Eastern's Office of Opportunity Programs hosted the Dream Awards, where under-documented students were recognized for their achievements and TheDream.US class of 2025 received stoles to showcase at graduation. Taking place on March 28 in the library's Paul E. Johnson, Sr. Community Conference Room, the event served as a night of celebration and inspiration for TheDream.US scholars at Eastern.

The Dream Awards ceremony was the culminating event of “Undocuweek,” a week dedicated to under-documented students to build community and celebrate each other. 

Eastern President Karim Ismaili praised students for their determination despite challenges: “By being here, you have proven that your future is not defined by any circumstance but your own resilience and ambition.” 

Ismaili also addressed the current political climate surrounding the topic of immigration, acknowledging the uncertainty that students may feel due to the fast-changing political landscape. “It is a very difficult time,” he said. “We wonder if we can speak freely, but if we find ourselves in positions where we can’t, we are losing the promise of what the United States is all about. 

“Remember that your existence is an expression of resistance against those who do not understand the United States and what it has long meant to the world,” he continued.  

Ismaili said he is actively involved with the greater Willimantic community and CSCU system office to monitor the changing policies of the federal government. Speaking of the climate on campus, he said, “We want to reflect our core values, and one of them is safety and security for all our students.”  

Seniors shared this sentiment when talking about their experiences at Eastern. One student described Eastern as a “second home,” a space where they have built strong relationships and are accepted unconditionally. 

Another reflected on shedding the shame often felt due to immigration status, finding instead a supportive peer group that inspired self-acceptance and pride. 

Several credited roommates, professors, and mentors for shaping their journey and emphasized the power of representation and shared experience. 

Awards 

A wide range of student awards were presented for their excellence across academics, leadership, resilience, and creativity. 

Elisa Castro ‘27 won the Innovation and Creativity award. When asked about how TheDream.US has helped her college career, she said, “TheDream.US has given me an opportunity to grow and flourish in my creativity.”  

Castro, a student ambassador for the Office of Opportunity Programs, creates flyers for their events as well as for the Women’s Center. “It’s built my confidence and skills but also validated and celebrated what I do, no matter how small it is.” 

Another student was awarded the Outstanding Involvement award for demonstrating exceptional participation in campus organizations and clubs: “TheDream.US has not only made my college experience possible; it has provided the proper resources for me to pursue a career and further my education. In it, I have found a community to interact and share with other students facing similar hardships as me.” 

Director of Opportunity Programs Christina Irizarry emphasized the importance of celebrating students’ achievements through events like the Dream Awards. “These events are important so that our students are acknowledged for their hard work and dedication from academics to leadership.”  

She explained that this year’s theme for Undocuweek is "existence is resistance.” “We want to make sure that our students know they’re being heard and seen despite what is going on politically,” she said. “This is a space where they are recognized no matter what is going on externally.”