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The Path to Your Purpose
BETHANY COLLEGE WELCOMES FIRST-TIME AND RETURNING STUDENTS BACK TO CAMPUS
August 31, 2019
Bethany College welcomed 252 first-time freshman, class of 2023, to campus on Friday, August 16, and returning students on Sunday, August 19. This is the third largest freshman class in school history.
“Fall offers new beginnings and I look forward to experiencing new beginnings and new programs such as the Student Success Center with students at Bethany College stated,” Interim President Beth Mauch.
Upon arrival for check-in Friday morning new students were greeted by student orientation leaders, alumni and staff. They also took advantage of photo opportunities with Sven the Swede, and popsicles from the interim president. Evening classes began on Monday, August 19, and all other classes began on August 20. On Friday, the Opening Convocation was held and Dr. Adam Pryor, Associate professor of Religion and Dean of Academic Affairs, spoke to the student body, faculty, staff and community members.
Students in the freshman class come from 10 different countries, 22 states across the country, with 46 percent coming from Kansas. Official headcount numbers will be released after the 20th day of classes which is September 16, 2019.
Bethany also welcomed four new faculty members this academic year: Chris Schroeder, Ph.D, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics; Lori McKinney, MME, of Lindsborg, is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music; Rebecca Schneller, M.F.A., is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Art from Nacogdoches, Texas and Brian Powers, DBA, is an Assistant Professor of Business from Wichita, Kansas.
Bethany’s core values—integrity, hospitality, community, servant leadership, sustainability and excellence—unite students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends. Previously, Bethany has chosen a core value as a focus for the year and the core value of integrity will be the focus for 2019-2020. For the college, integrity is both personal and communal as we seek knowledge, strive for understanding, aspire to excellence in all that we do, and remain faithful to Bethany’s calling to inspired learning and informed faith as we carry out Bethany’s mission.
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. Bethany connects its past, present, and future with distinctive initiatives like Swedes to Sweden, a free service-learning trip for the sophomore class to Sweden, and the Good Life Scholarship, presenting all local high school graduates with a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
photo by Jim Turner ’68
“Fall offers new beginnings and I look forward to experiencing new beginnings and new programs such as the Student Success Center with students at Bethany College stated,” Interim President Beth Mauch.
Upon arrival for check-in Friday morning new students were greeted by student orientation leaders, alumni and staff. They also took advantage of photo opportunities with Sven the Swede, and popsicles from the interim president. Evening classes began on Monday, August 19, and all other classes began on August 20. On Friday, the Opening Convocation was held and Dr. Adam Pryor, Associate professor of Religion and Dean of Academic Affairs, spoke to the student body, faculty, staff and community members.
Students in the freshman class come from 10 different countries, 22 states across the country, with 46 percent coming from Kansas. Official headcount numbers will be released after the 20th day of classes which is September 16, 2019.
Bethany also welcomed four new faculty members this academic year: Chris Schroeder, Ph.D, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics; Lori McKinney, MME, of Lindsborg, is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music; Rebecca Schneller, M.F.A., is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Art from Nacogdoches, Texas and Brian Powers, DBA, is an Assistant Professor of Business from Wichita, Kansas.
Bethany’s core values—integrity, hospitality, community, servant leadership, sustainability and excellence—unite students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends. Previously, Bethany has chosen a core value as a focus for the year and the core value of integrity will be the focus for 2019-2020. For the college, integrity is both personal and communal as we seek knowledge, strive for understanding, aspire to excellence in all that we do, and remain faithful to Bethany’s calling to inspired learning and informed faith as we carry out Bethany’s mission.
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. Bethany connects its past, present, and future with distinctive initiatives like Swedes to Sweden, a free service-learning trip for the sophomore class to Sweden, and the Good Life Scholarship, presenting all local high school graduates with a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
photo by Jim Turner ’68
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.
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.
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.