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Where BU Took You: Kaitlin Parmley ’18

Where BU Took You: Kaitlin Parmley ’18

by | Aug 21, 2025

Dr. Kaitlin (Elsasser) Parmley graduated from Bethel University in 2018 with a degree in exercise science. She went on to a doctoral program in physical therapy at Indiana University and graduated in 2021. After working with a local health system in Mishawaka, she transitioned into travel physical therapy work before landing at her current physical therapy practice in Elkhart, Ind.

“My Bethel education prepared for my current work in several ways. What sticks out to me most is the cadaver lab and the intentionality of our professors to ensure clear understanding of the work at hand,” she says. “More than that, the professors would spend time and energy investing in me holistically … mentoring me, encouraging me, attending sporting events … and teaching from a perspective that shows God’s design in science.”

Bethel University Announces New Professors in STEM

Bethel University Announces New Professors in STEM

by | Aug 5, 2025

Sean McGuinness, Ph.D., joins Bethel University as an assistant professor of physics, bringing a dynamic blend of research, teaching, and national service experience. Most recently a professor at Ivy Tech Community College, McGuinness also spent three years with the National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA) after earning his Ph.D. and M.S. in Physics from the University of Notre Dame, where his research focused on medical applications of low-energy nuclear physics. His technical expertise spans nuclear and accelerator physics, alongside certifications in nuclear acquisitions, project management, and college teaching. Passionate about student engagement, McGuinness has a strong record of mentorship, public outreach, and leadership — whether teaching the physics of curveballs to kids or advocating for science funding on Capitol Hill.

Cody A. Ruiz, Ph.D., will serve as an assistant professor of biology at Bethel University this fall, bringing a strong interdisciplinary background in molecular biology and anthropology to the classroom. He most recently taught genetics and general biology as an adjunct professor at Bethel and has served as a research assistant in the Molecular Anthropology Lab at Kent State University since 2015. At Kent State, he also taught courses and was actively involved in graduate student leadership. Ruiz is highly proficient in a range of laboratory and bioinformatics techniques, including PCR, DNA sequencing, CNV assays, and software platforms such as R, Python, and Geneious Prime. He is currently completing his Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology at Kent State, where he is defending his dissertation this summer. He also holds an M.A. in Biological Anthropology from Kent State and a B.S. in Biological Sciences and Anthropology from the University of Notre Dame.

Heather Hostetler, CNM, joins Bethel University as an assistant professor of nursing, bringing over two decades of experience in nursing, women’s health and maternity care. A certified nurse midwife since 2014, she has served with Beacon Medical Group OB/GYN, providing compassionate, evidence-based care to women throughout their reproductive journeys. Heather is also a proud Bethel alumna, having earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2002 before completing her Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Nurse Midwifery at Frontier Nursing University in 20214. From 2000 to 2014, she worked as a registered nurse at Beacon Health System, gaining valuable clinical experience that continues to inform her teaching. She previously taught at Bethel as an adjunct professor from 2019 to 2021 and now returns to the classroom full-time. Her certifications include Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP), Basic Life Support (BLS), and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) through the American Midwifery Certification Board.

Enjoying Sweet Success and Giving Back

Enjoying Sweet Success and Giving Back

by | Jul 20, 2025

For Bethel alumnus Bob Jaques ’00, franchise owner of Ritter’s Frozen Custard on Main Street in Mishawaka, Ind., life is pretty sweet these days – especially in the summer when sales are booming. This year, he celebrates 20 years in business selling frozen custard and is the top-selling Ritter’s in the state of Indiana.

One of his favorite parts of the job is investing in the young people who come to work for him — many as their first job — and finding ways to invest in the community.

He’s catered events at local colleges, including Bethel University and the University of Notre Dame. On campus, he’s provided frozen custard at Homecoming and the Earl Awards. And in the community, he’s given out coupons at events and gift cards to local women’s shelters.

“Investing in the community is a twofold thing – from a business standpoint, we want people to come to the shop and enjoy it. But each month, I also try to give back to different companies.”

