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Beacon Magazine:
Our Great Cloud of Witnesses
130 Years of Wisdom, Faith, and Service
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  • For 130 years, one thing has never changed: the spirit of our students. 💙💛 Fun-loving, academically driven, Christ-pursuing, and always ready to grow! We thank God for every life that has walked our halls.
    10 hours ago
  • The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
    1 day ago
  • 🥣 Wheaties, Raisin Bran, Grape Nuts, and more. These are the cereals that weren’t our first picks as children, and for some, they’re still not in our kitchen cabinet as we’ve gotten older. Take look at some of the hot takes for least favorite cold cereals. Drop a comment below with your 2nd least favorite cereal (or a hot take) and an emoji that captures how it makes you feel!
    2 days ago
  • This week we had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Nijay Gupta, author, New Testament professor at Northern Seminary, and cohost of the Slow Theology podcast with our own Dr. AJ Swoboda, as part of our Becoming Beloved Community series! During his visit, Dr. Gupta discussed several topics in the context of pursing and contributing to a beloved community, from exploring the New Testament Church, navigating a world of noise and outrage, and the vital roles women played as leaders, teachers, and ministers in the early church. We are very grateful for Dr. Gupta’s time with us and the wisdom he shared as we continue our journey toward becoming a beloved community.
    1 week ago
  • Celebrating 130 years of our legacy of wisdom, faith, and service! Last weekend, we were joined by numerous students, families, alumni, friends, staff, and faculty as we celebrated our 130 year anniversary Founders Day event at Valley River Inn. We had a great time reflecting on our university, with a look into James Bushnell's life and legacy, giving worship and thanks to the Lord, celebrating the wrapping up of our Venture Forward campaign, and a look to the future with projects like the Duke Student Commons. Thank you for everyone that took time to celebrate with us!
    1 week ago
  • Ready to experience life as a Beacon? Receive a $1,000 visit scholarship when you join us for Bushnell Fall Preview Day on Nov. 7!   Sign up online through the Linktree in our bio or by going to bushnell.edu/visit/. We hope to see you there!
    1 week ago
  • From professors to roommates, there are lots of people on our campus that lift up and encourage us. Listen to our Beacons share who inspires them at Bushnell! Let us know who inspires you! 🌟
    1 week ago
  • There’s nothing better than having our Beacons and their families together on campus! 💛💙 We loved seeing all the smiles, laughter, and love shared among the parents, siblings, and friends who support our Beacons during Family Weekend!
    1 week ago
For 130 years, one thing has never changed: the spirit of our students. 💙💛 Fun-loving, academically driven, Christ-pursuing, and always ready to grow! We thank God for every life that has walked our halls.
For 130 years, one thing has never changed: the spirit of our students. 💙💛 Fun-loving, academically driven, Christ-pursuing, and always ready to grow! We thank God for every life that has walked our halls.
For 130 years, one thing has never changed: the spirit of our students. 💙💛 Fun-loving, academically driven, Christ-pursuing, and always ready to grow! We thank God for every life that has walked our halls.
For 130 years, one thing has never changed: the spirit of our students. 💙💛 Fun-loving, academically driven, Christ-pursuing, and always ready to grow! We thank God for every life that has walked our halls.
For 130 years, one thing has never changed: the spirit of our students. 💙💛 Fun-loving, academically driven, Christ-pursuing, and always ready to grow! We thank God for every life that has walked our halls.
For 130 years, one thing has never changed: the spirit of our students. 💙💛 Fun-loving, academically driven, Christ-pursuing, and always ready to grow! We thank God for every life that has walked our halls.
For 130 years, one thing has never changed: the spirit of our students. 💙💛 Fun-loving, academically driven, Christ-pursuing, and always ready to grow! We thank God for every life that has walked our halls.
For 130 years, one thing has never changed: the spirit of our students. 💙💛 Fun-loving, academically driven, Christ-pursuing, and always ready to grow! We thank God for every life that has walked our halls.
For 130 years, one thing has never changed: the spirit of our students. 💙💛 Fun-loving, academically driven, Christ-pursuing, and always ready to grow! We thank God for every life that has walked our halls.
For 130 years, one thing has never changed: the spirit of our students. 💙💛 Fun-loving, academically driven, Christ-pursuing, and always ready to grow! We thank God for every life that has walked our halls.
For 130 years, one thing has never changed: the spirit of our students. 💙💛 Fun-loving, academically driven, Christ-pursuing, and always ready to grow! We thank God for every life that has walked our halls.
For 130 years, one thing has never changed: the spirit of our students. 💙💛 Fun-loving, academically driven, Christ-pursuing, and always ready to grow! We thank God for every life that has walked our halls.
@bushnelluniversity
@bushnelluniversity
•
Follow
For 130 years, one thing has never changed: the spirit of our students. 💙💛 Fun-loving, academically driven, Christ-pursuing, and always ready to grow! We thank God for every life that has walked our halls.
17 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/8
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
@bushnelluniversity
@bushnelluniversity
•
Follow
The energy was unmatched at BEACON MADNESS 2025! 🎶💿🎤 All of our teams showed up to embrace the music this year! Check out these snapshots from the madness!
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/8
@bushnelluniversity
@bushnelluniversity
•
Follow
