Homecoming Schedule

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. • University Center

Visit the University Center for public restrooms, ATM, and vending. The UC food court will open at 10:30 a.m.

In-Person Speakers • 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m • Various Locations

Jerlena Griffin-Desta, Ph.D. – CLAS ’83
Retired Higher Education Leader | St. Marys, GA
Location: WSC Auditorium

Jesse Vaughn – CLAS ’95, LAW ’98
Owner/Shareholder – Vaughn and Clements, P.C. | Calhoun, GA
Location: GSC 103

Mary Dee Beal – CLAS ’11
Principal – Kountoupes Denham Carr & Reid  | Washington, D.C.
Location: GSC 102

Del Schwalls – EGR ’00
President, Schwalls Consulting LLC | Orlando, FL
Location: SEB 110

Tom Williams – CLAS ’98
Senior Managing Director, Environmental & Energy, Markel Specialty | Atlanta, GA
Location: STN 251

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 pm • Tarver Library

To celebrate our alumni and friends, Tarver Library has created an interactive timeline featuring Mercer’s vibrant history. Come pin your place, and while you’re at it, peruse old yearbooks, and grab some library swag. For more information, contact Ceallsach Crouch at (478) 301-2962.

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. • Team Meeting Room, Drake Field House

This event is invitation only for members of the undergraduate Class of 1976 and their guests. A pre-lunch reception will begin at 11:00 a.m. with lunch following promptly at 11:30 a.m. in the Drake Field House. Registration is $40 per person. Guests can register for one free t-shirt per attendee; guests must preregister and be in attendance to receive t-shirt. Register Here.

Guests may park in the parking lots by the Drake Field House.

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. • Depart from Drake Field House

Members of the Class of 1976 are invited for a complimentary tour of Mercer’s campus following the Golden Anniversary Reception and Luncheon. This event is by invitation only to members of the Class of 1976. Register Here.

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. • Presidents Dining Room, University Center

Our annual Alumni and Friends Awards Reception and Dinner honors our recipients of the Alumni By Choice, Young Alumnus, Meritorious Service, Distinguished Alumnus awards. The program will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. Registration is $40 per person. Register Here.

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. • Walter F. George School of Law

Join fellow Mercer Law alumni for a wine and cheese reception at the law school and gather to kick-off Homecoming Weekend! Registration is required. $15 per person. Register here.

6:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. • Toney Auditorium in Willingham Hall

The Student Lip Sync Competition is a beloved Mercer Homecoming tradition. Competing teams showcase their creativity and school spirit with lip syncing, choreographed performances, and plenty of energy all while bringing the campus community together for an unforgettable night of fun and friendly rivalry!

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. • Presidential Mercer Mixer • University Center Patio

Join Mercer University alumni and friends for a Presidential Mercer Mixer with live music, appetizers, desserts, and beverages on Mercer’s Macon campus on Friday, October 30. Meet President Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D., and connect with fellow Mercerians! Attendance is free; registration is requested. Register Here.

8:30 p.m. • Cruz Plaza

Join us for our traditional Homecoming pep rally before capping off the night with fireworks!

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. • University Center

Visit the University Center for public restrooms, ATM, and vending. The UC food court will open at 10:30 a.m.

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. • University Center Patio

The 2026 installment of the Mercer University Homecoming 5K race is scheduled for October 31, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. The race will consist of two laps around the beautiful Mercer University campus with a short trip through Five Star Stadium and along Coleman Avenue.

Pre-registration is $20 and includes a Homecoming 5K t-shirt based on availability.

Register Here

Please note that online registration will shut down on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.  You may still sign up for the race on the morning of the event at the race site/start. Race day registration will be $25.00 via QR code. Credit card and debit card only. (No cash or check will be accepted). Please arrive at least 45 minutes before the race start to ensure enough time to get signed up and ready for the start of the race. Race day registrations are not guaranteed a shirt and or size.

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. • University Center Patio

Start your Homecoming Saturday with an Orange Pancake Breakfast with the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department! All-you-can-eat pancakes for $10.00 per person. Your registration includes pancakes, sausage, orange juice, and water.

