Equity/Diversity

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

Latina professionals share stories of determination and success

Eastern’s Women’s Center, Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS), and Office of Career Services hosted "Latina Excellence,” an event celebrating the stories of two...

Posted on April 02, 2025 by Darlene Orozco B. '28

Environmental justice expert highlights challenges in Connecticut’s Latino communities

Eastern’s University Hour series continued on March 26 with a lecture by Alex Rodriguez, an environmental justice specialist with the regional nonprofit organization Save the Sound. The talk...

Posted on April 02, 2025 by Darlene Orozco B. '28

2nd annual QUTE conference provides high schoolers with resources, connection

“Our differences make the Eastern community strong,” said LaMar Coleman, vice president of the Office of Equity and Diversity, as he welcomed local high school students to the second...

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Kyle Berson '26

Scot X. Esdaile, President CT State Conference NAACP

MLK celebration highlights legacy of justice and activism
Event convenes Eastern and NAACP communities

“Are you willing to move backward or are you willing to fight to move forward?” said Rodney Alexander, vice president of the Willimantic chapter of the National Association for the...

Posted on February 04, 2025 by Darlene Orozco '28

DEI consultant urges Eastern to become 'warriors' for change

More than 40 students, faculty and staff filled the Johnson Room of the J. Eugene Smith Library to become diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) ambassadors through an engaging "DEI Change...

Posted on November 25, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

'Women of Color Retreat' focuses on community and empowerment

The Women’s Center hosted its first “Women of Color Retreat” on Oct. 25–26, offering a weekend of empowerment, connection and self-discovery for young women on campus. The...

Posted on November 13, 2024 by Darlene Orozco B. '28

More than 100 first-generation students inducted into new honor society
Inaugural Tri Alpha ceremony caps off ‘First-Gen. Week’

Eastern Connecticut State University celebrated first-generation students with a week-long series of events Nov. 4–8, culminating with the University’s inaugural Tri Alpha National...

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Darlene Orozco B. '28

‘Diasporican’ art exhibition celebrates Puerto Rican culture and identity

The Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University, in partnership with the National Puerto Rican Diaspora Museum (NPRDM), debuted the exhibition “Diasporican: From Dispersion to...

Posted on October 29, 2024 by Darlene Orozco B.

HERfest celebrates womanhood and community

The Women’s Center hosted its second annual HERfest at the Student Center patio on Oct. 3. The event was rooted in the center’s commitment to honoring and celebrating women in an...

Posted on October 10, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

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

Eastern students stand with survivors at Take Back the Night

Students rally against relationship violence at Take Back the Night

Students at Eastern Connecticut State University gathered in the Student Center recently to stand against sexual assault, domestic violence and relationship violence at the annual Take Back the...

Posted on April 18, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

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

4th annual 'End Relationship Violence' event honors Alyssiah Wiley

Eastern Connecticut State University hosted its fourth annual End Relationship Violence awareness event on April 3 in memory of Alyssiah Wiley, an Eastern student who was murdered by her...

Posted on April 04, 2024 by Noel Teter

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

Open house highlights Office of AccessAbility Services

The Office of AccessAbility Services (OAS) at Eastern Connecticut State University recently welcomed students and faculty to an open house to learn more about the services the OAS provides to...

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Marcus Grant

Eastern student organizes conference for LGBTQ youth in Connecticut

LGBTQ-identifying high school students across the state gathered at Eastern Connecticut State University to learn about the University’s resources for LGBTQ students, hear from current...

Posted on March 06, 2024 by Marcus Grant

‘Lift every voice and sing’: Local NAACP branches convene at Eastern

NAACP members across Windham and Mansfield met at Eastern Connecticut State University on Feb. 24 to discuss the importance of their work and their hope for the organization's future. In a...

Posted on February 29, 2024 by Marcus Grant

Language matters: Eastern celebrates International Mother Language Day

Students, professors and faculty gathered on Feb. 21 to celebrate International Mother Language Day at Eastern Connecticut State University. Together, all were able to appreciate the many languages...

