ETSU’s beloved Unity Fest is returning this year, promising a day of music, food, education and fun. On April 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the University Commons, students, faculty, departments and organizations can celebrate the unique cultural tapestry of the university.
“It’s a lot of fun,” said Nathanael Tadesse, assistant director of Student Activities and Organizations. “This year we’ll have student organizations participating in activities and tabling.”
Tadesse listed a few organizations that will be at the event including Women of Knowledge and Excellence, Black Affairs Association, German Club, French Club, South Asian Student Association, Percussion students, International Buccaneer Buddies and Japanese Club. This breadth of organizations and student groups shows the far-reaching impact of Unity Fest.
At the end of a busy school year, Tadesse explained that Unity Fest serves to “uplift spirits” and “recognize the strong finish for students.” The Unity Fest represents the culmination of a year of education and community.
“This is to celebrate what students have learned,” he said.
For students returning in the fall, Unity Fest also represents the chance to connect with organizations.
“Students will be reintroduced to these organizations,” Tadesse said. “From a freshman perspective, towards the end of the second semester, you’ve heard a lot about these organizations. Now you can make connections and participate in activities.”
Unity Fest has proven to be a massive success in the past. Tadesse recalls as many as 400 students attending the event in years past.
“Every year, we have something new,” he said. “This makes the festival wonderful and celebratory every year.”
The event is not only a place of fun, but also of education. Students are encouraged to dance, speak in foreign languages and celebrate through student-invented activities. Percussionists will do a demonstration and teach students; other organizations will help students write names in new languages and teach students about different instruments.
“Without the student organizations, departments and faculty, it wouldn’t be the celebratory festival it is,” Tadesse said.
He said he’s seen an increase in faculty interest and is excited to see people attend the event. Unity Fest will be a day of connection, culture and community: an ideal way to prepare for the end of the academic year.
More information can be found at etsu.edu/calendar/#event-details/b16b69df-0eeb-4d6f-a18b-6a0b1680a02a.
