Press Releases

Eastern Hosts Early Childhood Education Conference

2012-05-03T18:29:17Z

Written by Ed Osborn

Judy Harris Helm discusses how engaging children in meaningful, child-initiated projects enhances their congnite development

Willimantic, Conn: -- More than 125 students, faculty and other early childhood educators attended Eastern Connecticut State University's Early Childhood Investigations Conference on April 27. The conference theme was "Using Projects to Foster Children's Cognitive Development." Visitors from across the state of Connecticut attended the day-long conference, which was co-hosted by the Center for Early Childhood Education and the Child and Family Development Resource Center.

The conference was designed for preschool and toddler teachers, administrators and teacher educators who are interested in learning more about using projects with young children. Presenters came from New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Illinois.

"Hosting the conference enabled us to provide professional development to early childhood teachers throughout Connecticut, and also gave Eastern students the opportunity to experience a professional-level conference," said Julia DeLapp, program coordinator for the Center for Early Childhood Education. "Thirteen Eastern students gave poster presentations during the conference, and 18 other students attended as participants. What a fantastic chance for our students to interact with and learn from a diverse group of early childhood professionals."

Judy Harris Helm, author, early childhood consultant and president of Best Practices, Inc., delivered the keynote address, "Projects That Power Young Minds: You Can Do It and Here's How."

The conference also introduced participants to the "Investigations Curriculum," developed by Eastern faculty and child development center teachers, which includes video examples of young children engaged in project work.

Eastern students majoring in early childhood education presented professional posters about their work with young children in the CFDRC; their attendance was made possible by the sponsorship and financial support of the ECSU Foundation, Inc. Seven students from Asnuntuck Community College (ACC) also attended in part due to support from ACC's foundation.

The conference featured a number of hands-on workshops, including "Listening to Children's Voices: A Year-long Investigation of an Artist's Work"; "Balls: Projects, Inquiries, Investigations"; "Building a Preschool City"; and "Going Green: Reconnections, Collective Actions and Investigations."

Conference attendees enjoy lunch and peruse poster presentations by Eastern students in the Child and Family Development Resource Center.

"The Investigations Conference was part of the center's mission as the model laboratory program in Connecticut," said Niloufar Rezai, director of the Child and Family Development Resource Center. "Early childhood educators and faculty from around the state attended workshops to learn about our research-based teacher-and faculty developed Investigations curriculum and its application in real-life classrooms. Our teachers also had the opportunity to attend sessions by colleagues from other laboratory schools. This exchange of ideas is an integral part of a model lab school program."

Kick-It for Cancer Kickball Game

2012-05-03T13:24:45Z

Written by Christopher Herman

Willimantic, Conn. - Eastern Connecticut State University's Center for Community Engagement (CCE) is asking Eastern students to participate in a charity that will help raise money for cancer research. Kick-It for Cancer, a national fundraising program for cancer research, is working with CCE to organize a kickball game at Windham High School from 1-4 p.m. on May 5. The minimum donation to play is $10; Eastern students are encouraged to donate more.

Kick-It was founded by a 10-year-old cancer patient with a big dream to cure cancer by playing kickball. Now a national fundraising program, Kick-It raises money for pediatric, adolescent and young adult cancer research. Kick-It partners with national medical advisory boards to identify the most promising research studies and projects.

Despite medical advances, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children. Each year, nearly 13,500 parents are told that their child has cancer. On average one in four elementary schools has a child with cancer. More than 40,000 children undergo treatment each year. While the overall cure rate now approaches 80 percent, one in five children still loses his or her battle with cancer and three out of five children who survive cancer suffer devastating, late effects such as secondary cancers, muscular difficulties and infertility.

Over the past 20 years, there has been only one new drug developed specifically for pediatric cancer. Cure rates have risen through collaborative research efforts, but more funds need to be dedicated to research to save the lives of more children. For more information, contact Heather Lepper at leeperh@my.easternct.edu.

