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Written by Dwight Bachman and Ed Osborn

Willimantic, Conn. --  1,256 undergraduates and 41 graduate students heard the roars and cheers of thousands of their family members and friends as they celebrated their achievements at Eastern Connecticut State University's 123nd  Commencement exercises at the XL Center in Hartford on May 14. 

Carlotta Walls LaNier, the youngest member of the "Little Rock Nine," gave the Commencement Address, telling the graduates "This is your moment, a time you have been looking forward to and working toward since you first arrived at Eastern.  Celebrate the moment; seize it.  Step out into your future bravely and boldly."  LaNier noted that the graduates were bound to encounter challenges.  Those experiences will be "the greatest teacher in the grand classroom of life. Those challenges will show you who you really are."

The Little Rock Nine was a group of nine African American students who desegregated Central High School in Little Rock, AR, in 1957. Due to the segregation policies of Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus and the mob atmosphere in Little Rock at the time, President Dwight Eisenhower ordered 1,000 members of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division to Arkansas to provide protection and escort the nine students to class throughout the 1957-58 school year.

Despite the daily military escort, LaNier and her friends were kicked, hit with rocks, threatened, and shunned. Her own home was firebombed.  As the onslaught continued, "the more determined I became to get my diploma."  Today, she has "made peace with my past."
 
LaNier turned to the Class of 2013 and encouraged them to have the same commitment: "Finish whatever goals you have set for yourself.  Find the strength, fortitude and determination to see it through. When you see injustice, how will you respond?  I hope you take the heroic stand." LaNier was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa at the Commencement Exercises.
 

Eastern President Elsa M. Nunez told the graduates, "There is no other country in the world that places its future so firmly in the hands of the people.  You are now the next generation of citizen leaders in our state and in our nation.  . . . The world needs your energy, your enthusiasm, and your skills . . . There is a challenge out there ready for you to conquer, whether it's helping out at your church or synagogue, volunteering at the local senior center, or inventing a new surgical procedure. There is a team somewhere that needs you to complete its mission."

As an example of the contributions Eastern students are making in the world, Nunez cited more than 100,000 hours of volunteer work performed by Eastern students, faculty, and staff each year in local communities, noting that President Barack Obama's had named Eastern to his National Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the third time in four years that past March.At the same time, President Nunez told the graduates to "be yourself and do what makes you happy," and quoted New England bard Henry Thoreau, who wrote: "Do what you love. Know your own bone; gnaw at it, bury it, unearth it, and gnaw it still."

From the Governor's Foot Guard Color Guard in attendance, to the plaintive sound of the bagpipes of the St. Patrick's Pipe Band and the pre-event music of the Thread City Brass Quintet, Eastern's graduation ceremonies were marked by dignity, grace and elegance. Senior Jessica Johnson sang "America the Beautiful," and Senior Class President Thomas Balestracci presented President Núñez with the class gift, a scholarship funded by more than 200 donations from the graduating class. Balestracci encouraged his classmates to continue donating so that the scholarship would grow. "We have all benefited from our experiences here at Eastern. These experiences are the ones that we will keep with us forever as we move on. They will be the ones we will look back upon and realize that they have helped us become who we are today.  We lived up each day like it was our last at Eastern, and now, it really is our last day. We have turned our dreams into reality during our time at this University and we made memories that will last a lifetime."

Yvette Melendez, vice president of the Board of Regents for Higher Education, the governing body for the 17 Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, brought greetings on behalf of the Board of Regents.  "Congratulations to each and every one of you for reaching this incredible milestone.  This is one of those moments that will forever be embedded in your memory.  You are at the beginning of a future you have just begun to mold.  You took the first step in that journey by enrolling at Eastern.  You have much to be proud of."  Meléndez urged the graduates to make their contribution to society "in the way that Eastern has taught you.  You have worked exceedingly hard . . . you have learned that regardless of major, you are part of a community."

Nana Owusu-Agyemang of Ghana, West Africa, delivered the Senior Class Address. She thanked the faculty for their support, saying, "During my time here at Eastern, I have met professors that I simply cannot forget -- professors who really care for their students. It will forever strike me how much time professors at Eastern are willing to spend with each student...how much of themselves they give.  It's not just the professors who make Eastern what it is. At Eastern it's not just about imparting knowledge, it's about joining hands to mold each student into a richer person academically and mentally, as well." Owusu-Agyemang closed by quoting the late philosopher Alan Watts, who once said, "The attitude of faith is to let go, and become open to truth, whatever it might turn out to be."
"May our truth be a good truth," said Owusu-Agyemang. "May our world be a good world. May our mark be a good mark."

