ECSU Grad Students Celebrate Educational Milestones

WILLIMANTIC — College graduation season continued in eastern Connecticut over the weekend when graduate students at Eastern Connecticut State University celebrated a major milestone in their education.

More than 250 guests joined the graduating class and their faculty at the Concert Hall in the Fine Arts Instructional Center in Willimantic for Eastern's Graduate Commencement and Hooding Ceremony for master's degree graduates.

A total of 84 students received degrees in eight Master of Science programs, including 11 students in accounting, six in organizational management and 67 in six different education programs.

Denise Merrill, secretary of the state in Connecticut, gave the commencement address, telling graduates to dream big. "When someone asks you to do something, take the leap. Ask 'why not me?' Take the change you've been waiting for. Don't sit on the sidelines. Don't complain and not do anything about it. Build the world you want to see," said Merrill, who is not seeking re-election this year.
Merrill described the past two years as "tough," with COVID, violence at home and abroad and climate change as three reasons why "the world can seem a pretty daunting place."
But she saidgraduates were lucky, because they were graduating "into a world that wants you, into a world that needs you right now."
Citing high tech job openings at companies such as submarine builder Electric Boat in Groton, Merrill said "opportunity is everywhere, especially for college graduates."
Merrill also urged graduates to engage in a life of public service by voting in elections, running for local offices and being part of what she called "the most enduring democracy on Earth."
The morning event began with a rendition of "America the Beautiful," sung by music major Samantha Warshauer, followed by video greetings from Matt Fleury, chairman of the Board of Regents of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System.

Tanisha Markland, a graduate of the organizational management program, gave remarks on behalf of the students.
"As an adult learner who works two jobs while balancing work and family commitments, there was no shortage of feeling that there were not enough hours in a day to do all the work," said Markland. "But with certainty I say this today, it was all worth it."
Eastern President Elsa Nunez also offered words of encouragement to the graduates.
"You are self-disciplined, highly motivated, and make us all very proud. I want you to be proud of yourself, firm in your convictions, and confident in your abilities," she said.

Graduates with elated with the culmination of their work.

Samantha Hayward, who earned a masters in educational studies with an emphasis in dual language teaching, said "I get to teach English and Spanish, something I have always wanted to do." Hayward works at North Windham Elementary School.

Charlene Brodeur, also an educational studies graduate, is a mother of two who teaches preschool in Plainfield. Enrolled as a part-time graduate student, Brodeur took five years to complete her degree. "Succeeding in earning my degree has been a wonderful experience," she said.