Eastern Student David Annecchiarico Presents at Campus Compact Conference

2017 Nov 6

Three students from Eastern Connecticut State University presented at Qunnipiac University on Oct. 28 at the student conference for the Campus Compact of Southern New England. Accompanied by Sociology Professor Nicolas Simon, the Eastern group presented on the topic of engaging first-generation and underserved students in community service.

Among the students was David Annecchiarico '20 of Ludlow, who majors in Computer Science and Music.

"First-generation college students are an important part of a student body in the 21st century," said Professor Simon. "In some institutions of higher education, they are the new majority. However, many of them face challenges during their time in college, including financial, familial and social concerns."

"Not only does volunteering benefit the community but it benefits the student, too," said Annecchiarico, who added that community-engaged students tend to have higher GPAs. "I encourage all first-generation/underserved students to participate in community service or volunteer events. In diverse places such as Willimantic, when residents see Eastern students with the same ethnic and social backgrounds as them, it opens their eyes to what could come for them in the future."

"The presentation was about promoting volunteering to first-generation college students," said Simon. "These experiences help these students to develop social and cultural capital, supportive networks, and academic and professional skills that will increase their success."

Titled "Creating Space: Solidarity, Dialogue, Social Justice, Opportunity," the one-day conference sought to create a space for students who are committed to community service, civic engagement, and social justice and change.

Campus Compact advances the public purposes of colleges and universities by deepening their ability to improve community life and to educate students for civic and social responsibility. Campus Compact envisions colleges and universities as vital agents and architects of a diverse democracy, committed to educating students for responsible citizenship in ways that both deepen their education and improve the quality of community life.