1974 Class Reunion

Photo Gallery of the Reunion

Your Reunion Planning Committee

1974 reunion committee members:
(left to right) Joanne Tarman, Nancy Meyer Healy, Lyn Ford Gustafson. Not pictured: Lois Smith Jacobs and Dan Nelson

Letter from Planning Committee

Dear Classmates,

We did it. The Bethel Class of 1974 had a great time together on Saturday, October 16, as we celebrated our 30th class reunion. The fellowship was sweet, and the time went by too quickly. The football game ended in a loss for the Royals, and the weather was rather chilly, but spirits were high. We are sorry to have missed many of you, but for those who were there, the time of sharing both around the meal table and in our own special time before and after could have gone on for hours. The room was abuzz with conversation as we got reacquainted. There were lots of hugs and photos being taken. We had classmates come from California, Massachusetts, and many places in between. We’ve grown older but wiser and certainly share an appreciation for what God did for us at Bethel so many years ago.

We left Bethel to go to Dee Traudt’s restaurant: Andy’s Garage. We had a great time at the “Afterglow” as Dee and Dave shared songs from our era and some comedy as well. It was fun to sing and continue the sharing in such a fun place. A special thanks to Dee for staying up late for us.

The Bethel family is unique, from my perspective. It seems that everywhere I go, I meet people that have some connection with Bethel. So many of our classmates have had children that have gone to Bethel with my children, so the legacy continues. Bethel has been a powerful force in our family. It continues to educate students with a strong spiritual focus. My children’s roommates are awesome, and I was impressed with the depth of their love for the Savior and their commitment to make a difference for Christ in this world. There are approximately 2,800 traditional undergraduate students on campus who are being influenced by the faculty and staff at Bethel. Please pray for wisdom and strength for Bethel administration and faculty, that they will stay the course that has been anchored in Christ.

I also want to encourage you to continue your support for Bethel. Many of you are contributing in a variety of financial ways, including to the Bethel Fund. Tuition alone does not cover the expenses at Bethel, and $2.5 million is needed each year beyond tuition. Some of you have sent your students and their friends to Bethel. Many of you continue to support Bethel through prayer. Whatever way you have chosen to stay connected, remember that many sacrificed so that we could have a great Christian education, and we are needed now to continue that mission. Pray that students today will be motivated to love the Lord with all their hearts and prepare to serve Him in whatever vocation to which He calls them. Alumni from all over the world are praying for Bethel daily, and it is greatly appreciated.

Enough from me. Again, it was really fun to reconnect. I heard from others through email about weddings and homecoming queens and crops that kept you away. You were missed. God bless you as you serve Him where He has planted you. We hope to see you sometime around campus, but until we do, keep your eyes on Jesus and love the world through Him.

Lyn Ford Gustafson on behalf of the 1974 Reunion Committee: Dan Nelson, Nancy Healy, Lois Smith, Joanne Tarmann