HLGU Theatre Department Children's Show - City Mouse, Country Mouse
2025-09-26 18:30 (America/Chicago) | The Loft, 2800 Palmyra Road, HANNIBAL, MO, 63401
City Mouse, Country Mouse
By Brian D. Taylor
September 26, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
The Loft, L.A. Foster Student Center, HLGU Campus
When country mouse Sam unexpectedly invites his urban cousin Alex to visit, Alex hesitates—but puts family first and ventures out of her comfort zone. He arrives to a world without Wi-Fi or indoor plumbing—clueless and completely out of his element. Overwhelmed, he scrambles back to city life—but guilt soon propels him to return the favor and host Sam in the hustle and bustle of urban living. Now it’s Sam’s turn to feel out of place: his discomfort reaches hilarious peaks, especially in a cringe-worthy sushi restaurant scene. In the end, both must admit there’s no definitive “better” when two vastly different worlds collide.

Fall Break
2025-10-06 - 2025-10-10
No Classes for Term A on campus students. HLGU Offices Open.

Kansas City Alumni & Friends Luncheon
2025-10-23 11:30 - 13:00
Alumni & Friends Luncheon – Kansas City

Join fellow Hannibal-LaGrange University alumni and friends for a time of fellowship and connection in Kansas City! Enjoy a delicious BBQ buffet, complete with drink and dessert, while hearing updates from campus and reconnecting with the HLGU community.

Thursday, October 23, 202511:30 am – 1:00 pm
Smokehouse Barbecue, 19000 E. 39th Street, Independence, MO

$35 per personPlease register by October 15, 2025.

Pay online at www.hlg.edu/giving (type “KC Lunch” in the designation line).Or contact the Institutional Advancement office at giving@hlg.edu or call (573) 629-3124.

Trojan Days
2025-10-24
Trojan Day is designed to give you a sample of what HLGU has to offer. We’ve planned this day with you and your family in mind. We want you to have time to explore campus, meet current students, talk with faculty members, attend a class, and eat lunch in the cafeteria. This day is full of great experiences that will help you see yourself as a Trojan at Hannibal-LaGrange University!
2025-2026 Trojan Days are:

September 19
October 15 (Homeschool Visit Day)
October 24
November 14 (Fine Arts Visit Day)
February 16
March 27
April 17

More information can be found here.

Alumni & Friends Dessert Reception at MBC Annual Meeting in Branson, MO
2025-10-27 20:00 - 22:00
HLGU Alumni & Friends – You’re Invited!

If you’ll be in Branson later this month, we’d love for you to join us for a special HLGU Alumni & Friends Dessert Reception on Monday, October 27 from 8–10 p.m. in the Compton Ferry Room at the Branson Convention Center in Branson, MO.

Enjoy an evening of fellowship with HLGU leadership and friends, along with an assortment of delicious desserts—cupcakes, cookies, and coffee included!

All are welcome. Come reconnect, reminisce, and hear what’s new at Hannibal-LaGrange University.

Trunk or Treat at HLGU
2025-10-30 18:30 - 20:30 | Hannibal-LaGrange University, 2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, MO, 63401, United States
Hannibal-LaGrange University invites families from the Hannibal community to its annual Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The event is hosted by HLGU’s Office of Residential Life and will be held in the closed parking lot across from the Roland Library to provide a safe and family-friendly environment. Guests are asked to park in the Roland Fine Arts Center parking lot (the first lot at the Palmyra Road campus entrance) and walk to the event area.
Children are encouraged to come in costume and enjoy a fun-filled evening of safe trick-or-treating. Families will find decorated trunks staffed by HLGU students, faculty, and staff, offering candy and treats in a welcoming environment.
HLGU’s Trunk or Treat is designed to provide a lighthearted alternative to Halloween activities—no scary trunks will be included. Instead, families can look forward to a cheerful evening of community connection, creativity, and fun.
For more information about Trunk or Treat, contact the HLGU Office of Residential Life at (573) 629-3026.

