Bethany College Presents the 20th Biennial Business Career Conference

September 23, 2021

LINDSBORG, KAN., Sept. 22 – The Bethany College Business Department will present the 20th biennial Business Conference on Thursday, October 7, 2021, on Bethany College campus. Please join us for a keynote address, starting at 10 am in Burnett Center and a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the renovated Wallerstedt Social Science at 11 am outside the main entrance. The conference will offer presentations for Bethany students in the afternoon.

The conference’s primary purpose is to give Bethany students more knowledge about career opportunities by providing dialogue with successful alumni from different business fields. Although focused primarily on business, the conference is open to all interested Bethany students.

Panel presentations will be given by alumni representing businesses such as accounting, banking and finance, human resources, sales, marketing and customer service, small business and entrepreneurship, insurance and investing. Since the first Business Career Conference in 1983, more than 260 alumni volunteers have readily returned to Bethany to speak about their career paths with students.

At 10 a.m. in the Burnett Center, keynote speaker, Roy Applequist, will share his business knowledge and experience in manufacturing businesses. The Applequist family has contributed greatly to the Smoky Hill River Valley; first as immigrant homesteaders in 1868 and machinists, toolmakers, and by 1946 manufacturers of mowers and grain handling equipment.

After graduating from North Park University in Chicago, Applequist returned to the Salina area to join the family manufacturing business, Roberts Industries, until 1976 when it was sold to Federal Mogul Corp, a Fortune 500 company. Applequist then founded Great Plains Manufacturing, headquartered in Salina, KS, to make grain drills for area farmers. With manufacturing plants in eight other central Kansas towns, Great Plains Manufacturing grew into a multi-million dollar international, diversified business with over 1,400 employees in two manufacturing lines, trucking, and a finance division. In 2016, Great Plains was sold to the Kubota Corporation of Japan. Ever the entrepreneur, in 2018 Applequist started Applequist Manufacturing in Smith Center, Kansas.

Roy was inducted into the Kansas Business Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Salina Business Hall of Fame in 2006 and shares his knowledge and experience in service to various boards and organizations.

The ribbon cutting ceremony at 11am celebrates the completion of Wallerstedt Social Science renovations starting last April and finishing just before classes August 24. Social Science houses the Business Department faculty and business courses.

Over the years the Applequist family has contributed greatly to 黑料网 in various ways, for many different causes; more recently fully funding the ongoing Warner renovation and also contributing to the renovation of Social Science. Contributions of the Applequist family also provided a foundation for approval of grants Dr. Mauch, President, was awarded last year. The Applequist gifts incentivized the college to pursue other grant funding through the Sunderland and Mabee Foundations in 2020, all which will support the upcoming Path to Your Purpose initiative and ultimately students on their academic journey.

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 on the Web at and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.

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Bethany College Baccalaureate and Commencement Speakers

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. 锘� 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.

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.

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