Equity/Diversity

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘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

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

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; Conributor: Ed Osborn

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

#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

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 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

Unity Wing sponsors Stop Asian Hate panel

When Okon Hwang, professor of music and chair of Eastern Connecticut State University’s Music Department, goes for a walk in her neighborhood, she wears a mask to follow COVID-19 safety...

Posted on May 06, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Student Lizbeth Macias shares stage with U.S. Department of Education Secretary Cardona

Eastern Connecticut State University junior Lizbeth Macias of Waukesha, WI, participated in a national panel on April 20 to discuss DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students and the...

Posted on April 27, 2021 by Ed Osborn

Eastern hosts Diversity and Inclusion Week

From April 12-16, Eastern Connecticut State University’s Student Affairs Diversity and Inclusion Committee sponsored a week of in-person and virtual events to raise public awareness and...

Posted on April 21, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Minority Health Conference debunks COVID-19 myths

Nations around the world are relieved with the development of a vaccine to treat the COVID-19 virus. Many myths surround the deadly virus, including falsehoods on why African Americans have...

Posted on April 08, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Asian Cultural Society leads #StopAsianHate fundraiser

Following the March 16 mass shootings in Atlanta, GA, and other recent incidents of anti-Asian sentiment, the Asian Cultural Society (ACS) is raising funds to support three organizations that serve...

Posted on March 25, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

VP Stacey Close outlines a history of the 'Great Migration'

“‘The Great Migration’ was not just a happy, cheerful group of people who wanted to exercise their mobility in the United States,” said Stacey Close, historian and vice...

Posted on March 25, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Third virtual town hall discusses social justice and diversity on campus

Eastern Connecticut State University’s student chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Eastern’s Multicultural Leadership Council welcomed...

Posted on March 24, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

University of Florida professor discusses Black American history at Eastern

Eastern Connecticut State University welcomed David Canton, director for the African American Studies program and associate professor of history at the University of Florida, on March 17 to hear...

Posted on March 22, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Mohegan tribe council member discusses the teaching of Native American history

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Art Gallery concluded its HEROINE-ITY exhibition on March 4 with a presentation by Elizabeth Regan (“Morning Deer"), vice chair and justice...

Posted on March 10, 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

City of New Haven arts director speaks on advancing equity, diversity in the arts

Due to the efforts of Adriane Jefferson, executive director of the Department of Cultural Affairs for the City of New Haven, the arts and cultural institutions in that city are becoming more...

Posted on February 15, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Presidential portrait of Barack Obama by Kehinde Wiley.

Library exhibit celebrates Black painters

Eastern Connecticut State University’s J. Eugene Smith Library is honoring Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, with a virtual exhibit commemorating Black...

Posted on February 08, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Eastern hosts a star-studded conversation on race in athletics

On Jan. 23 over WebEx, more than 300 students, faculty and staff from Eastern Connecticut State University and other colleges and universities heard a panel of prominent members of the higher...

Posted on January 28, 2021 by Ed Osborn

'We all have it': Broderick Sawyer '12 demystifies race-based trauma

Broderick Sawyer, a clinical psychologist and 2012 Eastern Connecticut State University graduate, spoke on race-based stress and trauma on Dec. 16 during the final University Hour presentation of...

Posted on December 24, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

‘From Tuskegee to COVID-19: Why African Americans do not participate in research’

In 1932, the U.S. Public Health Service engaged in an experimental study designed to determine the natural course of untreated, deadly syphilis in 400 African American men in Tuskegee, AL. Dr....

Posted on November 03, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

Black Student Union organizes peaceful protest to advocate for justice

The Black Student Union (BSU) at Eastern Connecticut State University held a peaceful on-campus protest on Oct. 15 to campaign for social justice. Beginning at the Fine Arts Amphitheater, the rally...

Posted on October 29, 2020 by Bobbi Brown

Opportunity Programs Enhance Student Success

Eastern Connecticut State University’s new Opportunity Programs initiative was created to ensure that Eastern students receive they need to succeed in college. The program, which operates out...

Posted on October 09, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern holds second town hall on racism and social justice

More than 100 members of the Eastern community attended a virtual town hall meeting on Aug. 20 on racism and social justice in the aftermath of the police-related death of George Floyd. In line...

Posted on August 21, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern named a 2020-21 ‘College of Distinction’

Colleges of Distinction has recognized Eastern Connecticut State University for a variety of distinctions in its 2020-21 rankings, including badges of distinction for Public Colleges, Connecticut...

Posted on June 23, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern graduates first class of TheDream.US students

Four years ago, Eastern Connecticut State University was one of only two universities nationwide selected to pilot a groundbreaking scholarship program in support of undocumented college students....

Posted on June 18, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Students Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, as we pay tribute to the generations of Asians and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental to its future.

Posted on May 18, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

Caribbean Historian Delivers Lecture on Haitian Art

As a part of Eastern Connecticut State University’s art exhibition “Creating Dangerously: Art and Revolution,” the University’s Art Gallery welcomed Anthony Bogues,...

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Bobbi Brown

‘The Brothers Size,’ a Louisiana Tale of Family and Freedom

A heartfelt tale of two brothers navigating the murky waters of race and freedom is being performed at Eastern Connecticut State University through March 8. “The Brothers Size,” written...

Posted on March 05, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Martin Luther King Jr. Award recipients.

