Release Date: August 19, 2025
Hannibal-LaGrange University Announces 2025 Homecoming Celebration
HANNIBAL, Mo. – Hannibal-LaGrange University (HLGU) is pleased to announce its 2025 Homecoming celebration, which will take place on Friday, November 7, and Saturday, November 8. The weekend promises to be a memorable time of fellowship, celebration, and Trojan pride as alumni, friends, students, and community members are invited back to campus for events that honor the university’s rich heritage and exciting future.
The festivities begin on Friday, November 7, with the 50 Year Club Lunch at 11:30 a.m. in the Roland Fine Arts Center Lobby. This special luncheon will honor the Class of 1975 along with all alumni from prior years. Guests will enjoy a time of fellowship, a class photo, and a commemorative gift for all inductees. Following lunch, shuttles will be available to provide tours of the HLGU campus. Reservations are required, and the cost of the luncheon is $30 per person. Business casual attire is requested.
Later that evening, alumni and friends are invited to the Hagerman Gallery for the Alumni & Friends Art Show opening, which will run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The opening will feature a variety of works by alumni artists, as well as special remarks from the artists, members of the HLGU faculty, and university leadership at 7:00 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the creativity and contributions of the Trojan family while enjoying the beautiful setting of the Roland Fine Arts Center.
The first day of Homecoming will conclude with Team Trivia at 8:00 p.m. in the Roland Fine Arts Center Lobby. This lively event is free to play, with snacks and advantages available for purchase (cash only). Teams are encouraged to register in advance, as space is limited, and reservations may be made through Alumni Director Lauren Youse by November 3.
Saturday, November 8, begins with the Trojan Fun Trek at 10:30 a.m. in the Partee Center parking lot. This event is a noncompetitive, family-friendly walk or light run around the scenic HLGU campus. Pets and strollers are welcome, and there is no registration or cost to participate. The Fun Trek provides a relaxed and enjoyable way for alumni and friends to reconnect while taking in the sights and sounds of autumn on campus.
At 11:30 a.m., the Partee Center Dining Hall will host Brunch with the President and First Lady. Dr. and Mrs. Matz will welcome alumni and guests for a delightful meal and meaningful conversation. This is a pay-on-your-own event, but it offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from HLGU’s leadership in a warm and informal setting.
The afternoon will be filled with Trojan athletics at the Mabee Sports Complex. The HLGU Women’s Basketball Team will take on Hesston College at 1:00 p.m., followed by the HLGU Men’s Basketball Team facing Dakota Wesleyan University at 3:00 p.m. Both games are free to attend and provide the perfect chance to cheer on the Trojans while reconnecting with classmates and friends. The Homecoming Court Crowning, a highlight of the weekend, will take place during halftime of the men’s game.
The grand finale of Homecoming weekend is Booster Night, which will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, in the Roland Fine Arts Center. A cherished tradition at HLGU since 1942, Booster Night brings together alumni, students, and friends of the university for an evening of celebration and inspiration. The program will include updates from HLGU leadership, a performance by the HLGU Concert Choir, a silent auction, and the keynote address.
This year’s featured speaker is John O’Leary, an internationally acclaimed speaker, survivor of a near-fatal childhood fire, and the author of two number-one national bestsellers. O’Leary’s story is also the subject of the newly released film Soul on Fire, which brings his remarkable journey to the big screen. His powerful testimony of perseverance, faith, and hope has inspired audiences around the world. O’Leary’s keynote address will serve as a fitting culmination to the Homecoming celebration, reminding the Trojan family of the enduring values of courage, resilience, and community.
Tickets for Booster Night go on sale Monday, September 8, and start at $40. A limited number of exclusive executive tickets are also available. These special tickets include dinner and a private question-and-answer session with John O’Leary. Tickets may be purchased online at www.hlg.edu/boosternight
Hannibal-LaGrange University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The institution prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment.