Bethany Magazine - Spring/Summer 2024

THE NEXT STEP

Page 13

from the PRESIDENT

BY GENE PFEIFER • PRESIDENT, BETHANY LUTHERAN COLLEGE

Lasting value of a Bethany education

The value of a college education has been debated in recent years. Some believe it simply costs too much and the education isn’t worth it. The argument is made that one can secure good employment even without a college degree. While these could be considered reasonable opinions, as President of Bethany I believe a debate about the general value of a college education is not of the highest importance to me. Instead, what's most important to me and our constituents is the lasting value of a Bethany education!

At Bethany, we fulfill a two-fold purpose. Through our well-rounded liberal arts curriculum, we aim to equip our graduates with the knowledge, understanding, and adaptable skills for productive and fulfilling lives. And data suggests that this part of Bethany’s purpose is working. The convincing testimony our graduates provide combined with measured outcomes about their experiences which include such things as our graduation and four-year completion rates; data showing the high percentage of graduates accepted into their first choice graduate program or the high percentage who are fully employed within six months of graduation; and our impressive national ranking for graduates' upward social mobility are all legitimate ways to gauge the College’s success.

But, I also want you to understand that none of these quantifiable attributes of a Bethany education are the most important reason for why I believe a Bethany experience is a great value. If we are only measuring graduates’ success with these common metrics, then I would also need to tell you that Bethany Lutheran College doesn’t really need to exist. That’s because it really is Bethany’s first purpose, our primary purpose, that makes us unique. At Bethany, we engage all of our students with their Savior, Jesus, so that they may lead lives with purpose, integrity,

If we are only measuring graduates’ success with these common metrics, then I would also need to tell you that Bethany Lutheran College doesn’t really need to exist

character, and unshakable Christian values; and at the same time fully focus their eternal future on their forever home in heaven.

In a world of uncertainty, the curriculum at Bethany is based on hope for the future, not just founded on the rigor required by the curriculum, but on the sure hope that’s integrated into the curriculum in knowing that Jesus is the true Son of God who loves each person so much that He laid down His life for ours; sure hope that Jesus rose from the dead to prove His victory over the devil; and sure hope that Jesus will come again on the Last Day to take us and all who believe in Him to heaven.

A Bethany education provides us purpose for this life, but more importantly the confidence that through Jesus our eternal futures are secure. This is a huge return on the investment—because a Bethany education lasts beyond this lifetime! We believe in that primary purpose so much that we call it the “One Thing Needful,” and I’m confident all Bethany graduates have been blessed with the opportunity to grow in their relationship with their Savior, Jesus.

by David Norris

Photo

Photo by Rea Kuske

From our Faculty & Staff

Benjamin Faugstad (Music) served as guest conductor for the Central Minnesota Band Directors Association (CMBDA) Regional Honor Band at Elk River High School on January 13, 2024. The day involved rehearsals with ninety of the best ninth and tenth grade band students from over twenty different schools. The afternoon closed with a concert at Zimmerman Auditorium. Faugstad also conducted a regional honor band at Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial High School on March 21, 2024, which involved sixty-one of the top students from nine schools: Blue Earth Area, Butterfield-Odin, Fairmont, Granada-Huntley East Chain, Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial, Truman, Madelia, Martin County West, and St. James.

On Saturday, March 23, 2024, the Bethany Music Department hosted a middle school solo/ensemble contest at Bethany Lutheran College. Twenty-four performances took place throughout the morning, and students received feedback from Professors Laura Matzke (Music) and Faugstad.

p Jason Jaspersen (Studio Art), Chaplain Don Moldstad, and ELS Ottesen Museum Director Becky DeGarmeaux accompanied a group of Bethany students for a trip to view Norwegian/American heritage art and church history in Northeast Iowa on April 11, 2024.

Deborah Matzke Lewis (Nursing), who has served as Associate Professor of Nursing at Bethany for the past seven years, is the new Director of Nursing. She guided the program through a recent vacancy in the Nursing Department serving as Acting Director while continuing to teach within the program.

p Dr. Jeff Lemke (Admissions and Marketing) and Nick Cook (International Admissions) traveled to Ethiopia in March 2024. They visited high schools and also hosted an event for current and future families. Ethiopia is the top country in terms of numbers of students from a single international country at Bethany. Ethiopian families often appreciate that Bethany is one of the few colleges in the U.S.A. that demonstrates a Biblical commitment to the values promoted on campus. Parents of current students from Ethiopia expressed their thanks to Bethany’s faculty and staff for the caring and understanding in encouraging their children.

Dr. Jennifer Kom (Psychology) presented a session entitled Gender Solid Parenting: Insulating Children From Tansgenderism Via the Church at the recent WELS Mankato District Pastoral Conference held at St. Peter Lutheran Church, St. Peter, Minnesota, on February 13, 2024. Her talk focused on how pastors and other church leaders can love and care for families and children from a Christian worldview perspective, and contained specific strategies to proactively address questions when they occur.

On Sunday, April 7, Shawn Stafford (Religion) was the guest speaker at the Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary Open House. Addressing prospective seminary students, he presented on his experiences as a parish pastor and college professor and answered questions about his ministry.

Jennifer Kom

Deborah Matzke Lewis

Shawn Stafford

Ben Faugstad

Photo by Jason Jaspersen

Photo courtesy of Jeff Lemke

Faculty And Staff Anniversary Recognition

Each academic year a special service is held in Trinity Chapel to recognize faculty and staff who are celebrating anniversaries of their employment at Bethany. The service is held in conjunction with the quarterly meeting of the Bethany Lutheran College Board of Regents. Those individuals celebrating milestones of service to their Savior and Bethany Lutheran College in 2024 are:

Back row from left: Art Westphal (Senior Development Officer-40 years), Brian Strom (Head Housekeeper-30 years), Jon Geistfeld (Accounts Payable Clerk-25 years), Mike Fletcher (Maintenance Tech, Superintendent of Buildings-30 years), Alyssa Inniger (Director, Library Services-15 years), Lisa Shubert (Manager of Administrative Computing; Institutional Reporting-25 years), Daniel Gerdts (Manager, Spirit Store-15 years), Rev. Mark Bartels (Chair, Board of Regents)

Front row from left: Bethany President Gene Pfeifer, Jeff Younge (Director, Financial Aid-25 years), Andy Overn (Professor, Graphic Design/Media Art/Studio Art-30 years), Dan Johnson (Head Groundskeeper-30 years), Lars Johnson (Professor, English-25 years), William Holt (Housekeeping Technician-15 years), Estelle Vlieger (Director, Admissions-20 years), Joni Bode (Data Specialist, Advancement-25 years), Sara Traylor (Director, Nursing-10 years).

Not pictured: Terri Fries (Clerk, Spirit Store-10 years), Matt Kuster (Professor, Exercise Science-25 years), Elsa Ferkenstad (Evangelical Lutheran Synod, Executive Assistant-20 years).

President Gene Pfeifer was in Washington, D.C. in late January 2024 for the annual Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) President’s Conference. One day of the Conference was dedicated to legislative issues that involve higher education. President Pfeifer was able to attend separate meetings with members of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation which included Representative Brad Finstad, Senator Tina Smith, and Senator Amy Klobuchar.

Photo by David Norris

Submitted Photo

President Gene Pfeifer (second from right) with Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar (red dress).

Department News

Esports hosts Lutheran Invitational

The Bethany Lutheran College Esports Team hosted the first-ever Esports Lutheran Invitational Tournament (LIT) in February 2024. Approximately forty students from Fox Valley Lutheran High School, Manitowoc Lutheran High School, Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School, Winnebago Lutheran Academy, and Wisconsin Lutheran High School participated in the weekend event.

Math, science holds symposium

The Bethany Math and Science Division hosted their Spring Science Symposium with presenter Dr. David Sehloff (energy systems engineer at Argonne National Laboratory). Sehloff spoke about the challenges we face as a society as it pertains to harnessing energy, storing energy, and using energy. His talk was titled “Worldwide Energy Challenges and the Need for Future Leaders Like You.”

Art students, alumni visit Italy

The Studio Art Department led a group of thirty students, friends, and alumni on a trip to Italy over Spring Break 2024 visiting historical and cultural sites in Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Assisi, Florence, and Venice.

Asking for support at State Capitol

Lance Schwartz (Chief Communication Officer) and Amanda Stahl (Coordinator of Campus and Community Events) accompanied several Bethany students to the State Capitol on March 19, 2024. The students took part in discussions with Minnesota State Senators and Representatives regarding state support for private college students. These students represented over 200 State Grant recipients attending Bethany while joining with several other colleges to discuss providing private school students with equitable grant support similar to that offered to students at state institutions.

Campus kickball tournament

It’s not all classroom interaction for Bethany faculty and staff. A group of employees had a fun day living out that idea on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in April when a faculty and staff kickball team faced off against student teams. The mantra that inspired them: “It just doesn’t matter.” The advice that they followed: “Have fun, and don’t get injured!” While the results were not in their favor after a 12-0 loss to a team made up of members of the baseball squad, the consolation game against the track team helped the team to achieve a moral victory by crossing home plate multiple times before losing 10-6. The faculty and staff team noted, “In spite of the losses, we enjoyed camaraderie across campus departments, stayed relatively injury free, and had fun interacting with students outside of our normal roles.”

Submitted Photo

Photo courtesy of Amanda Stahl

Submitted Photo

David Sehloff

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Education Department fully accredited

Education is Bethany’s second largest major, and the program was pleased to receive accreditation through June 30, 2030, from the State of Minnesota’s accrediting board. The four-member accreditation team found all unit standards to be met and stated in their exit report, “The team wants to recognize the knowledge, commitment, and passion of the program leadership. Their collaboration within the unit, as well as across the college and community, is impressive.”

Bethany Lutheran College is an approved teacher preparation provider through the State of Minnesota and this continuing accreditation allows the program to recommend teachers for licensure in elementary education, special education (ABS, ASD, EBD), math education, communication arts and literature education, social studies education, visual arts education, physical education, health education, and middle level endorsements in math, social studies, science, and communication arts and literature.

