NewsFlash
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Special Olympics Swim Meet a Success
On March 8, nearly 300 volunteers from Windham High School, Windham Technical High School, and the Willimantic and Eastern Connecticut State University communities played a key role in making the 29th Annual Windham Invitational Special Olympics Swim Meet at Windham High School a success.
The day began with a parade, led by the Quaboag Highlanders Hypes and Drums, a group of bagpipers and drummers from Monson, MA. Eastern President Elsa M. Núñez; Jean de Smet, First Selectman of Windham and swim meet honorary chair; and Connecticut Senate Pro-tem Donald Williams (above right), were on hand for the opening ceremony.
“Today was all about the participants,” said Charles Wynn, meet director and chemistry professor at Eastern. “180 participants constituted 11 different teams, four from Massachusetts. Volunteer positions ranged from lifeguards, to safety members, to arts and crafts supervisors, and to one of the most popular activities — volunteers who put the participant’s photo on a button. Everyone worked together to make this day a success.”
Nearly 70 Eastern students volunteered, along with health and physical education professor Greg Kane; David Oyanadel, technical support specialist in the Center for Institutional Technology; and Lisa Dudley, secretary in the Department of Health and Physical Education. Kane, who was the sports clinic coordinator at the swim meet, brought 30 student volunteers. “This is a great opportunity for these students to get a feel for their field and become leaders.”
Chris Lovelace ’08 from Mansfield presented the awards to the athletes. “It’s great to be here and to see these athletes succeed and do the best they can,” he said. “Seeing the smiles on their faces makes me feel good. I haven’t seen one frown all day!”
Ryan Paigiuli, swim meet athlete and Student Center worker, said, “I am having lots of fun. I love to swim, eat and dance. I can do all of that in one day here.”
New Director of the Julian Akus Gallery
Elizabeth Peterson, former director of the Print Research Foundation of Stamford, has been named director of the Julian Akus Gallery.
Peterson will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the collection and exhibitions at the Akus Gallery as well as other university exhibits.
Prior to her position with the Print Research Foundation, Peterson served as exhibition coordinator at the Museum of Modern Art in New York for seven years.
Peterson earned her Master of Science degree from Pratt Institute and her Bachelor of Arts degree from Wells College.
On March 12, Kirsten Holmstedt, a writer whose works focus on women in the military, delivered the keynote speaker
during Eastern’s celebration of Women’s History Month. Holmstedt discussed her latest book, “Band of Sisters: American Women at War in Iraq,” which chronicles 12 stories of female soldiers’ experience fighting in the Iraq war. Holmstedt is the recipient of the 2007 Golden Quill Award and the 2007 Founder’s Award.
On April 8, from 4-6 p.m., Nancy DeCrescenzo, acting director of career services, will be the speaker at the Identity Series.On April 22, from 6-8 p.m., Imna Arroyo, professor of visual arts, will be the speaker at the Identity Series.
On April 29-May 2, a series called “One-Hit-Wonders” will be shown. These are one-day seminars on various subjects that the Women’s Center believes women should be versed on — how to change your tire, how to change your oil, simple carpentry, and how to write your résumé. Eastern’s Police Department also will present a self-defense demonstration.
Eastern to Celebrate Latin American Awareness Month
Eastern will celebrate Latin American Awareness Month in April with an array of events and activities. The public is invited. Admission is free.
On April 5 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., in the Betty R. Tipton Room and meeting rooms of the Student Center, Eastern will host Fuerza Latina (Power of Latinos), a conference that encourages middle and high school students to attend college. Participants will discuss issues facing Latin Americans.
On April 8, at 3 p.m. in the Betty R. Tipton Room, Puerto Rican author, poet, and scholar Mayra Santos-Febres will give a lecture and reading. Santos-Febres is one of the most provocative and vibrant voices of contemporary Puerto Rican and Caribbean literature. A reception will follow her presentation.
On April 9, from 4-6 p.m. in the Student Center Café, renowned poet and artist Joseph A. Burgos will discuss his Latin American background, present his artwork and paintings, and perform poetry.
More news on Latin Awareness Month to come in the next edition of News Flash.
Business Careers Workshop
On March 12, the Department of Business Administration hosted a career development program for juniors and seniors. Topics presented by panelists included internship considerations, interviewing for jobs, and planning for graduate school. Among the guest speakers were Nancy DeCrescenzo, acting director of career services, who discussed employment trends for business majors and campus recruiting initiatives at Eastern.
John Sweeney, associate vice president for finance and administration, discussed the importance of self-assessment in making career choices, and why research is critical in decision making.
Liberal Arts Careers Fair
On March 5, the Office of Career Services hosted a liberal arts career fair. Above left, sophomore business administration major Kolby Williams explores internships with Commerce One Financial recruiter Collyn Welles. (right) Professor Elizabeth Scott explains Eastern’s graduate studies programs to Rachel Opito, who will graduate in 2009 with a degree in psychology.
On March 8, 116 Eastern students, faculty, staff, and University friends participated in the ECSU Foundation, Inc.’s annual bowlathon at WilliBowl in North Windham. The event generated more than $15,000 for the Community Youth Scholarship program. Andre Rizzuto (235 average) was the top overall bowler, while Brenda Whalen (178 average) was the top Eastern faculty/staff bowler. Eastern Dad’s and Daughters was the top team, and Eastern’s Admissions team and Waterford-based Millstone Nuclear Power Station, which raised more than $5,600, won honors as the top fundraising team. Above left, are team members. First row, left to right, assistant director of admissions and alumnus Chris Dorsey; Bob McDonald; Kim Crone, Eastern’s director of admissions; Carly Gene Wickson; J.C. Rotchford; Eastern alumna Melissa Ewing , and John Rotchford. Second row, left to right, Sarah Britton; alumnus Ray Owens; Matt Paine; Josh Shaffer; Greg D’Auria; alumnus Guy Blackburn; Lew Crone; and John Shaw.
Windham Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co., Inc. served as “King Pin” sponsor, while the Windham Wal-Mart and Charter Communications were the “High Roller” sponsors. Above right, President Núñez accepts Wal-Mart's check from general manager Roger Noll.
“This is a unique event in that the local business community works collaboratively with our faculty and staff, as well as our students, to raise scholarship dollars for local high school students who will be attending Eastern in the fall,” said Kenneth J. DeLisa, vice president for institutional advancement.
Each bowlathon partially funds the ECSU Foundation Community Youth Scholarship program which supports high school seniors enrolling at Eastern each fall. Eligible students must be attending a high school within a 20-mile radius of Eastern.
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