2021 - Eastern

Eastern offers master’s degree in Special Education
Program to address shortage of special education teachers

To prepare students for the evolving field of special education, Eastern Connecticut State University is offering a new Master of Science in Special Education. The program is an advanced degree for...

Posted on July 22, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern receives National Endowment for the Arts Big Read grant
University to read and celebrate ‘The Best We Could Do’

Eastern Connecticut State University is one of 61 organizations nationwide selected to receive a 2021-22 Big Read grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The grant of $20,000 —...

Posted on July 21, 2021

Connolly receives NASA space grant to breed micro tomatoes

Connolly is using funding from the NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium to conduct a research project called “Building an Open Source Micro Tomato Breeding Collaborative for Space and...

Posted on July 16, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern is top university for ‘Opportunity Scholars’
TheDream.US program provides full scholarships to undocumented students

Since TheDream.US started its groundbreaking scholarship program to support undocumented students in 2016, it has relied on five institutions nationwide to host more than 600 Opportunity Scholars....

Posted on July 15, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Murdoch honored as QUBES faculty mentor

The Quantitative Undergraduate Biology Education and Synthesis (QUBES) Project honored Barbara Murdoch, biology professor at Eastern Connecticut State University, as one of 16 college professors...

Posted on July 14, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Campus Briefs

See the graduates of the class of 2021; Eastern named a 2021–22 'College of Distinction; SOAR welcomes Class of 2025: Murdoch honored as faculty mentor by QUBES; Police departments runs...

Posted on July 14, 2021

Eastern named a 2021–22 ‘College of Distinction’

Colleges of Distinction has recognized Eastern Connecticut State University for a variety of distinctions in its 2021-22 rankings, including badges of distinction for Public Colleges, Connecticut...

Posted on July 13, 2021

Eastern offers new concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience

Eastern Connecticut State University will offer a new academic concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience this coming fall 2021 semester as part of the university's Psychology major. Meant to...

Posted on July 09, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern to launch hemp cultivation program in fall 2021

Beginning this fall semester, Eastern Connecticut State University will offer one of Connecticut’s first hemp cultivation minors with an eye toward expansion as an interdisciplinary major in...

Posted on July 08, 2021 by Ed Osborn

Eastern Biology student wins conference grant
Arildsen's research focuses on plant genetics

Kate Arildsen '22 of Mansfield has received a grant to present at the American Society of Plant Biologists' virtual conference July 19-23. Arildsen's research focuses on a novel...

Posted on July 02, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern releases Title IX report
TNG Group recommends staffing and process changes

Eastern released a report today from TNG Consulting group, following a two-month review of the University's Title IX practices and procedures. The report recommends staffing and process...

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Ed Osborn

Eastern grad, students pedal 600 miles to raise mental health awareness
'The Valley Boys Ride' benefits mental illness charity

Six Eastern Connecticut State University students and alumni recently concluded a 600-mile bike ride to raise awareness of mental health issues. The group, known as “The Valley Boys...

Posted on June 16, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern political science student receives Gilman Scholarship to study in Costa Rica

Eastern Connecticut State University student Aicha Ly has been named a recipient of the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s...

Posted on June 08, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Library Research Awards recognize 4 Eastern student projects

Eastern Connecticut State University’s J. Eugene Smith Library recently announced the winners of its 9th annual Library Research Awards. This year’s awards recognize four exemplary...

Posted on June 08, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern’s Vitale authors ‘Nuclear Suburbs’
Book explains how Cold War technology propelled Pittsburgh renaissance

Patrick Vitale, assistant professor of geography at Eastern Connecticut State University, recently authored “Nuclear Suburbs: Cold War Technoscience and the Pittsburgh Renaissance.” The...

Posted on June 07, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern's early childhood center wins 7th Telly Award
Video investigating play of dual-language learners wins bronze award

The Center for Early Childhood Education (CECE) at Eastern Connecticut State University was recently awarded a “Telly Award” for one of its video productions. The video, “A Study...

Posted on June 03, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Kemesha Wilmot honored at '100 Women of Color' gala

Kemesha Wilmot '05 of New Britain, associate director for the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) at Eastern Connecticut State University, was honored at the June Archer and Eleven28...

Posted on May 24, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Pilot internship embeds social work students in Willimantic police department

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Social Work Program recently partnered with the Willimantic Police Department to embed social work students into the department’s police work. In...

