Friday, September 30
Homecoming Check-in
9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. | Community Life Center (CLC) Level 1
Stop by to ask questions, pick up a schedule of events for the weekend, and check in for reunions.
Bethel Campus Store Open
9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Closed during Chapel) | Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 2
Find Bethel apparel, books by Bethel authors, and so much more! Stop by and enjoy a special 20% alumni discount on Bethel apparel and emblematic merchandise during Homecoming weekend.
Homecoming Chapel
10:15-11 a.m. | Benson Great Hall, Community Life Center (CLC)
Worship with the Bethel community as we hear from Bethel University 2016 Alumnus of the Year Chad Schwitters ’95, executive director of the Minneapolis nonprofit Urban Homeworks.
Homecoming Lunch
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Monson Dining Center, Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 3
Experience lunch on campus, and enjoy the variety and appeal of Bethel’s buffet-style dining. Special Homecoming price: $8.50 for adults; $4 for youth (age 4-11). Purchase at the Monson Dining Center.
Q & A with Chad Schwitters
2-3 p.m. | The Underground, Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 2
Learn more about 2016 Alumnus of the Year Chad Schwitters ’95 and Urban Homeworks, the Minneapolis nonprofit where he serves as executive director. All are welcome to attend this engaging session, moderated by Professor of Economics Tim Essenburg. Light refreshments will be served.
Bethel Seminary Class of 1966 Reunion Dinner
5:30-7 p.m. | Eastlund Room, Community Life Center (CLC) Level 2
Members of the Bethel Seminary Class of 1966 and their guests are invited to attend a special dinner to reunite, to reminisce, and to celebrate 50 years of ministry since their graduation from Bethel. Free for Class of ’66 alumni and a guest; pre-registration is required. Please RSVP to Tracy Rud in the Office of Church Relations at 651.638.6301 or church-relations@bethel.edu. Learn more about this and other Bethel Seminary events taking place over Homecoming.
Family Movie Night—Finding Dory
6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) | Benson Great Hall, Community Life Center (CLC)
Gather with other Bethel alumni and their families for a free movie night! Free and open to all. Please note: this movie is rated PG. Check out the online review from Focus on the Family's Plugged In.
Class of 1966 Dessert Reception
7-10 p.m. | Olson Boardroom, Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 4
Members of the Bethel College Class of 1966 and their guests are invited to enjoy a time of visiting, laughing, and getting reacquainted. A light dessert will be served. This event is free for Class of ’66 alumni and a guest, but pre-registration is required. Learn more about your Class of 1966 50-year reunion and see a list of who’s coming.
Saturday, October 1
Homecoming Check-in
8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Community Life Center (CLC) Level 1
Stop by to ask questions, pick up a schedule of events for the weekend, and check in for reunions.
Taste of Bethel Seminary
8:30-9:30 a.m. | Seminary Lower Campus Center (St. Paul Campus)
Join Bethel Seminary alumni, student, staff, faculty, and friends for a taste of life on the St. Paul seminary campus! Enjoy a delicious breakfast and hear from faculty members about the new Church Planting certificate and Global Children’s Ministries. Cost: $10/person (free for children 3 and under); pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Learn more about this and other Bethel Seminary events taking place during Homecoming.
Platinum Alumni Brunch
9-11 a.m. (coffee reception at 8:30 a.m.) | Eastlund Room, Community Life Center (CLC) Level 2
A special brunch and program to honor our Platinum Alumni from the undergrad classes of 1941, ’46, ’51, ’56, and ’61. Sponsored by the Royal Heritage Society. Cost: Free for reunion alumni and a guest; Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Learn more and register today for the Platinum Alumni Brunch!
Volleyball Alums vs. Alums Game
9:30-10:30 a.m. | Robertson Center (RC) Gym Level 3
Bethel volleyball alums are invited to play a friendly game of alums vs. alums in Robertson Center Gym. Locker rooms will be available. Learn about all Homecoming events for volleyball alums.
