MH
Michelle Hoetjes
  • Elementary Education
  • Class of 2015
  • Bethel, CT

Eastern Connecticut State University Student Michelle Hoetjes of Bethel Member of Repertory Dance Troupe

2012 Mar 1

Michelle Hoetjes '15 of Bethel, CT, is a member of Eastern's Repertory Dance Troupe. Hoetjes is a Pre-Elementary Education major.

The purpose of the Repertory Dance Troup is to expand members' knowledge of dance styles, to provide an outlet for artistic expression and to offer members experiences and new discoveries in dance. The Repertory Dance Troupe increased its membership nearly two-fold from spring 2011 to fall 2011. During this past fall semester, the troupe performed with 60 dancers at Eastern's Pep Rally, and also put on a successful showcase of its own, consisting of 11 student choreographed dance numbers. The dance troupe has additional on-campus performances scheduled for the spring semester as it continues to grow in size.

More than 30 percent of the full-time students enrolled at Eastern now participate in at least one club/organization, an increase of almost 10 percent since fall 2008. Students who participate in clubs/organizations excel in the classroom and do better academically than students who do not participate. In spring 2011, 1,345 full-time students participating in clubs had an average GPA of 3.06, much higher than the 2.84 average for those students not taking part in any of the nearly 70 clubs/organizations.

Clubs/organizations planned and implemented almost 600 events last academic year. These programs have a direct impact on the daily life of all students on Eastern's campus. The programs range from social to educational, physical to spiritual, and civic engagement programs that equally affect the community.

Eastern Connecticut State University is the state's public liberal arts university. Eastern serves approximately 5,600 students each year on its Willimantic campus and satellite locations.