Latin American Distinguished Service Awards

2012-05-01T19:20:10Z

Written by Gabrielle Little

Executive Vice President Michael Pernal with Latino Distinguished Service Award winners, left to right, William Stover, Luz Burgos and Omar Rodriguez.

Willimantic, CT - Luz Burgos, an Eastern Connecticut State University

residence hall director; William Stover, director of supplemental services for Windham Public Schools; and Eastern student Omar Rodriguez'12 received the University's Latin-American Distinguished Service Awards on April 25 in the Paul E. Johnson Sr. Community Conference Room of the J. Eugene Smith Library.

The Latin American 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.

Werner Oyaandel, acting executive director of the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission (LPRA), delivered the keynote address. He encouraged students to stand up for equal opportunity and justice. "We must provide more mentorship opportunities to our youth and inspire other students to be active in their communities as our leaders being recognized here today," said Oyaandel. "Most importantly we must remain committed to a vibrant pluralistic society which acknowledges the strength of diversity."

Burgos received the award in the faculty/staff category. Burgos oversees approximately 90 residential students. "As a hall director, Luz makes herself available to respond proactively to the needs of her residents. Whether its mediating student crisis and conflict or facilitating educational and community service programs, she has a style of supervision that allows students to learn and discover who they are as individuals," said Women's Center coordinator Starsheemar Byrum. Burgos has served as co-coordinator of the Connecticut Statewide Conference on Latinos in Higher Education. In addition, Burgos is an active member of Sigma Lamda Upsilon, Senoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority (SLU) Inc. SLU is an organization that provides sisterhood and support, while prompting academic achievement, service to the community, leadership and cultural enrichment.

Rodriguez '12, a business administration major from Wethersfield, received the award in the student category. Rodriguez has been able to maintain a GPA of over a 3.0. While finishing up his degree requirements, Rodriguez is serving as the president of Men Achieving Leadership Excellence and Success (MALES). As president, Rodriguez assists in leading 56 male students into academic excellence and community involvement.

Rodriguez has held many leadership roles on campus, serving as an office assistant in the Communications Department, a peer counselor in Career Services, a student representative on the Academic Misconduct Committee, the public relations representative in the Africa Club of Eastern, a member of the entrepreneurship club, and the Campus Activity Board promotions assistant. "I have always found Omar to be courteous, respectful and professional in all interactions with the public including students, faculty, staff and community members, said Dean of Students Walter Diaz.

Stover received the award in the community category. He created and is actively involved in numerous initiatives thatserve the Latino community. Some of these successful initiatives include the Parent Engagement Advisory Team (PEAT) and the Windham Before/After School Task Force, which have provided after-school opportunities for hundreds of Windham schoolchildren and learning opportunities for their parents. In the spring of 2011, Stover helped lead a group of community-minded individuals in the creation of " Community Conversation on Education," a program that helped bring parents, community stakeholders and business individuals together to discuss the resources needed to give every child in Windham a quality education. As a result of this program, Stover provided seven full-time bi-lingual family liaisons for the district. Stover has also collaborated with the United Way to help create and institute the Common Sense Parenting curriculum and program. He lived in Honduras for more than 10 years and uses his first-hand knowledge of the Latino community to bring people together.

Church Farm Family Day

2012-05-01T14:51:03Z

Written by Ed Osborn

Willimantic, Conn: -- Area families can enjoy a fun afternoon on the "farm" on Saturday, May 5 from 1-4 p.m. at Eastern Connecticut State University's Church Farm Center for the Arts and Sciences. Church Farm Family Day is for children of all ages! The event is free and open to the public.

Visitors to the farm, located at 396 Mansfield Rd. in Ashford, will engage in four interactive learning activities, including Environmental Sculpture, Nature Tokens/Monoprinting, Visual Journaling and Letterboxing, using their Church Farm Family Day "passport" to receive stamps that indicate which activities they have completed. The learning activities are being coordinated by students from Eastern's Education, Visual Arts and Education Departments, as well as the Visual Arts Club, the Education Club, and the Writing and Illustrating for Children and Young Adults Club.

