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 –
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.