Staying connected, giving back: Inside Bethel’s alumni network
By Monique Kleinhuizen ’08, GS’16, content specialist
December 11, 2025 | Noon
Fans enjoy a football game, one of many events during Homecoming and Family Weekend
As hundreds of Royals celebrate commencement this month, two important things happen. First, and perhaps most obviously, they collect their diplomas and toss their mortarboards emphatically in the air as a visual, collective exclamation point on their Bethel programs.
The second? Those Royals become the newest members of the large and vibrant community of Bethel alumni.
As the alumni community grows with the newest wave of graduates, we sat down with Jason Schommer ’06 and Michelle Perry ’08, two proud Bethel alumni who serve as president and vice president of Bethel’s Alumni Council.
Thirteen council members—representing different Bethel programs, class years, career paths, and perspectives—come together regularly to support their fellow alums and serve as their voice back to the university. They also recommend nominees for Bethel’s annual alumni awards: the Alumnus/Alumna of the Year and 4 Under 40 Alumni Achievement Awards.
Perry majored in biology and is a doctor of physical therapy and CEO of Abide Physical Therapy. Schommer majored in business with emphases in finance and marketing and is now a vice president at Apogee Enterprises. Their Bethel experiences were very different, and their career paths have been as well; but they both appreciated their Bethel experience and how they’ve been supported and encouraged in the years since. We asked them to reflect on their journey as alumni, what they’d share with other Bethel alums, and ways alumni can get more connected in the new year. Here’s what they had to say:
How long have you been part of the Alumni Council, and why did you choose to join?
Perry: I was presented with the opportunity to join the Alumni Council (formerly known as the National Alumni Board) in 2022. When I graduated from Bethel, I mourned the loss of my community and deep friendships, and I still had a deep desire to be a part of and experience the Bethel community. I didn't realize I could remain an active member of the Royal community by helping Bethel engage alumni, increase diversity on campus, formulate thoughtful partnerships, and still participate in all of Bethel's wins!
Schommer: I have been with the Alumni Council since 2021—it’s a direct way to contribute to Bethel's future, give back to a community that has given me so much, and strengthen the connection between Bethel and its alumni. As we look forward, there is such an opportunity to strengthen the connection alumni have to Bethel's future while celebrating alumni's experiences and memories.
During my time at Bethel, I had the opportunity to understand what true community and koinonia look like, through forming intentional friendships and relationships. As a result, the ways I have sought community into adulthood have drastically impacted my life. Bethel taught me how to live life with intention, and, as a result, the Lord has changed my heart to live missionally.
Michelle Perry '08What role has Bethel played in your life and career?
Perry: During my time at Bethel, I had the opportunity to understand what true community and koinonia look like. As a result, the ways I have sought community into adulthood have drastically impacted my life. Bethel taught me how to live life with intention, and, as a result, the Lord has changed my heart to live missionally. Within my career as a medical professional, I seek out ways by which I can invest in my patients, encourage them, and share the Gospel with them. Learning how to speak truth and hope into the lives of others has changed the lens through which I operate and live my life.
Schommer: Bethel shaped my faith through RIOT Bible studies (now Shift), Chapel, the integration of faith into my studies, and giving me friendships that have endured and deepened since 2006—even meeting my wife, Mindy (Kocemba) '04! Mindy and I have built a life and family that are rooted in our faith, which was strengthened when we were both at Bethel. I have also been fortunate, career-wise, to have been part of companies of all sizes and industries and experience many different aspects of the business world.
My education, and I believe the Bethel name, have gone before me as a positive. Bethel carries a reputation for high standards in education, integrity, and values-based leadership.
Jason Schommer '06What's something about the alumni community that you think is misunderstood or underappreciated?
Perry: Most don't realize that we are an active council—meeting in person twice a year and attending other Bethel events as we’re able—and that we’re expanding to include more members! We lead projects and initiatives to further our mission and be a voice to Bethel's administration. We gather and value input from our alumni in order to enhance the network and engage more alumni.
Schommer: Our community is vast and far-reaching. Tens of thousands of alumni are connected with common threads of faith in Jesus Christ and a shared Bethel experience. What a powerful reminder of the community we are part of and the unique position we have to work together to advance Christ's mission.
What would you say to Bethel alumni who are thinking about getting more involved?
Perry: Jason, and our team, have been working hard to restructure how our alumni can become more involved and connected. There are many ways alumni can utilize their gifts and talents to serve the student body. We’re truly striving to help alumni “increase the value of their degree" by offering meaningful networking events and opportunities to remain connected. Jason and I truly love Bethel, stand firmly behind their mission to advance the Gospel, and desire for everyone to feel as if they have a seat at the table and feel a sense of belonging.