In addition to the interactive play stations, visitors will treated to three visual exhibits of the history of the Church Farm, including "Women of the Church Farm," "Church Farm Then and Now" and "Life at the Church Farm," which will show original farm implements and the history of the farm site. This portion of the event was created by Elizabeth Peterson, director of Eastern's Akus Gallery and Barbara Tucker, director of Eastern's Center for Connecticut Studies.

The Church Farm Center for the Arts and Sciences was gifted to the ECSU Foundation, Inc., in 2007 by Joseph and Dorothy (Church) Zaring of Washington, D.C. The 110-acre farm had been in the Church family since the early 1800s. The original house was built in 1791 and was replaced with the present structure in 1821. The barn was built in 1895. The Church family ran a successful clothing store chain in Hartford, Danielson, Putnam and Willimantic in the late 1800s and early 20th century, and used the Ashford farm as their summer home. The farm is now on the National Historic Register.

Record Number of Students Participate in Research Conference

2012-04-26T14:58:25Z

Written by Ed Osborn

Willimantic, Conn: -- A record 120 students presented at the 11^th Annual Research Conference and Exhibition at Eastern Connecticut State University on Apri1 14. More than 40 faculty members served as mentors for the students' projects.

More than 40 oral presentations covered such topics as the geology of Andover Lake; the anatomy and physiology of coral competition; the media's influence on public opinion of war; an analysis of the Harry Potter books; sustainable energy and the workforce; ancient Greek history; the history of Irish-American women in Willimantic; and Alzheimer's Disease. Music students and faculty also presented an experimental music performance in Science 104, and several short plays were presented by theatre students.

Other students presented their research findings using tabletop display posters. Visual art students exhibited two-dimensional and digital art as well as a range of sculpture art.

English majors James Boyle'13 and Anna Sobanski'14 said the conference helped them tremendously. "The audience was small and receptive, filled with many familiar faces, but it still simulated what a large-scale conference might feel like," said Boyle. "It also proved that no small amount of work goes into a truly engaging presentation. I appreciate my mentor June Dunn for recommending me to present and persuading me to submit my abstract. It turned out to be a valuable experience."

Sobanski said, "I really enjoyed presenting at the conference because I want to be a high school English teacher, and my presentation gave me an experience that will help me in my future career goals. The conference gave me the opportunity to present on a subject I love and to practice public speaking."

"First off, I got to share my research, which I have worked so hard on and feel very passionately about, with both peers and professionals," said psychology major Melissa Griffin'12. "Second, I was able to hear about other students' research projects and creative activities. This second point really highlights the point of a liberal arts education: to gain knowledge and skill not only within our area of focus, but in other areas as well. Lastly, this conference was a great way to get some public speaking experience. This was the first time I shared my research in an oral presentation, but it definitely will not be the last time. Speaking at the Arts and Sciences Research Conference & Exhibition was a comfortable, yet realistic way to practice public speaking, and I am very glad I had the opportunity to do so."

"This is no longer just an event," said Eastern President Elsa Núñez, "it is part of our culture." The president declared that undergraduate research is flourishing at Eastern and noted that it is one of the cornerstones of the University's emphasis on experiential learning.

"Your work here today is a symbol of your perseverance and a reminder that you have something important to share with the world," said English Professor Dan Donaghy, keynote speaker for the opening ceremonies.

"I want you to spend a few moments when you have free time today to make up three short lists," said Carmen Cid, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. "First of all, write down all the people who have helped you get here. Secondly, write down a list of the things you have learned or discovered in the process. Finally, think of the moments of joy that you have experienced."

Eastern's 2012 Barnard Scholars

2012-04-25T20:46:16Z

Written by Gabrielle Little

Left to right, Brittney Cava; Eastern President Elsa Nunez; Kate Harner.

Willimantic, CT - Eastern Connecticut State University students Kathryn Harner, an English major from Oxford, and Brittney Cava, a political science major from Torrington, were honored at the 24th Annual Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award Dinner on April 23 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.

