Homecoming to feature music, athletics and community events

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Music, athletics, local art, campus traditions and opportunities to reconnect will highlight Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Homecoming 2026, set for Nov. 13-14.

The annual celebration will bring alumni, families, friends and community members to campus for two days of events, including Cougar basketball, a concert featuring MVNU’s choral and instrumental ensembles, a 5K, an exhibition celebrating Knox County artists, the 40th anniversary of WNZR and A Night with Nashville concert featuring alumnus Brian White ’79 and friends.

“Homecoming is a special time because it brings so many parts of the MVNU family together,” said Mike Cheek ’82, Executive Director of Alumni Relations. “Whether you are returning to campus for the first time in years, gathering with your classmates or simply looking for a great weekend of events in the Mount Vernon community, we hope you will join us.”

Homecoming begins Friday morning with the President’s Prayer Breakfast from 8 to 9 a.m. in Ariel Arena’s Foster Hall. President Carson Castleman invites faculty, staff, alumni, parents and community guests to share a light breakfast and join in prayer for the University.

The morning continues with Homecoming Chapel from 10:20 to 11:15 a.m. in the R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium. Dr. Greg Mason ’76 will share his story of ministry and Christ-centered leadership, and several alumni awards will be presented. The Golden Grad Luncheon for the classes of 1974, 1975 and 1976 follows at 11:30 a.m. in Ariel Arena’s Foster Hall.

Friday afternoon offers a look at MVNU’s history and its academic and artistic community. The Archives Open House runs from noon to 5 p.m. in Thorne Library. The Boesger Christian Business Leader Series will take place at 3:30 p.m., followed by the Schnormeier Gallery exhibit, From This Place, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Buchwald Center downtown. The exhibit features artists from across Knox County in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Cougar basketball will provide Friday night entertainment in Ariel Arena. The women’s team will play West Virginia Tech at 5 p.m., followed by the Homecoming King and Queen Coronation at 6:50 p.m. The men’s team will play Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College at 7:30 p.m. The Alumni Celebration will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. in Ariel Arena’s Foster Hall. Basketball admission is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children, while the Alumni Celebration is included in the game ticket.

Saturday begins with the Before the Bird 5K at 9 a.m. The race benefits the MVNU Cross Country team. Other Saturday morning activities include the 1970s Class Meeting and Reunion, Donuts & Coffee with students and faculty from the Summer Program for Undergraduate Research, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament and a guided tree and bird walk led by MVNU students.

The weekend will also celebrate the 40-year history of WNZR, MVNU’s radio station. The WNZR 40th Reunion will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Founders Hall at the WNZR studio.

The Music Department Concert will follow from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium. MVNU’s choral and instrumental ensembles will present a variety of musical selections, with Collegians Chorale featured alongside special alumni guests Wesley and Heidi Ridenour ’05. The concert is free and open to the public.

Saturday afternoon will continue with Cougar men’s basketball against Ohio Christian University at 3 p.m. in Ariel Arena, followed by the Pioneer Spirit Gathering from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for alumni and guests from the classes of 1970-1975.

The weekend will conclude with A Night with Nashville: Benefiting Cougar Baseball with the Hits at 6:30 p.m. in Thorne Performance Hall. Brian White ’79 and fellow hit songwriters will share the stories and songs behind hits performed by artists including Chris Tomlin, Danny Gokey, Consumed by Fire, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Corey Asbury, We Are Messengers, Avalon, Matt Maher, Rodney Atkins, The Martins and 4Him. Tickets are $30.

Homecoming events take place at various locations on MVNU’s main campus and downtown campus. Some events require advance registration. For the complete Homecoming schedule, reunion information and registration details, visit mvnu.edu/alumni/homecoming.