English

Eastern celebrates 25 years of Willimantic’s Julia de Burgos Park

Twenty-five years after an Eastern Connecticut State University student and professor successfully lobbied for the beautification and naming of a Willimantic pocket park, the University fittingly...

Posted on September 29, 2026 by Tim Stevens

Students with Professor Steve Muchiri during the "Data Analytics-Oriented Undergraduate Research: Industry 4.0 and Big Data Analytics in Healthcare" institute.

Eastern expands Summer Research Institutes
Seven institutes provide research opportunities to students

Nearly 70 Eastern students began their summer immersed in research. This June, the University expanded its Summer Research Institute (SRI) program from three to seven faculty-led institutes,...

Posted on June 23, 2026 by Savannah Striano ‘25

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

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

Colloquium explores ‘wicked problem’ of AI
Faculty and students agree: 'AI is not a replacement'

On today’s college campuses, one can hardly go a single day without hearing the letters “AI.” Eastern Connecticut State University recently dedicated a full day to unpacking the...

Posted on April 01, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

English lecturer urges action over performative activism
Ramiz to students: “It is better to speak”

Eastern English Lecturer Bulaong Ramiz, a former identity center professional in higher education settings, has become a passionate advocate against improper practices in the offices she once...

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

Mama publishes 3 books in 1 year
Tales from Benin told in many tongues

A professor in the Department of English at Eastern Connecticut State University has made an inter-continental impact on the world of oral literature through his books. While he primarily writes in...

Posted on February 20, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Eastern is top presenter at first MLA undergrad research session
English majors explore literary themes in Canada

Six English majors at Eastern Connecticut State University made history on Jan. 9, presenting their research at the Modern Language Association (MLA) convention’s inaugural undergraduate...

Posted on January 29, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

'Extinction Capital of the World': Guest author discusses new book

The English Department hosted guest author Mariah Rigg this October for a discussion with students about her new collection of short stories, “Extinction Capital of the World.”

Posted on November 07, 2025 by Savannah Striano '25

Eastern hosts New England conference for English teachers

Eastern welcomed English educators from across New England on Oct. 25 for the 123rd annual New England Association of Teachers of English (NEATE) conference. Hosted in partnership with the...

Posted on October 27, 2025 by Kyle Berson '26

Natasha Gambrell ’15: ‘Everything I do is for my nation’
English alumna fights for federal recognition of Eastern Pequot tribe

Natasha Gambrell ’15 recalls the date — Oct. 12, 2005 — when United States federal recognition of her nation, the Eastern Pequots, was stripped away by the United States...

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

Eastern students immerse in Italian culture

Nineteen English students at Eastern embarked on an annual global field course to Florence, Italy, from June 22 to August 2. Titled "Creative Writing Abroad," the course was led by...

Posted on August 11, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig

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

For Drouin sisters, road through Eastern leads to Ph.D.s

Erin (’16) and Renee (’15) Drouin have a close relationship as sisters — “above average closeness,” according to Erin. They also share the uncommon bond of both...

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

Eastern names 2025 Barnard Scholars
Two graduating seniors earn CSCU's top honor

Eastern Connecticut State University has named its two 2025 recipients of the Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award, the most prestigious undergraduate honor given by the Connecticut State...

Posted on May 07, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

'Here' poetry journal covers emotional trials and tribulations

Daniel Donaghy, professor of English at Eastern Connecticut State University, has curated works for the seventh issue of the “Here” poetry journal. The publication gets hundreds of...

Posted on May 07, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig

Eastern inspires young writers with literary festival
Poet Frederick D. Knowles '99 tells students to "write, write, write"

The Department of English at Eastern Connecticut State University hosted its third annual Literary Festival for High School Students on April 4 in the Student Center. Coordinated by English...

Posted on April 09, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig

Award-winning children’s author shares insights with education students
Newbery Honoree Kyle Lukoff visits campus

Eastern welcomed acclaimed children’s author Kyle Lukoff to an educational lecture, Q&A session, and book signing on March 25. The event, attended by more than 40 students, faculty, and...

Posted on March 31, 2025 by Kyle Berson '26

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

English students present among CSU peers

Twelve students from Eastern Connecticut State University’s Department of English showcased their literary research at the Connecticut State Universities (CSU) Undergraduate English...

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

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

Poet José González shares stories, wisdom during campus visit

“I started writing in seventh grade after something totally traumatic happened: I had my first girlfriend,” said author José B. González during a visit to Eastern Connecticut...

Posted on November 26, 2024 by Darlene Orozco B. '28

'Tortured Poets' of Eastern featured in literary journal

In recognition of Taylor Swift’s latest album "The Tortured Poets Department," we asked several students who are featured in the latest edition of "Eastern Exposure" about...