Harner and Cava were two of 12 state university students to win the award; each was nominated by their respective universities. The award is named for the first U.S. Commissioner of Education, Henry Barnard, a distinguished Connecticut educator who was the state's first superintendent of schools and principal of what later became Central Connecticut State University. A $500 award comes with the honor.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy delivered the keynote address. Malloy applauded the accomplishments of the 12 Barnard winners, calling them "exceptional people" who he said he hopes will stay in Connecticut and "contribute mightily to the economic growth and development of the state. Your own personal success guarantees you unlimited potential to affect the lives of many people around you. I implore you to find a job that makes you happy, and use your brainpower to invest in other people's success to move your community forward."

"Brittney was very engaged on campus in multiple clubs, including People Helping People," said Eastern President Elsa Nunez. "She played a key role in conducting research with Dr. Nicole Krassas that deconstructed race and gender in the 2008 primaries, and was very dedicated to improving the Eastern and Willimantic community." The president said Cava and Harner are best friends who work together as members of numerous student clubs.

"Brittney and Kate have strong GPAs that reflect their hard work. If you look at their transcripts, you see they both took rigorous courses. Like Brittney, Kate also engaged inchallenging research in a business writing class on historical homes in Scotland, CT. Kate's research will benefit local history tremendously."

Harner earned a 4.0 GPA and has been on the Dean's List every semester while studying at Eastern. She has served as president of the student volunteer group People Helping People, and as co-coordinator of Eastern's Fifth Annual "Day of Giving" Thanksgiving meal and food drive.

Harner participated in two international field experiences with trips to Florence, Italy, and Dublin, Ireland, as part of study abroad courses offered in the summer months. She also served in numerous volunteer service capacities both on and off campus, including as a peer mentor for the First-Year Program and as a volunteer for Joshua's Trust, an organization that works to preserve more than 4,000 acres in northeast Connecticut. Harner also gained extensive research and pre-professional experience through several internships, projects and an on-campus job in the Office of University Relations.

English Professor Miriam Chirico, who hand-selected Harner to be an intern and a peer mentor in several of her courses, said, "Kate has the rare combination of intelligence, lively curiosity, and enthusiasm for a variety of projects, and has the respect of her peers to boot." Dwight Bachman, Eastern's public relations officer who served as Harner's supervisor in the Office of University Relations, concurred. "Kate is mature beyond her age. She is an exceptional, caring human being with excellent people skills, smooth writing skills, ethical standards and a wonderful sense of humor."

Cava completed the majority of her academic studies in just three years, while maintaining an impressive 3.85 GPA. While finishing up her last remaining degree requirements this year, she is working full time as an AmeriCorps VISTA member in Eastern's Center for Community Engagement (CCE). In her position with the CCE, Cava has coordinated more than 200 Eastern volunteers each semester who contribute more than 2,000 hours of service at 20 different locations in and around Willimantic.

According to Kim Silcox, CCE director, the VISTA position has only been offered in the past to college graduates. However, because of Cava's demonstrated commitment to the community and her tireless advocacy for social justice, an exception was made to offer her the post. "Brittney has been a creative, inspirational leader who listens carefully to the needs of the community as well as the interests of the students and carefully constructs meaningful relationships to address the challenges," said Silcox.

William Salka, chairperson of the Political Science Department, agreed. "Brittney is thoughtful, kind, well-organized and uniquely committed to public service. Her classroom achievements, in many ways, speak for themselves. While taking a competitive course load, Brittney has displayed commitment, reliability and productivity...which can be traced back to her first semester here."

Cava spent a summer in Washington, D.C., at Georgetown University's prestigious Institute on Philanthropy and Volunteerism, where she took three courses; interned full-time at the Student Conservation Association in Arlington, VA; and participated in numerous site visits and professional development workshops. In addition, she was chosen by Political Science Professor Nicole Krassas to participate on a research project about the roles that race and gender played in the media during the 2008 presidential primaries. A preliminary draft of the paper was presented by Cava and Krassas at the New England Political Science Association meeting this past year.

