ETSU celebrates its 1911 founding during Founders Week, Oct. 3-9, with special events honoring university history, community and tradition.    

East Tennessee State University will celebrate its fourth annual Founders Week from Oct. 3-9, with a slate of special events for the campus and community commemorating the university’s founding in 1911.

“Founders Week is an ETSU tradition in which we celebrate those individuals who forged the path and built the foundation of this institution with the goal of improving the quality of life for the people of this region,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “As we continue to move forward and build on that foundation, we honor the legacy of the founders, leadership, faculty and students who have gone before us.”  

The following Founders Week activities are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted:

ETSU Football vs. Chattanooga

Saturday, Oct. 3 | 3:30 p.m. | William B. Greene Jr. Stadium

Previous inductees into ETSU’s 1911 Society, which honors the university’s most notable graduates from undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, will receive special recognition during the game. Game tickets may be purchased on the ETSU Athletics ticketing website.

ETSU Elevates Pitch Competition

Monday, Oct. 5 | 5:30 p.m. | ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, ETSU Foundation Grand Hall

ETSU Elevates is an annual competition featuring collaborative community engagement projects between ETSU students and regional community partners that address economic, social or environmental issues. The students will present their pitches in front of a live audience and three judges.

ETSU Remembers

Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 10 a.m. | ETSU Foundation Carillon and Alumni Plaza

This annual ceremony honors faculty, staff and students who have passed away during the prior academic year (July 2025-June 2026). The Carillon bells will ring in remembrance of these individuals at 10:11 a.m.

Founders Week Lecture: ‘Railcars, Coal Camps, Stack Cakes, and Classrooms: The Regional Reach of George L. Carter’

Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 4 p.m. | Bud Frank Theatre

In this presentation, part of an ongoing series on ETSU history, Fred Sauceman will explore the impact of railroad entrepreneur and philanthropist George L. Carter on the university and the region.

ETSU Service Awards

Wednesday, Oct. 7 | 11:30 a.m. | By invitation only

ETSU’s annual Celebration of Service recognizes faculty and staff celebrating five to 50 years of service to the State of Tennessee.

Farmer’s Market at ETSU

Thursday, Oct. 8 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Borchuck Plaza

This weekly event features fresh, local food; regional arts and crafts; vintage and handmade clothing; plants; live music; food trucks; and more.

Johnson City’s Acoustic Autumn Series

Thursday, Oct. 8 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Founders Park Amphitheatre

ETSU will sponsor this week’s concert in Johnson City’s Acoustic Autumn series featuring Americana/folk artist Chancellor Lawson. For ETSU Night, wear your blue and gold, bring a lawn chair or blanket, snap a photo with ETSU’s beloved mascot Bucky, and celebrate ETSU pride in the heart of Downtown Johnson City.

State of the University Address

Friday, Oct. 9 | 10 a.m. | ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Powell Recital Hall

ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland will deliver his annual State of the University address, which will also be livestreamed on the university’s YouTube channel.

Learn more about ETSU’s founding and these special events at etsu.edu/founders.

‍