Booster Night 2025 is presented by HNB Bank.

General admission tickets sell for $40 and will go on sale Monday, September 8, 2025. In addition, a limited number of Executive Tickets will be available, which include a special dinner and an exclusive Q&A session with John O鈥橪eary before the evening program.

Booster Night is the culmination of HLGU鈥檚 Homecoming weekend, and a tradition dating back to 1942. The evening will feature a silent auction, a campus update from HLGU President Dr. Matz, a performance by the HLGU Concert Choir, and more鈥攁ll leading up to O鈥橪eary鈥檚 unforgettable keynote address.

In 1987, at just nine years old, O鈥橪eary鈥檚 life changed forever. While experimenting with fire and gasoline, he caused a massive explosion in his family鈥檚 home and was burned on 100% of his body. Given less than a 1% chance to live, his remarkable survival journey was first told in his parents鈥� 2006 book, Overwhelming Odds. What began as 200 printed copies for friends and family grew to more than 60,000 copies sold and inspired O鈥橪eary to begin sharing his story with the world.

That incredible story will reach an even wider audience this fall when his bioepic film, Soul on Fire, premieres in theaters nationwide this October.

Today, O鈥橪eary speaks to more than 50,000 people each year at over 100 events, spanning industries such as healthcare, finance, education, safety, and faith. Known for his emotional storytelling, unexpected humor, and authenticity, O鈥橪eary is consistently described by audiences as 鈥渢he best speaker we鈥檝e ever had.鈥� His engagements are driven almost entirely by referrals, a testament to the life-changing impact of his message.

O鈥橪eary鈥檚 debut book, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life, became an instant #1 National Bestseller, selling over 200,000 copies and being translated into 12 languages. His second book, IN AWE: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning and Joy, also debuted as a #1 National Bestseller in May 2020. His Live Inspired Podcast has surpassed 2 million downloads and remains a top-rated program on Apple Podcasts.

While his professional achievements are remarkable, O鈥橪eary considers his greatest success to be his marriage to his wife Beth, their four children, and his relationships with friends and family.

For more information about Booster Night, ticket sales, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.hlg.edu/boosternight or contact the university at giving@hlg.edu or (573) 629-3124.

番茄社区 University Announces 2025 Homecoming Celebration

HANNIBAL, Mo. 鈥� 番茄社区 University (HLGU) is pleased to announce its 2025 Homecoming celebration, which will take place on Friday, November 7, and Saturday, November 8. The weekend promises to be a memorable time of fellowship, celebration, and Trojan pride as alumni, friends, students, and community members are invited back to campus for events that honor the university鈥檚 rich heritage and exciting future.

The festivities begin on Friday, November 7, with the 50 Year Club Lunch at 11:30 a.m. in the Roland Fine Arts Center Lobby. This special luncheon will honor the Class of 1975 along with all alumni from prior years. Guests will enjoy a time of fellowship, a class photo, and a commemorative gift for all inductees. Following lunch, shuttles will be available to provide tours of the HLGU campus. Reservations are required, and the cost of the luncheon is $30 per person. Business casual attire is requested.

Later that evening, alumni and friends are invited to the Hagerman Gallery for the Alumni & Friends Art Show opening, which will run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The opening will feature a variety of works by alumni artists, as well as special remarks from the artists, members of the HLGU faculty, and university leadership at 7:00 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the creativity and contributions of the Trojan family while enjoying the beautiful setting of the Roland Fine Arts Center.

The first day of Homecoming will conclude with Team Trivia at 8:00 p.m. in the Roland Fine Arts Center Lobby. This lively event is free to play, with snacks and advantages available for purchase (cash only). Teams are encouraged to register in advance, as space is limited, and reservations may be made through Alumni Director Lauren Youse by November 3.

