Forever ETSU Week of Giving returns April 20-26 with themed events and a community block party on April 24 to celebrate the week of giving and gratitude.
East Tennessee State University will celebrate the power of generosity and community during its second annual Forever ETSU Week of Giving, April 20-26, culminating in a community block party on Friday, April 24.
Forever ETSU is a week-long campaign that brings together alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and friends to support scholarships, programs and opportunities that transform lives across the university. The week features themed days and events designed to engage the entire Buccaneer community and beyond.
As part of Forever ETSU, the university will host Forever Fest, a free, family-friendly festival at the Model Mill and along the West Walnut Street corridor. The event will feature more than 65 vendors, live music by John King, Jr. and Lucille Klement, a vintage market, appearances by ETSU’s beloved mascot Bucky, a kids’ corner, face painting and activities for all ages.
Designed as a West Walnut Street block party, festivities begin Friday, April 24, at 4:30 p.m. at the Model Mill, which houses ETSU’s Advancement and National Alumni Association offices. Live music will take place on the stage adjacent to the Ashe Street Courthouse, and area businesses will also join in the festivities.
Free parking for Forever Fest will be available in the lot adjacent to the Model Mill, along West Walnut Street, in the lot behind the Ashe Street Courthouse and near Shamrock’s.
Connecting to Community
The event’s location along West Walnut Street reflects a deeper connection between ETSU and the surrounding community. The recently reimagined corridor serves as a vibrant gateway linking the ETSU campus with downtown Johnson City, featuring pedestrian-friendly design, greenspaces and a unified visual identity highlighted by university and city banners.
“Forever ETSU reflects the shared spirit and strong partnerships between ETSU and the people and communities we are proud to serve across our region,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “This week of giving and gratitude brings that connection to life, creating a space where our students, faculty, alumni, neighbors and community partners come together to celebrate the impact we make together.”
Celebrate All Week Long
Forever ETSU Week of Giving includes themed days throughout the week:
• Monday, April 20 – Faculty & Staff Day: Rock the Mic
• Tuesday, April 21 – Make A Gift Day: Our Next Big Hit
• Wednesday, April 22 – Student Day: Jam Session & 2026 Sendoff
• Thursday, April 23 – 423 Day: Bucs Say Thanks!
• Friday, April 24 – Forever Fest: West Walnut Block Party
• Final Giving Weekend (April 25–26)
“Forever ETSU is a celebration of the unwavering Buccaneer spirit,” said Howard Reddy, vice president for University Advancement and president/CEO of the ETSU Foundation. “Every gift is an investment in the collective impact we make as ETSU continues to transform lives, deliver excellence and forge new horizons. The invaluable support of our donors and friends makes all the difference. We are very grateful.”
