Lindenwood University hosted homecoming the week of October 4-9, 2021. Two years in the making, the celebratory weekend was reimagined in 2020 due to the pandemic, which gave the planning committee an opportunity to dream big.
The weekend was filled with many events that Lindenwood students, alumni, and friends have come to enjoy. Thursday, student organizations battled in a lip sync contest and showed off their dance moves and singing prowess.
Friday evening, the University hosted more than 150 guests for Lindenwood University’s Fall Gala, at the Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles. A black-tie event, the evening was filled with student vocal performances, fellowship, and a focus on local businesses. Joined by Mayor Dan Borgmeyer, KSDK Community Impact Manager Chris Randall ’12, and keynote speaker Tom Krieglstein, Dr. Porter welcomed guests and talked about the budding partnership between the city and the University.
“We’re enhancing our brand, expanding our programmatic offerings, diversifying our campus community with intentionality, and partnering with our neighbors in the community here in St. Charles,” Porter said. “We have made decisions with conviction, and a guarantee that the Lindenwood experience would not falter under the pressures of the global pandemic.”
Saturday morning marked a historic moment for Lindenwood. As part of the St. Charles community, the University took its homecoming parade downtown, and made its way from the Lewis & Clark Boat House, up Main Street, and then to campus.
Arriving on campus, parade goers were greeted by the Lion Pride Tailgate packed with live music, vendors from a dozen local businesses including SugarFire BBQ and 4 Hands Brewery, and lots of school spirit. Several Lindenwood athletics teams hosted a sports camp for kids 6-13 years old, the Lindenwood Lions football team capped off the weekend with a win over Quincy.
The University is eager to continue partnering with the greater St. Charles community. The next home football game is Saturday, October 23 at 1 p.m., which has been designated as Community Day. St. Charles residents are eligible for free tickets to the football game and tailgate, and invited to join the campus for Dark Carnival, a Halloween season celebration, following the game.
Photo credit: Don Adams