Saturday, November 8, begins with the Trojan Fun Trek at 10:30 a.m. in the Partee Center parking lot. This event is a noncompetitive, family-friendly walk or light run around the scenic HLGU campus. Pets and strollers are welcome, and there is no registration or cost to participate. The Fun Trek provides a relaxed and enjoyable way for alumni and friends to reconnect while taking in the sights and sounds of autumn on campus.

At 11:30 a.m., the Partee Center Dining Hall will host Brunch with the President and First Lady. Dr. and Mrs. Matz will welcome alumni and guests for a delightful meal and meaningful conversation. This is a pay-on-your-own event, but it offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from HLGU鈥檚 leadership in a warm and informal setting.

The afternoon will be filled with Trojan athletics at the Mabee Sports Complex. The HLGU Women鈥檚 Basketball Team will take on Hesston College at 1:00 p.m., followed by the HLGU Men鈥檚 Basketball Team facing Dakota Wesleyan University at 3:00 p.m. Both games are free to attend and provide the perfect chance to cheer on the Trojans while reconnecting with classmates and friends. The Homecoming Court Crowning, a highlight of the weekend, will take place during halftime of the men鈥檚 game.

The grand finale of Homecoming weekend is Booster Night, which will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, in the Roland Fine Arts Center. A cherished tradition at HLGU since 1942, Booster Night brings together alumni, students, and friends of the university for an evening of celebration and inspiration. The program will include updates from HLGU leadership, a performance by the HLGU Concert Choir, a silent auction, and the keynote address.

This year鈥檚 featured speaker is John O鈥橪eary, an internationally acclaimed speaker, survivor of a near-fatal childhood fire, and the author of two number-one national bestsellers. O鈥橪eary鈥檚 story is also the subject of the newly released film听Soul on Fire,听which brings his remarkable journey to the big screen. His powerful testimony of perseverance, faith, and hope has inspired audiences around the world. O鈥橪eary鈥檚 keynote address will serve as a fitting culmination to the Homecoming celebration, reminding the Trojan family of the enduring values of courage, resilience, and community.

Tickets for Booster Night go on sale Monday, September 8, and start at $40. A limited number of exclusive executive tickets are also available. These special tickets include dinner and a private question-and-answer session with John O鈥橪eary. Tickets may be purchased online at听

番茄社区 University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The institution prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment.

Hannibal, MO 鈥� 番茄社区 University is calling on volunteers to help prepare the campus for the new school year. The university will host its annual Alumni and Friends Work Day on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Volunteers will gather in the lobby of the first floor of the Burt Administration Building at 7:30 a.m. to kick off the morning.

This event offers an opportunity for HLGU alumni, friends, and community members to serve the university by helping with various campus improvement projects. No advanced skills are required to participate. Jobs will include raking and cleaning flower beds, painting, minor campus fix-ups, and more. The morning will feature hard work, great fellowship, and the satisfaction of serving the university.

番茄社区 University will provide a list of projects to help prepare the campus for the upcoming fall semester. A 鈥渢hank you鈥� lunch will be served at 11:00 a.m. for all volunteers.

To volunteer, please contact Alumni Director Lauren Youse 鈥�05 M 鈥�16 at lauren.youse@hlg.edu or (573) 629-3126 by Wednesday, August 6. If volunteers cannot commit to the full morning, HLGU will gladly accommodate individual schedules. Volunteers should be 12 years of age or older, or accompanied by an adult.

鈥淲e are grateful for our community鈥檚 support as we come together to prepare the campus for another successful year,鈥� said Lauren Youse, Alumni Director. 鈥淭his is a great opportunity to reconnect with HLGU and make a lasting impact on the campus we all love.鈥�

番茄社区 University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The institution prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment.

Tee Up for a Great Cause at the HLGU Annual Alumni & Friends Golf Classic Fundraiser!

Get ready to swing into action at one of the most anticipated events of the fall! The 番茄社区 University Annual Alumni & Friends Golf Classic Fundraiser is set for Friday, September 26, 2025, and you鈥檙e invited to join the fun, fellowship, and friendly competition鈥攁ll while supporting a great cause.

