Alumni
Class of 1982 Reunion
We had a great time at our class reunion on September 22, 2007! Check out the Reunion Photo Gallery!
Dear Bethel Class of 1982,
Those of you who shared our recent 25-year reunion are probably still basking in the afterglow of time well-spent. A reunion is, after all, the reuniting of hearts, pondering memories of friendships, sights, sounds, and experiences that initially brought us together.
We had a nice turnout of about 75 classmates, including spouses or friends. Some came from all around Minnesota and as far away as Alaska, California, Montana, and Illinois. Kevin and Cynthia (Pennington) Walton recently returned from missions in Thailand and were also with us.
Some classmates are single, others are married; some have children in college, some have preschoolers, and others are awaiting adoptions. Some are healing from various losses. A few of us pursued more education, like Naomi (Ludeman) Smith-who never left Bethel and is working on her Ph.D. Some have changed jobs many times, like Crystal Engel, and others, like Ruth Van Mark, have had the same job for 25 years. Through all transitions we have grown in character, and blossomed in careers, marriages, parenting, and ministries. And have aged (gracefully?!) into a beautiful group of friends in various seasons of life.
Our reunion provided a laugh-filled trip down memory lane as we recalled “secret pranks” of Bethel days. Did you know Brook Berry rappelled down the Robertson Gym building and got stuck? Or that Cindy Kallstrom used a chemistry concoction to add a surprise to some Bethel guy’s underwear? Or that George Soltero led a group of Townhouse West guys to egg Edgren dorm (Brian McMurray was left behind and had to clean up that particular mess)? Beth Beebe was convinced that the Sominex® she was given to help her sleep really worked, only to discover Theresa Worrell had substituted NoDoz. Stu Soneson was nicknamed “Crash” due to an accident as he was “breaking in” his new motorized wheelchair. We laughed to the point of tears at the tales. (Be sure to bring your stories to the next reunion in 2012!)
The night also brought reminders of God’s faithfulness along the way. Kelly (Olson) Vavra sang a beautiful song which she wrote after losing a three-year-old son to cancer. Our hearts were touched throughout the evening as we shared our lives and recognized how the Lord has accompanied us on our journeys. Reunions are all about hearing familiar voices and seeing familiar faces, hugging and crying with those dear to us.
We spent time in “holy huddles” of prayer for Bethel. There is change ahead as President George K. Brushaber retires, leaving a legacy of leadership. Pray for the selection of the new president, someone who will continue to build Bethel without compromising its values. Pray for the university to remain committed to a biblical standard in Christian staff and faculty.
For those who missed this opportunity for refreshment and renewal, plan to attend in 2012. Bethel really is people—people like all of us, encouraging and spurring each other to love and good deeds.
The Bethel Class of 1982 Committee
Stuart (Stu) Soneson, Beth (Olson) Beebe, Brian Joyce, Kristie (Redin) Cummings and Brian Beardsley
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.
1982 Reunion Planning Team
1982 reunion planning team members are:
(Left to right) Brian Joyce, Beth (Olson) Beebe, Stu Soneson - Coordinator, Brian Beardsley, Kristie (Redin) Cummings (not pictured: Timothy Sawyer)
We’re missing contact information (address, phone, and email) 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 |
| Nancy | Dawson | Sielaff |
| Diane | Erickson | Rust |
| Barbara | Huggens | |
| Kraig | Klaudt | |
| Kerstin | Pellmyr | |
| Brice | Russell |