HOMECOMING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
This page will be updated as events are finalized.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
HANOVER COLLEGE CAMPUS STORE
Be sure to stop by the Hanover College Campus Store during Homecoming! Open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the store offers various Hanover apparel, gifts, and memorabilia. Whether you want to update your Panther wardrobe or find the perfect keepsake, the campus store has something for everyone. Don't miss the chance to take home a piece of Hanover!
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
CLASS OF 1975 FRIDAY NIGHT GATHERING
Kick off Homecoming Weekend with your classmates at a casual, pay-as-you-go gathering at the Shoebox on Friday evening! This informal get-together is perfect for reconnecting, sharing laughs, and starting the celebration early. The Shoebox, located near Alumni Stadium, offers great food, beer, and wine, and a lively atmosphere—ideal for reminiscing and relaxing with fellow members of the Class of 1975. RSVP requested.
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
VIP DINNER
Join us for our traditional VIP Dinner, an exclusive evening dedicated to celebrating the generosity and commitment of Hanover College's most loyal supporters. This unique gathering brings together distinguished alumni, donors, and friends of the College for an elegant dinner in appreciation of your invaluable contributions. Enjoy connecting with fellow benefactors, college leadership, and students whose lives have been shaped by your generosity. The evening will feature special remarks, inspiring stories of impact, and a look ahead at the exciting future of Hanover College.
*By Invitation Only.
8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
ALUMNI-STUDENT BINGO NIGHT
The Withrow Activities Center will host the widely popular Bingo Night! Get ready to groove, gamble, and win exciting prizes.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2025
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
SELF-GUIDED CAMPUS TOUR
https://www.hanover.edu/docs/campusmap.pdf
https://www.hanover.edu/admission/visits/virtualtour/
Embark on a personalized journey of exploration and discovery with our new self-guided campus tours at Hanover College. Designed for alumni, students, families, and visitors, this innovative approach allows you to experience our beautiful campus on your terms at your own pace. Why self-guided? Because we believe that every visitor deserves the freedom to explore our campus in a way that suits their individual preferences and interests. Our self-guided tour option lets you linger in your favorite spots and truly immerse yourself in the Hanover experience. If you can't return to campus, take the Virtual Tour today. All campus buildings will be open unless otherwise noted.
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Science Center Turns 25 in 2025!
Happy Birthday to one of Hanover College's most dynamic spaces for discovery! Join us during Homecoming on Saturday, October 18, to celebrate 25 years of science, exploration, and curiosity. While no special programming is planned, the Science Center will be open for self-guided tours. All are welcome to stop by and explore everything this incredible facility has to offer, including:
- Sandy is a life-size cast of the world's most complete American mastodon, standing 10 feet tall and stretching 20 feet long.
- Tinker: A juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex cast that brings prehistoric times to life.
- Virtual Tour: Visit now.
9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
THE 1827 SOCIETY'S ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE
The 1827 Society invites you to a heartfelt gathering at the Memorial Wall, opposite the President's Home, to honor and remember those we have lost throughout the year. Led by Rev. Catherine Knott, Ball Family Chaplain, this special service offers a time of reflection and remembrance as we celebrate our dearly departed lives, memories, and legacies. In a solemn and supportive atmosphere, we come together as a community to share in the comfort of unity and gratitude for these individuals' impact on our lives. We hope you will join us for this meaningful tribute.
9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
HANOVER COLLEGE CAMPUS STORE
Don't forget to check out the remodeled Hanover College Campus Store at the Campus Center during Homecoming! The store offers a variety of Hanover apparel, gifts, and memorabilia. Whether you want to update your Panther wardrobe or find the perfect keepsake, the campus store has something for everyone. Make sure to stop by and take home a piece of Hanover!
9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
CONNECTIONS & COFFEE: A Homecoming Morning Mixer
Start your day the Hanover way - coffee, conversation, and connection! Join us in the North Dining Room for Connections & Coffee, sponsored by the Young Alumni Council. Reconnect with classmates, meet current students, and prepare for a day full of Panther pride! All alumni are welcome—stop by, sip, and socialize! ☕🐾
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
60th ANNIVERSARY OF SHAKESPEARE IN ENGLAND
Join us at the Duggan Library during Homecoming Weekend for a special celebration and brunch marking the 60th Anniversary of the Shakespeare in England program. This milestone event will honor the program's rich history and its lasting impact on generations of Hanover students. The celebration will feature a panel discussion with program leaders and alumni, including Dr. Jonathan Smith, Emeritus Professor of English; Gabriel Vanover, Associate Professor of Theatre and Theatre Department Chair; Dr. Dee Goertz, Professor of English; and others who have helped shape and sustain this transformative study abroad experience.
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
HANOVER COLLEGE CAMPUS STORE POP-UP
Stop by the Hanover College Campus Store pop-up in the Tailgate Lot, near Alumni Stadium, to grab your favorite Panther gear and memorabilia! Whether looking for apparel, accessories, or unique gifts, this is your chance to stock up and show off your Hanover pride during Homecoming.