Communication Europe Term Reunion
9:30-11 a.m. | Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 4
All past Communication Term participants and their families are invited to this special reunion, where you’ll have a chance to catch up with faculty and other alums who joined you on your study abroad term. Share favorite memories, see photos of favorite sites, and find out what’s new as Europe Term continues to impact current students. Learn more and register for this reunion.
Bethel Seminary Celebration
10-11 a.m. | Seminary Chapel
All Bethel Seminary alumni, students, staff, faculty, and friends are invited to gather for fellowship, worship, celebration, and prayer. We’ll honor our Class of 1966 alumni and hear from 2016 Bethel Seminary Alumnus of the Year Nick Hall S’11. Free; all are welcome. Learn more about this and other Bethel Seminary events taking place over Homecoming.
Department Open Houses
10-11 a.m. | Various locations on campus
A number of Bethel’s undergrad academic departments will host open house events on Saturday morning. Stop by to reconnect with faculty and other alumni and learn what’s new in your department! Visit the individual department open house web pages (below) for more details.
Anthropology, Sociology, and Reconciliation Studies
Art and Design
Biblical and Theological Studies
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
History and Political Science
Human Kinetics and Applied Health Science
Math and Computer Science
Nursing
Philosophy
Physics and Engineering
Psychology
Baseball Alums vs. Alums Game
10 a.m.-noon | Hargis Park (Bethel Campus)
Baseball alumni of all ages and abilites are invited to play in a fun, friendly competition of alums vs. alums. If there aren’t enough alumni for a game, we’ll still hold a baseball alumni batting practice. Register now to play in the alumni game!
Bethel Campus Store Open
10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 2
Find Bethel apparel, books by Bethel authors, and so much more! Stop by and enjoy a special 20% alumni discount on Bethel apparel and emblematic merchandise during Homecoming weekend.
Game Day Shuttle
10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. | Anderson Center and Community Life Center (CLC) Circle
We are anticipating a lot of traffic on campus for the Homecoming football and men's and women's soccer games. To accommodate guests, a free game day shuttle service will run from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. between the Anderson Center (2 Pine Tree Drive) and the 3900 Bethel Drive Campus, with drop off at the Community Life Center (CLC) Circle. Save time looking for a parking spot by parking at Anderson Center and riding the shuttle!
Check-in or purchase walk-up tickets for the Alumni Tailgate Picnic and Class of 2006 and 2011 Reunions
10:30 a.m. | Entrance to Royal Stadium (Bethel Campus)
If you registered for the Alumni Tailgate Picnic, the Class of 2006 reunion, or the Class of 2011 reunion, check in and pick up your tickets at the entrance to Royal Stadium beginning at 10:30 a.m. Walk-up tickets will also be available for purchase (see event descriptions below for walk-up prices).
Homecoming Shuttle
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; 3-4:30 p.m. | Various stops on campus
For the convenience of campus guests, a Homecoming shuttle service will run with several stops throughout campus. As parking will be at a premium on Saturday (particularly in the West parking lot), we encourage you to park in the East Lot or at the seminary and take advantage of the free shuttle service!
Alumni Tailgate Picnic
11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Royal Stadium (Bethel Campus)
Gather with the Bethel community for an alumni tailgate picnic at Royal Stadium before the big game against Saint John’s! We will have large tents for this event, so it will happen rain or shine. Pre-registration for this event is now closed. Walk-up cost (includes a ticket for lunch and a ticket for the football game): $15/adult, $12/youth (age 4-12), free for children 3 and under. Tickets will be available for purchase at Royal Stadium beginning at 10:30 a.m. Please note: Only cash or check payment will be accepted.
Homecoming Lunch
11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Monson Dining Center, Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 3
For those who prefer to eat inside (rather than at the alumni tailgate picnic), lunch will be available in Monson Dining Center at a special Homecoming price: $8.50 for adults; $4 for youth (age 4-11). Purchase at the Monson Dining Center.
