Furman celebrates 200 years with Bicentennial Homecoming Weekend

Furman University is welcoming alumni, students, families and friends back to campus Oct. 22–25 for a Homecoming celebration 200 years in the making.

As the university celebrates its bicentennial, this year’s Homecoming & Reunion Weekend offers opportunities to reconnect with classmates, revisit favorite campus traditions and celebrate the people and experiences that have shaped Furman across generations.

The weekend will feature class reunions, live performances, campus history tours, student-built Homecoming floats, a carnival, the annual football game and special events honoring Furman’s 200-year history.

Here’s a look at what’s happening throughout the weekend.

Homecoming Float Building
Oct. 19-24 | Furman Mall

Students will carry on one of Furman’s favorite Homecoming traditions by building colorful floats representing their campus organizations. The student-built floats will be on display during Friday’s Homecoming Carnival, adding to the weekend’s festivities.

Thursday, Oct. 22

Campus Visit with Admissions
1:30–3:30 p.m. | Furman University

Prospective students and their families can explore campus and learn more about the university through a guided admissions visit. Advance registration is required.

Technical Talk with Rachelle Thompson ’92
3–4 p.m. | Patrick Lecture Hall 126

Alumna Rachelle Thompson ’92 returns to campus for a technical talk.

Baptists in American Life
6–7:30 p.m. | Younts Conference Center

The Tocqueville Center will host historian and author Molly Worthen and pastor JD Greear for a discussion about the role of Baptists in American politics and society. The free event will include an audience Q&A.

Friday, Oct. 23

Campus Visit with Admissions
9–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–3:30 p.m. | Furman University

Prospective students and families can experience campus through guided tours offered in the morning and afternoon. Advance registration is required.

Golden Paladins Luncheon
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | Younts Conference Center

Alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago are invited to gather for a luncheon celebrating their lasting connection to Furman. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance.

A Machine Made of Human Parts
3–4:15 p.m. | Daniel Chapel

The Douglas M. MacDonald Medicine Program will celebrate its 30th anniversary and official naming with a presentation by Carl Elliott and a panel discussion exploring ethical questions surrounding emerging biotechnology. Admission is free.

Behind the Scenes of Special Collections and Archives
4–5 p.m. | James B. Duke Library, second-floor gallery

Get an up-close look at rare books, historical documents and archival materials that help tell Furman’s story.

Callings Journal Reception
4–5 p.m. | Duke Library Atrium

The Cothran Center will celebrate contributors to the latest edition of Callings, a collection of stories exploring vocation and purpose. Attendees will be among the first to receive copies of the new issue.

“Theatre/Theater” by Randall David Cook ’91
5–6:30 p.m. | The Playhouse

Furman’s FURMAN MADE bicentennial theatre season begins with a production by alumnus Randall David Cook ’91. The comedy follows a Southern regional theatre company attempting to stage “Romeo and Juliet,” where the backstage drama becomes just as entertaining as the performance itself. Tickets are available for purchase.

Homecoming Carnival
5–10 p.m. | Furman Mall

One of Homecoming’s signature traditions returns with an evening of carnival rides, food trucks, a bonfire and a special appearance by the Furman football team. Alumni, students and families can also admire the student-built Homecoming floats displayed on the mall. The event is free, and registered attendees will receive two complimentary food tickets.

Then / Now / Next: FUArt Alumni Exhibition
6:30–8 p.m. | Roe Art Building

This free exhibition brings together recent works by Furman alumni, showcasing the creativity and artistic practices of graduates across generations.

Prism Concert
8–9:30 p.m. | McAlister Auditorium

The Department of Music will bring together student soloists, chamber groups and large ensembles for a fast-paced concert showcasing Furman’s musical talent. The evening will feature the world premiere of “The Students’ Hymn,” commissioned by alumni and friends of the department in honor of the university’s 200th anniversary. Tickets are available for purchase.

Saturday, Oct. 24

Special Collections and Archives Open House
9 a.m.–1 p.m. | James B. Duke Library, second-floor gallery

Explore rare books, historic documents and archival collections that preserve Furman’s past. The bicentennial exhibition, “Furman’s Second Century: A Bicentennial Exhibition, Part Two: 1926–2026,” will remain open until 5 p.m.

Furman Pride Brunch
9:30–11 a.m. | McAlister Auditorium Lobby

Hosted by the Office of Alumni Engagement and LGBTQ+ Alumni Council, the brunch brings together alumni, students, faculty and staff for an opportunity to connect. The event is free and open to the Furman community, but advance registration is required.

Benefactors Green Ceremony
10–11 a.m. | Benefactors Green

The university will recognize new members of the White Oaks Giving Society, honoring donors whose lifetime contributions of $1 million or more have supported Furman and its students. The ceremony is free to attend.

Black Alumni Council Tailgate
10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | Chapel Parking Lot

The Office of Alumni Engagement and Black Alumni Council invite the Furman community to reconnect before the football game. This year’s gathering will highlight authors from the Black Alumni Network. The event is free, but advance registration is required.

Time Capsule Dedication Ceremony
11–11:30 a.m. | Joseph Vaughn Plaza, Furman Library

As Furman celebrates its first 200 years, students and alumni will help preserve a piece of the present for future generations. Presented by the Student Alumni Council, the ceremony will invite participants to contribute meaningful items, messages and mementos reflecting the university’s bicentennial year.

Tailgate Lunch on the Mall
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | Furman Mall

Enjoy a barbecue buffet and gather with fellow Paladins before kickoff. Vegetarian options will be available. Admission to the tailgate area is free, while lunch tickets cost $20 and must be purchased in advance. Children 8 and younger eat free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Advance registration is required.

Reunion Village
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | Furman Mall

Alumni can reconnect with classmates, former professors and campus organizations at Reunion Village. Class-year tents, academic departments, institutes and affinity groups will gather on the mall, offering opportunities to revisit familiar connections and make new ones.

Paladin Statue Ceremony
Noon–1 p.m. | Pearce-Horton Football Complex

The university will recognize donors who have supported student-athletes through endowments during a ceremony at the Paladin Statue outside the Pearce-Horton Football Complex.

Homecoming Football Game: Furman vs. Samford
2 p.m. kickoff | Paladin Stadium

The Furman Paladins will take on the Samford Bulldogs in the annual Homecoming football game. Alumni, students and fans are invited to fill Paladin Stadium in purple and cheer on the team. Fans can purchase single-game Homecoming tickets. Alumni can explore tickets and seating by class year. Parking passes are available for purchase separately.

Furman Remix After-Party
5–8 p.m. | Timmons Arena

The celebration continues after the game with Furman Remix, an evening bringing together 200 years of university history, the success of the Clearly Furman campaign and the spirit of Homecoming. The event will feature music, food, beverages and opportunities to reconnect with fellow Paladins. Tickets are $15 per person.

Plan your Homecoming weekend

Registration for Furman’s Bicentennial Homecoming & Reunion Weekend is now open. Some events are free, while others require advance registration or ticket purchases.

Visit the official Homecoming website for registration information, reunion details and additional resources. For the latest event times, locations and updates, view the full Homecoming schedule.