Like a scene from a movie, generations of ETBU Tigers, family members, and the Marshall community gathered at East Texas Baptist University for a weekend celebration like never before. Children, dressed in their favorite costumes, patiently waited for Charlie Brown and Snoopy to take the stage. The crisp October breeze carried the smell of delicious food and the sound of the Tiger Band across crowds of people playing yard games, getting face paintings, and enjoying the outdoors.

East Texas Baptist University hosted its seventh annual Calling Conference on Wednesday, October 20, for ETBU students who are drawn to vocational ministry. The conference provided students with a deeper understanding of identifying and pursuing their callings with opportunities to learn from experienced ministry professionals. Special guest speakers Dr.

East Texas Baptist University faculty, staff, donors, and supporters gathered on Friday, October 15, to bless the foundation of the Great Commission Center. The ceremony included a time of prayer, worship, and a sacred time of dedication for the transformative learning facility and discipleship training center.

The East Texas Baptist University Department of Theatre Arts concluded its production of Johnny Simon’s Pinocchio Commedia last weekend after a successful four-show run from Thursday, September 30 to Sunday, October 3. The performances, directed by Associate Professor of Theatre Arts John Dement, blended the rich comic style of Italian comic theatre with the fairy tale exploits of everyone’s favorite puppet-brought-to-life, Pinocchio.

East Texas Baptist University junior Leah Akridge from Lufkin, Texas, and senior Christian Phillips from Murphy, Texas, were honored on October 4 with the Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award for consistently displaying Christian servant leadership on campus and in the community. ETBU President Emeritus Dr. Bob Riley and his wife, Gayle, took part in the ceremony and presented the honorees with a miniature replication of the “Divine Servant” statue, created by Max Greiner, which can also be found on campus at the entrance to the Rogers Spiritual Life Center.