News & Events

Many who live in North Carolina mountain communities take advantage of the lifelong learning opportunities in the region.  There’s no better time to immerse yourself in culture and education than autumn through winter, and Lenoir-Rhyne University, a co-educational and liberal arts university in Hickory, is exactly the place to explore. 

Looking for things to do in Hickory North Carolina?  These events sponsored by LRU are worth checking out. The Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Visiting Writers Series (VWS) is free and open to the public.  This is a unique literary arts series that truly encourages lifelong learning.  We all rely upon writing to communicate, whether for business, creativity, or simply keeping in touch with the people we care so much about—especially during the holiday season.  The VWS has been flourishing for twenty-five years, inviting authors to share a great deal of themselves beyond their work on the written page.  LRU believes “the beauty and the power of words help us make sense of the world.” 

Upcoming Writers:

• Marie Howe – November 17, 2016

• Leslie Rindoks – January 19, 2017

• Denise Kiernan – February 9, 

• Reginald Dwayne Betts – February 23, 2017

• Erik Larson – March 9, 2017

• The Little Read Featuring Dan Santat – April 1, 2017 

For more information on attending or becoming a Patron of the Series, contact Dr. Rand Brandes at 828-328-7077; or Lisa Hart at 828-328-7502.

Hearing fine music around the holidays is something we love sharing in our North Carolina mountain communities.  The Concert Series at LRU is the place to mingle with talented musicians and listen to their repertoire.  This program has been going strong for almost two decades, serving uplifting music to the community and greater Hickory residents.  Concerts, recitals, classes, lectures…this series provides it all to those who want to be surrounded by fine musical artists.

Upcoming Concerts:

• Naomi Niskala—piano—Sunday, November 20, 2016; 4 pm; P.E. Monroe Auditorium

Ms. Niskala is a soloist and chamber musician who has performed all over the world—in Europe, the Middle East, Canada, Russia, Thailand, Japan as well as the United States.  BBC Radio as well as NPR’s Performance Today have broadcasted her stellar performances.

• Lenoir Sax—Friday, December 9, 2016; 8 pm; Grace Chapel

Lenoir Sax is an accomplished jazz and classical chamber group who have performed in Europe and the southeastern United States. Their recordings vary from classical to jazz, as well as Gershwin and spiritual songs.

• Peter and Will Anderson—Friday, January 20, 2017; 7:30 pm; Grace Chapel

These two brothers wow on clarinet and saxophone.  The New York Times deemed them “virtuosos” and their lively jazz and original arrangements will impress the entire audience.

• Elektra Winds—Sunday, February 26, 2017; 4 pm; Grace Chapel

Four new and accomplished young musicians from Forsyth and Guilford Counties, form this chamber ensemble.  There’s nothing like new talent, and these four young professionals won’t disappoint.

• Tesla String Quartet—Friday, April 21, 2017; 7:30 pm; Grace Chapel

This quartet’s chamber concert is the end of the season for the Concert Series, and the perfect way to wrap things up.  They came together at Juilliard School almost a decade ago, and have since gained a reputation as a talented young group in New York.

For more information on supporting the Concert Series, or if you are an artist wishing to be considered for an appearance, please contact Dr. Daniel Kiser at 828-328-7154.

For more things to do in Hickory North Carolina in the fall and winter season, LRU’s Institute for Faith & Learning is a program that strives to enrich “a culture of the intellect” with a strong theological approach for Christians of all traditions. 

Upcoming Events: 

• John Behr; November 3, 2016; 7 pm; Grace Chapel 

A British Eastern Orthodox priest and theologian, and Dean of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, John Behr teaches Patristics. He was ordained to the diaconate on September 8, 2001 and the priesthood on September 14, 2001.

• John Behr; November 4, 2016; Stavros Lecture Hall on LTSS Campus

For further information contact Jonathan Schwiebert at 828-323-7184.

When you’re looking for things to do in Hickory North Carolina, Lenoir-Rhyne University will satisfy many of your needs, whether for pure cultural entertainment, or delving into a new area of study.  Their mission statement, “As a community of learning, the University provides programs of undergraduate, graduate, and continuing study committed to the liberal arts and sciences as a foundation for a wide variety of careers and as guidance for a meaningful life.” 

LRU began in 1891, with a small group of Lutheran pastors who were motivated to educate students along with instilling Christian values.  Captain Walter Lenoir, a lawyer and judge, donated a generous 56 acres just a mile north of Hickory’s business district. In the 1960’s the campus grew along with the student population, affording lifelong learning to all of us fortunate enough to live in the North Carolina mountain communities.

Remember…LRU can accommodate events for lifelong learning— meetings, receptions, concerts, camps, workshops or seminars with capacity from 10 to 1360 guests.  Full service buffet and informal catering is also available for convenience. 

LRU’s campus in Hickory is convenient to those of us who live in The Coves with an easy scenic drive. Residents visit the university to discover a broad variety of cultural and educational experiences that keep our lives enriched–whether we have shifted gears into our peaceful retirement days, or we’re simply looking for something to do during our downtime on a weekend or day off.  We all benefit from expanding our horizons, learning, challenging and satisfying our minds and our spirits, so make the trip from The Coves to LRU this fall or winter to check out the lifestyle and some of the most beautiful North Carolina mountain homes for sale.

If you’re exploring the area for the first time, ask for our 70 page complimentary Western North Carolina Visitor’s Guide which provides more information about living in the foothills.