The East Tennessee State University National Alumni Association will host a special Evening of Distinction and ETSU PRIDE Awards Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 6, celebrating the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of ETSU alumni and friends.

The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a reception outside the D.P. Culp Ballroom, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland will provide an update on the university before a distinguished group of ETSU alumni and friends is recognized for their professional achievements, service and lasting impact on ETSU and their communities.

The 2026 award recipients are:

• George L. Carter Award: Janet Ayers, Classes of 1986 and 2015

• Outstanding Alumnus: Jerry A. Jordan, Class of 1968

• Outstanding Alumna: Abby C. Eblen, M.D., Class of 1988

• Awards of Honor: Brooklyn Sawyers Belk, Class of 2004, and Edwin “Doug” Taylor, Classes of 1973 and 1976

• Distinguished Alumnus in Education: Alex Campbell, Class of 2002

• Distinguished Alumnus in the Arts: Justin Stanton, Class of 2005

• PRIDE of ETSU Award: Autumn Marie Lockwood, Class of 2020

• Honorary Alumnus: Tom Kwasigroch, Ph.D.

The evening provides an opportunity for the ETSU community to come together to celebrate these exceptional individuals and recognize the many ways ETSU alumni and friends continue to make a difference through their leadership, service, creativity and dedication.

Tickets are $25 per person, including sales tax. Tickets are non-refundable and may be reserved by calling the ETSU Alumni Office at (423) 439-4218 or email Leisa Harvey at harveyl@etsu.edu. Online registration is available at etsualumni.org/award26.

Founded in 1915, the ETSU National Alumni Association is the university’s longest-operating organization. For more than a century, the association has worked to strengthen the lifelong connection between ETSU and its alumni while celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of Buccaneers around the world.