East Tennessee State University students, alumni, employees and the community can make “One Giant Leap for Buc Pride” during Homecoming 2018, which kicks off Sunday, Sept. 30, with activities continuing through Oct. 7.
Homecoming will have something for everyone to enjoy, but planners have shaken things up a bit by bringing back a favorite tradition – the Charity Carnival – and rearranging some other traditional events on the schedule.
“Don’t think you know what’s going on during Homecoming week,” cautions Dylan Fields, a senior health sciences major from Kingsport who is serving as the secretary of state for 2018-19 in the ETSU Student Government Association (SGA) and Homecoming chairperson. “Definitely look at the schedule, because a lot of events have been moved around.”
Fields said the Homecoming Committee wished to bring back some older traditions that alumni, faculty and staff would remember, and the Charity Carnival was a favorite because of the opportunity it offers to help others. Student organizations will set up game booths related to the “One Giant Leap for Buc Pride” theme. Tickets will be sold for 25 cents each, with the money raised to go directly to United Way.
“It’s been about 10 years ago since the Charity Carnival was last held, but we’re bringing it back, because giving is something that students are passionate about,” Fields said. “A lot of times, we joke about being ‘poor college students,’ but we want to give back to the community. Giving to United Way impacts several different charities, such as the Boys and Girls Club, with which ETSU has a strong connection. That gives us a chance to help future Buccaneers.”
The Charity Carnival will be Wednesday, Oct. 3, from 2-5 p.m. at the Quad and Pridewalk.
Another major change is that the SGA Fall Concert kicks off Homecoming week this year, headlined by Nashville-based band Judah & the Lion. “That works out perfectly,” Fields said, “because the title of their tour is ‘Going to Mars,’ which, ironically, ties in perfectly with our Homecoming theme.”
The Judah & the Lion concert is Sunday, Sept. 30, at 7:30 p.m. at the Mini-Dome. For tickets or more information, visit www.etsu.edu/concerts.
Additional Homecoming events include:
ETSU Women’s Soccer vs. King, Oct. 1, 7 p.m., Summers-Taylor Stadium. Contact: ETSU Intercollegiate Athletics, 423-439-4343.
College Spirit Day, Oct. 2. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends throughout the region are encouraged to wear blue and gold in support of the Buccaneers.
ETSU Men’s Soccer vs. Marshall, Oct. 3, 7 p.m., Summers-Taylor Stadium. Contact: ETSU Intercollegiate Athletics, 423-439-4343.
ROTC Hall of Fame Ceremony, Oct. 5, 4 p.m. Carnegie Hotel Grand Soldiers Ballroom. The ETSU ROTC Hall of Fame recognizes alumni, former cadre members and others who have distinguished themselves professionally and made significant contributions to the ROTC program. Contact: Department of Military Science, 423-439-5291.
Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally, Oct. 5, 4-5:30 p.m. Athletes, cheerleaders, the Marching Bucs, student organizations and others will
participate in this parade starting at University School and ending at Lot 21 behind Warf-Pickel Hall, where the pep rally will be held. Contact: Student Organization Resource Center, 423-439-6633.
ETSU Volleyball vs. Wofford, Oct. 5, 6 p.m., Brooks Gym. Contact: ETSU Intercollegiate Athletics, 423-439-4343.
Skit Night, Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m., Mini-Dome. Student organizations will present their interpretations of the “One Giant Leap for Buc Pride” Homecoming theme in skits and dance. Contact: Student Organization Resource Center, 423-439-6633.
Tailgating, Oct. 6, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., parking lots 21 and 22 near William B. Greene Jr. Stadium. Live music will be performed by Wyldeheart at noon and Folk Soul Revival at 1:30 p.m. on the Pepsi Concert Stage in Lot 21 behind Warf-Pickel Hall. Contact: Carter Warden, 423-439-8474.
Luncheon Under the Tent, Oct. 6, noon-3 p.m., Wayne G. Basler Center for Physical Activity courtyard. This traditional Homecoming luncheon sponsored by the National Alumni Association is catered by Firehouse Restaurant. Cost: $15 for adults and $8 for children 10 and under; advance registration is requested. Contact: Alumni Office, 439-4218.
ETSU Football vs. Gardner-Webb, Oct. 6, 3:30 p.m., William B. Greene Jr. Stadium. Contact: ETSU Athletics Ticket Office, 423-439-ETSU (3878) or tickets@etsu.edu.
ETSU Volleyball vs. Furman, Oct. 6, 7 p.m., Brooks Gym. Contact: ETSU Intercollegiate Athletics, 423-439-4343.
Homecoming Comedy/Step Show, Oct. 6, 8 p.m., Mini-Dome. Featuring headliner Darren Brand, host Desi Banks and featured act Nema Williams. Cost: $7 in advance, $10 at the door and $5 for Greeks; go to www.etsu.edu/homecoming to purchase. Contact: Tedra Bennett, 423-439-6171.
Johnson City Sessions Tribute Concert, Oct. 6, 8 p.m., Down Home, 300 W. Main St., Johnson City. Local artists Corbin Hayslett, Bill and the Belles and the Brother Boys will perform songs from the Johnson City Sessions of 1928 and 1929, which produced several early recordings of country and old-time music. Cost: $15 for general admission, $8 for students. Contact: Bluegrass, Old Time and Country Music Studies, 423-439-7072.
Homecoming Gospel Concert, Oct. 7, 3:30 p.m., Brown Hall auditorium (room 112). The ETSU Gospel Choir and International Choir will be joined by guest choirs and praise teams from throughout the area. Contact: Tedra Bennett, 423-439-6171.
Event information is subject to change. For the latest schedule or more information, visit https://www.etsu.edu/homecoming/. For disability
accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346.