Adventure University
2025-11-03 08:00 - 15:30 | Hannibal-LaGrange University, 2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, MO, 63401, United States
Hannibal-LaGrange University (HLGU) is excited to announce the return of Adventure University for the seventh consecutive year. This engaging program for area youth will take place on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. on the HLGU campus.
Adventure University is designed for students in 2nd through 6th grade, offering them a unique opportunity to experience hands-on learning in a university setting. Participants will select one session in the morning and another in the afternoon, with interactive options designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and teamwork. Sessions include the Lego Olympiad: Building the Games, where students design Olympic-inspired creations using Legos; Courtside Fun, which lets participants try their hand at popular lifetime sports like pickleball, disc golf, and basketball; and the Zap Lab, where they’ll experiment with electricity and magnets through hands-on science challenges. Other offerings include The Motion Commotion, a force-and-motion adventure filled with ramps, rollers, and rockets; the Inventors’ Workshop, which introduces engineering and design thinking through real-world challenges; and Creative Creations, an indoor/outdoor art adventure where students will craft, create, and explore their artistic talents.
Parents may drop off participants as early as 7:45 a.m. Lunch will be provided, and as the event date approaches, the HLGU Education Department will send a follow-up email with details about session assignments and designated drop-off and pick-up locations.
Registration opens October 1, 2025, and spaces are limited. Families are encouraged to register early to secure a spot.
To register, visit: https://www.hlg.edu/forms/stem-camp-registration/
For more information, please contact:
Courtney Janes, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Education and Certification Officer
Hannibal-LaGrange University
Phone: 573-629-3107
Email: Courtney.Janes@hlg.edu

Homecoming
2025-11-07 00:00 - 2025-11-08 00:00
Homecoming 2025 Schedule
Friday, November 7

50 Year Club Lunch – 11:30 a.m., Roland Fine Arts Center Lobby
Honoring the Class of 1975 and all alumni from prior years. Includes a class photo, gift for inductees, and optional campus tours by shuttle.
Cost: $30 per person. Reservations required – contact Alumni Director Lauren Youse to reserve your seat. Business casual attire.
Alumni & Friends Art Show Opening – 6:00–8:00 p.m., Hagerman Gallery
Celebrate alumni artists and enjoy remarks from artists, faculty, and HLGU leadership at 7:00 p.m.
Team Trivia – 8:00 p.m., Roland Fine Arts Center Lobby
Free to play with snacks and advantages available for purchase (cash only).
Reserve a table with Alumni Director Lauren Youse by November 3.

Saturday, November 8

Trojan Fun Trek – 10:30 a.m., Partee Center Parking Lot
A noncompetitive walk or light run around campus. Pets and strollers welcome. Free to join, no registration required.
Brunch with the President and First Lady – 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Partee Center Dining Hall
Enjoy a meal and conversation with Dr. and Mrs. Matz. Pay-on-your-own event.
Women’s Trojan Basketball vs. Hesston College – 1:00 p.m., Mabee Sports Complex
Free admission.
Men’s Trojan Basketball vs. Dakota Wesleyan University – 3:00 p.m., Mabee Sports Complex
Free admission. Homecoming Court crowning at halftime.
Booster Night featuring John O’Leary – 7:00 p.m., Roland Fine Arts Center
A beloved tradition since 1942, Booster Night includes a keynote by John O’Leary, updates from HLGU leadership, a performance by the Concert Choir, and a silent auction.
Tickets start at $40. Executive tickets include dinner and a private Q&A with John O’Leary (limited availability).
Tickets available beginning September 8 at www.hlg.edu/boosternight

Contact Alumni Director Lauren Youse for more information. Lauren.youse@hlg.edu or (573) 629-3126

Booster Night featuring John O'Leary
2025-11-08 19:00 | Roland Fine Arts Center, 2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, 63401, United States
Booster Night 2025 – Presented by HNB BankSaturday, November 8 | 7:00 pm | Roland Fine Arts Center
Celebrate the finale of Homecoming weekend with John O’Leary—survivor, bestselling author, and inspiration behind the upcoming film Soul on Fire. Enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring O’Leary’s keynote, a silent auction, campus updates, and music by the HLGU Concert Choir.
General admission tickets sell for $40 and will go on sale Monday, September 8, 2025. In addition, a limited number of Executive Tickets will be available, which include a special dinner and an exclusive Q&A session with John O’Leary before the evening program.
For more information about Booster Night, ticket sales, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.hlg.edu/boosternight or contact the university at giving@hlg.edu or (573) 629-3124.

