English

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

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

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

Campus Briefs
Lavender Graduation | Visiting Writers | Family Day

Lavender Graduation celebrates LGBTQIA seniors; Brent Terry authors poetry book '21st Century Autoimmune Blues; Nancy Gonzalez presents on vaccine supply chains at regional conference; Family...

Posted on May 03, 2022

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

Campus Briefs

Warriors baseball and softball ranked nationally; ‘What’s Up, Warriors?’ podcast features President Núñez; Student Colleen Goff selected for CT Poetry Circuit; Eastern...

Posted on April 06, 2022

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

Campus Briefs
5x5, Folktales, Halloween

Eastern dancers perform at annual 5x5 Dance Festival; Prospanica CT awards Walter Diaz for education leadership; Mama gives international presentation on folktales; DeVivo and Johnson speak on...

Posted on November 10, 2021

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

‘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

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

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

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

Columbia professor encourages 'The Archaeology of Self' to end racism

It is rare to see a college professor begin a lecture with a moment of silence, but that is how Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, associate professor of English education at Teachers College, Columbia...

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Campus Briefs

ECSU Foundation awards $500,000 in scholarships; CAB wins programming excellence award; English major Lucy Truszkowski accepted for publication in 'Xchanges Journal.'

Posted on January 04, 2021

Eastern students are young entrepreneurs

Facebook, Dell computers, Google, Dropbox and Reddit were all started by college students in their dorm rooms. College students have also formed their own businesses in fields ranging from gyms to...

Posted on December 10, 2020 by Bobbi Brown, Michael Rouleau, Ed Osborn

Photo exhibition depicts ‘Windows into a Strange World’

As Eastern Connecticut State University brings the fall 2020 semester to a close, many members of the community have reflected on the changes of the past nine months amid the COVID-19 pandemic....

Posted on November 18, 2020 by Molly Boucher

Poet Hannah Ensor speaks during Visiting Writers event

On Nov. 13, Eastern Connecticut State University’s English Department continued its Visiting Writers Series with poet and essayist Hannah Ensor. Specializing in topics of pop culture, sports,...

Posted on November 17, 2020 by Bobbi Brown

English Department guest speaker says writing can be fun

Writing is a fundamental life skill and workplace competency in our 21st century society. It’s not surprising, then, that the ability to write at the college level is a requirement for all...

Posted on November 04, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

Campus Briefs

It's been a busy couple weeks: The first Collegiate Virtual 5K; the conclusion of a prolific pandemic-inspired CCE project; the Black Student Union marches; the Political Science Departments...

Posted on November 02, 2020

Raouf Mama Named CSU Professor

Raouf Mama, professor of English at Eastern Connecticut State University, was named a CSU Professor by the Board of Regents of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) System at its...

Posted on October 26, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

Ken McNeil Publishes Book on Scottish Romanticism

Kenneth McNeil, professor of English at Eastern Connecticut State University, has authored a new book that charts the transatlantic movements of Scottish literature in the Age of Revolution. The...

Posted on October 26, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern Students Share their Thoughts on Campus Life During the Pandemic

Like other colleges and universities across America, Eastern Connecticut State University is having an unusual semester because of the coronavirus pandemic. With online and hybrid classes, limited...

Posted on September 24, 2020 by Bobbi Brown and Molly Boucher

Eastern professor Raouf Mama publishes three new books over summer

Eastern Connecticut State University English Professor English Raouf Mama has published several new publications this past summer. The publications include a past story of his, “Tropical...

Posted on September 24, 2020 by Molly Boucher

Book cover of “Into the Beautiful North” by Luis Alberto Urrea.

Eastern to host National Endowment for the Arts 'Big Read' extravaganza

Beginning Oct. 7 and running through Dec. 3, Eastern Connecticut University will lead a series of local events as part of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) annual “Big Read”...

Posted on August 31, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

Miriam Chirico authors book on major American playwright

Miriam Chirico, English Professor at Eastern Connecticut State University, authored a new book, “The Theatre of Christopher Durang,” published by Bloomsbury Publishers. This release...

Posted on June 09, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

Students reflect on struggles, silver lining of pandemic

To help make sense of the “new normal” of COVID-19, English Professor Miriam Chirico and History Professor Anna Kirchmann used the spring 2020 semester as an opportunity for their...

