News | Lenoir-Rhyne University

New donor wall offers opportunity to be part of Cromer Center's next chapter

As Lenoir-Rhyne prepares for a major renovation of Cromer Center, alumni, families and friends have a new opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the building through a personalized donor recognition wall.

Kaleigh Sloop with Minges Hall in the background

“I can do this”: Kaleigh Sloop ’27 turns a childhood dream into a career path

Through LR’s AeroBears rocketry team and a NASA-funded research program, biochemistry major Kaleigh Sloop ’27 is discovering her skills can take her further than she ever imagined.

Harry Titus takes a selfie with a student in front of the Donuts with the Dean banner

Lenoir-Rhyne leaders and alumni named to Hickory's Top 10 Under 40

Hickory Young Professionals recognized three members of the Lenoir-Rhyne community for their professional accomplishments, community leadership and commitment to making a difference in the region.

Taking the lead: Lindsey Gustafson ’27

She arrived at Lenoir-Rhyne without any marching band experience. Now drum major Lindsey Gustafson ’27 takes the podium with the Spirit of LR as the ensemble brings music and energy to campus and community.

Brooks Higginbotham with Mauney-Schaeffer in the background

Meet the SGA Prez: Brooks Higginbotham ’27

Meet the student leader working to make LR's Student Government Association more accessible — and learn his strong opinions on Oreos, Darius Rucker and teleportation.

Four members of the spirit team raise their hands on the field

Lenoir-Rhyne celebrates Homecoming 2026, Oct. 16–17

Lenoir-Rhyne welcomes alumni and friends back to campus Oct. 16–17 for Homecoming 2026, featuring milestone reunions, favorite traditions, the Eastside Commons groundbreaking and Bears football.

Gray Stone passes a plate to a student on the cafeteria serving line

At home in hospitality: Gray Stone ’21 returns to LR

New director of food service Gray Stone ’21 returns to LR focused on providing a dining experience that responds to student needs and makes campus feel like home.

2026 Aerobears rocket team, 8 members, at IREC with their rocket

We do big things: AeroBears prepare for a new season

After a successful 2026 launch season, LR’s rocket team is building toward a new competition — and aiming even higher in 2027.

Two students compare written and laptop notes in the audience at an event

Bears Engage explores freedom and responsibility in America at 250

Bears Engage brings music, theater, scholarship and conversation together as Lenoir-Rhyne marks America’s 250th anniversary and considers where we'll go in the years ahead.

Helping the next Bear on the trail: scholarship honors Mike Hogewood ’76

A new scholarship honoring regional sportscaster Mike Hogewood ’76 extends his legacy of opportunity, helping future Bears pursue the possibilities that shaped his own life.

Loury Floyd, Ph.D., receives statewide award for teacher education

Loury Ollison Floyd, Ph.D., associate provost for faculty affairs, assessment and accreditation, received the 2026 NCACTE Outstanding Contributions to Teacher Education Award on September 23.

Cover of Emotionall Sober and Unimaginably Good and Megan DeMatteo

Back to the Well: A Writing Life Comes Full Circle

After a decade building a professional writing career, Megan DeMatteo returns to Lenoir-Rhyne with her first published book and a new goal: fiction.