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Steven Johansson \u201910 was part of the team planning his 15-year reunion, and he says being on campus made him remember what a blessing his time at Bethel was. \u201cTruly, I had a blast during my college years at Bethel,\u201d he says. \u201cA few of us in my class were talking Saturday, and one guy said, \u2018I just want to go up to every student and say, slow down and enjoy this time<\/i>.\u2019 So true!\u00a0 I think what I so appreciate about Bethel is that it truly is a Kingdom-focused environment that values the uniqueness of each person. Bethel is not trying to create a cookie-cutter student, but fosters an environment where students can ask deep questions and seek truth in an environment that honors God.\u201d<\/p>\n
He says he\u2019s been inspired to get more connected to the Bethel community, whether supporting the university financially, helping mentor students, or encouraging his kids to consider Bethel. \u201cI would say I re-caught the fire of Bethel this past weekend!\u201d he says.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Judith Berg \u201975 had a similar experience. Celebrating the 50th reunion of her graduation, she shares that she had a special time reconnecting with others from her Bethel years. Their reunion included anyone on campus from 1971-1975, years she says \u201cbonded them in a precious way, such that time is erased and the years fall away.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
As the first to move to \u201cThe New Campus\u201d as students, they admittedly had a little trouble finding their way around, as campus looks almost nothing like it did back then! Over dessert and charcuterie on Friday, the tailgate, and then dinner on Saturday evening, the group connected through worship songs from the 1970s, conversation prompts, and sharing \u201cGod stories\u201d from the years since commencement.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile leading worship songs, I glanced around and saw a room filled with faces, beaming with joy, singing with fervor\u2014and love pouring over the room!\u201d she says. \u201cWe feel such a desire to connect again\u2026perhaps Homecoming should be an annual event for our class!\u201d<\/p>\n
From student events to alumni gatherings, quiet art nights to petting zoos, Homecoming and Family Weekend truly had something for everyone. It was a weekend that reflected the heart of Bethel\u2014a Christ-guided community where students, alumni, and families belong.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n