Bethany Magazine | 2025-2026

President’s Message A reflection on my first six months

It is a joy to write to you as the 16th president of Bethany College. Each day on campus I am reminded that we are part of a remarkable tradition, one that began with Swedish Lutheran settlers in 1881 and continues today in the lives of our students, who carry Bethany’s mission forward into the world.

At Bethany College, we believe that the liberal arts are not a luxury of the past but a necessity for the future The liberal arts prepare our students in ways that — to quote Dr. Tash Smith, our Academic Dean — “futureproof” their lives and careers, equipping them with the knowledge, adaptability, and resilience needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Our commitment is to the growth of the whole student through a rich education that integrates academics, athletics, fine arts, and spiritual development.

Like many small, private, rural liberal arts colleges, Bethany faces pressures on enrollment, rising costs, and the need to invest wisely in our people, programs, and facilities. Yet these challenges also present opportunities: to sharpen our focus, to innovate with courage, and to reaffirm the enduring value of a Bethany education . With the support of alumni and friends like you, we are building new pathways for student success and renewing and creating partnerships that connect Bethany more deeply to the communities we serve.

One of the great joys of these first months has been meeting students and alumni who embody Bethany’s mission . I think of a first-year student who told me she came here because she wanted a place where professors know her by name and where she can try everything—sports, music, and science— without being told she has to choose just one. I think of alumni who return to campus and say that their time as a student gave them not just knowledge, but the courage to live lives of purpose and service. These stories remind me daily that our work matters.

In all of this, we are guided by the depth and richness of the Lutheran tradition in higher education, which affirms both faith and reason, insists on the dignity of every person, and calls us to lives of service and purpose. At Bethany, education is not just about preparing for the future. It is also about living fully and faithfully now, cultivating the habits of mind and spirit that will carry students forward as leaders, innovators, and servants in the world.

I would love to hear your stories, too. Please reach out to me, connect with us on social media, and share the ways Bethany has shaped your life. Better yet, come visit us on campus. I would be delighted to welcome you personally! And mark your calendars now for April 17–18, 2026 , when we will celebrate my inauguration as President. It will be a joyful celebration of Bethany, of Lindsborg, and of the communities we serve together. I hope you will join us.

With gratitude and hope, Dr. Laura Crawley

President, Bethany College

On the cover:

A montage of photos from Hyllningsfest and Homecoming weekend 2025.

Volume 119 Number 1 2025 – 2026

DR. LAURA CRAWLEY President president@bethanylb.edu

CHRISTIE DENNISTON Vice President of Advancement & Alumni Engagement dennistoncl@bethanylb.edu

MATTHEW GRAHAM Manager of Advancement and Business Operations grahammm@bethanylb.edu

BETHANY COLLEGE

335 E. Swensson St. Lindsborg, KS 67456-1895 (785) 227-3380 bethanylb.edu

HAYLEY SAMFORD Director of Alumni Development and Engagement samfordhe@bethanylb.edu

CHRISTINA HIGHSMITH Director of Marketing highsmithcj@bethanylb.edu

JIM TURNER ‘68 Turner Photography

OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS 1-800-826-2281 admissions@bethanylb.edu

ALUMNI OFFICE (785) 227-3380 ext. 8537 alumni@bethanylb.edu

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VALKOMMEN WEEKEND

Valkommen Leaders and Freshmen Orientation groups gathering in Presser Hall before their morning orientation activities. The 2025 Valkommen Weekend theme was “In my Swede Era!”

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EXPLORING LINDSBORG

Valkommen Weekend Group O is pictured with Deanna Rhynerson Ryals who works downtown at Crown and Rye. This picture was taken during the Downtown Extravaganza where freshmen and Valkommen Leaders got to see all that downtown Lindsborg has to offer.

SOCCER TOURNAMENT

Students participating in Intramurals: Indoor Soccer 4x4 Tournament. Left to right: Jesus Gamino, Richard Livingston, Steven McQueen, and Donatella Luccarreli.

DOWNTOWN EXTRAVAGANZA

Valkommen Weekend Group U with workers at the Hemslojd.

DE-STRESS FEST

Chris and MaKenzie Yoder receive pet therapy with service dogs at De-Stress Fest during finals week.

PI DAY

Maggie Heath and Dr. Lorenelle Lockyear on The Newtonian Society Pi Day celebration. By raising the most money for charity, they got a pie to the face!

FINAL INTRAMURALS

Students participating in Intramurals: Flag Football Tournament, which is the last Intramurals event of the school year! Left to right: Devin Spencer, Maurice Cudjo, Celina Eisenhardt, Ty Eugene, JD Carson, Kendall Collins, Liyah Huynh.

PLANT SOMETHING

Janae Black-Harmon and Chloe Percy at SAB’s Plant Something event. Students can come to the ampitheatre to paint a pot and plant a succulent.

SKY TRAMPOLINE

Abraham Ortiz Ortega and Myla Tate at SAB’s Sky Trampoline in Salina, Kansas, allowing students to jump around.

A Degree 55 Years in the Making Peterson Family Celebrates Marilyn’s Milestone

By Advancement Staff

s 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.

A Message from Marilyn Allen Peterson

I became a Christian at age 32. God began restoring the broken places in my life. He started with a new relationship with Him.

I had squandered college and the opportunities there to learn and grow. I didn’t get to graduate.

Circumstances like incomplete work and the Vietnam war and marriage and moves and children never afforded me any opportunities to teach.

But, after I became a Christian, I went to church and to Bible Study Fellowship. They taught me the Bible verse by verse and book by book. I was a good student this time. They asked me to serve by teaching little children God’s Word. I was teaching!

On graduation day, I felt another of God’s gifts as He graciously restored another broken place in my life. He granted me my degree!

God bless you, Marilyn Peterson

Swede Spotlights From Campus to Kernza: Cultivating a More Sustainable Food System

By Karl-Heinz Morrow II ‘26

In an era of climate uncertainty and growing concern over sustainable agriculture, a small but passionate community is sowing seeds of change— literally. Among them is a Bethany alum who found his passion for conservation and sustainable grain farming through an unexpected route: a classroom at Bethany College.

“I got interested in sustainable agriculture and grains through Bethany, thanks to Professor Kristin Van Tassel,” James Bowden ‘09, recalls. “She introduced students to the work of The Land Institute, and that really opened the door for me.”

That introduction led to a hands-on journey with Kernza, a perennial grain developed by The Land Institute that could revolutionize farming as we know it. For those unfamiliar with Kernza, it’s a climate-friendly crop that offers numerous environmental benefits.

Kernza is a perennial grain developed from a wild grass called Thinopyrum intermedium, also known as intermediate wheatgrass. Unlike traditional annual grains like wheat, which must be planted and harvested every year, Kernza stays in the ground for multiple years. This allows its deep root system, which can stretch up to 10 feet, to stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and capture carbon. Because it doesn’t require annual tilling, Kernza helps maintain healthier soil structures and supports longterm agricultural sustainability. What makes Kernza especially

“There are so many ways people can contribute to conservationism. This is mine.”

significant is its potential to revolutionize how we think about food production. It uses less water, needs fewer chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, and supports biodiversity in the soil and surrounding ecosystem. As climate change intensifies and agricultural systems face mounting pressure, Kernza represents a promising step toward more regenerative farming. While it’s still being developed and yields are currently lower than conventional wheat, its environmental benefits and expanding interest from food companies and researchers position it as a grain with transformative potential for the future of food and farming.

For Bowden, being part of the Kernza movement is more than just a career—it’s a calling. “It’s really cool being on the cutting edge of science,” he says. “There are so many ways people can contribute to conservationism. This is mine.”

“I got interested in sustainable agriculture and grains through Bethany, thanks to Professor Kristin Van Tassel. She introduced students to the work of The Land Institute, and that really opened the door for me.”

James Bowden ‘09

That conservationist mindset has carried over to his own family farm. “Working with Kernza changed how I think about what I plant. Even beyond Kernza, I’m always asking, ‘How does this affect the rest of the environment?’ That’s something The Land Institute really helps ingrain in people.”

In addition to growing Kernza himself, Bowden is also the Director of Community Engagement for Sustain-AGrain, a Kernza supplier, promoter, and product developer. You’ll frequently hear or see him in the news or on podcasts promoting the grain. We recommend listening to him on ‘Ask-AKansan,’ a podcast hosted by Gus Applequist and Sydney Collins, wife of Milton Collins 2014.

