Central Connecticut State University: A Legacy of Excellence and Achievement

One of the surest tests of a university's excellence lies in the accomplishments of its graduates. Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), since its founding in 1849, has consistently produced alumni who have made significant contributions across diverse fields. From education and government to the arts, sciences, and technology, CCSU graduates are leaders and innovators who embody the university's commitment to fostering intellectual growth and preparing students for success.

A Foundation Built on Teacher Education

CCSU's origins as the State Normal School underscore its historical commitment to education. Established to train teachers, the institution played a vital role in shaping the educational landscape of Connecticut and beyond.

The State Normal School (1849-1933)

Founded in 1849, the State Normal School was the sixth normal school in the United States and the oldest public university in Connecticut. Its primary mission was to prepare educators for the state's growing number of schools. The school operated until 1867, when it was temporarily closed due to opposition in the Connecticut General Assembly. However, it resumed its services two years later and continued to do so until the 1930s.

Teachers College of Connecticut (1933-1959)

In 1933, the Connecticut General Assembly recognized the evolving needs of the education system and established the Teachers College of Connecticut. This marked a significant milestone as the institution began granting its first bachelor's degrees, expanding its role in higher education.

Central Connecticut State College (1959-1983)

As the college broadened its academic offerings and its impact extended beyond teacher training, it was renamed Central Connecticut State College in 1959. This transition reflected the institution's growth into a comprehensive college serving a wider range of students and disciplines.

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Central Connecticut State University (1983-Present)

In 1983, CCSC achieved university status, becoming Central Connecticut State University. This transformation acknowledged the institution's comprehensive academic programs, research activities, and contributions to the state and region.

Distinguished Alumni: Leaders in Diverse Fields

CCSU's alumni network is a testament to the university's enduring legacy of excellence. Graduates have risen to prominence in various sectors, leaving an indelible mark on their respective fields.

Education

CCSU has produced numerous leaders in education, including:

Secretary of Education Dr. Secretary Cardona '97 holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Central Connecticut State University and went on to earn a master’s degree, 6th Year Certificate, and education doctorate from the University of Connecticut, where he taught as an adjunct professor in the Educational Leadership Department.
Virginia Rebar: Superintendent of the Columbia Schools.
Timothy Blair: Professor of Education at the University of Central Florida.

Government and Public Service

CCSU alumni have also made significant contributions to government and public service:

Congressman John Larson: First elected to the House in 1998, Congressman Larson has been defined by his commitment to preserving Social Security and Medicare, his advocacy of prescription-drug coverage for seniors, his leadership in securing critical national defense programs and enhancing economic security for workers, and by his efforts to close the digital divide in America by advancing education technology for schools and communities. He was elected to the Connecticut State Senate in 1982, beginning a 12-year tenure representing the Third Senate District. Larson served as Senate President Pro Tempore for eight years, the longest in Connecticut history, from 1987 to 1995. During his time in the State Senate, he is credited with establishing the nation’s first family and medical leave legislation.
Erin Stewart: Mayor of New Britain. Mayor Erin E. Stewart ’09 is the 40th mayor of the City of New Britain, Connecticut. She was first elected at the age of 26 in 2013 then was reelected three times since. Mayor Stewart is the youngest mayor in the City’s history and the only female mayor of New Britain to be elected to more than one term.
Carmen Espinosa: Judge, Connecticut Superior Court. The first Hispanic sworn as a Superior Court Judge in the State of Connecticut, Judge Carmen Elisa Espinosa was appointed to the Superior court bench in 1992. Judge Espinosa is presently presiding over criminal trials in the Judicial District of New Britain. She has also served as a trial judge in the Judicial Districts of Hartford and Waterbury. In addition to her duties on the bench, Judge Espinosa has been very involved in judicial education, serving on the Judicial Branch's Education Committee, which oversees all facets of professional education for the Connecticut judiciary. A native of Puerto Rico, Judge Espinosa moved with her family at the age of 3 to New Britain. She attended public schools in New Britain and graduated from Central Connecticut State College in 1971, majoring in Spanish and Secondary Education. She received a Master of Arts Degree in Hispanic Studies from Brown University and her law degree from George Washington University. After receiving her law degree, Judge Espinosa joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Special Agent. In 1980, she began a career as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut. She held this position as a federal prosecutor until her appointment to the Superior Court bench.
Fran Mainella: Director of the National Park Service. The first woman to serve as the Director of the National Park Service, Mainella is a career professional in park and recreation management with more than 30 years’ experience. Prior to being appointed by President George W. Bush, she was director of the Division of Recreation and Parks for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. She is a past president of the National Recreation and Park Association.

