Bethany College Unveils Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium in Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

October 16, 2023

LINDSBORG, KAN. OCT 16, 2023 - Bethany College marked a historic moment on Saturday, October 14, 2023, during the Homecoming/Hyllningsfest weekend, with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium. Coach Kessinger and his family, former players, and coaches who worked alongside him were in attendance. 


“It is truly an honor and blessing to thank you and to recognize all our players, coaches, and supporters of Bethany Football for their significant support for our new family stadium. Note the term 'family' in the naming of the stadium, for that refers to all those who have been a significant part of the success of our program. Special recognition goes to President Elizabeth Mauch and Dean of Athletics Laura Moreno for their leadership,” remarked Coach Kessinger. 

Distinguished guests included Ted Breidenthal, the new KCAC Commissioner, and Bethany College President Elizabeth Mauch. Also in attendance were current Bethany College head coaches Mike Grossner (Football), Shane Taylor (Women's Soccer), Dane Straight (Men's Soccer), and Aaron Yoder (Cross Country/Track and Field), along with Laura Moreno, Dean of Athletics, Luke Samford, Assistant Athletic Director, and Ricky Alexander, Sports Information Director. 


"What an awesome weekend! I was so honored to be there for the dedication of the Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium. So wonderful to see the many alums who played for Coach K through the years!" stated President Mauch after the ceremony. 


This momentous occasion was the culmination of a successful $2.8 million fundraising campaign, completed in February 2023, which paved the way for the construction of the stadium that began in March. Officially named the Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium, the facility boasts a new ticket booth, an expanded concrete area surrounding the ticket booth with modern fencing, upgraded concessions and bathrooms, and a state-of-the-art press box. 


Dean of Athletics Laura Moreno, expressed gratitude for the community's support, saying, "We are so thankful for all who contributed and invested in this project to make it a reality. This new stadium has such a positive impact on our student-athletes, as well as USD 400 and the local Lindsborg community. There is no better way to honor Coach Kessinger than this stadium; he means so much to so many, and I am honored to call him a friend." 


Coach Ted Kessinger holds an illustrious legacy as the Head Football Coach for 28 years at Bethany College. He achieved a remarkable record with no losing seasons, amassing a win percentage of .792. His coaching career featured 16 KCAC championships, 11 KCAC Coach of the Year awards, and 10 NAIA National Playoff appearances. Coach Kessinger's outstanding contributions to the world of football led to his induction into prestigious halls of fame, including the NAIA Hall of Fame (2003), Kansas Sports Hall of Fame (2005), College Football Hall of Fame (2010), and South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame (2014). 


Coach Kessinger's influence extends beyond the realm of statistics. His former players and coaches fondly remember him for his exceptional leadership and mentorship, emphasizing values like faith, family, integrity, and character. 


Jacob Spilker, VP of Advancement, acknowledged the significance of the Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium, stating, "What a great celebration of the accomplishments and the culture that Coach Kessinger built here at Bethany College. The Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium seals his mark on this college forever. Having this brand-new stadium will give our current student-athletes a better experience, as well as help our coaches bring top talent to this campus as we build for future success in athletics." 


The Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium is a testament to Bethany College's commitment to honoring its rich history while fostering an environment of excellence for its current and future student-athletes. 


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 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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