This accreditation reflects two years of work by the Education Department both in the writing of the accreditation report and in the coordination and participation in the site visit interviews. In addition

to commending the knowledge and commitment of the department, the site visit team also acknowledged the impact the program is having on literacy education, both in the Bethany classrooms and in the community. The report stated, “The team would like to give accolades to Bethany Lutheran College for their dedication to literacy development for their candidates as well as the teachers and students in their community. The collaboration between the unit and the community to increase literacy skills is inspiring. Their commitment to high quality reading instruction led to praises from current students and alumni for being well-prepared to teach reading.”

Nursing receives maximum accreditation

The Bethany Lutheran College Nursing Program prepares nurses to lead with compassion and competence while developing necessary clinical judgment skills. Bethany nursing graduates earn the bachelor of science in nursing degree. The program recently received continuing accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) at its meeting on April 16-18, 2024. The Commission granted a ten-year accreditation status, extending to June 30, 2034. At its meeting, the Board determined that the program substantially complied with all four accreditation standards. The Board additionally determined that there are no compliance concerns.

Bethany’s nursing program is focused on growing the next generation of nursing leaders. The curriculum features a hands-on approach to nursing education which prepares students to apply the nursing process with an interprofessional perspective in health care settings across the lifespan and continuum of care.

The program features a state-of-the-art nursing applied learning laboratory, where students practice nursing skills in a secure environment. Future nurses continue to build on those skills through real-world experience in the healthcare facilities that serve the City of Mankato and surrounding region, including Mayo Clinic Health Systems.

Photo by David Norris

Photo by David Norris

Dr. Carrie Pfeifer, pictured during a class, led the accreditation effort.

Nursing professor Cheryl Clendenin instructed students during a lab session.

Mock Trial team earns highest ranking ever

BY EMELINE GULLIXSON ’21 • CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Bethany’s Mock Trial team belongs to the American Mock Trial Association with about 400 member colleges in the U.S. Students participate as an attorney or witness in an anonymously judged, simulated trial situation; Bethany has had student participants from nearly every major.

“It gives our students such a great opportunity to see how the court system works and to become good trial advocates,” said Head Coach Sara Edwards. Bethany Legal Studies alumni–now with real courtroom

experience–have also come back to judge and advise current mock trial participants. “It’s wonderful to get to the point where we have alumni who want to give back.”

This year, Bethany’s mock trial team included twenty-four students from all across campus. It was an extremely busy year with the team earning its highest ranking ever at their regional competition at Drake University in Iowa. For the second year in a row, the team also moved on to compete in the Open Round Competition held at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“For our legal studies and criminal justice majors, this serves them because it is directly related to what they will be doing, and it will give them a wonderful resume enhancer for law school applications,” said Edwards, adding that these students often receive full or nearly full scholarships to law schools. “For other students, the witnesses, this gives them confidence, the ability to speak publicly, to be a critical thinker, and think on your feet.”

With the hard-earned success the team has had this year, Edwards is confident in their future endeavors. “It really said that Bethany was not just a flash in the pan.”

Speech and Debate team sees national success

Dubbed “The Little Team That Could,” Bethany’s speech and debate team had a successful return to national competition at the National Christian College Forensics Invitational tournament in Nashville Tennessee. Bec Kadera, Jack Kom, and Sam Liffengren competed and ultimately placed third in Division III (small schools). The team is coached by Jon Loging (Speech, Communication). Earlier it was announced this would be the final year of the speech and debate program, but after consideration of growth opportunities for the program, the Bethany Board of Regents reinstated the team in February 2024. The team will now be run similar to other sanctioned competitive programs at Bethany with the goal to recruit quality high school speech and debate students intent on continuing their skills with Bethany’s award-winning team. We look forward to the continued success of this team and the coaching staff in the years to come.

Submitted Photo

From left: Bec Kadera, Jack Kom, and Sam Liffengren.

Standing from left: Eric Dobberstein, Jason Gill, Devin Figuero-May, Ethan Lozano, Christian Edwards, Brooke Wolanin, Emma Bruegger, Ashley Casper. Lower row: Elena Osmanllari, Camryn Baptista

Submitted Photo

20 Years of Hawkwatch

Mankato community award presented to volunteers

BY LANCE SCHWARTZ ’86 • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER

Bethany Professor of Biology, Chad Heins has been a bird watcher for years. On one fall day some twenty years ago, he happened to be scanning the fall sky next to Meyer Hall and noticed a few hawks that seemed to be migrating over campus. He suspected they were using the Minnesota River Valley as a migratory corridor. That moment of seemingly insignificant bird watching started a yearly ritual of counting broad-winged hawks and various other species of raptors and has seen its counts and popularity grow ever since. That day of bird watching has now become the Bethany Hawkwatch Program, and today, with the help of some faithful watchers, recently completed its twentieth year of migratory observations and counting of hundreds of species of raptors as they fly through southern Minnesota.

Bethany’s location overlooking the Minnesota River Valley affords excellent viewing opportunities for migrating birds. A total of 182 bird species have been recorded on campus and raptors like eagles, falcons, hawks, and vultures migrate along the river corridor. In 2010, the Bethany Hawkwatch joined Hawkcount which is a clearing house for data from across the country. That data can then be used for determining the health of raptor populations across North America.

On average, volunteers spend nearly 400 hours between August 15 and December 15 counting raptors passing through Mankato on their fall migration. This past season, observers recorded a new high season total of 19,091 raptors consisting of fifteen different species. Almost ninety-one percent of that total consisted of broad-winged hawks and turkey vultures which recorded their highest season totals ever. Interestingly, the Bethany count saw more broad-wings than Hawk Ridge in Duluth (they were down nearly 20,000 compared to last year). This phenomenon likely was a result of the mild fall temperatures and

by

Hawkwatch highlights

• First Blue Earth County record of a black vulture

• First Blue Earth County record of prairie falcon

• Presumed but unconfirmed record of a nesting pair of Mississippi kites in 2020 (Birdwatchers from around the state came to Mankato to observe these birds at Land of Memories Park.)

• State record for single-day total of 405 Swainson’s hawks on April 24, 2022.

south and easterly winds which caused these birds to migrate west of the Great Lakes and pass through the Minnesota River Valley instead. Bethany Hawkwatch is now the second longest running count site in Minnesota behind the Duluth venue.

For their years of work, Bethany Hawkwatch was recently selected as the annual recipient of the Service Above Self Award presented by the Greater Mankato Rotary Club. Each year, up to two individuals and/ or two organizations are selected to receive the award. The purpose of the award is to recognize individuals living and working in the Greater Mankato community who demonstrate Rotary’s spirit of service. In order to be considered, the nominee must have demonstrated exemplary service in any form and at any level, with an emphasis on personal volunteer efforts and active involvement in serving the community.

Heins and Bethany students contribute to the counts, but community volunteers Jim Amundson, Marty Rost, and Andrew Westberg are the real stalwarts of the count and have collectively contributed nearly 9,700 hours of service to this effort on the Bethany campus and also at Land of Memories Park in Mankato. Because of their commitment and dedication to completing accurate counts, much has been learned about how raptors are utilizing the Minnesota River Valley during migrations.

Photo

David Norris

A luncheon to honor Bethany Hawkwatch and other local recipients was held on May 15 in Mankato. From left: Marty Rost, Jim Amundson, Andrew Westberg, and Chad Heins.

Student-driven success

BY EMELINE GULLIXSON ’21 • CONTRIBUTING WRITER

DECA excels early as newest group on campus

While Bethany certainly promotes students’ academic growth, many extracurricular activities supplement the knowledge learned in the classroom with professional growth. One new, promising opportunity on campus is the DECA Club.

According to their website, DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) “prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.” Collegiate DECA has two facets: the professional development side and the competition side.

Though Bethany’s chapter has an experienced and helpful advisor in Business Professor Kenneth Johnson, it is largely student-run. “I’m always identifying opportunities and ideas for students, but I let them run with it.”

Bethany members of DECA are already making an impact, both locally and globally. Megan Torner (‘24), former DECA President and business and legal studies major, explained that they serve students’ professional

development through fundraisers, projects, and special presentations or workshops. They have hosted resume nights, looked at cover letters, and held sessions about finding jobs—all open to Bethany students. This allows students extra access to professional development that professors might not always be able to focus on in the classroom.

Torner has gone above and beyond as DECA President—organizing trips, planning campus events, coordinating competition logistics, and scheduling flights, among other things. “[DECA has] helped bring out my potential and leadership skills that I had but didn’t have the confidence to put into practice.”

Besides serving students on campus, Bethany’s DECA Club has made a tremendous difference globally, through service projects. Last fall, they raised and

From left: DECA advisor, Professor Kenneth Johnson, with members Allison Etheridge, John Sadaka, Megan Torner, Skye Weyiouanna, and Clever Nieto-Lazo at the DECA Innovation Summit.

Submitted Photos

sent $11,874 to a church in Lebanon in order that they could have fully-funded solar panels and power by Christmas.

This was no small feat, according to Johnson. “I’ve never seen a team do as much in their first year as this team, and I’ve never seen a project as aggressive in a good way—and as miraculous—as the Lebanon project in a semester.”

Students have also seen massive success on the competition side of DECA, where participants compete in business case studies. Students—individually or as a team—get a prompt, have an hour to come up with a solution, and present it to a judge. There are also prepared business presentations, where judges give a prompt which participants then analyze for weeks and eventually present on. One benefit of these competitions is that the judges are often recognized experts in their industry and able to give students firsthand business expertise.

Torner shared a recent competition experience. “Four Bethany DECA students competed at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Austin, Texas. There, Bethany was recognized on stage as a new Collegiate DECA chapter, and was also awarded a Chapter Diplomatic Leadership Passport Award.”

This recognition was significant for a new organization in their first year. Torner herself competed in business ethics and financial statement analysis, and received the Presidential Leadership Passport Award, which very few participants earn.

