Bethany College 2022 Commencement

May 25, 2022

LINDSBORG, KAN., May 25 - Bethany College is proud to announce the 122 students who earned a degree in Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, or Bachelor of Music Education during the 2021-2022 academic year. Summer, fall, interterm, and spring graduates were honored on May 21 during baccalaureate worship and commencement ceremonies in Presser Hall. 


Amy Truhe, Campus Pastor, presided over baccalaureate. Consistent with tradition, the baccalaureate procession started at Bethany Lutheran Church where ten students met in the church sacristy in October of 1881 for the first classes of Bethany Academy and ended at Presser Hall. 

Ms. Gabriela Hernandez, from Wichita, Kansas, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, was the senior speaker. Dr. Cheryl Rasmussen, Bethany College Board of Directors, special speaker, spoke about choosing grit, grace, and gratitude as part of the path to one’s purpose.  


Elise Nelson, from Lindsborg, Kansas, graduating with a Bachelor of Music Education sang  “Schafe können sicher weiden” BWV 208 - J. S. Bach accompanied by Dr. Hentis van Rooyen, Assistant Professor of Sacred Music. 


Elizabeth Mauch, President of Bethany College, also addressed the graduates declaring, “Today is about getting to say one last time, ‘we trust you.’ We are not certain where you will go or what you will do, but we trust that you are worthwhile, responsible, and valuable to the world.” 



This year, faculty, staff, and members of the board of directors, celebrated the seniors with their invited family guests in a Senior Social at the Mabee Welcome Center.  Also, in conjunction with commencement celebration, an Honors Banquet was held to recognize the following seniors for academic excellence: Jacob Adams, Lindsborg, Kansas, Biology. Amanda Avila, San Gabriel, California, Elementary Education K-6. Logan Dawes, McPherson, Kansas, Psychology, Religion-Ministry of Service. Ryan Dye, Salina, Kansas, Psychology, Religion-Ministry of Service. Luis Carlos Fierro Cortes, Salina, Kansas, Biology, Chemistry, and Abigail Rishel-Barnett, Lindsborg, Kansas, Vocal Music Teaching PreK-12. The recipients of the Spencer Barlett Senior Respect Award, Julie Callan and Evan Crotinger, were also recognized at the Honors Banquet.  

 
Graduates, their majors, and hometowns are as follows: 

Zachary James Able, Management, Lindsborg, KS 

Jacob Efrain Adams, Biology, Lindsborg, KS 

Carla Aguilar, Mathematics, Salina, KS 

Frita Leinua Roberta Amor, Elementary Education teaching K-6, Makawao, HI 

Elijah Lee Anderson, Economics, Wake Forest, NC 

Kristin Lenore Anguiano, 3D Computer Animation, McPherson, KS 

Dylan Archuleta, Video Game Design, Lindsborg, KS 

Amanda Hailey Avila, Elementary Education Teaching K-6, San Gabriel, CA 

Cassandra Rose Baldino, Psychology, Vancouver, WA 

Daniel Beck, Business Administration, Keller, TX 

Tatiana Elise Bell, Elementary Education Teaching K-6, Wichita, KS 

Samuel Brett Benstead, Exercise Science, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia 

Jaden Blansett, Business Administration, Holcomb, KS 

Hollie Marie Blomberg, Psychology, Lindsborg, KS 

Masen Wayne Bosworth, Elementary Education Teaching K-6, Alma, KS 

Addison Nicole Botkin, Management, Topeka, KS 

Nicholas Brackney, Sports Management, Allen, TX 

Sean Brogdon, Management, Denton, TX 

Tanner Browne, 3D Computer Animation, Hesston, KS 

Kelsee Burks, Psychology, Spring, TX 

Hope Leah Burton, Mathematics, Bakersfield, CA 

Sydney Carrasco, Criminal Justice, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 

