Student leaders power community engagement

Since its earliest days as a teacher’s college — when student teachers worked with local children at the Windham Street Model School — Eastern Connecticut State University has maintained deep ties to the Willimantic community. That tradition of service continues today through the Center for Community Engagement, which connects hundreds of student volunteers each year with local organizations and residents in need of support. 

At the heart of that work are nearly two dozen student leaders, who recruit volunteers, organize weekly service programs and build partnerships with schools, nonprofits and senior centers across the community. Through their leadership, Eastern students tutor local youth, assist seniors, support recovery programs and contribute to a wide range of community initiatives — carrying forward a legacy of engagement that has defined the university for more than a century. 

Mastroianni oversees the CCE student leaders and incorporates a weeklong training course on best practices for volunteering and volunteer management. “In my role, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work so closely with the Willimantic community and with such an amazing group of student leaders,” said Mastroianni.   

“My students are dedicated to making an impact in the community and showing up for those around them. As leaders, they continue to show up every day and grow in their roles. Every one of them brings something different to this job and that is what makes our department so special.”  

The CCE had 690 unique students volunteer this past fall, totaling close to 8,000 hours of service. On an annual basis, upwards of 1,500 students contribute more than 15,200 hours of their time, a value of $350,000 to the local community. “Eastern students take pride in helping the Willimantic community, and I know our community partners really appreciate the help,” said CCE Director Lana O’Connor.  
 
“What inspires me most is the mutual growth between our students and our community partners,” she continued. “Every volunteer moment brings two perspectives together to build a stronger, more connected community. What students learn in these spaces — about people, purpose, and themselves — becomes something they carry into their next journey after college, shaping the way they lead, serve, and show up in the world.” 

As the CCE supports its community partners and local residents, it builds personal and professional skills among its student volunteers, including sophomore education major Madison Rocha. “Working at the CCE has been one of the most positive, impactful experiences of my life. I have gained significant experience in areas such as communication, leadership, teamwork, problem solving, and planning. Through my work at the CCE, I have gained a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives within the community and the true positive impact that volunteering has.  

“The opportunity to plan programs as well as lead activities for young students has been immensely beneficial as someone studying elementary education.” 

Meghan Georgescu is a senior who manages the Blue Iris Rescue Farm program. The farm is located in Lebanon and provides support for rescued farm animals. “My experience being a CCE volunteer to student leader has been incredible,” said Georgescu. “Having the opportunity to engage with the community in so many different ways has taught me so much about leadership, compassion, empathy, and patience.  

“Most importantly, I have fostered a new sense of initiative, which is such an important skill as a graduating senior looking into next steps in my career. Whether it’s working with adults, students, the elderly,or my animals at the farm, there are always skills I take away that have impacted my life outside of the CCE in ways I would have never imagined. I have made lifelong friends and connections that I will value for many years to come.” 

Junior Josephine Udell coordinates after-school programs. “Being a student leader at the CCE means everything to me; it gives me a purpose at Eastern as well as within the local community,” said Udell.“This work has proven to me the impact service can make. Not only has volunteering given me practical skills but also friendships and a sense of belonging. The CCE has become part of my identity and shapes my values as well as my perspective of what community is.” 

Ava Mayette is a sophomore who runs programs at Project Hope and Barrows STEM Academy. “This experience has brought me such gratitude for the community I get to work and live in,” she said. “This job has allowed me to see Eastern far beyond the scope of the campus and experience the integral role it plays in the Willimantic community. To feel impactful in my community, as well as to have the ability to help others do so, is something I am extremely fortunate to be able to experience.” 

Junior Isabelle McClelland volunteers with the CCE at Willimantic’s schools and Windham Hospital. “My gratitude for having the opportunity to work at the Center for Community Engagement is like no other. Overseeing programs and events of a wide range has allowed immense growth both personally and professionally,” she said. “This semester, my work at the Windham Middle School, North Windham Elementary, and Windham Hospital programs has continued this trend. Each day at the CCE reminds me of why I am passionate for work of this kind and continues to deepen that passion.”  

Junior business administration major Emily Conte relishes each moment volunteering: “Since starting at the CCE last semester, I’ve found that the little moments at program are the best: from playing sharks and minnows at the Windham Middle School gym to learning all of the girls' favorite hobbies at our Journey House program.  

“Student leader life has allowed me to connect with the community, but I've also stepped into a family who cares about service and each other. Volunteering with funny, thoughtful, and dedicated individuals has made me look forward to stepping into the CCE house every week.” 

Lauryn Robinson is a sophomore who coordinates the Windham Youth Mentors program. “As a Student Leader at the CCE, I have been given many amazing opportunities. Being able to connect outside of the Eastern community and branch into Willimantic has provided a multitude of different learning opportunities,” she said. 

“I come from a city that is very involved and connected, and working at the CCE and in the Willimantic area has brought a sense of home and belonging similar to my hometown, which I am incredibly grateful for.”