Alumni
1981 Class 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 Bethel Class of 1981,
“It was inspiring to remember no matter how fast time that we, with God, ‘can live each moment/season to its fullest....making the most of the time’ (Ephesians 5:16).” So went this heartening note from a fellow alumnus, sent following our recent reunion.
Homecoming was a brilliant autumn day, with hundreds of alumni gathering near the end zone at the football game, trying to find a familiar face. Among the hundreds were dozens of our classmates—and we actually recognized each other! Lots of hugs and lively conversation ensued (after all, it had been many years).
Later we gathered for our evening reception, dinner, and program. The theme, “Bethel is Bricks –and People,” recalled the years of change the campus experienced during our time at Bethel, as well as the life journeys of those in attendance. We featured the movie Faces of Bethel Part II, a humorous take on the college during our era. This movie, which was filmed in 1979, showed the campus in transition: lots of dirt, mud, and new construction. Contrast the images from the past with today’s beautiful campus and its mature landscaping, many new buildings, and a student body numbering more than 2,800 (students who look awfully young to us!).
Evening conversation revolved around catching up on 25 years of life, sharing joys, heartaches, and future plans with friends old and new. It was wonderful to see so many friends from the past. Later, we watched a snapshot-filled slide show of Bethel memories. Thoughts turned to how much fun we had then, and how much our Christian friends meant to us. Most of our group of 87 stayed well past 11 p.m., and our reminiscing spilled over into the parking lots!
Being back on campus reminded us of the influence Bethel graduates have on the world around them. Looking over the crowd of alumni at the dinner, we could see the active legacy of Bethel reflected in various ages. The value of our Christian education cannot be understated. Please help continue this legacy by supporting Bethel, both in prayer and by financially investing in future generations of students to come.
Homecoming weekend was summed up best by one of our fellow classmates: “I am so grateful I made the decision I did years ago to attend Bethel. My lifelong, treasured friends are the ones I made at Bethel. How blessed I am!”
On behalf of the committee,
Linda (Moen) Sjolander
Class of ’81 Reunion Coordinator
Reunion Planning Committee
1981 reunion planning committee members are:
(Left to right)Diann Lloyd Dennis, Todd Benson, Linda Moen Sjolander and
Dawn Seiford Glesener
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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.
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First Name |
Maiden |
Last Name |
| Kristin | Blixt | Souza |
| Jane | Carlson | |
| Sandra | Christian | Baker |
| Richard | Davis | |
| Jess | Day | |
| Diane | Eaton | |
| Stephen |
Havens |
|
| Dorothy | Holstrom | |
| Donald | Nelson | |
| Nancy | Reeder | Stromgren |
| Linda | Root | |
| Steven | Tesch | |
| Margaret | Van Etten | Hamilton |
| Steven | Wiersum | |
| Kristen | Williams | Anderson |