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.
Alumni Stories
Hear Why Past Graduates Love Education at BLC
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
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:
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
Noah Battenfeld graduated in 2018 from Bethany Lutheran College with a degree in Elementary Education. Since then, he has brought energy, creativity, and a nurturing spirit to the classroom as a kindergarten teacher at Kasson‑Mantorville Elementary School in Kasson, Minnesota. Noah finds daily joy in helping young students discover new
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.
Charis Carmichael Braun, Class of 2004, graduated from Bethany Lutheran College with a major in Studio Art. She later earned her MFA at the New York Academy of Art and now serves as a fine artist, graphic designer, and arts administrator. In her work, she teaches art history, manages major
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 Kempfert, Class of 2010, earned her degree in English with Secondary Education Licensure and Communication Arts Certification at Bethany Lutheran College. She later joined AmeriCorps VISTA as a Volunteer Coordinator at the University of Maine. In this role, Anna planned service projects and after-school programs, wrote grants, recruited and
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
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
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
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
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
Michael Knepprath, a 2010 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College, earned his degree in Studio Art with an emphasis in Media Arts. What began as a passion for visual design gradually evolved into a robust career at the intersection of design and technology. Today, Michael works as a Staff Software Engineer
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
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
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
Take your Virtual Tour!
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