A graphic with a gold sunshine on a blue background and symbols representing the Summer Series

Baseball, a bike ride and a blast from the past are on the agenda for the 2025 East Tennessee State University Alumni Summer Series.  

The ETSU National Alumni Association is rolling out a lineup of three low-cost, family-friendly activities designed to connect ETSU alumni and friends throughout the region. 

“Last year, we debuted the Alumni Summer Series as a way to keep Buc pride going throughout the summer,” said Whitney Goetz, executive director of the ETSU National Alumni Association. “We had a great time, so we’re doing it again this year, with new, fun events to engage ETSU supporters on campus in the community.” 

Guests are encouraged to pre-register for all events at etsualumni.org/summerseries to receive updates on possible weather cancellations and changes. Attendees who register in advance will receive a limited-edition summer series T-shirt.   

Doughboys Game: June 20 

For the first event in the summer series, join ETSU Alumni for a night at the ballpark. Sport your ETSU colors, cheer on the Johnson City Doughboys and enjoy fireworks after the game on Friday, June 20, at the TVA Credit Union Ballpark. Gates open at 6 p.m., and the first pitch featuring ETSU’s beloved mascot, Bucky, is at 6:30 p.m. Register for a limited-edition T-shirt and a discount code to purchase Doughboys tickets at etsualumni.org/summerseries

Firefly Ride: July 9 

ETSU welcomes all alumni families to campus on Wednesday, July 9, for a sunset ride. All riding vessels must be non-motorized, and all participants must follow the designated route. Other safety precautions are recommended.  

In conjunction with the Firefly Ride, the ETSU National Alumni Association will host a Glow Party on the Basler Center for Physical Activity (CPA) lawn with refreshments, glow sticks and yard games. Check-in will begin at the CPA at 6 p.m., and the ride will begin at 7 p.m. 

Register at etsualumni.org/summerseries to receive your 1911 racing bib and free limited edition ETSU Alumni Summer Series T-shirt at the event check-in. 

’80s Night: August 1 

The final event of the 2025 Alumni Summer Series is the ’80s Night Shindig on Friday, Aug. 1. Snacks, giveaways and an optional T-shirt swap will be part of the fun at the ETSU Alumni Office in the Model Mill, located at 500 W. Walnut Street, Johnson City.  

Beginning at 3:30 p.m., bring your retro or current ETSU swag to the Model Mill for the opportunity to trade your blue and gold. Then, head over to King Commons Park to jam out with Club Rewind’s classic ’80s hits at Downtown Johnson City’s Fridays After 5 final show of the season, which is sponsored by the ETSU National Alumni Association. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. Register at etsualumni.org/summerseries

For more information about the ETSU Alumni Summer Series, contact the ETSU Alumni Association at alumni@etsu.edu


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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