Hundreds of Maryville students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends attended Homecoming 2021 festivities, which kicked off the University’s yearlong 150th anniversary celebration.

The celebration began with the official book release of “Maryville University: 150+ Years,” which is available for purchase through The M Store. The presentation and panel discussion with Editor Marty Parkes; President Mark Lombardi, PhD; and Vice President for Community and Government Relations Laraine Davis, ’17 inspired and entertained. They shared behind-the-scenes insights and celebrated the personal stories behind Maryville’s significant 150-year milestone.

“We have to understand where we came from to understand where we’re going,” said President Lombardi. “Innovation is about a vision that we can do better and that we can do more. The Society of the Sacred Heart committed themselves to educating women and the underserved in St. Louis more than 200 years ago, and our commitment to those principles is still the same. We use different tools, we have different strategies, but it’s the same mission. It’s our responsibility to look ahead and continue to lead a renaissance in higher education.”

Other highlights of Homecoming 2021 included a toast to the Classes of 2020 and 2021. This special event honored those alumni whose entrances into the Maryville alumni community were affected by the pandemic. The next day, Golden Circle classmates, those who graduated 50 years ago or prior, gathered for a luncheon and honored the Classes of 1970 and 1971, the newest members of the Golden Circle.

Community members also enjoyed a drive-in movie night at the Chesterfield Mall parking lot to watch “Field of Dreams.” The festivities concluded with the second annual Go the Distance 5k race, which was completed virtually and in person through Maryville’s campus, with racers crossing the finish line into the Homecoming Tailgate featuring drinks, games and food trucks leading up to the men’s and women’s soccer games.

Save the Date!

Athletics Alumni Weekend
February 24–27, 2022
From cricket, field hockey and badminton to wrestling, lacrosse and esports — Maryville’s Department of Athletics and Recreation has come a long way! Help us celebrate athletic achievements past and present.

Maryville Day
April 22, 2022
Think of Maryville Day like a giant birthday party! Gander Quad will be filled with food trucks, games, live music and fun giveaways. The Maryville Alumni team will celebrate with the second annual Maryville Giving Day, full of social media challenges, virtual activities and alumni stories.

150th Anniversary Bash
Fall 2022
We hope you’ll join us for our 150th Anniversary Bash as we close out our yearlong celebration. The party is so big, we need the entire campus for it! Explore different eras of Maryville history across campus. Check out our interactive stations, enjoy live music and look to the skies for our drone show.
For more information,
visit maryville.edu/150.