Growing Interest, Growing Grains

But what about other farmers? Is the agricultural community ready to embrace this shift?

“There’s definitely interest,” Bowden explains, “but we have to make sure farmers are

incentivized to grow it. If there’s a market, they’ll grow it.”

That’s why increasing demand for Kernza-based products has become a critical part of the mission. And there’s good news—Kernza is starting to hit the shelves.

“You can now find everything from flour to rolled flake Kernza,” he shares. “A big one we’re excited about is climate-smart egg noodles made with Kernza. It’s a tangible way people can support sustainable agriculture.”

In the Smoky Valley, you can find Kernza flours, noodles, and even a bourbon at the Smoky Valley Distillery or, up the road in Minneapolis, KS, a brew, at The Farm and The Odd Fellows, owned by another Bethany family, Keir Swisher ‘02, and Ashley (Oplinger) Swisher, Social ‘05. Sustain-A-Grain is currently working to get 50 Brews in 50 States, so there may be a Kernza beer coming to your neighborhood, if there isn’t one already!

Where to Find Kernza— and How You Can Help

Curious readers can support the Kernza movement by purchasing these products or asking their local grocery stores to carry them. Increased demand means more opportunities for farmers to grow the grain, leading to broader environmental impact. You can also purchase some Kernza products online at www.sustainagrain.com

To learn more about Kernza and ongoing research and advocacy efforts, visit www.landinstitute.org or follow their work on social media.

Alum Helps Oklahoma Heal from the Opioid Epidemic

By Karl-Heinz Morrow II ‘26

fter earning his degree in social work and political science from Bethany College in 1973, Terry Simonson began his professional journey in public service working at the Jackson County Court in Kansas City, Missouri. “It was this experience that showed me how my political science education on how governments work could combine with my social work education on how to help those in the legal system.” His next job would be at the Juvenile detention center in McPherson County,

Kansas. His early dedication and leadership quickly propelled him through the ranks, and he eventually assumed oversight of the entire county court system.

Simonson’s career took a pivotal turn in 1979 when he was appointed Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma—a role that placed him at the center of municipal governance during a transformative period for the city. Driven by a deepening interest in law and public policy, Simonson enrolled in the University of Tulsa College of Law in 1984.

This decision would mark the beginning of a distinguished legal career that spanned more than two decades, cementing his legacy in the courtroom and beyond.

Over the next 23 years, Simonson built a reputation as a dedicated legal professional, blending his background in public service with a sharp legal mind. Despite spending over twenty years away from the political space, Simonson was drawn back to it anyway. In 2007, he returned to the City of Tulsa. Since 2013,

“At any point in time, I can be a facilitator, collaborator, educator, coordinator, and initiator to help leaders who need to respond to the opioid crisis but don’t know how or where to begin.”

he has served as the Director of Governmental Affairs in Tulsa County. “Over the years I have served in many high-level city and county government positions in Tulsa where I have helped Mayors and County Commissioners face the challenges of serving thousands of citizens.”

In recent years, Oklahoma has found itself at the center of a growing opioid epidemic, with fentanyl driving a surge in overdose deaths. In 2022 alone, the state recorded more than 700 fatalities linked to opioid use, a stark reminder of the crisis facing communities from urban centers to rural towns. In response, Oklahoma created the Opioid Abatement Board in 2020 to oversee the distribution of funds secured from landmark settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors. These funds were intended to support local efforts to reduce addiction, save lives, and rebuild affected communities. But progress was slow, and critical dollars went untouched.

Terry Simonson ‘73

That changed in 2023, when Attorney General Gentner Drummond assumed office. He uncovered $23 million in opioid settlement funds, which had been left unused. Drummond made it a top priority to get that money into the hands of those who needed it most. To lead the charge, he appointed Terry Simonson as special counsel, tasking him with accelerating the deployment of grants statewide.

“I wear many hats as the Special Counsel for the Attorney General in helping local leaders respond to the opioid crisis. At any point in time, I can be a facilitator, collaborator, educator, coordinator, and initiator to help leaders who need to respond to the opioid crisis but don’t know how or where to begin.”

These grants are guided by national best practices developed by Johns Hopkins University, focusing on five key principles: saving lives, evidence-based treatment, youth education, racial equity, and transparency. To help communities navigate the application process, the Healthy Minds Policy Initiative

offers strategic and planning support. So far, 70 political subdivisions, including counties, cities, and schools, have received grants to support a wide range of programs, from expanding access to Naloxone and treatment services to launching school-based prevention efforts.

The state is poised to receive $400 million over the next 18 years, providing an unprecedented opportunity for public and private sectors to work together in reshaping Oklahoma’s response to addiction. With a renewed sense of urgency and leadership, Simonson is helping turn the tide in a crisis that has touched nearly every family and community. “With the national opioid settlement providing $55 billion dollars over 18 years to every state, money isn’t the problem. The problem is finding the local leaders who can understand what’s needed and how to properly spend the money that is available to the state, counties, cities, and schools. It is very satisfying knowing my efforts are helping make a difference.”

Four Decades of Heart and Service

By Hayley Samford

s he always does at the end of the fiscal year, Mark Lysell, ‘74, dropped by the Alumni Office to make a donation. With a big smile, Mark recalls the first year he started this tradition, “I came into the Alumni Office and pulled out the 1937 yearbook, where my mom, Thyra, is recognized as being Homecoming Queen. I asked why this yearbook wasn’t always out like that,” he says.

“Every year since then, Jane has made sure that yearbook is out and open to the Homecoming page – just like she keeps it there all year –when she knows I’m coming in.”

Fellow alum Bob Kruger ‘62 says, “She is a walking encyclopedia of this place. If there is anything you want to know about anyone who attended Bethany, ask Jane. She is a blessing.”

If you’ve interacted with Bethany College, as an alum, over the last 45 years, you probably think of Jane when you imagine the Alumni Office. While she would never call herself a ‘Bethany Icon’ she certainly makes a big impact. This is our thank you to Jane for over four decades of guidance, genealogical research, meticulous record keeping, and friendship.

“When I started at Bethany, I’d never had the opportunity to work in an Alumni Office before. Jane was a lifesaver,” said Hayley

Samford, Alumni Director. “Jane made sure I knew who I needed to know — including who is related to whom — and steered me in the right direction to plan events and talk to alums. She also taught me about all the resources I had.”

“There’s never been an alumni event, since I’ve been at Bethany, where alums don’t mention their thankfulness for Jane or her ability to remember what makes someone smile and then make that happen — no matter how big or small.”

When you talk to Marilyn Sjogren, ‘60, about Jane, she will tell you, “Kenny always said ‘hiring Jane was one of the best things I did.’”

And Jane says, “The best thing I did was come work for Ken!”

These positive memories and achievements are shared across decades of Bethany Alumni Office members, including Kristi Northcutt, ’00, Former Alumni Director.

“The time that Jane and I worked together in the Alumni & Advancement Office is one of the most special in my professional career. Not only did we get so much accomplished, but we also connected with so many wonderful alums, raised huge amounts of money for the college, and had loads of fun while doing it,” she says.

Northcutt continues, “She was not only my right hand, but she was also a great friend — both of my children were born during my years of service at Bethany, and she helped me embed them into the Bethany family. I will always cherish and admire Jane and all she does for Bethany College — but more than that, for WHO she is as a person.”

Someone with Jane’s experience at Bethany definitely doesn’t take long to make a great impression on new leadership either!

“One of the first things I learned when I arrived at Bethany is this: If you say the name of just about any alum, Jane can probably tell you their entire family tree,” says Dr. Laura Crawley, President.

“That’s how deeply she knows and cares about Bethany alumni and their families. Jane's kindness, her steady presence, and her impressive memory have kept generations of Swedes connected with the College she loves. Jane isn’t just part of the Bethany story. Jane is the Bethany story for so many people.”

FaithFULL Conversations Exploring Vocation Together

By Melissa Woeppel ‘15, Campus Pastor

This fall, we’ve launched a new spiritual development program, FaithFULL Conversations. Each week, a member of the faculty or staff joins me for conversation about vocation, discernment, service, spiritual life, and more. Part storytelling, part interview, part group discussion, these gatherings connect students, faculty, and staff in new ways.

