Bears for life

Homecoming

Homecoming is the perfect time to return to campus and rekindle your LR spirit.

We are excited to welcome back our LR alumni and friends who have been away from campus for far too long! Save the date for Homecoming 2024, scheduled for October 25-26, in Hickory. 

The classes of 1974, 1984 and 1999 will celebrate milestone reunions during Homecoming weekend. Check back this summer for a full schedule of events.

Homecoming Schedule 2024

Registration for all Homecoming and Reunion events will open in August.

  • Friday, October 25

    The 35th Annual Hanley H. Painter Bear Memorial Golf Tournament
    Lake Hickory County Club, Catawba Springs Course

    Start off your Homecoming weekend and show your support for LR at the annual Hanley H. Painter Memorial Golf Tournament. Bring your own foursome or we can add you to one. The event is at Lake Hickory Country Club (Catawba Springs), and tee times are 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. All proceeds benefit LR Athletics.
    Registration required.

    Class of 1984 Reunion Kickoff
    5 p.m. | TBD

    The class of 1984 will begin its reunion celebration with a kickoff party in Hickory. Attendance includes a private space to reminisce and reconnect with your fellow classmates. Beer, wine and food will be available for purchase. Guests are welcome.
    Registration requested.

    Class of 1974 50th Reunion
    6-9 p.m. | Alumni House

    The class of 1974 will celebrate its golden year reunion with a special gathering at the Alumni House, located on the west side of campus. Previously the president's home, this space is perfect for reconnecting with friends and classmates from your time at LR. The reunion event will offer a meal of heavy hors d'oeuvres and an open bar of beer and wine.
    Price per person is $40. Registration required.

    Class of 1999 25th Reunion
    6-9 p.m. | President's Suite

    The class of 1999 is invited to celebrate its 25th reunion in the President's Suite inside Moretz Stadium, newly renovated in 2022. This special event will begin at 6 p.m. and provides time to remember favorite LR memories with classmates. Alumni and their guests will enjoy a dinner of heavy hors d'oeuvres and an open bar of beer and wine.
    Price per person is $25. Registration required.

    Homecoming Kickoff Party
    7-10 p.m. | TBD

    Join fellow Bears of all ages and enjoy free appetizers and a cash bar. This is the perfect opportunity to start your weekend and meet up with friends.
    Registration requested.

  • Saturday, October 26

    Homecoming Parade
    TBD | Stasavich Place

    Homecoming is not complete without the annual Homecoming parade. Make sure to get there early to claim your parade spot along Stasavich to see the spectacular floats from student and alumni organizations, as well as community partners.

    Alumni Homecoming Tailgate
    10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Shaw Plaza

    Get ready for the football game with a tailgate-style lunch from Windy City Grill in Hickory, family-friendly games, music and lots of LR spirit! The tailgate is sponsored by the Office of Alumni Engagement and will run on Shaw Plaza, in front of the Cromer Center. All alumni and their guests are invited.
    Registration requested.

    Homecoming Football Game vs. Limestone University
    1 p.m. | Moretz Stadium

    The Bears take on the Limestone University Saints! Tickets are $15 and $10 for children ages 3-12. Children 2 and under are free. Purchase tickets online through Athletics or at the gate on game day.

    Class of 1984 40th Reunion
    6-9 p.m. | Alumni House

    The class of 1984 will celebrate its 40th reunion at the Alumni House, located on the west side of campus. Previously the president's home, this space is perfect for reconnecting with friends and classmates from your time at LR. The reunion event will offer a meal of heavy hors d'oeuvres and an open bar of beer and wine.
    Price per person is $25. Registration required.