2025 Date: November 7-8

Hannibal-LaGrange University’s Homecoming weekend, held November 8-9, 2024, offered alumni, students, faculty, and friends an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the Trojan spirit. The weekend began with the 50-Year Club Luncheon, a cherished tradition honoring the Class of 1974 and all alumni from prior years. The luncheon included a group photo and a commemorative gift for each inductee, followed by guided campus tours via shuttle.

Friday evening featured the opening of Ruth (Ihrig) Foreman - A Retrospective: A Countrywoman with the Heart of an Artist in the Hagerman Gallery within the Roland Fine Arts Center. This special art exhibit celebrates the work of HLGU alumna Ruth Foreman, Class of 1949, and included remarks from the artist’s family, as well as university faculty and leadership at 7:00 pm. The evening concluded with a spirited Team Trivia competition led by faculty member Jordan Hosmer as quiz master, where the team 5040! took home the win.

Saturday kicked off with the annual Trojan Fun Trek, a brisk outdoor event that welcomed pets and strollers for a morning of connection and fitness. A dedicated group of 10 runners braved the chilly, rainy weather to enjoy the scenic trek around campus. Later in the day, alumni gathered for brunch with HLGU President Dr. Robert Matz and First Lady Mrs. Matz, followed by a lively literature talk, Happy Reading, with long-time HLGU favorite, Mrs. Katherine Burt.

The afternoon brought Trojan spirit to the forefront with women's and men’s basketball games. The Lady Trojans tipped off at 1:00 pm, followed by the men’s game at 3:00 pm, where both teams showed determination, with the men’s team narrowly missing victory in an overtime match. A student ensemble of HLGU’s talented singers performed the national anthem at both games. During halftime, Eddie Ambrose and Chloe Moore were crowned 2024 Homecoming King and Queen, adding a royal flair to the weekend’s festivities.

The grand finale, Booster Night, included a memorable performance by singer-songwriter Andrew Peterson and the announcement of this year’s alumni awards, rounding off the weekend on a high note.

HLGU is grateful to all who joined us and made the weekend unforgettable. Plans are already underway for next year’s Homecoming on November 7-8, 2025. For more information, please contact Lauren Youse.