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The Path to Your Purpose
BETHANY COLLEGE ANNOUNCES CLASSES OFFERED IN VIRTUAL FORMAT ONLY FOR SPRING SEMESTER
Mar 25, 2020
LINDSBORG, KS., On March 25, Dr. Mauch, Interim President of Bethany College announced that all classes for the Spring 2020 semester, to start March 30, will be held in a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, the college hoped for a hybrid approach with the return of some students, in accordance with health guidelines, and virtual attendance for others. The college monitored the ever-changing health guidelines, while simultaneously adapting plans to address the situation. After consultation with health officials, including the county health director, it was determined virtual classes would be the most prudent way to alleviate the potential for concerns such as overburdened health facilities, or the spread of COVID-19. As such, students were notified that they would not be permitted to return to campus for face-to-face classes and were given further instruction on the processes and conditions in place for obtaining personal belongings from campus. Bethany will offer student services— such as library resources lists specific to academic departments, career services, pastoral support, tutoring and counseling services—in a virtual format. The college acknowledges the question as to whether refunds will be given and is working on various considerations with plans to announce a decision in the near future.
Many college employees are transitioning to work remotely, yet some continue to work on campus as necessitated by campus needs but do so in accordance with local health guidelines. Many non-administrative campus buildings are locked and the college strongly encourages all college business to be conducted by phone or email. If absolutely necessary, entry into administrative buildings will be conditioned on compliance with local health guidelines, provisions of which are posted on the main entrance for each building. Bethany has not decided on commencement ceremonies, but all other campus or college-sponsored events have been postponed or canceled. For up to date information visit www.bethanylb.edu
Retention and enrollment will be crucial considerations following this unprecedented interruption in higher education. Bethany appreciates any and all support from surrounding communities, partners and alumni. As a campus community, Bethany will continue to unite around her core values – especially this year’s theme of integrity, as they seek knowledge, strive for understanding, aspire for excellence in all that they do, and remain faithful to Bethany’s calling to inspired learning and informed faith.
Bethany College conferred degrees upon 99 students in Presser Hall Auditorium on April 27, 2024. The ceremony honored students who earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Music Education from the college during the 2023-2024 academic year. Summer, fall, and spring graduates were honored during a Baccalaureate worship service at 10:30 a.m. in Presser Hall, followed by Commencement at 2 p.m. Campus Pastor Melissa Woeppel led the Baccalaureate Service, and Rev. Lamont Wells, Executive Director of the Network of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Co llege and Universities (NECU). Gracelyn Gaskill '24, a chemistry and music major from Lindsborg, Kansas, provided special music for Commencement. Senior class speakers Inioluwa "Enoch" Ojo '24, a biology major from Katy, Texas, and Benjamin "Ben" Turner '24, a History and Political Science Major from Peyton, Colorado, gave thoughtful remarks on their time at Bethany College, taking time to thank their friends, faculty, and coaches. Dr. Brent Mai '85, Dean of University Libraries at Wichita State University, gave the commencement address, encouraging this year's graduates to go out into the world and exercise the four tenets of stoicism: wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice.
Interim President Steve Eckman commended the efforts of the faculty and staff in securing the grant, stating, "We are immensely grateful to the McPherson County Community Foundation for their incredible generosity. This grant will benefit our students and enrich the educational experiences available in the Smoky Valley community."
The newly appointed Presidential Search Committee will commence their work immediately, aiming to recommend a candidate for Bethany College's 16th president to the board by the April 2025 board meeting.