Hickory – Lenoir-Rhyne University welcomes alumni, families, students, friends and fans to campus for Homecoming and Family Weekend Oct. 21-23. A packed weekend of activities features multiple socials and reunions, a campus-wide tailgate and, of course, football.
On Saturday, Oct. 22, the Bears will take on the Wolves of Newberry College in the newly renovated Moretz Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 2 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for children 3-12 and free for children 2 and under. Tickets are available at lrbears.com/tickets or at the gate on game day.
In addition to the game, the weekend promises a range of events to appeal to all interests. Many of these events are free and open to the public, but most require registration at lr.edu/homecoming.
Friday, Oct. 21
33rd Annual Hanley H. Painter/Bear Memorial Golf Tournament – 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The Homecoming fun begins with the 33rd Annual Hanley H. Painter/Bear Memorial Golf Tournament at Lake Hickory Country Club, Catawba Springs Golf Course. Tee times are 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday. All proceeds from the entry fee — $125 per person and $600 for a foursome — benefit LR Athletics. Registration is required.
Class of 1972 50th Reunion – 6-10 p.m.
The Class of 1972 will host its 50th reunion on campus with a dinner for class members and their guests in the Cromer Center banquet room and terrace from 6-10 p.m. Registration is $40 per person and includes a buffet dinner and dessert.
Class of 1997 25th Reunion – 6-9 p.m.
The Class of 1997 25th reunion will take place from 6-9 p.m. at the Alumni House in the Dassow University Commons on the west side of campus. Registration is $30 per person for alumni and their guests. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and dessert will be served, and Dr. Fred Whitt, LR university president, is scheduled to speak.
Homecoming Kickoff Party – 7-9 p.m.
Those not attending a reunion can join the Homecoming Kickoff Party for all alumni and friends at Blowing Rock Draft House from 7-9 p.m. The draft house is located in Hollar Mill, just off the Hickory campus. Admission and appetizers are free, but registration is required.
21st Annual Bears Club Auction Social – 7 p.m.
The 21st Annual Bears Club Auction Social will begin at 7 p.m. in the Bears Club Pavilion, on campus between the McCrorie Center and the newly renovated Moretz Stadium. This event features live music and a live auction with food and drinks. The cost is $40 per person, with a young alumni rate of $20 per person for alumni who graduated from 2000 through 2022; registration is required.
Family Weekend Bingo Night – 8 p.m.
Family Weekend Bingo Night will commence at 8 p.m. in the Cromer Center lobby. Bond with family and friends while you compete for great prizes. The event is free, but registration is required due to limited seating.
Saturday, Oct. 22
Homecoming Parade – 10 a.m.
Game day will begin with the Homecoming Parade making its way down Stasavich Place at 10 a.m. The beloved tradition showcases the variety of activities, groups and teams on campus in a celebration of all things Lenoir-Rhyne.
Sports Hall of Fame Induction – 11 a.m.
Inductees to the Sports Hall of Fame will be honored in a ceremony at P.E. Monroe Auditorium at 11 a.m. The 2022 inductees include Sarah Atkins ’12, William Combs ’01, Kate Griewisch Ryan ’12, Catherine Hauck ’12, Chandler Rearden ’12, Jerry Shaw ’71 and Jameil Surratt ’03.
Alumni Homecoming Tailgate – 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
On Shaw Plaza in front of the Cromer Center, the Office of Alumni Engagement will host the annual Family Weekend and Alumni Homecoming Tailgate from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature a free tailgate-style lunch from Windy City Grill in Hickory, along with family-friendly games and music.
Student Homecoming Tailgate – 12 p.m.-2 p.m.
More food and fun will be happening on Russell Lawn — across Stasavich Place from Shuford Gym — with the Student Homecoming Tailgate from noon until 2 p.m. Sponsored by the President’s Office and Homecoming Committee, the party will feature a DJ, food trucks and giveaways alongside high-energy activities such as jousting and axe-throwing.
A Cappella Choir – 1-2 p.m.
The university A Cappella Choir invites alumni to gather for rehearsal in the choir room in Mauney Music Building at 1 p.m. to prepare for joining in singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Fair Star of Caroline” before the Homecoming football game kicks off at 2 p.m.
LR Football vs Newberry College – 2 p.m.
The LR Bears will take on the Wolves of Newberry College in the newly renovated Moretz Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 2 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for children 3-12 and free for children 2 and under. Tickets are available at lrbears.com/tickets or at the gate on game day.
Class of 1982 40th reunion – 6-10 p.m.
After the game, the Class of 1982 will hold its 40th reunion in the Cromer Center banquet room and terrace from 6-10 p.m. Alumni and their guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and dessert along with an appearance from Dr. Fred Whitt, LR university president. The registration fee is $30 per person.
Sunday, October 23
A Cappella Choir – 3 p.m.
Wrap up Homecoming and Family Weekend with music in P.E. Monroe Auditorium at 3 p.m. The A Cappella Choir will perform a joint concert with the Hickory Choral Society, the Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Chorus and Catawba Valley Community College Chorus. Admission is free.
