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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Back to Bethany!
With All-Campus Move-In coming up on August 16, be sure to reserve your spot and check out these resources to make sure you’re set up for a great year!
Bethany’s Best Week Ever!
Bethany’s Best Week Ever, our version of new student orientation, is a week designed around you! See what’s in store for you from August 16–24, 2025!
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.
Alumni Stories
Hear Why Past Graduates Love Education at BLC
Fourth-Grade Teacher | Basketball Coach | 2020 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Finalist Omar McMillan’s passion for teaching and mentorship has shaped countless lives in the Richfield, Minnesota community. A finalist for the 2020 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award, Omar serves as a fourth-grade teacher at Richfield STEM School
Jerome Wardlow Sr. made history in 2005 as the first Black graduate to earn a bachelor’s degree from Bethany Lutheran College, completing a B.A. in Broadfield Social Studies. Prior to that, he spent three seasons (2001–2004) as a student-athlete on the Vikings men’s basketball team. During his senior season, Jerome
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
Craig Rossiter, Class of 2012, earned his degree in Mathematics at Bethany Lutheran College and went on to complete the Master’s in Actuarial Science program. He now serves as an actuarial senior analyst, working on pricing auto insurance sold directly to consumers. Craig analyzes complex data to determine accurate premium
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
Bethany alumnus Alfonso (Fonzie) Mayfield is driven by a desire to affect change for people in his community. Mayfield grew up in the urban Milwaukee. It’s well documented that inner city Milwaukee has its problems, and opportunities for Mayfield in the Milwaukee public school system were muted. Through an opportunity
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
Alexis Gleason graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2015 with a major in Psychology, and went on to earn a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Bethel University. Deeply committed to mental health and personal empowerment, she later pursued and received her Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology at
Angela Kraft, Class of 2012, earned her degree in Mathematics from Bethany Lutheran College. After graduating, she participated in Bethany’s international Math in Moscow program—an immersive semester of rigorous study in mathematical theory and culture. She then went on to pursue graduate studies at the University of Arizona. During her
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
Avis Van Zomeren, a 2019 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College, majored in Psychology and now serves as a Marketing Strategist at Principal Financial Group in Des Moines, Iowa. In this role, she brings creativity, communication, and critical thinking together to craft strategic messaging that connects clients to financial services in
Cynthia Krause completed her Bachelor of Arts in Music at Bethany College in 2019, where she focused on harp and organ performance. After graduation, she spent two gap years working before pursuing a master’s degree in harp performance at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. In December 2022, she
David Hicke, Class of 2010, earned his degree in Engineering Sciences at Bethany Lutheran College. He now serves as an Off‑Road Vehicle Systems Engineer, where he designs cooling systems for all‑terrain vehicles—ensuring engines maintain proper temperature and prevent overheating. His daily work involves component selection, system design, project support for
A 2020 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College, Andrew Jelken has built a promising career in the banking industry by combining analytical skill with a strong work ethic and a commitment to growth. Andrew currently serves as a Credit Administration Associate in U.S. Bank’s Institutional Client Group, where he works to
Hai Trieu Phan, a 2018 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College with a major in Engineering Sciences, has built an international career that bridges cultures, industries, and disciplines. Originally from the Czech Republic, Hai was drawn to Bethany for its rigorous academics and close-knit community. He credits the college with providing
Janessa Becker, Class of 2014, earned a degree in Sociology from Bethany Lutheran College and has built a meaningful career in senior care leadership. She currently serves as the Regional Director of Operations at Grace Management, Inc., where she oversees senior living communities and ensures high-quality, individualized care across multiple
Katherine Totten graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2016 with a major in Biology, then pursued advanced study in molecular pharmacology and experimental therapeutics. She earned her PhD and now serves as a graduate researcher in an infectious diseases laboratory, where she explores the therapeutic potential of bacteriophages—viruses that target
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
Lydia Scruggs graduated in 2019 with a degree in Elementary Education from Bethany Lutheran College, earning Minnesota state licensure for K–6 teaching with a 5–8 endorsement in social studies. Today she teaches sixth grade at Hills Beaver Creek Elementary School, where she supports her students’ academic, emotional, and personal growth:
Dr. Matthew Schaffer, Class of 2010, graduated from Bethany Lutheran College with a major in Chemistry. He went on to earn his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Parker, Colorado. In 2017, he began his medical career with Mobridge Regional Hospital &
Jonathan Sehloff graduated in 2019 from Bethany Lutheran College with a degree in Computer Science. He developed technical skills through his involvement with Bethany’s live broadcasting studio, hands-on training that fueled the trajectory of his professional life. Today, he designs comprehensive broadcast systems for Alpha in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. His
Veeva Lee earned her Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science from Bethany Lutheran College in 2020, where she also distinguished herself as a standout player on the Vikings’ women’s volleyball team during her four years on campus. Now pursuing her MBA in Sports Business Management at Webber International University in
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
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!