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Bethany College (Kansas)
Encyclopedia
Bethany College is a small liberal arts
college
located in Lindsborg, Kansas
and is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
(ELCA). The college's mission is to educate, develop and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead loves of faith, learning and service. All people who share in the Bethany Experience are united by our core values of integrity, hospitality, community, servant leadership and sustainability.
Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
(ECLA). Swedish-Lutheran settlers worked with the Rev. Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson
, Bethany’s founder, to establish Bethany Academy on October 15th, 1881, in the sacristy of Bethany Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, Kansas, with ten students. Growing rapidly, Bethany evolved from Academy through 1885, to Bethany Normal Institute in 1887, to Bethany College in 1889. Notable Bethany presidents in the 20th century include Rev. Dr. Ernst Frederick Wilhelm Pihlblad (1873-1943), who was a Professor from 1895 to 1904, and president from 1905 to 1941. Under Pihlblad, Bethany was accredited and became a prestigious member of the National Association of Schools of Music. Under the watch of Emory K. Lindquist (1908-1922), who took office of president in 1943, Bethany survived war troubles, grew in post-war America and improved its reputation. He is the author of Bethany in Kansas: The History of a College (1975).
In May 2007, Bethany College announced the appointment of Dr. Edward F. Leonard III as the college's 13th president. Leonard previously served as Vice President for College Advancement at Wilmington College
.
• Every year since 1882, Bethany Oratorio Society has presented Handel's
Messiah
at the college-the longest-running annual performances in North America.
• The walk from Bethany Lutheran Church. In honor of its founding in the sacristy of Bethany Lutheran Church, students traditionally walk to the church for a welcome service on their first day at Bethany as freshmen. Then, before the baccalaureate services on the day of their commencement, Bethany seniors line up in front of Bethany Lutheran Church for a traditional procession to Presser Hall on campus.
• The ringing of the bell. When a Swedes athletics team wins conference, they gather in front of Hahn Gymnasium to ring the bell and spread the news to the rest of the campus, regardless of what time of day-or night-it may be.
• Lift High the Cross. Each year during Homecoming week, Bethany students celebrate the college’s heritage of faith by lifting high a wooden cross in the gazebo. Students sign up for shifts so that the cross is held high during every hour of the week.
• 352. The number of feet out that the fence is for a home run in Anderson Stadium. 352 is also the place all Swedes baseball fans gather to cheer.
Bethany College consists of 14 academic departments; with majors focused in Education, Humanities, Fine Arts, Sciences, and Social Sciences; minors ranging from Business to Theatre; Teaching Endorsements for all majors in education; and 6 pre-professional studies including Medicine, Law and physical therapy.
The mission of the Bethany College General Education Program is to nurture and challenge students’ knowledge and skills in communication, critical thinking, and multidisciplinary inquiry which serve as a foundation for developing students’ potential within particular fields of study and for enhancing their lives of faith, learning and service.
EBEs (Experience-Based Education)
EBEs are an internship-for-credit program unique to Bethany College. Students earn academic credit while job shadowing or interning. The program can be completed during any of Bethany’s four semesters. Up to 15 semester hours credit can be earned toward graduation through EBEs. Tuition for EBE credit is assessed at the same rate as all other credits for that particular term.
Study Abroad
Bethany Students connect with the American Institute of Foreign Studies, which provide study abroad programs in 19 countries. Also, Karlstad University and Harlaxton College are programs of interest among students.
Full-time students live on campus and participate in one of our meal plans. Bethany College's residential campus facilitates the academic and personal success of each student.
Anna Marm - all female
Alma Swensson Hall (ASH) - all male
Gregory & Warner - co-ed
Swede Suites - apartment-style living for upperclassmen.
Student Organizations
Your Bethany education is not limited to classrooms, labs, and textbooks; it includes your participation in our campus community. In addition to the activities themselves, groups like these introduce you to new people, gain valuable leadership experience and make a difference at Bethany and beyond.
With over 45 different organizations to choose from at Bethany, a few that stand out are: SGA,(Bethany College Student Congress), also known as the Associated Students of Bethany College(StuCo), represents all full-time Bethany students. StuCo distributes student activity funds to sanctioned student organizations and advocates for students with the college administration; 4 sororities and fraternities along with the Greek Council; departmental clubs and organizations focus on a career field or academic discipline; and national honor societies.
Student Media
The Bethanian is the Bethany College annual yearbook, created by Bethany students for Bethany students. The Bethanian is funded by StuCo.
The Bethany Messenger is the official student newspaper of the college. Written, edited and published by students, it is published during the fall and spring semesters, usually biweekly. Publication of Messenger is funded by StuCo
Men’s
Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field, Wrestling.
Women’s
Basketball, Cheer Squad, Cross Country, Dance Team, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball
And, if you cannot make it to a game, Bethany College provides a couple ways for our fans to stay connected.
Football games are broadcast live by Real Country 101.7KDJM, Salina, KS.