Class of 2006 10-year Reunion
11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Royal Stadium (Bethel Campus)
Alumni from the Class of 2006 (traditional undergrad) are invited to reconnect and catch up with classmates at your 10-year reunion! Your reunion will take place as part of the Alumni Tailgate Picnic, but a specific area will be designated for your class to gather. Families are welcome. Pre-registration for this event is now closed. Walk-up cost (includes a ticket for lunch and a ticket for the football game): $15/adult, $12/youth (age 4-12), free for children 3 and under. Tickets will be available for purchase at Royal Stadium beginning at 10:30 a.m. Please note: Only cash or check payment will be accepted. Learn more about your Class of 2006 reunion and see a list of who’s coming.
Class of 2011 5-year Reunion
11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Royal Stadium (Bethel Campus)
Alumni from the Class of 2011 (traditional undergrad) are invited to reconnect and catch up with classmates at your 5-year reunion! Your reunion will take place as part of the Alumni Tailgate Picnic, but a specific area will be designated for your class to gather. Families are welcome. Pre-registration for this event is now closed. Walk-up cost (includes a ticket for lunch and a ticket for the football game): $15/adult, $12/youth (age 4-12), free for children 3 and under. Tickets will be available for purchase at Royal Stadium beginning at 10:30 a.m. Please note: Only cash or check payment will be accepted. Learn more about your Class of 2011 reunion and see a list of who’s coming.
Women’s Soccer vs. Augsburg College
1 p.m. | Ona Orth Athletic Complex (Bethel Campus)
Cheer on the Royals as they face the Auggies! Cost: free.
Football vs. Saint John’s University
1 p.m. | Royal Stadium (Bethel Campus)
Cheer on the Royals as they face the Johnnies! Please note admission to the football game is included in the cost for the Alumni Tailgate Picnic. Cost (for those not attending the picnic): $3 for all alumni and immediate family; free for children 3 and under. Purchase tickets at the gate.
Alumni Tent
1 p.m. | Royal Stadium—West End Zone (Tent)
Stop by the Alumni Tent to connect with members of your National Alumni Board, meet 2016 Alum of the Year Chad Schwitters ‘95, pick up an alumni gift, and be sure that we have your updated information. Bring your "Royals in training" as we’ll have free, fun activities for kids, including face painting, coloring, and more!
Business and Economics Department Tent
1-4 p.m. | Royal Stadium—West End Zone (Tent)
Bethel’s Department of Business & Economics will be hosting a tent during the football game for business and economics alumni, students, and faculty. It’s a great place to connect with alumni from all over the Twin Cities. You’ll also find out what’s new and exciting in the Business & Economics Department.
Biokinetics Tent
1-4 p.m. | Royal Stadium—West End Zone (Tent)
Stop by the Biokinetics tent to connect with alums in your field, learn about research by current students, visit with faculty, and find out what’s new and exciting in the Biokinetics Program.
Education Department Tent
1-4 p.m. | Royal Stadium—West End Zone (Tent)
Bethel’s Education Department will be hosting a tent during the Homecoming football game for education alumni, students, and faculty. Stop by to connect with alums in your field, learn about what current students are doing, visit with faculty, and find out what’s new in and exciting in the Education Department!
Men’s Soccer vs. Augsburg College
3:30 p.m. | Ona Orth Athletic Complex (Bethel Campus)
Cheer on the Royals as they take on the Auggies! Cost: free.
Baseball Alums vs. Current Royals Game
4-6 p.m. (following the football game) | Hargis Park (Bethel Campus)
Baseball alumnni will play in a fun, more competitive game against the current Bethel Royals baseball team. Learn more and register to play.
Volleyball Alumni Reception
4:30-6 p.m. | Robertson Center Lounge (RC) Level 3
Bethel volleyball alums and your guests are invited to enjoy a time of connecting with one another before the 6 p.m. game against Hamline. Coach Hunt will give an update on the team at 5:15 p.m. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Cost: free, but pre-registration is required. Learn more and register today!
