LINDSBORG, Kan.—Bethany College invites the community to a week-long college celebration in April, culminating with the inauguration of Edward F. Leonard III as the college’s 13th president.
To be held April 7 through 13, inauguration week will include a series of speakers, concerts, worship services, and other events honoring the college’s religious and academic missions, reputation in artistic performance and creativity, tradition of excellence in sports, and students past and present.
Unified by the theme, “to strive, to seek, to soar,” inauguration week is designed to bring students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters together in a community celebration of the college.
“Bethany has long used the image of a dove in its logo, and I’ve been talking about “soaring” since my first day on campus. Because of the pioneering nature of Lindsborg and this college, we are honoring our heritage of focusing on progress and moving ahead. I truly believe that if we have done our job as a college, our students will know how to strive, to seek, and to soar,” Leonard said.
“We hope many will join us for this significant week in the life of the college. At President Leonard’s request, our college-wide committee has planned events that lift up the college, bring people together, and focus our attention on achievement and growth,” said Bethany Professor Dave Admire. Admire and his wife, Sharyl Admire, are co-chairing the Bethany College Presidential Inauguration Committee.
Highlights from the week will include a speech by author James Bradley on April 7 at 7:30 p.m. in Presser Hall. Bradley, author of “Flag of Our Fathers” and “Flyboys,” is well-known for his success in illuminating previously untold stories of people from the past. Bradley’s presentation is part of the Johnson Lecture Series, created by Bethany alumna Lucy Johnson and her late husband, Charles Johnson.
The inauguration ceremony will take place in Presser Hall on the college campus, beginning at 1 p.m. on April 12. Along with the pomp and circumstance of a presidential inauguration, Leonard will elaborate on the theme, “to strive, to seek, to soar,” in his inaugural address.
Other events will include a presentation by former professional athlete Jack Parr, a student and faculty art exhibit and concert, a special chapel service in appreciation of church workers, alumni receptions, student parties, and a campus “Sundae Stroll” with family activities.
“This week is about celebrating Bethany College, and it intentionally reflects my personality and values. I am a competitive person who wants to include and engage everyone in this great endeavor called Bethany College. I value my family, and I love to have fun. I am very much looking forward to this week, and I encourage everyone to be a part of it,” Leonard said.
Inauguration dates and events are as follows. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise stated.
Monday, April 7 – Celebrating Bethany in Education
Johnson Lecture Series presents James Bradley, historian and author of “Flags of Our Fathers”
7:30 p.m.
Presser Hall
Tuesday, April 8 – Celebrating Bethany and the Arts
Reception with music by Träblås
6:30 p.m.
Unveiling of a Birger Sandzén painting
7 p.m.
Wallerstedt Library
Special Concert
Presented by Bethany College Departments of Music, Theatre and Art
8 p.m.
Presser Hall
Wednesday, April 9 – Celebrating Bethany and the Church
Chapel
10:30 a.m.
Burnett Center
Wednesday, April 9 – Celebrating Bethany and Athletics
Lecture by Jack Parr, former professional basketball player
7 p.m.
Presser Hall
Friday, April 11 – Celebrating Bethany Students
Community Smorgasbord Dinner
5 – 7 p.m.
Pihlblad Memorial Union
Cost is $10 at the door; RSVP required. Call (785) 227-3380, ext. 8156 to RSVP
Saturday, April 12 – Inauguration of Edward F. Leonard III
Community Worship Service
9 a.m.
Bethany Lutheran Church
Alumni Reception
10 – 11 a.m.
Warner Hall lobby
Inauguration Ceremony
1 p.m.
Presser Hall
Celebration Ball with dinner and auction
5:30 p.m. silent auction
6:30 p.m. dinner service
8 p.m. live auction and dancing to The Blades
Stroble-Gibson Gymnasium
Cost is $50 per person; RSVP by March 1 required. Call (785) 227-3380, ext. 8156 to RSVP
Sunday, April 13 – Celebrating Bethany in Lindsborg
Leonard Family “Sundae Stroll”
1:30 p.m.
Begins at Bethany Lutheran Church
Ice Cream Social
With children's activities and daisy bed dedication
2 - 4 p.m.
Bethany College
For more information, visit www.bethanylb.edu/inauguration or call Dave or Sharyl Admire at (785) 227-3380 ext. 8156.
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 lead lives of faith, learning and service. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu.
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