ETSU planning Founders Week, Oct. 9-13
ETSU planning special events to mark the university’s founding in October, 1911
The inaugural East Tennessee State University Founders Week, Oct. 9-13, is a celebration that is more than a century in the making.
Founders Week commemorates ETSU’s founding in October of 1911, and will include a variety of events that underscore the university’s ongoing commitment to improve the lives of the people of this region.
“Since it was founded as East Tennessee Normal School in 1911, this institution has served the region as a beacon of knowledge, innovation and service,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “Founders Week is a recognition of the longstanding community support that has allowed this university to thrive, and it is also an opportunity to showcase how ETSU continues to make meaningful and lasting impacts on the lives of the people it serves.”
The roots of ETSU began to grow in 1909, when the citizens of the region sought to convince then-Governor Malcolm R. Patterson to locate the East Tennessee Normal School in Johnson City. Over the course of two years, community members worked to secure resources, persuade policymakers and build unified support for the creation of the school in Northeast Tennessee.
ETSU’s founders did not merely provide proposals and plans to the governor and other officials; they rolled up their sleeves and started the job. Local utility companies offered free services for the college. Business leaders donated funds, supplies, land and labor to work to build a campus and serve the people of the region.
“This early example of Appalachian grit and determination set the tone that those who call this institution home work hard, give back and go beyond,” said Noland. “These acts have made such a positive and lasting impact that we are still celebrating them decades later.”
A special event is planned for each day of Founders Week. All events are free and open to the public. They include:
Monday, October 9: ETSU Elevates Pitch Competition
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, ETSU Foundation Grand Hall
5 p.m.
The pitch competition will feature nine projects that pair students with nine different
community partners to address an economic, social or environmental issue of their
choice. The students will present their pitches in front of a live audience and three
judges.
Tuesday, October 10: ETSU Remembers
ETSU Carillon
10 a.m. (Bells of remembrance ring at 10:11 a.m.)
ETSU Remembers is an annual ceremony to honor faculty, staff and students who have
passed away during the prior year. This special ceremony includes a ringing of the
Carillon bells in remembrance of those the university has lost. This year’s ceremony
will remember those who passed away between January 2022 and June 2023.
Wednesday, October 11: ETSU Heroes Award Ceremony
D.P. Culp Student Center Ballroom
4 p.m.
ETSU Heroes is an annual recognition program celebrating the impactful and extraordinary
service of people across the ETSU community. The outstanding members of the university
community who have been chosen as ETSU Heroes will be honored with a medallion and
a cash award provided by the ETSU Foundation during this special ceremony.
Thursday, October 12: Gilbreath Hall Ribbon Cutting
Gilbreath Hall
4 p.m.
Beginning at 3 p.m., ETSU students will offer tours of the newly renovated Gilbreath
Hall – ETSU’s first building. At 4 p.m., the campus and community will cut the ribbon
to celebrate the grand reopening of the state-of-the-art space located near the heart
of campus.
Friday, October 13: State of the University Address
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Powell Recital Hall
10 a.m.
ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland will deliver his annual State of the University address.
The event will also be livestreamed at www.etsu.edu/president/speeches.php.
For more information about Founders Week, visit etsu.edu/founders.
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About ETSU: East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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