Live video streaming of football, basketball, volleyball and others are available online through Upper Sports and the LCAC Broadcast Network. Links to live online broadcasts can be found by clicking on the WATCH LIVE button.
Liberal arts
The term liberal arts refers to those subjects which in classical antiquity were considered essential for a free citizen to study. Grammar, Rhetoric and Logic were the core liberal arts. In medieval times these subjects were extended to include mathematics, geometry, music and astronomy...
college
College
A college is an educational institution or a constituent part of an educational institution. Usage varies in English-speaking nations...
located in Lindsborg, Kansas
Lindsborg, Kansas
Lindsborg is a city in McPherson County, Kansas, USA. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 3,458. It is known for its association with Swedish heritage and the biennial Svensk Hyllningsfest...
and is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a mainline Protestant denomination headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The ELCA officially came into existence on January 1, 1988, by the merging of three churches. As of December 31, 2009, it had 4,543,037 baptized members, with 2,527,941 of them...
(ELCA). The college's mission is to educate, develop and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead loves of faith, learning and service. All people who share in the Bethany Experience are united by our core values of integrity, hospitality, community, servant leadership and sustainability.
History
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a mainline Protestant denomination headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The ELCA officially came into existence on January 1, 1988, by the merging of three churches. As of December 31, 2009, it had 4,543,037 baptized members, with 2,527,941 of them...
(ECLA). Swedish-Lutheran settlers worked with the Rev. Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson
Carl Aaron Swensson
Carl Aaron Swensson was an American Lutheran minister and founder and President of Bethany College.-Background:...
, Bethany’s founder, to establish Bethany Academy on October 15th, 1881, in the sacristy of Bethany Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, Kansas, with ten students. Growing rapidly, Bethany evolved from Academy through 1885, to Bethany Normal Institute in 1887, to Bethany College in 1889. Notable Bethany presidents in the 20th century include Rev. Dr. Ernst Frederick Wilhelm Pihlblad (1873-1943), who was a Professor from 1895 to 1904, and president from 1905 to 1941. Under Pihlblad, Bethany was accredited and became a prestigious member of the National Association of Schools of Music. Under the watch of Emory K. Lindquist (1908-1922), who took office of president in 1943, Bethany survived war troubles, grew in post-war America and improved its reputation. He is the author of Bethany in Kansas: The History of a College (1975).
In May 2007, Bethany College announced the appointment of Dr. Edward F. Leonard III as the college's 13th president. Leonard previously served as Vice President for College Advancement at Wilmington College
Wilmington College
Wilmington College is a private career-oriented liberal arts institution established by Quakers in 1870 in Wilmington, Ohio, United States. The college is accredited by the North Central Association, .-About Wilmington College:...
.
Lindsborg, Kansas
A town of 3,400 people, Lindsborg is a town of Swedish heritage that actively preserves it. Seasonal festivals such as Svensk Hyllningsfest and Midsummer’s Day attract thousands of visitors to the area. The architecture downtown reflects a traditional Scandinavian style, and Wild Dala Horses-a symbol of Swedish folk craft-can be viewed around town and on campus.Traditions
• Since 1903, when the “Terrible Swedes” were feared and respected by all opponents, students and alumni have rallied Bethany athletic competition with the “Rockar! Stockar!” cheer.• Every year since 1882, Bethany Oratorio Society has presented Handel's
George Frideric Handel
George Frideric Handel was a German-British Baroque composer, famous for his operas, oratorios, anthems and organ concertos. Handel was born in 1685, in a family indifferent to music...
Messiah
Messiah (Handel)
Messiah is an English-language oratorio composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel, with a scriptural text compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. It was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742, and received its London premiere nearly a year later...
at the college-the longest-running annual performances in North America.
• The walk from Bethany Lutheran Church. In honor of its founding in the sacristy of Bethany Lutheran Church, students traditionally walk to the church for a welcome service on their first day at Bethany as freshmen. Then, before the baccalaureate services on the day of their commencement, Bethany seniors line up in front of Bethany Lutheran Church for a traditional procession to Presser Hall on campus.
• The ringing of the bell. When a Swedes athletics team wins conference, they gather in front of Hahn Gymnasium to ring the bell and spread the news to the rest of the campus, regardless of what time of day-or night-it may be.
• Lift High the Cross. Each year during Homecoming week, Bethany students celebrate the college’s heritage of faith by lifting high a wooden cross in the gazebo. Students sign up for shifts so that the cross is held high during every hour of the week.
• 352. The number of feet out that the fence is for a home run in Anderson Stadium. 352 is also the place all Swedes baseball fans gather to cheer.
Academics
Bethany College academic programs range from the humanities to the fine arts to the pre-professional and professional. Yet, Bethany College is more than a place to take classes-it is a home base for those who seek excellence in their character, in their work, and in their world.Bethany College consists of 14 academic departments; with majors focused in Education, Humanities, Fine Arts, Sciences, and Social Sciences; minors ranging from Business to Theatre; Teaching Endorsements for all majors in education; and 6 pre-professional studies including Medicine, Law and physical therapy.
