Newsflash
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Elsa Nuñez, vice chancellor for academic and student affairs of the University of Maine System, was appointed the sixth president of Eastern Connecticut State University on May 18 by the Board of Trustees of the Connecticut State University System. Nuñez, 58, born and raised in Puerto Rico, becomes the first Latina president of a Connecticut state university. She will begin her term as president on Aug. 4.
“We are very excited to welcome Dr. Nuñez to Eastern Connecticut State University and the Connecticut State University System,” said Lawrence D. McHugh, chairman of the CSU Board of Trustees. “She is an outstanding leader and administrator, and the trustees are confident that she will be an exceptional president who will guide Eastern through what expect to be a continued era of unprecedented growth and improvement.”
“Eastern is very fortunate to have Dr. Nuñez as its next president,” said Chancellor David Carter, who served as Eastern’s president from 1988 until his appointment as chancellor in December 2005. “She is an outstanding individual and administrator, and I am confident that she will excel as president. I look forward to working with her.”
Prior to her position in the University of Maine System, which she has held since 2003, Nuñez held similar positions at Lesley University, Wheelock College, and The City University of New York. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and English from Montclair State College; a master’s degree in English from Fairleigh Dickinson University; an Ed. D. in linguistics from Rutgers University.
Arroyo Named Eastern’s Distinguished Faculty Member of the Year
Imna Arroyo, professor of visual arts, has been named the recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Member Award for 2005-2006. The award is given annually to a faculty member whose excellence in classroom teaching, devotion to scholarship, and creative productivity bring recognition to the University and have a positive impact on students.
“Dr. Arroyo has unequivocally proven herself to be worthy of this distinction,” declared Professor Charles Wynn, chair of the selection committee. “She not only is an outstanding educator, but also is a continuous contributor to the vitality of the Visual Arts Department. She is, at all times, a professional, a mentor, and an inspiration to her colleagues. Above all else, she is always there for her students, to answer questions, support, and encourage them.”
“I am truly moved and humbled by this peer recognition award,” said Arroyo. “I come from a long history of educators. My grandmother, Modesta Moret, was one of the first certified Black teachers in Puerto Rico. And my aunt and cousins are all teachers as well. I am the first to teach in higher education. My ancestors must be very happy.”
Eastern President Michael Pernal and Mathematics Professor Steve Kenton congratulate Visual Arts Professor Imna Arroyo prior to the Commencement Ceremony.
Professor Arroyo engages students
in an intensive discussion while
demonstrating an art technique.
Former U.S. Poet Laureate Speaks at Commencement Exercises
“Communities are judged by two requirements; do they care for their young, and do they honor the wisdom of their elders?” said former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky to members of the Class of ’06 during Eastern Connecticut State University’s 116th commencement exercises on May 21 in the E. Francis Geissler Gymnasium.
Serving an unprecedented three terms as U.S. Poet Laureate from 1997–2000, Pinsky is known for his advocacy of poetry as a force of democracy. He reminded the 1,033 undergraduates and 107 graduate students receiving diplomas that while being part of an “elite” select group of people who hold college degrees is a good thing, “elitism” and an attitude of entitlement is not. Pinsky encouraged the graduates to work hard, not only so that they might support their families and themselves, but also for the good of their fellow man. Quoting poet William Carlos Williams’ “Dedication to a Plot of Ground,” Pinsky told the graduates that hard work and application of one’s talent defines each of us: “If you can bring nothing to this place but your carcass, keep out.”
Pinsky, along with Mohegan Tribal Council Chief Ralph Sturges, was presented with an honorary degree. Pinsky was honored for his lifelong commitment to raising the profile of poetic expression across America, while Sturges, whose Native American name G’tinemong means “He who helps thee,” was honored for his lifelong service to his people and others.
State Rep. Walter Pawelkiewicz shared remarks from Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who described Eastern as “the jewel of the Connecticut State University System” and encouraged the graduates to celebrate their new beginnings while reflecting on their hard work and well-earned accomplishments. In his own remarks, Chancellor David Carter said he wished the graduating class “a shield of protection, good health, and resolve to build a better tomorrow.”
At the Baccalaureate Service earlier in the day, President Michael Pernal found inspiration from Walt Whitman’s “Passage to India,” telling the graduates to be confident and brave: “Sail forth. Steer for the deep waters only.”
Eastern presented Mohegan Chief Ralph Sturges
with an Honorary Degree. Chancellor Carter is
shown here congratulating the Chief.
Ninety-six students received Academic Excellence Awards, and 44 students were announced as members of “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges ” at the annual awards ceremony on April 27 in the Francis E. Geissler Gymnasium. Parents, family and friends, and faculty and staff were on hand to congratulate the awardees.
President Michael Pernal greets Jasmine Florah '06,
of Wethersfield, who earned a degree in economics.
Katie Kline of North Brookfield, MA, (second from right) and
LaToya Smith of Waterbury, (second from left) were honored during
the annual Legislative College Day at the Connecticut State Capitol
on April 20. Joining the two students were Dimitrios Pachis,
vice president for academic affairs, and CSU Chancellor David Carter.
Graduates from Eastern’s accounting program had the highest cumulative score in this year’s Connecticut CPA Examination, outperforming students from all the other colleges and universities in the state.
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