As a professor and advisor, Johnson recognizes this kind of motivation and experience will serve students beyond college, both in their careers and in life. “The goal is to produce college grads that hit the ground

State Career Development Conference awards were presented to (above from left) Megan Torner and Allison Etheridge (second place in the business ethics team competition), and Keirra Meyer (second place in the restaurant and food service management competition).

running. GPA is wonderful, but being involved in internships, applying what you learned, and demonstrating your ability to compete puts your resume to the top.”

He noted that this was undoubtedly true for Torner, who has plenty of options for employment post-graduation, likely choosing between a career in law, business, or marketing. “She’s able to be choosy now. I see how much success these students have, who have been in DECA. They just excel.”

Though Bethany’s DECA club recently graduated a handful of seniors, Johnson is confident that incoming freshmen classes will supplement this departure, especially with students involved in high school DECA competitions. Given the successful inaugural year they have already had, there is only room for upward growth.

volunteered to

The Bethany team attending the FutureSolvers Competition, held at Minnesota State University, Mankato, took third place out of fifteen teams from Minnesota and Northern Iowa colleges.

Students

help at one of the water stations for the Mankato Marathon.

Media Arts Gets Hyped

Bethany among Nation's best programs

Bethany’s Media Arts Department, and the students studying within it, produce excellent visual content and at times are also producing winners of prestigious national contests. This movement was on display in April 2024 when current students and Bethany professors gathered at the National Association of Broadcasters Convention (NABC) in Las Vegas, Nevada. While the annual event serves as a learning laboratory for the student attendees, it could also be considered to be an unofficial alumni gathering. This year, the student attendees met with many Bethany alumni who were also attending the convention. The students and alumni shared meaningful conversations while discussing media arts careers.

Witness to the ongoing success for Bethany students and alumni, during the NAB convention December 2023 graduate Ben Stelter was recognized by the Broadcast Education Association (BEA) with a “Best of Festival” award for his Minnesota State Mavericks Hockey hype video in the Sports Competition—Student Category. BEA is a professional association for educators, students, and industry professionals who are interested in teaching and research related to electronic media and multimedia enterprises. Stelter began work on the Mavericks video in the summer of 2023 while he was a student at Bethany. The finished video debuted in October 2023 and it was used for promotion during

the 2023-24 Minnesota State University Mavericks Hockey season. Stelter directed and produced the project, spending over sixty hours creating the set, planning the lighting, and organizing a crew consisting of Bethany students Colin Neville (photography) and Aaron Kabangele (camera) to complete the ambitious project. The production was chosen for top recognition from over 1,885 entries, representing over 300 colleges and universities.

Bethany Lutheran College has produced and broadcasted Minnesota State Hockey since 2001 when the school’s collegiate broadcast program first teamed with the Division I men’s hockey program and Charter Communications to form the unique partnership.

After the convention, BEA also announced their national program and school rankings. Overall, Bethany was ranked twenty-eighth out of 100 institutions producing media and broadcast graduates. And in the sports category, Bethany is ranked tenth out of thirty schools. These rankings are an important gauge for Bethany’s media arts and graphic design programs to see exactly where we sit among the Nation’s best.

The Media Arts Department wrapped up their successful year on campus hosting the Festival of Media Arts (FOMA) ’24 showcase. Over 100 people attended the on-campus festival where students presented their work from the past school year.

BY LANCE SCHWARTZ ’86 • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER

Video frame from the award-winning Minnesota State Mavericks Hockey hype video.

Colin Neville (left) and Ben Stelter at the BEA Awards.

Spring Commencement '24

The 2024 Bethany Lutheran College spring semester commencement ceremony was held on Friday, May 10 in Bethany’s Sports and Fitness Center. One hundred seven graduates received their bachelor of arts, bachelor of science in nursing, or master of arts in clinical mental health counseling degrees.

The commencement address was given by Reverend Alexander Ring of Port St. Lucie, Florida. Ring is a 1986 Bethany Lutheran College associate in arts graduate. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and a master’s of theology degree from Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary. Ring teaches at Christ Lutheran School in Port St. Lucie, and also serves Christ Lutheran Church as an assistant pastor. He has been a member of the Bethany Lutheran College and Seminary Board of Regents since 2020.

Joining Ring on the commencement stage was Rev. Mark Bartels, Chairman of the Board of Regents, Dr. Gene Pfeifer, President of Bethany Lutheran College, Dr. Jason Lowrey, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Rev. Donald Moldstad, College Chaplain.

Photos by Benji Inniger and David Norris

Naomi Adeniyi-Akins with President Gene Pfeifer.

Graduates Asia Jota (left) and Jon Thomforde (right) with Professor Eric Woller.

Clockwise from left: Ana Christofferson, Sara Kottke, Kayla Senne, Brynja Mielke, and Katelyn Halbach.

Ephrem Gebre (left) and Raheem Graham.

Commencement speaker Reverend Alexander Ring.

Master's degree graduates Erin Hepler (left) and Erin Strom.

Artists Abroad

BY EMELINE GULLIXSON ’21 • CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Traveling to create mission-minded artwork

Landing the dream job and getting to travel right out of college might seem like a long shot for soon-to-be college graduates, but Spring 2024 Bethany graduates Colin Neville and Maida Jaspersen are doing exactly that.

The two recent alumni are traveling to Thailand in August to work on respective creative projects while sharing the Gospel and building relationships in the local community. They will remain there for two years, with a few weeks allocated for traveling back home.

All of this is made possible through Friends Network, a Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS)-affiliated ministry which supports lay missionaries. Formerly known as Friends of China and Friends of Vietnam, the non-profit works throughout Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand. Though they primarily support missionaries teaching English or pastors preaching to new congregations, Neville and Jaspersen will be two missionaries with a focus new to Friends Network—producing mission-minded artwork.

“I’ll be making documentaries there about missionaries, Christians, and basically any Christian stories I can find. Then Friends Network will distribute those,” said Neville, who majored in media arts. “I think

Colin Neville (left) and Maida Jaspersen will be heading to Thailand in August 2024.

Photo by David Norris

actually seeing what’s going on in a video can go a long way.”

Jaspersen, a studio art major, will primarily work on illustration projects in her preferred mediums— colored pencils, paint markers, and ink, usually on paper. From a young age, she knew she wanted to travel and be a missionary at some point in her life. “It feels too good to be true,” said Jaspersen. “The fact that this opportunity allows me to travel and do mission work while also making my artwork is the dream job. I never would have expected that to come after graduation or really at all.”

Conversely, Neville knew he would like to travel abroad eventually, but never thought it would be right after graduation. “Now that it’s happening, it feels like the right time to do it,” he admitted. “Usually the rule is, especially for filmmaking, you go to L.A., work in a low level job for ten years that you don’t like, then you can do what you want. This is the opposite of that.”

Though the two are talented and ambitious creatives, they are not locked into a rigid schedule of project production.

“We’ve been encouraged to show up and really absorb and soak in the culture, meet the people over there, and from that, find out what work needs to be produced,” said Jaspersen. “I like the idea of being surprised in the future.”

However, one project Neville does have lined up is producing short video testimonials on various missionaries in the area and potentially traveling to different missionary spots. Though he has been coming up with ideas, he’s also ready for inspiration to strike. “I don’t know the stories now, but once they come up, I’ll know.”

Both Neville and Jaspersen credit much of their inspiration and drive to the Art Department at Bethany, particularly in the realm of encouraging and supporting Lutheran artists.

“The Art Department here is really rooted in our faith and in doing mission-minded artwork,” said Jaspersen. “We have a lot of conversations about what kinds of impacts artwork has, especially concerning our faith, and concerning outreach and evangelism. It’s been very present in my mind almost the whole time attending school here.” Last year, Jaspersen worked with WELS World Missions, which allowed her to send her artwork into the world and inspired her to now continue that work.

“I was taught how to notice things more, of being mindful of the world around you and the people around you, which is especially important in

documentaries,” said Neville, who also noted that professors consistently emphasized that “Being a Christian artist is possible. It’s a viable career and it’s something that’s needed no matter what doubts may come in.”

They hope that when they’re done with their mission work, more Bethany artist graduates will continue the work that they are currently starting.

A Friends Network web page provides more details about all of the people working in the mission field including additional background information about Jaspersen and Neville along with details about how to support their work.

Visit friendsnet.org/missionaries to learn more, follow their journeys, pray for them, and support their full-time creative mission work.

Maida Jaspersen (top) and Colin Neville will be telling stories through their creative endeavors.

Photo by Ben Lundsten

Photo by Ben Stelter

Orchestrating GROWTH

BY EMELINE GULLIXSON ’21 CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Ben Faugstad conducted during the Chamber Orchestra Winter Concert on February 25, 2024.

Photo by Rea Kuske

If you have your eye on Bethany Lutheran College’s Music Department’s event calendar, you know there is no shortage of concerts and events to attend throughout the year. The Music Department has grown considerably thanks in no small part to Associate Professor of Music and Music Department Chair Benjamin Faugstad. One ensemble that has especially come into its own is the Chamber Orchestra–”chamber” denoting an ensemble of fifty or fewer musicians.

The Chamber Orchestra has doubled in size over the last five years, and that growth was not without effort, a long line of talented string players at Bethany, some luck, and plenty of “yeses” on Faugstad’s part. Conductor Adrian Lo founded the string ensemble in 2002 and instructed it until 2017, when Faugstad began teaching at Bethany.

Lo encouraged Faugstad to keep the ensemble going, though his background was not in string orchestra. At the time, it was referred to as “String Band,” but Faugstad wanted it to have its own identity apart from the Concert Band; thus, “Chamber Orchestra” was born.

Early on, Faugstad saw an opportunity for the Chamber Orchestra to play the prelude and postlude for services in Trinity Chapel, eventually accompanying hymns. The group began to reach a size where they no longer fit in the chapel balcony, so they had to move to the front.

“More people were taking notice of the Chamber Orchestra, and students were asking if they could be a part of it,” said Faugstad. “We started to gain more members because we were becoming more visible.”