🥣 Wheaties, Raisin Bran, Grape Nuts, and more. These are the cereals that weren’t our first picks as children, and for some, they’re still not in our kitchen cabinet as we’ve gotten older. Take look at some of the hot takes for least favorite cold cereals. Drop a comment below with your 2nd least favorite cereal (or a hot take) and an emoji that captures how it makes you feel!
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/8
This week we had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Nijay Gupta, author, New Testament professor at Northern Seminary, and cohost of the Slow Theology podcast with our own Dr. AJ Swoboda, as part of our Becoming Beloved Community series! During his visit, Dr. Gupta discussed several topics in the context of pursing and contributing to a beloved community, from exploring the New Testament Church, navigating a world of noise and outrage, and the vital roles women played as leaders, teachers, and ministers in the early church. We are very grateful for Dr. Gupta’s time with us and the wisdom he shared as we continue our journey toward becoming a beloved community.
This week we had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Nijay Gupta, author, New Testament professor at Northern Seminary, and cohost of the Slow Theology podcast with our own Dr. AJ Swoboda, as part of our Becoming Beloved Community series! During his visit, Dr. Gupta discussed several topics in the context of pursing and contributing to a beloved community, from exploring the New Testament Church, navigating a world of noise and outrage, and the vital roles women played as leaders, teachers, and ministers in the early church. We are very grateful for Dr. Gupta’s time with us and the wisdom he shared as we continue our journey toward becoming a beloved community.
This week we had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Nijay Gupta, author, New Testament professor at Northern Seminary, and cohost of the Slow Theology podcast with our own Dr. AJ Swoboda, as part of our Becoming Beloved Community series! During his visit, Dr. Gupta discussed several topics in the context of pursing and contributing to a beloved community, from exploring the New Testament Church, navigating a world of noise and outrage, and the vital roles women played as leaders, teachers, and ministers in the early church. We are very grateful for Dr. Gupta’s time with us and the wisdom he shared as we continue our journey toward becoming a beloved community.
This week we had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Nijay Gupta, author, New Testament professor at Northern Seminary, and cohost of the Slow Theology podcast with our own Dr. AJ Swoboda, as part of our Becoming Beloved Community series! During his visit, Dr. Gupta discussed several topics in the context of pursing and contributing to a beloved community, from exploring the New Testament Church, navigating a world of noise and outrage, and the vital roles women played as leaders, teachers, and ministers in the early church. We are very grateful for Dr. Gupta’s time with us and the wisdom he shared as we continue our journey toward becoming a beloved community.
@bushnelluniversity
@bushnelluniversity
•
Follow
This week we had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Nijay Gupta, author, New Testament professor at Northern Seminary, and cohost of the Slow Theology podcast with our own Dr. AJ Swoboda, as part of our Becoming Beloved Community series! During his visit, Dr. Gupta discussed several topics in the context of pursing and contributing to a beloved community, from exploring the New Testament Church, navigating a world of noise and outrage, and the vital roles women played as leaders, teachers, and ministers in the early church. We are very grateful for Dr. Gupta’s time with us and the wisdom he shared as we continue our journey toward becoming a beloved community.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/8
Celebrating 130 years of our legacy of wisdom, faith, and service! Last weekend, we were joined by numerous students, families, alumni, friends, staff, and faculty as we celebrated our 130 year anniversary Founders Day event at Valley River Inn. We had a great time reflecting on our university, with a look into James Bushnell's life and legacy, giving worship and thanks to the Lord, celebrating the wrapping up of our Venture Forward campaign, and a look to the future with projects like the Duke Student Commons. Thank you for everyone that took time to celebrate with us!
Celebrating 130 years of our legacy of wisdom, faith, and service! Last weekend, we were joined by numerous students, families, alumni, friends, staff, and faculty as we celebrated our 130 year anniversary Founders Day event at Valley River Inn. We had a great time reflecting on our university, with a look into James Bushnell's life and legacy, giving worship and thanks to the Lord, celebrating the wrapping up of our Venture Forward campaign, and a look to the future with projects like the Duke Student Commons. Thank you for everyone that took time to celebrate with us!
Celebrating 130 years of our legacy of wisdom, faith, and service! Last weekend, we were joined by numerous students, families, alumni, friends, staff, and faculty as we celebrated our 130 year anniversary Founders Day event at Valley River Inn. We had a great time reflecting on our university, with a look into James Bushnell's life and legacy, giving worship and thanks to the Lord, celebrating the wrapping up of our Venture Forward campaign, and a look to the future with projects like the Duke Student Commons. Thank you for everyone that took time to celebrate with us!
Celebrating 130 years of our legacy of wisdom, faith, and service! Last weekend, we were joined by numerous students, families, alumni, friends, staff, and faculty as we celebrated our 130 year anniversary Founders Day event at Valley River Inn. We had a great time reflecting on our university, with a look into James Bushnell's life and legacy, giving worship and thanks to the Lord, celebrating the wrapping up of our Venture Forward campaign, and a look to the future with projects like the Duke Student Commons. Thank you for everyone that took time to celebrate with us!
