New Ownership, Same Traditions
B
ethany College is located in the small city of Lindsborg, where you can also find a neighborhood favorite, the Öl’ Stuga. It has been a place where friendships were created, spouses found one another, holidays and special events were celebrated, Bethany College students found employment, Good Morning America’s best sandwich finalist can be found on the menu, and former Soviet politicians drop by for lunch. The then owner of the Öl’ Stuga, Mark Lysell ’74, originally wanted to be a social worker and earned his B.S. degree at Bethany College in 1974. After learning a career in Social Work may require him to leave Lindsborg, he purchased the Öl’ Stuga. In keeping with the Swedish heritage of Lindsborg, “Stuga” translates to a small house, cottage, or shanty. As the tale goes Lysell intended to buy a pontoon and ended up with a bar instead. It was 1977 and the Öl’ Stuga carried a few beers and a few sandwiches. Lysell soon expanded the sandwich options creating a “surprise me” which is now known as the Brent Nelson when one of his guests named Brent Nelson continued to request
the same surprise sandwich. The Brent Nelson, grilled polish sausage, onion, hot pepper cheese, and sharp smoky cheddar on a sub bun with barbeque sauce (and heated) later became a Good Morning America best sandwich finalist. The 44 years would become an adventure. Besides a visit from the team from Good Morning America show. In 2005, Mikhail Gorbachev visited when he came to Lindsborg to speak at Bethany College about his plan for peace. Donelle Sage ’06 recounts the night of the visit. “It was progressing like a normal night when suddenly, the secret service came in, and we just froze, like what the heck is happening? The secret service men said ‘Mr. Gorbachev would like to come down and have a drink, but we must search the property first to make sure it is safe.’ “Gorbachev ordered a vodka cranberry, but he sent it back three times. He wanted it specifically how it is made in Russia, and he was gracious until I finally got it right.” At the end of 2021, Lysell sold the Ol’ Stuga to former employee Dani (Dumars) Green ’13, a Lindsborg native who had recently decided to return to Lindsborg to be closer to family. Green originally started working at the Öl’ Stuga just after she turned 21 and was a manager for the last three years under Lysell. Green shared, “I wanted to work at the Stuga for a fun environment. I was already a ‘townie’ and knew most of the people who frequented the Stuga, so I figured it would be a great way to earn some money so I could pay rent. Little did I know the customers would soon turn into great friends.“ “The best part of owning the Öl’ Stuga is just being back in Lindsborg and how many people are still supporting the Stuga after the change in ownership. I have been blown away by the number of people who are excited to see me back in town and running the bar, but more importantly, finally seeing Lysell take a break and relax after Continued on top of next page
18 22 •• SPRING/SUMMER SUMMER 2022 2122
ATHLETICS ALUMNI NEWS
BETHANY BETHANY MAGAZINE MAGAZINE
Photo by York
44 dedicated years of hard work,” commented Green. When asked what he will miss, Lysell replied “I don’t plan on missing much, I’ve been down there every day. I have the same schedule, but I don’t have to work lunches anymore.” While intimidating to take
over such an iconic place, Green knew that she could always count on Lysell to help her along the way, because “no one wants to see me succeed more than [Mark] does,” Dani remarked, adding “I always want to honor and respect Mark for what he has built. He has been such a pillar in the community, and I want to continue the generosity he has shown over the last 44 years” As a new business owner, Green has already expanded the menu. Further, she wants the Bethany community to know, she “plans to continue showing support and donating to Bethany as much as possible. The Stuga would not be successful without the support of Bethany (both faculty and students).”
Jim Turner ’68
Ken Sjogren ’57 1935 – 2022 Kenneth Edward Sjogren, 87, of Lindsborg passed away on Monday, March 21, 2022. Ken was a graduate of the class of 1957 with a Business and Arts degree and was a member of
the Terrible Swede football team and Pi Sigma Chi fraternity. Ken served as the Public Relations and Alumni Director beginning in 1961 and became the Director of Development in 1968. He was honored as a recipient of the Bethany College Alumni Merit in 1970 and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. He continued to serve Bethany College and the Development Office, which is named for him, after his retirement. He is survived by his wife Marilyn (Miller), Class of 1960; his sister Marilyn Hendrix, Class of 1966; and children Karla Wright; Kristin Slater, Class of 1985; Steven, Class of 1980; and Eric, Class of 1994; (as well as their families), and eight grandchildren.
Bethany College is collecting stories of Ken Sjogren as we make plans to honor his life and dedication to Bethany at a later date. Please send your favorite memories of Ken to the Alumni Office, alumni@bethanylb.edu
www.bethanylb.edu
ALUMNI NEWS
SUMMER 2022 • 23
eate
our
_
______
______
______
__
______
______
______
__
______
______
______
Swede ns nicatio Commu ey Surv ! es of from you ious typ . to hear We want on the var nds a survey Alumni and frie ducting for current We’re con ation methods regarding ted, and hear nic you mu m nec com r fro stay con e to hea We’d lov ations, how you nts. nic ults s and eve commu and res pus new i minutes about cam for Alumn about 5 uld take decisions rvey vey sho help us make sur ure. Su The cked to in the fut will be tra ation methods nic , 2022. 15 commu ly e is Ju ut! deadlin with e your inp Alumni, appreciat ector of ylb.edu or We really nson, Dir i@bethan tyn Joh tact Ash at alumn Please con ns or concerns . stio 86 any que ext. 82 7-3380 (785) 22
OFF ICE
ALU MNI ON ST. NSS 6 5 E. SWE G, KS 6745 NDS BOR