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.






Total Students
Student-Faculty Ratio
Students Receiving Financial Aid
Countries Represented
Students Clubs + Organizations
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
MacKenzie Lindstrom, Class of 2018, majored in Business Administration at Bethany Lutheran College. She now serves as a Business Banking Credit Analyst and Assistant Vice President for US Bank, where she gathers and analyzes financial information for both current and prospective commercial customers. Her daily responsibilities include reviewing financial statements,
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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:
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
Peter Bockoven, a 2018 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College with a major in History, has followed a path shaped by deep faith, rigorous study, and joyful service to the church. After completing his undergraduate education at Bethany, Peter enrolled at Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary in Mankato, Minnesota, where he completed
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Cody Hardin, Class of 2011, earned a double major in Communication and Music from Bethany Lutheran College, with emphases in TV & Film Audio and Theory & Composition. He now serves as a Senior Audio Operator at a ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut. In his role, Cody mixes live audio for
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
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,
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
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!