Cava plans to continue her commitment to community service in graduate school at the University of Vermont this fall, where she will pursue a master's degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration, with the ultimate goal of landing a job as a community engagement director at a university.

CL&P and Yankee Gas; Otis Elevator Company; People's United Bank; Fusco; MetroHartford Alliance; and Dr. and Mrs. William Cibes Jr. were the major sponsors for this year's Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Awards Banquet.

Eastern to Present "Scenes, Songs and Monologues

2012-04-25T20:02:47Z

Written by Kate Harner

Willimantic, Conn: -- Eastern Connecticut State University's Theatre Program will present "Scenes, Songs and Monologues 2012" from April 26-29 at the Harry Hope Theatre, located in Shafer Hall at the corner of High and Valley Streets. The show opens at 7:30 p.m. on April 26-28. The show opens at 4 p.m. on April 29. The public is invited. Tickets are $5 for Eastern students and groups of 10 or more; $10 for Eastern faculty, staff, alumni and senior citizens; and $12 for the general public.

The show is directed by Jerry Winters, part-time performing arts professor. The performance will consist of several settings, from actors singing songs to performing short scenes from well-known plays to reciting monologues. The show contains a wide variety of performances, such as Shakespearean monologues, scenes from Sam Shepard's "True West" and songs from "Cabaret." The pieces range from tragedy to comedy and from well-known to experimental.

For reservations, call the Box Office at (860) 465-5123.

Communication Majors Present at National Conference

2012-04-18T17:10:00Z

Written by Christopher Herman

Willimantic, Conn. - Four Eastern Connecticut State University communication students presented their work and projects at this year's National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Ogden, UT, on March 29. The students included Eastern senior Salome Miclette, who presented her thesis, "Cosmopolitan Magazine and the Second Wave Feminist Movement: A Cross Cultural Analysis," and seniors Timothy Snopkowski, Todd Buckholt and Colin Dunn, who presented their work, "Twitter: The Uncensored Loudspeaker for Professional Athletes."

Miclette, who is also in Eastern's Honors Program, theorized that women's magazines have the ability to change and shape women's roles in society. Her research looks at feminist activity in both the United Kingdom and the United States during the 1960s, and addresses issues such as reproductive rights, the fight for political power and equality in the workplace.

"Going to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Utah was an amazing experience for me that allowed me to meet with students and faculty from across the country who were interested in my research," said Miclette. "Being able to present my thesis to a national audience was very exciting and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to do so."

Snopkowski's, Buckholt's and Dunn's research examines media coverage of controversial "tweets" (online posts) that exhibit unsportsmanlike behavior by athletes. Their work was previously recognized at Eastern's Excellence Expo in May 2011.

NCUR promotes undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity in all fields of study. The annual conference gives undergraduate scholars from a wide range of institutions of higher learning a forum to share the results of their work through posters, presentations, performances and works of art.

Eastern Named a Green College for Third Year in a Row

2012-04-17T19:42:58Z

Written by Dwight Bachman

Willimantic, Conn - Eastern Connecticut State University has been named one of the nation's Green Colleges for 2012 by The Princeton Review and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This is the third year in a row that Eastern has received the distinction.

"The Princeton Review's Guide to 322 Green Colleges: 2012 Edition" profiles 322 institutions of higher education in the United States and three in Canada that demonstrate notable commitments to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation. The review -- the only free, comprehensive, annually updated guide to the nation's most environmentally responsible "green colleges" -- can be downloaded at www.princetonreview.com/green-guide.aspx and www.centerforgreenschools.org/greenguide.

"We are honored that Eastern was again selected as a Green College by the Princeton Review," said Eastern President Elsa Núñez. "We have a campus-wide commitment to sustainability at Eastern, evidenced by campus conservation programs, the sustainable energy studies curriculum, and our outreach across Connecticut in support of local energy efficiency initiatives. The fact we were included in the guide for the third year in a row tells our students, faculty and staff that their sustained efforts to be environmental stewards are being noticed and rewarded."

