Eastern's Graduate Division confers 100 master's degrees

Attorney General William Tong receives inaugural Distinguished Public Service Award

by Noel Teter

Willimantic, CT (05/22/2025) — Eastern Connecticut State University celebrated the graduation of nearly 100 master's degree students at its Graduate Division Commencement on May 17 at the Fine Arts Instructional Center Concert Hall. Degree recipients were spurred by remarks from Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and were ceremonially hooded as they walked across the stage.

The graduates received advanced degrees in accounting, education (early childhood, elementary, secondary), management, applied data science, special education, and educational studies/technology. Ages range from 21 to 72.

Distinguished Public Service Award

Tong, the first Asian American elected to statewide office in Connecticut and the first Chinese American to be elected attorney general in the United States, was the recipient of Eastern's inaugural Distinguished Public Service Award. Now in his second term, Tong is an outspoken advocate for justice, equity, and human rights.

In his address, Tong discussed the motivation behind his career. "The reason why I do this work is because I know there are a lot of 'nobodies' in this world," he said.

Tong referred to himself as 'nobody' when referencing his upbringing. He grew up the son of Chinese immigrants, working in his parents' Chinese restaurant in Wethersfield.

"There are a lot of people who feel invisible," he said. "I want to help them because I know what they're going through."

An advocate for birthright citizenship, Tong told the graduates he had made the trip to Eastern after being at the U.S. Supreme Court two days prior, where he joined other attorneys general in the advocacy effort.

"Of the attorneys general leading this case, I am the only one who, when I was born 52 years ago, became the first U.S. citizen in my family by right of my birth on American soil in Hartford, CT," said Tong.

Tong told his story as a call to action for the graduates: "See the people who don't look exactly like you; they're your people too. Remember who you really are, recognize who your people are, and fight for them."

Ceremonial Remarks

Eastern President Karim Ismaili then delivered congratulatory remarks for the graduates. "Earning a graduate degree is a tremendous achievement, one that requires discipline, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to your goals," he said.

"You embody the spirit of Eastern: purposeful, thoughtful, and ready to serve."

Sophia Jappinen provided greetings from the Connecticut Board of Regents. "With your master's degrees, you have met every challenge and are now ready to make meaningful contributions to your field, the state of Connecticut, and beyond," she said.

Adam Joseph, vice chancellor of external affairs for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, also greeted the graduates. "Some of you were full-time students; others working professionals," he said. "Some were caring for children or an aging parent or grandparent."

He continued: "Be insatiable when it comes to lifelong learning; consume knowledge with your friends and loved ones."

Shellena Pitterson M'25, drafter for facilities management and planning at Eastern, delivered the graduate student address.

"Grad school is like a rollercoaster: exciting at first, terrifying in the middle, and by the end, you're just holding on for dear life," she said. "We've navigated assignments, exams, late nights, and-let's be honest-the occasional existential crisis."

Benjamin Pauley, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, presented the degree candidates. Ismaili then congratulated them before they processed across the stage to receive their degrees and hoods.

ECSU Foundation Board Member Ellen Lang '81 provided the alumni welcome. "Thank everyone who has assisted you in this journey, from family and other loved ones to teachers, mentors, and friends," she said.

Campus Minister Larry LaPointe provided the benediction. "Take from this time and place the blessing of friendships formed, wisdom gained, knowledge acquired, and compassion known and learned," he said.

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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.