No registration required for children 5 and under. Limited number of walk-ups welcome, payment by QR Code will be accepted on-site.

Register Here.

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. • Cantrell Baseball Performance Center

Mercer University’s Student Government Association invites past SGA Presidents and Vice Presidents back for a reunion breakfast in the Cantrell Baseball Performance Center. This event is open to all former SGA Presidents and Vice Presidents.

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. • Tarver Library

Looking for a peaceful moment? An indoor restroom? How about a place to sit for a while? Come by Tarver Library! Check out resources available for alumni, or grab a bottle of water. For more information, contact Ceallsach Crouch at (478) 301-2962.

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. • Presidents Dining Room, University Center

Our annual Athletic Hall of Fame Brunch honors new inductees into Mercer’s Athletic Hall of Fame. The program will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. Registration is $40 per person. Register Here.

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. • Black Field

Mercer University’s Office of Alumni Engagement invites alumni and friends to stop by a Homecoming tailgate. Food and drink will be provided while supplies last. T-shirts and giveaway items will be available while supplies last. Contact the Office of Alumni Engagement with any questions.

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. • Black Field

Mercer University’s Tift Alumnae Association invites Tift Alumnae and former Tift College Scholars to a Homecoming tailgate. Register here. Contact Christina Huseman with any questions.

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. • Black Field

The Mercer College of Pharmacy would like to welcome our Alumni, Students, Prospective Students, Faculty, Staff, Family, and Friends to join our 2026 tailgate before the game. We can’t wait to see you! Registration is not required. For more information, contact Roderick Douthit at (678) 547-6546. 

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. • Black Field

The College of Education, College of Professional Advancement, and School of Theology invite you to join our 2026 tailgate prior to the big Homecoming game! Alumni, students, prospective students, family and friends are welcome to stop by and enjoy free food and drinks. We look forward to seeing you, and no registration is required! For more information, contact Gail Johnson at (478) 301-5387.

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. • Black Field

The faculty, staff, and students in the College of Health Professions welcome you to visit our tailgate prior to the Homecoming football. Everyone is welcome – alumni, current students, prospective students, and parents – to come find out what is happening in the College of Health Professions. Share in our lunch buffet and we will have giveaways to take to the game!

For more information, contact Pamela Green at (678) 547-6208.

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. • Black Field

The Stetson-Hatcher School of Business would like to welcome our Alumni, Students, Prospective Students, Faculty, Staff, Family, and Friends to join our 2026 tailgate before the game. Please come and enjoy free food and drinks. We can’t wait to see you! Registration is not required. For more information, contact Julie Petherbridge.

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. • Black Field

The Mercer School of Engineering would like to welcome our Alumni, Students, Prospective Students, faculty, Staff, family and friends to join our 2026 tailgate before the game. Please come and enjoy free food and drinks. We can’t wait to see you. Registration is not required. For more information, contact Stephen Hill.

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. • Black Field

The faculty, staff, and students of the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing (GBCN) welcome you to visit our tailgate prior to the Homecoming game. Everyone is welcome – alumni, current students, prospective students, and family members. Come find out what is going on in the College of Nursing, and grab some GBCN swag. For more information, contact Paul McClendon.

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. • Intramural Courts in the University Center

Mercer Alumni who graduated fifty years ago or more are invited to this year’s Half Century Club Induction Ceremony and Celebration. Alumni may bring one complimentary guest. Additional guests are $25.00 per person. This event is by invitation only. Registrants can register for one free t-shirt per attendee; guests must preregister and be in attendance to receive t-shirt. Register Here.

12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. • Black Field

Join your law school classmates and friends for a pregame tailgate with food, drinks, and school spirit. Don’t miss the fun!

Register Here!

12:45 p.m. • Find Route Here 

Help energize the team for kickoff at the Bear Walk as the Bears, led by the Mercer marching band and cheerleaders, make their way from Jesse Mercer Plaza, through the tailgating area at Black Field, and into Five Star Stadium.

2:00 p.m. • Five Star Stadium

3:00 p.m. • Five Star Stadium 

Buy tickets to the game here