Besides this literal increased visibility, Faugstad

"That’s why what’s happening now is exciting, because of the possibilities and opportunities it’s going to bring to this campus for years to come."

- BENJAMIN FAUGSTAD

credits the Chamber Orchestra’s consistent quality and growth to a few key people: Alyssa (Schrader ‘06) Inniger, David Urness, and Madeline (Halvorson ‘23) Gutzke. Inniger, who plays viola and is Bethany’s Director of Library Services, was a part of the original string ensemble as a student in 2002, and took Faugstad up on his invitation to play with them as an alumna. In 2018, Faugstad met Urness at an orchestra contest. A few things lined up: Urness was retiring from his job, Bethany needed another strings teacher, and from there, Urness joined the ensemble playing string bass—with thirty-nine years of teaching experience to back him up. Gutzke, who was an accomplished violinist even in high school, played a duet with her brother on Faugstad’s request, then agreed to continue playing in the ensemble in Fall 2018. Faugstad emphasized that their three instruments are key to the quality of an orchestra, so to have such accomplished musicians involved in the Chamber Orchestra at the same time was a serendipitous occurrence.

Another such occurrence happened in 2019, when Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU) disbanded their string orchestra, making Bethany the only local college orchestra. Though a sad occurrence, it provided an opportunity to grow Bethany’s Chamber Orchestra, and Faugstad had a few local students reach out to him asking to join, as well as other community members. Since then, MSU has reinstated their string orchestra.

“It’s sad, but it’s all the more stunning that a college our size has an orchestra. You’d be hard pressed to find other colleges that have that. It’s not easy to have a string ensemble. You have such a demand to play an instrument at a quality level. You don’t have as many people out of the blue saying they want to join an orchestra.”

Faugstad emphasized that when community members play in the orchestra, it elevates the quality, and described the additional benefits

Bethany student Annika Doberenz during the Chamber Orchestra concert.

Photo by Rea Kuske

for current Bethany students.

“It’s important for the students to see a community member who has any number of other professions, who still loves music, who still loves playing it, and they’re good at it. And for the community member to have that connection with a group, to be part of an ensemble.” There are currently thirty-three Chamber Orchestra members, three times the group’s size in 2017. Community members make up one third of the group.

Another beneficial break for the Music Department came in 2017, when a local high school orchestra director reached out to Faugstad asking if Bethany would host an inaugural high school orchestra contest in 2018, which would become known as Region 2AA Orchestra Large Group Contest. Though Bethany had not hosted an event of that caliber before, Faugstad was eager to make it work. The event itself brought over 200 high school students to campus. Though Faugstad received positive feedback, Bethany was not able to host the contest for the next two years due to timing and logistics.

However, beginning in 2022, Bethany has hosted the contest for three consecutive years, drawing over 1,000 high school students to campus—musicians who are having positive interactions with Bethany’s staff, students, and environment year after year. These contests also attracted approximately 700 audience members.

“When you host a high school event, you’re doing it to support the directors, and the growth of the musicians. It’s for the betterment of the greater musical community. Next, you’re saying, ‘Come be part of our campus community and our music here. Perform in this visually stunning space.’”

In 2024, along with hosting the Region 2AA Orchestra Large Group Contest, the Music Department hosted their own inaugural honor string orchestra event, which brought seventy highly-accomplished middle school and high school string musicians to campus. They had an all-day rehearsal culminating in a performance, which garnered over 350 attendees. This kind of registration and attendance for an inaugural event was an incredible feat, and speaks to the quality reputation of Bethany’s Music Department.

Faugstad also noted the perhaps hard to describe spiritual enrichment that happens for the musicians and concert attendees in Trinity Chapel. Though they may not be worshiping God, they are still in a beautiful space which communicates the shared faith at Bethany.

Faugstad remarked that there are plenty of reasons why this much musical involvement should not work as well as it has. Monthly involvement in chapel, collaboration with the Concert Choir and Concert Band, hosting high school competitions, concerts, and tours—among other events—could be cause for stress. Despite this, the Music Department still maintains a level of excellence, which in turn makes people want to be involved with these endeavors. Students know they are coming to the right place to hone musical skills, and community members know that they will be attending high-caliber, beautiful performances. And, it is a fortunate thing to have Faugstad as a “yes man” at the helm of it all.

“That’s why what’s happening now is exciting, because of the possibilities and opportunities it’s going to bring to this campus for years to come. It feels like you’re holding on for dear life, but kind of marveling at it all. Ultimately, you have to give glory to God. Thanks be for these opportunities and successes that we’ve enjoyed.”

To stay updated on the Bethany Music Department’s many events and accomplishments, such as the Honors Recital, Band, Orchestra, Jazz, Drumline concerts, and Choir Tour, subscribe to the Music Department newsletter at blc.edu/music, and follow the Music Department on Facebook and Instagram.

Faugstad during the rehearsal for Elk River High School Honor Band concert.

The Lake Crystal High School Honor Band guest conducted by Ben Faugstad.

Submitted Photo

Submitted Photo

Social Media Recap

@BETHANYLUTHERANCOLLEGE 4/24/24

POV: You’re having your Princess Diaries moment when you visit our campus for the first time. Experience it for yourself at our Open House on April 26 and 27, or schedule a personal tour at the link in our bio. #ForeverBLC

@BETHANYINTERNATIONAL 5/29/24

Senior celebration and rehearsal for graduation! It’s always an exciting time when we see our Bethany graduates spread their wings!! Once a Viking always a Viking!

Stay connected with your fellow vikings!

@VIKINGS.SAAC 4/4/24

We kicked off D3 week with a little appreciation for those who not only support us on the field, court, etc., but also in the classroom! SAAC members and student-athletes around campus gave out “Professor Appreciation Cards” to some of their favorite professors to thank them for all they do for us.

@BETHANYLUTHERANCOLLEGE 2/21/24

Students and faculty enjoyed the annual Chili Day in Meyer Hall! #ForeverBLC

@BLCVOLLEYBALL 4/29/24

Volleyball takes on pickleball! Thanks @picklebarnmn for having us!

@BLCTHEATRE 3/12/24

On the Art tour of Italy this spring break, some of the theatre students found theatre too! The Marcellus Theatre in Rome, the Big Theatre at Pompeii, and the Teatro La Fenice in Venice! What an amazing trip! #BLCArts #BlcTheatre

Search Bethany Lutheran College on your favorite social media apps, hit follow, and stay in the loop!

International Opportunity

said Gunderson, who also serves as an Associate Professor of Spanish. Though Bethany boasts a beautiful campus as well as an enriching academic and spiritual experience, he notes that it can be important for students to take some time to explore and see the world.

“The value far outweighs the finance you put into it.” Although, even on the finance front, the cost to study abroad for a semester can still be around a semester’s cost at Bethany. Part of Gunderson’s job is to find the best deals for students, as well as scholarships to supplement the cost.

Studying abroad can be a beneficial experience for students of any major. Students tend to travel abroad for a semester, or around fifteen weeks. The spring semester has been the most popular time to travel, especially for Minnesotans weary of winter.

The prospect of studying abroad, while alluring, comes with plenty of unknowns. There is the intimidating nature of spending a semester in a foreign culture. Or perhaps a trip seems financially out of reach. The length of time may also bring hesitation, with students worried they’ll miss out on opportunities spent close to home or on Bethany’s campus.

While these are valid concerns, Study Abroad Coordinator John Gunderson wants to alleviate those concerns and share why international travel is an opportunity students and faculty should consider.

“The students see the world as a classroom. They’re very hungry for these authentic experiences abroad,”

Though Gunderson can facilitate a trip to nearly any country, destinations in Southern Europe have tended to be the most popular—think Italy, Spain, and Greece. Students have also traveled to Australia and South and Central America. Currently, Gunderson is growing a relationship with a school in China.

This past year, close to thirty-five Bethany students studied abroad in varying capacities. Gunderson facilitated individual student trips to Greece and Italy. He also helped coordinate the faculty-led Art Department trip to Italy over spring break, and coordinated this summer’s Spanish language immersion trip in Spain.

For students coming to Gunderson interested in the prospect of studying abroad but not sure where to start, Gunderson’s professional development and extensive travel have allowed him to cultivate an ongoing list of international locales and universities

BY EMELINE GULLIXSON ’21 • CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Bethany students on a Spanish language

immersion trip in Madrid, Spain, (clockwise from left) Anna Schwartz, Amelia Pfund, Caleb Tomhave, Matthew Strom, Jade Krenik, Emma Gepson, Gianna Spain.

Photo courtesy of Anna Schwartz

"We know that these host universities are safe, are in a nice neighborhood, are good fits, they’re real, and that they’re fantastic places to learn."

- JOHN GUNDERSON

that partner with Bethany’s study abroad program.

“This is my favorite part of the job.” Gunderson admitted. “Being able to personally visit many of the places I recommend to students and choose host universities that I feel align well with our mission and vision—that they hold the same values.” Last summer alone, he visited London, Paris, and Brussels.

This travel benefits his work with students, who can be assured that he personally knows many of the people at a university, and can vouch for its credibility. “It’s a safety net for our students and Bethany. We know that these host universities are safe, are in a nice neighborhood, are good fits, they’re real, and that they’re fantastic places to learn.” Like Bethany’s campus community, students are looking for closeknit communities and long-lasting relationships.

As if international travel wasn’t already a perk of the job, Gunderson said that another highlight for him has been the personal relationships he has developed abroad. This has been one of the most effective ways to maintain international connections, adding that he is still friends with host families from twenty years ago.

Even the Bethany mascot Halvar made an appearance in London, England!

Gunderson is always glad to be the primary facilitator of a student’s study abroad experience, but he also has plenty of students come to him with destinations and plans already in mind. Often, he doesn’t have to convince them of the benefits of international travel.

“Our students are fantastic researchers themselves and often will visit me with a list of places they can go, and what they want out of the program. They’re looking at what courses a university might have, and if it aligns with their major.” Though he cannot be familiar with every host institution, he can work with ones students suggest and closely match as best as possible to what they are looking for: Do they offer classes that the student needs? Are they affordable? Are they in a safe city?

