ETSU observes second annual Founders Week, Oct. 7-12
This year's Founders Week will also include information about Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
East Tennessee State University will observe its second annual Founders Week Oct. 7-12, with daily events that underscore the university’s ongoing commitment to improve the quality of life for the people of the region and beyond.
“Founders Week is an opportunity to reflect on the deep connection ETSU shares with the people of this region,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “While we mark our university’s history and achievements, we also recognize the tremendous challenges our community is facing in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Now, as in the past, ETSU is committed to standing alongside our neighbors as we rebuild and recover. This week serves as a powerful reminder of how education, innovation and service can bring us together, help us overcome challenges and celebrate the strength and resilience of our region in the face of adversity.”
Founders Week features several new events this year, including a presidential lecture by Fred Sauceman that will reflect on the legacy of ETSU’s third president, Burgin E. Dossett, and a community service project to collect supplies for local schools.
ETSU’s connection to making a difference in local schools began at its inception as a teacher’s college, or “normal school” as it was called then.
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.
ETSU was established on Oct. 10, 1911, as East Tennessee Normal School, and has served the region for more than a century.
“Our history is rooted in our community, so we hope that the community will join us as we observe ETSU Founders Week,” Noland said.
Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public. They include:
Monday, October 7-Saturday, October 12: Bucs Stuff the Bus
ETSU community and offices
The Bucs Stuff the Bus initiative serves area schools through a collection of classroom supplies. The drive kicked off on Sept. 16 and will culminate during Founders Week at the ETSU vs. Samford Game on Oct. 12. Offices around campus will have an opportunity to “adopt” a school to support. Boxes and a list of needs with instructions will be provided to participating offices. Collected supplies will be delivered to schools the week of Oct. 14.
Monday, October 7: ETSU Elevates Pitch Competition
Doors open at 5 p.m.; competition begins at 5:30 p.m.
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, ETSU Foundation Grand Hall
ETSU Elevates features collaborative community engagement projects between ETSU students and regional community partners that address economic, social or environmental issues. The students will present their pitches in front of a live audience and three judges. The event will also uplift ways to support recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
Tuesday, October 8: ETSU Remembers
10 a.m. (Bells of remembrance ring at 10:11 a.m.)
ETSU Carillon
ETSU Remembers is an annual ceremony to honor current faculty, staff and students who have passed away during the prior academic 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 July 2023 – June 2024.
Tuesday, October 8: Presidential Lecture: “The Life and Times of Burgin E. Dossett”
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Powell Recital Hall
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Fred Sauceman will present a presidential lecture titled “The Life and Times of Burgin E. Dossett.” A former coal miner and candidate for Governor of Tennessee, Dossett became East Tennessee State College’s third president in 1949. During his 19-year tenure, ETSC became ETSU, the campaign for a medical school began, enrollment increased significantly, the institution’s first master’s degrees were awarded and the campus was peacefully integrated, among other transformational accomplishments. Sauceman, who knew President Dossett personally, will describe this remarkable era in ETSU’s history and the man who defined it.
Wednesday, October 9: ETSU Service Awards
This event is by invitation only.
ETSU will hold the annual ETSU Celebration of Service recognizing faculty and staff celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years of service to the State of Tennessee.
Thursday, October 10: Farmers Market at ETSU
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Borchuck Plaza
The Farmers Market at ETSU features fresh, local food, regional arts and crafts, vintage and handmade clothing, plants, live music, food trucks and more.
Thursday, October 10: Johnson City’s Acoustic Autumn Series (sponsored by ETSU)
6-7:30 p.m.
Founders Park Amphitheatre, Johnson City
ETSU will sponsor Acoustic Autumn in Founders Park in the Amphitheatre. The event will feature local musical performances. The event is free and open to the public.
Friday, October 11: State of the University Address
10 a.m.
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Powell Recital Hall
ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland will deliver his annual State of the University address. The event will also be livestreamed at etsu.edu/president/speeches.
Saturday, October 12: ETSU Football vs. Samford
3:30 p.m.
Bank of Tennessee Field at William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium
Previous 1911 Society recipients will receive special recognition during the game. Tickets available here.
For more information about Founders Week, visit etsu.edu/founders.
Since its inception in 1911, East Tennessee State University has been committed to improving the quality of life for the people of the region and beyond. Central to this mission is the belief that people come first. Bucs Rebuild Together, the university’s response to the devastation from Hurricane Helene in the region, reflects ETSU’s continuing commitment to supporting our communities in times of need. Through collaborative efforts, we are dedicated to helping rebuild, embodying our core values of service, excellence, and compassion. Learn more at ETSU.edu/response.
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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