My conversation partners have been a joy to work with and have helped us think deeply together. Dr. Mark McDonald reflected on the question “what good am I?” challenging us to approach vocation as more than just a career. Sam Quezada shared about loss and change, inviting conversation about what grounds us through the transitions of life.

Coach Sarah Able explored what it means to belong and how to find those places and create those experiences for others. Dr. Caleb Braun highlighted poetry as a way to engage in discernment and probe questions of meaning and purpose. All of this rich and fruitful dialogue represents just 4 weeks of conversation.

At Bethany College, we understand vocation as the ongoing process of discovering how our unique gifts, passions, and experiences can be meaningfully directed toward serving our neighbors. Vocations encompass not just career choices, but all dimensions of life. They emerge through the communities that shape us, the values that ground us, and the relationships that sustain us through life's transitions.

Through spiritual practices, artistic expression, critical inquiry, and communal dialogue, we listen for the many ways we are called. Rooted in the College's Lutheran heritage, we experience the deeply personal and inherently communal nature of vocation. Together, we find meaning by creating spaces where others can flourish and discover their own sense of purpose and belonging.

As our campus community deepens these conversations, we recognize that our alumni continue their own vocational journeys long after graduation. The questions we're exploring

CAMPUS PASTOR MESSAGE

at Bethany remain relevant throughout life's many chapters. I invite you to join us in this reflection and discernment:

• What does vocation mean to you?

• What pivotal moment or experience has shaped your understanding of your calling?

• How does your spiritual or faith perspective inform the way you approach your work and relationships?

• How has community shaped your understanding of what is meaningful?

• How has your sense of purpose influenced the way you take part in communities around you?

These questions are provided as a starting point. Find a conversation partner and don’t be afraid to follow where the questions might lead you! We'd love to hear where these reflections take you— share your thoughts with me at woeppelm@bethanylb.edu.

Alumni Events

Above — Our team enjoyed meeting with alumni in Washington State (left), Minneapolis, MN (center), and Kansas City (right); in addition to Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, and Kansas cities Hays, Wichita, Manhattan, and Hutchinson.

Middle Left — Rev. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni, the new Rocky Mountain Synod Bishop, opened Swede Social Denver with a heartfelt prayer. Hosts Rob and Celeste Habiger ’69 welcome 25 alumni and friends spanning the classes of 1960 to 2023.

Middle Right — Vice President of Advancement Christie Denniston met with Rev. Bill ‘72 and Judy Peterson ‘73 at their home in Lincoln where they enjoyed fellowship and seeing the Bethany wall they have created in homage to the college.

Bottom — Former Swedes laced up once again for the second annual Alumni Football Game—celebrating teamwork, tradition, and the blue and gold spirit that never fades. Rockar! Stockar!

Left — Bethany College celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated Cardio Room with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, bringing together students, staff, faculty, and future Swedes to mark the occasion. Angie (Poss) Gaeddert, ’90, and family were the official Ribbon Cutters.

Middle Left — Larry ‘62, and Karen (Lindahl) Nelson, ‘64, gather for the Annual Scholarship Brunch with students Jamie Bean and Toni Carochi. Jamie was the recipient of the Brenda Krinhop Scholarship. Toni was the recipient of the Nelson’s John Lindahl Scholarship.

Middle Right — Elmer Patterson, ’80, teaches Dr. Crawley, Dr. John Thompson, ’91, and Alumni Office Staff the secrets to becoming pro pickleball players during an Arizona event!

Bottom — Greg, ’77, and Susan (Coughenour) Lundstrom, ’78, are greeted at Swede Night Out by members of the Football Team. The event raised over $100,000 for scholarships and the renovation of Hahn Gym’s entrance!

Hyllningsfest 2025

A Smörgåsbord of events, activities, and old friends!

Hyllningsfest and Homecoming weekend was one for the books at Bethany College! With a theme that could only be described as “sold out,” the excitement and energy were unmatched across campus and the community. From standing-room-only crowds at the State of the College Address, Alumni and Athletic Awards, Alumni Booth, and the Anatomy Lab Ribbon Cutting, to the lively Homecoming football game, the weekend was packed with celebration and Swede pride. Add in traditional Hyllningsfest festivities and 19 reunions, and it’s safe to say this was a weekend to remember!

Top Right — Bethany College’s 2025 Homecoming Court

Bottom Left — President Crawley had standing room only at BCs first State of the College address

Bottom Right — Sven and his biggest fan at the parade

Row 1 — President Crawley and Don Frenzen ‘74 enjoying the football game (left); Tennis coaches Richard Strange ‘70, Connie Cox-Dorf ‘81, and Dr. Bryce Young ‘68 (right)

Row 2 — Alums gather for the Black Alumni Reunion on campus for the first time in many years

Row 3 — John Woolf shows off Bethany memorabilia during Alumni Awards (left); The stands were packed for the Homecoming game (center); Linda Martin ‘67 reconnects with Lifetime Achievement Awardee Rebecca Copley ‘74, whom she nominated for the award (right)

Row 4 — The next generation of Swedes during the parade

Top — The Classes of 1974–76 Rockar Stockar-ing during the homecoming parade

Column 1 — Johnnie Turner and BASS President Chloe Percy at the Black Alumni Reunion (top); Preparade fun at the Denniston house (middle); Alums checked in and sold out the Bethany gear at the Alumni Booth (bottom)

Column 2 — Greg Lundstrom ‘77 sharing a laugh with Bob Kruger ‘62 (top); Dr. Bryce Young ‘68, Dr. Crawley, and Tennis Coach Thomas DeWitt celebrating a successful Tennis reunion (bottom)

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Top Left — Alumni and Advancement Team members Jane Asche and Matt Graham

Top Center — Ron Dahlsten ‘60 and Jan Mai Peak ‘76

Top Right — Louise Ehmke ‘71 and James Bowden ‘09 volunteering at the alumni booth

Middle — Hyllningsfest King and Queen, Greg ‘77 and Susan Lundstrom ‘78

Bottom — The Cheer team with its future members

Hyllningsfest Award Winners

Honoring the outstanding achievements of Bethany’s alumni and athletes who exemplify excellence, leadership, and Swede spirit.

Row 1 — Darren Burch ‘05 presents Dr. Heather McFarland-Kautzman ‘98 with her Distinguished Graduate award (left); Yancy Turner ‘80 smiles with Laura Moreno ‘09 during his athletic award acceptance (right)

Row 2 — Coach Clair Oleen ‘77 presents ‘KD’ Proctor ‘00 with his Athletic Award

Row 3 — Laura Moreno, Dean of Athletics, accepts her Hall of Honor award from her coach during her time at Bethany, Janice Fiene ‘01 (left); Linda Martin ‘67 presents Rebecca Copley ‘74 her Lifetime Achievement Award (right)

Row 4 — Dr. Michelle Schoon ‘81 accepts her Award of Merit (left); Connie Cox-Dorf -81 took a break from harvest to accept her Coaching award (center); Michael Chambers ‘95 thanks his family, friends, and coworkers for their support. Michael won the Distinguished Graduate award (right)

Row 1 — A sold out crowd gathers in Lindquist Hall before the award ceremony begins.

Row 2 — Annette Moore, ‘76, accepts her BAA Award (left); Richard Strange ‘70 accepts his Coach of the Year award (right)

Row 3 — Robin ‘83 and Mike Hodges ‘82 become the first Athletic Trainers in the Athletic Hall of Honor

Row 4 — Tyler Breneman ‘16 accepts the GOLD Award from Louise Ehmke ‘71, especially meaningful as Tyler played the organ to help Louise celebrate the Life of her late mother (left); Kylie Lofdahl ‘04 accepts her BAA award (right)

Hyllningsfest Class Reunions

Class of 1960

Class of 1964

Class of 1965

Class of 1968

Class of 1969

Class of 1970

Class of 1974

Class of 1975

Class of 1976

Classes of 1978–82

Class of 1979

Class of 1980

of 2015

New Scholarships Evelyn Wilson Scholarship

fter a distinguished career in public service and nearly two decades on the bench, Justice Evelyn Wilson is stepping down from the Kansas Supreme Court. Appointed in 2019 by Governor Laura Kelly to succeed retired Justice Lee Johnson, Wilson has brought a steady hand and a deep commitment to justice during her time on the state’s highest court. Her departure marks the end of a remarkable judicial journey that began long before her Supreme Court appointment.

