Speakers Announced for Bethany College Baccalaureate and Commencement Ceremonies

Apr 05, 2024

Lindsborg, KS - Bethany College is thrilled to announce the distinguished speakers for its upcoming Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies, both to be held on Saturday, April 27  at Presser Hall Auditorium.


Baccalaureate Speaker: Reverend Lamont Anthony Wells

Reverend Lamont Anthony Wells, Executive Director of the Network of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Colleges and Universities (NECU), will deliver the Baccalaureate address. Reverend Wells, a dynamic speaker and human rights activist, brings a wealth of experience in fostering ecumenism, social justice, and inclusion. His insightful and inspiring messages resonate with audiences worldwide.


Commencement Speaker: Dr. Brent Mai ('85)

Dr. Brent Mai ('85), Dean of Libraries at Wichita State University, will deliver the Commencement address. A Western Kansas native and distinguished academic leader, Dr. Mai's career spans prestigious institutions such as Purdue, Vanderbilt, and Concordia - Portland Universities. His expertise in library sciences, coupled with his extensive research on the history and culture of the Volga Germans, enriches his engaging speeches.


Both ceremonies, integral parts of Bethany's Lutheran heritage, will take place at Presser Hall Auditorium. The Baccalaureate service at 10:30 a.m., will feature worship, music performances by Bethany music ensembles, and reflections. The Commencement ceremony will follow at 2:00 p.m., celebrating the academic achievements of Bethany's graduating class.


For more information about Bethany College's Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies, please visit bethanylb.edu/graduation.

Congratulations 2024 Graduates

03 May, 2024
Bethany College conferred degrees upon 99 students in Presser Hall Auditorium on April 27, 2024. The ceremony honored students who earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Music Education from the college during the 2023-2024 academic year. Summer, fall, and spring graduates were honored during a Baccalaureate worship service at 10:30 a.m. in Presser Hall, followed by Commencement at 2 p.m. Campus Pastor Melissa Woeppel led the Baccalaureate Service, and Rev. Lamont Wells, Executive Director of the Network of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Co llege and Universities (NECU). Gracelyn Gaskill '24, a chemistry and music major from Lindsborg, Kansas, provided special music for Commencement. Senior class speakers Inioluwa "Enoch" Ojo '24, a biology major from Katy, Texas, and Benjamin "Ben" Turner '24, a History and Political Science Major from Peyton, Colorado, gave thoughtful remarks on their time at Bethany College, taking time to thank their friends, faculty, and coaches. Dr. Brent Mai '85, Dean of University Libraries at Wichita State University, gave the commencement address, encouraging this year's graduates to go out into the world and exercise the four tenets of stoicism: wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice.
Assistant Professor Danielle Loder teaches students in Nelsons Science Center Classroom

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