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By: Lydia Bickham, Student Contributor

Bettinger Family

(L-R): Jerry Kibler, Kathryn Kibler, Molly Mae Kibler, Coralen “Corky” Bettinger, & Walt Bettinger

On Saturday, October 10th, Alice Lloyd College held its Annual Appalachia Day Homecoming. The day was full of festivities, sports events, music, and delicious food. Throughout the day many great memories were made as people enjoyed celebrating ALC’s history and reminisced on their time spent at the college. The past and the future merged even more so this year as Alice Lloyd College marked the completion of its newest building. The college held the dedication of the Donald J. and Coralen B. Bettinger Center for Servant Leadership during this year’s Appalachia Day.

Donald J. Bettinger was hired by Dr. Jerry Davis, former ALC President, as a chemistry professor for ALC. Comments made during the dedication proved Dr. and Mrs. Bettinger’s love of learning and serving. Those who spoke include Alice Lloyd College President, Joe Stepp, Executive Vice President Jim Stepp, former student of Dr. Bettinger and current ALC chemistry professor Dr. Paul Yeary, and Director of Institutional Development Margo Sparkman. Donald and Coralen “Corky” Bettinger’s son, Walt Bettinger, president of Charles Schwab, also spoke at the dedication ceremony.

The Walt and Terri Bettinger Foundation made a generous grant to the building of the Bettinger Center. Also present with Walt and Corky from the Bettinger family were Kathryn, Jerry, and Molly Mae Kibler.

“We are extremely grateful to the Walt and Teri Bettinger Foundation for their generous contribution that made the Bettinger Center for Servant Leadership possible,” remarked Alice Lloyd College Executive Vice President Jim Stepp. “It was a joy to host Corky and her family as they took part in the dedication ceremony. Many generations of Appalachian students will benefit thanks to their contributions to Alice Lloyd College.”

Dr. Bettinger’s goal was to not only teach his students the criteria necessary to understand chemistry, but to also give them something to take away – something that they could use in life. He encouraged people to do their jobs with a passion. Mrs. Corky Bettinger served ALC and the surrounding community by working in the school’s library and volunteering with the campus outreach program. Both Dr. Bettinger and Corky went above and beyond what was called of them as they provided support, guidance, and love to the staff and students on campus and to community residents. Above everything else the couple had a love and a passion for Jesus, which drove their servant attitudes.

The first floor of the Bettinger Center will accommodate several programs including the Campus Outreach, Christmas Pretties, Crafts, Clothing Exchange and Guest Housing Laundry. The second floor will be the new location of the college’s nationally recognized student work program. Dr. Bettinger passed away in 2013, but we know he would have been proud to see that the new building honoring him and his wonderful wife encompasses the Purpose Road philosophy for servant leadership. The students on campus are thrilled to utilize the Donald J. and Coralen B. Bettinger Center for Servant Leadership and are excited about being better equipped to become the next servant leaders in our communities.