Bethany College in Hepburn to close after 88 years

Bethany College in Hepburn, Sask.

Stephanie Chase’s last semester at Bethany College will be bittersweet.

The fourth year student will be one of the last students to graduate from the Bible college after the board of directors voted in December to close the school’s doors at the end of this academic year.

“I didn’t realize when I finish this and walk that stage that I’ll be one of the last people to walk this stage, so I don’t know if I’ll be able to celebrate as much as I’d like,” said Chase.

The school has been open in Hepburn, Sask. for 88 years. School officials said enrollment was a major factor in the decision to shut down.

Enrollment dropped by 40 per cent this year.

“It still feels like a shock even though you know it’s coming, but I think the heaviness sets in after a bit,” said academic dean Gil Dueck.

“It was definitely a sad thing to come to terms with, for sure.”

Dueck was a student at Bethany and he’s been part of the faculty for 11 years. The loss hits hard for him. He’s one of roughly 30 people losing their jobs.

“We have this semester to finish off well with our students and plan for our future, and it’s tough to do both at the same time,” he said.

Only a handful of students won’t be able to finish their programs. The school is working to help them transfer to other institutions.

The school doesn’t know what will become of the building and said they’re now only focused on helping students enjoy their final semester.

Chase said she just wants to end on a good note.

“I think the main thing people are thinking about here is, ‘Let’s finish strong,’” she said.

“We want to finish well and Bethany has done so many great things for the church and people’s lives and their relationship with Jesus, so let’s just live that out for the last bit.”

Bethany College is a member of Christian Higher Education Canada.

The organization said enrollment varies across the country but, in general, there is a smaller pool of students to draw from.