Dear Classmates of the Class of ’69:

What a joy it was to celebrate our 40th class reunion at Bethel University’s Homecoming during the weekend of September 25-27, 2009. I believe that, without doubt, a wonderful time was enjoyed by all. Many enjoyed seeing campus life as it is today, learning about lives, hearing about accomplishments, and just filling in gaps that occur over time. Certainly, “All roads lead home!”

Forty classmates of the Class of ’69 were able to attend the play Amnesiac Jack in the Benson Great Hall on Friday, take in the football game with a sweet 29-10 win over Concordia-Moorhead on Saturday, tour the old campus, enjoy a wonderful dinner in the new Brushaber Commons where each of us could choose from an array of fabulous foods, and then afterward gather intimately in the Library by the fireplace for singing, a short program, and wonderful desserts and coffee. And lest we forget, CONVERSATION!

Dan Johnson served as MC for our program, introducing Gregg Johnson, who worked long and hard on a wonderfully engaging PowerPoint presentation comprised of old photos of teachers and classmates, some of whom have changed dramatically and others, not so much. During the gift-giving portion, Karen Frye and Jan Duncan encouraged classmates to speak regarding their lives. Stories were told that inspired us, brought smiles to our faces, and touched our hearts. It was grand! One could sense fulfillment of the mission statement of Bethel University: “Boldly informed and motivated by the Christian faith, Bethel University educates and energizes men and women for excellence in leadership, scholarship, and service. Bethel prepares graduates to serve in strategic capacities to renew minds, live out biblical truth, transform culture, and advance the gospel.”

Who will forget the nostalgic opportunity to sing “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and “Day by Day” with Doc (Roy) Dalton at the piano, a really wonderful man. We were honored to have him as our special guest.

A special surprise was Nola Port’s birthday (revealed to us on the sly by her husband, Denny) and at her request, Dan Wickman led us in singing “Happy Birthday” with Karen at the piano. There is so much talent in our class!

Members of the Class of ’69 are thankful to Bethel for providing us an opportunity to meet, catch up with each other, give support, and help us reconnect and reflect upon the importance of our shared experiences as Bethel classmates. On behalf of the committee, might we ask that you continue to pray for Bethel, as we hope students and staff there today will one day be able to look back fondly on their memories just as we did at our 40th reunion. Let’s get together again in 2014!

Sincerely,

Christine Pistotnik , Dan Johnson, Karen Frye, Jan Duncan, Gregg Johnson, and Wally Borner

Class of 1969 Class Reunion Committee

P.S. If you would still like to order a copy of our 1969 memory booklet call the Alumni Office at 651.638.6462, 1.800.255.8706, ext. 6462. The book has a nominal charge of $5.