Homecoming 2026
September 25 - September 26
Celebrate homecoming with us! We’ll have events for the whole family and memories for every Bethel alum from 1947 to 2026!
FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, September 25
- 10 a.m. | Alumni Chapel – Everest-Rohrer Auditorium
- As part of Homecoming 2026, the Alumni Association will present its three annual alumni awards.
- 6 p.m. | Hall of Fame Banquet – Gates Gymnasium
- Join us in celebrating the Hall of Fame Class of 2026, including David Haverstick (Basketball/Baseball), Clay Yeo (Basketball), Jamal Henry (Basketball/Baseball/Tennis), Coach John Dendiu (Tennis), Jessica Layman (Golf) and Erik Escobedo (Track & Field). Tickets are $25 a person.
- 7:30 p.m. | Ice Cream Social – Sufficient Grounds
- Come enjoy ice cream from Vanilla Bean and live music outside at Sufficient Grounds.
Saturday, September 26
- 9:30 a.m. | Rise’n Run 5K – The Slab
- Join us for the fifth-annual Rise ‘n Run 5K! Race the sidewalks of Bethel’s campus with your family and friends and enjoy a sweet treat from our sponsor, Rise ’n Roll, after the race! Registration is $15 for adults, $10 for Bethel students or participants ages 11-17, and free for kids 10 and under. Wheelchairs and strollers welcome (no bikes or scooters, please).
- Meet at 9 a.m. at the tent west of the Dining Commons (map) to check in and pick up your bib on race day.
- 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Men’s Basketball Reunion – Gates Gymnasium
- Join your fellow men’s basketball alumni for a reunion hosted by Mike and Jacci Lightfoot. Families are welcome and a light lunch will be provided. This event is free to attend.
- 12 p.m. | Estate and Legacy Planning Workshop Luncheon – President’s Dining Room
- Whether you’re creating your first will or reviewing existing documents, join Steve Matteson and attorney Joel Dendiu for a workshop where practical guidance is provided in a supportive, no-pressure environment. Lunch will be served.
- 4 p.m. | Women’s Soccer Game – Morey Field
- Cheer on the women’s soccer team as they face off against Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Ohio)
- 5 p.m. | Alumni Dinner: Family Reunion Edition – Gates Gymnasium
- It’s a family reunion! Reunite with your Bethel family and enjoy BBQ, fun programming and a Bethel edition of Family Feud. Families are welcome and a kid zone will be available for kids 11 and under during the programming. Tickets are $15 for adults and children 12 and up, $5 for kids ages 4-11, and free for kids 3 and under.