Students are highly encouraged to stay with host families. Gunderson explained that staying in a typical residence hall, often with students from their native country, is not comparable to a family unit and having a seasoned, cultural ambassador right there with you. It’s often easier to ask about anything unfamiliar—from customs, food, directions, and the culture at large. And for students, it can provide a sense of comfort and community to live in a family unit while apart from close family and friends back home.

These students also bring their Bethany experiences abroad. “It’s always something we want them to do, to let their lights shine. And even though it’s only a few months, it’s impressive how strong a relationship they can build with host families and professors.”

Facilitating individual study abroad programs is certainly a highlight of Gunderson’s role, but he also enjoys coordinating larger, faculty-led trips as a way to continue and expand a professor’s curriculum abroad.

“Part of my job is to inspire the faculty to do this, to go and see the

John Gunderson (right) with Lavinia Bracci (left), and Irene Grazi, directors of Siena Italian Institute, Siena, Italy.

Photo courtesy of John Gunderson

continuation of the classroom abroad.” Because it is no small feat to lead students abroad, Gunderson supports the professors, helps them plan, and encourages them to find places they would like to visit with students.

One recurring destination for student experiences is Spain. This June, ten Bethany Spanish majors embarked on a Spanish languge immersion trip to Madrid, Spain, which is a requirement for the major, as it is a significant component for fluency in the language. There, the student cohort has real world, authentic language experiences, which Gunderson describes as invaluable. Typically, this immersion trip happens every two years, but now, the program has enough students that they could potentially facilitate it annually. As with other trips he coordinates, Gunderson saves students about twenty percent off of cover prices, which students (and potentially, parents) are no doubt thrilled about.

“We recognize that the world is our classroom. The highlights of going to local restaurants and practicing the culture drive our students to continue the progress of their language proficiencies, cultural proficiencies, and also puts things into a global perspective of what they want to do post-college.”

“We have a group of business major students looking for landing spots to practice their skills in international economics,” said Gunderson, hoping that this will translate to the faculty as well. “I’ve talked to our business professors and said, ‘Hey, want to go to Paris for the summer?’ I haven’t had a single one that’s said no yet.”

Sometimes, Gunderson accompanies students on these trips, but

when it doesn’t work for him to go, the trips still go on. He maintains consistent communication so that students and other professors feel supported while they’re halfway across the globe.

For those that take the plunge and decide to study abroad, Gunderson cannot emphasize enough the benefits, both tangible and intangible. Those students looking to strengthen a particular craft or area in their majors will get the most immersive experience possible, whether that be because of the city and culture themselves, or the particular university having a robust, specialized program that aligns with their major. On top of that, Gunderson notes, employers love to see that job candidates have studied abroad and have international experience and perspective they can bring to a career.

“Study abroad is a really impactful time in [students’] lives where they’re able to understand people they’d never be able to meet before. Also, being under the tutelage of international teachers gives them a vision of the world that’s much broader than what we can offer them. Being on the ground in these cities and countries—there’s no education quite like that. Being immersed in the culture and the ideas that surround that culture, the knowledge, the talents—it’s something that can be transferable to their work experience post college as well.”

After students return from their international travel, Gunderson has them complete program evaluations. In these, students always say that their trips were life-changing experiences, or that they feel much more connected with the world at large. “The value of that is immeasurable, how transformative it is to you.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Gunderson helped coordinate the faculty-led Art Department trip to Italy over the 2024 spring break. Pictured is a part of the group by St. Mark's Basilica at Piazza San Marco in Venice.

A faculty-led study group by the Tower Bridge in London, England.

Photo by Jennifer Jaspersen

Submitted Photo

Holiday High School Tournament Celebrates 25 YEARS

BY LANCE SCHWARTZ ’86 • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER

When former baseball and basketball head coach, athletic director, and vice president for advancement Art Westphal made the decision to bring a high school basketball tournament to the campus during the Christmas break, the school was not yet even a four-year college. The campus was half the size it is today, and the Bethany Vikings were still playing a junior college schedule in all sports offered. In December 2023, Westphal and Bethany celebrated the tournament’s twenty-fifth anniversary. The event is held just after Christmas in the two gyms of the Sports and Fitness Center on the Bethany campus.

The Kwik Trip Holiday Classic, as it’s called, provides great exposure for Bethany while bringing many people to the campus. Besides Westphal, many in the College’s Advancement Office also help to organize and make sure the tournament runs smoothly. While basketball is the focus, the competition also brings the opportunity to show off the campus to longtime attendees and a new group of visitors each year.

they have all been southern Minnesota schools. This past year, all eight were from within an hour’s drive of Mankato. Three of those schools have played in all twenty-five tournaments – Minnesota Valley Lutheran (MVL), Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial, and St. Clair.

For Westphal, the tournament is always a special time. His twenty-three years of coaching basketball at Bethany and twenty-five years of running the tournament have produced many cherished acquaintances that include coaches, former players, officials, and fans.

The Classic has had a number of schools participate throughout the years, and the common thread is that

“Every year, I talk with people who don’t follow a particular team that have yet been at every tournament,” Westphal said. “They like that you can attend games in both of the gyms and see parts of four contests each session.”

In 2024, the dates of the tourney will be Thursday, December 26, Friday, December 27, and Saturday, December 28. And, yes, Westphal will be back again as one of the event organizers. If you love a good high school basketball game, please make plans to visit the Bethany campus next winter!

Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial and St. Clair are two of the three teams who have competed in all twenty-five tournaments—the other is Minnesota Valley Lutheran.

Photo by David Norris Art Westphal

MEN’S BASKETBALL

The 2023-24 Bethany men’s basketball team captured their second consecutive Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Tournament Championship and earned a berth into the NCAA DIII National Tournament.

Several Bethany players earned postseason conference awards.

• Hunter Nielsen was the UMAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Nielsen also earned The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-District Honors as well as D3hoops.com All-Region recognition with a Second Team selection. He becomes the third player in program history to earn All-District honors..

Head Coach Pat Garvin was voted UMAC Coach of the Year for the second straight year.

First Team All-Conference awards went to Xavier Patterson

• Drew Sagedahl earned Second Team accolades.

• Mason Ackley and Jax Madson earned Honorable Mention.

And to top off the awards, Nielsen was Bethany’s first ever NABC All-American by gaining Third Team honors. Nielsen is one of just 30 players nationally to be named an All-American.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Women’s basketball postseason awards went to three Vikings: Second Team All-Conference honorees were Gianna Klarenbeek and Lexiss Trygg

• Aubrea Kor earned Honorable Mention All-Conference.

TRACK AND FIELD

Indoor Season – The Bethany men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams saw four athletes earn UMAC All-Conference honors in 2024.

Aaron Stewart earned All-Conference honors in both the 60 meter and the 200 meter dashes after finishing in first in both events.

The women’s track and field team saw three team members finish first and earn earn All-Conference:

• Cassidy Gibson (high jump)

BY LANCE SCHWARTZ ’86 • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER

Pat Garvin

Lexiss Trygg

Drew Sagedahl

Jax Madson

Hunter Nielsen

Gianna Klarenbeek

Aubrea Kor

Aaron Stewart

Cassidy Gibson

Xavier Patterson

Mason Ackley

• Anna Schwartz (pole vault)

• Stephanie Witbrod (60 meter hurdles, long jump, shot put, triple jump)

The women captured a second place finish at the Conference Championship while the men came in fifth place.

Outdoor Season – For the Bethany men, Aaron Stewart was the top sprinter in the conference. He earned All-Conference honors in both the 100 and 200 meter dash.

All-Conference honorees on the women’s team for the outdoor track and field season were:

Cassidy Gibson (high jump)

Anna Schwartz (pole vault)  Stephanie Witbrod (100 meter hurdles, javelin, hammer throw, long jump, shot put, triple jump)

The teams competed in the UMAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships during the first weekend of May at the University of Minnesota-Morris. The women had another strong showing taking third place and the men came in fifth.

TENNIS

The Bethany Lutheran men’s tennis team concluded their season with a record of 3-8 while the women’s tennis team finished at 2-8 on the year.

BASEBALL

The Bethany Vikings baseball team was the UMAC regular season title winners with a season record of 20-14.

Nine Bethany baseball players were named UMAC All-Conference.

• Aidan Russell – Player of the Year

• Drew Hedtke - Pitcher of the Year

• Trent Ash - Rookie of the Year – All-Conference Honorable Mention

• Ryan Kragh - Coach of the Year First team All-Conference honors were awarded to Jackson Huiras, Gavin Jacobsen, Liam Peterson, Malachi Santiago, and Nolan Spence Will Carlson earned Honorable Mention.

SOFTBALL

Several members of the softball team were recipients of UMAC awards following the 2024 season. Sydney Jacobs - Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year

• Kayla Senne - Pitcher of the Year

• Emily Doyle and Katelyn Halbach earned First Team All-Conference Kaija Mork and Haley Stockman were both named Honorable Mention

Softball also honors an All-Defensive Team and three different Vikings were put on the twelve-player team. Mork earned the honor as a second baseman and Doyle as a third baseman, while Elizabeth Cizek was named as a utility player.

The softball team shared the conference regular season title with UWSuperior and were runners up at the UMAC Tournament. They finished season with a 29-14 record.

Gavin Jacobsen

Kayla Senne

Ryan Kragh

Malachi Santiago

Will Carlson

Katelyn Halbach

Haley Stockman

Elizabeth Cizek

Jackson Huiras

Sydney Jacobs

Liam Peterson

Nolan Spence

Emily Doyle

Kaija Mork

Drew Hedtke

Aidan Russell

Anna Schwartz

Stephanie Witbrod

Trent Ash

New coaches join Athletic Department

Mitch DeKruif (Golf) arrives at Bethany with a wide array of experience in the world of golf, working multiple positions at a pair of prestigious golf courses in the Western United States. He first worked at the Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs, Colorado, supervising the golf shop as well as teaching golf lessons to members. Following his time at Broadmoor, he gained membership to the PGA of America while also obtaining a degree in PGA Golf Management from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV).