Posted on May 20, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Students close spring 2021 with virtual show(s) of research

The annual array of collegiate research conferences took a virtual appearance this spring 2021 semester, but that didn’t stop Eastern Connecticut State University students from continuing to...

Posted on May 20, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Campus Briefs

Honors Program recognizes graduating members at Senior Reception; Cerra awarded at New England estuarine research conference; Mesagno hits walk-off grand slam to propel Warriors to LEC finals; and...

Posted on May 19, 2021

Hundreds recognized at honor societies, award ceremonies

More than 20 academic programs and departments at Eastern Connecticut State University recognized student achievements this 2020-21 academic year during award ceremonies and honor society inductions.

Posted on May 19, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern graduates upwards of 1,000 at on-campus commencement exercises
4 ceremonies honor the Classes of 2021 and 2020

On May 15 and May 16, Eastern Connecticut State University returned to its Willimantic, CT, campus for the first time in 13 years to hold graduation exercises.

Posted on May 16, 2021 by Ed Osborn

Inclusive Excellence Awards recognize achievements of students of color
Keynote speaker David Jones ’04 speaks to equality

Eastern Connecticut State University held its Eighth Annual Inclusive Excellence Student Awards Ceremony on May 6. The ceremony honors the academic achievements of African, Latino, Asian and Native...

Posted on May 12, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Graduating artists showcased in Senior Art Exhibition

The Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University opened its final show of the 2020-21 academic year on May 7. The annual Senior Art Exhibition showcases the artwork of 31 graduating seniors...

Posted on May 12, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Eastern community looks forward to a ‘return to normal’

Members of the Eastern community tuned in for what was hopefully the last virtual University Meeting on May 7. The biannual meeting recapped the trials and triumphs of an entire academic year...

Posted on May 11, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Unity Wing sponsors Stop Asian Hate panel

When Okon Hwang, professor of music and chair of Eastern Connecticut State University’s Music Department, goes for a walk in her neighborhood, she wears a mask to follow COVID-19 safety...

Posted on May 06, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

‘Cultivating Dignity’: Final theatre adaptation of year follows MLK’s summer in CT

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Theatre Department has premiered its final show of the 2020-21 school year. The performance, titled “Cultivating Dignity,” is a culmination...

Posted on May 06, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Campus Briefs

Zuzu Acrobats perform thrilling Kenyan acrobatics on campus; Baseball remains unanimous no. 1 in New England; Students and faculty awarded for research and mentorship at CREATE conference; Physical...

Posted on May 06, 2021

Physical education students, professor receive SHAPE America awards

Two students and one faculty member from Eastern’s Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE) received awards at the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) Eastern...

Posted on May 06, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Olivia Anderson presents on climate change politics at Posters on the Hill

Eastern Connecticut State University student Olivia Anderson recently presented at the prestigious Posters on the Hill Conference on April 28.

Posted on May 05, 2021 by Molly Boucher

3 Eastern faculty receive Board of Regents Faculty Awards

The Board of Regents (BOR) for Higher Education honored three faculty members from Eastern Connecticut State University in its annual Faculty Awards program for the 17 institutions in the...

Posted on May 05, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Paul Canavan says baseball is ‘analytics in motion’

Imagine how many more no-hitters and strikeouts some of America’s most famous baseball pitchers — Bob Feller, Nolan Ryan, Bob Gibson, Sandy Koufax, Randy Johnson and others —...

Posted on May 05, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Joanne Michelle Ocampo ’11 and Tunde Olatinwo ’12.

Biology alumni speak on COVID-19, urge vaccination

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Biology Department hosted “Moving Forward: The Pandemic Tales of Two Eastern Alumni,” on April 28. Moderated by Biology Professor Joshua...

Posted on April 30, 2021 by Molly Boucher

State energy, transportation officials share climate change plans with Eastern students
Commissioners Dykes and Eucalitto explain TCI-P

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) hosted an exclusive webinar for Eastern students on April 26 to share information...

Posted on April 29, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

“Turn on the Light” by Karla Pacheco-Sahagun

21st CREATE conference available online
Virtual symposium showcases the best of student research and creativity

Eastern Connecticut State University’s 21st annual CREATE conference is being presented online for the second year in a row. CREATE stands for “Celebrating Research and Creative...