 
Carlotta Walls LaNier made history at age 14 when she enrolled at Central High School as a sophomore. On the first day of school she was surrounded by an angry mob that prevented the nine African American students from entering the building. After two weeks of protests and violence, President Dwight Eisenhower sent U.S. Army troops to Little Rock to protect the "Little Rock Nine" by escorting them to class for a year. Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus closed Little Rock schools for the 1958-59 school year, forcing LaNier to take correspondence courses. In June 1960, she became the first African American female student to graduate from Central High School.
LaNier has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the prestigious Spingarn Medal from the NAACP in 1958, and the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's highest civilian award, which was bestowed upon the Little Rock Nine in 1999 by President Bill Clinton. She is also the author of "A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice of Little Rock Central High School."

Written by Gabrielle Little

left to right: Carlos Corona, Julisa de los Santos, Federica Bucco, John Torres and President Elsa Núñez.

Willimantic, CT - Julisa De Los Santos, an Eastern Connecticut State University
residence hall director; John Torres, president of the Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders (BCYL)  and Eastern student Federica Bucca '13 received the University's 2013 Cesar Chavez Distinguished Service Awards on April 24 in the Paul E. Johnson Sr. Community Conference Room of the J. Eugene Smith Library.

The Cesar Chavez Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who have performed extraordinary service in support of the Latin-American community by either developing or contributing to programs or activities that focus on positive development of minority youth and/or foster minority educational opportunities and advancement.

Keynote speaker John Torres received the award in the community category. Torres has served as the president of BCYL since its beginnings in 2003. He has spearheaded numerous educational programs for the organization, including the Caribe Youth Saturday, an SAT preparation program; the Team Reading Power Program, a reading and writing program; and the Honors Program for students receiving recognition for outstanding academic achievements at their schools. Torres received President Barack Obama's Community Leader Award, for his exemplary services and contribution to the BCYL program. "Chavez helped educate and provide farmers with an environment that wouldn't violate their basic human rights. That's one of the reasons why I do what I do; to help educate our youth the way Cesar Chavez did with the National Farm Workers Association."

De Los Santos received the award in the faculty/staff category. As a hall director, De Los Santos oversees approximately 255 residential students. "I have found Julisa to be committed to enhancing the cultural climate among students, faculty and staff. She provides direct mentorship and advising to countless students, particularly underrepresented students," said Walter Diaz, Eastern's dean of students.  De Los Santos has contributed to the National Association of Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA), the Nation Association of Social Workers (NASW) and Eastern's Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS).

Bucca '13, a sociology major from Hartford, received the award in the student category. Bucca serves as a site coordinator for Journey House at Natchaug Hospital, where she recruits volunteers from Eastern's student body, and creates activities to help increase self-esteem for teenage girls with emotional and behavioral issues. She has dedicated more than 100 hours to work directly with students at Windham Middle School, North Windham Elementary School and Windham High School. Bucca has also showcased her work with the Puentes al Futuro tutoring and mentoring program at the Intercultural Strategies in Civic Engagement Conference.

Written by Gabrielle Little

Winners of Eastern Connecticut State University's 2013 Ella T. Grasso Distinguished Service Award, left to right, Starsheemar Byrum, coordinator of the Womens Center,; Ann Higginbotham, professor and chair of the History Department; Ruth Washington,  former professor of the University of Connecticut's Department of Molecular and Cell Biology; Eastern student Isaiah Roby; and Eastern President Elsa Núñez.

Willimantic, Conn. - Eastern Connecticut State University hosted the annual Ella T. Grasso Distinguished Service Award on March 20 at 6 p.m. in the Paul E. Johnson Sr. Community Conference Room of the J. Eugene Smith Library. Senior Isaiah Roby; Ann Higginbotham, professor and chair of the History Department; and Ruth Washington, former professor of the University of Connecticut's Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, were named recipients of the award. The award recognizes leaders who have made contributions towards advancing women's rights and issues of gender equality in memory of former Connecticut Governor Ella T. Grasso.