Celebrating 130 years of our legacy of wisdom, faith, and service! Last weekend, we were joined by numerous students, families, alumni, friends, staff, and faculty as we celebrated our 130 year anniversary Founders Day event at Valley River Inn. We had a great time reflecting on our university, with a look into James Bushnell's life and legacy, giving worship and thanks to the Lord, celebrating the wrapping up of our Venture Forward campaign, and a look to the future with projects like the Duke Student Commons. Thank you for everyone that took time to celebrate with us!
Celebrating 130 years of our legacy of wisdom, faith, and service! Last weekend, we were joined by numerous students, families, alumni, friends, staff, and faculty as we celebrated our 130 year anniversary Founders Day event at Valley River Inn. We had a great time reflecting on our university, with a look into James Bushnell's life and legacy, giving worship and thanks to the Lord, celebrating the wrapping up of our Venture Forward campaign, and a look to the future with projects like the Duke Student Commons. Thank you for everyone that took time to celebrate with us!
Celebrating 130 years of our legacy of wisdom, faith, and service! Last weekend, we were joined by numerous students, families, alumni, friends, staff, and faculty as we celebrated our 130 year anniversary Founders Day event at Valley River Inn. We had a great time reflecting on our university, with a look into James Bushnell's life and legacy, giving worship and thanks to the Lord, celebrating the wrapping up of our Venture Forward campaign, and a look to the future with projects like the Duke Student Commons. Thank you for everyone that took time to celebrate with us!
Celebrating 130 years of our legacy of wisdom, faith, and service! Last weekend, we were joined by numerous students, families, alumni, friends, staff, and faculty as we celebrated our 130 year anniversary Founders Day event at Valley River Inn. We had a great time reflecting on our university, with a look into James Bushnell's life and legacy, giving worship and thanks to the Lord, celebrating the wrapping up of our Venture Forward campaign, and a look to the future with projects like the Duke Student Commons. Thank you for everyone that took time to celebrate with us!
@bushnelluniversity
@bushnelluniversity
•
Follow
Celebrating 130 years of our legacy of wisdom, faith, and service! Last weekend, we were joined by numerous students, families, alumni, friends, staff, and faculty as we celebrated our 130 year anniversary Founders Day event at Valley River Inn. We had a great time reflecting on our university, with a look into James Bushnell's life and legacy, giving worship and thanks to the Lord, celebrating the wrapping up of our Venture Forward campaign, and a look to the future with projects like the Duke Student Commons. Thank you for everyone that took time to celebrate with us!
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/8
@bushnelluniversity
@bushnelluniversity
•
Follow
Ready to experience life as a Beacon? Receive a $1,000 visit scholarship when you join us for Bushnell Fall Preview Day on Nov. 7!   Sign up online through the Linktree in our bio or by going to bushnell.edu/visit/. We hope to see you there!
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
6/8
@bushnelluniversity
@bushnelluniversity
•
Follow
From professors to roommates, there are lots of people on our campus that lift up and encourage us. Listen to our Beacons share who inspires them at Bushnell! Let us know who inspires you! 🌟
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
7/8
There’s nothing better than having our Beacons and their families together on campus! 💛💙 We loved seeing all the smiles, laughter, and love shared among the parents, siblings, and friends who support our Beacons during Family Weekend!
There’s nothing better than having our Beacons and their families together on campus! 💛💙 We loved seeing all the smiles, laughter, and love shared among the parents, siblings, and friends who support our Beacons during Family Weekend!
There’s nothing better than having our Beacons and their families together on campus! 💛💙 We loved seeing all the smiles, laughter, and love shared among the parents, siblings, and friends who support our Beacons during Family Weekend!
There’s nothing better than having our Beacons and their families together on campus! 💛💙 We loved seeing all the smiles, laughter, and love shared among the parents, siblings, and friends who support our Beacons during Family Weekend!
There’s nothing better than having our Beacons and their families together on campus! 💛💙 We loved seeing all the smiles, laughter, and love shared among the parents, siblings, and friends who support our Beacons during Family Weekend!
There’s nothing better than having our Beacons and their families together on campus! 💛💙 We loved seeing all the smiles, laughter, and love shared among the parents, siblings, and friends who support our Beacons during Family Weekend!
There’s nothing better than having our Beacons and their families together on campus! 💛💙 We loved seeing all the smiles, laughter, and love shared among the parents, siblings, and friends who support our Beacons during Family Weekend!
There’s nothing better than having our Beacons and their families together on campus! 💛💙 We loved seeing all the smiles, laughter, and love shared among the parents, siblings, and friends who support our Beacons during Family Weekend!
@bushnelluniversity
@bushnelluniversity
•
Follow
There’s nothing better than having our Beacons and their families together on campus! 💛💙 We loved seeing all the smiles, laughter, and love shared among the parents, siblings, and friends who support our Beacons during Family Weekend!
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/8

