Bethany College Announces 2022 Commencement Speakers

May 17, 2022

Bethany College is pleased to announce Rev. Amy Truhe, Dr. Cheryl Rasmussen, and Ms. Gabriela Hernandez for the 2022 Baccalaureate and Commencement Ceremony.

The Rev. Amy Truhe - Bethany College Campus Pastor

The presiding minister and preacher for Baccalaureate and Commencement, the Rev. Amy Truhe, has been the Bethany College Campus Pastor since July of 2017. She earned a Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Kansas State University. Pastor Truhe was commissioned as a lay minister through the Central States Synod, and was ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament in October of 2010, graduating from Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa. She has served the call to ministry through several pathways including pastoral calls to United Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Milberger, KS, Scherer Memorial Lutheran Church, Chapman, KS, and Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lindsborg, KS in partnership with Bethany College. She has served as interim pastor at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Clay Center, KS, and as a Chaplain at Salina Regional Hospital.

Prior to being called into formal ministry, Pastor Truhe worked for many years as a counselor for adolescents in residential care, including homes that served people on the autistic spectrum, the Solo Parent Dorm of the Flint Hills Job Corps, Focus on the Future, and St. Francis Boy’s Home. She owned and operated a state licensed, home-based daycare for nine and a half years, serving 10 children daily. During her time in Lindsborg, she has been instrumental in establishing the Dala Pantry, feeding those who live with food instability through a donor funded food pantry. This summer, Messiah Lutheran Church will begin to house the Summer Food Program, feeding noon, weekday meals on-site and sending backpacks of food home for the weekends. On campus, serving faculty and staff along with the joy of watching students transform has been the primary motivator of all she does! While working closely with Pastor Amy on the Dala Pantry and as Chapel Fellow, several students have been able to determine their vocational callings. The weekly gatherings of Campus Ministry groups have served to strengthen the campus community. Pastor Truhe has been certified since 2014 by the state of Kansas as a diversionary mediator of Victim/Offender and Parent/Adolescent cases.

Dr. Cheryl Rasmussen, Ed.D.

Cheryl Rasmussen, originally from Lincoln, KS, graduated from Bethany College in 1982 with a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education. While at Bethany, she participated in the Bethany Choir and Choraliers, was a basketball player, an Omega, FCA member, RA, and participated in student government.

Cheryl taught K-12 vocal music in Highland, KS for 6 years and then served as Jr/Sr High School Principal in Highland until 2002. At that time, she was named Vice President for Student Services at Highland Community College. Cheryl continued to teach music while serving as principal at Highland. Additionally, she coached the high school volleyball team for 17 years. The Highland High School Bluestreaks won the state championship in 1992-a definite highlight of her coaching career!

At Highland Community College, Cheryl was instrumental in developing the Summer Blitz program for students who needed a jump start in college, creating a student leadership training program designed to enhance the campus culture, was the campus leader in developing campus crisis response teams, and led a team that secured a $2.2 million Title III grant that established an additional outreach site at HCC featuring a precision ag program.

Cheryl received her master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Kansas in 1990 and her doctorate in educational leadership from Wichita State University in 2004. Cheryl’s thesis and dissertation helped shape her work at the Jr/Sr High School and the college. Her thesis examined school care teams and their potential to help students be more successful. Her dissertation titled, “A Community College’s Culture and Its Effect on Student Retention,” framed her work at the community college relative to student enrollment and retention.

Cheryl is grateful to her parents, Ray and Pat Rasmussen, for making it possible to attend Bethany College and for showing her what it means to have grit, show grace, and demonstrate an attitude of gratitude throughout life.

Ms. Gabriela Hernandez, Class of 2022 - Senior Speaker

Gabriela Hernandez is a Communication major from Wichita, KS. She was a part of The Bethany Messenger staff for three years, served as a Writing and Communication tutor, worked at KSAL radio station as a board operator, worked closely with athletic teams on campus doing videography in her free time, and relished her final semester at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England! She has recently been hired at Sharp Performance in Salina working in their communications and marketing department.

Graduation activities will take place Saturday, May 21st, beginning with the ceremonial walk from Bethany Lutheran Church at 10:15 am. The Commencement ceremony starting at 2pm will be livestreamed and available to watch at bethanylb.edu/live.

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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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