NASPA VP & AVP Colleague Conversation Series

May 4, 2022

Honest conversations about shared struggles are an important part of any educational endeavor. Bethany’s Director of Path to Your Purpose, Chad Moore, recently participated in just such a conversation. 


Moore was a featured panelist during the April session of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators’ Colleague Conversation series. NASPA’s Colleague Conversation Series is an initiative designed to bring together senior student affairs leaders to share insights, develop best practices, and offer mutual support during difficult times. This session, titled Staff Perspectives Senior Leaders Need to Hear, was attended by sixty Vice Presidents and Assistant Vice Presidents of Student Affairs from colleges and universities across the country. 


As the field of higher education continues to grapple with disruptions to community life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, higher education professionals are increasingly looking to one another for innovative ideas and professional support. This NASPA Colleague Conversation was designed to be a candid and constructive conversation about the experiences of higher education professionals working in the field during the COVID pandemic. As a member of the panel, Moore shared insights from his time working across a variety of student and academic affairs departments at Boston University, College of the Holy Cross, and Bethany College. 


When asked what senior leaders of Student Affairs divisions could do to help create higher job satisfaction for their early career staff, Moore answered: “Senior leaders must ensure that every member of their staff is valued as an essential part of the educational mission of their institution. Folks work in higher education because the believe in the power of education to change lives, form citizens, and build a more just society. If your staff doesn’t see how their work furthers the educational mission of the college, and if they don’t feel valued as educators, they will lose sight of the rich sense of purpose that’s visible so clearly during higher education’s best moments.” As Director of Path to Your Purpose, one of Moore’s favorite parts of his position at Bethany has been the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from across the college on projects that further the Bethany’s educational mission. Such collaborations build community and demonstrate the role each person has to play in helping students find the path to their purpose. 


Conversations like these with wise and caring colleagues from across the field of higher education are a valuable opportunity for professional development. As Director of Path to Your Purpose, Chad hopes to have more opportunities to represent Bethany in similar forums in the future. 

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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