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In the spring 2023 issue of Eastern Magazine, learn how Eastern is addressing the state’s nursing shortage; visit the treasures of the library’s fourth floor; meet three alumni leaders at Mohegan Sun; catch up with Eastern sports guy Bob “Bullet” Molta; and more.
To experience the issue in its entirety, click on the magazine cover at the bottom of this page and have a digital look at the print version.
On Health Care’s Front Lines
The current shortage of nurses in our nation is evident to varying degrees across all 50 states, and Connecticut is certainly part of the trend. But a major grant is helping Eastern to launch a new bachelor’s degree in nursing this fall, preparing students to join the ranks of Eastern alumni who have already found their way into the nursing field.
John Shishmanian ’77 retired after a 43-year career as a photojournalist. Shishmanian said his job was “challenging, informational, exciting and, most of all, just a lot of fun.”
A first-generation student recalls her Pakistani parents’ sacrifice and the privilege of education.
Treasures from the Past
Hidden in plain view, on the fourth floor of the J. Eugene Smith Library, are collections that tell the stories of local people who lived in earlier times. There you can find first-person accounts of battles written by Civil War soldiers; dance cards from Windham socials in the 1920s; letters from death row inmates; and shelves of leather-bound books dating back to the 18th century.
A Message from the President
As I reflect on my 17 years at Eastern, I can recall many special moments — memorable events, student and faculty accomplishments, new buildings and other snapshots in time. What strikes me about all these memories is that they speak to the collective values held by those of us who call Eastern home.
Campus sustainability efforts receive “Gold” rating; Thread City Jazz Trio releases new album; Biologists use scorpions to research new antibiotics; Early childhood education videos reach 5 million views; and more.
Alyssiah Wiley remembered at Hot Chocolate Run; Women’s basketball team supports breast cancer awareness; Eastern takes the plunge for hunger; Donors step up for annual fundraising campaign.
“The Spirit of Aquai”
Opened in Connecticut in 1996, the Mohegan Sun quickly became one of the world’s largest casinos. Many Eastern graduates have found satisfying careers at the renowned organization, with several currently holding leadership positions.
Sports Information Director Bob “Bullet” Molta has been a fixture at Eastern going back to the fall of 1974, all the while staying current with changes in technology, student culture and campus growth.
Anna Barry becomes Eastern’s second two-sport All-American; Eastern on track to win the LEC’s Presidents’ and Commissioner’s Cups, again; Jumper Collin Wiltshire and golfer Ashton Lewis named LEC Players-of-the-Year; Warriors ride in style with new bus; and more.
Final Thoughts
Despite the job security and high wages of the STEM field, women hold less than 30 percent of all STEM jobs in America. We need to do better as a nation, and Eastern is already doing its part. In the past five years, 51 percent of our STEM graduates have been women.
