College of Arts & Sciences
Residence Life
Brad Dykstra
Resident Director
Email: b-dykstra@bethel.edu
B.A. in Theology,
Dordt College, Sioux Center, IA
Heritage Hall
Mission
“Unsurrendered Hope”
Heritage is made up largely of seniors. We do have the privilege of housing some juniors this year, but we’re an almost entirely upper-class hall. These upper-class years are filled with so much anticipation, exploration, and preparation. In the midst of this adventure, the pressures of busyness, responsibility and uncertainty of the future often creep in. There are so many decisions to make and opportunities to explore. It’s a time when the present and the future seem to collide. Although this is a very exciting journey, it can be overwhelming and even frightening at times.
So often in Christian circles, we talk about the things we need to “surrender for the cause of Christ”. We talk about surrendering our selfishness, sins, fears, pain, burdens, etc. and this is very important. But sometimes we too easily forget to talk about the things we need to “unsurrender” - the things we need to grasp as hard as we can and not let go. We believe that hope is one of those things. Hope seems shaky when we don’t have any answers about our future. Whether the answers we seek involve careers, income, debt, friendships, or romantic relationships in all forms, it’s sometimes difficult to be hopeful when uncertainty seems to be a dominant player in our lives.
The goal of the Heritage staff is to serve and support those who live here as they navigate this time that is uniquely present and future focused. And in doing so, we have to remind ourselves and each other that hope is something we need to claim - to hold tightly to as we savor the college experience.
Theme Scripture Verses
Exodus 3:5
Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.
Exodus 33:15-18
Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name." Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory."
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Resident Assistants
Jessica Polston, 103 |
Some Highlights in Heritage
L.A.B.s (Life After Bethel):
L.A.B.s are meant to give practical information and experiences to help students step gracefully into the world beyond Bethel. Past topics included managing finances, exploring service opportunities following graduation, and living the Christian faith in secular workplaces.
Worldviews:
Worldviews are meant to educate students about different sub-cultures outside of our sphere of influence at Bethel that we will come across in our lives after we leave Bethel. We invite speakers from the different sub-cultures to come and present to us their perspectives. We feel that the advantage to having someone outside of our own sub-culture speak is that we will get a better understanding of how other people’s perspectives shape their world.
Other Events in Heritage:
- Heritage Concert Series
- Worship and Prayer
- Service Projects
- Leadership Development Opportunities
- Social Gatherings
Facilities at Heritage
Welcome to Heritage Hall—the home to community living for upperclass students. Heritage is a 264-bed, suite-style residence hall that houses primarily seniors, along with some juniors and sophomores. There are four lounges, one per floor, each filled with couches, tables, and chairs perfect for groups of individuals to study, hang out, or hold meetings. Our main lounge has a fireplace, RA desk, and a fitness room. The third floor houses a game room complete with billiards, Ping-Pong, foosball, and air hockey. There are four laundry rooms, two networked computer labs, and two full kitchens that are all open 24 hours a day.
Heritage's unique amenities: Two community kitchens, spacious lounges for relaxing, and a fireplace on first floor.
Each suite has a living room attached to a kitchenette, three bedrooms, and a three-room bathroom (sink, toilet, and shower rooms are all separate, which allows five students to be in the bathroom at one time). Sofa, chairs, and table are provided, yet many students bring in other furniture and accessories to make the place truly their home. In Heritage bedrooms, wardrobes are provided instead of closets to maximize your layout possibilities.