Bethany College Departments Awarded Grants to Advance Academic and Cultural Experiences

Bethany, W.Va. — Bethany College has been awarded four grants totaling nearly $55,000, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to the arts and sciences, cultural experiences, community engagement, and academic excellence. These awards support projects in diverse areas, from scientific innovation to Japanese culture and the arts.

Congratulations to the recipients:

Communications and Media Arts Department
Awarded By: The Driehorst Family Foundation
Award Amount: $14,000

Focus: Upgraded equipment to provide liberal arts students and audiences exposure to current professional grade coverage of current events and to tell and reflect upon stories that larger media entities do not regularly produce which target younger members of the population.

Faculty Involved: Professor and Chair of Communications and Media Arts Department Dr. Patrick Sutherland

Visual Arts Department
Awarded By: The Driehorst Family Foundation, supplemented by Joyce Jefferson ‘77
Award Amount: $16,000

Focus: Equipment and supplies to integrate craft and materials studies into Bethany’s visual arts curriculum.

Faculty Involved: Artist-in-Residence Kevin Clancy

Biology Department
Awarded By: WN-INBRE Equipment Grant, funded by NIH
Award Amount: $22,722

Focus: Purchase of a multimodal plate reading system that will enhance the capacity for biomedical research at Bethany College, in addition to improving classroom training and research experiences for undergraduate students.

Faculty Involved: Assistant Professor of Biology Derek Warren

The Bethany Japan Outreach Program
Awarded By: West Virginia Humanities Council
Award Amount: $2,000

Focus: In support of an event that introduces the art and tradition of the Japanese Sencha-style tea ceremony, focusing on its cultural significance, history, and unique preparation techniques. The event will consist of historical/cultural presentations and hands-on workshops, allowing attendees to experience the charm and essence of Sencha (leaf tea) firsthand. The open-to-the-public format promotes cross-cultural appreciation and engagement within the College and the neighboring communities.

Faculty Involved: Professor of Computer Science Fujiko Nito

“These grants are a testament to the exceptional work of our faculty and the strength of our institutional mission,” says Kirsten Reid, director of grants at Bethany. “We are proud to lead projects that create meaningful impact for our students and the community.”