The community is invited to sign up alongside students and staff to give blood by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering the code “pilots” to schedule an appointment.
Individuals who give blood between April 1-13 will receive a $15 gift card and a chance to win a $5,000 prize.
The community is invited to sign up alongside students and staff to give blood by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering the code “pilots” to schedule an appointment.
Give blood 8/29 to 9/21 for 1 of 4 mystery tees with an iconic Red Cross x PEANUTS design, ltd. qty!
Students ages 9-12: join us for a variety of one-week day camps covering STEAM subjects including graphic art, theatre, engineering and more!Students choose a subject and get to experience hands-on learning, make new friends, and have fun with our experienced faculty and student teachers!
Bethel University invites the community to be a part of a special “Via Crucis” corporate worship service on Friday, April 11 at the historic St. Paul’s Memorial Church in South Bend. The event will take place at 1001 W Colfax Ave., starting at 7 p.m. Ahead of Holy Week, attendees will move through the scriptural stations of the cross with prayer, meditation, art, original music, and more.
The service will feature an original arrangement of “Were You There” by Bethel Associate Professor of Music Stephen Martin, D.C.M., along with 15 pieces of original artwork from Assistant Professor of Art Chad Jay.
“Were You There,” will be performed by Bethel students, faculty and staff. This new work, commissioned for the Via Crucis project, is an arrangement of the Traditional Spiritual, “Were You There.” It includes stanzas from the early versions of this spiritual, the words Jesus uttered on the cross: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (taken from Psalm 22, and subsequently performed here in Hebrew). Also included, is a portion of the Good Friday hymn, O Sacred Head, Now Wounded, as well as a brief statement of Kyrie Eleison (Lord, Have Mercy).
The Via Crucis project is made possible by a grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, received by Becki Graves, Bethel University Director of Worship Arts. The corporate worship service is presented in partnership with the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Bethel University and St. Paul’s Memorial Church. The event is free and all are welcome.
Additional events related to this grant included a student chapel on March 14 and an art exhibition in the Weaver Gallery on Bethel’s campus from Jan. 31-April 5. Through the art exhibition, Bethel Assistant Professor of Art Chad Jay explores the “scriptural stations of the cross” through a series of mixed-media paintings, blending theological inquiry with visual artistry to depict 15 pivotal moments in Christ’s passion, delivered from Gospel accounts. These paintings will be on display during the corporate worship service.
Registration is now open for Pilot Summer Academy, Bethel University’s academic camps. Pilot Summer Academy provides students ages 9-17 the opportunity to explore their interests, experience education in a college environment and spend time learning about themselves and the opportunities available to them. In partnership with Indiana Youth Programs on Campus, Bethel University is offering our standard academic arts and sciences (STEAM) day camps, along with a residential nursing camp. Scholarships are available!
STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) Camps will take place July 14-18 (for ages 9-12) and July 21-25 (for ages 13-17) on Bethel’s campus. The first week includes engineering, chemistry, theatre, studio art, graphic art and culinary. The second week includes musical theatre, studio art II, graphic art II and Esports.
Give it a Shot: Intro to Nursing Residential Camp will take place June 17-19 on Bethel’s campus. This immersive experience for grades 10-12 will include real simulations, local hospital visits and hands-on experiences, while students stay in the dorms and enjoy meals in the dining commons.
Scholarships are available this year for students residing in St. Joseph County, Ind. These scholarships will be based on need and can be applied for using the registration form on the website. To learn more and register, visit BethelUniversity.edu/PSA.
Indiana Youth Programs on Campus (IYPC) is a new Lilly Endowment initiative designed to help Indiana colleges and universities in their efforts to create new or expand and enhance existing high-quality, on-campus programs for Hoosier youth, ages five to 18. Indiana public and private colleges and universities that have a physical campus in the state are eligible to participate. As of September 2022, the Endowment had awarded program implementation grants to 35 Indiana colleges and universities.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons J.K. Jr. and Eli through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
Bethel University’s fourth annual Starting Small Summit, happening April 2, 2025, on campus, will feature more than $3,000 in wellness-related giveaways, including Olli Pop soda, Mosh bars, journals, a smart ring and a sauna blanket. This year, the entire summit will be filmed for the documentary, “Behind the Curtain: Making of the Starting Small Summit.”
