WILLIMANTIC, CT (07/02/2024)-- More than 800 Eastern Connecticut State University students graduated in the 2023-24 academic year, which culminated with two commencement ceremonies this May at the conclusion of the spring 2023 semester. The University's undergraduate ceremony occurred May 14 at the XL Center in Hartford, CT, and the graduate-level ceremony occurred May 11 on Eastern's campus.

Eduar Morales of Deep Run graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Information Systems.

The graduates went through the University's School or Arts and Sciences, School of Education and Professional Studies, and Graduate Division. The graduates hail from nearly all of Connecticut's 169 towns, 14 other states and four foreign countries.

In her final commencement address, retiring President Elsa Nunez said: "You have worked diligently and tirelessly, always guided by our faculty and with the ever-present influence of Eastern's liberal arts values and educational approach .... You are among the ranks of liberally educated persons who will contribute to your chosen profession by thinking creatively, communicating clearly, working collaboratively and acting ethically."

Senior Class President Alexis Annan focused her remarks on the theme of perseverance. "Perseverance is about summoning the strength to keep going when the path ahead seems daunting and obstacles threaten to derail our dreams," she said. "During our time at Eastern we have met academic demands, balanced multiple responsibilities and faced personal hardships that have challenged our journey. Despite everything, we refused to give up."

Terrence Cheng, chancellor of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU), told the students to stand up for their beliefs, to not be afraid of failure, and to recognize that they will face resistance from the status quo along their journeys.

When the graduates face pushback in their future lives, Cheng said, "You have to ask yourself: Am I doing the right thing, the right way, and for the right reasons? If the answer is yes, then keep going because the integrity of your work and your character is going to shine through. When all is said and done, your integrity is all you really have. It's what you will be remembered for."