Community Engagement

Social Action Day tackles opioid crisis

Addressing the nation’s opioid epidemic was the topic of this year’s Social Action Day on Oct. 31, during which students prioritized an awareness campaign about this decades-long...

Posted on November 08, 2023 by Michael Rouleau

‘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

Rainy weather doesn't dampen Day of Caring

The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) at Eastern Connecticut State University held its annual Day of Caring on Oct. 23, sending upwards of 90 students throughout the local Willimantic community...

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

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

CCE student leaders reflect on supporting local community

The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) at Eastern Connecticut State University provides many opportunities for students to volunteer around Willimantic. From after-school to pen pal programs,...

Posted on October 18, 2023 by Marcus Grant

First HERfest sparks spirit of sisterhood

The spirit of sisterhood permeated the Student Center during Eastern's first HERfest on Oct. 6. Sponsored by the Women's Center and several campus partners, the event hosted woman-owned...

Posted on October 16, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

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

A Love of Numbers
Accounting students explore career prospects at 19th annual fair

The common denominator at the 19th Annual Accounting Career Fair at Eastern Connecticut State University was a love of numbers.

Posted on October 05, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

CCE barbecue promotes community programs, volunteerism

An open house sponsored by the Center for Community Engagement at Eastern Connecticut State University on Sept. 18 promoted its mission and encouraged students to volunteer.

Posted on September 25, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

Scientists to discuss beech leaf disease in seminar at Eastern

Two scientists from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) will describe their efforts to study and manage the beech leaf disease nematode, an invasive worm that is killing beech...

Posted on September 21, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Computer science students create tree-planting app to win their first hackathon

Brainstorming paid off for Eastern Connecticut State University computer science students Ian Valeta and Diego Hernandez Ramirez when their plan for a tree-planting digital game won them the top...

Posted on September 21, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Hunter Hayes to perform fall concert on Shaboo Stage

Eastern Connecticut State University will host musician Hunter Hayes on Sept. 24 on Shaboo Stage in downtown Willimantic as part of its annual fall festival.

Posted on September 12, 2023 by Noel Teter

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

Eastern rugby hosts first clinic for Special Olympics Willimantic

Eastern Connecticut State University’s men’s rugby team hosted Special Olympics Willimantic for its inaugural Special Olympics rugby clinic on Aug. 12 at the Mansfield Sports...

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Noel Teter

Teaching sustainability strengthens Eastern partnership with Windham school

A growing collaboration between Eastern Connecticut State University’s Institute for Sustainability and the eighth-grade science classes at the Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy in Windham...

Posted on August 17, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

CALAHE awards scholarships at Eastern luncheon

The Connecticut Association of Latinos in Higher Education (CALAHE) held its annual scholarship luncheon at Eastern Connecticut State University on Aug. 3, offering scholarships to first-generation...

Posted on August 14, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Police carry the torch for Special Olympics

Police officers and other Eastern Connecticut State University community members took part in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run on June 1 to benefit Special Olympics CT. The run began at the...

Posted on June 06, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Residence hall clean-out yields a ton of donations

The “Warriors Don’t Waste” program, collecting items from May 1-12, was organized by senior Jacob Sweeney as part of his internship with Eastern’s Institute for...

Posted on May 30, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Psychology students volunteer at senior center

Psychology students at Eastern Connecticut State University recently helped the Ashford Senior Center celebrate special occasions. Students of Jennifer Leszczyński, professor of psychological...

Posted on May 16, 2023 by Noel Teter

History website shows what Willimantic was like in 1910

The second phase of “Digital Windham,” a website created by historians at Eastern Connecticut State University went live on May 4 with new exhibits exploring what Willimantic was like...

Posted on May 16, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern students pitch in for Windham’s spring clean-up

Eastern Connecticut State University students volunteered nearly 320 hours of service at 10 Willimantic sites during the Town Pride, Town Wide community clean-up on April 22.

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

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

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

Prison Arts exhibit opens with artwork that ‘transcends’ prison

More than 350 works from 100 artists are being exhibited in the 43rd annual Prison Arts Show at Eastern Connecticut State University’s Art Gallery from March 20 to April 22.

Posted on March 21, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Prison arts show comes to Eastern's Art Gallery

The Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University will present the 43rd Prison Arts Program from March 20–April 22, featuring new artwork from artists currently or formerly incarcerated...

Posted on March 15, 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

Earthquake relief sought in fundraiser

The Muslim Students Association (MSA) at Eastern Connecticut State University is raising money to benefit earthquake victims in Turkiye and Syria.

Posted on March 08, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

President Cheng calls for advocacy to increase higher education budgets

President Terrence Cheng of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) urged students, faculty and staff at Eastern Connecticut State University to talk to local legislators about...

Posted on March 07, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern teams up with 'Be the Match' to connect donors with patients in need

Eastern Connecticut State University’s men’s soccer team recently joined forces with Be the Match, an organization seeking to find potential donors for patients with blood diseases....