11:00 a.m. to Noon
MOVIE PREMIERE: "The Jealous Old Man," inspired by Miguel de Cervantes
Join us in CLA 102 for the worldwide premiere of Hanover College's film, "The Jealous Old Man," inspired by Miguel de Cervantes' uproarious interlude. Experience the creative process of our Spanish and Communication students! The event starts at 11:00 a.m. with a glamorous red-carpet welcome featuring the film stars. The screening begins promptly at 11:15 a.m. and runs for 30 minutes. Following the film, from 11:45 to 12:00, meet the talented cast and crew over a glass of Spanish wine and collect their autographs! Arrive early, as seating is limited!
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
ADMISSION AMBASSADOR ALUMNI GATHERING
Reconnect with fellow alumni who served as Admissions Ambassadors during your time at Hanover! Reminisce about campus tours, student panels, and helping future Panthers find their way, while celebrating your role in shaping the Hanover experience. See you at the Admissions Building!
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
WELCOME TO PANTHER VILLAGE! HANOVERFEST REIMAGED!
Get ready for a thrilling Homecoming 2025 as we introduce Panther Village, the exciting new location for Hanoverfest behind the home side of Alumni Stadium! This is a new walkable space. Sorry, no vehicles are allowed on the grass because this is a practice field!
What to Expect at Panther Village:
🏟️ A Homecoming Hotspot for All Panthers!
🏰 Kidz Zone – Bounce houses and fun activities for all ages
🎓 Reunion Row – Special spaces for milestone class reunions. Does your Class need a space?
🏆The End Zone – A dedicated tailgate spot for coaches, alumni, and students
Celebrate Milestone Reunions:
🎓 10-Year Reunion: Class of 2015
🎓 25-Year Reunion: Class of 2000
🎓 50-Year Reunion: Class of 1975
Reconnect with classmates, reminisce about your Hanover days, and create new memories in this vibrant, festive space filled with Panther pride. Stay tuned for more details about this unforgettable celebration. We can't wait to welcome you home! 🐾
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
LGBTQIA+ OPEN HOUSE
Join us in Lynn Hall for the Annual LGBTQIA+ Open House! This event is an inclusive and welcoming space for all students, faculty, staff, and allies to unite and celebrate our diverse community. Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+ or are an ally, this open house offers a beautiful opportunity to connect, learn, and engage with others.
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
ALUMNI AWARDS LUNCHEON
Hanover College's Alumni Awards Luncheon will be held on the patio of the Campus Center and hosted by the Alumni Leadership Council. The luncheon begins at Noon with a buffet meal, followed by the award presentations at 12:45 p.m.
This event recognizes alumni's contributions to their community, state, and nation through their professional, public, and civic acts in cities. The highest honor is the Alumni Achievement Award, given to alumni who have enhanced the College's reputation. Additionally, the College presents the Distinguished Young Alumni Award, the highest honor for alumni over 40. For more information about this year's honorees, please visit https://our.hanover.edu/Alumni_Awards.
- 2025 Distinguished Young Alumni Award Honorees
- Lee Annis '78
- Karl Plank '74
- 2025 Alumni Achievement Award Honoree
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
PANTHER FOOTBALL
Grab your foam fingers, don your team colors, and get ready to witness gridiron greatness in action. Don't miss the excitement at Alumni Stadium.
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
CHAMPION'S CLUB GATHERING
All members of The Panther Club at Champion Level ($5000+) are invited to the Homecoming football game to enjoy the festivities from the President's Box. Come cheer on your Panthers! The Panther Club's sole purpose is to provide additional financial assistance to our athletic department for our students, coaches, and teams. With your support, we will promote the championship spirit of Hanover athletics. *Members Only
5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
CLASS OF 1975: 50-YEAR REUNION DINNER
Come together with fellow members of the Class of '75 for an evening of laughter, nostalgia, and the joy of shared experiences. Let's make this reunion dinner on the patio of the Campus Center a night to remember—one that celebrates the enduring spirit of Hanover College and the timeless friendships that have stood the test of time.
Evening Agenda
- 5:30 PM – Cocktail Reception & Welcome
Enjoy drinks and reconnect with classmates as we kick off the evening.
- 6:15 PM – Class Photo
Gather for a commemorative photo to mark this special milestone.
- 6:30 PM - Remembrance Ceremony
A special moment of remembrance honoring classmates who have passed.
- 6:40 p.m. - Campus Update & Dinner Prayer
Remarks by President Lake Lambert, followed by a blessing before the meal.
- 6:40 PM – Dinner Service
Enjoy a delicious meal under the stars as stories and memories flow.
- Following Dinner – Fun Finds with Lee Annis ’78
Join this year’s Alumni Achievement Award recipient as he shares fascinating facts and hidden gems uncovered while researching Hanover’s upcoming bicentennial history book.