Each fall for the past 56 years, Lee University graduates have returned to campus for a time of celebration and reunion called Homecoming. On Nov. 4-5, the Lee family will again gather with old and new friends for a weekend of fun and new memories.
“Homecoming celebrates relationships, which is the hallmark of the Lee experience,” said Patti Cawood, director of Alumni Relations. “We build Homecoming around connections.”
The weekend will host various events to welcome alumni back to campus and will begin with the Check-In on Friday, Nov. 4, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. in the Science and Math Complex. A light lunch will be served from 12-1 p.m. that day.
Homecoming basketball games will begin Saturday at noon with the Lady Flames facing Bryan College. The Flames will take on Piedmont College at 2:30 p.m. The Homecoming Court will be announced and the queen crowned during halftime.
Lee theatre will perform Nathan Jeffrey’s rendition of “Dracula” on Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. in the Dixon Center. A new version of the classic horror tale, the original tone and intention of the story is resurrected in order to deliver a profound tale of an eternal battle between darkness and light, between hope and despair, and between death and life.
The new Short Film Showcase will take place Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Communication Arts Building. This event will allow current students and recent alumni to show their short films, allowing alumni to experience the new screening room.
“With an emerging cinema program, we want to invite alum to view the work that has been taking place in this state-of-the-art Communication Arts Building,” said Ms. Cawood.
The popular Department Breakfasts will take place Saturday morning at 9. With 13 departments participating, this is a time for 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 that field of study.
The Blessing of the Couples is a charming affirmation of wedding vows. Adjunct professor and Lee alum Dr. Ben Perez will officiate in the Lee Chapel on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. The “simple and beautiful” event allows couples to be encouraged and celebrated in their marriage, whether married 40 years or less than one.
On Saturday at 7 p.m. the Homecoming Music Festival will take place in the Conn Center. Hosted by the School of Music, the festival is put together to display the enduring legacy of talented musicians.
"Just as our alumni have changed, the Homecoming weekend has changed over the years, too,” said Dr. Jerome Hammond, vice president for University Relations. “We love seeing them return to campus for this great weekend.”
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Greek service club Sigma Nu Sigma will welcome back past members with a weekend full of activities including a gala dinner on Friday night, a service project, and worship event on Saturday.
To end the weekend a dessert mixer will take place on Saturday at 8 p.m. in the John Nichols Courtyard.
Alumni appreciation week will lead up to the Homecoming weekend, highlighting Lee alum who have excelled in their fields. Current students will celebrate the kick-off of Homecoming at noon on Friday in the Deacon Jones Dining Hall with a 5,000 balloon drop including 10 balloons with gift cards donated by alumni.
For more information about Homecoming or to register, visit http://www.leehomecoming.com/.