Lee University Hosts Homecoming Nov. 3-4

Each fall Lee University graduates return to campus for a time of celebration and reunion during Homecoming weekend. The Lee family will again gather with old and new friends for a weekend of remembrance and making memories on Nov. 3-4. 

“Homecoming is one of the university’s most anticipated events of the year,” said Patti Cawood, director of alumni relations. “We love the opportunity to welcome our alumni back to campus for a weekend full of reconnecting, reminiscing, and rediscovering.” 

The weekend, which will host various events to welcome alumni back to campus, will begin with Check-In on Friday morning. Alumni will want to be sure to check in as this will be the only place they can claim their Homecoming 2017 T-shirt. Those not arriving until Saturday can check in that morning. 

On Friday evening, the Homecoming Block Party will take place on the South Campus Lacrosse Field with food and games for all. 

The Department Breakfasts will take place Saturday morning. With 10 departments participating, this is a networking opportunity for alums to mingle with current professors and students. 

On Saturday evening, the Homecoming Music Festival, hosted by Lee’s School of Music, will display the enduring legacy of Lee’s talented musicians. 

“We enjoy the Lee Homecoming activities each year because they give us an opportunity to see old friends and to stay up-to-date on all of the new developments on campus,” said Lee alumna Hariett Cannon. “The Alumni Office is efficient and attentive to our needs, and they make our visit to the campus comfortable and pleasant.” 

Alumni will also be able to spend time at various sporting events throughout the weekend. Friday night the annual Volley for a Cure volleyball game, which raises funds and awareness for breast cancer, will be held in the Walker Arena. 

Lee’s basketball teams will have two games on Saturday. Beginning at noon, the Lady Flames will take on Covenant College, followed by the Flames, who will play against Bryan College. During halftime, the Homecoming Court will be announced and the queen crowned. A Flame Walk and a Tailgate with food, music, prizes, and games will take place prior to the games. 

Over the weekend, various Greek clubs, choirs, and groups will celebrate their anniversaries. Lee’s Evangelistic Singers will celebrate its 50th year. In addition to planned festivities, EVS will also host a live recording on Sunday followed by a mixer. 

Shenanigans, Lee’s improvisation team, will celebrate its 10th year and will have two performances Saturday night to commemorate this occasion. Held in the Dixon Center, the family-friendly shows are often sold out, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early in order to secure a seat.  

Pi Kappa Pi, a men’s Greek club, will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a dinner, breakfast, and a worship service. Omega Alpha Phi and Tau Kappa Omega will both celebrate their 20th. Omega will host a gathering to commemorate the occasion, while TKO will host a barbeque. Various other events will take place throughout the weekend to celebrate the milestone.  

The Blessing of the Couples, a “charming celebration of commitment,” will take place in the Lee Chapel on Saturday morning, officiated by Dr. Ben Perez, adjunct professor and Lee alum. 

“This event meant so much to my husband and I because we both attended Lee, but we didn’t meet until a few years later,” said Lee alumna Julie Vance. “It was a special way to go to the college we both attended together, even though we hadn’t met yet, and bless our lives after Lee. Lee University, and being alumni, was our connection.” 

That afternoon, the Short Film Showcase will take place in the Communication Arts Building, allowing current students, staff, faculty, and recent alumni to show off their short films. 

The weekend will conclude Saturday evening with a dessert mixer in the John Nichols Courtyard. 

Throughout the weekend, attendees will enjoy the Art Installation of yellow umbrellas hanging over the Pedestrian Mall. 

“These umbrellas are a visual representation of the generous alumni support that becomes a covering for Lee students,” said Ms. Cawood. 

Alumni appreciation week leads up to Homecoming weekend, highlighting Lee graduates 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. 

“Homecoming weekend is a time for alumni to see what all has changed on our campus, but it is also a time for them to see how much remains constant,” said Ms. Cawood. “We are eager for the Lee family to come back and reconnect with the campus that helped shape them.” 

For a complete schedule or to register, visit http://www.leehomecoming.com/.