Posted on April 28, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Final theatre adaptation of year explores CT tobacco industry in time of MLK
‘Cultivating Dignity’ opens online on May 1

The Theatre Program at Eastern Connecticut State University will present “Cultivating Dignity,” its final show of the 2020-21 academic year, starting May 1. As with all of this...

Posted on April 28, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Student Lizbeth Macias shares stage with U.S. Department of Education Secretary Cardona

Eastern Connecticut State University junior Lizbeth Macias of Waukesha, WI, participated in a national panel on April 20 to discuss DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students and the...

Posted on April 27, 2021 by Ed Osborn

Service Expo showcases a year of pandemic volunteering

The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) at Eastern Connecticut State University celebrated a year of creative and resilient volunteerism during its annual Service Expo on April 21. The virtual...

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Career center wraps up series of 3 virtual career fairs

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Center for Internships and Career Development (CICD) held three virtual career fairs during March and April. The fairs focused on fields of study...

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Eastern to host 4 Commencement Exercises for Classes of 2021 and 2020
University to award 3 honorary degrees

Eastern Connecticut State University’s 131st Annual Commencement Exercises will feature four on-ground graduation ceremonies on May 15 and May 16 to honor the classes of 2021 and 2020. With...

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Volunteers, 'itching to get out,' beautify town

For more than three decades, Eastern students have distinguished themselves through their service to community. Since 1988, when former Eastern President David G. Carter first required students to...

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern students show support for sexual assault survivors

On April 20, Eastern Connecticut State University’s Women’s Center and Sexual Assault & Interpersonal Violence Response Team participated in “Take Back the Night,” an...

Posted on April 21, 2021 by Bobbi Brown and Molly Boucher

Eastern hosts Diversity and Inclusion Week

From April 12-16, Eastern Connecticut State University’s Student Affairs Diversity and Inclusion Committee sponsored a week of in-person and virtual events to raise public awareness and...

Posted on April 21, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Campus Briefs

Music students featured in Honors Recital and Award Ceremony; History students present at Phi Alpha Theta regional conference; Eastern Opera Workshop performs ‘Dido and Aeneas’ via...

Posted on April 21, 2021

Artists of ‘Precision’ speak on ‘Intersection of Art and Science’

The lyrics to “The Art of the Possible” from the musical “Evita” read: “One has no rules, is not precise, one rarely acts the same way twice. One spurns no device...

Posted on April 20, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

History students present at Phi Alpha Theta regional conference

Eastern Connecticut State University history students Claire Lavarreda ’21 and Allen Horn ’21 presented their research at a virtual conference of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor...

Posted on April 16, 2021

17 Eastern students present at virtual NCUR conference

Seventeen Eastern Connecticut State University students presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) from April 12–14. The event, which is the largest undergraduate...

Posted on April 16, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Professor Williams encourages students to take charge of destiny

On April 14, DeRon Williams, professor of theatre at Eastern Connecticut State University, offered students advice on how to overcome obstacles while sharing some of his personal experiences....

Posted on April 16, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Eastern Opera Workshop performs ‘Dido and Aeneas’ via livestream

The Eastern Opera Workshop of Eastern Connecticut State University’s Music Program performed “Dido and Aeneas” on April 9 and 11. Written by English composer Henry Purcell more...

Posted on April 15, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Gomez-Stafford and Beazoglou named 2020-21 Barnard Scholars
2 graduating seniors poised for careers in genetic counseling and healthcare management

Two graduating seniors from Eastern Connecticut State University are recipients of the Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Awards this 2020-21 academic year. The award is the highest undergraduate...

Posted on April 08, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Minority Health Conference debunks COVID-19 myths

Nations around the world are relieved with the development of a vaccine to treat the COVID-19 virus. Many myths surround the deadly virus, including falsehoods on why African Americans have...

Posted on April 08, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Campus Briefs

Modern Movement presents ‘A Natural Woman’ at 5x5 Dance Festival; 'Trans 101' workshop gives lesson on 'Transcending Sexpectations'; Softball: Warriors (14-0) vault...

Posted on April 08, 2021

Eastern alumni (from left to right) Lee '13, Link '14 and Galligan ’16.

English alumni speak on careers in financial technology and healthcare
‘English at Work’ panel features 3 recent graduates

Three English alumni from Eastern Connecticut State University spoke with students about their careers during an English at Work virtual panel on April 6. Kelly Galligan ’16, Marcia Lee...