The mission of the Bethany College General Education Program is to nurture and challenge students’ knowledge and skills in communication, critical thinking, and multidisciplinary inquiry which serve as a foundation for developing students’ potential within particular fields of study and for enhancing their lives of faith, learning and service.
EBEs (Experience-Based Education)
EBEs are an internship-for-credit program unique to Bethany College. Students earn academic credit while job shadowing or interning. The program can be completed during any of Bethany’s four semesters. Up to 15 semester hours credit can be earned toward graduation through EBEs. Tuition for EBE credit is assessed at the same rate as all other credits for that particular term.
Study Abroad
Bethany Students connect with the American Institute of Foreign Studies, which provide study abroad programs in 19 countries. Also, Karlstad University and Harlaxton College are programs of interest among students.
Student life
ResidentialFull-time students live on campus and participate in one of our meal plans. Bethany College's residential campus facilitates the academic and personal success of each student.
Anna Marm - all female
Alma Swensson Hall (ASH) - all male
Gregory & Warner - co-ed
Swede Suites - apartment-style living for upperclassmen.
Student Organizations
Your Bethany education is not limited to classrooms, labs, and textbooks; it includes your participation in our campus community. In addition to the activities themselves, groups like these introduce you to new people, gain valuable leadership experience and make a difference at Bethany and beyond.
With over 45 different organizations to choose from at Bethany, a few that stand out are: SGA,(Bethany College Student Congress), also known as the Associated Students of Bethany College(StuCo), represents all full-time Bethany students. StuCo distributes student activity funds to sanctioned student organizations and advocates for students with the college administration; 4 sororities and fraternities along with the Greek Council; departmental clubs and organizations focus on a career field or academic discipline; and national honor societies.
Student Media
The Bethanian is the Bethany College annual yearbook, created by Bethany students for Bethany students. The Bethanian is funded by StuCo.
The Bethany Messenger is the official student newspaper of the college. Written, edited and published by students, it is published during the fall and spring semesters, usually biweekly. Publication of Messenger is funded by StuCo
Athletics
Bethany College believes that it is a privilege for a student to represent Bethany on or off the field with character and integrity and that students should be encouraged to promote good physical health and well-being of all student-athletes’ commitment to individual development and team work have brought us great success. We belong to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and have 18 Varsity sports:Men’s
Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field, Wrestling.
Women’s
Basketball, Cheer Squad, Cross Country, Dance Team, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball
And, if you cannot make it to a game, Bethany College provides a couple ways for our fans to stay connected.
Football games are broadcast live by Real Country 101.7KDJM, Salina, KS.
Live video streaming of football, basketball, volleyball and others are available online through Upper Sports and the LCAC Broadcast Network. Links to live online broadcasts can be found by clicking on the WATCH LIVE button.
Notable alumni and faculty
- John FrykmanJohn FrykmanJohn Harvey Frykman Ph.D., is a Lutheran Minister and American psychotherapist specializing in Brief Therapy, medical hypnosis and family therapy...
, Lutheran minister and psychotherapist - Harrison KellerHarrison KellerHarrison Keller was an American violinist and music educator. Keller began his violin studies at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, graduating in 1907. From 1907 to 1911, he continued his studies at the Stern Conservatory in Berlin, Germany...
, violinist and professor - Kent KessingerKent Kessinger-Coaching career:Coach Kessinger is the current head college football coach for the Ottawa University Braves located in Ottawa, Kansas. He has held that position since the 2004 season and is the 29th football coach at the school...
, college football coach - Emory LindquistEmory LindquistDr. Emory Kempton Lindquist was the president of Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas and Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas . He also served as a professor and authored many articles and books, especially regarding Swedish-American history.-Early life:Emory K. Lindquist was born in...
, 1930 Rhodes Scholar, Swedish-American historian, President of Bethany, President of Wichita State UniversityWichita State UniversityWichita State University is a NCAA Division I public university in Wichita, Kansas with selective admissions. WSU is one of six state universities governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. The current president is Dr. Donald Beggs.... - Bruce MontgomeryBruce Montgomery (entertainer)Bruce Eglinton Montgomery was an American composer, author, musical theater performer and painter; and a conductor and director, particularly of the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas....
, composer, performer, painter conductor, director - Wade MooreWade Moore-External links:...
, baseball manager and college football coach - John PfeifferJohn PfeifferJohn "Jack" Pfeiffer , was a classical recording producer.-Life and career:Born in Tucson, Arizona, Pfeiffer studied music and engineering at the University of Arizona and Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas...
, classical music producer - Birger SandzenBirger SandzénSven Birger Sandzén , known more commonly as Birger Sandzén, was a Swedish-American painter best known for his landscapes...
, Artist, Art Professor at Bethany College - Carl Aaron SwenssonCarl Aaron SwenssonCarl Aaron Swensson was an American Lutheran minister and founder and President of Bethany College.-Background:...
, Lutheran minister and President of Bethany College