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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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
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
As a former teacher, I saw a great need for children and adolescents to receive counseling. Many are burdened by trauma, anxiety, and other issues which impede their learning. One situation involving a former student stands out to me. He had witnessed domestic violence prior to coming to school in
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
Patricia Lilienthal, Class of 2018 with a major in History, is making history come alive through her work as a Collections Coordinator, Exhibit Designer, and Administrative Assistant. She reflects on her daily responsibilities: “I never really have an average day at the museum. I bounce between updating and preserving our
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
Amanda Rose, Class of 2007 with a major in Music Composition and Technology, now composes sacred music by commission or on her own initiative. She has created works for ensembles such as a college wind symphony and women’s choir, and writes for choir performances that bless congregations. She also sings
Ashley (Schwichtenberg) Landru, Class of 2011 and an Elementary Education major, brings care and creativity to her role teaching sixth grade students. She loves teaching social studies and language arts to young students, sharing her passion for books and learning every day. Beyond classroom instruction, Ashley engages with her school
Seth Hueckman, a 2007 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College, majored in Engineering Sciences and has since built a career rooted in technical expertise, integrity, and hands-on problem solving. Now a civil engineer with Barr Engineering, Seth works on landfill, dam, and mine site projects, Seth has developed a deep understanding
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:
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
Taylor Friehl, a 2016 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College with a major in Studio Art and a minor in Art History, has crafted a dynamic career at the intersection of sustainability, design, and storytelling. At Bethany, she excelled not only in the classroom but also as a standout on the
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
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
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
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
Ryan McCue graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, earning endorsement in Middle School Mathematics. He now teaches fifth grade math and science at United South Central Elementary School in Minnesota, where he brings enthusiasm, curiosity, and classroom leadership each day. For Ryan, teaching is more
Clinical Mental Health is often overlooked and stigmatized throughout the world, even though it is something everyone deals with. There is no shame in seeing a doctor for a physical ailment, but people often feel shame when seeking help for their mental health. Furthering my education allows me to better
Jordan Poff earned his Bachelor of Arts in Engineering Sciences from Bethany Lutheran College in 2019, where he also minored in Mathematics. While at Bethany, he embraced hands-on learning in the engineering labs and also balanced academics with competition on the men’s tennis team—an experience that shaped his discipline and

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
Why is Clinical Mental Health a passion of yours? When I completed my undergraduate degree in Expressive and Therapeutic Arts at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, I volunteered for a local program, Grief Relief. Supporting grieving children quickly became a passion of mine, to the extent that immediately
Tova Brown, Class of 2010, graduated from Bethany Lutheran College with a Mathematics major (also pursuing Theatre). She received the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship and earned her Ph.D. in Analysis from the University of Arizona. Following academic work in France, she now serves on the mathematics faculty
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

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
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 &
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!