BRAD ANDERSON, FORMER BEST BUY CEO, IDENTIFIES SERVANT LEADERSHIP AND APPETITE FOR CURIOSITY AS COMPONENTS OF BUSINESS SUCCESS IN TALK AT BETHANY COLLEGE
May 9, 2019
Mr. Brad Anderson, former chief executive officer of Best Buy, visited Bethany to share his success story with students, faculty, staff, community members and alumni, on May 1, 2019. Mr. Anderson also visited two business classes where students had the unique opportunity to present and receive insight and feedback from Mr. Anderson.
Mr. Anderson’s lifelong quest for purpose resulted in him entering seminary after college. Upon the weighty realization that pastoring required managing the spiritual lives of future congregants, and the belief of one professor that he could only expect to give one great sermon in his lifetime, Mr. Anderson left seminary.
Following, Mr. Anderson worked at a small music store, the Sound of Music, with a continued determination to find his purpose. He tried to quit after two weeks’ time, many hours worked and little commission earned, but his boss refused. It was when he delivered and installed speakers to a customer at a time such in-home service was rare that he realized he had “delivered more value in the eyes of the customer.” With this customer centered approach, Mr. Anderson went on to lead and become the CEO of the company that became known as Best Buy.
Through the challenges, Mr. Anderson learned to find his own truth, most often finding guidance in biblical parables. He also shared the difficulty of teaching servant leadership and how it can reduce the “waste of the capacity of the brain.” This happens when we “adjust to the good of the whole,” Mr. Anderson said while commending Bethany for focusing on servant leadership as one if its core values. Mr. Anderson shared advice with business students asking how best to prepare to enter the job market, and suggested to avoid accepting presumptions and to maintain an appetite for curiosity. Businesses that connect to a “hypothesis that is true” and have employee engagement, have a greater chance of success, according to Mr. Anderson.
Mr. Anderson also shares a connection with Bethany that dates back 74 years. His mother, Sylvia, attended Bethany in 1945 and his father, Marbury, received an honorary doctorate of divinity in 1972 from Bethany. President Jones presented Mr. Anderson a Dala horse as a symbol of the college’s appreciation and in commemoration of his family connection. A Dala horse (short for Dalecarlian) is a traditional carved, painted wooden horse originating in Swedish province Dalarna and adopted as part of Lindsborg’s city seal.
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.
Mr. Anderson’s lifelong quest for purpose resulted in him entering seminary after college. Upon the weighty realization that pastoring required managing the spiritual lives of future congregants, and the belief of one professor that he could only expect to give one great sermon in his lifetime, Mr. Anderson left seminary.
Following, Mr. Anderson worked at a small music store, the Sound of Music, with a continued determination to find his purpose. He tried to quit after two weeks’ time, many hours worked and little commission earned, but his boss refused. It was when he delivered and installed speakers to a customer at a time such in-home service was rare that he realized he had “delivered more value in the eyes of the customer.” With this customer centered approach, Mr. Anderson went on to lead and become the CEO of the company that became known as Best Buy.
Through the challenges, Mr. Anderson learned to find his own truth, most often finding guidance in biblical parables. He also shared the difficulty of teaching servant leadership and how it can reduce the “waste of the capacity of the brain.” This happens when we “adjust to the good of the whole,” Mr. Anderson said while commending Bethany for focusing on servant leadership as one if its core values. Mr. Anderson shared advice with business students asking how best to prepare to enter the job market, and suggested to avoid accepting presumptions and to maintain an appetite for curiosity. Businesses that connect to a “hypothesis that is true” and have employee engagement, have a greater chance of success, according to Mr. Anderson.
Mr. Anderson also shares a connection with Bethany that dates back 74 years. His mother, Sylvia, attended Bethany in 1945 and his father, Marbury, received an honorary doctorate of divinity in 1972 from Bethany. President Jones presented Mr. Anderson a Dala horse as a symbol of the college’s appreciation and in commemoration of his family connection. A Dala horse (short for Dalecarlian) is a traditional carved, painted wooden horse originating in Swedish province Dalarna and adopted as part of Lindsborg’s city seal.
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.
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.
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.
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.