The event will take place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in the Everest-Rohrer Auditorium located on Bethel University’s campus. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Tickets for the event will be $50. Students are free! (Contact Cameron@StartingSmallMedia.org for an access code).
The Starting Small Summit will provide the South Bend/Mishawaka community with an opportunity to learn from high-profile entrepreneurs from around the nation. Moderated by Bethel University business alumnus Cameron Nagle, founder and host of Starting Small Podcast, this year’s summit will feature entrepreneurial stories from Suze Dowling, founder of Pattern; James W. Keyes, former CEO of Block Buster and 7-Eleven; and Alex Douzet, founder of Ollie and Pumpkin.
“The Starting Small Summit is for anyone looking to grow—whether in business, leadership, or personal development. This event isn’t just for entrepreneurs; it’s for anyone eager to learn from industry leaders who have built billion-dollar brands, led global companies, and solved real challenges. It’s such an honor to bring the event back to our community and at Bethel,” says Nagle.
To learn more and register, visit BethelUniversity.edu/StartingSmall.
“Behind the Curtain: Making of the Starting Small Summit” will pull back the layers of what it truly takes to produce a high-caliber live event. From the late-night planning and last-minute pivots to the energy backstage before speakers take the stage, this documentary will capture the reality of building something that brings people together in a meaningful way. The film will follow key moments—the arrival of world-class founders, candid conversations offstage, and the unfiltered highs and lows of hosting an event designed to challenge, inspire, and push people toward growth. This isn’t just about what happens on stage; it’s about everything leading up to it and the lasting impact it leaves behind.
Suze Dowling is the Chief Business Officer at Pattern Brands, leveraging her extensive experience in the early-stage landscape to drive the company’s revenue and business operations. Suze’s playbook, The DTC Operator, is a ‘how-to’ for turning entrepreneurial vision into reality. From guiding entrepreneurs through the ideation phase to navigating multiple successful exits, Suze has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of numerous ventures. Before co-founding Pattern, Suze held the position of General Manager at Gin Lane, a prominent NY-based independent agency specializing in launching challenger start-ups. During her tenure, Gin Lane played a pivotal role in launching over 50 digitally native vertical brands, including Harry’s, Hims, and SmileDirectClub, contributing to a staggering $15 billion in aggregate startup value. Originally hailing from Australia, Suze graduated with Honors from the University of Technology, Sydney.
James (Jim) W. Keyes is a global business leader, best-selling author, philanthropist, artist, musician, and commercial pilot—a true modern renaissance man. He is the former CEO of two internally recognized Fortune 500 companies, 7-Eleven, Inc. and Blockbuster, Inc. His other business interests cover a broad range of industries from retail, consumer products, technology, healthcare, cyber security, new space, energy, and advanced nuclear. He sits on several public company boards and serves as a board adviser to a venture capital firm and a number of start-up companies. Keyes is a personification of the American Dream, as he comes from humble beginnings. He was inducted in 2005 as a Member of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. In 2024, he received the Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award presented by Methodist Health System Foundation to recognize demonstrated community leadership.
Alex Douzet is the co-founder and CEO of Pumpkin®, the highest-rated pet insurance provider on Google as of January 2024, and one of the fastest growing pet insurance and wellness brands in the U.S. Under Alex’s leadership, Pumpkin’s best-in-class insurance plans help make it easier for pet owners to provide their dogs and cats with advanced veterinary treatments, emergency care, and alternative or rehabilitative therapies if needed. Throughout his 20-year career as a serial entrepreneur, Alex has disrupted industries, scaled businesses, and built ‘people-first’ companies where employees grow and thrive. Prior to Pumpkin, he spent five years as CEO and Co-founder of Ollie, a next-gen, natural, and human-grade pet food brand. Alex is also a competitive Triathlete and an 11X Ironman finisher. He is proud to have two rescue dogs: Belle, a 13-year-old Shar Pei Golden Retriever mix and Simon, a 6-year-old Dachshund mix.
Cameron Nagle, a 2022 Bethel University graduate, launched Starting Small in January 2020 with the vision to share transparent startup stories to inspire and provide guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs that everyone starts small. Starting Small has scaled to host the annual Starting Small Summit, flying in founders of companies such as Reebok, Stacy’s Pita Chips, Kodiak Cakes, and more. The podcast has now covered the stories of 220 industry-leading founders, who have amassed over $40 billion in annual revenue. In 2022, Cameron relocated to Los Angeles to launch brain wellness startup MOSH alongside co-founders Maria Shriver and Patrick Scwarzenegger, as the third member of the founding team. Now, Cameron resides in Elkhart, Ind., working in marketing at Kem Krest, a total supply chain company for leading auto OEM’s. Relocating back to his roots was a long-term decision for the growth of Starting Small and the summit locally, and to make an impact on the entrepreneurship ecosystem here in the Michiana community.
