Homecoming + Family Weekend
Schedule
Monday, October 5
Chapel
10:20-11 a.m.Benson Great Hall, Community Life Center (CLC), Level 1
Join us for worship and an impactful message!
Wednesday, October 7
Chapel
10:20-11 a.m.Benson Great Hall, Community Life Center (CLC), Level 1
Join us for worship and an impactful message!
Thursday, October 8
Alumni Award Honoree Reception
7-9 p.m.Olson Boardroom, Brushaber Commons (BC), Level 4
Join us as we celebrate our 2026 alumni award honorees. This event is invitation only.
Friday, October 9
Campus Store open
9 a.m.-4 p.m.Campus Store, Brushaber Commons (BC), Level 2
Shop the Campus Store for all your Bethel gear!
Check-in and Information Central
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.Ticket Office, Community Life Center (CLC), Level 1
Stop by to pick up a schedule and a name tag and get your questions answered for the weekend!
Chapel
10:20-11 a.m.Benson Great Hall, Community Life Center (CLC), Level 1
Join us for worship and an impactful message from former head football coach Steve Johnson!
Lunch
11 a.m.-2 p.m.Monson Dining Center, Brushaber Commons (BC), Level 3
Enjoy lunch on campus with a variety of options from Bethel’s buffet-style dining. Pay at the Monson Dining Center with a credit or debit card, or use your student’s meal plan.
Parent and family session: The 2nd Six Weeks and Beyond
3-4 p.m.
The Studio for Vocation and Calling, Clauson Center (CC), Level 2
The first few weeks of school have passed, but what comes next?
Join campus experts, fellow parents, and students for a practical look at the rhythms, challenges, and growth students often experience throughout the academic year. You’ll learn what to expect during Christmas break, the transition into spring semester, and each year of the college experience.
Legacy & Launch: A physics and engineering open house
6:30-8 p.m.Barnes Academic Center (BAC), Level 2 lounge
Join us for a special evening as we celebrate the remarkable career of Dr. Beecken and his many years of dedicated leadership in Bethel University's physics and engineering department.
This open house also offers a unique opportunity to explore Bethel's newly renovated physics and engineering laboratories and learn about the exciting advancements and continued growth of engineering at Bethel.
Registration is not required.
Class of 1991 35-Year Reunion Dessert Reception
7-9 p.m.
John and Karyn Posavad's home, 13357 Shenandoah St NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304
Members of the Bethel College Class of 1991 and their guests are invited to enjoy a time of visiting, laughing, and getting reacquainted at the home of John and Karyn Posavad. Dessert and beverages will be provided, and the event is free to attend.
Questions? Reach out to MaryJo Litwiller at mlitwiller@pocahontascounty.iowa.gov.
Saturday, October 10
Check-in and Information Central
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Loggia, Community Life Center (CLC), Level 1
Stop by to pick up a schedule and a name tag and get your questions answered for the weekend!
Men’s Soccer Alumni Kick Around
9-10:30 a.m.
Ona Orth Athletic Complex
Men’s soccer alumni are invited to come out to Ona and play some pickup soccer! Don’t forget to bring your own water.
Parent and family session: The 2nd Six Weeks and Beyond
9:30-10:30 a.m.
The Studio for Vocation and Calling, Clauson Center (CC), Level 2
The first few weeks of school have passed, but what comes next?
Join campus experts, fellow parents, and students for a practical look at the rhythms, challenges, and growth students often experience throughout the academic year. You’ll learn what to expect during Christmas break, the transition into spring semester, and each year of the college experience.
Campus Store open
10 a.m.-4 p.m.Campus Store, Brushaber Commons (BC), Level 2
Shop the Campus Store for all your Bethel gear!
Baseball alumni vs. alumni game
10 a.m.-noonHargis Park
Baseball alumni of all ages and abilities are invited to take the field for a fun, friendly alums vs. alums game. If there aren’t enough players for a full game, we’ll still gather for alumni batting practice.
Business department open house
10 a.m.-noon
Business Lounge, Robertson Center (RC) 308
Join the School of Business in celebrating 50 years of Bethel business during Homecoming and Family Weekend! Stop by the business department for an open house featuring light refreshments, department showcases, and a brief presentation by Dean Tom Brown. This is a great opportunity to reconnect with faculty, alumni, and friends as we honor the business department's achievements over the past 50 years!
The Studio open house
10:30-11:30 a.m.
The Studio for Vocation and Calling, Clauson Center (CC), Level 2
We invite you to an information session and open house for Bethel University’s Studio for Vocation and Calling. Explore the new space in the Clauson Center and learn how The Studio helps students discover their gifts, deepen their faith, and prepare for meaningful careers.
You’ll also hear how career preparation is built into the student experience through mentoring, vocational exploration, real-world opportunities, and connections with Bethel alumni, employers, and faculty.
Registration is not required.
Platinum Alumni Coffee
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Lake Valentine Room, Community Life Commons (CLC), Level 1
We invite all undergraduate alumni from the classes of 1976 and earlier to join us for the Platinum Alumni Coffee. The event will include a brief program and an opportunity to meet President Ross Allen. Attendance is free, but space is limited.
Lunch
11 a.m.-1p.m.Monson Dining Center, Brushaber Commons (BC), Level 3
Enjoy lunch on campus with a variety of options from Bethel’s buffet-style dining. Pay at the Monson Dining Center with a credit or debit card, or use your student’s meal plan.
