Homecoming Week 2025
February 10-15, 2025
"Party Like It’s 1925!"
Join Lander University in celebrating Chipley Hall’s 100th birthday! Our Roaring 20’s theme is an homage to Chipley, built in 1925. Since opening its doors, Chipley has housed amazing Lander women and has remained the only all-women's residence hall for 100 years. Join us in celebrating and honoring this Lander legend!
This week-long extravaganza will be filled with retro-themed activities and competitions, transporting you to an unforgettable era of iconic fashion trends and great jazz music.
Monday, February 10
Service Project Begins
All Week
Teams participating in Homecoming will have the opportunity to gain additional points by donating feminine hygiene products to this years’ service project for The
Period Pantry Project-Menstrual Supply Drive. The service project will run from Monday, February 10 at 5:00 pm through Friday, February 14 ending at 5:00 pm.
https://www.theperiodpantryproject.org
Modern Medallion Hunt Begins
All Week
The Hunt begins! The Golden Medallion will be hidden somewhere on Lander's campus. Follow the clues posted on the Campus Engagement Instagram page each day to be the first to find the treasure.
Racing to the Roaring '20s!
Willson Street | 3:30 p.m.
Teams will compete in a soapbox derby race down Willson Street!
Unroll and Roar: Banner Reveal
Grier Student Center Commons | 5:00 p.m.
Teams will show off their creativity by making a banner that shows Lander spirit! Banners will be displayed in the Commons all week!
Strongest Bearcat
Abney Cultural Center Auditorium | 7:00 p.m.
Come out and support your fellow Bearcats during the “Strongest Bearcat” Powerlifting Competition. The meet will allow each participant three attempts at the Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift combined. To participate in the competition, sign up on the #LURec app. All experience levels are welcome to participate! Join us as we determine the strongest male and female Bearcat. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 11
Color Me Jazzed: Color Run
Front Lawn | 2:00 p.m.
Start drab, end jazzed! Students will start at the Front Lawn and then enjoy a color run of campus. Race Route
Bonfire and Karaoke Night
Centennial Firepit | 7:00 p.m.
Come together to enjoy s'mores around the firepit and wow the crowd with karaoke.
Wednesday, February 12
Field Day
Front Lawn | 12:00 p.m.
Teams will go head-to-head in activities such as tug-o-war, three-legged races, relay races, capture the flag and more!
Ice, Ice Bearcats: Annual Polar Plunge
Lander Outdoor Pool | 4:00 p.m.
Join your fellow Bearcats as they take the plunge in the icy pool!
Party Like It's 1925!
PEES Gym | 5:00 p.m.
Don your fringe, feathers, and pearls to dance the night away! 1920s attire is encouraged!
Glamorous Game Night
PEES Gym | 7:00 p.m.
Karaoke, board games, crafting, and more! After you dance the night away, keep the party rolling!
Athletics Events
Thursday, February 13
Faculty vs. Student Dodgeball
PEES Gym | 3:00 p.m.
Students versus Staff in a Dodgeball face off! Who will be the victor? All are welcome to cheer on our teams!
Jazz Age Jamboree
Finis Horne Arena | 7:00 p.m.
Prepare to be AMAZED as our Showcase event unveils a mesmerizing array of local talent from our participating homecoming teams, in a night that promises to leave you in awe of the extraordinary skills within our community.
*Required Dress Rehearsal will be Sunday, Feb. 9, in the PEES Gym.
HOMECOMING WEEKEND
Friday, February 14
Puppies on the Plaza
Plaza | 11:00 a.m.
Meet some of the most adoptable friends at the Greenwood Humane Society!
Flapper Fashion Show
Abney Cultural Center Auditorium | 7:00 p.m.
Feathers, pearls, pin stripes and more! Enjoy (or join) a fashion show of Flapper fabulousness! Non-team participants will be eligible for a People’s Choice Award!
Sign up to participate here.
Athletics Events
Saturday, February 15
A Roaring Good Time: Homecoming Parade
Lander Campus | 9:00 a.m.
Line the streets to celebrate Lander University and Chipley’s 100th Birthday! Tailgate
activities to follow. Parade Route
Tailgating
Front Lawn | 10:00 a.m.
Please see the Tailgating tab for information and rules. Information can also be found in the Homecoming Packet.
Get ready to rev up the school spirit at our Homecoming Tailgate Event! Join us for an unforgettable tailgate filled with lively music, and the company of fellow alumni, students, and fans. Whether you're a die-hard sports enthusiast or just here for the good vibes, our tailgate is the place to be. Decked out in your school colors and surrounded by the electrifying atmosphere, you'll experience the true essence of Homecoming as we come together to cheer on our men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Homecoming Basketball Games
Finis Horne Arena
Come out to support our women’s and men’s basketball game as they go against Georgia College and find out who will be crowned the next Homecoming King & Queen.
The King will be announced at halftime of the Women’s Basketball game and the Queen will be crowned at halftime of the Men’s Basketball game.
Stick around after the game to find out who gets to take home the title as our Bearcat Cup Winner!
Athletics Events
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 | 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, Chick-fil-a and Starbucks will be open for food and beverage purchases.
Dedication of Samuel Lander’s Desk
Main Reading Room, Jackson Library | 11:00 a.m.
Lander Homecoming Basketball Games
Finis Horne Arena
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 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
Bearcat Cup Winners - Gold Division
Phi Mu
Bearcat Cup Winners - Blue Division
Delta Sig