“Find Your Way Back” to FHU for Homecoming 2025, Nov. 7-9

Get ready to “Find Your Way Back” to FHU! From Nov. 7-9, Freed-Hardeman University rolls out the red carpet for students, alumni, family and friends, promising a Homecoming 2025 packed with class reunions, spirit events, musical performances, basketball games and unforgettable memories.

Crowds show off their FHU spirit.

“Homecoming is such a special time of the year because of how it bridges generations,” said Chris Ramey, director of alumni engagement. “Our students will celebrate on campus all week while alumni and friends return for the weekend to relive cherished memories and make new ones. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”

Campus activities kick off Sunday, Nov. 2, for a Maroon Madness celebration of Lion and Lady Lion Basketball in Brewer Sports Center. Throughout the week, themed spirit activities will allow students to represent their social clubs in healthy competition as they showcase their artistic, creative and athletic skills with Paint It Up, Puff It Up, Cheer It Up, Hoop It Up, Can It Up and Float It Up.

Many alumni will return to participate in ALUMination Day activities later in the week when they step into classrooms as guest speakers. Friday’s chapel program will feature FHU supporter Patsy Loden, wife of the late Woody Loden, alumnus and longtime board member.

FHU Theatre takes the spotlight with “Anastasia the Musical,” presented Thursday through Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. in Dryden Auditorium. Friday even offers guests “Dinner and a Show,” hosted by the FHU Associates. Themed “A Night in Paris” and served in the Jones Family Dining Hall, this meal offers an enhanced “Anastasia” experience while also supporting student scholarships. Tickets for the performance or the dinner may be purchased at fhu.edu/tickets.

Other Friday evening entertainment options for students and their visiting parents include an FHU Block Party in the Commons from 5-6:30 p.m., followed by a Homecoming concert featuring Four Docs and a Jock in Chapel Hall at 7 p.m. Parents are also cordially invited to attend a Parent Breakfast Reception with President and Mrs. David R. Shannon, Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m., in a private dining room of Jones Family Dining Hall. Parents may RSVP at tinyurl.com/FHUParentBreakfast.

Other Saturday morning activities include the Fifth Annual FHU 5K, hosted by Dr. Matt Barker’s small group communication class, benefitting the Exchange Club–Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. The race starts at 8 a.m. from the Five Wells Field parking lot. Runners may register at tinyurl.com/FHU5K.

Reunions are at the heart of Homecoming. Theatre alumni will gather on the Dryden Auditorium stage following Friday’s performance of “Anastasia” at 10 p.m. Class reunions for ’85, ’95, ’05, ’15 and ’25 will also be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with a brunch to be held in ARC 150. Alumni may visit tinyurl.com/FHUReunionBrunch to register for the reunion brunch.

The annual Legacy Pinning Ceremony will recognize the children and grandchildren of Freed-Hardeman alumni Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in Chapel Hall. FHU Board Member Lee Johnson (Class of ’97) is the guest speaker for the ceremony. At 11 a.m., the FHU Chorale will deliver a Homecoming concert on the second floor of the Draughon Center for the Musical Arts.

Future FHU students, ages 0-18, are invited to participate in a “Lion Cub Walk” to open the popular Lion Walk parade Saturday, Nov. 8, at 12 p.m. President and Mrs. David Shannon will serve as grand marshals for this year’s parade. Social clubs will then unveil their themed floats in the Float It Up competition.

Students and visitors enjoy tailgating after Saturday's Lion Walk parade.

The Lady Lion volleyball team will open Saturday’s athletic action at 11 a.m. against the University of the Cumberlands in Brewer Sports Center. That afternoon, the Lady Lion basketball team faces Bryan College at 2 p.m., followed by the Lions taking on Faulkner University at 4 p.m. One ticket provides admission to all three games and may be purchased at tinyurl.com/FHU-HCTripleheader. During halftime of the women’s game, Smith-Kirk Court will host a ceremony to recognize the student Homecoming Court and crown this year’s King and Queen.

That evening, the 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony will honor Tyler Alverson (cross country, Class of 2019), Jonathan Edwards (men’s soccer, Class of 2009) and Jason Shelton (men’s basketball coach, 2005-16) The event begins at 6 p.m. in Brewer Sports Center’s Auxiliary Gym. Tickets are available at tinyurl.com/FHUHallOfFame25.

High school juniors and seniors are also invited to experience FHU during Maroon & Gold Day Saturday, Nov. 8. Participants will enjoy brunch, Homecoming festivities, tailgating with social clubs, basketball games and optional campus tours. Registration is available at go.fhu.edu/register/mgd_nov2025.

To purchase tickets for individual events and to view the full Homecoming schedule, please visit fhu.edu/homecoming.