This Week: College student altruism on display in Windham with 2 events
Service Expo and 'Town Pride, Town Wide' showcases Eastern volunteers
Willimantic, CT (04/14/2026) — The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) at Eastern Connecticut State University will host two events this week highlighting student-driven community service in Windham.
On April 16, the CCE will hold its annual Service Expo and Awards Ceremony at 2 p.m. in the Fine Arts Instructional Center (FAIC) lobby. The event highlights more than 20 long-term volunteer programs throughout the area, including presentations and awards given by University and community judges.
On April 18, the CCE's annual community cleanup, "Town Pride Town Wide," will kick off at 9:30 a.m. in front of Eastern's Foster Clock Tower, before dozens of students disperse to sites across Willimantic to help with spring cleaning and beautification projects.
CCE Expo: April 16, 2 - 4 p.m. in the FAIC lobby
Throughout the 2025-26 academic year, students have been serving a variety of organizations and populations by leading service programs at sites including Windham Public Schools, Barrows STEM Academy, the Windham Early Childhood Center, Natchaug Hospital's Journey House, Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, Windham Center for Community of Addiction & Recovery, Covenant Soup Kitchen, Project Hope, Douglas Manor, St. Joseph Living Center, and Blue Iris Farm.
Eastern faculty and staff, as well as guest judges from the community, will present awards for the best student-run service programs. Awards will also be given to individuals for outstanding work at their sites.
Student presentations will be judged in the following categories:
- Broadening Horizons
- Leadership Development
- Strengthening Communities
- Putting Liberal Arts into Action
- Kids First
- Supporting our Schools
- Promoting Mental Health
The following awards will be presented to students, faculty, staff, and community partners:
- Outstanding Community Event Award
- Service-Learning Award
- Student Community Engagement Award
- Faculty/Staff Community Engagement Award
- Community Partner Community Engagement Award
- Presidential Service Award
Town Pride Town Wide: April 18, 9:30-noon
Dozens of student volunteers will beautify the town by engaging in hands-on cleanup work at local nonprofits and public spaces, including:
- Grow Windham Community Garden,
- High Street
- Willimantic River Trail, the
- Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum
- Garden on the Bridge
- Windham Textile and History Museum
- Abundant Life Community Church
- Covenant Soup Kitchen
Media Attachments
Service Expo and Awards
Eastern Connecticut State University
Michael Rouleau, (860) 465-0172, rouleaum@easternct.edu; communications@easternct.eduShare this Story
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