Gardner-Webb Welcomes Alumni Home for Homecoming 2026

Annual Celebration Features Class Reunions, Traditions, Athletics, and Opportunities to Reconnect

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—“There’s just something special about coming home to Gardner-Webb,” said Shannon Hovis, director of alumni and parent relations. “So many memories, so many friendships, and always a place to call home.”

That sense of connection is at the heart of Gardner-Webb University’s Homecoming 2026, set for Nov. 6-8. The annual celebration will bring alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends together for a weekend filled with traditions, fellowship, and Runnin’ Bulldog pride.

“I think what keeps drawing our alumni home is the connection they still feel to Gardner-Webb and to one another,” Hovis said. “When they come back for Homecoming, they’re not simply returning to campus, they’re returning to a place that helped shape who they are.”

Alumni and friends can also show their Bulldog pride with the official Homecoming 2026 T-shirt, available for preorder through Oct. 20. Designed especially for this year’s celebration, the limited-edition shirt is $19.05 and can be picked up during the Alumni & Friends Tailgate on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Place orders here.

The Homecoming celebration begins Friday with Bo’s Battle ‘Que, a growing Homecoming tradition that brings the Bulldog community together around good food, friendly competition, and fellowship. Teams will spend the evening preparing their best barbecue and signature dishes before competing for top honors, with winners announced during Saturday’s football game. Registration and complete competition rules may be found here. Register before Oct. 30.

Friday evening will also feature the Gardner-Webb Athletics Hall of Fame Gala at 6:30 p.m. The event honors and celebrates outstanding Bulldog athletes. The University will announce this year’s Hall of Fame inductees soon. The gala is open to the public, and registration is available here through Nov. 1.

Saturday’s Homecoming festivities begin at 11 a.m. with the Alumni & Friends Tailgate, where everyone gathers for food, fellowship, and Bulldog spirit before heading to the day’s activities. Tailgate guests will also have an opportunity to take part in the People’s Choice competition for Bo’s Battle ‘Que. Participating teams will prepare pork barbecue for sampling, and attendees can purchase People’s Choice tasting tickets in advance to sample entries and vote for their favorite. The deadline to register for the tailgate meal and to purchase tickets for the People’s Choice tasting is Nov. 3. Registration and tickets are available here.

After the meal, spectators line the streets for the annual Homecoming Parade. This year’s parade will welcome former Homecoming queens and alumni who wish to participate with vintage cars and golf carts. The Marching Bulldog Band, along with student clubs and organizations, will add to the excitement of the festivities.

Homecoming football remains one of the weekend’s signature events as the Runnin’ Bulldogs host the Lindenwood Lions at 1:30 p.m. Purchase tickets here. During the game, Gardner-Webb will recognize the 2026 Homecoming Court and announce the winners of Bo’s Battle ’Que.

Throughout the day, the celebration will include activities for current students as well. The University’s Student Engagement Team is partnering with Hope Community Church to offer music, games, activities, and other entertainment. Alumni can also visit the Academic Tent, where representatives from the University’s colleges and schools will be available to share updates and provide Gardner-Webb giveaways.

Gardner-Webb is also excited to welcome back the Class of 1981 and the Class of 2016 for special Homecoming reunions. Members of the Class of 1981 will celebrate their 45th reunion and have invited the Classes of 1979 through 1984 to join them to reflect on the memories and experiences they shared at Gardner-Webb more than four decades ago. The Class of 2016 will mark its 10th reunion, gathering with fellow alumni to revisit campus, renew friendships, and celebrate the accomplishments of the past decade. Both classes will take part in special reunion gatherings on Saturday evening as part of the Homecoming festivities.

The weekend concludes on Sunday with Worship at the Webb, when members of the Gardner-Webb family come together for a time of worship, reflection, and fellowship. The gathering provides a fitting close to a Homecoming weekend that celebrates the friendships, traditions, and sense of belonging that continue to bring Bulldogs back to campus year after year.

Hovis hopes the weekend will be meaningful for returning alumni as well as current students.

“I hope Homecoming gives our current students a glimpse of what it truly means to be a Bulldog for life,” she said. “When they see alumni coming back five, ten, twenty, or even fifty years later to reconnect with friends and with Gardner-Webb, they get to see that the relationships they are building right now can last far beyond graduation.”

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.