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Follow former soccer standout Patrick Agyemang’s rise on the international stage; explore the eras and trailblazers who shaped Eastern’s history; meet two alumni couples thriving as partners in life and business; look back on four decades of Eastern’s exemplary STEP/CAP program; celebrate a centenarian Warrior; trace one student’s journey to independence and belonging — and discover much more inside.
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.
From Warrior to World Stage
A few years ago, Patrick Agyemang was just another determined college athlete — a confident striker from East Hartford playing Division III soccer at Eastern Connecticut State University, boldly proclaiming he would one day play professionally.
People laughed.
A brief history of Eastern Connecticut State University
For more than 136 years, Eastern has been a place of learning, opportunity, and service. From a teacher training school to Connecticut’s designated liberal arts university, this brief history reflects the people who have shaped Eastern.
Jeff ’01 and Jessica Reinhart ’00 took a leap and launched an empire
When Jeff ’01 and Jessica Reinhart ’00 received a surprising business pitch from their 14-year-old niece, they never imagined it would result in a thriving jewelry enterprise and launch an entrepreneurial journey.
Four Decades of Opportunity
Since the early 1980s, the Summer Transition to Eastern Program/Contract Admissions Program (STEP/ CAP) has been helping students make a smooth and confident start to their college careers. Over the decades, more than 2,000 students have participated, with more than 900 earning bachelor’s degrees from Eastern.
Alumni couple creates premium headphones business
When they met two decades ago at Eastern in a scriptwriting class, Zach ’06 and Bevin (Titcomb) Mehrbach ’07 had no idea about the romantic partnership they’d form — or the acclaimed upscale headphones business they’d eventually establish.
Gussie Sitkin ’43 on education, resilience, and 104 years of life
When Gussie (Paster) Sitkin ’43 arrived at Willimantic State Teachers College (WSTC) — now Eastern Connecticut State University — in 1939, life as she knew it was about to change.
‘Once a Warrior, always a Warrior’
From first-generation college students to seasoned professionals pursuing advanced degrees, Eastern sent approximately 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students into the world last academic year.
My journey to self-reliance and belonging
Going to college is one of the biggest transitions people experience in their lives. You’re away from home for the first time, with the pressure to become the person you want to be for the rest of your life. … Now imagine also having a rare genetic condition and living, for the first time, without a caregiver.
One alumnus sparks a multigenerational Eastern journey
It all started with Mark Bradley ’90. Since graduating from Eastern more than 30 years ago, generations of the Bradley family have followed in his footsteps, becoming Warriors and launching their careers after graduating from Connecticut’s only public liberal arts university.
All = 1
Eastern’s men’s rugby team has an ulterior motive. On the surface, it is a competitive and popular club sports team, known for its grit and sportsmanship. However, as committed as it is to the game, the team may be even more visible out in the community.
No. 7: Karim Ismaili inaugurated as president
On April 11, Eastern celebrated the inauguration of its seventh president, Dr. Karim Ismaili. The milestone event marked a new chapter in Eastern’s 136-year history, highlighting the University’s enduring commitment to leadership and community.
Baseball field named for legendary Coach Bill Holowaty; Coach Bierly retires after 31 years leading women’s soccer; Walter Scudder ’25 named LEC Student Athlete of the Year; 2 athletes named All-Americans; and more.
President's Message
This past year, I launched a Listening and Learning Tour to understand this mission better. … What I heard reaffirmed what I sensed from the very beginning of my presidency — Eastern is more than a university. It’s a caring, committed, and purpose-driven community.