Posted on February 22, 2024 by Marcus Grant

Warriors transcribe Black history at Douglass Day

This year’s Douglass Day Transcribe-a-Thon at Eastern Connecticut State University gave students, faculty and staff the opportunity to celebrate Black History month by transcribing historical...

Posted on February 22, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Eastern releases first Spanish language commercial

“Cada estudiante es una persona única,” or (translated) “every student is a unique person,” said student Akianys Torres ’26 in the newest commercial for Eastern...

Posted on February 20, 2024 by Marcus Grant

A home-grown hero’s commitment to giving back
June Archer shares personal history

"I don’t like to think of what I do as work,” said entrepreneur June Archer to an audience of students at Eastern Connecticut State University at a Black History Month event. From...

Posted on February 15, 2024 by Marcus Grant

MLK tribute encourages students to cultivate positive change

In honor of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, Eastern’s Intercultural Center hosted a tribute to the renowned civil rights leader. Educator, motivational speaker and social...

Posted on January 24, 2024 by Marcus Grant

Muslim Student Association holds rally

Upwards of 100 students gathered in front of the Student Center on Nov. 29 to raise awareness of the violence happening in Gaza and to remember the Palestinians who have died in the conflict with...

Posted on December 06, 2023

$500k grant aims to increase STEM diversity and retention

Minority students applying to Eastern Connecticut State University in 2024 who plan to major in the sciences or mathematics will be recruited for a new STEM mentoring program funded by a National...

Posted on November 28, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Students learn about women in Islam

The Muslim Student Association invited students at Eastern Connecticut State University to join them on Nov. 9 in discussing cultural ideas about women in Islam, dispelling many myths regarding the...

Posted on November 20, 2023 by Marcus Grant

Eastern celebrates Transgender Awareness Week

The Pride Center at Eastern Connecticut State University, in support of gender-queer students, celebrated Transgender Awareness Week Nov. 13 – 19, culminating in the Transgender Day of...

Posted on November 20, 2023 by Marcus Grant

Success Scholars students and faculty gather for a photo in spring 2023.

Success Scholars program fosters 'STEM identity'

University students see themselves many ways based on different things they do. This idea sparked a research interest in Laura Rodriguez, assistant professor of education at Eastern Connecticut...

Posted on November 01, 2023 by Noel Teter

More high school students earn credits at Eastern with dual enrollment

A growing number of high school students in Connecticut are enrolling in courses that can earn credits at Eastern Connecticut State University under a dual enrollment program that recently received...

Posted on October 23, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Pride Center celebrates national Coming Out Day

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Pride Center celebrated National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11 with historical banners, face painting and free stickers and flags. The event marked a day of...

Posted on October 18, 2023 by Marcus Grant

Best Buddies fosters friendship

Members of Eastern’s Best Buddies chapter came together on Oct. 8 to raise awareness for the program, an international nonprofit organization that supports individuals with intellectual and...

Posted on October 17, 2023 by Marcus Grant

Eastern sends its first float to Puerto Rican Day Parade

For the first time Eastern Connecticut State University entered a float and sent a delegation of 50 students and staff to the Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade on Oct. 8. It is Hartford’s...

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

High school students explore STEM in research at Eastern

Fourteen students from E.O. Smith and Windham High Schools delved into data research at Eastern Connecticut State University this past spring in a NASA Space Grant Consortium project led by faculty...

Posted on June 26, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Núñez writes about how to broaden college access
Eastern’s president authors chapter in ‘The Evolving College Presidency’

Improving access to higher education for underrepresented students will help ensure future economic prosperity and social stability, explains Eastern Connecticut State University President Elsa...

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Cindy Weiss and Michael Rouleau

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

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 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

Treasurer Russell kicks off Diversity Week calling for an inclusive Connecticut

State Treasurer Erick Russell called on the Eastern Connecticut State University community to maximize opportunities for all as he kicked off Diversity Week at Eastern with a talk that acknowledged...

Posted on April 18, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Individuals present as 'books' at Human Library

Eastern Connecticut State University’s J. Eugene Smith Library recently provided students with an opportunity to learn about social issues in a more intimate way than reading about them. The...