Alumni and Parent Tailgate
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sports and Recreation Center (SRC) parking lot
Join fellow alumni, current parents, and families for the third annual Alumni and Parent Tailgate before the football game. Enjoy food trucks and a kid zone featuring Little Blue’s Traveling Zoo, face painting, and more.
Special tents will be available for current parents and families and alumni celebrating reunion years:
- Platinum alumni, before 1977
- 50-year reunion, 1976
- 45-year reunion, 1981
- 40-year reunion, 1986
- 35-year reunion, 1991
- 30-year reunion, 1996
- 25-year reunion, 2001
- 20-year reunion, 2006
- 15-year reunion, 2011
- Bethel University Young Alumni (BUYA), 2016-2026
Registration includes a free ticket to the football game. Current parents and families who register will also receive a Bethel-branded gift.
Cost is $5 for adults and students and free for children age three and younger. Current Bethel students need a ticket to attend.
Hosted by Thrivent Financial.
Scandia Church open house
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Scandia Church
Come for a brief historical sketch of the Scandia Church, including its origins, the inflence of pioneer Andrew Peterson, and why the church building now stands on Bethel's campus. Listen to the pump organ, view a 19th-century diary, and join a conversation about the church.
Registration is not required.
History Center open house
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.History Center, Lakeside Center (LSC)
Step back in time at the History Center Archives and explore the beginnings of Bethel and the story of Swedish Baptist immigrants. See the first Swedish Bible ever printed, an immigrant’s diary describing Minnesota in the 1850's, historic photographs, newspapers, videos, missionary letters, and more.
Learn about F. O. Nilsson, a Swedish Baptist pioneer who came to America after his exile from Sweden and helped establish the Scandia Church, which now stands on Bethel’s campus.
Registration is not required.
Football vs. Augsburg University
1 p.m.
Royal Stadium
Cheer on the Royals as they face the Auggies! Those who register for the Alumni and Parent Tailgate will receive a free ticket to the game. Guests who do not register for the tailgate can purchase tickets at the gate for $10 for adults and $5 for students.
Alumni, stop by the Alumni Tent to pick up a free t-shirt while supplies last.
Alumni Tent
1-4 p.m.Royal Stadium
Stop by the Alumni Tent to connect with fellow alumni, take a photo at the photo booth, update your information, and pick up a free t-shirt while supplies last.
Men’s soccer vs. Macalester College
3:30 p.m.Ona Orth Athletic Complex
Cheer on the Royals as they take on the Scots! Alumni, stop by the Alumni table to pick up a free alumni t-shirt while supplies last.
Pietas Honors Program Induction Ceremony
4-5:30 p.m.
Lake Valentine Room, Community Life Commons (CLC), Level 1
Join us as we formally induct incoming Pietas Honors Program students. Family members of honors program students are welcome to attend.
This is an invitation-only event. For questions, contact honors-program@bethel.edu.
Baseball alumni vs. current Royals game
4-6 p.m.Hargis Park
Take on the current Bethel Royals in a competitive nine-inning game on their turf infield. Stay afterward to connect with players and coaches. This game is designed for recent alumni one to five years out and others who can still compete at a high level.
Dinner
5-6:30 p.m.Monson Dining Center, Brushaber Commons (BC), Level 3
Enjoy dinner on campus and explore the variety of options available at Bethel’s buffet-style dining center. Pay at the Monson Dining Center; credit and debit cards are preferred. Parents and families may use their student’s meal plan.
Class of 1991 35-Year Reunion
5-9 p.m.
Monson Dining Center and Brushaber Commons (BC) 468
Get together with fellow alumni from the Class of 1991! The evening will begin with dinner in the Monson Dining Center from 5-6 p.m. Attendees will pay for their own dinner. After dinner, the group will move to BC468 for catered beverages and dessert.
Questions? Reach out to MaryJo Litwiller mlitwiller@pocahontascounty.iowa.gov.
Class of 1976 50-Year Reunion Dinner
6-9 p.m.Olson Boardroom, Brushaber Commons (BC), Level 4
Gather with fellow class of 1976 alumni for dinner, special guests, and time to reminisce and reconnect as you celebrate your 50-year reunion.
Family Weekend Social
6:30-8:30 p.m.Atrium, Brushaber Commons (BC), Level 2
Looking for a place to relax after a busy weekend? Head to the Brushaber Commons Atrium for board games, music, refreshments, and a comfortable place to connect.
Sunday, October 11
Lunch
Noon-1:30 p.m.Monson Dining Center, Brushaber Commons (BC), Level 3
Enjoy lunch on campus and explore the variety of options available at Bethel’s buffet-style dining center. Pay at the Monson Dining Center; credit and debit cards are preferred. Parents and families may use their student’s meal plan.
Women’s soccer vs. Macalester College
1 p.m.Royal Stadium
Cheer on the Royals as they take on the Scots! Stop by the alumni table to pick up a free alumni t-shirt while supplies last.
Student-led Vespers service
9 p.m.
Benson Great Hall, Community Life Center (CLC), Level 1
Experience a special time of worship that began as a small residence hall gathering and has grown into a weekly service drawing thousands of young people from across the Twin Cities.