COMMUNITY BENEFITS FROM BETHANY COLLEGE, MCPHERSON SHERIFF AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT RELATIONS
July 3, 2019
LINDSBORG, KAN., On June 14, 2019, the McPherson County Special Response Team spent nearly eight hours training in two residence halls on Bethany College campus. This training also provided an opportunity for the deputies to familiarize themselves with layout, entrances and exits of the residence halls. In connection with the training, McPherson County Sheriff Jerry Montagne, a 1995 Bethany alum, visited campus and met Dean of Student Development, Ryan Van Dusen and Campus Safety Director, Josh Snider, both responsible for campus emergency preparedness.
Other area law enforcement agencies have informally partnered with Bethany College’s criminal justice department allowing criminal justice majors firsthand experience. Through a working relationship with the Kansas Highway Patrol, Bethany provides criminal justice students as role players when the KHP is training recruits in accident investigation, DUI detection, domestic violence, robbery, and damage to state property investigations. Bethany students have also been role players in active shooter training by Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the KHP SWAT team, and for riot training with the Ellsworth Correctional Facility SWAT team. Crisis City also invited students out when the state fire marshal K-9 teams needed role playing during a collapsed building / rescue event. Several Bethany alums working in the criminal justice field in the area also visit campus to talk with current students.
Bethany student, Molly Achterberg, will complete her senior seminar project this summer by helping renovate the sheriff’s lobby at the McPherson Law Enforcement Center. The renovation involves adding display racks so tee shirts from all 50 states, for the Law Enforcement Torch Run/ Special Olympics, can be seen. Recent graduate Lexie Valentine coordinated with Saline County Community Corrections this past spring, to inspect and prepare a list of suggestions and supplies for renovations. After funding is established, students in the criminal justice department next fall, will make the renovations recommended by Lexie. The criminal justice department will also be painting several of the detention cells at the McPherson County Law Enforcement Center.
The criminal justice club will host a “CSI” camp on campus July 9, 10 and 11 for grades fourth through eighth. The camp will include crime scene processing and photography, fingerprinting, fluid splatter, evidence collection and processing; and more. Sheriff Montagne will participate.
Bethany College anticipates inviting Sheriff Montagne to provide an awareness and self-defense course in the near future. Sheriff Montagne has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a 2nd black belt in Judo and has taught a women’s safety awareness and self-defense course across the state of Kansas for the past several years. Because he is an instructor for defensive tactics training, including pressure points, mace and taser, Sheriff Montagne’s safety course also implements prevention techniques.
Sheriff Montagne commented, “I am so proud of being a Bethany grad. I not only get to see and be on the campus again, but to glad my swat team can train to help Bethany students. My time at Bethany was full of great memories. Professor Dale Hoffman was such an inspiration to me. Bethany College definitely helped me to get where I am today, the highest law enforcement officer in the county. Thanks for allowing me to be a Swede!”
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 Swedes to Sweden, a free service-learning trip for the sophomore class to Sweden, and 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.
Other area law enforcement agencies have informally partnered with Bethany College’s criminal justice department allowing criminal justice majors firsthand experience. Through a working relationship with the Kansas Highway Patrol, Bethany provides criminal justice students as role players when the KHP is training recruits in accident investigation, DUI detection, domestic violence, robbery, and damage to state property investigations. Bethany students have also been role players in active shooter training by Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the KHP SWAT team, and for riot training with the Ellsworth Correctional Facility SWAT team. Crisis City also invited students out when the state fire marshal K-9 teams needed role playing during a collapsed building / rescue event. Several Bethany alums working in the criminal justice field in the area also visit campus to talk with current students.
Bethany student, Molly Achterberg, will complete her senior seminar project this summer by helping renovate the sheriff’s lobby at the McPherson Law Enforcement Center. The renovation involves adding display racks so tee shirts from all 50 states, for the Law Enforcement Torch Run/ Special Olympics, can be seen. Recent graduate Lexie Valentine coordinated with Saline County Community Corrections this past spring, to inspect and prepare a list of suggestions and supplies for renovations. After funding is established, students in the criminal justice department next fall, will make the renovations recommended by Lexie. The criminal justice department will also be painting several of the detention cells at the McPherson County Law Enforcement Center.
The criminal justice club will host a “CSI” camp on campus July 9, 10 and 11 for grades fourth through eighth. The camp will include crime scene processing and photography, fingerprinting, fluid splatter, evidence collection and processing; and more. Sheriff Montagne will participate.
Bethany College anticipates inviting Sheriff Montagne to provide an awareness and self-defense course in the near future. Sheriff Montagne has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a 2nd black belt in Judo and has taught a women’s safety awareness and self-defense course across the state of Kansas for the past several years. Because he is an instructor for defensive tactics training, including pressure points, mace and taser, Sheriff Montagne’s safety course also implements prevention techniques.
Sheriff Montagne commented, “I am so proud of being a Bethany grad. I not only get to see and be on the campus again, but to glad my swat team can train to help Bethany students. My time at Bethany was full of great memories. Professor Dale Hoffman was such an inspiration to me. Bethany College definitely helped me to get where I am today, the highest law enforcement officer in the county. Thanks for allowing me to be a Swede!”
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 Swedes to Sweden, a free service-learning trip for the sophomore class to Sweden, and 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.
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.
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.
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.