While working through courses at UNLV, DeKruif began his time as Golf Operations Caddie at The Wynn in Las Vegas, Nevada. While there, he was named 2020 Employee of the Year at the Course, as a leading member of the team that helped re-open following the COVID shutdown.

Michael Janes (Tennis) was named head coach for the men’s and women’s programs. Janes was a standout tennis player in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) at the University of Wisconsin-Superior (UWS). During a three-year collegiate career at UWS, Janes became the program’s all-time leader in singles wins and was named UMAC Player of the Year in his final season of competition at Superior.

Janes was also a champion at the high school tennis level in North Dakota where he won the individual state singles championship in 2018, and was the runner up in 2017 when he competed for Legacy High School of Bismarck.

After graduating from UWS, Janes taught math in Bismarck and was an assistant coach for the tennis teams at Century and Legacy High Schools during the 2023-24 season.

Ryan Nichols (Women's Soccer) comes to Bethany after serving for two years as an assistant coach of the women’s program at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. In his two seasons at Luther, the Norse posted a 16-15-8 overall record and won their opening round playoff game both years. Nichols also worked with the Luther men’s program in 2022, helping them to reach their first NCAA National Tournament appearance since 2019.

Prior to his time at Luther, Nichols was the head boys’ soccer coach at DeLaSalle High School (Minneapolis, Minnesota) where he amassed a 38-9-2 overall record, leading the Islanders to an undefeated regular season and conference title in 2021 for which he was honored with the Section Coach of the Year award. While at DeLaSalle, he also worked as a student support specialist, helping students track their grades, develop good study habits, and navigate the COVID pandemic. Nichols has also coached at the club level in the Twin Cities for both Minneapolis City as well as the Fusion Soccer Club (Plymouth).

Ryan Nichols

Mitch DeKruif

Michael Janes

First in Nation for Clay Target

BY EMELINE GULLIXSON ’21 • CONTRIBUTING WRITER

For the second season in a row, Bethany’s clay target team placed first in the Nation in both skeet shooting and sporting clays. The team competes in the USA Clay Target League, which consists of about 130 colleges.

“I’m very proud of all my shooters and I expect to bring a lot of trophies home to BLC in the future,” said Coach Kenn Mueller, who had a team of eighteen shooters this spring season.

Andrew Adermann placed first in the conference in skeet shooting, with Brock Mosher placing second. On the women’s side, sisters Kali and Riley Bray placed first and second, respectively, in their conference.

Adermann placed first in the conference in sporting clays, with Mosher placing second. On the women’s side, Kali and Riley Bray placed first and second, respectively.

Bethany’s team took second place in their conference in trap shooting. Adermann placed first in the

conference with an average score of 23.9. Mosher placed third with an average score of 23.6. Kali and Riley Bray took home second and third place, respectively, with averages of 23.4 and 23.5.

Two seniors will be departing this year: Niklas Kasa and Emma Newton. For the coming fall season, Mueller expects five to seven new recruits.

“When we first started three years ago, there were six schools shooting in Minnesota, and now there are eighteen colleges and trade schools that are in the league. Take that nationwide, and you’re looking at a fifty percent increase over the last two or three years.” That fifty percent increase tracks with Bethany’s team growth over the last three years, with no signs of slowing down.

Year of positives for Esports teams

BY EMELINE GULLIXSON ’21 • CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Bethany’s Esports team is part of the National Association of Collegiate Esports. This past season saw major successes for certain team events, with others finishing off the season a little earlier than anticipated.

Bethany’s Varsity League of Legends team made it to Nationals for the fourth year in a row, finishing 6-1 this year. The Rocket League team competed in the Premiere League and placed 33rd out of 500 schools that participated. The Valorant team ranked as a Top 50 Team across the U.S. in their league.

A few key players also had moments in the spotlight. Luke Haines led the team in frags. Aidan Fallon switched positions to top lane, becoming one of the best players in the country at his new position. Jungler Maurice Stuckenschneider was voted Top 10 at his position in the Nation.

This May, the team graduated five seniors: Ethan Espinosa, Noah Jarnigan, Corey Peters, Ambrose Palm, and Calvin Hoppe. Next year,

Coach Lucas Fricke anticipates that Bethany Esports will bring in more than fifteen students.

“After five years, we’ve become established,” said Fricke. “In our first year, we had five students, and we’ve grown to fifteen [students] by year five.”

This growth is not without coordinated effort to improve players’ gaming and maintain a team bond. “We watch film, we game plan, we have plays, practice plays, look for patterns, and have strengths and weaknesses. That makes Bethany unique. Everyone is here in person, and we budget for and plan team activities. That’s been the biggest component to retention and recruitment for us.”

Andrew Adermann

Brock Mosher Kali Bray

Riley Bray

Alumni Give Back

BY LANCE SCHWARTZ ’86 • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER

Supporting Bethany with time, expertise

Bethany alumni give back to their alma mater in a variety of ways, and we’re very thankful for the support we receive from so many. The College hosts a registration event for incoming first year students every April, and at that event a large group of alumni give back to Bethany by spending a few hours talking with prospective students about how Bethany helped to shape their vocational aspirations. During this year’s incoming student registration event, we welcomed back twenty-three alumni to campus to talk with the Class of 2028 and their parents. We thank the following alumni who were on campus for the special event and for their willingness to discuss their Bethany experiences and how a particular major or course of study affected their career decisions:

• Tamara Omar (‘23) - Arts Administration and Music

• Layne Haroldson (‘22) - Biochemistry

• David Roemhildt (‘17) - Biology

• Maddie (Hart) Maisch (‘21) and Andre Da Silva (‘23)Business Administration

Lucas Malimanek (‘18) - Chemistry

• Allison (Lease) Stevens (‘18) - Communication

• Job Wosmek (‘23) - Computer Science

• Sarah Strom (’23) - Education

• Anna (Kerkow) McCue (‘22) - Engineering

• Emeline (Ring) Gullixson (‘20) - English

• Jake Marzinske (‘23) - Exercise Science

• Emily Dietz (‘23) - Graphic Design

• Kaitlyn (Kidder) Hull (‘22) - Health Communication

• Julia Abreu Siufi (‘21) Legal Studies/ Paralegal/ Criminal Justice

• Benjamin Tweit (’21) - Mathematics

• Matt Maisch (‘22) - Media Arts

• Lilly Maes (‘23) - Nursing

• Eden Ambrose (‘21) - Psychology

• Skyler Hepler (‘21) - Religion/Pre-Seminary

• Alissa Sauer ‘(15), Megan Sauer (‘17), Morgan Sauer (‘19) - Studio Art

Matt Holt ('06) talked with students in the Bethany Investment Club.

Photo by David Norris

Another way alumni give back is through individual meetings with our students. In March 2024, the Bethany Law Club traveled to Washington, D.C., and met with Bethany alumnus and Harvard Law School graduate John Ohlendorf ('07). The students also got a private tour of the United States Supreme Court. Also recently, 2006 alumnus Matt Holt presented to the Bethany Investment Club about his role at U.S. Bank. Other alumni also visit classes and clubs occasionally to provide insight about their vocations and jobs.

We’re also thrilled that during the past couple of years, many alumni have volunteered their time to be mentors to current Bethany students through a new program called Viking to Viking. During meetings between students and alumni mentors, the student participants engage with, learn from, and gain insight and wisdom about a wide variety of topics that include vocational, professional, personal, and spiritual decisions while being encouraged to fully use their God-given talents.

Finally, we’re also thankful for the service of our Bethany Alumni Board. The Board’s purpose is to strengthen relationships between BLC and its alumni by providing opportunities for alumni to serve their alma mater, and for the College to serve its alumni. The Board operates in an advisory capacity to Bethany’s Manager of Alumni Relations and the Advancement Department.

All members of the Bethany Lutheran College Alumni Board are selected to this position based on demonstrated involvement, support, and commitment to BLC.

Members of the Alumni Board must have graduated from Bethany Lutheran High School and College. The Board meets twice a year and sometimes for special meetings as needs warrant. Members often attend BLC alumni events when able acting as an ambassadors and greeters for the College, and also respond to inquiries from the institution.

Nominations to the Board are encouraged at any time by sending nomination information to Jake Krier in the Advancement Department.

Viking to Viking Program

Interested in giving back as an alum? One way to help is our Viking to Viking program. Visit blc.edu/Viking-to-Viking, to learn more or contact our alumni office at blc.edu/alumni.

Bethany alumnus and Harvard Law School graduate John Ohlendorf ('07) (center) with the Bethany Law Club in Washington, D.C.

Megan Maschoff ('16) (left) and Emily Dietz ('23) met as part of the Viking to Viking program in 2023.

Photo by David Norris

Photo courtesy of Sara Edwards

An updated look for Bethany

With this issue of the Bethany Magazine, we’re debuting a new institutional logo. Bethany’s current logo has been in use since 1997, and for several years, the College has been exploring concepts for a new logo.

Bethany’s current, familiar logo tells an intricate story that is personal to our history and mission. The design includes a picturesque setting on the hilltop where a chapel stands boldly in the context of a Norwegian flag. But, because of the current logo’s very detailed design, it’s proven to be not very adaptable for practical applications in certain situations.

The primary purpose of a logo is to easily identify. All one needs to do is think of logos from large, worldwide companies and you’ll understand the idea of being a quick identifier.

Throughout a multi-year process, hundreds of directions and variations of a new Bethany logo were considered with input from students, alumni, professional designers, and Lutheran artists from various fields.

Bethany students, beginning already five years ago in 2019, helped develop the concepts around the new look.

During the design process, Bethany’s students and Alumni Board met to discuss what needed to be included with a new logo and quickly determined that the College’s identity must be carried in written and verbal form as “Bethany.”

It was also understood by all involved with the process to create the new logo that the updated version might not be able to tell such a detailed and personal story as the former logo and still remain simple and recognizable. A useful logo needs to be easily understood and quickly remembered.

