University Hour

"Book Talk with Dr. Scott Moore of the History Department"

 September 25, 2024 | Johnson Room - The J. Eugene Smith Library

When Grace Sherwood was "ducked" in the Lynnhaven River during her trial for witchcraft in 1706, she became a foundational part of Virginia’s folklore and culture.  People have been sharing stories about “the Witch of Pungo” for generations, and to many she remains “Virginia’s Witch.”  In this presentation, Scott Moore will describe the history and cultural impact of Sherwood and her trial as he discusses his new book, The Witch of Pungo:  Grace Sherwood in Virginia History and Legend.

Contact: Scott Moore, mooresc@easternct.edu

"Advancing Digital Equity in Connecticut by Doug Casey"

 October 16, 2024 | Student Center Theatre 

Doug Casey, Executive Director of the Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology, will present the State of Connecticut Digital Equity Plan, which was approved in March 2024. This comprehensive plan was developed to address the growing opportunities and challenges in a society increasingly reliant on digital tools and the skills to use them. The plan aims to ensure that all residents have equitable access to technology and can effectively utilize it for learning, career advancement, accessing state services, improving health and wellness, and fully participating in society. Join us for this exciting University Hour and discover the Digital Initiative created by the State of Connecticut.

Contact: Nicolas Simon, simonn@easternct.edu

"Rethinking the Coloniality of Race in Latin America With Gabriel Salgado"

 October 23, 2024 | FAIC Concert Hall

What is the history of race, and how do different ways of narrating this history lead to different conclusions about what it means to be anti-racist today? A prominent group of Latin American scholars, working under the framework of "the coloniality of power," have argued that the concept of race began with Spain's conquest and colonization of the Americas. However, in this talk Salgado suggests that we need to pay attention to the understandings of difference circulating in Spain before 1492 to see how these impacted the development of race. Specifically, he focuses on the concept of "blood purity" policies which targeted Jewish and Muslim converts to Christianity, showing how these were subsequently used against Black and Indigenous peoples in the Spanish Americas. 

Contact: Martin Mendoza-Botelho, mendozabotelhom@easternct.edu 

"Diasporican: From Dispersion to Integration – exhibition of the National Puerto Rico Diaspora Museum "

 October 30, 2024 | FAIC Art Gallery

Victor Pacheco will discuss his artistic practices as member of the local PR diasporic community.  He is inspired by research of environmental, social and economic discrepancies.  His work will be on display during Diasporican, the exhibition of the National Puerto Rican Diaspora Museum in partnership with Eastern. 

Contact: Julia Wintner, wintnerj@easternct.edu 

"Ethnic Identity, Social Segregation and the Power of Literature Rodrigo Urquiola"

November 6, 2024 | Student Center Theatre

Victor Pacheco will discuss his artistic practices as member of the local PR diasporic community.  He is inspired by research of environmental, social and economic discrepancies.  His work will be on display during Diasporican, the exhibition of the National Puerto Rican Diaspora Museum in partnership with Eastern. 

Contact: Martin Mendoza-Botelho, mendozabotelhom@easternct.edu 

"Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Event with Mary Lou Gannotti"

 November 13, 2024 | Student Center Theatre

The purpose and hope of this event is to spread awareness about Alzheimer's disease. During this university hour, there will be a speaker from the Alzheimer's Association. They will explain the causes, preventative measures, and misconceptions about the disease. Towards the end of the University Hour, the presentation will be opened to a discussion. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and share their stories about Alzheimer's disease. This discussion period hopes to bring people together in the fight against Alzheimer's and show people that they are not alone. Since this event is facilitated by the Alzheimer's Association, attendees will have a chance to learn about the organization and how they can get involved. 

Contact: Jennifer Leszczynski, leszczynskij@easternct.edu 

"Jazz Pianist: Dave Frank"

December 4, 2024 | FAIC - Room 110

Widely-acclaimed jazz pianist Dave Frank will perform original material in an informal solo piano concert. Drawing on his experiences with Lennie Tristano, Dave creates riveting interpretations of standard and original repertoire. His performances often include a discussions of the art of jazz piano playing.  

Contact: Anthony Cornicello, cornicelloa@easternct.edu

"The Importance of Financial Literacy: Lessons from Many Years of Data "

 February 3, 2025 | Student Center Theatre

Financial literacy is a critical skill to be able to thrive in today's economy. Yet, few people know the concepts at the basis of the most important financial decisions. While financial illiteracy is widespread, it is particularly severe among already vulnerable groups, such as women, the young, those with low income and low education attainment. Lack of financial literacy has implications for both the individuals and society; those with low financial literacy are less likely to save and plan for the future, to invest in financial markets, and to be financially resilient. They are also more likely to have problems with debt. Policy and programs are much needed to improve financial literacy, including teaching personal finance in high school and college. 

Annamaria Lusardi, the speaker, is Senior Fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR), and the Director of the Initiative for Financial Decision-Making, a collaboration between SIEPR, the Graduate School of Business (GSB), and the Economics Department at Stanford University. She is also Professor of Finance (by courtesy) at the GSB. Previously, she was University Professor at The George Washington University and, before that, she was the Joel Z. and Susan Hyatt Professor of Economics at Dartmouth College, where she started her academic career.

Contact: Li Liang, liangli@easternct.edu

"Scott Tarulli talks about the Music Industry "

 February 5, 2025 | FAIC 110

Noted jazz guitarist Scott Tarulli will discuss his experiences as a professional musician, and offer advice to students who are in the early stages of building their careers. Scott will talk about performance-related careers as well as those in music industry.

