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
Dan Stark, Class of 2012, earned his degree in Exercise Science from Bethany Lutheran College and went on to complete his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from The College of St. Scholastica in 2016. Today, he serves in the field of sports medicine and rehabilitation, using his advanced training to
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 &
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
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
Brittany Fenrich, a 2015 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College, currently shapes minds as an Adjunct Professor of English at Palo Alto College, a position she began in January 2023. Before transitioning to higher education, she taught high school English in the Comal Independent School District in San Marcos, Texas, where
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
Emily Heintz graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2012 with a major in Elementary Education. Today, she enriches the lives of students as a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher at Immanuel Lutheran School in Courtland, Minnesota. In her classroom, Emily teaches nearly all core subjects, including English Language Arts, science, social
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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,
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
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
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!