Posted on March 02, 2023 by Noel Teter

CCE celebrates Valentine’s Day and mental health awareness at local middle school

While the recent spike in reported mental health cases has predominantly affected adults, many children have also begun to experience the challenges of mental illness. To support the local...

Posted on February 24, 2023 by Jack Jones

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

Breast Cancer Awareness Basketball Thumbnail

Women’s basketball team advocates for breast cancer awareness

During a recent women’s basketball game, Eastern Connecticut State University athletes, coaches and Athletic Department staff met an objective that extended far beyond beating their opponent....

Posted on February 15, 2023 by Jack Jones

EastConn grant brings elementary students to Eastern’s campus

An interdistrict grant from EastConn, a public, nonprofit regional educational service agency, brought fifth-grade students from several nearby communities to Eastern Connecticut State...

Posted on February 09, 2023 by Noel Teter

Eastern Rugby, Covenant Soup Kitchen Take the ‘Plunge for Hunger’

Eastern Connecticut State University’s men’s rugby team hosted the 12th annual Olga Ezis “Plunge for Hunger” on Feb. 4 at Lauter Park in Willimantic. For the first time in...

Posted on February 07, 2023 by Noel Teter

SUOAF raises $4,050 for local soup kitchen

Eastern’s chapter of the State University Organization of Administrative Faculty (SUOAF) raised $4,050 for the Covenant Soup Kitchen this holiday season. Local chapter members raised $1,025...

Posted on January 06, 2023

Bergstrom-Lynch and Todd participate in Hot Chocolate Run to end domestic violence
Alyssiah Wiley remembered with $4,000 donation

Sociology Professor Cara Bergstrom-Lynch raised more than $4,000 in memory of former student Alyssiah Wiley on Dec. 4 at the annual Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage in Northampton, MA. Wiley was...

Posted on December 07, 2022 by Noel Teter

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 serves turkey and trimmings to 300 community members
16th Day of Giving returns to campus

Eastern Connecticut State University’s 16th annual Day of Giving on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving was the only turkey dinner that many participants would have this holiday. More than 300...

Posted on November 23, 2022 by Lucinda Weiss

Student Kailani Therriault named VITA Rookie of the Year

Student volunteer Kailani Therriault was recently recognized as Rookie of the Year by the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Willimantic for completing $825,000 worth of refunds and...

Posted on November 14, 2022 by Noel Teter

Student-volunteers cleaning the Jillson House garden on Main St. in Willimantic.

Students beautify Windham during annual Day of Caring

Eastern Connecticut State University partnered with the University of Connecticut and United Way of Connecticut for a community service event called Day of Caring on Oct. 22. Groups of Eastern and...

Posted on October 26, 2022 by Noel Teter

Supreme Court hears 2 cases at Eastern
‘On Circuit’ gives students up-close look at judicial process

Eastern Connecticut State University hosted the Connecticut Supreme Court on Oct. 19 as it heard two cases in the Concert Hall of the Fine Arts Instructional Center. The event marked the return of...

Posted on October 26, 2022 by Noel Teter

Eastern students give local preschoolers a summer ‘Jumpstart’
CCE program develops pre-K skills

Four Eastern students are spending their summer working with Willimantic children through the early childhood program known as “Jumpstart.” Through the Center for Community Engagement...

Posted on August 02, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

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

Isabel Logan, Eastern social work professor and co-director of the SWLE Project, presents pre-recorded remarks by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona praises police social work project
Eastern hosts inaugural ‘Boots on the Ground’ celebration

Eastern Connecticut State University hosted the first capstone celebration for the Social Work and Law Enforcement (SWLE) Project on April 22 in the Shafer Hall Auditorium. Titled “Boots on...

Posted on April 29, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

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

Spring cleaning in Windham
Eastern students volunteer across town

More than 75 Eastern Connecticut State University volunteers dispersed across Windham on April 23 for the Center for Community Engagement’s (CCE) annual Town Pride Town Wide beautification...

Posted on April 25, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

Anderson Curtis speaks to attendees of ACLU event.

Period poverty to online dating safety
Social work students tackle issues with community organizations

Through service and outreach, Eastern social work students are immersing themselves in the community and gaining field experience. For a required course of the Social Work major -- "Generalist...

Posted on April 20, 2022 by Molly Boucher

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 hold first community service expo in 3 years

The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) at Eastern Connecticut State University will hold its Annual Service Expo and Awards Ceremony on April 18 from 2–4 p.m. in the foyer of the Fine Arts...

Posted on April 11, 2022

CCE concludes successful reading program with Windham Public Schools

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE) recently completed a year-long reading program with more than 135 children in Windham Public Schools. Based on a...

Posted on April 04, 2022 by Kim Silcox

Eastern 'Habitaters' build housing in North Carolina

Thirteen members of Eastern Connecticut State University’s student chapter of Habitat for Humanity recently traveled to New Bern, NC, to help build houses with the Habitat of Craven County...

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Campus Briefs

CCE hosts ‘Big Brothers Big Sisters’; Biology major receives travel award; ‘Eye-Mind-Body’ presents drawing in action; Vasillopulos and Rezai author new books; and more.