Wilson’s path to the Supreme Court was paved with years of service in Shawnee County’s 3rd Judicial District, where she presided from 2004 to 2019. Rising to the role of Chief Judge in 2014, she led the court with distinction until her elevation to the Supreme Court. But her legal roots stretch even deeper, beginning with a law degree from Washburn

University School of Law in 1985, following a bachelor’s in business from Bethany College in 1982. Her early legal career included time as an associate at the Lund Law Firm and later at Wright, Henson, Somers, Sebelius, Clark & Baker in Topeka. She also served her community as a prosecutor and city councilor in Oberlin, Kansas.

A longtime member of multiple legal associations, including the Kansas Bar Association and the Kansas Women Attorneys Association, Wilson is widely respected not only for her legal acumen but also for her contributions outside the courtroom—most notably, her leadership in establishing the Shawnee County Crisis Intervention Team.

Bethany College is proud to announce the establishment of the Evelyn Wilson Scholarship Fund, a new endowed scholarship made possible by a generous gift from the Kansas Supreme Court in honor of retiring Justice Evelyn Wilson. A 1982 graduate of Bethany, Justice Wilson’s remarkable career and lifelong commitment to justice have left an indelible mark on the state of Kansas and on her alma mater.

This scholarship will support students pursuing degrees in criminal justice, particularly

those with aspirations to attend law school. Justice Wilson’s journey from Bethany student to practicing attorney, law professor, district judge, Chief Judge of the 3rd Judicial District, and ultimately, Kansas Supreme Court Justice is one that continues to inspire students and alumni alike.

“Bethany alumni were filled with pride but not surprised when Evelyn was appointed to the Kansas Supreme Court,” shared Cheryl Rasmussen, a fellow Bethany graduate. “She was known for her intellect, her kindness, and her steady, genuine presence. Watching her rise in the legal profession has been both inspiring and entirely fitting.”

Justice Wilson, who joined the Kansas Supreme Court in 2020, built her career on a foundation of legal excellence, compassion, and public service. Reflecting on her time as a student, Bethany Professor Emerita Joyce Pigge remarked, “She was exceptional, serious, admired by students, and always had a great smile.”

Through this scholarship, Justice Wilson’s legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of legal minds. If you would like to contribute to the Justice Evelyn Wilson Scholarship, please visit bethanylb.edu/give

Coughenour Scholarship

Bethany College is pleased to announce the establishment of the Dean Coughenour Endowed Scholarship in Business, which will be awarded annually to returning business majors to support their continued studies and internship opportunities.

“The Coughenour Family embodies the spirit of Bethany College through their leadership, vision, and generosity,” said Laura Crawley, president of Bethany College. “The support of alumni and friends contributes to our mission to prepare students to build lives of meaning and impact. The gift from the Coughenour Trust will transform the program, inspire alumni, and

create opportunities for students who are called to lead with integrity and purpose.”

Dean Coughenour owned and operated AgPress Inc. in Manhattan, Kansas, from 1958 to 1986. Raised by a single mother during the Great Depression, he was given the opportunity to pursue higher education through the generosity of benefactors, under the condition that one day extend similar support to another student if he was able. Dean Coughenour delivered on his promise and has provided vital financial support to students at Bethany College seeking to pursue a degree.

“The support of alumni and friends contributes to our mission to prepare students to build lives of meaning and impact.”

President Laura Crawley

“My dad was committed to Bethany College and appreciated the positive experience both my husband, Greg, and I had as students,” shared Susan Lundstrom, a 1978 Bethany College alumna.

“It is my fervent wish that current and future students experience growth, intrigue, and a genuine sense of possibility during their time at Bethany College.”

BETHANY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS by the numbers

99 % of Bethany College students receive financial aid

215 total named scholarships

19 % of all scholarships support Bethany College Music Programs

If you are interested in supporting student scholarships or establishing a named scholarship , please contact Christie Denniston, Vice President of Advancement & Alumni Engagement at dennistoncl@bethanylb.edu

Bethany Backers A Lasting Impact on Students and Spaces

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, Bethany Backers has made a lasting impact on campus. Your support has brought to life several exciting projects — from new campus seating and a shaded gathering space near the outdoor basketball court to a fully equipped mock courtroom for our criminal justice students. Most recently, your contributions helped upgrade the cafeteria sound system, which previously functioned in only half the space and only with the use of an mp3 player. Plus, we took on the biggest Backers' project yet, transforming the once non-functional cardio room into a revitalized fitness space for all to enjoy.

Each of these projects enhances the Bethany experience and demonstrates the powerful difference our community can make when we come together. Thank you for being a vital part of this progress! Stay tuned for information on the next Bethany Backers campaign this spring. Thank you Alumni Council for your work on this campaign and dedication to our students’ experience.

Lighting the Way A Lifelong Love for Bethany College

hen Greg ‘77 and Susan ‘78 Lundstrom were crowned King and Queen of Hyllningsfest 2025 , the honor reflected far more than a title. It was a celebration of a lifetime of service, leadership, and love for both Lindsborg and Bethany College , two places that have been woven into every chapter of their shared story.

For Greg and Susan, both proud Bethany College alumni , the Swedish heritage and community spirit that define Lindsborg have always felt like home. “Bethany shaped who we are,” Susan reflected. “It gave us friendships, faith, and a sense of purpose that we’ve carried with us ever since.”

Greg and Susan’s connection to Bethany began in the heart of campus. As a student, Greg was

deeply involved in the Admissions Office, serving as an active leader in the student admissions program and contributing significantly to the Alumni and Development Office. Susan immersed herself in campus life, forming friendships that remain strong to this day. Those formative experiences instilled in both of them a lasting belief that even small acts of service can create meaningful impact. After graduation, they chose to invest their lives in the community that had given them so much.

A Commitment Rooted in Community

Whether organizing local events, volunteering for church and civic groups, or mentoring young people, the Lundstrom’s have spent decades nurturing the close-knit spirit that makes Lindsborg special. Their work embodies the Swedish motto of lagom—a life lived in balance and community.

Greg has long been known for his leadership and steady presence, offering wisdom and practical guidance in countless local initiatives. Susan, with her warmth and creativity, has been a force for hospitality and inclusion,

helping make Lindsborg’s cultural celebrations, especially Hyllningsfest, a welcoming experience for all.

Champions for Bethany’s Future

The Lundstrom’s’ leadership and generosity have not only strengthened the bond between Bethany and Lindsborg but have also inspired others to give back. It’s fitting, then, that they were chosen as Hyllningsfest royalty, a recognition of their faith, service, and unshakable dedication to the place they call home.

A Legacy of Light

As Greg and Susan look toward the future, their focus remains on community and on ensuring that the values of faith, education, and service continue to shape life in Lindsborg and at Bethany College.

“Every generation has to light the way for the next,” shared Becky Anderson, Bethany College alumna and board member, with a smile. “We are a community because of people like the Lundstroms, and we are so grateful to their entire family and the part they have played in the history and future of Bethany College.”

A New Era for Science at Bethany College

By Advancement Staff

Standing in the bright hallway of the Nelson Science Center on a warm October morning, I felt the buzz of excitement as faculty, students, alumni, and community members gathered after President Laura Crawley’s State of the College Address to celebrate the opening of Bethany College’s new Anatomy Lab.

Guests stepped into a cool, 65-degree space lined with stainless steel fixtures and new flatscreen TVs surrounded by whiteboard diagrams. Slideshows of science students and faculty played on the two screens, alternating with messages of thanks to individual donors. The larger room is designed as a typical lab classroom, with tables for students to study and complete lab activities. The

smaller room, connected by a doorway, will house the dissection tables and serve as the space for human dissection labs.

I quickly found myself chatting with faculty and alumni. Dr. Danielle Loder, Assistant Professor of Biology, introduced herself, and I asked about the detailed diagrams on the whiteboards. “These were done by current Bethany College students yesterday while studying for an upcoming exam,” she explained. “We’ve already begun using this space to teach and study, even without the room fully furnished yet. The students are just too excited to stay away.”

