Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024 Highlights

Campus was packed October 11-13 for one of the Bethel community’s most beloved events: Homecoming and Family Weekend. Here are some highlights from this decades-old tradition that combines stunning fall colors with a full lineup of special events.

By Monique Kleinhuizen ’08, GS’16, new media strategist

October 24, 2024 | 12 a.m.

An aerial photo of the football field during Homecoming at Bethel University

Campus was packed October 11-13 for one of the Bethel community’s most beloved events: Homecoming and Family Weekend. This decades-old tradition combines stunning fall colors with a full lineup of special events, creating a weekend-long celebration of what it means to be a Royal.

Students take part in traditional Homecoming events

Starting on  the Monday of Homecoming week, student residence areas compete nightly in different games and events—all leading up to the student banquet where the Royal Cup is awarded to a lucky team. Here’s who won each of the events this year:

  • Cheer Night: Heritage
  • Dodgeball: North Village
  • Tug-of-war: Commuters
  • Men’s Dance: North Village
  • Powderpuff Football: Heritage

The overall winner was Heritage Hall, with Bodien winning the award for sportsmanship, dorm spirit, and school spirit. Heritage and Arden Village landed in a tie for their discovery of the hidden medallion. These events, many of which have been held for decades, foster connections among students and build excitement as Homecoming and Family Weekend approaches.

“I love how everyone shows up for Homecoming, and each dorm becomes more than just the building you live in—it becomes a team, a common trait you have with your fellow students. Even though the dorms compete against each other, it unites us all through a common experience.”

— Gretchen Mugglin ’26, director of student activities, BSG

Royals of all ages return to campus

Homecoming and Family Weekend brought class reunions, alumni games, and department-specific events:

  • Scandia Church and the History Center held open house events
  • The Alumni & Parent Tailgate featured a cookout and kid zone
  • The Office of Inclusive Excellence, BUILD, and Pietas Honor Society held gatherings
  • The Royals defeated Macalester in football, 59-0, and took down Saint Ben’s in volleyball, 3-1. Men’s soccer won against St. Mary’s, 3-1, but women’s soccer fell, 0-4
  • Families of current students had Pastries with the President
  • There was a campus visit day for prospective Royals to tour campus
  • Shane and Shane gave a concert in Benson Great Hall on Saturday evening

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“Homecoming and Family Weekend is like an extension of everyday life on campus: it's packed with activities, athletics, community worship, meals with friends, connecting with former faculty and staff...pretty much everything except the mid-term exams! We value this weekend because we believe it provides opportunities for alumni, current students, and families to connect and re-engage with Bethel.”

— Jennifer Scott ‘95 S’02, senior director of university relations

Bethel’s Department of Nursing celebrates 40 years

Nursing alumni and current and former faculty gathered for a celebratory breakfast in honor of a major milestone for one of Bethel’s most popular programs. Bethel’s first nursing class of 46 students graduated in 1984. Today, more than 300 students study nursing at Bethel each year within the traditional undergraduate nursing program, post-baccalaureate nursing program for adults wishing to switch careers, and master’s in nurse-midwifery program. State-of-the-art nursing labs serve students at Bethel’s 3900 and Anderson Center sites. As the program celebrated 40 years, it looked with excitement to its next chapter as part of the Anderson Family College of Health Sciences.

Alumni awards announced

Each year, Bethel celebrates three Alumni of the Year for living out Bethel’s core values. The university also names “4 Under 40” alumni achievement award recipients, and awardees and their guests are celebrated at Homecoming and Family Weekend. This year’s award winners were:

Families gather to dedicate new CLC Monument

Just before commencement in spring 2024, a new hardscape monument was unveiled in front of Bethel’s Community Life Center and Benson Great Hall. It was funded by three Bethel families in memory and celebration of Allison Ferrin, Nathan Prigge, and Julie Ann Collins. This beautiful and accessible picturesque photo location is now one of Bethel’s most recognized gathering spaces. A gathering was held during Homecoming and Family Weekend to celebrate these families, their children who’ve passed, and this gift to the Bethel community. 

All in all, Homecoming and Family Weekend brought the community together to celebrate Bethel’s rich history while igniting excitement for the future and all the vibrant activities happening on campus today. 

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“This event fosters a sense of belonging and of coming home. At the end of Homecoming and Family Weekend, we hope that people walk away having had the chance to reflect on the meaningful impact Bethel has had on their lives.”

— -Jennifer Scott ‘95 S’02, senior director of university relations

Join the Bethel community

Be a part of a network of Royals 50,000 strong. Explore undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs in a variety of formats. When you come to campus for events like Homecoming and Family Weekend as a Bethel alum, you’ll truly feel like family.

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