The Bethany Lutheran College 2022-23 Academic Year is officially underway. New and returning students, faculty and staff, alumni, parents, and friends gathered in Trinity Chapel on Monday, August 22, 2022, at 10 a.m. for the Opening Service.

As the faculty processed into the Chapel, the assembly joined together singing “Come Holy Ghost and Lord” after which the Bethany Concert Choir performed “All Those Who Trust in Christ.”

Bethany President Dr. Gene Pfeifer addressed those in attendance while speaking about the “value” of a college education. He noted that in recent years the public seemingly doesn’t place the same importance on a four-year college degree than in the past, but he also explained that Bethany has been working earnestly in recent years to keep the cost of attending Bethany among the lowest of all colleges in Minnesota. But while many value college in terms of return on investment, he explained that “Bethany offers more than just a degree and career prospects, it also offers students an education rooted in the comfort of the Gospel.”

The service included the installation of new faculty members: Ryan Bolte (Associate Dean of Students/Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach), Ben Lundsten (Instructor of Media Arts), Elizabeth Olson (Associate Professor of Business Administration), Helena Stevens (Associate Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling), and Jeff Strehlow (Director of Online Learning).

Five first year students were presented with the Marvin G. Meyer and S.C. Ylvisaker Scholarships representing the top academic awards for the Class of 2026. Those students are: Xavier Palmer (Holmen, Wisc.), Amelia Pfund (Hartford, Wisc.), Emily Rouse (Racine, Wisc.), Gianna Spain (Palos Heights, Ill.), and Caleb Tomhave (Mankato, Minn.)

Before the faculty recessed, Student Senate President Andre Silva (Sao Paulo, Brazil) welcomed the assembly and specifically addressed the first year students to the campus.

Classes begin on Tuesday, August 23.