Posted on March 08, 2022

'A college future is possible'
CCE mentoring program welcomes local middle school students to campus

The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) at Eastern Connecticut State University organizes more than 10 community service programs ranging from helping those who suffer from homelessness to...

Posted on March 07, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

Eastern community saves lives via blood and bone marrow drives

The Eastern campus community continued its efforts to save lives by participating in the University's 10th "Be the Match" bone marrow registry on Feb. 2 and ongoing Red Cross blood...

Posted on February 07, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

Eastern senior wins design challenge to help brand Connecticut arts nonprofit
Anayeli Arroyo’s banner designs to grace the EC-CHAP in Willington

In the coming months, Eastern Connecticut State University senior Anayeli Arroyo’s jewel-toned geometric designs will flap in the winter winds outside a century-old former mill in Willington,...

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Amanda Irwin

Eastern celebrates 15th annual of Day of Giving
500 meals distributed to Willimantic community residents

For the 15th consecutive year, Eastern Connecticut State University served a special Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 24 to Willimantic community members in need. In past years, the “Day of...

Posted on November 24, 2021 by Ed Osborn

Eastern and Willimantic police spearhead statewide police-social work initiative
SWLE Project provides model for Connecticut and nation

What started as a pilot internship last year with two Eastern Connecticut State University students has evolved into a statewide collaboration that may well serve as a national model for the...

Posted on October 27, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Student leaders run community service programs

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE) selected 12 student leaders to oversee 14 community service programs throughout the Windham area this year....

Posted on October 26, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Students beautify Windham during Day of Caring

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Center for Community Engagement held its annual Day of Caring special event on Oct. 2. In collaboration with the University of Connecticut (UConn) and...

Posted on October 06, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Eastern students teach of The Amistad’s journey to freedom
Partnership with Discovering Amistad serves Hartford-area middle, high schoolers

Eight students from Eastern Connecticut State University are working with Discovering Amistad this September and October, teaching Hartford-area middle and high school students about the famed...

Posted on September 21, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

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

Pilot internship embeds social work students in Willimantic police department

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Social Work Program recently partnered with the Willimantic Police Department to embed social work students into the department’s police work. In...

Posted on May 20, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Service Expo showcases a year of pandemic volunteering

The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) at Eastern Connecticut State University celebrated a year of creative and resilient volunteerism during its annual Service Expo on April 21. The virtual...

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Volunteers, 'itching to get out,' beautify town

For more than three decades, Eastern students have distinguished themselves through their service to community. Since 1988, when former Eastern President David G. Carter first required students to...

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Students work with Windham preschoolers through Jumpstart program

A group of Eastern Connecticut State University students are volunteering with the national early education organization known as Jumpstart. Established in 1993 with programs in 14 states,...

Posted on April 05, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Shawn’s Cupboard, a valuable resource for food-insecure students
On-campus food pantry revises operation during pandemic

According to the non-profit food organization, Feeding America, 39 percent of undergraduate students struggle to afford food—making millions of them at risk of facing hunger. Eastern...

Posted on March 30, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Campus Briefs

Students volunteer at mobile food pantry; Eastern to offer in-person graduation ceremony for Class of 2020; Theatre student Capri Agresta accepted into grad program on full-tuition waiver; and...

Posted on March 25, 2021

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

Student organizations support local homeless shelter

The Windham Region No Freeze Project in Willimantic is the beneficiary of efforts by three student organizations at Eastern Connecticut State University, as the Cheerleading Team, Habitat for...

Posted on March 24, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

BIS students create website to help senior citizens schedule COVID vaccines

The ongoing task of vaccinating upwards of 300 million Americans is a daunting prospect as our nation seeks to get beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Navigating online vaccination registration systems...

Posted on February 22, 2021 by Ed Osborn

Campus Briefs
Plunge for Hunger, men's basketball, shoveling snow

Covenant Soup Kitchen hosts virtual Plunge for Hunger with help of Eastern rugby; Men's basketball resumes in spring 2021; CCE volunteers shovel out neighbors after snow.

Posted on February 15, 2021

Local soup kitchen holds ‘virtual’ Plunge for Hunger
Rugby team continues enthusiastic support

The Covenant Soup Kitchen held its 10th annual Plunge for Hunger on Feb. 6, this year with a virtual twist. Rather than a crowd of costume-wearing community members and Eastern Connecticut State...

Posted on February 11, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern answers the call for blood

The American Red Cross has a slogan that says “Give something that means something.” That means giving blood. The agency says blood is urgently needed now, as COVID-19 has claimed more...

Posted on December 03, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

Local soup kitchen hosts Eastern’s annual Day of Giving

The Covenant Soup Kitchen in collaboration with Eastern Connecticut State University distributed hundreds of Thanksgiving meals on Nov. 25 to Willimantic community members in need. As part of...

Posted on November 27, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

CCE lends a socially distanced helping hand

The global pandemic has decimated many industries, including the nonprofit and social services sectors that provide essential support to local communities. In today’s socially distanced...

