2026 Spring Bethel Magazine

Emily (Rodgers) Sherwood ’99 Senior Director of Alumni & Advancement 574.807.7959 | Alumni@BethelUniversity.edu ALUMNI NEWS Dear Alumni, There’s something special about legacy. Not the kind that simply looks back — but the kind that lives on, grows forward and quietly shapes lives for generations. That’s the kind of legacy I’m fortunate to see every day at Bethel University. As you flip through this issue, you’ll read stories that capture that legacy so well. The lasting influence of Coach Mike Lightfoot reminds us what it means to invest deeply in people over time. The retirement of longtime professor Dr. Norm Spivey marks the close of a remarkable chapter — one defined by faithfulness, wisdom and a profound impact on countless students. These are not just stories of service; they are stories of lives changed. And that’s the thread that connects all of us. You are part of this legacy. Whether you graduated five years ago or 50, your time at Bethel helped shape a community known for excellent learning, meaningful relationships and a commitment to Christ-centered success. That legacy isn’t confined to campus; it’s carried into your families, your churches, your workplaces and your communities. That same spirit continues to thrive here today. It shows up in the energy of our students, the dedication of our faculty and the many opportunities we have to gather and celebrate what it means to be a Pilot. We’re looking forward to several meaningful opportunities to reconnect in the coming months. This summer, we’ll gather at baseball games with the South Bend Cubs and the Indianapolis Indians, which is always a fun and relaxed way to be together. We’re excited to celebrate milestone memories at the 50th Class Reunion in May and to connect with many of you at Missionary Church camps throughout the summer. And of course, we hope you’ll mark your calendar for Homecoming: September 25-26, 2026, a special time to return, reconnect and celebrate all that Bethel means to us. Thank you for the ways you continue to invest in Bethel through your prayers, encouragement and engagement. Your story is part of something bigger, and it continues to make a difference. I hope to see you on campus soon! With Christ at the Helm, Rick Rey ‘77 Alumnus of the Year Lian Glomski ‘21 Young Alumna of the Year Bruce Faltynski ‘05 Timothy Award for Outstanding Service ALUMNI 20 BETHELUNIVERSITY.EDU/MAGAZINE

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