Tennessee State University is using the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse to showcase its excellence to the community.
The university will have a ‘Blue and White Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Day Party’ on Aug. 21 to recognize the historic day. Organizers expect as many as 10,000 to attend.
“It’s going to be a fun day,” said TSU Dean of Students Frank Stevenson. “We want it to be a day that you will remember where you were on this day. It will also be an opportunity to showcase a little bit of Tennessee State University.”
Events are planned from 10 am-2 pm at Hale Stadium on TSU’s main campus, and at Avon Williams, the university’s downtown campus. Both are free and open to the public.
The event at the stadium will include comments from TSU President Glenda Glover, TSU researchers, NASA engineer Dr. Virginia Tickles, as well as performances by TSU’s nationally acclaimed Aristocrat of Bands. There will also be free food. Aug. 21 is also the first day of classes at TSU. Student Government Association President JerMilton Woods said the eclipse events are a chance to show incoming freshman what TSU has to offer.
“It’s a moment for us to kind of gather, love on each other as a family, and just watch something stellar happen,” Woods said.
The last time a total solar eclipse could be seen from Nashville was July 29, 1478, according to NASA. After Aug. 21, the next one visible from Nashville will be on Aug. 16, 2566.
Dr. Trinetia Respress, chair of TSU’s Department of Educational Leadership and one of the organizers of the events, said she believes Aug. 21 is a day students in particular will never forget.
“I think it’s something they will enjoy, whether you’re in science, or not in science,” she said.