New primary logo for Bethany Lutheran College.

In the end, the design of the new Bethany logo was focused on simplicity and clarity along with these core concepts:

A Cross is prominent and instantly identifies Bethany as a Christ-centered organization.

The Lutheran name is boldly represented in a distinguishing manner.

An overall contemporary feel embodies the spirit of a youthful organization mixed with rich historical elements while the Cross nods to previous logos.

The “B” at the start and “y” at the end were crafted to draw the eye forward and to what’s next in the continuation of growth and progress through our mission in “The One Thing Needful.”

In coming months you’ll begin to see the new logo in various Bethany applications, but in order to make the change in a cost neutral fashion, the new Bethany logo will be gradually phased into use over the next couple of years. Letterhead and other items will transition to the new logo after old supplies are exhausted.

Halvar, the Bethany Viking mascot (and associated athletic logos) and the timeless college seal with the Greek “One Thing is Needful” will remain as cherished identifiers of Bethany. This is in keeping with a standard practice for colleges to have a mascot, an official seal, and a professional institutional logo for business and marketing purposes.

History of Bethany logos

Event shines light on yearly blessings of community

A new event was held on the Bethany campus in March 2024 during Spring Break. The inaugural Celebrate Bethany Fundraising Gala took place in the new Bethany Activity Center, and by all accounts, the event was a tremendous success. The event brought together the Bethany and Greater Mankato Area communities to reflect on the many blessings at BLC and demonstrated how they are manifested in the Mankato area. During the Gala, important relationships were formed that will, no doubt, lead to new and bolstered partnerships with alumni, friends, and the Mankato business community that will benefit Bethany students to also lead and serve in the community. The success of the this first-ever event has solidified its status as an annual gathering.

Overall, $118,000 was raised during the event that will support the completion of the Building Bethany Campaign during 2023-24 fiscal year:

• Over 200 attended the Gala from the Bethany and Mankato communities

• People new to the campus learned about Bethany.

• New relationships for the future of our programs were formed.

• Old relationships were nurtured.

• Student accomplishments were highlighted.

The inaugural Celebrate Bethany Fundraising Gala took place in the new Bethany Activity Center in March of 2024.

Photos by David Norris

from our ALUMNI

1940s

Lorraine (Guldberg ’46 HS, ‘50) Hanson died on February 10, 2024. Her Musical Celebration of Life Service was full of wonderful Norwegian and English hymns and was held on March 9, 2024.

Evelyn (Kressman ‘49) Gehm is looking forward to celebrating her ninety-fifth birthday in July 2024. Her memories of Bethany are still very clear and she looks at her time on campus as a turning point in her life. Girls were not encouraged to go to college, but Bethany shaped her and opened the door which led to her achieving a master’s and specialist degree from Wayne State University. She gives great thanks to Bethany for the good life she has been blessed with.

1950s

Dale Kain (‘52 HS, ‘54) passed away on February 22, 2024. He taught at Bethany from 1958 to 1960, and was also an assistant basketball coach. He was a part of the 1958-59 team that finished as runner-up at the NJCAA national tournament and was inducted as a Team of Distinction into the Bethany Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015. Dale is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elaine (‘60 Dunteman).

1960s

Elaine (Voth ‘65) Steffen has two grandchildren currently attending Bethany: Peter Schlei (first year) and Daniel Norris (sophomore).

p A mini Bethany reunion happened with (pictured from left) Cheryl (Edwards ’69) Heiliger, Wanda (Olmanson ’70) Berke, Eric Christenson (‘70), Gayle (Edwards ’71) Johnson, Al Johnson (‘70), and Ann (Gullixson ’70) Laudon gathered at Lila Gullixson’s home in Madison, Wisconsin, and then celebrated Syttende Mai in Stoughton, Wisconsin, with the Grieg Norwegian Chorus, Bunad style show, and the famous Stoughton High School Dancers. An awesome time was had by all.

1970s

Rev. Nile B. (’70) and Lynn (Schurke ’70) Merseth recently welcomed a new grandson.

Dr. Michael Van Norstrand (‘72) retired a few years ago and he and his wife Jane (Overn ‘76) now make their home in the Nashville, Tennessee, area.

Elaine (Bergemann, Priebe ’55) Bening plays tuba in the WELS Wind Ensemble. She has seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Dorcas (Pederson ‘56) Balcer added two more great-grandchildren this last year. That makes four total. She continues to make her home in Bellevue, Nebraska.

p Mark (’72) and Sandra (Sampson ‘72) Johnson were married on April 27, 1974, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Mankato, Minnesota, and recently celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary on April 27, 2024, at Westwood Bar and Grill on Lake Washington, with family and lots of friends. Sandra says, “The weather was the same this day as it was for wedding in 1974. God has blessed us with ‘One thing Needful’ to give us a guide to a blessed marriage.”

Roni (Kjos ‘75) Riske has been married for twenty-seven years to her husband James, and they are looking forward to their first cruise ever to celebrate their anniversary. The have seven grandchildren.

Peter Preus (’76) has grandchildren on the way. He is living in the Twin Cities and still serves as a vacancy pastor for churches in the LCMS. He also visits the sick and elderly members of the LCMS churches in his area as much as he can.

Lawrence Schaffer (‘78) will be inducted into the Texas Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Honor in 2024. The Hall recognizes the most outstanding career achievements by its member coaches. Candidates must display the highest level of ethics and contributions to the game.

August (‘79) and Susan (Lawson ‘79) Ollrich recently moved back to the Mankato area. They have five grandchildren with one more on the way.

1980s

David (’82) and Lisa (Crawford ’83) Anderson have two new grand babies.

p Ken (‘83) and Sue (Geistfeld ‘84) Heidorn enjoyed celebrating the holidays with their family: John (‘07) and Stephanie (Heidorn ‘12) Schroeder, Noah (‘14) and Stephanie (Erlandson ‘13) Heidorn, and Trevor (‘17) and Rachael (Heidorn ‘17) Larson, and seven grandchildren who are destined to be future Bethany alumni!

Reverend Dan Basel (’84 Seminary) moved to Michigan and is serving as a pastor at two churches, Faith Lutheran (Hillman) and Trinity Lutheran (Rogers City). He, and his wife Lisa, are new homeowners as well.

Pamela (Stordahl ‘83) Weingartz recently retired and makes her home in Eagle Lake, Minnesota.

Reverend Micah Ernst (’88 Seminary) welcomed his nineteenth grandchild in the Spring of 2024.

1990s

p Wendysue (Yeomans ‘90) Fluegge released her sixth album of music “Gather at the Manger” last November 11 (the 28th anniversary of her marriage to Craig). The couple’s son and daughter added drums and vocals on the project. Wendysue also wrote her first children’s musical: Daniel: Miracles & Mysteries that went to stage in April with a cast of nineteen kids. You can see more about her work at wendysue.com

p Jennifer (Hazelett ‘90) LeMay and Angela (Tweit ‘90) Mielke organized a special gathering after their daughter’s Brynja Mielke and Hannah LeMay graduated from Bethany in May 2024. Also, pictured is Jennifer’s daughter Liz LeMay, who attended Bethany.

p The Medical College of Wisconsin granted Kymarie Kuster-Kosmoski (‘94) her M.D. degree on May 17, also recognizing her commitment to family medicine with the Hanus Family Practice Award. She and her husband Jack and son Oliver reside in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Kuster begins her residency with the Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in July.

p Bethany classmates and friends Ruth (Otten ‘94) Rethemeyer, Tiffany Young Klockziem (’94), Marcy (Hultgren ‘94) Boblitt and Ronda (Hendrickson ‘94) Staloch celebrated turning fifty together in Nashville, Tennessee.

Reverend Jesse Jacobsen (’98) will be finishing a master's in sacred theology from The Institute of Lutheran Theology.

2000s

p Scott Tillman (‘01) was recently named Chief Operations Officer of U.S. Term Limits. Scott, his wife Katie, and their sons Michael (6) and Edwin (5) reside in Kentwood, Michigan. The boys currently attend Holy Trinity Lutheran School in Wyoming, Michigan.

p Toni (Smith ‘02) Koelpin makes her home in Folsom, California, and recently started a business with her sisters called The Driftwood Collective that specializes in custom corporate gifting. She has three children: Thomas, McCall, and Elizabeth, and her husband Dave is a pastor who is starting a new church in Folsom.

p Megan (Czer ’03) and Jacob Schable announce the birth of their daughter Hadassah Jeanette, born in September 2023. Hadassah joins her seven brothers Solomon (17), Gideon (15), Abraham (13), Enoch (11), Boaz (9), Melchizedek (7), Elihu (3), and her sister Bathsheba (5). They recently moved to the Racine, Wisconsin, area where Jacob is teaching at Shoreland Lutheran High School.

p Adam ('04) and Kelly Holtz welcomed their third child, Levi, in October 2023. After living in Minnesota for their entire adult lives, the family is moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where Adam is spending this summer studying Greek at Concordia Theological Seminary in preparation to train for pastoral ministry.

p Samuel (‘03) and Anna (Norman ‘06) Gullixson are excited to announce the birth of their daughter, Moriah Ann. Moriah was born on January 22, 2024, and is adored by big brothers, Abel, Elisha, Matthias, Boaz, and Ezra. Samuel is Pastor at Parkland Lutheran Church, Tacoma, Washington, and Anna cares for the family and teaches piano part time.

p Matthew (‘07) and Joni (Dukleth ‘05) Moldstad welcomed the birth of their first daughter, Greta Lynn, on January 12, 2024. After an emergency c-section, little Greta was born at just twenty-five weeks gestation weighing 1 lb. 1 oz. She was baptized by her father in the OR. Greta fought for her life for nineteen precious days, and entered her Heavenly Home on January 31, safe in the arms of her Savior.

