ETSU will honor its past during commencement weekend with the annual Golden 50s Reunion, welcoming back alumni from the class of 1975 and earlier to celebrate decades of Buccaneer pride.
The highlight of the weekend is the induction of the Class of 1975 into the Golden 50s Club during a reunion brunch on May 9 at 10:30 a.m. in the Brinkley Center. The event features a video presentation reflecting on student life, class photos and time for alumni to reconnect. VIP walking tours of the D.P. Culp Student Center, Reece Museum and Sherrod Library will follow the brunch.
“This reunion takes place each year at Spring Commencement,” said Lee Ann Davis, director of University Alumni Programs. “We begin working on this in November, asking members of the class to be inducted as Class Reunion Agents. We also have alumni, who are already Golden 50s members, volunteering again.”
On May 10, the Golden 50s will don their signature golden regalia and participate in the Spring Commencement Ceremony at the Mini Dome, where they will be recognized alongside the graduating Class of 2025. A special breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. in the Alumni Office at Model Mill. Discounted tickets to ETSU baseball games against Wofford are also available for reunion participants.
Davis noted that ETSU spans far beyond just a physical place—it represents a shared experience for over 110,000 alumni.
“Staying involved helps alumni find purpose, connection and belonging no matter how long ago they walked across the graduation stage,” she said.
The reunion annually continues a tradition that celebrates the university’s rich history and enduring sense of community.
“These Golden 50s Alumni help maintain the university’s culture across generations, reminding our current students and those who will be graduating on May 10 of these important people who have paved the way for them.”
Now, after nearly 28 years working with alumni, Davis reflected on what makes this event so special.
“The Golden 50s Reunion is my favorite event we do all year. Organizing this reunion allows us to connect ETSU’s past with the present, honoring tradition while celebrating our university’s progress,” she said. “I usually tear up as they are waiting to march out for Commencement because I think of all they have seen and done in their lifetimes, knowing one of their important benchmarks was graduating from ETSU. Their excitement and deep appreciation for all of our staff’s effort adds a real sense of purpose and fulfillment to the whole planning process.”