Business and Industry

CCSU alumni have also achieved success in the business world:

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Michael S. Knapp: Former CEO and president of CitiFinancial.
Angelo Messina: Vice President, CFO, Carrier Corp. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Carrier Corporation, Messina leads all aspects of finance for this $8.9 billion international, market-leading air conditioning subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation. Prior to joining Carrier, Messina led UTC’s strategy and corporate development function, with responsibility for mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. Messina started his career with UTC as a corporate lawyer responsible for a variety of domestic and international legal matters. He moved into the finance area to head UTC’s investor relations activities, including communications with Wall Street security analysts and investors.
Donna Fiedorowicz: Director, PGA Tour. Donna Fiedorowicz has worked for more than a decade for the PGA TOUR, a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. In 2002, more than 125 events will be contested on the three tours; since 1938, nearly $650 million has been generated for local charities. Donna’s primary responsibility is the growth and development of each tournament, both financially and operationally. Additionally, Donna is charged with developing a strategic relationship with each of the title sponsors in an effort to assist them in building their business through the SENIOR PGA TOUR.

Arts and Media

CCSU alumni have also excelled in the arts and media:

Stan Simpson: Columnist for the Hartford Courant. An accomplished journalist for over 20 years, Simpson writes weekly columns for the Hartford Courant. His urban-issues columns have earned him many awards, including first prize from the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists and the Frederick Douglass Media Award. The National Association of Black Journalists has named him the New England Journalist of the Year, and the Connecticut Small Business Administration has also honored him as Journalist of the Year.

Campus and Facilities: A Modern Learning Environment

CCSU's campus has evolved significantly since its early days as the State Normal School. Today, it boasts modern facilities that support a vibrant learning environment.

Academic and Administrative Buildings

The university's facilities include 10 academic halls, the Student Center, the Burritt Library, and numerous laboratories. Computer labs are available throughout campus, the largest of which is located in Marcus White Hall. Administrative offices, including Admissions, the Registrar, and Financial Aid are located in Davidson Hall.

Dining and Recreation

Dining facilities are located in Memorial Hall, Hilltop Dining Center, and the Student Center. Welte Hall, Maloney Hall, and the Student Center function as large gathering areas for events, music performances, and theater productions. Welte contains the main auditorium, and Kaiser Hall houses the main gymnasium and an Olympic-size pool. The Student Center provides services and facilities to support all students and the campus community. The 84,000-square-foot facility provides the University community with quality meeting, dining and programming space.

Recent Developments

CCSU has continued to invest in its facilities to enhance the student experience. A new eight-story residence hall (Mid Campus Residence Hall) opened in the Fall of 2015, featuring "suite" style rooms, a fitness facility, a kitchen on each floor, and a server kitchen and main lounge with a fireplace on the main floor. By 2015, a new Social Sciences Hall, Bichum Engineering Laboratory, and Campus Police Station also opened. In 2011, the first floor of the Elihu Burritt Library was renovated to create a new common area. Arute Field and its adjacent practice and baseball fields also underwent extensive construction and renovation.

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Academic Programs and Community Engagement

CCSU offers a comprehensive range of academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Undergraduate Programs

At the undergraduate level, CCSU offers three majors in History BA, History-BSED (for secondary education), and History-BSED (for elementary education). Additionally, it provides opportunities for specialization through four minors: History, Public History, Polish Studies, and Game Studies.

Graduate Programs

Graduate programs are available in all of the academic schools, including programs in accountancy, education, literature, international studies, engineering technology, and information technology.

Community Engagement

CCSU is committed to engaging with its local community. The social studies program and public history program cultivate strong partnerships with nearby schools and community organizations in Connecticut. To further this goal, the university has established three in-house partnerships: the Connecticut League of Museums, the Witness Stones Project, and CT Explored.

A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

CCSU has a long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion. In December 1995, the university opened a Center for Caribbean Studies with the expectation of attracting more students of Caribbean heritage and helping it attain an increasingly diverse student population. The center, supported by a start-up grant from the state of Connecticut, promoted student and faculty exchanges with Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and other Caribbean islands; sponsored cultural activities; and strengthened ties between students of Caribbean heritage and community groups.

In 2009, The center’s Advisory Board began a comprehensive review of the center’s name and mission, and decided to develop new ones that more closely reflect what the center has become.

Ebenezer D. Bassett: A Legacy of Achievement

CCSU is proud of its connection to Ebenezer D. Bassett, an alumnus, distinguished scholar, civil rights leader, humanitarian, and diplomat. Bassett was the first African American to attend the State Normal School, enrolling in 1852 and graduating in 1853 with honors. He went on to become an African-American ambassador (to Haiti), appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant.

In recognition of his achievements, the Social Science Building at CCSU was named after Ebenezer D. Bassett. The Ebenezer D. Bassett Memorialization Committee was established in 2009 to recognize his life and achievements. Since then, the committee has established the Ebenezer D. Bassett Student Achievement Award, instituted an annual Bassett Day commemoration on campus, created an endowment fund for the Bassett Scholarship, and successfully sought the state’s formal recognition of Mr. Bassett (Connecticut Freedom Trail Designation).

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