Danbury Student Participates in Award-Winning Video

From Eastern Connecticut State University:

WILLIMANTIC, CT (04/06/2016)-- Eastern Connecticut State University's Center for Early Childhood Education (CECE) was recently notified that they have been awarded a bronze "Telly" Award for their video, "Fun Mud Day," featuring the work of Eastern faculty, staff and students. The video was submitted in the Health and Fitness category, and highlights an event that took place at the Child and Family Development Resource Center (CFDRC) this past May.

The event was organized by Kinesiology and Physical Education Professor Darren Robert and a group of his physical education students. It documents CFDRC toddlers, preschoolers and teachers attempting to maneuver a variety of wet and muddy obstacles designed to build strength, develop gross motor skills, and focus on competence and confidence.

Brendan Gillotti '16 was one of the students who participated in the video. Gillotti's major is Physical Education.

A Telly Award is the premier award honoring excellence in film and video productions; groundbreaking web commercials, videos and films; and outstanding local, regional and cable television commercials and programs. It is considered to be one of the most sought after awards by industry leaders, and entrants range from local production companies and ad agencies to large international firms.

This year's award is the CECE's fifth Telly. They also won awards for video projects submitted in 2010, 2011 and 2013. Other contributors to the video's success include CECE Videographer Sean Leser '13 who wrote the script and edited the video, as well as CECE Media Production Specialist Ken Measimer.

"The purpose of the event is to push the children beyond their limits of comfort. With technology and sedentary living so prevalent, chances to get dirty aren't as common," said Professor Robert. "Our teacher candidates and the CECE teachers were great play partners who motivated the children to experience an 'old-fashioned' day of playing in the mud. We can't wait to do it again this year!"

"It is an honor for all involved to be recognized for their contributions to the video through a Telly Award. This project is a wonderful example of the collaboration between the teachers and staff at the CFDRC, CECE, faculty, Eastern students and the University at large," said CFDRC Director Niloufar Rezai. "I am thrilled that the children in the childcare center have opportunities to learn and grow just as Eastern students have opportunities for experiential learning. It's a win-win for all!"

The video can be viewed here.

Founded in 1889, Eastern Connecticut State University is the state's public liberal arts university and one of only 29 such designated institutions in North America. Eastern is home to 5,300 students who come from 158 of Connecticut's 169 townships, from 20 states throughout the country, and from 63 foreign countries. As a predominantly residential campus, Eastern has approximately 60 percent of undergraduate students living on its beautiful campus. With more than 150 buildings and 2.3 million square feet of space, Eastern's physical plant is admired by students and visitors alike; in January 2016, a new Fine Arts Center opened, further advancing Eastern's liberal arts mission.

The university offers 38 undergraduate majors, 55 minors, and seven master's degree programs. An excellent student/teacher ratio (15.5:1) and small class sizes (average class size is 23.3) allow students to receive exceptional personal attention.