Eastern Student Alex Cross of Watertown Receives Ella Grasso Award

2016 Apr 1

Eastern Connecticut State University presented its annual Ella T. Grasso Distinguished Service Awards on March 30. In its eighth year, the awards recognized three individuals who work tirelessly to promote women's rights and gender equality. The student award went to Alex Cross '16, a political science major from Watertown.

Ella T. Grasso became governor of Connecticut in 1974, and in doing so was the first woman in America to be elected in her own right to that office. Known for her compassion, intelligence and tenacious spirit, Grasso was seen as an effective leader who shattered the "glass ceiling." She tragically passed away from cancer in 1981.

Among Cross' academic research, career aspirations and volunteer efforts, the Eastern senior is committed to the advancement of women's rights and issues of gender inequality.

"If you're too big to serve, you're too small to lead," said Starsheemar Byrum, director of Eastern's Women's Center, quoting her pastor and mentor. Cross does both. Among efforts to increase inclusion for people of all genders and sexualities, Cross interns with Eastern's Pride Room, is a Peer Diversity Educator, is an assistant for the Writing Program and has instituted "Safe Zone" training within the Writing Center. The training is designed to increase awareness of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community.

"Gender carries on in every social setting," said Cross. Reflecting on support received from family, friends and Eastern professors, Cross added, "I have never felt stronger and more empowered than I do now." Cross encourages people to explore and express their gender in any way until they are happy and content with themselves.

Two other people were recognized at the event. The community award went to Leigh Duffy '06, director of the Windham No Freeze Hospitality Center, and the staff award went to Sergeant Lisa Hamilton of Eastern's Department of Public Safety. The event's keynote speaker was Mayor Erin Stewart of New Britain.

"I would like to be able to say that through the leadership of people like Ella Grasso, women have no limits today in what they can accomplish," said Elsa Nunez, president of Eastern. "The fact is, we still have more work to do." Nunez went on to explain that women outnumber men in college, yet have more difficulty finding employment and get paid less for the same work. "The struggle that Ella Grasso fought for us decades ago continues," said Nunez, "and the three people we honor this afternoon, as well as our keynote speaker, are part of that good fight."