Festival of Ideas returns to ETSU Feb. 24—28, featuring keynote speakers Anthony Doerr, best-selling author, and Lavar Burton, award-winning actor, host and literary advocate. The event serves as a platform for the university community to exchange ideas and experiences.
The event begins with Doerr’s speech on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. in the Martin Center for the Arts. Doerr was chosen this year for his best-selling book “All the Light We Cannot See,” ETSU’s 2024-25 Campus Read.
“We’re thrilled because our campus has been reading the book and now we have the opportunity to have the author come and spend the day with us on campus,” said Kimberly McCorkle, provost and senior vice president for academics.
Doerr’s visit has inspired students to read and engage with his book. “I had students reach out to me and ask if we had extra copies of the book,” said McCorkle. “As the chief academic officer, that’s really exciting.”
Karin Keith, associate provost for faculty, shared that staff have included themes from “All the Light We Cannot See” in their classrooms, and book clubs have been formed around discussing it.
On Wednesday, Feb. 26, the Festival of Ideas Workshop will take place, a discussion with the campus community, faculty and students about the power of stories. It will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in D.P. Culp Student Center, Ballroom B. Last year’s Festival of Ideas included a similar event where students and faculty engaged in meaningful conversations.
“It really gives us the opportunity to hear about personal stories about what students have experienced — individuals they may have encountered that truly transformed their lives and then for us to share that same kind of message,” said Keith.
Burton’s speech will occur on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m. in the Martin Center of the Arts. Campus members appreciate Burton’s literacy advocacy and generation-spanning acting career. “Lavar Burton is wonderful in the way that he connects with so many people,” said McCorkle.
Both speakers’ events are sold out, setting an attendance record for the Festival of Ideas. “We’ve heard such good things about prior authors, so we feel like we set the bar high,” said McCorkle. “That was part of what was gratifying this year.”
People who did not get tickets are encouraged to try rush seating options.
