Methodist University is set to host Homecoming 2026 on October 16 and 17, as Monarchs will gather in the “House of Monarchs” – this year’s Homecoming theme – for a weekend of tradition, celebration, and connection as alumni, students, families, faculty, staff, and friends come together to celebrate their pride in and the legacy of Methodist University.
Methodist University is set to host Homecoming 2026 on October 16 and 17, as Monarchs will gather in the “House of Monarchs” – this year’s Homecoming theme – for a weekend of tradition, celebration, and connection as alumni, students, families, faculty, staff, and friends come together to celebrate their pride in and the legacy of Methodist University.
“‘House of Monarchs’ means that we’re welcoming everybody home,” said Eliana Menlik ’25, director of Alumni Relations. “I think the inspiration for the theme was [the HBO series] Game of Thrones. The idea behind it is that everybody has a house that you belong to, and that’s where your loyalty is. We all have a loyalty to Methodist University and each other.”
Menlik, who was previously an academic and career advisor in the One Stop on campus, is looking forward to seeing alumni return to campus, including those she helped along the way.
“I’m super excited; it will be the first Homecoming that I’m involved in planning,” she said. “This past Commencement was the first time I saw students I advised graduate, and it would be really nice to see them come back as alums and get them involved in what we’re doing on this side, because walking that stage isn’t the end of the journey.”
Everyone who returns to the “House of Monarchs” can participate in events that emphasize campus Homecoming traditions, from the first-night bonfire and reunion gatherings to tailgating and enjoying the big games.
Homecoming Week Highlights
Monday, October 12
- Homecoming Cookout (sponsored by Fraternity & Sorority Life) – 8 p.m., Outdoor Basketball Courts
Tuesday, October 13
- Chalk the Walk – 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Bell Tower Quad
Themes: House of Monarchs and Showcase Your Organization
Wednesday, October 14
- Bingo Night – 8 p.m., Berns Student Center
Bring canned goods for Cans Across Conference to receive an additional Bingo card.
Thursday, October 15
- Volleyball Game: Monarchs vs. Johnson & Wales – 7 p.m., Riddle Center
Weekend Schedule Highlights
Friday, October 16
- Alumni Association Meeting – Noon, Executive Board Room, Matthews Ministry Center
- Welcome Reception – 5 p.m., Executive Board Room, Matthews Ministry Center
- Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet – 6:30 p.m., Matthews Chapel, Matthews Ministry Center
- Bonfire – 8 p.m., gravel parking lot behind the Riddle Center
Saturday, October 17
- Candlelight Memorial Service – 10 a.m., Matthews Chapel
- Alumni Tailgate & Alumni Headquarters – 10:30 a.m. -2 p.m., Maintenance Drive
- Alumni Service Awards Ceremony – 11 a.m., Matthews Chapel
- 50+ Class Year Reunion Luncheon – 12:30 p.m., Executive Board Room, Matthews Ministry Center
- Football Game: Monarchs vs. Southern Virginia – 1 p.m., Monarch Stadium
- Men’s Soccer Game: Monarchs vs. Brevard – 4 p.m., Duggins Soccer Stadium
Alumni athletic games and gatherings will also be held throughout the weekend, including Women’s Lacrosse, Men’s Lacrosse, Softball, Women’s Tennis, Men’s Tennis, Women’s Basketball, and Men’s Basketball. For the full schedule, see methodist.edu/support-mu/alumni/homecoming.
Tickets & Registration
Tickets for the Alumni Association Meeting, Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet, and 50+ Class Year Reunion Luncheon require advance registration, which closes today.
The Alumni Association Meeting has been moved to Friday this year, but Menlik hopes to see some new faces there who might be interested in joining the Board. “We actually encourage alums who are not on the Board to come, because new elections are around the corner,” she said.
Advance registration for most other events also closes today, but on-site registration for these events will be available Homecoming Weekend.
To register, visit Methodist University Homecoming 2026 on Eventbrite.