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Events

Homecoming Basketball Game

Thursday, November 6, 7 PM

Come out and support Lions Basketball in an exciting Homecoming kick-off game in our very own Sheaffer Gymnasium! 

Homecoming Chapel

Speaker: Rev. Sam Rijfkogel

Friday, November 7, 10:15 AM

Join us for an inspiring Homecoming Alumni Chapel as we honor President Dr. Kermit Bridges for his 25th year of serving as our University President, and present our P.C. Nelson Awards for 2025. 

Family Photos with Judah

Friday, November 7, 11:15 AM

Stop by for a fun photo with your whole crew and our beloved mascot, Judah the Lion! Our Marketing Team will be on-site capturing free family photos — perfect for a keepsake from your time at Nelson. Smiles, school spirit, and lion-sized hugs welcome!

Alumni & Students Lunch Party

Friday, November 7 at 11:30 AM

 After chapel, go straight to the caf for our Alumni & Students Lunch Party! You’ll get to meet with students and alumni while enjoying a special menu for our Homecoming guests. Play along with our trivia contest to win prizes and learn about our rich history! 

Sport Kids Camp

Friday, November 7 at 1:00 PM

Our Nelson Athletics will lead a sports kids camp for the children of our alums, as well as for the community! More details on which sport to come : ) 

Alumni Softball Game

Friday, November 7, 2 PM

Have fun with Alums of all ages at the Sports Complex for an afternoon of fun and friendly competition. The Â鶹´«Ã½ Softball team are proud to host this event each year and welcome you to join us!

Nelson U Barbecue Affinity Reunions Barbecue Dinner

Friday, November 7, 6 PM, Social Hour Begins at 5 PM

We are excited to bring back the Affinity Reunion Barbecue dinner: Chi Alpha, SMA, Harvesters, each major, and classes of 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005, and 2015. This year our Emcee will be Comedian Dr. Dennis Swanberg. He will help present the Alumni Awards in a way you’ve never seen before. Also, we will be recognizing President Bridges on his 25th Anniversary as president.

Collinstock – Music and Talent

Friday, November 7, 7 PM

Each year on the lawn in front of Collins Hall, students get together for music, comedy and snacks. A make- shift stage is built. Couches and blankets adorn the grass. And students enjoy an evening under the Texas stars.

Lions Volleyball Game

Friday, November 7, 6 PM

The Lady Lions will celebrate senior night at this match- come out to honor our seniors and cheer on our Lady Lions! 

Saturdays at Nelson – Homecoming Edition

Saturday, November 8

Planning to join us for Homecoming and have a high school student? Please join us for Saturday at Nelson – Homecoming Edition on Saturday, November 8! This special event is designed for Legacy Families with a prospective student—a chance to walk the campus together, share stories from your time here, and help your future Nelson Lion experience the place that helped shape your journey.

Enjoy a day full of connection and tradition, including a guided campus tour, admissions presentation, lunch on campus, the Homecoming tailgate, and complimentary tickets to the big game.

We can’t wait to welcome your whole family back to your alma mater and make new memories together!

Spaces are limited.

Women’s Alliance of Â鶹´«Ã½ (formerly SWA) Brunch

Saturday, November 8, 9 AM

It is always a joy for the women who attend Homecoming to spend time together during Homecoming weekend. Tea, brunch, a Word, encouragement, and fellowship is what ladies can expect from this event. 

Counseling & Psychology Breakfast and Continuing Education Seminar

Saturday, November 8, 8 AM

Our Behavioral Sciences Department is having their second annual continuing education seminar. Special Speaker and content will be announced soon! 

Pregame Tailgate Carnival & Entrepreneur Fair

Saturday, November 8, 1 PM

Join the pregame festivities at our Tailgate Carnival at Lumpkins Stadium. Support small business alums and students at our Entrepreneur Fair, hosted by Career Development. Eat goodies and play games hosted by our campus departments. There will be cotton candy, ballon animals, bouncy castles, and a dunking booth, just to name a few!

Women’s Volleyball

Saturday, November 8, 12 PM

Lady Lions take on another team at our Sheaffer Center Auditorium! Our Lady Lions are on a winning streak and having a very successful season.

Homecoming Football Game

Saturday, November 8, 4 PM

There is no better way to wrap up Homecoming week than a Fall afternoon of Â鶹´«Ã½ football! Grab tickets for your family and we will see you there.

Schedule

Thursday Nov. 6

Time	Event	Location
7:00 PM	Men’s Basketball	Sheaffer Center (Gym)*

Friday, Nov. 7th

Time	Event	Location
8:00 AM	Memories Breakfast	Sheaffer Center (PDR)*
10:15 AM	Homecoming Chapel	Sheaffer Center (Auditorium)
11:15 AM	Family Photos w/Judah	Sheaffer Center (Lobby)
11:30 AM	Alumni Lunch Party	Sheaffer Center (Caf)
1:00 PM	Women’s Volleyball Game	Sheaffer Center (Gym)
1:00 PM	Sport Kids Camp	Claxton Gym
2:00 PM	Alumni Softball Game	Sports Venue (Softball Field)
6:00 PM	Nelson U Barbecue & Affinity Reunions	Sheaffer Center (Auditorium)*
6:00 PM	Women’s Volleyball	Sheaffer Center (Gym)
7:00 PM	Collinstock Music Festival	Front Lawn of Collins Hall
7:00 PM	Theatre Production	HCC (Black Box Theatre)

Saturday, Nov. 8th

Time	Event	Location
All Day	Saturdays at Nelson	Nelson Campus
8:00 AM	Couns/Psych Alumni Breakfast and Seminar	HCC 1050
9:00 AM	Women’s Alliance Brunch	Sycamore Place*
12:00 PM	Women’s Volleyball	Sheaffer Center (Gym)
1:00 PM	Tailgate Party, Entrepreneur Fair	Lumpkins Stadium Parking Lot
4:00 PM	Homecoming Football Game	Lumpkins Stadium*

*denotes ticketed event

Hotels

Best Western Plus Waxahachie Inn & Suites
1701 N Hwy 77
Waxahachie, TX 75165
972-938-1600
$87.99/night
*Mention: Nelson Homecoming

Holiday Inn
984 North US 287 Bypass
Waxahachie, TX 75165
972-938-3300
$109/night ($133.12 after taxes)
*Block Code: NUH (Â鶹´«Ã½ Homecoming)

Hampton Inn
2010 Civic Center Ln
Waxahachie, TX 75165
972-923-0666 EXT. 0
$125/night
*Mention: Â鶹´«Ã½ Homecoming