Homecoming weekend kicks off Lee University’s second century
Photo courtesy of Mitchell Hartley, Class of 2018.
Following last year’s centennial anniversary, Lee University is setting its eyes forward to the next 100 years.
“We feel an energy right now that’s building up for homecoming,” said Mallory Mertens, Lee University’s coordinator of alumni relations. “I like to think of everything as the launch of Lee’s second century.”
Students and faculty alike are anticipating the weekend of Nov. 1, when alumni from around the world converge on campus with one common thread — legacy.
Homecoming traditions will be upheld, including the iconic yellow umbrellas on display above the Ped Mall, the balloon drop in the Caf and the block party on Friday night at the Forum.
“We started the yellow umbrella tradition in 2014,” said Mertens. “This started as a way to physically manifest the idea of alumni support for our current students to let them know that there is a vast network of alumni out there who care so much about Lee and about them.”
The homecoming committee introduced a shifted schedule this year by moving events to the weekend’s forefront, allotting travel time for alumni in the ministry.
The Music Festival on Friday evening will feature a wide assortment of campus music groups, including Voices of Lee, Jazz Band, Campus Choir and more. The night will also include a special tribute to Symphonic Band in honor of their 30th anniversary.
Dr. Mark Bailey, conductor of the Symphonic Band, looks forward to the culmination of three decades of unique ministry with the now 47-member ensemble.
“When I came [to Lee], we were trying to build a program from scratch, like so many other people have done here,” Bailey said.
Rehearsals throughout the weekend will lead up to the 30th Reunion Concert on Saturday at 5 p.m. in the Conn Center.
Emily Deinken, a junior music education major and president of Symphonic Band, will play flute alongside alumni who have come through the program over the past 30 years.
“Since we’ve been planning the reunion, so many alumni have been posting or sharing stories about their favorite moments in Symphonic Band,” Deinken said. “I’m proud to say we’re still committed to ministry and excellence in instrumental music. Also, the alumni got to pick their favorite pieces for the concert, and they picked some great pieces that I’m really looking forward to playing.”
Other segments of campus are also bonding over a shared legacy.
Student Publications will be uniting former Lee Clarion and Vindagua staff for a look at how the publications have evolved throughout the years.
Greek club gatherings are scheduled throughout Saturday, giving alumni the chance to reconnect and meet current students.
The Flames will take on Tennessee Wesleyan University at 2 p.m., and the Lady Flames will play Grace College at 12 p.m. during Saturday’s opening exhibition games. Leading up to the games, a tailgate party will feature cheerleaders, the pep band and free food at 11 a.m. on the Ped Mall.
On Friday at 3 p.m. in the SMC lecture hall, Director of Library Services Louis Morgan will give a special presentation on the history of Lee’s presidents.
“We started this event in 2016 and each year we have featured different topics,” said Mertens. “We like to think of this as our academic portion of Homecoming. In true university fashion, we want to provide an experience that reminds our alumni of their time here in the classroom, as well as shed light on the wonderful history of Lee.”
Alumni may also be interested in immersing themselves in a night of theater. Rehearsals are underway for Lee Theatre’s “Silent Sky,” a play based on the true story of Henrietta Leavitt, who worked at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s.
“We felt it was a great show to perform while our alumni are on campus,” said Dr. Christine Williams, director of “Silent Sky” and professor of theatre. “Gunderson’s play is not just a dusty retelling of a historical story but a vibrant and theatrical work that will be a wonderful experience. The design elements of lighting, projection, set and costumes will add fascinating new levels to this story, and we are looking forward to sharing it with our audience.”
Performances will be held both nights of homecoming at 7:30 p.m. in the Buzz Oates Theatre in the Communication Arts Building.
“There is nothing quite like seeing alums get together and reminisce about their times here,” Mertens said. “Being a more recent alum myself [from the class of 2017], the campus is even different to me, so I can’t imagine how different it is for those alums to come back. It’s highly energizing to get together with those alums and have conversations about their time here and what they loved so much about it.”
Other opportunities for alumni to experience homecoming include a short film showcase, department breakfasts, the Blessing of the Couples service and student organization booths.
For more info, and to view the full schedule of events, visit leehomecoming.com.
