Homecoming is all about tradition, but Bemidji State University’s 2017 observance on Sept. 22-24 included new events with the promise of establishing new traditions. Chief among these was the 80th Anniversary Choir Concert, which drew more than 75 alumni members of the Bemidji Choir to perform with current students, reminisce and honor iconic former choral director Dr. Paul Brandvik. A first-time Greek Alumni & Friends Reunion also had a promising debut with an evening gathering in the American Indian Resource Center. A rainy forecast led the downtown parade to be canceled, but a full schedule of activities made for a busy and fun weekend.
![Col. Dan Rose '73 (left) with Marlene Bowen ’73 and Randy Bowen ’73 at the Football Reunion on Sept. 23 in the American Indian Resource Center.](https://www.bemidjistate.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/09-gallery-homecoming-01.jpg)
![Outstanding Alumni honorees Jason Edens ’07 (left), Dr. Dale Greenwalt ’75, Brian Maciej ’86 and Dr. Gene Ness ’66 are recognized at halftime with President Faith Hensrud on Sept. 23.](https://www.bemidjistate.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/09-gallery-homecoming-02.jpg)
![The Front Fenders entertain the crowd at the Beaver Block Party & Street Dance on Sept. 23 in downtown Bemidji.](https://www.bemidjistate.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/09-gallery-homecoming-03.jpg)
![Head Coach Brent Bolte directs the team in Chet Anderson Stadium.](https://www.bemidjistate.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/09-gallery-homecoming-04.jpg)
![Coach Bolte joins his players in a traditional lake plunge to celebrate their 40-22 victory over Southwest Minnesota State.](https://www.bemidjistate.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/09-gallery-homecoming-05.jpg)
![Homecoming Queen Kaitlynn Arbogast is crowned on Sept. 18 in the BSU Gymnasium.](https://www.bemidjistate.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/09-gallery-homecoming-06.jpg)
![Homecoming Queen and King Kaitlynn Arbogast and Adam Roehl.](https://www.bemidjistate.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/09-gallery-homecoming-07.jpg)
![Bemidji Choir alums at their 80th Anniversary Concert at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bemidji.](https://www.bemidjistate.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/09-gallery-homecoming-08.jpg)
![Current BSU Director of Choral Music Dr. Dwight Jilek (left), former choral director Dr. Paul Brandvik (1967-98) and BSU Alumni Choir Director Mark Carlson ’75 at the 80th Anniversary Concert.](https://www.bemidjistate.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/09-gallery-homecoming-09.jpg)
![Alpha Gamma Sigma members at the Sept. 23 Greek Alumni & Friends Reunion in the American Indian Resource Center.](https://www.bemidjistate.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/09-gallery-homecoming-11.jpg)
![Beaver Pride Advisory Board President Kevin Waldhausen (left) with member Jim Martens.](https://www.bemidjistate.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/09-gallery-homecoming-12.jpg)
![Student fans cheer the Beavers during the football game.](https://www.bemidjistate.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/09-gallery-homecoming-13.jpg)