Schommer: Amazing things are happening at Bethel! Plug in where you can. We encourage you to do something, start small, and to incrementally increase your engagement with Bethel. This could start with reading the regular updates from Bethel, following Bethel on social channels, attending an event, or giving your time and resources. We are an incredible alumni community, and we can do incredible things together!
Alumni warm up at a fire pit next to an outdoor ice rink at the annual Alumni Broomball Tournament
Stay in contact as an alum
Feeling inspired to get a little more connected with Bethel in 2026? A quick way to increase your engagement is to update your info. You’ll be able to double-check your contact info, indicate which communications you’d like to receive, and update the university on changes in your family, church, or work life. You can also submit a Royal Update to share an update with the wider Bethel community. This could include a marriage or family announcement, career promotion, retirement, or other personal milestone. Browse Royal Updates here.
Pray for the Bethel community
Praying for Bethel is an incredible way to connect your faith with the university. Bethel’s National Prayer Initiative is a way for Royals to pray—on their own or gathered in groups—and receive regular, specific prayer requests from the university. You can also pray through the campus on a Virtual Prayer Walk; specific requests and prompts are listed online.
Mentor and support students in their career development
Alumni can also support students in their personal and career development. Bethel connects students with mentors through CommMentor, BethelBiz, Woven Lives, and The 25 programs. Or, reach out to career@bethel.edu for shorter-term opportunities to assist students through informational interviews, mock interviews, or job shadowing.
Attend a Bethel event
Bethel alumni are welcome on campus any time, with a full campus calendar available online. From Royal athletic events to the visual and performing arts, to signature events like Festival of Christmas, alumni are encouraged to support students and remain a vital part of the creativity and unique athletic culture of Bethel’s campus.
Admissions events happen regularly, with a special opportunity for legacy families to introduce a child or friend to Bethel during Homecoming and Family Weekend. Or keep your own mind sharp through academic offerings like Seminary for Everyone and Humanities for Everyone, which are designed for learners of all ages and backgrounds.
Bethel Regional Gatherings happen periodically in cities all over the United States and world, bringing together Royals in their hometowns. Attendees hear from Bethel leaders, enjoy delicious food in a fun local venue, and hang out as a Bethel family.
BUnited Networking Events are also held periodically in venues across the Twin Cities. Typically held over breakfast, they feature engaging speakers covering a wide variety of business- and career-related topics—with plenty of time for networking. Keep an eye on your email for future events.
When alumni stay engaged with Bethel, they bring our mission to life by living out the integration of faith and purpose that makes this community so special. Their involvement inspires students, encouraging them to pursue lives of impact.
Jennifer Scott '95, S'02Support Bethel financially—your way
Alumni are important supporters of Bethel’s programs, with the Bethel Fund being the simplest way to give back. One-time or recurring gifts to this general fund make Bethel the special place that it is, bridging the gap between student tuition and the actual cost of providing a Bethel education. The Bethel Fund supports:
- Spiritual formation opportunities
- Innovative academic programs and resources
- Faculty enrichment opportunities
- Student life experiences
A panel of alumni entrepreneurs present at a BUnited Alumni Networking Event
Whether alumni choose to join the Alumni Council, visit campus, mentor students, or give financially; the end result is a more sustainable and impactful Bethel.
“When alumni stay engaged with Bethel, they bring our mission to life by living out the integration of faith and purpose that makes this community so special. Their involvement inspires students, encouraging them to pursue lives of impact,” says Jennifer Scott ’95, S’02, senior director of university relations. As a two-time Bethel alumna, proud Bethel donor, Bethel parent, and part-time professor who also leads Bethel’s alumni and family relations teams, she has experience with every facet of the Bethel community. She gets a front-row seat to the profound impact alumni have on Bethel and its students, and also the positive way that remaining connected to this community impacts those alumni’s faith, careers, and sense of belonging.
Alumni from Bethel's 1975 championship-winning football team commemmorate the 50th anniversary of their win on-field at Homecoming
“These connections are deeply meaningful,” Scott says. “Spending time with students rekindles a sense of purpose, reconnecting with former faculty brings back the joy of lifelong mentorship, and building relationships with fellow alumni strengthens a spiritual and professional network that extends the value of their degree.”
Get connected as a Bethel alum
Make this the year you get more involved at Bethel. Take a minute to update your contact info, browse ways to give back through prayer or volunteering, join the Alumni Council, or make a financial gift.