Bethany College Receives Grant from Julia J. Mingenback Foundation to Preserve and Enhance Presser Hall

July 31, 2026

Grant Provides Critical Resources to Enhance the Student Experience and Institutional Growth 

LINDSBORG, Kan. July 31, 2026 - Bethany College is pleased to announce it has received a $65,000 grant from the Julia J. Mingenback Foundation to support critical renovations to Presser Hall, one of the College's most iconic academic and performance facilities and the heart of its renowned music program.


The renovations come at a time of remarkable growth for Bethany's music department. Choir enrollment under the direction of Dr. Troy Robertson has more than doubled in the past year, with projections indicating continued growth in both ensemble participation and voice majors over the next three years.


The grant will help to fund essential improvements to the building's third-floor choral rehearsal space, including roof replacement, drywall and paint restoration, and mold remediation caused by water intrusion. These upgrades will ensure a safe, inspiring learning environment while preserving a space that serves both Bethany students and the broader central Kansas community.


“On behalf of Bethany College, I extend our deepest gratitude to the Julia J. Mingenback Foundation for its generous investment in the future of music education and the arts," said Dr. Laura Crawley, President of Bethany College. “This grant allows us to preserve a treasured campus landmark while strengthening opportunities for students, faculty, and community members who gather in Presser Hall to learn, perform, and celebrate the transformative power of music.”


Presser Hall serves as the centerpiece of Bethany College's distinguished music tradition and hosts academic instruction, rehearsals, festivals, concerts, and community events throughout the year. The facility welcomes thousands of visitors annually and plays a vital role in supporting the College's expanding choral and vocal music programs.


Beyond serving Bethany students, Presser Hall is home to programs that enrich the town of Lindsborg and communities throughout Kansas. The internationally recognized Messiah Festival of the Arts, which is performed in Presser Hall, recently celebrated its 146th consecutive performance of Handel's Messiah, the longest continuous performance in North America. The College also hosts Real Men Sing, an annual event that welcomes more than 500 young men from 40 to 50 Kansas schools to campus for a day of music-making, mentorship, and performance.


”These initiatives reflect Bethany College's longstanding commitment to expanding access to music and the arts while strengthening Lindsborg's reputation as a vibrant cultural destination,” President Crawley said. “The relationship between Bethany College and Lindsborg nurtures an incomparably rich artistic culture that benefits students, faculty, staff, and the region as a whole. Thanks to the support of the Julia J. Mingenback Foundation, Bethany College can continue to support the musical arts for all.”


Construction is expected to begin this summer, with renovations completed in time to support the upcoming academic year and future community programming.


“The Julia J. Mingenback Foundation has been an invaluable partner in advancing educational opportunities throughout our region," said Crawley. “Their continued generosity ensures that future generations of students and community members will continue to learn, create, and be inspired within the walls of Presser Hall.”


For more information about Bethany College’s fine arts programs, visit www.bethanylb.edu.


About Bethany College

Bethany College (bethanylb.edu) is a higher educational institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas. Bethany College was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For more than 140 years, Bethany College has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany College, 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.


CONTACT:

Christie Denniston, APR

Vice President of Strategic Engagement

303-827-5164

Bethany College

335 East Swensson Street

Lindsborg, KS 67456

By Ricky Alexander July 15, 2026
Lindsborg, Kan. – Bethany College is proud to announce the 2026 Hall of Honor award recipients, recognizing eight individuals whose achievements and service have made a lasting impact on Swede Athletics. "The Athletics Hall of Honor celebrates those who exemplify excellence, leadership, and commitment in sport,” shared Laura Moreno, Dean of Athletics. The 2026 class embodies those attributes and much more. From memorable performances in five different sports, to remarkable coaching careers in nearby communities, to local business owners who support our current Swedes students and staff, this entire group has elevated our programs and department and embodied the very best of our institution. We look forward to honoring and celebrating their extraordinary achievements this October.” The annual Bethany College Hall of Honor Award Ceremony celebrates former student-athletes, coaches, and supporters whose excellence, leadership, and dedication have shaped Bethany College athletics. This year's honorees include four Hall of Honor inductees, two Coach of the Year recipients, and two Bethany Athletic Association (BAA) Award of Merit recipients. Bethany College Hall of Honor award winners include: • Sven Delin, a 2001 graduate, was a captain of the golf team that won four consecutive conference championships, leading to four national championship appearances. He won the conference tournament individually...twice! Delin was also a four-year all-conference academic athlete. • Vinny Butka, a 1982 graduate, was a three-time KCAC shot put champion, District 10 indoor shot put champion in 1981, ACCK champion in 1980 and 1982, three-time outdoor national qualifier, and ranks second in Bethany College history for shot put distance. • Tim Leaf, awarded posthumously, a 1981 graduate, was the KCAC Individual Champion in cross country in 1979 and 1980. In 1979, Leaf was the lead runner on Bethany College’s only KCAC championship team. He placed 33rd in the national cross country meet and remains the highest finishing individual in Bethany College history. In track, Leaf won the 1980 5,000-meter race and set the current school record with a time of 15:18.64. • Amy (Yonally) Wilson, a 1999 graduate, was a dual-sport athlete playing softball and volleyball. In volleyball, she was named to an all-conference volleyball team. In softball, Wilson was a four-time all-conference softball player, all-region softball award winner, and made the All-American Farm Team. Bethany College Coach of the Year award winners include: • Kent Teeter, a 1987 graduate, has had many successes over the last 39 years from his time at Hays High School and his current position at Holcomb High School. While coaching football, Teeter has won two state championships and four league titles. He has also been named the Sports in Kansas Coach of the Year twice, KFBCA Coach of the Year in 2015, and KFBCA Assistant Coach of the Year in 2024. Along with coaching football, Teeter has also been successful in coaching track and field as he led his Holcomb boys' teams to three consecutive state titles (looking to make it four next year), seven league titles (currently on a four-year streak), and six top three finishes in the state track meet. He has coached over 25 different individual state titles in track and field as well. • Greg Maxwell, a 1997 graduate, coaches both volleyball and girls' basketball at Ellinwood High School. In volleyball, he has over 230 career wins and won the 2025 2A State Championship with a perfect 47-0 record. In girls' basketball, Maxwell led his team to the 2026 2A State Championship, finishing as the runner-up. These were the first ever state tournament wins for Ellinwood who were also the Central Prairie League champions. Maxwell holds a 2A state runner up finish in girls' golf as well. Bethany Athletic Association Award of Merit award winners include: • Danielle (DuMars) Greene and Spencer Greene. Danielle, a 2013 graduate, and her husband have made an immediate impact on Bethany College Athletics. They are a host family for Women’s Basketball, providing numerous meals for the team as well. The Greenes are also the owners of the Ol’ Stuga which hosts the Coaches Radio Show and is a valued partner for both Athletics and Bethany College as a whole. • Brandi Swenson, owner of the Crown & Rye, has also hosted the Coaches Radio Show while also hosting many Swedes Athletics celebrations and playoff sendoff events. In addition, Crown and Rye provided food for the 2026 All Swede Awards, the annual Athletic Department celebration for all teams and student-athletes. The Crown & Rye is a valued partner of Bethany College Athletics. All recipients will be honored during a special ceremony during Homecoming/Inauguration Weekend on Sunday, October 25. About Bethany College Bethany College (bethanylb.edu) is a higher educational institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas. Bethany College was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For more than 140 years, Bethany College has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany College, 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. CONTACT: Christie Denniston, APR Vice President of Strategic Engagement 303-827-5164 Bethany College 335 East Swensson Street Lindsborg, KS 67456
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