Bethany College officially opened the 2025-26 academic year with its annual Fall Convocation, a tradition that brings the campus community together to celebrate academic excellence, welcome new students, and look ahead to a promising year.
Held in the historic Commencement Hall, the event featured remarks from Bethany President Dr. Jamie Caridi, music, prayers, and the presentation of several institutional awards honoring faculty, staff, and students for outstanding achievement and service.
Caridi opened the ceremony by acknowledging the College’s enduring legacy, now entering its 186th year, and celebrated a 31% increase in new student enrollment—Bethany’s largest incoming class in over 15 years.
“Bethany’s mission and relevance have withstood the test of time,” said Caridi. “We continue to thrive because of our gifted professors, dedicated staff, and exceptional students.”
The event also celebrated the launch of several new academic programs, including two graduate degrees, a Master of Arts in Sport Management and a Master of Science in AI-Driven Cybersecurity and Autonomous Defense, as well as a new undergraduate exercise science major and concentrations in esport gaming management and financial planning. Caridi praised the Bethany faculty and board of trustees for their swift progress in turning vision into reality.
“Here at Bethany, we do the extra things,” said Caridi. “We support students in finding their passion, connecting with faculty mentors, and becoming leaders in their fields.”
Fall Convocation also featured the presentation of several awards recognizing academic excellence and service:
*The Anna Ruth Bourne Award, presented to the sorority group with the highest scholastic standing each semester, was awarded to Phi Mu.
*The W. Kirk Woolery Award, presented to the fraternity group with the highest scholastic standing each semester, was awarded to Phi Kappa Phi.
*The John R. Taylor Memorial Award in Liberal Arts, named in memory of John R. Taylor, ’44, professor of English emeritus at Bethany, was presented to Professor Fujiko Nito, for her decades of interdisciplinary teaching and cultural enrichment through Japanese studies.
*The Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching and Scholarship was awarded to Dr. Kathy Baker-Brosh ‘86, assistant professor of biology, for her commitment to immersive, research-based instruction.
*The Staff Service Award was given to Kacey Morrison, head athletic trainer, for her years of dedication to student-athlete wellness and her selfless service across campus.
*The Richard B. Kinney First-Year Leadership Award went to Molly Mitchell ‘28, recognized for her academic excellence, peer leadership, and active campus involvement.
*President’s List and Dean’s List honorees for the Spring 2025 semester were also celebrated for their achievements.
This year’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Gary Kappel ‘74, professor emeritus and distinguished Bethany alumnus. Kappel, who served the College for more than three decades, delivered an inspiring and humorous reflection on the purpose of a liberal arts education and the value of becoming “a capable and cultivated” individual.
“These next few years are all about you,” said Kappel to the incoming class. “Cultivate that tree which grows within each of us; [take time] to seize the opportunity to make these years all about…your development into the individual you want to be, not what others would [want] you to make yourselves into.”
The ceremony closed with a spoken blessing and musical selections celebrating hope, community, and the promise of the academic year ahead.
Bethany College looks forward to continuing the momentum of this inspiring start and invites alumni, families, and friends back to campus for BC Pride Homecoming, taking place Sept. 26-28, 2025.