Eastern Sets Day of Student Engagement

Written by Emily Bonoyer

Willimantic, CT - On April 29, the Division of Student Affairs at Eastern Connecticut State University will host a wide range of activities focused on student engagement, empowerment, development and growth. Topics include community, service, health and future employment.

            From 3-4 p.m. in the Student Center Theater, the University will present the Community Engagement Awards. Libuse Binder, author of "Ten Ways to Change the World in Your Twenties," will be the keynote speaker.

Also, the Office of Wellness Promotion, in conjunction with the PASS group (Peer Advocates for Safe Students), will host Alcohol Awareness Day. Participants will learn about how to know when they've had enough to drink; learn tips on being safe and responsible; and receive free giveaways and prizes. The Eastern Police Department will also facilitate a BAC (Blood Alcohol Count) Challenge course for people to try their hand at simple, everyday tasks while wearing the BAC glasses ("Beer Goggles").

The Office of Career Services will host the Reverse Career Fair and Networking Picnic and Awards.  The reverse career fair will allow employers to meet candidates for internship, community service or employment opportunities by visiting displays created by more than 100 participating students.

Recruiters from several industries will be on hand, including Allied Community Resources; Carmax; Community Mental Health Affiliates; Community Prevention and Addiction Services, Inc; Disney College Program; First Investors Corp; Groton Public School; Hartford Public Schools; Kforce; Metropolititan District Commission; Paychex; Peace Corps; Primerica; Reliance House; Safe Roof Cleaning LLC; Schroth Systems Consulting; TechniArt Inc., and The Discovery Center. This event is sponsored by Eastern's Housing and Residential Life and the Office of Career Services, in partnership with the Center for Community Engagement.

Following the Community Engagement Awards Ceremony, a Service Expo will be held in the Student Center. Students who have participated in engaged learning through their coursework as well as students who have volunteered in the community will display posters and discussed their experiences.

Awards will be given at the Service Expo for exemplary projects in the following categories: strengthening communities, going green, leadership development, committed vision, progressive technology and best new program. Throughout the Service Expo, judges will interact with students to discuss their projects.

Guest judges for the Service Expo include Doreen Fuller, Windham Superintendent of Schools; Willimantic Mayor Ernie Eldridge; Neal Beets, Windham Town Manager; Roger Adams, executive director of the Windham Regions Chamber of Commerce; Mace McClain, Willimantic Weed and Seed Program; Bill Leahy, Director of Eastern's Institute for Sustainable Energy; and Jean DeSmet, Willimantic Renaissance member.

Keynote speaker Libuse Binder left an ambitious career in Hollywood to make a difference in the lives of the next generation. Through her experiences as a teacher, writer and environmental activist, she has grown to believe the next generation can change the world in revolutionary ways. Binders' book, "Ten Ways to Change the World in Your Twenties" and her organization by the same name, offer tangible ideas to young adults who wish to be active in shaping the world in which we live.