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East Tennessee State University has been home to Bryce Ward in one way or another since he was a toddler. His father was a student here, and when daycare closed early, ETSU students stepped in to help.  

That community shaped his family’s relationship with the university, eventually drawing him back as a student, a mascot and now a graduate.

“I’ve been stomping on this campus since I was three,” he said. “Having that tradition – just being able to see it change so much, from not having a football team to watching William B. Greene Jr. Stadium just be packed out, that's been a great experience.”

For the past year, Ward has been the face of ETSU’s blue and gold spirit.  As Bucky the Buccaneer, he charged onto fields, posed for countless photos and drew big grins from kids who had no idea who was behind the costume.  On May 9, he traded it for a cap and gown. 

‘I’m going to tell my kids’

Ward didn’t expect to land the mascot role when he arrived at ETSU. The opportunity still means a great deal to him.

“I did not believe I’d ever have a chance to be the mascot,” he said. “I’m going to tell my kids; I’m going to tell my grandkids and be so proud to call ETSU my alma mater.”

Beyond the Bucky suit, Ward has been preparing for his career in education, completing his student teaching at Daniel Boone High School. He got emotional reflecting on his students.

“I’ve had some great times as Bucky, but teaching is my passion and my love,” said Ward, who will continue his education at ETSU this fall in the master’s program for sport science and coach education.  

ETSU confers 2,061 degrees to the Class of 2026

Ward was one of 2,061 members of the Class of 2026. Pharmacy and medical graduates marked the milestone at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts on Friday. Remaining colleges gathered Saturday at the Ballad Health Athletic Center, also known as the Mini-Dome. ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland addressed graduates with a charge rooted in service.

“During a time in which our world is often dominated by argument and dissent, may the spirit of service and sacrifice that defined your ETSU experience carry you in the years to come,” Noland said. “May today be for you the beginning of a new journey, a great adventure and a life lived well with purpose and grace.”

Two distinguished speakers mark the occasion

Two accomplished ETSU figures anchored Saturday’s ceremonies. Dr. Mike Stoots, the 2025 recipient of ETSU’s Distinguished Faculty in Teaching Award and a nationally recognized public health educator, addressed the morning ceremony. Dr. Randy Wykoff, founding dean of ETSU’s College of Public Health, spoke at the afternoon ceremony. Wykoff retires this year as the longest-serving dean of public health in the country.

“From my perspective, life is a classroom, one in which we are both student and teacher,” Noland told the crowd. “Each day is a test and each day we receive a passing or failing grade in one particular course, a course called grace.”