Dylan R. Carrier, Accounting, Hoisington, KS 

Rayleen Castro, Elementary Education Teaching K-6, Redlands, CA 

Trevin Ashtenn Chandler, Exercise Science, Houston, TX 

Tannah Marie Colson, K-12 Health and Physical Education, Huntington, TX 

Sean P. Conklin, Biology, Salina, KS 

Chelsey Crawford-Cline, Social Science Teaching 6-12, Salina, KS 

Evan William Crotinger, Biology, Tribune, KS 

Samantha Ann Crowther, Elementary Education Teaching K-6, Lindsborg, KS 

Brandie L Cruz, Psychology, Garden City, KS 

Bailey Cumberland, Exercise Science, Salina, KS 

Michael Davis, Exercise Science, Las Vegas, NV 

Logan Mae Dawes, Psychology, McPherson, KS 

João Façanha De Menezes Neto, Business Administration, Caucaia, Brazil 

Mason Steven Dyck, Criminal Justice, Moundridge, KS 

Ryan R Dye, Psychology, Salina, KS 

Matthew Alexander Eades, Music Liberal Arts, Great Bend, KS 

Leah Eddings, Finance, Gypsum, KS 

Carlos Lorenzo Escobar, History-Political Science, San Juan Capistrano, CA 

Hannah Marie Ferguson, Business Administration, Clay Center, KS 

Luis Carlos Fierro Cortes, Biology, Salina, KS 

Derell Ray Finch, Finance, Brookville, KS 

Maria Flores, Biology, Salina, KS 

Lindsey Marie Gack, Psychology, Salina, KS 

Brandon Garza, Business Administration, Lyford, TX 

Halle Giddings, Studio Art, McPherson, KS 

Taylor Jade Goff, Video Game Design, Manhattan, KS 

Keyvan A. Grenald Hernandez, Sports Management, Cleveland, OH 

Wyatt Guthrie, Accounting, Dryden, WA 

Daniela Gutierrez-Holguin, Pre-Engineering, El Paso, TX 

R.J. Haberer, Business Administration, Luray, KS 

Brooke McKenzie Harrison, Communication & Theatre Arts, Santa Clarita, CA 

Ben Harvey, Exercise Science, Liverpool, UK 

Alyssa Hedges, Elementary Education Teaching K-6, Salina, KS 

Gabriela Anna Hernandez, Communication & Theatre Arts, Wichita, KS 

Randall Hernandez Garcia, Psychology, Lynwood, CA 

John Robert Johnson, Psychology, Salina, KS 

Paige Joyce, Elementary Education Teaching K-6, Castle Rock, CO 

Keith Klassen, Business Administration, Salina, KS 

Kyle J. Kronmiller, Management, Salina, KS 

Noah C Lackey, Business Administration, Lindsborg, KS 

Keagan D. Larson, Business Administration, Wichita, KS 

Akhiri Breanna Lester, Psychology, Bastrop, TX 

Millenni Ann Lucero, Mathematics Pre-Engineering, Denver, CO 

Zackary Luttrell-Fields, Biology, Olathe, KS 

Jose Francisco Madrid, Management with International Mngt, Caracas, Venezuela 

DeLaynee Higgins Malone, Elementary Education teaching K-6, Clute, TX 

Marcelle Simone Rose Manatrey, Elementary Education teaching K-6, Valparaiso, IN 

Andres Mata, History-Political Science, Salina, KS 

Brena Mitchell, Finance, Long Beach, CA 

Joep Mokkink, Business Administration, Voorburg, Netherlands 

KayLa-Shahnee Moore, Psychology, New Bern, NC 

Daniel Morgan, Exercise Science, Bloomington, IN 

Tyesha Nauslar, Criminal Justice, Salina, KS 

Pearl Nydile Navarro, Exercise Science, Glendale, CA 

Kaetlyn Newell, Biology, Salina, KS 

Kenneth O'Farrill, Exercise Science, Loiza, PR 

Dominique Niamh Palmer, Psychology, Canyonleigh, NSW, Australia 

Mauricio A. Palomino Mendoza, Exercise Science, Mexico City, Mexico 

Rebecca Peregrino, Business Administration, Hooper, CO 

Ryan Michael Pierce, Marketing, Colorado Springs, CO 

Victoria Quintana, Biology, Westminster, CO 

Zackary James Reddin Jr, Criminal Justice, Tampa, FL 

Zephra Eden Rice, Studio Art, McPherson, KS 

Abigail Kate Rishel-Barnett, Vocal Music Teaching Pre-K-12, Lindsborg, KS 

Marissa Roberts, Elementary Education Teaching K-6, Salina, KS 

Gabriela Rodriguez, Mathematics, San Diego, CA 

Manuel David Rodriguez Talavera, Biology, Anasco, PR 

Matthew D. Rodriguez, Business Administration, New Rochelle, NY 

Luis Esteban Rodriguez Gorritz, Exercise Science, Cidra, PR 

Madison Ann Scholl, Biology, Lindsborg, KS 

Julie Alanys Schwindt, Exercise Science, Lubbock, TX 

Madison Marie Kahealani Scott, Biology, Granbury, TX 

Trace Samuel Scott, Biology, La Crosse, KS 

Hannah Nicole Seals, Sports Management, Oklahoma City, OK 

Sarah A. Sheppard, Studio Art, Rigby, ID 

Kevin Sithole, Accounting, Marondera, Zimbabwe 

Nicolas T. Slavin, Management, Olathe, KS 

Dalton Allen Smyres, Finance, Hutchinson, KS 

Rayan Sousa Silva, Exercise Science, Fortazela, Brazil 

