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!

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 giving@hlg.edu听or (573) 629-3126.

A directory will be compiled to provide current information about your HLGU friends and professors. Whether an alum can attend the reunion or not, please submit your online form by October 1. The form is located at by clicking this link. Everyone who submits information with an email address will be sent an online directory following the reunion.

On Friday, October 7, at 7 p.m., a free Team Trivia competition will be held in the Roland Fine Arts Center Lobby. Create a team of eight or fewer players and take on other teams for glory and prizes. Snacks and trivia mulligans will be available for purchase as a fundraiser for S-MSTA. Contact Alumni Director Lauren Youse at lauren.youse@hlg.edu or 573-629-3126 by September 30 to register a team.

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 8, a light Reunion Brunch will be held in the Roland Fine Arts Center Lobby. There will be a time for introductions and socializing as we proudly celebrate the past and look forward to the future. Attendees may take a guided tour of HLGU鈥檚 new Education Simulation Classroom and other buildings on campus that were added in recent years.听 Make reservations and pay online at or mail a check ($15/person through September 16; $20/person September 17-October 8) to HLGU Education Department, 2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, MO听 63401.

Cheer on the HLGU women鈥檚 volleyball team on Saturday at 11 a.m. as they take on Central Baptist College in the Mabee Sports Complex. Admission is free for alumni and their families.

An Education-themed Escape Room will be available on Friday and Saturday in Room 221 of the Roland Fine Arts Center. This fundraiser for the HLGU Computer Sciences Department is $10/person. Team sign up is coming soon.

Local events downtown throughout the weekend include Central Park Farmers Market on Saturday morning (7:30 a.m. 鈥� 12:30 p.m.) featuring fresh produce, flowers, plants, locally-made products, baked goods, and coffee (from HLGU alumni Tim and Courtney Fenton). Also, on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., you can wander through Hannibal鈥檚 downtown galleries and enjoy special guest artists and food at Second Saturday Gallery Night.

A block of hotel rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn Express located at 120 Shinn Lane in Hannibal. Call the hotel at 573-248-3000 prior to September 26 to reserve a room for the special price of $113/night with a free breakfast.

Contact Jane Schafer at jjschafer@att.net or 573-248-5055 for more information.

June 23, 11:30 a.m.

Fiddlestik鈥檚, 8945 US-36, Hannibal, MO

$25 per person

Learn about what鈥檚 new at HLGU and reconnect with old friends.

Space is limited. Please register by June 15.

Visit or contact Carla Steinbeck at Carla.steinbeck@hlg.edu or 573-629-3124.

Tuesday, April 19, 11:30 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.

Favazza鈥檚, 5201 Southwest Avenue, St. Louis, MO

$25 per person

Enjoy a delicious lunch and learn about what鈥檚 new at HLGU and reconnect with old friends.

Space is limited. Please register by April 5. Visit , or contact Carla.steinbeck@hlg.edu, 573-629-3124.