He hopes to continue to partner with Bethel because its faith-focused mission aligns with his own as a Christian business owner. As an alumnus and parent of two current Bethel students, he maintains close ties to the school.

Bob has used his Bethel psychology degree in his career to help him be a better manager by really trying to understand his employees and what they’re going through, which helps the shop run better. His liberal arts education also helped prepare him to be a business owner.

“I was very grateful to be accepted by Bethel. I didn’t want to take it for granted. I wanted to get through my classes and learn as much as I could. My parents helped me pay for it – they were investing in me,” he says.

Getting started as a franchise owner in 2005 took complete dedication and a whole lot of work. At the beginning of his career, he had to be “all in,” seven days a week. He describes his wife, Danna (Griffin) Jaques ’00, as his “backbone.”

“The first years were really hard,” he says. “My wife has been such a good support. She knew we had to take care of this first.”

As his children have grown, they’ve become part of the family business, too. Employees and sons Carson and Coen Jaques are also current Bethel students.

“I’m in the sweet spot of my career,” Bob says. “I’ve got my children working here. I’ve had employees come in from churches and homeschoolers come and work. Working with my kids and their friends – I know they are good employees.”

The Mishawaka Ritter’s provides a 25% off discount to college students, faculty and staff who show their ID at the window, and Bob hopes to see many friends come out this summer, or through the drive-through window in fall and winter (Ritter’s is open year-round).

About Ritter’s Frozen Custard

Ritter’s frozen custard is made fresh twice daily, with six flavors and endless add-in combinations available to customers every day. At the end of the day, the custard is packed in quarts and pints to be sold. Customers keep coming back for their favorite flavors, as well as the atmosphere, including outdoor seating and excellent customer service. Learn more at Ritters.com.

NAIA Swim Nationals Shows the Benefit of Community Partnerships

NAIA Swim Nationals Shows the Benefit of Community Partnerships

by | Jul 16, 2025

Deb Thompson, head coach of Bethel’s swimming and diving teams, has been coming to work on Bethel’s campus since 2018. This year, however, she spent most of her time in Elkhart, Ind.

Nestled downtown on the Elkhart River is the Elkhart Health and Aquatics Center (HAC), home of the Bethel swimming and diving teams. Recently built in 2019, it is one of the largest public swimming facilities in the nation. This year, it also was the host site of the 2025 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Swim and Dive National Championships.

“The Elkhart Aquatics Center is a world-class facility,” Tony Natali, Bethel athletic director, said in an interview. “We look forward to working with the NAIA to provide a great student-athlete experience to all those who attend.”

This event brought over 400 athletes, along with their coaches and families, to Elkhart for a four-day competition. For Elkhart, this meant a substantial boost to the local economy.

The NAIA states on their website that National Championship events have the potential to draw between 1,300-1,500 visitors and generate between $400,000 and $600,000 in local tourism revenue.

Athletic tourism accounts for over $1 billion in economic activity in the Michiana region, and Bethel is proud to play a significant role in continuing to grow that number. Staff and students spent more than 18 months working with the Community Foundation of Elkhart County to prepare for this event, and everyone was excited to showcase the quality of our region’s amenities, facilities and hospitality.

“I’m very proud of the students for all their hard work and commitment,” Thompson says. “They spent weeks getting up at 4 a.m. to practice and sacrificed their time to volunteer for this event.”

Thompson and her students know that the benefit of an event like this goes both ways.

“Bethel University benefits from the exposure and national recognition of hosting,” Thompson says. “Our students know how lucky they were to compete at a familiar venue.”

Through the combined efforts of the Bethel team and support from Elkhart County, this event showed that our community has a lot to offer and that Bethel is an integral part of its success.

Forming Lives of Impact: New VPAS Focuses on People

Forming Lives of Impact: New VPAS Focuses on People

by | Jul 7, 2025

The day before Dr. Abson Joseph’s interview for Bethel University’s Vice President for Academic Services (VPAS) position, he and his wife, Larisa, were walking through campus. They both felt that something was different about this place.

“There was something that grabbed a hold of my heart,” says Joseph.