The Bethel University Department of Music & Theatre will present the beloved musical “The Sound of Music,” music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.
Performances are Fri., March 28 at 7 p.m.*, Sat., March 29 at 1 p.m.** and 7 p.m., Fri., April 4 at 7 p.m. and Sat., April 5 at 1 p.m. All performances will take place in the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center – Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now at Tickets.BethelUniversity.edu.
A sensory-friendly performance will take place Thurs., April 3 at 10 a.m. for $10/ticket. Visit BethelUniversity.edu/SensorySoundofMusic to sign up.
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students/seniors and $10 for children 12 and under.
*This performance will be interpreted for the Deaf community.
**This performance is a sing-along performance and audience members are encouraged to sing along with the cast.
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title...
The Bethel University Music Department will present a Music Gala on Sat., March 15 at 6 p.m. The event will include a dinner and concert, featuring the University Choir, BU Voices and the Bethel Worship Collective.
“The evening will be filled with beautiful music and dinner together with fellow supporters of the Bethel Music Department,” says Stephen Martin, DCM, Chair of the Department of Music & Theatre.
The event will take place in the Everest-Rohrer Rotunda at 6 p.m. Limited seating is available and tickets may be purchased for $25 online, ahead of the event.
Proceeds from the Music Gala will support touring costs and new equipment for the music department.
Bethel University’s Third Annual Festival of Jazz and Jim Pickley Memorial Concert will take place Feb. 15, 2025.
Throughout the entire day on February 15, six area high school jazz bands, including Mishawaka, Elkhart, Jimtown, Adams and Penn (Jazz 1 and Jazz 2), will gather to perform, learn and improvise with some of the greatest professionals around!
The event will culminate with an evening concert, at 7 p.m. in the Everest-Rohrer Fine Arts Center Auditorium, which is open to the public. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased online at BethelUniversity.edu/JazzFest or by calling the box office at 574.807.7080.
High school students who aren’t participating with their jazz band are invited to attend the full day’s activities and concert with adult supervision with the purchase of a concert ticket ($5 each, meals on their own).
“We are the only college in the area hosting a one-day, immersive, educational jazz event like this with world-class artists/clinicians,” says Steve Allen, director of Bethel Jazz Ensemble. “We’re excited to help our Michiana high school jazz students and their directors as they continue their journey with Jazz!”
The concert will feature the Bethel University Jazz Ensemble with guest clinicians, Bill Sears, saxophone; Tim Coffman, trombone; Matt Anklan, trumpet; and Bill Cessna, piano.
Local area clinicians include Jim Catalano, drums; Ben Essick, bass; Rafael Chavez, guitar; Maggie Youngblood, voice; and Steve Allen, trumpet and improvisation.
T-shirts, insulated event mugs, and other items will be for sale before and after the event.
This event is made possible by a generous donation from Vicky Garrett, Professor of Music at Bethel University. Corporate sponsors include BandTool, JJ Babbitt, Conn-Selmer Inc., Quinlan & Fabish Music, Genesis Laser Design, X/O Brass and Sweetwater Music.
Tim Coffman (trombone) is one of the most active trombonists and teachers in the Chicago area. A graduate of the prestigious Jazz Studies program at Indiana University, Coffman worked closely with famed jazz educator David Baker and the legendary trombone professor Keith Brown. He is in-demand for studio and show work and has performed with Frank Sinatra, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Andy Williams, Natalie Cole, Lou Rawls, The Temptations, The O’Jays, Barry Manilow, Louie Bellson, The Woody Herman Orchestra, Frank Wess, Bassist Ron Carter, Johnny Griffin, Kurt Elling, Von Freeman, Tito Puente, Tom Harrell, Johnny Mathis, Paul Anka, Al Jarreau, Henry Mancini, Stevie Wonder, Diane Schur, Jimmy Heath, Randy Brecker, Benny Golson, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Joe Lovano, Lennie Niehaus, Slide Hampton, Diana Krall, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, Aretha Franklin and many others.
