From the President's Desk

The cover of this issue of EASTERN Magazine is a beautiful winter scene intended to inspire peaceful reflection for our readers. Winter is typically a time when each of us finds quiet moments to think about the New Year and what lies in the months ahead. At Eastern, we hope 2021 brings much needed relief from COVID-19 and the promise of new beginnings for our entire extended family.

We had a successful fall semester at Eastern, due to the diligence of our faculty, students and staff. As the world awaits widespread distribution of a life-saving vaccine, we plan for an equally successful spring semester. Even as we look ahead, several stories in this issue of the magazine showcase Eastern students, faculty and alumni who have successfully adapted to the pandemic — ranging from virtual performances by music students to alumni bravely teaching in K-12 school districts.

While we have adapted to the harsh realities of the virus, some “business as usual” has taken place without interruption at Eastern. For instance, this edition includes a story of several student entrepreneurs who have started their own businesses, while another story reports on successful alumni in the fields of public relations and advertising.

This past year also saw the passing of Charles Webb, Eastern’s beloved president from 1970–88, who was known for his support of faculty and students and his love of music. I hope you enjoy the retrospective on his life and tenure at Eastern found in this issue. Another tribute to past Eastern leaders is the article on Juliette Burstermann, Eastern’s first African American professor.

The year 2020 will be remembered as a time when the entire world community was challenged to survive. I believe history will record that Eastern met the challenge because of the caring, resilient and supportive people who make up our University community. The unity and goodwill I have witnessed throughout this time across our campus and beyond has been gratifying and humbling. I could not be prouder to be president of Eastern Connecticut State University. Let us look forward to 2021 with confidence, resolve and a commitment to working together for a better world. Thank you!

Elsa M. Núñez