Heritage

OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS

J.E. and L.E. Mabee Welcome Center

800.826.2281 x 8113

785.227.3380 x 8113

admissions@bethanylb.edu

Heritage & Traditions

Swedish-Lutheran settlers worked with the Rev. Dr. Carl A. Swensson, Bethany’s founder, to establish Bethany Academy on October 15, 1881, in the sacristy of Bethany Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, Kan. Ten students attended the first class.

The college grew rapidly. Bethany evolved from Bethany Academy through 1885, to Bethany Normal Institute in 1886, to Bethany College and Normal Institute in 1887, to Bethany College in 1889. Bethany grew from an academy in a modest frame building, to a full college housed in the imposing brick building of “Old Main,” and now is a thriving institution occupying a newly-renovated campus.

Bethany College remains deeply steeped in the Lutheran and Swedish heritage and traditions of its founding and that of the surrounding community,

and we invite you to share them with us. Rockar Stockar!

Lutheran Identity

Bethany College is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), owned and operated by the Central States Synod and the Arkansas/Oklahoma Synod of the ELCA. We are part of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU), and share a common calling. At ELCA colleges and universities, students will discover through education in body, mind, and spirit that they are called and empowered to serve the neighbor so that all may flourish.

Read more about our Lutheran Identity →

Swedish Heritage

Bethany is located in Lindsborg, Kan., a town founded in 1869 by Swedish immigrants. Now Lindsborg is home to 3,400 people that actively preserve its Swedish heritage. Seasonal festivals such as Svensk Hyllningsfest and Midsummer’s Day attract thousands of visitors to the area.

The architecture of Lindsborg’s downtown storefronts reflects a traditional Scandinavian style, and Wild Dala Horses – a symbol of Swedish folk craft – can be viewed around town and on campus. Notably, the architecture of the Pearson Memorial Chapel & Mabee Welcome Center was designed with elements of modern and traditional Swedish style.

Visit Lindsborg →

Campus Traditions

The Bethany community has a long history of spirited traditions, which continue to be practiced today.

Rockar! Stockar!

Since 1903, when the “Terrible Swedes” were feared and respected by all gridiron opponents, students and alumni have rallied Bethany athletic competition with this cheer, yelled in Swedish and based on Swedish mythology. The chant, and its rough translation, is:

ROCKAR! STOCKAR!
(The jarl wore a jacket or coat – rockar – and was on a log raft – stockar – braving the perils of the Baltic.)

THOR OCH HANS BOCKAR!
(Thor going ever forward with lightning speed, from pinnacle to pinnacle, driving his irresistible thunderbolts through all opposition.)

KOR IGENOM! KOR IGENOM!
(Hit that line! Hit that line!)

TJO! TJO! TJO!
(A Swedish interjection.)

BETHANIA!
(Bethany!)

Messiah Festival of the Arts

Every year since 1882, the Bethany Oratorio Society has presented Handel’s Messiah at the college – the longest-running annual performances in North America. The society has performed Messiah across the plains, in Carnegie Hall and on national television. Now, Messiah is performed Palm and Easter Sundays, and Bach’s St. Matthew Passion is performed on Good Friday. The festival also includes art exhibitions, theatre performances and ensemble concerts.

Walk from Bethany Lutheran Church

In honor of its founding in the sacristy of Bethany Lutheran Church, students traditionally walk to the church for a welcome service on their first day at Bethany as freshmen. Then, before baccalaureate services on the day of their commencement, Bethany seniors line up in front of Bethany Lutheran Church for a traditional procession to Presser Hall on campus.

Ringing of the Bell

When a Swedes athletics team wins conference, they gather in front of Hahn Gymnasium to ring the bell and spread the news to the rest of the campus, regardless of what time of day – or night – it may be.

Lift High the Cross

Each year during Homecoming week, Bethany students celebrate the college’s heritage of faith by lifting high a wooden cross in the gazebo. Students sign up for shifts so that the cross is held high during every hour of the week.