Your guide to Homecoming Weekend

Get ready to celebrate, reconnect and create new memories with the Hesston community! Our Homecoming schedule is packed with events for alumni, students, families and friends — designed to bring everyone together in spirit. Check out the full lineup and plan your weekend to make the most of this special time on campus.

Friday, September 25, 2026

All day

“Section Selections” art exhibit, Laban Peachey Center, Regier-Friesen Gallery
Explore a showcase of quilts created by locals and friends of the college. This exhibit celebrates the artistry, craftsmanship and creativity of quilting. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all weekend.

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Campus Bookstore Open, Smith Center, Mary Miller Library
Visit the bookstore in its new location to stock up on Larks apparel and gifts. Registered Homecoming guests will receive a coupon to use during their visit. Be sure to check out the former bookstore space, now home to a new fitness center for students.

Group tours a lab classroom.
10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Hosting Center Open, Hesston Mennonite Church (HMC) lobby
Let us know you are here, pick up your Homecoming packet, receive discount coupons, name tags and additional details.

11 a.m.

FormationHMC sanctuary
Join us for Hesston’s spiritual formation tradition, formerly known as chapel. This special Homecoming gathering will include a showcase from the fall theatre production, “The Children’s Hour,” along with an opportunity for alumni, students, faculty and staff to connect and share in community. 

Noon

Golden Gables Luncheon, HMC community center
Alumni from classes 50 years or greater are invited to join us for the Golden Gables Luncheon featuring a nursing panel led by Director of Nursing Education Gregg Schroeder ’86 and nursing alumni from across the decades. Enjoy stories and reflections celebrating the history and impact of Hesston’s nursing program. Registration required ($15).

2 p.m.

A Conversation with President Mark LandesKropf Center, Room 120
Hear updates from President Mark Landes on the latest happenings at Hesston College, followed by an opportunity for alumni to ask questions and join the conversation.

3 p.m.

Biblical Literature in the Modern World, Kropf Center, Room 120
Join our Bible faculty members Michele (Schrock) ’81 Hershberger and Nick Ladd ’14 to hear about the impact of our Biblical Literature course on students in today’s world.

4 p.m.

Passport to Our Global Community, Kropf Center, Room 120
Travel the world without leaving campus! Hear from Hesston’s international students as they share photos, traditions and stories from their home countries. Bring your curiosity — there will be plenty of time for questions and conversation.

5:30 to 7 p.m.

DinnerBontrager Student Center Dining Hall
Enjoy dinner with faculty, staff and students in the dining hall ($9.50/adult, $4.75/children ages 3 to 11, children under 3 are free. Pay at the door).

6 p.m.

Volleyball GameYost Center
Cheer on the Larks as they face Calvary University. Free admission for alumni and friends wearing their Homecoming name tag.

8 p.m.

Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee Meet and GreetYost Center
Celebrate Lark athletics by mingling with Hall of Fame inductees and current teams following the volleyball game.

8 p.m.

Reverse Druber’s RunYost Center
Celebrate a favorite Hesston tradition after the volleyball game! We’ll have free Druber’s donuts for everyone as part of our annual Reverse Druber’s Run. Plus, Clay’s Cones, a local favorite owned by Hesston College alumni, will be on site with delicious ice cream available for purchase.

8 to 11 p.m.

Evening at the Larks NestErb Hall, Larks Nest
The Larks Nest stays open late! Take a break with food and drinks available for purchase while catching up with students, friends and fellow alumni. Enjoy live entertainment during our open mic on the patio.

9 p.m.

Alumni Baseball GameOswald Field
Alumni and current players take the field together for a friendly game celebrating the legacy of Lark baseball.

Saturday, September 26, 2026

7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Morning Coffee and ConversationErb Hall, Larks Nest
Start your day with complimentary coffee, fresh muffins and good conversation, courtesy of the advancement office. The Larks Nest Cafe will also be open for breakfast, beverages and other menu items available for purchase. 

8 a.m.

Disc Golf Tournament, Doug Unruh Memorial Disc Golf Course
Enjoy some friendly competition on the campus course with alumni and friends. All skill levels welcome. Visit hesston.edu/dgtourney for more information. Walk up registration also available until 7:30 a.m.

Group of adults, some standing and some sitting, on stage.
9 a.m. to noon

Hosting Center Open, HMC Lobby
Let us know you are here, pick up your Homecoming packet, receive discount coupons, name tags and additional details.

9:30 a.m.

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, HMC sanctuary
Celebrate the 2026 inductees: athletes Fred Driver ’73 men’s soccer, Ian Zuercher ’84 men’s soccer, Rachel (Stuckey) ’99 Showalter women’s volleyball and basketball.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Campus Bookstore Open, Smith Center, Mary Miller Library
Visit the bookstore in its new location to stock up on Larks apparel and gifts. Registered Homecoming guests will receive a coupon to use during their visit. Be sure to check out the former bookstore space, now home to a new fitness center for students.

10:30 a.m.

Nursing Showcase, Bonnie Sowers Nursing Center, lounge
Join Director of Nursing Education Gregg Schroeder ’86 for “The Tools Have Changed, But the Calling Remains,” a look back at 60 years of nursing excellence at Hesston College and a look ahead at the future of nursing education. Learn how the program has grown, explore today’s state-of-the-art learning technology and enjoy a tour of the nursing facilities.

10:30 a.m.

Men’s Basketball Open Practice, Yost Center
Come and watch Matt Hiebert ’14 and team at an open practice. Meet the 2026-27 team and coaching staff and see the upgraded Yost Center facilities.

Noon

Partner LuncheonHMC sanctuary followed by Bontrager Student Center, dining hall
By invitation only, this luncheon honors our Partners whose annual support helps sustain Hesston College. Partners can register for the luncheon through the Homecoming registration or through a separate forthcoming invitation. Enjoy student speakers and performers, followed by a catered lunch. Interested in becoming a Partner? Visit hesston.edu/partner.

1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Class Reunions, across campus
Academy ’56 and ’66
College ’56, ’66, ’70, ’76, ’86, ’96, ’06, ’16

3 p.m.

Alumni Softball Game, Bess Mullet Field
Alumni and current players take the field together for a friendly game celebrating the legacy of Lark softball.

3:30 p.m.

Campus Tour, Alliman Administration Center, front steps
Take a guided tour and see what’s new on campus. Explore familiar spaces, discover recent updates and experience the campus through the eyes of today’s students.

4:30 p.m.

Flag Football Exhibition, Sieber Field
Catch the Larks in action as they host McPherson College for a flag football exhibition. This friendly matchup offers a fun opportunity to see the team compete before their spring season begins.

5 p.m.

Golf Simulator Long Drive Tournament, Laban Peachey Center
Test your power and swing for the longest drive in this virtual golf challenge. No extra registration needed.

5 p.m.

Family Festival, Sieber Field
Bring the whole family for an evening of fun and community! Gather outdoors with alumni, students and friends while enjoying food trucks, bouncy houses, yard games and for registered Homecoming guests, complimentary ice cream from alumni-owned Salted Creamery.

7 p.m.

Men’s Soccer Game, Sieber Field
Cheer on the Larks as they take on Kansas Christian College. Free admission for all, so let’s pack the Nest. Athletic hall of fame inductees will be recognized at halftime.

Sunday, September 27, 2026

10:30 a.m.

Homecoming Worship ServiceHMC sanctuary
Special guest preacher Royce Vogt ’96, pastor of Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church in Harper, Kansas, and a music performance by Bel Canto Singers wrap up the weekend’s festivities.

Artsy photo of yellow daffodils on campus.
Loading...