CANCELLED: Grandparents Day 2020

For the safety and wellbeing of our students, employees, and guests, Bethel has decided to cancel this event given the rising number of COVID-19 cases nationwide.

There's a special connection between a grandparent and a grandchild, no matter their ages. Bethel University's 8th 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, 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 events in the past:

"Because of class schedules my two grandsons ate lunch separately with me so I had a chance to talk with each of them one-on-one."

"Seeing how my granddaughter has grown and matured so much in her years at Bethel was a joy. To see her greeting other students by name and the obvious strong friendships just melted my heart! I am so thankful for her positive experience and Christian journey at Bethel!"

"I was able to be an adopted grandparent to one of my granddaughter's friends!"

Schedule for the Day:

8-9 a.m. | Check-In and Coffee Reception
Lobby, Community Life Center (CLC), level 1
Check-in and receive your Grandparents Day materials then mingle with other grandparents and enjoy some coffee and pastries before the opening session. Guests who are unable to check-in during this time may visit the Hospitality Center, in The Underground, to collect their materials.

9-9:45 a.m. | Opening Session
Benson Great Hall, Community Life Center (CLC), level 1
Gather with other grandparents in Benson Great Hall to hear from President Jay Barnes and other members of the Bethel community. Students are also welcome to attend this session as their schedules allow.

10:15-11 a.m. | Chapel
Benson Great Hall, Community Life Center (CLC), level 1
Join your student for chapel and hear a message from Campus Pastor Laurel Bunker!

11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Lunch
Monson Dining Center, Brushaber Commons (BC), 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 $8.75.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Hospitality Center and Photo Booth
The Underground, Brushaber Commons (BC), 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 stop by the photo booth with your grandchild to take a selfie as a memento from your time spent together!

11:15 a.m.-noon | Class Without a Quiz: What does our DNA "say" we should eat?
Olson Boardroom, Brushaber Commons (BC), level 4
Just when our family medical practitioner gives us the latest nutritional recommendations, scientific evidence promotes the opposite. To complicate matters, popular culture entices us to follow numerous diets, often without biochemical support. For a basic lesson in metabolism, visit this session hosted by Dr. Angela Stoeckman, Associate Professor of Chemistry.

11:15 a.m.-noon | Class Without a Quiz: How to Talk Politics at Your Family Dinner Without Losing Your Lunch
BC468, Brushaber Commons (BC), level 4
Talking politics can be nerve-wracking. Many of us worry about losing relationships with family or close friends. But, lessons from Scripture, political science, and psychology tell us that there are better (and worse) ways to engage in conversations about politics with those close to us. Join Dr. Christopher Moore, Department Chair and Associate Professor of Political Science to learn how to be better prepared for that next family gathering!

12:30 p.m. | Campus Tour
Admissions Guest Center, Brushaber Commons (BC), level 2
Join student hosts from Bethel's Office of Admissions for a one-hour indoor walking tour of campus. The tour will depart from the Admissions Guest Center.

1:45-2:30 p.m. | Class Without a Quiz: The GI Bill, Military Veterans at Bethel and Everything You Wanted to Know about Both, but Didn't Know Who to Ask.
Olson Boardroom, Brushaber Commons (BC), level 4
Do you know what GI Bill benefits are available to today's student veterans? Come to this class and learn everything you wanted to know about the GI Bill, but didn't know who to ask. Bethel University's Colonel John Morris will share an overview of the GI Bill and how it is used by veterans and military students at Bethel University today.

1:45-2:30 p.m. | Class Without a Quiz: Neuroscience Know-How
BC468, Brushaber Commons (BC), level 4
How do neuroscience professors use their understanding of how the brain works to help students retain the information they need to know? Join Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences and Neuroscience Program Director Dr. Melissa Cordes to find out! Let's use our brains to study our brains! Bonus: What do students do with a neuroscience major?

Other Options Throughout the Day:

9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Closed during Chapel) | Campus Store
Brushaber Commons (BC), level 2
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
Various locations on campus
The Office of Student Life has extended visiting hours for residence halls. Accompany your grandchild and experience his/her living community.