Alumni
Class of 1956 Reunion
We had a great time at our class reunion on September 30, 2006!
Check out the Reunion Photo Gallery!
Reunion Wrap-up Letter
Dear Classmates:
We just concluded a wonderful 50th reunion weekend at Bethel University Homecoming. It was a pleasure to meet with about 40 of our classmates and spouses at the great events planned by Debbie Espeland and our reunion committee members. The reunion committee was led by John Swanson.
Our Golden Reunion on Saturday began with a punch reception that provided opportunities with classmates. This was followed by a Benson Great Hall organ concert by Professor Stephen Self. What a joy it was to hear the magnificent organ! (It would have been great had the entire class been available for the next event—a photo on the grand staircase. We tried to look our best, but after 50 years, it was rather difficult.)
We continued to the Eastlund Room for a great lunch. During that time, we enjoyed listening to our guests, Dr. Vernon Sommerdorf, Doc Roy Dalton, and Dr. Elving Anderson, who shared memories of their time at Bethel. When Doc Dalton came to the podium he commented “I don’t need help—I just need time.” President Brushaber and Dan Wiersum both offered greetings and an update on the good things that are happening at Bethel University. Each us of had an opportunity to share a one-minute highlight of our years at Bethel. Our first president, now-pastor Mike Rucinski, took a bit longer, but we enjoyed his message. Nancy Swanson Fernlund sang a special solo that was well received. As we circled the room and joined hands, Dester Kile led us in the old favorite “What a Friend we have in Jesus.”
In the afternoon Bethel defeated St. Thomas in a 17-7 game. Bethel football has improved a great deal from our days on the old Snelling campus!
Festivities continued with a punch reception in the Upsala Room and more time to visit with our classmates. Dinner was in the Robertson Center Gym with much-younger Bethelites. During that time, 2006 Alumnus of the Year Dan Dye was presented. Since 2000 he has been president of Cargill AgHorizons, U.S. He is a very deserving, godly representative of Bethel.
The special day provided new Bethel memories to treasure. We trust that many of us will gather for our 60th reunion. If not, let’s all meet at the Eastern Gate in heaven. Keep shining for Jesus.
Sincerely,
John G. Chisholm
Committee Member
Reunion Planning Committee
1956 reunion planning committee members are:
Left to right: John Swanson, Ramona (Nelson) Bowman, Carla (Kern) Rekstad, June (Nelson) Carlson and Dester Kile
Not pictured: John Chisholm
Missing Alumni
We’re missing contact information (address, phone, and email) on some of your classmates. If you know an alumna(us) listed below and would like them to receive information on your class reunion, please email or call alumni@bethel.edu or call 651.638.6462 (metro) or 800.255.8706 ext. 6462.
|
First Name |
Maiden |
Last Name |
| Phillip | Caldeen | |
| Ellen | Cedar | Jones |
| Mary | Nicol | Vogel |
| Bernice | Rolma | Dahlstrom |