Connect to campus this Welcome Weekend


The start of a new academic year requires both preparation and celebration, so this year’s Welcome Weekend at Lenoir-Rhyne promises plenty of both with an itinerary designed to help new students connect with campus life. Returning students are also invited to join in the fun of the Welcome Back Kickback, multiple sporting events and the President’s Cookout to greet the newest Bears.

Twi students hug in greeting by the serving table at the President's Cookout

“Welcome Weekend 2024 is going to be an incredible series of events for new incoming LR students.” shared Casey Stafford, director of student involvement and leadership. “During the events planned, students will be able to meet other students, have the opportunity to get involved on campus, and gain a better understanding of what it means to be an LR Bear. We cannot wait to welcome our new class!”

Welcome Weekend Schedule

Friday, August 23rd 

  • 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | First-Year Residential Move-in and Welcome Weekend Check-in* at Cromer Center Lobby: Students will first check in at Cromer Center and then go to their assigned living spaces to move in to their residential spaces

  • A student gives the thumbs-up from the top of a colorful inflatable slide

    3-6 p.m. | Welcome Back Kickback at Shaw Plaza: Food trucks, giant yard games, caricature artist, and music

  • 8 p.m. | Mandatory Hall Meetings* for residential students 

  • 9 p.m. | Ice Cream Social at residence halls) 

Saturday, August 24th 

  • 9:30-10:30 a.m. | First-Year Class Photo* at Moretz Football Field 

  • 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Bear Zone at Stadium Lot: Tailgate experience with food, inflatables, giant yard games, and more! 

  • 12 p.m. | Football Scrimmage at Moretz Stadium

  • 2-4 p.m. | Student Support/Resources* at P.E. Monroe Auditorium: Come learn from your academic supports on campus, complete class tours, meet with an advisor, and attend the library open house

    Four students raise their lemonade in front of a food truck
  • 4-6 p.m. | Greenway Buses to Target and Walmart: Pickup in Stadium Lot 

  • 5-7 p.m. | Women’s Soccer Game at LR soccer field 

  • 7-8 p.m. | Fraternity and Sorority Life Showcase in Belk Centrum

  • 8-10 p.m. | Casino Night in Cromer Center Lobby

Sunday, August 25th 

  • 10 - 10:45 a.m. | Sunday Worship and Pastries with the Pastor at Grace Chapel

  • Students gather around the Grace Chapel fire pit during Welcome Weekend

    3-5 p.m. | Hands on Hickory* at Grace Chapel: A service opportunity to write cards for homebound individuals and pack meal boxes for our unhoused community

  • 5:30 p.m. | Opening Celebration: Beginning the Journey* at P.E. Monroe Auditorium

  • 6 p.m. President’s Cookout* at Shaw Plaza

  • 8 p.m. | Burn your Burdens: Bonfire with S’mores at Grace Chapel fire pit

     

*Mandatory attendance for first-year students. For more information on the individual events, please visit calendar.lr.edu.

A student gives the thumbs-up from the top of a colorful inflatable slide

The 2024-25 academic year will kick off on Friday, August 23 with Welcome Weekend, a full itinerary of festivities, informational sessions and community engagement that will make new and returning Bears feel at home.

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Banners on light posts along the quad by Mauney-Schaeffer during installation in late spring

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