FHU’s Annual Homecoming to Celebrate “The Spirit of ’26�
October 8, 2026
HENDERSON, Tenn. — (Oct. 8, 2026) — For more than 70 years, ¿ìèÊÓÆµâ€™s Homecoming has brought alumni, parents, supporters and friends back to campus to reconnect with FHU and celebrate the community they share. This year’s Homecoming, Nov. 1-8, will carry that tradition forward with the theme “The Spirit of ’26,â€� inspired by America’s 1976 Bicentennial celebration and the nation’s 250th anniversary this year.
“Homecoming is one of those special times when so many different parts of the university come together to create something bigger than any one event,� said Chris Ramey, director of alumni engagement. “This year’s theme, ‘The Spirit of ’26,’ pays homage to America’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976 while helping us round out a year-long celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of our nation.�
Homecoming activities begin Sunday, Nov. 1, with Maroon Madness, a celebration of FHU Lion and Lady Lion basketball and volleyball at 9 p.m. in Brewer Sports Center. Throughout the week, FHU social clubs will compete in a variety of events, including basketball, flag football, cheerleading, tailgating, a parade and a Canstruction competition benefiting local nonprofit organizations. The club earning the most points throughout the week will receive the Homecoming Spirit Trophy during Saturday’s festivities.
Tuesday evening will bring a new addition to Homecoming with the “Set, Spike, Sip� Hot Chocolate Bar volleyball tailgate at 6:30 p.m. in the Brewer Sports Center parking lot. The tailgate will lead into FHU volleyball at 7 p.m. in Smith-Kirk Court, giving students, alumni and fans an opportunity to gather before the match.
On Wednesday evening, a flag football exhibition game will see the winning team from the week’s Puff It Up club competition take on FHU’s inaugural Lady Lion Flag Football team. The showdown will take place at 7 p.m. on the Lucas Russo Intramural Field.
FHU Theatre will also be part of the Homecoming celebration with performances of Jane Austen’s “Emma� Nov. 5-7 at 7 p.m. in Dryden Auditorium. The production puts a modern twist on Austen’s classic matchmaking romance.
Friday, Nov. 6, will offer several opportunities for the FHU community to gather on campus. Alumnus Dr. Chad Calendine (class of ’94) will speak to students and visitors during chapel at 10:30 a.m. in Dryden Auditorium. That afternoon, the FHU Block Party will feature the Legacy Jazz Ensemble from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Brewer Sports Center parking lot, followed by the Homecoming Concert featuring FoxFire, with FHC alumni Jim “Rooster� Pitts (class of ’78), Kerry Stiles (class of ’74) and Rhonda Laux Wood (class of ’80), at 6:30 p.m. in Chapel Hall.
Following Friday evening’s concert, alumni from the classes of 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2016 will gather for a dessert and coffee reception in the lobby of Old Main. Along with the class of 2026, these alumni are also invited to a reunion brunch Saturday morning in the Hope Barber Shull Academic Resource Center.
Saturday, Nov. 7, will bring a full day of Homecoming activities, beginning with the 6th Annual FHU 5K for the Children at 8 a.m. The race will benefit the Exchange Club-Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. Other morning events include a Parent Breakfast Reception with President and First Lady Keith and Lindsey Harris, a Breakfast of Champions celebrating the 2026 NAIA Men’s National Championship team, and the Legacy Student Pinning Ceremony, which recognizes current FHU students whose parents or grandparents attended FHU.
Saturday’s athletic events will include a Lady Lion basketball game at 1 p.m. and a Lion basketball game at 3 p.m., with the Homecoming Court crowned during halftime of the Lady Lion game.
The evening will continue with the Spirit of ’26 Tailgate at 5:30 p.m. on the Brewer Sports Center lawn, featuring a patriotic theme and a seven-minute fireworks display. The 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner and Ceremony will follow at 6 p.m. in the Brewer Sports Center Auxiliary Gym, honoring inductees Haylee Croom (Janiec), Whitney Newby (Tompkins), Josh Sears and Mike McCutchen. At 7 p.m., members of the FHU Chorale will lead guests in a time of devotional singing in Chapel Hall.
The Homecoming Worship Service at 9 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, in Dryden Auditorium will bring the week to a close, with Harris serving as speaker. Homecoming Brunch will follow from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in Jones Family Dining Hall.
The full Homecoming schedule, including event times, locations and links for all ticketed events, is available at .
The mission of ¿ìèÊÓÆµ is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. Located in Henderson, Tennessee, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.