Bethany College receiving $10 million gift from former owner of Great Plains Manufacturing
LINDSBORG — Bethany College is receiving $10 million over the next 10 years in a historic gift from the former owner of Great Plains Manufacturing.
Steve Eckman, interim president for the college, announced the gift on Jan. 12 from Roy and Donice Applequist, described as longtime supporters of Bethany College.
"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 couple 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. "Our community has benefited from Bethany College for over a hundred years. Let us continue that tradition and further its mission. Go, Swedes!"
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."
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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."
The college said it is hoping people will join the Applequists in supporting Bethany and anyone interested in doing so can contact the office of advancement at alumni@bethanylb.edu or by visiting www.bethanylb.edu/give.
This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Applequist family announces $10 million gift to Bethany College
