Read about women alumni who are forging STEM careers; enter the haven for transfer students that is Occum Hall; meet the Eastern alumnus who oversees a Wisconsin university; learn about a specialized laboratory dedicated to digital history; read about three love stories that began on campus; and more.
To experience this issue of EASTERN in its entirety, click on the magazine cover at the bottom of this page and have a digital look at the print version.
From the President's Desk
The cover of this issue of EASTERN Magazine highlights the strength of our University. In times of plenty and in times of challenge, Eastern’s people have come together as a community. During the past two years of COVID, the relationships built and maintained on our campus have never been more important.
Shrinking the STEM Gap
While women make up 50 percent of the overall workforce, they occupy less than 30 percent of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) jobs. Eastern is countering that trend, as the majority of STEM graduates in recent years are in fact women.
When Thomas Gibson ’96 took over as chancellor at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point in 2021, he had three key goals in mind: enhance academic excellence; expand diversity, equity and inclusive excellence; and increase enrollment and growth.
From cannabis cultivation and data science to special education and anthropology, Eastern has launched an assortment of new programs in recent semesters to meet evolving workforce needs and prepare students for new opportunities.
After more than a year of pandemic-subdued activity on campus, the fall 2021 semester saw a near return to normal with such developments as a novel internship program with Discovering Amistad, a ceremony commemorating the 20-year anniversary of 9/11, a visit by Governor Lamont and more.
Future Historians
The study of history is experiencing a renaissance. With the advent of new technologies, this timeless subject — long characterized by laborious research and lengthy essays — has evolved into the 21st century. Eastern is preparing historians for the digital age through a specialized workshop on campus known as the Digital History Lab.
Occum Hall: A welcome home for transfer students
Studies show that transfer students are a growing population on campuses across the nation. More than a third of college students transfer from one school to another during their undergraduate experience. One way that Eastern supports transfer students is by providing them with an instant community in the form of Occum Hall.
Eastern honored one of its most notable champions on Dec. 7 when it named the Science Building after David G. Carter Sr., the University’s fifth president. More than 100 guests joined Eastern President Elsa Núñez in the Betty R. Tipton Room in the Student Center to recognize Carter’s leadership and contributions to Eastern.
For the 15th consecutive year, Eastern served a special Thanksgiving meal to Willimantic community members in need. Due to COVID-19, for the second year in a row the University partnered with the Covenant Soup Kitchen to distribute hundreds of meals to Willimantic community members on the eve of Thanksgiving.
Warriors win three championships; Volleyball player Anna Barry named All-America; Hall of Fame inducts new class of alumni athletes; Coach D'Ambrosio retires; and more.
SGA: Giving students a voice
In addition to making friends and learning valuable leadership skills, national and Eastern data clearly show that engaging in a student club improves students’ GPAs and graduation rates. Among the more than 90 clubs and student organizations at Eastern, one of the most influential is the Student Government Association (SGA).
Read about the love stories that started at Eastern for alumni couples Tom Balestracci ’13 and Melissa Groccia ’13; Amanda Quandt ’07 and Andrew Savage ’07; and Rachel Sawyer ’16 and Donald Walker ’17.
Remembering Eileen Ossen; ECSU Foundation hosts annual golf tournament; Catlett Prize honors late English professor; Record-breaking November 'match' campaign; and more.
For the past two years and counting, Eastern’s students, faculty, staff — and yes, our alumni too! — have bravely managed their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eastern consistently has had the highest percentage of on-ground classes, the largest residential student population and the lowest COVID rates in our state system.
Alumni Services: More for you right now!
The Office of Alumni Affairs is always looking for innovative and timely opportunities to deliver new services to alumni. From an alumni directory, a book club, a webinar series and other programs, see what's new for your enjoyment and growth.
