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! Take a look at the weekend’s schedule below and register for your favorite events today.
COVID Updates
Lenoir-Rhyne University is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone and will follow state and local guidelines for COVID safety for our events. As of August 27, we are planning to hold our Homecoming and Reunion events as outlined here. There is currently a mask requirement in place on campus. Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask inside. People who are not vaccinated also should wear a mask outside. We will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that events can be held safely and will post any updates here.
Schedule of Events
Friday, October 22, 2021
The 32nd Annual Hanley H. Painter Bear Memorial Golf Tournament | 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Lake Hickory Country Club - Catawba Springs
Join LR alumni and friends at the Lake Hickory Country Club Catawba Springs course for a morning or afternoon of friendly play. Tee times at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Pricing information is now available. Registration required.
20th Annual Bears Club Auction Social | 7 p.m. Shuford Gymnasium
Join us for the 2021 Bears Club Homecoming Auction. This year, the auction will be held in Shuford Gymnasium on the campus of LR. Tickets are $40 per person. Young alumni who have graduated in the years 2000-21 can purchase a ticket for $20. All ticket purchases and auction proceeds will benefit LR Athletics scholarships. There will be a separate on-site Kids Night included at no extra charge. Registration required.
Homecoming Kickoff Party | 7-9 p.m. Blowing Rock Draft House
Start off the weekend at Blowing Rock Draft House, right around the corner from campus, beginning at 7 p.m. This is the perfect place to meet up with your friends and enjoy complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. We are limiting capacity at this event and walk ups will not be admitted. Registration required.
Classes of 1980 and 1981 Joint 40th Reunion | 6-10 p.m. Cromer Center Terrace and Banquet Room
The classes of 1980 and 1981 will celebrate their 40th class reunions with a joint reunion dinner on Friday, Oct. 22. Join your classmates on the Cromer Center terrace beside Shaw Plaza at 6 p.m. for a time of reminiscing and reconnecting. Price per person is $35 and includes a dinner of heavy hors d’oeuvres and dessert. A cash bar will be provided and guests are welcome. Registration required.
Saturday, October 23, 2021
Homecoming Parade | 10 a.m. Stasavich Place
It wouldn’t be an LR Homecoming without the traditional Homecoming Parade. Make sure to find your favorite spot along Stasavich place to watch beginning at 10 a.m.
Dedication of Walk of Honor Bricks | 10:30 a.m. Walk of Honor
Immediately following the parade, we will celebrate the installation of the 2021 Walk of Honor bricks. The Walk of Honor is located between The Charge and Martin Luther statue.
Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony | 11 a.m. P.E. Monroe Auditorium
The 2021 inductees will be honored in this special ceremony at P.E. Monroe Auditorium at 11 a.m. This event is free; however, online registration is required.
Annual 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! We are limiting capacity at this event and walk ups will not be admitted. Registration required.
Homecoming Football Game vs. Limestone | 2 p.m. Moretz Stadium
The Bears will take on the Limestone University Saints between the bricks. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for those 12 and under.
Classes of 1995 and 1996 Joint 25th Reunion | 6-10 p.m. The Room @ 220 Union Square
Alumni from the classes of 1995 and 1996 are invited to celebrate their 25th class reunion together on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. The Room @ 220 Union Square, in downtown Hickory, will be the meeting place for class members and their guests for this special occasion. Price per person is $30 and includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and dessert. A cash bar will be available. Registration required.
*All events are free unless indicated otherwise.
For any questions, please contact Mary Ellen Sherrill, assistant director of alumni engagement, at maryellen.sherrill@lr.edu or 828.328.7351.