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'Eastern Passport' benefits students, boosts local businesses

Students receive discounts 'from tacos to sunglasses'

by Noel Teter '24

Willimantic, CT (09/03/2025) — Eastern Connecticut State University is launching a new program in the fall 2025 semester aimed at spurring local businesses by encouraging students to explore downtown Willimantic. In coordination with the Willimantic Downtown Neighborhood Association, the "Eastern Passport" offers student discounts at more than two dozen local shops and restaurants in Windham.

Students can retrieve their passports from the Student Center Information Desk at any point during the academic year. To access discounts, students present their Eastern Passport booklet at participating local businesses and get their passport stamped. Students can turn in their passport at the end of the semester to be entered into a raffle - the more stamps, the better the odds of winning.

The Eastern Passport program was spearheaded by senior social work major Sarah Duffy, who developed the program through her job with the University's communications and marketing office. "I didn't realize how many local businesses were in downtown Willimantic or how excited they'd be to connect with us," she said. "It's not just about the discounts; it's about getting off campus to explore Willimantic and supporting a community that supports us."

Participating businesses include Tacos la Rosa, Kerri Art Studio & Gallery, Trigo Wood Fired Pizza, Bliss Marketplace, Mansfield Movieplex, Willimantic Brewing Company, Jewels Verne Jewelers, the River Room, Silk City Coffee's new Willimantic location, Tri-County Vision, Willimantic Food Co-op, A Cupcake For Later, and more.

Students may continue to earn rewards when making return trips to businesses, with extra stamp pages in the back of the book. Stores also provide one extra stamp to students who post a picture on Instagram, tagging the business and Eastern's account: @easternctstateuniv

A student leader on campus, working on the passport program was a natural fit for Duffy following her summers as an orientation counselor for new students. "When I visited some of the restaurants and shops to ask them if they wanted to be part of the program, they were thrilled to be able to see more Eastern students in their spaces. ... We included more than 20 places in the Passport, with deals on everything from tacos to sunglasses."

Chris McNaboe, chair of the Willimantic Downtown Neighborhood Association, looks forward to the strengthened ties Eastern students will forge with Willimantic. "This program not only supports local businesses but helps students feel more connected to the place where they live, learn, and, hopefully, stay for years to come," he said.

McNaboe continued: "This new partnership connects students with local restaurants, shops, and service providers through discounts, events, and incentives designed to foster community ties and keep student spending within the local economy."

For more information on the Eastern Passport program, visit: www.easternct.edu/passport/

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Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving upwards of 4,000 students annually on its Willimantic campus. A residential campus offering 41 majors and 68 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal arts foundation grounded in a variety of applied learning opportunities. Ranked among the top 25 public institutions in the North by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024-25 Best Colleges ratings, Eastern has also been awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review 15 years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.

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