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Bethany College Receives a Substantial Gift from the Gaeddert Estate

May 26, 2022

LINDSBORG, KAN., May 24, 2022 – Bethany College will benefit from the extreme generosity of William and Barbara Gaeddert. William Kenneth Gaeddert graduated from Bethany College in 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. He was the historian for the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity and a Carl Aaron Swensson Heritage Society member. He received his Master of Music in Voice Performance from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1964, a鈥疢aster of Fine Arts in Voice Performance at the University of Iowa in 1973, and a Ph.D. in Music Literature from The University of Iowa in 1976. Dr. Gaeddert co-authored “Art-Song in the United States” and retired as Professor of Music Emeritus from Baker University in 2001. 

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William Gaeddert married Barbara Knisely in 1967 and the couple had no children, subsequently鈥痝ifting their estate to their alma mater colleges. The gift, including proceeds of investment and retirement accounts along with partial proceeds of farmland in Thomas County, Kansas is expected to exceed three million dollars. For the Thomas County farm ground, the Gaeddert family was just shy of receiving the Century Farm designation, a program that recognizes farms in which a current owner is related to an owner in 1918 or before. Bethany College wishes to recognize and acknowledge such an inspiring legacy.鈥� 

 

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

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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