Tom Goodin ’73 likes to call himself one of the oldest students at Eastern. After graduating from Eastern more than five decades ago with a degree in education, Goodin is currently pursuing his second degree in theatre and performance media.

With a long-standing love for theatre and music, Goodin is working toward building an academic foundation in the hobbies he's loved throughout his childhood, college years, and professional career.

Class of ‘73

When Goodin first enrolled at Eastern in 1969, students witnessed the Apollo 11 moon landing, the legendary Woodstock music festival, and the Stonewall Riots. Born and raised in Manchester, Goodin became a first-generation college student after his uncle offered to pay his tuition.

At the time, he wanted to become a teacher. Eastern, known then as Eastern Connecticut State College, offered one of the best education programs in the area, where he would commute from his hometown to attend class.

Goodin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education, concentrating in English.

He expressed that he wished he had the full college experience, but that commuting was the right move for him in the long run. “I enjoyed going to college all those years,” he said. “It opened up so many doors with different professors in different subjects.”

Goodin also recalls a very different campus than today, with Shafer Hall serving as Eastern’s administrative offices and library, and Winthrop Hall serving as the student union.

“Everything was in Shafer Hall,” Goodin joked.

Under the leadership of President Charles R. Webb, Eastern’s North Campus was just starting to become developed at the time, being home to Goddard Hall and the original library building (now Wood Support Services Center).

A dynamic career

After graduation, Goodin spent several years as a substitute teacher at local schools, followed by retail management at Kmart and various pharmacies. He ultimately became a case worker for the Connecticut Department of Social Services, where he stayed for the remainder of his career.

Goodin said that although he didn’t stay in the field of education, the skills he learned at Eastern transferred to multiple lines of work.

After retiring in 2012, Goodin and his wife, Anne, lived in Florida and Philadelphia for several years before finding themselves back in Willimantic, wanting to live closer to their grandchildren.

“You never know how things will fall into place,” he said.

After moving back, Goodin would often take walks around Eastern’s campus and appreciate its aesthetic. “I just had this connection to Eastern and Willimantic,” he said.

Returning to Eastern

Goodin’s decision to return to Eastern was sparked after he explored the Fine Arts Instructional Center (FAIC) in 2019. Impressed by the building’s top-notch facilities, Goodin wanted to “see [theatre] from a more professional standpoint.”

“The theatres were built with every modern technology they could have,” he said.

Although Goodin has had an interest in theater since he was a child, Eastern didn’t yet offer a formal program in the field during his first degree. There was a student-led theatre club at the time, but being a commuter, it was difficult for him to become involved.

When Goodin spoke with the Office of Admissions, he was surprised to learn that many of the courses he took almost 50 years prior would still be valid toward a second degree. After re-enrolling in 2023, Goodin began taking courses part-time in the communication, film, and theatre (CTF) program.

The decision to return to Eastern didn’t come without concerns, however. Goodin expressed worry about “sticking out” as one of the oldest students on campus.

“Just to be in a class where I would stand out – I was nervous,” he said.

Contrary to his worry, he said that students and faculty quickly embraced him as one of their own. “I never once felt a feeling of isolation,” he said. “I thought they had adopted me in a way.”

Through involvement with student-run productions, Goodin formed lasting connections with CFT faculty and students. He worked as a stage manager on the mainstage production “The Prison That Made America: Women’s House of Detention (1932-1974)” in spring 2025 and will continue that role in “No Exit,” directed by senior theatre and performance media major Zoe Calhoun in fall 2025.

“My wife hasn’t seen me this energized in decades,” he said. “I know I’m going to miss this.”

"Tom is one of the hardest working people I know,” Calhoun said. She added that in her experience, Goodin has been encouraging and dependable to her and other students.

“I really enjoy our conversations. They’re always meaningful and I learn a lot from him. It’s great having someone like him as my stage manager and classmate.”

A love for theatre, music, and radio

Throughout his childhood, college years, and adult life, Goodin would work and perform at the Little Theatre of Manchester, managing more than 25 productions and appearing on stage multiple times. At Eastern, he gained access to state-of-the-art facilities, programs, and productions.

Another interest of Goodin’s is college radio. “I used to listen to a lot of folk music stations on my way to work,” he said, noting that he often listened to college radio on his commutes.

After learning about opportunities to get involved with Eastern’s campus radio station, WECS 90.1 FM radio, Goodin quickly seized the opportunity. He now runs a show called “Folk Rock Connections” that highlights folk and rock music of the past and present.

Goodin described becoming involved with WECS Radio as a “small dream come true – similar to the courses.”