Awards and Accolades

Eastern joins national initiative on teaching and learning with AI
AAC&U selects Eastern for 2026-27 AI institute

Eastern Connecticut State University has been accepted into the 2026-27 Institute on AI, Pedagogy and the Curriculum, a multi-campus initiative of the American Association of Colleges and...

Posted on September 03, 2026 by Ed Osborn

Maebel Haynes receives prestigious Newman Civic Fellowship

Political science junior Maebel Haynes has been selected to represent Eastern Connecticut State University and advocate for the Willimantic community through the Newman Civic Fellowship. The...

Posted on September 02, 2026 by Kyle Berson '26

Eastern’s Kim Ward wins national award for service to students
Charles Dunn Award recognizes faculty in public liberal arts colleges

Kim Ward, professor of mathematical sciences at Eastern Connecticut State University, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) Charles Dunn...

Posted on September 01, 2026 by Ed Osborn

Eastern earns silver STARS rating for sustainability culture

Eastern Connecticut State University has earned a STARS silver rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher...

Posted on August 17, 2026 by Ed Osborn

Beatrice Sierra becomes Eastern's first Flynn Fellow
Nursing major completes prestigious fellowship

Nursing senior Beatrice Sierra has become the first student from Eastern selected for the Susan D. Flynn Oncology Nursing Fellowship, a competitive regional summer internship awarded to 35 nursing...

Posted on August 05, 2026 by Kyle Berson '26

Eastern’s behavior analysis program receives accreditation
One of only 8 bachelor’s degree programs in the world

Eastern Connecticut State University’s behavior analysis concentration in the psychology major has received accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). One...

Posted on July 28, 2026 by Ed Osborn

Madeleine Orwick '26 wins 2026 Library Research Award

The J. Eugene Smith Library hosted its annual Library Research Awards Ceremony on May 13. This year’s winner was English major Madeleine Orwick ’26 for her archival research uncovering...

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Savannah Striano '25

Academic year closes with 7 faculty, staff awardees

Seven faculty and staff members received University and Board of Regents awards at the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year, representing the best of excellence in teaching and service to the...

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

Education alumni awarded for teaching excellence
Jake Paciotti ‘21 and Laina Rivers M‘18 recognized

What does it mean to be an outstanding teacher? For Eastern alumni Jake Paciotti ‘21 and Laina Rivers M‘18, it means going above and beyond both inside and outside of the classroom....

Posted on May 14, 2026 by Kyle Berson '26

VIDEO: Students shine at CREATE conference

Student research and creative activity took center stage at Eastern Connecticut State University on April 24 during the annual CREATE conference, a campus-wide celebration of undergraduate...

Posted on May 04, 2026 by Michael Rouleau

Barnard Awards go to seniors Abby Heidorn and Julianna Concepción
Recipients credit relationships for Eastern success

Each spring, Eastern recognizes two outstanding graduating seniors as winners of the Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award, the top academic honor in the Connecticut State Colleges and...

Posted on April 29, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

3 student activists commended at social justice awards ceremony
Carrying forth the legacies of King and Grasso

Eastern Connecticut State University's annual Equity and Social Justice Awards recognized three student activists for their commitment to civil rights and advocacy for marginalized groups. The...

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

New grant program to fund academic innovation projects
Proposals for ‘Academic Innovation Project’ due Feb. 20

Eastern Connecticut State University is set to launch a grant-funded initiative to support faculty academic innovation. Written proposals for the Academic Innovation Project (AIP) are due Feb. 20,...

Posted on January 29, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

Runksmeier receives lifetime achievement award at NCAA convention
‘This job is 90% relationships’

Lori Runksmeier’s tenure as director of athletics at Eastern Connecticut State University has spanned more than 10 years and includes milestones such as the addition of new varsity programs,...

Posted on January 27, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

Men’s soccer captain, aspiring physician named LEC Student-Athlete-of-the-Year
Walter Scudder: 'I tried to stay present and focus on the task at hand'

Walter Scudder ’25, a four-year starting midfielder and two-year captain on Eastern Connecticut State University’s men’s soccer team, was named one of three recipients of the...

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

Donaghy honored with CSU Professorship
Donaghy: 'I’m going to work every day for the rest of my career trying to be worthy'

Daniel Donaghy, professor of English at Eastern Connecticut State University, was recently awarded a Connecticut State University (CSU) Professorship in recognition of his professional...

Posted on August 11, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

Grandhi appointed AAC&U senior fellow

Sukeshini Grandhi, professor of business administration at Eastern Connecticut State University, has been appointed a senior fellow with the American Association of Colleges and Universities...

Posted on August 05, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

Opportunity Programs director honored by Hartford Promise
Irizarry goes 'above and beyond' in student support

Christina Rivera, director of opportunity programs at Eastern Connecticut State University, was recognized by a local college scholarship program for her efforts in serving the interests of Eastern...

