Updated Spectator Guidelines
August 19, 2021
Hello Swedes!
Welcome back! It's that time of year and we are so excited to see everyone on campus soon! With our first games quickly approaching, I wanted to share the below update.
Effective immediately and until further notice, Bethany College has announced new spectator policies. Based on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is in the best interest of the safety of our students, faculty, and staff to have a reduced number of spectators at this time. Ticketing limits have been set based on practices suggested by the McPherson County Health Department (MCHD), the McPherson County Board of County Commissioners/Board of Health, and the Kansas Department of Health.
Tickets for all home events for Football, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, and Wrestling are available at https://www.bethanyswedes.com/ticketing. General admission tickets need to be pre-purchased online at the aforementioned website, as well as student/faculty/staff tickets need to be pre-reserved online at that same website. Tickets are available for purchase/reservation online until the conclusion of the contest; however, it is strongly encouraged that fans pre-purchase tickets in order to ensure availability.
For Volleyball, Basketball, and Wrestling events in Hahn Gym at Bethany College: Due to suggested guidelines 500 tickets will currently be available for these events. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.bethanyswedes.com/ticketing. Currently 350 tickets will be available for general admission while 150 tickets will only be made available to Bethany College students, faculty, and staff. All Bethany students, faculty, and staff must provide a current Bethany ID along with their reserved ticket at the gate. Masks and proper social distancing are required inside of Hahn Gym.
For Football and Soccer events held at Anderson Stadium at Bethany College: 350 General Admission tickets and 150 student/faculty/staff tickets will be available on https://www.bethanyswedes.com/ticketing. Masks are strongly encouraged within the Stadium while proper social distancing is required.
For Baseball/Softball/Tennis events at Bethany College: Spectators are allowed at the Tennis Complex, Baseball field and Softball field. Bethany College encourages spectators to bring their own seating in order to practice social distancing. Masks and proper social distancing are required.
Bethany College understands that immediate family members, or "pods," represent a significant portion of the spectators attending athletic events. As there is typically no social distancing among members of a pod, all spectators are asked to be vigilant of social distancing and maintain at least six feet between themselves and other individuals or those outside of their pod. The College would also like to remind those sitting together in a pod to limit close interactions with individuals outside of their immediate family members.
Home athletic events are available to watch online at no cost at https://www.kcacnetwork.com/bethanyks/. Most visiting athletic events also have live video available. Links for those events will be posted on bethanyswedes.com.
If you have any questions, please contact Laura Moreno, Dean of Athletics, at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8369, or Brad Yoder, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications, at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8178.
As more information becomes available and circumstances regarding COVID-19 in McPherson County change, Bethany College will continually re-evaluate the spectator policy. Continue to check www.bethanyswedes.com regularly for further updates.
Laura Moreno
Dean of Athletics
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.