From the President's Desk

Brighter days ahead! The words on the cover of this issue of EASTERN Magazine are inspired by our students, excited by the prospects of being back on campus this fall. Their exuberance reflects our hopes for new beginnings as we begin our 133rd fall semester at Eastern. 

Eastern starts the 2021-22 academic year with optimism and determination. Throughout the past year and a half, when the entire world struggled and reacted to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Eastern found ways to manage and persevere. The hard work of our faculty and staff, and the resilience of our students, have made us stronger, ready for the next year and committed to finding new ways to grow. 

During the pandemic, Eastern’s adherence to health and safety protocols allowed us to continue to offer a majority of classes on-ground, while also maintaining a safe, on-campus housing environment for our students. Eastern provided students the most on-ground classes of the four Connecticut state universities. We also had the most students living on campus among the four universities. Even so, we consistently had the lowest COVID positivity rates in the system. The hard work and personal responsibility shown by each member of our campus community was an inspiration to me and a sign of the enduring strength of Eastern’s people. 

This commitment to an in-person, liberal arts education for our students is the foundation for our plans for this fall — with classes fully on-ground, housing at near capacity and athletics, student clubs and other campus activities taking place within current COVID protocols. We enter the new school year with great plans. Our 2020-25 Strategic Plan is being implemented across the campus. Our Employability Initiative will better equip students for the highly competitive job market they will face on graduation. And the faculty continues to create new majors, minors and concentrations to prepare our students for emerging jobs in the Connecticut economy. 

This issue of EASTERN includes stories of how our students, faculty and alumni adapted to the pandemic, as well as insights into how the University maintained a semblance of normalcy during these unprecedented times. Our return to campus for two days of Commencement Exercises — for the first time in 13 years! — is also well documented. There are several articles that look back with fondness on past members of the campus community, reminding us of the continuity of achievement, comradery and common purpose that has marked Eastern since its beginnings.

As always, I want to thank each Eastern alumnus for staying engaged with their alma mater. Just as your education has served you well, your support helps keep the University moving forward. I am truly grateful for your continued commitment to our students.  Thank you!

Elsa M. Núñez