USD 400 Gifts Replacement Turf and Costs Toward New Track at Anderson Stadium on Bethany College Campus
May 20, 2020
LINDSBORG, KANSAS, May 13, 2020- In the midst of the cancellations, postponements and quarantine resulting from the unforeseen COVID-19, a demonstration of commitment, community resolve and partnership has been forging in the background. As of May 11, the Board of USD 400 approved a gift for the costs to replace the synthetic turf at the Clyde and Glenn Lindstrom Field, and also toward the costs of the track, both at Anderson Stadium on Bethany College campus. Bethany College and Smoky Valley schools have shared these facilities for more than thirty years pursuant to use agreements. The various recreational teams organized through the City of Lindsborg also enjoy the track and field.
Dr. Elizabeth Mauch, Interim President of Bethany College notes that while COVID-19 has created challenging times, “community partners such as USD 400 have demonstrated a true commitment to the future of Bethany and the entire Lindsborg community with their investment in the turf and track.”
Bethany and USD 400 have been in discussion about the turf and track replacement for a few years now, as it was known the surfaces were close to exceeding their recommended lifespan. When COVID hit, the college administration took some time to carefully reevaluate the project. However, a commitment to the safety of all athletes combined with the fortune of special funds provided the opportunity to move the project forward. According to USD 400 Superintendent, Glen Suppes, “the district’s Capital Outlay funds allow for capital physical improvements but cannot be utilized for daily operational expenditures. We are grateful to have a wonderful working relationship with Bethany College, and the opportunity to spend our budgeted Capital dollars on the new turf in an effort to assist our students as well as our college athletes. Although general fund dollars may be limited later this fall and programs or positions may be greatly affected because of the effects of COVID-19, capital improvements will continue to move forward. Replacing the unsafe turf and track is an anticipated expense that must be addressed.”
“Facilities are such an integral part of athletics in not just the collegiate setting, but in all levels of sport. The safety of all student-athletes is our top priority, and we are very thankful for the strong working relationship and partnership with USD 400 that is allowing for the necessary capital improvements. In addition to ensuring a safe playing surface, these improvements will also play a pivotal part in both recruiting and retention for many of our programs. The partnership between Bethany, USD 400, and the City of Lindsborg truly demonstrates a commitment to the tradition of excellence and future of sport for the Swedes, Vikings, and the Smoky Valley,” commented Laura Moreno, Dean of Athletics at Bethany College.
While COVID requires communities and businesses to be prudent in spending, moving forward with community investment is equally important. “In this difficult time in many communities throughout our state, Lindsborg continues to look for ways to keep things moving forward,” stated Lindsborg Mayor, Becky Anderson. Mayor Anderson further commented, “the cooperation between USD 400 and Bethany College is another shining example of working together. The leadership of both institutions searched for a way to provide a much needed improvement to athletic facilities at Bethany College.”
The turf replacement will start in the next few weeks and the track will be replaced in the fall. Both USD 400 and the Smoky Valley School District look forward to a shared use of the facilities for years to come and Mayor Anderson thanks both for “continuing this legacy of community cooperation.” To borrow from the City of Lindsborg CVB, who is currently showcasing Lindsborg’s collective unique small-town offerings as “Lindsborg Lemonade,” this is a true case of making lemons into lemonade.
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.