Posted on October 02, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Italy inspires students on creative writing trip abroad

This summer, 21 English students spent six weeks in Florence, Italy, to hone their creative writing skills. The annual trip was part of English Professor Christopher Torockio’s creative...

Posted on August 14, 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

Summer research institutes delve into literature, film and big data

Eastern Connecticut State University recently offered three one-week intensive courses to help students spark their academic and professional interests in the fields of English, film, theatre,...

Posted on June 04, 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

Author Madeline Miller closes Eastern's 'Big Read' program

New York Times #1 best-selling author Madeline Miller hosted a virtual lecture on her book “Circe” at Eastern Connecticut State University on April 17. Readers from across the state...

Posted on April 18, 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

Global voices unite: Professor Donaghy and students publish sixth edition of ‘Here’

Donaghy and students publish sixth edition of ‘Here’ poetry journal

Contributors, editors and Eastern students packed into the David G. Carter Science Building auditorium on Feb. 1 to celebrate the sixth issue of “Here: a Poetry Journal,” published each...

Posted on February 07, 2024 by Marcus Grant

Plots that pivot on the gothic and gruesome
Eastern professor publishes dictionary of horror stories

Wolfmen, witches, vampires and zombies loom in tales told by humans for more than 6,000 years. That history is chronicled in a new book by a professor at Eastern Connecticut State University titled...

Posted on January 09, 2024 by Lucinda Weiss

Lilia Burdo self-publishes poetry exploring her Chinese-American adoptee identity

Senior English major Lilia Burdo has published a chapbook of poems, “Yin Ri Bei,” inspired by her life growing up as an adoptee from China.

Posted on December 12, 2023 by Marcus Grant

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 undergrads present research at liberal arts conference

Eastern represents at regional liberal arts conference

Fifteen Eastern Connecticut State University students made the long drive to Mahwah, NJ, on Oct. 27 to present their research on topics ranging from history to coding. The presentations at the...

Posted on November 07, 2023 by Marcus Grant

‘Big Read’ begins with discussion on translation and adaptation

Eastern students and local community members came together on Oct. 26 for a discussion of Madeline Miller’s novel “Circe.” To kick off Eastern's Big Read program--of which...

Posted on November 06, 2023 by Marcus Grant

Literary festival inspires next generation of creators

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Department of English recently hosted 200 students from Connecticut high schools for a poetry and creative writing workshop known as the Eastern...

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Noel Teter

Students can travel the world via 5 global field courses in 2024

Students will be able to travel the world with their Eastern peers during five global field courses in the coming spring/summer 2024 semesters. Departments offering courses include education,...

Posted on September 26, 2023 by Marcus Grant

English students immerse in Italian culture

Seventeen Eastern students traveled to Florence, Italy, for a six-week creative writing course this past summer. During their time there, students could travel around the country, seeing beautiful...

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Marcus Grant

Madeline Miller’s ‘Circe’ selected for Eastern’s 2023 ‘Big Read’ program

As part of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read program, Eastern Connecticut State University students will have the opportunity to read Madeline Miller’s novel...

Posted on September 12, 2023 by Marcus Grant

Teaching a book’s history reveals another story
Emily Todd co-edits collection of essays

Emily Todd, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, has always been drawn to studying literature and history. She has combined the two interests in her new book, “Teaching the History of the...

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

High school students get a taste of college life
Eastern hosts first Pre-College Summer

A group of high school students from Connecticut and beyond previewed college life in a one-week Pre-College Summer program at Eastern Connecticut State University in July.

Posted on July 24, 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

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

Students present in Wisconsin at National Conference on Undergraduate Research

Eastern Connecticut State University sent eight students to the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire on April 13 to present their research findings at the National Conference for Undergraduate...

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Jack Jones

Eastern film 'Greenwood: A Dreamland Destroyed' screens at film festivals

A film about the Tulsa Race Massacre produced by faculty at Eastern Connecticut State University will screen April 22 at 11 a.m. at the Rhode Island Black Film Festival and April 26 at 9 p.m. at...

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Ed Osborn and Michael Rouleau

Grace Lin speaking at Eastern Connecticut State University.

Author Grace Lin reflects on worldview granted by children's books
Award-winning author graces Visiting Writers Series

Grace Lin, award-winning children’s author and illustrator, visited Eastern Connecticut State University’s campus on April 5 to talk about, “Windows and Mirrors of your...

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Jack Jones

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

Student leaders attend IMPACT Conference on civic engagement

Six student leaders at the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) at Eastern Connecticut State University attended the recent IMPACT Conference on civic engagement for students from colleges around...

