Homecoming

Visit the First Ladies Garden, outdoor classroom, secret garden and serendipity garden, located behind Pattie Cobb Hall near Shores and Pryor Halls.

Harding History Tour — Take a walk down memory lane with the self-guided Harding History Tour! Scan the QR codes at iconic campus locations to learn more about the story of our University.

7:45 a.m. - 10 p.m. — Scholastic Book Fair, Betty Ann Watson Education Resource Center, Thornton Education Building, Room 334. All proceeds benefit the Watson Center's children's library, in honor of Dr. Betty Ann Watson, longtime professor in the College of Education.

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Legacy in Kodachrome Exhibition by John Keller and The Lee Watts Collection Exhibition, Stevens Art Gallery. We celebrate Dr. John Keller's 48 years teaching in the Art, Architecture & Design Department and his newest collection of paintings inspired by his mother's extensive photography documenting Nebraska's wild flora. By recreating her photograph collection as vivid watercolor and gouache paintings, this project ensures her botanical passion and story endures across centuries. C. Lee Watts Jr. (1918–2006) was a distinguished American portrait and landscape painter whose prolific career bridged commercial illustration, fine art, and portraiture. He completed a celebrated commission of 22 portraits for Harding University Faculty, alumni and current student work can be viewed throughout Stevens Art Center.

9 a.m. — Chapel, Benson Auditorium.

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. — Latin Fest, McInteer Rotunda. Hosted by International Education and Walton Scholars & Friends. More information to come. 

4 p.m. — Leading with Purpose, Shaping Tomorrow, McInteer 150. Panel moderated by Erin Brogdon, board member, with panelists Dr. Amy Emerson, board member; Dr. HyeJin Son, Distinguished Alumna for the College of Pharmacy; Lauryn Turner, Distinguished Alumna for the College of Arts and Sciences; and Jessie Wilson, 2025 Distinguished Young Alumna of the Year.

5 p.m. — “Live at Five” broadcast, Amy and Scott Sewell Digital Production Studio. Alumni are invited to sit in during the broadcast.

5 p.m. — Bison Pitch, Cone Chapel. Join the Waldron Center as Harding students take the stage to pitch their innovative business ideas in just 90 seconds! Come cheer on these aspiring entrepreneurs as they showcase their creativity, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit..

5:30 p.m. — Heritage Circle Banquet, Founders Room, second floor of Heritage Building. Golden, Emerald, Platinum, Platinum Plus, Diamond and Diamond Plus Circles inductions and reunions will honor classes of  ’76, ’71, ’66, ’61, ’56, ’51. Two free tickets for inductees; $25 for others. Tickets are available at hardingtickets.com.

6-8 p.m. — Hors d'oeuvres Reception and Cookbook Signing with HUG chef Natasa Tsirmpa, Holland-Waller 209

6 p.m. — Volleyball vs. Arkansas Tech, Rhodes-Reaves Field House

Black and Gold Visit Day — Hosted by Undergraduate Admissions, this is a one-day group visit event designed to provide a comprehensive overview of what Harding has to offer. You will have the opportunity to tour campus, meet with professors, sit in on classes, meet current students and much more. For more information, please contact admissions@harding.edu

Visit the First Ladies Garden, outdoor classroom, secret garden and serendipity garden, located behind Pattie Cobb Hall near Shores and Pryor Halls.

Harding History Tour — Take a walk down memory lane with the self-guided Harding History Tour! Scan the QR codes at iconic campus locations to learn more about the story of our University.

7:45 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Scholastic Book Fair, Betty Ann Watson Education Resource Center, Thornton Education Building, Room 334. All proceeds benefit the Watson Center's children's library, in honor of Dr. Betty Ann Watson, longtime professor in the College of Education.

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Welcome Center, David B. Burks American Heritage Building lobby in front of the alumni office.

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Legacy in Kodachrome Exhibition by John Keller and The Lee Watts Collection Exhibition, Stevens Art Gallery. We celebrate Dr. John Keller's 48 years teaching in the Art, Architecture & Design Department and his newest collection of paintings inspired by his mother's extensive photography documenting Nebraska's wild flora. By recreating her photograph collection as vivid watercolor and gouache paintings, this project ensures her botanical passion and story endures across centuries. C. Lee Watts Jr. (1918–2006) was a distinguished American portrait and landscape painter whose prolific career bridged commercial illustration, fine art, and portraiture. He completed a celebrated commission of 22 portraits for Harding University Faculty, alumni and current student work can be viewed throughout Stevens Art Center.

9 a.m. — Chapel, Benson Auditorium

9:30 a.m. — Harding Academy Chapel, Harding Academy Harris Gym. Visitors should check in at the office upon entry.

9:45 a.m. — Heritage Circle Coffee, Liberty Room, first floor of Heritage Building across from the grand piano

10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Harding History House Open, Encounter the lives and traditions that have made Harding who she is. Journey through four exhibits--Harding: A History | Ties That Bind: Social Clubs at Harding | Harding Traditions | and a new exhibit on the history of the Harding School of Theology. 205 N Lott Tucker Drive.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. — Faith in the Workplace Business Symposium, Mabee Business Building. Several alumni and guests will present on topics such as business ethics, current issues in business and advice for COBA students. Everyone is welcome.

