Cleveland, TN—Lee University’s annual Homecoming celebration will take place Friday, Nov. 1, through Sunday, Nov. 3, as hundreds of alumni return to campus.
“Homecoming is a celebration of alumni,” said Mallory Mertens, coordinator of alumni relations. “They give generously. They help us recruit new students. They give back in so many ways, and Homecoming is a time for us to say, ‘thank you.’”
The weekend will host a variety of events and will begin with check-in on Friday from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. in Lee’s Science and Math Complex (SMC) Great Room. Those not arriving until Saturday can check in between 8–11 a.m.
Friday evening will debut a variety of events. Lee’s soccer team will play at 7 p.m. and Lee Theatre will present the opening show of “Silent Sky” at 7:30 p.m. The Music Festival will also begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Conn Center featuring musical expressions from several of Lee’s ensembles and a celebration of the Symphonic Band’s 30th anniversary. The finale of the festival will include current and alumni members of the Symphonic Band/vocal team and the 250-voice Lee University Festival Choir under the direction of Dr. Mark Bailey, director of Symphonic Band.
“This Music Festival will be a memorable event for our Lee family as well as our community friends and supporters,” said Dr. Brad Moffett, festival director.
Friday’s celebrations will conclude with a party at the Forum beginning at 9 p.m. on the South Quad Lawn.
One of the most popular events of Homecoming weekend, Department Breakfasts, will take place Saturday morning at 9 a.m. This networking opportunity will allow alums to mingle with current professors and students. Each breakfast will include a keynote speech from a distinguished alum, and a department award will be given to an alum who excels in each field, respectively.
A tailgate cookout will take place from 11a.m.–1 p.m. on the Pedestrian Mall as a precursor to Lee’s two basketball games. Beginning at noon, the Lady Flames will take on Grace College, followed by the Flames, who will play against Tennessee Wesleyan University at 2 p.m. The Homecoming Court will be announced and the queen crowned during halftime.
Alumni will have a chance to attend the Blessing of the Couples, a unique event located in the Lee Chapel on Saturday morning. This will be a short ceremony and blessing officiated by Heidi Johnson, adjunct minister for chapel.
Greek life gatherings will happen on campus all day Saturday in various locations as a chance for past and present members to visit together, and student organization booths will be on display from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on the Pedestrian Mall. Student publications will have a reunion meeting in the Communication Arts Building Saturday afternoon, 1–2 p.m.
Those with an interest in the cinematic arts will want to attend the Short Film Showcase at 4 p.m. in the Communication Arts Building. The showcase will feature films by current students, staff, faculty, and recent alumni.
Media Services will celebrate its 25th reunion on Saturday with a gathering in the School of Business at 6:30 p.m.
“Over the past 25 years, the mission of training and working with students to tell the Lee story through video has remained as an important staple of what Media Services does,” said Dr. Jeff Salyer, director of media services. “We cannot wait to celebrate the foundation laid by Dr. Ron Gilbert, the instigator of this platform, and all our Media Services alumni.”
Lee’s Symphonic Band celebration of 30 years will culminate with a 30th reunion concert Saturday evening at 5 p.m. in the Conn Center and a reunion service on Sunday morning at 10 a.m. at Westmore Church of God.
Childcare will be available on Friday evening and throughout the day on Saturday for a one-time $20 fee per family. For a complete schedule or to register online visit http://www.leehomecoming.com/.