East Tennessee State University celebrated 1,313 members of the Class of 2025 at its December 13 Commencement ceremonies in the Ballad Health Athletic Center.

Morning Ceremony

The 10 a.m. ceremony included graduates from the Quillen College of Medicine (Biomedical Sciences), Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy (Pharmacy Studies), Clemmer College of Education and Human Development, College of Nursing and College of Arts and Sciences.

Broadcaster, educator and award-winning author Fred Sauceman spoke at the morning ceremony.

Sauceman is no stranger to ETSU Commencement ceremonies or to Appalachian culture.

A two-time ETSU graduate, he led ETSU’s University Relations office for 25 years, continues to serve as senior writer, and each morning shares the news of this community on WETS-FM.

For 27 years, he lent his voice to Commencement ceremonies, calling the names of more than 52,000 ETSU graduates as they crossed the stage.

To the Class of 2025, he recounted incredible stories of the impact of ETSU alumni in the region and around the world.

“This university does an outstanding job in preparing students for careers,” Sauceman said. “It does an equally great job in teaching students how to embrace the world and all its wonders. Perhaps ETSU’s greatest gift to this region and to the world is the gift of hope.”

Afternoon Ceremony

The 2 p.m. ceremony honored graduates of the colleges of Public Health, Health Sciences, and Business and Technology.

Tara Scarlett, president and CEO of the Scarlett Family Foundation, addressed the graduates.

Under Scarlett’s leadership, the Scarlett Family Foundation has made significant strides in early literacy, public education and college and career readiness.

Her dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of students and families and to transforming education has also led to her appointment as chairwoman for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and as chairwoman for Tennessee’s Education and Innovation Commission.

She encouraged the graduates with advice as they navigate their lives and careers, reminding them that, “Your future is not a straight line – so stay curious, stay adaptable and stay kind. Life will surprise you, derail you, redirect you, and eventually reward you for the things you didn’t even know you were learning.”