Posted on April 17, 2023 by Noel Teter

Senator Chris Murphy addresses students’ concerns

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy fielded questions ranging from gun violence to foreign policy at an open forum on April 12 sponsored by the Political Science Club and the Department of Political Science,...

Posted on April 17, 2023 by Jack Jones

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

Culinary scholar traces Asian American foodways in Connecticut

A culinary scholar recently hosted a discussion at Eastern Connecticut State University about the impact of Asian American foodways and culture across the state.

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Noel Teter

Connecticut attorney general speaks with Eastern students

Speaking to a crowd of Eastern students, faculty and staff on April 5, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said the reasons why he pursued his law career and went on to become the first Asian...

Posted on April 06, 2023 by Amanda Irwin

Eastern partnering on new affordable housing initiative

A new center devoted to improving housing affordability in eastern Connecticut will soon open as part of a partnership that includes Eastern Connecticut State University as a founding member.

Posted on March 21, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern celebrates International Mother Language Day

Students at Eastern Connecticut State University whose primary languages are not English took the opportunity to celebrate their linguistic and cultural diversity on International Mother Language...

Posted on February 24, 2023 by Noel Teter

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

Eastern professors contribute to book on Women of Color in Psychology

Two Eastern Connecticut State University professors of psychology contributed to an upcoming book, “Early Psychological Research Contributions from Women of Color, Volume 1,” being...

Posted on February 13, 2023 by Molly Boucher

Unity Wing hosts spring semester open house

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Unity Wing held an open house on Jan. 27 to familiarize students with the missions, values and resources of its three parts -- the Intercultural Center,...

Posted on February 02, 2023 by Jack Jones

Eastern’s Success Scholars prepare for science careers

Eleven students in the National Science Foundation-sponsored Success Scholar program at Eastern Connecticut State University are pairing with faculty and student mentors in a four-year effort to...

Posted on January 24, 2023 by Noel Teter

Intercultural Center holds MLK Day celebration

In a celebration of the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Intercultural Center on Jan. 18 provided a platform for students to reflect on some of King’s most renowned...

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Jack Jones

North Star awards writing fellowships to Professors Sim and Kim

Two assistant professors at Eastern, Khai Zhi Sim and Soojin Kim, have won fellowships from the New England Board of Higher Education’s North Star Collective, which supports Black,...

Posted on December 22, 2022 by by Lucinda Weiss

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

Student Katherine Escalante advocates for DACA on Capitol Hill

Sophomore political science major Katherine Escalante received the chance of a lifetime this November when she was invited to Washington, D.C, to advocate for Deferred Action for Childhood...

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Katherine Escalante

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

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 Hosts ‘Immigration Week' for under-documented students

The office of University Opportunity Programs (UOP) hosted an event-filled "Immigration Week" from Oct. 11–Oct. 13. In support of recipients of Eastern's TheDream.US...

Posted on October 24, 2022 by Katherine Escalante

Death row exoneree condemns racial profiling
Sabrina Butler-Smith advocates for the ‘innocently incarcerated’

There have only been 190 death row exonerations since 1973, and on Oct. 12, one of them came to Eastern for the first University Hour of the semester. Sabrina Butler-Smith, the second woman and...

Posted on October 21, 2022 by Jack Jones

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

Unity Wing block party introduces 3 ‘Identity Centers’

On Sept. 9, Eastern Connecticut State University students and faculty convened on the first floor of the Student Center to familiarize themselves with the values and resources available to them in...

Posted on September 14, 2022 by Jack Jones

Community policing workshop educates officers on DEI
Unity Wing training involves Eastern and UHart police

The Unity Wing at Eastern Connecticut State University hosted a community policing workshop on Aug. 10–11 for the public safety departments at Eastern and the University of Hartford. Led by...

Posted on August 16, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

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

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

Eastern announces partnership with Hispanic Alliance of Southeastern Connecticut

On May 16, Eastern Connecticut State University signed a historic partnership agreement with the Hispanic Alliance of Southeastern Connecticut to offer scholarships to students from Latino...

