 new faculty and staff members
16
Choua Vang (center) received the first George K. Brushaber Reconciliation Award on May 22. It was presented by Chief Diversity Officer
Leon Rodrigues, one of the only CDOs in the Christian College Consortium.
Reconciler
Progress in Diversity
Percentage of Students of Color
1982 2% (less than 75)
2007-08 11.3 % (636)
Current Percentage of Students of Color
by School
College of Arts & Sciences 6.7%
College of Adult & Professional Studies 17.3%
Graduate School 8.6%
Bethel Seminary of the East 45.7%
Bethel Seminary San Diego 33.6%
Progress in Hiring
More than 20 new faculty and staff members of
color have been hired across Bethel in just the
past two years.
of color have been hired across Bethel in just
the past two years, including more employees in
admissions and student life specifically to recruit
and support multicultural students.
“President Brushaber has been dedicated
to increasing the number of faculty and staff of
color, people who look the same as the students
of color,” adds Karen McKinney, a member of
BARRC and an associate professor of biblical
and theological studies. “That is what is going to
keep us on track in our commitment to being an
institution of reconciliation.”
Under his leadership, Bethel has also
invested in an award-winning partnership with
the Frogtown/Summit-University community of
St. Paul where Bethel operates the King Family
Child Development Center (CDC). During the
last three years, more than 325 Bethel students
have worked as practice teachers there or
as volunteers in other schools and agencies,
learning to relate meaningfully to people of
different cultures.
“The president has trusted those of us
he hired to create these new programs,” says
DeYoung. “He has given us an amazing amount
of freedom to do the work necessary.” n
17
“During President Brushaber’s tenure,
the school has taken significant steps
toward making reconciliation integral to
the university’s life.”
— Curtiss DeYoung,
Professor of Reconciliation Studies
Renaissance Retiree
What will George Brushaber do in
retirement? He has rarely taken
vacations—a concern sometimes to the Board
of Trustees. “But,” one friend said recently,
“this very hard-working man . . . now has four
grandchildren and has become a ‘softie’ who
loves to spend time with them. He’ll be able to
do that in retirement.”
It’s clear this Renaissance man has many
other interests he can now pursue, and he’ll be
busy with worthwhile goals. Many speculate
the writer and editor will re-emerge to once
again help shape Christian thought through
publishing, consulting, and speaking.
But there is little doubt about one thing.
The leaps of innovation and progress visible
throughout Bethel during the administration
of its fourth president have set the stage for
continued growth physically, academically, and
spiritually for decades to come.
Thank you, Dr. Brushaber. n
18
The extended family gathered in front of the Benson Great Hall Christmas tree at the 50th Bethel Festival of Christmas. From left to right:
Kaia, Amy, Kettly, and Don Brushaber; George and Darleen Brushaber; Brittan, Tod, and Deanna (Brushaber) Dalberg. (Not pictured: Taite
Dalberg, born in 2007.)
His four granddaughters will undoubtedly occupy a great deal of
Brushaber’s time.
19
George and son Don may still take in a few Bethel games.
Bethel alumna
Mary Pawlenty recently
hosted a luncheon honor-ing
Darleen. Left to right:
Deanna Brushaber
Dahlberg (daughter),
Mary Pawlenty, Darleen
Brushaber, and Amy
Brushaber (daughter-in-
law)
Donald, Darleen, George, and
Deanna Brushaber in 1982
“George could not have accomplished
what he did without the support of
Darleen. Much of her work has been
behind the scenes and, as a result,
unnoticed.”
— David Brandt,
President Emeritus,
George Fox University
“Darleen, you are something! You
are an honest person. That’s a great
gift for a university, a spouse, or a
friend. You have great common sense,
which isn’t so common anymore. And
thoughtfulness could be your middle
name. As we’ve gathered as spouses [of
presidents], and prayed for each other’s
children, I was always assured that you
would take those requests back home.”
— Jan Carlburg,
First Lady, Gordon College
Other Words of Tribute
“Bethel is a place of spiritual transformation
—genuine spiritual transormation; not just
in chapel or Bible classes, but in student
residences and athletic fields. That reflects
George’s passion to see lives changed by the
power of the Gospel.”
