Countdown to MVNU Homecoming
Nov. 13 & 14, 2026
Campus is calling! At MVNU, you were introduced to lifelong friends, perhaps even your spouse, and to mentors who invested in you personally as well as in your education and spiritual formation. You grew in every aspect of your life here, and we are overjoyed to welcome you back for Homecoming!
Bookmark this page and check back for details on all the 2026 Homecoming happenings.
Schedule of Events
DEPARTMENTAL ALUMNI PRESENTATION
8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Classrooms
Alumni guest lecturers and presenters will be available in classrooms throughout campus as arranged by faculty members.
PRESIDENT'S PRAYER BREAKFAST
8-9 a.m. | Ariel Arena, Foster Hall
President Carson Castleman invites faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and community guests to share a light breakfast and join together in prayer for the University. Worship music will be provided by MVNU alum Brian White '79.
HOMECOMING CHAPEL
10:20-11:15 a.m. | R.R. Hodges Chapel
Students and alumni are invited to hear the stories of alumni who are working and serving around the world. This year's speaker is Dr. Greg Mason '76. Dr. Mason is a seasoned ministry leader with a passion for developing people, strengthening the local church, and serving his community through Christ-centered leadership. Several alumni awards will also be presented during this time.
GOLDEN GRAD LUNCHEON
11:30 a.m. | Ariel Arena, Foster Hall
Our Golden Grads from the classes of 1974, 1975, and 1976 are celebrating 50 years post-graduation! They are invited to lunch after receiving their recognition at Homecoming Chapel.
ARCHIVES OPEN HOUSE
12-5 p.m. | Thorne Library
Located on the lowest level of the Thorne Library, step back in time to explore MVNU's rich history! These special hours are available only during Homecoming weekend!
THE BOESGER CHRISTIAN BUSINESS LEADER SERIES
3:30 p.m. | Jetter Hall 133
Christian business leaders who have successfully led organizations with ethics and excellence share with MVNU students and alumni.
SOCIAL WORK REUNION AND FREE CEU SEMINAR
3:30 p.m. | Moore 109
Social Work alumni are invited to join current students for a Social Work Reunion along with a CEU seminar.
More details to come!
REUNIONS
Various times and locations
Join the Homecoming tradition and catch up with your classmates. For specific details on your reunion, visit the Reunions page.
COUGAR WOMEN'S BASKETBALL GAME
5 p.m. | Ariel Arena
MVNU vs West Virginia Tech
Adults $10 / Seniors and Children $5
Tickets available at the door.
SCHNORMEIER GALLERY EXHIBIT
5 p.m. | Gallery Talk | Buchwald Center, Schnormeier Gallery (downtown)
6-8 p.m. | Reception
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, From This Place, presents the work of artists across Knox County. Together, they create an opportunity to consider the ongoing story of America and our connections to it.
ALUMNI CELEBRATION
6-9 p.m. | Ariel Arena, Foster Hall
Hang out together with former classmates, friends, faculty, and staff. Enjoy an unforgettable time with friends, finger food and admission is free with your ticket to the MVNU basketball games.
KING AND QUEEN CORONATION
6:50 p.m. | Ariel Arena
Elected class representatives are announced as the Homecoming Court features student leadership and service profiles followed by the announcement of the student-elected king and queen.
COUGAR MEN'S BASKETBALL GAME
7:30 p.m. | Ariel Arena
MVNU
Adults $10 / Seniors and Children $5
Tickets available at the door.
REUNIONS
Various times and locations
Join the Homecoming tradition and catch up with your classmates. For specific details on your reunion, visit the Reunions page.
BEFORE THE BIRD 5K
9 a.m.
Registration: 8:15-8:45 a.m. at the R.R. Hodges Chapel
$5 for MVNU students / $20 for everyone else / due on race day
Race benefits MVNU Cross Country team.
