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The Path to Your Purpose
BRAD ANDERSON, FORMER BEST BUY CEO, IDENTIFIES SERVANT LEADERSHIP AND APPETITE FOR CURIOSITY AS COMPONENTS OF BUSINESS SUCCESS IN TALK AT BETHANY COLLEGE
May 9, 2019
Mr. Brad Anderson, former chief executive officer of Best Buy, visited Bethany to share his success story with students, faculty, staff, community members and alumni, on May 1, 2019. Mr. Anderson also visited two business classes where students had the unique opportunity to present and receive insight and feedback from Mr. Anderson.
Mr. Anderson’s lifelong quest for purpose resulted in him entering seminary after college. Upon the weighty realization that pastoring required managing the spiritual lives of future congregants, and the belief of one professor that he could only expect to give one great sermon in his lifetime, Mr. Anderson left seminary.
Following, Mr. Anderson worked at a small music store, the Sound of Music, with a continued determination to find his purpose. He tried to quit after two weeks’ time, many hours worked and little commission earned, but his boss refused. It was when he delivered and installed speakers to a customer at a time such in-home service was rare that he realized he had “delivered more value in the eyes of the customer.” With this customer centered approach, Mr. Anderson went on to lead and become the CEO of the company that became known as Best Buy.
Through the challenges, Mr. Anderson learned to find his own truth, most often finding guidance in biblical parables. He also shared the difficulty of teaching servant leadership and how it can reduce the “waste of the capacity of the brain.” This happens when we “adjust to the good of the whole,” Mr. Anderson said while commending Bethany for focusing on servant leadership as one if its core values. Mr. Anderson shared advice with business students asking how best to prepare to enter the job market, and suggested to avoid accepting presumptions and to maintain an appetite for curiosity. Businesses that connect to a “hypothesis that is true” and have employee engagement, have a greater chance of success, according to Mr. Anderson.
Mr. Anderson also shares a connection with Bethany that dates back 74 years. His mother, Sylvia, attended Bethany in 1945 and his father, Marbury, received an honorary doctorate of divinity in 1972 from Bethany. President Jones presented Mr. Anderson a Dala horse as a symbol of the college’s appreciation and in commemoration of his family connection. A Dala horse (short for Dalecarlian) is a traditional carved, painted wooden horse originating in Swedish province Dalarna and adopted as part of Lindsborg’s city seal.
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.
Mr. Anderson’s lifelong quest for purpose resulted in him entering seminary after college. Upon the weighty realization that pastoring required managing the spiritual lives of future congregants, and the belief of one professor that he could only expect to give one great sermon in his lifetime, Mr. Anderson left seminary.
Following, Mr. Anderson worked at a small music store, the Sound of Music, with a continued determination to find his purpose. He tried to quit after two weeks’ time, many hours worked and little commission earned, but his boss refused. It was when he delivered and installed speakers to a customer at a time such in-home service was rare that he realized he had “delivered more value in the eyes of the customer.” With this customer centered approach, Mr. Anderson went on to lead and become the CEO of the company that became known as Best Buy.
Through the challenges, Mr. Anderson learned to find his own truth, most often finding guidance in biblical parables. He also shared the difficulty of teaching servant leadership and how it can reduce the “waste of the capacity of the brain.” This happens when we “adjust to the good of the whole,” Mr. Anderson said while commending Bethany for focusing on servant leadership as one if its core values. Mr. Anderson shared advice with business students asking how best to prepare to enter the job market, and suggested to avoid accepting presumptions and to maintain an appetite for curiosity. Businesses that connect to a “hypothesis that is true” and have employee engagement, have a greater chance of success, according to Mr. Anderson.
Mr. Anderson also shares a connection with Bethany that dates back 74 years. His mother, Sylvia, attended Bethany in 1945 and his father, Marbury, received an honorary doctorate of divinity in 1972 from Bethany. President Jones presented Mr. Anderson a Dala horse as a symbol of the college’s appreciation and in commemoration of his family connection. A Dala horse (short for Dalecarlian) is a traditional carved, painted wooden horse originating in Swedish province Dalarna and adopted as part of Lindsborg’s city seal.
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.
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.