SWEDES ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT NAMES OLAN ORTIZ-ALVAREZ INTERIM HEAD BASEBALL COACH
September 5, 2019
LINDSBORG, Kan. – The Bethany department of athletics announces the promotion of Olan Ortiz-Alvarez to the position of Interim Head Baseball Coach.
“I was delighted that Olan agreed to lead our men’s baseball team during this time of transition. Having been with Bethany baseball for five years, I have every confidence that he will inspire our team to continue to work hard to prepare for the upcoming season,” Bethany College Interim President, Dr. Elizabeth Mauch said.
Ortiz-Alvarez has been with the Swedes since January 2015 as an assistant coach. Here, he has been in charge of infielders and hitting, worked as both a third and first base coach, developing in-game signal strategies. In addition to this, Ortiz-Alvarez has created opponent scouting reports, maintained the field, and was the top recruiter for the Swedes for the east, central parts of the United States, international athletes, as well as Puerto Rican players.
In addition to his duties for Bethany, Ortiz-Alvarez has also been active in other parts of the baseball world. Since May 2019, Ortiz-Alvarez has been a part of USA Baseball’s Fun at Bat & Major League Baseball. There, he introduced the game of baseball to elementary schools in Mexico, was an assistant coach, and was a Lead Clinic Coach for the International and Puerto Rico team.
Since July 2016, Ortiz-Alvarez has also been a Head Baseball Coach, League Director, and Scouting Director for the Puerto Rico Instructional Baseball League. Part of his duties was to be the director of operations as well as educate players about the technicalities and psychological aspects of the game. Ortiz was also an independent scout during this time, writing professional scouting reports for MLB scouts and independent league scouts. He also assisted the Kansas City Royals area scout with scouting reports and prospective players.
Ortiz-Alvarez played his first two seasons of college ball at NJCAA Division 1 school, Monroe College in New Rochelle, N.Y. From there he went to fellow KCAC school, Sterling College to round out his last two years.
“We are excited for Coach Ortiz and his opportunity as Interim Head Baseball Coach,” Swedes Dean of Athletics, Laura Moreno said. “Coach Ortiz has been an integral part of the baseball coaching staff for five seasons. His knowledge of the KCAC is invaluable, as are his baseball coaching background and attributes, mentoring capabilities, and baseball IQ. We look forward to seeing the Swedes compete under Coach Ortiz’s direction.”
Ortiz-Alvarez earned his Associate’s degree in Information Technology from Monroe College before receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management/Coaching and Instruction from Sterling College.
“I want to say thank you to Laura Moreno for giving me this opportunity and believing in me,” Ortiz-Alvarez said. “I have been here at Bethany College for six years and is an honor to accept this position and take over the baseball program. This was one of my goals when started coaching and here I am. I am very thankful for the people that helped me get my first coaching job and to get where I am at right now and I want to thank God for giving the chance to be at the top of such great institution.”
– #RockarStockar –
“I was delighted that Olan agreed to lead our men’s baseball team during this time of transition. Having been with Bethany baseball for five years, I have every confidence that he will inspire our team to continue to work hard to prepare for the upcoming season,” Bethany College Interim President, Dr. Elizabeth Mauch said.
Ortiz-Alvarez has been with the Swedes since January 2015 as an assistant coach. Here, he has been in charge of infielders and hitting, worked as both a third and first base coach, developing in-game signal strategies. In addition to this, Ortiz-Alvarez has created opponent scouting reports, maintained the field, and was the top recruiter for the Swedes for the east, central parts of the United States, international athletes, as well as Puerto Rican players.
In addition to his duties for Bethany, Ortiz-Alvarez has also been active in other parts of the baseball world. Since May 2019, Ortiz-Alvarez has been a part of USA Baseball’s Fun at Bat & Major League Baseball. There, he introduced the game of baseball to elementary schools in Mexico, was an assistant coach, and was a Lead Clinic Coach for the International and Puerto Rico team.
Since July 2016, Ortiz-Alvarez has also been a Head Baseball Coach, League Director, and Scouting Director for the Puerto Rico Instructional Baseball League. Part of his duties was to be the director of operations as well as educate players about the technicalities and psychological aspects of the game. Ortiz was also an independent scout during this time, writing professional scouting reports for MLB scouts and independent league scouts. He also assisted the Kansas City Royals area scout with scouting reports and prospective players.
Ortiz-Alvarez played his first two seasons of college ball at NJCAA Division 1 school, Monroe College in New Rochelle, N.Y. From there he went to fellow KCAC school, Sterling College to round out his last two years.
“We are excited for Coach Ortiz and his opportunity as Interim Head Baseball Coach,” Swedes Dean of Athletics, Laura Moreno said. “Coach Ortiz has been an integral part of the baseball coaching staff for five seasons. His knowledge of the KCAC is invaluable, as are his baseball coaching background and attributes, mentoring capabilities, and baseball IQ. We look forward to seeing the Swedes compete under Coach Ortiz’s direction.”
Ortiz-Alvarez earned his Associate’s degree in Information Technology from Monroe College before receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management/Coaching and Instruction from Sterling College.
“I want to say thank you to Laura Moreno for giving me this opportunity and believing in me,” Ortiz-Alvarez said. “I have been here at Bethany College for six years and is an honor to accept this position and take over the baseball program. This was one of my goals when started coaching and here I am. I am very thankful for the people that helped me get my first coaching job and to get where I am at right now and I want to thank God for giving the chance to be at the top of such great institution.”
– #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.