10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. — HU Digital Forensics Lab Open House and Award Presentation, Mabee Business Building, Room 108. Come tour the HUDFL facility, meet our team, and learn more about the future of our lab. Discover how we support law enforcement across Arkansas and train the next generation of forensic professionals. There will be an award presentation at 12:00 in the Carter College of Business Lobby. Everyone is welcome.

11 a.m. Check-in and 12 p.m. Shotgun start — Bison Booster Club golf tournament, Course at River Oaks, $150 per person, $600 per team and/or $200 hole sponsorship. For questions, contact Scott Finley directly at 501-268-1312 or email sfinley@farmersagent.com.

12 p.m. — University Chorus Mini-Concert, Reynolds Recital Hall. Open to visitors, choral alumni and family of current University Chorus members.

12 p.m. — 21st annual Homecoming alumni panel and lunch, Pryor-England Science Center 113. Former Harding students who are health professionals or are in professional school will speak on the panel. We will start serving taco soup with trimmings around 11:50, and the program will end by 12:50. All pre-professional health sciences students and health sciences alumni are welcome. Contact Debbie Duke with questions at dduke@harding.edu.

2-4:00 p.m. — Ross Cochran Theological Studies Endowed Chair Event, Ross Cochran Common Room, McInteer 236

2-3 p.m. — Carr College of Nursing Meet and Greet Alumnus of the Year, Jennifer Cummings, Swaid 233/234

3-4 p.m. — Carr College of Nursing Reception, Swaid 201

3:30 p.m. — Dedication of Forvis Mazars Center of Accountancy, Mabee Business Building Lobby. Following the dedication, guests are invited to visit the Center, enjoy refreshments, and help us celebrate this new space and the people whose generosity made it possible.

4 p.m. — 75 Years of Bands at Harding Performance, Front Lawn. Celebrating 75 years of Bands at Harding with a presentation and performance by the Thundering Herd on the Front Lawn.

4 p.m. — Waldron Center 10-Year Celebration & Open House, The Waldron Center, Mabee Business Building, Room 202. Celebrate 10 years of entrepreneurship and innovation at Harding University! Alumni, faculty, staff, and students are invited to stop by the Waldron Center and tour our newly renovated space, enjoy refreshments, reconnect with friends, and help us celebrate a decade of inspiring entrepreneurs!

5 p.m. — “Live at Five” broadcast, Reynolds Center TV studio. Alumni are invited to sit in during the broadcast.

5 p.m. — 101st Anniversary Black and Gold Banquet, Charles White Dining Hall. $25 in the alumni office or online at hardingtickets.com. A wonderful evening to be reminded of favorite Harding memories, celebrated with some favorite Harding heroes and Harding’s outstanding and distinguished alumni. Tickets are $25 and are available at hardingtickets.com.

5:30-8 p.m. — Department of Music Reunion, Reynolds Center lobby, Open to anyone involved in the Department of Music: music majors, minors, ensemble participants, etc.

5:30 p.m. — Harding Academy Class Reunions '76, '01, '16, Wildcat Park.

6:30 p.m. — Harding Academy Homecoming Court followed by football game vs. Brookland, First Security Stadium. 

7:00 p.m. — Homecoming musical “Anastasia”, Benson Auditorium, $22 in the alumni office or online at hardingtickets.com or $27 at the door. Immediately following the musical, join the cast for a meet-and-greet in the Hammon Student Center.

7-9 p.m. — African American Alumni Association Meet and Greet, Holland-Waller Student Commons, Second Floor.

8 p.m. — Bison 3K G.L.O.W. Run, Bison Park in front of the Ganus Activities Complex, Free for students, $20 for early registration or $25 on the night of the race. HEAL at Harding, with the Department of Kinesiology, challenges you to G.L.O.W. — Go Light Our World at the Bison 3K G.L.O.W. Run or Walk. Enjoy a fun jog or stroll around our beautiful campus and experience the GLOW zones that our student organizations, teams and clubs have for us!

Visit the First Ladies Garden, outdoor classroom, secret garden and serendipity garden, located behind Pattie Cobb Hall near Shores and Pryor Halls.

Harding History Tour — Take a walk down memory lane with the self-guided Harding History Tour! Scan the QR codes at iconic campus locations to learn more about the story of our University.

8:30–9:30 a.m. — President's Council Fall Breakfast Reception, Cone Chapel. The reception is come-and-go, with the program beginning at 9 a.m.

8:00–9:30 a.m. — Sub T-16 Alumni Breakfast Reunion, Founders Room, second floor in the Heritage Building.

10:00–12:00 a.m. — TNT Alumni Reunion, Regions Room, second floor in the Heritage Building.

8 a.m. — Micah Rine Wildcat Legacy Race, Harding Academy. The Micah Rine Wildcat Legacy Race is a 5K race and/or a 1-mile fun run/walk. The race begins in front of Harding Academy. Runners can sign up at the link above. Everyone is welcome to come celebrate Micah's legacy and cheer on the runners. 