Beacon Points of Pride

100%
Field Experience
  • Every traditional undergraduate student graduates with at least 135 hours of field experience.
Career Growth

15:1

Ratio
  • Bushnell boasts a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio to provide an enriched learning environment.
View Faculty

99%

Affordability
  • 99% of traditional undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid.
Financial Aid

77%

On-Campus
  • 77% of Bushnell University’s first-year students live on campus as undergraduates.
Residence Life

31%

1st Generation
  • 31% of the incoming class (including transfers) are first-generation college students.
Parents

10

Consecutive Years
  • Bushnell Athletics has won the Cascade Collegiate Conference President’s Cup for Academic Excellence 10 times.
Beacons

10000+

Volunteer Hours
  • 10000+ hours of community service given by Bushnell students, faculty and staff annually.
Our Mission

85%

Beyond Class
  • 85% of students’ time happens outside of the classroom. Enjoy our campus experience.
Student Life

Beacon Points of Pride

100%

Field Experience

All traditional undergrad students graduate with at least 135 hours of field experience.

Career Development

99%

Affordable

99% of traditional undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid.

Financial Aid

130 Years of Wisdom, Faith, and Service

We are grateful that for over thirteen decades this University has committed to creating transformational educational experiences for our students. Would you consider giving $130 in honor of our 130 year legacy?

Gifts to the Beacon Fund help keep a Bushnell education within reach for students. Thank you for investing in the lives of our students.

Give Today

FOUNDERS DAY

Saturday, October 18, 2025

The President & Board of Trustees of Bushnell University invite all students, parents, alumni, friends, faculty, and staff to join them in our celebration of 130 Years of Wisdom, Faith, and Service.

6:30 – 7 PM: Hors d’oeuvres & dessert reception

7 – 8:30 PM: Program to include a fall mini-concert and special presidential address

List of Full Weekend Events

Gifts to the Beacon Fund help keep a Bushnell education within reach for students. Thank you for investing in the lives of our students.

Give Today