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
Matt Meilner, Class of 2012, graduated with a major in Media Arts from Bethany Lutheran College. He began his creative career interning with industry leaders and now serves as a creative director in Portland, Oregon, where he helps brands communicate openly and honestly about who they are and what they
Abigail Vance, Class of 2015, earned her Psychology degree from Bethany Lutheran College, inspired by a desire to build a career centered on helping people. “I was first drawn to psychology just because I knew it generally had to do with people, and I’m a people person,” she explains. “I
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
Isaac Rice graduated in 2013 with a major in Communication from Bethany Lutheran College. At the time of his profile, he was serving as a freelance TV director, leading broadcasts for a Major League Soccer team, while also working as a live events director and producer for a media company
Bailey Bautch, Class of 2018, graduated from Bethany Lutheran College with a major in Elementary Education and now serves as a 6th grade general education instructor at Rochester Central Lutheran School. In her classroom, Bailey is more than a teacher—she’s a guide, a mentor, and a daily source of encouragement.
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
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
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
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
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 &
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
Shelby Latusek graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Bethany Lutheran College. Inspired early on by her mother’s career, she became a second-grade teacher at Zumbrota-Mazeppa Primary School in Minnesota, where she brings learning alive through teaching core standards and coaching middle school softball and

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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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 Wiechmann graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in May 2017 with honors, earning a degree in English, a minor in Spanish, and licensure in Communication Arts and Literature (grades 5–12). After college, Anna embarked on a teaching career where she could share her passion for language and literature. She currently
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
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
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!