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Bethany College Unveils Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium in Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

October 16, 2023

LINDSBORG, KAN. OCT 16, 2023 - Bethany College marked a historic moment on Saturday, October 14, 2023, during the Homecoming/Hyllningsfest weekend, with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium. Coach Kessinger and his family, former players, and coaches who worked alongside him were in attendance. 


“It is truly an honor and blessing to thank you and to recognize all our players, coaches, and supporters of Bethany Football for their significant support for our new family stadium. Note the term 'family' in the naming of the stadium, for that refers to all those who have been a significant part of the success of our program. Special recognition goes to President Elizabeth Mauch and Dean of Athletics Laura Moreno for their leadership,” remarked Coach Kessinger. 

Distinguished guests included Ted Breidenthal, the new KCAC Commissioner, and Bethany College President Elizabeth Mauch. Also in attendance were current Bethany College head coaches Mike Grossner (Football), Shane Taylor (Women's Soccer), Dane Straight (Men's Soccer), and Aaron Yoder (Cross Country/Track and Field), along with Laura Moreno, Dean of Athletics, Luke Samford, Assistant Athletic Director, and Ricky Alexander, Sports Information Director. 


"What an awesome weekend! I was so honored to be there for the dedication of the Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium. So wonderful to see the many alums who played for Coach K through the years!" stated President Mauch after the ceremony. 


This momentous occasion was the culmination of a successful $2.8 million fundraising campaign, completed in February 2023, which paved the way for the construction of the stadium that began in March. Officially named the Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium, the facility boasts a new ticket booth, an expanded concrete area surrounding the ticket booth with modern fencing, upgraded concessions and bathrooms, and a state-of-the-art press box. 


Dean of Athletics Laura Moreno, expressed gratitude for the community's support, saying, "We are so thankful for all who contributed and invested in this project to make it a reality. This new stadium has such a positive impact on our student-athletes, as well as USD 400 and the local Lindsborg community. There is no better way to honor Coach Kessinger than this stadium; he means so much to so many, and I am honored to call him a friend." 


Coach Ted Kessinger holds an illustrious legacy as the Head Football Coach for 28 years at Bethany College. He achieved a remarkable record with no losing seasons, amassing a win percentage of .792. His coaching career featured 16 KCAC championships, 11 KCAC Coach of the Year awards, and 10 NAIA National Playoff appearances. Coach Kessinger's outstanding contributions to the world of football led to his induction into prestigious halls of fame, including the NAIA Hall of Fame (2003), Kansas Sports Hall of Fame (2005), College Football Hall of Fame (2010), and South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame (2014). 


Coach Kessinger's influence extends beyond the realm of statistics. His former players and coaches fondly remember him for his exceptional leadership and mentorship, emphasizing values like faith, family, integrity, and character. 


Jacob Spilker, VP of Advancement, acknowledged the significance of the Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium, stating, "What a great celebration of the accomplishments and the culture that Coach Kessinger built here at Bethany College. The Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium seals his mark on this college forever. Having this brand-new stadium will give our current student-athletes a better experience, as well as help our coaches bring top talent to this campus as we build for future success in athletics." 


The Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium is a testament to Bethany College's commitment to honoring its rich history while fostering an environment of excellence for its current and future student-athletes. 


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. 

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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