BETHANY COLLEGE ANNOUNCES UPDATES IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
March 20, 2020
LINDSBORG, KANSAS, MARCH 20, 2020: Bethany College officials announced an extended Spring Break, starting at the end of classes, March 13, 2020. Classes are scheduled to resume March 30. Previously, the College intended to make a formal announcement March 25 but because this situation has changed so fast, is doing so at this time. Please understand, the fluid changes in the local and state health guidelines, make timely communication difficult. The college website will be used to provide the most current information, so please visit www.bethanylb.edu/coronavirus/ for updates.
Although spring break started one week early, Bethany College students have had the opportunity to stay in residence halls through the two-week break. Campus administrative offices and residence halls remain open and most services, such as counseling, tutoring, student life, and health are available for the duration of the spring semester. Library services and classrooms are slightly modified for the time being. In regard to academics, students who don’t wish to return, will be able to continue their spring semester learning through a virtual classroom option as of March 30, or as soon thereafter as possible.
Any student, faculty or staff member who has traveled will be subject to all local and state health guidelines in effect upon their return. Individual arrangements will be necessary for self-quarantine as Bethany College is not in a position to assist with such requirement. Dr. Van Dusen, Dean of Student Development, communicated by email to all students the preliminary details about gathering personal property from campus, safety precautions for returning to campus, and more, but because the procedures are subject to health guidelines they are likely to change.
Fortunately, class sizes at Bethany rarely exceed 25, and while all students will have the option for virtual attendance, some students may have the opportunity (subject to health guidance such as social distancing etc.) to resume face to face classes.
While administrative offices are open at this time, please refrain from coming to campus unless a physical visit is absolutely necessary. Most, if not all, business can be conducted by phone or email. To locate phone extensions or emails visit https://www.bethanylb.edu/directory/.
Currently, the College is prohibiting the use of the student union “Pit” area (Pihlblad lower level), and other common areas, even if the building is open. Hahn and Stroble Gibson gyms, and the cardio and weight rooms are closed.
At this time, there are no cases of COVID-19 on Bethany College campus or in McPherson County. In understanding our role and responsibility, campus leadership has learned that if a test for COVID-19 was to be completed, the state agency, Kansas Department of Health and Environment communicates with the McPherson County Health Department and it is the procedure of health officials that dictates the release of information and/or results as deemed appropriate. It is imperative that Bethany College cooperates with all health officials and remains mindful of HIPAA and other protocol to ensure the privacy and safety of campus and the larger community.
Campus leadership acknowledges that several questions remain unanswered and will work diligently to find answers despite the fluidity of the situation. In this unprecedented time, decisions must be made in accordance to health guidelines, and in deference to the health and safety of all and we appreciate your support and understanding.
Grant Provides Critical Resources to Enhance the Student Experience and Institutional Growth
Lindsborg, Kan. – Bethany College is proud to announce the 2026 Hall of Honor award recipients, recognizing eight individuals whose achievements and service have made a lasting impact on Swede Athletics. "The Athletics Hall of Honor celebrates those who exemplify excellence, leadership, and commitment in sport,” shared Laura Moreno, Dean of Athletics. The 2026 class embodies those attributes and much more. From memorable performances in five different sports, to remarkable coaching careers in nearby communities, to local business owners who support our current Swedes students and staff, this entire group has elevated our programs and department and embodied the very best of our institution. We look forward to honoring and celebrating their extraordinary achievements this October.” The annual Bethany College Hall of Honor Award Ceremony celebrates former student-athletes, coaches, and supporters whose excellence, leadership, and dedication have shaped Bethany College athletics. This year's honorees include four Hall of Honor inductees, two Coach of the Year recipients, and two Bethany Athletic Association (BAA) Award of Merit recipients. Bethany College Hall of Honor award winners include: • Sven Delin, a 2001 graduate, was a captain of the golf team that won four consecutive conference championships, leading to four national championship appearances. He won the conference tournament individually...twice! Delin was also a four-year all-conference academic athlete. • Vinny Butka, a 1982 graduate, was a three-time KCAC shot put champion, District 10 indoor shot put champion in 1981, ACCK champion in 1980 and 1982, three-time outdoor national qualifier, and ranks second in Bethany College history for shot put distance. • Tim Leaf, awarded posthumously, a 1981 graduate, was the KCAC Individual Champion in cross country in 1979 and 1980. In 1979, Leaf was the lead runner on Bethany College’s only KCAC championship team. He placed 33rd in the national cross country meet and remains the highest finishing individual in Bethany College history. In track, Leaf won the 1980 5,000-meter race and set the current school record with a time of 15:18.64. • Amy (Yonally) Wilson, a 1999 graduate, was a dual-sport athlete playing softball and volleyball. In volleyball, she was named to an all-conference volleyball team. In softball, Wilson was a four-time all-conference softball player, all-region softball award winner, and made the All-American Farm Team. Bethany College Coach of the Year award winners include: • Kent Teeter, a 1987 graduate, has had many successes over the last 39 years from his time at Hays High School and his current position at Holcomb High School. While coaching football, Teeter has won two state championships and four league titles. He has also been named the Sports in Kansas Coach of the Year twice, KFBCA Coach of the Year in 2015, and KFBCA Assistant Coach of the Year in 2024. Along with coaching football, Teeter has also been successful in coaching track and field as he led his Holcomb boys' teams to three consecutive state titles (looking to make it four next year), seven league titles (currently on a four-year streak), and six top three finishes in the state track meet. He has coached over 25 different individual state titles in track and field as well. • Greg Maxwell, a 1997 graduate, coaches both volleyball and girls' basketball at Ellinwood High School. In volleyball, he has over 230 career wins and won the 2025 2A State Championship with a perfect 47-0 record. In girls' basketball, Maxwell led his team to the 2026 2A State Championship, finishing as the runner-up. These were the first ever state tournament wins for Ellinwood who were also the Central Prairie League champions. Maxwell holds a 2A state runner up finish in girls' golf as well. Bethany Athletic Association Award of Merit award winners include: • Danielle (DuMars) Greene and Spencer Greene. Danielle, a 2013 graduate, and her husband have made an immediate impact on Bethany College Athletics. They are a host family for Women’s Basketball, providing numerous meals for the team as well. The Greenes are also the owners of the Ol’ Stuga which hosts the Coaches Radio Show and is a valued partner for both Athletics and Bethany College as a whole. • Brandi Swenson, owner of the Crown & Rye, has also hosted the Coaches Radio Show while also hosting many Swedes Athletics celebrations and playoff sendoff events. In addition, Crown and Rye provided food for the 2026 All Swede Awards, the annual Athletic Department celebration for all teams and student-athletes. The Crown & Rye is a valued partner of Bethany College Athletics. All recipients will be honored during a special ceremony during Homecoming/Inauguration Weekend on Sunday, October 25. About Bethany College Bethany College (bethanylb.edu) is a higher educational institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas. Bethany College was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For more than 140 years, Bethany College has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany College, 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. CONTACT: Christie Denniston, APR Vice President of Strategic Engagement 303-827-5164 Bethany College 335 East Swensson Street Lindsborg, KS 67456
Recipients Embody the Spirit of Bethany Through Lifelong Service, Generosity, Leadership, and Advocacy