We are an institution built on values and among those are the values of inclusion, empowerment, and integrity," said Eastern President Elsa Núñez. "I believe that protecting women's rights and recognizing those who are taking the lead in working for gender equality is fundamental to upholding the values of our institution, so, tonight is not simply a celebration; it is an affirmation,." "Governor Grasso once said, "It is not enough to profess faith in the democratic process; we must do something about it." Our three awardees tonight already understand what it means to step up to the plate."

Roby '13, a senior with a double major in psychology and women and gender studies, is carrying a 3.71 GPA. He serves as the president of student organization Pride Alliance, and is a student representative to Eastern's Diversity and Social Justice Council. Roby also serves as
volunteer for St Paul's Church, helping church members clean up Willimantic, plant trees and raise money for the Covenant Soup Kitchen. Roby interns in the Women's Center, which promotes the advancement of women's rights and gender equity. "My mother taught me that you can be raised in a nontraditional single family home and still do great things for the community. I want to be a strong role model for those in the LGBTQ community, and help create a space for them on campus and in the world."

Higginbotham, is the Professor chair of the History Department. She serves on the Committee for the Status of Women of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), and is a member of the Connecticut/Rhode Island Conference of Women's Studies Directors/Faculty; and a senator for the University Senate. She received Eastern's Distinguished Professor Award in 2004, for her teaching and mentoring at Eastern, and has led the History Department in developing several courses on family and women's history and family in Western Society. "My life was like one of those sitcoms that my students watch at night on TV land that displayed a typical household in the 1950's. From there, I began to see the problems that women faced. So I've been able to teach, write, and advocate for womens history, only to realize that some of those problems still exists and need to change"

Washington, is a founding member of Know Your Value: Women of Color Alliance, a new not for profit organization, created to examine the wealth gap between women of color and other groups of women. Washington also started Forward Education and Consulting LLC, which provides comprehensive services specializing in diversity in higher education especially in technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). "I want to be able to help women understand the history of the wealth gap. That is the goal of the "Know Your Value: Women of Color Alliance," to change the statistics for future generations."

Written by Gabrielle Little

Winners of Eastern Connecticut State University's 2013 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award, left to right, are author and poet Billie Jean Young,; Eastern student Soely Barros; Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Lubbie Harper Jr.; Indira Petoskey, assistant dean of the School Continuing Education;  and Eastern President Elsa Núñez.

Willimantic, CT - Eastern Connecticut State University presented the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award to senior Soely Barros, Indira Petoskey, assistant dean of the School Continuing Education and the Honorable Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Lubbie Harper Jr. at a reception on Feb. 27 in the J. Eugene Smith Library. The awards recognize members of the campus community and community-at-large whose actions demonstrate distinguished service in promoting the ideals of King, and to further the goals of diversity and social equality.
 
Actor and poet Billie Jean Young delivered the keynote address. She encouraged the audience to love and demonstrate love through unselfish commitment. "Love has the capacity to transform humanity," she said. "Some of the greatest accomplishments in the world have come about through love. Love can conquer hate and bring abomination to its knees." She described a member of civil rights and social activist, people who demonstrated "love with its working clothes on." Young ended her presentation with her self-written signature poem, "Fear Not to Fall," the title of her latest book.

"Tonight's award recipients help us highlight Dr. King's legacy, one that is an enduring message of love, justice and unity; a dream not yet fully realized," said Eastern President Elsa Núñez, as she acknowledged the recipients for their work in relation to Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy. "King said; 'Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere.'"

Barros '13, a double major in Spanish and social work carrying a 4.0 GPA in Spanish and a 3.4 GPA in Social Work, serves as the president of the African Club of Eastern and is also a bilingual tutor for Eastern's Dual College Enrollment Program. Barros also works in the Study Abroad Office in the School of Continuing Education, and volunteers as an intern at the North Windham Elementary School, where she mentors 12 elementary schoolchildren. Barros cited Dr. King, "'If you can't fly, run. If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk, crawl, but whatever you do, keep moving.' That's what I've learned from the people I come across in life. Although I am graduating from Eastern, I will be here in spirit."

