1979 Class Reunion

Reunion Photo Gallery

Your Reunion Planning Committee

1979 reunion committee members:
(left to right) Ruth Skoog, Beth Rainbow Thom, Brian Bohne,and Rick Glasow (not pictured) Kate Fishel Bohne and Joe Doncits

Letter from Planning Committee

25^th Reunion

Dear classmates:

It was so good to see so many of you during Homecoming weekend! There were many great activities throughout the weekend; perhaps some of you were able to enjoy the Friday concert, the Saturday “class without a quiz,” or the football game (unfortunately the Royals lost in the final minute).

We had a particularly wonderful time together on Saturday, October 16, at our class gathering. We were able at last to locate (after years of searching!) the famous “Faces of Bethel” promotional film, which was produced during our time at Bethel. This was converted from its original reel-to-reel format to VHS, and many of us enjoyed recalling Bethel days as we watched the film on the “big screen.” (Were we really that young? Did we really have hair?) We also enjoyed the roster pictures and yearbook photos displayed on the walls of the AC Lounge (thanks to Ruth Skoog and Beth Thom).

After our initial reception, we enjoyed dinner together with the other ’4 and ’9 classes (…’64, ’69, ’74, etc.) in the gym as we watched a video honoring this year’s Alumnus of the Year Dr. Bob Love (’78), now a transplant surgeon at the University of Wisconsin. Many of us remember him well. We were privileged to have Rev. Jim Spickelmeier and Dr. and Mrs. Gerry Healey join us for dinner. Dr. Healey’s famously sharp wit is still that and more; I nearly choked on my dinner laughing as he told stories!

After dinner, we returned to the AC Lounge for more reminiscing. Dana Olson gave a wonderful talk that humorously and beautifully brought us back to the Bethel of the late ’70s. This was the highlight of the evening for me; thanks, Dana, for remembering so well and expressing your thoughts so creatively!

There was also a group picture taken (once Brad Nelson finally showed up!). I think this will be available on Bethel’s Web site—you can check with the alumni office if you’re interested.

And now, as you know, we are alumni of Bethel University. The name change (and all the accompanying signage, letterhead, T-shirt, mug, and refrigerator magnet changes) became official this past summer. We can be proud to be alumni of this great school, which still stands very strong both academically and for Christ, 25 years since we walked the halls and slept in the dorms. I personally am aware of and impressed by the excellence of the science departments in particular; many of you I’m sure are more familiar with other areas.

It takes money, of course, to keep these great programs going. Tuition and fees cover only a portion of the costs; an additional $2.5 million is needed each year, just to meet operating expenses. I know that you, like me, get countless appeals for funds all the time. We’re at that stage in life, I guess. It’s hard to sift through them all to determine what is worthy of our support. I believe that our alma mater is one that is worthy in so many ways. Bethel University remains committed to preparing its students (many of them now or soon to be our sons and daughters) to serve Christ powerfully in our world—whether in science, music, formal ministry, or whatever field they choose. Please consider giving to Bethel if you are not already, and continue if you are; may His kingdom be advanced as we invest in what God is doing!

Thanks again to all of you who joined us for Homecoming weekend; this, I think, was my favorite Homecoming of all. So good to see you, friends! God bless you all!

In Christ who is our Hope,
Rick Glasow for the class of ’79 reunion committee