Eastern Connecticut State University

On Dec. 5, Eastern Connecticut State University's Percussion Ensemble performed a collection of percussion pieces in Shafer Auditorium.

Members of Eastern Connecticut State University's community engagement student group, People Helping People (PHP), hosted an event to show their support for U.S. troops stationed in Iraq on Dec. 10 at Sweeney Elementary School in Willimantic.

Eastern Connecticut State University's Performing Arts Department and Drama Society presented the Freshman Showcase on Dec. 4 in the Harry Hope Theatre.

Six Eastern Connecticut State University students from the Health and Physical Education Department placed first in the Connecticut Chapter of the Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CTAHPERD) College Bowl on Nov. 19. The Eastern team fended off challengers from Central Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University and Western Connecticut State University.

On Nov. 21, students from Eastern Connecticut State University's Jazz Ensemble performed "An Evening of Jazz." Joe Tomanelli, adjunct professor in the Performing Arts Department, directed the performance in collaboration with Anthony Cornicello, assistant chair of the Performing Arts Department.

Five Eastern Connecticut State University business and accounting students were honored by the Willimantic-based Access Community Action Agency at its annual meeting on Oct. 26. President/CEO Peter DeBiasi and Mary DeMarco, chairperson of the Access Board of Directors, presented the awards. Students from the local area include:

Wooden Vehicles and Traffic Signs, a basic toy created by Wilton, CT-based Melissa and Doug, LLC, has been named the 2010 best Toy to Inspire Mindful Play and Nurture Imagination (TIMPANI). The research results of the 2010 TIMPANI Toy Study were announced on Wednesday, Nov. 17, by faculty and student researchers at Eastern Connecticut State University's Center for Early Childhood Education (CECE).