ETSU’s mascot is so iconic, and now he’s in bronze!

Weighing under 1,000 pounds and standing 8 feet tall, a new bronze Bucky the Buccaneer statue was revealed Aug. 23 as part of Bucky’s birthday celebration and PREVIEW.

Located at the edge of University Commons facing William B. Greene Jr. Stadium, the statue was made possible by an anonymous donation.  

Bucky’s new bronze look marks the completion of construction on phase two of University Commons, which began in fall 2024.  

Jeremy Ross, ETSU’s chief operating officer, shared behind-the-scenes information about the statue. 

“It was a collaborative process over the course of a year or two,” Ross said.  

The landmark was designed by numerous local architects and arrived at ETSU from Provo, Utah. Ross shared that the inspiration for the surrounding maritime motifs came from a trip he took this summer to Boston with a group of ETSU students.  

“Boston celebrates the sea fishing and maritime industry,” Ross said. “It’s gratifying to me that students could travel outside of East Tennessee, learn from others, bring it back and make it ours.”

Closeup of Placard at the Bucky Statue (Abby Trembeczki/East Tennessean)

The buccaneer memorabilia surrounding the statue, such as tokens of Pepper and Captain Kidd, commemorate the history of ETSU and leave room for future icons.  

“There’s an opportunity to add more sense of place items,” Ross said. “There’s a potential to have more artwork, columns and plaques.” 

The completion of University Commons ushers in a new project called Bosque Plaza, located in front of Carter Hall. Ross shared that the new space will include an ETSU timeline in granite, shaded areas and large trees.  

“There will be trees, a place for contemplation and a celebration of our past,” Ross said.  

Ross is excited to see the campus evolve within the next months as projects begin and end.  

“Our campus is transforming, and I hope all of us have a sense of gratitude for the architects, donors like Sonia King and students who have played a role for all of us to have these things now,” Ross said.

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