Today marks the first day of ETSU Pride Week, an annual awareness campaign celebrating the long, proud history of East Tennessee State University and marking the beginning of a new academic year. Activities take place throughout the month of August and span the Tri-Cities region.Events for the week begin today, with ETSU Pride Night with the Bristol Red Sox when they will face the Bluefield Orioles, as well as with the Elizabethton Twins while they face the Pulaski Mariners.

On Aug. 27, ETSU President Paul Stanton will give his State of the University Address in the Martha Street Culp Auditorium. The conference will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Friday will also be Tri-Cities Blue and Gold Day, where businesses are encouraged to have employees wear PRIDE shirts or other ETSU colors. Anyone wearing ETSU apparel will receive $1 off admission between 3-8 p.m. There will also be a sidewalk sale from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Basler Center for Physical Activity. Anyone interested in participating can contact Michael Birdwell ar 439-4210.

Bluegrass on Broad Street is also planned for Friday at 7 p.m. in Kingsport.

On Aug. 29, students are invited to see “Iron Man 2” on an outdoor big screen in front of the Sherrod Library at 8:30 p.m.

On Aug. 30, the Johmson City Cardinals will sponsor an ETSU Pride Night, which begins at 6 p.m. Admission is free with an ETSU ID.

On Aug. 31, ETSU will sponsor a Welcome Back Picnic from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Amphitheatre. Students are invited to attend for food, games and music.

On Sept. 1, the ETSU Pride Community Showcase will be held in Borchuck Plaza from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Johnson City/Jonesborough/Washington County Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on any of these events, contact the Alumni Office at 439-4218.

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