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 6

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

Join us as we celebrate outstanding alumni who exemplify the spirit of Lander through their professional achievements and community involvement. Enjoy a delicious lunch, reconnect with classmates, and honor this year’s Alumni Award recipients.

Registration required

Alumni Golf
Greenwood Country Club  |  10:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Tee off with fellow alumni for an afternoon of friendly competition on one of Greenwood’s premier courses. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking to have fun, this event offers great prizes, camaraderie, and a beautiful day on the greens.

• 10:30 am – Check in begins
• 12:00 pm – Shotgun start (boxed lunch provided)

Register Now

Campus Tour
New Residence Hall Multipurpose Room  |  1:30 p.m.

See what’s new on campus! Join us for a guided tour highlighting recent renovations, new facilities, and favorite campus landmarks. It’s the perfect chance to relive old memories and see how Lander continues to grow.

Registration required

Alumni Golf Awards Ceremony
Sports Break (Greenwood)  |  6:00 p.m.

Celebrate the winners of the day’s tournament at our post-golf awards ceremony! Relax with friends, enjoy refreshments, and share stories from the course.

Alumni Meet Up at Sports Break
Sports Break (Greenwood)  |  7:00-10:00 p.m.

Cap off the day with live music, great food, and even better company! Reconnect with friends and fellow alumni while The Time Pirates keep the energy high with a lively performance you won’t want to miss.

Registration required.

Saturday, February 7

Welcome Donuts and Coffee
Alumni Taligate Tent   |  9:00 a.m. 

Start your game day off right with complimentary coffee, donuts, and conversation at the Alumni Tailgate Tent. It’s a great way to kick off a day full of Lander spirit!

Homecoming Tailgate Party
Lide Parking Lot #6  |  10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Gather your friends, fire up the grill, and show your Lander pride! Enjoy food, music, and fun activities before the big game. All alumni, families, and friends are welcome to join in the festivities.

Lander Homecoming Basketball Games
Finis Horne Arena

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

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

Women's Softball vs. Catawba
Spears Field  |  12:00 p.m.

Ticket Cost: $5 at the door (kids 12 & under FREE)

Women's Tennis vs. Mount Olive
Cabri Tennis Center  |  1:00 p.m.

Men's Tennis vs. Mount Olive
Cabri Tennis Center  |  1:00 p.m.

Men's Lacrosse vs. Coker
Taylor Stadium  |  2:00 p.m.

Ticket Cost: $5 at the door (kids 12 & under FREE)

Karaoke & Cocktails: Lander Legacy Edition
NXT Door  |  6:00-9 p.m.

Grab the mic for an evening of karaoke, laughter, and memories. Represent your decade with a throwback hit, sing your heart out to a timeless tune, or cheer on your friends as they take the stage. No matter your era, it’s all about fun, music, and Lander pride!

Registration required.

Legacy Lounge After-Party
Sports Break (Greenwood)  |  9:00-11:00 p.m.

Keep the celebration going at the Legacy Lounge After-Party! Enjoy live performances by Dooley Harper and Fish Out of Water, reconnect with old friends, and close out the weekend in true Lander style.

Registration required.

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