Posted on July 03, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

Dean Emerita Carmen Cid honored with ESA service award

Carmen Cid, dean emerita at Eastern Connecticut State University, is the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Service Citation from the Ecological Society of America (ESA), which recognizes long and...

Posted on June 12, 2025 by Ed Osborn

Moore earns Eastern’s only 2025 CSCU Faculty Award
Award recognizes exemplary research

History Professor Scott Moore is Eastern Connecticut State University’s only recipient of a 2025 Board of Regents (BOR) Faculty Award. Announced on May 30, Moore is one of three recipients...

Posted on June 11, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

Bachiochi named Eastern’s Distinguished Professor of the Year
Serving psychology department, community for more than 25 years

Psychological science Professor Peter Bachiochi was named Eastern Connecticut State University’s 2025 Distinguished Professor of the Year, announced at the spring University Meeting this May....

Posted on June 10, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

Excellence Awards honor 8 outstanding faculty, staff members
Bachiochi named 2025 Distinguished Professor

Eight faculty and staff members received Excellence Awards at the close of the 2024-25 academic year, announced at the spring University Meeting on May 9. Awards recognized outstanding teaching,...

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

Library research awards honor outstanding scholarship
Projects span globalization in Russia, depression, revisionist history, and pre-term birth

The J. Eugene Smith Library's 2025 Library Research Awards honored four students for outstanding scholarship on May 16. Seniors Emma McCormack and Saoirse Ward received the awards, while...

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

University Meeting focuses on planning, recognition, resilience

Faculty and staff filled the Student Center’s Betty R. Tipton Room on May 9 for the spring University Meeting. As the academic year draws to a close, the gathering recognized employee...

Posted on May 20, 2025 by Michael Rouleau

Dream Awards celebrate academic, leadership excellence
Ceremony honors TheDream.US students

Eastern's Office of Opportunity Programs hosted the “Dream Awards,” where under-documented students were recognized for their achievements and TheDream.US class of 2025 received...

Posted on April 08, 2025 by Darlene Orozco B. '28

Social justice awards honor 3 student activists
Awards reflect values of King, Chavez, Grasso

Eastern Connecticut State University’s 2025 Equity and Social Justice Awards recently honored three students for their commitment to civil rights, systemic change, and advocating for...

Posted on April 03, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

Eastern names 2025 commencement speakers
William Tong and Dr. Mary Grant to be honored for service and leadership

Eastern Connecticut State University is proud to announce the keynote speakers for its 2025 commencement ceremonies. At the University’s 135th Undergraduate Commencement on May 20 at the XL...

Posted on March 28, 2025 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern inducts 32 students into ODK leadership honor society

32 students and two faculty members at Eastern Connecticut State University were inducted into Eastern’s chapter of the Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) Leadership Honor Society on March 2 in the...

Posted on March 05, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig

Theatre program represents at Kennedy Center festival
Students, alumni and faculty assist in live productions, earn accolades

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Department of Communication, Film and Theatre (CFT) sent 16 students and two alumni to the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF),...

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

Well-rounded computer science major earns international honor society scholarship

Ian Valeta, a senior computer science major at Eastern Connecticut State University, has become involved on campus in a variety of ways. Most recently, he was accepted into Upsilon Pi Epsilon...

Posted on February 03, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

English Night recognizes nearly 50 students for academic achievements
Awards, inductions and capstones highlight student excellence

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Department of English hosted an awards ceremony and capstone presentations on Dec. 5 to celebrate student achievements. English Night recognized five...

Posted on December 16, 2024 by Kyle Berson '26

Alumna Jessica Chapman ’11 wins prestigious Milken Educator Award
Chapman is Connecticut’s only 2024 recipient, one of 45 nationwide

Eastern Connecticut State University alumna Jessica Chapman ’11, a history and social studies teacher at Norwich Free Academy (NFA), was recently surprised with one of the nation’s top...

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Noel Teter '24

New MLA grant provides 'pathway' for underrepresented English students

English students will benefit from a new Modern Language Association (MLA) grant to promote academic success among students historically underrepresented in the humanities. Officially titled...

Posted on December 02, 2024 by Noel Teter '24

Eastern's dual enrollment grows 60 percent in one year
Program grows to 16 high schools and 730 students

Eastern Connecticut State University is expanding its dual enrollment program with Connecticut high schools, supported in part by a three-year, $178,000 grant from the Connecticut State Department...

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Edward Osborn

CAB recognized at national campus activities conference

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Campus Activity Board (CAB) again earned various accolades at this year’s National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) Providence Conference....

Posted on October 31, 2024 by Noel Teter

Former Eastern lecturer receives inaugural award for historical preservation

A retired history lecturer at Eastern Connecticut State University has received an inaugural award named in his honor for his dedication to the research and preservation of local history. Jamie...

Posted on October 30, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Princeton Review names Eastern a 'Green College' 15 years running
New initiatives in thrifting and food recovery advance University's sustainability mission

Eastern Connecticut State University is one of 511 institutions to be named to the Princeton Review's 2025 "Guide to Green Colleges." Since the guide was created in 2010, Eastern has...

