Haury Hall

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The 1960s and ’70s saw a building boom at Bethel, beginning with Haury Hall, completed in 1958, with a major addition in 1963. The lead gift of $50,000 came from the Bethel College Women’s Association (BCWA), who held multiple fundraisers. Its name, Women’s Residence Hall, indicated its function. The building was renamed Dr Haury Hall after Linda Krehbiel Haury, who taught elocution at Bethel, a prominent Newtonian and daughter of Bethel co-founder J.J. Krehbiel.

Today, Haury Hall houses both men and women and is designated for first-year students. It fosters a close-knit, family-like environment with many shared spaces. Haury is a cornerstone of the freshman experience, embodying community and tradition.

The campaign goal is $11 million for larger pods in the north wing (the 1963 addition); renovations of hall bathrooms and kitchen and laundry facilities on the first floor; new finishes in rooms, hallways and social spaces; and replacement/upgrades of HVAC, utilities and plumbing, plus an additional $1 million for a maintenance endowment.

Bethel is working with Heritage Consulting and Shelden Architecture to add Haury Hall to the Kansas historic registry. If the effort succeeds and the state accepts the renovation project, expenses would qualify for 40% tax credits.

WHY HAURY HALL MATTERS

Research consistently shows that a student’s first year plays a decisive role in long-term success, sense of belonging, and graduation outcomes. Haury Hall is central to that transition at Bethel. A fully renovated facility will provide safe, comfortable, community-oriented housing that fosters academic focus, social connection, and overall well-being. Modern amenities and functionality will allow Bethel to remain competitive in an environment where residential quality strongly influences recruitment and retention.

A COMPREHENSIVE RENOVATION WILL:

• Reimagine community spaces to strengthen connection and belonging
• Update finishes in rooms, restrooms, hallways and community spaces
• Create flexible study and gathering spaces that support academic success
• Replace HVAC, electrical and plumbing to provide energy efficiency
• Ensure Haury Hall remains a vibrant, functional first-year home for decades to come

TIMELINE

Fundraising will begin in January 2026. If the state approves the nomination of and application for Haury Hall to be on the Kansas historic places registry, up to 40% of building expenses will be issued in tax credits. The historic registry process will take at least a year.

IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT

A renewed Haury Hall will immediately elevate the residential experience for first-year students and establish a stronger foundation for retention, engagement, and academic achievement. Donor support transforms a historic hall into a modern, welcoming, and sustainable space—ensuring that generations of future students begin their Bethel journey in a place that reflects the care, excellence, and community that define the college.