Ninety degrees. Multiple generations of Royals. One unforgettable week.
By Monique Kleinhuizen ’08, GS’16, content specialist
October 26, 2026 | 9 a.m.
Nearly 90 degrees in mid-October? Only in Minnesota.
The weather wasn't the only thing bringing the heat to Bethel's Homecoming and Family Weekend. Thousands of students, alumni, parents, and friends filled campus for a week of friendly student competitions, reunions, worship, athletic events, and celebrations of the people and programs shaping Bethel's story.
From a big Royals football win and a sold-out tailgate to an Athletics Hall of Fame celebration and the launch of new traditions, the weekend brought together decades of alumni alongside current students and families experiencing their first Bethel Homecoming.
"I personally had such a great time!" says Jennifer Scott '95, S'02, senior director of university relations. "From catching up with people at the sold-out tailgate picnic to seeing families, alumni, students, and faculty connecting throughout the weekend, there was so much energy everywhere I turned."
A little friendly competition
For Bethel students, Homecoming festivities start long before the big weekend arrives. Each weeknight, students don their official residence area colors and face off in a variety of beloved match-ups—all competing for points toward the coveted Royal Cup. Many of these traditions have been bringing Royals together for decades, building friendships, residence hall pride, and plenty of friendly ribbing along the way.
This year’s winners were:
- Cheer: Edgren Hall
- Men's Dance: Lissner Hall
- Tug-of-war: Commuters
- Powderpuff Football: Arden Village
- Dodgeball: Arden Village
- Medallion: Edgren Hall
The competition culminated at Friday's catered student banquet in Brushaber Commons, where Arden Village was awarded the overall Royal Cup.
Keegan Evans ’29 is majoring in social studies education and history, and loves the way campus transforms during Homecoming week. “It really feels like everyone comes together into one big community. Obviously, the dorms come together, but you grow a strong sense of community with the dorms you're competing against, too,” he says. “The whole campus feels electric with energy; you can tell that everyone is excited.”
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Celebrating the Royals who paved the way
This year's celebration offered a special opportunity to recognize alumni who’ve contributed to the Bethel community in significant ways.
Pam Olson '72 was honored as Bethel's 2026 Alumna of the Year, recognizing a lifetime of leadership, service, and generosity. A trailblazer from her student days, Olson became the first woman at Bethel to graduate with a physics major or minor. Her impact has continued through 12 years of service on Bethel's Board of Trustees, scholarship support, and involvement in global ministry initiatives.
The weekend also marked a long-awaited return for the Royals Athletics Hall of Fame. Revived after more than two decades, the Hall of Fame welcomed 10 inductees whose achievements span many sports:
- Keith Bateman ’99, baseball
- Kitri (Peterson) Boser ’96, women’s basketball
- Kent Bostrom ’09, men’s hockey
- Kirby Carr ’07, football/baseball
- Jami (Hillenbrand) Eckerle ’98, softball
- Marie (Borner) Ferda ’10, women’s cross country/track and field
- Scott Kirchoff ’04, football
- Keith Newman ’92, men’s basketball
- Vernon Chico Rowland ’01, football
- Carrie (Ritland) Shirkey ’00, volleyball
Bethel Athletics hopes to name additional Royals to the Hall of Fame annually moving forward, with a physical wall open to the public in the athletics reception room in Robertson Center (RC) 226.
Thursday evening of Homecoming week included an award ceremony where Olson and the Hall of Fame inductees were honored. "One of the highlights was seeing three generations of Royals, representing eight decades of alumni, gathered in one room," Scott says. "It was a joy to honor their accomplishments and celebrate the legacy they are leaving for generations of Royals to come."
A weekend of connections, old and new
Across campus, the weekend was filled with familiar faces, favorite traditions, and opportunities to make new memories. Friday's Chapel featured former head football coach Steve Johnson, while Saturday brought alumni games, class reunions, athletic contests, and a bustling pregame tailgate. Families enjoyed food trucks, Little Blue's Traveling Zoo, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect before cheering on the Royals. And at the “generosity station,” sponsored by Thrivent Financial, kids could build a stuffed animal that would be donated to patients at Children’s Hospital.
Parents and families of current students could attend sessions with Bethel experts designed to equip them to support their students well throughout college. And the celebration continued Saturday evening with the first-ever Family Weekend Social in The Underground, where trivia, board games, and friendly competition gave families another way to spend time together.
It's the people, decades of shared experiences, and the feeling that whether it's your first Homecoming and Family Weekend or you've been around for decades, you're always welcome and it feels like home.
Jennifer Scott '95, S'02, senior director of university relationsHonoring Bethel's past, looking toward its future
The weekend also offered a chance to celebrate Bethel’s history, academic milestones, and what's ahead.
At a special open house, alumni, faculty, and students marked 50 years of business education at Bethel and celebrated the recent launch of the School of Business, which officially brings undergraduate business programs, MBA programs, and graduate certificates together under one umbrella. Open house gatherings were held in the Bethel History Center, Scandia Church, and the Studio for Vocation and Calling.
A "Legacy & Launch" event celebrated Bethel's physics and engineering programs and the retirement of former chair Brian Beecken. The weekend began with worship at Chapel and included opportunities for the community to gather around the faith that has shaped Bethel for generations, including Sunday's student-led Vespers service.
All of these gatherings offered a reminder that while programs and facilities evolve, Bethel's commitment to rigorous academics, meaningful relationships, and Christ-centered community continues across generations.
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Homecoming really shows Bethel's true colors. You hear all the time how Bethel is this wonderful, huge community, and of course, you feel that from day one. But Homecoming really kicks that into high gear. It's Bethel at its best.
Keegan Evans '29Connect with the Bethel community
Being a Royal doesn’t end at graduation—it’s a lifelong connection. Plan to attend Homecoming and Family Weekend next year on October 8-10, 2027. And whether you’re a parent of a Bethel student, checking out Bethel for the first time, or you’ve been a Royal for decades, we’d love to see you on campus!