Lane Homecoming brings week full of events with it

“Unleash the Dragons” is the theme of Lane College’s homecoming next week, and there are a number of events scheduled for the starting with “Unleash the Praise” service scheduled for Sunday at 6 p.m. in the CMAC Auditorium on campus.

That plus the Homecoming Opening Prayer service on Monday at 11 a.m. at Bray Hall is a good way to get the week started, according to Lane Director of Alumni Affairs Bray Laster.

“We want a fun week and a safe week that’s full of laughter and reunions and joy, so we’re covering the week and our campus and the students and everyone else coming to town in prayer for a good week,” Laster said.

And after that, Laster said the week will be a reunion for everyone who’s a part of the Lane family.

“You have your holiday gatherings like Christmas and Thanksgiving, but those aren’t the same as the family reunions,” Laster said. “Everyone is at the family reunion, and it’s where you see everyone that you haven’t seen since the last reunion.

“Different parts of our family get together all the time throughout the year whether its fraternity brothers or sorority sisters or just friendships that started while they were students here, but everybody is back on campus next week, and that’s a really special time for us.”

The festivities will go back to CMAC on Monday evening for the homecoming coronation at 7 p.m.

On Wednesday, Lane will have its traditional Red Carpet Homecoming Chapel at 11 a.m. with a yet-to-be-announced speaker.

“Freeman McKindra is putting that service together for us, and that’s always a memorable service that is meaningful for everyone who attends,” Laster said.

Friday is the main day of events with the homecoming mixer and pep rally, block parties, and other gatherings.

But the day gets started early with the annual Dr. J.L. Perry Golf Tournament followed by the Hall of Distinction induction ceremony at 11:30 a.m. at the Kirkendoll Student Success Center. One of this year’s inductees will be Jackson Mayor Scott Conger, the first Lane graduate to serve as Jackson’s leader.

The Young Alumni 20 Under 40 Awards will also happen at the Kirkendoll Center at 7 p.m. on Friday.

On Saturday are the big events starting with the Homecoming Parade at 8:30 a.m., followed by the tailgate extravaganza at noon and the football kickoff against Virginia Lynchburg College at 2 p.m.

“This is a special week each year for Lane, and we’re looking forward to it,” Laster said. “The Jackson community is invited to be a part of it and celebrate with us.”

Brandon Shields, brandon@jacksonpost.news