The two days of Celebration will feature a variety of events, highlighted by the dedication of the David and Mary Ellen Wright School of Engineering and Computer Science.
“Celebration is one of those special times when we have the privilege of welcoming guests to Lee’s campus,” said Josh York, chair of the Celebration committee and vice president for operations at Lee. “We are always excited for the opportunity to host our friends and celebrate the many ways the Lord has blessed Lee over the past year. This new facility represents an exciting investment in our students and in Lee’s mission, equipping future engineers with outstanding opportunities for hands-on learning in this remarkable, cutting-edge facility.”
Lee’s annual Forever A Flame chapel service will kick off Celebration on Thursday at 10:45 a.m. in the Conn Center. The service will feature a musical performance by the 300-voice Festival Choir and Orchestra and a message from Lee alumnus Loran Livingston, senior pastor of Central Church in Charlotte, NC.
Friday’s events will begin with seminars at 9 a.m. across campus. Featuring alumni and guests with expertise in areas such as entrepreneurship, nanotechnology, anti-trafficking advocacy, church leadership, and music production, the sessions will offer students and other attendees opportunities to explore a variety of topics and professional fields.
Following the seminars, a Service of Celebration will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Conn Center. Open to the university community and guests, the service will feature music from the Festival Choir and Orchestra, a keynote address by Lee University President Dr. Phil Cook, and a litany and prayer of dedication for the Wright School of Engineering. Following the service, attendees will proceed to the new building for an open house and reception.
Following the conclusion of Celebration 2026, check-in for Homecoming will take place from 1-6 p.m. in the Higginbotham Administration Building.
This year’s highlights include the 60th anniversary of Sigma Nu Sigma, 30th anniversary of Omega Alpha Phi, and the 50th reunion of the Class of 1976. On Friday afternoon, school and department receptions will begin at 4 p.m., followed by The Grand Reunion at 5 p.m. in the Deacon Jones Dining Hall.
The evening will continue with a volleyball game at 6 p.m. in the Paul Dana Walker Arena, followed by Traditions of Lee at 7 p.m. in the Conn Center, showcasing Lee’s musical excellence with performances by the Alumni Quartet, Voices of Lee, and a student choir of more than 250 members. Friday’s events will also include a 7:30 p.m. LeeU Theatre performance of “Radium Girls” in the Dixon Center and a 9 p.m. Shenanigans Improv show in Pangle Hall.
Saturday’s festivities will begin at 9 a.m. with school, department, and club breakfasts across campus. At 10 a.m., School of Music ensembles will perform in a “Music in the Air Showcase,” while club and organization booths welcome alumni back to campus. The Homecoming Parade will travel along the Pedestrian Mall at 11:15 a.m., followed by a Tailgate Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Centenary Courtyard.
Flames basketball will take center stage in the Paul Dana Walker Arena, with the women’s team playing at noon and the men’s team taking the court at 2 p.m. The Homecoming Court will be presented, and a Homecoming Queen will be crowned during halftime of the men’s game.
Saturday will also feature a 4 p.m. dinner hosted by Mosaic Council in the Medlin Great Room, the Night of Champions boxing showcase at 7 p.m. in Conn Center, and another LeeU Theatre performance of “Radium Girls” at 7:30 p.m. in Dixon Center.
“Homecoming is a special time each year on our campus to honor the past, celebrate the present, and dream big for the future,” said Carman Lastoria, director of alumni and donor relations at Lee. “We want our alumni to take great pride in coming back on campus and seeing their academic programs thriving, new buildings being built, our athletic teams winning at a high level, and our music and fine arts programs delivering Christ-centered excellence.”
For a full list of Homecoming events, visit leeuniversity.edu/alumni/alumni-events. For more information about Celebration 2026, contact the Office of Operations at (423) 614-8351.
(SOURCE: Lee University)