FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, August 28, 2007
CONTACT Colene Lind, (785) 227-3311, ext. 8122
 
Bethany students helped tear down ceilings and clear debris so that rebuilding could take place.
BETHANY VOLUNTEERS TEAM UP TO HELP IN GREENSBURG
LINDSBORG, Kan.—More than 60 Bethany College students, faculty and staff members began their academic school year with a lesson in hands-on help.
The volunteer group — which included incoming freshmen students; Bethany President Edward F. Leonard III; and student-athletes from Bethany’s volleyball, cheer, dance, men’s basketball and golf teams — went to Greensburg, Kan. on Aug. 25 to assist with tornado-recovery efforts.
Teams of Bethany volunteers cleaned lots, distributed more than 45 bicycles, assembled shelters and helped repair homes.
One group spent the day picking up debris in a one-block area. The tornado had lifted sidewalks and strewn wood, bricks, rocks and cement over the ground.
Junior volleyball player Lisa Runnebaum, Seneca, Kan., said that months later, the damage from the tornado is “still shocking…It made me realize my priorities in life and where volleyball fits in the bigger picture.”
Her teammate Brittany Westenfelder, Port Orchard, Wash., agreed.
“I’m really lucky to have my teammates,” she said. “We should cherish each day we’re able to step into Hahn Gym and represent Bethany.”
Jon Daniels, Bethany athletic director and head golf coach, said the work was excellent training for Bethany’s student-athletes: “I think we have a duty to help student-athletes develop into well-rounded individuals. They know that the best gift they can give is to help others, so this is a learning tool for the rest of their lives.”
Runnebaum was impressed by the appreciation her team received from the residents of Greensburg.
“It made us want to do more,” she said.
Staff member Jane Tubbs said it was hard to think that the people of Greensburg had to do this everyday. Tubbs is administrative assistant of the art department and web manager.
“Still, in the midst of the mess, there was new building going on,” she said.
Tubbs and Caroline Kahler, associate professor of art, unearthed some whole objects in the rubble as they worked. Kahler plans to create a work of art with them to donate to Greensburg.
The service trip was coordinated by Bethany staff members in conjunction with Lutheran Disaster Response. Bethany’s Thrivent service learning grant, “Learn, Serve, Lead,” helped fund travel expenses and supplies.
Though it was not required, the service opportunity was a supplement to Bethany’s week-long orientation program for freshmen and new students. During the week, students worked at the Lindsborg Children’s Center, visited Bethany Home and volunteered at Lindsborg Parks and Recreation, among other things.
“At Bethany, we work to instill service-oriented values as a part of our Lutheran heritage,” said Freda Strack, interim dean of students. “So we wanted to show new students that this is who we are, this is our community.”
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 nurture and challenge individuals in their search for truth and meaning as they live lives of faith, learning and service. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu.
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