HICKORY, N.C. - The Lenoir-Rhyne Bears Club celebrated eight decades of supporting Lenoir-Rhyne University athletics on Thursday, August 20, gathering for its annual social at Moretz Mills to commemorate the organization's 80th anniversary and look ahead to the future of Bears athletics.
The milestone celebration brought together Bears Club members, Lenoir-Rhyne alumni, current and former student-athletes, and President Summer McGee for an evening honoring the people and tradition that have helped make the Bears Club an integral part of LR athletics for 80 years.
The evening also recognized the organization's rich history, including past Bears Club presidents whose leadership helped guide and strengthen the organization through generations. The celebration served as both a tribute to decades of supporters and a kickoff to the upcoming year for Lenoir-Rhyne athletics.
"This year's annual social was a resounding success and a wonderful way to kick off the upcoming year for Lenoir-Rhyne and LR athletics," said Montgomery. "In addition to celebrating the history and tradition of the Bears Club, we rolled out a vision for LR athletics as we strive to continue to be one of the elite athletic programs in NCAA Division II."
For past Bears Club president Roger Maxey '71, the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the organization's longstanding impact and recognize the many people who have contributed to its success.
"What an amazing evening celebrating 80 years of the Bears Club and all of its accomplishments for LR athletics," Maxey said. "We were honored to hear from and recognize so many past presidents while paying tribute to all the Bears Club members who have made the organization what it is today."
"It was an honor to be invited to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears Club," said Lindsey Babcock, the new Commissioner of the South Atlantic Conference. "I was impressed by the tremendous outpouring of support and passion for LR Athletics and experienced firsthand how the strength of our conference is built on institutions that are deeply committed to their student-athletes and athletics programs. The Bears Club is a remarkable example of that commitment."
Since its founding 80 years ago, the Bears Club has played an important role in advancing Lenoir-Rhyne athletics through the support and dedication of generations of members. Thursday's gathering highlighted that enduring legacy while emphasizing the organization's continued role in helping position LR athletics for the future.
The 80th anniversary celebration reflected what has remained constant across eight decades: a deep commitment to Lenoir-Rhyne, pride in the Bears and a shared belief in the power of athletics to enrich the university and its student-athletes.
Since its inception, the Bears Club has provided more than $7 million in athletic scholarships for Lenoir-Rhyne student-athletes.