Petoskey, affectionately known as "Dr. P," is the assistant dean in the School of Continuing Education, where she oversees international students, global field courses, study abroad, non-credit professional programs and the national student exchange. Her passion for education has been reflected throughout her 16 years in higher education serving as an administrator and faculty member. She mentors and tutors high school and college students, participates in the Hartford Immigrant Advisory Group and serves her community through clothing and food drives and visiting the sick in hospitals and at home. She played an important role in the foundational oversight of the Dual Enrollment Initiative Program, and continues to be a powerful advocate and ally of minority students. Petoskey said she chooses to love unconditionally in spite of her circumstances. "I overcome worries by trusting God, and I overcome hurts inflicted by others through loving people." She quoted Martin Luther King Jr. saying, "I have decided to stick with love; hate it too great of a burden to bare."

The Honorable Supreme Court Justice Lubbie Harper Jr. was nominated to the position of Superior Court Judge in 1997 by Governor John Rowland. On Jan. 5, 2005, Governor M. Jodi Rell nominated Harper to the Appellate Court. On Feb. 23, 2011, Governor Dannel P. Malloy nominated Harper for elevation to the Connecticut Supreme Court.

 "As I reflect on the significance of this award, I am reminded of Dr. King's dream and admiration for our nation. I am reminded that we are still chasing the dream." said Harper. He ended with a quote from Dr. King: "'It is only in the dark that, you can see the stars'" - so, as we continue to search for the stars, we must always keep in mind the works of public service and our obligation to make a difference."

Written by Gabrielle Little

Willimantic, CT - Eastern Connecticut State University presented the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award to senior Soely Barros, Indira Petoskey, assistant dean of the School Continuing Education and the Honorable Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Lubbie Harper Jr. at a reception on Feb. 27 in the J. Eugene Smith Library. The awards recognize members of the campus community and community-at-large whose actions demonstrate distinguished service in promoting the ideals of King, and to further the goals of diversity and social equality.  

Actor and poet Billie Jean Young delivered the keynote address. She encouraged the audience to love and demonstrate love through unselfish commitment. "Love has the capacity to transform humanity," she said. "Some of the greatest accomplishments in the world have come about through love. Love can conquer hate and bring abomination to its knees." She described a member of civil rights and social activist, people who demonstrated "love with its working clothes on." Young ended her presentation with her self-written signature poem, "Fear Not to Fall," the title of her latest book.

"Tonight's award recipients help us highlight Dr. King's legacy, one that is an enduring message of love, justice and unity; a dream not yet fully realized," said Eastern President Elsa Núñez, as she acknowledged the recipients for their work in relation to Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy. "King said; 'Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere.'"

Barros '13, a double major in Spanish and social work carrying a 4.0 GPA in Spanish and 3.4 GPA in Social Work, currently serves as the president of the African Club of Eastern (A.C.E). Barros also serves as a bilingual tutor for Eastern's Dual Initiative Program, where she helped incoming students transition to college. Barros works in the the Study Abroad office under the School of Continuing Education, and volunteers as an intern at the North Windham Elementary School, where she mentors 12 elementary schoolchildren. Barros cited Dr. King, "'If you can't fly, run. If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk, crawl, but whatever you do, keep moving.' That's what I've learned from the people I come across in life. Although I am graduating from Eastern, I will be here in spirit."

Petoskey, affectionately known as "Dr. P," oversee international students, global field courses, non-credit professional programs, along with national student exchange and study abroad. She also participates in the Hartford Immigrant Advisory Group, and conducts English and English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring sessions. She also volunteers with her church to serve the community by conducting clothing and food drives; visits the sick in hospitals and intheir homes; and participates in the Multicultural Think Tank for the New England Resource Center for Higher Education (NERCHE). Petoskey said she chooses to love unconditionally in spite of her circumstances. "I overcome worries by trusting God, and I overcome hurts inflicted by others through loving people." She quoted Martin Luther King Jr. saying, "I have decided to stick with love; hate is too great of a burden to bear."

The Honorable Supreme Court Justice Lubbie Harper Jr. was nominated to the position of Superior Court Judge in 1997 by Governor John Rowland. On Jan. 5, 2005, Governor M. Jodi Rell nominated Harper to the Appellate Court. On Feb. 23, 2011, Governor Dannel P. Malloy nominated Harper for elevation to the Connecticut Supreme Court.

 "As I reflect on the significance of this award, I am reminded of Dr. King's dream and admiration for our nation. I am reminded that we are still chasing the dream." said Harper. He ended with a quote from Dr. King: "'It is only in the dark that, you can see the stars'" - so, as we continue to search for the stars, we must always keep in mind the works of public service and our obligation to make a difference."