Coffman has served on the music faculty at several universities in the Chicago area, including, North Central College, DePaul University, and Northwestern University.
Coffman is excited to be an XO Brass Artist/Clinician. XO Brass is the professional line of Jupiter Music. He is performing on the new jazz trombone designed by John Fedchock, the model 1632-LT and the model 1634-LT. He also performs on the model 1240-L bass trombone. In addition, Coffman is an artist for Denis Wick mouthpieces and plays those exclusively.
Bill Sears (saxophone) earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana University, where he trained with the renowned jazz composer and performer David Baker and the classical saxophonist Eugene Rousseau. He toured and performed with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, Nancy Wilson, and Joe Williams. He also appeared on recordings with top jazz groups from Chicago and Los Angeles. As his jazz career took off, Sears wanted to share his passion for the art form with future generations. “People have to know about it,” Sears told IPR in Studio A. “I love to see the light switches go on in young people when I’m playing a recording from 1935 and they realize, wow, that’s really great music!” When Sears began teaching at the Interlochen Arts Academy in 1987, he built on the early success of the institution’s jazz classes and ensembles to develop a robust curriculum, with coursework on jazz history, improvisation, and fundamentals. He also expanded performance opportunities to include both big band and combo settings. Sears has two CDs under his own leadership, “Chasin’ The Goal” and “With One Accord,” both of which feature not only his engaging and individual saxophone voice, but also several of his compositions. Sears is a Conn-Selmer performing artist and clinician.
Matthew Anklan (trumpet) is a highly sought-after professional trumpeter, showcasing his exceptional talent across lead, classical and jazz genres. His illustrious career includes captivating performances alongside renowned entertainers such as Aretha Franklin, Jason Scheff, The Who, Iron and Wine, Bootsy Collins, and Common. An esteemed Lead Trumpet player for the Columbus Jazz Orchestra and the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, Anklan has shared the stage with jazz luminaries such as Frank Sinatra Jr., Gregory Porter, and Jimmy Heath, and demonstrates his versatility with orchestras like The Cincinnati Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, and more. As a studio artist, Anklan’s trumpet resonates on countless recordings for major TV networks, streaming platforms, radio hits, and educational materials. His musical footprint extends to themes for NPR, The Rose Parade, The World Cup, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Aklan’s expertise shines in Broadway musicals like Aladdin, Sister Act, Shrek, and West Side Story, among others. A protege of the legendary William Adam, Anklan has honed his craft under the guidance of accomplished teachers such as Greg Wing, Scott Belck, Vincent DiMartino, and Brad Goode. Performing on Powell Custom Trumpets, Yamaha Trumpets, and Patrick Mouthpieces, Anklan continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of music through his extraordinary talent and diverse contributions.
Bill Cessna (piano) is a jazz pianist/multi-instrumentalist with a mission to create and present musical experiences that preserve and celebrate Jazz Music and the genius of improvisation. He began his studies for jazz piano on scholarship at Columbia College Chicago in 2009. During his undergraduate time, he had opportunities to study under Peter Saxe, Dennis Luxion, Donald Neale, and Sebastian Huydts. After graduating in 2013, Cessna quickly became an in-demand sideman in Chicago’s vibrant music scene. He has performed regularly with various salsa bands, jazz ensembles, and his own Trio at venues such as The Jazz Showcase, The Green Mill, Andy’s Jazz Club, Pianoforte, Winter’s Jazz Club, Merriman’s Playhouse, Cliff Bells, The Jazz Estate. He has also performed in festivals including The Chicago Jazz Fest, Hyde Park Jazz Festival, South Shore Jazz Fest, New Trier Jazz Fest, and Elmhurst Jazz Fest. Cessna graduated from Western Michigan University in 2022 with a master’s degree in jazz piano. He maintains a busy performance schedule both in the Chicago and Detroit areas, as well as continuing to teach and grow his private piano studio with students of all ages and skill levels. He is also currently performing, composing and leading his own group, the Bill Cessna Trio, which released their first album “Background Music” in 2022. The mission of the group is paying homage to the musicians who inspire them, as well as incorporating original music to present meaningful musical experiences to all audiences. Currently the group is preparing to record their second album “Billy Boy!,” featuring all original compositions, to be released in 2024.
“The best compliment I can receive is when people tell me they do not listen to jazz, but enjoyed hearing or watching us play”.