Alumni
Class of 1962 Reunion
We had a great time at our class reunion on September 22, 2007!
Check out the Reunion Photo Gallery!
Dear Class of 1962,
The laughter has died, the games are done, and Bethel beat Carleton handily in football. But for those who participated in Homecoming events and the reunion dinner, the memories will linger for a long time. For those of you unable to attend, we looked at your photos in our yearbooks. You were missed as we reminisced about our college days and friendships.
Let me tell you a bit about our evening getting reacquainted with our classmates and the new Bethel U! Robertson Hall was filled with alumni from the five-year classes as we feasted on roast pork, veggies, and cheesecake, and were greeted by our national alumni president. U.S. Army Chief of Chaplain Col. Glen L Bloomstrom, Class of 1977, was introduced as our Alumnus of the Year. By video and message he challenged us to continue to pray for our men and women serving our country in our armed forces.
Prof. Jeannine Bohlmeyer joined us to reminisce about the “good old days.” Using some trivia from each of the classmates in attendance, an initial “mixer” gave us opportunity to welcome each other and provided the basis for many informal conversations throughout the evening. We had a fun time answering questions and everyone received a prize for their answers. We were reminded of the 14 classmates who have died and had a prayer in their memory.
Our class was well represented at Homecoming—25 classmates plus guests. Two classmates attended the reunion for the first time ever. In addition, attendees came from Arizona to Carolina and Massachusetts. Tuffy Bryant emceed the more formal part of the evening, during which classmates shared current challenges and praises related to health, retirement, vocation, service to Christ, and memories of our experiences at Bethel. We sang a humorous “senior” adaptation of “My Favorite Things.” After sharing memories, we marveled with Tuffy and Jill as they sang a couple of songs relating God’s provision in their lives. We closed the evening with a hymn and a prayer. We are grateful for all the memories of Bethel and the friends we saw again that evening.
One of the major changes is the transformation to the new Bethel University, with its multiple schools and almost 6,000 students. It is exciting to see the growth on the campus, both in the physical plant and in the wide menu of academic opportunities. It is rewarding to see the same purposes intertwined throughout the campus, as were present in 1960s: 1) a place for young men and women to meet with God; 2) training of young minds to excellence in their representation of Jesus Christ; and 3) freedom to think and express concerns in an atmosphere committed to extending the mission of Christ in this world.
Bethel has given much to each of us who had the privilege of maturing on campus. For some, Bethel has trained our children. And now, some are waiting for grandchildren to participate. I know that many of you have been financially supporting Bethel. If you have not invested in Bethel in the past, I encourage your investment in the students and staff of Bethel University. Bethel’s role in the kingdom and in this world has earned our support—in prayer and finance.
For those who missed this opportunity for refreshment and renewal, consider coming in 2012—our 50th reunion. Bethel has a grand adventure planned for us. We hope you put it on your schedule. Contact the alumni office if you desire to be on the 2012 planning team!
If you were unable to attend our reunion you can still order a Memory Book for $5 from the alumni office. You may email the alumni office at alumni@bethel.edu or call 800.255.8706, ext. 6462, or 651.638.6462.
Thank you.
Our Reunion Team: Larry Petersen, Theda (Lindaman) Stearns, Tuffy Bryant, and Barb (Anderson) Ferguson
1962 Reunion Planning Team
1962 reunion planning team members are:
(Left to right) Theda (Lindaman) Stearns, Larry Petersen - Coordinator
Not pictured: Thomas (Tuffy) Bryant and Barbara (Anderson) Ferguson
If you know the whereabouts of an alumni listed below, please email alumni@bethel.edu or call 651.638.6462 or toll-free at 800.255.8706, ext. 6462.
| First Name | Maiden | Last Name |
| Linda | Ellerman | Ervin |
| Nancy | Friedlund | |
| Margaret | Greenwall | |
| Phyllis | Gulbranson | Strumpfer |
| Duane | Hanson | |
| Lawrence | Hanson | |
| Sharalyn | Hanson | |
| Carol | Havel | Erickson |
| Bette | Hendrickson | Hahn |
| Stanley | Johnson | |
| Judy | Keoppel | |
| Diana | Kranzler | Norlund |
| Paul | Kuhlman | |
| Karen | Larson | |
| John | Lock | |
| Sondra | Lousignont | Smith |
| Darlene | Mercer | |
| Delores | Prohofsky | |
| Marilyn | Sayler | Boyle |
| Helen | Siemens | |
| Ernest | Uges | |
| Barbara | Unrau | |
| Padinjatti | Varki |