Chancellor's Blog
Federal Funds Back New Programs at CSUS Universities Innovative programs benefitting students, local communities and the state have been launched in recent months at Central, Eastern, Southern and Western with an almost unprecedented level of federal support, reaching nearly $1.9 million during fiscal year 2010. Connecticut’s Congressional delegation worked closely with the Connecticut State University System (CSUS), earning support for programs that include an Autism Center for Excellence at Southern and a Manufacturing Workforce Initiative and Technical Assistance Program at Central. In addition, federal funds will support a collaborative nanotechnology initiative across all four universities, as well as continuation of the very successful college readiness program (Building A Bridge for Student Success) at Western and a Dual Enrollment initiative for at-risk youth at Eastern.
Success and Inspiration Commencement is always inspiring, a time when the accomplishment of our students reflects the perseverance and determination that their friends, families, faculty and so many others had admired throughout their journey. For so many of our students, success was not preordained – it was the result of hard work and relentless effort; often overcoming a long and winding path. Student success is our primary focus across the Connecticut State University System, and for 6,000 students receiving degrees and certificates at Central, Eastern, Southern and Western this spring, it is a marvelous and joyous milestone. Take a look at some of the media reports about our graduating students at www.ct.edu/about/students and learn about this year’s Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award recipients at www.csusystemfoundation.org/barnard.html
Recognizing Great Teaching & Research As the nation celebrates National Teachers Day on May 4 by recognizing the contributions of teachers in classrooms throughout the country, given the roots of Central, Eastern, Southern and Western as normal schools devoted to teachers and teaching, it seems appropriate to congratulate this year's recipients of the Connecticut State University System Board of Trustees Teaching and Research Awards. The System-wide winners are Dr. Scott Ellis of Cheshire, associate professor in the Department of English at Southern Connecticut State University and Dr. Theodora Pinou of Wilton, associate professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at Western Connecticut State University. Also receiving the Teaching Award are Dr. Marianne Fallon of Middletown, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Central Connecticut State University, Dr. Susannah Richards of Storrs, associate professor in the Education Department at Eastern Connecticut State University, and Dr. Kathryn Campbell of Wilton, associate professor in the Education and Educational Psychology Department at Western Connecticut State University. University-level recipients of the Norton Mezvinsky Trustees Research Award were Dr. Briann Greenfield of New Britain, associate professor in the Department of History at Central Connecticut State University, Dr. Daniel Donaghy of Willington, an associate professor in the English Department at Eastern Connecticut State University, and Dr. Troy Rondinone of Branford, an associate professor in the Department of History at Southern Connecticut State University. The Trustees Teaching Award is granted to faculty who have “distinguished themselves as outstanding teachers" and the Trustees Research Award is granted to faculty who are conducting “research work of exceptional promise.” Congratulations!
CSUS Day at the State Capitol Congratulations to members of the CSUS Student Advisory Board (SAB) - which includes the leadership of student government at Central, Eastern, Southern and Western - for accentuating the positive at the State Capitol as part of CSUS Day. As in editorial in Central's student newspaper urged students to "focus on the positives," members of the SAB prepared a presentation that highlighted the tremendous involvement students have in their local communities, and the impact they are having. It was the first time that such a collaborative effort was undertaken, and the student leaders are to be commended. Also during the day, representatives of the universities had material available for legislators and legislative staff about the many community connections and top-notch academic programs at the four universities, underscoring the many ways that CSUS is a "catalyst for Connecticut." Thanks to everyone who participated in a very special day.
President’s Community Service Honor Roll Congratulations to Southern Connecticut State University and Eastern Connecticut State University, recently named to the 2009 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll - a federal recognition awarded to colleges and universities demonstrating a strong commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.
The program is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Campus Compact and the American Council on Education.