Posted on November 19, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Campus Briefs

#WarriorsGive raises $98,195; CCE volunteers produce educational videos for local children; Dean Carmen Cid serves as ESA research collection editor; Eastern holds Veterans Day ceremony; and...

Posted on November 18, 2020

Eastern students produce fun, educational videos for Windham children

Families and organizations looking for new ways to engage young children during the age of COVID-19 can refer to a growing library of online content produced by students at Eastern Connecticut...

Posted on November 12, 2020 by Molly Boucher and Michael Rouleau

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

Eastern participates in statewide virtual collegiate 5k

On Oct. 22–25, Eastern Connecticut State University joined other colleges and universities across the state of Connecticut to plan and hold the first-ever virtual marathon titled the...

Posted on October 29, 2020 by Bobbi Brown

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

Eastern Students Green Up Willimantic

Over two weekends in September, approximately 30 student volunteers at Eastern Connecticut State University helped plant 50 trees and 120 shrubs in a 10,000-square-foot urban garden on High Street...

Posted on October 09, 2020 by Ed Osborn

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

Eastern wins NEA grant to host Big Read in Windham

Eastern Connecticut State University has been named a recipient of a $15,000 grant to host the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read in Windham. The University is one of 84 nonprofit...

Posted on June 18, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern Makes, Donates Masks in COVID-19 Relief Effort

Looking for ways to help during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, a team of volunteer “seamstresses” from Eastern Connecticut State University has collaborated to produce face masks...

Posted on April 08, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Local Youth Learn Robotics, Nutrition in Eastern Afterschool Program

Twenty-six students from Eastern Connecticut State University volunteered this spring semester with local schoolchildren in the Puentes al Futuro program (Bridges to the Future). This year's...

Posted on March 25, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Dining Initiatives Bring Seaweed, Underused Fish to Campus

Eastern Connecticut State University and three partnering universities are nearing the end of a two-year, $500,000 effort to incorporate underused foods from the ocean into the dining culture of...

Posted on March 24, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

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

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

Manchester High School students participate in the workshop.

Comm Department Hosts TV News Workshop for Local High Schoolers

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Communication Department hosted students from Manchester High School (MHS) on Feb. 7 to experience Eastern’s Communication Department and...

Posted on February 12, 2020 by Bobbi Brown

‘Sustainable CT’ Matches $57K for Community Projects Across State

Organizations in seven Connecticut municipalities recently received $58,000 from the Sustainable CT Community Match Fund to kickstart local projects in their communities. The sustainability-minded...

Posted on January 23, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Picture of sociology students at Railroad Museum

Sociology Students Open Semester with Excursion into ‘The Community’

A group of sociology students kicked off the spring 2020 semester with an excursion into the Willimantic community on Jan. 21. Students enrolled in Professor Nicolas Simon’s course “The...

Posted on January 23, 2020 by Bobbi Brown

Bergstrom-Lynch Runs in Support of Domestic Violence Victims

Cara Bergstrom-Lynch, sociology professor at Eastern Connecticut State University ran in the Hot Chocolate 5k run on Dec. 8 in Northampton, MA, in support of individuals who have experienced...

Posted on December 12, 2019 by Bobbi Brown

Eastern President Elsa Núñez walks around and greets guest.

A Thanksgiving Feast for the Community: Eastern Hosts 'Day of Giving'

Willimantic community members and Eastern Connecticut State University staff and students gathered on Nov. 27 to share an early Thanksgiving meal during Eastern's 13th annual Day of Giving....

Posted on November 27, 2019 by Vania Galicia

'Community Match Fund' Available to Support Sustainability Projects in Connecticut

Connecticut residents are poised to lead the way toward a climate-resilient future through projects making change at the local level. Sustainable CT, an initiative run by the Institute for...

Posted on November 18, 2019

Student's who volunteered to sleep in the cold pose for a photo.

Eastern ‘Habitaters’ Brave the Cold During Annual Shackathon

Several Eastern students bundled up on Nov. 6 to spend the night on Webb Lawn for the annual “Shack-a-thon.” Members of Eastern’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity slept in...

Posted on November 07, 2019 by Molly Boucher

A child dressed as mini mouses trick-o-treats

Local Children Visit Niejadlik Hall for Halloween Event

Eastern hosted a “Not So Scary Halloween Event” on Nov. 2 for area children between the grade levels of kindergarten and fourth grade and their families

Posted on November 02, 2019 by Molly Boucher

Cross country coach Kathy Manizza and Professor Charlie Chatterton finish an early-morning lap.

11th Annual Poverty Awareness Marathon Benefits Shawn’s Cupboard

Eastern Connecticut State University held its 11th annual Poverty Awareness Marathon on Oct. 18. More than 100 members of the Eastern community ran and walked to raise awareness of poverty in...

Posted on October 18, 2019 by Vania Galicia

Students weed the Grow Windham green house.

Students Volunteer Across Willimantic for ‘Day of Caring’

A fleet of Eastern students took up shovels and brooms on Oct. 5 for the annual Day of Caring, a large-scale volunteer effort in collaboration with United Way of Central and Northeastern...

