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Bethany College Celebrates Excellence at Annual Athletic and Alumni Awards Event

July 30, 2024

LINDSBORG, KAN. JUL. 29, 2024 - Bethany College is proud to announce its upcoming Alumni Awards and Athletic Hall of Honor event on October 4 from 4 PM to 6 PM at the Sundstrom Center in Downtown Lindsborg. This evening will honor outstanding individuals who contributed significantly to Bethany College athletics and beyond. 


The Athletic Hall of Honor Award goes to alums whose performance on the athletic field during their time at Bethany was noteworthy and exemplary. Inductees for 2024 include Randy Linton, ‘80; Frenchie Buckner, ‘98; Nicole (Felker) Thompson, ‘13; Kelli (Traffas) Scriven, ‘14; Jenny (Garcia) Castro; ‘15; Miranda (Burton) Drouillard; ‘16.


The Alumni Coach of the Year Award recognizes alums who have directed or coached their sport to an outstanding level of performance. Inductees for 2024 are Rick Bloomquist, '76, and Kim Rolfs, '96.


The Bethany Athletic Association Award of Merit goes to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and dedication throughout their careers, leaving a lasting legacy on Bethany College athletics. This year's award goes to Jim Turner, '68.


The event will also feature the alum awards presentation, celebrating the achievements of Bethany College graduates who have excelled in their respective fields and continued support of their alma mater. 


The Gold Awards go to Mandy Todd '05 and Alan English '07. 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. 


The Alumni Award of Merit goes to Bob Kruger '62 and Ryan Holmquist '05. This award represents graduates of more than 20 years who have exemplified distinguished service as professionals while maintaining an interest in Bethany College. 


The Bethany College Distinguished Graduate Award goes to Susan Concannon '80. This graduate award represents outstanding achievement and service to society.


The Bethany College Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement and service to society by a graduate who has provided "unique and significant service" to the college over their lifetime. The Bethany College Alumni Council may annually give one recipient the Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award. Former classmates or friends make nominations for the award, and the Alumni Council makes selections. This year's award goes to Karma Tidemann '72 and Ross Tidemann '71.


The Alumni Awards and Athletic Hall of Honor event promises to be an evening of celebration and pride for the Bethany College community. Alums, students, faculty, staff, and supporters can purchase tickets at bethanylb.edu/alumni-awards


For more information about the event or to read more about this year's awardees, please visit bethanylb.edu/alumni-awards or contact Hayley Samford, Alumni Director, at 785-227-3380 ext. 8537 or samfordhe@bethanylb.edu. 


Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is online at bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.


April 2, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. APRIL 2, 2025 — Bethany College is pleased to announce its Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers for the 2025 graduation ceremonies. Commencement Speaker: Kelli Krase, MD Dr. Kelli Krase, a 2004 graduate of Bethany College, will deliver the Commencement address at this year’s graduation. A native of Hesston, Kansas, Dr. Krase earned her degree in Biology from Bethany College before attending medical school at the University of Kansas. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Krase has since returned to the University of Kansas, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor, Residency Program Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the School of Medicine. In her professional role, Dr. Krase has been a dedicated educator and clinician, shaping the next generation of doctors. Outside of her academic career, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her spouse and their two children. Baccalaureate Speaker: Ellie Dieringer Ellie Dieringer will serve as the Baccalaureate speaker, bringing with her a passion for social justice, faith-based advocacy, and international service. An advocate for gender justice and intergenerational equity, Dieringer is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where she earned degrees in Hispanic Studies and Global Studies, specializing in Development & Social Justice and International Affairs. Her journey has led her to travel extensively and engage in meaningful work with vulnerable communities around the world, including in Uruguay, Mexico, and Washington State.  Dieringer also served as a volunteer with the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program in Montevideo, Uruguay, where she collaborated with ecumenical organizations to promote fair treatment and social justice. Her work has also led her to serve as a delegate at the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women and to participate in the Lutheran World Federation’s Women’s Human Rights Advocacy Training in Geneva, Switzerland. Dieringer’s commitment to lifelong-learning and service will inspire graduates to continue making a positive impact in the world. About Bethany College 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.
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.
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.
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