Hosted at the beautiful Norwoods Golf Club in Hannibal, MO, this event brings together alumni, friends, and supporters of HLGU for a day of golfing, giving, and community spirit. Whether you鈥檙e a seasoned golfer or just in it for the laughs and BBQ, the Golf Classic is a highlight of the HLGU calendar you won鈥檛 want to miss.

This year鈥檚 event is made possible thanks to the generous support of our Presenting Sponsor: Janes Surveying, Inc. We鈥檙e so grateful for their continued commitment to HLGU and their leadership in making this event a success!

Event Details

Date: Friday, September 26, 2025

Location: Norwoods Golf Club, Hannibal, MO

Time:

11:00 a.m. 鈥� Registration & BBQ Lunch

12:00 p.m. 鈥� Shotgun Start

The format is a 4-person scramble, so gather your friends, coworkers, or church group and come ready for a day on the greens. Entry is just $300 per team, which includes green fees, cart rental, and a delicious BBQ lunch.

Golfers will also have the chance to show off their skills with Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and Longest Putt contests. Fantastic prizes will be awarded for each competition, and of course, the winning team will walk away with major bragging rights and a special award.

How to Register

Register your team online today at:

The deadline to register is Friday, September 19, so don鈥檛 delay!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Want to support HLGU and promote your business or organization at the same time? We have a variety of sponsorships available! From hole sponsors to major event partners, there鈥檚 a way for everyone to get involved and make an impact.

For more information about sponsoring the event or if you have any questions, please contact:

Lauren Youse
Email:听lauren.youse@hlg.edu
Phone: (573) 629-3126

Don鈥檛 miss this exciting opportunity to enjoy a fantastic day of golf and fellowship鈥攁ll while supporting 番茄社区 University and its mission to provide Christ-centered education. We can鈥檛 wait to see you on the course!

Hannibal, MO–听番茄社区 University will host its annual Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m. behind Pulliam Hall on the HLGU campus. The event is open to the public, and all are invited to attend.

This year鈥檚 celebration will honor the life and legacy of Larry Craig ’65, a devoted alumnus. A tree will be planted in his memory to recognize his faithful support of HLGU through generous financial gifts, student referrals, and prayer. The Craig family stands as a shining example of the lasting impact of HLGU alumni.

HLGU has a long-standing tradition of tree planting as part of its designation as a Tree Campus Higher Education institution. This national program, launched by the Arbor Day Foundation in 2008, recognizes colleges and universities that demonstrate a strong commitment to campus forest management and conservation. HLGU continues to meet the program鈥檚 core standards, including student service-learning projects that promote sustainability and environmental stewardship.

For more information about the Arbor Day Celebration, please contact the Institutional Advancement Office at听giving@hlg.edu听or (573) 629-3126.

Two alumni, Ruth Ihrig Foreman 鈥�49 and Dorothy Sisson 鈥�58, will be honored by the planting of two river birch trees on campus. These women supported 番茄社区 during their lifetime through financial gifts, by referring students to campus, and through prayer. They are great examples of the rich legacy of HLGU.

As its name suggests, the river birch naturally grows along riverbanks. But as a landscape tree, it can be planted almost anywhere in the U.S. The species is valued for its relatively rapid growth, tolerance of wetness and some drought, unique curling bark, spreading limbs, brilliant yellow fall color, and relative resistance to birch borer.

Planting trees on HLGU鈥檚 campus has been a longtime tradition as a Tree Campus Higher Education institution.

Tree Campus Higher Education is a national program created in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and to engage staff and students in conservation goals. HLGU achieved this title by meeting recognition standards including student service-learning projects.

