Homecoming

Join in the largest migration of Pioneers, as alumni and friends descend upon the MNU campus for a weekend of meaningful activities designed to help everyone remember, relive, and reconnect.

Homecoming & Family Weekend

October 9-11, 2026

Homecoming is the largest gathering of MNU alumni all year long. We welcome alums and their families to campus for a weekend full of fun and meaningful events and activities. We worship, enjoy fellowship with each other, cheer for our teams, admire the talent of our current students and our fellow alums, recognize the purposeful lives we lead, and celebrate the faithful lives of those we have lost in the past year.

It is a powerful weekend and we want as many alums as possible to join us on campus every year.

Schedule of Events

Check back soon for an updated schedule.

9:00 AM	Homecoming Visit Day Check-In (for prospective students)	Cunningham Center (Grand Rotunda)
9:30 AM	Homecoming Chapel	College Church (Main Worship Center)
11:30 AM	Alumni Award Honorees Luncheon (invite only)	Cunningham Center (Austin Room)
12:00 PM	Lunch**	Cunningham Center (Wylie Commons)
12:30 PM	Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony	Bell Center (Performance Hall)
3:00 PM	Hymn Sing-Along	Bell Center (McIntire Room)
5:00 PM	MNU 60-Year Birthday Bash*	Campus Mall
6:00 PM	Track & Field Dedication Ceremony	Copeland Athletic Complex
7:00 PM	COLLAGE: Performing Arts Concert*	Bell Center (Performance Hall)
7:00 PM	Volleyball Game vs William Woods*	Cook Center
7:00 PM	Class of 1976 Reception	Cunningham Center (Hight Lounge)
8:30 PM	Friends of the Performing Arts Dessert Reception (invite only)	Bell Center (Gilmore Room)
8:30 PM	Nursing Class of 1981 Reunion & Reception	Cunningham Center (Tollefson Room)
9:00 PM	Men’s Soccer Alumni Indoor Game	Toca-Fusion Fieldhouse (NW Olathe)

*Event requires registration | **Event is at your own expense

8:00 AM	Homecoming Celebration Breakfast*	College Church (Uphaus Hall)
9:00 AM	Football Visit Day Check-In	Copeland Athletic Complex
9:00 AM	Women’s Soccer Alumni Gathering	Cook Center (North Gym)
10:00 AM	Class Reunions* 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, 2021	Metz/Smith/Bell
10:00 AM	Golden Reunion: Class of 1976*	College Church (Garrett Chapel)
10:00 AM	Volleyball Alumni Game	Cook Center
10:00 AM	Nursing Alumni Brunch & Facility Tour*	Cook Center
12:00 PM	Tailgate Lunch**	Copeland Athletic Complex
12:00 PM	Women’s Soccer Game vs Grand View*	Pioneer Field
1:00 PM	Homecoming Football Game vs Missouri Baptist*	Copeland Athletic Complex
2:30 PM	Men’s Soccer Game vs Grand View*	Pioneer Field
5:00 PM	Pioneer Family Feast*	Cunningham Center (Wiley Commons)
5:30 PM	Pioneer Store (Open till 7PM)	Cunningham Center (The Pioneer Store)
6:30 PM	MNU Night of Praise	Campus Mall
7:00 PM	Women’s Basketball Alumni Game	Cook Center
8:30 PM	Athletic Training Reunion & Reception	Cunningham Center (Tollefson Room)
8:30 PM	Men’s Basketball Alumni Game	Cook Center

*Event requires registration | **Event is at your own expense

8:00 AM	President’s Memorial Prayer Breakfast (invite only)	Bell Center (Grand Lobby)
9:00 AM	Homecoming & Family Worship	College Church
10:30 AM	Golden Reunion Sunday School Class	College Church (Choir Room)

Homecoming 2025 Highlights

Homecoming Information

The 2026 Alumni Awards

Each year, we honor several alumni who have led purposeful lives following their days at MNU. These awards include: Alumna of the Year, Alumnus of the Year, Young Alum of the Year, and Carrying the Torch. In 2022, we created the Michael Copeland Civic Leadership Award to honor alumni who are serving in the public sector. If you would like to nominate a Pioneer for any of these awards, please fill out the Nomination Form by May 1. Recipients will be announced in August and will be honored during Homecoming & Family Weekend, October 9-11.