The Princeton Review, well known for its education and test-prep services, first created this one-of-a-kind resource for college-bound students in 2010 in collaboration with USGBC, which is best-known for developing the LEED green building certification program.

"College-bound students are increasingly interested in sustainability issues," said Robert Franek, senior vice president of publishing for The Princeton Review. "Among 7,445 college applicants who participated in our spring 2011 'College Hopes & Worries Survey,' nearly 7 out of 10 told us that having information about a school's commitment to the environment would influence their decision to apply to or attend the school," he added.
Examples of Eastern's commitment to sustainability can be found throughout the campus. For instance, the Science Building is LEED Silver Certified for its use of gray water to irrigate and its many other green features. In addition, a geothermal system provides heat and air conditioning to a 62,973-square-foot residence hall, the largest geothermal-heated building in Connecticut.

Under a 10-year Energy Services Agreement (ESA), with UTC Power Corporation, Eastern also has installed a phosphoric acid fuel cell power plant on the west side of Eastern's Science Building that will produce 400 kilowatts of electric power while generating usable waste heat. Eastern will use the energy produced by the fuel cell system to provide a majority of the power required for the Science Building, while maximizing the use of the heat output available from the plant. With effective utilization of the thermal output, overall system efficiencies of up to 90 percent are possible -- more than double that of traditional power sources.

In addition, a lighting system upgrade being installed in the J. Eugene Smith Library will save Connecticut taxpayers $136,061 annually. The control system in the library allows building occupants greater flexibility over lighting -- including occupancy sensors, remote monitoring of lighting and day-lighting strategies -- resulting in a 20 percent reduction in overall electricity consumption. The project is one of the first to be funded by Governor Dannel Malloy's Lead by Example state building energy efficiency program.

The campus also generates 6.2 kilowatts from photovoltaic solar panels to light bus shelters, trash disposal areas and building perimeter lighting. In addition, dual fuel burning capability in Eastern's heating plants allows the University to switch from gas to oil and vice versa based on prices and/or the requirements of its gas utility agreement. Water-saving features also exist on a number of showers, toilets and urinals. Finally, an energy-monitoring system analyzes energy usage for each building, and can automatically reduce electricity usage through preprogrammed initiatives, to reduce peak demand and energy costs.

To prepare Eastern students for jobs in the emerging green economy, Professor Fred Loxsom, endowed chair of Sustainable Energy Studies at Eastern, has worked with his colleagues in the Environmental Earth Science Department to develop an Energy Science track within the Bachelor of Science Environmental Earth Science (EES) major. The track was offered for the first time in the spring 2010 semester. Students complete a core course in earth science as well as a sequence of courses that prepares them to understand energy-related environmental issues and policies and to design, analyze and monitor fossil fuel and renewable energy systems. The department also offers an interdisciplinary minor in the field. In March 2010, Eastern students traveled to Jamaica on a study tour and built a wind turbine for a local school.

Eastern is exporting its commitment to energy conservation beyond its own campus ecosystem through the Institute for Sustainable Energy (ISE). The institute is recognized and widely respected as an invaluable resource for supporting sustainable energy conservation efforts in municipalities and public schools throughout Connecticut and the region.

Eastern to Host Service Expo

2012-04-17T19:38:36Z

Written by Ed Osborn

Willimantic, Conn. - Eastern Connecticut State University's Center for Community Engagement will host a Service Expo on April 19 from 2-4 p.m. in the Betty R. Tipton Room of the Student Center. Students who have volunteered during the 2011-12 academic year will showcase their volunteer efforts through poster presentations. The Service Expo and Awards Ceremony are open to the public. Admission is free.

Guest judges from the Willimantic community and the Eastern faculty and staff will award prizes in six categories, including Broadening Horizons, Leadership Development, Strengthening Communities, Effective Communication and Best New Program.

The Expo awards will be presented at 4 p.m. in the Student Center Theatre. In addition to the Expo awards, awards will be presented to Maiyah Gamble-Rivers, a senior from Providence, RI, for Student Engagement; Physical Education Professor Charlie Chatterton of Vernon, CT, for Faculty Engagement; and Sally Milius of Mansfield for Community Partner Engagement.

