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

January 30, 2025

LINDSBORG, KAN., JAN. 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. 

 

Throughout the day, participants worked with music professionals in three distinct choirs, culminating in a powerful combined performance of God Bless America. The High School Choir, conducted by Assistant Professor of Music Troy Robertson, performed The Music of Living by Dan Forrest, The Lazy Farmer, arranged by John Wykoff, and Ubi Caritas by Jonathan Reid. The Changing Voices Choir, led by Greg Bontrager (retired Buhler High School teacher) and Nicholas Griggs (McPherson High School), performed Bella Ciao, arranged by Christi Jones and Zum Gali Gali, arranged by Victor Johnson. Under the direction of Alex Underwood (Hays High School), the Unchanged Voice Choir performed Hakuna Mungu Kama Wewe, arranged by Greg Gilpin and Dona Nobis Pacem arranged by Hal Hopson. 

 

“Real Men Sing is a great event for my middle and high school tenors and basses! They have fun being able to sing and be themselves without the pressure of sopranos and altos around. Of course, all-you-can-eat at the Caf is another nice perk for a growing boy,” said Britney English, choral director at Smoky Valley. “I’m grateful that this event exists, as it also encourages boys to sing in their school choirs!” 

 

Robertson added, “One of the most important things a choir director can do is cultivate a love for singing in their students. Music is an outlet for many students to express themselves and have fun—Real Men Sing gives young men from all over Kansas that chance. They eat in the cafeteria, meet people from different walks of life, and spend an entire day making music and memories. A day well spent!” 

 

The event was organized by Robertson in collaboration with Associate Director of Admissions Sabrina Wollenberg, with accompaniment provided by Professor of Music Daniel Masterson, Assistant Professor of Music Tyler Boehmer, Brenda Finch, and Glenna Balsick. 

 

Students attended from the following schools: 

  • Bennington High School in Bennington, K.S. 
  • Buhler High School in Buhler, K.S. 
  • Campus High School in Wichita, K.S. 
  • Caney Valley Junior and Senior High School in Caney, K.S. 
  • Chanute Elementary School in Chanute, K.S. 
  • Chanute High School in Chanute, K.S. 
  • Chaparral Junior & Senior High School in Anthony, K.S. 
  • Council Grove High School in Council Grove, K.S. 
  • Derby Middle School in Derby, K.S. 
  • Ellinwood High School in Ellinwood, K.S. 
  • Haysville Middle School in Haysville, K.S. 
  • Haysville West Middle School in Haysville, K.S. 
  • Hoisington High School & Middle School in Hoisington, K.S. 
  • Inman Jr. High School in Inman, K.S. 
  • Kansas City Christian School PreK-12 in Prairie Village, K.S. 
  • Lakeside High School in Downs, K.S. 
  • Lakewood Middle School in Salina, K.S. 
  • Lakin High School in Lakin, K.S. 
  • Little River Middle School in Little River, K.S. 
  • Mission Valley High Schools in Mission Valley, K.S. 
  • Nickerson High School in Nickerson, K.S. 
  • Norton Community High School in Norton, K.S. 
  • Osborne Junior & Senior High School in Osborne, K.S. 
  • Oskaloosa High School in Oskaloosa, K.S. 
  • Peabody-Burns JH/SR High School in Peabody, K.S. 
  • Piper High School in Kansas City, K.S. 
  • Remington High School in Whitewater, K.S. 
  • Rock Hills Junior & Senior High School in Mankato, K.S. 
  • Rose Hill High School in Rose Hills, K.S. 
  • Royal Valley High, Middle, and Elementary Schools in Mayetta, K.S. 
  • Royster Middle School in Chanute, K.S 
  • Sacred Heart Junior & Senior High School in Salina, K.S. 
  • Salina Central High School in Salina, K.S. 
  • Salina South High School in Salina, K.S. 
  • Scott City Middle School in Scott City, K.S. 
  • Smoky Valley High School & Middle School in Lindsborg, K.S. 
  • South Central Middle School in Protection, K.S. 
  • Uniontown Junior & Senior High School in Uniontown, K.S. 
  • Wamego High School in Wamego, K.S. 


Bethany College continues to lead the way in music education and outreach, demonstrating its commitment to fostering the arts in young students. Events like Real Men Sing are vital in inspiring the next generation of musicians while strengthening Bethany’s reputation as a hub for musical excellence. 

 

The final performance is available for viewing on our YouTube. Click here to watch!

 

Bethany College, founded by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, located in Lindsborg, Kansas. Known for its fine arts and strong liberal arts programs, Bethany College fosters a community where students grow academically and personally as they pursue their purpose. For more information, visit bethanylb.edu. 

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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