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The Path to Your Purpose
BETHANY COLLEGE WELCOMES FIRST-TIME AND RETURNING STUDENTS BACK TO CAMPUS
August 31, 2019
Bethany College welcomed 252 first-time freshman, class of 2023, to campus on Friday, August 16, and returning students on Sunday, August 19. This is the third largest freshman class in school history.
“Fall offers new beginnings and I look forward to experiencing new beginnings and new programs such as the Student Success Center with students at Bethany College stated,” Interim President Beth Mauch.
Upon arrival for check-in Friday morning new students were greeted by student orientation leaders, alumni and staff. They also took advantage of photo opportunities with Sven the Swede, and popsicles from the interim president. Evening classes began on Monday, August 19, and all other classes began on August 20. On Friday, the Opening Convocation was held and Dr. Adam Pryor, Associate professor of Religion and Dean of Academic Affairs, spoke to the student body, faculty, staff and community members.
Students in the freshman class come from 10 different countries, 22 states across the country, with 46 percent coming from Kansas. Official headcount numbers will be released after the 20th day of classes which is September 16, 2019.
Bethany also welcomed four new faculty members this academic year: Chris Schroeder, Ph.D, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics; Lori McKinney, MME, of Lindsborg, is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music; Rebecca Schneller, M.F.A., is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Art from Nacogdoches, Texas and Brian Powers, DBA, is an Assistant Professor of Business from Wichita, Kansas.
Bethany’s core values—integrity, hospitality, community, servant leadership, sustainability and excellence—unite students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends. Previously, Bethany has chosen a core value as a focus for the year and the core value of integrity will be the focus for 2019-2020. For the college, integrity is both personal and communal as we seek knowledge, strive for understanding, aspire to excellence in all that we do, and remain faithful to Bethany’s calling to inspired learning and informed faith as we carry out Bethany’s mission.
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. Bethany connects its past, present, and future with distinctive initiatives like Swedes to Sweden, a free service-learning trip for the sophomore class to Sweden, and the Good Life Scholarship, presenting all local high school graduates with a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. 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.
photo by Jim Turner ’68
“Fall offers new beginnings and I look forward to experiencing new beginnings and new programs such as the Student Success Center with students at Bethany College stated,” Interim President Beth Mauch.
Upon arrival for check-in Friday morning new students were greeted by student orientation leaders, alumni and staff. They also took advantage of photo opportunities with Sven the Swede, and popsicles from the interim president. Evening classes began on Monday, August 19, and all other classes began on August 20. On Friday, the Opening Convocation was held and Dr. Adam Pryor, Associate professor of Religion and Dean of Academic Affairs, spoke to the student body, faculty, staff and community members.
Students in the freshman class come from 10 different countries, 22 states across the country, with 46 percent coming from Kansas. Official headcount numbers will be released after the 20th day of classes which is September 16, 2019.
Bethany also welcomed four new faculty members this academic year: Chris Schroeder, Ph.D, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics; Lori McKinney, MME, of Lindsborg, is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music; Rebecca Schneller, M.F.A., is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Art from Nacogdoches, Texas and Brian Powers, DBA, is an Assistant Professor of Business from Wichita, Kansas.
Bethany’s core values—integrity, hospitality, community, servant leadership, sustainability and excellence—unite students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends. Previously, Bethany has chosen a core value as a focus for the year and the core value of integrity will be the focus for 2019-2020. For the college, integrity is both personal and communal as we seek knowledge, strive for understanding, aspire to excellence in all that we do, and remain faithful to Bethany’s calling to inspired learning and informed faith as we carry out Bethany’s mission.
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. Bethany connects its past, present, and future with distinctive initiatives like Swedes to Sweden, a free service-learning trip for the sophomore class to Sweden, and the Good Life Scholarship, presenting all local high school graduates with a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. 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.
photo by Jim Turner ’68
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.
"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. "
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 .