BETHANY COLLEGE ANNOUNCES NEW CHEER AND DANCE COACH LORENZO ARAUJO
June 11, 2019
LINDSBORG, Kan. – The Bethany College Athletics Department announces Lorenzo Araujo ’10 as the new head of the Swedes cheer and dance programs.
“At Bethany, we hope to produce successful alumni who love God and love people. Coach Araujo will help us to do just that,” Bethany College President, William Jones stated. “With his prior collegiate coaching experience, I am confident in Coach Araujo’s ability to lead our cheer and dance programs to the top of the conference.”
Araujo comes to Bethany will 11 years of experience in the cheer and dance arena. Most recently, Araujo has been the Owner and Director of Programs at the Fierce Athletics and Training Facility in Salina since 2014. Fierce Athletics and Training is the first of its kind in Salina as well as being the longest running All-Star Gym in the city. There, Araujo creates, promotes, and carries out different programs for customers to enjoy and be a part of. In the first year, the gym had 45 athletes currently; the program has had 80 athletes in the last 12 months.
In addition to this, Araujo has experience at the collegiate level as the Head Cheer and Dance Coach from 2014-2016 at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina. At KWU, Araujo was tasked with recruiting, retaining student athletes for the cheer and dance programs as well as helping them to graduate. During this time, Araujo led his team to two conference championships, along with being one of two teams from the KCAC invited to the NAIA Cheer and Dance National Invitational Championship.
From 2013-2014, Araujo was the assistant coach at Central Christian College in McPherson where he developed a training regimen that allowed for 12 student-athletes to get stronger and achieve collegiate level skills of varying degrees.
“We are very excited to welcome Lorenzo Araujo back to Bethany, this time as our Head Cheer and Dance Coach. As an alum, Lorenzo has a tremendous understanding of Bethany and the Lindsborg community,” Bethany Interim Director of Athletics, Laura Moreno said. “Lorenzo brings quality coaching experience and has built many connections throughout his years in the cheer and dance industry that will be an immediate benefit for Bethany College Cheer and Dance.”
Araujo earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business management from Bethany College in 2010.
“Once a Swede always a Swede. I am so thankful to be back home helping athletes fall in love with the sport that changed my life!” Araujo said.
– #RockarStockar –
“At Bethany, we hope to produce successful alumni who love God and love people. Coach Araujo will help us to do just that,” Bethany College President, William Jones stated. “With his prior collegiate coaching experience, I am confident in Coach Araujo’s ability to lead our cheer and dance programs to the top of the conference.”
Araujo comes to Bethany will 11 years of experience in the cheer and dance arena. Most recently, Araujo has been the Owner and Director of Programs at the Fierce Athletics and Training Facility in Salina since 2014. Fierce Athletics and Training is the first of its kind in Salina as well as being the longest running All-Star Gym in the city. There, Araujo creates, promotes, and carries out different programs for customers to enjoy and be a part of. In the first year, the gym had 45 athletes currently; the program has had 80 athletes in the last 12 months.
In addition to this, Araujo has experience at the collegiate level as the Head Cheer and Dance Coach from 2014-2016 at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina. At KWU, Araujo was tasked with recruiting, retaining student athletes for the cheer and dance programs as well as helping them to graduate. During this time, Araujo led his team to two conference championships, along with being one of two teams from the KCAC invited to the NAIA Cheer and Dance National Invitational Championship.
From 2013-2014, Araujo was the assistant coach at Central Christian College in McPherson where he developed a training regimen that allowed for 12 student-athletes to get stronger and achieve collegiate level skills of varying degrees.
“We are very excited to welcome Lorenzo Araujo back to Bethany, this time as our Head Cheer and Dance Coach. As an alum, Lorenzo has a tremendous understanding of Bethany and the Lindsborg community,” Bethany Interim Director of Athletics, Laura Moreno said. “Lorenzo brings quality coaching experience and has built many connections throughout his years in the cheer and dance industry that will be an immediate benefit for Bethany College Cheer and Dance.”
Araujo earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business management from Bethany College in 2010.
“Once a Swede always a Swede. I am so thankful to be back home helping athletes fall in love with the sport that changed my life!” Araujo said.
– #RockarStockar –
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.
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.
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.