Hannibal-LaGrange University

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Presented by the HLGU Theatre Department
2025-04-10 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Roland Fine Arts Center, 2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, 63401, United States
Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. ShermanMusic by Special Arrangement with Sony/ATV PublishingAdapted for the Stage by Jeremy SamsBased on the MGM Motion PictureLicensed Script Adapted by Ray Roderick

An eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts sets about restoring an old race car from a scrap heap with the help of his children, Jeremy and Jemima. They soon discover the car has magical properties, including the ability to float and take flight. Trouble occurs when the evil Baron Bomburst desires the magic car for himself. The family joins forces with Truly Scrumptious and batty Grandpa Potts to outwit the dastardly Baron and Baroness and their villainous henchman, the Child Catcher.

The show will be performed at 7 pm nightly on April 10, 11, and 12 in the Parker Theatre in HLGU’s Roland Fine Arts Center.

Get your tickets here.

Arbor Day Celebration
2025-04-11 10:00 | Pulliam Hall, 2800 Palmyra Road, HANNIBAL, MO, 63401, United States
HLGU to Hold Arbor Day Celebration Honoring Alumnus Larry Craig
Hannibal, MO– Hannibal-LaGrange University will host its annual Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m. behind Pulliam Hall on the HLGU campus. The event is open to the public, and all are invited to attend.
This year’s celebration will honor the life and legacy of Larry Craig ’65, a devoted alumnus. A tree will be planted in his memory to recognize his faithful support of HLGU through generous financial gifts, student referrals, and prayer. The Craig family stands as a shining example of the lasting impact of HLGU alumni.
HLGU has a long-standing tradition of tree planting as part of its designation as a Tree Campus Higher Education institution. This national program, launched by the Arbor Day Foundation in 2008, recognizes colleges and universities that demonstrate a strong commitment to campus forest management and conservation. HLGU continues to meet the program’s core standards, including student service-learning projects that promote sustainability and environmental stewardship.
For more information about the Arbor Day Celebration, please contact the Institutional Advancement Office at giving@hlg.edu or (573) 629-3126.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Presented by the HLGU Theatre Department
2025-04-11 19:00, 2025-04-12 19:00 | Roland Fine Arts Center, 2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, 63401, United States
Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. ShermanMusic by Special Arrangement with Sony/ATV PublishingAdapted for the Stage by Jeremy SamsBased on the MGM Motion PictureLicensed Script Adapted by Ray Roderick

An eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts sets about restoring an old race car from a scrap heap with the help of his children, Jeremy and Jemima. They soon discover the car has magical properties, including the ability to float and take flight. Trouble occurs when the evil Baron Bomburst desires the magic car for himself. The family joins forces with Truly Scrumptious and batty Grandpa Potts to outwit the dastardly Baron and Baroness and their villainous henchman, the Child Catcher.

The show will be performed at 7 pm nightly on April 10, 11, and 12 in the Parker Theatre in HLGU’s Roland Fine Arts Center.

More details and ticket information to come!

HLGU Thank You Reception
2025-04-25 17:45 | Roland Fine Arts Center, 2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, 63401, United States
Friday, April 25, 2025Hannibal-LaGrange University | Roland Fine Arts CenterReception: 5:45–6:45 p.m.Concert: 7:00 p.m.

You’re invited to a special Thank You Reception hosted by the HLGU Board of Visitors, honoring those who have donated, supported, or prayed for Hannibal-LaGrange University over the past year.

Join us for an evening of gratitude, light finger foods, and fellowship before enjoying the Spring Music Department Concert, featuring performances by the HLGU Concert Choir and Band. Special seating will be reserved for our honored guests.

This is our way of saying thank you for being part of the HLGU family.

Free admission. All are welcome!

Music Department Spring Concert
2025-04-25 19:00 | Roland Fine Arts Center, 2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, 63401, United States
Hannibal-LaGrange University’s Music Department invites the community to its annual Spring Concert on Friday, April 25, at 7 p.m. in the Roland Fine Arts Center.
This free event will feature inspiring performances by the HLGU Concert Choir and Band, showcasing a diverse selection of musical pieces.
Join us for an evening of talent and melody as we celebrate the spring season. All are welcome!

Nurses Pinning (PN,ASN, & BSN)
2025-05-02 18:00 | Roland Fine Arts Center, 2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, 63401, United States
Join us as we celebrate the dedication and accomplishments of our graduating nursing students in the PN, 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 & Inauguration
2025-05-03 10:00 - 11:30
Hannibal-LaGrange University will hold a combined Commencement and Inauguration Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Mabee Sports Complex. This event will honor the achievements of the Class of 2025 and include the inauguration of Dr. Robert J. Matz as the university’s 18th president.

More information at https://www.hlg.edu/news-events/commencement/

Alumni & Friends Luncheon in Branson, MO
2025-05-13 11:30 - 13:00
HLGU Alumni & Friends Luncheon – Branson, MOTuesday, May 13 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PMBlack Oak Grill | 601 Branson Landing Blvd

Join us for a free luncheon with HLGU alumni and friends, generously sponsored by GLS Insurance Group. Enjoy a full meal (drink, salad, entrée, and dessert) and hear updates from President Dr. Robert Matz and VP Dr. Ray Carty.

Limited seating — RSVP to (573) 629-3124 or giving@hlg.edu by May 5!

We can’t wait to reconnect with you in Branson!