Posted on October 30, 2024 by Noel Teter

Longtime communication lecturer receives grant for student journalism

John Murphy, lecturer of communication at Eastern Connecticut State University, recently received a grant from the Center for Community News (CCN) at the University of Vermont (UVM) as part of the...

Posted on October 14, 2024 by Noel Teter

Eastern ranks among top 25 public universities in the North
U.S. News and World Report gives Eastern high marks in 3 categories

Eastern Connecticut State University has once again performed well in the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, released on Sept. 24. In the 2025 report, Eastern ranks among...

Posted on September 24, 2024 by Michael Rouleau

Top faculty award goes to Yaw Nsiah for leading nursing program

Professor Yaw Nsiah, chair of the Department of Health Sciences and Nursing, won Eastern’s 2024 Award for Exemplary Service for his vital role in launching the university’s nursing...

Posted on September 03, 2024 by Noel Teter

First-year student among the first to receive new national scholarship

Abby Dreyer, a first-year student majoring in business administration, is one of 10 students nationwide to receive the inaugural Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Scholarship.

Posted on September 03, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Raouf Mama creates teaching award in his native Benin

Distinguished English Professor Raouf Mama of Eastern Connecticut State University has founded an award recognizing excellence in English teaching in his native country of Benin. The Penrose Best...

Posted on July 11, 2024 by Noel Teter

Upcoming Big Read program connects communities to 'where we live'
NEA-funded program will explore New England-based novel ‘The Bear’

Eastern Connecticut State University is the only organization in Connecticut to receive a Big Read award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for the 2024-25 academic year. Following the...

Posted on June 17, 2024 by Michael Rouleau

CECE wins Telly Award for video on children’s music development

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Center for Early Childhood Education (CECE) recently won a Telly Award for a video involving music development in childhood education.

Posted on June 10, 2024 by Noel Teter

Eastern faculty win BOR teaching and research awards

Three Eastern faculty members were recognized at the conclusion of the 2023-24 academic year as part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) annual Board of Regents Faculty...

Posted on June 03, 2024 by Ed Osborn

Eastern inducts hundreds into honor societies in spring 2024

More than 20 academic programs and departments at Eastern Connecticut State University recognized student achievements this spring 2024 semester during honor society inductions and award ceremonies.

Posted on May 16, 2024

28th Accounting Banquet encourages students to seek opportunities at small firms

More than 100 guests attended the 28th annual Accounting Banquet this April to hear from keynote speaker Alex Bancroft ’05 and honor current accounting students with scholarship awards.

Posted on May 02, 2024 by Michael Rouleau

Students honored for their impact on Eastern and beyond

3 students honored for social justice efforts

On April 30, three students were presented with awards to honor their commitment to promoting equity and social justice at Eastern Connecticut State University. The César Chávez Award was...

Posted on May 01, 2024 by Marcus Grant

Theatre design students work on the big stage in Washington, D.C.

Three Eastern Connecticut State University students took their talents for technical design in stage productions to Washington, D.C., this April for the national Kennedy Center American College...

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Lucinda Weiss

Graduates of color honored at Intercultural Graduation

Students of color honored at Intercultural Graduation

Students of color gathered in the Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University on April 18 to celebrate Intercultural Graduation. Organized by the Intercultural Center, the event recognized...

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Marcus Grant

Student work celebrated at 10th annual CREATE Conference

Student work celebrated at annual CREATE Conference
Students John O'Connell and Marcus Grant and Professor Barbara Murdoch win awards

More than 250 students from Eastern Connecticut State University showcased their academic and creative achievements at Eastern’s annual CREATE conference on April 19. Students shared their...

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Marcus Grant

Eastern students highlight their community work at CCE Expo

More than one in five full-time students at Eastern Connecticut State University volunteered in the community this year, and they presented highlights of their work at the Center for Community...

Posted on April 23, 2024 by Lucinda Weiss

2 seniors selected for Barnard Award, CSCU’s highest academic honor

Two seniors who are roommates at Eastern Connecticut State University, Kathryn Kubisek and Billi Kozak, will each receive the 2024 Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award, the top academic award...

Posted on April 22, 2024 by Lucinda Weiss

Pride Center honors LGBTQ seniors at Lavender Graduation

With the largest graduating cohort ever of queer students, the Pride Center at Eastern Connecticut State University recently hosted its seventh Lavender Graduation. President Elsa Núñez...

Posted on April 17, 2024 by Marcus Grant

BIS students win top awards at national IT competition

Students from the Business Information Systems/Information Technology Students of America (BIS-ITSA) club at Eastern Connecticut State University won top awards at the recent U.S. IT Collegiate...

Posted on April 16, 2024 by Marcus Grant

Eastern President Honored by Three National Higher Education and Immigrant Rights Organizations

President Núñez honored by 3 national immigrant rights organizations

Houston, TX - On Friday, March 29, Elsa Núñez, president of Eastern Connecticut State University, was one of 11 recipients of the first SUCCESS Awards, hosted in Houston, TX, by...