Posted on March 08, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern hosts Douglass Day 'Transcribe-a-Thon'

Most people are likely to recognize Feb. 14 as Valentine’s Day. However, there is another occasion to be celebrated on this date: the birth of civil rights and anti-slavery activist Frederick...

Posted on February 16, 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

Faculty authors urge student writers to voice truths

Three faculty authors spoke about diversity, equity and inclusion at a Nov. 30 University Hour event, "Meet Eastern's Authors."

Posted on December 07, 2022 by Lucinda Weiss

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

CSCU President Terrence Cheng speaks at Eastern Connecticut State University.

‘What qualifies as American?’
CSCU President Terrence Cheng dissects model minority stereotype in ‘Big Read’ talk

Eastern kicked off its National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) ‘Big Read’ program on Oct. 27 with a talk by Terrence Cheng, president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities...

Posted on November 02, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

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

‘Here’ poetry journal calls awareness to racial inequity, environmental injustice

On Sept. 28, Eastern Connecticut State University’s Creative Writing Club and Justice Equity Diversity Inclusion (JEDI) group presented a reading to celebrate the publication of the fifth...

Posted on October 06, 2022 by Noel Teter

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

Students participate in SRIs at Eastern.

Research institutes examine big data, political ideology and literary scholarship

Eastern hosted three Summer Research Institutes (SRIs) at the conclusion of summer break. Occurring from Aug. 22 – 26, the weeklong institutes engaged 29 students in the fields of English,...

Posted on August 29, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern students explore culture and writing in Italy

Seventeen Eastern Connecticut State University students experienced the trip of a lifetime over the summer: six weeks in Florence, Italy, studying creative writing. Led by seasoned Italian visitor...

Posted on August 29, 2022 by Molly Boucher

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

English alumni collaborate on ‘cutting-edge’ writing studies book

Two Eastern alumni — Holly Ryan ’01 (formerly Holly Mandes) of Pawcatuck and Jason Custer ’11 of Vernon — have recently made a major contribution to the discipline of...

Posted on July 07, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Anna Qu's book cover and Mary Romney-Shaab book cover.

English Department hosts 2 visiting writers

The English Department hosted two authors this semester as part of its Visiting Writers Series. Anna Qu visited on April 18 for a Q&A and reading of her debut memoir, “Made in China: A...

Posted on May 04, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

Theatre collaboration 'The Greenwood Project' memorializes Tulsa Race Massacre

In remembrance of an oft-forgotten historical atrocity, the Theatre Program at Eastern Connecticut State University presented “The Greenwood Project: Against Erasure” from April 28-May...

Posted on May 04, 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

Brent Terry authors poetry book '21st Century Autoimmune Blues'

Eastern Connecticut State University English lecturer Brent Terry gave a poetry reading on April 26 in support of his new book titled “21st Century Autoimmune Blues.” Published by the...

Posted on April 27, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

Award-winning illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal discusses journey

Eastern Connecticut State University hosted award-winning children’s book author and illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal on April 13. Martinez-Neal gave a book talk on three of her works, shared...

Posted on April 20, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

CCE holds first Service Expo since 2019
Silcox urges students to take authentic path

The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) at Eastern Connecticut State University honored five members of the campus and local communities for their exemplary service during its Annual Service Expo...

Posted on April 20, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern to present ‘The Greenwood Project’ in remembrance of Tulsa race massacre
Live production features dance, film, poetry

The Theatre Program at Eastern Connecticut State University will present a live performance of dance, film and poetry in its final main stage production of the spring semester on April 28-May 1 in...

Posted on April 13, 2022 by Molly Boucher

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

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

Mama gives international presentation on folktales
Webinar engages Pakistani educators

Raouf Mama, professor of English at Eastern Connecticut State University gave a virtual international presentation titled “Webinar Series 4: Integration of Folktales in the English Language...

Posted on November 02, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

3 English professors featured in 2021 ‘Connecticut Literary Anthology’

Three English Professors at Eastern Connecticut State University — Raouf Mama, Chris Torockio and Daniel Donaghy — have been published in the new edition of the “Connecticut...

Posted on October 27, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

4 faculty authors publish new books

Four faculty members from Eastern Connecticut State University have recently published academic books spanning philosophy, Caribbean economics, the musicality of film and Latina leadership. The...

Posted on September 29, 2021 by Bobbi Brown, Molly Boucher, Dwight Bachman

Christine Garcia featured in 'Latina Leadership' book

A faculty member in Eastern Connecticut State University’s English Department Professor Christine Garcia, was featured in the book “Latina Leadership: Language and Literacy Education...

Posted on September 21, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

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

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

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