BETHANY COLLEGE ANNOUNCES INSTALLATION OF DIGITAL ORGAN IN PEARSON CHAPEL
October 21, 2020
LINDSBORG, KAN., October 21, 2020 - Bethany College is pleased to announce that a new Rodgers Artist Series 599T digital organ will be installed in Pearson Chapel. The purchase of this instrument, from Rankin Organs 150, was made possible by a generous grant from the Rouback Family Foundation. Dr. Hentus van Rooyen, Sacred Music Coordinator and College Organist, is elated about this acquisition, and would like to thank College President Dr. Mauch for her support and encouragement, and Alumni Director Jodi While for her contribution in writing the grant. Installation will begin on October 29th and will be completed by November 15th.
From the conception of the new Pearson Chapel, it was envisioned that Pearson Chapel be equipped with a pipe organ to continue Bethany College’s tradition of organ and sacred music. As a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Bethany has maintained and nurtured the use of traditional organ music in worship since its earliest days. Faculty, students, and the community have continuously encouraged, created, presented, and elevated inspiring worship and concert experiences with the use of the organ. “The addition of the organ will be an enhancement to our worship, both weekly and on special occasions,” said Campus Pastor Amy Truhe. “It is exciting to see this vision come to life!”
While a digital organ is by no means the equivalent to a real pipe organ, the 21st century has provided us with many excellent alternatives. A digital organ such as the Rodgers Artist Series 599T will be able to fulfill the needs and objectives of the Sacred Music program and Campus Ministry at Bethany at a more affordable cost, and with almost no long-term maintenance costs. This organ provides a digital organ sound of the highest quality that is very close to that of a real pipe organ. It has several voice pallets making it possible for students to play repertoire spanning four centuries with accurate sounds. The organ will be installed by David Rankin of RankinOrgans150.
The addition of an organ to Pearson Chapel will fulfill the original vision of the building: to complete a worship space in which traditional music can be used alongside more contemporary styles for chapel services, to provide additional space for students to practice and study a wide range or repertory, to enhance Pearson Chapel as a performance venue that can be used for organ recitals and in collaboration with other forces such as the choir, and to be a venue that can be used for hymn festivals and sacred music conferences. Dr. Dan Masterson, Co-chair of the Music Department, is glad to see this addition. "It will be a wonderful addition to the Chapel to have an organ of this magnitude; a real benefit to future organ students, and will greatly enhance the experience for regular Chapel, other worship services, and for concerts and recitals as well!" An official dedication is being planned for the Spring.
The organ will be heard publicly for the first time on Sunday, November 15th at 4:00pm during a livestreamed Hymn Festival entitled: Advent at Bethany: Journey of the Magi. This Hymn Festival will feature the new organ, played by Dr. van Rooyen, the Bethany College Handbell Ensemble, and reflections by Campus Pastor Amy Truhe. While the event will be only be offered in a livestream format, viewers will have access to an online program by which to follow and sing along.
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 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. MAY 6, 2025 — As Bethany College celebrates the accomplishments of the Class of 2025, one graduate's walk across the stage represents an unfinished dream now fulfilled more than five decades later. In 1970, Marilyn Allen Peterson was just one class away from earning her degree in elementary education from Bethany College. But when her husband, Dr. Thomas Peterson (Bethany Class of 1968), was called into military service during the Vietnam War, the couple relocated to Arizona with little notice. In the midst of the move, Marilyn was unable to complete her final requirement: a single science elective. Earlier this year, Dr. Peterson contacted Bethany College to share his wife’s story and asked a simple question: Could she still finish what she started? Thanks to the efforts of faculty and staff who dug into old catalogs, found the transcripts stored on microfilm, and brainstormed creative solutions for completing that final requirement, we are proud to say: yes, she could—and she did. With her final credit completed, Marilyn became eligible to receive her degree. At age 76, Marilyn Allen Peterson officially joins the Bethany College Class of 2025. During Commencement, she was recognized with heartfelt applause from the entire Bethany community. "Marilyn, on behalf of Bethany College, we celebrate your dedication, your patience, and your enduring Swede spirit," said Dr. Laura Crawley, President of Bethany College. "Let this moment remind us all that it’s never too late to finish what we start, and that some of the most meaningful victories are the ones that take a little longer to reach." Marilyn’s story is not only a tribute to personal perseverance, but also a testament to the lifelong bonds formed at Bethany College and the value of returning to one’s roots to complete the journey. The full Commencement Ceremony is available to view online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0Dee6oUH3k Photos from the event can be found at: https://jimturner.zenfolio.com/bethanygraduation2025 Learn more about our Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers here: https://www.bethanylb.edu/bethany-college-baccalaureate-and-commencement-speakers The full graduation press release can also be found on our website at: https://www.bethanylb.edu/congratulations-2025-graduates 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. MAY 6, 2025 — Bethany College conferred degrees upon 104 students in Presser Hall Auditorium on May 3, 2025. The ceremony recognized students who earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Music Education degrees during the 2024–2025 academic year. Summer, fall, and spring graduates were honored during a Baccalaureate service at 10:30am, followed by the Commencement ceremony at 2:00pm in Presser Hall. Campus Pastor Melissa Woeppel led the Baccalaureate service, with Ellie Dieringer, an advocate for gender justice and intergenerational equity, serving as the featured speaker. Dr. Kelli Krase, a 2004 Bethany alum, delivered the Commencement address. She currently serves as an Associate Professor, Residency Program Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. The Commencement Ceremony was marked by several special moments, including a welcome address from Dr. Laura Crawley, Bethany College’s 16th President, who officially began her tenure just three days prior. Senior remarks were delivered by Carson Finke and Kort Sjogren, this year’s recipients of the Spencer Bartlett Senior Respect Award. Their speeches reflected on personal growth, the challenges they overcame, and the journey that led them to graduation. Both shared heartfelt stories that moved many in the audience to tears, while offering thoughtful advice and congratulations to their fellow graduates. Adding a powerful artistic moment to the ceremony, graduate Aubrey Larson performed “Defying Gravity” from Wicked by Stephen Schwartz. The event also featured a moving degree conferral for Marilyn Allen Peterson, whose Bethany journey began in 1970 and culminated with her official graduation this year at age 76. Her story of perseverance and dedication has resonated deeply within the Bethany community and beyond. You can read more about her story here: The full Commencement Ceremony is available to view online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0Dee6oUH3k Photos from the event can be found at: https://jimturner.zenfolio.com/bethanygraduation2025 Learn more about Marilyn Peterson's story here: https://www.bethanylb.edu/a-degree-55-years-in-the-making Learn more about our Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers here: https://www.bethanylb.edu/bethany-college-baccalaureate-and-commencement-speakers
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.