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Eastern to host '#End It!' relationship violence awareness event in memory of Alyssiah Wiley

Annual awareness-raising tribute welcomes Olympian Ruthie Bolton

Willimantic, CT (09/29/2025) — Eastern Connecticut State University will host "#EndIt! - End Relationship Violence: An Awareness Event in memory of Alyssiah Wiley" on Oct. 1, a campus-wide initiative to raise awareness about relationship violence and honor the memory of former student Alyssiah Wiley.

The event will feature keynote speaker Ruthie Bolton, two-time Olympic gold medalist, Women's Basketball Hall of Famer, and survivor of domestic violence. Bolton-also a former U.S. Army lieutenant, professional basketball player, and author-will share her story of resilience and advocacy in an effort to prevent abuse and empower women.

Attendees can participate in resource activities and join in multiple interactive programs designed to inform and inspire action. The evening will conclude with students challenging Bolton on the court during "Challenge a Legend" at Geissler Gymnasium.

When:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 1
  • 3:00-8:00 p.m.

Where:

  • 3:00 p.m. - Keynote: Ruthie Bolton From Pain to Power | Student Center Theatre
  • 4:15 p.m. - Making a Difference in the Community Award & Tribute to Alyssiah Wiley | Student Center Betty Tipton Room
  • 4:15-6:00 p.m. - Resource & Activity Tables | Student Center Betty Tipton Room
  • 4:45 p.m. - "Game Over for Abuse" (activity led by Gamer's Guild) | Student Center Room 217
  • 6:05-6:30 p.m. - Participant Prize Drawings | Student Center Mezzanine
  • 7:00 p.m. - "Challenge a Legend" with Ruthie Bolton | Geissler Gymnasium

Why:

This annual event brings the campus community together to honor Alyssiah Wiley's legacy and to unite against relationship violence. It offers education, empowerment, and remembrance through interactive programs and recognition of community change-makers.

Organizers:

Presented by Lecturer Brenda Westberry, the Office of Equity and Diversity, the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, and Social Work, the Sexual Assault & Interpersonal Violence Response Team, and the Women's Center.

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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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