NOMINATE

Alumni Reunions

Remember, relive, and reconnect as the classes of 1972-1975 welcome the Class of 1976 into the Golden Circle at their 50-year reunion, while the classes of ’81, ’86, ’91, ’96, ’01, ’11, ’16 and ’21 celebrate their reunions. Each class will have their own reserved room and a committee of peers organizing activities. Cost is free, but registration is required.

Alumni Gatherings

There is a little something for everyone on the Homecoming schedule:

Reunion Alumni: Homecoming Chapel; Class Reunions; Homecoming Celebration Breakfast; Homecoming Football Game; Pioneer Family Feast; MNU Night of Praise

Former Athletes: Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony; Athletic Alumni Gatherings for Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Soccer

Families: Junior/Senior Visit Weekend; MNU Block Party; Homecoming Football Game; Pioneer Family Feast; MNU Night of Praise

MNU Fans: Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony; Pioneer Volleyball Match, Homecoming Football Game; Pioneer Men’s & Women’s Soccer Matches; Men’s & Women’s Basketball Varsity vs Alumni Games

Music Lovers: Homecoming Chapel; Collage Concert; MNU Night of Praise

Events

Concert Band | Journeys

Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall

Oct 23, 2026 @ 7:30pm

to Oct 23, 2026 @ 8:30pm

Join the MNU Concert Band for Journeys, an evening of music inspired by adventure, exploration, and discovery. From the epic voyages of Odysseus to the evocative landscapes of Ireland, England, and beyond, this program traces musical journeys across history, literature, and culture through works by Holst, Davoren, Mackey, and others. The concert will also feature guest artist and MNU faculty member Dr. Richard Galbreath on clarinet.

Concert Band | Journeys

Homecoming | Collage Concert

Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall

Oct 9, 2026 @ 7:00pm

to Oct 9, 2026 @ 8:30pm

A Homecoming tradition: Heritage Choir, Symphonic Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Theatre, Improv Team, Pep Band, and Drumline showcase student talent in one of the most thrilling events of the year. Don’t miss it!

Homecoming | Collage Concert

Heritage Choir & Symphonic Choir | By Dawn's Early Light

Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall

Oct 4, 2026 @ 3:30pm

to Oct 4, 2026 @ 4:30pm

From the first light of dawn to the light of faith that guides us, the Choirs of MNU invite you to an evening celebrating hope, freedom, and renewal. In honor of America's 250th anniversary, By Dawn's Early Light weaves together patriotic masterworks with choral music inspired by light as a symbol of God's presence and our hope in him. Featured selections include Peter Wilhousky's "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and other luminous works for choir.

Heritage Choir & Symphonic Choir | By Dawn’s Early Light

Faculty Recital

Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall

Sep 17, 2026 @ 7:30pm

to Sep 17, 2026 @ 8:30pm

Celebrate the artistry of the music faculty at this annual recital, featuring a dynamic mix of solo and ensemble performances. Enjoy a wide variety of styles and genres in an evening that highlights the depth and talent of our faculty musicians.

Faculty Recital

Artist Talk: Julia Otterness

Maybee Library

Sep 17, 2026 @ 12:15pm

to Sep 17, 2026 @ 1:15pm

Hear Julia Otterness discuss her work, creative process and the ideas that shape her practice.

Artist Talk: Julia Otterness

24 Hour Play & Musical Festival

Bell Cultural Events Center - Sunderland Black Box Theatre

Aug 28, 2026 @ 7:00pm

to Aug 29, 2026 @ 7:30pm

Our 24 Hour Play and Musical Festival is happening soon! Anyone in our community is welcome to be a part of this! Groups will begin at the kickoff on August 28th at 7:00 PM and will have 24 hours to write, rehearse, memorize and perform a show. We need actors, writers, directors, composers and technicians so use the QR code or click the link to sign up today! If you are interested in coming to see the performance, mark your calendars for August 29th at 7:30 PM!

24 Hour Play & Musical Festival

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