Posted on April 04, 2024 by Ed Osborn

President Núñez honored at inaugural 'Shades of Success'
Women of color share their experiences in academia

President Elsa Núñez was named the inaugural honoree of the “Shades of Success” forum for her continued impact on increasing accessibility and diversity at Eastern Connecticut...

Posted on April 02, 2024 by Marcus Grant

Outstanding future professionals honored at national physical education conference

Two students from Eastern Connecticut State University recently traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, for the SHAPE America National Convention — the nation’s leading convention for health and...

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Marcus Grant

English undergraduates publish in academic journals

Two honor students in the English Department recently published major writing projects in academic journals. Recent alumna Kai-li Davey ‘23 was featured in the January 2024 Sigma Tau Delta...

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Psychology recognized for behavior analysis program

A new recognition for the behavior analysis concentration in Eastern Connecticut State University’s Psychology Department is “a real mark of distinction for the University” and...

Posted on February 15, 2024 by Lucinda Weiss

'Generation Alpha is coming,' alerts President Núñez at University Meeting

Generation Alpha will soon be going to college, and “We have to be ready to welcome the Alphas on campus,” said President Elsa Núñez to faculty and staff at the University...

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern students pitch entrepreneurial proposals in inaugural competition

Entrepreneurial students at Eastern Connecticut State University pitched their projects to judges at a recent Department of Business Administration competition, with junior Kush Patel winning first...

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern community engagement awarded $65K grant for youth development

The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) at Eastern Connecticut State University will receive $65,000 in funds for advancing youth development as part of a state pilot program to reinvest in...

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Psychology students recognized for posters at research event

Six psychology students at Eastern Connecticut State University were recently recognized for the quality of their research posters, and senior Ali Junior Ezedine presented his research at a...

Posted on December 12, 2023 by Noel Teter

Annual English Night recognizes achievements

Students honored during annual English Night

The English Department held its annual English Night on Dec. 6, in which students received awards, gave presentations and were inducted into the Sigma Tau Delta honor society.

Posted on December 12, 2023 by Marcus Grant

Eastern students stand out at physical education conference

Physical education students stand out at state conference
Eastern wins College Bowl second year in a row

Eastern’s physical education majors won the College Bowl at the Connecticut Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CTAHPERD) fall conference on Nov. 16 and 17,...

Posted on November 28, 2023 by Marcus Grant

CAB recognized for programming excellence

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Campus Activity Board (CAB) has been recognized for its achievements in on-campus programs. The Northeast Region of the National Association for Campus...

Posted on November 20, 2023 by Noel Teter

Eastern earns dual honors from Princeton Review for sustainability and campus life

Eastern Connecticut State University is traditionally recognized for its sustainability efforts, and this year is no exception. For 2024, Eastern has been named to The Princeton Review’s...

Posted on November 20, 2023 by Noel Teter

Wintner awarded Fulbright-Nehru fellowship to teach in India

Julia Wintner, director of Eastern Connecticut State University’s Art Gallery, was recently awarded a Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Fellowship to teach in Bangalore, South India....

Posted on October 18, 2023 by Marcus Grant

Eastern police recognized for commitment to officer wellness

The Eastern Connecticut State University Police Department has won recognition for its commitment to maintaining wellness in its staff members. The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association (CPCA) on...

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Noel Teter

Lastrina paves her way for a career in human rights law

A political science major at Eastern Connecticut State University was recently accepted into a scholarship program that will enrich her law school application. Isabelle Lastrina ’24 was...

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Noel Teter

Computer science students create tree-planting app to win their first hackathon

Brainstorming paid off for Eastern Connecticut State University computer science students Ian Valeta and Diego Hernandez Ramirez when their plan for a tree-planting digital game won them the top...

Posted on September 21, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Alumnus Ryan Kelly named East Haddam's Teacher-of-the-Year

Eastern Connecticut State University alumnus Ryan Kelly ’18 was recently named Teacher-of-the-Year in East Haddam. He credits much of his success and drive to the influence of his professors...

Posted on September 21, 2023 by Marcus Grant

Eastern documentary on Tulsa Race Massacre well received at film festivals

A documentary film directed by Eastern Connecticut State University’s theatre Professor Brian Day about the Tulsa race massacre of 1921 captured attention at several film festivals this past...

Posted on September 08, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

Aidan Reiss receives inaugural Yaps Memorial Scholarship

Music major Aidan Reiss ’26 of Stafford Springs is the first-ever recipient of the Wendy (Taylor) and Everett W. Yaps Memorial Endowed Scholarship, which was funded through a historic gift...

Posted on September 06, 2023 by Ed Osborn

Teaching sustainability strengthens Eastern partnership with Windham school

A growing collaboration between Eastern Connecticut State University’s Institute for Sustainability and the eighth-grade science classes at the Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy in Windham...

