BETHANY DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS HIRES THOMAS DEWITT AS INTERIM HEAD TENNIS COACH
September 16, 2019
LINDSBORG, Kan. – The Swedes athletics department announces the hiring of Thomas DeWitt ’13 as the Interim Head Tennis Coach.
“I was happy to learn that Thomas DeWitt has agreed to return to his alma mater to coach Bethany tennis! With the ribbon cutting of the Dr. Emory Lindquist Tennis Complex this fall, this is an ideal time for Mr. DeWitt to utilize his strong connections to this community to build a competitive tennis team,” Bethany College Interim President, Dr. Elizabeth Mauch said.
Since the spring of 2016, DeWitt has been the assistant men’s tennis coach at Smoky Valley High School in Lindsborg. In addition to this, in the fall of 2015 and 2018, he was also the assistant for the women’s side. As a part of this, DeWitt helped to prepare the varsity for match play through teaching strategy and scrimmages. In addition, DeWitt also compiled statistics and schedules for the entirety of the team.
During DeWitt’s time at Smoky Valley, the men’s team has qualified at least one athlete to the Kansas State High School Athletics Association State Championships every year while the women have qualified two or more to the State Championships each year he has coached. The men’s team captured league championships in 2018 and 2019. In 2018, the team took home a third place finish at 4A State as well as having all six entrants qualifying. Again, in 2019, the team took third place at the State Tournament, this time in the 3A classification. Individually, the team has had assorted individual medalists at the State Tournament. These athletes placed as high as third place and no lower than 12th place. On the women’s side, the team qualified all six entrants to the 4A State Championships in 2018 in addition to winning the league championship during that same season. The team has also had individuals place fifth, seventh, and 12th at the State Championships.
“We are thrilled to welcome Thomas DeWitt as our Interim Head Tennis Coach. As a Lindsborg native and Bethany alum who played tennis for the Swedes, Thomas has a tremendous understanding of the KCAC, Bethany College, and the history and tradition of the tennis program,” Bethany’s Dean of Athletics, Laura Moreno said. “His background and overall philosophy are a great fit for our Athletic Department. We are very confident in Thomas’ ability to increase the depth and build the program back into a contender, and are so excited to see what Swedes Tennis will accomplish under his guidance.”
DeWitt earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bethany College in Second Chemistry Education in 2013. During his time as a Swede, he was named to the dean’s list, a Founder’s Scholarship award winner, and a member of Pi Sigma Chi Fraternity where he was the vice president for a year and the president for two years.
“I am thrilled to be rejoining the Bethany family,” DeWitt stated. “I could not be more excited to work with the athletes we already have on campus to build a successful program together. Bethany Tennis has a long history of excellence within the KCAC, and I look forward to regaining our position among the leaders in both Men’s and Women’s Tennis.
– #RockarStockar –
“I was happy to learn that Thomas DeWitt has agreed to return to his alma mater to coach Bethany tennis! With the ribbon cutting of the Dr. Emory Lindquist Tennis Complex this fall, this is an ideal time for Mr. DeWitt to utilize his strong connections to this community to build a competitive tennis team,” Bethany College Interim President, Dr. Elizabeth Mauch said.
Since the spring of 2016, DeWitt has been the assistant men’s tennis coach at Smoky Valley High School in Lindsborg. In addition to this, in the fall of 2015 and 2018, he was also the assistant for the women’s side. As a part of this, DeWitt helped to prepare the varsity for match play through teaching strategy and scrimmages. In addition, DeWitt also compiled statistics and schedules for the entirety of the team.
During DeWitt’s time at Smoky Valley, the men’s team has qualified at least one athlete to the Kansas State High School Athletics Association State Championships every year while the women have qualified two or more to the State Championships each year he has coached. The men’s team captured league championships in 2018 and 2019. In 2018, the team took home a third place finish at 4A State as well as having all six entrants qualifying. Again, in 2019, the team took third place at the State Tournament, this time in the 3A classification. Individually, the team has had assorted individual medalists at the State Tournament. These athletes placed as high as third place and no lower than 12th place. On the women’s side, the team qualified all six entrants to the 4A State Championships in 2018 in addition to winning the league championship during that same season. The team has also had individuals place fifth, seventh, and 12th at the State Championships.
“We are thrilled to welcome Thomas DeWitt as our Interim Head Tennis Coach. As a Lindsborg native and Bethany alum who played tennis for the Swedes, Thomas has a tremendous understanding of the KCAC, Bethany College, and the history and tradition of the tennis program,” Bethany’s Dean of Athletics, Laura Moreno said. “His background and overall philosophy are a great fit for our Athletic Department. We are very confident in Thomas’ ability to increase the depth and build the program back into a contender, and are so excited to see what Swedes Tennis will accomplish under his guidance.”
DeWitt earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bethany College in Second Chemistry Education in 2013. During his time as a Swede, he was named to the dean’s list, a Founder’s Scholarship award winner, and a member of Pi Sigma Chi Fraternity where he was the vice president for a year and the president for two years.
“I am thrilled to be rejoining the Bethany family,” DeWitt stated. “I could not be more excited to work with the athletes we already have on campus to build a successful program together. Bethany Tennis has a long history of excellence within the KCAC, and I look forward to regaining our position among the leaders in both Men’s and Women’s Tennis.
– #RockarStockar –
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. Learn more about Marilyn Peterson's story here: https://www.bethanylb.edu/a-degree-55-years-in-the-making 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
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.