Soon everyone was directed into the larger of the two rooms. Christie Denniston, Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Engagement, stood at the center, surrounded by about forty guests. She expressed gratitude to everyone who made the project possible, including Icon Structures, Inc, the contractor that built the Anatomy Lab. After a round of applause and

a photo with the contractors who attended, Denniston introduced Dr. Mark McDonald, Professor of Biology and Chair of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, who has taught at Bethany for thirty years.

Dr. McDonald spoke about what the new lab means for students preparing for careers in healthcare. “This lab represents opportunity,” he said. “Our students will gain hands-on experience that will set them apart as they move into health professions. This new anatomy lab puts us in rare company among private institutions in Kansas.”

He then introduced Dr. Loder, who will lead many of the new anatomy courses. She also noted that the final equipment pieces were on their way. “The dissection tables will arrive last,” she added. “That’s intentional. Everything else will be ready and working by the time they get here in a couple weeks. It’s the final puzzle piece.”

Among the student speakers was Colbi Rignell, a junior biology major from Riley, Kansas, who has already been accepted into the Kansas Scholars in Rural Health track at the University of Kansas Medical School. Rignell shared

her enthusiasm for how the new space will strengthen her preparation for medical school and help future healthcare professionals gain experience at an early stage in their studies.

Another student, Andrew Clouse, a freshman biology major from Andover, Kansas, described how learning about the new lab during a campus tour influenced his decision to attend Bethany College. For him, the promise of a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to anatomy signaled a serious commitment to student learning in the sciences. His parents, Dr. Kari and Michael Clouse, are Bethany College biology alumni.

Following the student remarks, President Laura Crawley

addressed the crowd and spoke about the collaboration and generosity that made the new lab possible. She acknowledged the challenges that higher education faces today but emphasized the importance of creating opportunities that help Bethany students thrive.

As the ribbon was stretched across the front of the room, President Crawley joined Dr. McDonald, Dr. Loder, Dr. Alan Smith, Allen Anderson, and Dr. Nick Okeson to cut the ribbon and officially open the lab. Applause filled the room as generations of Swedes, both long-time and recent alumni, marked the beginning of a new chapter of academic excellence.

The event’s alumni hosts, Dr. Stephen DeWitt ’15 and Mackenzie Choitz ’15, both biology graduates, shared their enthusiasm for Bethany’s investment in the sciences.

DeWitt, now an emergency room physician in Salina, and Choitz, a physician assistant, each credited their Bethany education for laying the foundation of their careers.

As I left the Nelson Science Center, I thought about how moments like this capture what Bethany College does best: honoring its roots while preparing students for the future. The new Anatomy Lab is a promise that Bethany College’s legacy of learning, discovery, and service will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Teachers Start Here How Bethany’s Education Department Helps Future Teachers Shine

By Katie Kueker ‘25

Bethany College’s Education Department offers multiple initiatives to help recent graduates begin their careers in education. From financial support to connection building, Bethany ensures that its students have the skills and experience needed to join the education field.

To obtain their teaching license, educators must pass the Praxis Test, a multiple-choice exam designed to assess subject specific knowledge and teaching skills. These tests typically range

from $130 to $220, a significant expense for many recent college graduates. At Bethany, an anonymous donor generously helps cover the cost of the Praxis Test for students.

In addition, Bethany student teachers have the unique opportunity to be paid for their student teaching experience through the Salina School District. Student teaching takes place during the final semester and involves full-time, intensive classroom observations and teaching. Thanks to Bethany’s strong partnerships, students can

earn income while gaining handson experience in the classroom.

Beyond reducing out-ofpocket expenses, Bethany’s individualized education style, highly regarded programs, and professional connections help secure teaching positions for postgraduates. Upon entering the education field, Bethany students find themselves equipped with the tools they need to have successful, impactful careers in education.

“From day one, the education department was instrumental in helping me set my goals and obtain my dream of becoming a teacher. The countless opportunities and aid provided by them gave me the support I needed to complete my journey,” said Katie Kueker, ‘25, a recent graduate, heading to Lakewood Middle School to teach Math.

If you are in education and would like to recruit Bethany Education graduates to your classrooms, please contact, Kelly Menke, M.A, Licensure Officer and Placement coordinator at menkeke@bethanylb.edu or Alan English, Ph.D., ‘07, Education Department Chair, at englishae@bethanylb.edu

Music & Art Updates Rooted in Tradition, Thriving in Creativity

By Tash Smith, Academic Dean

The creative pulse of Bethany College continues within our music and art programs as both areas carry on a long tradition of artistry dating back to our founding years. These programs have been cornerstones of campus life, nurturing countless talented individuals who have gone on to enrich communities worldwide. From intimate recitals to vibrant gallery exhibitions showcasing student creations, our music and art programs have consistently demonstrated their commitment to fostering both technical mastery and creative expression. Recent strategic enhancements and a renewed vision for the future have positioned these beloved programs for growth and recognition in the years ahead.

In early September, Dr. Tyler Boehmer (Assistant Professor of Music and College Organist) competed in the International Organ Competition Dudelange which took place in Dudelange, Luxembourg. With the competition hailing from countries across the world, including Germany, France, Hungary, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and others,

organists prepared specific repertoire requirements ranging from pieces by Bach to pieces composed within the past fifty years. For his efforts, Dr. Boehmer received a joint 3rd place award in this competition.

Dr. Boehmer’s colleagues in the music program, Dr. Dan Masterson (Elmer F. Pierson Distinguished Professor of Music), Prof. Leslie Mangrum (Assistant Professor of Music), Dr. Troy Robertson (Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities), and Dr. Shaun Day (Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Studies) continue their work as the program expands. In October, hundreds of junior high and high school students attended our annual Bethania Choral Workshop, where our faculty served as clinicians to prepare these students for their All-State auditions. The Bethania Workshop was but the first of many similar events including “Beef Up The Brass” in November, “Real Men Sing” in January, and a Woodwind Workshop in February where our faculty lend their expertise and encouragement to secondary students across the state. These workshops, of course, are in addition to their regular routine of faculty and student recitals,

invited performances, and the Messiah Festival of the Arts that they participate in every year. As always, our music program remains an active group serving both the college and our wider community.

Over in Mingenback, we welcomed our newest faculty member, Prof. Don Robson (Associate Professor of Studio Art and Director of the Art Program) this semester. Besides being an award-winning and accomplished painter, Prof. Robson’s brings decades of teaching and mentoring experience to Bethany. Over the coming months, Prof. Robson will implement a new vision for the art program that includes increased community engagement and renewed focus on Bethany’s vibrant history within the studio arts. His first order of business, however, will be hiring a second art professor with an anticipated January 2026 start date.

We hope that those who came out to the Music and Art Open Houses during Hyllningsfest were encouraged by what they saw and continue to support these programs. We believe that we have the right mix of faculty that honors Bethany’s rich traditions while also nurturing new and exciting artistic endeavors.

The Magic Isn’t AI It’s the Human in the Loop

By Professor Angie Martin, Business

Iread a post on LinkedIn from Dr. Adam Pacton, at Arizona State University, comparing AI to the 3 parts of a magic trick: the pledge, the turn, and the prestige. This got me to thinking about where I was in my integration of AI in my personal daily tasks and my instruction of students using AI. But I don’t just consider AI for educational purposes, I also explore how they will use AI in their professional lives after Bethany. And then, there is the question many have in higher ed today, will AI really replace college education as we know it?

A magic trick starts with the pledge. It starts with something ordinary. For students that is an essay, a research paper. Those same assignments many of us were asked to do, we still ask students to complete today. This is where most people start exploring AI. It is also where many end their exploration. Many students are satisfied to simply copy and paste the essay question given to them by a professor into ChatGPT or Perplexity and let it generate an answer for them in seconds. They copy the answer into their document and submit it. As an educator, this is incredibly

frustrating. Students see this as checking off the box, getting the assignment completed, and being able to move on to the next thing on their large to-do list. They are missing the learning step. They are missing the magic of learning.

The turn is where a magician makes something ordinary do something unexpected. This is where, as their guide to learning, I have had to develop a new way of approaching assignments to help students understand, to see the magic AI can give them. Because AI is not going to go away, I have to structure assignments differently so students learn, not just check boxes.

Example 1. A new assignment in Management Information Systems

Choose any IT topic on which to write a 2500-word paper. This topic can be from a subject discussed in class or one relevant to your career path, or something you simply are interested in learning about. Instead of meeting with me to discuss your paper, have your initial topic paper conversation with ChatGPT to learn more about the subject. Your conversation must include at least 8 inquiries based on the answers AI gave you to questions you ask.

