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.
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 4
Fall Festival 2025 Wrap Up
Amid the Trees, Vol. 1 Issue 3
Alumni Stories
Hear Why Past Graduates Love Education at BLC
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
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
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
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
Maurina Rondeau, Class of 2012, graduated from Bethany Lutheran College with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, focusing on Graphic Design. She currently serves as Marketing and Events Manager at Union Depot in St. Paul, Minnesota. Design had always interested Maurina, though she wasn’t initially sure how it would
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,
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
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
Anna Cepek, Class of 2012, earned her major in Mathematics at Bethany Lutheran College. She completed a Ph.D. in Mathematics at Montana State University and then traveled to South Korea for a postdoctoral fellowship focused on research in configuration spaces of manifolds. In her role as a graduate student and
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
Beret Finken graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2018, earning a dual major in Music and Theatre with a minor in Psychology. Today, she embraces motherhood full-time, caring for her two young sons, while continuing to compose and perform locally. In the fall of 2023, Beret released her debut album
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
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
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
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.
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
Allison Petzel, Class of 2012 with a double major in Biology and Exercise Science, now practices as a physical therapist in an outpatient orthopedic setting. Her caseload spans patients aged 10 to those in their 90s, treating acute injuries, post-surgical recovery, balance and gait issues, and sports-related conditions. She values
Jacob B. Weber, a 2010 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College with a degree in Church Music, has dedicated his life and career to sacred music, worship leadership, and teaching the faith through song. He currently serves as Associate Editor of Music/Worship at Concordia Publishing House (CPH) in St. Louis, Missouri,
Natalie Wishcop graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Bethany, where she developed strong foundations in instrumental performance, choral ensembles, and music pedagogy. Today, she serves as a band director at a Lutheran school while also sharing her voice as a contracted singer with the Minnesota
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
Madison Barber graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies. During her time on campus, she actively pursued opportunities to grow—most notably through Bethany’s mock trial program, where she developed courtroom confidence and sharpened her public-speaking skills by competing alongside motivated peers. “I
Stephanie Sewanoude, Class of 2010, graduated from Bethany Lutheran College with a degree in History. Her journey since then has been marked by a commitment to service, global engagement, and professional growth. Shortly after graduation, Stephanie joined the Peace Corps and served in Benin, West Africa. There, she taught English
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:
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
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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!