Penner to Leave: Will Continue to Dream

Dave Baker

Caring, dedicated and sincere. Douglas Penner, president of Bethel College has shown himself to be all three throughout his six years at Bethel.

On Tuesday, Sept.19, Penner announced to faculty that he would not accept another term as Bethel's president. He has asked the college board of directors to approve this request at the next meeting.

Penner has been president of Bethel College since August 1995. He is completing the final year of his second three-year term.

"I wanted to allow the board plenty of time to search for a new president," said Penner. By contract, the president of Bethel must allow six months notice when resigning.

Just because Penner is on his last term does not mean that he stops dreaming for Bethel.

"I would like to see Bethel continue to strengthen enrollment and constituent and alumni support. I would like Bethel to increase diversity, to reach out to a larger population. I would push for an emphasis on Latin and Hispanic studies," Penner said.

Penner acknowledged that it feels a bit awkward to have dreams for Bethel knowing he will not to be actively participating in them. Nevertheless, Penner continues to dream.

"I want to see Bethel continue to be on the cutting edge, dealing with issues that are not black and white. These dreams are what have driven me the past six years."

From being a student, to a coach, to a professor, and then president, Penner has just about done it all here at Bethel.

"This is my college. There is a great big part of who I am that is tied to Bethel. I have been shaped by this place. This will always be my place, my college."

There is no doubt that Penner will continue to care for this institution.

"What satisfies me is to see students come here and have radical growth experiences," he said. "When students come up against challenges and overcome them it is rewarding for me.

Highlights are many for this veteran of Bethel, but the most satisfying thing for Penner is experiencing graduation.

"Graduation is the culmination...it is a wonderful experience to know that Bethel people will go out and have an influence on the world."

Through a six-year history of many highs and a few lows, Penner has maintained a positive outlook for this institution.

"I have been gratified by new faculty and staff here at Bethel. To see people decide to come here and be a part of this institution is inspiring. Meeting the many Bethel supporters is what has driven me."

Through some of the toughest times, Penner found his strength in the supportive community of Bethel.

"Obviously, the low point of my time here would be the embezzlement," he said. "It was, however, a real source of strength and confidence how everyone was so supportive and caring."

Penner guided Bethel through those rough times and into a brighter future. During his tenure as president Bethel College has been the recipient of many major gifts in fundraising. The Fred and Kay Krehbiel donation and the Katherine Esau gift were each in the amount of $2.5 million.

These fundraising successes have set Bethel apart from other institutions of its size. Additional highlights of Penner's presidency have included building the new residence hall, putting a new elevator in Memorial Hall, and breaking ground for the Krehbiel Science Center.

One does not even have to know the president personally to know that he is approachable. His ability to interact with students has been one of the most impressive character traits Penner possesses.

"President Penner knew my name when I was a freshman and, I remember thinking that he had no reason to know who I was," said Paul Ortman, senior from Freeman, S. D.

Penner can be seen at any event Bethel hosts. He stays involved in the day to day activities of this college.

Three years ago, Penner could be heard over the airwaves of 88.1 FM KBCU, the Bethel College radio station. Aaron Christopher, a 1999 graduate, and Keith Heibner, senior from Henderson, Neb., invited the president to come on their show around midnight to take questions from callers.

"I was terribly anxious about this. They asked me some very odd questions. There was one in particular that had to do with a urinal," stated Penner.

Penner has many fond memories of interaction with students over his six years here. Some of these experiences include a midnight birthday party/pancake feed, an experience in a dunk tank, an office filled with balloons, and an intramural basketball game where he made a basket then limped off to the sidelines to recover for a few days.

As Penner completes his last term in "office," he wants to emphasize that while presidents do exert an influence, they do not run the institution. Somehow, Bethel will continue without Penner. And the 39 members of the Bethel College Board of Directors will lead this institution with its best interests in mind.

"This is a team. Teams may change, but the real mission and the team vision for the college continues."

"I just want students to know how much I've enjoyed being president. My passion and Bethel's passion is students," Penner said. "If we can be a part of helping students achieve their dreams, it brings us great gladness. I will always regard it an honor to have been here," said Penner.

Students, faculty and staff have received a great honor in experiencing "the Penner years" here at Bethel College.