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2022 Alumni Award Winners Announced

September 22, 2022

Bethany College will be honoring eight exceptional Alum at the All-Alumni Awards Brunch at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 22nd, during Homecoming weekend at the J.O. Sundstrom Building at 102 N. Main Street in downtown Lindsborg.  Reserve your tickets today!

Gold Award

Gold Award is presented to graduates of the last two decades who have made outstanding contributions to society, and whose achievements to date demonstrate a person who shows promise, has high aspirations and has made a difference in the lives of people around them. The first presentation was made in 1992.

Kylie (Schrader) Lofdahl ‘04

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Tyler and Molly (Rishel) Johnson ’05 and ‘06

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Kylie (Schrader) Lofdahl ‘04

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Tyler and Molly (Rishel) Johnson ’05 and ‘06

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Gold Award

The Gold Awards go to Kylie (Schrader) Lofdahl '04, Tyler '05, and Molly (Rishel) Johnson '06. This award represents graduates of the last two decades who have made outstanding contributions to society and whose achievements demonstrate a person who shows promise, has high aspirations, and has made a difference in the lives of people around them.  


Kylie Lofhahl has just begun her 19th year in education, teaching 3rd grade for 13 years and her 6th year in 4th grade at the Smoky Valley School District. Besides helping her husband, Terry, with their family farm, she also volunteers her time with the Smoky View 4-H Club and the Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers. Since graduation, she has supported Bethany in numerous ways. She currently serves as the Class Agent for 2004 and is integral in coordinating the host family program for the Women's Basketball Team.   

After graduation, Molly Johnson worked in the Bethany College Athletics office for two years, then served as Director of Alumni Relations for several years. In 2017, Molly was part of the Ad Hoc Business Group, the Lindsborg CVB Board of directors, the Hyllningsfest Committee, and the City of Lindsborg Planning and Zoning Board. She and Tyler Johnson served on the Broadway RFD boards and helped start the children's camp. Tyler also served on the Lindsborg Art Council and the community safety board. Molly and Tyler purchased The Good Merchant in downtown Lindsborg, sang in the Messiah Chorus for ten years, and volunteered their time as directors and organizers of the 4th of July program for 15 years. 

Merit Award

Alumni Award of Merit to graduates of more than 20 years who have exemplified distinguished service in their professional lives while maintaining an interest in Bethany College. Recipients are nominated by former classmates or friends and selections are made by a vote of the Alumni Council. The first presentation was made in 1952.

Lisa (Mooney) Simmelink ‘02

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Mark Carlson ‘73

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Lisa (Mooney) Simmelink ‘02

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Mark Carlson ‘73

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Merit Award锘�

The Alumni Award of Merit goes to Lisa (Mooney) Simmelink '02 and Mark Carlson '73. This award represents graduates of more than 20 years who have exemplified distinguished service as professionals while maintaining an interest in Bethany College.   


Lisa Simmelink teaches music at McPherson Elementary, is in her second year as a seminarian at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, and is serving as a part-time intern at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg. Simmelink, and her "Swedeheart" Brandon Simmelink ‘01, continue to support Bethany College through their gifts of time, talents, and service.  

Mark Carlson was the director of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California (LOPP-CA). He was responsible for interpreting ELCA social policy with church members, the public, and government bodies from 1985 until 2019. LOPP-CA became a primary source of trusted information on California's many ballot measures, including anti-hunger, social justice, and civil and human rights. LOPP-CA also created legislation protecting LGBTQ+ students, California's landmark climate change, and human right to water laws. In retirement, Carlson is active in Lutherans Restoring Creation, the Sierra Pacific Synod Hunger Team, the Brady Campaign, and California Interfaith Power & Light steering committee. He participates at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sacramento in its Care for Creation, Racial Justice, and Action on Homelessness teams. Carlson had a parallel seasonal career for 29 years as a firefighter with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.    

Distinguished Graduate

Floyd Thompkins, 1984 Bethany College Graduate

The Bethany College Distinguished Graduate Award goes to Floyd Thompkins '84. This graduate award represents outstanding achievement and service to society. As CEO of the Justice and Peace Foundation, Thompkins is conducting a research project among African American Churches in the areas of grief, trauma, and ministry. This project also covers initiatives in African American spirituality and mental health, advances the dialogue surrounding the reform and reimagining of policing in the US, and has initiated the Talk Truth Project. As Dean of Religious Life, Rev. Thompkins has served at two world-class institutions, Stanford University and Princeton University. He serves as the Pastor of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Marin City, California, and is a significant participant in the national conversation concerning race and social justice in the Presbyterian Church. He also serves on the task force to develop the Spiritual Guidelines of the American Psychological Society.  

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Bethany College Lifetime Achievement Award was established in order to recognize outstanding achievement and service to society by a graduate who has provided “unique and significant service” to the college over his/her lifetime, the Alumni Council of this institution may bestow the Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award annually to one recipient. Recipients are nominated by former classmates or friends and selections are made by the Alumni Council. 

