Homecoming Week

 Homecoming 2026 events will be announced soon — get ready to celebrate!

The Alumni Association is excited to welcome home all Lander University alumni for a fun weekend of Homecoming activities, socials and class reunion events.

HOMECOMING WEEKEND & ALUMNI REUNION

Friday, February 14

Alumni Awards Luncheon
New Hall Multipurpose Room  |  11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Registration required

Alumni Golf
Greenwood County Club  |  11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Check-in at 11 a.m. with Shotgun Start at noon. Submit registration form to Kevin Prater at kcprater@sportsbreak.net or call (864) 993-0991 for questions. Alumni Golf Awards Ceremony immediately following conclusion of golf at Sports Break Grill & Bar. 

Bearcat Growler Night
Good Times Brewing (Greenwood)  |  7:00 p.m.

Join alumni from across the generations for a party at Good Times Brewing! This will be a Roaring 20’s themed party, so dress accordingly. Registration required.

Saturday, February 15

Welcome and History of Lander with a special emphasis on Chipley Hall
Abney Cultural Center Auditorium  |  9:30-10:15 a.m.

Join us for a brief History lesson on Lander University with a special emphasis on Chipley Hall’s 100th anniversary, provided by our very own Lisa Wiecki and Dr. David Mash.

Chipley's 100th Birthday Celebration
Chipley Hall Lobby  |  10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Join us in celebrating 100 years of Chipley Hall by touring the lobby and taking a stroll down memory lane. There will be a Birthday Cake Cutting at 12:30 p.m.

Homecoming Tailgate Party
Chipley Hall Circle  |  10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Join the party with fellow alumni, students, families and friends at our official Homecoming Tailgate! Registration required. We encourage you to bring your own tailgate snacks, however, the dining hall, and Starbucks will be open for food and beverage purchases. The official alumni tailgate and check-in will take place on the roadway between Chipley Hall and Laura Lander Hall. Alumni with tents and grills are welcome to tailgate on the roadway between Chipley Hall and Laura Lander Hall. For those that wish to stay out of the elements, the top floor of the Abney Cultural Center has been reserved for alumni groups as well. 

Dedication of Samuel Lander’s Desk
Main Reading Room, Jackson Library   |  11:00 a.m. 

Lander Homecoming Basketball Games
Finis Horne Arena

• Women's Basketball vs. Georgia College & State |  1:30 p.m.
• Men's Basketball vs. Georgia College & State |  3:30 p.m.

Come cheer on the Bearcats men’s and women’s basketball teams as they clash on the court with Georgia College & State in Lander’s Homecoming Games! Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at halftimes.

You can find more alumni-related Homecoming information, including alumni event registration forms, recommended hotel accommodations and more through the Office of Alumni Affairs. Contact alumni@lander.edu or call 864-388-8351 with any questions.

Parent & Family Involvement Day will be celebrated as part of the Homecoming Weekend festivities. Special events including a cornhole tournament and Paint the Pride will be offered. Registration is required.

A signature tradition of every Lander Homecoming is Saturday tailgating! It’s the perfect setting for pre-game activities, where alumni of all ages join with current students for great food and fellowship on the campus front lawn.

Participating groups, organizations and attendees are expected to follow these guidelines and procedures so that all guests can enjoy the Homecoming Tailgate Zone safely and responsibly.

• All students are invited to join in the tailgate activities! Activities include DJ Sha, caricature artists, photo opportunities, lawn games, Samuel Lander’s Desk Dedication, and Chipley’s 100th Birthday party!
• Set up may begin at 8:00AM. Tailgate will begin at 10:00AM.
• Only student organizations and Homecoming teams are invited to utilize the tent and table spaces marked for group tailgating on this map. Registration is not required to participate in tailgate.
  • Tailgating Spaces: Tables will be set up on the front lawn and in the President’s lot. Table spaces are first come, first serve for student organizations and teams.
  • Tents: You are welcome to bring free standing tents for your group. Tents may not be staked to the ground. If the tent is not free standing, it must be weighed down.
  • Food and Grilling: Students may provide their own food during tailgate. Grills can only be used on pavement (in the reserved lot by the Horne Arena). The Dining Hall will be open Saturday, February 15 during tailgate.
  • Music: No additional music or speakers may be used during the tailgate.
• All local, state, and federal laws, as well as University policies and procedures must be followed by all Lander faculty, staff, and students, as well as their guests. Any individuals not following policies and procedures will be escorted from campus by Lander University Police Department.
  • No smoking, vaping, or use of tobacco products is allowed on Lander University property.
  • No alcohol is permitted on campus unless it is sold by approved vendors to individuals 21 years old or older.
• Tailgate officially ends at 1:30PM. All spaces must be cleared by 2:30PM.

All tailgating plans are subject to the university’s approval; these policies may be altered to ensure the safety of participants or for the protection of university property.

Who can participate in Homecoming?
All Lander students, faculty and staff members including student clubs, organizations and any "group" or "team" which is formed solely for the purpose of competing in a Homecoming activity. 

Homecoming rules for each event, as well as general rules, are in the information packet. All participants are responsible for reading and abiding by all rules. The Department of Student Life reserves the right to make any changes to the rules or this document at any time before, during, or after Homecoming week. If you should have any questions, please contact the Office of Campus Engagement at 864-388-8244 or via email at homecoming@lander.edu or studentlife@lander.edu.

The Homecoming event forms are now digital. We have provided the links below and within the Homecoming packet document. Please make sure your forms are complete with all materials (including but not limited to drawings, descriptions, and scripts) necessary when submitted.

Alumni Resources

• Alumni Homecoming & Reunion Weekend Information
• Register for Alumni Events
• See Who’s Coming
• Accommodations