Grandparents Day 2017

There’s a special connection between a grandparent and a grandchild, no matter their ages. Bethel University's 5th annual Grandparents Day is an opportunity for Bethel students and their grandparents to celebrate that special connection and enjoy a day together on Bethel's campus.

Grandparents, you will have the opportunity to attend Chapel, tour campus, hear from university leaders, eat lunch in Bethel’s beautiful Monson Dining Center, take in sessions with Bethel professors, and have a wonderful time engaging with your grandchild as you experience their home away from home.

Here’s what several grandparents shared as their highlight from Grandparents Day 2016:
“…Seeing where our granddaughter goes to school—meeting her friends—seeing how happy she is to be attending Bethel.”

“It was so much fun having lunch with our grandchildren. They were so very attentive in carrying out trays, picking up our drinks, etc.—a real reversal of roles.”

“My granddaughter shared her decision for a major with me that day. She had been ‘undeclared’ until a few days prior. She had very wise counsel in her decision making from her counselor. We are so very pleased she chose Bethel.”

Schedule

8–9 a.m. | Check-In
Community Life Center Lobby, level 1

Check in and receive your Grandparents Day materials.

8–9 a.m. | Coffee Reception
Community Life Center Lobby, level 1

Once you've checked in, mingle with other grandparents and enjoy some coffee and pastries before the opening session.

9–9:45 a.m. | Opening Session
Benson Great Hall, Community Life Center, level 1

Gather with other grandparents in Benson Great Hall to hear from President Jay Barnes and other Bethel community members. Students are also welcome to attend this session as their schedules allow.

10:15–11 a.m. | Chapel
Benson Great Hall, Community Life Center, level 1

Attend chapel with your Bethel student and hear guest speaker Shane Claiborne. Shane is a founding member of The Simple Way, an intentional living community in Philadelphia that advocates for nonviolence and service to the poor​. He is also the author of multiple best-selling books, including The Irresistible Revolution. Shane has the ability to deeply engage the spiritual journey by telling compelling stories of hope and beauty.

11 a.m.–2:15 p.m. | Lunch
Monson Dining Center, Brushaber Commons, level 3

Experience lunch on campus with your grandchild (as their schedule allows) and enjoy the variety and appeal of Bethel's buffet-style dining. Your Grandparents Day registration includes a ticket for lunch. Students may use their meal plan or flex dollars. If your student doesn’t have a meal plan or flex, they may purchase lunch at the entrance to Monson Dining Center for the special Grandparents Day rate of $8.50.

11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Hospitality Center and Photo Booth
The Underground, Brushaber Commons, level 2

Looking for a place to spend some time connecting with your grandchild or to unwind while they're in class? Visit the Grandparents Day Hospitality Center, where you can enjoy refreshments, read the newspaper, get to know other grandparents, or simply relax. Also, be sure to have your picture taken with your grandchild and take home a complimentary photo memento from the day!

11:15 a.m.–Noon | Optional Session: “Science Fiction Technologies”
Olson Boardroom, Brushaber Commons, level 4

Utopian technologies from science fiction have a habit of becoming reality in the future. In this “class without a quiz,” Professor of Communication Studies Dr. Ripley Smith will trace the development of several communication technologies from their early vision in science fiction to widespread adoption in homes and businesses.

12:30-1:30 p.m. | Campus Tour
Tour departs from the Admissions Guest Center, Brushaber Commons, level 2

Join student hosts from Bethel's Office of Admissions for a one-hour indoor walking tour of campus.

1–1:45 p.m. | Optional Session: “Helping Your Kids Launch Their Kids”
Olson Boardroom, Brushaber Commons, level 4

There’s a big change that happens in a family when a young adult leaves for college. In this “class without a quiz,” Associate Professor of Wellbeing Christine Osgood will share the top 10 tips for helping your adult child send your grandchild off to college and navigate the family changes well.

Other Options throughout the Day

9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Campus Store Hours
(Closed during Chapel)

Be sure to check out all the great merchandise at the Campus Store (next to the Grandparents Day Hospitality Center). You'll receive a special Grandparents Day 20% discount so you can show your Bethel pride!

10 a.m.–Midnight | Residence Hall Visiting Hours
The Office of Student Life has extended visiting hours for residence halls. Accompany your grandchild and experience his/her living community.

Hotels near Bethel University

Looking for a place to stay during your visit? Bethel has worked with a number of area hotels to secure good rates for our campus guests. View a list of hotels and request their Bethel rate when you call for reservations.

Request an Invitation

Invitations are mailed to grandparents for whom we have contact information. To request an invitation, please complete the Grandparent Information Form.