East Tennessee State University’s December events calendar for students, employees and the community is full of concerts, art exhibits, holiday fun, Commencement and more.
In the hustle and bustle of December, East Tennessee State University invites students, employees and members of the community to take a break from preparing for finals, shopping for gifts and all the other tasks of the season and enjoy some of the great events taking place on campus as the fall semester winds down.
The university offers its popular annual Holiday Concert, along with art exhibits, ice skating, a winter enrichment camp for children and more. December is also the month when ETSU celebrates the Class of 2025 in fall Commencement activities.
The following events are open to the public and are free unless otherwise noted.
Music
‘Glory Shone Around’: ETSU Holiday Concert
December 5-6, various times – Martin Center for the Arts, ETSU Foundation Grand Hall
This beloved annual concert returns, featuring over 250 vocalists and musicians in three performances of a program that blends cherished classics and exciting new works. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. both nights and 4 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $20 to $28.
‘Spirits & Sparkle’: Appalachian Equality Chorus
December 14, 4 p.m. – Martin Center for the Arts, ETSU Foundation Grand Hall
The Appalachian Equality Chorus presents a celebration of holiday memories, joy and excitement, with such favorites as “White Christmas,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and more. Tickets are $20 (includes tax and fees).
Fine Arts
BFA Graphic Design Senior Exhibitions
November 26-December 13 – Tipton-Ashe Gallery
Three graduating ETSU graphic design students present their capstone art displays. A reception will be held December 5 from 6-8 p.m.
‘Vintage Charm: The Collecting Legacy of Blue Ridge Pottery’
Continuing through December 12 – Reece Museum
This exhibit features works produced by Southern Potteries’ Blue Ridge Pottery, which began operations in 1917 in Erwin and became the largest producer of hand-painted pottery and china in the United States. Foreign competition and the increasing popularity of plastic dinnerware led to the company’s liquidation in the 1950s.
‘The Place Speaks’ Exhibit
Continuing through December 12 – Reece Museum
This exhibit, which explores how sacred histories are presented through visual art in Appalachia, highlights works by the Rev. Jimmy Morrow and other Appalachian and Southern artists, as well as significant artifacts from the museum’s permanent collection.
Theater/Cinema
Richard Thomas in ‘Mark Twain Tonight!’
December 8, 7 p.m. – Martin Center for the Arts
Actor Richard Thomas (“The Waltons,” “Ozark”) brings the humor of Mark Twain to the stage in this Emmy Award-winning, one-man show, written and originally performed by the legendary Hal Holbrook. Tickets are $85.01 to $109.39 (including taxes and fees).
Public Talks and More
ETSU Synthetic Ice-Skating Rink
Continuing through December 13, various days/hours – University Commons
ETSU’s popular synthetic ice-skating rink is open for the season. Students, faculty and staff skate for free, and public admission is $5 per person (includes skate rental). Hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 5-9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 2-7 p.m. through Saturday, December 13; the rink will be closed during Thanksgiving week, when the university is closed.
‘Epigenetics 101: How Experience Gets Under the Skin’
December 10, 1 p.m. – via Zoom
Dr. Mary Jo Hedrick will provide a foundational overview of epigenetics, the study of how environmental factors influence gene expression without altering DNA sequence in this talk in the ETSU/Ballad Health Strong BRAIN Institute Resilience Series.
Discover Quillen: Meet Our Leadership and Learn What Sets Us Apart
December 11, 5 p.m. – via Zoom
Anyone interested in exploring medical school is invited to hear about ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine directly from members of the Quillen family.
ROTC Fall Commissioning
December 12, 1 p.m. – D.P. Culp Student Center ballroom
Seven cadets in the Army ROTC Program at ETSU will take the oath of office and be commissioned as second lieutenants in this ceremony. The new officers will serve in various branches upon graduation from ETSU.
Fall Commencement
December 12, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. – Ballad Health Athletic Center (Mini-Dome)
ETSU will celebrate the Class of 2025 in two Commencement ceremonies. Special featured speakers are Fred Sauceman, author, broadcaster, educator and ETSU alumnus, during the 10 a.m. ceremony, and Tara Scarlett, president and CEO of the Scarlett Family Foundation, during the 2 p.m. ceremony. Complete information for graduates and guests is available on the Commencement web page.
Renaissance Child Winter Enrichment
December 15-19, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. – Warf-Pickel Hall, room 411
Children in grades 1-5 are invited to this week-long enrichment camp that brings together science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math in a playful and imaginative way. Registration is $200, and space is limited to 30 campers.