Nick Fitzner and Patrick Scully of Eastern's Rugby Team will receive a Community Project Award for their Ride for Hunger, which raised awareness of hunger issues and funds for the Covenant Soup Kitchen. Lecturer Peter Cavanagh will receive a Service Learning Award for his work with students and individuals with developmental disabilities.

For more information, contact Kimberly Silcox at (860) 465-4426 or silcoxk@easternct.edu.

Caitlin Carenen Named Academic Fellow in Terrorism Studies

2012-04-13T20:17:49Z

Written by Dwight Bachman

Willimantic, Conn: - The Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD), a non-partisan policy institute headquartered in Washington, D.C., has named Caitlin Carenen, assistant professor of history at Eastern Connecticut State University, an "Academic Fellow" for 2012-13.

Carenen, who teaches courses on American history, foreign policy, terrorism and religion and a course on the history of U.S.-Middle East relations, will travel to Israel at the end of May for an intensive course in terrorism studies, and in particular, how democracies can defeat the worldwide terrorist threat.

The FDD Academic Fellows program, which will be conducted at Tel Aviv University, provides a 10-day learning experience from May 27 to June 6 for U.S.-based teaching and research professionals to provide them with cutting edge information about defeating terrorist groups.

"Terrorism is the greatest threat today to the world's democracies, including the United States and our allies around the globe," said Clifford May, president of FDD. "To win the war against terrorism, we must win the war of ideas by promoting democracy and defeating the totalitarian ideologies that drive and justify terrorism."

"I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to learn more about how Israel and other countries work to counter terrorism," said Carenen. "The ability to meet with diplomats, counter-terrorism experts and academics interested in the subject is enormously exciting. It should offer useful material for courses I teach on terrorism as well as provide excellent research material for my second book project on popular and policy responses to terrorism."

The 2012 program includes lectures by academics and military and intelligence officials, as well as diplomats from Israel, Jordan, India and the United States. It also includes hands-on experience through visits to police, customs and immigration facilities; military bases; and border zones to learn the practical side of deterring and defeating terrorists.

For more information on the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies or the Academic Fellowship program, contact Dana Murphy, Campus Programs Coordinator, at (202) 207-0190.

Town Pride, Town Wide

2012-04-13T20:02:02Z

Written by Chris Herman

Willimantic, Conn. - Eastern Connecticut State University's Center for Community Engagement(CCE) is encouraging students to participate in Windham's and Willimantic's Town Pride, Town Wide event to improve the physical beauty of the towns. Volunteers will meet at the Foster Clock Tower on the Eastern campus and be transported to area where they will work from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 28.

Town Pride, Town Wide brings students and residents together with local nonprofit organizations and town parks to provide a helping hand giving the towns of Windham and Willimantic a face lift. The event will culminate with a celebration and lunch provided by local businesses. Town Pride, Town Wide also encourages Willimantic residents, clubs, organizations, town leaders and local businesses to enhance their own property or to make monetary or in-kind donation for improvement projects.

The CCE supports the mission and vision of Eastern Connecticut State University by providing resources to build a culture of civic responsibility and engaged learning among Eastern students. The CCE creates sustainable, effective and productive relationships with community partners that benefit students, faculty and the community
For more information on the volunteer opportunity, contact the Center of Community Engagement at (860) 465-5158 or cce@easternct.edu.

Take Back the Night

2012-04-13T19:50:50Z

Written by Christopher Herman

Willimantic, Conn. - Eastern Connecticut State University's Women's Center is hosting a week-long "Take Back the Night" series of events from April 16-27 to advocate against sexual and domestic violence and raise awareness on the attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that perpetuate sexual violence against women.

The first event, "Revolutionary Paint Cries," will be held from April 16-20. Eastern students will volunteer to help paint a giant rock near Hurley Hall. Students will have the opportunity to create expressions about gender issues and social justice.