Fall Theatre Production - Shadowlands
2025-11-13 19:00 - 2025-11-15 21:00 | Roland Fine Arts Center, 2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, 63401, United States
Shadowlands
By William Nicholson
November 13-15, 2025, 7 pm nightly
Parker Theatre, HLGU Campus
Step into the moving true story of C. S. Lewis, the beloved author of The Chronicles of Narnia, whose quiet Oxford life is turned upside down when he meets the bold and brilliant American poet Joy Davidman. What begins as an unexpected friendship blossoms into a love that challenges his deepest beliefs about life, faith, and the cost of truly opening one’s heart. Both tender and profound, Shadowlands is a story of love, loss, and the courage it takes to embrace both.
Tickets are $10 and available now at hlg.tix.com or by calling the box office at 573.629.3182.

Trojan Day (Fine Arts Visit Day)
2025-11-14

Thanksgiving Holiday
2025-11-24 - 2025-11-28
No Classes for Term A on campus students. HLGU Offices open on 11/24 and 11/25 and closed 11/26-28.

Lighting of the Star
2025-12-03 16:30 - 17:00 | Hannibal-LaGrange University, 2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, MO, 63401, United States
Lighting of the StarA Hannibal-LaGrange Christmas Tradition

Hannibal-LaGrange University is excited to welcome back one of our cherished traditions—Lighting of the Star. Join us at The Arch in front of the Burt Administration Building on Wednesday, December 3, at 4:30 p.m., as our campus community gathers to celebrate the season.

During this festive event, we will hear the Christmas story, join our voices in singing familiar carols, and watch as the star atop the Burt Building shines once again. Warm refreshments will be served as we enjoy the beauty and joy of the holiday season together.

This family-friendly tradition is open to all. Bundle up, bring your loved ones, and help us welcome Christmas at HLGU!

Music Department Christmas Concert
2025-12-05 19:00
Music Department Christmas Concert – December 5
Hannibal-LaGrange University invites the community to attend the annual HLGU Music Department Christmas Concert on Friday, December 5, at 7 p.m. in the Roland Fine Arts Center.
This festive celebration of the season will feature performances by the HLGU Concert Choir, under the direction of Elaine Carty, as well as the HLGU Band and the HLGU Chamber Choir, both under the direction of Dr. Edwin Aybar.
The concert will open with selections by the Concert Choir, including Frozen Choral Suite arranged by Roger Emerson and Northern Lights by Ola Gjeilo. Both pieces will be directed by Katelyn Browning, a Music Education major, in partial fulfillment of her degree requirements. Additional Concert Choir selections include Children, Go Where I Send Thee arranged by Adam Podd and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing arranged by Tim Bandy.
The HLGU Chamber Choir will continue the program with Masters in This Hall, a French Christmas carol arranged by Richard Oliver; Sing We Noel by Patricia Wilhelm; We Three Kings by J. H. Hopkins, arranged by Darmon Meader; and Good Christian Men, Rejoice, a traditional German carol arranged by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw.
The HLGU Band will perform several festive instrumental works, including A Royal Christmas arranged by Harry Stone, Fantasy for Christmas arranged by Jim Curnow, The Bells of Christmas arranged by Bob Krogstad, and Let Earth Receive Her King arranged by Jeff Cranfill.
The evening will conclude with a grand finale as the HLGU Band and Concert Choir join together for the beloved Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah by G.F. Handel, transposed by Clair Johnson.
This event is free and open to the public.

