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

Personalized tiles will recognize alumni, families and friends who support the renovation of one of Lenoir-Rhyne's central gathering spaces.

As Lenoir-Rhyne University 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.

Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2027, with a groundbreaking ceremony planned for Friday, Jan. 22, at 11 a.m. The renovation is expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2027-28 academic year in August.

The project will transform Cromer Center into a more welcoming and versatile hub for student life, creating additional spaces for students to relax, study and socialize. Highlights include a relocated Joe's Coffee and campus bookstore, a new game room, improved accessibility and indoor-outdoor gathering spaces that will provide more opportunities for students to connect.

As part of the renovation, a new donor recognition wall will offer alumni and friends a way to support the project while celebrating their own connections to Lenoir-Rhyne.

Designed by North Carolina architecture firm Stitch, the wall will feature personalized tiles arranged within a large, illuminated LR mark. Located inside the renovated Cromer Center, it will recognize supporters of the project and connect generations of Bears who have made memories in the building.

A total of 146 full-size tiles are available for gifts of $1,891, a nod to the university's founding year.

Donors may personalize their tiles to recognize a family, commemorate a class year or honor a professor, mentor or other individual who made an impact on their LR experience. Organizations and groups may also be recognized, subject to space and university approval.

Tiles are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and payment plans are available. All gifts support the Cromer Center renovation.

Donor Wall Details

• Full-size tiles: 146 available at $1,891 each
• Recognition: Personalized inscriptions, subject to character limits and university approval
• Payment: Payment plans available

To learn more or reserve a tile, visit the Cromer Center Donor Wall campaign website.