2022 Alumni Award Winners Announced

September 22, 2022

Bethany College will be honoring eight exceptional Alum at the All-Alumni Awards Brunch at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 22nd, during Homecoming weekend at the J.O. Sundstrom Building at 102 N. Main Street in downtown Lindsborg.  Reserve your tickets today!

Gold Award

Gold Award is presented to graduates of the last two decades who have made outstanding contributions to society, and whose achievements to date demonstrate a person who shows promise, has high aspirations and has made a difference in the lives of people around them. The first presentation was made in 1992.

Kylie (Schrader) Lofdahl ‘04

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Tyler and Molly (Rishel) Johnson ’05 and ‘06

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Kylie (Schrader) Lofdahl ‘04

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Tyler and Molly (Rishel) Johnson ’05 and ‘06

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Gold Award

The Gold Awards go to Kylie (Schrader) Lofdahl '04, Tyler '05, and Molly (Rishel) Johnson '06. This award represents graduates of the last two decades who have made outstanding contributions to society and whose achievements demonstrate a person who shows promise, has high aspirations, and has made a difference in the lives of people around them.  


Kylie Lofhahl has just begun her 19th year in education, teaching 3rd grade for 13 years and her 6th year in 4th grade at the Smoky Valley School District. Besides helping her husband, Terry, with their family farm, she also volunteers her time with the Smoky View 4-H Club and the Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers. Since graduation, she has supported Bethany in numerous ways. She currently serves as the Class Agent for 2004 and is integral in coordinating the host family program for the Women's Basketball Team.   

After graduation, Molly Johnson worked in the Bethany College Athletics office for two years, then served as Director of Alumni Relations for several years. In 2017, Molly was part of the Ad Hoc Business Group, the Lindsborg CVB Board of directors, the Hyllningsfest Committee, and the City of Lindsborg Planning and Zoning Board. She and Tyler Johnson served on the Broadway RFD boards and helped start the children's camp. Tyler also served on the Lindsborg Art Council and the community safety board. Molly and Tyler purchased The Good Merchant in downtown Lindsborg, sang in the Messiah Chorus for ten years, and volunteered their time as directors and organizers of the 4th of July program for 15 years. 

Merit Award

Alumni Award of Merit to graduates of more than 20 years who have exemplified distinguished service in their professional lives while maintaining an interest in Bethany College. Recipients are nominated by former classmates or friends and selections are made by a vote of the Alumni Council. The first presentation was made in 1952.

Lisa (Mooney) Simmelink ‘02

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Mark Carlson ‘73

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Lisa (Mooney) Simmelink ‘02

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Mark Carlson ‘73

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Merit Award

The Alumni Award of Merit goes to Lisa (Mooney) Simmelink '02 and Mark Carlson '73. This award represents graduates of more than 20 years who have exemplified distinguished service as professionals while maintaining an interest in Bethany College.   


Lisa Simmelink teaches music at McPherson Elementary, is in her second year as a seminarian at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, and is serving as a part-time intern at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg. Simmelink, and her "Swedeheart" Brandon Simmelink ‘01, continue to support Bethany College through their gifts of time, talents, and service.  

Mark Carlson was the director of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California (LOPP-CA). He was responsible for interpreting ELCA social policy with church members, the public, and government bodies from 1985 until 2019. LOPP-CA became a primary source of trusted information on California's many ballot measures, including anti-hunger, social justice, and civil and human rights. LOPP-CA also created legislation protecting LGBTQ+ students, California's landmark climate change, and human right to water laws. In retirement, Carlson is active in Lutherans Restoring Creation, the Sierra Pacific Synod Hunger Team, the Brady Campaign, and California Interfaith Power & Light steering committee. He participates at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sacramento in its Care for Creation, Racial Justice, and Action on Homelessness teams. Carlson had a parallel seasonal career for 29 years as a firefighter with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.    

Distinguished Graduate

Floyd Thompkins, 1984 Bethany College Graduate

The Bethany College Distinguished Graduate Award goes to Floyd Thompkins '84. This graduate award represents outstanding achievement and service to society. As CEO of the Justice and Peace Foundation, Thompkins is conducting a research project among African American Churches in the areas of grief, trauma, and ministry. This project also covers initiatives in African American spirituality and mental health, advances the dialogue surrounding the reform and reimagining of policing in the US, and has initiated the Talk Truth Project. As Dean of Religious Life, Rev. Thompkins has served at two world-class institutions, Stanford University and Princeton University. He serves as the Pastor of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Marin City, California, and is a significant participant in the national conversation concerning race and social justice in the Presbyterian Church. He also serves on the task force to develop the Spiritual Guidelines of the American Psychological Society.  

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Bethany College Lifetime Achievement Award was established in order to recognize outstanding achievement and service to society by a graduate who has provided “unique and significant service” to the college over his/her lifetime, the Alumni Council of this institution may bestow the Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award annually to one recipient. Recipients are nominated by former classmates or friends and selections are made by the Alumni Council. 

Clair and Jerrine (Palmquist) Oleen

The Bethany College Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Clair '77 and Jerrine (Palmquist) Oleen '78. This award represents outstanding achievement and service to society by a graduate who has provided "unique and significant service" to the college over their lifetime. Jerrine was a runner-up for the Governor "My Favorite Teacher" award and has received the Bethany College Athletic Association Award of Merit. Her 3rd graders were pen pals with the Bethany College Men's Basketball team for over 20 years, and she served as a second mom to many of the players. She cooked meals after every home game serving more than 5000 meals over the years.  


After a short stint teaching and coaching in Clay Center, Kansas, Clair coached 38 total seasons of men's and women's basketball at Bethany College and has the longest coaching tenure in Bethany's history. He has 10 NAIA and District 10 Playoff appearances and spent 42 years employed at Bethany serving in the Advancement Office after he retired from coaching. Clair and Jerrine are highly involved in their community and serve the Falun Lutheran Church in many capacities.  

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 Welcomes Over 60 Guests for Annual Waffle Day Preview Event

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.

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.
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