Lee University

Lee University's Homecoming 2026 to Begin Nov. 6

by Kamea Sutherland

Cleveland, TN (10/22/2026) — Lee University will welcome alumni and their families to campus Nov. 6-7 for Homecoming 2026. The event-filled weekend will give alumni a chance to reconnect with classmates and professors while engaging with current student life.

"Homecoming is a special time each year on our campus to honor the past, celebrate the present, and dream big for the future," said Carman Lastoria, director of alumni and donor relations at Lee. "We want our alumni to take great pride in coming back on campus and seeing their academic programs thriving, new buildings being built, our athletic teams winning at a high level, and our music and fine arts programs delivering Christ-centered excellence."

This year, Lee will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Sigma Nu Sigma, the 30th anniversary of Omega Alpha Phi, and the 50th reunion of the Class of 1976.

On Friday, check-in will take place from 1-6 p.m. in the Higginbotham Administration Building, following the dedication of the new School of Engineering as part of Celebration 2026, held in conjunction with this year's Homecoming.

Among Friday's Celebration events will be a Service of Celebration at 10:30 a.m. in the Conn Center. The service will feature music from the Festival Choir and Orchestra, a keynote address by Lee University President Dr. Phil Cook, and a dedication ceremony for the David and Mary Ellen Wright School of Engineering and Computer Science. An open house and reception at the new facility will follow.

That afternoon, school and department receptions will begin at 4 p.m., followed by The Grand Reunion at 5 p.m. in the Deacon Jones Dining Hall. The gathering will offer food and fellowship as alumni catch up with friends and former classmates.

The evening will continue with a volleyball game at 6 p.m. in the Paul Dana Walker Arena, followed by Traditions of Lee at 7 p.m. in the Conn Center. The showcase will celebrate Lee's musical tradition with performances by a student choir of more than 250 members, the Alumni Quartet, and Voices of Lee.

Friday's events will also include a 7:30 p.m. LeeU Theatre performance of "Radium Girls" in the Dixon Center and a 9 p.m. Shenanigans Improv show in Pangle Hall.

Saturday's festivities will begin at 9 a.m. with school, department, and club breakfasts across campus, giving alumni additional opportunities to visit with professors and former classmates.

At 10 a.m., School of Music ensembles will perform in the Music in the Air Showcase, while club and organization booths welcome alumni back to campus. The Homecoming Parade will travel along the Pedestrian Mall at 11:15 a.m., followed by a Tailgate Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Centenary Courtyard.

Flames basketball will take center stage in the Paul Dana Walker Arena, with the women's team playing at noon and the men's team taking the court at 2 p.m. The Homecoming Court will be presented, and the Homecoming Queen will be crowned, during halftime of the men's game.

"Our teams are excited for the opportunity to compete in front of alumni, family, and friends," said John Maupin, vice president for athletics and student life. "We have some key conference games taking place for our volleyball team, and this weekend has also become the official start of basketball season. We look forward to seeing former student-athletes reconnect with teammates, coaches, and the campus community while cheering on the next generation of Flames."

Saturday will also feature a 4 p.m. dinner hosted by Mosaic Council in the Medlin Great Room, the Night of Champions boxing showcase at 7 p.m. in the Conn Center, and another LeeU Theatre performance of "Radium Girls" at 7:30 p.m. in the Dixon Center.

In addition to welcoming alumni back to campus, Lee invites the Cleveland community to join the celebration by attending Homecoming athletic events, concerts, and theatre performances.

"Homecoming gives us a special time to dream together," said Lastoria. "What will the next generation of students find when they arrive on our campus? How can we join together with alumni and friends to build a greater future for Lee University? This is what makes Homecoming so special."

For a full list of events, visit leeuniversity.edu/alumni/alumni-events.

For more information, contact the Alumni Relations Office at (423) 614-8316 or email alumni@leeuniversity.edu.