The 2024 HLGU Phonathon will be taking place on select nights between April 1 and April 11 from the institutional advancement office on the 4th floor of the Burt Administration building. Calling will take place between 5 and 7 p.m. on April 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, and 11. Callers will be reaching out to both HLGU alumni and previous donors to the institution.

Alumni and donors will be asked to update their information and reminded of HLGU鈥檚 2024 Day of Giving on April 11 and 12. Gifts received as a part of the Day of Giving may be designated toward HLGU student scholarships, the renovation project for Crouch Hall and Pulliam Hall or the HLGU Annual Fund. The goal is 250 gifts in 24 hours.

This year鈥檚 Phonathon needs volunteers who love HLGU and would like to help make a difference in the lives of HLGU students. All volunteers will be provided with a script and phones for the event, as well as some snacks. Anyone interested in volunteering for the 2024 honathon should email Director of Alumni Services, Lauren Youse, at lauren.youse@hlg.edu.

Anyone who would like to give to HLGU can do so online at hlg.edu/giving or call the institutional advancement office at 573-629-3124.

For more information about the 2023 HLGU Phonathon, email Lauren Youse at lauren.youse@hlg.edu.

Emma graduated with her HLGU bachelor鈥檚 degree in Nursing in 2017. After graduation, she started working as a nurse at Reedsburg Area Medical Center in Reedsburg, Wisconsin. Over the past six years, she has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to her profession, community, church, and family.

During her time at Reedsburg Area Medical Center, Emma has excelled in the Wound Care department. She has earned certifications in Wound Care, Diabetic Wound Care, Sharps Debridement, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Basic Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Her dedication, skill, and compassion have positively impacted countless lives, earning her the admiration and respect of her colleagues and patients alike.

Recently, Emma has achieved yet another impressive milestone in her career by being named the Director of Wound Care and Infusion. She holds the distinction of being the youngest Director at Reedsburg Area Medical Center which employs over 600 people and serves over 23,000 people in Reedsburg and the surrounding area. This accomplishment speaks volumes about her leadership abilities, dedication, and the recognition she has earned from her peers in the healthcare industry.

鈥淚 love working in the small-town organization that I鈥檝e been at since I began my nursing career in 2017,鈥� says Emma. 鈥淚 work alongside so many amazing healthcare workers & have the opportunity to care for many members of our community.鈥�

Outside of her professional excellence, Emma is a loving wife to HLGU alum Palmer and mother to their two children Paisley and Maisie. Her hobbies include sewing, knitting, crocheting, and mostly chasing around her two young daughters. Emma and her family attend Trinity Baptist Church, the church she has attended most of her life. She says, 鈥淚t is so special to be able to attend the church I grew up in and watch my children get to grow up & learn about Jesus with my childhood friends鈥� children.鈥�

She embodies the values that 番茄社区 University instills in its students. Emma was a member of Praise Song while a student at HLG and continues to use her skills by being a part of the worship band at our church as well as volunteering in the church nursery.

Phyllis Van Meter and Wes Segawa met on the campus of 番茄社区 College in 1970. Phyllis was raised on her family鈥檚 farm in Lewistown, Missouri, and earned her Associate of Arts Degree in Secretarial Science from HLG in 1971. The couple married at Lewistown Baptist Church on May 20, 1972, and two weeks later, moved to Hilo, Hawaii, where Wes, a native of Hawaii, continued his education and earned degrees in civil engineering and business from the University of Hawaii.

For more than 50 years, the Segawa鈥檚 have lived in Hawaii. They are blessed with three children, and seven grandchildren, are members of Kaumana Drive Baptist Church, and own a successful consulting engineering practice.

In 2022, Wes returned to HLGU and earned his Associate of Science Degree, thus closing this unexpected chapter in their lives. In commemoration of their love and memories at HLGU, The Aloha Fund was established by Wes and Phyllis Segawa and their family to support the general needs of 番茄社区 University.

番茄社区 University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The University prides itself in the traditional and nontraditional educational experience it offers in a distinctively Christian environment.