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 & 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!

Lunch

11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Monson Dining Center, Brushaber Commons (BC), Level 3

Experience lunch on campus, and enjoy the variety and appeal of Bethel’s delicious buffet-style dining. Payment can be made at the Monson Dining Center (credit/debit cards preferred). Parents and families are welcome to use their student’s meal plan.

Parent & 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 can you expect next? Join campus experts, fellow parents, and students for a practical look at the rhythms, challenges, and growth students commonly experience throughout the rest of the academic year, including Christmas break, spring semester transitions, and the unique opportunities and hurdles of each college year. Registration is now open.

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.

Saturday, October 10

Check-In & 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!

Parent & 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

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.-noon | Hargis Park

Baseball alumni of all ages and abilities are invited to play in a fun, friendly competition of alums vs. alums. If there are not enough alums for a game, we'll still hold an alumni batting practice. Registration is now open.

“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. This innovative initiative is designed to empower every student to discover their unique gifts, deepen their faith, and confidently launch lives of purpose by integrating vocational exploration and career readiness directly into the student experience. You'll have the chance to explore the new physical space in the Clauson Center, and learn how this "built-in" model of preparation ensures that all students receive the guidance, relationships, and real-world exposure needed to thrive, connecting them with a robust "Royal Network" of alumni, employers, and faculty to help them secure fulfilling jobs. 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 ‘76 and prior to join us at the Platinum Alumni Coffee. This event will include a brief program and chance to meet President Ross Allen. This event is free to attend. Space is limited—register today!

Lunch

11 a.m.-1p.m. | Monson Dining Center, Brushaber Commons (BC), Level 3

Alumni & Parent Tailgate (hosted by Thrivent Financial)

11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Sports and Recreation Center (SRC) Parking Lot

All alumni and current parents and families are invited to join us for the third annual Alumni & Parent Tailgate before the football game! Enjoy awesome food trucks and a kid zone with Little Blue’s Traveling Zoo, face painting, and more! All alumni and current parents and families are welcome! There will be tents for current parents and families and for alumni celebrating a reunion year. The following classes are celebrating a reunion this year:

Platinum Alumni (Prior to 1977)
50-Year (1976)
45-Year (1981)
40-Year (1986)
35-Year (1991)
30-Year (1996)
25-Year (2001)
20-Year (2006)
15-Year (2011)
BUYA: Bethel University Young Alumni (2016-2026)

Those who register for the Alumni & Parent Tailgate will also receive a free ticket to the football game! Current parents and families that register for this event will also receive a Bethel-branded gift. Cost is $5 for adults and students and free to children three years old and younger. Please note that current Bethel students will need a ticket to attend this event. Register today!

Scandia Church Open House

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Scandia Church

Come for a brief historical sketch, describing the origins of the Scandia Church, the influence of pioneer Andrew Peterson, and the reason why the church building now stands on the Bethel campus. Listen to the pump organ, and view a 19th-century diary. There will be time for questions and 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 see where it all began with the history of Bethel and the Swedish Baptist immigrants. From the first Swedish Bible ever printed to an immigrant's diary describing Minnesota in the 1850s, see old photographs, newspapers, videos, missionary letters, and much more. Encounter F.O. Nilsson, Swedish pioneer in America after his exile from Sweden and builder of Bethel's own Scandia Church on campus. Registration is not required.

Women’s Soccer vs. Macalester College

1 p.m. | Ona Orth Athletic Complex

Cheer on the Royals as they take on the Scots! Be sure to stop by the alumni table to pick up your FREE alumni T-shirt (while supplies last)!

Football vs. Augsburg University

1 p.m. | Royal Stadium

Cheer on the Royals as they face the Auggies! Those who register for the Alumni & Parent Tailgate will receive a free ticket to the game! For those who do not register for the Alumni & Parent Tailgate, tickets for the game can be purchased at the gate ($10 for adults and $5 for students). Alumni, be sure to stop by the Alumni Tent to pick-up your 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 your 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, be sure to stop by the Alumni Table to pick-up your 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 for a chance to formally induct the new incoming Honors Program students. Family members of Honors Program students are welcome to attend. This is an invitation-only event. If you have any questions, please contact honors-program@bethel.edu.

Baseball Alumni vs. Current Royals Game

4-6 p.m. | Hargis Park

Play against the current Bethel Royals in a competitive nine-inning game on their turf infield! Stay afterwards to connect with players and coaches. This game is geared towards recent alumni (1-5 years out) and those who can still compete at a high level. Register today!

Dinner

5-6:30 p.m. | Monson Dining Center, Brushaber Commons (BC), Level 3

Experience dinner on campus, and enjoy the variety and appeal of Bethel’s delicious buffet-style dining. Payment can be made at the Monson Dining Center (credit/debit cards preferred). Parents and families are welcome to use their student’s meal plan.

Class of 1976 50-Year Reunion Dinner

6-9 p.m. | Olson Boardroom, Brushaber Commons (BC), Level 4

Gather with fellow alums from the Class of 1976 to enjoy dinner, hear from special guests, and spend plenty of time reminiscing and reconnecting in celebration of your 50-year reunion. This event costs $15. Register today!

Family Weekend Social

6:30-8:30 p.m. | Atrium, Brushaber Commons (BC), Level 2

Looking for a spot to relax after a busy weekend? Head to the Brushaber Commons Atrium for board games, music, a relaxing spot to sit and some refreshments! Register today.

Sunday, October 11

Lunch

12-1:30 p.m. | Monson Dining Center, Brushaber Commons (BC), Level 3

Student-led Vespers Service

9 p.m. | Benson Great Hall, Community Life Center (CLC), Level 1

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.