Students, faculty and staff gathered in the Proscenium Theatre at Eastern Connecticut State University on March 9 to hear recording artist, author, entrepreneur and motivational speaker June Archer offer a message of hope and inspiration to students interested in a career in the music industry.

“Today, I just want to be a postman bringing you good news! Know that no goal is ever out of your reach. Once you realize your first dream, that doesn’t mean you stop. It just means you dream bigger. Finish the race. Dreams do come true. All you have to do is believe that you will be in the winner circles with every single dream!” 

Archer is founder, president and CEO of the Hartford-basedEleven28 Entertainment Group. He detailed his rise from artist to executive, starting when he emerged on the music scene as a member of the Elektra Records recording group “Room Service.” The group achieved national radio and video success with the singles “Ain’t Nothing Wrong” and “Stay.” Archer later became an executive selling platinum and gold albums and soundtracks featuring Jay-Z, Beyonce and other top names in the industry. He has produced reality shows and authored the books “Yes” and “Yes! You Can,” a children’s book. He was recognized by the national NAACP in 2014 as “Best New Author.”

Archer told students, “Network like there is no tomorrow. Get real-world experience. Classroom theory is great, and talent is overrated. A hard worker will outshine a talented person every time.”

Known for his service to community, Archer explained, “If you are not using your skills, talent and energy to help others, you are basically useless. Find your super power today and make someone's day better. In these times we need to smile, laugh, dance and love one another like never before. Make today the day you make your magic happen!”

Archer is a staunch advocate in the race to find a cure for breast cancer and the fight against HIV/AIDS. In 2013, he created the popular, statewide event “100 Men and Women of Color” Black Tie Gala and Awards. The gala, which draws nearly 1,500 residents from the region to the Bushnell Performing Arts Center in Hartford every April and October, recognizes the contributions men and women in business, education, entrepreneurship, entertainment and service have had an impact in communities in New England.