Bethany College Announces 2022 Commencement Speakers

May 17, 2022

Bethany College is pleased to announce Rev. Amy Truhe, Dr. Cheryl Rasmussen, and Ms. Gabriela Hernandez for the 2022 Baccalaureate and Commencement Ceremony.

The Rev. Amy Truhe - Bethany College Campus Pastor

The presiding minister and preacher for Baccalaureate and Commencement, the Rev. Amy Truhe, has been the Bethany College Campus Pastor since July of 2017. She earned a Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Kansas State University. Pastor Truhe was commissioned as a lay minister through the Central States Synod, and was ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament in October of 2010, graduating from Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa. She has served the call to ministry through several pathways including pastoral calls to United Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Milberger, KS, Scherer Memorial Lutheran Church, Chapman, KS, and Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lindsborg, KS in partnership with Bethany College. She has served as interim pastor at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Clay Center, KS, and as a Chaplain at Salina Regional Hospital.

Prior to being called into formal ministry, Pastor Truhe worked for many years as a counselor for adolescents in residential care, including homes that served people on the autistic spectrum, the Solo Parent Dorm of the Flint Hills Job Corps, Focus on the Future, and St. Francis Boy’s Home. She owned and operated a state licensed, home-based daycare for nine and a half years, serving 10 children daily. During her time in Lindsborg, she has been instrumental in establishing the Dala Pantry, feeding those who live with food instability through a donor funded food pantry. This summer, Messiah Lutheran Church will begin to house the Summer Food Program, feeding noon, weekday meals on-site and sending backpacks of food home for the weekends. On campus, serving faculty and staff along with the joy of watching students transform has been the primary motivator of all she does! While working closely with Pastor Amy on the Dala Pantry and as Chapel Fellow, several students have been able to determine their vocational callings. The weekly gatherings of Campus Ministry groups have served to strengthen the campus community. Pastor Truhe has been certified since 2014 by the state of Kansas as a diversionary mediator of Victim/Offender and Parent/Adolescent cases.

Dr. Cheryl Rasmussen, Ed.D.

Cheryl Rasmussen, originally from Lincoln, KS, graduated from Bethany College in 1982 with a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education. While at Bethany, she participated in the Bethany Choir and Choraliers, was a basketball player, an Omega, FCA member, RA, and participated in student government.

Cheryl taught K-12 vocal music in Highland, KS for 6 years and then served as Jr/Sr High School Principal in Highland until 2002. At that time, she was named Vice President for Student Services at Highland Community College. Cheryl continued to teach music while serving as principal at Highland. Additionally, she coached the high school volleyball team for 17 years. The Highland High School Bluestreaks won the state championship in 1992-a definite highlight of her coaching career!

At Highland Community College, Cheryl was instrumental in developing the Summer Blitz program for students who needed a jump start in college, creating a student leadership training program designed to enhance the campus culture, was the campus leader in developing campus crisis response teams, and led a team that secured a $2.2 million Title III grant that established an additional outreach site at HCC featuring a precision ag program.

Cheryl received her master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Kansas in 1990 and her doctorate in educational leadership from Wichita State University in 2004. Cheryl’s thesis and dissertation helped shape her work at the Jr/Sr High School and the college. Her thesis examined school care teams and their potential to help students be more successful. Her dissertation titled, “A Community College’s Culture and Its Effect on Student Retention,” framed her work at the community college relative to student enrollment and retention.

Cheryl is grateful to her parents, Ray and Pat Rasmussen, for making it possible to attend Bethany College and for showing her what it means to have grit, show grace, and demonstrate an attitude of gratitude throughout life.

Ms. Gabriela Hernandez, Class of 2022 - Senior Speaker

Gabriela Hernandez is a Communication major from Wichita, KS. She was a part of The Bethany Messenger staff for three years, served as a Writing and Communication tutor, worked at KSAL radio station as a board operator, worked closely with athletic teams on campus doing videography in her free time, and relished her final semester at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England! She has recently been hired at Sharp Performance in Salina working in their communications and marketing department.

Graduation activities will take place Saturday, May 21st, beginning with the ceremonial walk from Bethany Lutheran Church at 10:15 am. The Commencement ceremony starting at 2pm will be livestreamed and available to watch at bethanylb.edu/live.

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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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