Posted on October 10, 2019 by Vania Galicia

‘Puentes al Futuro’ Explores Lambe Lambe Puppetry

A form of miniature theatre called "Lambe Lambe" took stage at Eastern during the month of July for Puentes al Futuro (Bridges to the Future), the Center for Community Engagement's...

Posted on July 26, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

‘Town Pride, Town Wide’ Beautifies Willimantic

With rakes and shovels in hand, students deployed across Willimantic on April 27 for the 11th annual “Town Pride, Town Wide” beautification event. Coordinated by Eastern’s Center...

Posted on May 06, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Community engagement students and award recipients pose for the camera.

‘Why,’ not ‘What’: Service Expo Honors Community Partnerships

The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) at Eastern Connecticut State University hosted its annual Service Expo and Awards on April 18. The event showcased the numerous service projects being...

Posted on April 26, 2019 by Michael Rouleau and Jordan Corey

Cesar Chavez award recipients pose for the camera.

Eastern Honors Three Leaders in Memory of Cesar Chavez

Sociology major Italo Bucca ’19 of Hartford, Indira Petoskey, assistant dean in the Office of Continuing Studies and Enhanced Learning; and Yanil Terón, executive director of the Center...

Posted on April 25, 2019 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern Recognizes Ella Grasso Award Winners 2019

Shawn Ray Dousis ’19 of East Lyme, president of the Foundation for Campus Ministry at Eastern Connecticut State University; June Dunn, assistant dean in the Office of Continuing Studies and...

Posted on March 28, 2019 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern Contributes 200 Boxes to ‘One Million Acts of Good’

Eastern Connecticut State University students assembled 200 boxes of nonperishable food items on March 26 as participants of “One Million Acts of Good,” a program sponsored by Ellen...

Posted on March 27, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Shawn’s Cupboard Combats Food Insecurity

Research has shown that college students are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity in America, with up to half of them lacking consistent access to food. At Eastern Connecticut State...

Posted on March 25, 2019 by Jordan Corey

Former State Rep. Evelyn Mantilla Speaks on Being ‘Out’ in Politics

Evelyn Mantilla, a former member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, visited Eastern Connecticut State University on March 6 to discuss her experience as the first openly bisexual...

Posted on March 14, 2019 by Jordan Corey

Student-Leader Katelyn Root Selected for Newman Civic Fellowship

Katelyn Root, a third-year student at Eastern Connecticut State University, has been selected for the Newman Civic Fellowship, a program of Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and...

Posted on March 11, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Jeniel Edmons an eastern students reads to the children in the program.

Eastern Students Provide a ‘Jumpstart’ to Local Preschoolers

In a Willimantic, CT, classroom, more than a dozen preschoolers listen eagerly as an Eastern Connecticut State University student reads a book to them. It’s a ritual that both the student and...

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Raven Dillon

Professor Davis Canton stands at the podium while he presents

Eastern Hosts Book Talk on Forgotten Civil Rights Activist

Eastern Connecticut State University welcomed Connecticut College Professor David Canton on Feb. 20 to discuss his new book, “Raymond Pace Alexander: A New Negro Lawyer Fights for Civil...

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Raven Dillon

CCE Receives Outstanding Volunteer Award from United Way

The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) at Eastern Connecticut State University was recognized for “Outstanding Volunteer Mobilization” by the United Way of Central and Northeastern...

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Students Design for Access Agency

Ten graphic design students at Eastern Connecticut State University recently concluded a major project with the Access Community Action Agency in Willimantic. As part of Professor Terry...

Posted on December 12, 2018 by Michael Rouleau

Hurley Hall was the venue for the Day of Giving

Eastern Opens Arms to Willimantic with Annual Day of Giving

More than 500 local Willimantic residents enjoyed an early Thanksgiving meal at the 12th annual Day of Giving at Eastern Connecticut State University on Nov. 21.

Posted on November 26, 2018 by Jordan Corey

Poverty Awareness Marathon Raises 378 Food Items

Eastern Connecticut State University held its 10th annual Poverty Awareness Marathon on Oct. 5. The event culminated with 197 members of the Eastern community who walked and ran to raise awareness,...

Posted on October 12, 2018 by Raven Dillon

Students Dispatch Across Windham for ‘Day of Caring’

More than 200 students from Eastern Connecticut State University and the University of Connecticut volunteered across Windham on Sept. 28 for the third annual Day of Caring. The event was a...

Posted on October 04, 2018 by Raven Dillon

‘Town Pride, Town Wide’ Beautifies Greater Windham

More than 100 students from Eastern Connecticut State University dispersed around Willimantic on May 28 for “Town Pride, Town Wide,” Eastern’s annual spring cleaning and...

Posted on May 03, 2018 by Michael Rouleau

Italo Bucca presents on his volunteer work with the Windham High School ESOL program.

Eastern Service Expo Honors Community Servants

More than 1,000 Eastern Connecticut State University students volunteered more than 17,000 hours in the Windham area in the past academic year.