Reunion Check-in
4-7 p.m. | Community Life Center lobby (CLC) Level 1
If you registered for the Class of 1966, 1976, 1986, or 1996 reunions, check in and pick up your name tag. Walk-up tickets for the Class of 1976, 1986, and 1996 reunions will also be available for purchase (see event descriptions below for walk-up prices).
Bethel Seminary Class of 1966 Informal Dinner
Saturday, October 1 | 5 p.m. | North Oaks, Minn.
Members of the Bethel Seminary Class of 1966 and a guest are invited to enjoy a relaxing dinner with time for fellowship at Leland and Carol Eliason’s home, located at 15 Hawthorne Court, North Oaks, Minn. A map will be provided at Friday’s Class of 1966 Reunion Dinner and after the Bethel Seminary Celebration on Saturday morning. For questions and to RSVP for this informal dinner, contact Tracy Rud in the Office of Church Relations at 651.638.6301 or church-relations@bethel.edu. Learn more about this and other Bethel Seminary events taking place over Homecoming.
Class of 1966 Reunion Dinner and Party
5-9 p.m. | The Underground, Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 2
Gather with fellow alums from the Bethel College Class of 1966 as together you enjoy dinner, hear from several special guests, and spend plenty of time reminiscing and reconnecting in celebration of your 50-year reunion. Cost: Free for Class of 1966 alums and a guest, but pre-registration is required. The registration deadline is Thursday, September 22, so learn more and register today!
Volleyball vs. Hamline University
6 p.m. | Robertson Center Gym, Robertson Center (RC) Level 3
Come cheer on your 2015 NCAA Region Champion Bethel Royals as they take on the Pipers! Cost: $3 for all alumni and immediate family; free for children 4 and under. Purchase tickets at the door. (Note: The game is free for volleyball alums and their families, but please pre-register).
Class of 1976 Reunion Party
6-9 p.m. | Olson Boardroom, Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 4
Gather with fellow alums from the Class of 1976 for an evening of laughter, encouragement, and reconnecting as you celebrate your 40-year reunion. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Pre-registration for this event is now closed. Walk-up cost is $15 person. Tickets can be purchased at Reunion Check-in on Saturday, October 1 from 4-7 p.m. in the Community Life Center lobby. Learn more about your Class of 1976 reunion and see a list of who’s coming.
Class of 1986 Reunion Party
6-9 p.m. | 3900 Grill, Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 3
Gather with fellow alums from the Class of 1986 for an evening of laughter, encouragement, and reconnecting as you celebrate your 30-year reunion. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Pre-registration for this event is now closed. Walk-up cost is $15 person. Tickets can be purchased at Reunion Check-in on Saturday, October 1 from 4-7 p.m. in the Community Life Center lobby. Learn more about your Class of 1986 reunion and see a list of who’s coming.
Class of 1996 Reunion Party
6-9 p.m. | Eastlund Room, Community Life Center (CLC) Level 2
Gather with fellow alums from the Class of 1996 for an evening of laughter, encouragement, and reconnecting as you celebrate your 20-year reunion. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Pre-registration for this event is now closed. Walk-up cost is $15 person. Tickets can be purchased at Reunion Check-in on Saturday, October 1 from 4-7 p.m. in the Community Life Center lobby. Learn more about your Class of 1996 reunion and see a list of who’s coming.
Sunday, October 2
Homecoming Hymn Sing
3 p.m. | Benson Great Hall, Community Life Center (CLC)
Join Bethel alumni, families, and friends for a delightful afternoon of hymn singing, featuring Tammie Junkans ’82, pastor of traditional worship at Calvary Church, Roseville. Cost: free; a free-will offering will be taken at the event.
Interested in singing in the hymn sing choir? Learn more and sign up today!
Student-led Vespers Service
8 and 10 p.m. | Benson Great Hall, Community Life Center
Experience this special time of worship that has grown from a small residence hall gathering to a weekly service drawing thousands of young people from across the Twin Cities.