Bethel University 2026 graduate Mathis Neuhaus has been awarded the distinguished de Jager prize for exceptional academic performance during the Spring 2026 SCIO (Scholarship & Christianity in Oxford) Semester Program in Oxford, studying and researching with faculty from the University of Oxford.
Semester Programme at Oxford University in England. The SCIO program allows CCCU (Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, of which Bethel University is a member) students to study in Oxford for a semester and receive college credit toward their degrees.
Mathis Neuhaus stands in front of the Radcliffe Camera, one of the University of Oxford’s most recognizable landmarks and part of the Bodleian Libraries.
Neuhaus was recommended for this award by his tutor for showing outstanding application and ability during his course of study in Oxford. Originally from Haltern am See, Germany, Neuhaus came to Bethel to study business – economics and finance and play soccer for the Bethel Pilots, where he was goalkeeper for the 2022 NAIA National Champion team. At Oxford, his primary tutorial was Sustainable Finance; his secondary tutorial was Geography of Finance; and his research project was “How Applicable Is Dewey’s Model of Reflective Thinking for Today’s Executive Decision-Making?”
Mathis Neuhaus (center) attended European Night, a formal event at the University of Oxford that brings together students from across Europe each academic term.
“Oxford was truly an amazing experience, and I learned an incredible amount,” Neuhaus said. “Those few months were very special, giving me the opportunity to experience so much, from hours of studying and research to field trips and making lifelong friends. The program was demanding, but it was also a lot of fun.”
Now that he has graduated from Bethel, Neuhaus has applied and been accepted to several universities in Europe for master’s study in economics and business.
According to Dr. Stan Rosenberg, Executive director of SCIO, de Jager prizes are funded by a generous donation to SCIO from Geoffrey and Caroline de Jager, who have a long-standing commitment to encourage excellence in education and scholarship.
“We are grateful for the excellent students Bethel has sent us and your trust as a partner,” Rosenberg said.
Neuhaus was one of only five students in the program to receive a de Jager prize; the other students came from Wheaton College, Azusa Pacific University, Westmont College and Biola University.
An elevated view of the University of Oxford featuring the Radcliffe Camera and All Souls College.