Lee University will welcome alumni and their families to campus Nov. 7–8 for Homecoming 2025. The weekend will feature events that celebrate old memories and create new ones as alumni reconnect with classmates, professors, and student life.
“Homecoming is one of my favorite times of the year at Lee. It’s when our campus comes alive with the energy of our alumni returning home,” said Carman Lastoria, director of alumni and donor relations. “There’s something truly special about seeing familiar faces, hearing old stories, and watching new memories take shape. I’m honored to help create a space where our alumni feel celebrated, connected, and reminded of the lasting impact Lee has had on their lives. I can’t wait to welcome everyone back and share in the joy of this incredible weekend together.”
This year, the university celebrates the Ladies of Lee’s 60th anniversary, Backyard Ministry’s 30th anniversary, and the 50th reunion of the Class of 1975.
The weekend of festivities will begin with the fourth annual 1918 Society golf tournament held at the Cleveland Country Club with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Friday.
Homecoming check in for alumni will begin at 10 a.m. in the Higginbotham Administration Building and will be a time of celebration and reconnection, as more details of the weekend’s schedule will be provided. Tours of the new Welcome Center will also be available in the same location from 1 to 4 p.m.
A new event this year, Lee Writes, beginning at 4 p.m., will take place in the School of Theology & Ministry Jones Lecture Hall and features alumni authors and their work. The Grand Reunion will follow on the Pedestrian Mall at 5 p.m. with food and live music as an opportunity for students and alumni to create new memories with friends. Following the Grand Reunion, schools and departments will host dessert receptions for returning alumni at various locations across campus.
The night will begin with a volleyball game at 6 p.m. in the Paul Dana Walker Arena, and Traditions of Lee will follow in Pangle Hall at 7 p.m. to honor the musical tradition of Lee University. Features will include performances from Voices of Lee, Ladies of Lee, Jazz Band, the Lee Singers, and a closing number from the Festival Choir.
The evening will close with the 7:30 p.m. performance of “Twelve Angry Jurors” presented by Lee Theatre at the Buzz Oates Black Box Theater in the Communication Arts Building, followed by a Shenanigans Improv Show at 9 p.m. in the Dixon Center.
“It’s a pleasure to present our Lee University and greater Cleveland audiences with such an iconic piece of theatre,” said Anna Marie Brendel, assistant professor of theatre at Lee. “The Lee University production will utilize the versatility of the Buzz Oates Black Box Theater to create a unique, one-of-a-kind theatrical experience for every audience member. We hope that patrons will be intrigued to see such a famous play on our season lineup.”
Saturday morning will begin with check in from 8-10 a.m. Starting at 8:30 a.m., schools and departments across campus will host their breakfasts. Alumni are encouraged to attend and reunite with professors and former classmates.
At 10 a.m., School of Music ensembles will perform in the Music in the Air showcase, providing ambience for the club and organization booths as they welcome back their alumni on the Pedestrian Mall. The Homecoming Parade will bring everyone back to this space at 11:15 a.m. and be followed by a COOK-Out from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., to celebrate Dr. Cook’s first Homecoming as President. In addition, Backyard Ministries is inviting all alumni to join in the cookout as they celebrate their 30th anniversary.
Directly following the parade, the women’s and men’s basketball teams will play at 12 and 2 p.m., respectively. During halftime of the men’s game, this year’s Homecoming court will be presented, and the Homecoming Queen will be announced.
To conclude the festivities, the Ladies of Lee 60th anniversary concert will take place in Pangle Hall at 6 p.m., followed by the Night of Champions Boxing showcase in the Conn Center at 7 p.m. There will be another performance of “Twelve Angry Jurors” in the Black Box Theatre at 7:30 p.m. and a Shenanigans Improv Show in the Rose Lecture Hall at 9 p.m.
A highlight of the weekend for many, guests can enjoy the yellow umbrellas that hang over the Pedestrian Mall throughout Homecoming season, representing the support of alumni who now help to give shelter to current and upcoming students.
In addition to welcoming alumni back to campus, the Cleveland community is invited to celebrate this year’s Homecoming events with the Flames at the athletic events, concerts, and theatre performances.
For more information, contact the Alumni Relations Office at (423) 614-8316, [email protected], or visit leeuniversity.edu/alumni/alumni-events/.