On April 17, Governor Dannel Malloy will join Eastern students and faculty while the Women's Center conducts a one-mile march to address issues of gender violence. The event begins at 11 a.m. in front of the Student Center. The event encourages all Eastern students to participate in the march to raise awareness about sexual violence and to gain insight into what women experience.

On April 18, the Women's Center will present "Revolutionary Balladry" from 7-9 p.m. in the Student Center. "The Revolutionary Balladry" welcomes Eastern male students to speak on women issues.

Eastern will also present "My Story, Your Story, Our Stories" on April 19 from 1-6 p.m. in Room 217 of the Student Center. Eastern students will express a story or their experiences of someone close to them.

The final event of "Take Back the Night" will be held on April 23 at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Theater, when students will discuss social issues such as rape, sexual abuse and domestic violence.

For more information, contact Starsheemar Byrum at (860) 465-4313 or byrums@easternct.edu.

Eastern Holds Inaugural "Marion Parks Honorary Lecture"

2012-04-13T18:15:03Z

Written by Ed Osborn

Rachel Carson

Willimantic, Conn. - On Wednesday, April 18, from 3-4 p.m. in the Student Center Theatre on the Eastern Connecticut State University campus, Patricia DeMarco will present the lecture, "On the Message from Silent Spring: Transition to a Sustainable Future." The lecture honors the 50th anniversary of the publication of Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" in 1962 and is the first in what is planned to be an annual series of Marion Parks Honorary Lectures.

DeMarco is the director of the Rachel Carson Institute in the School of Sustainability and the Environment at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA (Rachel Carson's alma mater). DeMarco is a national leader in the areas of energy, economic development and environmental policy. In addition to having provided counsel in the past to the Governor or Connecticut, she spent seven years in Alaska, including a term as commissioner on the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.

Marion Parks was a U.S. Foreign Service Officer from 1941-1965. After her retirement, she founded the Rachel Carson Trust in Maryland. Ms. Parks was also a close friend of Joseph Zaring and Dorothy Church Zaring, who donated the Church Farm property in Ashford to Eastern Connecticut State University. Ms. Parks was very involved in helping the Zarings develop documents that led to the Church Farm being placed in the National Historical Register. With the Zaring's encouragement, Eastern has created an annual lecture series to honor Parks' efforts to preserve the Church Farm property.

"We are delighted to open our Marion Parks Honorary Lecture series with a talk about one of our country's pioneer conservationists," said Eastern President Elsa Núñez. "Just as Rachel Carson's work helped spawn the global environmental movement and launch the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. DeMarco's career has been marked by a commitment to sustainability. As manager for resource development for the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative; President of the Anchorage, Alaska, Economic Development Corporation; and Executive Director of the Rachel Carson Homestead Association, to name just a few of her accomplishments, Dr. DeMarco has been a national leader on energy and environmental policy issues. It is fitting that she speaks on Rachel Carson's legacy as part of our tribute to Marion Parks and her own efforts to preserve historical properties."

Professor to Present at International Autofiction Conference

2012-04-12T19:21:37Z

Written by Kate Harner

Willimantic, Conn. - Michele Boskovic, professor of French in Eastern Connecticut State University's World Languages and Cultures Department, will present at "Autofiction: Literature in France Today." The conference, which is hosted at New York University (NYU), will take place from April 19-21 in Hemmerdinger Hall, located at 100 Washington Square East in New York City. The public is invited. Admission is free.

Boskovic will present "Annie Ernaux: Writing the Self, Writing Life" on April 21. All 15 presentations focus on autofiction, a term coined by Serge Doubrovsky that describes a genre of writing that combines both autobiography and fiction. It has become a popular mode of writing in contemporary French literature that has expanded into other countries, including the United States. Autofiction allows authors to use their real names and insert themselves into their own fictitious stories in a search for self.

The conference is supported by the Florence Gould Foundation, with additional support from Open Skies, the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, and the NYU Humanities Initiative.

For more information, contact Dale Dubina at dubinad@easternct.edu or (860) 465-4571.