Summer 2026 | Vol. 41 No. 2

Bemidji State Alumni Magazine

Read the latest BSU Alumni Magazine

This issue of the BSU Alumni Magazine takes you back to a transformative decade at Bemidji State — when freshman beanies, bell-bottoms, disco, and the Beaver Pond were all a central part of campus life.

But this isn’t just a trip down memory lane. We highlight an incredible assortment of alumni and accomplishments, like Beaver Football celebrating 100 seasons, three generations of the Vene family carrying on a musical legacy, and new investments creating opportunities for the next generation.

These stories reveal something timeless: that the people and traditions making Bemidji State special have a way of carrying forward.

Inside, you’ll find stories of grit, connection, generosity, and the unexpected paths a BSU education can inspire — along with a soundtrack to the ’70s, a little campus history, and plenty of reasons to take pride in your alma mater.

Freshman week beanie (1970s)

Submit a Class Note

Share your news — from the announcement of a wedding or birth to career notes or retirement updates — and you just might see it in the next issue of the magazine. Also keep us informed of changes in your address and phone number so that Bemidji State can continue to share its favorite news with you.

2024.0614 MacKenzie Burnham resize teacher classroom education
1970s Homecoming

Homecoming 2026

Get ready, Beavers: Homecoming is coming back Sept. 20-27, 2026!

We're dancing back a half-century to the vibes of the 1970s, and you won't want to miss a minute of the action. So feel the groove, bust a move, and join us this fall!

This year's alumni events are highlighted by a few staples, like the Honors Gala, Alumni Leaders in the Classroom, and athletic events. And we have to shout out the Beaver Pond — a favorite haunt for many 1970s students — that's coming back for one weekend only at the David Park House.

Whether you visit campus every year or you haven’t been back since graduation day, Homecoming is the perfect reunion for alumni and friends of all kinds.

Click the button below for the full Homecoming lineup, as well as helpful information like hotel blocks, sign-ups, contact information, and more.

Want more content? We've got you covered.

Believe it or not, we couldn't fit all the good news into the layout of a single magazine. But there's more!

Inside this issue are a number of QR codes and links to access more content. Here's a breakdown of that extra content we have to offer.

Campus life (1970)