Alumni
Class of 1972 Reunion
We had a great time at our class reunion on September 22, 2007! Check out the Reunion Photo Gallery!
Dear Class of 1972,
Homecoming was a wonderful weekend to be back on Bethel’s campus. Even though we were the last class to graduate from the old campus, we sensed the same sweet spirit as we took in a winning football game, enjoyed perfect Indian summer weather, and connected with classmates after 35 years. It was a record attendance for a Homecoming Weekend. More than 1,000 people attended the combined reunion dinner on Saturday evening—a total that included 62 (alumni and spouses) from our class.
As our class met for the evening, we had fun visiting with guests Keith Tekautz, Margaret Anderson Peterson, and Nancy Lundquist. They reminded us that during our Bethel days, coffee was a nickel in the coffee shop, Keith was on the go all the time, and Carl Lundquist became president at age 34. Nancy has lived and shared in Bethel history for 63 years. It was great to visit with them as we remembered our years on the Snelling campus and the transition to the present campus. To us, Nelson will always be the “new dorm.”
Tom Billingmier provided us with a presentation of photos of the old campus. As the pictures faded in and out, we tried to be the first to guess the person, place, or event. Memories were jogged as we viewed the old dining hall, classrooms, faculty, classmates, and events such as Nik Dag and Sno Daz. Somehow, it seems like it happened yesterday, and yet it was 35 years ago!
Don Soule won a prize for attending his first Homecoming reunion. Jack and Debbie Hoehl and Diane Berggren received a prize for attending all seven reunions. Terry Leafblad took honors for being retired, and Rich Sandberg was recognized for holding a single job for 30+ years. (And he will be the next to retire.) Congratulations to our Homecoming winners!
As Kent Osterman led us in a time of devotion and sharing, we realized many of us have experienced difficult and stressful life events, including loss of jobs, divorce, experiences with cancer, open heart surgery, dealing with elderly parents, illness, and heartaches with our children. We have also seen the joys that come with children marrying Christian spouses, becoming grandparents, retiring or being close to retirement, and seeing God’s faithfulness through each situation. Testimony was given of God’s enduring faithfulness and how He provides what we need when we rely on Him. Our evening concluded with singing a few hymns and closing in prayer. This was followed by a time of fun and fellowship to visit together.
Our thanks to committee members Debbie Shaffer Hansen, Jane Harstein Weigel, Helen Christianson Peterson, Tom Billingmier, Kent Osterman, and Gwen Peterson Larson for a great and memorable evening. Look up Bethel’s website at www.bethel.edu/alumni/reunions and check out the Homecoming pictures and photo gallery for our class. Remember, we have two reunions to go before we hit the golden number of 50 years.
When we were students in the ’60s and ’70s, many alumni and friends were there for us, and gave sacrificially so we could have the experience of a Bethel education. Now, many of us are benefiting from Bethel again as our children attend Bethel and create their own memories.
We can make a difference in the lives of current and future students and give back to our alma mater. Bethel is presently funding a campaign for $103 million called “The Next Step” which will provide a number of improvements, including a University Commons on the St. Paul campus. This facility will include a student life center, library, dining area, and post office. Former facilities now used for those purposes will be remodeled to provide additional classroom space.
It’s exciting to see the campus grow and expand its services. A gift to the Annual Fund will support the Taking the Next campaign and is a wonderful way to help bridge the difference between tuition and actual operating costs. Let’s continue to support Bethel University through our giving and our prayers so that Bethel can touch hearts, shape minds, and impact the world for Jesus Christ. Pray also for the administration, its search committee for a new president, the faculty, staff, and students. It is a tremendous encouragement for Bethel to know that alums like us are sustaining the school through our giving and our prayers.
We look forward to 2012 when we will celebrate our 40 year reunion. That sounds rather scary and like a long time away, but before we know it we’ll be back. Until then, may God bless you and keep you in His care and provide for all your needs.
Blessings,
Gwen (Peterson) Larson
Committee Chair
Class of 1972
If you were unable to attend, you can still obtain a Memory Book for $5 from the Alumni office via email at alumni@bethel.edu or call 800.255.8706, ext. 6462, or 651.638.6462.
1972 Reunion Planning Team
1972 reunion planning team members are:
(Left to right) Debbie (Schaeffer) Hansen, Helen (Christensen) Peterson,
Kent Osterman, Gwen (Peterson) Larson - Coordinator, Jane (Harstine) Weigel,
(not pictured: Tom Billigmeier)
We’re missing contact information (address, phone
& e-mail) on some of your classmates.
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 | Anderson | Dempsey |
| Timothy | Anderson | |
| James | Andresen | |
| Dawn | Barkman | |
| Clara | Baumley | Kramarich |
| Philip | Berg | |
| Charlene | Bolger | |
| Peter | Calhoun | |
| Woo-ping | Chung | |
| Steven | Doornbos | |
| Barbara | Dow | |
| Maureen | Fletcher | |
| Jodee | Flippin | |
| Edward | Hall | |
| Norman | Holmberg | |
| Galen | Houk | |
| Judith | Johnson | Raymo |
| Charles | Kramarich | |
| William | Larick | |
| Virginia | Lindberg | Elmer |
| Diane | McCann | |
| Daniel | Mogck | |
| Randall | Peik | |
| James | Raymo | |
| Valerie | Roath | |
| David | Schmidt | |
| Janet | Shodin | Johnson |
| Marjorie | Tatter |