Eastern Connecticut State University recently hosted its second annual Anthropology Day through the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology and Social Work. Aimed at raising awareness regarding the importance of teaching anthropology through all grade levels, including higher education, the theme of this year was employability with a degree in anthropology. Included in the day were two panels focused on career readiness and the graduate school experience, as well as a public showing and discussion of the film “Descendant,” created by documentary filmmaker Margaret Brown.

Ricardo Perez, professor and department chair for Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology and Social Work, said that the inspiration for Eastern’s Anthropology Day came from the American Anthropological Association. The international event occurs on the third Thursday in February, with universities across the country celebrating the field.

Perez explained that the second Anthropology Day’s theme of employability was beneficial to both students and staff, “to realize that many opportunities for a productive and meaningful career exist with a degree in anthropology. I believe that the morning panels on preparing students to attend graduate school and how to apply for internships and other experiential learning opportunities accomplished that goal.”

The anthropology major, introduced during the fall 2020 semester, is a new but rapidly growing route for Eastern students. In the past three years, enrollments have increased with every semester, with students now going straight to Eastern to study anthropology out of high school, as well as transfers from both Connecticut and out-of-state community colleges.

“For a small and relatively new program, I believe that we are doing well,” said Perez. “We hope to continue growing by recruiting students directly from high school, from the undeclared population of current Eastern students and the transfer process already in place. Events such as Anthropology Day will allow us to remain active and visible on our campus. The more Eastern students know about anthropology, the better our chances to remain viable and attractive to them.”