GROSSNER ANNOUNCED AS NEXT HEAD FOOTBALL COACH FOR THE SWEDES

November 14, 2022

Lindsborg, Kan. - The Bethany College Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that Mike Grossner has been named the next head football coach of the Bethany College Swedes Football Team. Grossner succeeds Interim Head Football Coach Vincent Grigsby who stepped in to lead the Swedes this year. 


“We want to extend a sincere thank you to Coach Vincent Grigsby for all of his work as our Interim Head Coach this season,” said Dean of Athletics Laura Moreno. “He stepped in and led with tremendous integrity and character; his passion, motivation, and ability to provide perspective is impressive. He brings tremendous value to Bethany College and Swedes Athletics, and we look forward to the opportunity to continue to work with him.”


Mike Grossner has a decorated history when it comes to coaching football at the collegiate level. Grossner received his first head coaching job at Glendale Community College where he was a three-time Maricopa League Champion and Valley of the Sun Bowl participant. He was also voted the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) Coach of the Year three times, as well as the Western States Football League (WSFL) Coach of the Year and American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) National Coach of the Year one time each. Coach Grossner won the AFCA National Championship in 2000. 


Mike Grossner received his next head coaching position at Baker University where he stayed for 15 years. During his time leading the Wildcats, Grossner led his teams to 12 winning seasons in a row, seven National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) playoff appearances, six Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) conference titles, and one NAIA national championship game appearance. Coach Grossner was also a three-time Coach of the Year winner for the conference and tallied a 28-game winning streak within the conference. 


Before accepting the position to be the next head coach of Bethany College Football, Coach Grossner was the Head Football Coach for the Leicester Falcons; an American football team located in Leicester, England. During his time with the Falcons, Grossner finished the shortened 2021 season ranked #7 in the country which is the highest ranking ever achieved by the franchise. In 2022, the Falcons won their conference championship with an 11-1 record and finished as a national semifinalist. 


“We are incredibly excited to welcome Mike Grossner back home to Bethany College,” said Laura Moreno. “Coach Grossner’s proven track record of recruitment, retention, persistence to graduation, on-field success, and fundraising efforts makes him a tremendous fit for Bethany College and Swedes Football. His experience combined with his vision for Bethany Football impressed our Search Committee. As a former football student athlete at Bethany under Hall of Fame Coach Dr. Ted Kessinger, Coach Grossner experienced firsthand how to build and sustain a successful program and has taken that with him throughout his coaching career. His ability to build relationships with student-athletes, coaches, staff, faculty, administration, alumni, and supporters will provide an immediate positive impact for Bethany College and our student-athletes. We can’t wait to work with him as a Swede.”


Head Coach Mike Grossner graduated from Bethany College in 1988 with a degree in Health and Physical Education K-12 Teaching. He was a football student-athlete for the Swedes; playing for Bethany Hall of Fame Coach Dr. Ted Kessinger. While finishing his degree, Grossner was a student assistant coach for the varsity football team, led by Coach Kessinger, who finished that season 13-0. Mike Grossner received his master's degree in Education-Counseling at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. 


Newly named Head Coach Mike Grossner had this to say about the opportunity to coach at his alma mater: “I’m very honored and humbled to serve my alma mater as their Head Football Coach. I would like to thank President Mauch, Dr. Pryor, and the search committee for this dream opportunity for myself and our family. A special thanks to Laura Moreno and Keith Ferguson for their outstanding communication throughout the process. I look forward to meeting all the student-athletes in our program individually after Thanksgiving break. Coach Kessinger has been such a big influence in my life! I’m excited to pay it forward at the institution that gave me an opportunity to begin my coaching career 34 years ago. I look forward to meeting all who are on campus and in the Lindsborg community. Thank you!”

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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