Then in a new chat, write a zero-

shot prompt asking AI for a detailed outline for a paper based on the conversation. Utilizing this outline, use online and library resources to find 4-6 vetted sources for your paper. There are more instructions for the assignment, but you get the idea.

Don’t know what a zero-shot prompt is? That’s ok. Most of them don’t either when we start the assignment. That’s the expertise I give them as a faculty member. It’s my opportunity to show them AI is only as good as the questions you ask it and the instructions you give it. It is still all about the human in the loop with technology.

Example 2. Interview Jeff Skilling and Andy Fastow Business Scandals Class

In my Business Scandals course we discuss the how’s and why’s of some of the Greatest Business Scandals. In addition to news articles, books, and numerous peer-reviewed articles, sometimes you just want to know what the key players in the scandal were thinking that made them do what they did.

Therefore, I assign my class the following: from our discussions in class and the materials provided about the Enron Scandal, create a list of 10 questions you would like to ask Jeff Skilling, former CEO of Enron, and another 10 questions

you would like to ask Andy Fastow, former CFO of Enron. Additionally, based on your knowledge of the scandal, be prepared with follow-up questions based on the answers you might receive.

Form teams of 2, and utilizing the Chatbots I have provided you in Claude, (an AI platform) interview both Mr. Fastow and Mr. Skilling. Write a report on the interview of the 2 (1,500 word minimum) citing sources where you either verify what they said or refute what they said. Act as if you are a news professional interviewing them, using your knowledge of the scandal to challenge their statements, or inquire deeper for more information from them. There is more to the assignment, but you get the idea.

How do I make this happen for them? By building a chatbot in which I upload documents that

include interviews given by Fastow and Skilling, trial transcripts, and other vetted documents to give the Chatbot a large body of knowledge to draw from to learn what the answers would be. Is the bot 100% correct? Probably not. Can it synthesize the persona of the main characters of the scandal for the students in a way never before imagined? Absolutely! Most importantly, it gives students critical thinking experience through the ways AI might be implemented when they enter the work force.

The final step in the magic trick is the prestige. Prestige comes when the extraordinary becomes routine. My dream is by the time our students reach graduation, the idea of utilizing an AI platform to upload specific data and build their own LLM (Large Language Model) instead of relying on the generic information of ChatGPT will be second nature to them. Zero Shot

and Multi Shot Prompt writing will be as common as an @sum function is in Excel. And most importantly, AI is not seen as a threat to jobs, or to education, but simply a tool that changed how we do things, and created a whole new landscape of opportunities for those who dare to think, what’s next?

So, I continue to ponder those deep questions of AI in my daily tasks, my teaching, and my students’ lives. AI will no doubt continue to change the landscape of higher education and the workplace for years to come, much like the PC did in the 1980’s and the Internet did in the 1990’s and beyond. It is safe to say the careers our students will excel in 10 years from now very well may not exist today. What I must continue to do is give them the skills to make sure they are prepared to be the critical thinking “human in the loop” in that yet-to-be-developed career.

To Know is to Listen and to Listen is to Know

By Christie Denniston, Vice President of Strategic Engagement and Alumni

The Power of Education from Bethany College

In a world that often prizes speaking over listening, the words “To listen is to know, and to know is to listen ” offer a profound reminder of what true learning means. At Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, this idea is not just a phrase; it is a living philosophy that shapes the academic experience, community, and spirit of inquiry that define a liberal arts education. This past weekend was Bethany College Sunday at Bethany Lutheran Church. As I stood before countless alumni and friends to welcome them on behalf of the college, I was reminded once again of how important it is to listen.

In my first 12 weeks as Vice President of Advancement and Strategic Engagement at Bethany College, I have listened. I have learned. I have shared in your disappointments in the previous actions of the college, and also your hopes for the future.

Listening, in its deepest sense, is more than hearing. It is an act of

understanding, of empathy, and of openness to the world and to one another. Likewise, knowing is not simply about possessing facts; it is about engaging in the ongoing process of discovery. The discovery of who one is not just as a student, but as a graduate of Bethany College, is our greatest and most mobile aim. When Bethany students learn to listen to professors, to peers, to history, to art, to music, to coaches, to science, and to themselves they begin to know more fully. And when they know deeply, they listen more intentionally. This cycle of mutual reinforcement lies at the very heart of a Bethany College education.

The Liberal Arts as the Language of Listening

The liberal arts tradition, which Bethany College has championed since its founding in 1881, is rooted in conversation between disciplines, between generations, and between ideas. In studying literature, philosophy, music, or biology, students are invited to listen across boundaries and to recognize the interconnectedness of human knowledge.

For example, a biology student who studies criminal justice is

learning to listen not only to data but also to the facts of evidence.

A music major who explores the history of art learns to listen to cultural context and human experience. These encounters transform information into wisdom and knowledge into action.

This is the essence of the liberal arts the understanding that education is not confined to a single discipline or career path but is instead a lifelong pursuit of understanding the world and one’s place in it . At the heart of the liberal arts education is to EXPECT the UNEXPECTED.

Listening in Community

Bethany College’s small size and close-knit campus foster a kind of learning that is relational as much as it is intellectual. Students know their professors by name and engage with them in conversation at the Caf during lunch or after a game on the football field. I was recently struck while visiting with an alumna who was a basketball player who shared that her professors “listened” to her and worked to create a set of courses to meet her desire to study marketing. Where else in higher education is this even possible?

This spirit extends beyond the classroom. Whether in the Caf,

on the athletic field, or during Chapel services, Bethany students are part of a community that values dialogue and shared discovery. The college’s Lutheran heritage reinforces this ethos, grounding education in both faith and reason and emphasizing the importance of listening to one another with compassion and curiosity.

As the book of James reminds us, “ Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry ” (James 1:19). This verse captures the heart of the Bethany experience: the belief that wisdom begins in humility and that the willingness to listen TRULY LISTEN, is both a spiritual and intellectual discipline.

Knowing as Responsibility

“To know” in the Bethany College sense is never an end in itself. Knowledge carries a responsibility to think critically, act ethically, and serve others. A Bethany education prepares students not only for professional success but also for meaningful

citizenship in a complex world.

Graduates leave Lindsborg with the tools to navigate change, the humility to keep learning, and the courage to lead with integrity. Whether they become teachers, scientists, artists, or business leaders, they embody the listening that leads to understanding and the knowing that leads to service.

Bethany’s emphasis on the liberal arts ensures that students are not narrowly trained for one task but broadly educated for life. They are equipped to adapt, to collaborate, and to find purpose in a world that needs thoughtful listeners as much as it needs informed voices. As Academic Tash Smith notes, “We are future-proofing our students.”

The Power of the Bethany Experience

The power of a Bethany education lies not in how loudly its graduates speak but in how deeply they listen to the world, to truth, to others, and to themselves. In doing so, they embody the liberal

Left to right: Dr. Mark Denniston, Bethany College Professor of Criminal Justice; Christie Denniston, Bethany College Vice President of Strategic Engagement and Alumni; Anders Denniston, future Bethany College Class of 2039; Amy and Jeff Cooksey, aunt and uncle of VP Denniston.

arts ideal: that education is not simply preparation for a job but preparation for a life of meaning, empathy, and leadership

“To listen is to know, and to know is to listen.” These words remind us that education at its best is not about conquering knowledge but about cultivating understanding. At Bethany College, this understanding begins in conversation in the quiet exchange of ideas that changes how we see ourselves and the world around us.

A Closing Reflection

May we, as a community of learners and believers, listen with hearts open to truth and respond with wisdom grounded in grace. I welcome the opportunity to LISTEN TO YOU. Please reach out, please invite our campus community to engage with you, and please allow a moment to listen to our vision and dreams for the future. For in listening, we come to know; and in knowing, we come to serve both God and one another.

Athletics

2024–2025: Mid-year Highlights

A year of hard work, heart, and Swede pride— celebrating the athletes and moments that made this season unforgettable

Right — The Bethany Swedes softball team wrapped up the season with a 16–27 overall record, demonstrating perseverance through a demanding schedule. Offensively, the team shined— posting a .302 batting average, .365 on-base percentage, and a .393 slugging percentage across 43 games, signaling steady production at the plate.

