OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS
J.E. and L.E. Mabee Welcome Center
800.826.2281 x 8113
785.227.3380 x 8113
admissions@bethanylb.edu
The Path to Your Purpose
The Bethany alumni network spans six continents
and
21 countries.
It is a rich resource for students, offering internships, mentorship and career connections. Most important, our alumni are living examples Bethany College values. They do important and interesting work, they create, they raise families, they contribute to their communities, and they serve others.
Come and Visit
There are LOTS of ways to connect with other Bethany College alums. Pop into Sjogren Center for Fika Friday, sign up for a Bethany Alumni event near you, or book those plane tickets for Homecoming! We want to see you.
Discover what is waiting for you on campus and all around.
Stay in Touch
Resources to get connected
Get Involved
Bethany Auxiliary
Bethany Auxiliary is an informal organization whose members are involved with projects supporting Bethany College. All net proceeds of their projects are donated to the endowed scholarship funds of Bethany College. Since 1961, over $50,000 has been raised to support Bethany students.
Giving
There are many ways to give back to Bethany College. Explore all the different ways you can support your alma mater!
Alumni Association
Students who have completed at least one academic semester at Bethany are eligible for membership in the Bethany College Alumni Association. The association is committed to supporting the college and its students through contributions of time, talents and dollars.
Refer A Swede
Do you know a high school student that would do well at Bethany College? Fill out this quick form and we'll reach out to them!
Contact the Alumni Office
alumni@bethanylb.edu
Phone
785.227.3380 x. 8537
Mailing Address
Office of Advancement & Alumni
Bethany College
335 E. Swensson St.
Lindsborg, KS 67456
Visit Us
Presser Hall
First Floor
Catch up on the
Latest in our Department
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.
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.
Lindsborg, KS. – The Bethany College Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Laura Crawley as the 16th president of Bethany College. Dr. Crawley, a distinguished leader in higher education, brings a wealth of experience in academic leadership, student engagement, and institutional growth. Dr. Crawley joins Bethany College with an impressive career spanning more than two decades in higher education. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Mission, Engagement, and Innovation at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, where she spearheaded initiatives that strengthened student success, expanded community partnerships, and enhanced institutional mission alignment. Her leadership was instrumental in increasing student retention, securing significant endowment gifts, and developing innovative programs to support both traditional and non-traditional students. Prior to her role at Lenoir-Rhyne, Dr. Crawley held key leadership positions at the University of Georgia, including Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of the Gwinnett Campus. She played a pivotal role in expanding graduate education, fostering economic development partnerships, and implementing strategic initiatives that positioned the university for sustained growth. Additionally, her tenure as Director of the Executive MBA Program at Georgia State University saw a marked rise in national rankings and program expansion. "I am truly excited and honored to join the Bethany College community," said Dr. Crawley. "The college's strong values of faith, service, and academic excellence deeply resonate with my commitment to supporting students and fostering growth. I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and alumni as we build on Bethany’s proud history and look toward a bright future. I am also thrilled to become a part of the Lindsborg community, which has so much to offer in terms of culture and spirit." Dr. Crawley holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Women’s Studies from Emory University and a B.A. with Honors in American Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. A dedicated advocate for higher education and community engagement, she has served on numerous boards, facilitated leadership development programs, and contributed extensively to academic and professional conferences. Bethany College, a distinguished liberal arts institution with a proud Lutheran heritage, has been shaping the lives of students since its founding in 1881. With Dr. Crawley at the helm, the college is poised to embark on an exciting new chapter, reinforcing its mission to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service at Bethany. Dr. Crawley will assume her new role on May 1, 2025. A formal inauguration ceremony will be held later in the year, with details forthcoming. For more information about Bethany College's Presidential Search and Dr. Laura Crawley’s appointment, please visit /presidential-search or contact Christina Highsmith, Director of Marketing, at highsmithcj@bethanylb.edu .
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