Lee University to Host Celebration 2026 Nov. 5-6

Cleveland, TN (10/16/2026) — Lee University will welcome alumni, guests, and community leaders to campus Nov. 5-6 for Celebration 2026, held in conjunction with Homecoming 2026. The two-day celebration will feature a variety of events, including the dedication of the David and Mary Ellen Wright School of Engineering and Computer Science.

"Celebration is one of those special times when we have the privilege of welcoming guests to Lee's campus," said Josh York, chair of the Celebration committee and vice president for operations at Lee. "We are always excited for the opportunity to host our friends and celebrate the many ways the Lord has blessed Lee over the past year."

Lee's annual Forever A Flame chapel service will kick off Celebration on Thursday at 10:45 a.m. in the Conn Center. The service will feature a musical performance by the 300-voice Festival Choir and Orchestra and a message from Lee alumnus Loran Livingston, senior pastor of Central Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.

A student reception will follow chapel from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Sharp Pedestrian Mall.

Friday's events will begin with seminars at 9 a.m. across campus. Featuring alumni and guests with expertise in areas such as entrepreneurship, nanotechnology, anti-trafficking advocacy, church leadership, and music production, the sessions will offer students and other attendees opportunities to explore a variety of topics and professional fields.

Following the seminars, a Service of Celebration will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Conn Center. Open to the university community and guests, the service will feature music from the Festival Choir and Orchestra, a keynote address by Lee University President Dr. Phil Cook, and a litany and prayer of dedication for the David and Mary Ellen Wright School of Engineering and Computer Science.

Following the service, attendees will proceed to the Wright School of Engineering for an open house and reception on Dirksen Lawn, next to the building.

"This year will be especially meaningful as we dedicate our new School of Engineering," said York. "This new facility represents an exciting investment in our students and in Lee's mission, equipping future engineers with outstanding opportunities for hands-on learning in this remarkable, cutting-edge educational facility."

Friday morning classes will be canceled to allow students to participate in Celebration events and attend the seminars.

For more information about Celebration 2026, contact the Office of Operations at (423) 614-8351.

Media Attachments

Festival Choir, Celebration 2024, Lee University Conn Center.