Posted on June 02, 2020 by Dwight Bachman and Michael Rouleau

Students Put Film to Poetry in Interclass Collaboration

Undergraduate filmmakers and poets at Eastern Connecticut State University have teamed up for an interdisciplinary collaboration that combines video and poetry. Students from the course...

Posted on May 06, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Miriam Chirico Presents New Book 'How to Teach a Play'

On March 11, Eastern faculty and staff packed the President’s Dining Room in Hurley Hall to hear English Professor Miriam Chirico describe the process of publishing her new book, “How...

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

English Alumni Share Unexpected Careers with Students

English Department graduates returned to Eastern Connecticut State University’s campus on March 10 to share their experiences in the workforce and discuss how their English degree has aided...

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Vania Galicia

Marie-Celie Agnant lectures on her experience writing about Haiti and social activism.

Renowned Author Marie-Celie Agnant Speaks At Eastern

Renowned author and activist Marie-Celie Agnant visited Eastern Connecticut State University on March 4 to lecture on her experience writing about Haitian diaspora and social activism. During her...

Posted on March 09, 2020 by Molly Boucher

An Eastern student facilitates the hand decoration station.

Eastern Celebrates ‘Read Across America' Day

As part of “National Read Across America Day” on March 2, Eastern Connecticut State University student volunteers from the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) teamed up with four...

Posted on March 04, 2020 by Vania Galicia

Distinguished Fiction Writer Richard Bausch Visits Eastern

On Feb. 20, distinguished fiction writer Richard Bausch visited Eastern Connecticut State University as part of the English Department’s ‘Visiting Writers’ series. During his...

Posted on February 26, 2020 by Vania Galicia

Illustrator Raúl Colón spoke with students from two classes during his visit to Eastern.

Award-Winning Illustrator Raúl Colón Visits Eastern

Award-winning illustrator and picture book creator Raúl Colón visited Eastern Connecticut State University on Oct. 21 to speak about his journey as an artist and his process for creating...

Posted on October 23, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

The Eastern group poses for a photo at Florence’s Uffizi art gallery.

Young Writers Inspired by Month Abroad in Italy

Fifteen students from Eastern Connecticut State University spent the month of July in Italy, writing short stories inspired by Italian culture and history. English Professor Chris Torockio led the...

Posted on August 08, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Faculty Cut Textbook Expenses with ‘Open Education Resources’

Three Eastern Connecticut State University professors will help their students save a significant amount of money on textbooks this fall due to CSCU-funded grant project. Nicolas Simon, assistant...

Posted on August 01, 2019 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern Alumna Publishes ‘Planet Earth is Blue’ with Penguin Random House

Thousands of children across the country gathered around the television on Jan. 28, 1986, to witness the Challenger Space Shuttle take the first schoolteacher into outer space. The joyous occasion...

Posted on June 26, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Professor Dan Donaghy's Somerset poetry book cover.

Professor Dan Donaghy Receives 2019 Paterson Poetry Prize

Daniel Donaghy, English professor at Eastern Connecticut State University, has been named the 2019 Paterson Poetry Prize recipient for his book of poetry “Somerset.” The annual award,...

Posted on May 03, 2019 by Jordan Corey

‘Opportunity Comes in Weird Ways’: English Alumni Speak on Career Paths

WILLIMANTIC, CT (04/11/2019) A long-lived question that has followed the English major is, “What will you do with that degree?” In response, the English Department at Eastern...

Posted on April 11, 2019 by Jordan Corey

Eastern’s Raouf Mama Wins Storytelling Award

English Professor Raouf Mama recently received an award from the Benin National Teachers of English Association (BNTEA) for “Outstanding Storytelling and Service to English Teaching.”

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Bobbi Brown

Fall 2018’s cohort of Sigma Tau Delta inductees pose for the camera.

‘English Night’ Celebrates Student Excellence

The English Department held its end-of-semester celebration of student excellence on Dec. 5 in the Betty R. Tipton Room. “English Night” featured an awards ceremony, induction into the...

Posted on December 13, 2018 by Jordan Corey

David Frye, a history professor at Eastern Connecticut State University.

History Professor Authors Timely Book on Walls

Although they have shaped human civilization, little research has been published about walls. David Frye, a history professor at Eastern Connecticut State University, has changed that with his new...