Posted on April 26, 2018 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern to hold Ninth Annual Service Expo and Awards Ceremony

Eastern Connecticut State University will hold its annual Service Expo and Awards Ceremony on April 19 from 2-5 p.m. in the lobby of the Fine Arts Instructional Center. Sponsored by the Center for...

Posted on April 11, 2018

Eastern Hosts 7th Marrow Drive

In its ongoing support for people with life-threatening blood diseases, Eastern Connecticut State University hosted its seventh marrow registry on Dec. 6. Organized by the men’s soccer team,...

Posted on December 08, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Professor in Safe Passage Run

Cara Bergstrom-Lynch, a professor at Eastern Connecticut State University who lives in Manchester, participated in a road race on Dec. 3 to honor the late Alyssiah Wiley, an Eastern student who was...

Posted on December 05, 2017 by Jordan Corey

Education for Democracy at Eastern

Eastern Connecticut State University hosted its second annual Civic Action Conference on Nov. 8. to dissect the practice of “service learning” and its impact on students and society.

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Shack-a-thon for Homelessness

A group of Eastern Connecticut State University students emerged from frost-covered cardboard boxes on Thursday morning, Nov. 9, after spending a freezing night sleeping outside. The temperatures...

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern’s Civic Action Conference

Eastern Connecticut State University will host its second annual Civic Action Conference on Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Student Center. The conference will focus on “service...

Posted on November 01, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

‘Thread City’ Dazzles Audiences with Unique Tale of Immigration

The ever-relevant topic of immigration was on dramatic display from Oct. 11-15 when Eastern Connecticut State University premiered “Thread City,” a unique performance that...

Posted on October 23, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Relay for Life Impacts Many

Cancer fighters, survivors and supporters came out in force on Oct. 14 for the annual Relay for Life of Greater Windham, which has generated more than $78,000 in donations. Hosted at the sports...

Posted on October 20, 2017 by Jordan Corey

Harvest of Hope Strengthens Safety Net

The Windham Area Interfaith Ministry is bracing itself for a challenging year. Between state funding cuts and a persistent, if not growing, need for services, WAIM expects to continue to be a...

Posted on October 17, 2017 by Ed Osborn

Running to Break the Cycle of Poverty

It’s 6:45 a.m., and the usual buzz of construction at Eastern Connecticut State University is absent this late September morning. It is too early for cars to be driving through campus, yet...

Posted on October 05, 2017 by Casey Collins

Windham Schools Partner with Eastern on Puentes al Futuro Program

For the sixth summer in a row, the Puentes al Futuro/Bridges to the Future program provided enrichment activities for Willimantic middle school students from July 5–27. The program is a...

Posted on July 28, 2017 by Ed Osborn

Residents of Occum Hall with the Warrior Cup trophy, alongside Rosie Hernandez, founder of Puentes al Futuro, and William Stover, director of Family and Community Partnerships (center, holding check)

Occum Hall wins Warrior Cup, Puentes al Futuro gets $4,500

The Warrior Cup is an annual competition in which all 13 residence halls at Eastern Connecticut State University compete for the benefit of a local nonprofit organization or charity. Occum Hall was...

Posted on May 25, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

Tip-A-Cop 2017 Raises $3,000

Police officers from Eastern Connecticut State University and the City of Middletown traded in their uniforms for aprons on May 3 to 'serve' the community in a different way.

Posted on May 19, 2017

The Le Le Project, represented by FEMALES club members

Committed to Community: Eastern’s 2017 Service Expo

More than 20 projects were on display for Eastern Connecticut State University’s annual Service Expo and Awards on April 12. Held at St. Joseph Church in Willimantic, the annual ceremony was...

Posted on April 18, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

Windham Public Schools Announce Partnership with Eastern and QVCC

Windham Public Schools, Eastern Connecticut State University and Quinebaug Valley Community College (QVCC) are embarking on a new educational partnership in Willimantic that will extend...

Posted on April 11, 2017 by Ed Osborn

Making a Splash in Windham: The Special Olympics and Eastern

When Charlie Wynn was a new chemistry professor at Eastern Connecticut State University in 1979, he and a group of competitive swimmers were in the campus swimming pool when they received an...

Posted on April 07, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

Local School Kids Learn about Jamaica at Eastern

Reggae music filled the air and the colors of black, green and yellow adorned the Student Center on April 3 as hundreds of local schoolchildren converged on the Eastern Connecticut State University...

Posted on April 06, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Sponsors Art Day for Local Schoolchildren

On Monday, April 3, elementary school students from the Windham Public School afterschool programs will come to Eastern Connecticut State University for “Art and Culture Day,” focused...

Posted on April 03, 2017

Eastern Pairs with Community to Create Resilience Plan

On March 21, Eastern Connecticut State University’s Institute for Sustainable Energy (ISE) teamed up with officials from the Town of Windham and the environmental group Second Nature for a...

Posted on March 27, 2017 by Christina Rossomando

Eastern volunteers teach Windham Middle School students the importance of exercise through dance moves

Eastern Students Teach Health and Happiness to Local School Kids

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE) hosted “I Love Me,” an event for Windham Middle School students on March 22. Held in the Betty R....