Trojan Day
2026-02-16

Free Society Event: “Facing Giants” with Chloe Cole
2026-03-25 18:00 | Roland Fine Arts Center, 2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, 63401, United States
Hannibal-LaGrange University invites students, alumni, and community members to attend a Free Society event featuring national youth advocate and speaker Chloe Cole on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Chloe Cole will present on the theme “Facing Giants,” addressing the complex questions and challenges young adults face today surrounding identity, purpose, culture, and conviction.
At just 21 years old, Cole is a nationally recognized youth advocate who speaks openly about her personal journey and her faith in Jesus Christ. After beginning medical gender transition at age 12, she later came to the realization that she wanted to embrace who she was created to be—a woman—and began detransitioning as a teenager. Today, Cole shares her story to help protect children, inform parents, and guide her generation toward truth, healing, and human flourishing.

During her presentation, Cole will explore the many “giants” students encounter—situational, emotional, cultural, political, and ideological—and challenge attendees not to fear these obstacles, but to confront them with courage and conviction. Her message emphasizes that growth, healing, and victory come only when individuals are willing to face the giants before them.

This event is part of HLGU’s Free Society programming, which promotes the ideals of a free society by emphasizing three foundational pillars:• A democratic form of government• Free market economic systems• Cultural institutions such as the church

All Free Society events approach these principles through the lens of a biblical worldview, which is central to Hannibal-LaGrange University’s mission.

– Tickets: $15– Ticket Sales Begin: Monday, February 23, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.– Purchase Tickets: https://www.hlg.edu/

For more information: Contact Charlie McKeon at 573.629.3260 or charlie.mckeon@hlg.edu

Join us for an evening of thoughtful dialogue, personal testimony, and meaningful conversation as we engage difficult questions and seek truth together.

Day of Giving 2026
2026-04-09 - 2026-04-10
Hannibal-LaGrange University (HLGU) is excited to announce its fifth annual HLGU Day of Giving, taking place April 9–10, 2026. This 24-hour giving event will begin at noon on Thursday, April 9, and conclude at noon on Friday, April 10.
This year, HLGU is aiming for 250 gifts during the campaign. Two generous matching opportunities will help amplify donor impact: a $25,000 anonymous matching gift designated for student scholarships, and a $40,000 matching gift from the HLGU Board of Visitors in support of the “Bring Back the Legacy: Phase 2” campaign.
“Every gift, no matter the size, helps transform the lives of current and future Trojans,” said Lauren Youse, Director of Development and Alumni Services. “When we come together as the HLGU family, we invest not only in our university but in the students God has called here.”
Bring Back the Legacy: Phase 2 focuses on continuing the momentum of campus renewal and strengthening long-term sustainability. This phase includes strategic upgrades to campus facilities, further investment in academic and student‑life spaces, and enhancements that support both the student experience and HLGU’s Christ-centered mission. Gifts to this initiative help ensure the university remains strong for generations to come.
Donors may designate their gifts to Student Scholarships, Bring Back the Legacy: Phase 2, the HLGU Annual Fund, or any academic department, program, or campus area they wish to support. Early gifts are welcome. Simply note “Day of Giving” when giving online or include it in the memo line of your check.
Last year’s Day of Giving was a tremendous blessing, with more than 265 gifts totaling over $120,000.
“We continue to see God’s provision through the generosity of our supporters,” said Dr. Ray Carty, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “Every dollar given strengthens HLGU’s mission by helping students grow academically, spiritually, and personally. We are profoundly grateful.”
More details will be shared soon on HLGU’s social media platforms, and supporters are encouraged to spread the word using #HLGUDayOfGiving.
For questions, please contact Lauren Youse at 573.629.3126 or lauren.youse@hlg.edu.

Day of Giving Breakfast Fundraiser
2026-04-10 07:00 - 08:30 | Page Dining Room
Hannibal-LaGrange University invites alumni, friends, and community members to a special Day of Giving Fundraiser Breakfast on Friday, April 10, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in the Page Dining Room inside the Partee Center on the HLGU campus.

Hosted by the HLGU Board of Visitors, the breakfast is offered at no cost, though guests are encouraged to make a donation in support of the University’s 2026 Day of Giving efforts. All proceeds will contribute toward the Board of Visitors’ $40,000 matching gift supporting Bring Back the Legacy: Phase 2, doubling the impact of every gift made during the event. Phase 2 will include completing the renovation of Pulliam Hall, and a much-needed facelift of the Becky Thatcher and Mary Wiehe apartment housing. With anticipated enrollment growth this fall and a busy slate of summer camps, updating these facilities is essential to ensure HLGU can accommodate incoming students and summer guests.