Posted on April 07, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Professor Veerappan says genetics is art

Vijaykumar Veerappan, assistant professor of biology at Eastern Connecticut State University, gave new meaning to the phrase “Seeing is Believing” during his virtual presentation,...

Posted on April 06, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Students work with Windham preschoolers through Jumpstart program

A group of Eastern Connecticut State University students are volunteering with the national early education organization known as Jumpstart. Established in 1993 with programs in 14 states,...

Posted on April 05, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

First-Generation Symposium highlights challenges and achievements of first-gen students

The struggles, misconceptions and success of first-generation college students and how universities can support them was the subject of Eastern Connecticut State University’s First-Generation...

Posted on March 31, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Educators and advocates Sean Desiree (left) and Maybe Burke (right)

'Trans 101' workshop gives lesson on 'Transcending Sexpectations'

The Arthur L. Johnson Unity Wing at Eastern Connecticut State University recently hosted “Transcending Sexpectations,” a workshop centered on understanding intersectionality and LGTBQ+...

Posted on March 31, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Modern Movement presents ‘A Natural Woman’ at 5x5 Dance Festival

Modern Movement, a student organization at Eastern Connecticut State University, participated in the 5x5 Dance Festival on March 27. The annual showcase, presented by the Autorino Center for the...

Posted on March 31, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Shawn’s Cupboard, a valuable resource for food-insecure students
On-campus food pantry revises operation during pandemic

According to the non-profit food organization, Feeding America, 39 percent of undergraduate students struggle to afford food—making millions of them at risk of facing hunger. Eastern...

Posted on March 30, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Campus Briefs

Students volunteer at mobile food pantry; Eastern to offer in-person graduation ceremony for Class of 2020; Theatre student Capri Agresta accepted into grad program on full-tuition waiver; and...

Posted on March 25, 2021

VP Stacey Close outlines a history of the 'Great Migration'

“‘The Great Migration’ was not just a happy, cheerful group of people who wanted to exercise their mobility in the United States,” said Stacey Close, historian and vice...

Posted on March 25, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Asian Cultural Society leads #StopAsianHate fundraiser

Following the March 16 mass shootings in Atlanta, GA, and other recent incidents of anti-Asian sentiment, the Asian Cultural Society (ACS) is raising funds to support three organizations that serve...

Posted on March 25, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Visiting professor presents on evolution of ‘ecofeminism’

Patricia Glazebrook, professor of philosophy at Washington State University, presented “Ecofeminism Then and Now” at Eastern Connecticut State University on March 23. The virtual...

Posted on March 25, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Student organizations support local homeless shelter

The Windham Region No Freeze Project in Willimantic is the beneficiary of efforts by three student organizations at Eastern Connecticut State University, as the Cheerleading Team, Habitat for...

Posted on March 24, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Political science students present at Pi Sigma Alpha national conference

Eastern Connecticut State University political science students Mary Greenwell ’21 and Trevor Mays ’22 recently attended the Eighth Annual Pi Sigma Alpha National Student Research...

Posted on March 24, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Student-directed play ‘Blood at the Root’ probes Jena Six case

Eastern Connecticut State University's Theatre Program premiered its second production of the year, “Blood at the Root,” on March 19. The show, directed by students Austin...

Posted on March 24, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Patrons visit Art Gallery for ‘Precision’ opening reception

The Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University held an opening reception for its latest exhibition, “Precision: Illustrative Technique in Art and Science,” on March 22. To...

Posted on March 24, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Third virtual town hall discusses social justice and diversity on campus

Eastern Connecticut State University’s student chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Eastern’s Multicultural Leadership Council welcomed...

Posted on March 24, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

University of Florida professor discusses Black American history at Eastern

Eastern Connecticut State University welcomed David Canton, director for the African American Studies program and associate professor of history at the University of Florida, on March 17 to hear...

Posted on March 22, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

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Eastern’s bachelor’s degree in mathematics ranked in top 25 nationwide

Eastern Connecticut State University’s mathematics faculty offers the 24th best bachelor’s degree in the nation, according to 2021 rankings by Study.com.

Posted on March 22, 2021

Attorney Dana Bucin explains career as immigration lawyer

Immigration law was the topic of a virtual presentation at Eastern Connecticut State University by guest speaker Dana Bucin on March 17. Courtney Broscious, associate professor of political...