Posted on August 17, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

CALAHE awards scholarships at Eastern luncheon

The Connecticut Association of Latinos in Higher Education (CALAHE) held its annual scholarship luncheon at Eastern Connecticut State University on Aug. 3, offering scholarships to first-generation...

Posted on August 14, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern student wins Gilman Scholarship to study in Spain

Amirah Foster, a junior majoring in business administration at Eastern Connecticut State University, won a prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship from the U.S. Department of State...

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern again cited as a ‘College of Distinction’

Eastern Connecticut State University is a “College of Distinction” for the 2023-24 academic year, a designation given by an organization of the same name that evaluates undergraduate...

Posted on June 06, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

CECE wins eighth Telly award for video on how books can create inclusive classrooms

A video released this past fall by the Center for Early Childhood Education (CECE) at Eastern Connecticut State University on “Using Children’s Books to Help Build Inclusive...

Posted on June 01, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Daniel Donaghy named Eastern’s Distinguished Professor of the Year

Poet Daniel Donaghy, professor of English, was named the 2023 Distinguished Professor of the Year at Eastern Connecticut State University, affirming his own belief that, “Yes, you can teach...

Posted on May 30, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

2 professors win Board of Regents awards for teaching, research

Two Eastern Connecticut State University faculty were recognized for excellence in teaching and research by the Connecticut Board of Regents in its annual faculty awards.

Posted on May 30, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eelgrass research wins prize for senior at environmental conference

A recent graduate who majored in environmental earth science at Eastern Connecticut State University won the Rankin Prize for the best undergraduate oral presentation at the recent annual meeting...

Posted on May 22, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern graduates 890 at XL Center commencement ceremony
Messages of purpose and unity propel graduates beyond Eastern

Optimism and jubilation filled the XL Center in Hartford on May 16 as 890 Eastern Connecticut State University students received their degrees during the University's annual graduation...

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Michael Rouleau

Library research awards go to 4 students

Two Eastern Connecticut State University students won undergraduate research awards from the J. Eugene Smith Library this spring, and two others were cited for honorable mention.

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern awards more than 100 master’s degrees

More than 100 students received master’s degrees on May 13 during Eastern Connecticut State University’s 2023 Graduate Commencement and Hooding Ceremony.

Posted on May 16, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern student wins math conference prize for research on gerrymandering

Eastern Connecticut State University senior Liam Hemingway, won a top prize at a national conference for his applied math research that looked for a way to draw unbiased congressional districts. In...

Posted on May 15, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Accounting students, alumni convene for 27th annual banquet

More than 150 administrators, alumni, faculty, students and friends of the Accounting program at Eastern Connecticut State University attended the 27th Annual Accounting Banquet on April 19. Among...

Posted on May 10, 2023 by Joseph McGann

CREATE returns with lively display of student research and creativity

Undergraduate research and creativity were celebrated at the 2023 CREATE conference at Eastern Connecticut State University on April 21, where students presented posters, gave talks, exhibited...

Posted on May 03, 2023 by Cindy Weiss

3 students awarded for equity and social justice

Three Eastern Connecticut State University students have won Equity and Social Justice Awards for their work promoting civil rights, resources for undocumented students, and mental health services...

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern police win Tier I accreditation from state standards council

The Eastern Connecticut State University police department has earned Tier I state accreditation, the first step in a continuing process to ensure that the department’s policies, procedures...

Posted on April 25, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Biology students present at nation’s oldest undergraduate science conference

Four Eastern Connecticut State University biology students presented and won awards for their research at the 77th annual Eastern Colleges Science Conference, the oldest continuous scientific...

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Student volunteerism recognized at annual CCE Expo

Community service was on display at the annual Center for Community Engagement (CCE) Expo at Eastern Connecticut State University on April 10, where students collected awards for their service and...

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

2 Eastern seniors win CSCU’s top undergraduate award
Barnard award goes to Emily Barata and Judith Arroyo Cervantes

Two seniors at Eastern Connecticut State University, Emily Barata of New Fairfield and Judith Ariana Arroyo Cervantes of Manchester, are recipients of the 2023 Henry Barnard Distinguished Student...

Posted on April 10, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Music students win prizes at statewide voice auditions

Eastern Connecticut State University music students had a strong showing in statewide student auditions held by the Connecticut chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).

Posted on April 04, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern announces university chancellor Thomas Gibson ’96 as commencement speaker

Eastern Connecticut State University has announced that Dr. Thomas Gibson ’96 will be the keynote speaker for its 132nd Commencement Exercises, held May 16, 2023, at the XL Center in...

Posted on April 03, 2023 by By Michael Rouleau and Ed Osborn

Physical education students win national college bowl

For the second year in a row and fourth year overall, Eastern physical education teacher candidates have won the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America National College Bowl.

Posted on April 03, 2023 by Ed Osborn and Michael Rouleau

Eastern sends 2 to select institute for aspiring college executives

Two staff members at Eastern Connecticut State University who work closely with students were selected to attend the yearlong Executive Leadership Institute at Bridgewater State University in...

