CCSU CONNECTED
Gianna Gurga holds up her Sixth Year Professional Diploma of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership in her official graduation photo, which appeared onscreen with her name during CCSU’s virtual commencement ceremony on Oct. 17. (Photo submitted)
Commencement goes virtual for 2020 grads The University hosted its inaugural virtual commencement ceremony on Oct. 17 for students who were eligible to graduate in May 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying restrictions on large gatherings upended Central’s typical commencement ceremony format, but the Blue Devil spirit prevailed and more than 1,100 viewers logged in to watch the virtual ceremony and celebrate. All graduates were acknowledged by name, and guest speaker Kathleen C. Greider, Farmington Superintendent of Schools, and President Zulma R. Toro addressed the Class of 2020. Graduates had access to the virtual ceremony through their own event link, which allowed them to interact with each other throughout the program. The university will determine a plan for May’s commencement with pandemic conditions at the forefront.
Join the alumni virtual book club Get on the same page with the CCSU Alumni Association Virtual Book Club! In this online community, alumni will connect with each other to read and discuss books on a range of topics, and members are encouraged to add book recommendations. There is no cost to participate — just acquire your own copy of the book. Learn more and sign up at www.pbc.guru/CCSU.
Greening up our act CCSU strives to be a leader in sustainability. To further our commitment to reducing paper consumption, energy use, and waste, we are moving some of our fundraising and development efforts to digital platforms. Among our immediate goals is to begin using a secure text-to-donate platform and to offer digital-only versions of our print publications to those who prefer that format. We will, of course, continue to mail paper versions of those materials if that is your preference. Stay tuned for more details about these and other environmental protection efforts! 18 – Central Connecticut State University Connected
CCSU freshman Deseriah Castillo (left) is shown here with CCSU President Zulma R. Toro and Connecticut Commissioner of Education Miguel Cardona ’97 on Oct. 6 after Governor Ned Lamont announced the expansion of the Educators Rising network in Connecticut. (Photo by John Atashian)
CCSU commits to expanded role in Educators Rising Academy Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona ’97 announced on Oct. 6 the expansion of the state’s Educators Rising Academy curriculum in 10 school districts across Connecticut. The new cohort includes the school districts of Stamford, Hamden, Meriden, Hartford, New London, Danbury, New Haven, Waterbury, and Windsor. The Educators Rising Academy encourages students to consider careers in education in an effort to diversify the pipelines to the state’s teacher workforce. The new cohort joins the Consolidated School District of New Britain, which has been participating in the program for three years. The state plans to expand the program to the collegiate level to provide support and mentorship for students as they progress to postsecondary education and has secured a commitment with Central Connecticut State University. “Building on CCSU’s longstanding partnership with New Britain’s schools, the Educators Rising program has been a welcome addition,” President Zulma R. Toro said.“High school students interested in pursuing a career in teaching are provided with the opportunity to get an early start. At no charge, they can enroll in a CCSU education course and earn credits toward their degree before arriving on our campus.”
Computer Science Dept. lands $1 million NSF grant The National Science Foundation awarded a $1 million grant to the CCSU Computer Science Department through its Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics program. The grant will provide scholarships and support to students who enroll in CCSU’s graduate-level Software Engineering program. “This project will contribute to the national need for welleducated scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and technicians by supporting the retention and graduation of high-achieving, low-income students with demonstrated financial need,” says Dr. Stan Kurkovsky, CCSU’s director of the NSF STEM Scholarship Program and Computer Science Department faculty member.