Holly Yvonne Stanley, Exercise Science, Clydebank, Scotland 

Kayla Arianna Starkweather, Exercise Science, Redlands, CA 

Shelbey Paige Talbott, Management, Ellsworth, KS 

Maya Lorena Telles, Exercise Science, Garland, TX 

Jackson Thaemert, Health & Physical Education Teaching PreK-12, DeSoto, KS 

Rayna Lynne Thomason, Elementary Education Teaching K-6, Blanchard, OK 

Makayla Thull, Criminal Justice, Salina, KS 

Jordan Valentine, Health & Physical Education Teaching PreK-12, Colorado Springs, CO 

Logan Vessar, Biology, Coeur d'Alene, ID 

Elaina Kristin Wald, Elementary Education Teaching K-6, Newton, KS 

Jalen Jamal Washington, Management, Norwalk, CA 

Michael Earl Wick, Jr., Finance, Conroe, TX 

Jennessa Wickersham, Exercise Science, Clay Center, KS 

Ambreenique Da'Shanae Williams, Exercise Science, Longview, TX 

Tanner Williams, Biology, Rose Hill, KS 

Noah Wineteer, Finance, Euless, TX 

Kailey Wolf, Biology, Peyton, CO 

Hannah Danielle Wolting, Exercise Science, Sylvan Grove, KS 

Timothy Ray Yoder, Management, Phoenix, AZ 

Bryant M. Young, Exercise Science, Keller, TX 

Bryce T. Young, Business Economics, Keller, TX 


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 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.  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 Welcomes Over 60 Guests for Annual Waffle Day Preview Event

March 31, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 31, 2025 — In its 15th annual celebration, Bethany College Admissions hosted its “Waffle Day” preview event on Saturday, March 22, coinciding with Lindsborg’s “Våffeldagen” festivities. The event invited high school students and their families to experience a “taste” of college life—while also enjoying a sweet slice of Swedish culture. Over 60 prospective students and families from four different states attended the preview day, which included a campus tour, admissions and financial aid session, a faculty-led academic presentation, and a student panel highlighting campus life. “For several years now, Våffeldagen has been a crowd favorite for both future and current students at Bethany College,” said Sabrina Wollenberg, Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. “Lindsborg is a special part of many students’ college experience—including my own. Families may visit other campuses and not feel a connection to the town, but when they come to Bethany, they fall in love with both the college and the community. For this event, we want to highlight not just the campus, but also one of the most exciting days of the year, giving prospective students a true sense of Bethany. It’s more than just residence halls and classrooms—it’s a vibrant Main Street with local shops and a welcoming community. Plus, nothing appeals more to a 17 or 18-year-old than waffles!” The History Behind Våffeldagen “Våffeldagen,” or Waffle Day, is a Swedish tradition rooted in the Feast of the Annunciation, observed on March 25. The day’s original name, “Vårfrudagen” (Our Lady’s Day), over time morphed into “Våffeldagen,” which sounded similar in Swedish. The accidental shift became a beloved tradition of celebrating spring with waffles and gathering with friends. Lindsborg’s Våffeldagen has grown into a regional favorite, drawing visitors from near and far.This year’s planners for the downtown Våffeldagen event were Tara Killingsworth (The Ivory Thimble), Rachael Breen (Hairymolairys), and Samuel Finch (Blacksmith Coffeeshop and Roastery). The town-wide celebration features waffle-inspired treats and family-friendly activities all across Main Street. Bethany College invites students and families to return for three more hallmark events that showcase the college and community’s shared spirit: Messiah Festival of the Arts, April 11 & 13, 2025 Chalk the Välk, April 12, 2025 Svensk Hyllningsfest, October 17–18, 2025 These events highlight the strong ties between the college and the city, drawing visitors from across the country to experience the unique energy of Lindsborg and its beloved traditions. For more information on upcoming events or to schedule a campus visit, please visit bethanylb.edu/visit-campus To explore more about Lindsborg and its beloved traditions, visit visitlindsborg.com . 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.
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