Posted on November 16, 2018 by Raven Dillon

‘English at Work’ Panel Spotlights Alumni Working in Higher Ed

The English Department at Eastern Connecticut State University welcomed four alumni on Oct. 22 to discuss their experiences working in higher education student affairs. The event was part of the...

Posted on October 25, 2018 by Jordan Corey

Conference Lends ‘Parrot’s-Eye View’ into Latin America and Caribbean

On the 526-year anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ “discovery” of the New World, on Oct. 12, Eastern Connecticut State University hosted its third Latin American and Caribbean...

Posted on October 17, 2018 by Michael Rouleau

Poet and Vietnam Veteran Bruce Weigl Visits Eastern, Inspires Students

Eastern Connecticut State University welcomed distinguished poet Bruce Weigl to campus on Oct. 3 for “University Hour,” a series of events that features guest lecturers and artists.

Posted on October 09, 2018 by Jordan Corey

Margo Mulholland Authors First Story on Norman, the Cat!

Margo Mulholland, secretary in the Office of AccessAbility Services, is being published! For the longest time, Mulholland has wanted to stay at the Red Lion Inn on Main Street in Stockbridge, MA....

Posted on September 23, 2018

English students posing in Tuscany, Italy.

English Students Study in Italy

A group of Eastern students, under the guidance of Professor Christopher Torockio, recently traveled to Italy to participate in the Creative Writing Abroad course. The students spent five weeks,...

Posted on August 15, 2018 by Dwight Bachman

Using motion-capture technology, the student in the background is rendered as a 3D image on the computer.

Summer Research Institutes Expose Students to New Fields of Inquiry

Eastern Connecticut State University held three inaugural Summer Research Institutes from May 14–18 to engage promising and high-achieving students in intensive, week long research programs...

Posted on May 24, 2018 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Students Win Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Awards

Eastern Connecticut State University students Nadia Balassone ’18 of East Hartford and Yuberki Delgadillo ’18 of Quaker Hill were named the recipients of the 2018 Henry Barnard...

Posted on April 19, 2018 by Anne Pappalardo

Eastern Professor Wins Scholars for the Dream Travel Award

Christine Garcia, assistant professor of English at Eastern Connecticut State University, has won a 2018 Scholars for the Dream Travel Award given by the Conference on College Composition and...

Posted on January 24, 2018 by Michael Rouleau

Students Recognized at “English Night”

On the evening of Dec. 6, English enthusiasts gathered in the Betty R. Tipton Room for Eastern’s “English Night,” which showcases student excellence in the English Department.

Posted on December 21, 2017 by Jordan Corey

Eastern’s Mama Authors Miracle Stories

Raouf Mama, professor of English at Eastern Connecticut State University, has recently authored “It was a Beautiful Day and Other Personal Quiet Miracle Stories,” an e-book published by...

Posted on November 07, 2017

Eastern’s Donaghy Launches ‘Here’

Daniel Donaghy, English professor at Eastern Connecticut State University and published author of five poetry collections, has always hoped to launch a national poetry magazine at Eastern. And now,...

Posted on October 18, 2017 by Jordan Corey

Students Write Fiction in Italy

Fourteen students from Eastern Connecticut State University spent a month this summer in Florence, Italy, in a global field course called “Creative Writing Abroad.” The region of...

Posted on August 12, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

Award-Winning Author 'Speaks' at Eastern

New York Times-bestselling author Laurie Halse Anderson visited Eastern on April 27 and April 28 for a Q&A and book signing, as well as to speak with students in two English classes.

Posted on May 10, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Professors Collaborate on New E-Book

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Raouf Mama, professor of English, and Afair Rahmanifar, professor of art and art history, have collaborated on a new e-book, “Quiet...

Posted on April 11, 2017 by Christina Rossomando

Eastern’s Professor Donaghy is Windham County’s First Poet Laureate

Daniel Donaghy, professor of English at Eastern Connecticut State University, is Windham County’s first-ever poet laureate. The year-long term allows the chosen individual to work with local...

Posted on February 16, 2017 by Christiana Rossomando

Eastern Students Participate in English Conference

Three Eastern Connecticut State University English students participated in the Connecticut State University undergraduate research conference sponsored by Central Connecticut State University on...

