COMMUNITY BENEFITS FROM BETHANY COLLEGE, MCPHERSON SHERIFF AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT RELATIONS
July 3, 2019
LINDSBORG, KAN., On June 14, 2019, the McPherson County Special Response Team spent nearly eight hours training in two residence halls on Bethany College campus. This training also provided an opportunity for the deputies to familiarize themselves with layout, entrances and exits of the residence halls. In connection with the training, McPherson County Sheriff Jerry Montagne, a 1995 Bethany alum, visited campus and met Dean of Student Development, Ryan Van Dusen and Campus Safety Director, Josh Snider, both responsible for campus emergency preparedness.
Other area law enforcement agencies have informally partnered with Bethany College’s criminal justice department allowing criminal justice majors firsthand experience. Through a working relationship with the Kansas Highway Patrol, Bethany provides criminal justice students as role players when the KHP is training recruits in accident investigation, DUI detection, domestic violence, robbery, and damage to state property investigations. Bethany students have also been role players in active shooter training by Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the KHP SWAT team, and for riot training with the Ellsworth Correctional Facility SWAT team. Crisis City also invited students out when the state fire marshal K-9 teams needed role playing during a collapsed building / rescue event. Several Bethany alums working in the criminal justice field in the area also visit campus to talk with current students.
Bethany student, Molly Achterberg, will complete her senior seminar project this summer by helping renovate the sheriff’s lobby at the McPherson Law Enforcement Center. The renovation involves adding display racks so tee shirts from all 50 states, for the Law Enforcement Torch Run/ Special Olympics, can be seen. Recent graduate Lexie Valentine coordinated with Saline County Community Corrections this past spring, to inspect and prepare a list of suggestions and supplies for renovations. After funding is established, students in the criminal justice department next fall, will make the renovations recommended by Lexie. The criminal justice department will also be painting several of the detention cells at the McPherson County Law Enforcement Center.
The criminal justice club will host a “CSI” camp on campus July 9, 10 and 11 for grades fourth through eighth. The camp will include crime scene processing and photography, fingerprinting, fluid splatter, evidence collection and processing; and more. Sheriff Montagne will participate.
Bethany College anticipates inviting Sheriff Montagne to provide an awareness and self-defense course in the near future. Sheriff Montagne has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a 2nd black belt in Judo and has taught a women’s safety awareness and self-defense course across the state of Kansas for the past several years. Because he is an instructor for defensive tactics training, including pressure points, mace and taser, Sheriff Montagne’s safety course also implements prevention techniques.
Sheriff Montagne commented, “I am so proud of being a Bethany grad. I not only get to see and be on the campus again, but to glad my swat team can train to help Bethany students. My time at Bethany was full of great memories. Professor Dale Hoffman was such an inspiration to me. Bethany College definitely helped me to get where I am today, the highest law enforcement officer in the county. Thanks for allowing me to be a Swede!”
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.
Other area law enforcement agencies have informally partnered with Bethany College’s criminal justice department allowing criminal justice majors firsthand experience. Through a working relationship with the Kansas Highway Patrol, Bethany provides criminal justice students as role players when the KHP is training recruits in accident investigation, DUI detection, domestic violence, robbery, and damage to state property investigations. Bethany students have also been role players in active shooter training by Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the KHP SWAT team, and for riot training with the Ellsworth Correctional Facility SWAT team. Crisis City also invited students out when the state fire marshal K-9 teams needed role playing during a collapsed building / rescue event. Several Bethany alums working in the criminal justice field in the area also visit campus to talk with current students.
Bethany student, Molly Achterberg, will complete her senior seminar project this summer by helping renovate the sheriff’s lobby at the McPherson Law Enforcement Center. The renovation involves adding display racks so tee shirts from all 50 states, for the Law Enforcement Torch Run/ Special Olympics, can be seen. Recent graduate Lexie Valentine coordinated with Saline County Community Corrections this past spring, to inspect and prepare a list of suggestions and supplies for renovations. After funding is established, students in the criminal justice department next fall, will make the renovations recommended by Lexie. The criminal justice department will also be painting several of the detention cells at the McPherson County Law Enforcement Center.
The criminal justice club will host a “CSI” camp on campus July 9, 10 and 11 for grades fourth through eighth. The camp will include crime scene processing and photography, fingerprinting, fluid splatter, evidence collection and processing; and more. Sheriff Montagne will participate.
Bethany College anticipates inviting Sheriff Montagne to provide an awareness and self-defense course in the near future. Sheriff Montagne has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a 2nd black belt in Judo and has taught a women’s safety awareness and self-defense course across the state of Kansas for the past several years. Because he is an instructor for defensive tactics training, including pressure points, mace and taser, Sheriff Montagne’s safety course also implements prevention techniques.
Sheriff Montagne commented, “I am so proud of being a Bethany grad. I not only get to see and be on the campus again, but to glad my swat team can train to help Bethany students. My time at Bethany was full of great memories. Professor Dale Hoffman was such an inspiration to me. Bethany College definitely helped me to get where I am today, the highest law enforcement officer in the county. Thanks for allowing me to be a Swede!”
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.