Bethany. Values. Me.






Bethany Lutheran College provides Christian higher education in a challenging academic environment where personal mentoring guides students to pursue knowledge, truth, and discernment for productive and fulfilling lives.






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Discover Bethany
The Bible serves as the foundation for Bethany’s Christian Mission and worldview, shaping our approach to education, spiritual life, daily living, and our partnerships with those who share these values—making Bethany a natural choice for students and families seeking a faith-centered college experience.
Christian Mission
Faith is at the heart of everything we do—from academics to community. Learn how our mission shapes life at Bethany.
Campus Life
Make lifelong friends, grow in your faith, and enjoy a vibrant, close-knit college community.
Majors & Minors
Discover a wide range of Christ-centered majors and minors designed to develop your talents.
Academics
Explore Christ-centered academics that prepare you for a fulfilling career and a life of purpose.
Arts
Find opportunities to challenge and reward your unique talents and develop that love into genuine excellence.
Athletics
Join a winning tradition—whether you’re competing, cheering from the stands, or staying active and fit.
Masters Program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
We’re happy to offer 3 on-campus residencies and asynchronous, online courses for a flexible, yet personal educational experience.
Upcoming Events
What’s Happening at Bethany
Stay connected with the latest campus news, events, and stories. From student achievements and faculty updates to concerts, games, and community gatherings—this is your window into life at Bethany.

Amid the Trees, Vol. 1 Issue 8

Education Majors Inspire Young Learners Through Art
Amid the Trees, Vol. 1 Issue 7
Alumni Stories
Hear Why Past Graduates Love Education at BLC
Kayelynn Lawson graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Bethany Lutheran College. After graduation, she was called to teach orchestra and strings at a Lutheran high school in Somers, Wisconsin. There, she directed both high school and grade-school ensembles, offered private lessons in strings and voice,
Gina Kammer, a 2010 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College, majored in English and later earned a Master of Arts in English Literature. Today, she works as a freelance author and editor, specializing in science fiction and fantasy, where she brings imaginative worlds to life with literary precision and editorial care.
Hayes Schneider graduated in 2018 from Bethany Lutheran College with a degree in Media Arts, specializing in motion graphics and animation. At Bethany, he built early momentum through national-level media events and hands-on student broadcast work, including producing Maverick Hockey Weekend content—experience that launched his multimedia career. He now works
Jonathan Hartwig, Class of 2007, majored in Communication at Bethany Lutheran College. He now leads as the founder and principal owner of an e‑commerce media firm, where no two days are the same. His work spans business development, client outreach, scheduling production crews, auditioning talent, running shoots, and producing professional
Timothy Harting, a 2010 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College with a major in History, exemplifies how leadership, discipline, and a foundation in liberal arts can translate into impact across industries. After more than a decade of military service, including two deployments to Afghanistan, Timothy now serves as Chief Operating Officer
Kaleb and Tamara Schmidt, graduates of Bethany Lutheran College, are building lives rooted in faith, music, and education in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Tamara, who graduated in December 2023 with a degree in music, now teaches K–8 general music at Central Lutheran School. Her days are filled with leading band and
Caitlyn French graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts from Bethany Lutheran College, where she developed foundational skills in camera work, storytelling, and graphic layout—gains she carried forward into her first roles in community journalism. Today, she serves as a news reporter for a regional daily
John Brown graduated from Bethany in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science. Inspired by his own experience as a physical therapy patient, he felt called to help others reach their goals through movement and healing: “After a long history of having physical therapy myself, I became very
Kristian Botten, Class of 2011, earned his degree in Engineering Sciences at Bethany Lutheran College. He now serves as an Advanced Field Service Engineer at Beckman Coulter, working on civil construction projects. In the winter, Kristian focuses on estimating multimillion-dollar bids; in the summer, he helps ensure those projects are completed
Peter Bockoven, a 2018 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College with a major in History, has followed a path shaped by deep faith, rigorous study, and joyful service to the church. After completing his undergraduate education at Bethany, Peter enrolled at Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary in Mankato, Minnesota, where he completed
Heather Krueger, Class of 2014, earned her major in Biology at Bethany Lutheran College. She later completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences in May 2018. Heather’s love of biology grew from an early fascination with how the human body works: “I love learning
Daniel Halvorson graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2018 with a major in Engineering Sciences, joining the inaugural cohort of the program. He had previously been part of the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) during high school and chose to remain at Bethany when the new degree launched. The opportunity to
Charis Carmichael Braun, Class of 2004, graduated from Bethany Lutheran College with a major in Studio Art. She later earned her MFA at the New York Academy of Art and now serves as a fine artist, graphic designer, and arts administrator. In her work, she teaches art history, manages major
Why is Clinical Mental Health a passion of yours? There is a deep need for mental health care, and I want to help those who need support, so that they can create the lives they want to live in. Advocating for your own mental health takes such a strength, and
The bachelor of science in nursing program at Bethany is producing exceptional graduates who are making immediate impacts at the health care facilities they are working for. Among those graduates is Tessa Chambers (’21). A native of Princeton, Minnesota, Chambers first learned about Bethany, and the nursing program, through her
Danielle Burley, a 2018 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College, earned her degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in English. While her career began in public education—teaching across various grade levels—Danielle now serves as the Next Gen Life Lead for 9th–12th Grade at Hosanna Church in Mankato, Minnesota, where she
Jessica Berlinger graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2019 with a major in English and a secondary education licensure, including coaching credentials in secondary education. She went on to teach high school English in Springfield, Minnesota, where she engages both freshmen and seniors—guiding young writers, encouraging public speaking development, and
Nicholas Chopp graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Bethany Lutheran College. During his time at Bethany, he helped build and develop the College’s Audio/Video Studio, gaining experience that bolstered his work ethic, leadership abilities, and practical skills in broadcasting and production. Following his graduation, Nicholas
Rebecca (Riediger) Jahns, Class of 2014, earned her degree in Biology at Bethany Lutheran College. She now works as a husbandry assistant in a zoological setting, where her days are filled with caring for diverse species including reptiles, birds, and mammals. She explains that her role involves cleaning and feeding
Michael Knepprath, a 2010 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College, earned his degree in Studio Art with an emphasis in Media Arts. What began as a passion for visual design gradually evolved into a robust career at the intersection of design and technology. Today, Michael works as a Staff Software Engineer
Cody Hardin, Class of 2011, earned a double major in Communication and Music from Bethany Lutheran College, with emphases in TV & Film Audio and Theory & Composition. He now serves as a Senior Audio Operator at a ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut. In his role, Cody mixes live audio for
Kayla Becker, a 2018 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College with a degree in Elementary Education, teaches third grade at Cross of Christ Lutheran School in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. In her classroom, Kayla brings structure, encouragement, and faith-based care to a room full of growing minds—guiding students through subjects like English
Kaitlyn Kiecker, a 2014 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College with a degree in Biology, works as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist in Rochester, Minnesota. In this role, she helps process blood and bone marrow samples to assist doctors in diagnosing and treating patients with blood disorders. Each day, Kaitlyn prepares lab
Anna Kempfert, Class of 2010, earned her degree in English with Secondary Education Licensure and Communication Arts Certification at Bethany Lutheran College. She later joined AmeriCorps VISTA as a Volunteer Coordinator at the University of Maine. In this role, Anna planned service projects and after-school programs, wrote grants, recruited and
Take your Virtual Tour!
Take a virtual tour of our beautiful campus in Mankato, Minnesota! We would love to show you around in person, so schedule your campus visit today!