BETHANY COLLEGE AWARDED $15,000 GRANT TO ENHANCE VOCATIONAL REFLECTION AND EXPLORATION FOR STUDENTS

July 17, 2023

LINDSBORG, KAN. - Bethany College is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a prestigious Professional Development Grant from the Council of Independent College's Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) for $15,000. This grant will support a year-long initiative to study and address barriers to vocational reflection and exploration faced by our students. The project will culminate in strategic curricular and co-curricular adjustments to help lower these barriers and provide a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

The project leadership team, comprised of Chad Moore, Director of Path To Your Purpose, Benjamin Austin, Career Pathways Administrator, and Melissa Woeppel, Campus Pastor, played instrumental roles in the successful grant application process. Their dedication and commitment to fostering student success have led to this exciting achievement.



At Bethany College, the Core Education program has traditionally provided students with opportunities for vocational reflection and discernment throughout their college journey. However, recent challenges have highlighted the need to better connect with our students and overcome the barriers they face in exploring their vocations. This grant will enable the college to understand these barriers better and implement effective pedagogical practices to engage all students.


The project will follow a comprehensive three-step process. Firstly, a book study group consisting of core curriculum faculty and staff will delve into texts exploring vocational thinking from the perspectives of first-generation, BIPOC, and Pell-eligible students. The group aims to develop new pedagogical approaches that resonate with every Bethany College student by centering these perspectives. The book study group will also have the privilege of hosting the author of the selected text for in-depth discussions and an address to all first-year students and new transfers.

Secondly, organizing focus groups with key student constituencies will gather experiences and insights on vocational thinking and discernment at Bethany College. These focus groups, guided by a NetVUE consultant, will ensure that the voices and perspectives of first-generation, BIPOC, and Pell-eligible students are at the forefront. The valuable feedback gathered will inform pedagogical and policy recommendations to enhance the vocational development of all Bethany students.

Lastly, the project leadership team will integrate the insights gained from the book study group and focus groups into the college curriculum. Through workshops and retreats, they will collaborate with faculty and staff to implement necessary changes, ensuring that the benefits of this grant project are sustainable and spread throughout the institution.
 

The success of this project will undergo assessment through comprehensive feedback provided by all participants at each stage. The insights gained will inform ongoing improvements to the curriculum and programmatic changes that will benefit current and future students.

Bethany College is deeply grateful for the support of NetVUE and its commitment to fostering vocational exploration in higher education. This grant will enable us to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, allowing all our students to discover their unique callings and thrive in their personal and professional lives.


For more information or to request quotes from the grant leadership team, please contact Chad Moore at moorecd@bethanylb.edu or (785) 227-3380.

 

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 on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state. 

 

Bethany Backers Raises More Than $72,000

March 25, 2025
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.

COCKRUM NAMED BETHANY COLLEGE WOMEN'S SOCCER HEAD COACH

March 24, 2025
"We are excited to welcome Coach Cockrum to the Swedes Family," said Dean of Athletics, Laura Moreno. "His experiences from being an assistant at a variety of levels, from NCAA Division 2 to NAIA to high school, have prepared him to take this opportunity head-on. "

New 2+2 Criminal Justice Agreement Between Bethany College and HutchCC

March 6, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 6, 2025 — Bethany College has announced the expansion of its partnership with Hutchinson Community College (HutchCC) through a new 2+2 articulation agreement in Criminal Justice. This agreement provides students with a seamless pathway to earn an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration from HutchCC and transfer to Bethany College to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. This structured, cost-effective program equips students with the necessary skills and academic foundation for law enforcement, corrections, public safety, and legal studies careers. Bethany College Interim President Steve Eckman emphasized the importance of this partnership for students and their families. "Bethany College is committed to providing students with clear and accessible pathways to a meaningful career. This agreement with Hutchinson Community College is another example of how we are working to make a high-quality education affordable and achievable for students and their families. Criminal Justice is a field that offers stability, purpose, and opportunity, and we are proud to partner with HutchCC to help students take the next step toward a successful and service-oriented career." In December, the institutions announced a similar 2+2 pathway in Digital Arts, allowing students to complete the first two years of their education at HutchCC and earn an Associate of Arts in Animation. Students can then transfer to Bethany College for the remaining two years to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in 3D Computer Animation. The growing collaboration between Bethany College and HutchCC reinforces both institutions' commitment to providing students with accessible, affordable, and career-focused education. Bethany College Registrar Mark Bandré, who played a key role in finalizing this agreement, highlighted its impact, "Having this agreement in place provides Professor Rande Repp, Professor Laura Hultquist, and all involved in recruitment with another valuable tool to assist students in achieving their academic and professional goals. This collaboration ensures that students can transition smoothly between institutions, maximizing their education while minimizing costs." Both institutions will provide academic advising, guidance, and student support services to help students navigate their coursework and career aspirations. Bethany College and HutchCC will also promote this agreement to prospective students, parents, and educators. With a long-standing tradition of excellence in education, Bethany College continues to position itself as a leader in preparing students for meaningful careers. The college's Criminal Justice program focuses on hands-on learning, ethical leadership, and real-world applications, preparing graduates for diverse roles in the justice system. 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. Learn more at www.bethanylb.edu .
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