Eastern Student Mariana Vega Honored at Community Service Expo

2018 Apr 30

More than 1,000 Eastern Connecticut State University students volunteered more than 17,000 hours in the Windham area in the past academic year. On April 19, these students-and the projects and community partners they represent-were honored at the annual Service Expo and Awards, sponsored by Eastern's Center for Community Engagement (CCE).

Among the expo presenters was Mariana Vega '18 of New London, who majors in Social Work. Vega presented on her projects with the Second Chance ex-offender educational program and Windham No-Freeze Hospitality Center, a seasonal homeless shelter.

The expo showcased more than 30 student-led community service projects, followed by an award ceremony. Projects spanned a variety of causes and organizations, including working with the elderly at a rehabilitation center, mentoring high school students at afterschool programs, volunteering at the local homeless shelter, soup kitchen, addiction center, and more.

These community partnerships are the CCE's specialty, resulting in long-term programs that address root problems and authentically connect students to the greater community. "We're not simply picking up trash," said CCE Director Kim Silcox. "These are meaningful, sustainable collaborations with community organizations."