August 31, 2017
East Texas Baptist University's first week of courses began on Monday, August 21. The University hosted an array of events throughout the week to reach out to all types of students and provide them with the resources and opportunities to get involved. From the Tiger Family Gathering to the Back to School Bash, students, faculty, and staff were able to build relationships with one another.
"One of the most emphasized aspects of ETBU is community. By planning events that invest not only in the student body, but also in faculty and staff, we are communicating that we are all a part of the Tiger Family," ETBU Director of Student Activities Laura Coursey said. "We want students invested - invested in student organizations, in a local church, in the community, and in their fellow Tigers."
As a part of Church Day on Wednesday, East Texas Baptist invited over 20 local pastors to setup informational booths on campus for students seeking a church home. Many churches supplied snacks and essentials along with information about their ministry. In addition, Friendship Baptist grilled hot dogs and hamburgers for all students who attended the event.
"Immanuel Baptist [Marshall] has plenty of exciting places for students to serve, such as the Youth Ministry," Children's Minister Erin Woodfin expressed. "We also have a Bible Study specifically for college students, so they can have an intentional time to hang out together."
ETBU's Baptist Student Ministry (BSM), Theatre Department, and Student Government Association (SGA) were among the represented University ministries and departments at the Organization Fair, sharing with students about the ways they can get involved in campus life and serve in the community.
"After living on campus for my first few years at ETBU, I am now experiencing life on the Hill from a different perspective," ETBU senior Lexi Pyle shared. "Events like the Commuter Ice Cream Social make it easier to interact with resident students and commuters. It gives me a reason to spend time on campus rather than going home after class or work."
The events hosted on campus are designed to accommodate the particular needs of students in order to cultivate true fellowship. While students are diverse, the ETBU Family forms unity through faith in Christ.
"I transferred from Panola College because I believe God chose this University for me," ETBU junior Stephen Key confessed. "The Lord has orchestrated everything so far. The transfer process was easy because Megan Elrod is a great Transfer Admissions Counselor. Events such as Welcome Week, Chapel, and Transfers Go Bowling contribute to building ETBU's unique Christian community."
The tradition of community will be furthered throughout the semester as campus ministries, student organizations, and individual Tigers pursue the mission of loving God and loving others. ETBU Student Activities also hosted a Solar Eclipse Event, Domino Night, a Stoplight Party, and the Tigers International Dinner to connect students with one another.