Ukraine conflict hits home for some in Bethany College community

March 7, 2022

By Anne Hassler Heidel

LINDSBORG—Dozens of community members, students, faculty, and staff gathered in Pearson Chapel on the Bethany College campus Monday night to discuss the current situation in Ukraine and pray for a peaceful resolution.


Assistant Professor of political science Rachel Finnell, who specializes in studying dictators and authoritarian regimes, gave a brief history of Ukrainian-Russian relations and her prognosis for how the current situation could proceed. 


Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed concern for NATO military alliance expansion and pushed back on the possibility of Ukraine and other Eastern Europe countries joining. Russia was part of the Partnership for Peace program, a cooperative effort with NATO begun in 1997. That cooperation was suspended in 2014 when Russian forces took control of the Crimea region of Ukraine. President Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine in 2022 has put the prospect of European peace in question for the foreseeable future, according to Finnell.


Some of the global repercussions of the invasion could include higher prices for wheat, sanctions forbidding commerce with Russian companies and banks and an opportunity for China to rise in power should Russia’s military campaign fail or its economy collapse.


Finnell described the major sanctions being enforced on Russia by the United States and its allies as extremely effective. The value of the Russian ruble has dropped to less than $.01 (down from a normal range of 75 rubles per $1 US to 105 rubles per $1 US). This has triggered a drop in wealth for Russian oligarchs who could put real pressure on Putin to change course. Finnell said if Putin were to lose power in Russia, it could create a power vacuum as no clear replacement is known. 


Bethany College student Galina Brauer shared her insight on Russia-Ukraine relations based on her first-hand experience growing up in Moscow. Brauer, who is a Russian citizen, said she identifies ethnically as Ukrainian where her grandparents came from and currently live. Recent developments have pushed up Brauer’s decision to apply for Ukrainian citizenship as she fears she will lose her student visa. She taped an interview with her thoughts on the situation before leaving for the Ukrainian consulate office in Chicago this week.


The Russian invasion of Ukraine brought surprise and shock to Brauer as she felt adamantly that Putin would never actually invade Ukraine given the close relationship of the people of the two nations. 


“We are the two closest nations to each other with a long history,” Brauer said.


Putin’s actions have caused destabilization and fear in the region, according to Brauer who has been in contact with friends in both countries. 


“This is not something the people of Russia want. It gets very personal,” Brauer said.


Putin’s justification for invading the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine citing genocide of Russian-speaking citizens is not something Brauer had ever heard of before and believes it’s propaganda being put out by the government.


Living in the United States affords Brauer a luxury many in her homeland do not have to speak out against the government and political leaders.

Bethany College Campus Pastor Amy Truhe, lead the crowd in prayer and gave examples of how U.S. citizens can help the Ukrainian people by supporting organizations like UNICEF, Amnesty International, and Save the Children.


Finnell also encouraged those present to support a free and independent press singling out the Kyiv Independent for its coverage of the invasion.

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 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.

Former Governor John Carlin Speaks to Bethany Education Students

March 27, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 27, 2025 — Students in Professor James Baker’s Elementary Social Studies Methods class had a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished guest speakers, the Honorable John Carlin and Bethany College alumnus Ryon Carey '95, during a recent session focused on history, government, and education. The event brought together students from both Professor Baker’s course and Dr. Rana Razek’s class for an engaging discussion on the branches of government, the role of the U.S. Department of Education, and the importance of civic understanding in the classroom. Governor Carlin, who also served as the Archivist of the United States following his tenure as Kansas Governor, offered students a personal perspective on his career in public service and shared insights into the responsibilities of preserving key national documents such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His reflections underscored the value of historical records in shaping democracy and educating future generations. Ryon Carey, a 1995 Bethany graduate, also contributed to the discussion, offering his perspective on leadership and public service. “It was a privilege to welcome Governor Carlin and Ryon Carey to speak with our students,” said Professor James Baker. “Opportunities like this deepen our students’ understanding of the material and remind us all of the importance of connecting real-world experience to classroom learning. I’m incredibly grateful to both of our speakers for sharing their time and insights.” You can learn more about our Education Department at bethanylb.edu/education . 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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