Each year at this time we give thanks for the countless blessings in our lives. We reflect on how God provides and sustains us in all circumstances. We are grateful for the family and friends who have been part of our lives.

This fall, we were able to gather with some of those friends from Bethel during Homecoming Weekend last September to reminisce about our college experience. Whether Bethel seemed like just yesterday or an eternity ago, our memories came flooding back when we set foot on campus.

We set an all-time record for attendance at a five-year reunion! There were over 170 alumni from the Class of 2004. The Brushaber Commons was a perfect setting for our social hour, dinner, and program. After experiencing the new and vastly improved Dining Center, we remembered what it was like to have our food provided and dishes done for us. Dave Berggren and Dan Meyer put on a spectacular performance, including their own take on Geico commercials and the Conan O’Brien skit, ‘In the Year 2000.’ In case you missed it, check out our Facebook group to see the videos. Search for “Bethel Class of 2004 Reunion.” Feel free to post your own pictures from the reunion weekend in the album.

We also had the privilege of hearing from Ross Manders, our classmate who is now Associate Campus Pastor at Bethel, and Don Graffam, former Associate Dean for Leadership Development, who is now campus pastor for the White Bear Lake campus of Eagle Brook Church. Both offered insightful words and challenges for our class as we live outside the Bethel walls.

In order to continue making a difference on campus, the Development Office has partnered with our class to form the Class of 2004 Study Abroad Scholarship intended for students desiring to study abroad. Please prayerfully consider making a contribution, of any amount, towards that cause. So far we have had 71 pledges, which is 12% total participation. To donate, visit http://www.bethel.edu/development/.

We hope that you enjoyed catching up with our classmates and being back on campus. Our 10-year reunion will be here before you know it. If you are interested in being on the planning committee, please contact the Alumni Office.

Sincerely,

Sarah (Anderson) Darr, Dave Berggren, Ana (Erickson) Heeren, Gregg Lindberg,

Linnea (Friberg) Quam, and Anthony Warren

P.S. if you would like to order a Class of 2004 memory booklet, call the Alumni Office at 651.638.6462, or 1.800.255.8706, ext. 6462.