Posted on March 27, 2017 by Christina Rossomando

Dining Hall Institutes Programs to Eliminate Food Waste

With the cooperation of students, faculty and staff, Eastern Connecticut State University’s Hurley Dining Hall has taken steps to help eliminate waste by cutting back on the trash that the...

Posted on March 22, 2017 by Edward Osborn

Volunteers Needed for 2017 Special Olympics Swim Meet in Windham

The 38th Annual Windham Invitational Special Olympics Swim Meet is looking for 350 volunteers to help with its meet, to be held March 11 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Windham High School.

Posted on February 28, 2017

Eastern Took the Plunge for Hunger

Hundreds of people, including members of the Eastern Connecticut State University campus community, took a dive into the cold waters of the Natchaug River on Feb. 4 to raise money for the Covenant...

Posted on February 10, 2017 by Christine Rossomando

2017 Windham Special Olympics Needs Volunteers

The 38th Annual Windham Invitational Special Olympics Swim Meet will be held on March 11, 2017, from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Windham High School. Approximately 350 volunteers will be needed to...

Posted on December 06, 2016 by Anthony LaPenna

Eastern Continues Unmatched Support of Marrow Registry

Since 2012, Eastern Connecticut State University has rallied in support of people with life-threatening blood diseases, hosting six marrow registries in four years. Eastern’s total number of...

Posted on December 05, 2016 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern’s Day of Giving 2016 Huge Success

More than 800 Willimantic residents converged on Eastern Connecticut State University on Nov. 23 for the 10th annual Day of Giving. The event provides a hot holiday meal to people who otherwise may...

Posted on November 28, 2016 by Dwight Bachman

Public Forum: Honest Conversations with Our Muslim Neighbors

Eastern Connecticut State University will host “Honest Conversations with Our Muslim Neighbors” on Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Betty R. Tipton Room in the Student Center. The public forum...

Posted on November 23, 2016 by Michael Rouleau

Diversifying the Education Field

In its ongoing effort to grow the pool of qualified teachers and advance the field of education, Eastern Connecticut State University is participating in the Holmes Program — one of only two...

Posted on November 08, 2016 by Michael Rouleau

Interschool Walk for Warmth Engages Schoolchildren

Students from Eastern Connecticut State University volunteered at five elementary schools throughout the Windham area on Oct. 23 for the annual Interschool Walk for Warmth. The awareness-raising...

Posted on November 03, 2016 by Michael Rouleau

The Eastern Warriors Raise $3,300 for Connecticut Cancer Patients

Eight members of the Eastern community raised an event-high $3,300 on Oct. 22 for Connecticut cancer patients during the Cycle Against Cancer fundraiser in West Hartford. The Eastern Warriors spent...

Posted on October 25, 2016 by Michael Rouleau

More than 100 Students Partake in Relay for Life

Students from Eastern Connecticut State University came out in force for the 20th year of the Greater Windham Relay for Life, held at Eastern’s Athletic Complex on Oct. 15 and 16. More than...

Posted on October 22, 2016 by Jolene Potter

Eastern’s Eighth Annual Poverty Awareness Marathon

Eastern Connecticut State University held its eighth annual Poverty Awareness Marathon on Sept. 23. More than 400 food items were donated to the Covenant Soup Kitchen and Windham Area Interfaith...

Posted on September 27, 2016 by Michael Rouleau

Local High School Students Participate in College Program

Eastern Connecticut State University hosted a three-week Summer Arts Institute from July 11 to28. The program, “Kinetic and Visual Performance: Enacting the Common Core through the...

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Christina Rossomando

Puentes al Futuro Completes Summer Session at Eastern

On July 28, the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) at Eastern Connecticut State University concluded its fifth summer youth program for “Puentes al Futuro” (Bridges to the Future)....

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern’s Service Expo Showcases Community Efforts

For a relatively small campus with 5,000 students, Eastern Connecticut State University devotes significant manpower to community service. In the past year, more than 1,000 Eastern students...

Posted on April 18, 2016 by michael rouleau

Local Schoolchildren Learn about Ireland at Arts and Culture Day

The Betty R. Tipton Room at Eastern Connecticut State University was transformed into a frenzy of Irish culture on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, as more than 250 schoolchildren from...

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Michael Rouleau

Accounting Students Help ‘Make Ends Meet’ through VITA Program

On a cold February evening in Willimantic, an anxious, middle-aged woman sits beside Nicole Brooks. The woman opens a folder and nervously spreads out an assortment of tax forms, pay stubs and...

Posted on March 10, 2016

Union at Eastern Gives to Windham No Freeze

The Eastern Connecticut State University union chapter of the State University Organization of Administrative Faculty (SUOAF) chipped in to alleviate homelessness this holiday season. At the...

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Hosts Largest Day of Giving Yet

Eastern Connecticut State University hosted its busiest Thanksgiving celebration ever on Nov. 25 at the ninth annual Day of Giving. More than 620 Willimantic residents came to campus for a hot meal...