Left — The Bethany Swedes women’s volleyball team delivered a season marked by perseverance and standout individual achievements. Across 25 matches, they tallied 1,011 kills (11.23 per set), 1,040 assists, and a team hitting percentage of .139, underscoring a strong offensive effort despite considerable errors. A highlight came in November, when Ortiz Acevedo earned All-KCAC honors for a second straight year.

Top — Swedes football held Ottawa University to zero points, posting their first shutout since 2012, when the Swedes defeated Bethel College 16-0.

Middle Left — The Swedes wrapped up the 2024–25 season with an overall record of 13–13, going 10–10 in KCAC play. On the court, they averaged 64.9 points per game.

Middle Right — The men’s tennis team battled through KCAC play, building a solid foundation for the future. On the women’s side, the Swedes highlighted their year with a dominant 7–0 victory over Avila.

Bottom — As a team, the Swedes baseball team won 7 more games overall than the prior year and had ten more home runs throughout the course of the season.

Top — The Bethany Swedes wrestling team showed growth in 2024–25, highlighted by standout efforts at the KCAC Wrestling Championships. Junior Tristan Vande Velde made his mark, while Houghton earned KCAC Game Changer of the Month. Off the mat, the team excelled academically with a 3.37 GPA and four athletes on the Dean’s Honor Roll.

Middle — The Bethany Swedes women’s soccer team faced significant challenges in the 2024–2025 season. Despite the tough results, their persistence throughout the season laid a foundation of resilience that will be critical in building toward future success.

Bottom — Last season, the Swedes track & field teams sent two athletes to the NAIA National Track & Field Championships for three events. Kort Sjogren placed just one spot short of NAIA All-American in 2024 with a ninth-place finish after throwing 60.05 meters. The Swedes finished with 106 personal best performances.

Middle — The KCAC awarded three of the 2024-25 Swedes men’s basketball players with all KCAC honors. The team had grown their overall wins by 8 games.

Bottom Left — With the year coming to an end, the Swedes women’s track team improved over last season and came away with 19 personal bests at the KCAC Championship. The team also ended the season with two event finalists 8 notable KCAC All Conference-Honorable Mention’s.

Bottom Right — The Swedes golf teams hosted the Carmichael Cup in Salina, Kansas, last fall and placed second overall. For the men, Mads Hasenschwandtner placed fifth with a score of 214 (+4). The women were represented by Allison Applequist, who placed 11th with a score of 179. The men’s team also won the Hesston GC Shootout via playoff!

New Faces New Hires and Promotions

Amanda Baxa ‘21 Assistant Librarian

Sam (Reif) Bricker ‘06 Admissions and Financial Aid Counselor

Mikaila Carrillo Financial Aid Specialist

Erica Clark Director of Financial Aid

Elliott Cockrum Head Women’s Soccer Coach

Dr. Laura Crawley President

Christie Denniston Vice President of Strategic Engagement and Alumni

Avery Dauer ‘23 Assistant Director of Student Life

Jolene Fickes Student Account & Payable Coordinator

Matt Graham Manager of Advancement and Business Operations

Aaron Havis Assistant Men's Basketball Coach

Kerri Henne ‘20 Executive Director of Student Affairs

Bret Miller Technology Specialist

Terry Murphy Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Chandra Peterson Admissions and Financial Aid Counselor

Board of Directors

Larry Van Der Wege, ‘94 President

Becky Anderson, ‘69

Roy Applequist

Carol Gusenius, ‘73

Rev. Donna Simon

Dr. Nick Okeson, ‘91

Dr. Marie Friedemann

Shane Reif, ‘09

Dr. Steve Eckman

Andrew Habiger

Kimberly Vogelsberg

Gabriela Rodriguez ‘22 Resident Director and Student Affairs Coordinator

Jacob Rudolph Admissions and Financial Aid Counselor

Daylon Smith Head Cross Country & Track and Field Coach

Fernando Villaseca Vera ‘25 Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach

Chris Yoder ‘25

Assistant Cross Country & Track and Field Coach

*Those in blue are promotions.

Jody Baker. ‘84

Becca Middeke-Colin

Prof. Andrea Ring

Faculty Representative

Brittany Torres

Staff Senate Representative

Light the Way Bethany College Giving Day 2026

For 24 hours this February, the Bethany College community will come together to shine a light on the people, purpose, and promise that make Bethany extraordinary. Bethany College Giving Day 2026 , themed “ Light the Way,” begins at 12 noon on February 10, 2026 and continues through 12 noon on February 11, 2026 .

This year’s Giving Day celebrates the power of collective generosity and the idea that when many hearts and hands unite, we illuminate the path forward for current and future Swedes. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps to light the way for students pursuing their calling through faith, learning, and service.

A Call to Shine Together

The goal for Giving Day 2026 is simple yet meaningful: to secure at least 300 individual gifts and inspire 50 first-time donors to participate. The focus is not on how much each person gives, but that everyone participates. Every single gift whether $5, $50, or $500 and each gift adds another spark of light to the Bethany story.

“Our theme, ‘ Light the Way,’ reflects what happens when the Bethany community comes together,” said Christie Denniston, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement. “Each gift represents a light and an act of faith in our students, our college, and our shared future. When hundreds of lights come together, they illuminate possibilities that no one could achieve alone.”

Your Gift, Doubled: A $150,000 Match

Adding to the excitement is a remarkable $150,000 matching challenge , generously provided by dedicated Bethany supporters. Every dollar contributed during Giving Day will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $150,000 doubling the impact of each gift.

A $25 contribution becomes $50. A $100 gift becomes $200. Together, these sparks of generosity can light a flame of transformation across campus— supporting scholarships, academic programs, athletics, and the student experiences that define the Bethany journey.

For generations, Bethany alumni and friends have lit the way for students through their generosity

and faith. Each gift on Giving Day honors that tradition and ensures that today’s students and those yet to come can experience the same transformative education and close-knit community that make Bethany College special.

Join the Movement and Light the Way

On February 10–11, 2026 , visit bethanylb.edu/givingday to make your gift and help us reach our goals of 300 gifts and 50 first-time donors. Follow along on social media using #LightTheWayBC and #BethanyGives to track our progress, celebrate milestones, and hear inspiring stories from those whose lives have been touched by Bethany College.

When you give, you light the way for students, for Bethany, and for generations to come.

Alumni News

In Memoriam

1940s

Pauline (Palmer) Barten ‘42 died June 1, 2023.

Betty (Thomas) Bell ‘46 died September 14, 2023.

Kenneth Dale ‘46 died September 9, 2025.

Phyllis (Nelson) Sawyer ‘48 died April 9, 2024.

Rev. Phyllis Garrett ‘48 died February 10, 2024.

Betty (Nelson) Fyler ‘48 died December 14, 2024.

Marilyn (Fredman) Snyder ‘48 died April 1, 2025.

Irene (Zerger) Fudge ‘49 died June 14, 2024.

1950s

Charles Thorpe ‘50 died November 13, 2023.

Leland B. Carlson ‘50 died November 18, 2024.

Nils Pearson ‘51 died January 11, 2023.

Thurlene (Larkins) Ruggels ‘53 died March 25, 2025.

Ardyce (Pearson) Fee ‘53 died May 5, 2025.

Winifred (Thoren) Elmborg ‘53 died September 9, 2025.

Lois (Magnuson) Rundquist ‘55 died August 6, 2025.

Doris (Unruh) Farmer ‘55 died August 19, 2025.

Marjorie (Berg) Nelson ‘56 died July 10, 2024.

Ruth (Hornlund) Johnson ‘56 died January 30, 2025.

Donald Lang ‘56 died February 15, 2025.

Sterling Benson ‘56 died August 9, 2025.

Roberta (Bohn) Miller ‘57 died January 4, 2024.

Arlene (Ternstrom) Patrick ‘57 died April 2, 2025.

John O. Carlson ‘58 died August 15, 2024.

Roland Sundberg ‘59 died August 17, 2023.

William Hammer ‘59 died October 12, 2023.

1960s

Dale Mowbray ‘60 died February 8, 2023.

Deanna (Walker) Johnson ‘60 died December 30, 2024.

Dixie (Chain) Schemm ‘60 died March 16, 2025.

Betty (Gant) Pera ‘60 died July 16, 2025.

James Bosworth ‘61 died September 2, 2023.