9-11 a.m. — Occupational Therapy Open House, Living Learning Residence, 609 E. Center St.

9 a.m.-12 p.m. — Harding History House Open, encounter the lives and traditions that have made Harding who she is. Journey through four exhibits--Harding: A History | Ties That Bind: Social Clubs at Harding | Harding Traditions | and a new exhibit on the history of the Harding School of Theology. 205 N Lott Tucker Drive.

9 a.m.-12 p.m. — Alumni Brunch, American Studies, Room 107.

9:30-11 a.m. — Zeta Rho Reunion, Stu Pit, Student Center by Tackers

10-10:30 a.m. — Alumni Chapel, Anthony and Wright Administration Building Auditorium. Remember the songs and share the memories of chapel with other alumni. 

10-11:30 a.m. — Home Economics & Family and Consumer Sciences 100-Year Alumni Reunion, Olen Hendrix, Room 200. Join us as we celebrate 100 years of Home Economics and Family and Consumer Sciences at Harding University! Reconnect with fellow alumni, share memories, honor our rich history, and celebrate an exciting new chapter as we introduce the department's new name, Applied Human Sciences.

10-11:30 a.m. — MEPN 5-Year Alumni Brunch Reunion, Swaid, Room 201. Join us as we celebrate 5 years of MEPN at Harding University!

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Scholastic Book Fair, Betty Ann Watson Education Resource Center, Thornton Education Building, Room 334. All proceeds benefit the Watson Center's children's library, in honor of Dr. Betty Ann Watson, longtime professor in the College of Education.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Art & Design Open House, Stevens Art Gallery. Join us for a reception celebrating Dr. John Keller's 48 years teaching in the Art, Architecture & Design Department and his newest collection of paintings inspired by his mother's extensive photography documenting Nebraska's wild flora. By recreating her photograph collection as vivid watercolor and gouache paintings, this project ensures her botanical passion and story endures across centuries. Stevens Gallery presents two exhibitions: Legacy in Kodachrome by John Keller and The Lee Watts Collection. Faculty, alumni and current student work can be viewed throughout Stevens Art Center.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Art & Design Market outside the main (southwest) entrance to the Stevens Art Center, just off the front lawn. Student artists and designers will be selling original work. In the case of inclement weather, please visit the Harding Art and Design Instagram and Facebook pages for location updates.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. — What We Have Loved: Outdoor Art Exhibition, front lawn. Join Harding alumna Kendra Neill for a special outdoor art exhibition featuring original artwork, prints for purchase and a children's art activity. Enjoy additional vendors offering flowers, food and more! A portion of proceeds from all the vendors will benefit the Child Safety Center.

10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. — Harding Authors Fair, Hammon Student Center in front of the bookstore

10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. — Alumni Reception - Honoring 60 years of French Missions, Holland-Waller 209, Foreign Language reception honoring Winfred Wright, first French professor (1966) and first chair of the Foreign Language department with great mission focus in the French-speaking world through study/campaign tours, followed by Robert McCready with his frequent study and mission programs. All these efforts total 60 years of blessing to the French-speaking world.

11:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m. — Harding family picnic, food trucks and giant tailgate celebration, Bison Park. Your lunch plans are made! There will be a food truck court located on the west side of the Ganus Activities Complex. Meal seating will be available for you to enjoy your meal while catching up with other Harding family. Space for reunion classes from 2021, 2016, 2011, 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971, 1966, 1961, 1956, 1951 will be available as well. Enjoy inflatable games inside the GAC, as well as a petting zoo at Bison Park on the lawn of the GAC.

11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. — President’s Council Homecoming tailgate, Bison Park

11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. — African American Alumni Association tailgate, Bison Park

12:40 p.m. — Bison Football Brotherhood Walk. Line up in front of the Ganus Activities Complex and cheer on the Harding Bison football team.

1 p.m. — First Security Ticket Booth for football tickets, First Security Stadium

2:30 p.m. — Thundering Herd Marching Band Tailgate Performance, Bison Park

3 p.m. — Bison football vs. Southern Nazarene University, First Security Stadium, reserved seats $20 and general admission $12 for adults and $7 for non-Harding students at hardingtickets.com

4-7 p.m. — Triple M Home Bible Study Reunion, Home of Jay and Ruth Simpson, 171 Triple M Rd. A gathering for anyone who attended our Home Bible Study from approximately 2011-2020. We will sing and eat, just like old times! Contact Jay or Ruth Simpson for more information: 501-230-6623.

6 p.m. — Sankofa Gala hosted by the African American Alumni Association, Cone Chapel. The Gala is a fundraising event to support the African American scholarship fund. At the Gala, there will be singing, live band entertainment, eating, and lots of fun. So grab your formal attire and come join us for a great evening! Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at hardingtickets.com

7:00 p.m. — Homecoming musical “Anastasia,” Benson Auditorium, $22 in the alumni office or online at hardingtickets.com or $27 at the door. Immediately following the musical, join the cast for a meet-and-greet in the Hammon Student Center.