ETSU hosting variety of events for the community in May

Jennifer L. Hill April 28, 2025

The month of May is an exciting time on the East Tennessee State University campus, with end-of-semester activities, students taking final exams, and graduating students celebrating their achievements with their families, friends, and university faculty and staff at Commencement. 

The following listing includes events that are open to the public and are free unless otherwise noted:

Commencement

Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy Commencement
May 9, 10 a.m., Martin Center for the Arts

Quillen College of Medicine Commencement
May 9, 2 p.m., Martin Center for the Arts

Spring Commencement Ceremonies 
May 10, 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. – Ballad Health Athletic Center (Mini-Dome)
ETSU’s spring Commencement will take place in two ceremonies. The 10 a.m. ceremony honors graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences, Clemmer College of Education and Human Development, and College of Public Health, with 2024 National Teacher of the Year Missy Testerman, an ETSU alumna, as the speaker. Dr. Nancy Dishner, also an ETSU alumna and president and CEO emeritus of the Niswonger Foundation Board, will address graduates during the 2:30 p.m. ceremony, which honors the College of Business and Technology, College of Health Sciences, and College of Nursing, as well as biomedical sciences graduates of the Quillen College of Medicine and pharmacy studies graduates from Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy. See complete information at etsu.edu/commencement

Music

Jazz Combo: In Performance
May 1, 7:30 p.m. – ETSU Foundation Grand Hall, Martin Center for the Arts
The ETSU Jazz Combo will perform under the direction of Dr. Brian Rodesch and Alex Taub.

‘Musical Soup’: Jazz Ensemble Concert
May 2, 7:30 p.m. – ETSU Foundation Grand Hall, Martin Center for the Arts
Under the direction of Martin Walters, the ETSU Jazz Ensemble will perform a “Musical Soup” of big band arrangements from rock to pop, Latin and jazz. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $6 for students. 

Musical Theatre Duets Recital
May 3, 7:30 p.m. – Powell Recital Hall, Martin Center for the Arts
This recital features duets by students from the studios of Dr. Matthew Potterton, Dr. Brad Fugate and Jamie Buxton. 

Theater/Cinema

Bud Frank Cinema Friday Film: ‘When Fall is Coming’
May 2, 7 p.m. – Bud Frank Theatre
Join the Bud Frank Cinema for its Friday Film screening of “When Fall is Coming.” In this twisty and destabilizing thriller from master stylist François Ozon, loving grandmother Michelle is enjoying a peaceful retirement in Burgundy, but family ties are tested when her antagonistic daughter and young grandson come to visit.

Fine Arts

BFA Senior Exhibition
Through May 23, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays – Reece Museum
This exhibit features works by graduating Bachelor of Fine Arts students Adrian Crawford, Hazel Grandy, Sarah Grider, Bri Hagy and Audrey Holladay. 

‘SPARK! Art’ Exhibit
Through June 20, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays – Reece Museum
This exhibit features 30 works of art by recent participants in “SPARK!”, a creative engagement program hosted at the Reece Museum for people with early- to mid-stage memory loss and their care partners. 

‘From Africa to Appalachia: The Tie that Binds’ Exhibit
Through July 4, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays – Reece Museum
Sixty-seven pieces of art focusing on aspects of life within African cultures and the African Diaspora from the early 20th century to the present are highlighted in this exhibit. Included are select works from the Reece Museum’s Sammie L. Nicely Collection.

Visit the Reece Museum website for more information on these and upcoming exhibitions. 

Visit the ETSU Art Galleries website for more information on exhibits continuing through early May at Slocumb and Tipton galleries, which include works by graduating ETSU Department of Art and Design students, a juried student art exhibit, and more. 

Public Talks

‘Resilient Community’ Presentation
May 13, 10 a.m. – Via Zoom
In this talk, Becky Haas, an internationally recognized trauma-informed trainer and coach, will discuss how childhood trauma can be at the root of many of the greatest challenges faced by communities and offer practical steps to create more resilient organizations and communities. Zoom registration is required. 

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To learn more about these and other events at ETSU, visit the university’s online calendar at etsu.edu/calendar/default.php. For disability accommodations, contact Disability Services at (423) 439-8346. 


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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