Lenoir-Rhyne celebrates 135 years—and looks ahead

Lenoir-Rhyne University will mark a milestone throughout the 2026-27 academic year, celebrating 135 years of educating leaders, serving communities and transforming lives.

The yearlong celebration will honor the people, traditions and moments that have shaped Lenoir-Rhyne while looking ahead to the university’s next chapter through special events, initiatives and storytelling.

“Celebrating 135 years gives us an opportunity to reflect on the people and moments that have shaped Lenoir-Rhyne while also recognizing the remarkable momentum carrying us into our next chapter,” said President Summer McGee. “Our history provides the foundation for who we are, but our future has never been brighter.”

The celebration will include:

• LR’s 135th Birthday Celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 11 a.m. until 1:35 p.m. on Shaw Plaza, where students, faculty and staff can celebrate the university’s founding with birthday cupcakes, games, photo opportunities and other activities.
• 135 Fun Facts shared throughout the year across the university’s social media channels, highlighting memorable moments, traditions, achievements and little-known stories from LR’s history.
• 135 for 135 annual giving campaign, inviting alumni, parents, friends and supporters to make a gift of $135 in honor of the university’s anniversary.
• Anniversary celebrations throughout the year, with recognition woven into signature university events and opportunities for alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends to celebrate together.

The anniversary comes during a period of extraordinary momentum for Lenoir-Rhyne. The university recently completed the most successful fundraising year in its history, securing nearly $20 million in philanthropic support, and has now surpassed the $90 million goal of its Charge Forward comprehensive campaign. This fall, LR welcomes the largest incoming class in university history.

The university also begins its 135th year guided by Shine Ever Brighter, its new strategic plan, and newly adopted mission, vision and values. Together with the launch of the university’s new Can. Do. brand platform, these milestones reflect an institution grounded in its identity and history while boldly preparing for the future.

Founded on Sept. 1, 1891, Lenoir-Rhyne has grown from its beginnings as a small Lutheran college into a comprehensive university serving students across multiple campuses while remaining grounded in its commitment to academic excellence, service and community.

As Lenoir-Rhyne celebrates the people and accomplishments of its first 135 years, the anniversary also provides an opportunity to imagine what the university can accomplish in the years ahead.

Additional details about anniversary events and opportunities to participate will be shared throughout the academic year at lr.edu/lr135.