Join Bethany for Dedication of Renovated Nelson Lecture Hall & Keynote Address of David Rolph for Mauney Lecture Series in Business on Feb 6
January 24, 2020
LINDSBORG, KAN., Jan 22, 2020- Visit Bethany College campus for two exciting events on Thursday, February 6. Bethany College will celebrate the renovated Nelson Lecture Hall at 10:30 a.m. The Nelson Flash Campaign kicked off with a $50,000 lead gift from an alumni couple as part of a match challenge to raise $130,000 for the Nelson building improvements. The updates to the lecture hall in include new carpet, desks, paint, ceiling tiles, projector, screen, sound system, lecture podium and the installation of air conditioning in the lecture hall for the first time. The remaining two phases—conversion of a classroom to office spaces and creation of a psychology lab–will take place during the 2020 summer break.
Also, on February 6, David Rolph, co-founder and former CEO of Sasnak Management, Inc. (now Thrive Restaurant Group) will present a keynote address at 2 p.m. in Burnett, on Bethany campus, as part of the Mauney Lecture Series in Business. David Rolph grew up in the small town of Minneapolis in north central Kansas. Mr. Rolph is known for his involvement with Pizza Hut, Inc. During his college years he worked at Pizza Huts in Hays, Kansas and Iowa City. After graduating, he managed multiple Pizza Huts in the San Francisco Bay area. He was then promoted to Area General Manager for the San Francisco Bay Area at age 23. Later on, he partnered up with his brother Darrel, moved to Virginia, and began to open franchised Pizza Huts in northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Florida. They were able to develop 26 Pizza Huts in these locations and sold them to Pepsico in 1994. Join us to learn more about Mr. Rolph’s leadership and management.
In 1984, Carl F and Catherine Herman Mauney Lecture Series in Economics-Business was established thanks to the generous $50,000 gift of Dr. and Mrs. C Herman Mauney of Albuquerque, New Mexico, named in honor of his parents, to establish an endowed fund for educational and professional development opportunities for students, faculty and friends of Bethany. Dr. Mauney was a former member of the Bethany College Board of Directors and a long-time friend of the college. Each year in consultation with the Academic Dean, the faculty of the Department of Economics-Business selects a distinguished scholar or business person who will lecture on current topics such as economics, accounting, small business management, marketing and labor relations.
The dedication at 10:30am in Nelson Science Lecture Hall and the keynote at 2pm in Burnett, both on Bethany campus, are free and open to the public.
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.
Also, on February 6, David Rolph, co-founder and former CEO of Sasnak Management, Inc. (now Thrive Restaurant Group) will present a keynote address at 2 p.m. in Burnett, on Bethany campus, as part of the Mauney Lecture Series in Business. David Rolph grew up in the small town of Minneapolis in north central Kansas. Mr. Rolph is known for his involvement with Pizza Hut, Inc. During his college years he worked at Pizza Huts in Hays, Kansas and Iowa City. After graduating, he managed multiple Pizza Huts in the San Francisco Bay area. He was then promoted to Area General Manager for the San Francisco Bay Area at age 23. Later on, he partnered up with his brother Darrel, moved to Virginia, and began to open franchised Pizza Huts in northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Florida. They were able to develop 26 Pizza Huts in these locations and sold them to Pepsico in 1994. Join us to learn more about Mr. Rolph’s leadership and management.
In 1984, Carl F and Catherine Herman Mauney Lecture Series in Economics-Business was established thanks to the generous $50,000 gift of Dr. and Mrs. C Herman Mauney of Albuquerque, New Mexico, named in honor of his parents, to establish an endowed fund for educational and professional development opportunities for students, faculty and friends of Bethany. Dr. Mauney was a former member of the Bethany College Board of Directors and a long-time friend of the college. Each year in consultation with the Academic Dean, the faculty of the Department of Economics-Business selects a distinguished scholar or business person who will lecture on current topics such as economics, accounting, small business management, marketing and labor relations.
The dedication at 10:30am in Nelson Science Lecture Hall and the keynote at 2pm in Burnett, both on Bethany campus, are free and open to the public.
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.