Sondra (Walker) Sullivan ‘61 died March 20, 2025.

Cecilia (Jones) Marhofer ‘61 died September 16, 2025.

Rodney Morse ‘62 died October 4, 2024.

P. Richard Runquist ‘62 died July 12, 2025.

Larry Myers ‘62 died January 5, 2024.

Lynada (Dahlsten) Johnson ‘63 died December 18, 2024.

Marlene (Wiebe) Wizelman ‘64 died June 22, 2023.

Sue Padget ‘64 died October 1, 2024.

Jerry Dahlsten ‘65 died January 2, 2024.

Dr. Warren Johnson ‘65 died March 4, 2025.

Roger Lemmons ‘65 died March 22, 2025.

Elton Flodman ‘66 died January 1, 2024.

Jane (Smith) Rowland ‘66 died April 25, 2025.

Sarah (Lloyd) Sanneman ‘68 died March 13, 2025.

Sherry (Treat) Vogt ‘69 died March 2, 2024.

Craig Liljegren ‘69 died March 27, 2025.

1970s

Linda (Larson) Edstrom ‘70 died October 8, 2023.

Carol (Davis) Crary ‘70 died June 13, 2025.

Ellen (Norquist) Sudduth ‘71 died January 26, 2024.

Carol Pearson ‘76 died May 13, 2025. She was wife of A. John Pearson ‘59.

David Klaus ‘77 died February 22, 2025.

Class Notes

1970s

Cynthia (Chew) Kersley ‘78 died June 17, 2025.

Brad Shogren ‘79 died January 12, 2025.

1980s

Christopher Hay ‘83 died March 10, 2025.

J. Daniel Gottneid ‘86 died August 31, 2025.

Michael Strasser ‘87 died April 9, 2025.

1990s

Julie (Wallsmith) Williams ‘90 died November 14, 2024.

Judith (Kelly) Heikes ‘91 died December 27. 2023.

Brendon Glad ‘95 died March 30, 2025.

Renee (Hewitt) Soden ‘97 died July 5, 2025.

2000s

Aaron Klaassen ‘03 died June 30, 2025.

Faculty

Dr. Mike Mitchell , former professor of chemistry and vice-president and academic dean at Bethany College died April 8, 2025.

Dr. Vance Eckstrom , former professor of religion and Academic Dean died June 8, 2025.

Clinton Jones ‘78 , Stillwater, OK, is among 65 fellows elected to the American Academy of Microbiology. Fellows of the American Academy of Microbiology is an honorific leadership group within the American Society of Microbiology. They are elected annually through a highly selective peerreview process, based on their records of scientific

achievement and original contributions that have advanced microbiology. Dr. Clinton Jones is a Professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences at Oklahoma State University.

1980s

Daniel Hypse ‘81 , Ozawkie, KS, a teacher/coach at USD 340 Jefferson West in Meriden, KS for 35 years, and was recently selected as the 3A Baseball Coach of the Year.

Amy Wintermantel ‘85, Baldwin City, KS, an assistant professor at Baker University, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Jennie Howell Kopke and Verda R. Kopke Award for Distinguished Teaching. Amy spent nearly two decades teaching special education in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. After earning her doctoral degree from Kansas State, Amy started teaching at Baker in 2006. On campus, she teaches a wide range of education courses, including Special Education, Psychology of the Exceptional Learner, and multiple teacher preparation seminars.

Alumni News Class Notes

Congrats to Holcomb boys’ head track and field coach Kent Teeter ‘87, on being selected as the 2024 USTFCCCA High School Boys Track & Field State Coach of the Year from the state of Kansas. He led the Longhorns to the 2024 3A state title. Teeter has been a highly successful track and field/football coach at multiple programs in Kansas. He’s also won two state titles in football at Holcomb (2015, 2017).

Kjertine Nielsen ‘89 , Dallas, TX, recently retired as Assistant Director of the Dallas Public Library after almost 32 years of working for the library.

1990s

Kajetan Groicher ‘93 , Edmond, OK, has recently retired after 22 years of Federal service. Kajetan was the Supervisory Special Agent Bomb Technician for the Federal Burau of Investigation.

Lisa (Peterson) Beye ‘93 , business teacher at Herington High School, was named the Kansas State Future Business Leaders of America Advisor of the Year at the 2025 FBLA Conference.

Michael Gates ‘94, Belleville, IL, recently took a new position as Environmental Technician/ Consultant for Western Asphalt, Inc.

2000s

Quentin Breese ‘00, Lindsborg, KS, is the new USD 400 Smoky Valley Superintendent. He began this new position in July, after serving as Superintendent of Schools in Concordia, KS, from July 2016 through June 2025.

Brian Harvey ‘01 , Edmond, OK, is the Senior Vice President and Southwest Sales Leader for Marsh McLennan Agency.

Philip Brown ‘01 , Kansas City, MO, conducted one of his choirs at the American Choral Directors Association’s bi-annual national convention in Dallas, TX, this past spring. The choir received standing ovations for each performance while receiving positive feedback for performance authenticity, daring vulnerability, and creative programming. Philip is the head of vocal music at Liberty High School and is also doing some special project work with the Allegro Choirs of Kansas City.

Ryan Stuart ‘02 , Salina, KS, athletic director at Salina South High School, received the Art Newcomer Promising Athletic Director Award through the Kansas Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. In Stuart’s 23 years at Salina Public

Schools, he has taught at both South Middle and South High School, served as South High School assistant principal, and, for the past three years, has led the athletics program.

Stephanie (Davis) Harrison ‘05 , Paxico, KS, works for Family Service & Guidance Center of Topeka as the Revenue Cycle Manager. In November 2022, Stephanie and her husband, Ryan, purchased a school formerly known as Mill Creek Valley Middle School in Paxico. It is now called The Old School and has been opened up to the public as an event and Airbnb venue.

Jeffrey Sekavec ‘06 , Oakley, KS, Colby College biological sciences instructor and STEM Division Chair, is among an elite group of 26 professionals worldwide accepted into the Harvard Medical School Senior Life Sciences Leader Program. The program is designed to prepare senior leaders in the life sciences to apply cuttingedge technology and innovation at the executive level. Jeff, who first taught at Colby as an

adjunct in 2006, returned in 2017 as a full-time instructor of various life sciences courses. He also serves as coordinator of the emergency response team. Beyond his institutional responsibilities, he has worked as a bioterrorism and biological event management consultant since 2014, collaborating with select government agencies on training and response efforts.

Brian Bengtson ‘06 , had the opportunity this August to umpire Savannah Bananas games at Coors Field in Colorado.

2020s

Katie Timken ‘24 , Wichita, KS, works in Membership with the Steve Clark YMCA in Wichita, KS.

Send us your updated information or news: bethanylb.edu/news-connections

A Letter of Thanks to the Bethany Family

The Bethany College Alumni Office received a letter shortly after the printing of the last Magazine that we wanted to share with the Bethany family.

Pastor Bill Peterson ‘72, has now celebrated four years of being a stroke survivor. Since his stroke, Pastor Peterson and his wife Judy (Carlson) Peterson ‘73, have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and their 50th college reunions.

“When we began our college years, we often heard about becoming part of the Bethany family. In those years we were all maneuvering our way to become adults and experiencing our first time to not be living in our family homes. It was truly a time of developing relationships that turned out to be far more lasting

than we ever anticipated. These days were fun and carefree and still helped us develop skills we would use throughout our lives in both good and challenging times.

Without a doubt these past (four) years have been very challenging since having this hemorrhagic stroke which paralyzed my left side. I have had really great therapists and facilities to help me reclaim my quality of life in a very different way. Although I have received such great healthcare, my fight back has had me reflecting and giving thanks for my alma mater, a liberal arts education, and having lifelong friendships in my life. Almost immediately after having the stroke, Judy and I began hearing from our Bethany family reaching out to us. Many of these friends began to show up bringing with them memories to share with both laughter and tears in the most difficult times.

I am currently walking with a cane and getting stronger. Obviously none of this would have happened without having God in my life and giving me the strength to look forward each day with optimism for the challenges I would encounter and the support and love of my soulmate, Judy, and our Bethany family.

It is with the utmost sincerity and humbleness that I send this note of thanks for my awesome time there as a student and the ultimate friendships I was blessed with while there and for my entire life.”

Pastor Bill Peterson