Posted on March 22, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Eastern to offer in-person graduation ceremony for Class of 2020

On Sunday, May 16, 2021, at 10 a.m., Eastern Connecticut State University will hold in-person Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2020. The event will take place on the Windham Technical High...

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Ed Osborn

Eastern Art Gallery presents ‘Precision’
Exhibition marries art with science

The Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University is presenting “Precision: Illustrative Technique in Art and Science” until April 25. This curation of “cognitive art”...

Posted on March 15, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

‘Decolonize your bookshelf’: University Hour speaker challenges readers

New York Times best-selling author Dhonielle Clayton gave a University Hour presentation at Eastern Connecticut State University on March 10 about the “radical” power of...

Posted on March 11, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

EES prepares students for climate crisis and green economy
Spotlighting 2 concentrations: Sustainable Energy Science and Environmental Science

With climate change and an evolving “green” economy underway, the Environmental Earth Science (EES) Department at Eastern Connecticut State University is preparing students for some of...

Posted on March 11, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

2021 Eastern commencement to be on-ground
Ceremony divided into 3 sessions

The 131st Annual Eastern Connecticut State University Commencement Exercises will take place in person on Saturday, May 15, adjacent to the Eastern campus.

Posted on March 11, 2021 by Ed Osborn

Eastern Theatre presents ‘Blood at the Root’
Open to public for virtual streaming

The Theatre Program at Eastern Connecticut State University is proud to present “Blood at the Root,” a play by Dominique Morisseau. The performance will be available to stream virtually...

Posted on March 10, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Mohegan tribe council member discusses the teaching of Native American history

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Art Gallery concluded its HEROINE-ITY exhibition on March 4 with a presentation by Elizabeth Regan (“Morning Deer"), vice chair and justice...

Posted on March 10, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Campus Briefs

Music faculty perform in faculty recital; Eastern Theatre to present ‘Blood at the Root’; Eastern dominates LEC's weekly awards in 4 sports; Mama receives fellowship to work on new...

Posted on March 10, 2021

Guest speaker describes inclusive online fan communities
Marginalized groups share fandom on AO3 website

Casey Fiesler, assistant professor of information science at the University of Colorado, spoke about online “fan communities” at Eastern Connecticut State University on March 3. During...

Posted on March 05, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Eastern designated as ‘military-friendly’ school
Recognized for student support, financial assistance, graduation and retention rates

Eastern Connecticut State University has been designated as a “Military Friendly” School for 2021 by VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that connects the military...

Posted on March 03, 2021 by Ed Osborn

Eastern alumni teach with caring and dedication during pandemic

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began a year ago, more than three million schoolteachers across the nation — from preschool to high school — pivoted to online learning in spring 2020 and...

Posted on March 01, 2021 by Ed Osborn

Eastern communication majors tell it like it is

In the age of social media and Google ads the need for competent and ethical professionals in the public relations and advertising fields has never been greater. Today’s consumers deserve and...

Posted on March 01, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Storyteller Raouf Mama narrates poems that teach life lessons

Award-winning storyteller and best-selling author Raouf Mama, professor of English at Eastern Connecticut State University, presented “Journey and a Joining: A Reflection on the Tragedy and...

Posted on February 25, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Eastern’s child center celebrates 15 years of caring for Windham children

The Child and Family Development Resource Center (CFDRC) at Eastern Connecticut State University is celebrating its 15th anniversary this February. Over the past 15 years, the on-campus preschool...

Posted on February 25, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Theatre Program adapts 'Hotel Universe' to reflect modern times
First production of pandemic blends traditional theatre with film

The Theatre Program at Eastern Connecticut State University recently presented its first theatrical production since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Hotel Universe,” a play written...

Posted on February 25, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Campus Briefs

Storyteller Raouf Mama narrates poems that teach life lessons; Judy Dworin Performance Project brings hope to incarcerated individuals; Hope springs as sports transition to outside competition;...

Posted on February 25, 2021

SLM students hear from alumni in the field

Charles Chatterton, associate professor of kinesiology and physical education at Eastern Connecticut State University, is hosting a series of virtual alumni visits for his classes during the spring...

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Eastern reaffirms commitment to climate as nation pivots
University’s 2020 Climate Action Plan outlines way to a greener future

Eastern Connecticut State University has reaffirmed its commitment to meeting the challenges of climate change, reflecting recent moves by the federal government and thousands of environmental...

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, associate professor of English education at Teachers College, Columbia University.