• Announcing the Lenoir-Rhyne Tuition-Free Guarantee

    Lenoir-Rhyne announces tuition-free guarantee for North and South Carolina students
    With the Lenoir-Rhyne Tuition-Free Guarantee, tuition will never stand in the way of your dreams. Starting in fall 2026, eligible students from North and South Carolina can earn a world-class education tuition-free—powered by scholarships and grants, not loans.

    View the Lenoir-Rhyne Guarantee

Once a Bear, Always a Bear

Reunions


Reunions are a time to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the bonds that make our community special. They offer a unique opportunity to share stories, honor tradition, and create new memories with classmates and friends. No matter how long it’s been, coming together reminds us of the impact our shared experiences have had on our lives. 

Milestone Class Reunions


Experience the magic of Lenoir-Rhyne by making plans to attend your class reunion. In the fall of 2026, LR will help the classes of 1976, 1986, 2001, and 2016 gather for their milestone reunion celebrations. Save the date for Oct. 16-17, 2026, for these unforgettable moments. 

Golden Bear Reunion


Golden Bears are LR alumni who have celebrated their 50th class reunions. The next Golden Bear Reunion will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Alumni from the classes of 1975 and before are invited back to campus for a wonderful day full of Bear Pride. 

The day will include:

  • Coffee and conversation with fellow Golden Bears
  • A program featuring Lenoir-Rhyne's 13th president, Dr. Summer McGee
  • A Golden Bear Brunch
  • LR Bears football spring scrimmage

Additional details and a full schedule will be shared in February when registration opens. Mark your calendars – we look forward to seeing you in Hickory for this memorable occasion!
 

Join Your Class in Making a Lasting Impact


Reunions are a time to celebrate the past, reconnect with old friends, and look forward to the future. They are also a perfect opportunity to give back to the institution that has played a significant role in your life. Giving back to LR is a powerful way to show gratitude for the education, opportunities, and friendships you’ve gained. Your contributions, no matter the designation, help to ensure future generations of Bears can enjoy the same transformative experiences that you did. 

All gifts made between June 1, 2024-May 31, 2026, will count toward your class reunion gift and during your reunion event, we will celebrate your class’s collective gifts to LR! 

To make your reunion gift, visit lr.edu/Igive2LRU. If you prefer to talk to a staff member about giving options, contact Stephanie Roberts, director of annual giving, at stephanie.roberts@lr.edu or 828.328.7998

Walk of Honor


Commemorate your milestone reunion year by purchasing a brick to be added on the Walk of Honor. With a gift of $250 to The Fund for Lenoir-Rhyne, you can personalize a brick that will be your connection to campus forever. Gifts made to the Walk of Honor will be celebrated in the sum total of the reunion class gift. 

Order a Walk of Honor Brick Today

Update Your Contact Information


Make sure you stay up-to-date on reunion plans by updating your personal contact information.

Update Contact Information

Local Hotel Information


Hilton Garden Inn 
1320 17th St Dr SE
828-327-1000

Courtyard 
1946 13th Ave Dr SE
828-267-2100

Hampton Inn 
1956 13th Ave Dr SE
828-624-2000

Fairfield Inn & Suites 
1950 13th Ave Dr SE
828-431-3000

Many local hotels will give LR alumni a discounted rate upon request.

News & Events

Joe Shumate, with Kathleen Tucker in the sidecar, rides a red Honda Gold Wing in the 2025 Homecoming Parade

At the 2025 Homecoming parade, cheers followed a motorcycle and sidecar as the Rev. Joe Shumate ’51, M.Div. ’54, and sister Kathleen Tucker ’51 returned to LR on their latest adventure.

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The Charge statue next to a Lenoir Rhyne Banner and Cromer Center in the background

For decades, 29 families have shown unwavering devotion to Lenoir-Rhyne, giving year after year to support future generations of Bears.

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