News Home »

Fun was in the forecast for Homecoming, October 15-17, and the weekend’s activities lived up to the billing. Approximately 2,000 alumni weathered the trip back to Bethel to reconnect with friends, roommates, and professors and to participate in a diverse selection of meaningful events, including Homecoming chapel, where alumnus of the year Bruce Dahlman’76 encouraged and challenged the Bethel community.

Alumni toured the campus, attended sample classes, and renewed their ties with like-minded friends at a number of special gatherings, including events for football, baseball, and hockey alumni; Coeval contributors; Depression House participants; and Royal Stadium Club members. Several departments sponsored open houses spotlighting their newest programs or facilities, including the library, television and radio studios, and nursing, biology, and business and economics departments. 

More than 800 alumni celebrated their reunions together on Friday and Saturday nights, and a sold-out crowd enjoyed a special performance of the comedy Triple Espresso in Benson Great Hall on Friday evening. On Saturday morning, warm fellowship and sunny weather contributed to great participation in the Bethel Student Association’s 5K Run/Walk, and a full stadium was on hand that afternoon to see Coach Steve Johnson’s 150^th win as the Royals preserved their undefeated season by beating Gustavus 20-0.

“The weekend was marked by strengthened connections and celebration of the Bethel legacy,” says Linda Schubring, director of alumni and parent services. “From Homecoming chapel, to the sold-out Triple Espresso, to the football win, to the gathering of reunion groups as the sun set over Lake Valentine, the weekend was successful in celebrating what God has done, is doing, and will do at Bethel.”