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 from near and far for Homecoming 2025. Make sure to save the dates of Oct. 17-18 for Homecoming in Hickory.
The classes of 1975, 1985, 2000 and 2015 will celebrate milestone reunions during Homecoming 2025 weekend. The Office of Alumni Engagement is looking for alumni from these classes to help with reunion planning. If you’re interested in volunteering, reach out to Diego Sanjuan ’24, coordinator of alumni engagement.
Thursday, Oct. 16
13th Presidential Inauguration of Dr. Summer McGee
Various times and locations
Lenoir-Rhyne University proudly announces the inauguration of Dr. Summer McGee as the 13th president in its 135-year history. This historic occasion will celebrate a new chapter in LR’s legacy, honoring both tradition and transformation under Dr. McGee’s leadership. Further details, including times and locations, will be shared as they are confirmed.
Friday, Oct. 17
37th Annual Hanley H. Painter Bear Memorial Golf Tournament
Lake Hickory Country Club, Catawba Springs Course
Start your Homecoming weekend with the annual Hanley H. Painter Memorial Golf Tournament. Bring your own foursome or we’ll pair you with one. The event will be held at Lake Hickory Country Club (Catawba Springs), with tee times at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. All proceeds benefit LR Athletics. Registration required.
Class of 1975 50th Reunion
6 p.m. | Dassow University Commons, President’s Home
Hosted at the President’s Home in Dassow University Commons, the Class of 1975 proudly celebrates its 50th reunion. Nestled at the edge of campus, the President’s Home offers a warm and elegant setting designed for both hospitality and community. Beginning at 6 p.m., the evening will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar of beer and wine, and a specialty class gift. Cost: $40 per person. Registration required.
Class of 2015 10th Reunion
6 p.m. | President’s Suite, Moretz Stadium
The Class of 2015 is invited to celebrate its inaugural 10th reunion at the President’s Suite in the Moretz Stadium press box. This location is one of the many new additions since the stadium’s renovation in 2022. Beginning at 6 p.m., the evening will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar of beer and wine, and a specialty reunion gift. Come reconnect with classmates and reminisce about your time at LR. Cost: $25 per person. Registration required.
Homecoming Kickoff Party
7–10 p.m. | City Walk Brewery and Distillery
Located along the Hickory City Walk, City Walk Brewery and Distillery rehosts this year’s Homecoming Kickoff Party. Just minutes from campus and downtown, the venue offers the perfect setting to begin your weekend. Enjoy free appetizers, a cash bar, and great company with Bears of all generations. Registration requested.
Saturday, Oct. 18
Class of 1975 50th Reunion Breakfast
8:30–10 a.m. | Alex and Lee George Hall
The 50th reunion planning committee invites all classmates and their guests to a reunion breakfast in Alex and Lee George Hall, home to the natural sciences and opened in 2017. Guests will enjoy a complimentary light breakfast, coffee and tea while reconnecting with fellow Bears. Registration requested.
Homecoming Parade
10:30 a.m. | Stasavich Place
Kick off Saturday with the annual Homecoming Parade. Claim your spot early along Stasavich Place to enjoy parade floats, spirited performances, and participation from student groups, alumni and community partners.
50th FCA Reunion
11 a.m.–noon | Grace Chapel
Current students and alumni of Fellowship of Christian Athletes are invited to celebrate 50 years of FCA at Lenoir-Rhyne with a special reunion in Grace Chapel, the university’s stunning neo-Gothic and religious centerpiece. Additional details will be shared directly with FCA alumni as plans are finalized.
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 on Shaw Plaza, in front of the Cromer Center. All alumni and their guests are invited. Registration requested.
Homecoming Football Game vs. UVA Wise
3 p.m. | Moretz Stadium
Cheer on the Bears as they take on the Cavaliers of UVA Wise. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 3–12. Children 2 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online at lrbears.com or at the gate on game day.
Class of 1985 40th Reunion
6 p.m. | Alex and Lee George Hall
The Class of 1985 celebrates 40 years of LR Bear pride at Alex and Lee George Hall, one of LR’s newest and most modern venues. Enjoy an evening of connection and nostalgia with fellow classmates while enjoying heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, and a commemorative class gift. Cost: $30 per person. Registration required.
Class of 2000 25th Reunion
6 p.m. | Dassow University Commons, Alumni House
Celebrating 25 years, the Class of 2000 will host a reunion at the Alumni House in Dassow University Commons (formerly the President’s Home). This welcoming space is perfect for reconnecting with classmates and friends. Enjoy a meal of heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar of beer and wine, and a specialty gift to mark the occasion. Cost: $25 per person. Registration required.