Nearly anyone can choose to go nearly anywhere in the world for their post-secondary education. Our area graduates commonly choose to stay fairly close to home – at least within the state. One of the colleges and universities our students choose is Bethany College in Lindsborg. They just received a huge gift that could possibly benefit future Lincoln, Sylvan or Tescott graduates.
Steve Eckman, interim president of the college, announced the gift on January 12 from longtime supporters of Bethany College, Roy and Donice Applequists.
Bethany College, located in Lindsborg, will receive $10 million over the next 10 years in a historic gift from the former owner of Great Plains Manufacturing.
“Our family is proud to support Bethany College as the institution plots its course into the future,” the Applequists said in a statement. “This gift represents our love and commitment to Bethany, its students, faculty, staff, alums, friends and the region.”
The Applequists said they want their gift to be an inspiration to others in the community to help support the college.
“We hope other donors of any giving ability might also support Bethany to ensure its current and future success,” the Applequists said.
Eckman, who only recently began his time at Bethany, said this gift is an example of the support that the community has for the college.
“Seldom in my experience in private higher education have I encountered the support that Bethany College is blessed to have,” Eckman said. “The generous gift that Roy and Donice Applequist are providing is certainly a concrete illustration of that fact. The Applequist gift will allow Bethany to fulfill its mission and propel it into a bright and successful future.”
The college said this is one of the largest single gifts it has received to date.
Jacob Spilker, vice president of advancement at Bethany, also relayed his excitement about this gift.
“I extend my deepest thanks to the Applequists for their generosity,” Spilker said. “Their commitment to advancing education, supporting each person who makes Bethany College special, along with fostering the wellbeing of our community is remarkable. The Applequists gift will lead us into the future, ensuring that Bethany College remains a vibrant and cherished institution of higher learning.”