That “something” was the people – particularly the students. Joseph became the VPAS at Bethel in July 2024. Now almost a year into the role, his passion for this community has only grown.

“It matters to be a good person who [for instance] happens to do nursing… [or] happens to be a businessman,” says Joseph. “Bethel cares for what happens to the heart.”

Joseph sees his role as a true ministry – one that God has revealed on a path that has taken some unexpected turns.

From Joseph’s first year on this earth – when four different tragedies threatened his life – God formed him for this moment. In the aftermath of those tragedies, Joseph’s parents promised that, if God spared him, they would dedicate him to God’s service.

That call has led Joseph around the world through 18 years of higher education experience in both faculty and administrative roles. His varied background allows him the unique perspective necessary for the current moment at Bethel.

“I am in a position where I have received and have given in multiple contexts,” Joseph says. “This allows me to serve the students well because I understand what they are going through.”

Joseph’s experience as a father of two daughters has catalyzed the importance of the four years that Bethel faculty have with the students who come to campus.

“The things that we do within those four years [bear impact] five, six, ten years downstream. This is a big responsibility.”

Joseph reminds himself daily of the purpose behind his work. It is the same purpose that stirred within him and his wife on their visit to campus and has now become his mantra: forming lives, not buildings.

“[My focus is] to build systems, policies and procedures that allow us to touch the student’s heart and bring about that transformation.”

Nicole Hamrick ’27

Nicole Hamrick ’27

by | Jun 12, 2025

Nicole Hamrick ’27 is passionate about the field of education and plans to help students with physical and mental disabilities in her career. The elementary education major, with a minor in special education, says it’s been her dream to be a teacher since kindergarten.

Bethel’s education program has allowed her to step into the classroom right away, with fieldwork experiences starting her freshman year.

“Being part of the Education Program here at Bethel is preparing me to work in classrooms, create lesson plans and understand the importance of the student-teacher relationship,” she says.

Beyond the classroom, Nicole has been involved on campus as a first-year experience (FYE) mentor and a member of the spiritual life team.

“I have felt the Lord has led me into these different teams to be able to meet new people and share the love and light of Jesus.”

Via Crucis: Art Helps Us Experience Christ’s Passion

Via Crucis: Art Helps Us Experience Christ’s Passion

by | Jun 10, 2025

Chad Jay, Assistant Professor of Art at Bethel University, prefers that the subjects of his paintings reflect people or images he has seen in real life. This can be clearly seen in his new exhibit for Via Crucis, a series of 15 paintings depicting the stations of the cross.

Early in 2023, Jay and Becki Graves, Director of Worship Arts, were looking for a way to engage students in art across multiple disciplines. They wanted to create a project that would highlight topics that bring Christians together.

“What connects us all across so many denominations?” Jay asks from his seat in the Weaver art gallery on campus, where his paintings are currently showcased. “The Passion story.”

Soon after starting to collaborate, Jay and Graves discovered a unique funding opportunity to make their project come to life. Graves applied for and was awarded a Vital Worship Grant from Calvin University. With the funding in place, they agreed to launch a project called Via Crucis, or “The Way of Suffering”.

The entirety of the project features art from multiple disciplines including choral arrangements, original music written and produced by the Worship Arts class and Jay’s series of paintings.

“Creating this body of work was a deeply personal and moving experience.” Jay says. “My hope is that Via Crucis will not simply be viewed but prayerfully experienced, drawing viewers into the mystery of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection in a way that resonates with their own journey of faith.”

Bethel students and the community have been invited to engage with the Via Crucis paintings by walking through the gallery and leaving notes about their experience, which Jay has been pleasantly surprised to see more of every day.

The exhibit, along with choral music and original poetry, was presented to the public at St. Paul’s Memorial Church in South Bend on April 11, 2025. People throughout the community were able to experience the central story of the Gospel through art.

From Refugee to Child of God

From Refugee to Child of God

by | Jun 7, 2025

Throughout her life, Olga Petrosyan ’06 has seen God’s hand at work in her story.