HLGU Parade Float Marchers Needed for July 4!
2025-07-04 09:30 - 11:30
HLGU Parade Float Marchers Needed for July 4!
Date: July 4, 9:30 am
HLGU Faculty, Staff, Alumni, Students & Friends – Hannibal’s 4th of July parade is Friday, July 4 at 10 am and we’d love for you to march with the HLGU float!
We ask that everyone associated with our float wears an HLGU shirt (if you don’t have one – the HLGU Campus Store can help you out! Contact Sue Booth)
We’ll meet on Broadway (usually close to Holy Family Catholic Church) at 9:30 a.m. and walk the route down Broadway. Afterwards, we will drive our marchers back to their vehicles in the HLGU bus driven by Dr. Don Colborn.
Please RSVP to Lauren Youse at lauren.youse@hlg.edu or (573) 629-3126 if you’re going to join us! It’s going to be a fun morning!

Alumni & Friends Work Day
2025-08-09 07:30 - 11:00
Alumni & Friends Work Day
Saturday, August 9
7:30 am to 11 am

Hannibal-LaGrange University needs volunteers to help prepare the campus for the new school year. The annual Alumni and Friends Work Day will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. No advanced skills are necessary.

The morning will include hard work, great fellowship, and service to HLGU. Work will begin in the lobby of the first floor (lowest level) of the Burt Administration Building at 7:30 a.m. Jobs include raking/cleaning flower beds, painting, minor campus fix-ups, and more.

Hannibal-LaGrange University will provide a list of projects to prepare campus for the fall semester, and a “thank you” lunch will be held at 11 a.m.

For more information or to enlist as a volunteer, please contact Alumni Director Lauren Youse ’05 M ’16 at lauren.youse@hlg.edu or (573) 629-3126 by Wednesday, August 6. If volunteers cannot commit to working all morning, HLGU will gladly work with schedules. Volunteers should be age 12 or older or accompanied by an adult.

Labor Day
2025-09-01
No Classes for Term A on campus students. HLGU Offices Closed.

Grow Week Featuring Evangelist Daniel Ritchie
2025-09-02 00:00 - 2025-09-04 00:00
Hannibal-LaGrange University Announces Grow Week Featuring Evangelist Daniel Ritchie
Hannibal-LaGrange University is pleased to announce its annual Grow Week, a series of special chapel services and events designed to encourage spiritual growth in the campus community. This year’s featured speaker is Daniel Ritchie, evangelist and Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention, who has shared the hope of Christ with audiences across the nation.
Ritchie was born without arms, yet God has used his life and testimony to impact thousands with the message of His grace. Speaking to more than 200,000 people each year, Ritchie points to God’s goodness through his personal story of faith, perseverance, and joy in Christ.
“God has shaped my perspective to pursue a full life because I am defined by Him and His grace, rather than the critical opinions of the world,” said Ritchie. “If God has brought me to a place of contentment and joy in my visible difference, then He is most able to do the same for anyone else.”
Grow Week at HLGU will take place Tuesday, September 2 through Thursday, September 4, 2025, with events open to students, faculty, staff, and the broader community:
Grow Week 2025 Schedule
Tuesday, September 2
• 11:00 AM – Chapel with Daniel Ritchie
Wednesday, September 3
• 11:00 AM – Chapel with Daniel Ritchie
• 6:30 PM – Night of Worship featuring the HLGU Chapel Band and Daniel Ritchie
HLGU invites the public to attend the Night of Worship on Wednesday evening, a powerful time of music and teaching led by the university’s Chapel Band alongside Daniel Ritchie.
Ritchie resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife, Heather, and their two children. Together, they enjoy family movie nights, traveling, football, and spending time outdoors.
For more information about Grow Week at HLGU, please contact the Student Life Office at Michael.Dixon@hlg.edu or call (573) 629-3026.

Family Weekend
2025-09-19 00:00 - 2025-09-21 00:00
Family Weekend – More information can be found here.

HLGU Annual Alumni & Friends Golf Classic Fundraiser
2025-09-26 11:00 - 17:00
Tee Up for a Great Cause at the HLGU Annual Alumni & Friends Golf Classic Fundraiser!
Get ready to swing into action at one of the most anticipated events of the fall! The Hannibal-LaGrange University Annual Alumni & Friends Golf Classic Fundraiser is set for Friday, September 26, 2025, and you’re invited to join the fun, fellowship, and friendly competition—all while supporting a great cause.
Hosted at the beautiful Norwoods Golf Club in Hannibal, MO, this event brings together alumni, friends, and supporters of HLGU for a day of golfing, giving, and community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just in it for the laughs and BBQ, the Golf Classic is a highlight of the HLGU calendar you won’t want to miss.
This year’s event is made possible thanks to the generous support of our Presenting Sponsor: Janes Surveying, Inc. We’re so grateful for their continued commitment to HLGU and their leadership in making this event a success!
Event Details
Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Location: Norwoods Golf Club, Hannibal, MO
Time:
11:00 a.m. – Registration & BBQ Lunch
12:00 p.m. – Shotgun Start
The format is a 4-person scramble, so gather your friends, coworkers, or church group and come ready for a day on the greens. Entry is just $300 per team, which includes green fees, cart rental, and a delicious BBQ lunch.
Golfers will also have the chance to show off their skills with Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and Longest Putt contests. Fantastic prizes will be awarded for each competition, and of course, the winning team will walk away with major bragging rights and a special award.
How to Register
Register your team online today at:
www.hlg.edu/golf-classic-registration
The deadline to register is Friday, September 19, so don’t delay!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Want to support HLGU and promote your business or organization at the same time? We have a variety of sponsorships available! From hole sponsors to major event partners, there’s a way for everyone to get involved and make an impact.
For more information about sponsoring the event or if you have any questions, please contact:
Lauren Youse
Email: lauren.youse@hlg.edu
Phone: (573) 629-3126
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to enjoy a fantastic day of golf and fellowship—all while supporting Hannibal-LaGrange University and its mission to provide Christ-centered education. We can’t wait to see you on the course!

HLGU Theatre Department Children's Show - City Mouse, Country Mouse
2025-09-26 18:30 | 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
