Class of 2000 Reunion

Reunion Photo Gallery

Planning Group

The Class of 2000 Reunion Planning Group: Carrie Brooks, Beth Johnson, Sarah Robinette, Brian Westrate, David Magnuson. (Not pictured: Steve Hockersmith)

Letter

Dear Member of the Class of 2000,

November 2005

On September 24, members of the class of 2000 gathered to celebrate the fact that five years ago we graduated from Bethel. If you missed it, you missed a doozy. We had to shut it down around 4:00 a.m. because we couldn’t fit any more ducks into President Brushaber’s office. Thanks to Dave Magnuson for trailering in the ducks.

We began the evening with a hors d'oeuvre reception where we were able to catch up on the lives of our classmates. Following the reception was a fine Bethel banquet dinner in the gym where we gathered with all of the reunionites from years past. Bets were taken on what the food would be. Congratulations to Annaliese Braun for guessing correctly that it would be grilled chicken breast, green beans, and baby red potatoes followed by choice of cheese or chocolate cake. During dinner we heard from this year’s distinguished alumni and were entertained by the dulcet sounds of Bethel’s own fabulous Poor Baker’s Dozen singing group.

From dinner we migrated back to our reception area where we conducted a survey to find out who has the best “life story” from the last five years. Congratulations to Marie Olson for having lived in Israel for a year. Honorable mentions went to Danielle Ferran (formerly Lavelle) for having four children in five years and to Tracy Johnson for having taught in Turkey and moved to South Dakota following marriage. Prizes were awarded to the best story from each table.

To wrap up the evening we heard from Assistant Professors Pat and Dave Danforth. During her devotion Pat (Department of Education) encouraged us to follow a three-part plan, which included focusing on passion, relationships, and flexibility. As our keynote speaker Dave (Department of Business) encouraged us to live intentional lives as we continue down our chosen paths. Both Pat and Dave are retiring after this year and will be moving to Taos, New Mexico. They will both be missed. Their legacy will be the sharpened minds of those students fortunate enough to have had them in class.

So, that was pretty much our evening. A good time was had by all. Thank you to those who were able to make it. To those that weren’t, we hope you can make it in 2010.

Regards,
Brian Westrate, Class of 2000
P.S. Still in my jammies.

Thank you to Sarah Robinette, Beth Johnson, Steve Hockersmith, Carrie Brooks, David Magnuson for helping in the promoting and planning of our first reunion.