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern requests nominations for spring 2023 excellence awards

Eastern Connecticut State University is requesting nominations for its annual excellence awards. Each year, Eastern presents six excellence awards to employees who made outstanding contributions to...

Posted on February 07, 2023 by Noel Teter

Alumna Elaine Hill ’17 wins $25,000 Milken Educator Award

Eastern Connecticut State University alumna Elaine Hill ’17 was surprised with one of the nation’s most prestigious education awards, the Milken Educator Award, on Jan. 12 in a surprise...

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Noel Teter

Sara Green selected for Connecticut Poetry Circuit

Eastern Connecticut State University junior Sara Green is one of five student poets selected for the Connecticut Poetry Circuit. Students were selected based on entries they submitted to the...

Posted on December 22, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Eastern archaeologist wins NSF grant to study medieval indigenous city of Cahokia

Sarah Baires, associate professor of anthropology at Eastern Connecticut State University, is the principal investigator on a new National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to conduct an...

Posted on December 22, 2022 by by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern receives STARS Gold rating for sustainability
Eastern joins Yale and Conn College as state's only Gold campuses

Eastern Connecticut State University has received its first Gold rating for sustainability by STARS--the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System. Eastern has one of only three Gold...

Posted on December 12, 2022 by by Michael Rouleau

Physical education majors win College Bowl

Six physical education teacher candidates at Eastern placed first in the 13th annual Connecticut Association for Health Physical Education and Dance (CTAHPERD) Dee Perilli College Bowl on Nov. 17...

Posted on December 05, 2022 by Jack Jones

Eastern’s Joshua Sumrell receives Prospanica’s Education Leadership Award

The Prospanica Connecticut Chapter Board of Directors selected Joshua Sumrell, coordinator of the Intercultural Center, to receive its 2022 Education Leadership Award. The award recognizes...

Posted on November 16, 2022 by Jack Jones

Eastern makes Princeton Review's Green Colleges list for 13th year

For the 13th year in a row, Eastern Connecticut State University is recognized in the Princeton Review’s “Guide to Green Colleges.” More than 700 schools were reviewed for their...

Posted on November 16, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Student Kailani Therriault named VITA Rookie of the Year

Student volunteer Kailani Therriault was recently recognized as Rookie of the Year by the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Willimantic for completing $825,000 worth of refunds and...

Posted on November 14, 2022 by Noel Teter

CAB wins programming excellence award

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Campus Activity Board (CAB) was recently recognized for its dedication to campus involvement at the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA)...

Posted on November 09, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Eastern accessibility experts win first Betsey Doane Award

Eastern Sociology Professor Nicolas Simon and Sandra Flores-Gonzales, assistant director of the Office of AccessAbility Services (OAS), won the inaugural Betsey Doane Digital Accessibility...

Posted on November 09, 2022 by Noel Teter

Donaghy wins Auburn Witness Poetry Prize
Poetry award recognizes social justice and remembers Donaghy’s longtime friend

English professor Daniel Donaghy was recently honored by the “Southern Humanities Review” with its Auburn Witness Poetry Prize. The prize highlights a work that commemorates social...

Posted on November 09, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Eastern to kick off ‘Big Read’ with book talk by CSCU President Terrence Cheng
This year's community reading program to explore 'Interior Chinatown'

Eastern Connecticut State University is one of 62 communities nationwide to receive a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read grant for 2022-23 year. Eastern will host a series of events...

Posted on October 18, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern's teacher preparation programs receive Frank Murray Recognition

Eastern’s teacher preparation programs recently received the 2022 “Frank Murray Recognition for Continuous Improvement” by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator...

Posted on October 12, 2022 by Jack Jones

Education lecturer aims to ‘gamify’ education
Robert Ford receives Best Article award

Robert Ford, a lecturer for Eastern Connecticut State University’s Education Department, had his research efforts acknowledged for “gamifying” learning techniques within classroom...

Posted on September 26, 2022 by Jack Jones

Princeton Review names Eastern a 2023 top college in Northeast

Eastern is featured as one of the 224 best colleges in the Northeast for the 2023 academic year in the Princeton Review’s annual “Best Regional Colleges” list, released this past...

Posted on September 26, 2022 by Jack Jones

Eastern ranked in top 20 by U.S. News & World Report
2022-23 rankings place Eastern among the best public institutions in the North

Eastern Connecticut State University is ranked among the top 20 public regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report in its 2022-23 rankings, released Sept. 12. Considered the...

Posted on September 12, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Police Chief Tavares honored at ‘100 Men of Color’ gala

Stephen Tavares ’96 of New Hartford, chief of police at Eastern Connecticut State University, was honored at the “100 Men of Color” Black-Tie Gala and Awards on Aug. 12 at the...

Posted on August 23, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

3 student papers awarded by Latin American and Caribbean Studies program
Papers investigate immigration and sexual diversity

The Latin American and Caribbean Studies program recognized three students in its 2022 annual Student Paper Awards. History major Max Turner ’22 won the top prize, whereas Sociology major...