Jonathan Moody (’07) was promoted to Supervisory Finance Officer for the Whiteriver Indian Hospital, Whiteriver Arizona, in April 2024. The Indian Health Services provides federal health services to Native Americans. In this capacity, he will oversee all financial operations. Moody has been employed with Indian Health Service for sixteen years. He states that “It has been a rewarding experience, working on my reservation and for my own community. I am forever grateful for my journey at Bethany.”

p Tim and Missy (Bergemann ‘11) Brown welcomed their daughter Kira Alexandria on March 8, 2024. Missy works as an admissions supervisor for an inpatient psychiatric hospital. The Brown family resides in Littleton, Colorado, and they enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures—namely the year-round access to skiing.

p Michael (‘11) and Sarah (Doepel ’12) Lilienthal are pleased to announce the adoption of their two children, Isabell and Samuel, in November 2023. Isabell (8) and Samuel (4) originally came to the Lilienthals’ home in 2019 for foster care. The family are also currently fostering another four-year-old boy, whom they hope to be able to adopt in 2024. The Lilienthal family make their home in Belview, Minnesota, where Michael serves as pastor at two ELS parishes.

p John and Heidi (Maunula ‘11) Stevens are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Hannah Elisabeth, on December 29, 2023, and was baptized as a child of God on January 28, 2024. Hannah joins siblings Isaac (6), Warren (4), and Kaia (2).

Trisha (Lynch ’11) Perley and her family are moving to Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

p Erica (Kludtke ’06) Woodcock married Elijah Woodcock on February 11, 2024. 2010s

p On May 4, 2024, several BLC alumni participated in a fiftieth anniversary service for Faith Lutheran Church (ELS) in San Antonio, Texas. Rev. Daniel Ruiz (‘12, above right), current pastor at Faith, led the liturgy. Rev. Patrick Ernst (‘15, above left), former vicar at Faith, read the lessons and prayers. Jerusha (Londgren ‘07, right) Cascione, current member at Faith, played organ. ELS President Glenn Obenberger (above center) preached the sermon.

p Zachary Fick (’13) and his wife Maggie, adopted two children out of foster care in September 2023. Kiellie is eight years old and Saellix is seven years old. They make their home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

p Louis (‘13) and Leah (Hensch ‘15) Blocker welcomed their son Elias on June 10, 2023, joining big sisters Naomi and Joanna. In April, Louis graduated from Michigan Tech with a master’s degree in applied statistics, and he

works as an analyst. Leah teaches Kindergarten and first grade at a charter school near Bemidji, Minnesota.

Nicole (Kleinow ‘14) Hendley will now be working as the human resources coordinator at Federated Insurance in Mankato.

Juan Luna (’14), and his wife Cindy, welcomed their second child on October 9, 2023.

p Brittany (Titus ‘15) Fenrich and her husband Matthew are proud to announce the birth of their daughter Juliet Emilie, born on December 5, 2023. Juliet is their miracle baby after having lost twins, Emery and Kyler, in September 2021. Praise be to God!

p Elsa Prigge (‘14) and her husband Juan Garcia bought a house in her hometown of Lewiston, Minnesota. She is in her tenth year of teaching and her second year teaching Kindergarten in the Ríos Spanish Immersion Program in Winona Area Public Schools. They welcomed their second daughter Rosalia on July 3, 2023.

David (‘17) and Leah (Hagen ‘17) Roemhildt recently welcomed their second child to the world.

Gabrielle Emmons (’17) is teaching history courses at Bethany.

p Dustin and Samantha (Ely ‘17) Beisch were married on August 6, 2022, in Cleveland, Minnesota. They reside in Eagle Lake, Minnesota.

p Megan Sauer (‘17) traveled to Boston with her parents and sister Morgan (‘19) for the marathon on April 15. It was a short trip. They toured Bunker Hill, walked the Freedom Trail, the Charlestown Navy Yard, and toured the USS Constitution (which is still an active Navy vessel). It was a warm day to run a marathon, but was an enjoyable experience! A few days later, sisters Alissa (‘15), Morgan (‘19), and Megan (‘17) traveled to London with their parents for the marathon on April 21. The family stayed in London for four nights at St. James Park near the Buckingham Palace. Megan ran with over 50,000 runners, the largest London Marathon in history. It was a perfect day for a race, cool and rainy! They toured the city, including Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, 22B Baker Street, Abbey Road, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, took in a theater performance of Hadestown, and saw many more sights. Megan met a lot of nice runners and would definitely go back!

Hayes Schneider (‘18) worked the 2024 Super Bowl in his role as Manager of IPTV and display technology at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Hayes and Tessa (MacPherson ’19) Schneider were married in May 2024.

p After living three years in Hawaii, Josh (‘18) and Jem (Cordes ‘19) Grove, moved to South Korea in 2022 for Josh’s next assignment in the Army. In spring this year, Josh spent a grueling two weeks earning his Expert Field Medical Badge near the DMZ. Josh will be wrapping up his position as chief operations officer for a medical battalion, then completing his Captain’s Career Course in San Antonio, Texas, this summer. Jem does freelance work as an artist and has been volunteering for various organizations at each duty station over the years. Most recently, she served at the American Red Cross, but has since taken time off after the birth of their first baby, Cora Eleanor Grove in October 2023.

Broderick Brown (’18) works for The Town Acquisition Team a part of Taylor Corporation in North Mankato, Minnesota.

Chad (’19) and Megan (Morehouse ’19) Lease welcomed their son, Thomas, on Christmas Eve 2023.

Benjamin Corson (’19), and his wife Heather, are expecting their first child.

Noah (’19) Hannah (Drewek ’20) Battenfeld were married in July 2023.

John Wagner (’19) works as a bioengineering scientist at Miromatrix Medical in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

2020s

p Emma Kelly (‘20) will be married to Jack Hansen in August of 2024. They are buying a house in the suburbs of the Twin Cities, and are excited about all of the changes.

James Ripley (‘20) has a son Michael who just turned one year old.

Karena Lynne Verbitsky (’21) will be starting law school at the University of South Dakota in the fall of 2024.

In March 2024, Heather Juedes (‘21) accepted a call to teach fifth through eighth grade (grammar, art, and science) at Parkland Lutheran School in Tacoma, Washington. She will be moving there with her two cats, Martin and Luther.

Skyler Hepler (’21) is studying to be a pastor at Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary and was recently assigned as vicar to Our Savior Lutheran Church (Lakeland, Florida) and Resurrection Lutheran Church (Winter Haven, Florida). His wife Erin (Kelly ’22) recently graduated from Bethany Lutheran College with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Evan Anderson (‘22) was recently hired by Lifetime Fitness in their finance department.

Taylor Kottke (‘22) is nurse at Pillars of Mankato and loves it. She is also engaged to be married.

Auston Murrell (’22) is working as an account coordinator for Regal Rexnord in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

p Sarah (Schwartz ’22) Lindemann was married to Jonas Lindemann on July 22, 2023, in Mankato, Minnesota. Sarah will graduate from Concordia University, Wisconsin, in July 2024 with a master's of science in physician assistant studies. Pictured from left are Anna Schwartz (’26 expected), Jennifer (Brassow ’92) Schwartz, Sarah (Schwartz ’22), Jonas Lindemann, Lance Schwartz (’86), and Ben Schwartz.

Blair VanZee (‘22) works for Radio Mankato and is one of the hosts of the Morning Drip on Hot 96.7.

Tylan Xay Keosongseng (’22) recently started a new position as the equipment assistant for the Chicago Bears NFL football team.

Kayla Wilson (‘23) is excited to announce that she has accepted a job with ServiceTitan. In her role she will be acting as an implementation specialist for construction companies across the entirety of the U.S. and Canada.

p Once a month, Bethany alumni staff at King of Grace Lutheran Church and School in Golden Valley, Minnesota, wear their BLC alumni apparel to support and advertise Bethany. Pictured from left: Bernt Tweit (‘92), Grace Rysdahl (‘20), Jon Matzke (‘96), Amber (Nord ‘14) Simpson, and Aaron Olmanson (‘94). Go Vikings!

p Alumnae Kalley (Hoshaw ‘17) Niebuhr and Carrie (Deckard ‘81) Hoshaw, recently published a children’s book, Dumpster, Leave It!, through their own company, Butternut Publishing, a family-operated and Christ-centered children’s book publisher. Their mission is to help families foster a deeply rooted faith in God in their children. Dumpster, Leave It! tells the story of a lovable puppy named Dumpster and his mishaps throughout his first year as he tries to help around his family’s farm (The real Dumpster is owned by Tim and Casey (Hoshaw ‘10) Harting. The book is filled with colorful illustrations that will captivate children’s attention. The story has a Family Faith Connection and a Family prayer on the book’s last two pages. These remind us that mistakes are part of life and that growing without experiencing them is impossible.

Deaths – Alumni, Regents, Faculty and Staff

Katherine (’41 Guldberg) DoepkeApril 20, 2024

Howard Swenson ’(48) - March 24, 2024

Gerald “Jerry” Hansen (‘49) - April 12, 2024

Thelma (’50 Solberg) HansonFebruary 10, 2024

Ila (’51 Priem) Breck - December 24, 2023

Dale Kain (’52) - February 22, 2024

Howard Schroeder (‘56) - March 29, 2024

Stephen Smith (’60) - January 25, 2024

Margaret (’61 Halverson) SimsMarch 30, 2024

Thomas Bartsch (’69) - April 10, 2024

David Kimble (’69) - March 3, 2024

Peggy (’91 Schmidtke) SnustadNovember 27, 2023

Paul Trapp (’04) - January 31, 2024

Bethany RETROSPECT

Remembering a campus moment from years gone by.

TIME TO ROCK!: Bethany had a music scene of it's own in the early 2000s with many bands wanting to play a festival of sorts. That's when "Luthapalooza" began.

Here, the band "Squirrel Master" performed at Sibley Park in Mankato where the festival was held at the time. Band members from left: Rachel (Enderle '08) Ulrich, Luke Ulrich '(05), Andrew Zondervan ('05), and Jesse Huhnerkoch ('07)

Send your reactions to editor@blc.edu Find more photos from years past on archives.blc.edu.