The breakfast is open to all ages and will feature a buffet served from the cafeteria line. The buffet includes a variety of hot and cold breakfast options, including but not limited to scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, a yogurt bar, fresh fruit, pastries, a waffle bar, and a selection of hot and cold beverages.

No reservations are required for individuals or families. Large groups (8 or more) planning to attend are asked to contact the University by April 1 so a table can be reserved.

“This breakfast is a meaningful opportunity for our community to come together in support of HLGU and our Day of Giving,” said Jim and Linda Youse, representatives of the Board of Visitors. “Every gift helps us move closer to meeting the $40,000 match and directly supports the mission and momentum of Bring Back the Legacy: Phase 2.”

For questions or to reserve a table for a group, please contact the Office of Alumni Services at giving@hlg.edu or (573) 629-3126.

Spring Theatre Production - Neil Simon's Rumors
2026-04-16 - 2026-04-18 | Roland Fine Arts Center, 2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, 63401, United States
The Hannibal-LaGrange University Theatre Department is pleased to announce its spring production of Rumors, a fast-paced and wildly entertaining farce by acclaimed playwright Neil Simon. Performances will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16 through Saturday, April 18.
This hilarious comedy unfolds as several well to do couples arrive at a beautifully appointed suburban home to celebrate their friends’ tenth wedding anniversary. Upon arrival, they are met with a series of alarming and absurd discoveries: the domestic staff is nowhere to be found, the hostess has mysteriously vanished, and the host, who happens to be the deputy mayor of New York City, has suffered a minor gunshot wound to his earlobe.
As panic sets in, the guests scramble to protect their reputations by keeping the evening’s incidents hidden from both the police and the press, leading to a cascade of misunderstandings, quick-thinking cover-ups, and comedic chaos.
More information about tickets and pricing will be released soon.
For additional details about Rumors or any upcoming HLGU theatre productions, please contact the HLGU Theatre Box Office at (573) 629-3182 or boxoffice@hlg.edu

Spring Music Department Concert “Let All Creation Praise Him”
2026-05-01
Hannibal-LaGrange University invites the community to attend the HLGU Music Department’s Spring Choral Concert on Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m. in the Parker Theatre of the Roland Fine Arts Center.
This year’s program, centered around the theme “Let All Creation Praise Him,” will feature inspiring performances by the HLGU Concert Choir and the HLGU Chamber Choir, both under the direction of Elaine Carty, Instructor of Music at Hannibal-LaGrange University.
The concert will open with Let There Be Light by Ana Levy-Lyons and Adam Podd, a musical interpretation of Genesis 1:1–3. The choirs will then present The Heavens Are Telling by Mark Patterson, continuing the evening’s celebration of creation and worship. Additional selections include John Rutter’s All Things Bright and Beautiful, Sean Paul’s arrangement of All Creatures of Our God and King, and God Chose Us by Joseph Martin. The evening will also feature a special piano performance by Dr. Edwin Aybar, Associate Professor of Music at Hannibal-LaGrange University.
This uplifting concert invites guests to reflect on the beauty of creation and the faithfulness of God through powerful choral music.
The event is free and open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.
For more information about the concert, please contact Elaine Carty at 573.629.3165.

Nurses Pinning (ASN & BSN)
2026-05-08 18:00 | Roland Fine Arts Center, 2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, 63401, United States
Friday, May 8, 6 pm, Roland Fine Arts Center

Join us as we celebrate the dedication and accomplishments of our graduating nursing students in the ASN and BSN programs. This special pinning ceremony honors their hard work and marks the beginning of their journey into the nursing profession.

All are welcome to attend and support these future nurses!

Commencement
2026-05-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Mabee Sports Complex

Family Weekend
2026-09-18 - 2026-09-19

Alumni & Friends Golf Classic Fundraiser
2026-09-25
