The 2008-09 school year began on Tuesday, September 2, after several days of Welcome Week activities aimed at making the transition for Bethel's nearly 700 new freshmen and 140 transfer students as smooth as possible. Some fun facts:

-Bethel's incoming class represents 32 states and more than 35 denominations.

-The freshman class has an average ACT score of 25.

-"Johnson" is the most popular last name--3 percent of the incoming class has the last name "Johnson."

-There are twelve sets of twins in the freshman class.

-There are six new National Merit Scholarship finalists. Overall, there are 17 National Merit Scholars at Bethel.

Click here to see a photo gallery from Welcome Week and Celebration Chapel.

Would you like to catch up with an old Bethel roommate, but aren’t sure how to get in touch? Looking for a way to network with others in your city? Just want to find out what’s going on for alumni in your area? We’re busy developing a new set of web-based tools for alumni, including a permission-based online directory; dedicated web pages for alumni chapters and clubs; and the ability to post online notes, photos, and updates--all in a safe, secure environment only accessible by your fellow classmates and friends. Watch for more news over the next several months!

Last year, Bethel University proudly announced the addition of a women's golf team to the lineup of varsity sports. On September 4, the Royals won their first competition--a dual meet against Northwestern College played at Edinburgh USA.

The Royals won handily, with the top four golfers combining for a score of 394. Hannah Hunstad (Fr., Medina, Minn.) was the top golfer for Bethel, followed by Paige Lemeiux (Fr., Fargo, N.D.), Bree Eastlack (Sr., Rockford, Minn.), and Megan Sahlstrom (Jr., Milaca, Minn.). "I'm proud of the way our women competed today," said Head Coach Joel Johnson. "We have some good talent on the team, and I'm looking forward to watching them get better as the season progresses."

Nineteen MBA and Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership learners traveled to Hong Kong in August as part of the Leading in a Global Environment course. The group toured businesses and attended seminars with a variety of internationally renowned speakers on how to conduct business in China, globalization, the "one country--two systems" arrangement Hong Kong shares with China, and more. The students learned the importance of guanxi, or interrelationship and connection. This value "is the basis for business in China," said Linda Nelson, MBA student. "To the Chinese, guanxi means success. It contrasts with the American, profit-driven model where 'time is money, and money is everything.'"

"I learned the value of relationships both personally and professionally," Nelson said. "I was impacted by being with Bethel learners from different backgrounds and cultures, and gained incredible insight and personal perspective on economics and spirituality as well as learned the stark realities of poverty and government control."

Saint Paul Public Schools have invited Bethel to participate in a program to encourage students to start thinking about postsecondary education as early as the elementary grades. Bethel will be sponsoring a classroom in the Saint Paul school district, and Bethel's Department of Education is looking for alumni from all majors who are willing to serve as guest speakers. Interested alumni can contact Jaci Prior at j-prior@bethel.edu or phone 651.638.6793.

The Bethel University women's soccer team continued their winning streak on Tuesday, September 9, with a conference win over the Hamline Pipers. This win extends the Royals undefeated streak to six games, continuing from last season, which is a new team record.  It also ties a team-best start of 5-0, which hasn't been done since 1998.