Get ready to celebrate, reconnect and create new memories with the Hesston community! Our Homecoming schedule is packed with events for alumni, students, families and friends — designed to bring everyone together in spirit. Check out the full lineup and plan your weekend to make the most of this special time on campus.
Home Sweet Hesston Food Truck Rally, Mullet Drive
Home Sweet Hesston Parade, Main Street
Grab dinner from local food trucks on campus and enjoy a relaxed evening together. Kids can enjoy bouncy houses while you cheer on the Larks and the Swathers as the Homecoming Parade moves down Main Street, followed by a community pep rally filled with Hesston spirit.
Photography Exhibit, Laban Peachey Center, Regier-Friesen Art Gallery
Audrey Befort ’27 presents selections from her travelogue. A grouping of photographs of Kansas and beyond through nature and landscapes. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. all weekend.
Hosting Center Open, Hesston Mennonite Church (HMC) Lobby
Let us know you are here, pick up your Homecoming packet, receive discount coupons, name tags and additional details.
Formation, HMC sanctuary
Join us for Hesston’s new spiritual formation tradition, formerly known as chapel. On Fridays, students, faculty and staff gather across campus for various forms of worship and reflection. Guests are invited to participate in this unique experience.
Golden Gables Luncheon, HMC community center
Alumni from classes 50 years or greater are invited for lunch and panel conversation with former Presidents Howard Keim ’72, Loren Swartzendruber and Kirk Alliman. Registration required ($15).
International Student Panel, Kropf Center, Room 120
Hear from a panel of 10 current international students as they share stories of their journeys, experiences and perspectives at Hesston College. The conversation will be guided by Risa (Fukaya) '19 Garrison , international admission counselor, and Kyle Timmermeyer, international student support coordinator.
Biblical Literature in the Modern World, Kropf Center, Room 120
Join our Bible faculty members Michele (Schrock) ’81 Hershberger and Nick Ladd ’14 to hear about the impact of our Biblical Literature course on students in today’s world.
Meet and Greet with New President — Mark Landes, Kropf Center, Room 120
Drop in to visit with President Landes as he shares insights about his leadership and vision for Hesston College.
Book Signing with Michele Hershberger, Kropf Center
Meet Michele (Schrock) ’81 Hershberger and pick up a signed copy of her latest book, “Finding Ourselves in God’s Story.” Inspired by Hesston College’s beloved Biblical Literature course, the book invites readers to see how their own story connects with God’s. It also serves as the official baptismal preparation resource for Mennonite Church USA and Canada.
Dinner, Bontrager Student Center Dining Hall
Enjoy dinner with faculty, staff and students in the dining hall ($9.40/adult, $6.75/children ages 5 to 12, children 4 and under are free. Pay at the door).
Volleyball Game, Yost Center
Cheer on the Larks as they face Kansas Christian College. Free admission for alumni and friends wearing their Homecoming name tag.
Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee Meet and Greet, Yost Center
Celebrate Lark athletics by mingling with Hall of Fame inductees and current teams following the volleyball game.
Reverse Druber’s Run, Yost Center
Keep the tradition alive — grab a Druber’s donut on your way out after the volleyball game.
Alumni Softball Game, Bess Mullet Field
Alumni and current players take the field together for a friendly game celebrating the legacy of Lark softball.
Hosting Center Open, HMC Lobby
Let us know you are here, pick up your Homecoming packet, receive discount coupons, name tags and additional details.
Morning Coffee and Muffins, Bontrager Student Center, Larks Nest
Start your day with a hot cup of coffee, a fresh muffin and good conversation in the Larks Nest, provided by the advancement office.
Presidential Inauguration, HMC sanctuary
Celebrate the inauguration of Hesston College’s 10th president, Mark Landes, during this special service of worship, music and blessing.
Inauguration Reception, lawn west of HMC
Immediately following the inauguration, enjoy light refreshments and conversation with the campus community on the church lawn.
Tie-Dye Lark T-Shirts, Larks Nest Patio
Unleash your creativity! Twist, dip and dye your own colorful Lark shirt during this fun, hands-on art event. All ages welcome — shirts and dye provided!
Brunch, Bontrager Student Center Dining Hall
Enjoy brunch with students ($9.40/adult, $6.75/children ages 5-12, children 4 and under are free. Pay at the door.)
Partner Luncheon, HMC sanctuary and community center
By invitation only, this luncheon honors our Partners whose annual support of $1,000 or more sustains Hesston College. Partners can register for the luncheon through the Homecoming registration or through a separate forthcoming invitation. Join fellow Hall of Fame and inauguration guests for student speakers and performers, followed by a catered lunch. Learn more about Hesston's Partner Program.
Disc Golf Tournament, Doug Unruh Memorial Course
Enjoy some friendly competition on the campus course with alumni and friends. All skill levels welcome. Visit the website for more information. Walk up registration also available until 12:30 p.m.
Class Reunions, across campus
Academy ’45, ’55, ’65
College ’45, ’55, ’65, ’75, ’85, ’95, ’05, ’15
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, HMC sanctuary
Celebrate the 2025 inductees: coach Francis “Fran” Chupp ’61; athletes Larry Beckler ’70, Craig Birky ’83, Christy (Walker) ’91 Cornell, Jill (Troyer) ’91 Miller, Nolan King ’91; team of distinction, 1966 men’s soccer.
Golf Simulator Long Drive Tournament, Laban Peachey Center
Test your power and swing for the longest drive in this virtual golf challenge. No extra registration needed.
Family Festival, Sieber Field
Bring the whole family for an evening of fun! Enjoy food trucks, live music by Thorn Haze, bouncy houses and Lark men’s soccer. Free Salted Creamery ice cream for registered Homecoming guests and available for purchase for others.
Men’s Soccer Game, Sieber Field
Cheer on the Larks as they take on Ozark Christian College. Free admission for all, so let’s pack the Nest. During halftime, the athletic hall of fame inductees will be recognized and the Lark dance team will perform.
Homecoming Worship Service, HMC sanctuary
Special guest preacher, former President Loren Swartzendruber, and a music performance by Bel Canto Singers.
