Lee University’s 2024 Homecoming is coming soon. Thousands will come to the Lee campus to reconnect with old friends, meet new faces, and celebrate the lasting impact of the Lee experience while reminiscing about times gone by.

“Homecoming is a time-honored tradition that brings together students, alumni, faculty, and families to celebrate the spirit of the Lee University community,” said Andrea Patrick, director of Alumni Relations. “This fun-filled weekend will be packed with activities, from exciting sports events to class reunions, a parade, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow members of the Lee family.”

This year the university will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Delta Zeta Tau, Symphonic Band’s 35th anniversary, the 30th anniversary of Voices of Lee, the 10th anniversary of the School of Nursing, and the 50th reunion for the Class of 1974.

To kick off the weekend festivities, the 1918 Society will host its third annual golf tournament at the Cleveland Country Club with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Friday.

Homecoming check-in will begin at 10 a.m. in the Higginbotham Administration Building’s Centenary Room for alumni to stop by, greet old friends, and receive details about the full event schedule. Check-in will end at 6 p.m.

On Friday afternoon, alumni are encouraged to attend their school or department’s reception, held at 3:30 p.m. at various locations around campus. After the receptions, the Grand Reunion will take place on the Pedestrian Mall at 5 p.m. with food and live music offering an opportunity for friends to reconnect.

Following the Grand Reunion, the annual Volley for a Cure volleyball match will take place at 7 p.m. in Walker Arena and raise scholarship funds for a Lee student impacted by breast cancer. Traditions of Lee will also begin at this time in the Conn Center, honoring Lee’s events, clubs, and programs that have stood the test of time. Features will include performances from several of Lee’s music ensembles.

Friday’s events will wrap up with the 7:30 p.m. performance of “Dear Albert Einstein” presented by Lee Theatre at the Buzz Oates Black Box Theater in the Communication Arts Building, followed by a Shenanigans Improv Show at 9 p.m. in the Dixon Center. 

Guests who arrive on Saturday will be able to check in from 8-10 a.m. Starting at 8:30 a.m., schools and departments across campus will host their breakfasts. Alumni are encouraged to attend and participate in a time of reunification with professors and former classmates. 

At 9 a.m. club breakfasts will take place at various locations across campus, including the Delta Zeta Tau 60th Anniversary Breakfast, Class of 1974: 50th Reunion Breakfast, Evangelistic Singers Reunion Breakfast, along with other club breakfasts. The Flames Athletic Reunion Brunch will begin at 10 a.m. at the Ray Conn Sports Complex. 

The morning events will continue on the Sharp Pedestrian Mall with School of Music ensemble performances beginning in the Amphitheater at 10 a.m. Club and organization booths, along with the Flame Fair, will begin at 10:30 a.m. 

After the events of Saturday morning wrap up, the Homecoming Parade will bring everyone back together at 11:15 a.m. on the Pedestrian Mall. Both the women’s and men’s basketball teams will play directly following the parade, at 12 and 2 p.m., respectively. During halftime of the men’s game, this year’s Homecoming court will be presented, and the Homecoming Queen will be announced.  

To conclude the festivities of the weekend, the Symphonic Band 35th Anniversary Concert will take place in the Conn Center at 6 p.m., followed by its Alumni Reception held in the Science and Math Complex Great Room at 7:30 p.m. There will be another performance of “Dear Albert Einstein” taking place at 7:30 p.m., as well. 

Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy the well-known tradition of yellow umbrellas hanging over the Pedestrian Mall, representing the covering of alumni who are now helping to provide support and shelter to current and upcoming students.

“We hope all of our alumni will come home to campus to relive their favorite college memories, show school pride, and create new experiences with friends old and new,” said Patrick. “Whether cheering on the Flames, enjoying the festivities, or reminiscing about the good times, Homecoming Weekend 2024 promises something for everyone.”

In addition to welcoming alumni back to campus, the Cleveland community is invited to celebrate this year’s Homecoming events with the Flames at the athletic events, concerts, and theatre performances. 

For more information, contact the Alumni Relations Office at (423) 614-8316, [email protected], or visit linktr.ee/leeualumni.