Eastern Presents 2020 Martin Luther King Jr. Awards

Health Sciences major Lacoy Brown '20; Kristen Scavone, director of the Office of AccessAbility Services; and JoAnn Price, managing partner and co-founder of Fairview Capital Partners in West...

Posted on March 02, 2020 by Dwight Bachman and Ed Osborn

Students chant across the student center.

Eastern Community Gathers to Support Undocumented Students

More than 150 students, staff and community members showed up at a rally in support of undocumented students at Eastern Connecticut State University on Feb. 18.

Posted on February 20, 2020

Eastern Theatre to Present 'The Brothers Size' by Academy Award-Winning Writer

Eastern Connecticut State University's Performing Arts Department is proud to present "The Brothers Size" by Tarell Alvin McCraney, co-creator of the Academy Award-winning film...

Posted on February 13, 2020 by Sheila RuJoub

Bachman Urges Peace and Compassion at MLK Celebration

On Jan. 20, Dwight Bachman, public relations officer, served as guest speaker for the Windham/Willimantic Chapter of the NAACP’s celebration the birthday of the late Dr. Martin Luther King...

Posted on January 22, 2020

Eastern Hosts Press Conference in Support of DACA

Eastern Connecticut State University hosted a press conference on Nov. 12 in support of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the 2012 executive order signed by President Obama that grants...

Posted on November 13, 2019 by Vania Galicia

Eastern President Elsa Núñez introduces panelists for live recording of podcast “In the Thick.”

Eastern Hosts Live ‘In the Thick’ Podcast

Award-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa and her co-host Julio Ricardo Varela visited Eastern Connecticut State University on Oct. 22 to record a live show for their critically acclaimed podcast...

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Vania Galicia

Natasha Gambrell performs her tribe’s courting dance. Photo provided by Intercultural Center.

Eastern Pequot Tribal Council Members Speak on Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Eastern Pequot tribal Council members Natasha Gambrell and her mother Valerie Braxton-Gambrell came to Eastern on Oct. 14 in honor of Indigenous People’s Day. Gambrell, a 2015 Eastern...

Posted on October 17, 2019 by Vania Galicia

Alyssiah Wiley 'get to know Alyssiah' table

Alyssiah Wiley Basketball Tournament Aims to End Relationship Violence

Eastern Connecticut State University hosted a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Oct. 9 to honor former student Alyssiah Wiley. The event featured an array of activities aimed at raising awareness of...

Posted on October 10, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Eunice Matthews, professor of social work and coordinator of the Social Work Program at Eastern Connecticut State University

Stamford NAACP Honors Eastern Social Work Professor Eunice Matthews

On Sept. 27, at the NAACP’s Annual Freedom Fund Dinner, the Stamford NAACP presented Eunice Matthews, professor of social work and coordinator of the Social Work Program at Eastern...

Posted on October 01, 2019

Author with Dyslexia Jonathan Mooney to Speak at Eastern

Jonathan Mooney, a dyslexic writer and speaker who did not learn to read until he was 12 years old, will speak at Eastern Connecticut State University on Sept. 11 at 3 p.m. in the Student Center at...

Posted on September 04, 2019 by Dwight Bachman

Holmes Program Grows Pool of Minority Teachers

School districts across the nation continue to face a lack of minority teachers. Eastern Connecticut State University’s participation in the Holmes Master’s Program seeks to alleviate...

Posted on July 11, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Windham NAACP Recognizes Dwight Bachman

On June 1, the Windham/Willimantic Branch of the NAACP presented Dwight Bachman, public relations officer at Eastern Connecticut State University, its President’s Award. The award ceremony...

Posted on June 06, 2019

Eastern Scores High on National Study of African-American College Students

Eastern Connecticut State University has received high marks in a national study of how well America’s public colleges and universities are enrolling and serving African American students.

Posted on February 05, 2019 by Ed Osborn

President Núñez Supports New Haven Promise

Eastern Connecticut State University President Elsa Núñez joined five other Connecticut university and college presidents on Feb. 1 to support the Fair Haven School, a neighborhood K-8...

Posted on February 04, 2019 by Ed Osborn

ScholarMatch Recognizes Eastern’s Support of Low-Income Students

Eastern Connecticut State University was recognized by ScholarMatch as one of the standout colleges in the United States providing support for first-generation and low-income students.

Posted on November 08, 2018 by Ed Osborn

Eastern to Hold 3 Native American Heritage Month Events

Eastern Connecticut State University will host three events in commemoration of Native American Heritage Month in late October and November.

Posted on October 19, 2018 by Jolene Potter

Eastern Names Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awardees

Mariana Serrano, a senior majoring in health sciences with a minor in anthropology; William Lugo, professor of sociology; and Bill Stover, director of family and community partnerships in Windham...

Posted on March 06, 2018 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern Student Attends Harvard DivEx Program

Eastern Connecticut State University student Ruth Eragene ’19 participated in the three-day Diversity and Explorations (DivEx) program at Harvard Divinity School (HDS) this November. Eragene...

Posted on December 05, 2017 by Jordan Corey

Governor Malloy and TheDream.US Announces Unprecedented ‘Opportunity Scholarship’ for Undocumented Students to Attend Eastern Connecticut State University

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and representatives of TheDream.US, the nation’s largest scholarship program for DREAMers —...

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Ed Osborn