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 Oratorio Society Announces 2025 Messiah Festival of the Arts Soloists

February 10, 2025
LINDSBORG, KAN., FEB. 5, 2025 — The Bethany Oratorio Society is excited to announce the soloists for the 2025 Messiah Festival of the Arts. Since its founding in 1882, the Oratorio Society has performed Bach’s The Passion According to St. Matthew and Handel’s Messiah every year, and this year’s festival promises another spectacular celebration of these works. Featured soloists for this year’s performances include Claire Herzog, coloratura soprano; Michelle Rice, soprano; Maxwell Ary, tenor; and Ian Schipper, bass-baritone. These talented artists will bring their expertise and passion to the stage in performances of The Passion According to St. Matthew and the Messiah.  Additionally, these soloists will perform a free recital at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025 , at Messiah Lutheran Church on the campus of Bethany College. They will also perform at the ticketed events: The Passion According to St. Matthew at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 11, and Handel’s Messiah at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, in Presser Hall Auditorium. Tickets for these performances can be purchased at messiahfestival.org or by calling Bethany College at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8235, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Claire Herzog, Coloratura Soprano A versatile coloratura soprano from Springfield, Missouri, Claire Herzog is equally passionate about teaching and performing. She has appeared in operatic roles with the Ozarks Lyric Opera and is an active performer with various choral groups. Herzog holds degrees from Missouri State University and is currently on the vocal music faculty at Evangel University. In addition to her vocal expertise, she enjoys composing and collaborating with other musicians, with recent projects including an album of original songs and Heart on the Wall performances with the Missouri Philharmonic Orchestra. Michelle Rice, Soprano Praised for her “tones of pure gold” (Washington Post), Michelle Rice brings a rich timbre and intense performance to the stage. Throughout her career, Rice has performed a wide range of roles, including Brangäne in Tristan und Isolde and Mrs. Grose in The Turn of the Screw. As the Artistic Director of Seven Sisters Productions, she has premiered new works, including the opera The Queen, My Lord, Is Dead. Rice’s performances span opera, concert, and recital, and she has sung with major ensembles across the U.S., including the Berkeley Symphony and Washington Concert Opera. Maxwell Ary, Tenor A versatile performer and educator based in San Francisco, Maxwell Ary is renowned for his wide-ranging voice, which spans genres from classical to jazz, musical theatre, and pop. Ary, who teaches at the Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts, has performed with prestigious ensembles, including Seraphic Fire and Voces8. He has appeared in operas such as The Rake’s Progress, L’elisir d’amore, and recently performed in the baroque opera La Flora with Ars Minerva. Ary’s 2025 performance schedule includes Lamplighters Musical Theater and Pocket Opera engagements. Ian Schipper, Bass-Baritone A dynamic performer known for his commitment to classical and contemporary music, Ian Schipper has appeared in operas such as Die Zauberflöte and Cosi fan tutte. He has sung in choral groups across the U.S., including the Oregon Bach Festival Chorus and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Schipper is also passionate about new music and has collaborated with composers through his work with St. Olaf College’s Spiritus Novus. He recently performed the role of Cardinal Rottweiler in the world premiere of The Grand Hotel Tartarus. Join us for these unforgettable performances as these talented soloists join the Bethany Oratorio Society in bringing two of the most cherished works in the choral repertoire to life. For more information, including ticket purchases, please visit messiahfestival.org . 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 Hosts Over 500 Young Men for

Bethany College Hosts Over 500 Young Men for "Real Men Sing" Vocal Workshop

January 30, 2025
Bethany College hosted over 500 young men from nearly 40 schools across Kansas on Jan. 30 for the annual Real Men Sing vocal workshop. This celebrated event provides an inspiring opportunity for students in grades 4-12 to explore choral music in a supportive, all-male setting, fostering confidence, camaraderie, and a love for singing.

BETHANY COLLEGE MUSIC DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES SPRING 2025 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

January 24, 2025
This semester, the department continues its tradition of offering a wide variety of performances, from student and faculty recitals to large-scale ensemble concerts. These events provide opportunities for the Lindsborg community and surrounding areas to experience the vibrant cultural and artistic contributions of the college.
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