Bethany College conferred degrees upon 99 students in Presser Hall Auditorium on April 27, 2024. The ceremony honored students who earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Music Education from the college during the 2023-2024 academic year. Summer, fall, and spring graduates were honored during a Baccalaureate worship service at 10:30 a.m. in Presser Hall, followed by Commencement at 2 p.m. Campus Pastor Melissa Woeppel led the Baccalaureate Service, and Rev. Lamont Wells, Executive Director of the Network of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Co llege and Universities (NECU). Gracelyn Gaskill '24, a chemistry and music major from Lindsborg, Kansas, provided special music for Commencement. Senior class speakers Inioluwa "Enoch" Ojo '24, a biology major from Katy, Texas, and Benjamin "Ben" Turner '24, a History and Political Science Major from Peyton, Colorado, gave thoughtful remarks on their time at Bethany College, taking time to thank their friends, faculty, and coaches. Dr. Brent Mai '85, Dean of University Libraries at Wichita State University, gave the commencement address, encouraging this year's graduates to go out into the world and exercise the four tenets of stoicism: wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice.

Interim President Steve Eckman commended the efforts of the faculty and staff in securing the grant, stating, "We are immensely grateful to the McPherson County Community Foundation for their incredible generosity. This grant will benefit our students and enrich the educational experiences available in the Smoky Valley community."

The newly appointed Presidential Search Committee will commence their work immediately, aiming to recommend a candidate for Bethany College's 16th president to the board by the April 2025 board meeting.

Bethany College welcomed educators and future educators from across Kansas for a transformative day of learning and collaboration at the Bethany College Education Conference held on Saturday, April 13, 2024. The conference, "Innovative Next Steps in PreK-12 Learning," featured a dynamic lineup of speakers and workshops to empower educators with the latest educational insights and approaches.

"We are thrilled to welcome Hayley Samford to the Bethany College family as our new Director of Alumni Development & Engagement," said Interim President of Bethany College, Steve Eckman. "With her deep roots in the Smoky Valley area and impressive qualifications, we are confident she will strengthen our alumni network and lead us towards an even brighter future. Her passion for community and commitment to excellence make her a great fit for this vital role."

Lindsborg, KS - Bethany College is thrilled to announce the distinguished speakers for its upcoming Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies, both to be held on Saturday, April 27 at Presser Hall Auditorium. Baccalaureate Speaker: Reverend Lamont Anthony Wells Reverend Lamont Anthony Wells, Executive Director of the Network of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Colleges and Universities (NECU), will deliver the Baccalaureate address. Reverend Wells, a dynamic speaker and human rights activist, brings a wealth of experience in fostering ecumenism, social justice, and inclusion. His insightful and inspiring messages resonate with audiences worldwide. Commencement Speaker: Dr. Brent Mai ('85) Dr. Brent Mai ('85), Dean of Libraries at Wichita State University, will deliver the Commencement address. A Western Kansas native and distinguished academic leader, Dr. Mai's career spans prestigious institutions such as Purdue, Vanderbilt, and Concordia - Portland Universities. His expertise in library sciences, coupled with his extensive research on the history and culture of the Volga Germans, enriches his engaging speeches. Both ceremonies, integral parts of Bethany's Lutheran heritage, will take place at Presser Hall Auditorium. The Baccalaureate service at 10:30 a.m., will feature worship, music performances by Bethany music ensembles, and reflections. The Commencement ceremony will follow at 2:00 p.m., celebrating the academic achievements of Bethany's graduating class. For more information about Bethany College's Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies, please visit bethanylb.edu/graduation .

Bethany College proudly announces a remarkable surge in new student enrollment and retention rates for the Spring 2024 semester, signaling a clear trajectory of growth and sustainability for the institution.

Mark your calendars because Giving Day is just around the corner on Wednesday, March 6th! Giving Day is an exciting opportunity for us to come together as a community and make a lasting impact on Bethany.

Ephemeral Theatre Ensemble will perform a reading of Tent Revival by Smoky Valley native Majkin Holmquist on Friday, March 1, at 7:00 p.m., at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg. The play was staged as part of the Yale School of Drama’s Carlotta Festival in 2018 and received a digital production through Paula Vogel’s Bard at the Gate in association with the McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, NJ.