When she was just four years old, her family was forced to flee for their lives from their home in Azerbaijan, losing nearly everything they had, including lucrative careers as an English teacher and space engineer. Ethnically Armenian, they faced rejection and persecution everywhere they went – from Russia, to Ukraine, to Armenia and back to Russia. Her family settled in Volgograd, Russia, with her grandparents, in a house without running water, heat or a septic system. Eventually, in 2009, her parents sought, and won, asylum in the United States.

Their harrowing true story is the subject of the feature film “Between Borders,” produced by former missionaries Lonnie and Isaac Norris, now streaming on Amazon and Angel. It stars Elizabeth Tabish of “The Chosen” as Violetta Petrosyan, Olga’s mother and one of the film’s central characters.

Olga (left) with mother Violetta and sister Julia in Volgograd, Russia, around 1991

For Olga, seeing her young life portrayed on the big screen has been both triggering and healing.

“I was very scared to see it. I stopped reading the script because I was so triggered,” she says. “When I saw the film, I cried from beginning to end. But through every scene, it was healing.”

One of the central themes of the film, and the real life of the Petrosyan family, is coming to faith in Christ through the outreach and kindness of the Norris family, who were missionaries at a Nazarene church in Volgograd. It was during this time that Olga also decided to dedicate her life and her gifts – including her singing voice – to God.

“I prayed a dangerous prayer that I would be able to study music at a Christian college one day.”

She was first introduced to Bethel after her parents visited campus and connected with longtime Bethel professor Duane Beals, Ph.D., and his wife, Charlotte, while they were in the United States representing Russia at the Nazarene General Assembly in Indianapolis. They videotaped campus for their daughter to see.

When Olga saw the video, she was amazed, but the prospect of coming to Bethel seemed impossible. Her parents earned only $100 per month with their incomes combined. However, Charlotte Beals’ sister, Jewel Norris, and her husband, Jim (the parents of missionary Lonnie Norris), learned of Olga’s dream and started the process of fundraising.

They reached out to all of their friends and family and were able to raise enough support to send Olga to Bethel for just one year. So in 2002, she boarded a plane and flew across the world to Mishawaka, Ind., to begin her Bethel journey.

“I remember every class started with prayer. [I experienced] teaching the love of Christ and was encouraged in my faith. It was a dream. I wondered. ‘Is this what heaven is like?’” she says.

Enough support was raised for Olga to continue her studies at Bethel for a second year, and then a third, and then a fourth.

“It was by the provision of the Lord that I graduated from a Christian college with a music degree,” she says.

Following graduation, Olga married her husband David Christoffersen and served as a missionary and worship leader in Denmark for 13 years. They had two children, Caspian and Leah. The couple relocated to the United States in 2019, where Olga spent five-and-a-half years as a worship leader at Pathway Community Church in Fort Wayne, Ind., the current home church of the Norris family who introduced her family to Christ in Volgograd.

 

Today, she serves as an associate producer at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Ky., collaborating with 13 church campuses.

“God equips us all along for our next steps,” Olga says. “Nothing is wasted.”

Though she struggled with her identity living “between borders,” she now considers her citizenship in Heaven and proudly claims the identity of “child of God.”

Olga hopes that those who see the film will see Jesus in her family’s story, and put a face to the word “refugee.”

Learn more about the film she and her family are featured in at BetweenBordersMovie.com.

Where BU Took You: Jonathan Lade ’19

Where BU Took You: Jonathan Lade ’19

by | Jun 3, 2025

Jonathan Lade ’19 studied Christian ministries at Bethel and has gone on to minister to college students on secular campuses through Chi Alpha, a campus ministry of the Assemblies of God. His Bethel experience prepared him well to serve – first as a children’s minister at a church in Crawfordsville, Ind., and now in his current role.

“Bethel has given me valuable understanding of God’s word, as well as hands-on ministry experience, that is needed in ministering to college students on secular campuses,” Lade says. “Bethel emphasized spiritual formation for students, and that is something we push for within Chi Alpha.”

Lade, along with his wife Alisa, have served as co-directors of Chi Alpha for Lafayette Ivy Tech since 2022 and have assisted with Purdue University’s Chi Alpha. They look forward to continued work with this campus ministry.

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