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Eastern to Hold Memorial Service for David Carter

by Bernard Kavalar

Willimantic, CT (03/26/2018) — The public is invited to join the Eastern Connecticut State University campus community in celebrating the life and legacy of David Carter, Eastern's fifth president, by attending a special memorial service on Thursday, April 12, at 3 p.m. in the Betty R. Tipton Room in Eastern's Student Center.

Carter passed away on March 17 following a lengthy illness. He was president at Eastern from 1988-2006 before being appointed chancellor of the Connecticut State University System.

Carter became the first African-American to lead a four-year institution of higher education in New England when he was appointed Eastern's president in 1988. During his 18-year tenure, Carter's leadership resulted in an expansion of academic degree offerings, significant enrollment growth and the realization of a vision to see Eastern designated as "Connecticut's Public Liberal Arts University."

Facilities were also transformed, doubling the campus footprint with the construction of modern buildings ranging from the Science Building to the J. Eugene Smith Library, Child and Family Development Resource Center and South Residential Village.

During his five years as chancellor of the state university system, Carter led the four universities system through an expansion of academic programs and campus development. In his final year as chancellor in 2010-11, the system reached an all-time high of 36,629 students at the four universities. Carter's vision and dedication also resulted in state funding for a $950 million commitment to update and upgrade the System's four campuses.

Written by Bernard Kavalar

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Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving more than 5,300 students annually at its Willimantic campus and satellite locations. In addition to attracting students from 163 of Connecticut's 169 towns, Eastern also draws students from 26 other states and 20 other countries. A residential campus offering 40 majors and 65 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal art foundation grounded in an array of applied learning opportunities. Ranked the 25th top public university in the North Region by U.S. News and World Report in its 2018 Best College ratings, Eastern has also been awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review eight years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.

It is the policy of Eastern Connecticut State University to ensure equal access to its events. If you are an individual with a disability and will need accommodations for this event, please contact the Office of University Relations at (860) 465-5735.

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