Class of 1985 Reunion

Reunion Photo Gallery

Planning Group

Class of 1985 Reunion Planning group:
Renee Youngward Pouchak, Todd Erickson, Wendy Benson Stensrud, Bill Gilmore, Anne Hammond.

Dear Bethel Class of ’85,

We want to thank all of you who came for the reunion. It was great to see everyone and catch up on what God has been doing in the lives of our classmates during the past 20 years! Those of you who couldn’t make it were remembered and missed. It was remarkable to see that, after 20 years, we really haven’t changed at all. Well, maybe we’ve changed a little since 1985. Okay, in the interest of accuracy, we’ve changed, but we’re still recognizable!

We had a good turnout with close to 40 classmates making their way back for Homecoming weekend. The evening started with a reception catered in the spirit of “Doc’s corner.” Yes, cookies galore and great coffee (although you didn’t have to leave a nickel!). Doc Dalton even came to be a part of our celebration. The reception was followed by dinner in the gym with all of the other classes holding their reunions. There were even members of the class of 1955 in attendance!

After dinner, we reminisced about the top songs and movies from our college era. We also played a game called “To Tell the Truth.” First, an embarrassing or funny story from our school years and about a classmate was read aloud. Then, three people tried to convince us it was about them; we had to decide who it was really about. In a couple cases, we learned far more information about our classmates than we ever needed to know! Thanks to all the good sports who played the game. Prizes included record albums (yes, black, vinyl record albums) from the ’80s.

We also had some time for people to share how God has been working in their lives since leaving college. Thanks to all who shared! The stories were inspirational, encouraging, and a real blessing.

Whether you made it or not, you can see some of the people who came simply by going to Bethel’s website at www.bethel.edu and checking out the reunion pictures. Feel free to browse and download them or, for a CD, contact Bill Gilmore at bill.gilmore@pattersondental.com. Thanks again for making it a great time!

Reunions and Homecoming remind us what Bethel University (College, for us!) is all about. Bethel’s mission statement says: “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.” Please remember to pray for the staff and the 2,900 students currently attending our alma mater. It’s a tremendous encouragement for them to know that thousands of alums like us are sustaining the school through our giving as well as our prayers.

Sincerely,
The Reunion Committee

Anne Hammond, Renee (Youngward) Pouchak, Wendy (Benson) Stensrud, Todd Erickson, John Klem, and Bill Gilmore