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.

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.
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.
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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