LR's tuition reset reduces tuition by 30 percent from $43,000 to $30,000 beginning in fall 2023.
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! Make sure to save the date for Homecoming 2022 scheduled for October 21-22, 2022.
The classes of 1997, 1982, and 1972 will celebrate their 25th, 40th, and 50th reunions over Homecoming weekend. Check out the reunion page for details.
Please note: Separate Homecoming events are also planned for current students and their families as part of Family Weekend. The events listed below are for LR alumni.
The 34th Annual Hanley H. Painter Bear Memorial Golf Tournament
Lake Hickory Country 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’ll 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 1972 50th Reunion - 6-10 p.m.
Cromer Center Banquet Room and Terrace
The class of 1972 will celebrate its golden year with a reunion dinner on the Hickory campus. Join your classmates in the Cromer Center banquet room and terrace beside Shaw Plaza at 6 p.m. to reminisce and reconnect. Price per person is $40 and includes a buffet dinner and dessert. A cash bar will be provided and guests are welcome. Registration required.
Class of 1997 25th Reunion - 6-9 p.m.
Alumni House, Duane and Madeleine Dassow University Commons
The class of 1997 is invited to celebrate its 25th reunion at the Alumni House, located on the west side of the Hickory campus. This special event will begin at 6 p.m. and provide time to remember favorite LR memories with classmates. Alumni will enjoy a dinner of heavy hors d’oeuvres and dessert, along with a few words from LR president, Dr. Fred Whitt. A cash bar will be available, and guests are welcome. Price per person is $30. Registration required.
21st Annual Bears Club Auction Social - 7 p.m.
Bears Club Pavilion
Join us for the 2022 Bears Club Homecoming Auction in the Bears Club Pavilion on the campus of LR. Tickets are $40 per person, however; young alumni who have graduated in the years 2000-2022 can purchase a ticket for $20. All ticket purchases and auction proceeds will benefit LR Athletics scholarships. Registration required.
Homecoming Kickoff Party - 7-9 p.m.
Blowing Rock Draft House
Kickoff Homecoming weekend with a gathering at Blowing Rock Draft House, right around the corner from campus. Join alumni of all ages from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and enjoy free appetizers and a cash bar. This is the perfect spot to start your weekend and meet up with friends. Free but registration required.
Family Weekend Bingo Night - 8 p.m.
Family Weekend Bingo Night will commence at 8 p.m. in the Cromer Center lobby. Bond with family and friends while you compete for great prizes. The event is free, but registration is required due to limited seating.
Homecoming Parade - 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Stasavich Place
Join us as we continue a long loved tradition of the Homecoming Parade.
Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - 11 a.m.
P.E. Monroe Auditorium
The 2022 inductees will be honored in this special ceremony at P.E. Monroe Auditorium at 11 a.m. Registration required.
Alumni Homecoming Tailgate - 11:30 a.m. - 1 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 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., will be held on Shaw Plaza, in front of the Cromer Center. All alumni and their guests are invited! Free, but Alumni Homecoming Tailgate registration required.
Student Homecoming Tailgate - Noon-2 p.m.
More food and fun will be happening across on the Russell Lawn — across Stasavich Place from Shuford Gym — with the Student Homecoming Tailgate from noon until 2 p.m. Sponsored by the President’s Office and Homecoming Committee, the party will feature a DJ, food trucks and giveaways alongside high-energy activities such as jousting and axe-throwing. Student and family registration is required.
A Cappella Choir Welcomes all Choir Alumni - 1 p.m.
Choir Room, Mauney Music Building
Alumni are invited to join in the singing of the "Star-Spangled Banner" and "Fair Star of Caroline" prior to the Homecoming football game. Meet in the choir room an hour before the game to rehearse with the 2022 choir.
Homecoming Football Game vs. Newberry - 2 p.m.
Moretz Stadium
The Bears take on the Wolves from Newberry College at 2 p.m. in the newly renovated Moretz Stadium. Tickets are $20 and $10 for children ages 3-12. Children 2 and under are free. Purchase tickets online at lrbears.com or at the gate on game day.
Class of 1982 40th Reunion - 6-10 p.m.
Cromer Center Banquet Room and Terrace
The class of 1982 will celebrate its 40th reunion in the Cromer Center banquet room and terrace next to Shaw Plaza beginning at 6 p.m. Alumni will enjoy time to reconnect with classmates and remember favorite LR memories. The evening will offer a dinner of heavy hors d’oeuvres and dessert along with a few words from LR president, Dr. Fred Whitt. A cash bar will be available, and guests are welcome. Price per person is $30. Registration required.
A Cappella Choir - 3 p.m.
P.E. Monroe Auditorium
The A Cappella Choir is presenting a joint concert with the Hickory Choral Society, Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Chorus and CVCC choirs.
*All events are free unless indicated otherwise.