To celebrate ETSU’s founding on Oct. 10, Founders Week will be observed Oct. 9-13 with events that reflect on the mission of ETSU. In the past, the events have spanned all through October, but this year they are all within the week.
“This is the first time in my 12 years as president, where we as an institution throughout the week, will have meaningful opportunities to reflect upon the institution’s mission, and live that mission forward,” said President Brian Noland.
Noland shared the mission of ETSU is to improve the quality of life for people in the region. The events scheduled for the week are meant to make a difference in the community.
The first event, ETSU Elevates Pitch Competition, is Monday, Oct. 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the Martin Center. Noland describes the event as an initiative that engages students with community organizations to bring about change. The event is centered around pitches given by students in a “Shark Tank” format in hopes of receiving investment from ETSU.
Noland mentioned he is most excited to hear the pitches from the students. He shared that ETSU Elevates began before COVID-19, but was put on pause because of the virus. “I think Monday is going to be a lot of fun,” said Noland.
On Tuesday at 10 a.m. is the ETSU Remembers Ceremony, an annual event where the names of community members, faculty, staff and students who have passed away over the past year are read aloud. Noland said it’s “an opportunity for us to remember those individuals who played a role in the mission of the institution.” The event will take place at the ETSU Carillon, and the Carillon bells will ring in remembrance.
The next day is the ETSU Heroes Award Ceremony, an event to recognize members of the ETSU community who have made a difference in the lives of students and the institution. The event is at 4 p.m., Oct. 11 in the D.P. Culp Student Center Ballroom.
Thursday is the Gilbreath Hall Ribbon Cutting at 4 p.m. Tours will be offered to showcase the newly renovated Bud Frank Theatre, classrooms and teaching infrastructure. Noland shared that it’s the oldest building on campus that opened on Oct. 10, 1911.
To wrap up the week, President Noland will give his State of the University Address on Friday, Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. in the Martin Center. “ . . . it will outline current issues and opportunities at the institution,” said Noland. “Much of my address will spotlight initiatives by our students, faculty and staff that are helping to support the mission of the institution.”
Noland looks forward to the future of Founders Week beyond his presidency. “We’re establishing what we hope can be a tradition at the institution that these things will all occur during the week,” said Noland.