Clair and Jerrine (Palmquist) Oleen

The Bethany College Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Clair '77 and Jerrine (Palmquist) Oleen '78. This award represents outstanding achievement and service to society by a graduate who has provided "unique and significant service" to the college over their lifetime. Jerrine was a runner-up for the Governor "My Favorite Teacher" award and has received the Bethany College Athletic Association Award of Merit. Her 3rd graders were pen pals with the Bethany College Men's Basketball team for over 20 years, and she served as a second mom to many of the players. She cooked meals after every home game serving more than 5000 meals over the years.  


After a short stint teaching and coaching in Clay Center, Kansas, Clair coached 38 total seasons of men's and women's basketball at Bethany College and has the longest coaching tenure in Bethany's history. He has 10 NAIA and District 10 Playoff appearances and spent 42 years employed at Bethany serving in the Advancement Office after he retired from coaching. Clair and Jerrine are highly involved in their community and serve the Falun Lutheran Church in many capacities.  

Bethany College Raises Over $168,000 for Student Scholarships

March 28, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 28, 2025 — Bethany College raised $168,167.87 during its annual Giving Day campaign this year, with every dollar going directly to student scholarships. The support ensures more students can afford a Bethany education and take part in the life-changing opportunities that come with it. This year, the Bethany Backers campaign ran separately. Combined, both efforts brought in a total of over $240,000, surpassing last year’s collective giving total and underscoring the strong support from the Bethany and Lindsborg community. “Both Giving Day and the Bethany Backers campaign have been an incredible success,” said Hayley Samford, Director of Alumni Development and Engagement. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni, friends, and supporters. We’re excited to use these funds to support the students who are here now—and those who will be joining the Bethany family soon.” If you are interested in giving and supporting Bethany College’s mission, please click here . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Former Governor John Carlin Speaks to Bethany Education Students

March 27, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 27, 2025 — Students in Professor James Baker’s Elementary Social Studies Methods class had a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished guest speakers, the Honorable John Carlin and Bethany College alumnus Ryon Carey '95, during a recent session focused on history, government, and education. The event brought together students from both Professor Baker’s course and Dr. Rana Razek’s class for an engaging discussion on the branches of government, the role of the U.S. Department of Education, and the importance of civic understanding in the classroom. Governor Carlin, who also served as the Archivist of the United States following his tenure as Kansas Governor, offered students a personal perspective on his career in public service and shared insights into the responsibilities of preserving key national documents such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His reflections underscored the value of historical records in shaping democracy and educating future generations. Ryon Carey, a 1995 Bethany graduate, also contributed to the discussion, offering his perspective on leadership and public service. “It was a privilege to welcome Governor Carlin and Ryon Carey to speak with our students,” said Professor James Baker. “Opportunities like this deepen our students’ understanding of the material and remind us all of the importance of connecting real-world experience to classroom learning. I’m incredibly grateful to both of our speakers for sharing their time and insights.” You can learn more about our Education Department at bethanylb.edu/education . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Bethany Backers Raises More Than $72,000

March 25, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 25, 2025 — Bethany Backers has achieved its most successful fundraising effort to date, raising more than $72,000—more than double any previous year’s total. Thanks to the generosity of over 200 donors, these funds will directly enhance the student experience at Bethany College. Each year, Bethany Backers selects a project based on student suggestions, with donations traditionally starting at $50. A portion of the funds raised also supports student scholarships. Past projects have included creating a mock courtroom for criminal justice students, adding additional seating in campus greenspaces, and purchasing games for common areas. The first project funded by this record-breaking total will be the purchase of new cardio equipment for the college’s fitness center, providing students with upgraded resources to support their health and wellness. Additionally, because of the unprecedented amount raised, Bethany Backers will be able to complete a second project, which will be determined through a vote among this year’s donors. “On behalf of the Bethany College Alumni Association, I want to extend my enthusiastic gratitude to every Bethany Backer who contributed to the 2025 “Swedes Around The World” campaign,” said Olivia Peterson, President of the Bethany College Alumni Association and a 2013 graduate. “This year marked our most ambitious project yet, and our alumni and friends exceeded our goals! Not only will this effort provide upgraded training tools for our student-athletes but, most importantly, it will encourage and motivate all students to move their bodies!” Peterson continued, “I especially want to thank Kelly and Alan Clayton for the generous $10,000 matching grant opportunity and Angie Gaeddert for her wonderful $25,000 gift in honor of her late husband, Dr. Wade Gaeddert. Their generosity inspired others to give and helped us fund the project in full. I am humbled by the collective spirit and commitment of our community. Bethany has shaped us all—and now, we’re ensuring that future generations of Swedes have access to the same transformative experiences. The future is bright, friends! Tusen täck!” The goal is to have both projects ready to launch when students return to campus this fall. Bethany Backers extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed, making this milestone achievement possible. For more information about Alumni projects and how to get involved, visit bethanylb.edu/alumni Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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