Alumnus of the Year Speaks in Chapel

David Asprey ’84, was named Bethel’s 2014 College of Arts & Sciences Alumnus of the Year by the members of Bethel’s National Alumni Board. He addressed the Bethel community in Chapel on October 3, the first day of Homecoming activities for alumni.

After graduating from Bethel with a degree in biology, Asprey was directed by God to the University of Iowa, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Medicine-Physician Assistant (PA). Wanting to improve young lives, he worked in pediatric cardiology. He then earned a master’s degree in instructional design and technology, as well as a doctorate in higher education at the University of Iowa. Besides being a professor of physician assistant at the university, he chairs the Physician Assistant Studies and Services department.

Asprey is grateful for his college experience at Bethel, including the opportunity to conduct research alongside faculty members. “Bethel prepared me to get into a top school and to get through the challenges of that curriculum,” he says, as well as to “develop good interpersonal skills, which you need in any field.”

Asprey humbly told the Bethel community that anyone could have won the award. “God put amazing opportunities in my life that I said ‘yes’ to”, he said, encouraging current students to do the same. “Maximize your opportunities! Those four years of undergrad experiences are crucial: they set the tone for your life and career. Be proactive and take advantage of opportunities—they will set you in great directions.”

Each year, Bethel honors an outstanding alumnus/alumna who is making a valuable impact in their community, neighborhood, and church and is living out Bethel’s seven core values.