Homecoming 2016

Hundreds of alumni returned to Bethel for Homecoming weekend, held from September 30 to October 2. The weekend started by honoring Alumnus of the Year Chad Schwitters ’95, with a dinner on Thursday and his address in Chapel on Friday morning. Family Movie Night on Friday evening drew approximately 375 family members for “Finding Dory” in Benson Great Hall.

On Saturday morning, Bethel Seminary alumnus of the year Nick Hall S’11 was honored during a celebration and special luncheon for his family and friends. A number of Bethel’s undergraduate departments also hosted open houses to offer alumni a chance to reconnect with faculty members and alumni from their disciplines.

The first-­ever Alumni Tailgate Picnic was held before the football game on Saturday, giving alumni and their families an opportunity to enjoy lunch together at the field before cheering on the Royals. “Our 5-year, 10-year, 20-year, 30-year, 40-year, and 50-year reunions were a huge success as classmates gathered to reminisce and share time together,” says Jim Bender, director of alumni and family relations. “In particular, I was moved to hear the class of 1966 singing hymns together as they met for their banquet in the Underground. What a sweet time of worship.”

The weekend ended Sunday when Bethel alumni and friends gathered in Benson Great Hall for the annual Homecoming Hymn Sing, featuring the Calvary Church Choir from Roseville and alumni from Bethel's choirs.

To see photos from Homecoming week at Bethel, visit the university’s Facebook page.