Posted on May 17, 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

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

Students Edgar Escutia ('24) and Frida Nieto-Gonzalez ('24), Opportunity Scholars who attended the event with President Nunez and Chris Ambrosio.

'Under-documented' students attend first SUCCESS national conference
Conference dedicated to supporting undocumented college students

In its sixth year, the Opportunity Scholars program is privately funded through TheDream.US foundation, which provides scholarships to undocumented students in the United States. Launched by former...

Posted on April 18, 2022 by Amanda Irwin; Contributor: Ed Osborn

Students reflect on STEP/CAP experience

This past summer, 52 students from towns and cities across Connecticut enrolled in Eastern Connecticut State University’s STEP/CAP program -- Summer Transition at Eastern Program/Contract...

Posted on April 08, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern celebrates Trans Day of Visibility

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Unity Wing and Pride Center celebrated Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) on March 31. Students, faculty and staff wore a TDOV shirt at the event and helped...

Posted on April 04, 2022 by Molly Boucher

NPR personality Giovanna Rossi speaks on women's wellness

Eastern welcomed mindfulness coach, mentor and podcaster Giovanna Rossi to campus on March 30 for a workshop on women's wellness. Rossi led an interactive, women-focused presentation on how to...

Posted on April 04, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

Eastern to host 'Human Library'

The J. Eugene Smith Library in partnership with the Office of Equity and Diversity and the Arthur L. Johnson Unity Wing will host a "human library" on April 12 from 1-5 p.m. Eastern...

Posted on April 04, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

JEDI: Eastern Takes on Racial Injustice thumbnail

JEDI: Faculty group takes on racial injustice

Nationwide suppression of voting rights; police brutality and the murder of unarmed African Americans; and other signs of overt discrimination and social injustice throughout our society are all...

Posted on February 23, 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

PEACE program fosters inclusive campus culture
New program is driven by student leaders

Eastern Connecticut State University’s newly developed Peer Educators Advocating for Campus Empowerment (PEACE) program has spent the fall 2021 semester promoting inclusion and diversity on...

Posted on December 06, 2021 by Molly Boucher

#IAMEASTERN celebrates diversity, school spirit

The Intercultural Center at Eastern Connecticut State University promoted inclusion and diversity across campus with its latest campaign, #IAMEASTERN. Running from Nov. 1-17, the campaign included...

Posted on November 18, 2021 by Molly Boucher

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

DeVivo and Johnson speak on educational equity

Windham Mayor Tom DeVivo and State Rep. Susan Johnson visited Eastern on Oct. 27 to discuss public education and their aspirations for a new magnet school in Windham.

Posted on November 02, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Peer mentors guide first cohort of Success Scholars

Three Eastern Connecticut State University students have been hired as peer mentors for the "Beyond the Curriculum: A Learning Community for Success" program. Funded with a $650,000 grant...

Posted on October 27, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Bouley co-authors 2 books on inequality and implicit bias in education

Theresa Bouley, professor of education at Eastern Connecticut State University co-authored two recent publications titled “The Economic and Opportunity Gap: How Poverty Impacts the Lives of...

Posted on October 25, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Eastern partners in AAC&U-sponsored open educational resources project

Eastern Connecticut State University was recently selected to participate in an Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) project to accelerate the development and adoption of...

Posted on September 29, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Campus Briefs

Sierra Club names Eastern a 'Cool School’; Eastern partners in AAC&U-sponsored open educational resources project; Big Read kicks off in October with program centered around...

Posted on September 27, 2021

Strong cohort of Eastern hopefuls completes STEP/CAP program

More than 50 students from 24 towns and cities across the state of Connecticut recently wrapped up six weeks on the Eastern Connecticut State University campus as participants in Eastern’s...

Posted on August 05, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

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

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

Eastern releases Title IX report
TNG Group recommends staffing and process changes

Eastern released a report today from TNG Consulting group, following a two-month review of the University's Title IX practices and procedures. The report recommends staffing and process...

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Ed Osborn

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

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