—Wayne Pederson,
Vice President,
Moody Radio Network
“Dr. Brushaber is not
the kind of guy who
will throw you to the
wolves. He’s right
there with you. Trust
and commitment
to his people—I’ve
watched that and
I’ve been a recipient
of it.”
—Randy Thomann,
Executive Vice
President for Business Affairs,
Bethel University
“One of the great legacies that George has
accomplished is to shape the Board [of
Trustees] with women and men who truly
are Christ-followers and who bring expertise
that will benefit Bethel in the future. Bethel
is in a good position to take the great next
step.”
—Paul Olson,
Executive Vice President,
Institutional Advancement,
Bethel University
“George just works so hard. He maintains a
very broad public leadership role not only at the
university but beyond Bethel to help its place
in higher education—through the Association
of Theological Schools, the Association
of Evangelical
Presidents,
Christianity
Today…There are a
remarkable number
of places where he is
serving and leading.”
—David Tiede,
President Emeritus,
Luther Seminary
“Today many of us
take for granted
that Christ-centered
colleges and
universities have
always brought faith to bear on the academic
disciplines. In fact, this has become a deliberate
effort relatively recently. George was one of
the founders and shapers of the movement to
integrate faith and learning.”
—David Brandt,
President Emeritus,
George Fox University
“I have recommended a lot of people to different
offices, but this recommendation of George
Brushaber to be dean of
Bethel College was one of
the best ones I’ve ever made.
His biggest strength is his
spiritual integrity and ability
to make hard decisions. God
has blessed his consecration
to this mission.”
—Virgil Olson,
Former Vice President and Dean,
20 Bethel College
His last commencement
The president and
Marie Schultz, most recently
director of Bethel’s National
Prayer Initiative
A likeness to Winston Churchill, some said
“George would often come to our executive
ministry team meetings even though it was
not part of his job description. He never
sought to dominate, but his suggestions
were strong and helpful. And the research
he conducted on the history of the Baptist
General Conference made him one of the
finest experts on where we came from and
how we developed.”
—Robert Ricker,
Former BGC President
“I always felt, ‘Here is someone who knows
his calling.’ It comes from his heart. It comes
from his soul.”
—Fr. Dennis Dease,
President,
St. Thomas University
“He has a pastor’s heart. A side of him that I
think people don’t see is that he’s incredibly
encouraging when life is difficult.”
—Jay Barnes,
Executive Vice President and Provost of the
College of Arts & Sciences, College of Adult &
Professional Studies, and
Graduate School,
Bethel University
21
About the Writer
Alvera Mickelsen is a
retired Bethel faculty
member of Bethel who
taught writing and
journalism from 1968
to 1988. She is a writer
and editor living in
New Brighton, Minn.
Her husband, the late
A. Berkeley Mickelsen,
Ph.D., taught Hermeneutics and New Testament Greek
at Bethel Seminary from 1965 to 1989.
“At Gordon, you
taught a full load of
philosophy classes, an
overload Bible class,
were dean of the night
school, served on the
major committees of
the college, served
as interim pastor of
a local church, and
were working on
your doctorate. In today’s parlance, you were
multi-tasking. You’ve always had an enormous
capacity for work and for doing several things
well at the same time.”
—Richard Gross,
Former President, Gordon College
and Brushaber’s Academic Advisor at Wheaton College
“There is no initiative of the Christian College
Consortium without the finger-prints of George.
He’s been Christian higher education’s ‘franchise
player.’ When there’s been a task needing to be
done, a position to be articulated, the tendency
has been to turn to him.”
—Tom Englund,
Former President,
Christian College Consortium
Deanna and her dad on her wedding day
A grandpa moment
George and Darleen Brushaber, December, 2007
Credits
Executive Editor – Sherie Lindvall ’70
Editor and Contributing Writer – Holly Donato ’78
Graphic Designer – Thomas Vukelich ’82
Photography – Woody Dahlberg ’69, Scott Streble,
and the BGC History Center