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Christina Rossomando

Eastern Welcomes Novelist to Campus

Eastern Connecticut State University writer’s series presented novelist Ruchama King Feuerman in a public reading and Q&A in Eastern’s Student Center on Oct. 27.

Posted on November 02, 2016 by Christina Rossomando

Eastern Professor Debuts New Book to Community

Allison Speicher, an English professor at Eastern Connecticut State University, held a book talk on Oct. 12 to debut her new book, “Schooling Readers: Reading Common Schools in 19th Century...

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Chrstina Rossomando

Sigma Tau Delta Sponsors Harry Potter Night

As the spring 2016 semester came to a close, Eastern Connecticut State University’s Alpha Epsilon Delta chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society, hosted “Harry Potter...

Posted on June 07, 2016 by Edward Osborn

Eastern Professor Releases New Book

Allison Speicher, assistant professor of English at Eastern Connecticut State University, has published a new book, “Schooling Readers.”

Posted on June 07, 2016 by Christina Rossomando

Eastern Professor Talks about Newest Novel

Chris Torockio, associate professor of English at Eastern Connecticut State University spoke to the Eastern community about his newest novel, “The Soul Hunters,” in early April in the...

Posted on April 21, 2016 by Christina Rossomando

English Department Presents English At Work

Eastern Connecticut State University’s English Department hosted a panel discussion of Eastern alumni titled “English at Work” on March 11. The English Department, led by...

Posted on March 15, 2016

English Department Hosts Fall 2015 “English Night”

At “English Night” at Eastern Connecticut State University, held in the Betty Tipton Room on Dec. 10, the English Department presented two scholarships, inducted students into the Sigma...

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Ryan King

Maria Mazziotti Guillan Motivates Eastern Writers

Maria Mazziotti Guillan was welcomed at Eastern Connecticut State University on Nov. 19. Guillan was invited by the Writers Guild to give Eastern students a writing workshop and reading from her 20...

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Christina Rossomando

Flood Talks White Privilege During Faculty Dialogue Series

The third and final session of the “Faculty Dialogue Series” at Eastern occurred on Nov. 16, with a talk from English Professor Reginald Flood titled “Achieving Racial Equality...

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Michael Rouleau

Storyteller, Author and Professor Raouf Mama Lectures at Eastern

On Oct. 28, storyteller and Eastern Connecticut State University English professor Raouf Mama spoke to students about his recently published memoir, “Fortune’s Favorite Child.”

Posted on October 30, 2015 by Ryan King

Children’s Literature Author Claudia Mills Speaks on Didacticism

Claudia Mills, former philosophy professor and author of over 50 children’s books, spoke at Eastern Connecticut State University on Sept. 23. Her lecture centered on how to effectively...

Posted on September 24, 2015 by Ryan King

Eastern’s Rosenberg Authors “The Desire for Literacy”

What motivates adult learners to develop their literacy skills when they choose reading and writing for personal reasons? Lauren Rosenberg, English professor at Eastern Connecticut State...

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Michael Rouleau

English Students Travel to Italy for Global Field Course

Eight students from Eastern Connecticut State University recently traveled to Florence, Italy, with English Professor Christopher Torockio to participate in the course, “Creative Writing...

Posted on August 14, 2015 by Ryan King

Eastern Professor Wins Top Research Award

Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, associate professor of psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University, was honored with the Connecticut State University System Board of Regents’ (BOR)...

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Dwight Bachman

Acclaimed Author of African Literature Speaks at Eastern

With the spring 2015 semester coming to an end, the Department of English at Eastern Connecticut State University brought acclaimed Nigerian author Okey Ndibe to speak on campus. Ndibe is the...

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Ryan King

Unrecognized Historical Figure’s Story Gets Revived

Award-winning author Susan Campbell came to Eastern Connecticut State University on March 4 to share the story of Isabella Beecher Hooker, an important figure who had been excluded from the pages...

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Kathryn Shpak

English Department Hosts Panel of Young Adult Authors

Eastern Connecticut State University’s English Department hosted a panel featuring young adult authors Chris Lynch, Caragh O’Brien and Jason Reynolds earlier this semester. Eastern...

Posted on February 24, 2015 by Ryan King