Posted on July 26, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern Warriors top Little East Conference in athletics and academics
Student-athletes win consecutive LEC Commissioner’s and Presidents’ Cups

Following the success of its NCAA Division III national championship baseball team, the Warriors at Eastern Connecticut State University concluded the 2021-22 academic year winning the Little East...

Posted on July 06, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

Student Amanda Ouk receives Honors Thesis award

Art major Amanda Ouk ’22 received the Phillip Elliot Award for writing an exceptional thesis for the University Honors Program. Ouk’s thesis demonstrated a higher order of thinking and...

Posted on June 30, 2022 by Noel Teter

Eastern named a 2022-23 College of Distinction

Colleges of Distinction has recognized Eastern Connecticut State University for a variety of distinctions in its 2022-23 rankings, including badges of distinction for Public Colleges, Connecticut...

Posted on June 16, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

President Núñez and honorees at President’s Leadership Luncheon and Awards ceremony

Leadership Luncheon honors 4 outstanding donors, alumni
Ceremony returns after 3-year pandemic hiatus

Eastern Connecticut State University honored four members of its alumni and donor community on June 10 at its annual President’s Leadership Luncheon and Awards ceremony. The event gathered...

Posted on June 15, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern President Elsa Núñez, left, and NAACP President Leah Ralls, right, congratulate Adalyse Gonzales on winning an NAACP scholarship

Windham NAACP presents scholarship to Eastern student

On June 4 at a packed house at the Lakeview Restaurant in Coventry, the Windham/Willimantic Branch of the NAACP presented Adalyse Gonzales ’22 a scholarship for her academic and athletic...

Posted on June 10, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Philosophy Club wins New Club of the Year award

The Philosophy Club at Eastern Connecticut State University has been named winner of the New Club of the Year Award. The presentation took place during the annual Budget and Management (BAM) Spring...

Posted on May 31, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Nicholas Simon wins CSCU system teaching excellence award

The Board of Regents (BOR) of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System (CSCU) has named Nicholas Simon, assistant professor of sociology at Eastern Connecticut State University, the...

Posted on May 24, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Art major wins Eastern’s Library Research Award

Isabel Butterick ’21, of Willimantic, who majored in Art with a Studio Art concentration and a minor in Art History, has been named the recipient of this year’s annual J. Eugene Smith...

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

University Meeting discusses plans for a sustainable future

Eastern Connecticut State University’s first in-person University Meeting in more than two years took place on May 6 in the Betty R. Tipton Room of the Student Center, showcasing the...

Posted on May 13, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

SHAPE Bowl team left to right: Sarah Gallagher '23, Cole Paquin '23, Joe Banas '22 and Madeleine McGee '22.

Third win for physical education students at SHAPE Bowl

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Physical Education program continued its tradition of winning the annual Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) College Bowl competition on...

Posted on May 02, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Barnard Scholars Nelson Javier Santos Ferrer and Natalie Devlin stand beside Eastern President Elsa Núñez and Todd Cooper, CSCSU board member and management program analyst with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

2 seniors receive Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award

Eastern Connecticut State University students Nelson Javier Santos Ferrer ’22 of Westfield, MA, and Natalie Devlin ’22 of Somers, CT, have been named recipients of the 2022 Henry...

Posted on April 29, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Student Olivia Wronka crowned Miss Little Poland

Eastern Connecticut State University senior Olivia Wronka was crowned Miss Little Poland in September 2021 at the annual Little Poland Festival in New Britain. New Britain is home to the...

Posted on April 12, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

Student's research grant funds tobacco history documentary project

Eastern Connecticut State University sophomore Eugene Bertrand was awarded an Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Project Grant by Eastern’s Provost and Undergraduate Research...

Posted on March 29, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

Accounting major to present at 'Posters on the Hill'

Eastern Connecticut State University accounting major Tyler Wright has been selected to present at the annual “Posters on the Hill” conference. His research, titled “The Effect of...

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Molly Boucher

DeLapp appointed as Fulbright Program Adviser

Students interested in traveling abroad and advancing their academic careers will receive additional support from an Eastern staff member with close ties to the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student...

Posted on March 16, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Pi Sigma Alpha receives grant for political debate

Eastern Connecticut State University’s political science honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha, has been awarded a Chapter Activity Grant by the national honor society to help facilitate a debate...

Posted on March 07, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Megan Piechowicz receives travel award to attend plant biology conference

Biology student Megan Piechowicz was awarded the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) travel award to attend the Worldwide Plant Biology Summit from July 9-13 in Portland, OR. While at the...

Posted on February 17, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

Health sciences major Nancy Gonzalez named Pfizer research fellow

Health science major Nancy Gonzalez ’22 was recently named a fellow of the Pfizer Research and Development Rotation Program. After she graduates, Gonzalez will join more than 2,000 scientists...

