CLARENCE ANDERSON NAMED TO THE KANSAS PRO INDOOR FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

June 5, 2019
LINDSBORG, Kan. – Swedes football passing game coordinator, Clarence Anderson, has been selected for induction into the Kansas Pro Indoor Football Hall of Fame, which is sponsored by the Wichita Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. Anderson spent three seasons (2015, 2016, 2017) with the Wichita Force of the Champions Indoor Football League.

“I am very honored to be inducted into the Kansas Pro Indoor Football Hall of Fame”, said Anderson. “This would not have been possible without my great teammates and coaches! My experience was amazing thanks to the family and the fans who always supported the team! The greatest part of it all is my family was able to watch us win a championship in 2016!”

Anderson appeared in 36 games for the Force. He had 151 receptions for 1,712 yards and 37 receiving touchdowns. As a kick returner, he had 101 attempts for 2,006 yards, averaged 19.9 yards per return, and had four touchdowns. Anderson also excelled as a punt returner, finishing with eight returns for 378 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 120.4 all-purpose yards per game for the Force.

Anderson was a four-year letterman on the football field at fellow KCAC school, Ottawa University. He was a two-time NAIA AFCA All-American, and a three-time First Team All-KCAC selection. Anderson finished his four-year career at OU with 4,329 receiving yards, 635 punt return yards, 1,762 kick return yards, and 73 yards rushing. He had 279 career receptions, averaged 15.5 yards per reception, 111 receiving yards per game, and had 49 receiving touchdowns.

Anderson made his mark in the OU career record book. He is ranked in the top 10 in kickoff return attempts, kickoff return yards, kick returns for a touchdown, punt return attempts, points in a career, touchdowns, receiving touchdowns, receiving yards, and all-purpose yards.

A multifaceted athlete, Anderson also made his mark at Ottawa on the track. He is a two-time NAIA All-American, earning the honor as part of the 4x100M Relay team and in the 200M. He holds school records in the 100M (10.45), 200M (21.00), 400M (47.1), and was part of the 4x100M school record relay team (40.75). Anderson was a 13-time KCAC Champion, 10 in outdoor and three in indoor and he was an All-KCAC performer 15 times.

Anderson played football overseas in Poland, and played for the Wichita Force of the CIF before retiring in the spring of 2017. After spending two seasons as a graduate assistant coach at Ottawa University, Anderson is now the passing game coordinator at Bethany College.

Anderson’s induction will take place ‪on Saturday, June 9, 2019 at 3:35 p.m. prior to the Wichita Force football game at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kan.

– #RockarStockar –
Bethany College Welcomes Christie Denniston as Vice President of Advancement & Alumni Engagement
June 11, 2025
Bethany College is proud to announce the appointment of Christie Denniston as Vice President of Advancement & Alumni Engagement. Denniston brings more than three decades of experience in marketing, strategic communications, and higher education engagement to her new role at Bethany College.
May 9, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAY 9, 2025 — Bethany College held an employee recognition dinner on May 6 to celebrate the end of the academic year. Faculty and staff celebrating service anniversaries included Denise Carson, Director of the Wallerstedt Library (40 years); Frank Ballew, Director of Publications (25 years); Andrea Ring, Chair of the Department of Psychology and Associate Professor of Psychology (15 years); Marcus Hensel, Assistant Professor of English (10 years); and Kelley Menke, Thomas DeWitt, Adam Long, Dala Roberts, Brian Powers, and Jenni Snider (5 years). These dedicated individuals exemplify the lasting commitment that helps define the Bethany experience. We’re proud to celebrate their continued service and the strength they bring to our campus community. The Donna Meredith Humphreys Award for Teaching was presented to Dr. Rob Habiger , Class of 1969, in recognition of his exceptional mentorship and dedication to his students. The award, established by Don and Alice Humphreys of Great Bend, Kansas, honors the memory of their daughter, Meredy, who earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Bethany in 1991. It is given annually to a faculty member who demonstrates outstanding teaching ability, inspires intellectual curiosity in both students and colleagues, and takes a genuine interest in students’ personal growth. The recipient must also encourage leadership and the development of strong character. Dr. Habiger, who recently moved back to Colorado with his wife Celeste, played a significant role in leading the Presidential Search Committee and teaching physics during his time in Lindsborg. Over the past year, Rob and Celeste became deeply involved in the Bethany College community, attending nearly every event, founding a scholarship, hosting gatherings, mentoring students, and generously volunteering their time throughout the town. In addition to the Meredy Humphreys Award, Rob and Celeste were honored with the special TTT (Time, Talent, Treasure) Award for their exceptional contributions to the campus. Bethany College is deeply grateful for their dedication and service. Dr. Marcus Hensel , Associate Professor of English, was named the recipient of the Mortvedt Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award . Established in honor of former Bethany President Robert Mortvedt, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding teaching, distinctive leadership, and a commitment to strengthening the college’s academic and campus life. Dr. Hensel was selected for his engaging classroom approach, commitment to student success, and meaningful contributions to the academic life of the college. Crystal Houp , Admissions Operations Manager, received the Ken Sjogren Annual Staff Service Award , which recognizes a full-time staff member who exemplifies hospitality, servant leadership, collaboration, and steadfast support for the mission of Bethany College. Crystal has served Bethany College for nearly two decades, consistently demonstrating dedication, professionalism, and care in her work. Her impact on the campus community, particularly within the Admissions Office, has been both broad and lasting. Colleagues and nominators described her as dependable, detail-oriented, and a true steward of hospitality. “Over the many years that Crystal has been at Bethany, she has served hundreds of families along with our faculty and staff,” one nomination read. “Her work may go unnoticed to many, but to the team she works with and those she serves, it’s something you can’t miss.” The Ken Sjogren Annual Staff Service Award honors the legacy of Kenneth “Ken” Edward Sjogren ’57, who served Bethany College for 23 years in various leadership roles. The award celebrates the vital role staff play in the life of the college and their partnership in supporting students and faculty. Bethany College is grateful for Crystal’s outstanding contributions and is proud to recognize her with this year’s award. 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.
May 6, 2025
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.
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