Rob & Celeste Habiger Support Higher Education in Kansas with a Gift to the Bethany College ‘Path to Your Purpose’ Initiative

July 18, 2022

Rob and Celeste (Bohman) Habiger, ‘69 are no strangers to supporting higher education in Kansas. Their commitment to championing the value of education is well-known both at Bethany College, where Rob and Celeste became “Swedehearts” and graduated with bachelor’s degrees in 1969. Rob went on to receive his master’s and doctorate degrees in physics at Kansas State University. They have traveled the world during their careers and contributed both time and treasure to humanitarian and educational efforts across the globe. The Habiger’s, now residents of Littleton, CO, have never forgotten their beloved Bethany community and the liberal arts education they received at Bethany. 



The Habigers have given back to their alma mater in numerous ways over the years. Celeste serves as a class agent for the Class of 1969, and Rob serves on the Bethany College Board of Directors. In 2017 – 2018 academic year, Rob held the position of Visiting Professor of Physics and Celeste volunteered in the Alumni Office. Together they received the 2018 Bethany College Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their service in and beyond the Bethany community. During the Fall of 2021, the Habiger’s $28,000 gift to Bethany College’s Path to Your Purpose initiative enabled current Bethany students to deepen their educational experience through paid internships as part of a pilot program for Bethany College’s new Pathways Internship initiative. This most recent gift is a further extension of their legacy of supporting innovative educational programs across the state of Kansas. 


Chad Moore, Director of Path to Your Purpose at Bethany College explains, “I’ve had the privilege of talking with Rob and Celeste over the past year. It’s been continuously evident that they are curious, compassionate people committed to demonstrating their Christian faith through acts of love, service, and continual learning. Rob and Celeste believe in the life-changing power of a challenging and fearless liberal arts education, and they know that student learning is greatly enhanced through hands-on work experiences outside the classroom. Their support of the Path to Your Purpose program this spring enabled us to pilot a new internship model at Bethany, the Pathways Internship Program, which is already paying dividends in the lives of our students. I’m deeply grateful for Rob and Celeste’s support of this initiative.” 

The Pathways Internship program is a new experiential education model at Bethany College that combines opportunities for vocational reflection in a classroom setting with paid internship opportunities created in partnership with local businesses and non-profit organizations. During their Pathways Internships, students contribute to the missions of the organizations with which they are working while simultaneously discerning their own sense of purpose through a vocational research project conducted in collaboration with their internship supervisor and the Director of Path to Your Purpose. 


Bethany College junior, Kylie Jacobs of Freemont, California was part of the inaugural class of Pathways Interns. Jacobs worked in the immigration services office of Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas alongside her Pathways Guide and internship supervisor, Yessenia Baquera, Catholic Charities’ Immigration & Hispanic Services Specialist. With Baquera’s guidance, Jacobs gained first-hand experience with the legal intricacies and complex systems that immigrants to the U.S. must navigate in order to receive residency and citizenship. Jacobs reported that this experience helped her gain perspective on the difficulty of immigrating to the United States. Jacobs was inspired by the compassion, courage, and hope that characterized the clients with whom she interacted. “Not only was I able to learn about immigration law from this experience,” Jacobs reported, “but I was also able to learn how nonprofits work and how their services help those in communities such as Salina. Being able to sit in on appointments where people shared their immigration stories and seeing how grateful they are to stay in this country, really puts into perspective the importance of understanding immigration law.” Jacobs is currently studying for the LSAT and plans to attend law school after graduating from Bethany. 


The Habigers’ support was crucial in providing the finances necessary to create this paid internship opportunity via the Pathways Internship initiative. "Bethany’s program of helping students discover and develop their path to a life and career of purpose resonates strongly with us, especially the emphasis on service to others,” Rob & Celeste explained. “We believe God calls all of us to serve others using the talents and skills we are given. As alumni and supporters, we are proud of Bethany for helping students discern and nurture that calling of service to their communities." 


Additional contributions for helping students discern, discover, and navigate the path to their purpose would help solidify and expand this program. This type of project-based learning is unique to a liberal arts education and has always been a hallmark of the Bethany College experience. These monies ensure the future of experiential education opportunities for our students. To give, please contact the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement at alumni@bethanylb.edu or 785-227-3380 ext. 8270. You may also send a check to: Bethany College 335 E. Swensson St. Lindsborg, KS 67401. 


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. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is online at bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state. 

 

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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