Grandparents Day 2026

There’s a special connection between a grandparent and a grandchild, no matter their ages. Bethel University’s 14th annual Grandparents Day is an opportunity for Bethel students and their grandparents (or grandfriends) to celebrate that special connection.

Schedule

9:30-10:10 a.m. | Check In

Lobby, Community Life Center (CLC), Level 1

Check-in and receive your Grandparents Day materials then mingle with other grandparents and enjoy some coffee before our opening session. Guests who are unable to check-in during this time may visit the Hospitality Area, outside the Admissions Guest Center, to collect their materials.

10:20–11 a.m. | Family Chapel

Benson Great Hall, Community Life Center (CLC), Level 1

We invite Bethel students and their grandparents to join us for a special Family Chapel in Benson Great Hall.  Come as a family and experience worship music the whole family will love and an encouraging message about the beauty of generational faith from our Lead Campus Pastor, Nick Cocalis.

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 $14. Lunch is included in registration for Grandparents Day.

11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Hospitality Center and Photo Booth

Admissions Guest Center, 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 Area! 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 | Behind the Scenes: What makes Bethel athletics special?

Olson Boardroom, Brushaber Commons (BC), Level 4

Have you ever wondered what it's like to participate in athletics at a Christian university like Bethel? Why do our coaches coach at Bethel? What are their goals for their teams? How do they go about achieving these goals? What do they hope to develop in their student-athletes over their years with them? Come hear from some of our head coaches as they answer these very questions.

11:15 a.m.–noon | Behind the Scenes: What makes Bethel academics special?

BC468, Brushaber Commons (BC), Level 4

Have you ever wondered how Bethel fosters both academic and spiritual growth in students?

Why do our faculty teach at Bethel? At this session you’ll get a chance to hear from a faculty panel who will share how they actively engage students in research, study, hands-on projects, and community initiatives and how discussions about faith help shape a student's perspective on their field of study, leading to both academic growth and spiritual transformation.

12 p.m.-2 p.m. | Scandia Church Open House

Scandia Church

The Scandia Church was established in 1855 by Swedish Baptist settlers in Carver County, Minnesota. Today, the building is located on Bethel University’s campus. Come walk through this historic chapel and learn a little bit more about its history.

12 p.m.-2 p.m. | History Center Open House

History Center, Lakeside Center (LSC)

Archives of Bethel University and Converge preserve historic documents, photographs, books, artifacts, and much more. Drop by the archives today to see paintings by Bethel founder Alexis Edgren, old Bethel yearbooks, Bethel’s Emmy Award, a 1541 Swedish Bible, historic newspapers and photographs, a Pilgrim’s Progress copy printed in 1727, and other rare materials.

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!

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.