Contact: Anthony Cornicello, cornicelloa@easternct.edu

"CT Data: Data Science for Connecticut"

 February 12, 2025 | Student Center Theatre

The mission of CT Data (https://www.ctdata.org/) is to provide data and data support so that nonprofits, state agencies, businesses, and the public can make decisions and work toward equity – all informed by data. This talk will give an overview of CT Data and give examples of what we can learn about Connecticut by analyzing data, and how insight from data can drive important policy in the state. The talk will be of interest to not just data science and related majors, but to anyone who wants to learn about what data tells us about Connecticut and how data science is helping to achieve more equitable outcomes in the state. 

Contact: Garrett Dancik, dancikg@easternct.edu

"The College Tour Premier "

 February 19, 2025 | FAIC Concert Hall

The exclusive premiere of Amazon Prime’s The College Tour episode featuring Eastern Connecticut State University! This 30-minute episode highlights the inspiring stories of nine current students and one alumnus, sharing their unique Eastern journeys. Stay after the screening for an engaging Q&A session with the student cast. Don’t miss this celebration of what makes Eastern special!

Contact: Ryan Quigley, quigleyry@easternct.edu

"The Undocumented Archipelago: Groundwork for the Creation of a Cultural Field "

 February 26, 2025 | Student Center Theatre

Migration is a social process that is constantly present in our daily lives. Newspapers, television, and other media are constantly addressing migration and undocumented migration as an economic problem and a matter of national security. Beyond the transgressions of national borders, laws, and legislations, do we really understand undocumented migration? Why do people migrate, challenge migration legislation, and risk their lives? What can we learn from the experiences of immigrants and the fictional narratives of migration? How could we challenge the official discourse on undocumented migration from academia?  This presentation is based on my research and research experience of studying the undocumented Salvadoran and Dominican migration to the United States from the late 20th century to the present. I intend to draw attention to understudied literary, visual, and corporal representations that allude to, depict, and narrate the journey and experience of undocumented migration through the creation of a cultural field called “The Undocumented Archipelago.” 

Contact: Glorimarie Pena Alicea, penaaliceag@easternct.edu

"The Benefits of Practicing Philosophy with Children"

March 5, 2025 | Student Center Theatre

Children are naturally inquisitive, often question assumptions others take for granted, and can bring a novel perspective to issues. In short, they are primed to be philosophical. There is a growing movement that sees the value of introducing primary- and secondary-age students to philosophical inquiry, and there are substantial benefits to doing so. Ariel Sykes has been facilitating philosophical dialogues with children for over 15 years, and will be sharing her experiences and expertise. 

Contact: Karl Stocker, stockerk@easternct.edu

"Johnnycake Center of Westerly: Building a Sustainable Future for Community and With Community"

March 12, 2025 | Student Center Theatre

Common practices and habits of “disposability” must change in order to build a sustainable future. Engagement with community members and providing educational opportunities must go hand in hand to model processes that reduce waste, save money, and positively impact communities and the environment. Johnnycake Center of Westerly is one such example, home to a food pantry, emergency financial assistance, a thrift shop, and educational programming. Meredith Bogue, public relations coordinator will present how their programing provides opportunities for proactive upcycling, waste reduction, positive environmental outcomes, and addressing climate change, by cultivating a no-waste ethic in fashion and design using secondhand clothing. 

Contact: Anya Sokolovskaya, sokolovskayaa@easternct.edu

"Climate Conversations: Climate Acton and Environmental Justice: Latine communities in CT"

March 26, 2025 | Student Center Theatre

Alex Rodriguez currently serves as Air & Transportation Subcommittee Chair of the CT Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council and is a member of the Long Island Sound Study’s Environmental Justice Working Group. He will share experiences in community organizing at Save the Sound, the CT League of Conservation Voters, and led Chispa Connecticut mobilizing Latine communities for climate action. Alex will provide insight into priorities for the CT legislative session, potential Federal impacts, and guide students in understanding environmental justice. 

Contact: Patty Sczcys, szczysp@easternct.edu,Kin Chan, chank@easternct.edu

"Defending Liberal Arts in the STEM Age—A University Testimony "

April 2, 2025 | Student Center Theatre

The role and function of higher education is under the microscope today as never before. Funding mechanisms providing the foundation are stressed, unpredictable, and politically insecure. Eastern faces this future as Connecticut's designated liberal arts university, and the overwhelming shift in higher education to the STEM paradigm has created reality gaps that must be addressed. Controversy surrounding the potential benefits and real-world perils of AI is a perfect example. Significant effort to add the Arts—A--to STEM, redefining it as STEAM, has been marginalized. This University Hour will be facilitated and recorded as a community testimony from all parts of the Eastern family—students, staff, faculty, and administrators. Everyone is invited, I want to share and collect stories and inspiration about why we are here and what we are doing to serve the Liberal Arts and meet this challenge to our future. The more the merrier! 

Contact: John Murphy, murphyjo@easternct.edu 

"Harm Reduction: Its Principles and Practice in Eastern Connecticut"

April 9, 2025 | Student Center Theatre

Harm reduction is a set of evidence-based practices shown to reduce harms associated with drugs use while advancing social justice for people who use drugs. This panel discussion brings together local community leaders who implement harm reduction in Eastern Connecticut. Inspired by ideas from the February 2024 symposium on the opioid epidemic, the panel discussion continues a conversation that aims to share strategies and resources with community organizations—as well as to inform audience members about the principles of harm reduction and harm reduction in action. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Megan Stanton, ECSU Assistant Professor of Social Work, who brings over a decade of Harm Reduction research experience.

Networking opportunity for students and community members to follow.

Contact: Emily Todd, todde@easternct.edu