Bethel University opens new commons, inaugurates new president

by Tim Post, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Bethel University in the St. Paul suburb of Arden Hills dedicates its new $30 million student commons on Thursday. The university will also inaugurate a new president on Friday.

The new commons, a 110,000-square-foot facility, houses student government offices, an expanded dining center, and gathering spots for students.

Brushaber Commons is named after longtime Bethel President George Brushaber, who retired last summer after 26 years on the job.

Bethel will inaugurate its new president on Friday morning. Jay Barnes took over as the private Christian college's leader last summer. Barnes is Bethel's fifth president.