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Works to “Unmask Social Change” at CTCC Meeting

Eastern Connecticut State University played a large role at the recent Connecticut Campus Compact (CTCC) Social Justice Leadership Conference held at Wesleyan University on Oct. 31. With a...

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Supports Windham Relay For Life

Eastern Connecticut State University had another strong showing of support at the annual Relay For Life of Greater Windham, held Oct. 17–18 at the Mansfield Athletic Complex. With...

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Students Live Like the Homeless for a Night

Eight members of the Eastern Connecticut State University chapter of Habitat for Humanity slept outdoors in cardboard boxes for the annual “Shackathon” on Oct. 20–21. The event...

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Michael Rouleau

High School Students Learn about Government

From June 20-25, more than 200 high school juniors from across the state converged on campus to attend the 26th Annual American Legion Boys State. During Boys State, the students learned how state...

Posted on August 07, 2015 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern and Windham Middle School Sponsor Puentes Al Futuro

On July 30, Puentes Al Futuro, or Bridges to the Future, a five-week summer camp for at-risk youth living in Windham held its closing ceremony. Puentes Al Futuro is a grant-funded program sponsored...

Posted on July 31, 2015

Mini Boom Box Parade

The Child and Family Development Resource Center (CFDRC) hosted its annual Mini Boom Box Parade on July 2. Adorned in patriotic clothing and costumes, approximately 60 children who are enrolled at...

Posted on July 06, 2015 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Supports National Summer Learning Day by Making Literacy Kits

On June 19, students and faculty members at Eastern Connecticut State University helped to create literacy kits for children in the local community as part of National Summer Learning Day.

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Ryan King

Eastern and Windham Public Schools Earn Statewide Award

At the 2015 Connecticut Campus Compact Awards (CTCC), Eastern Connecticut State University and Windham Public Schools won the Campus-Community Partnership Award for their joint effort with Puentes...

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Michael Rouleau

“Service Learning” Brings the Classroom to the Community

“The world is a better teacher than any classroom.” These words, spoken by Education Professor Mark Fabrizi, address Eastern Connecticut State University’s motive to provide a...

Posted on June 03, 2015 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Teams Up With Middletown Police Department to Support Special Olympics

On May 28, officers from Eastern Connecticut State University and the Middletown Police Department partnered for the Third Annual Tip-A-Cop event at Amici’s Restaurant in Middletown.

Posted on June 02, 2015 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Partners with Windham Nonprofit CLiCK

In an ongoing effort to provide hands-on learning experiences for students and strengthen ties with the local community, Eastern Connecticut State University began a partnership with the Windham...

Posted on June 01, 2015 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern and Middletown Police Departments Raise Money for Special Olympics

On May 28, members of Eastern Connecticut State University’s Police Department will take off their badges and join Middletown’s Police Department to serve customers at the Amici...

Posted on May 08, 2015 by Dwight Bachman

First Annual Latin American and Caribbean Studies Conference

On April 24, Eastern Connecticut State University hosted its first Latin American and Caribbean Studies Conference. Many students and faculty were in attendance to learn from and engage with...

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Kelsey Tuller

People Helping People Wins Statewide Award

Because of its commitment to disabled adults who live in the High Chase Residential Center in Willington, People Helping People (PHP) — a student club at Eastern Connecticut State University...

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Students Make Puppets for Avenue Q

Two Eastern Connecticut State University students helped make puppets for the West Hartford Community Theatre’s production of Avenue Q, a renowned musical considered to be the adult version...

Posted on April 09, 2015 by Michael Rouleau

Outstanding Humanitarian Efforts Recognized at Service Expo

Students at Eastern Connecticut State University gave almost 11,000 hours of community service during the 2014-15 academic year. “Volunteering is a big part of the Eastern experience,”...

Posted on April 08, 2015 by Michael Rouleau

Windham Schoolchildren Learn about Russia at Eastern

This year’s Arts and Culture Day for area schoolchildren at Eastern Connecticut State University focused on Russia. Hosted by the Center for Community Engagement (CCE), the event brings...

Posted on March 03, 2015 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Recognizes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award Winners

W. Reggie Hales, publisher of the Hartford-based African American newspaper Inquiring News; Anthony Aidoo, professor of mathematics at Eastern Connecticut State University; and Jonah Craggett, an...

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Ryan King

People Helping People Donates Jeans to Homeless Youth

Each year, DoSomething.org and Aeropostale stores pair up to put on the Teens for Jeans campaign. The campaign allows schools and individuals across the country to take part in raising awareness of...

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Kelsey Tuller

Rugby Team Organizes and Hosts Plunge for Hunger

Eastern Connecticut State University’s rugby team hosted the fourth annual Plunge for Hunger in Lauter Park on Feb. 7 to benefit the Covenant Soup Kitchen. While Assistant rugby coach Ray...

Posted on February 12, 2015 by Ryan King

Carnegie Selects Eastern for 2015 Community Engagement Classification

On Jan. 7, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching announced that Eastern Connecticut State University has received the 2015 Community Engagement Classification. Eastern is one of...

Posted on January 07, 2015 by Michael Rouleau