Updated Spectator Guidelines

August 19, 2021
Hello Swedes!

Welcome back! It's that time of year and we are so excited to see everyone on campus soon! With our first games quickly approaching, I wanted to share the below update.

Effective immediately and until further notice, Bethany College has announced new spectator policies. Based on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is in the best interest of the safety of our students, faculty, and staff to have a reduced number of spectators at this time. Ticketing limits have been set based on practices suggested by the McPherson County Health Department (MCHD), the McPherson County Board of County Commissioners/Board of Health, and the Kansas Department of Health. 

Tickets for all home events for Football, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, and Wrestling are available at https://www.bethanyswedes.com/ticketing. General admission tickets need to be pre-purchased online at the aforementioned website, as well as student/faculty/staff tickets need to be pre-reserved online at that same website. Tickets are available for purchase/reservation online until the conclusion of the contest; however, it is strongly encouraged that fans pre-purchase tickets in order to ensure availability.

For Volleyball, Basketball, and Wrestling events in Hahn Gym at Bethany College: Due to suggested guidelines 500 tickets will currently be available for these events. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.bethanyswedes.com/ticketing. Currently 350 tickets will be available for general admission while 150 tickets will only be made available to Bethany College students, faculty, and staff. All Bethany students, faculty, and staff must provide a current Bethany ID along with their reserved ticket at the gate. Masks and proper social distancing are required inside of Hahn Gym. 

For Football and Soccer events held at Anderson Stadium at Bethany College: 350 General Admission tickets and 150 student/faculty/staff tickets will be available on https://www.bethanyswedes.com/ticketing. Masks are strongly encouraged within the Stadium while proper social distancing is required.

For Baseball/Softball/Tennis events at Bethany College: Spectators are allowed at the Tennis Complex, Baseball field and Softball field. Bethany College encourages spectators to bring their own seating in order to practice social distancing. Masks and proper social distancing are required.

Bethany College understands that immediate family members, or "pods," represent a significant portion of the spectators attending athletic events. As there is typically no social distancing among members of a pod, all spectators are asked to be vigilant of social distancing and maintain at least six feet between themselves and other individuals or those outside of their pod. The College would also like to remind those sitting together in a pod to limit close interactions with individuals outside of their immediate family members.   

Home athletic events are available to watch online at no cost at https://www.kcacnetwork.com/bethanyks/. Most visiting athletic events also have live video available. Links for those events will be posted on bethanyswedes.com.

If you have any questions, please contact Laura Moreno, Dean of Athletics, at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8369, or Brad Yoder, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications, at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8178.

As more information becomes available and circumstances regarding COVID-19 in McPherson County change, Bethany College will continually re-evaluate the spectator policy. Continue to check www.bethanyswedes.com regularly for further updates. 

Laura Moreno
Dean of Athletics
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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