Written by Christopher J. Herman

Willimantic, Conn. - Eastern Connecticut State University's Intercultural Center is hosting its second annual Black and White Ball at 7 p.m. on Feb. 28 in the Betty R. Tipton Room in the Student Center.  The celebration is being held to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The public is invited. Admission is free.            
During the event, the Intercultural Center will also be accepting donations for the No Freeze Shelter and the First Baptist Church. Leigh Duffy, director of the No Freeze Shelter, and Fred Shapiro, pastor of the First Baptist Church, will attend the ball.

The Intercultural Center is responsible for events that focus on Eastern's diversity and cultural understanding. The center provides a tranquil environment, where students can study and relax away from the daily bustle of college life.        For more information on the event, contact Starsheemar Byrum at (860) 465-4314 or byrums@easternct.edu. 

Written by Gabrielle Little

Willimantic, Conn. - Actor and poet Billie Jean Young will present at Eastern Connecticut State University's University Hour Series from 3-4 p.m. on Feb. 27 in the Student Center Theatre. Young's presentation will include a performance of the one-woman show, "Fannie Lou Hamer: This Little Light."  The public is invited. Admission is free.

Young's captivating, award-winning show recaptures the breadth and majesty of Hamer's brave journey from a downtrodden field worker to a victorious champion of civil and human rights.
 
In 2004, Young performed her re-enactment of the speech that Hamer presented at the 1964 Democratic National Convention. Young is a resident of Perry County, AL, where she serves as an artist-in-residence at Judson College in Marion.

Written by Christopher J. Herman

Willimantic, Conn. - Eastern Connecticut State University's Intercultural and Women's Centers will host "Rachel's Challenge" at 7 p.m. on Feb. 26 in the Betty R. Tipton Room in the Student Center. The public is invited.

Rachel's Challenge is a series of student empowering programs and strategies that equip students and adults to combat bullying, and to allay feelings of isolation and despair by creating a culture of kindness and compassion. The programs are based on the writings and life of 17-year-old Rachel Scott, who was the first student killed at Columbine High School in 1999. Scott left a legacy of reaching out to those who were different, who were picked on by others or who were new at her school.
            "I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same," wrote Scott in one of her many articles on anti-bullying.   "People will never know how far a little kindness can go."

Rachel's Challenge was started by Rachel's father and stepmother, Darrell and Sandy Scott. They both realized that their daughter's writings and drawings not only had an impact on her friends and classmates, but also resonated with students around the world.    

For more information on the program, contact Starsheemar Byrum at (860) 465-4314, women-ctr@easternct.edu or interculturalctr@easternct.

Written by Christopher J. Herman

Willimantic, Conn. - Eastern Connecticut State University's Women's Center will host a seminar, "Know Your Value: Women of Color Net and Self-Worth," on Feb. 4 and Feb. 11 at noon in Room 217 in the Student Center. Both seminars will be moderated by Ruth Washington, professor of molecular and cell biology at the University of Connecticut, and will cover a variety of topics including education, career planning and personal wellness.
    
According to Washington, the median wealth among white women in the United States in their prime working years (36-49) is $42,600. Among African American and Hispanic women in the same age range, however, the median is $5, according to a May 2010 report released by the Insight Center for Community Economic Development. To break the cycle, certain barriers must be addressed, and Eastern's Women and Intercultural centers invites Eastern students to join the interactive seminar to discuss this pressing issue.   

For more information on the session, contact Starsheemar Byrum at (860) 465-4314 or women-ctr@easternct.edu.

Written by Christopher J. Herman

Eastern Connecticut State University is presenting "Hair," an event that focuses on the cultural significance of hairstyles, at 7 p.m. on Nov. 29 in the Student Center Theatre. The event will explore the many cultural and personal attachments between people and hair. 
            Organized by Eastern student Michael Piña, the program will feature stories on topics relating to hair. Hairstyles can often convey or misrepresent a person's identity, faith beliefs and experiences of hair loss due to medical issues or therapy. The event will compile stories into a short play, with the hope of building an understanding through acknowledging various hairstyles. People's real-life stories will be read at the program, with the intention of broadening students' cultural horizons.

 For more information on the event, contact the Intercultural Center at (860) 465-5749 or interculturalctr@easternct.edu.