A student’s guide to Homecoming
Photo by John David Clark
This week marks Lee University’s Homecoming, a cause for campus-wide celebration with Lee alumni. This year’s Homecoming will be different from years past to highlight Lee’s Centennial Anniversary.
To help with any confusion you may have, here’s a helpful guide to Homecoming 2018.
What was with this “Seminar” business?
Starting at 9 a.m. on Friday, 32 different Centennial Seminars were hosted across campus, the complete list of which can be found on Lee’s Centennial website.
President Paul Conn sent a mass email to the students and faculty regarding the seminars on Oct. 10.
“Friday classes are cancelled (until 2:00) so that you’re able to attend these seminars,” Conn said. “Be sure to talk to your professors to get their advice on which one of them you should choose.”
In a follow-up email sent by Vice President for Student Development Mike Hayes on Oct. 29, it was clarified that Centennial Seminar attendance is optional, though missing them will have consequences.
“Please note that attending a seminar will count for attendance in your classes normally scheduled from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. that day,” Hayes said.
What came after the Seminars?
From 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., there was a Centennial Service of Celebration in the Conn Center.
The service reflected on Lee’s 100-year journey, celebrating God’s blessings and taking a look toward the future, according to the Centennial website.
The service featured a choir and orchestra of 300 students followed by a presidential address from Conn.
At 11:30 p.m. the Walk of Gratitude commenced, which involved hundreds of students lining up to applaud special Homecoming guests as they made their way towards lunch in the Walker Arena.
Visiting Lecturer Kimberly Lyon waves at students in the Walk of Gratitude during Homecoming.
The Medlin Hall crew at the Walk of Gratitude during Homecoming.
Photos by John David Clark
What about entertainment?
On Friday, a series of 45-minute lectures titled “Lee History Told Through the Various Eras” were given in the SMC’s Walker Lecture Hall starting at 2 p.m. and going until 6 p.m. The four lectures were free and required no ticket.
From 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Pangle Hall, “Music Makers: 100 Years of Music” was hosted by Dr. Brad Moffett.
“In addition to video interviews and historic clips, there will also be live performances from multiple Lee groups, including Piano Trio, Jazz Ensemble, and a guest appearance from the internationally-acclaimed barbershop quartet, Four Voices,” the event organizers said in a press release.
Lee alum Phil Stacey, who reached the top six on American Idol season 6, also performed.
Also at 7:30 p.m., the Centennial Documentary debuted in the Dixon Center. Though the event was ticketed, several other screenings will take place over the weekend in the Doris Johnson Screening Room in the Communication Arts Building.
The third event scheduled for 7:30 p.m. was a performance of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” in the Buzz Oates Black Box Theater in the Communication Arts Building.
Tickets are required for the show, which is currently sold out. Additional showings will take place on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
If you do not have a ticket, don’t fear—there is still hope. It is possible to acquire tickets by signing up for the standby list before the show starts, though seating will only be available if ticket holders fail to attend.
At 9 p.m. on Friday there was a special, non-ticketed Centennial Party at the Forum for students, faculty, staff, VIPs and alumni.
The celebration involved dessert, music and fellowship, including “a big surprise to end the night,” according to Conn—a huge display of fireworks.
What’s going on this weekend?
Saturday at 9 a.m. Department Breakfasts took place, serving as an opportunity to allow alums to meet with current professors and students.
Each breakfast included a keynote speech from a distinguished alum, and a department award was given to an alum who excels in each field, according to a press release.
Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, students can partake in the Centennial Walk, a historic tour of Lee’s campus.
Tours will leave from the Higginbotham Administration Building lobby every 30 minutes.
A variety of sporting events will take place throughout the weekend as well.
An athletic alumni reception was hosted in the Walker Arena lobby and front lawn at 10 a.m. on Saturday, and to kick-start the weekend’s basketball games, a Flame Walk and a Tailgate Party with food, music, prizes and games will take place on the Pedestrian Mall at 11 a.m, according to a press release.
The Student Leadership Council will celebrate its 20th year with a reunion in the School of Business lobby at 1 p.m.
Various other clubs will host celebration receptions throughout the weekend.
At noon on Saturday, the Lady Flames will play Faulkner University, followed by the Flames, who will play against Piedmont College at 2 p.m.
The 2018 Homecoming Court will be announced during halftime of the Flames game.
Campus Choir will honor its 60th with multiple rehearsals and receptions throughout the weekend, hosting a reunion concert at 4 p.m. on Saturday in Pangle Hall.
There will be a “Life at Lee: Centennial Performance” at 7:30 p.m, with special appearances by Clark Beckham and Brooke Simpson.
On Sunday morning, Delta Zeta Tau, Epsilon Lambda Phi and Campus Choir will host worship services in various locations.
At 8:30 a.m. an Ellis Hall Fire Remembrance will be held at the site of the old residence hall on the SMC Lawn.
Sunday will also feature a 10 a.m. Centennial Service in the Chapel, concluding the weekend’s Centennial celebrations.
“Everyone is invited to attend this time of reflection as we end our year-long observance of 100 years as an institution,” Hayes said.
For a full list of Homecoming Events, consult the LeeU Centennial page.
