Eastern Student Eric Gingras Serves Community as CCE Student Leader

2018 Mar 22

A number of civic-minded students from Eastern Connecticut State University are serving the community this spring semester as Student Leaders with Eastern's Center for Community Engagement (CCE). A student leader is an experienced student volunteer who has been hired and trained by the CCE to recruit, train and manage volunteers, serve as a liaison with community partners, and plan and run service programs.

Among the student leaders is Eric Gingras '20 of Wallingford, who majors in Environmental Earth Science. The community projects he oversees are Beckish Senior Center and St. Joseph Living Center.

When asked how he defines "student leader," Gingras said, "A student leader goes outside of the academic curriculum to engage students in programs that are beneficial to both parties. It's someone who is responsible, observant and trustworthy."

"It is important to engage in our community because we reside in it ... By going out and connecting with people, we are able to create a better relationship with the surrounding area and make a difference. The community is able to benefit from the young, smart, ambitious students at Eastern and we are able to develop ourselves by spending time in an environment that may be different from home," he added.

Student leaders attend weekly community programs with their volunteers, as well as assist with volunteer recruitment and management for one-time special events. CCE Director Kim Silcox notes that student leaders are an integral part of the CCE staff.