DONUTS & COFFEE WITH SPUR STUDENTS & FACULTY
9:30 a.m. -11 a.m. | Prince Student Union
All alumni and guests are invited to join us for donuts and coffee. Drop in and mingle with current students and faculty from biology, chemistry, engineering, exercise science, social work, and criminal justice programs to learn about their research projects through MVNU's Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR).
ARCHIVES OPEN HOUSE
10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Thorne Library
Located on the lowest level of the Thorne Library, step back in time to explore MVNU's rich history! These special hours are available only during Homecoming weekend!
3-ON-3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
10 a.m. | Prince Student Union
This tournament is for alumni, students, faculty and staff! Prizes for the winning teams in each division! Single or double elimination depending on the number of teams. We are offering a Men's A Division, Men's B Division, and Women's Division. If you have any questions please reach out to us by email at alumni@mvnu.edu.
1970’S CLASS MEETING & REUNION
10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Hyson Campus Center, President's Dining Room
The Pioneer Class of 1970 will host their annual meeting while having lunch in the President's Dining Room located in the Dining Commons.
WNZR 40th REUNION
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Founders Hall 221/WNZR Studio
Join us to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate 40 years of WNZR ministry!
Drop in to see the WNZR Museum and special 40th Anniversary videos. Grab a snack, pick up an Anniversary gift, take a tour, and share a favorite memory. Plus, we'll be going LIVE with WNZR alumni sharing stories and memories from their years at the station.
NURSING DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Hunter Hall
All are invited to view our beautiful nursing facility and visit with MVNU faculty.
COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Hunter Hall
All are invited to view our beautiful Communication Sciences and Disorders facility and visit with MVNU faculty.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT CONCERT
1-2:30 p.m. | R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium
MVNU choral and instrumental ensembles will present an exciting concert featuring a diverse range of musical selections. Collegians Chorale will be highlighted as they perform alongside special guest alumni, promising a performance that blends tradition with the talents of MVNU's past and present musical students.
COUGAR MEN'S BASKETBALL GAME
3 p.m. | Ariel Arena
MVNU
Adults $10 / Seniors and Children $5
Tickets available at the door.
PIONEER SPIRIT GATHERING
3:30-4:30 p.m. | Dining Commons, Hyson Campus Center
Alumni and guests from the classes of 1970-1975, please join us for an informal gathering in the Dining Commons. Drinks and cookies will be provided along with time to enjoy each other's company.
A NIGHT WITH NASHVILLE — BENEFITING COUGAR BASEBALL WITH THE HITS
6:30 p.m. | R.R. Hodges Chapel, Thorne Performance Hall
Join us for an unforgettable evening as hit songwriters Brian White ’79 and friends share the songs and stories behind hits performed by Chris Tomlin, Danny Gokey, Consumed by Fire, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Corey Asbury, We Are Messengers, Avalon, Matt Maher, Rodney Atkins, The Martins, 4Him, and more. Tickets are $30.
Events to look forward to this year
President's Prayer Breakfast
President Carson Castleman invites faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and community guests to share a light breakfast and join together in prayer for the University.
Friday, Nov. 13 | 8-9 a.m. | Ariel Arena, Foster Hall
Reunions
Reconnect with classmates, professors, teammates, and friends during reunion gatherings. Celebrate the people and experiences that made MVNU feel like home. See schedule for more information.
Homecoming Chapel
Students and alumni are invited to hear the stories of alumni who are working and serving around the world. Special alumni awards will also be presented at this time.
Friday, Nov. 13 | 10:20-11:15 a.m. | R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium
Brian White Concert
Join us for an unforgettable evening with hit songwriter Brian White ’79.
Saturday, Nov. 14 | 6:30 p.m. | Thorne Performance Hall
Hours & Information
This year brings another year of Class Reunions at MVNU's Homecoming. Check out our Reunions page to see more details.
There are a variety of places to stay in Mount Vernon, and the surrounding area.
Use the campus map to locate event venues, parking, and your favorite campus spots.