BETHANY COLLEGE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS TO PARTICIPATE IN EDUCATIONAL LECTURE SERIES AND TRAVEL TO SPAIN WITH NEW “BETHANY AND BEYOND” PROGRAM
June 9, 2019
LINDSBORG, KAN., June 7,2019 Bethany College recently announced “Bethany and Beyond,” a travel and lecture series for alumni and friends. The new program is designed to strengthen ties between the college and community, alumni and friends, through cultural relations, fellowship and education.
The program will include an annual winter domestic trip and a spring international trip for alumni and friends. In addition to travel, educational lectures, will be held across the state, and open to the public. Lectures, planned with the leadership of alumni, will focus on the culture, heritage, and history of the anticipated international travel destination. The college plans to utilize faculty in the lecture series. The lectures will start in September and they will continue in October, February, March and April.
A “Bethany and Beyond” advisory committee, comprised of alumni and friends from across the state, has been established to help shape and promote the program. Committee members include Lindsborg representatives, Carol Gusenius (‘73), Kathy Toll (friend) and Greg Lundstrom (‘77); Salina representative Gail Konzem (faculty emeritus), Wichita representatives Karma Tidemann (‘72), and Tonya Crawshaw (‘87); and Kansas City alumni Ann Parr (friend), Karen Nelson (‘64), and Linda Martin (‘67). Bethany College advisory staff members include Alumni Director, Christy Mai (‘10), and First Lady, Amy Jones.
“I’m excited to help organize and encourage Bethany alumni and friends to come together, get to know each other better, and experience this wonderful world of ours. Life is good, let’s travel,” said alumna representative, Karma Tidemann.
Steve Hart, founder of Hart Travel Partners, will help to plan the details of the itinerary for each destination. Each trip will be intentionally tailored to the Bethany and Beyond travelers with unique and exclusive details.
“Bethany and Beyond will provide an opportunity to learn from diverse lectures paired with an associated trip to provide a fun and educational experience for alumni and friends,” stated Alumni Director, Christy Mai.
At the first meeting, the committee decided on a trip to Spain. The trip is scheduled for April 29 to May 7, 2020. Registration for the trip will open in September. For questions, contact Christy Mai at maicl@bethanylb.edu.
Stay tuned for specific trip details and a lecture series schedule.
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 educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. Bethany connects its past, present, and future with distinctive initiatives like Swedes to Sweden, a free service-learning trip for the sophomore class to Sweden, and the Good Life Scholarship, presenting all local high school graduates with a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
The program will include an annual winter domestic trip and a spring international trip for alumni and friends. In addition to travel, educational lectures, will be held across the state, and open to the public. Lectures, planned with the leadership of alumni, will focus on the culture, heritage, and history of the anticipated international travel destination. The college plans to utilize faculty in the lecture series. The lectures will start in September and they will continue in October, February, March and April.
A “Bethany and Beyond” advisory committee, comprised of alumni and friends from across the state, has been established to help shape and promote the program. Committee members include Lindsborg representatives, Carol Gusenius (‘73), Kathy Toll (friend) and Greg Lundstrom (‘77); Salina representative Gail Konzem (faculty emeritus), Wichita representatives Karma Tidemann (‘72), and Tonya Crawshaw (‘87); and Kansas City alumni Ann Parr (friend), Karen Nelson (‘64), and Linda Martin (‘67). Bethany College advisory staff members include Alumni Director, Christy Mai (‘10), and First Lady, Amy Jones.
“I’m excited to help organize and encourage Bethany alumni and friends to come together, get to know each other better, and experience this wonderful world of ours. Life is good, let’s travel,” said alumna representative, Karma Tidemann.
Steve Hart, founder of Hart Travel Partners, will help to plan the details of the itinerary for each destination. Each trip will be intentionally tailored to the Bethany and Beyond travelers with unique and exclusive details.
“Bethany and Beyond will provide an opportunity to learn from diverse lectures paired with an associated trip to provide a fun and educational experience for alumni and friends,” stated Alumni Director, Christy Mai.
At the first meeting, the committee decided on a trip to Spain. The trip is scheduled for April 29 to May 7, 2020. Registration for the trip will open in September. For questions, contact Christy Mai at maicl@bethanylb.edu.
Stay tuned for specific trip details and a lecture series schedule.
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 educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. Bethany connects its past, present, and future with distinctive initiatives like Swedes to Sweden, a free service-learning trip for the sophomore class to Sweden, and the Good Life Scholarship, presenting all local high school graduates with a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
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.
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.
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.