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Wireless and Tetherless Multipurpose Patient Simulator

Health Sciences receives CHEFA grant for medical simulation manikins
Equipment enhances EMT, Paramedic Science programs

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Health Sciences Department has received a $75,000 John M. Biancamano Client Grant from the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority...

Posted on January 28, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern co-founds North Star Collective to benefit faculty of color
Inaugural fellowship selects Professors Williams and Logan

Eastern Connecticut State University is one of 13 founding institutions of a new reparative justice effort by the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE). The North Star Collective comprises...

Posted on January 26, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

CT Humanities funds Eastern documentary on tobacco farms and civil rights
‘Stepping Into the Shade,’ an untold story of Connecticut history

Eastern Connecticut State University has been awarded $35,000 by Connecticut Humanities to produce a documentary about Connecticut’s shade tobacco industry and its connection to the civil...

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern’s Mama wins Benin’s (West Africa) top literary award

Eastern Connecticut State University English Professor Raouf Mama’s newly published picture book, “La Jarre Trouée” has been named the winner of Le Grand Prix Litteraire du...

Posted on January 06, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Student Colleen Goff selected as a Connecticut Touring Poet

Eastern Connecticut State University student Colleen Goff is one of only four college students statewide selected to be a Connecticut Student Touring Poet in the 2021-22 Connecticut Poetry Circuit....

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern receives STARS Silver rating for sustainability achievements

Eastern Connecticut State University has earned a STARS Silver rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher...

Posted on December 21, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

English Night celebrates English majors

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Department of English held its annual English Night on Dec. 7. The event recognized students who received scholarships, were inducted into the Sigma Tau...

Posted on December 10, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Eastern has been named for the 12th annual year in the Princeton Review's list of “Guide to Green Colleges.”

Eastern makes Princeton Review’s ‘Guide to Green Colleges’ 12 years running

For the 12th year, the Princeton Review has included Eastern Connecticut State University in its annual “Guide to Green Colleges.” In the 2022 edition, Eastern was one of 422 schools...

Posted on December 06, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Physical education students represent state and University
Franchetti and McGee named 'Outstanding Future Professionals'

Eastern Connecticut State University students Alexa Franchetti and Madeleine McGee were recognized as Outstanding Future Professionals by the Connecticut Association for Health, Physical Education,...

Posted on December 06, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Eastern receives positive outcome from accreditation review
Regional accrediting agency praises Eastern's self-study

Eastern Connecticut State University, Connecticut’s only public liberal arts college, has received continuing accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), the...

Posted on December 01, 2021 by Ed Osborn

SafeWise deems Willimantic, CT, home of Eastern Connecticut State University, the #21 safest college town in the United States

Willimantic ranked in top 25 safest college towns in America
SafeWise ranking is highest in Connecticut

Willimantic, CT, home of Eastern Connecticut State University, is ranked the #21 safest college town in the United States by SafeWise.com. In a report issued on Nov. 9, SafeWise evaluated colleges...

Posted on November 19, 2021 by Ed Osborn

Student activities office represents at NACA conference

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Office of Student Activities received several recognitions at the annual conference of the National Association for Campus Activity (NACA), held Oct....

Posted on November 11, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Prospanica CT awards Walter Diaz for education leadership

Walter Diaz, vice president of student affairs at Eastern Connecticut State University, has been awarded the Education Leadership Award by the Prospanica Connecticut Chapter Board of Directors....

Posted on November 05, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Sierra Club names Eastern a 'Cool School’

“Sierra” magazine, the major publication of the Sierra Club, the influential grassroots environmental group, has named Eastern Connecticut State University one of “The Coolest...

Posted on September 29, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern named a ‘Best Value School’ by U.S. News & World Report
New England’s top public regional university in affordability relative to academic quality

Eastern Connecticut State University is one of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Value Schools” in the North in its 2021-22 rankings released this September. Weighing financial...

Posted on September 24, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern ranks high in ‘Best Colleges for Veterans’
Veteran Katherine Platt explains why Eastern is top-ranked public regional university in New England

Eastern Connecticut State University was recognized as one of the best colleges for veterans in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 rankings, released Sept. 13. While Eastern is the 36th...

Posted on September 17, 2021 by Mike Rouleau

Eastern joins Coalition for College
Membership affirms commitment to increasing college access for underrepresented students

Eastern Connecticut State University has joined the Coalition for College, a diverse group of more than 150 public and private colleges and universities across the United States working to improve...

Posted on September 15, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

U.S. News & World Report ranks Eastern as top public regional university in New England for the third year in a row
Eastern also ranked for affordability and service to veterans

For the third year in a row, Eastern Connecticut State University was ranked as the top public regional university in New England by U.S. News & World Report in its annual report of the best...

Posted on September 13, 2021 by Ed Osborn

Eastern named to The Princeton Review’s list of 'Best Colleges' in Northeast

Eastern Connecticut State University is one of the 223 best colleges in the Northeast according to The Princeton Review. The education services company listed Eastern in the Best in the Northeast...

Posted on September 01, 2021 by Ed Osborn

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

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 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'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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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